I heart Alan Katz

Why didn't I think of doing this before? How long have I been teaching again? And I have never done this before? Really?

I decided this year that I would start each track time by having my students read a poem. I've worked a few classics into the rotation, but mostly have stayed with fun and funny poems that I thought my kids would like.

Enter Alan Katz. He's the author behind the Silly Dilly Song Books - hilarious and kid-like lyrics set to common tunes. Love them. I found his book of poetry - "Oops" - at my local library and typed up lots and lots of his poems. Love it. My class spent most of the fall reading his poetry, talking about how his titles are often a play on the poem's meanings, and how fun they are to read and enjoy. We even wrote Mr. Katz an email (which he hasn't responded to, dang) with our own class poem in response to one of his - it's included below. We're working our way through his Christmas Silly Dilly song book - "Where Did They Hide My Presents?" - right now. Love it.

My kids love reading the poems every day. They have started checking out volumes of poetry from the school library to read. (Alan Katz as well as other authors - we've read a wide variety of poets, despite our fascination and love with Alan Katz.) I've never had kids who liked reading poetry so much. I don't think that I've ever enjoyed reading poetry this much, either. I also have quite a few kids now convinced that to be a successful children's poet, one must be a middle-aged, slightly stocky and slightly balding man. Don't believe me? Look for pictures of Alan Katz, Shel Silverstien, Brod Baggert, and Jack Prelutsky. Convinced yet? This has some of my young female poetesses a little frightened...

So thanks, Alan Katz. Can you respond to our email please? Pretty please?

Um…

by Alan Katz


People with bubble gum…
chew some.

People with coffee grounds…
brew some.

People with tomatoes…
stew some.

People with baseballs…
threw some.

People with crayons…
drew some.

People with bad colds…
blew some.

People with gooey tissues…
gruesome.



Um…

by Miss Ferrin’s 5th Grade Class

People who are twins…
two some

People with cows…
moo some

People who are detectives…
clue some

People with dirty hair…
shampoo some

People who clean up after dogs…
doo-doo some

People with ghosts…
boo some

People with roosters…
cock-a-doodle-doo some

People with lawyers…
sue some

People with knowledge…
knew some

People who have toilets…
poo some

People in Miss Ferrin’s class are
coo’ some

And some that didn't make it into our final copy:

People who are Utes... U some
People who are Cougars... Blue some
People who read Leven Thumps... Foo some
People who play Pokemon... Picachu some
People who know rams... Gnu some
People who like Mountains... Dew some
People who have assignments... Due some
People who like condensation... Dew some
People who have to use the bathroom... Loo some
People with flies... Shoo some
People with sheep... Ewe some
People who stick... Glue some
People with Mr. T pity the Foo' some
People who live in Hundred Acre Wood Winnie the Pooh some



Visit Alan Katz's website!

My Dad

John Ralph Ferrin

1949-2009

Our beloved husband, father and friend, John Ralph Ferrin, passed away suddenly on December 2, 2009.

John was born in Salt Lake City on September 5, 1949, to Ralph Shaw and Shirlee Ann Bishop Ferrin. He grew up in Midvale, and would spend most his life there. He enjoyed playing sports and camping with his neighbors and the scout troop. He earned his Eagle Scout award. John graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1967, participating in the debate club. He served an honorable mission in the Australia South mission from 1968 – 1970. He spoke often and fondly of his mission days. The people he served, the companions he served with, and the places he served in were important contributions in his life as John became the person he was.

John graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1973. He was greatly involved in Institute and Sigma Gamma Chi. John returned to the U to earn a Master’s degree in history. The title of his thesis was “Historical Site Survey of Southeast Salt Lake County.”

John and Gail Lucille Kofford were married July 6, 1979, in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived briefly in Rose Park before buying a home in Midvale. They are the parents of Christine Anne and Holly Elizabeth.

John was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His favorite calling was Gospel Doctrine teacher. He was exceptionally passionate about the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. He inspired many students in his classes with his shared research and testimony.

He worked for Wheeler Machinery for 30 years. He enjoyed his time on the road, and interacting with his friends and customers. He served as union steward for many years. Many employees benefited from his dedication to his values and sense of fairness during contract negotiations.

John had many interests and loves throughout his life. John’s family was his greatest joy and most important thing in his life. He cherished every moment with them. John loved traveling. He took his family on many vacations. Alaska, Glacier National Park, the Oregon and California coasts, Prince Edward Island, Maine, and New York State were just a few of his favorite spots, as well as various places throughout Utah. He enjoyed vacation preparation almost as much as the travel itself, and his family benefitted from his knowledge about the places they visited. John was proud to be a Utah Ute. He and his family had season football tickets at the U for many years, and they enjoyed games together, during both good and long-suffering seasons. John had a variety of eclectic collections that he enjoyed adding to. Reading was a frequent pastime for John. He enjoyed any history era, but especially loved reading about World War II. Through his reading, he gained a wide and deep knowledge of a variety of topics. John realized the value of continuing one’s education, and was currently studying at TechSkills in preparation for his second career, medical coding and billing. John was a generous person. If he could help in any way, he was willing. He helped many family members and friends over the years. We are all better people because of our association with him.

John is survived by his wife, Gail, and his children, Christine Ferrin and Holly Ferrin; his brothers, Russell (Diane) Ferrin (Midvale), and David (Korinn) Ferrin (Phoenix). He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held Monday, December 7, 2009 at Midvale North Stake Center, 97 West 7500 South, Midvale, at 12:00. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Craft it Forward

The first 5 people to leave a comment on this blog will receive something made by me. However there are some limitations:
1. I make no guarantee that you will like what I make.
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It will be done this year (a calendar year that is... no promises for the end of 2009!)
4. You have not a clue what it is going to be; poetry, bags, something a little crafty, or a little invention of my own. I may even bake something and mail it you! Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. It may blow your mind!

Here's the catch... if you choose to do this, you must post this on your blog and be ready to make something for five people, too. This will be fun! (and like how you have to be reminded of this!) And, when you receive the fabulous item I make you, you must post a picture of it on your blog. Or if you don't have a blog, send me a photo and I will post it!

Ready....Set....Comment!

Weebly

I discovered this great website that lets you create a website for free - Weebly.com. It's pretty fun to play around with... so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm going to maintain my blog here still, and use my Weebly site for pictures. Blogger kind of bogs down my picture posts...
Check it out!
http://quotidianpix.weebly.com/
Also, if you're a teacher, you can create a site for your class, and create student accounts so they can create sites as well. I thought I'd try it... I'll let you know how it goes!

What fills YOUR cup?

I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately (never a good thing, thinking), and it all kind of came to a head in the last few weeks when I was confronted with it full force in the outer world. To make a long story short, I've been spending way too much time at school, and way too much time at home doing school things. Which leaves me not a lot of time to do things that I enjoy. I don't mean to sound selfish with my time - but there are just some things that I need to make myself be a happier camper, especially at school, and especially with 33 10-11-year-olds (and whichever mood they decide to be in any given day). During professional development a few Mondays ago, we watched a video that talked about loving what we do, and doing what we love. Sometimes, it's easy to love what you do - there is enough in what you do that makes it worthwhile. Other times, it's not so easy, and you have to have some external things in your life to fill up your cup while you're at work.

So what things fill your cup? Enjoy my list. :)


Battle of the Bad 80's Bands - the Chunga morning show
hearing a good song on the radio
singing to a great cd in my car
traveling - and remembering the great time I had and good people I was with
crocheting
scrapbooking
reading books that I want to read
sleeping in
getting to bed a little early
getting a Facebook message
cherry limeades from Sonic
having a good time at a Utah football game
long weekends
getting all my papers graded (which happens only toward the end of May...)
going shopping with my mom - especially when she's buying!
taking pictures
editing pictures
blogging
cleaning (I say this one with a grain of salt... I like the end result of cleaning... not before, and not after I get things messy again)
having things to look forward to - classes, projects
funny things that kids do and say at school
my grade team
text messages and phone calls that are pleasant and unexpected
lovely weather
thinking about past and future adventures

A True Blue Tale...

Holly and I went to Vegas this weekend to go to the Utah/UNLV game. More on that later... However, here's the story of the weekend:

The scene: A downward-heading elevator at the Excalibur. Holly and I had just returned to our hotel room to change into our U shirts (more on that later), and were heading back down to the strip. There are 4 college-age boys in the elevator. Just one talked to us... the others tried not to laugh.

cab (college-age boy): Oh, hey, you guys bleed red, huh? I bleed blue.
me: Oh, that's too bad.
(awkward pause, other cabs trying not to laugh)
me: So, you should have been down here last week for the game.
cab: Uh, yeah, I had midterms last week.
me: So?
cab: I didn't pass as it was.
me: Well, then, you could have come and the outcome would have been the same!
cab: Yeah, ha ha...
cab: So, who do you guys play this week, anyway?
(Holly and I exchange a look - really, is this what he's asking? The city is crawling with Utes! Where has he been all morning?)
me: UNLV...
cab: Oh. OH...
(other cabs trying not to laugh.)
Elevator door opens, and we all exit and go our separate ways.

Whew.
No wonder he failed his midterms!
Go Utes!

Sample 5: Hair Growing Skills

I grew out my hair a few summers for the Hill Cumorah Pageant. I figured that I'd rather deal with my own ball of fuzz, rather than with having a wig or an elaborate head wrap. The first summer, I chopped it off as soon as school started up again, and then started the growing process again. The second summer, I kept it long until November, and then decided that it was, indeed, time to part with it. I went to my trusty hair dresser, put it in a pony tail, and whacked it off. 11.5 inches went to Locks of Love! I haven't had the patience or desire to grow it out again... though I have applied to the pageant for next summer, so I suppose that I'd better get a move on. Good thing it grows back!


Looking at this pic, I can't believe it was ever that long! How did I deal with it? What did I do with it every day? Oh yeah... ponytails, buns, and braids! 'Do' my hair? I don't think so...

Sampe 4: Macro Camera Setting

So... that little flower icon on your digital camera? I found out not long ago what it was for. Now I'm a macro-setting freak. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't... here are some instances when it did work.


U of U campus, fall 2008




Bellagio's garden, Las Vegas, spring 2009



Sacred Grove, Palmyra NY, summer 2009

Feels Like Today

I saw this on Rikki and Rochelle's blog (a loooong time ago). Looked fun, so here you go!

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title.

Your Artist: Rascal Flatts
Are you male or female: Dry County Girl
Describe yourself: Unstoppable
How do you feel about yourself: Better Now
Describe where you currently live: Life is a Highway
The first thing you think of when you wake up: Help Me Remember
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: She'd Be California
Your favorite form of transportation: Fast Cars and Freedom
Your best friend is: Like I Am
Your favorite color is: Shine On
What’s the weather like: Cool Thing
If your life were a TV show, what would it be called: Secret Smile
What is life to you: Still Feels Good
What is the best advice you have to give: Bob That Head
If you could change your name, what would it be: Ellsworth
Your favorite food is: Mayberry
How I would like to die: Holdin' On
My soul’s present condition: Backwards
The faults I can bear: No Reins
How would you describe your love life: Love Who You Love
What are you going to post this as: Feels Like Today

Blogger's Block...

Ah... blogging... I've missed you!
It's not that I haven't done things that are worth blogging about, because I have. I just can't find the motivation, time, or words. I've started several posts, and some day I'll get back around to finishing them (because I know you want to read them, of course!).

For now, enjoy my list of things I'm thinking about blogging about:

spring break in Boston
how I spent my summer
Philadelphia, Hershey, Palmyra and beyond with my mom
school - my class, my new team, my FB friends
the smattering of tags I haven't been tagged with but have seen on other people's blogs that look fun
things I want vs. things I need
Timpanogos - 3 times? really?
Why I don't need to get married any time soon (so leave me alone!)
books - suggestions for me, recommendations from me, poetry - my new love and saving grace at school (why didn't I think of it before?)
tv series (plural of series - serieses?) that I watch
my daughter Tippy
things I'm looking forward to
what I'm doing to have a life away from school (and suggestions for me?)
projects in the works
things I think are strange
what I'd do with a responsibility-free week
why I like Facebook and why I would have never graduated from college had it been around back in the day

"In the mean time, I'm back. Talk to me."

More on Philly...

My seminar is just about over. It's been quite the experience. I have learned a lot. I'm not sure that it is totally relevant to what and who I teach, but it definitely was good for me. The professor, Stephanie McCurry, is a historical expert on the Civil War story, from the southern perspective, with focus on gender issues and citizenship in the nation. Many of the things she lectured on and what we discussed strayed from the traditional story you get on the Civil War (the north's perspective - they won, so it's their story we hear), and gave me lots to think about. I will probably be thinking about it for a while, in fact. I doubt that much will get passed down to my students, because I think that at 10 years old, you need to know the traditional tale so that as they associate with others, there is a common knowledge. Also, I'm sure that there are things you learned about at a young age, then grew up or moved on to another class and learned a different perspective (or learned that what you thought you knew was right really isn't!)... you've got to have someone teach you the basics so you can blame them for not telling you more, right!?
You can only apply to come once every two summers (probably so you can recover... and forget your dorm-living experience), so you know of any programs/organizations that do something similar and you've had a good experience, I'd love to know so I can apply for next summer! If you are a teacher and are interested, applications are due mid-February, more info at http://www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/seminars1.html
We ventured out for an official field trip today (unlike the one we took Wednesday during lunch...) to the Constitution Center. I really didn't know what it would be like, and so didn't have any real expectations, but it was really cool. I think that even kids would enjoy it as a field trip... wonder if there is money in the budget for that?! There is a whole 'mall' of places in old town Philly, not unlike Washington DC. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall is quite close by, as are other places of historical significance. (I'll be back here next Thursday and Friday and so hopefully can go to some.)

Ben Franklin (inside the Constitution Center)

A lovely self-portrait of Alexander Hamilton and myself. (Guess who took the picture?)

Outside of the Constitution Center.

Independence Hall.

Philly!

I'm in Philadelphia for the week! Woo-hoo!
Back in February, folks from the Gilder Lehrman Institute (a history education organization) came to my district to talk about Lincoln and do some educational activities. They mentioned that they do these summer seminars, and the applications were due in a few days. I did not spend a ton of time on this application in answering their questions and such, and so was quite surprised to find out that I had been accepted. They sent the books to study, I booked the travel, and here I am.

The seminar is about Civil War reconstruction. I actually understood most of what was said at the lectures and discussions today, though have to admit that this is much more enriching for the teacher... I'm not sure that much of this at all will get trickled down to the students. We're staying in the dorms at the U of Penn, which make me appreciate my college living arrangement even more. Dorm food is okay, though a group of us ventured out around campus and got ourselves Philly Cheesesteaks - yum-o!

Public Transportation - love it or leave it?

Ah, public transportation. For 3.5 years of my college career, it was the bane of my existence. I hated riding the bus. Hated it. Not so much hate on riding Trax, but it would be safe to say that more than a few unkind words were uttered when a train was barely missed. To me, no car equaled no freedom, a schedule set by someone else, and a heafty backpack to lug around campus all day. Don't even get me started about waiting... but since I am started... Waiting for buses that may come on time, may come late, or may have come early, which means you missed it. Waiting in the bitter cold and snow and rain. Waiting in the hot. Waiting for a ride home from the Trax station. Waiting to see if you'll have a seat or if you'll have to stand. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

I've never minded taking public transportation in other cities, mind you. Waiting for a train in a subway station in London (mind the gap!), Paris, Rome, Washington DC, or Boston is delightful. Just missed the train? Oh well. More time to check out the habits of people around me. Not like it's much of a wait for the next train anyway. 5-7 minutes tops. None of this 15-20 minute junk. Having to stand is not a problem - I'm on vacation anyhow, and not weary from working all day. Sitting/standing right next to someone with no sense of my personal space? Not a problem (mostly).

I've taken a few classes from UEN at the U in the past month, and have ridden Trax rather than taking my car. And you know what? I loved it. I read a book. I listened to my iPod. I did some crochet. I did some people-observing. I definitely followed the norms of morning commuters (Don't talk to anyone, but if you do, do not have an extended conversation. "Yes", "no", and "excuse me" are acceptable. That's about it.). Didn't have to worry about parking - yikes! Coming home, it's okay to be a little more interactive with fellow riders, but if you don't want that interaction, stick some ear buds in your ears and you'll be left alone. No one has to know if you're playing anything or not. :) Yes, while I did have to get up a little earlier in the mornings, and where being 30 seconds late out the door costs you 15 minutes, it was okay. Maybe it was the fact that I could read what I wanted (not a text book or review of my notes), or maybe it was because of where I was headed (I love UEN classes!). But it was great. Definitely loved it.

So. Public transportation. Love it? Or leave it?

My Friend Regina

My good friend, Regina, died this spring, on April 28. She was about 11 years old. It was somewhat unexpected, though she had been acting not quite up to snuff for about a week prior to passing on. My mom and I talked about maybe taking her to the vet over the weekend to see what they thought, but she didn't make it that long. We went out to feed her that morning, and she was gone. I was pretty distraught... I even called my principal to ask her to have someone cover for me for first track time, which she said would be no problem. My kids wrote me cute letters even (which I had a hard time reading through without crying!).

She was a great friend. Here are some memories:

• Regina was a good help when you were mowing the lawn or weeding in the backyard. Always moving to where you were, and even if she fell asleep while you were working (as she did often), at least she was there right with you.
• Regina loved her blankies and cushions. My mom made her some, and some where store bought. She only got to have them in the winter, and they'd be put in her dog house in the mornings, and by afternoon, they'd be out on the lawn because she loved them and slept on them all day.
• Regina was "Most Improved" in her obedience class. That's not saying much, she was almost a drop out, but she (and I) did make it!
• We got Regina at the Super Adoption event in May 2001. We noticed her because she got into a scuffle with her daughter, and when the person from her agency went in to resolve the issue, the daughter kept struggling, but Regina put her head in the lady's lap as if to say, "I didn't start it, she attacked me, didn't you see it?" Very cute and humble in her little way. We took her to the car and she jumped right in and sat with her head in my lap on the ride home.
• It was so cute when you pull into the driveway and she would be so sound asleep that she stayed asleep until you got out of the car and talked to her!
• Regina got out of the backyard a few times. Fortunately, she carried her phone number with her! My 'favorite' time that she got out, she ended up at the Chevron on 7200 South at 3:30 in the morning! They are open all night, and someone called and left us a message that our dog was there and come get her... so I got shoes on and went over. She was so happy to see me. It was just like, "Oh! There you are! I told them to call you to have you pick me up! I'm so glad you're here!" She hopped right into the car and we went home.
• When it was especially cold in the winter, we'd have sleep-overs. We'd make space in the basement next to the couch, lay out her blanket, and she'd snuggle down and sleep the night. The first few times we did this several years ago, I had to sleep on the floor with her to keep her settled. Also, she'd wake up me up to go out... The last few years, though, not only did she let me sleep on the couch and not have to go out, she could sleep in!

I'll miss my good little girl!



This is a poem one of my co-workers and parent of a girl in my class gave to me. It's a tear-jerker - and I hope it's true!

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Sample 3: Dance Hair

For 3 years worth of high school dances (which was a lot of dances!), I was in charge of Holly's hair. She has kind of difficult hair to work with... curly and unpredictable, and often, short. But we made it work!

Here's a bun that was fashioned to go with my favorite Chinese-style dress. She went with this 'do to Jr. Prom.
This is ringlet 'do went to Senior Ball. Just her (our?) luck, it rained that night! But most of the curls stayed in tact.
So. Skilled (somewhat, anyway) at making difficult hair do what it's supposed to do (kind of)!

Sample 2: Wall Climbing Skills

Also in China and also with Joee...
Our day at the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China was actually 45 minutes!
And so we climbed the Great (Freaking!) Wall of China in 45 freaking minutes!
Joee kept me motivated. She'd been there the year before, and so knew the ups and downs of the wall and the crazy steps. She also kept me going to all 7 towers - those first few are quite the killers, and if you can get to them and past them, the last towers aren't so bad! She also told me the tale of the Great Wall, and kept my mind off how hot it was and how sticky and sweaty I was! We made it! I was a little disappointed, though, that there weren't any little China men at the top selling bottles of water for 100 yuan (about $12 when we were there - a regularly priced bottle of water would have sold for 5-10 yuan...).

Sample 1: Chop Sticking Skills!

When Joee and I were in China teaching, Mrs. Gong was our cook. She cooked us this great looking fish... but we didn't know how to eat it (all of it!) with only our chopsticks to de-bone!

So Mrs. Gong gave us some pointers... Actually, she demonstrated, then pointed at us, and took our sticks back when we (actually, only me) didn't get it. I finally did though, and...

It was so good! Some of the best fish I've ever had! And what a great skill to have - de-boning a fish with chopsticks!

Domestic Portfolio! First Post!

Welcome to a sampling of my Domestic Portfolio!
Last year, my friend and coworker, Liz, would bring yummy leftovers for lunch. She'd always joked that she took a picture to put into her Domestic Portfolio, which she was going to show to potential husbands and their mothers. I thought this was a great idea... and hence, this blog! (This must have worked for Liz - she got married last fall!)
So - enjoy some projects of mine! (and let me know if you have any potential husbands (or their mothers) to line me up with, ha ha!)

Countdown

The only one that really matters!
Days left of school: 10
Woo-hoo!

I've taken a hiatus from blogging... I know all my faithful readers have been waiting for my next entry... (I figure I'm about half of my readership, that that's okay...) Life has been moving on, and while most is not blog worthy, I'll be back with it all in about 10 days.

I think I'm gonna make it... we'll see if the kids do or not!

Boston Day 1

Monday April 13

Monday was mostly a travel day. I got to the airport super-early... not entirely by choice... it was when my ride left for work! (Thanks, Mom!) I got through security (I'm getting to be quite the airport-security pro) and went to the gate... and sat... and waited... and listened to my iPod... and read some of my book... and plugged in my phone... and sat... and waited. Okay, it wasn't that long before someone else from the group came around. But it was a while!

Everyone arrived (though the person in charge was one of the last people to the gate - yikes!) and we all got boarded. The flight was fine... I slept, read, and listened to music. I got a window seat, which was lovely. Our group of 35 teachers all sat together in two blocks of seats, each 3 rows, so that was kind of fun to be all together. Not that many people noticed... the teacher sitting next to me asked me when we got to Boston where I was from, Utah or Massachusetts. I hope that I made him feel bad when I said that I was with him and all the others. (Really? We've been going to class together once a month for the school year... True, I didn't know everyone's names, but at least I recognized people... urgh!)

We shuffled ourselves off the plane, grabbed our luggage, and got the shuttle to our hotel, Embassy Suites, right by the airport. We took a few minutes to get settled (I lost the sofa-bed game) and then headed out to the T - Boston's metro system. We looked quite the sight, I'm sure - very touristy, bags, money and camera flying everywhere, on all 35 of us. We finally got our week-long passes (7 days for $15 - what a deal!) and got on the train.

I went with a group going to the Italian quarter for dinner. Five of us ended up at a great Italian place, owned and operated by real Italians! The food was great, our waiter was cute (and Italian, of course), and we had a good time. Yum-o! We headed back to Quincy Marketplace to do some window shopping... and real shopping too! There were some stores in the Quincy Marketplace building we looked in, and later, we went to some stores around the marketplace. We caught the T and headed back to the hotel. Woo-hoo for day 1!

Old State House

Cheers - where everybody knows your name. I should have gone on this trip with those guys!

Wizomania!

Easter Sunday Joee and I got to go to WICKED for our birthday! (I got Joee her ticket, and my mom got my ticket) Happy birthday to us - almost closer to our next one than the last one - but HAPPY all the same!

I've been 'practicing' with the Wicked CD for so long to get ready for the show. It certainly didn't disappoint - it was WONDERFUL! I loved Galinda's humor and her great words, and the references to the Wizard of Oz, and how totally unconcerned they are with Dorothy and her little dog, too. I LOVED Fiyero, and loved "Dancing Through Life" - especially knowing that "the trouble with schools is, they always try to teach the wrong lessons". "For Good", "I'm Not that Girl" (how many times have I felt just like Elphaba?), "Popular", and "One Short Day" were all favorites. I LOVED it all!

And then, just like now
We can say:
We're just two friends

Two good friends

Two best friends

Sharing one wonderful
One short...

Day!

April fools... all of them!

During the first week of school back in August, I had about ten of my new little darling students (now not as little or as darling) tell me that I don't need to bother to plan an April Fool's joke on them - they already were aware of all my tricks. (Last year I told my students I was engaged... then later, after all the jokes were over, they took a test they had to pass to be able to pass 3rd grade.) So, naturally, I've put a lot of thought into what I was going to do as a prank!

Yesterday, I had a sub lined up for the afternoon (and not just for the prank, I really had to be somewhere). I told my students right before they left for lunch that I had received a letter that my teaching license was not current, and it hadn't been all year. In order to renew it and not get in huge trouble, I could attend classes for 2 months (1 month if I were willing to go at night as well). Which would mean that I'd miss school for all of April, and possibly all of May! I did have a few who thought this might be a joke... the rest weren't sure. I told them the sub that afternoon was so I could things ready for them for the month, and they went to lunch and I left! I spent a few minutes in my class before leaving, and had one girl come in and say that she was sorry that I was leaving, and gave me a hug! Very uncharacteristic of this student to talk to me about something so personal as my leaving, and to admit that she might miss me... so cute!

This morning when first track came in, they were welcomed by Mr. Grimley, who was going to sub for me while his student teacher continued teaching his class for the rest of the year. I was in the library during this, and stood in the hallway for a few minutes after they came in... silence! Not a word. Such glum little faces! I came in, told them they were all April fools, and we got on with our morning. When second track time came around, first track agreed to buy in and play along to be in on the joke for second track. I came in a few minutes later and got them again! The girl who had come in to hug me good bye yesterday looked awful, like she'd been crying that morning - poor thing! She puts on a tough front, but I guess this got to her a bit.

Don't go thinking I'm all awful... I did get them cookies for being good sports. I also found out that three parents called the principal (I told her about the joke) to see what was going on... she let them in on the joke, and they laughed, thank goodness!

Now I've got to start planning for next year... :)

What happens in Vegas...

... apparently stays in Vegas... and off the blog!



Okay, no...

We had a great time! The weather was great, the food was yum, our hotel was okay, the flight was fine (even if we were in the airport longer than the actual flight, especially coming home when the flight was delayed because of the weather in SLC), the books I took to read were good, shopping was fun, walking through all the casinos was a great way to earn our cheesecake (twice!), losing money was quick and mostly painless, and almost fun... (I'm no Charlotte!). Best of all, we were able to get away for a few days!

Where we stayed - the Excalibur. Very no-frills... and fit our budget exactly!

We believe in public transportation. Scary? Not so much. Mostly tourists were on the Deuce Bus that we took most of the time. The right price? Definitely!
The fountain in front of the Bellagio. We came to several fountain shows on purpose and saw a few more by coincidence. Have you seen Ocean's 11? See it, then you'll look for Danny, Rusty and Linus in front every time you pass by. (Sadly, they were unavailable the days we were there. "Of course I'm in the casino. I'm staying in your hotel. I have two words for you: 'Mini bar.'")
We spent a bit of time in the Conservatory inside the Bellagio. It's quite the garden. There is even a butterfly house. What beautiful flowers! (and then there's us...)
(I apologize for all the pictures here... but they fill my quota of artsy photography for a little while...)

What would a trip to Vegas be without a trip to the Cheesecake Factory (twice!)? Yes, I'm fully aware that I live less than 10 minutes away from one... and yet I've never been to that one. Chocolate mouse cheesecake... yum-o!
The Apple Store at the Forum Shops inside of Caesar's Palace. I bought my iPod Touch - woot! They didn't have to do much selling, I was pretty sold when I walked in. It was only a matter of time before I bought one anyway... why not get it some place fun? (and I love it!)
Caesar's Palace. When it's said that casinos are built to keep people in, they weren't kidding in here. We walked and walked - from both ends of this place - to get where we thought we were going. Imagine if we had left the side of the wall - we might still be trapped inside! (which actually wouldn't be so bad...)
The show we wished we'd gone to... Ahhhhhhhh!
The show we did go to - Knights of the Round Table. This is Prince Christian, the victor over all the other kings and over evil. Check out his blue eyes! Our king was from Norway. He won a competition and was hottie-on-the-bottie too!
We did some shopping at the Coke store. They have everything! I'd love to go back sometime and do their "Sodas of the World" taste-testing.
The M&M store - right next to the Coke store! My two favorite tastes in life, right next together on the Vegas Strip! Smells like chocolate in the air... kind of like Hershey's!
The add for the buffet in our hotel was a girl looking just like this. We couldn't resist this picture when we went there to eat. (Not joking, this is what the chick looked like!)Ah, Vegas. See you again some day!