Life In General

Movie Etiquette Gone Wrong

2009-06-01T11:49:00.002-05:00

We went to see Angels & Demons at the twilight showing Saturday. It's only $4.50. Big bargain. Good movie.

About 15 minutes into the movie, an older couple found the two seats on the end right next to me. The lady held a nested pair of plastic grocery sacks as if they were a purse. She also used a cane, and the bags brushed against it as she moved. swish, swish, swish...

As they settled in, the lady rested the grocery sacks in her lap and stuck her hands inside. She then proceeded to straighten the inner sack so that it perfectly fit inside the outer one. This took a good deal a time since she was distracted from her task by the movie. swish, scrunch, swish, crinkle, crunch...

For the full effect, you should go get a couple of plastic grocery bags from the pantry and put one inside the other. Then stick your hands in there and start moving them around.

When the straightening was done, I glanced at her, gave a smile, then glanced at her sacks and back at her. I thought I had communicated clearly.

She smiled at me and stuck her hands back in the inner sack. This time, she was unwrapping the food she had smuggled in. It was a tuna sandwich. Not in a sandwich bag, but wrapped tightly in cellophane. She was obviously concerned about getting caught with the smuggled food, so she took her time unwrapping the sandwich. crinkle, crinkle, swish, crinkle, scrunch...

As she unwrapped a little sandwich, she would stealthily pull it to her mouth, plastic bags, cellophane and all, to sneak a bite. At this point, it was not only the sound of the bags and the wrapper, but the overpowering smell of the tuna fish. I kept giving her the polite smiles and bouncing glances, but she was oblivious.

Eventually, she finished the sandwich and very carefully straightened and folded her cellophane. Her hands were in the plastic bags the whole time. I thought my torture was over, but no. She then reached further into the bags and popped the lid on a Gladware container. She pulled out a spoon (a real one from home) and proceeded to eat her dessert! All the while with her hands in the bag!

At last she finished the dessert and pulled her hands from the sack. She got up from her seat and left. I assume she went to the restroom, but she never came back. The movie had about 25 minutes left. The husband stayed until the last 5 minutes, then went to look for her.

Bruce watched the entire movie oblivious to any of this. He says he didn't realize anyone sat next to me. I demonstrated the noise for him while he was watching TV. He was ready to choke me after about 45 seconds.

Green Shower

2009-04-17T23:34:00.004-05:00

In my classroom this morning, I reached up to put away a calculator and was surprised by the sound of a rainstick. I wondered if a student had one in hand ... until I noticed the green shower of tiny beads hitting the tile floor. Boy did they bounce high and far.

This used to be my lanyard. It dutifully carried my ID badge and room key for the last few months. Unfortunately, after 30 minutes of crawling on the floor, it is now a plastic bag full of beads and wire.

An All Around Good Day

2009-03-20T23:26:00.007-05:00

I spent today with Kathryn P. It was really relaxing and quite wonderful. We haven't been able to spend much time together lately, and it was good to get caught up. We hung out on a bench at White Rock Lake for about an hour. There were hundreds of birds on the water. We haven't quite figured out what these duck-like critters are, but they sure were fun to watch.

I even found a new bank while we were out and about. I've been wanting to ditch Bank of America for a while. I don't like the idea of the government running our banks, and the service there has been going down hill for years now. I opened an account at a local bank in Lakewood. I'm looking forward to the awesome service and community feel of it all. I'm already extremely impressed.

We finished the day out with an ice cream at Braum's. It was a great way to spend my last week day off for the school year.

Someone Else's Wedding Dress

2009-03-18T20:17:00.002-05:00

I spent the day wedding dress shopping with Kathryn. It was fun to be on the other side of the equation.

I also went for a walk tonight. I decided I would listen to one hour of a Dave Ramsey podcast and walk until it was over. I really zone out on talk radio, so I just focused on the show and tried to forget I was walking. I forgot how good it feels to get even a small amount of exercise. An hour of walking really made me feel refreshed.

I Missed Out On Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T13:59:00.002-06:00

I decided to stay home sick yesterday. I was miserable all day Thursday and could barely stand up to teach my afternoon classes.

Around 10:00 the secretary at my school called me. I thought for sure that I didn't follow the right process for being out and that she was calling to see where I was. But that was not it at all. Instead she told me that I had flowers delivered to the school. Apparently Bruce had ordered them weeks ago. He had been plotting to ask Kathryn to pick them up since I called in sick at 6:00 am.

Bruce was on his way out the door to work, so I got to tell him thank you. He's so sweet. A friend brought the flowers to me last night. They are just beautiful. Tonight we're going out to our restaurant. We've made a tradition of Cantina Laredo since the pie contest victory of 2005.

Teaching High School

2008-08-28T16:29:00.001-05:00

High school is definitely what I had hoped for. The students are more mature. They're still kids, but they are much more capable of following instructions and a whole lot less hormonal.

The only less pleasant part is the sheer amount of work and preparation I've been putting in. For the last 2 weeks I have been working from 7:30 in the morning until 9:30 at night - 7 days a week. I stay at school late and finish what I can at home.

My favorite part is the total lack of running, screaming, shoving, kicking and bouncing in the hallways between classes. The worst I've seen so far is kissing and an occasional shout out to a friend at the other end of the hall. Mostly they just walk like little adults to their next destination.

I also love how high school is so full of high school activities. I stayed up here last night for a football kick-off pep rally. The band played and the chearleaders cheered and the players ran out through a banner. It's all so very wonderful. It makes me feel like I'm back in school, marching in the band at the Friday night games.

The Rest Of Summer Vacation

2008-08-06T16:29:00.007-05:00

I have not been avoiding my blog. I've been avoiding the computer.

On the day following the river rafting excitement, we drove farther into the mountains to Black Canyon. After climbing down a couple of hundred steps into the canyon, we then walked a mile to a pontoon boat. There we joined 20+ other people for a relaxing float trip down the water reservoir that flows through the canyon. The views were breathtaking in every direction, and our forest ranger guide was very informative.

Here are a couple of video clips of the journey down the stairs.

After my trip to Colorado with Bruce, I took a mini vacation with Kathryn to Fort Worth. We got to see dinosaur footprints in Glen Rose and spent an afternoon shopping in downtown Granbury. On our way back home, we went to the Japanese Gardens in downtown Fort Worth. If you've never been there, I highly recommend a visit. It's well worth the $3 entry fee.

Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed both trips. They were an excellent way to finish my summer break.

Five Miles of Class 3 Rapids

2008-07-16T17:29:00.004-05:00

This is what we were doing about an hour ago. I love vacation!

Vacation!

2008-07-12T11:24:00.003-05:00

Bruce and I are headed off on our anniversary vacation! We'll be in Lubbock tonight, then Colorado Springs until Tuesday morning. After that we'll be at the Three Rivers Resort in Almont, Colorado.

I'm going to attempt to keep an update on my twitter log (over there on the right). We'll see how that goes.

Love you all! See you when we're back.

Legal

2008-07-08T16:05:00.005-05:00

I suddenly realized that if I didn't take care of my car legalization today, I would not have another opportunity until July 21. As you can see, my registration expired in May.

I had assumed there would lines, fines and hand-slapping, but it actually wasn't too bad. There was no line at all. The lady asked if I had received a ticket. When I said I hadn't, she requested the regular amount.

Of course, being who I am, I offered to pay extra. I had to point out, as if she didn' t know, that I had been driving with an expired tag since June 1. Apparently, if you can avoid a ticket, you get away with this. Good to know.

On another note, here are some of the pictures from our excursion to the World Aquarium Saturday.

That's a three-toed sloth beside me. Apparently the only one on display in North America. They wouldn't let us touch it, but we could get really close.

How I Spent My July 4th Holiday

2008-07-05T22:04:00.004-05:00

All the family fun fell through for Friday, so we sat around all day. Bruce really needed a day of rest.

Later that evening, we tried to go to Firewheel shopping center for dinner and fireworks, but every entrance was closed. Apparently the parking lot was full, even though we counted several open spaces and saw tons of cars leaving. The officer who finally gave us the "full parking lot" info was not interested in discussing the situation any further.

So we drove a little farther and ate elsewhere. While dining, we noticed a crowd gathering in a field nearby to watch the fireworks. Assuming they knew what they were doing, we parked on the street and joined them. We spread our blankets and got comfortable.

It turned out to be an excellent place to watch. Not only could we see the Firewheel show, but the Sachse and downtown Garland shows as well. What a display! Fireworks in every direction! When we were leaving, we caught the end of the Breckenridge show which had been going on behind us!

Since I had been cooped up in the apartment all day Friday, my sweet hubby planned a full day of fun for Saturday. First we went to the World Aquarium down town. It was crowded, but still enjoyable. Then we went to Desperado's on Greenville for some yummy fajita tacos. We finished off the day with "Get Smart", and made it home in time for a load of laundry.

Waiting

2008-07-02T11:27:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon waiting for the cable guy only to find out that the appointment had been mis-scheduled. The guy typed 12 instead of 1 for the date.

There is really no way to express my frustration in this situation adequately. I waited in my apartment, trapped, for 4 long hours only to find out that they were never coming in the first place.

The obvious solution presented by the cable company was to reschedule. My response to this was a very simple, quiet, "No." "No, I really don't . . . No."

I hung up on the guy. Apparently my sweet husband rescheduled for tomorrow, but I just can't bring myself to sit here for another 4 hours.

If you were around me at all during the Grande saga, you will believe me when I say that I have spent around 50 hours of my life this year waiting on the cable guy.

I'm really just not willing to do it anymore.

The Library

2008-06-30T16:35:00.007-05:00

Today I set out on an adventure to the Central Library downtown. Eight full stories of wonderful library-ness.

I got on the Red Line intending to grab a bus to my final destination. But apparently, even in downtown Dallas, the bus only runs every 40 minutes. So I set off walking, and it actually wasn't too far. Only about 8 blocks. Good exercise and all.

I spent my first hour on the 8th floor. I was looking at the back issues of a professional journal for math teachers. Then I slowly explored each floor, walking down one staircase at a time. I am impressed by the collection. Did you know that they have one of the original printed copies of the U.S. Constitution on display? I think it was on the 7th floor. You should check it out. It's in a low-light room. I assume that's for preservation reasons.

The library was interesting enough, but more interesting were its patrons. There were people in business suits, parents with kids. Even an entire day care hanging out on the children's floor. There were people on almost every available computer, on every floor, doing everything from applying for loans to playing silly games on Yahoo.

And then there were the other people. These are the people who make my heart beat a little faster when I have to walk by them. There was an unusually high population of what appeared to be vagrants. They seemed to be either homeless, mentally ill, or high. Or maybe they were all of the above. I noticed them walking through downtown and I noticed a lot more of them on the various floors of the library.

At first, I was lecturing myself. I was accusing myself of racism or perhaps elitism. But then I started to pay attention to who these pulse-raising people were. Some were white. Some were black. Some were men. Some were women.

What they seemed to have in common was a sense of having nowhere to go. They were sitting. They were staring. They had plastic sacks filled with their possessions. They seemed to just be appreciative of the air conditioning.

Sometimes they walked purposefully in my direction and then turned around and walked back. Sometimes they watched what I was doing and showed signs of intending to follow. Their behavior somehow felt threatening to me, and I would like to understand that feeling better.

The main thing I took away from this experience was a curiosity about the sheer number of people who seem to have nowhere to go and no purpose in life. Seeing them in a concentrated location really made me think.

What can be done? Should I have stopped and asked them to tell me their stories? Why does that sound scary to me?

Maybe God is trying to tell me something. I don't really know.

To Break, or Not To Break

2008-06-26T17:23:00.005-05:00

Today was my final day of staff development. Hooray!

In light of my experience today, I have a suggestion for all of you who find yourself in a facilitator / teacher position from time to time. When you say it's time for a break, go ahead and take a breath and give people a chance to decide it's OK to leave. It is very confusing to be told to go on break and never feel like the instructor is quite through with you.

By the afternoon break, I had figured out to just get up and walk away. But I almost missed my break entirely the first time!

I think there are a good number of people in the world who don't know how to finish talking. They don't seem to be able to find a conclusionary sentence. I'm not really sure what that's all about.

Friend Of The Bereaved

2008-06-24T21:03:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to do what I can for Kathryn and her family, but it doesn't seem enough. I keep having these moments when I feel inadequate.

Yesterday was the funeral. Bruce & I arrived early, at Kathryn's invitation, to join her at the family lunch. It became slightly awkward because the rest of the family wasn't sure why we were there. Each time somone asked who we were, I was friendly and explained that we were invited. But after the fourth time we were asked, I started to feel like we shouldn't be there.

Everyone was very nice to us. No one ever said anything that made me feel like they wanted us to leave. It was just my usual worry that I might be somehow disapproved of. I hate how much I struggle with that.

Bruce tried to reassure me. Kathryn assured me that she invited me and it didn't matter what the rest of the family thought. Una was exceptionally kind and welcoming to us. But my silliness finally got the better of me and Bruce reluctantly agreed to go with me to the auditorium and wait for the service to start. So I left Kathryn alone at a time when she had specifically requested my presence.

After the funeral, I felt like I failed again. We had made an extensive plan for Bruce to get Kathryn's family home to Wills Point and for KT and I to get Kathryn home to bed. She had been barely napping for about 5 days straight.

However, a casual friend of Kathryn's was wanting to do something nice. It was a generous offer, but at an inappropriate time. I tried to assertively say no to the friend, but she was insistant and I caved. It ended up delaying Kat's much needed sleep by several hours. I've been very frustrated with my inability to be assertive enough to keep this from happening. I feel like it was my responsibility to handle this and I did a very poor job of it.

Today I blew it again. Kathryn came to my place to pick up her luggage and drive on to see her mother again. When she got here, she asked me to drive her to Wills Point. Instead of immediately responding "Of Course!", I hesitated. I was sorting through the legistics in my mind and the hesitation made Kathryn cry. She felt like she had imposed too much. How can there be too much? How can I ever do enough in a situation like this? I explained my hesitation. She had actually already worked out a ride home for me. But I still feel like I let her down once again.

I tried to redeem myself some today. I worked on the family computer a little and escorted Kat's sister to the vet to have the family dog put down (for very legitimate reasons that I won't go into.) This turned out to be more emotional for the sister than I think she expected. I'm actually glad I was there with her.

I know that I am the only one who thinks so critically of me. I know I'm probably being ridiculous. I just want to make things better for this family and there's really no way to do that at all. I think it's the same helplessness that we are all feeling.

Loss

2008-06-22T11:25:00.003-05:00

I am not a writer. This blog is a way to let my family know what's going on in my life. A much better version of what I want to say was written here by a good friend and elder in my church.

Today I am scattered and hurting. My best friend, Kathryn, arrived in China yesterday only to find out that she had to return to bury her father. He died suddenly and unexpectedly while she was in the air.

We are picking her up at the airport this afternoon. I am heart-broken on her behalf.

My Week At Math Camp

2008-06-20T19:21:00.006-05:00

I had the opportunity to attend the College Board AP Summer Institute this week. I have to admit, I was mildly interested, but not thrilled about the idea of giving up a week of my Summer break.

The experience turned out to be most excellent. We worked on problems, watched Nova movies about Archimedes, played with Geometer's Sketchpad software, worked more problems and even made up our own problems. We were a room full of total math geeks just doin' our thing for a whole week.

It was so much fun, I started calling it "Math Camp".

And let me tell you something. This is a very cool thing I never knew before Sketchpad...

BUT! This is even cooler...
It's a math thing. Just trust me. It's pretty darn awesome.

Camera Fun With Emma & Madi

2008-06-17T17:28:00.007-05:00

We had the pleasure of the company of our two nieces this past weekend. One of our outings was to the movies on Saturday. I just love these little girls. Seems like they were babies just last year. Now Emma's done with Kindergarten.

It's amazing how they seem to grow up right before your eyes.

Really Not Part Of My Life Plan

2008-06-12T12:55:00.011-05:00

My first week of summer has been mostly about sorting out school stuff, housework, blogs and Frisbee golf. I'm feeling relaxed, but a little purposeless.

Speaking of purpose. I have noticed a disturbing trend lately.

One

A counselor and fellow Christian at work asked me to speak at a ladies conference in October. This freaked me out, but she reassured me that people would be interested in my story of long-term singleness and eventual wedded bliss.

I informed her that people like me used to make me angry. "How come she can find someone and I can't." A real pity-party opportunity. But she said something about me "inspiring her". I figured that I owed God big-time for this wedded bliss thing, so I agreed.

Two

I was asked to "say a few words" at my friend's retirement party. She is my best work friend, so I agreed to tell a short story (along with several other people).

On the day of the party, with 5 minutes notice, I found out that I was to be the emcee of this shindig. And with about 60 guests in attendance, I did my first real public speaking. My nerves got me once, but otherwise it went fairly well. Also, my sweet husband had given me a couple of jokes to tell the night before. They definitely came in handy.

Three

A minister at church called me last week to ask me if I would be interviewed for a Wednesday night class later this month. He wants my insight on what it's like to be in the public school system.

I am really not sure about this thing that God seems to be doing. I have become fond of saying "I am not Rhesa Higgins." (She's a talented and popular ladies speaker at our church.)

However, I have learned that I should just go along for the ride and not resist. I usually end up in a way cool place when it's all over.

I hope God is planning to put some words in my mouth for the next two speaking engagements, because I really don't have a clue.

Witness To A Beating

2008-06-11T09:33:00.002-05:00

Last night, on the way home from seeing Superhero Movie with my husband, I saw a man beating a teenage boy in the parking lot of Kroger.

The guy had on a white outfit and was sort of chasing the kid while taking swings at him. The kid finally got into an suv that was stopped in the entry road to the parking lot. The beater strutted back and forth a few times, apparently deciding whether to drag him back out of the car. The car didn't drive away, so I'm wondering if he belonged in there too.

Really weird. I'm so thankful I was born into my family and raised in a loving home. God has truly been good to me.

And the movie was worth the 75 cents, but not so much the gas to drive to the dollar theatre.

Cool Beans

2008-06-09T14:36:00.009-05:00

Emma showed me the bean that she sprouted and planted in Kindergarten. Due to Emma's meticulous care, the plant is now full grown and has several beans on it.

Aunt Amy's reaction was "Cool beans!". Which was funny to us, but not so much to Emma.

Couldn't resist some other pictures from the Fabulus Fun First Friday Off.

Busy Weekend

2008-06-08T23:04:00.009-05:00

Today

We said goodbye to Preacher Tim. I'm feeling a little better about the whole thing, but I'm still sad to see him go. What an amazing speaker of God's word. He truly has a gift.

Yesterday

We managed to actually surprise Kathryn with a sendoff party! We gave her a notebook full of well-wishes and a photo book from Kodak Gallery. It was a pretty cool party for a pretty amazing woman.

Friday

I got to hang out with my totally awesome sisters and my incredible nieces. It was a "chill day" as we dubbed it. It wasn't full of ultra-excitement, but I did manage to find a pair of black pants for $10 at Ross. Speaking of which...

If you wait in a checkout line with a single purchase item, do the other customers have a right of reasonable expectation that you are making a speedy purchase? Is it socially 'cool' to have your cohort arrive at the counter with a basketfull or 2 of items right when it's your turn to check out?

I'm just asking. Because it seemed somehow wrong to me when the lady's mother pulled up in front of me with an entire cart full of clothes. Oh yeah. The single item the lady was holding? A small baby hat ... with no price tag....

I think God must still be working on my patience. As if six years of Middle School wasn't enough of a lesson.

Free!

2008-06-05T15:16:00.004-05:00

Done! Finished! I am through with middle school! For now or for good? If high school is what I expect, I would say for good. But it's all up to God either way.

It was a sad day. I have a lot of friends at my school. These people all taught me how to be a teacher. Each of them contributed something. (Some of them were good examples of what *not* to do.) But it's over now. My goodbyes are said and I am ready for a new adventure.

But first! Hooray for Summer Vacation!!! Woo HOOO!!!!!

Cardboard Testimonies

2008-06-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

I just found this link on Mike Cope's blog. It moved me to tears.

Ms. Math

2008-06-04T17:19:00.002-05:00

I was looking at profiles and decided to click on my "Math Teacher" occupation tag and see who was out there. Surprisingly, I found a middle school Math teacher with my same blog layout and a musically talented younger sister. It was a little weird, but I realize that however unique we may be, there are a lot of people in the world that are very much like each of us. It's just unusual to run across them.