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?