Hi all...Blogging sabbatical.  I realized I take kind of a lot of these and I suppose that it is okay because even though I do have a small band of followers I think I write for myself more than anyone else. 

Last night my friend Molly, Aunt Bee, and I went to Barry Manilow.  I realized how strange and eclectic my musical appetite has become through the years.  I was listening to a cassette tape of Barry Manilow in my car and H said "Mom, this is kind of boring."  It is okay, I forgave him and I am working on him!  (Yes I did say cassette tape, car, and Barry Manilow in the same sentence.)  We had a great time at Barry and can't wait to have a fun girls night again sometime soon. 

Today as I sat watching my students do the first half of a two part written assessment I wondered.  What do teenagers think about while they are avoiding work and spacing off.  When I think about the moments of lost opportunity it makes me very sad.  How do I express to my pre-teen son that he needs to focus and take advantage of all learning and learning moments that he encounters.  Any suggestions? 

Speaking of my son, for those of you who we don't get to talk to all the time.  H fell while at a boy scout camp out and fractured his wrist.  An avulsion fracture of the pisiform bone to be exact.  He is sporting a rad purple cast for the next 4 weeks.  We felt like pretty bad parents actually at one point telling him to "suck it up and quit being dramatic" but he could move the wrist so I just thought that he probably tweaked it and it would need to rest.  We took him seriously after a shuhplattler practice that caused him much pain.  I might win parent of the year award. 

Hopefully, I stay on the blogging train and continue...gonna try.

d

Favorite Movie

Snow Day Message for Daugherty Elementary

Hi students in Texas. Wanted to send you a little peek of our snow day. There is not a lot there now, but it snowed lightly all day yesterday and during the night. We are supposed to have a LOT of snow this afternoon when school would be in session and they called off school to keep kids safe! That is really important when you teach high school students like I do, they are crazy drivers! We are supposed to get 8-9 inches total by tonight and then more snow tomorrow.

I had to use my computer to take the video because I don't have a video camera...hope it is not too jiggly for you.

Enjoy...From Mrs. Osborn's Sister (in-law)

Mrs. Wegener in Omaha Nebraska.

Talented People

I am always amazed and thankful when I meet talented people. This summer in a quest to replace my favorite Vy & Elle bag which is on its last leg, ahem I mean strap, I found a super talented bag maker through etsy. I emailed Carol and solicited her help in recreating my beloved bag. Carol far exceeded my expectations and even continued to work with me after I botched the original dimensions and had her make a bag that wasn't even the same size as what I wanted. OOOPS. I learned a lesson: Never trust a website and Always measure for yourself!

Carol made 2 bags, I picked the one I loved and she has another listed on Etsy.

Carol's billboard bag.

Take a look at all she makes and buy a bag made from reclaimed materials. :)

Have a green day.
d

Amazing Song

I am in a 60s mood lately; soulful R & B makes me happy. I was listening to Pandora while grading papers today and came across and Aretha song that I don't ever remember hearing before. I think it might be one of my new favorites. Subject matter is R & B heartbreak and cheating, but the bluesy sound is AMAZING. Sing it girl.

I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You

You be the judge.

dw

10/10/10--350.org

Check out 350.org

Thanks President Obama!

On Tuesday, October 5, we received news that President Obama will be installing a solar array on the White House Roof in 2011!

The announcement came just in time to give the Global Work Party on 10/10/10 a White House-sized boost. They are going to put solar panels on the First Family’s living quarters, returning to a tradition begun by president Jimmy Carter and abandoned by Ronald Reagan.

It’s a great win for your efforts over the last months–everyone who wrote letters, signed petitions, and turned out for the Solar Road Show as we rolled down the east coast from Unity College towing one of the Carter panels. We were disappointed that day that the White House wasn’t prepared to go solar, but very happy that they took our suggestion to look into the matter seriously.

Solar panels on one house, even this house, won’t save the climate, of course. But they’re a powerful symbol to the whole nation about where the future lies. And the president will wake up every morning and make his toast by the power of the sun (do presidents make toast?), which will be a constant reminder to be pushing the Congress for the kind of comprehensive reform we need. And remember, President Obama’s not alone: tomorrow, Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed and a crew from Sungevity will be putting solar panels on their official residence. It’s a trend!

The first account of the day’s news, from Associated Press reporter Dina Cappiello, noted the efforts of 350.org to make this happen. In particular, we salute Jean Altomare, Amanda Nelson, and Jamie Nemecek, the three young women from Unity College who made the trip and who made an impression on the White House.

They remind all of us why we’ll be working hard this weekend–and why, when the day is done, we’ll be putting down the hammer or the shovel and picking up the cellphone to call our leaders. You never know what will happen when you ask for change.

Tuesday Morning

I had the most difficult time waking this morning. The combination of things to do, lack of motivation, cool weather and late bedtimes have been working against me each morning. I was running late and I was CRANKY. My husband stumbled out of bed, and sweetly washed my travel mug and thermos so that I could tote my liquid energy to school.

I got to school and realized that I needed to turn it around.

I was reading about Emerson and came across the following which I believe sums up my new awakening to the day and leaving my frantic self behind.

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new."

I think that this also applies to my husband, who is in fact, my friend.

humbled
d