tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55937802012-02-16T21:59:05.351-06:00I'll paint the words a simple wish...for peace of mind and happiness. ~GrandaddyNicolenoreply@blogger.comBlogger4291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-31609612052311508242010-12-04T21:33:00.002-06:002010-12-04T22:14:54.838-06:00A small update of big changes over many years...Right now I'm babysitting for a colleague-friend who has become a role model for me in what kind of mother I wish to be (someday). She writes the most consistent and calming blog every single day and manages to capture moments and moods without my past level of verbosity (which, reading back through past posts, can be overwhelming to read). But itNicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-54434072088808791612008-07-23T21:40:00.003-05:002008-07-23T21:59:38.007-05:00Wednesday.This was my day: I woke up at 7am.I ate yogurt, blueberries, and granola for breakfast on my balcony with a big cup of coffee (that makes it sound like the cup of coffee was human-size and joined me in my dining...I wish that could be! That would make breakfast fun. Then I would drink him; or would that be rude to do to a breakfast guest?)I responded to emails ("my correspondence").I Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-41921025002397318512008-07-19T14:27:00.002-05:002008-07-19T14:48:16.649-05:00This morning I went to a movie premier. It was a comedy written and directed by one of my co-workers children. It was hilarious. It's called "Cold Feet" and it's about a couple who lives in Minnesota who are about to get married...and the hijinks that almost ruin everything. The movie was basically a bunch of incredibly funny one-liners and pratfalls. The plot was less interesting: rich girlNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-20122592877771404672008-07-08T21:04:00.002-05:002008-07-08T21:25:39.205-05:00As I was riding my bike this evening, considering how beautiful my neighborhood is and how lucky I am to live here and have the time to enjoy it, I realized that it was the type of musing I always used to write about here. But in the past week, I've tried to recenter myself; I want to be more productive and routinized with my day so I don't end up checking my email every hour or watching dvds Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-51315275062357532562008-06-17T08:36:00.002-05:002008-06-17T08:58:01.539-05:00Hot child, summer in the city...Well, Minneapolis doesn't seem to qualify as a city- at least where I live- in that it's mostly clean, relatively crime-free, and there's minimal honking. I do get at least one ambulance every night, usually around 4 a.m. Why they need a wailing siren and horn blasts at that time of morning is beyond me; Hennepin is dead after 2 or 3. And the title of this post Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-4451456226410669952008-03-30T16:52:00.003-05:002008-03-30T18:07:08.204-05:00It's been so long...Hello, lover. I've missed you. But, seriously, I haven't written in this journal (I hear the distant deathnell of the b-word, or hope to) in quite some time. Today is Sunday. Tomorrow is Monday, which I thankfully have off from work/school. Technically I work at a school, but I refer to my job as both; school, when I'm focused on my lovely students, smiles, art, creative Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-24869239333324799472008-01-28T21:08:00.000-06:002008-01-28T21:22:49.059-06:00I almost forgot how obnoxious it's been!I just finished listening to/watching the State of the Union address...President Bush proposed nothing interesting, his rhythm was stuttered, and he offered nothing inspiring in terms of eloquence and leadership. It reminded me of how embarrassing his presidency has been, especially when juxtaposed with the constant coverage of the democratic primaries andNicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-60464689337843469192007-12-30T20:56:00.001-06:002007-12-30T21:19:41.322-06:00Holidays, part 1I haven't posted in so long; I doubt anyone still reads my blog ;(Since I don't keep a diary (for the reason that when I die, it would make me seem manic, trivial, superficial, and banal since I'm truly unmotivated to do it with any frequency), I feel like I should write something here about my holiday. It was marvelous. I am so incredibly lucky. Here's what happened:I feel Nicolenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-10097228393934807282007-12-11T22:09:00.000-06:002007-12-11T22:22:10.995-06:00I've been thinking about career choices, what we're raised to believe, and how it differs in each generation. My grandparents were raised to believe that you should save every penny, buy store brand, never eat out, and put money in solid stocks. They got married when they were 22. My grandpa became a doctor and started working right away, which supported his family, and my grandmother raised Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-85936384793252958822007-12-04T20:30:00.000-06:002007-12-04T20:55:45.566-06:00This evening I went for a walk by myself to look at Christmas lights. I left my apartment and walked toward the lake, and then turned right and went 10 blocks north to Mount Curve Road, my fantasy street. While I was doing my little hopping walk, to keep from sliding, I listened to my favorite Christmas songs. From the capacity for happiness stored in the memories of those songs, in the Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-72222205978228844832007-10-04T01:45:00.000-05:002007-10-04T21:17:51.825-05:00I've had my share of the pests of the night. Centipedes? Check. (In my bed no less). Bats? Of course (in a scenario in which I brandished an umbrella and allowed a group of strangers into my house with make-shift nets- one out of pole vaulting sticks- to chase it around my bedroom). So obviously now that I've somewhat overcome my fear of those two known one-time residents of my apartment, Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-65539755376908053532007-09-21T07:08:00.000-05:002007-09-21T07:23:22.228-05:00Why is teaching such a struggle? Why can't a well-educated person make it work? Read this article, from today's New York Times. I've come to realize that my frustration comes from the fact that I don't have the resources or time to do my best and to really help these students. And when I stopped staying until 7pm every night (as I did in my first year) and accepted a little bit of mediocrity Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-54677365623529321682007-08-25T23:23:00.000-05:002007-08-25T23:35:28.752-05:00Life ListI like the idea of making a list of life goals and checking them off as they're accomplished; I'm definitely a list-maker! Ooh, it's such a good feeling to check a little box:) Here is my tentative list, which is liable to change:1. Help to make a profound positive impact on another person's life.2. Love and trust one person not in my family with my whole heart.3. Publish my writing.4Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-53692289811583621962007-08-17T10:44:00.001-05:002007-08-17T11:08:57.093-05:00Hats off to the Buskers?I've been thinking about my romantic ideal of having a song written for me. There aren't any popular songs about a girl named Nicole, except for "Darling Nikki" which I'm ruling out as not technically being "romantic" (in the classical sense) and being about Nikki, which I will never answer to. So I've been trying to par down my favorite songs to figure out what type of Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-30727373503909256152007-08-13T23:14:00.000-05:002007-08-13T23:24:26.944-05:00There's no doubt that global warming is real!In Minneapolis, there have been three huge and frightening thunderstorms this week. Right now, my apartment is lit up by almost constant lightening flashes and the rain is being blown horizontally against my windows.Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-32209166153596810642007-08-08T00:34:00.001-05:002007-08-08T00:52:04.549-05:00Simple, healthy, quick meals!Inspired by the New York Times list of 100 easy recipes, here are my standbys:Gazpacho:Buy your favorite salsa (I love Herdez). Put in blender. Chill (the gazpacho, but you, too).Cheese toast:Buy Wasa Crisp'n light 7 grain bread, or any cracker bread. In blender, mix fat free cottage cheese, and your favorite antipasto- I love artichoke hearts, mild peppers, and a Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-18567801797202483642007-08-06T23:36:00.000-05:002007-08-07T00:05:22.182-05:00I haven't written on here in such a long time, probably because I've been seeing a lot of the people who I want to share my ideas and issues with, so it feels redundant. But I do have many friends who I don't get to talk to very often- esp. since I despise talking on the phone, a trait that I inherited from both of my parents- so I'm going to write an update post. I hope I get to talk to you Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-17174856413587777972007-08-01T02:52:00.000-05:002007-08-01T02:58:26.021-05:00While I still think that Beerveza is incredibly obnoxious, I predicted the açai berry! Here's a quote from the New York Times:August 1, 2007I’ll Have the Fish Paste Sushi With the Green Tea Rice By ANDREW MARTIN CHICAGO, July 31 — If you believe the vendors at the annual Institute of Food Technologists convention, you may soon be able to eat and drink your way to better health. OnNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-35174508214292961502007-07-11T03:34:00.000-05:002007-07-11T05:01:22.072-05:00Culinary CultureI am fascinated by trends in popular food, mini-zeitgeist of society's peculiar and unpredictable loves. Here are some current trends, possible reasons for their inception, and what I predict will come next!Fancy/athletic/pricey/healthy drinksAmericans, evolved past the banality of Perrier and Evian of the 1980's, are prepared to pay for "healthier" water. There is a resurgence Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-38486955139620657772007-07-04T14:00:00.000-05:002007-07-04T14:22:40.116-05:00I've been thinking about patriotism recently. There is so much pessimism, defeatism, and resignation to the fact that our president seems be bogging us down in a quagmire of lies, secrecy, and worldwide hatred directed at all we hold so dear. There are suicide bombers killing soldiers and civilians daily, prompted, indirectly, by our country's involvement in Iraq. It's easy to be a bitter Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-23346752023075330842007-06-05T16:19:00.001-05:002007-06-05T16:21:18.251-05:00Please see my new blog, where I'm starting to post literary proposals, pitches, and ideas, plus my favorite new words! (I'm a nerd, yes, but you are, too!) :)Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-40438797045254687092007-05-28T16:04:00.000-05:002007-05-28T16:20:03.309-05:00Happy Memorial Day!I've had so much fun this weekend...honestly, it was the perfect introduction to summer. On Friday night I went to the Radio K listener appreciation show, which I feel I deserved to be at for two reasons, even though I didn't have a supporter card:1) I supported them even when I didn't listen2) It's now #6 on my car radio, which, although it sounds like an unappreciated Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-53455644025341169092007-05-24T15:22:00.000-05:002007-05-24T15:46:44.856-05:00This is what I read when I'm bored at work :)"What is especially disturbing about [pluralistic ignorance] is that it lends itself to control by the noisiest and most visible. Psychologists have noted that students who are the heaviest drinkers, for example, tend to speak out most strongly against proposed measures to curb drinking, and act as “subculture custodians” in support of their own Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-37042178018247077942007-05-22T14:55:00.000-05:002007-05-22T15:32:31.136-05:00Quick hits:*Correlation between a drop in barometric pressure and obstreperous students: it's true! They're crazy!*Yesterday, I ran out in the street to retrieve a blind man's shoe that had fallen off. Since I am the clutziest person this side of Mr. Magoo, I always drop things in the streets (especially right before a green light) and have to race around to pick everything up and balance it Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-42265686525081554882007-05-08T20:40:00.000-05:002007-05-11T15:43:27.764-05:00MayI've been so busy lately. Busy, tired, sleepy, and otherwise satiated with malaise. Did I mention the ennui? Yes, I love that word and that's what it is. I'm bored with all the busywork. And arguments with friends and family have left me mentally exhausted, too (even though they are over). I need a vacation from emotions, just to check out to a deserted island for a while...which is why Nicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-78868587481574003562007-04-14T08:24:00.000-05:002007-04-14T08:37:47.103-05:00Springtime!It's finally starting to feel like Spring in Minnesota. Honestly, the snow last week was just mean. And it made me even more frustrated that I had a 12-hour work day when it was 80 degrees two weeks ago...but now it's Spring! Today is supposed to be in the 60's, which is my ideal temperature, as long as it's coupled with the smell of grass and flowers, undeniable signs that the Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-8491495609788559862007-03-26T08:17:00.000-05:002007-03-26T08:32:15.293-05:00This weekend was fun, but so busy that I'm exhausted and my head is foggy this morning. On Friday, I left work at 3:30, which I almost never do, and went home to get ready for my triple birthday party. Jess and Chris came over to help make my cake, which turned out too bulky, and the top layer slid right off when it was put on the table. My party also didn't have ice or much to eat or drink...Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-31447793700240548522007-03-20T19:30:00.000-05:002007-03-20T19:31:40.633-05:00This morning, or sometime last night, my wallet vanished from my purse sitting on the floor in my apartment. I have absolutely no idea where it went. I hate the DMV :(Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-11443342280172084992007-03-18T11:29:00.000-05:002007-03-18T11:43:37.301-05:00The wonderful part of my jobI spent all Saturday at a competition for the afterschool gifted and talented team that I work with. It was an effort to wake up at 5:45 a.m. on a non-work day and to spend all of it the same way I spend every workday, carrying around bags and bags of books and supplies, all the while trying to make my students behave...especially since one had forgotten to take his Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-36084651562399954642007-03-09T14:24:00.000-06:002007-03-09T15:43:41.237-06:00I've decided that my next career, whenever it begins, will be as a writer. I love writing, and I actually miss the looooong days of writing at Starbucks on Clayton and Forsythe! I once wrote 30 pages in 3 days back in my salad days...In pursuit of that dream, and because I'm slightly putting off the actual writing until I decide on numerous subjects and finally narrow my focus, I've decided to Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-43676008368873158312007-02-27T15:43:00.000-06:002007-02-27T16:00:26.473-06:00The Oscars!I love the academy awards and they were twice as fun this year since I've become as cynical as my friends...so we could mock them all together:)I liked...*The Will Ferrell, Jack Black, John D. Reilly trio about the downside of comedic acting. First, they can all sing pretty well, next "John C. Reilly- huh?," finally they made Ryan Gosling blush and that's cute.*Helen Mirren's dress. Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-19303480110723136602007-02-24T19:31:00.000-06:002007-02-24T19:35:58.099-06:00So, I'm currently in a financial crisis...my loans caught up with me :(I finally did all the math and added up all of my monthly expenses and it turns out that I have $8 of spending money each day, not including gas money. $8! That's less than my lunch today. This is not good. At all. So I'm currently looking for a part-time job for weekends. I wish I had had some financial foresight in Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-59965999865616214372007-02-20T16:42:00.000-06:002007-02-20T16:44:56.453-06:00Whenever I watch the news, I always wonder how Iraqi people really feel, not the muslim commentators who seem to speak for them here, or the opinions voiced in small snippets of civilian diatribe. It can't be all just blind hatred or desperate fear. Here, finally, is an online journal from an Iraqi living in Iraq:http://gorillasguides.com/Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-40374165923254675222007-02-18T13:21:00.000-06:002007-02-18T13:25:37.540-06:00I never loved nobody fully Always one foot on the ground And by protecting my heart truly I got lost in the sounds I hear in my mind All these voices I hear in my mind all these words I hear in my mind all this music And it breaks my heart.My birthday is soon. It's time for bravery. Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-57462407685444054062007-02-17T17:46:00.000-06:002007-02-17T17:49:09.229-06:00On CNN, the headline was "Ugly or Cute?"It's a duck with four legs and his name is Stumpy...obviously cute!Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-81693165451451677202007-02-17T08:14:00.000-06:002007-02-17T08:18:13.962-06:00My FAVORITE song is finally on iTunes!"Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest.I looked it up on google first, and here is a picture :)Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-15805662427788328172007-02-12T11:48:00.000-06:002007-02-13T15:12:34.501-06:00I empathize whole-heartedly with this sentiment, which is making me very confused- at the moment- about my career:"If you’ve found something you really like to do – say write beautiful sentences – not because of the possible benefits to the world of doing it, but because doing it brings you the satisfaction and sense of completeness nothing else can, then do it at the highest level of performanceNicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-21573800380786408452007-02-11T14:07:00.000-06:002007-02-11T14:06:34.264-06:00A- Available or Single? Single.B- Best Friend? I've never had a best friend, but I have the best group of friends.C- Cake or Pie? Cake.D- Drink of Choice? Caramel Apple Pie shake from the Tea Garden. It's a mixture of wintermellon, green apple, and spice chai.E- Essential Item? Cell phone, my only phone now.F- Favorite Color? Burgundy.G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Sour patch gummy worms.H- Hometown?Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1170956967898730372007-02-08T11:41:00.000-06:002007-02-08T11:49:27.923-06:00Quickie update:*I'm single again. Which gives me a better shot with Clive Owen, right? Yes!*My dad lost his job at Pfizer, along with 2,200 other people. Which means these are the options for my family:-Move to Minneapolis, so he can work at the "U of M."-Stay in Ann Arbor, so he can work at THE U of M.-My dad will move to Groton, CT and my mom will stay in Ann Arbor, and they will take turns Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1170527675663249752007-02-03T12:10:00.000-06:002007-02-03T12:34:35.683-06:00I love book questionnaires!1. One book that changed your life:A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. The main character is a girl who is quiet, independent, and bookish, yet succeeds just as much as anyone in her life and dreams. When I read it during high school, it finally clicked with me that your personality has almost nothing to do with the extent to which you'll be happy in life (whichNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1169396714349866802007-01-21T09:46:00.000-06:002007-01-21T10:25:14.370-06:00From "Classroom Distinctions" by Tom Moore, a 10th-grade history teacher at a public school in the Bronx, in the January 19th New York Times:"Films like “Freedom Writers” portray teachers more as missionaries than professionals, eager to give up their lives and comfort for the benefit of others, without need of compensation. Ms. Gruwell sacrifices money, time and even her marriage for her job.HerNicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1169351189075356082007-01-20T21:31:00.000-06:002007-01-20T21:46:29.120-06:00My life has been so busy lately...Favorites:*The Caramel Applepie shake at the Tea Garden...today, tomorrow, forever! It's delicious and bizarre at the same time, like all of my favorite food:)*"Starlight" by Muse. I love this song so much. I miss empathetic British music. Why did Keane have to be so Pete Doherty? *Forever 21. I bought a dark blue hoodie with heart buttons that feels like Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1168378178518463272007-01-09T14:59:00.000-06:002007-01-09T15:29:38.553-06:00I spent the entire weekend crying and worrying. One of my friends was broken up with in the worst, most emotionally painful way that I've ever heard, and the situation still gives me chills. While frightening in its method and precision, this event has taught me two things:1. The easiest way to deal with people who are hurting you, whether it be avoidance, ignorance, or a complete breakdown of Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1167694263681239172007-01-01T17:22:00.000-06:002007-01-01T17:31:03.703-06:00Best New Year's Eve (yet)Usually, this holiday is an afterthought which I spend at home, watching the New Year's Rockin Eve with resentment. But this year, because I dually wanted to have one holiday to prepare for and needed a reason to finally unpack and clean my entire apartment, I planned to have a party and then go dancing with my friends. It was so much fun:) My little appetizer party Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1166887003994215682006-12-23T08:57:00.000-06:002006-12-23T09:18:01.520-06:00VacationI had such a crazy week at work! The tension was finally eased by tons of sugar and the promise of a week away from the screams of hyper kids. I received the most adorable and random gifts from my students:*a purple lei*a photo from 6th birthday in a foam frame*some super-glitzy diamonte dangly earrings (which I'm going to rock on New Year's Eve!)*a painted gingerbread house*Elizabeth Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1166146989811332682006-12-14T19:23:00.000-06:002006-12-14T19:43:09.826-06:00I've had an interesting week. On Tuesday, I was rudely confronted for the first time at work. A colleague, who apparently has been harboring issues with the fact that I work more, talk to the principal more, and have "good ideas," accosted me in the hall with the suggestion that we have a meeting with our boss so I can figure out my role. I'd been friends, I thought, with this person for over a Nicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1165768994738425382006-12-10T10:25:00.000-06:002006-12-10T10:44:41.430-06:00Top 10 signs I'm getting older:10. I listen to NPR and like it. I get giddy when I hear the "All Things Considered" themesong!9. I have a membership to a Yoga-specific gym.8. I own a yoga mat.7. I cancelled cable tv because "there's really nothing on and it wastes my time" (that's a direct quote).6. I shop at Kowalski's and appreciate how ritzy it is compared to Lunds. 5. I saw "The Holiday" Nicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1165255243159377492006-12-04T11:50:00.000-06:002006-12-04T12:00:45.570-06:00I moved into my new apartment on Saturday...this weekend felt like at least seven days! I packed for all of Friday (after taking an unpaid day off from work) and picked up my mom from the airport. We went out to dinner at Fujiya with my aunts and cousins; the food there is amazing! I had a sashimi salad and miso soup, both delicious, and my mom had philly rolls, which have cream cheese inside.Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1164806210931714002006-11-29T07:16:00.000-06:002006-11-29T07:16:50.946-06:00I'm moving on Saturday! Yikes!Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1164684111548261492006-11-27T21:09:00.000-06:002006-11-27T21:21:54.843-06:00I need some perspectiveThis post is dedicated to the fact that I have been giving myself stress headaches for the past week and it needs to stop. So please forgive all the obviousness.1. Moving isn't that bad...at least there shouldn't be bugs in my bed anymore. And I will have a balcony. I'm a lucky girl.2. Work isn't so hard...when I run out of steam, there's always reviewing, right? ThereNicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163991307268137612006-11-19T20:14:00.000-06:002006-11-19T20:59:26.976-06:00Favorites, version 11.20*The Gilmore Girls, Season 5...I didn't realize that this show is so smart. Whenever I heard about it, I thought it was a schmaltzy mother-daughter thing, and since my mom and I don't do treacle (except rare occasions when we discuss our love of all little dogs), I expected not to like it. But I love all the pop-culture and literature references!*Christmas is already at Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163786423772455652006-11-17T11:55:00.000-06:002006-11-17T12:42:41.336-06:00My "I can't believe that!" moments from yesterday...1. Glen Beck, on CNN Headline News, asking Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison if he is working for enemies of the United States. The reason why Mr. Beck asked that question is that Keith Ellison is the first Muslim ever elected to congress. The interview went like this (seriously!):BECK: Thank you. I will tell you, may I -- may we have five Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163700429055049202006-11-16T12:05:00.000-06:002006-11-16T12:07:09.076-06:00I worry so much about fear disguised as patriotism that is manifested as prejudice.From USA Today'Old Glory' is the flag to fly in Pahrump"The Nevada town of Pahrump is taking a stand not just against illegal immigrants but flags they may bring with them," USA TODAY's William M. Welch writes this morning on the front page.The town board in the small community west of Las Vegas voted this week to Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163554394134138482006-11-14T19:12:00.000-06:002006-11-14T19:33:24.176-06:00YawnI've felt lethargic for the past two days, and had an on-going tension headache (which just decided to stay today, even though I was in a good mood). I had to stay at work today until 5:45, which isn't late compared to other people's jobs, but such a long time if you consider that I have no time to sit and gather myself, or just waste time, between 8 and 3:30. Books I want to read:The Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163219150669720612006-11-10T22:21:00.000-06:002006-11-10T22:46:36.963-06:00When I got home tonight, I had three messages on my answering machine(imagine them all with a highly pronounced Spanish accent, which makes it either cuter or a bit creepy):#1 "Miiiiisssssss [my last name]" ::long pause:: click#2 breathing, click#3 "Miss [my last name], call me. You neeeeeeed to callllllllll me. This is [student's name]." clickObivously, giving out my home phone number to Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1163044244407804602006-11-08T21:07:00.000-06:002006-11-09T07:24:00.696-06:00Democrats won the house and senate!!I'm so excited...I was listening to Bob Dylan, because there was actually that spirit of change this fall, and it's actually happening now:) It's much harder to be such a little pessimist. I've been having a hard week at work. My dad advised me this morning to find a different job and I agreed (for about 5 minutes). Some days there is so much bureaucracy Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1162858707599580322006-11-06T18:12:00.000-06:002006-11-06T18:20:51.393-06:00The Pledge of...whateverHow ironic is it that even though students are required to say the pledge of allegiance every morning in their classrooms, a teacher can get in trouble for presuming help them to read the words? Apparently, saying "under God" in school is okay, but discussing why you're saying it or what it means is not (not that I was actually going to discuss it, merely gloss over it Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1162768617064626452006-11-05T17:02:00.000-06:002006-11-05T17:16:57.080-06:00Mi casa es su casa I finally found an amazing new apartment! I put a deposit down yesterday. It's so clean, beautiful, sunny, and big...plus, there won't be bugs marching across my face every night, because it's on the fourth floor! I also have a balcony that looks all the way down Hennepin. The manager said it's good for barbequing. Ha. It will probably be my tanning balcony/place for Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1162348865784135552006-10-31T20:37:00.000-06:002006-10-31T20:41:05.796-06:00I LOVE YogaIt's analogous to kindergarten, but for adults:singing in unison=ommmingsitting on your mat=sitting on your mattaking a nap to soothing music=laying at the end of class, with soothing music playing, and trying not to fall asleepNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1162156438291056242006-10-29T15:04:00.000-06:002006-10-29T15:13:58.310-06:00I'm just a little black raincloudI've been so depressed recently...and really mean, too! I really need to apologize to my job ("You're not so bad!":)) and Sophia Coppola ("I actually loved Lost in Translation")! I was just feeling so sorry for myself and I finally realized how self-centered I was acting. But the sun came out today and it's beautiful outside, and I saw clearly how lucky I am. Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1162130406449462772006-10-29T07:34:00.000-06:002006-10-29T08:00:06.493-06:00Tales of a spoiled, little rich girlI saw Marie Antoinette last night. It made me so angry! The whole thing was about the boredom that comes with having all the money in the world and no responsibilities. Well, right now I have very little sympathy for that:) I read in an article that all of Sophia Coppola's characters are based on her life, because she had all the resources she needed as Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1161906968914038422006-10-26T18:39:00.001-05:002006-10-27T14:59:21.206-05:00Mini-crisis of faithI just had an actual out-of-body experience. Honestly. An actual, looking-at-myself-like-a-stranger, objective view on my life.Let me set the scene. It was 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon. I'd been teaching all day in my maybe 75 sq. ft. classroom (smaller than my sophomore dorm room). For the past hour, I'd been taping, then rearranging over and over, each letter of the Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1161906953876201832006-10-26T18:39:00.000-05:002006-10-26T18:55:53.896-05:00I just had an actual out-of-body experience. Honestly. An actual, looking-at-myself-like-a-stranger, objective view on my life. Let me set the scene. It's 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon. I've been teaching all day in my maybe 75 sq. ft. classroom (smaller than my sophomore dorm room). For the past hour, I've beentaping, then rearranging over and over, each letter of the alphabet around the Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1160999212902348352006-10-16T06:34:00.000-05:002006-10-16T06:46:54.616-05:00Weekend Highs and LowsLows:1. My leg. hurts. so. much. I'm going to make a doctor's appointment for this afternoon to find out what's wrong with it. It's hurts (like something's about to crack) when I walk, so I probably won't be able to run for a long time.2. Saturday morning coffee. It was an "We'll keep in touch" but-not-really situation.Highs:1. Hanging out with my friends on Friday: I Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1160784960261354942006-10-13T19:14:00.000-05:002006-10-13T19:16:00.276-05:00I HATE shin splints.Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1160704606738501092006-10-12T20:05:00.000-05:002006-10-12T20:56:47.136-05:00Beautiful DayI had such a good day today. I got a lot of sleep, my fingernails are my current favorite color (currant), and I got along with everyone, including the other teachers. Things are looking up, which is such a good thing, after yesterday's crisis of faith in public education! Well, that happens about once a week, so it's to be expected. Once No Child Left Behind is gone, I think Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1160426507147198892006-10-09T15:19:00.000-05:002006-10-09T17:59:52.116-05:00Wonderful WeekendI had such a fun and relaxing weekend. I got to go to sleep early on Friday and actually slept in on Saturday morning. Then I went for a run on Saturday morning...I love my new, non-shin-splint-producing sneakers! They are like super leprechaun green, though! Like lucky clover green. Ultra-green. It took me so long to decide whether or not to spend so much money on such Nicolenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1160085136543236002006-10-05T16:44:00.000-05:002006-10-05T16:52:16.560-05:00A Fun Day at SchoolToday was really fun. I've realized that I'm only a good teacher when I'm 1. In control and 2. Having fun myself. I was altra-prepared today, so things went smoothly. For my newcomer students, who have limited vocabularies, I had them label a drawing I did of a little boy on the wall (on my fancy, new roll-up-able white board...I know, it's so amazing what they come up with Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1159712230624400702006-10-01T08:56:00.000-05:002006-10-01T09:17:10.640-05:00Retail TherapyAs much as I'm embarrassed to admit it, I'm a fan of retail therapy. I know it's a compulsion, and it might waste money, but I always end up in a better mood. And I justify it in the comfort I get from the knowledge that something so simple as buying a new book is able to improve my outlook. That may sound superficial, but with all the other worries to take up my time and Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1159411778015229242006-09-27T20:45:00.000-05:002006-09-27T21:49:38.216-05:00Horrible Cold!I caught the first cold of the school year last week. I thought that it was at its worst on Monday night, so I stayed home from work on Tuesday. I slept for 6 more hours than usual! But then today, the coughing and sneezing started. I'm currently sneezing every 5 minutes and my throat is so sore. I've started unconsciously whimpering! Honestly. For some reason it makes me Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1159064818078700452006-09-23T20:52:00.000-05:002006-09-23T21:28:33.820-05:00"It's never too late to be who you might have been" ~ T.S. EliotI've been thinking about regret and missed opportunities. How did I end up here? In the hopes of having a more optimistic outlook, I thought about how many of my dreams I've already accomplished, or at least to an extent that fulfills my current needs. Here's a little list of who I might have been:*A Country GirlWhen I was five Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158882181789500512006-09-21T18:36:00.000-05:002006-09-21T18:43:01.806-05:00Well, that's a good idea.I get the feeling like there are people in different parts of the country who read this. I would love to have postcards for my students from each of the states we visit. I already have 25 from my mom (Michigan). If you have the time and inclination to be a part of my classroom and my students' learning, I would need 25 postcards, so I'd have enough for each. My Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158800603279142632006-09-20T19:40:00.000-05:002006-09-20T20:03:23.360-05:00Musings*I didn't get even one mosquito bite this summer! My secret weapon: Off! Bug Wipes. Deet all over is probably bad for you, but no itches ;)*Why do I keep subjecting myself to Minnesota winters? It's already too cold. *I'm most happy when everything is organized. I even remake posters in my classroom if they're too cluttered....I'm way too obsessive.*The Greek Deli across the street is Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158496411887923152006-09-17T07:17:00.000-05:002006-09-17T07:33:31.903-05:00Martha Stewart, here I come!This is the first weekend, ever, when I feel like I have the time to control my life. My apartment is clean, my dishes are done, my clothes and sheets and towels are clean, I have food for the entire week, and I'm ready for work tomorrow. I looked around yesterday and realized that I had nothing left to do. Essentially, it took me 24 years to get to this point. It Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158377359499338962006-09-15T21:37:00.000-05:002006-09-15T22:29:19.516-05:00My first day of teaching (this year)My first class is 9 students who can barely speak English. They are all so cute...My second class is the students who are reading at the same level as their peers, but their writing still needs refinement; like problems with subject-verb agreement and use of article in prepositional phrases, for example. I was so excited for this class, because I can actuallyNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158196060333702542006-09-13T19:33:00.000-05:002006-09-13T20:07:40.436-05:00Well, because my life is about balance*, here are things I'm not worried about:- My classroom...I've decided that it's going to be a lesson in humility and gratitude for me, and if I'm lucky, for my students. I'm going to acknowledge how small it is on the first day (which is Friday!) but show children learning in different environments around the world. There are many children who could never Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1158114243901682722006-09-12T21:17:00.000-05:002006-09-12T21:24:03.923-05:00I am bit worried about these things: *I have 75 students whose English ability I'm responsible for. *Everything I teach needs to be content-based, which means that I need to choose appropriate topics, then make my English lessons fit that content, while also making it address the specific needs of my students.*I have to learn the writing and math curriculums, because I'll be teaching during thoseNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157939224587990282006-09-10T20:36:00.000-05:002006-09-10T20:47:04.616-05:00I want to believe in my country againI was talking to someone tonight about America. I am disgusted by the politics, by the continuing ignorance, and how divided our country has become. And I know that I'm part of that division, but I still desperately want something strong and dignified to part of our agenda again. There's enough fear in the world without questioning the motives my own Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157863670256105332006-09-09T23:40:00.000-05:002006-09-09T23:47:50.270-05:00Where did autumn go?This week, the weather has changed from swimsuit-hot to jacket-cold. It completely skipped over the warm breezes, light jackets, fall weather that I love so much. This is Halloween weather! Although I'm excited to bring out my long sleeve shirts and sweaters. Really cold fall weather always makes me feel a little bit frightened...like there's something wicked about to Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157848798866215312006-09-09T19:23:00.000-05:002006-09-09T19:39:58.883-05:00Want to hear a scary story?I've told this story to a lot of people already, but there's an addition now, so this is the extended version. Last night, while driving down a hill toward home after a friend's going-away party, I saw a black mass in the middle of the intersection. As I got closer, I realized that it was a large man slumped over in a motorized wheelchair. I swerved around him and Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157594453315929492006-09-06T20:36:00.000-05:002006-09-06T21:00:53.346-05:00I heart endorphinsI had such a hectic day. With all the new students who are enrolling, I'm currently up to 90 ESL students. 90! I'm responsible for all of their English needs this year. I also need to test them all before I can start teaching, as per district policy. Sometimes I want to have a march on the district headquarters with all my cute little students chanting "No more testing, letNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157389103272647292006-09-04T11:28:00.000-05:002006-09-04T11:59:19.786-05:00Movies that I am excited to see:1. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints. Shia LeBouf/Robert Downey, Jr. plays a Bronx-raised man.2. Aurora Borealis. The return of Joshua Jackson...everyone expected him to be the first DC alum to be nominated for an Oscar, not Michelle Williams.3. Man of the Year. Robin Williams plays a Jon Stewart character who runs for president on a whim and wins.4. The Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1157322999965789102006-09-03T16:18:00.000-05:002006-09-03T17:36:40.003-05:00I am such a lionalthough I am a little beaver-ish, too.Here is a description of the four personality types based on Gary Smalley's writings: Lion- This personality likes to lead. The lion is good at making decisions and is very goal-oriented. They enjoy challenges, difficult assignments, and opportunity for advancement. Because lions are thinking of the goal, they can step on Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156909100185627622006-08-29T22:28:00.000-05:002006-08-29T22:38:20.203-05:00My First Student PurchaseToday I spent $35 on copies, to use in making a "Word Office" for each of my 45 pull-out students. So tomorrow will include lots of stapling! I also make copies of the first three states my classes will be visiting: Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois. Tomorrow night, after making a final student list, I'm going to buy those efficient binders that I had my eye on before.Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156870811126103212006-08-29T11:52:00.000-05:002006-08-29T12:02:20.710-05:00I've realized something that probably everyone who knows me already knows: I am not a chatter. I love discussions, like "how can we reverse globål warming on a local level?", but just shooting the breeze I'm not good at. And it's not fun. I think I get this from my parents. When I went out to dinner with them, we talked about random things for a little while, but then there was a long, silentNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156729010145349362006-08-27T20:28:00.000-05:002006-08-27T20:49:18.713-05:00A Big THANK YOU :)Something wonderful happened yesterday. I got my mail and took it in the car with me as I drove down to St. Olaf with my brother. While we were driving, I opened one of the letters, from my favorite reverend, Rev. Mike. And inside was a letter, letting my know that the Episcopal Campus Ministry Alumni Association had raised money for my students... a lot of money! I started Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156485932206163162006-08-25T00:27:00.000-05:002006-08-25T01:07:48.290-05:00I'm too pensive to bullet my ideas today. I just got back from the State Fair Grounds, where I saw the Flaming Lips for the first time. I loved: the streamers, Wayne Coyne's hair, and finding an empty seat so I could watch the spectacle from up high. I disliked: the overstimulation, how much he swore (there were a lot of little kids there), and the dancing martians.I spent three hours Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156253572456023692006-08-22T08:21:00.000-05:002006-08-22T08:33:34.213-05:00Things to look forward to...a. Seeing the Flaming Lips at the State Fair on Thursday. I know it's expensive, but anyone who wants to come, I'd love to carpool...and hit huge beach balls at the concert with you!b. Food on sticks at the state fair.c. My family comes to visit on Friday.d. Organizing my classroom- it's going to be like one of those block puzzles, when you have to move one piece atNicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1156034977872020422006-08-19T19:40:00.000-05:002006-08-19T19:49:37.886-05:00Likes and DislikesLikesMeeting guys that negate all the horrendous dates.Brit's Pub.My friends, who associate with me even though I get tipsy after two drinks.The Black Film Festival.Being really organized for school:)DislikesThe screwed up eliminations on Project Runway: if they're going to act all high and mighty about the authenticity of the show, they shouldn't eliminate talented designers Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1155758996668490732006-08-16T15:03:00.000-05:002006-08-16T15:09:56.683-05:00Quick Update*I received a Masters in Spanish from the University of Minnesota...without taking any classes! I just got a letter of confirmation in the mail. Well, that's going to look amazing on my resume ;)* I just sent an email to the entire district by mistake. Grr...darn you reply-to-all button!*I got out of taking the new teacher seminar next week (all week long) by saying that I would Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1155584029075409012006-08-14T14:29:00.000-05:002006-08-14T14:33:49.103-05:00OMG! My ultimate bow-tied, Republican crush, Tucker Carlson, is going to be on Dancing with the Stars! Excitement!! He should have a dance-off with Jon Stewart...to decide the midterm elections.Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1155526389601143922006-08-13T22:07:00.000-05:002006-08-13T22:33:09.620-05:00I've realized that my mood can break at any moment. I had such a fun day today: Weezie went to church with me, helped me pick out a digital camera, and browsed for school clothes with me at the Mall of America. Instead of going on a ride, she decided to play one of those horrible carnival games, that has hundreds of perfectly rounded bowls floating around in water, the goal of which is to get aNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1155088806165426152006-08-08T20:27:00.000-05:002006-08-09T01:35:11.946-05:00Book Survey 1. One book that changed your life: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The main character is me, a shy, quiet, studious girl, which was so comforting when I was surrounded by the complete superficiality that is Northville High School.2. One book that you've read more than once: The Shell Seekers. It's a quasi-romance novel- very long- but set in England, so somehow seems moreNicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1154923429211585872006-08-06T22:31:00.000-05:002006-08-07T00:35:22.186-05:00Likes and Dislikes of the Weekend:)Dislikes:1. Blind dates with awkward silences.2. Blind dates when the person lies about their height by 6 inches, insults his mother, asks me-during a movie- if I've ever done drugs, tells me he has no friends because everyone lies, and shows up 20 minutes late because he lost track of time while browsing for t-shirts in Hot Topic. The one good part was that I Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1154739575273443272006-08-04T19:52:00.000-05:002006-08-04T19:59:35.303-05:00"It's not like I'm playing the field, it's like work...it's like I'm working in the field!"So I just realized that dating a lot is exhausting and stressful! I don't know how guys do it. I feel like I'm always getting ready, dressed-up, and there's so much anticipation. It reminded me of one of my favorite episodes of Friends, when Phoebe dates two men at the same time: the fireman and the Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1154495249566265632006-08-01T23:15:00.000-05:002006-08-02T12:27:21.543-05:00Likes and Dislikes of the WeekLikes:*Frozen watermelon. I buy it pre-cut at Lunds, then freeze it, and eat it with a fork. It's like Italian Ice, but organic! I think freezing watermelon is popular in Japan.*Project Runway. I love that the show has actually talented people, doing amazing designs. I wish they would have a teaching reality show, to show people know how difficult it really is Nicolenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1154265293755376922006-07-30T08:14:00.000-05:002006-07-30T12:19:39.196-05:00Weekend UpdateFriday- I babysat for my twin cousins, who are 3. I pulled them a mile in their wagon to the lake, where we had a picnic. And someone told me that my kids were cute, which was scary because they could be my kids, and if they were, I would have them out of the house by the time I'm 39!Saturday- I woke up early, for a breakfast date, which I thought would be really fun. I got Nicolenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1153965367382378432006-07-26T20:32:00.000-05:002006-07-26T20:56:07.483-05:00the tribulations of my day...my grandpa took me to edward jones this morning to manage my investing. i learned that there is absolutely no way i can invest now, since my loans are so overwhelming. well, yes, i knew that, and it's not much fun to have someone give you a pity look. so i almost broke down in my broker's office and then lost it while driving my grandpa home. but i finally Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1153857925770405222006-07-25T14:49:00.000-05:002006-07-25T20:03:10.443-05:00The Middle EastEvery day, as I watch the continued destruction in Beirut, I keep wondering about the how hate like that can be sustained. I don't know as much as I should about the history of the conflict and the reasons that there is so much anger towards Israel, but I can't relate to ongoing hatred, passed on from parents to children without end. Last night, I watched a show about art historyNicolenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5593780.post-1153782244828834872006-07-24T17:39:00.000-05:002006-07-24T18:04:04.916-05:00Camp du NordI got back from family camp on Saturday and I'm already in camp withdrawl. I miss all the singing! It was just like regular camp, except I didn't have my own counselor because I'm an adult in their eyes. I was so jealous of the kids' activities...they got to play predator/prey and have pirate day. I did the adult activities, like basket weaving and canoe trips. My basket is cute,Nicolenoreply@blogger.com0