the MEEK life

Finally...sigh

2007-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

The purchase was made.

Done.
Finito. Acabado. 終了する. Beendet.

I signed onto the United Airlines Mileage Plus Mall (which, by the way is a fantastic way to earn miles), logged on to my mileage plus account, navigated to the Best Buy site and PURCHASED A NEW LAPTOP. Ahhh.

It's BEAUTIFUL!!...
Enhanced Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology with interrelated Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T5250, Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection, 2GB DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 4GB; 667MHz frontside bus, 2MB L2 cache and 1.5GHz processor speed SuperMulti DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media; also supports LightScribe direct-disc labels using compatible LightScribe media
...blah, blah, blah, technical jargon for FAST AND POWERFUL. It even has a cool design on its casing.

So, as soon as I figure out all its bells and whistles I'll be entering the blog-o-sphere more often.

Life takes hold...

2007-10-01T08:00:00.001-07:00

It's been a unique past few weeks.
Not extremely busy, not dull, overwhelming, or bad...just unique.

First, my grandma Bernice is in the hospital due to a rapid heartbeat. She fainted and when met with the doctor was immediately admitted to the ICU for monitoring. She's doing well, her spirits are high, color good, but if the medicine can't control the beats, she might need a pacemaker. When I spoke with her on the phone we laughed and questioned if two people with pacemakers could sleep in the same bed (Grandpa has one). We decided that we could always Lucy and Desi them by putting two twin beds in the room.
I've moved into the Wendorff's. A family of six, I've mentioned them before, have graciously welcomed me into their home for three months. Newlyweds, Becka and Joe, are subleasing my apartment. This way I save some rent...but am able to live by myself come January.
School is in full swing and again I am teaching six periods. I have three Accelerated (Honors) classes, two general 8th grade and, of course, the English Language Development program for one period. We are working on descriptive expository pieces, which I love.
My laptop required a $500 motherboard...which I thought was a mother load of money, so I opted to purchase a new laptop altogether. Thus my disconnection with the blog and email. Researching how many megabytes and memory I need takes time and energy.
My Independent Reading Project (IRP) was approved, meaning I get to continue researching and studying William Godwin, his novel Caleb Williams, his daughter, Mary Shelley and her novel, Frankenstein, and as many connections as I can find. The paper is due in April.

That's my life in a nutshell (help...I'm in a nutshell...). I should be purchasing a new laptop by the end of the week. Until then...

Ortiz Wedding

2007-09-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law (not Deborah, my brother's wife, but Deborah's sister, Rebecca) married Joe Ortiz on September 15 at The Beach Grill at Padero...yes, just hours after Katie and Matt wed. Taylor and I drove up to the Santa Barbara wedding in fairly light traffic and changed in the Montecito Coffee Bean to make the 5 o'clock ceremony.

After walking down the isle with his older brother and younger sister, Jackson sat with me. We took off his jacket, adjusted his bow tie, unpinned the boutonnière and discussed the meaning of a flower on a jacket, drew on a program, took apart the pen, and watched Aunt Becka and new-Uncle Joe get married.

Becka's wedding was lovely, their large bridal party stood in support of the couple as they said their vows and took communion...the Union Pacific train shuttled by, a surprise that will be a Ortiz wedding memory.

Ben DJ-ed the wedding from his iPod and it was fun to watch him and Parker sing to the tunes. It was great to spend time with friends and family...eat wonderful food and dance under the stars.

Ben as DJ

Parker with Jack Bob and Little Ben

Me, Dad and Mom (on the dance floor!!!)

Landers Wedding

2007-09-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

My roommate, Katie, of four and a half years, married Matt Landers on a beautiful Southern California morning. She always talked about an outdoor wedding and The Palos Verdes Country Club was the perfect setting. It was a sweet ceremony, with the groom shedding most of the tears as his fiance's father and mother walked her down the aisle. With a blue sky as the backdrop, they exchanged vows, took communion and were pronounced Man and Wife.

Becka's Bachlorette

2007-09-10T22:21:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we bachloretted in Palm Desert to celebrate Rebecca and her last weekend of being a Branch. Kat and Dee planned a great few days of relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, reading, napping, snacking, drinking and preparing Becka for marriage. Preparation meaning adding to her lingere collection, sharing 'stories' and promising to still listen when she becomes Mrs. Ortiz. Our house, which was decorated Bali style, had a cooling rock/saltwater pool, lounge chairs and plenty of conversation seating areas...oh yeah, and com-FOR-table sleeping for twelve.

Getting ready for the big Saturday night out was very reminiscent of college days, at least three girls in the bathroom lined in front of the mirror, singing to loud music, swaping make-up. We all bedazzled, YES bedazzled, pink tank-tops in honor of the night. We ladies in pink then headed downtown for dinner, with a sidetrip in a horse drawn carriage.

Joe and Becka marry next weekend in Santa Barbara.

'95 CIF Finals

2007-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Digging through a shoebox full of photos last night I came across two images that defined my junior year at Claremont High School. The 1994-95 season was a successful one for the Lady Wolfpack. As a high school soccer powerhouse, which began with my teammates' elder siblings a few years before, we continued the legacy. We were Claremont Tournament champions since its inauguration two years prior, four time Baseline League champions and in the CIF finals for Division I high school soccer.

:::

I remember clearly a few things of that night: the silence of the bus ride, listening to the pre-game mix on my Sony walkman which included Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" and mandatory Bob Marley, pulling on my socks in the locker room, hearing the starting line-up announced, running to the center of the field when my name and number was called, the 8-point shadow cast by the stadium lights, Jose's pep talk which said something along the lines of us having entered the year as girls, but through hard work we were emerging as women. Unfortunately, the pep talk didn't pep, we lost 2-0.

Three out of the four in our defensive line
#16-Katie, #9-Liz, #7-Me

After the game with our upside down 2nd place plaque. Everyone pictured went on to play college soccer, Katie (ULV), Liz (UCSD), Kelly (SDSU), Veronica (SFSU), Kylie (Santa Clara/Atlanta Beat), Me (SJSU). Not pictured, but apart of the team and junior class: Amy (CSUF), Jenny (ULV), Kathrine (SDSU).

TV or not TV...that is the question

2007-09-02T23:45:00.001-07:00

Please excuse the lack of photographs...my computer is still under the weather and I am using one from school to finalize beginning of the year Power Points (and blog). Lack of improvement is limited to the machine, I have been recovering well and am finally back in my apartment on Paseo de la Concha. The stitches are still in and my right is healing much slower than my left...but, all in all I'm doing fine.

Change has been the name of the game around here...Katie, my roommate of 4 1/2 years is getting married on 15 September and just moved out. So, I have the entire place (and rent) to myself. It is funny to think of what we get used to. She owned the microwave, Brita water filter, kitchen table, chairs and living room lights. All of which are pretty essential. Luckily, I have the living room furniture; oh yes, and *ahem* she also took the TV, VCR and DVD.

Let me restate: The entertainment wardrobe (unit) is still here, but the entertainment is GONE.

Quiet...stillness...turning of fan blades...
...this is what occupies my ears.

So far I've weeded through a shoe box of old photographs, cleaned out a section of my art/sewing closet, purchased items for the classroom, went dumpster diving (salvaged it from my apartment's recycle area) and retrieved a perfectly good halogen light for the living room, reorganized the kitchen cabinets, oh, and watched a few episodes of Arrested Development on TV Links (the greatest website where you can watch movies and tv episodes for free!).

I feel like this month will be one of accomplishment. Either that or one of great many purchases.

After thoughts...

2007-08-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Looking through pictures of my summer, there are some things I failed to mention or note.

::

The first is of the large oak tree outside my window. In an earlier post there is a picture of it through my window...but I enjoyed sitting under it and reading when the sun finally peaked through the clouds. I wonder...how many scholars sat under this tree? And, even more, I wonder...what thoughts emerged from beneath its leaves?

::

The second is a ghost tour of Oxford led by Father Augustine. He received an MA in Theology at St. Benet's Hall, took orders and now lives in a monastery in St. Louis and teaches at the parish school. Augustine and Lincoln's IT guy, Mike, co-authored a book about the supposed ghost stories in Oxford. Augustine led us through the historical streets while relaying gruesome information of deaths and hauntings.

::

The last thing I will mention is legendary on the streets of Oxford and I can't believe I didn't write about it sooner. The Kebab Vans. Mmmmmm, just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Around 8-9ish the Kebab Vans come out and park. You can order gyros, hamburgers, onion rings, kebabs...and my favorite, french fries topped with hummus. It is the PERFECT end to a night spent at the pubs.

Anatomy Lesson

2007-08-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

On Thursday morning Dad drove me to the Baldwin Park Kaiser where I was scheduled for a bilateral meniscectomy (not to be confused with mastectomy). I checked in, met with multiple medical personnel who made SURE I wasn't allergic to anything and that it was, in fact, a bilateral procedure. An IV was started and "happy juice" (as the semi-annoying-yet-jovial anesthesiologist called it) was pumped into my body. It was indeed *ahem* HAPPY JUICE.

The deal was that if my right (and more painful) knee needed repairing, a.k.a. stitching, then only the right would be worked on due to the long 2-3 month recovery. But, if my right meniscus could be trimmed, a much less invasive process that doesn't require internal stitching, then the doctor would move on to the left leg.

I would only find out if one or both were done in the recovery room. The hardest thing for me coming out of anesthesia has always been opening my eyes. I can hear what others say and feel the pain of my knee(s)...but the physical act of lifting my eyelids is pretty impossible. So, with my eyes closed I felt my legs and found that they were both wrapped. Dad informed me that my right knee needed trimming of the medial and lateral meniscus along with the removal of debris that formed and scar tissue that developed. My left just required trimming of the medial meniscus.

I am recovering at my parent's and will be for the next few days. I'm hooked up to two ice machines with a ready supply of happy medicine, water and soda crackers.

The Up Side

2007-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Family: Mom and Dad treated the kids to Diana Krall at the Hollywood Bowl. I hadn't seen Dad since March - he returned from Brazil only a few days after I left for England. It was a nice reunion...picnic dinner and great music.

The Down Side

2007-08-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

The romance of Europe was quickly replaced by reality...I returned only to enjoy a car that wouldn't start, a computer that wouldn't turn on, a classroom in complete disarray and a surgery date.

Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start)...
1. The Car: Apparently my trusty Accord didn't start for Parker or Katie while I was gone, so it enjoyed the cool parking spot for two months. I think it knew that starting meant sitting in the hot California sun and flat out refused to move. After receiving a jump (actually TWO) from Amy, I made it to the mechanic's who informed me I had a faulty battery wire and replaced it for FREE on warranty. Finally, a warranty pulled through.

2. The Computer: It worked...it worked hard...it worked well for two whole months and two new countries. Then, on the plane ride home it just didn't start. I'm waiting for a new AC adapter (although I highly doubt that will fix it).

3. The Classroom: Ahhh. Now, this is more of a challenge. I could deal with walking around the Hollywood Riviera or bumming a ride off a friend, I could even deal with no internet for a bit...but they who shall not be named...THEY who thankfully cleaned the classroom carpets felt the need to move everything in the room, disconnect every cable and cord from anything and pile it up in the middle of the room. Boo.

4. The K-nees: Yep. No one is surprised, and if you are, you shouldn't be. Thursday morning I head in for bilateral knee surgery. This means that both knees are getting scoped. Hopefully, they'll find nothing more than irritating scar tissue and small meniscus tears which are easy to remedy. Remember my unfortunate soccer injury in the spring? Well, it worsened while walking over Oxford cobblestones and climbing French stairs. So, I'll hopefully be in and out...I'll keep you posted.

:: :: :: ::

Now...this is only the down side of my return. The wonderful reuniting with family and friends deserves a separate post...of which I will do soon. :)

Flash of France

2007-08-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Friends. Fun. Fleurs. Fromage. Fotos. France.

Wine. Champaign. Round-abouts. Crepes. Kilometers.

Shana and I Found our way through France...beginning in London we enjoyed Wagamama and PingPong restaurants, Favorites we both Found during our previous stays. From there we took the Chunnel to Paris, rented a Citroen (a mere bump of a car) and drove to Le Fleuray, a hotel owned by the Newington Family who are British ex-patriots. We toured the Loire Valley as well as its towns of Tours and Amboise, where we enjoyed the Chateau d'Amboise Royal, a Fifteenth century medieval Fortress and royal residence of King Charles VIII. Leonardo da Vinci stayed and studied there and his tomb is placed in the chapel.

From Le Fleuray we drove to Etoges in the Champaign Region. Our residence for two nights was at the Chateau d'Etoges, built in the seventeenth century. Dining was quite the experience as it was six courses, beginning with a lobster bisque served in a shot glass. We had quite the moment of trying to Figure out how best to eat it...or drink it??? My Favorite course was the cheese. Our days consisted of tasting champaign at Moet & Chandon, home of Don Perignon, in Epernay and viewing the other champagneries of the town and those of Reimes. We learned that the vineyards grow in chalky soil that does not require extra watering. Tunnels are carved into the ground and create a natural atmosphere perfect for aging the champaign.

From there we spent two days in Paris, eating crepes and enjoying the beautiful blue sky.

I was constantly surprised that the landscape was more corn Fields than grape vines. It Felt like driving through Indiana or Georgia with its greenery and agriculture. The wildflowers in bloom were beautiful...although, I got a sting of nettle while taking this shot.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Shana and in France, we tried to represent America well by blending in and trying our French (although we both would do better with Spanish).

Oxford...check

2007-08-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

Me with graduating seniors Tara and Jason.

Graduation was a beautiful event. The smallest I have ever attended, with only 17 graduating seniors, it was wonderfully pleasant. The chapel provided architecture and art to keep your eyes occupied, although the speeches were extremely engaging. However, with commencement (which ironically means 'to start something') comes good-byes and I had to bid farewell to many new friends.

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With classes and Bread Loaf Oxford sadly completed, Bea I headed to London via the Oxford Tube...a relaxing bus ride with views of the countryside. We then parted ways and I headed to Tom and Carolyn's (who I began my England trip with...refer to earlier posts). We all had busy weeks and decided to eat Sunday dinner at one of Tom's restaurants, Ruby Grand, a delicious end of the weekend English tradition of roast, potatoes, veggies and Yorkshire pudding, then relaxed with hot chocolate and a movie.

I am now checked into The Mayflower Hotel and waiting for Shana to arrive this afternoon. We'll spend two days in London before heading to France to explore the Loire Valley and Champaign Region.

Ironically, The Mayflower is only blocks away from the hotel (hostel?) Matt, Andrea, Brent, Salvatrice and I stayed in last summer. Blocks away...yet much more comfortable. At least Shana and I will enjoy an in room fan, working outlets and the safety of keeping our door shut and locked.

Deep Hall

2007-08-04T04:59:00.001-07:00

Once a week the college pub, Deep Hall, hosts a time for students to share their talents. Most read a creative piece they've written...but Matt and I sang. That's right Mom...I did it willingly. Since the Lincoln/Oxford madrigals never materialized, Matt a fellow Bread Loaf student (who sang for St. Olaf) asked if I wanted to sing a duet with him in Deep Hall. Three weeks ago I agreed and the day before our 'performance' we practiced. Earlier we decided on Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecelia", after realizing our voices blended well together, he asked if I knew "In the Sweet By and By", a gospel song he'd sung before. I didn't...but scribbled down the words. Of the two we sang, the later sounded pretty good and received the most compliments. We were asked to sing at graduation, but Matt and his wife left early and there was NO WAY I was singing alone.

Tuan read parts of his travel journal that he began while teaching in Switzerland.

Maura, one of my French Revolution classmates, read an excerpt from her novel.

Augustan, our resident Benedictine monk, enjoys the performances.

Mee and the Lincoln Library

2007-08-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

Jon Mee is a great professor.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring British Romanticism in light of the French Revolution with him. As you can see, the white board is one of his favorite teaching tools. Most of the time we don't quite understand the arbitrary arrow or circle he draws, but copiously copy it down in our notebooks. For our last class we students decided to celebrate with French wine and cheese, it made the discussion of Frankenstein quite interesting.

My final paper titled, Animation of the People, the Individual and the Inanimate: Britain during the French Revolution and through the eyes of Burke, Godwin and M. Shelley, was painstakingly written in the Lincoln Library. As I shared before, it is a converted church, so the interior is beautifully decorated. I have to admit that the waft of books I smell upon entering is something I will miss.

Thank you to the Meek and Welch families that cheered me on during the last night of paper writing with Skype video phone calls every hour. They were wine tasting in Newport Beach while I wrote and checked in on my progress (until I submitted it at 4am Oxford time).

During my last tutorial with Jon we went over my paper and classwork as a whole...he had good things to say about my ideas and style of writing. When I asked for his recommendation, he enthusiastically agreed. So, this summer was very academically successful!

2007-07-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

It was Grandfather's and when Father gave it to me he said, Quentin, I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire . . . . I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it.

- Quentin Compson, in William Faulkner,
The Sound and the Fury

29 and counting

2007-07-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Being 'in school' for my birthday was a different experience. Growing up I'd plan and produce parties for my friends born September through June...then, come summer, I'd have a quiet family get-together. Don't get me wrong...those birthdays were special and full of balloon-popping fun, but, this year was different.

I wanted an intimate dinner with close Bread Loaf friends - so Martha, Tara (both of whom will be graduating this year), Bea, Nichole and I dined at Brasserie Blanc, a fantastic French restaurant in trendy Jericho. We feasted on summer soups, risotto, aubergine and smoked salmon while enjoying Martha's superb selections of French wines.

Then, we met others from the program at The Duke of Cambridge, an upscale cocktail bar. I was treated to raspberry martinis and Ginger Collins...mmm. I was overwhelmed by the number of people that came out...what a treat.

From there we ended the night at Jude the Obscure, a nearby pub.

It was a great night with new friends.
-but-
I can't wait to return home and celebrate again with friends and family.

The Procrastinator

2007-07-29T03:52:00.001-07:00

It was time.

Procrastination was the name of the game...and wine.

I purchased the bottle the first week in Oxford, simply for the name. Thursday at 5:30pm the Procrastinator was uncorked and enjoyed. We needed a distraction...an excuse to put off the inevitable of forming words into sentences, strategically placing the sentences in paragraphs and continuing to do so until the page limit was hit and all made sense.

I'll buy another bottle...sooner or later.

Monday::Tuesday

2007-07-25T04:46:00.001-07:00

Monday night was our last High Table before graduation. The flourless chocolate cake was TO DIE FOR...seriously. During dinner Nichole and I found our shared passion for musicals and performed a stirring abridged rendition of Oklahoma. Bea has not seen it and, thanks to us, claims she never will. In fact, Nichole played "Dream Laurie" in a production...remember, the horribly modern (sorry Nic) 20 minute ballet in the middle...I always fast forward through that part.

After dinner we headed down to Deep Hall for drinks, darts and foosball. Oh yes, and a game of "I've never".

Never play.

Mike playing darts

Nichole and I post-performance

Tuan, Kara, Mike, me, Mike

Tuesday (I am leaving out a tour of Lincoln's wine cellar, but will honor it with its own entry) we went to the Sheldonian Theatre to hear Mozart's Requiem and Vivaldi's Gloria performed. The Sheldonian was built in 1664-68 and designed by Christopher Wren, who also designed much of London's famous buildings after The Great Fire. A 22 piece orchestra and 8 voices performed the works beautifully. I remembered the Gloria alto part from years ago...do you Mom?

The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain...

2007-07-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

...but the rain in OXFORD makes the river FLOOD.

Thank you for the many emails concerned about my floating away.

The flooding is the worst this country has seen in 60 years so it is quite the topic of discussion. People are wearing their wellies at all times, but I remain in my flipflops.

Those of us in Lincoln College are, for the most part, unaffected. No sandbags line our entryways unlike the houses a few blocks away. We are not out of the clear yet...the next few days are crucial as the River Thames is supposed to reach its peak mid-week.

Hello Harry

2007-07-22T05:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, this Muggle purchased THE book.
:::
In fact, thanks to a certain student, I pre-ordered the book. I, however, did not venture out at midnight for the Muggle/Wizard celebration of J.K. Rowling's seventh, and last, book of the acclaimed Harry Potter series.
:::
Since Oxford is the model for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which Harry attends, it was a BIG to-do. Parents brought their academic gowned children to local bookstores for the unveiling of Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows. Careful if you click on the link, plot events might be revealed that you are not yet ready for...
:::
In fact, many of my esteemed, (seemingly) intelligent, Chaucer translating - Shakespeare analyzing - literature snob colleagues attended the celebration only to lock themselves in a room and read the ENTIRE novel. I was told they disconnected themselves from the outside world so Harry's final adventures were not spoiled.
:::
Oh, brother.

- a rainy night out -

2007-07-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Nichole is in the Chaucer class with Professor Nicholas Perkins of St. Hugh's College. He is apart of the Cambridge Taverner Choir which gave a concert tonight in Oxford. The choir specializes in the performance of sacred polyphony in illuminating thematic, liturgical and physical contexts, aiming to recreate the European Renaissance, and especially the Tudor age in England and the Iberian ‘Golden Age’. The choir also performs baroque and contemporary works. So, tonight, a few of us sloshed over to the Chapel at Queen's College to enjoy the music.

I was trying to get away for the weekend, but the weather has literally locked us in the city. In BBC Oxford's article, 'River Surge May Cause More Floods',the outlook for a trip away next weekend isn't too promising. According to the Environmental Agency "the problem now is the Thames is beginning to rise with rain coming down from the Cotswolds, over two months' rain in one day". I wonder how well Britain's equivalence of FEMA will do?

*Nick Noble Photo

Worthy Wordsworthian Wordsmith

2007-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Every weekday The Paniculum is posted and printed. It is the school newspaper which offers the upcoming schedule of optional and obligatory events, friendly reminders and other information, pertinent or not.

Printed in today's Paniculum is the following announcement. Read and analyze with me:

This week’s speaker and high table guest of honor is Dr. Stephen Gill, Professor of English and Fellow of Lincoln College. Stephen, who is one of the world’s leading experts on Wordsworth and English Romanticism, will deliver a lecture entitled ‘Westminster Bridge and Beyond’. A small investment of time in the following 14 lines will help set the scene:

Composed Upon Westminster Bridge

Sept. 2, 1802

Earth has not any thing to shew more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth like a garment wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendor valley, rock, or hill;
Ne’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!

(William Wordsworth)

Dad: I will be looking for your thoughts in the form of a simple, two page analysis submitted by 9am PST Wednesday. Looking forward to reading it.

a full week and it's only Thursday

2007-07-12T01:25:00.000-07:00

*
Monday: Johanna hosted a Stitch-n-Bitch in her rather large room. She is crocheting squares to quilt together...because we usually see her working on a square (which look like pot holders...she assures us they are NOT) many have asked to join in her fun, or learn how. People brought their projects and/or a bottle of wine Monday night and we fellowshipped while k-nitting, crocheting, or sitting and admiring others' work. I personally began a few rows of yarn work (what I remembered from Kat's lessons) only to pull them out. I made one scarf two winters ago and that was enough.

Tuesday: Lincoln College's pub, Deep Hall, is many things: a gathering place, conversation space, drinking well, a studious quell...(go with me, it rhymes). Deep Hall Readings are held weekly, anyone can participate with any talent. Typically, individuals read something they wrote. This week we were entertained by a wide range of works.

Wednesday: High Table with the cast and crew of Brideshead Revisited was quite an experience. Having "won" a spot at the High Table due to a witty smattering of words, I sat across from the director, Julian Jerrold. He is a most unpretentious man, kind, interested in others around him, receptive of our questions and thoughts...truly delightful. He was recently in New York for the premier of Becoming Jane, the pre-fame life of Jane Austen, as you can imagine, this excited me greatly and we had much to discuss on the topic.

*Note: The crocheted flower is Johanna's handiwork, not mine. Thank you to the few that thought I was gifted enough to do it. Your confidence is duly noted.*

With or without me...

2007-07-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Pence family gathered at Lake Arrowhead for a time of fellowship, food and fun...but, they were short some change(get it?).

Ahh well, the jokes here are dry.

Bryan and I couldn't make the gathering.

The origional Pence family:
G&P
Uncle Jeff
Mom, Auntie Kim & Aunt Dena

From the looks of things, everyone had a jolly good time.

Dee, Parker and Ben take Courtney for a ride on the paddle boat. Dad is makeing sure she doesn't fall off???

"Brideshead Revisited" revisited

2007-07-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

'Brideshead Revisited, The Sacred & Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder is a novel by the English writer, Evelyn Waugh, first published in 1945. Waugh wrote that the novel, "deals with what is theologically termed, 'the operation of Grace', that is to say, the unmerited and unilateral act of love by which God continually calls souls to Himself". This is achieved by an examination of the aristocratic Flyte family, as seen by the narrator, Charles Ryder' (Wikipedia).
:::
Brideshead Revisited was brought to the screen in 1981, but is now in production here at Lincoln College for the remake, this time focusing on the relationship between Charles and Julia.
:::
The film crew is under strict guidelines not to bother the academic function of the college...they are only given access to few rooms and entrances. This Wednesday we will have an extra High Table in which the guests of honour will be Julian Jerrold (Director), Kevin Loader (Producer), and Jeremy Brock (Screenwriter) as well as leading actors Ben Wishaw (Sebastian) and Matthew Goode (Charles). After dinner there will be, in the Oakeshott Room, a q&a with these guests, chaired by Waugh expert Dr Patrick Flanery (Sheffield). Emma Thompson is cast as Julia, but, unfortunately, she isn't in any of the Oxford scenes.
:::
The scenes including Charles and Lord Sebastian Flyte's college living areas will be filmed at Lincoln. With many Waugh fans and theatre students this "interruption" is quite the topic of discussion.

Sunny Saturday

2007-07-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

With the weather being fickle I needed some colour in my room. I went to the Covered Market and bought some English peonies. They are cheery, in a sweet, British sort of way.

::

The director of the programme, Peter McCullough, a former UCLA grad, is currently a fellow at Lincoln College. He frequently emails helpful Oxford and England tips...here is his English Weather Dictionary

‘forecast’ -- there is no such thing here as a ‘weather report’
‘sunshine and showers’ -- like today (and yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that, and . . . ). This is always said with optimism. It is not a bad forecast. It captures that quintessential British ability to make the best of a bad situation.
‘showers’ -- these are very different from ‘rain’ (the latter being continuous for more than a 30 minute period). Hence, ‘showers’ can be: ‘sharp’ ‘thundery’ (isn’t that sweet? I love British understatement)
‘broken’ (i.e., more or less continuous, but not quite)
‘bands of’ (organized version of ‘broken’)
‘frequent’ ‘occasional’ ‘fading’ ‘squally’ (another adorable diminutive; hides the fact that these are nasty – heavy rain with high winds)
‘fast-moving’ (less poetic version of ‘squally’)
‘slow-moving’ (this is bad – on a day of ‘sunshine and showers’ you want it to rain only very quickly on your picnic / garden party / walk to the library)
BUT ‘torrential’ is never used to modify ‘showers’; ‘torrential’ for some reason can only modify ‘rain’.

::

Thankfully, the weather is BEAUTIFUL today.

The sunshine makes the grass look greener somehow. This is the Front Quad, what visitors see from the gates of the Porter's Lodge. The college is only open to visitors during short hours each day. It is always funny to see people taking pictures of your study environment.

Independence

2007-07-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy July Fourth!!!

-or-
as they say here in England... (nothing)

Yes. July 4th away from America is extremely anti-climactic. So much so that we here at Lincoln College celebrated our independence on July 6. Hmmm. Yes, we had a barbecue: bbq chicken, ribs, coleslaw, watermelon. The chef really did his homework. Except for dessert, we ate strawberries and cream, which is traditionally British.

The real treat was being able to sit on the lawn, which is typically reserved for, you guessed it, croquet. The Grove Quad lawn is the only lawn we are allowed to even THINK about crossing. The Front and Chapel Quad lawns possess strict guidelines. You either have to be a fellow of the college (aka teacher, and only on special occasions), the groundskeeper or the Queen (and I don't mean Helen Mirren). Take your pick.

Last night was a bonding night between Bea (short for Beatriz, pronounced Bey-yah), Nicole and I. Bea is from Venezuela, studied in the US, works in her family business (she claims she is the family mascot), studies English Lit because it is her true love and has a fab-U-lous Spanish accent. Nicole (middle) is originally from Nebraska, but spent the last few years in Hawaii. She is not only pursuing an MA in English, but an MFA in Choreography in London as well. Pretty cool.

Last, but not least...2 nights ago my colleague from Ridgecrest, Erin Kochakji, along with her husband Kevin and their two friends, Jeff and Katie visited. They began their United Kingdom excursion in Oxford because they studied at Queen's College while at LMU. We had a nice chat and pint at Turf Tavern.

Join Me (Mee and Meek)

2007-07-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

7945 British Romantic Literature and the French Revolution
Professor Jon Mee, B.A., University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Ph.D., University of Cambridge. Margaret Candfield Fellow in English, University College; Professor of the Literature of the Romantic Period, University of Oxford.

"All circumstances taken together, the French Revolution is the most astonishing that has hitherto happened in the world, " wrote Edmund Burke in 1790. Looking back a decade later, the poet William Wordsworth remembered that "Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, But to be young was very heaven." Writers responded vigorously to the French Revolution and felt its reverberations well into what we think of as the romantic period, shaping key ideas about culture and society that are still with us today. Topics examined in the classes will include Burke, Paine, and the Revolution controversy; Godwin and the political novel; Wollstonecraft and women's writing; and "reactionary romanticism." Teaching will take place both in a college environment and in the seminar room of the Bodleian Library, where contemporary editions of key texts (both literary and ephemeral) will be examined by the class. A reading pack of supporting materials will be available in Oxford.

Texts:
Burke, Paine, Godwin and the Revolutionary Controversy, ed. Marilyn Butler
Caleb Williams, William Godwin
Desmond, Charlotte Smith
"Kubla Khan", "Frost at Midnight", "This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison", Coleridge
The Monk, Matthew Lewis
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

I have officially completed my required reading (enter angelic choir and radiant light) and am now onto criticism and further works by the authors. My first paper is due Wednesday morning, 24 hours before my tutorial, in which we will go over my "ideas". I faired well in the first session, actually speaking the most of the three students; providing analysis, volunteering my thoughts, etc. It might be because the doctoral students are French and not quite confident with their English??? Ah well...

The weather has warmed up a few degrees, my thermometer now reads 64, that's indoors. But, I have two windows open and am writing to the rustling of the oak leaves.

Enjoy the view from my window. The building directly behind the tree is Brasenose College.

Lincoln Life...an introduction

2007-06-28T11:56:00.000-07:00

Lincoln College was founded by Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, in 1427, and is one of the oldest foundations of the University. As all colleges do, Lincoln includes a chapel, dining hall, pub, resident rooms, lecture rooms, library, etc.

My adequate quarters (above) are located in the Grove Quadrangle, staircase 13. My windows open to the quad, but since it has been soooo cold I'll tell ya what that's like later. I have easy access to the college's library, which is an 18th century converted church (pictured right). Its collection is quite good and seeks to provide access to most of the main texts for its students. However, I do frequent the Bodleian (remember it is only the 2nd day of term and I am already a regular). Yesterday we took "the oath", a declaration that every reader is required to repeat aloud in order to gain access.

I am taking 'British Romantic Literature and the French Revolution" with Professor Jon Mee (not Meek). He is a Fellow at University College and actually cited in one of our required texts, which is kind of cool. Lincoln's Fellows include many leading international researchers, following in a tradition that recalls Florey, of penicillin fame, Sidgwick the chemist, and Ashmole, the world-famous archaeologist. Jon, as we've been invited to call him, seems quite jovial and I am looking forward to studying under him. There are only three of us in the course, the other two girls are writing their doctoral thesis on topics of that era. Yikes.

Lincoln's Hall is similar to Hogwart's Great Hall, but smaller. It has an impressive history itself, with floorboards laid in the 16th century. The chef, Jim Murden, recently won an award and is renowned in and outside of Oxford for his cuisine. Only tonight we dined on tomato bisque, pork, potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake (Parker, I only had two bites, really!).

High Table is a formal dinner when tutors, leaders of the college and their guests sit at the front, raised, table. Our first formal meal took place on Tuesday evening with the Acting Rector, Professor Peter Atkins, giving the welcoming speech. He has written various books, including chemistry and general science textbooks, which most universities use. Unfortunately, I am unable to recall any chemical equations let alone the author of my textbook, which I immediately sold back after exams. (Kat, notice the homage to CAbi in my dining attire and coat hanging in my room.)

I've met welcoming, helpful, kind and intelligent individuals. I spend a lot of time with Bea (pronounced Bay-ya), who is a third year student from Venezuela. She lives on the same staircase, just two floors above. I will include pictures of her soon.

I hopes this helps introduce you to my life here at Hogwarts...I mean Lincoln.
It is still a bit surreal, but wonderful.

Chilly Oxford

2007-06-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Current Nearest Observations:
cloudy 53°F
W (10 mph)

Ummmm...IT'S COLD HERE!

Obviously England's last summer was a phenomenon because when I first arrived at Exeter I had to purchase a fan and shelve my jackets and umbrella.

This year I packed smart...one pair of jeans, one pair of khakis, two cardigans...the rest skirts and warm weather tops.

Brrr...luckily I also packed a fleece to wear post work-outs (yes, that is part of my PLAN while here) but it quickly became part of my bedtime wardrobe. They say it is supposed to warm up.

In other news: I'm settled in to my small room at Lincoln College. It has an en suite bathroom (thank goodness) and in-room internet (seriously, thank goodness). We have registration/information all day today, Bodleian orientation and oath taking, ending with the faculty reception and high table.

I'll catch ya up on more later...along with pictures of my digs. :)

p.s. For those that emailed: I ended up purchasing a plane ticket and my bag that was checked through Chicago arrived at Heathrow, in tact, before I did. It worked swimmingly!

"That will bring us back to doe"

2007-06-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

Anyone? (Mom, Kat, Catherine, KatieKate???) (No, not all of my friends have the same name)
:::
Feel like sewing an outfit or seven for Austrian children?
:::

Happy Birthday Carolyn!

2007-06-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

Last summer I met Carolyn and her boyfriend, Tom. You see, I teach with her cousin, Jason. When he found out I was traveling to London, he contacted her...I stayed at her flat...the rest is history.

This year she turned 30. Tom owns quite a few fabulous restaurants/pubs throughout London and hosted a birthday dinner followed by cocktails at the newest one, Ruby Idlewild, in Miada Vale.

I met many of their friends who are wonderful, especially Tom's twin sister (pictured left with Tom) and her husband. After the party, the five of us ventured to another of Tom's venues...this one with a "livelier" night life and danced the night away.

During all the clicking of poparazzi cameras my earring became caught in Carolyn's hair. Not a terribly noteworthy moment...but I thought it was too funny not to post. :)

The Sloane Club, Chelsea, London

2007-06-23T01:51:00.000-07:00

I am staying at The Sloane Club located on Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea. It is a private club and thanks to sponsorship from one of its members, I am allowed to stay. My quaint room overlooks the center courtyard, of which I have not yet visited, the weather has been too dreary to sit. As a renovated Victorian development, the ground floor is a series of drawing rooms. There are many clusters of seating areas of which to visit, look over your choice of newspaper or dine. During breakfast, the coffee and end tables are draped with linens and set with china. It makes for a lovely and relaxing morning. Earlier I enjoyed French pressed coffee, toast and fruit while reading my last required novel.

Destination London: Take One

2007-06-22T15:07:00.001-07:00

I don't know exactly where to begin.

My friend Alison is a pilot for United Airlines and I was planning to use her Companion pass to fly to London and back. She diligently checked the passanger loads and cautiously pointed out the least full flights. As I would be a stand by passenger; the last to board, if and only if there is a seat available.

So, I geared up...packed well...called a shuttle service and headed to the airport bright and early Wednesday morning. I arrived at 3:50am for a 6:00 flight. Checked in...checked my bag and hoped to get on the Chicago flight to connect to London.

6:00am: OVERBOOKED
7:55am: OVERBOOKED
9:00am: OVERBOOKED
**United computer system shut down for 10 minutes**
10:00am: OVERBOOKED WITH MANY, MANY PASSANGERS

I contacted Alison to ask her advice. While standing in the Customer Service line for 2 1/2 hours she advised me to book a flight through Expedia...so I would have a ticket. I did. Once at the counter, the customer serice agent said there was no way I was getting out of LA for the next few days on a stand by ticket.
Oh yeah... and my luggage was in Chicago.

I went home...and slept. (Hence the tired eyes)

Upon waking I watered my plants, poured myself a glass of white wine and sat in the garden. My view of palm trees was quite relaxing. I then realized that everything was okay. Nothing was lost, no crucial event missed.

I walked down the street to the beach to watch the sun set and the lyrics of the Rolling Stones "You Can't Always Get What You Want" sang in my head.

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

Yes, I just needed one more night in Redondo...one more Pacific sunset...one more glass of California white.

Monday Night Soccer

2007-06-22T15:00:00.001-07:00

Brent, Will, Paul, Jill and I decided it was high time we started a Ridgecrest soccer team. So, we signed up through South Bay Sports to play on a 7 v 7 co-ed team. Every Monday night for the past month and a half we have strapped on shin guards, laced up cleats and reactivated our soccer skills. We teamed up with other players, of which we were not acquainted. In the first game I scored a goal, left footed AND tore my medial meniscus. I finally got of the DL to play in the third game, despite my mother's wishes.

Now...I'm not claiming were the best in the league, or even mediocre. But, we have a lot of fun doing it.

(No, this is not an actual shot of Brent scoring...although it is a close representation)

Summer in Redondo Beach

2007-06-18T16:57:00.001-07:00

Summer in Redondo Beach is not one I have completely experienced. North Carolina, Asia and Europe have filled my past three summers. Once again I am preparing to journey to England. I'm busy tying up loose ends and purchasing all the nick-nacks we think we need when traveling.

Parker will stay at my apartment for a month, experience the South Bay summer and tell me how it is...???

My patio garden, recently revived (just a bit of water...who knew???), is affectionately known as Le Jardin. I've added a strand of white lights under which I enjoy reading English literature in the cool night air. Great-grandma's hurricane lantern helps to illuminate the pages as well.

I look forward to returning to end of summer weather and flowers.

Class of 2007

2007-06-18T16:40:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...8th grade graduation. Yes, quite the ceremony in the illustrious Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. Teachers presented female students with a wrist corsage and male students with a boutonnière. The students donned their best and walked across the stage to collect their accolades of finishing eight years of education. Out of my four years of teaching, this is the class I will miss the most.

Yes, they were challenging.

Yes, they were frustrating.

But, yes, they made me laugh and kept me on my toes.

(left) Typical teachers at Ridgecrest. (right) Ryan Low and I, the student who received the Language Arts Honor Award.

One reason I teach 8th grade...

2007-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

...besides the fact that tomorrow is my last day of work until late August.

The Ridgecrest Intermediate School Talent Show.

Yes, we host our own. How could we not with such talented individuals? My favorite was the student who corrected the Rubix Cube in under 3 minutes and received a standing ovation.

Only at RIS.

June Gloom

2007-06-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's June in California.

For those east of us, an image of sunshine, bronzing bodies, surf and sand come to mind.

However: The sun-seeking know to avoid southern California beaches in the late spring. A period known to the locals as May Gray and/or June Gloom often darkens the coastal skies of sunny southern California with a layer of marine stratus. During this time, the coastal clouds may remain all day but often give way to some hazy afternoon sunshine. The number of days during this two month period that are gloomy vary from year to year. Cooler ocean temperatures (La Nina conditions) usually foretell a gloomier period.

The Climate Research Division at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is currently in the throws of a May Gray / June Gloom contest. Employees are invited to forecast the number of days from May 1 to June 30 that will be gloomy.

I'm guessing 45 days.

It's misting here on the hill, water droplets are falling from the trees... I'm dressed in jeans, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes...brrrr.

Did I mention I am a fellow?

2007-06-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a fellow...a UCLA Writing Project fellow that is.

Last month I finished a year long program where teachers share their expertise, work on their own writing and discuss current research and issues in the teaching of writing.

It was a great experience that allowed me to rediscover my passion for creative writing. I worked with knowledgeable professionals and connected with wonderful people.

My writing group, Todd, Kimberly, myself and Kathryn, was quite the posse. We filled our time with witty banter and musical interludes. Our team t-shirts were never made, but, we know who we are and what we can accomplish!

Shake, shake

2007-05-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Today, Memorial Day 2007, I purchased a martini shaker, glasses and ingredients. Kat hosted her usual holiday get-together, so I thought I'd try to spice up the drink selection by making a cosmopolitan for those brave enough to try it.

They turned out quite tasty.

Wine and Cheese

2007-05-26T10:16:00.001-07:00

For Parker's 24th birthday we celebrated with a casual wine tasting. 4 different bottles of Pinot Noir were sloshed around in the mouth, inhaled through the nose and glared at with the eyes.

Though we are amateurs, we are aficionatos.

That alone qualified our pallets. Aroma descriptions ranging from turpentine to "some kind of berry" assisted in the selection of the victorious vintage...

Mission Point's 2004 Pinot Noir
...voted the favorite by 6 of the 10 participants.

Winery's description: This is a tight, firm, concentrated Pinot, with chewy tannins but also a rich, detailed array of ripe plum, blueberry and blackberry. There's a minerally pebble edge under the fruit and a finish that has firm tannins and a hint of cedar and citrus. Ready to drink now, but can benefit from cellaring through 2009 or so.
(Exactly what we said)

Ben and Deborah brought the winning bottle and left with their wine selecting abilities in tact.

I've Been Busy...

2007-05-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Truly, really, seriously, I've been busy

...state testing a bunch of not-in-the-test-mood 8th graders, explaining "A Midsummer Night's Dream" five times a day, reading novels for this summer - but researching the time period first in order to understand, playing with George kids, visiting with my dad on a week's hiatus from Brazil, napping and trying to fit my face into pictures (with Kat and Austen)...

I'm back.

Celebration!

2007-04-17T22:22:00.000-07:00

With Mom and Dad in Brazil, the Branch/George clan hosted the Meek kids for Easter. Big Ben and Parker got to play Easter Bunny and hide all the eggs for Little Ben, Jackson and Austen. (Although, the big boys had to help the little boys with the high ones.)

Easter Preparations

2007-04-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

The annual Easter Dye, hosted by the George family, commenced the day before Easter Sunday. Kids colored and dyed hard boiled eggs, as did the adults, all hoping to win the coveted prize. The Linds, Georges, Meeks, Stephen, Taylor, Jonathan, Kristy, Ginger and I ate yummy burritos while Mrs. Branch judged the pieces of art.

Deborah entered Austen as her egg...

The boys passed the time by blowing balloons and shooting toy guns...go figure.

You Know You're Famous When...

2007-04-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

You know you're famous when...

...your name, height and jersey size appears on a NikePro chart in a sportswear store.

Dang Kylie...you're famous.

Trials of an English Language Learner...

2007-03-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Different languages have different sounds and different pronuciations caused by different formations of the mouth. For those who have learned, or are learning, a new language will understand how hard it can be to recreate certain sounds.

Native speakers of Asian languages have difficulty producing the 'r' and 'l' sounds. A student once asked me for a 'luler'. It took me a while and her many hand gestures to understand that she meant 'ruler'.

RECENT TRIAL:
Mari Kuroda was working with a student on the topic of American government for a Social Studies class.

Student: "You have to do erection to become the president. The president will do erection to other man who want to be president. Erection is always only November. There is erection only one time of 4 years. For become president, he had to do good erection, like erection in city, erection in state and erection in America. If he do erection well, he will do president. After he is president, no more erection."

Mari: "Do you have to present this in front of the class?"

As you can see, being an English Language Learner poses many challenges. I'm sure you will forgive my lack of illustration with this post.

Happy ** Birthday Mom!

2007-03-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ben, Deborah, Parker and I took Mom out for a night on the town. After a wonderful Italian meal we returned home to a warm house and the puppy dogs. Papa and Grammy brought over chocolate German cake, ice cream and milk. Deborah scooped the ice cream and found that Papa put extra nuts in the carton, then placed it back in the freezer. Dee asked "what kind is this? Rocky nut nut?"

Game #1

2007-03-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

We came out in droves...not for David Beckham, Kobe Bryant or even Ben Meek. No, this crowd showed up for Ben George, #1 on the Hawthorne Angels T-Ball team.

Under the sweltering sun, fans sat and cheered on the 4-5 year old athletes. Many in attendance donned Angel paraphanalia, including Ben's brother Jackson, who was more interested in sunscreen than in the game.

Each inning everyone batted and onlookers watched as the bobble-head kids ran to where they thought the bases were. The parent-coaches had quite the job cut out for them. A team of three kept track of batting orders (although they went by jersey number), kids on base and reminded where to throw the ball they questionably fielded.

All-in-all it was quite the experience...for each of us. Mommy Kathryn had a hard time not shading Ben with the umbrella while waiting to bat, "but he's so hot, look at his red cheeks." We held her back and allowed Ben to experience the glory of sports in the LA heat. Daddy Chad kept the video camera on, waiting for his pint-sized son to hit in the game winning run, mind you...no one is supposed to keep score. (Please note Chad in the background of Ben batting...he's the one in the orange.)

After the game Ben proudly showed off his treats, saying, "I earned this." Yes Ben, you did.

Future Planning...

2007-03-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

:: :: ::

click on the links for more information...
Yesterday I received word of acceptance to The Bread Loaf School of English Middlebury College's graduate school to read for a Master of English. The great thing is that it is in collaboration with Lincoln College, University of Oxford. So...I have the opportunity to be back at Oxford, directly across from Exeter College, where I studied last summer.

:: :: ::

The program takes place during the summer, with the opportunity to read for an independent class during the year. At both University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, undergraduates are taught in the tutorial system. Students are taught by faculty fellows in groups of one to three. At Cambridge, these are called "supervisions" and at Oxford they are called "tutorials." One benefit of the tutorial system is that students receive direct feedback on their essays in a small discussion setting.

Student tutorials are generally more academically challenging and rigorous than standard lecture and test format courses, because during each session students are expected to orally communicate, defend, analyze, and critique the ideas of others as well as their own in conversations with the professor and fellow-students. As a pedagogic model, the tutorial system has great value because it creates learning and assessment opportunities which are highly authentic and difficult to fake (Wikipedia).

Due to the summer session style of this program it may take anywhere from three to five years to complete. Hopefully, I will be able to transfer the classes I took last summer at Exeter and read for an independent class next school year to cut down on the time (and cost).

:: :: ::

In related news, one of my top students applied to Philips Academy Andover boarding school in Massachusets on a full scholarship. It is ranked second in the nation for high school education. Looking on thier website I learned that they have an English program directly linked with The Bread Loaf School of English. How great is that?

:: :: ::

Chocolates to support T-Ball?

2007-03-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Little Ben George is on the Angels, Hawthorne T-Ball Angels that is. To support the league each player was asked to sell a box of chocolates. Upon entering the George household on Saturday I was approached by a true salesman.

Please note the cleates, they are VERY important to the uniform.

Little Ben: Chelsey, Chelsey, come here.
Me: Yes?
LB: Wanna buy some choc-late?
Me: How much is it?
LB: two dollars (holding up 3, then 2 fingers)
Me: Sure...
LB: You can have mint, almond, caramel, mint...
Me: I'd like the rice crisps please.
LB: Okay. Here, have this one too.
Me: Thanks, but I don't need that one.
LB: It's okay, have this one too.
Me: But I didn't pay for it.
LB: You NEED it.
Me: No thank you.
LB: Come on...

How could I not?
Later I slipped it back into the box, I mean, I only paid for ONE.

Score 2-0

2007-03-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

Staff vs. RIS student boys and girls soccer teams

At the end of every season for every sport the staff plays the students. We gather quite a crowd of supporters during the lunch-time contest.

Let it be known that, once again, Ridgecrest Staff prevailed.

Yes, I did knock one of the girls down...anything to win.

Jason, the boys coach and I, the girls coach

Should I?

2007-02-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Gina Anderson sent me an email that really made me think about life and what I want.
There are some key questions one asks herself...

Such as...
Should I get a dog?

or...
Should I have child(ren)?

I'm gonna need a few more years to think.

More...

2007-02-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

Some fun pictures from the reunion...

Monica hosted us before the shin-dig for a few pre-jitter cocktails. They shook the jitters right out!

Monica and I

A picture of those of us in attendance that played soccer.

Class of 1996

2007-02-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: :::

Saturday night I celebrated ten years of adulthood at my ten year high school reunion. Claremont High School's Class of 1996 met at the newly refurbished Doubletree Inn. It was drastically changed from the run-down place we crashed after a Girl's League dance one year.

Thankfully those in attendance also changed for the better. I couldn't grasp the emotion then and I struggle to do so now. Such a surreal moment, seeing those who knew you when...

I had forgotten what they knew...who I was back then. They asked about soccer. So amazing to think that those I meet now know me differently.

::: ::: :::

The teaching profession doesn't automatically give you business cards. I collected but couldn't pass out. I did, however, have in my purse something the school district DOES provides to it's teachers...the red pen. So, I wrote out my information instead.

::: ::: :::

More pictures and stories to come...

::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: :::

Busy Bee

2007-02-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

I've been busy...you've been busy.

We'll talk, I'm not worried.

NEW things on my end:
- both knees need surgery, I'm on the waiting list
- I'm almost caught up with grading (but have bookreports stacked on my desk)
- soccer season is over for my team, so my afternoons are free at last
- this weekend is my 10 year high school reunion
- Jenny, Amy, Grogg and I have planned to pre-party, then head over to the shin dig

Guess what I did yesterday?

2007-02-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

I spent the day at Baldwin Park Kaiser Permanente Hospital...not to worry...I'm alright!

Arthrogram: A type of x-ray taken after a contrasting material (dye) is injected into the affected area. It is used to view the soft tissue structures of a joint- tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartiledge. It is used to assess a joint for the cause of your symptoms or problem with your joint. An arthrogram may be more useful than a regular X-ray because it shows the surface of soft tissues lining the joint in addition to the bones.

First, my knee was numbed, then, the dye was injected...and a nurse wheeled me for an MRI. The x-ray looking picture is my right knee, the two screws were put in during the ACL reconstruction surgery in 1996. The dark spots on the sides is the dye. If you can see the tiny line coming in from the left side, that is the needle which injected the dye. Pretty cool!

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

The MRI machine is HUGE! The test lasts for about 40 minutes.

Superbowl

2007-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Superbowl...ahh...guacamole,
chips, salsa, stuffed mushrooms,
chili dip, beer, coke...I could go on. The day calories are allowed (along Thanksgiving, Christmas, with New Year's, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, etc.) The day is really about food and commercials.

English Instruction

2007-02-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

It is HARD to teach children to speak English (who are in 6-8th grade).

It is even HARDER to teach children about slavery, emancipation, and the Civil War in English.

Enter creative art skills, a white board and markers...

*Notice that the poorest, white Southerner (the one with the gaunt face) doesn't own land...yet has a gun and fishing pole. It was a struggle to stay clear from the Redneck jokes.

Yes!

2007-02-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

I've coached Ridgecrest Girl's Soccer Team for three years now. It is a nice change of pace to spend time with the girls outside of the classroom. I get to see a different side of them and, more importantly, they get to see a different side of me. During halftime I've been know to throw in a "crap" or "sucks" for effect, causing them to giggle, but get motivated. The other two jr. high schools on the hill, Miraleste and Palos Verdes, have been long established, meaning better sports teams. For the past two years we've tried to compete against their strong squads. This year, the score was 2-0, we were down 2 goals and three of our strongest players out due to illness.

Have no fear...the Raiders fought back hard. Scoring 2 goals in the second half lead to a tie game. I've never seen the team play so well and fight so hard. I never quite understood why people coached, thinking that it was always better to play. But, now I know. I am so proud of the team...and myself. :)

One of the player's family's trains guide dogs.
They just got a new puppy...Zinka.

Blogger Housekeeping

2007-01-30T02:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can comment on the entries of this blog? In fact, I wish you would! No need to write a separate email of 2-3 lines...

1. think of something clever or kind to say
2. hit the "comments" link at the bottom of the specific entry
3. type your comment in the box labeled, "Leave your comment"
4. choose an identity, if you have a gmail or blogger account you may sign in; if not...don't despair! Click the "anonymous" button (but be sure to sign your name with your comment so I know who you are)

That's it!
Your comment is posted on the blog and emailed to me.

Brazil

2007-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Dad is headed to Brazil on Wednesday to begin his five month sabatical. He'll be teaching Collaborative Public Management at the Universidade Estdual do Norte Fluminense.

This weekend Ben, Deborah, Parker, Mom, Dad and I spent time together. We took a hike in the foothills with the puppy dogs, went wine tasting, had a yummy dinner, watched The Office and laughed.

A Conversation About Dr. King

2007-01-15T21:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight I ate another yummy dinner at the George's (thanks Kat!). While the food was being prepared, I sat with Little Ben (4.5 years old) and Jackson (2.5 years old) while Curious George was on PBS. After the show, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. aired.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Me: Do you know who that is? (pointing to the picure on the screen)
Little Ben: No...who?
Me: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a very special man who thought all men should be equal.
Little Ben: Oh.
Me: He fought for what he believed in.
Little Ben: Where does he live?
Me (a bit perplexed at how to move forward): Uh...he lives in heaven.
Little Ben: You mean he died?
Me: Yes.
Jackson (in his two year old mumble): He died? Dead. He is dead?
Little Ben: Well, why didn't he fix himself?
Me (confused at his question...but then it dawned on me): Oh, he was not a medical doctor. He was a doctor of religion and thought (I threw that in there because I didn't know how to explain Systematic Theology.)
Jackson: He's dead?
Me: Yes.
Little Ben: Oh.
Me: He was a great man. Aunt Deborah and I don't work today because we are honoring his life. We call him Dr. King.
Little Ben: Dr. King...ha!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

A cool conversation with two cool kids.

January CHILL

2007-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

:: :: ::

Cold. Freezing. Chilly...really chilly.
:: :: ::

Mom emailed me this
picture of the hose
outside her kitchen.

:: :: ::
Now, for my friends outside the Southern California sunshine rays, I realize this blog entry is somewhat ironic. Of course it's cold...it's January. Of course water freezes...it's winter. But, remember, having to don more than a sweatshirt is not what we're used to. Scarf and glove requirements are strange for us...they usually are fun, winter-like accessories.
:: :: ::
I am loving this weather, it's cozy and calls for soup and hot chocolate. What I don't like is the heating bill...oh yeah, and getting out of the shower. Man...talk about COLD!
:: :: ::

AA+

2007-01-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

Aaron Anderson
AA
Dub
Uncle Bubble

One word...talent.

Last night I joined many friends and family at Hollywood's Ghengis Cohen club to listen to Aaron Anderson's solo premiere.

His smooth vocals coupled with a genuine acoustical skill create a sound which is candy for the ears, without being too hard or too sweet. The lyrics evoke an understanding between listener and singer, a connection is then made and appreciated. Everyone can recall their own personal "Einstein" moment and a time when seen through "Crowded Eyes", which Anderson accurately captures.

Anderson's humble spirit is evident, his repeated "thanks guys" salutation can be heard through enthusiastic applause. The cool, calm and collected air about Anderson relaxes his listeners and allows everyone to sit back and enjoy the music.

AA and I after his show.

Daniel, me, Heather, Dayna and Donn...the once Inland Valley Young Life staff.

Check out Aaron Anderson online...
www.myspace.com/aaronandersonmusic
...you won't be disappointed!

Arriving

2007-01-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

Wow.

I know I am in this picture...I remember taking it.

I thought I had arrived. Division I soccer, Spartan Stadium seating 30K, great friends: Alicia and Alison.

What a completely different time; meeting new people, running, study hall, running, practice, weights, scheduling, friends and learning to live on my own.

I've learned I haven't arrived...I'm still in process.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Here's to 2007!

Hope you enjoyed a glass of champagne and a kiss from someone special...

...I know I did!

La Muse

2007-01-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

France has never been the desire of my travels. Maybe the language barrier, platter of raw beef, or my run in with rude Parisians makes my heart turn from it. More likely, my love of England will never allow the French flag to fly in my world. Yes, I wish to visit Normandy and travel, briefly, through Provence...but, my creative spirit was never drawn to France...until...
::
...reading through the Poets & Writers magazine I happened upon an advertisement for La Muse. La Muse is a place in Southern France, run by a husband and wife. She worked in publishing, in New York and Paris, for Self, ELLE, and the New York Times. He worked at Vanity Faire in New York and is currently a fact checker for Fodor's travel guides on France...how cool is that??? With their children, they live on the property and host writers, painters, musicians, etc. for any length of stay so they have time, space and quite to create. A library is kept, but one is asked to bring two books to add to the library upon arrival. What a great concept. La Muse looks absolutely picturesque.
::
Maybe there is more to France than I was giving credit???

32 Years

2006-12-27T09:28:00.000-08:00

32 Years ago today Jack Meek and Christine Pence were married.

December 27, 1974
La Verne Church of the Brethren
Mom and Grammy made/quilted the bridesmaids' dresses
The reception was held in the church Fellowship Hall
guests sipped on punch and nibbled on bundt cakes (Dad, just because you had bundt cakes doesn't mean I'm going to)
They honeymooned in Palm Springs

The happy couple off to Palm Springs in their Fiat.

Congratulations on 32 years!

snow

2006-12-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

I remember when winter meant SNOW and a SNOWSUIT.
The Meek kids in Indiana...1984-ish.

Christmas-es (plural)

2006-12-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

(no, that is not snow in the picture, just a dirty lense)

Saturday, December 23,
morning - afternoon: Brandt Christmas
-90+ members of the Brandt family, spanning three generations, arrive at the La Verne Church of the Brethren (no longer able to fit in one person's home) for games, FOOD, pinata, a gift exchange, caroling and FAMILY.
-This year there were many additions to the family and not by birth (although there was one), but by marriage. Deborah was there as a Meek for the first time.

THE DOROTHY BRANDT DAVIS FAMILY...........................THE LLOYD BRANDT FAMILY

THE BERNICE BRANDT PENCE (my grandma)

The Daryll Brandt, Marian Brandt, and Mary Brandt families not pictured (sorry!)

My Grandpa, the photographer

evening: Huiggens party -soups, wine, desserts, singing with old friends

Sunday, December 24,
morning: Church (same church as yesterday's festivities)
night: Christmas Eve service (same church as above)

Monday, December 25
-my favorite breakfast with the Pence (my mom's fam) family at our house
-off to Grandma and Grandpa's for presents
-back to the Meek house for our own family gift exchange
-Steak dinner with family

Tuesday, December 26
-Sleep in
-movie outting with Meek family
-back to Redondo

Hope you had a wonderful holiday too!

Sick

2006-12-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am sick.
Better now, thank you, but still sick.
::
Feeling so yucky that on Sunday my daddy came to pick me up and take me home. Yup...I went home to recover from the flu. I was so achy that I couldn't sleep. Parker was also home sick, so the Meek infirmarary was booked. The Meek doctors worked overtime to care for us...THANK YOU!
::

I had great clip art to add, but it seems blogger is sick too.

'Tis the Season in Apt. 16

2006-12-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

This holiday season is my favorite time of the year. Deep reds and greens adorn the home and warm the chill in the air. I wish everyone was able to come over and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and gingerbread...but...for those who cannot make it...this post's for you.

This season's project was to make pillow shams from a plaid wool I found in England. I trimmed them with black velvet and it looks rather nice against my red flannel sheets.

The stockings were hung on the shelf (someday I will have a chimney) with great care...

The Tree

2006-12-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

::
One misty December evening at dusk an outing was had...a Christmas tree the purpose. Far and wide, through grove and forrest we searched. Alas, not a perfect tree to be had.
::
Then...
::
upon a lot we sprang. Noble and Douglas abound. There she was...a beautiful tree with limbs unfolding to display ornaments and with such Noble character.
::

Yes, Katie and I found our 2006 Christmas tree. However, the above tale does not reveal all...we didn't undergo a lengthy search...we drove straight to the local Home Depot and ended up purchasing the first tree we saw.

The holiday season is here!

Trimester One...DONE

2006-12-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Papers are marked...

Grades are in...

.Phweew.

NOTE TO MY FOLKS: The grades are handed out at school for the students to take home to their parents. No waiting by the mailbox to grab the grades before mom and dad...telling them that the mail must be screwed up...only to have mom call the school for your grades. Oops. It really doesn't work when your younger brother is proud of his grades and shows your parents first. Then the whole mail debacle goes right out the window.

December BLUE

2006-12-03T21:59:00.000-08:00

Such a beautiful day...I had to share the BLUE of December. 

Happy Birthday AMY!

2006-12-03T21:43:00.000-08:00

Amy turned 30-something and of course we had to celebrate!

Joan invited us to the Palos Vedes Beach Club...very shee-shee (sp?). We had thai chicken pizza from California Pizza Chicken with Fire Fly Cabernet followed with a scrumptious chocolate cake from Creative Cakery. It topped with a yoga girl in honor of our yoga-mama.

Emiko, Joan, Amy and I bundled up for the cold South Bay night.

BLACKOUT

2006-11-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Past 4 Years: I have lived on Paseo de la Concha for almost 4 years now. The same sheer, white curtains have hung over the blinds in my room. They don't keep out much, whether it be moonlight, street lights or the bright light illuminating the walkway just outside my window. For 4 years I have slept in partial darkness.
::
Monday: I purchased blackout curtains...the package claimed they reduced noise, heat and cold from outside and light.
::
Wednesday: For 11 hours last night our block experienced a BLACKOUT. We lived by candlelight and Great-Grandma's kerosene lamp which I inherited. It, however, emits plumes of black smoke, so we set it outside the sliding glass door.
::
I guess the curtains work.

What are YOU Thankful for?

2006-11-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

Our family is big on the "what are you thankful for" question.

Dad made a great Shitake mushroom reduction gravy to go over the turkey garnished with thyme. I can't wait for left-overs!

Circled around the food prior to digging in, we had to turn to our left and right to share something we were thankful for. Dad was thankful for his father, who happened to pass away six years ago today. Mom was thankful for Deborah joining our family. We prayed, then sang the obligitory, yet harmonious, Amen.

Later...

We were sitting around the dinner table sharing what we were thankful for (again).
::
Papa: "I am thankful for our good health. Your grandmother exercises everyday...and I watch her exercise everyday. I am thankful for that too." HA!
::

Parker said he was thankful for me! :)

Papa took his grandkids (that were present) for a spin in the Mustang. I am thankful that he still sees us as kids and gets excited to take us for a drive.

Today I hope you were able to reflect on what you are thankful for...

Oh yeah...and I'm thankful for
Sadie and Ruby (who dressed up for the day).

Patience is a Virtue

2006-11-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks all for being soooooo patient during the upgrading of the blog.

It is now up and running again!

Baby Yea!

2006-11-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome Rylie Joy Mulder!

Born 9:05am on Tuesday, November 21
6 pounds, 9 ounces; 20 inches long
to proud parents, Curtis James and Mary Kathryn Mulder

Kate is the whole reason I got into this blog thing. She and I used to play under the Ramona stars talking about boys...but mostly crafts. She is a professional k-nitter. She is a certified ropes course/rock climbing person. She is a Texan, living in Michigan. She is a wife. And now, a mother.

Congratulations Mulder family (of three)!

Click for FUN and give for FREE...

2006-11-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Searching for unique gifts I decided to check out Beth's blog for ideas. I've already written about her...but with the Holiday season fast approaching I thought I'd mention her again. Beth set up a blog, The Girl's Guide to Giving Back, dedicated to finding items that are shiek, fun, and necessary (most anyway) AND whose proceeds go to a variety of charities.

Clicking through it I found the following...so...

click for fun and give for free...

Fund free mammograms for women in need.

On Nov. 19, visitors who clicked the above button helped 520.6 children receive a free book of their own (I always wonder what the .6 kid looks like...)

By clicking above you will feed the hungary with a value of 1.1 cups of staple food.

Your click will fund the preservation of 11.4 square feet of endangered rainforest.

Your click, along with others', provides basic but critical health services to more than 1,000 children. Each click helps prevent life-threatening diseases, restore vision to blind children, and enable child amputees to walk.

Click to provide .6 bowls of food and care to a rescued animal in a shelter or sanctuary.

I Was Carded!

2006-11-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when your teacher was absent you automatically thought he/she was sick? I guess I never realized that they might be at a conference or home with an ill child...as far as I was concerned, there was no way they had a life outside of the classroom!

Yesterday I did not go to work...part physical health, part emotional health day. I slept in, read and enjoyed not rushing through mandatory standards and having a bell dictate my day.

Upon returning to work this morning I found a card. Of course it was a "get well" card...what else could I be doing away from the classroom? It was from the behavior-challenging kids in my 5th and 6th periods...my mother would call them "pills".

I had to laugh. I had to share.
I was carded by my students! Ha!

Click on the cards to read the messages!

The Book of Questions

2006-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

The other day I came across The Book of Questions while in Barnes & Nobles. It is pocket sized and filled with silly to serious things to ponder...a good reflection tool.

Thumbing through I found this one...
#112: If you were at a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner and you found a dead cockroach in your salad, what would you do?

Some might think this question silly...others serious.

I might resolve to eating only bread for the evening...maybe some French Silk pie, because if it's there, I know my mom made it.

Weekend Adventures

2006-11-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

...for those faithful few who stayed tuned...

My Veteran's Day Adventure was to celebrate birthdays.

On Thursday night we toasted Kathryn George at Buona Sera, a wonderful little Italian Restaurant in Redondo. It was an intimate time where 32 things we love about Kat were read in a round.

On Friday, Katie Stuppi turned 30! A surprise was waiting for her at the Redondo Chart House...good friends with which to spend her birthday. Her boyfriend Matt orchestrated the entire night...great job!

Both nights were filled with wonderful people. I was able to sit down for dinner with my brother and catch up with him and Deborah. Annalisa, mother of 6 week old twins, attended Katie's b-day with her sister Angela. A much needed sharing of life events was necessary with both girls.

Vada

2006-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, when I search for my passport or look for a certain book, during the change over from summer to fall decorations or locating a piece of luggage, I find a Vada Pinson baseball card.

Dad makes sure that each of his kids possess multiple Pinson cards. We find them in our stockings (maybe that was the tell tale sign that there was no Santa), birthday cards and left on our schoolbooks.

He's presented our friends with a precious card on certain occasions...but only special friends...and only on special events.

I was searching through a drawer yesterday looking for some thumb tacks when, to my surprise, (well, not really, Vada pops up quite frequently), Vada appeared in his mint condition clear plastic case.

I've added him to the bulletin board above my writing desk. If I had a Beckett Guide I'd look up his monetary worth but I'm counting on his inspiration instead. I'm sure he'll prompt a few story ideas...like how we had to memorize the starting line ups of BOTH teams to earn our ticket; how baseball games require scorecards which must be copiously kept, peanuts that you can shell on the ground, hot dogs with only onions and mustard and a malt eaten with a wooden spoon.

Thanks Vada. Thanks Dad.

In Need of an Adventure...

2006-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Friday is Veterans's Day...so we have the day off. After proper homage to the Veterans (of course) I plan to enjoy my 3 day weekend...yet not sure how. Nothing would compare to more time in Tuscany, strolling amongst the olive groves, dipping in the pool, uprooting fresh veggies from the garden, drinking Italian wine...in Italy!!!

No...no jaunt to Cortona is planned...
no sitting around the giant stone table for an afternoon meal.

::sigh::
Can you tell I am in need of an adventure? David and Louisa Wendorff are off to Argentina for the week, Amy and Chris are hotelling it somewhere in SoCal, Moondog left to surf Mexico, and Joan is gearing up for 10 days in Hawaii.

My adventure is in the works...
...stay tuned...

Barcelona Night

2006-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

Looking through my summer pics I discovered this one I had taken in Barcelona. We stayed on the tree lined Las Ramblas and took a stroll at dusk looking for sangria. The Monument de Colom (Monument to Christopher Columbus) stands in the center of speeding cars, which was caputred with a slow shutter...ah, who am I kidding...it's the night mode of my digital camera.

Fall has fallen in 601

2006-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

::
I love watching students' reactions when something is new about me or the classroom.
::
Like when I actually take time to do my hair, I'll get 15-20 comments such as, "Did you get a hair cut?" or, "What's different?" Sometimes their words come in the form of a statement, "You look different."...no follow up or any lead if it is a good different or a bad different.
::
As you can see, the "tree" has been bare for a while. Not intentionally, as one might imagine due to the Klondike-like background (we are reading The Call of the Wild), but because I have NOT been fulfilling my teacherly duties of putting up student work. They created a leaf, autumnal in color, with 3 goals on the front. (Yes, the same year-long project as last year, click on June for reference.)
::
Finally, I put up the leaves.
::
No matter how cool of an eighth grader they are, or try to be, everyone looks for his or her own leaf.
::
Fall has fallen in 601...

I Was 27

2006-11-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

I Was 27

It's not a blank canvas, 28.

It is the color of sand after a rainstorm,
Uniform, flat,
And waiting for feet to dig in.
"28 is the age I was in the best shape" my father reflects.
I am not sure if that is a comparison
Or challenge.

28 isn't yet vintage or primed,
It is in process,
Still in the barrel.

Its khaki hue encompasses the spirit of the age,
Once pure white,
Now colored a bit by life,
Not yet saturated by experience.

A Herbst Halloween

2006-11-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween isn't complete, nor can it be burried until Amy and Chris Herbst host their annual gathering. The faithful drove to the mountains and their cabin in Wrightwood.

Apparently everyone participated in a pumpkin carving contest and bobbed for apples...I arrived late due to a day at UCLA...the guests were a bit out of costume, Tigger was without a mask (Disney would not be proud), Carl the Cheese, of Mac and Cheese, only had the orange shorts remaining from his costume and Raggedy Anne lost her yarn hair. Quickly following suit I made sure Amy knew I wore a costume...I was a GOLD STAR...I pulled on a sweatshirt which ruined the gold theme I had goin' on...it was very cold.

Dancing ensued.

Now, Halloween can be packed up and put away until next year...thank goodness.

Dave.

2006-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

The soothing sounds of an old friend can almost make traffic bearable, lack of sleep tolerable and a heavy heart fade. Dave. Almost.

Dave. I was introduced to Dave by my first love and quickly grew to associate Dave with good things (the Best of What's Around, if you will). His words, both thought provoking and validating, unexpected and reliable, resinate in my ear and soul. The intricate and innovative melodies of expression set something right within me.

Dave and his band push me through the lanes of a crowded 405, pin open my tired eyes and pull me through to a lighter side of life.

Maybe we all need to return to the time and place where we can just sit Under the Table and Dreaming.

A Room of One's Own

2006-10-31T21:49:00.000-08:00

In creating a space where I felt comfortable, confident, in writing I remembered the Virginia Woolf essay "A Room of One's Own" I studied as an undergrad. Knealing on my recently vacumed floor I nearly broke a nail grabbing for the Norton Anthology of Women's Literature (I am sure there is irony here...). Flipping through to Woolf's essay the hint of highlighter remaining mocked my half-ass attempt to study in college. Thankfully my notes were penned and I could easily manouver through the piece with some guidance of past reading.

Woolf's essay now strikes me in a different way, and I don't think it is because I have matured, which I have, become more educated, which I am, or now know of the authors she references, which I do. I think I now understand the heart of her piece because I know what it means to desire, need, have a space where the world can be shut out in order to write about it.

"...five hundred a year* each of us and rooms of our own; if we have the habit of freedom and the courage to write exactly what we think; if we escape a little from the common sitting–room and see human beings not always in their relation to each other but in relation to reality; and the sky...is worth while."

-Virginia Woolf

*I am sure Mrs. Woolf would allow for the five hundred per anum to increase wth the cost of living.

For those of you who have graciously and patiently lived through my constant look out for a frame to enclose the bulletin board above my desk...thank you. I found it. AND...I hung it...don't ask with what...it was a creative task...to hang above the creative writing desk.

Here's the picture to prove that I, ME, MYSELF did it.

It Takes Halloween...

2006-10-31T20:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, it takes the Halloween holiday (if it is a holiday) for me to return from my hiatus (I've been teaching alliteration).
::
I have been busy...let me fill you in...I was accepted as apart of the UCLA Writing Project. 18 of us will meet with 2 instructors and 4 writing coaches about 13 times during this school year. We will learn from each other's best practice in the teaching of writing as well as work on our own writing. I am also taking a Creative Writing class through UCLA...go Bruins! (Can I say that as a SLO Mustang?) Needless to say, the theme of my recent life has been writing...and lots of it.
::
I wrote my first short story...I figure it rather witty, I just can't think of an appropriate title. For now, it is called 'Purple'. I still find myself a procrastinator, but an extremly productive one. As in high school, college, and graduate school, I crank out my best work under pressure. I have another piece due tomorrow and so far I have taught a full day, run errands, exercised, picked up my room, am now updating my blog and will eventually get to thinking of a topic...then write my first draft. I would make my students proud and my mother roll her eyes.
::
Onto more important things...once again the Ridgecrest Intermediate staff pulled through and 100% dressed up for Halloween. Staff costumes never cease to amaze me.

Our crazy office babes dressed up in Roller Derby costumes, complete with blackened teeth, nicknames on the back of thier shirts AND roller skates.

The P.E. Department was a pool party. Yes, on the first cold weathered day they were clad in board shorts, swim caps and their very own inflatable pools.

As for those few of us banned to the portables on the west end of campus with no restroom or water (although plenty of air conditioning, heat and walls where you can staple kids' art) we decided to emphasize our distance from the "main" campus and rename our territory 'Asia'. I dressed in my yukata, which was a gift from my host family in Japan; Mari dressed as a Korean school girl and Diane (not pictured) dressed in her traditional Chinese garment. The three of us made up the majority of ELD students we educate. ha.

The Ridgecrest Intermediate Staff at our finest.

Puppy Progress

2006-10-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

The puppies leave their first home and each other today. We are all very sad to see them go, but are happy for their new owners.

Oh, the hardships of learning a new language

2006-10-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I teach English to Language Learners, mainly Asian speaking students, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. It is a constant battle with many rewards. Most of the rewards come in laughs...listen in...

Every Friday my class gives "In English!" speeches. It is so titled because I became tired of telling kids to speak "In English!". There is a different topic each week they are graded on content, body language and volume. Quite a feat for new language learners.

This past Friday's topic was "Your favorite animal"... remember that Asian speakers have a hard time with 'L's and 'R's.

Shunsuke: my favorite animal is sea otter.

Class: WHAT?

Shunsuke: sea otter...... sea.... otter...

Class: WHAT? Turtle?

Shunsuke: sea otter... otter. not turtle.

Class: What? other turtle?

So I had him write it on the board.

This is from the perspective of Mari Kuroda, the amazing co-teacher...

Daniel: My favorite animal is HOMO.... HOMO... oh, uh.... HOMOSAPIEN

Class: HOMO? What's HOMO?

Kasra (Who is sitting with me in the back cause he couldnt be quiet): hey Miss Kuroda, is that word like the H word, you know, like (whisper) gay? is daniel gay? cause i'm stayin away from him if he is. it's dangerous. you know, i think, maybe, andy is gay, but he's cool so it's okay. but Daniel....

Me: Kasra. not now.

kasra: Okay okay.

Daniel: I like homosapiens because Homosapiens are humans. and I am human so i like it.

Grace (raised hand for question): How do you know that Homosapiens are humans?

Daniel: Because they are.

Grace: REALLY? ALL HOMOSAPIENS?????

Class: YES

Grace: oh. really?

I don't think I'll allow Homosapiens as "My Favorite Animal" topic again.

Bujas Babies Are Here!!!

2006-10-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Annalisa gave birth to two beautiful girls on October 1. Elizabeth Rose after Lizzy Bennet in Pride and Prejudice and Sabrina Loren after the poem Sabrina Fair.

It was a different experience in the hospital, not having to impatiently wait my turn to hold the baby. I got my own!!! Baby 'A'...Lizzy.

Lisa is doing well...as are the babies...both 19" long and a 5.5 lbs. on average.

The Brandts Meet the Branches

2006-10-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Brandt Family: 3 living generations, origionally from Jesse and Kathryn Brandt, that meet every Christmas Eve to celebrate family. About 90+ (right Mom?) family members partake in the feast, caroling, sports challenges, and everyone's favorites...the gift exchange.

Branch Family: Dana and Sharon have 4 children, Kathryn (whose married to Chad George and have Benjamin, Jackson and Austen) Jonathan, Rebecca and Deborah. Dee is married to my brother, Ben.

My parents hosted a Brandt family reception for Ben and Deborah. It was nice to mix the people with whom "family" means so much.

Grandma quilted the newlyweds a Double-Wedding-Ring wall hanging.

Aunt Dee, Little Ben, Jack Bob and Big Ben relax on the couch after the company has left.

I have some catching up to do...

2006-10-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA (Missing In Academia) lately and I apologize.

Let's start from where I left off...
Ben was asked to play with the Colorado Rapids on the reserve team. Pretty cool...Aunt Donna (Dad's oldest sister) happened to be in town so we all trouped out to the field for yet another Ben Meek soccer game.

The L.A. Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids asked him to join them during pre-season tryouts.

Aunt Donna, Mom, Dad, Parker and I went to see Fences at the Pasadena Playhouse, a thought provoking play about a father wanting his son to have a better life, but not supporting him in the way the son needed it. It was great to see Angela Basset and Laurence Fishburne starring in the play...made it more interesting!

the MEEK life

Finally...*sigh*

Life takes hold...

Ortiz Wedding

Landers Wedding

Becka's Bachlorette

'95 CIF Finals

TV or not TV...that is the question

After thoughts...

Anatomy Lesson

The Up Side

The Down Side

Flash of France

Oxford...check

Deep Hall

Mee and the Lincoln Library

29 and counting

The Procrastinator

Monday::Tuesday

The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain...

Hello Harry

- a rainy night out -

Worthy Wordsworthian Wordsmith

a full week and it's only Thursday

With or without me...

"Brideshead Revisited" revisited

Sunny Saturday

Independence

Join Me (Mee and Meek)

Lincoln Life...an introduction

Chilly Oxford

"That will bring us back to doe"

Happy Birthday Carolyn!

The Sloane Club, Chelsea, London

Destination London: Take One

Monday Night Soccer

Summer in Redondo Beach

Class of 2007

One reason I teach 8th grade...

June Gloom

Did I mention I am a fellow?

Shake, shake

Wine and Cheese

I've Been Busy...

Celebration!

Easter Preparations

You Know You're Famous When...

Trials of an English Language Learner...

Happy ** Birthday Mom!

Game #1

Future Planning...

Chocolates to support T-Ball?

Score 2-0

Should I?

More...

Class of 1996

Busy Bee

Guess what I did yesterday?

Superbowl

English Instruction

Yes!

Blogger Housekeeping

Brazil

A Conversation About Dr. King

January CHILL

AA+

Arriving

Happy New Year!

La Muse

32 Years

snow

Christmas-es (plural)

Sick

'Tis the Season in Apt. 16

The Tree

Trimester One...DONE

December BLUE

Happy Birthday AMY!

BLACKOUT

What are YOU Thankful for?

Finally...sigh