More Than Just a Beautiful Mess

The Old and The Poor

2009-09-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

James 1:27- Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (TNIV).

For the past two weeks when I log onto my Facebook for iphone, I see all the status updates on the national health care plan. Both sides have taken a stand which seems to me that a compromise will not be reached. Both sides have used religion to defend their cause as well. My feelings are very much in the middle of the issue and of course are longer than the 140 characters Twitter allows.

Currently, I am working at an inner city school in Oklahoma City. 95% of the students or more receive a free or reduced breakfast and lunch. School supplies are not mandated because most families could not afford it. I guess that a majority of the students probably wear the same uniform all week. I see the working poor everyday. I know that a national system of health care would greatly benefit this population the most. The little boy who ran out of his asthma medication wouldn’t have to wait until mom found another job to pay for it. The little girl who cannot get the glasses she needs to see the board because her father who is working three part-time jobs yet doesn’t have money or insurance for the eye doctor. The twin boys with rotting teeth cannot go to the dentist because they come from a family of six. These are cases in which having some kind of national health care would help. America would be treating others the way all want to be treated. I could be behind something like this.

However, I have concerns. These concerns rise up out of a sense of obligation for others. For me, part of it comes from my religious background and from the idea of social justice.

My first concern is for the elderly. In the verse I posted above, “widows in their distress” calls me to look after the elderly. It can be tough in American being over 65. Imagine your weekly salary gone and now having to rely on social security and Medicare. As a country, due to the baby boomer population we are now faced with the fact that for the first time we will have a large population of elderly. During the passing of the stimulus bill, Tom Daschle’s feelings on the elderly were made known. Daschle expects the elderly to realize that they have health concerns due to the aging process. Ok, I can accept that. Baby boomers put down the botox and stop sucking the fat away from your bodies. It happens, accept it. What concerns me is this quote:

“Daschle says health-care reform “will not be pain free.” Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them.”[1]

What does this mean? If my aunt, who is currently on social security and Medicare, was now placed on a national health care plan, fell, hurt her hip, went to the doctor, and then was told her hip injury wasn’t bad enough to warrant a hip replacement, how long would she have to wait? Would she be told that the hip would be need to degenerate more to qualify for surgery? Or is this a condition of old age and she should accept it and not treat it? It terrifies me where we are going with a sense of duty and compassion towards the elderly in our society. I already feel that we don’t respect them enough to begin with and now we are going to reduce their health care plan to one that basically will for many a "hurry up and die plan.”

Second, I want to know what is put into place so that there will not be abuses to the plan. Many people who are considered poor often do things in a fraudulent manner to obtain more money. Last year, I had the unfortunate incident of overhearing a parent tell a child to fail the IQ test at the doctor. I knew as the child’s teacher that it was because they were trying to have the child qualify to have social security money sent to the family for care. There was nothing about this child where they would qualify. Due to the parental coaching, this child stopped working in class and went from high Cs to ridiculously low F’s. This is a blatant example of people using the system, which should help people, for their own gains. President Obama and Ms. Sebelius, what are you putting into place so that health care is not abused like all our other government progressive programs? Please do tell. I am concerned that my students may be misused for other reasons.

Finally, I am concerned about the fact the government wants to allow abortions on the health care plan. Personally, I don’t agree with abortion as I feel it is taking another human life. In spite of this, that is not why I am against the government paying for abortions. What concerns me is that while President Obama and others have all along claimed they want to make the United States a more equal country, this has overtones of ‘Survival of the Elite Classism.’ Who are the people that will probably end up on the national health care plan? That is right, not the people who can afford their health insurance premiums and have the ability to pay for pregnancy preventive items. The people that would end up on the health care plan will do so because it their most affordable option. Again, I think about some of the families I know at my school. Imagine a single mother with three kids. She is a member of the working poor, only making $12,000 per year. She finally has gotten all three kids into school full time so she doesn’t have to pay as much for day care and sitters. However, she just found herself pregnant. Her national insurance plan covers abortions and she makes the decision to go ahead and have one because she just cannot afford another child. What does this mean for our country? Oh good, we got rid of another poor person. They probably would have grown up to fill a jail cell. The thinking behind allowing abortions may not be as diabolical, but you have to admit, it does sound like the United States may become one giant upper class in the future.

Overall, I am concerned about the national health care plan. What once was a cause of social justice for me now has me concerned about the true morality in our country. If we do want to provide health care for all do not penalize a person based on age or financial status. Make sure that the system cannot be abused by anyone. Don’t have the loopholes that are in other programs, such as social security and welfare. Provide the elderly with the kind of care you want to have as a future senior citizen. I know that all of us would find it inhumane to ask someone to wait for the care because the condition wasn’t serious enough or it is a cause of the normal aging process. Instead of covering abortions, maybe the health care plan could cover the cost of pregnancy preventive items. Often that is why pregnancy occurs in this day and age- people either don’t have the knowledge or money to pay for the items. If those changes could be made, then I would be 100% behind the national health care plan.

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[1] “Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan: Betsy McCaughey,” February 9, 2009, www.bloomberg.org

My life according to ... Feist

2009-08-07T18:43:00.003-05:00

Using only songs from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think!

Pick Your Artist: Feist
Are you male or female: When I Was a Young Girl
Describe yourself: I Feel It All
How do you feel? So Sorry
Describe where you currently live: Leisure Suite
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? The Water
Your favorite form of transportation: Tout Doucement
Your best friend is: Sea Lion Woman
Your favorite color is: Honey, Honey
What is the weather like? Mushaboom
Favorite time of day: One Evening
If your life was a T.V. show, what would it be called? Past In Present
What is life to you? Inside and Out
Your relationships: Secret Heart
Your fear: Lonely, Lonely
What is the best advice you have to give? Limit to Your Love
If you could change your name, you would change it to: Brandy Alexander
Thought for the day: Intuition
How I would like to die: Let It Die
My soul's present condition: Now At Last
My Motto: 1, 2, 3, 4

My Stephanie Plum Movie Poster

2009-07-30T23:11:00.005-05:00

I enjoy reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet_Evanovich. While finishing number 15, I was surfing the web to see if there was any news on the movie. Evanovich has sold the rights to a studio and originally wanted Sandra Bullock to play the lead. I happened to stumble upon another fan's movie poster here, which then prompted me to create my own. (I like that my Ranger is actually Cuban American. :-) ) I read on one site that Reese Witherspoon was in talks to play the title role. Even if it isn't true, I liked her the best for the role. Here is my amateur handiwork:

The Cast:

Stephanie Plum..................................................Reese Witherspoon

Joe Morelli............................................................Gilles Marini

Ranger.................................................................Enrique Murciano

Lula......................................................................Sherri Shepherd

Grandma Mazur................................................Cloris Leachman

Vinnie Plum........................................................Steve Buscemi

Connie Rossoli ..................................................................Molly Shannon

Ellen Plum............................................................Allison Janney

Frank Plum.............................................................John Ratzenberger

Benito Ramirez .........................................................Tyrese Gibson

Joyce Barnhardt ..................................................Jennifer Esposito

Who would you want to be in "One for the Money?"

ABC...it is not easy as 123...

2009-07-24T12:27:00.002-05:00

I guess I am in a ranting mood. Or perhaps it is because topics come up that are near to heart, from reality TV to education.

Last night, while watching "So You Think You Can Dance," a teaser for the news on Fox came on that two large districts in Oklahoma were going to be on accreditation probation. I could easily guess that the district I work in, OKC Public Schools was one. However, I didn't watch the news and ending up finding out the results in the paper. Yes, I guessed right. Both OKC and TULSA are on accreditation probation.

First, what does accreditation probation mean? According to the testing results from the district, the students are not making proficient progress each year. The students are stagnate which results in lower and lower scores each year. To be put on accreditation probation is a serious matter because it takes two years of significant progress to be taken off the list. If not, the district could lose the accreditation.

Now to the matter at hand. I am an employee in OKC at the lowest performing school in my district's region. I know for a fact that our school is definitely on the "needs improvement" list. We had several faculty meetings about it last year. Karl Springer, our superintendent has created some kind of partnership with a group called America's Choice. Whatever that is. I have a feeling that it is not going to address some of the real issues:

Let's pay our debts off! Last year, do you know how many times I heard that OKC Public schools could not allot money for the teachers to use in their classroom because of various debts? Whether or not this is true, teachers need to be able to buy the supplies they need to create opportunities for learning. Yes, my school used title I money to purchase some items. Yes, our school provided us with some basic items. However, I would love to know that I could request items from various vendors like Mardel or Lakeshore and use some money from my employer instead of mine. What if I wanted to show the life cycle of butterflies to my class? The kit would come out of my own money.
Let's give our teachers adequate resources! First, I ended up teaching the entire year without all my teacher's manuals and curriculum. I probably only had 1/3 of what I actually was supposed to have to teach. It is a wonder we made it. Also, when I opened my teacher's manual last year to get ready to create my lesson on subtraction with regrouping, imagine my surprise when it was only covered in twelve lessons. Most of the student pages were filled with colored cartoons and less than fifteen problems. How are they supposed to properly learn a concept when the curriculum doesn't allow for sufficient practice? I ended up supplementing with outside resources, which had to be copied on copy paper that I was rationing. (I was allowed one case for the year. Hard to copy material to provide extra practice with 1500 sheets.) A test should see what you know, not how well you know the test information. If we don't have proper curriculum, students are only learning for the test and not for life. When you learn for life, you have a better chance at remembering what you need for the test.
Let's make tenure harder to get! Since I am alternatively certified, I am not going to be an education snob and say that all teachers should hold degrees in education to show that they are properly trained. I don't think training is the problem. What I find is that once a teacher hits tenure, especially in a district that is needing teachers, it is impossible to fire them. I think that tenure should be offered after teaching for at least 10 years. After you reach the 10 year mark, you should have to apply and go through a process similar to a first year teacher. If you passed, you should be re-evaluated every three to five years. I think that would take care of those teachers who show up and do nothing all day. Having these people teaching is what holds our students back.
Let's provide our teachers some relief in the classroom! Where I work, sometimes I feel like I am running a Bebe's Kids daycare. There were times I could not even teach because of the behavior problems. Not to mention I think that a class of over twenty in early elementary is too large. Make our class sizes smaller so we can discipline and teach or provide us with classroom aides. That way if a student decided to act out of control, I could have the aide help pick up where I was teaching for a moment so I could deal with the student. "The Class Must Go On..."
Let's attract and hire some younger teachers! My school is not for the faint of heart or for the jaded heart either. I would say that the average age for a teacher at my school would be somewhere in the forties. Now I value the experience and expertise of these teachers, especially during my first year last year. It was a great help. However, where is the district going to be in 10-15 years when the more experienced teachers retire? We need people to be interested in OKC public schools and decide to dedicate some time here. Most new grads I know ended up in the surrounding areas. Not that this is a negative thing. However, I am sure many are put off by the reputation OKC public school has developed. We need new and energetic teachers to create enthusiasm in the students.

Well, that is my rant for now. I have another issue with extending the school hours in order to progress on testing, but I will save it for another day.

I love this show too much!

2009-07-23T23:38:00.002-05:00

After watching the results of "So You Think You Can Dance!" tonight, I felt that I needed to blog about the results. Because for me, it was quite shocking. (If you haven't seen the top 8 show and kick-off show, there are some spoilers ahead.)

I am a dance nut. Having grown up in ballet, tap, and jazz, it will always be one of my loves. Thus, I totally enjoy and appreciate all the hard work in each routine. Because of this love, I have been known to re-watch some of the routines and/or episodes. I totally agreed with Nigel that last night's show was lackluster in the first hour. Even on the second viewing, I really was still bored. However, the bottom four results were shocking to me: Janette and Kayla for the girls, and Brandon and Jason for the guys.

Janette? Are you kidding me? Um, where has everyone been when she dances? Although she is only formally trained as a salsa dancer, this girl has a gift. She excelled at every routine, including a Wade Robson one (my personal fave!). You cannot tell me that she deserves the bottom four, especially when she "rumbaed" Evan.

Kayla- Well, I am not a huge fan. In last few weeks she has grown on me a lot. She is trying to get into the character more, and like Nigel suggested, it has made a difference that she pulled her hair back. You have to see the expression on the face of the dancer, it helps to make the character. Plus, I loved that zombie dance. I could take her or leave her at this point.

Brandon- A super strong dancer since the beginning. I have been impressed when he gets out there and does his task for the night at hand. He was awesome in Battlefield last night. My thing against him is that when he dances for his life, he always has to throw a few flips in there. I guess I am too much of a purist.

Jason- I was feeling indifferent about him for a long time. It wasn't until he lost his original partner and danced with Janene that I had to give him props as a dancer. I enjoyed him in both the Broadway and hip hop number.

Now for my feelings on the results. Janette? Are you kidding me? Really it should have been Kayla and Melissa. I know, some of you are shocked because I am rooting against the ballerina. But here is the deal- She is too much of a ballerina. Personally, I don't think she has adapted as smoothly to the other styles of dance. You can see the classical ballet in all that she does, including her turnout, which is great for ballet but not Latin ballroom. Plus, when she dances for her life, I can think of a lot more exciting and interesting ballet moves to do. She was better this week, but I want to see some awesome foutee turns. Brandon? Hmmm. I really thought the bottom two would be Evan and Ade. Honestly, I haven't seen anything awesome from Ade except for his Napoleon and Tabitha hip-hop routine with Janette. (Which had a lot to do with Janette...I'm just saying...) The only reason Melissa and Ade were saved was because they lucked out with the breast cancer dance. While it was very full of artistry and expression, I think people voted because of sympathy. If America was truly voting on Melissa and Ade's performance overall, it would have been about a 50%, while the rest of the couples I felt did a better job.

Carrie Ann Inaba? Can you please get Janette a job on Dancing with the Stars like Lacey Schiwmmer? Please?

"Just like a tattoo, I’ll always have you, I’ll always have you."

2009-07-11T23:02:00.004-05:00

Tattoos are everywhere today. From John Mayer to Barbie, the hot trend is to sport some ink. Personally, I believe that if you are an adult, you can decide whether you want to immortalize something on your body that will last your entire earthly lifetime. No judgments here from me. For a brief time during my blue, pink, and purple hair phase, I wanted a pretty butterfly. (Glad I was talked out of that one. I would have totally regretted it.) However, while at my grandmother’s, I found a copy of Women’s Day and ended up reading this interesting article about adults and our tattoo culture. Basically, one woman was trying to raise her daughters while staying true to her conservative beliefs. (The author was against tattoos.) She pointed out that tattoos have become so acceptable that there are even children’s books written about the concept. While pondering all of this on a long car ride, here are some observations about getting a tattoo I have come up with:

1. While working at a day camp last summer, I overheard two little boys arguing about their moms. I figured it was a typical your momma argument. After I wandered over, I realized they were discussing which mom had the cooler tattoo. Even if you do not have children now, at least give them something they can argue about. Saying “my mom has a dolphin on her back” is going to win over “my mom has some guy’s name on her wrist.”

2. As a teacher, I meet all kinds of people. The most interesting people are usually the parents because they are never quite what you pictured a particular student having. Despite my open mind, sometimes I still automatically judge others. Be careful how big and the location of your tattoo is. Even if you are a member of the Stepford Soccer Mom or Dad’s club, and you have some giant ink on you,( i.e. a name, a glass of brandy, a scantily clad woman, to name a few things) and I can clearly see it (i.e. arms, neck, collarbone) , I may be left wondering what kind of home my student lives in. Is it a punk rock free for all? Or did mom or dad make an unwise choice in their youth?

3. Make sure that you know what you are getting into. Don’t get tribal art or Chinese if you cannot understand it. How do you know that it stands for peace? It could mean piece, thus creating another set of problems.

4. Make sure your tattoo artist can read. Especially if you are having something witty in a different language place on your body. See Hayden Panettiere.

5. And finally, ask at least three different people, people who will tell you their honest opinion, about what you want and where you want it.

So, how many books should I order for future baby showers? :-)

More Cat-like than Dog-like..

2009-07-03T00:14:00.000-05:00

LORELAI: Two days of total mind-numbing pampering. Massages, facials, aromatherapy.
EMILY: My goodness, you make it sound like heaven.
LORELAI: It’s as close as you’ll ever come to being a dog.
EMILY: I beg your pardon?
LORELAI: You know, a whole life of nothing but eating, sleeping, lying on your back and getting rubbed.
EMILY: I’d love the comparison to stop there.

Last week, on my New Mexico Adventure, I received my first facial at La Bella Spa in Albuquerque. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to get because I wasn’t too keen on a massage…..I think I would rather be closer to being a cat. You know, you only let certain people touch you and then you can saunter away from the rest of the world. Anyway, after much debate, I decided to get the organic facial. In the description, it outlined some stress relieving yoga moves. I like organic products. I like yoga. Couldn’t be that stressful right?
First, I laid down on this table while soothing nature sounds played in a darkened room. If I would have been left alone, I probably could have fallen into a Rip Van Winkle nap. The esthetician came in with a calm voice and then started to massage and move my shoulders and arms into the yoga positions. CRACK! My neck and shoulders proceeded to pop very loudly. However, they finally felt good, having all that school stressed manipulated out. Next she put some delicious smelling creams on my face and then a steam mist. I think I am liking this facial business.

ACK! Suddenly a bright light was shining on my face! The esthetician apologized and I settled into her digging out all the pores on my face, including ones that I didn’t know existed. All that relaxing stuff? Out the window. Finally the light went off and she put some more yummy cream on my face and slapped the required two cucumbers on my face. At this point, and it could be because I was relaxed, I wanted to burst out laughing and pull a Lorelai and ask if this was my afternoon snack.

While I was trying not to chuckle, I hear her making a potion. I thought, Oh good, a great mask to finish things off with. Then the smell happened. A very stinky smell. One that brought visions of cat vomit to my mind. I hoped that it was not going on my face and as soon as the though went through my mind, she was glopping the mask on my face. Not only did it smell like cat vomit but also it felt like cold cat vomit (I only know this from cleaning up cat vomit, FYI)! After the mask, the esthetician rubbed some lotion on my face and I was finished with my first facial. The lotion took forever to settle in, but I tell you, in spite of the craziness, my face felt like a baby’s face the next day.

Overall, I might consider a spa day in the future. However, I maintain, that I am more cat than dog.

"Don't go changing, to try and please me…”

2009-07-01T23:30:00.001-05:00

Last week, during my excursion to New Mexico with L, we listened to two audio books. One was Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend, A: For Every Guy Who Wants to be One/For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One by Felicity Huffman and Patricia Wolff. It was full of things to make us laugh at how ridiculous men and women are in the dating game. For example, the authors donated some time to explain exactly how men should try to dress and the etiquette of farting in a relationship. (It also contained a very um, interesting section on the Birds and the Bees, which we did not listen to in its entirety. We may need filling in on this issue later. Perhaps on our wedding days to our husbands.)

One chapter that I thought was interesting was the part about men wanting to change their significant others. The authors related a story about a man who told his friends that after he married, he was going to have his wife lose weight. Of course, if you know me, then you know my feminist side was outraged. What a jerk! The authors then pointed out that if the potential GF was not all he wanted, then he should move on. While pondering these things, I realized that as a person, I have such shallow feelings. In fact, these feelings are so strong I decided to make a “list” of qualities I wanted in a future mate. I was talking with L about the list before the trip and I felt it didn’t feel right. (I still don’t. Maybe it is because I put things on there like, “Taller and older than me,” “Wears glasses because I do,” “Loves OU or KU” and “No Hobbit Feet.” Yes, I did have some Christian qualities, and I do maintain that if you aren’t pursuing a relationship with Jesus, you probably shouldn’t apply.) I think it is that I am exactly what Huffman and Wolff recommend men should do. And that my friends, is not a good thing. How many people have I passed on because of something superficial, something that could not change? Instead of looking at a potential BF as a “fixer-upper,” I probably should take advice from the Piano Man and say, “I love you just the way you are.”

17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

2009-06-30T22:52:00.002-05:00

“They say that love can heal the broken

They say that hope can make you see

They say that faith can find a Savior

If you would follow and believe

with faith like a child.”

As a friend pointed out today, I did not mention my visit up to her small town in northern Oklahoma. Thus, my apologies are extended to Mrs. K and Miss K.

In spite of my absent mind, I felt I could devote a blog entry to my time there. Mrs. K’s husband works at a small church as the preacher. The majority of the people in the town and the surrounding area support themselves by farming and raising cattle. If you had any doubts, there is a grain elevator across from their house.

During my two and a half hour drive to their house, I was feeling worn-out and nervous. I was worn-out because of the school year and other personal event I recently endured. I was nervous because Miss K is almost two and I am not sure how to entertain with children that small.

By the end of my time there, I was glad I came. It was a much-needed rest to the stress I had felt. I reconnected with a dear friend. We had laughs upon laughs. Miss K and I got along quite splendidly. In fact, and I am sure her mother would agree, I think Miss K felt I was there to be her friend and not her mom’s.

On my drive home, I was able to take with me some examples of simplicity. Miss K, despite her young age has opinions and moods like any other person. However, she is carefree. Did she sit in a corner and worry about her next meal? Nope. She just trusted that Mr. and Mrs. K would have her Abby Cadabby plate filled when it was time. Was she stressed because her day did not go as planned? Nope. She enjoyed the extra playtime or another time to sing her “Easy Going Day” song from Sesame Street. By being around someone so small, I was able to get a clearer picture of who God wants us to be in Him. Ever since then, I cannot get her little voice out of my head singing this song:

Even though it is a children's song, it is an attitude that I want to carry with me, especially into the new school year.

Thanks to the K family for being generous enough to share their home and lives with me for those few days. I truly feel blessed. I was low on hope, faith, and love, and the example you have given your daughter on how to be “easy-going” is amazing. Whenever I feel like I do not have the faith that I need, all I have to hear is Miss K singing her song: “Got no time to worry.” It is true; our time where God has placed us to serve does not allow us to worry. So, if you are feeling blue, just try to have an easy-going day!

That old feeling...

2009-06-29T23:39:00.004-05:00

“I saw you last night and got that old feeling…”

Hello world of blogging! While catching up on other’s lives through the world of blogging, I realize that my blog is suffering from O.N.- Owner Neglect. My poor blog! I apologize for letting life overwhelm me, causing me to forget the love of writing. Never fear my little blog, I read others and got that old feeling of wanting to write again. I am back!

Since my absence has been one of about six months, I will try to sum things up fast like lightning….

In February, I had the challenge of a student moving into my classroom. Normally, most teachers would think, “Hey! What is the problem?” Well, I was his third 2nd grade teacher for the year and he was coming back from a suspension when he shoved another student into a wall. That was probably some of the mildest examples of his behavior all year. However, everyone survived and I am back at the same school for another year in 2nd grade. As a friend told me when I shared this experience, “It was baptism by fire.”

March came and went rather quickly. Not too much eventful happened. I did get restarted on Janet Evanovich’s number series. Now I am looking for my own Morelli to call me cupcake.

April was a rough month. I felt like it rained and rained. I was thinking about getting plans for an ark made. Not only was the weather bad, but then my family experienced a great loss as my grandfather was gathered to heaven. We all still miss him but are thankful that he is HOME now.

In May, my sister graduated college. Now we are all grown up. In addition, I turned 27. I cannot believe it. I am actually closer to 30 than twenty now. I am having pre-thirty freak-out. I am pretty sure that I spotted a grey hair and that my knee made a funny noise while jogging. However, people still think I am the youngest sister. Maybe next year I will celebrate my 24th birthday.

June has led me to see the inside of a car. At the beginning of the month, my sister and I road tripped it through Kansas to see our grandmother. She played golf and I learned to play hand and foot canasta, which is super fun! Anyone ready for a hand?

This past week in June, Lindsey and I were reliving all our great memories as roommates when we road tripped to New Mexico. (I have some great pictures to post later.) I learned that some people love strangely, there are things called whiffs, men need to realize that reality for men and women is relative, that I need to bathe in sunscreen, and I am open to online dating.

“Once again I seemed to feel that old yearning. And I knew the spark of love was still burning. There'll be no new romance for me. It's foolish to start. For that old, old feeling is still in my heart, Still in my heart, Still in my heart”

It is good to be back little blog!

I'm a sheep

2009-01-27T15:23:00.003-06:00

Everyone seems to be posting the 25 random things about themselves. Since I have a snow day I am going to cave and be like everyone else.

1. I have to sleep in the middle of my bed starting out on my left side and then ending up on my back.

2. I love Sharpies. I use them to grade and write notes. If they wouldn't bleed through the paper, I would probably journal with them. I have a bunch in just about every color.

3. I love to color code things. My class is divided into color groups. I have green folders for science, blue for math, read for reading and language arts, and yellow for social studies. I use purple folders for important papers for myself. I also color code my checkbook when I balance it.

4. I wish that they would put the TV show "ED" on DVD. It was a quirky romantic comedy that was on NBC for a few years back in the late 1990s.

5. I am totally not on my life plan I mapped out when I was 14, and I love it. I wouldn't have been happy with the future I planned.

6. One of my favorite things to eat is strawberry kiwi yogurt. I probably could just eat that all the time.

7. I either really really really like something or hate it. There isn't too much of a middle ground. Sometimes if I really really really like something it takes on an obsessive nature. Like my love for the Backstreet Boys in high school.

8. I love Bonnie Hunt. If I were famous I would want to be her. She is smart and funny and writes, including one of the best movies ever "Return to Me."

9. Listening to my friend talk about her daughter teething made me realize I am too selfish to have children right now. But I could see it happening in the future, Lord willing.

10. One day I want a room in my house to be my art studio. Big windows, tile floor and organized chaos everywhere!

11. I love to wear clog shoes and converse. I know it is not fashion forward, but I don't care...embrace your inner bohemian!

12. I love Coldplay. A lot. In fact, this is a minor obsession since 2001. See number 7.

13. I would rather wear my glasses than contacts. It does make me more geeky looking but I don't care.

14. If someone would pay me to do research for them, like for a paper or project, I would probably take the job. I love finding out about new things by going to the library and looking at books, newspapers, and journals. I love them organizing and sorting out the information. What I am not good at is then writing about all of this in an academic manner. My writing style is a little more USA Today than academic journal worthy.

15. I love to read and will read just about anything, including teenage fiction (Twilight) to classics (Sense and Sensibility).

16. I am looking forward to seeing my sister graduate nursing school. She's going to be an awesome nurse.....my little baby's all grown up and saving the world now!

17. I love carrying large purses. I will never go tiny again! :-)

18. I love to workout with my Wii. I think it is becoming a number 7.

19. When I die, I want the Swichfoot song "Home" played and an invitation given to others to know Christ.

20. I want to go to England and do dorky things like see where C.S. Lewis and Jane Austen lived. And drink lots and lots of tea.

21. Speaking of tea, I love chai tea. Another obsession since 2002.

22. I hate driving in icy weather. A few years ago, I spun out in my beloved Isabel and did a 360 degree turn across the road. Now I can work myself into a huge nervous fit before driving in bad weather. This fear also is coupled with the fact I just hate driving in general. If life here in Oklahoma would allow for a good public transportation system, I would be on there every morning and night.

23. I never thought I would like dogs until I met Sophie Puppy Pants and George. Now I would be happy with one!

24. I love teaching English and breaking down the grammar, parts of speech and conjugating verbs.

25. My favorite flowers are lily of the valleys and peonies.

There you go! Twenty-five things about me!

I think it is Friday...

2009-01-02T14:02:00.003-06:00

Happy 2009 to all!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time off from 2nd grade for the past two weeks. I sort of feel a bit like Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day," and feel that everyday is Saturday.

I got a lot done over break for my class. My lessons are typed and ready to e-mail to my VP for the whole month of January. I even have potentially starred those I want to take grades on to make my life easier.

I now am the owner of a Wii. I love it. I don't care if it makes me a nerdy gamer, I love it. I am on my way to earning silver medals in boxing and tennis and becoming the amateur champion in "Dancing with the Stars."

Yesterday I set my spiritual goals for the next year. Last year I had so many things I wanted to change in my walk. I think they have. The only repeat was a sense of contentment for me. I might let you know how things are panning out. It was interesting to look back and see how quickly things changed from last year. And how re-prioritizing some things led to a different spiritual outlook.

Tomorrow begins wedding season for me. It is a little early since usually I don't have to go to a wedding until the spring, but I wish Jess and Heath the best.

School starts for me on Monday....and I am glad to get back into a routine. :-)

Love came down at Christmastime.

2008-12-14T20:25:00.003-06:00

Some of my favorite Christmas Videos on YouTube!

I thought this was really creative and it made me think back to drama in high school:

Because I hear this song every time I turn on Magic 104.1 for Christmas Music.....what do you think fate is telling me?

Who can't love the Peanuts?

My favorite version of this song by Aimee Mann:

My new favorite Christmas Songs:

Return to Me.......

2008-12-05T21:02:00.012-06:00

Welcome Back!

I have taken a long break...or rather life happened to come rushing at me with the force of a stampede of buffalo.

I am now working at Bodine Elementary in Oklahoma City as a second grade teacher. The children that I work with are a typical Title I population, ala Mad H ot Ballroom. (Probably my favorite movie about schools...Check it out!) I felt like I jumped into the deep end of a swimming pool and was under about 13 feet of water. Now I feel like it is 6 feet. I doubt that I ever will stop feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at times. Maybe I can catch up during the summer?

One of the big things that I have worked on is to teach manners to the students. We practice, practice, practice. I have them saying "Hello" when someone comes into the room instead of "Ms Leochner!!! SOMEONE IS HERE!!!" To get my attention they say "Excuse me" instead of my name a gazillion times. Also, I want the boys to learn to respect the girls in a gentlemanly manner, so I have them line up last. (We have a case of charging boys who constantly step on or bump into the girls.) One boy started to complain and I said,"It is the gentlemanly thing to do...ladies first." Then his friend turned and look at him and said, "Yeah, you won't get no woman when you get older if you aren't a gentleman."

Here are some pictures of my classroom:

We made turkey windsocks for Thanksgiving for our social studies project. Gobble! Gobble!

Here is our word wall and my desk. We work hard every week on our new vocabulary words and sight words. Our story this past week was about "A Trip to the Emergency Room," which is a sample from Time magazine for children. It was interesting to hear their view of a hospital. Most had experience with a hospital, from having broken bones to sickness to visiting new siblings.

By the way, the phone in my room is exactly like the phone they use on The Office. I know, I know, I am a huge dork!

Also, over the Thanksgiving break, I went to visit my grandparents in an overnight trip to Topeka, KS. My grandparents are there because my grandpa is receiving chemotheraphy for cancer. (If you all wouldn't mind keeping that in your prayers.) He is doing well. That Friday we celebrated their 62 years as a married couple. (Here they are checking out their anniversary cards!) They have been an inspiration and model that I hope to one day follow.

Finally, while on the overnight trip, my family and I stopped at the new gas station on the turnpike outside of Wichita. I got to use the new Dyson hand dryer, which was featured on Living with Ed. It was totally awesome. I want one for my house! Also, they had this picture outside the women's restroom, which cracked me up...and of course I had to get a picture!

I hope that everyone is having a great holiday season. Merry Christmas to all! :-)

I'm Going to Vote for a Christian

2008-09-01T12:22:00.004-05:00

Just to show how much of a nerd I am, I finally got around to watching Rick Warren's faith forum with McCain and Obama. Yes, I taped it. However, I am finally glad I did. It helped me to see both candidates in a personable light, instead of mud slinging about who is more like Britney Spears or who has more houses.

Both men testified that they were Christians, and from the answers they gave, it appears that their faith is an important part of their lives. Neither claimed to be perfect stewards of Christianity either, which I found refreshing. I enjoy real Christians- people who admit their failings as a human yet still rejoice in grace. Thus, it isn't a battle of a Christian vs. a non-Christian.

Their views on the answer of evil in the world were also interesting. Both agreed it exists, however each had their own approach in either confronting it. Perhaps it had to do with a military verses nonviolent background. I did agree with one over the other. I didn't find one to be right or wrong, just that I would lean to one approach more than the other.

My other favorite question that was asked and the subsequent answers were over adoption. I believe that we are to take care of orphans- it is even Biblical. Obama wants to create programs to deter parental death and child abandonment. McCain pointed out that his family does include an adopted child.

Overall, I found this forum to be enlightening. It was designed to have a conversational approach, which I found easier to listen to than a debate. I do have my vote decided for the fall, but I feel that no matter who wins, our country is not going to end up in the hands of an Antichrist. Both men and their vice presidential candidates would offer a refreshing change in leadership, which I believe is what our country needs most at this time.

My Favorite Commericals

2008-08-30T11:32:00.001-05:00

Book Review: The Posionwood Bible

2008-08-27T21:42:00.001-05:00

The Posionwood Bible has an interesting title. What does it mean? What is the significance? Many recommendations came my way about this novel, so of course, I had to check it out.
The novel chronicles the reaction of a very conservative Southern Baptist family to life in the Congo during the 1960s and beyond. The mother and her four daughters provide the narration as they survive and even thrive in a place vastly different from their own home in Georgia.
Kingsolver takes her time easing into the tale. Each woman narrates a chapter from the first person, which creates a jumpiness that is difficult to adjust back and forth from initially. However, once we find out the back story, the novel takes off at a rapid pace. It is interesting to read about forty years of history in Africa through these fictional characters' perspectives.
Overall, I give the novel a four our of five. Some hurdles are the readability and the religious and political messages at the end. Kingsolver provides great character depth and insight into a mysterious continent.

Really???

2008-08-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

Working with the smaller set everyday, I expect crazy things to come out of their mouths. Like the time two second graders got in a little spat over something that happened on Hannah Montana. Or the girls talking about their boyfriends, when their boyfriends have no idea that they have a girlfriend.

The other day, I was talking with some 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. They were talking about their boyfriends and girlfriends. I laughed and told them they were too young. Then one of the fourth grade boys looks at me and says, "But Miss Amy, I can't help it. I am just too attracted to girls."

Whoa. Is it me, or are children way into mature things lately?

The Things We Do For Love

2008-08-19T20:09:00.005-05:00

"I can't believe that I am going to stand on a corner for Jesus."- Fellow Life Group Member

Two weekends ago, my life group and I finally served at our first local mission. We discussed and discussed all summer long. Finally, we found an opportunity that we all could join in and serve.

The Children's Center in Bethany, OK hosted their 12th annual bike-a-thon. Our group signed up to take the mid-morning shift. Not knowing what to expect, we quickly found ourselves with nothing to do. Ice chests were full, trash was picked up, and the bikers were fed. One of our members spotted someone cheering with a cowbell as the bikers came in. The cowbell cheerleader left after her biker came in, so our group started a cheering line for the bikers. Before long, we cheered so much that others came to join us on that corner. Sure, we weren't changing lives and I'm positive that no one had a religious conversion because of our efforts. However, I think we put a smile on the bikers and cheered them to the finish line. Talk about taking scripture literally!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Contemporary English Version)
Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
11That's why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing

What is something that you have done for Jesus that you felt wasn't a big deal? Write it down to remind yourself that: the king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me." (Matt. 25:40) Then when you feel overlooked, overworked, or maybe even a little ridiculous, remember that Jesus does care and notice.

Book Review: Holly Would Dream

2008-07-19T17:15:00.002-05:00

If you enjoy the classic films of the 1950s in which Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day were the silver screen's darlings, then you will enjoy Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn.

The heroine is Holly Ross who works at a fashion museum in New York City. In the beginning, it seems that she has finally made it as a fashion museum curator with a handsome fiance who is an actor. However, Holly's day starts off with her becoming a muddy mess and losing her promotion and ends with her finding out her fiance is a philanderer and homeless. Holly wants to escape to her favorite world, the worlds Audrey Hepburn inhabited in such films as Roman Holiday and Sabrina. Holly continues the spiral downward with a public fiasco for the museum. Just when you feel that Holly has suffered enough, the author takes us on an upbeat journey across the Mediterranean. Holly decides to speak on a leisure cruise for the rich and richer while transporting some Audrey Hepburn costumes from a TV movie. There hilarity ensues as well as romance and happiness for Holly.

I enjoyed the lighthearted read. It was also fun for me to see all the classic film references and laugh at the extraordinary lives of the characters. If you are looking for an escape, then this is great! I have to warn you that the read garners a p-13 from me from the scandalous lives of the characters. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Praise Jesus! I Love Math!

2008-07-18T19:48:00.002-05:00

Today I read my unofficial test results from the OGET and World History/Geography tests. Praise Jesus! I passed ! You'll never guess what my highest score was in......MATH?!?! Can you believe it? That was definitely a God thing. Now I have to sit for an interview with the State of Oklahoma Department of Education. I believe that all things will work out according to His plan. Here is another Hillsong praise song to enjoy, "All Things Possible." I probably could post one everyday!!!

My Warrior

2008-07-14T18:36:00.002-05:00

Philippians 4:6-9 (Contemporary English Version)
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

You drew a lion!

2008-06-28T13:04:00.003-05:00

Hold on readers...it is another cute kid story. Before I begin, I must add a disclaimer: If you have never read or seen any of the Chronicles of Narnia books or movies, stop reading. You are not going to get the story. I only say this because when I verbally retold the story, I got a better reaction from those that had experience with Narnia.

This summer I am working in an extended day program for school aged children. One of the children is a very creative five year old, who is obsessed with all things Narnia and Lord of the Rings. I'll call him Edmund. Anyway, Edmund came in with a drawing of Orcs fighting. He was telling me all about the picture and asked if I wanted to play "war" with him. Curious as to what this game was, I told him yes. Edmund explained that one half of the paper was his side and the other was mine. He would have a turn to draw on his side OR mine, and then it would be the same for me as well. Edmund wanted to be the bad guys and I was to be the good guys.

Thirty minutes passed and soon the page was full of soldiers, dwarfs, centaurs, minotaurs, and various bow and arrows. Edmund kept defeating my army by drawing shooting arrows or other terrible tragedies for the good. I, myself, was also a tad bored at this point and wanted the game to end. I decided to draw what I hoped would end the game: Aslan the lion.

Edmund opened his eyes, ready for his turn, paused, looked at me and said, "You drew a lion! The game is over. How did you know?" He was surprised that I knew how to end the game.

"I've read the Narnia books and seen the movie. Aslan rules over all," I replied.

Then Edmund answered, "Now we have to start over and this time, you are the bad guys."

Finally! A Moment Worth Waiting For!

2008-06-06T22:51:00.004-05:00

Reality television. It draws you in faster than anything else. This summer, I was pulled into watching "The Bachelorette" for the first time. Normally I stay away from shows like this because I don't think that anyone can really find true love through larger-than-life dates and more beautiful than average people. I was promised that it would provide the opportunity for some Gilmore style mocking.

Three weeks later, and the show delivers. Carefully listen to Ron's farewell speech. You will find it under "Diary of the Departed, Week 3." Now, it makes me wonder, could this person be real? Or has he watched way too much of this guy? Because you know that this speech is one he could give. In his sleep. While waiting for the smell of bacon to wake him up.

I said "Hey, What's Going On?"

2008-06-03T17:16:00.002-05:00

Wow, it is June! My life is going, going, going.

My preschoolers are all enjoying the summer break for one more week. Then I start the summer session of preschool. I have enjoyed the break from them. Not that I haven't gone to work mind you....I still go in at seven and leave at three to work...on things like cleaning and bulletin boards. Is this really what I went to graduate school for?

This question I have asked myself for about three months. However, it wasn't until a week ago (on my birthday to be exact), that another possibility might be coming my way.

A friend of mine wanted to get alternative certification to teach political science. I joined with her, hoping to be approved for social studies. Turns out, my application was still good from three years ago. I then signed up for the tests, which I am taking on June 21st. Ever the Doubting Thomas, I wasn't sure that this was the path I was supposed to take. However, I read some of the exam material and it covers everything I learned. Even random things like topics in my Japanese Buddhism class or knowledge about the Protestant Reformation. Then the study guides I ordered from Amazon showed up in two days- instead of a week.

I am not trying to plot out the big picture. Instead, I am focusing on the test and passing that. After the test, then if I make a passing score, I meet with a review committee for approval. When I receive approval, then I can be employed as a secondary world history/geography teacher. So, if anyone knows anything still open by the beginning of August let me know. If it supposed to happen, then I know that God will provide.

Bless You!

2008-05-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

2008-04-20T17:48:00.002-05:00

Inspired by the recent movies on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre, I read the Jane Austen novels. Some were repeat readings, while others were first timers. Persuasion, a first time read, took me by surprise. Jane Austen, for those of you who aren’t familiar with her work, was the chick lit writer of her time. It is amazing that her novels have endured into the postmodern era. Austen’s work follows a simple formula, usually containing simple stereotypical one-dimensional characters. Girl meets boy. They like each other, but alas, cannot admit to it. Girl and boy overcome odds and end up happily together.

Persuasion is different. Maybe Austen knew that this was to be her last completed work. The novel contains many incidents which resemble events in her life. The characters are able to show other sides to their natures. It is a mature and poignant view of romance. The story opens with our heroine, Anne, facing a difficult dilemma. Apparently, she is the only sensible one of her family. Her eldest sister and father have lived the high life for too long, and now they have to face the repercussions. The family agrees to move to a cheaper home and rent out the family estate. Anne wants her family to get out of its debts. Unfortunately, Anne ends up moving to her younger sister’s house because her father and sister resent the move. It is difficult to be the sensible one. The estate ends up rented by a family, the Crofts, who are related to Fredrick Wentworth, Anne’s jilted beau. Anne was to be engaged to Fredrick, but was persuaded by her family and friends that he was not good enough. Now, at the spinster age of 27, Anne and Wentworth are tossed back together in the same social circle.

Will the couple forgive and forget the past? Does love die after many years? Or is it rekindled? Is it ever too late to find happiness in love? Those are a few of the questions you will have answered in Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Where's My Manual?

2008-03-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

Good Daylight Savings to you! Last night before I went to sleep, I planned on resetting my i-pod alarm clock. However, I couldn't figure it out and gave up. I still haven't dug the manual out yet. I don't want to admit that I can't figure it out. I guess I have about twelve hours before I need to come off my pride pedestal so I can set my alarm for work tomorrow.

I think part of my hesitation to actually get the manual out is because I have been trying to make peace with the fact that I cannot do everything in my life alone. Situations have happened, and I find myself asking for help more often than not. It drives me crazy because I want to be a perfect, independent woman. Raise your hand if you are laughing at me. Ok, put them down. I see you. I think being independent is a great quality, but like most things in life, it thrives in moderation. For the past six years I practiced independence at its extreme. Basically I only listened and accepted guidance from a select few. I hardly asked for help. I plotted to get myself out of situations. Instead of confidence, I ended up with a worrying perfectionist soul.
Now God has placed me in a situation I never planned. In fact, I would say that since August, I plotted how to get out of my situation. I ignored my Life Manual and God. Pouting and proud, I was ready to complain and grumble. I couldn't and honestly didn't want to see any hope. When my plans didn't come to fruition, I just gave up. Why try to change things if it isn't going to work in my way?

Even though I was ignoring God, He wasn't ignoring me. I started going to church again with a friend, mainly so we wouldn't have to go alone. I never expected that I would be challenged and growing as a person, both in spirit and in my mind. I haven't obtained complete peace about things, but I have my Life Manual out again. Day by day, I feel small changes. Now the hardest part is having patience to wait for bigger changes to happen.

I guess I better go find my clock manual. Then I could have the satisfaction of learning, little by little, how to program this new piece of technology. Or at least I won't be an hour behind.