tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64655752009-07-06T06:52:37.328-04:00"Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't." - William Shakespeare, Hamlet (II, ii, 206)Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.comBlogger642125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-17283882389017978582009-07-05T21:32:00.004-04:002009-07-05T21:52:17.036-04:00

On this dayof great celebration of democracy and our nation's independenceMake sure you check out the fireworks displayat the end of the aisleall the essentialsfor a perfect day with your familyare in the home and garden sectionstock up onred, white, and bluetablecloths and ovenmittsshow your patriotismwith our flag-themednapkins and platesHave a fun timeand save moneyat our Independence Day sale!

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-38236718530249076602009-06-30T13:51:00.003-04:002009-06-30T15:39:26.633-04:00

I am enjoying a nice afternoon off from summer school after a long morning at the doctor's office. For now, I'm seeing my regular OB and my high-risk OB on the same day. We were trying to find out the gender today but had no luck. The baby was in a certain position, quite comfortable too, and wouldn't budge to give us a peek down there. Not seeing a penis might mean something... but no one wanted

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-13420380037382212942009-06-11T13:34:00.004-04:002009-06-11T14:07:32.062-04:00

Poolside or after Ishmael is asleep, I have kept up a pretty fast pace of reading. I finished Charlaine Harris' newest Sookie Stackhouse mystery Dead and Gone and Jane Austen's Persuasion in about three days respectively. I'm currently working on a sort of sequel-spin-off series of Pride and Prejudice by Pamela Aiden. Her books are told from Darcy's point of view; I'm on the 2nd book Duty and

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-75453414406655880632009-06-01T09:52:00.003-04:002009-06-02T10:12:36.553-04:00

Signs it's definitely summer:-More than one consecutive week away from school and students-Craving homemade ice tea and my very special mango lemonade-Wet swimsuit drying in the bathtub-The sweet smell of sunscreen on my skin-Inflatable baby pool waiting to be blown upAdd pregnancy to summer and:-Lots of time at the pool-Nutella on wheat-Mid-afternoon naps-After-dinner napsFor the next 45 minutes

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-67451182760808783622009-05-04T11:42:00.005-04:002009-05-04T16:32:50.292-04:00

No job is recession proof these days. Not even mine. I got an email last week to meet with my AP about being late. Yes, that's my Achilles heel these days... being late. So, I finally met with him today. I had a feeling he would be a jerk about it, since he comes off as jerky most of the time. Mind you, I'm not late for supervising the students, just "late" for that morning prep time. But, late

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-3700301942457643462009-04-30T09:43:00.004-04:002009-04-30T10:42:44.739-04:00

Taking Chevron to task for reckless disregard for human health and safetyA student being stripped searched under suspicion of possessing the equivalent of two Motrin tabletsEmerging flu pandemic (?), working in a school where I've already caught at least 3 separate colds from students, and worried over exposing Ishmael to anythingNeeding to find affordable, quality "toddler" program for Ishmael

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-15616416218353854662009-04-24T09:04:00.004-04:002009-04-24T10:53:02.071-04:00

I want...to be a birdwatcher. The morning songs ease away all the half-remembered nightmares, the tug and tear of worries, and the stomach clenching of early morning traffic. I am happily surprised to spy out the songstress in the top branches, in her brown cloak.to cook soup. I imagine coconut milk, lemongrass, basil, spongy mushrooms, and tart scallions. On a cool summer evening, tomatoes are

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-75313774155841639222009-04-21T09:15:00.000-04:002009-04-22T11:06:35.626-04:00

I seem to be behind on everything. Bills. House work. School work. Work work. And blogging too.Spring break came and went. I thought I would be able to catch up a little, but not much really happened. I was able to install the bookshelves in the bedroom, but the boxes of books have yet to make it onto the shelves. Hmmph. Bills getting behind are the norm for me now. But it's pretty bad when you

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-20700612176280808282009-03-17T10:20:00.004-04:002009-03-17T10:28:30.492-04:00

It turns out at work I can sneak onto the CafePress website to browse, but I can't buy anything because I get blocked. Alas, my monetary good sense may kick in when I'm at home anyway, so I may not make any purchases. But I really want to get Baba a onesie that says "Daddy's Little Kimchi." I also wouldn't mind a shirt for me that says "1/2 Korean is Better than None" or one for Rahim that says "

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-82776941805278024052009-03-16T10:25:00.004-04:002009-03-16T10:37:51.753-04:00

Anxiety ridden Saturday. Had to pop extra pills just to keep from crying. Nothing especially wrong. Rahim could be more romantic and attentive, but he's busy with classes. Maybe dealing with his stress is stressing me out.So time for some retail therapy. I headed to my local plus-size store for some great bargains. None of the items cost more than $15. That definitely lessons the guilt. A couple

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-4384621731326258472009-03-15T21:57:00.000-04:002009-03-16T10:35:08.730-04:00

I have been reading a slew of books lately. For some inexplicable reason, I'm actually a bit embarrassed about how quickly I've been devouring these silly vampire chapter books - Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire novels.. Basically, that's what they are - chapter books for adults. I never knew there were so many of these series books. You can choose from spy adventures, plain ole slutty romance,

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-44764412506257591452009-03-12T08:48:00.000-04:002009-03-13T09:50:02.435-04:00

I found this in the hallway of my school. It turned out to be a lovely little haiku and written by one of my former students, now a 8th grader.Ms. Heart BrokenRed to pink to greyMy heart slowly fades awayTo be forgotten.After a week of 6th grade boys hitting each other, girls writing nasty notes to each other, and fart jokes, this was a welcome surprise.

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-38708727313571863242009-02-25T15:05:00.002-05:002009-02-25T15:16:46.033-05:00

Sometimes life can seem pretty complicated. The economy is bust. Banks are in trouble, various industries' profits are declining rapidly, and even white collar workers are beating the streets looking for jobs. Out of necessity, climbs invention. Other companies have found a way to fill the different needs of companies and individuals, creating new markets alongside their own revenue. One example

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-90672483720142065912009-02-24T13:06:00.000-05:002009-02-25T13:25:17.413-05:00

Rahim's sister is in town and she did a little photo shoot with Baba over the weekend. She lives out in LA and has played various small roles in tv shows and movies, including being a stand-in or an extra. She wanted to put together a set of 'head shots' for Baba to send to her agent. We've always said he's cute enough to be in commercials. Now we'll see!P.S. He's walking now!

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-36513782333334775752009-02-14T14:17:00.004-05:002009-02-14T14:53:47.756-05:00

-Currently watching BBC version of Middlemarch, which I haven't seen since high school. I only wish it had subtitles.-Somehow I have caught another cold, and find myself suffering with chest congestion and all the muddleness that comes with it. I'm managing tolerably well though. -We recently acquired a washer and dryer from my brother. It took a bit of gile and steadfastness. My brother is a

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-30177665266125974742009-02-01T22:14:00.009-05:002009-02-01T23:19:08.477-05:00

Hung out with Baba. He is getting busier and harder to keep up with.I let him pull down a few records before I realized that one over his head was actually one of mine!What else? More thrift store shopping... found these great books. The Time Traveller's Wife is actually one of my very favorites. Some items I hope to resell are listed on my ebay store, like a Ralph Lauren purse. I am also trying

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-91611488036138249692009-01-21T12:24:00.000-05:002009-01-21T12:25:01.406-05:00

Once Baba was asleep, I sat and dwelled upon the day, letting the words and joy of it sink in, let a poem build in myself. My thoughts are still forming, but here are some phrases that are swirling around.you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices bornethe oath is taken amidst gathering cloudsthe ways we use energy strengthen our adversariesa sapping of confidencewe have chosen hope over fear,

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-82640200421346472322009-01-21T11:32:00.009-05:002009-02-01T22:14:22.230-05:00

Yesterday was a day for celebrating freedom and making a new path.Being free, having that glass ceiling beneath you, feeling the chill wind as your shoulders push up and over, it's light as foam, as air. Whether you are feeling free of the shackles of slavery, the binds of racism and differential treatment, or the burden of debt and obligation, working towards freedom and a time of renewal is

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-61757501587577218462009-01-20T18:39:00.000-05:002009-01-20T18:40:21.359-05:00

Elizabeth Alexander blew my mind this morning. I love her writing style, the pace she read the poem, and simple images she provoked. The bitter and the sweet, the past and the present, the promise and the song.***Praise Song for the DayEach day we go about our business, walking past each other, catching each others’ eyes or not, about to speak or speaking. All about us is noise. All about us is

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-67160452406149997612009-01-19T16:44:00.011-05:002009-01-19T18:37:14.319-05:00

It seems every day off I have from work, my babysitter also has that day off. I know how tiring and isolating it can be to take care of babies and children all day, so I know she needs a break now and then. But isn’t that why I want to have a day off too? In the end, it's a sorry complaint. What else could be more important than hangin' with Baba on a January day.We had to get out of the house

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-71366998638895563262009-01-18T22:50:00.004-05:002009-01-18T22:58:31.063-05:00

Maybe I'll be inspired to pen a poem about these historic days. In the meantime, here are some very fitting words from one of my favorite poets, Langston Hughes. These are days to read and write poems, to blow those trumpets, and dance in the streets.******** I, TOO, SING AMERICA I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-86424614840505756822009-01-16T13:44:00.004-05:002009-01-16T14:50:08.135-05:00

I hear this phrase so often that's almost a mantra. It's a little inside joke amongst teachers, too. But, honestly, there are a few things I just don't get:-Why did Congress bicker about helping out the auto industry with a couple dozen billion dollars when they quickly gave the financial industry $350 billion?-Why is Congress so worried about where the money will come from for the "main street"

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-84690665729167469742009-01-11T21:38:00.006-05:002009-01-11T22:18:30.102-05:00

R and I just got back from seeing Gran Torino. Please do not spend any money to see this movie. It was painful, mentally and physically. I cried, but it wasn't because of the suffering and later redemption of Clint Eastwood's character. In my mind, I was reliving past hurts - racist assaults on my mother that put her in the hospital and my brother getting beat up every other day in junior high

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-88616352079501912302009-01-06T11:22:00.000-05:002009-01-07T13:01:24.845-05:00

Another obligatory post... new year's resolutions.R and I spent a relaxing New Year's doing pretty much nothing. Being satisfied with parenthood, having spent the entire year with Baba in our lives. We drank a little blackberry flavored Merlot (yes, cheap, maybe tacky, but yummm).On the first day back at school, I had my students work on goals for the semester and things they can do daily or

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465575.post-79082604569777516362008-12-31T23:41:00.000-05:002008-12-31T23:42:11.558-05:00

First, there was the scariest haircut ever. The end result is not too bad – a fairly basic cut, evening out the layers that were getting on my nerves. But the salon itself was probably the most disgusting and sketchy place ever. I should have turned right around after walking in. I needed a cheap haircut, but this was just crazy. He draped me with that black cloak thing, which had a generous

Mary J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01512803577441157561noreply@blogger.com3