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!