Ughh I'm terrible at this. Well, I should explain the "this" so as to not commit the cardinal sin of ambiguity.
I don't like endings. Well, when I get right up close and personal thinking about it, I don't like beginnings either.
I guess that makes me more of a "middle" person.
The awkwardness of first impressions, the anxiety of expectations either met or not met (depending on what they are--both can be stressful)--it's a jumble of heart-thumping, shallow breathing and knots-in-the-stomach over things said, unsaid, done or undone--ugh. It's all horrible.
But, like most things in 204, this is not about me.
So, in the interests of keeping this blog all about you, I would like you to think back on our year together, compile your best memories, anecdotes, lessons, words of wisdom and final requests and say farewell to our Lang class, in any way you would like.
Odds are, you may all have each other in classes again next year, and if I'm very lucky, perhaps I will be blessed enough to see you gracing 304 for AoP (or EPA or AP Lunch...whatver. I'm not picky) or just during your free time. It will be my sincere pleasure, indeed. If not, though, please know that it has been a humbling and enlightening experience to meet you all--and one I'll not soon forget.
Thank you all for an amazing year. You have been a gift, truly.
Love always,
Bunj
Monday, June 9, 2014
Presentation Order
Monday is, as it turns out, no good. Mostly because my stomach is no good, bad, terrible and about to be sent to alt school. But, onward and upward.
The presentation order is as follows:
Tuesday, June 10:
1. Gabby, Tatyana, Emily, Jasmine, Francesca
The presentation order is as follows:
Tuesday, June 10:
1. Gabby, Tatyana, Emily, Jasmine, Francesca
- Wednesday, June 11:1. Alonna Bennett, Sotiria DelValle, Tamirah Robinson, Danielle Salvatierra, and Michael Lam.2. Tom, Stav1. Wigs, Dan A, Neil, Paige2. Aubree, David RThursday, June 12 (period 12 only)1. Tommi, Vincent, Danielle S
2. Dom, Logan, Maggie, Michaela, Bryanna, Kass, Paula
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
"Find Your Center..." (quote from random Yoga instructor)
From time to time, when tensions are high or I can sense a pervading uneasy energy circling me in some way, I do a little meditative exercise. Usually, it is a visualization or relaxation ritual; something easy to refocus my mind. You'd be surprised at how effective this can actually be.
Last year, when the Hurricane ravaged my house and I was living with (at the time) 5 dogs in one room, you can bet that I was a bit stressed--then, before all that was even finished came the registration for grad school, then the classes, and then the unthinkable tragedy that was the sudden, devastating death of my dog Marley. And, let's not forget that awesome day when the bus hit my car, smh. All that in one year. There were days inside that stretch of time when I was physically unable to stand up. And, that thing I do, with the breathing and the color light blue (have I ever told you guys this?) really saved my sanity.
So, as a means to, perhaps, prepare you for the unforeseen stressful events in your own life, this week's blog will have you contemplating your "happy place" either real or metaphorical or imaginary. Please answer the following questions:
Where do you like to go to escape from the pressures of your life? (It doesn't have to be a real place).
What is your best childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
Where and when do you feel your absolute best? Why?
What is the most soothing sound you can imagine?
Which colors affect your mood the most? How do those colors affect it?
When during the day do you feel the most at ease? Why? What is it about that time of day that provides comfort?
Relax while you're writing this--please don't start at 11:45 on Thursday night and rush forward trying to get it in under the wire--that would really defeat the purpose.
Remember to breathe...
Last year, when the Hurricane ravaged my house and I was living with (at the time) 5 dogs in one room, you can bet that I was a bit stressed--then, before all that was even finished came the registration for grad school, then the classes, and then the unthinkable tragedy that was the sudden, devastating death of my dog Marley. And, let's not forget that awesome day when the bus hit my car, smh. All that in one year. There were days inside that stretch of time when I was physically unable to stand up. And, that thing I do, with the breathing and the color light blue (have I ever told you guys this?) really saved my sanity.
So, as a means to, perhaps, prepare you for the unforeseen stressful events in your own life, this week's blog will have you contemplating your "happy place" either real or metaphorical or imaginary. Please answer the following questions:
Where do you like to go to escape from the pressures of your life? (It doesn't have to be a real place).
What is your best childhood memory? Describe it in detail.
Where and when do you feel your absolute best? Why?
What is the most soothing sound you can imagine?
Which colors affect your mood the most? How do those colors affect it?
When during the day do you feel the most at ease? Why? What is it about that time of day that provides comfort?
Relax while you're writing this--please don't start at 11:45 on Thursday night and rush forward trying to get it in under the wire--that would really defeat the purpose.
Remember to breathe...
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Lyrical Philosophies
Back in the days of AP Lang, we talked quite a bit about personal philosophies. These were usually in the forms of This I Believe assignments or a well (or ill, depending on your view)-timed 7 point creed blog question. Basically, we explored guidelines you all use to determine your various paths and inform all your decisions, and some of you had some interesting things to say about that. Some others had a hard time trying to put into words exactly what their guiding principles are. I don't blame you--it's pretty hard to do.
But, we are, for better or worse, a gang of intellectuals. And to that end, we shall explore a bit further.
Many of you use music as a gateway. To sanity, to serenity, to solace and/or to solitude. Music, to many of you, is an escape from the harsh realities of teenage life.
So, now it is also going to be a tool in which you come to a greater understanding of how you see the world, and how you see yourself. I'm trying to ruin music for you--quite the opposite, actually. I am kind of hoping you'll get a clearer understanding of why you like music that you do.
Think about all the music you love to listen to. Specifically, think about the lyrics to songs you love. Now, I want you to pick one or two songs that adequately encapsulate how you feel about life, your life. Of course, like a quote, nothing can COMPLETELY "sum up" your entire life--I understand that. But many songs, either through explicit or implied messages in lyrics, can at least provide a concrete example of either what you want out of life, what you want out love and how you want to be perceived, taken, understood etc.
So, your task this week is to tell us about a song, copy a few of the refrains/chorus/passages, and explicate their meaning(s) to you.
Try to pick ones that have some depth and that will provide a deeper understanding of your innate beliefs.
But, we are, for better or worse, a gang of intellectuals. And to that end, we shall explore a bit further.
Many of you use music as a gateway. To sanity, to serenity, to solace and/or to solitude. Music, to many of you, is an escape from the harsh realities of teenage life.
So, now it is also going to be a tool in which you come to a greater understanding of how you see the world, and how you see yourself. I'm trying to ruin music for you--quite the opposite, actually. I am kind of hoping you'll get a clearer understanding of why you like music that you do.
Think about all the music you love to listen to. Specifically, think about the lyrics to songs you love. Now, I want you to pick one or two songs that adequately encapsulate how you feel about life, your life. Of course, like a quote, nothing can COMPLETELY "sum up" your entire life--I understand that. But many songs, either through explicit or implied messages in lyrics, can at least provide a concrete example of either what you want out of life, what you want out love and how you want to be perceived, taken, understood etc.
So, your task this week is to tell us about a song, copy a few of the refrains/chorus/passages, and explicate their meaning(s) to you.
Try to pick ones that have some depth and that will provide a deeper understanding of your innate beliefs.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
"Ch-Ch-Ch-Changessss..."
To cap off a lovely weekend, I spent a few hours reading over some of your older blog postings.
Doing that, coupled with thinking about some of you individually, offered me a rare glimpse into a collective psyche. Here's what I deduce:
Some, although not all, of you seemingly have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice. I can certainly relate.
Now, I know that there are plenty of you who would tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica/Laureldale to just about anywhere else, would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean.
When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why?
A lot to think about, I know.
Buena Suerte!
Doing that, coupled with thinking about some of you individually, offered me a rare glimpse into a collective psyche. Here's what I deduce:
Some, although not all, of you seemingly have two fundamental fears: 1, the idea of change and/or 2, the possibility of making the "wrong" choice. I can certainly relate.
Now, I know that there are plenty of you who would tell me that the idea of change, especially if it includes a change of scenery from sunny Mays Landing/Mullica/Laureldale to just about anywhere else, would be welcomed with open arms and a huge, block-lettered sign. But, despite the wanderlust or pre-"senioritis" that you have all felt creeping in on you, you have to admit that, at its core, change is a scary proposition. After all, the intrinsic nature of change is that of the unknown, the unchartered, the unfamiliar and the unrevealed.
So, if you are one of the restless souls who yearns for change--what is it about it that is so appealing to you? What do you hope the changes you want to seek out, to undergo or to witness will mean for you, your future, your life? On the other hand, if you are one who double locks the door when change comes a-knockin', tell me what it is about the prospect of it that fightens you. What do you think might happen?
We're not done...oh no...onward...
Now, one of Change's many dance partners is Choice. Right/wrong, smart/stupid, bad/ good..choice exists and you are confronted with the notion of it every single day. Sometimes, these are choices of epic proportions--break-up or stay together; cut class to get that paper done or suck it up and take a zero; confront the back-stabbing friend or let it go; get high just this once or walk away never knowing; and sometimes it can be as inconsequential as chicken patty or PB&J. Either way, your mind has a process it undergoes when you have to make a choice. Tell me about it. Do your weigh all your options and consider possible outcomes, or do you dive in and hope the water isn't too cold? I think I am mix-metaphoring myself into a corner here--but I know you know what I mean.
When you are confronted with a choice--how do you make it? And, more importantly, why?
A lot to think about, I know.
Buena Suerte!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Lost in Translation
I must confess that for as long as I can remember, I've felt felt a tinge of loneliness; ok, more than a tinge. It isn't because I don't have tons of friends--I mean, I don't, but I don't need tons. The few I've got are all I need because I've never been the type of person who judges herself on popularity (Thank Buddha, or else I'd have been morbidly depressed by now!), because I know how fleeting popularity really is.
No, the truth is that I've almost always felt lonely for one reason: the sinking feeling that there are precious few people who view the world and those in it the way I do. For some reason, this matters a great deal to me. And this is the reason that I sometimes feel like I'm miles away even while surrounded by humans.
I feel as though I should qualify this by saying I DO NOT, in any way, think my way is the best way, the only way, the obvious way etc and further--that "way" I am referring to is fundamentally related to my job--not random "ways" of things in general.
Glad I could make that crystal clear for us -____-.
Ok, moving on...
Often, when I'm feeling alone, I like to keep moving. Specifically, I like to go for walks. Don't ask me why. So this is the state of affairs that brought me to Center City Philly last Friday night. As I roamed Queen Village, Society Hill and Olde City after dark, I found myself replaying some of the interactions with various people I'd had up to that point in the day. When my mind settled on one of the day's conversations--I don't remember which--I distinctly recall feeling a rising tide of frustration. And while I'm sketchy on the details of the conversation which sparked these thoughts, I know precisely what frustrated me that evening, because it's something that consistently frustrates me to no end: the realization that most people seem to have no handle on what it means to be "intelligent." Not that I feel that I have a monopoly on the definition. It's just that I feel that people throw the word around like it's a hacky sack, with little to no thought about how their use of the term speaks volumes about what they value in terms of mental capacity.
So, you guessed it. I'd like you to weigh in on the subject. What does it mean to be "intelligent"? Who's the smartest person you've ever known? What is it that makes them so intelligent in your view? Be specific, cite examples and do your best to arrive at a definition. But DON'T consult a dictionary. If you absolutely can't resist the temptation to chew on someone else's thoughts on the subject, I'd like you to Google quotations on intelligence and tell me if you come across one that sums up your views on the topic--or one that doesn't if playing devil's advocate is your thing.
Share the quote with us and connect it with your response.
Don't rush your thinking. Let it marinate...
No, the truth is that I've almost always felt lonely for one reason: the sinking feeling that there are precious few people who view the world and those in it the way I do. For some reason, this matters a great deal to me. And this is the reason that I sometimes feel like I'm miles away even while surrounded by humans.
I feel as though I should qualify this by saying I DO NOT, in any way, think my way is the best way, the only way, the obvious way etc and further--that "way" I am referring to is fundamentally related to my job--not random "ways" of things in general.
Glad I could make that crystal clear for us -____-.
Ok, moving on...
Often, when I'm feeling alone, I like to keep moving. Specifically, I like to go for walks. Don't ask me why. So this is the state of affairs that brought me to Center City Philly last Friday night. As I roamed Queen Village, Society Hill and Olde City after dark, I found myself replaying some of the interactions with various people I'd had up to that point in the day. When my mind settled on one of the day's conversations--I don't remember which--I distinctly recall feeling a rising tide of frustration. And while I'm sketchy on the details of the conversation which sparked these thoughts, I know precisely what frustrated me that evening, because it's something that consistently frustrates me to no end: the realization that most people seem to have no handle on what it means to be "intelligent." Not that I feel that I have a monopoly on the definition. It's just that I feel that people throw the word around like it's a hacky sack, with little to no thought about how their use of the term speaks volumes about what they value in terms of mental capacity.
So, you guessed it. I'd like you to weigh in on the subject. What does it mean to be "intelligent"? Who's the smartest person you've ever known? What is it that makes them so intelligent in your view? Be specific, cite examples and do your best to arrive at a definition. But DON'T consult a dictionary. If you absolutely can't resist the temptation to chew on someone else's thoughts on the subject, I'd like you to Google quotations on intelligence and tell me if you come across one that sums up your views on the topic--or one that doesn't if playing devil's advocate is your thing.
Share the quote with us and connect it with your response.
Don't rush your thinking. Let it marinate...
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The New School Project
This is your school project space. Feel free to create your own clearinghouse of information, either right here, through Google Docs, a FB page, a Wiki or whatever is easiest for you in terms of disseminating information and dealing with issues as they arise.
I will check in periodically to apprise myself of your progress as well as monitor if and how I need to intervene in any way.
You can post questions as you think of them, and I will see to it you have all the info you need.
I would like you all to post a preliminary roster of your groups. I don't need to know the name of your school at this time, but I will, shortly.
Use the force.
I will check in periodically to apprise myself of your progress as well as monitor if and how I need to intervene in any way.
You can post questions as you think of them, and I will see to it you have all the info you need.
I would like you all to post a preliminary roster of your groups. I don't need to know the name of your school at this time, but I will, shortly.
Use the force.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
To Die For...Or Not.
Please read this blog carefully and consider your thoughts and your responses for a bit before answering.
Passion. Courage. Conviction. These words are largely subjective, completely abstract and open to interpretation; therefore, indefinable in traditional senses. I would like you to look them up before you answer this week's blog question. Once you do that, consider the following:
What is it in your own life, this life that you have been given, that you think you would die for? Do the three words play into your answer in any way? If you need a more solid jumping-off point, ask yourself this: given the denotation of the words passion, courage and conviction what is it in your life that can inspire these seemingly esoteric concepts?
What is your passion; what gives you courage; about what do you hold an unshakeable conviction?
Once you answer those questions, go back to the original--what would you die for? Do your answers to the second set of questions fall in line with the first? Do you think there should be things you would die for? Why or why not?
Finally, do you think the natural follow-up to this question should be: What do you live for? I sort of do...so....yeah. Talk about that, too. Are what you'd die for and what you live for the same? Why or why not? What does that tell you? So.....many...questions... better get started. :)
Be true to yourself and answer these questions in the best way you know how.
Passion. Courage. Conviction. These words are largely subjective, completely abstract and open to interpretation; therefore, indefinable in traditional senses. I would like you to look them up before you answer this week's blog question. Once you do that, consider the following:
What is it in your own life, this life that you have been given, that you think you would die for? Do the three words play into your answer in any way? If you need a more solid jumping-off point, ask yourself this: given the denotation of the words passion, courage and conviction what is it in your life that can inspire these seemingly esoteric concepts?
What is your passion; what gives you courage; about what do you hold an unshakeable conviction?
Once you answer those questions, go back to the original--what would you die for? Do your answers to the second set of questions fall in line with the first? Do you think there should be things you would die for? Why or why not?
Finally, do you think the natural follow-up to this question should be: What do you live for? I sort of do...so....yeah. Talk about that, too. Are what you'd die for and what you live for the same? Why or why not? What does that tell you? So.....many...questions... better get started. :)
Be true to yourself and answer these questions in the best way you know how.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The Education Proclamation
Last week, I had a great idea.
It was innovative. It was revolutionary. It was grandiose.
And then it was gone.
Poof...like so much smoke in the ether. I posit that it had something to do with my theory about hats (have I ever told you all about that?), but alas, that matters not in the end. It is still gone. And I am sad.
However, never one to wallow in my own inadequacies or self-perpetuated miseries, I have moved on. Just about a week late.
Which brings me to the blog at hand--which was not the one I planned to have at hand, but such as it is--this is it.
Education is an esoteric concept in many ways. Teachers like to think they have one (most, of course, do), students like to think they're getting one (sometimes) and parents like to think that the academic responsibilites of both teachers and students are being handled by the teachers and students. It's a system that has been in place for many years. And I think that may be part of the problem.
I am not the soothsayer of doom, at least most of the time I'm not, but I am a realist. And the reality of the situation is that our economy is recovering, albeit slowly, and as it becomes much more competitive, so too, do the opportunities that are available.
It's not enough anymore to be the best test-taker, to have the highest GPA and a transcript that boasts all AP classes. Other folks can meet that same criteria. The Princeton Admissions Board will tell you that the essay is an integral component of the decision making process most colleges use. But, that's ONE moment in a series of 12 years of education. Mind-numbing, isn't it?
So, with that in mind, I'd like you to take a look at something.
Below, you will find a link to an article written by Tony Wagner called "Rigor Redefined."
In it, he references many AP classes that he observed and how, in simple terms, he found them woefully inadequate.
I would like you to take this opportunity to tell me what you really thought of this article, specifically about what he mentioned about the skills that CEOs and company execs really look for in their new hires.
Do you feel as though your schooling thus far has prepared you for what these companies appear to be looking for?
Go a step further and consider the job pursuits you in which you hope to engage. What do you want to do? If you left school right now, do you feel as though you would be work-place ready and prepared for what they want? Why or why not?
What about the AP classes Wagner references...do they sound familiar to you? Why?
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct08/vol66/num02/Rigor-Redefined.aspx
It was innovative. It was revolutionary. It was grandiose.
And then it was gone.
Poof...like so much smoke in the ether. I posit that it had something to do with my theory about hats (have I ever told you all about that?), but alas, that matters not in the end. It is still gone. And I am sad.
However, never one to wallow in my own inadequacies or self-perpetuated miseries, I have moved on. Just about a week late.
Which brings me to the blog at hand--which was not the one I planned to have at hand, but such as it is--this is it.
Education is an esoteric concept in many ways. Teachers like to think they have one (most, of course, do), students like to think they're getting one (sometimes) and parents like to think that the academic responsibilites of both teachers and students are being handled by the teachers and students. It's a system that has been in place for many years. And I think that may be part of the problem.
I am not the soothsayer of doom, at least most of the time I'm not, but I am a realist. And the reality of the situation is that our economy is recovering, albeit slowly, and as it becomes much more competitive, so too, do the opportunities that are available.
It's not enough anymore to be the best test-taker, to have the highest GPA and a transcript that boasts all AP classes. Other folks can meet that same criteria. The Princeton Admissions Board will tell you that the essay is an integral component of the decision making process most colleges use. But, that's ONE moment in a series of 12 years of education. Mind-numbing, isn't it?
So, with that in mind, I'd like you to take a look at something.
Below, you will find a link to an article written by Tony Wagner called "Rigor Redefined."
In it, he references many AP classes that he observed and how, in simple terms, he found them woefully inadequate.
I would like you to take this opportunity to tell me what you really thought of this article, specifically about what he mentioned about the skills that CEOs and company execs really look for in their new hires.
Do you feel as though your schooling thus far has prepared you for what these companies appear to be looking for?
Go a step further and consider the job pursuits you in which you hope to engage. What do you want to do? If you left school right now, do you feel as though you would be work-place ready and prepared for what they want? Why or why not?
What about the AP classes Wagner references...do they sound familiar to you? Why?
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct08/vol66/num02/Rigor-Redefined.aspx
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Some Levity to Combat a Rough Few Weeks
OK--let's face it. There are times when digging down deep to exhume your deepest musings or just pondering the intricacies of your own DIVERGENT (yes, I am really excited) thinking is simply too much for a week that will, no doubt, seem surreal due to (pick one...) stress, athletics, prom probs, Calc, boys, girls, pets...
In other words, sometimes we just need a break.
In the spirit of that, let's try for one of those Facebook-type survey thingamabobs. They are easy, breezy beautiful-type questions--the ones that are simply meant to have you think about..well...YOU. But, not in that deep, dark mystery-solving way we usually do
The trick is, you will have to copy and paste the entire thing into a word doc, and then change your answers to reflect your individual responses. Then paste it back into the posting dialogue box.
Read a few of your classmates and find some things about them--and possibly yourself--that you may otherwise not have known. The list below contain my answers in their entirety.
The Rule of Four
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. bartender/waitress
2. adjunct English professor
3. director of admin. finance
4. English teacher
B) Four movies I would watch over and over (in no particular order):
1. All HPs
2. The Fugitive
3. POC natcurally
4. 50 First Dates
C) Four places I have lived:
1. Cali
2. Utah
3. Lacey
4. Philly
D) Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Modern Family
2. The Middle
3. Criminal Minds
4. House of Cards (All Hail NETFLIX!)
E) Four Interesting Places I've been:
1. Ireland
2. Thailand
3. Belize
4. Japan
F) Four people who email me (pretty regularly)
1. college board
2. Mrs. Finn
3. former Oak grads
4. Spammers
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Filet mignon topped with crab meat and asparagus and drizzled with hollandaise sauce...OMGGGGGG
2. bruschetta
3. spinach dip
4. grilled cheese and tomato
H) Four places I'd rather be than freezing my butt off in sunny, south JRZ:
1. Tuscany, Italia
2. San Diego,CA
3. Bora Bora
4. digging my toes in the sand of our own OC Beach while eating a slice of Manco's...
Four things I am looking forward to this year:
1. my AP babies getting 4s and 5s.
2. my seniors graduating
3. Summer, specifically see #4 above :)
4. former APers getting into the colleges of their dreams
Favorite quote (as it pertains to irony at its finest):
"In the beginning the universe was created. This made a lot of people
angry and has widely been considered as a bad move."
"The Book" - Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
In other words, sometimes we just need a break.
In the spirit of that, let's try for one of those Facebook-type survey thingamabobs. They are easy, breezy beautiful-type questions--the ones that are simply meant to have you think about..well...YOU. But, not in that deep, dark mystery-solving way we usually do
The trick is, you will have to copy and paste the entire thing into a word doc, and then change your answers to reflect your individual responses. Then paste it back into the posting dialogue box.
Read a few of your classmates and find some things about them--and possibly yourself--that you may otherwise not have known. The list below contain my answers in their entirety.
The Rule of Four
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. bartender/waitress
2. adjunct English professor
3. director of admin. finance
4. English teacher
B) Four movies I would watch over and over (in no particular order):
1. All HPs
2. The Fugitive
3. POC natcurally
4. 50 First Dates
C) Four places I have lived:
1. Cali
2. Utah
3. Lacey
4. Philly
D) Four TV shows that I watch:
1. Modern Family
2. The Middle
3. Criminal Minds
4. House of Cards (All Hail NETFLIX!)
E) Four Interesting Places I've been:
1. Ireland
2. Thailand
3. Belize
4. Japan
F) Four people who email me (pretty regularly)
1. college board
2. Mrs. Finn
3. former Oak grads
4. Spammers
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. Filet mignon topped with crab meat and asparagus and drizzled with hollandaise sauce...OMGGGGGG
2. bruschetta
3. spinach dip
4. grilled cheese and tomato
H) Four places I'd rather be than freezing my butt off in sunny, south JRZ:
1. Tuscany, Italia
2. San Diego,CA
3. Bora Bora
4. digging my toes in the sand of our own OC Beach while eating a slice of Manco's...
Four things I am looking forward to this year:
1. my AP babies getting 4s and 5s.
2. my seniors graduating
3. Summer, specifically see #4 above :)
4. former APers getting into the colleges of their dreams
Favorite quote (as it pertains to irony at its finest):
"In the beginning the universe was created. This made a lot of people
angry and has widely been considered as a bad move."
"The Book" - Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Monday, March 10, 2014
I Think; Therefore I AM
There is an old proverb that says, basically, if you cannot ask you cannot live.
Well, it sounds deeper and more profound than that but I can't think of the exact wording.
In preparation for your This I Believe presentation, please carefully consider the questions below, and do your best to reflect and answer them as honestly as possible.
1. What am I grateful for?
2. Am I honest?
3. What do I need to change about myself?
4. Do I know what my talents are and do I utilize those talents?
5. When I help someone, do I think, "what's in it for me?"
Again, answer honestly--no one will judge you, especially me. In fact, I will answer them too.
Well, it sounds deeper and more profound than that but I can't think of the exact wording.
In preparation for your This I Believe presentation, please carefully consider the questions below, and do your best to reflect and answer them as honestly as possible.
1. What am I grateful for?
2. Am I honest?
3. What do I need to change about myself?
4. Do I know what my talents are and do I utilize those talents?
5. When I help someone, do I think, "what's in it for me?"
Again, answer honestly--no one will judge you, especially me. In fact, I will answer them too.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
A Loss for Words...and Other Social Awkwardness...
At some point, I fully expect to the school calendar to mimic our internal calendars--because I don't know about you, but today feels like a Monday to me, but it's not--it's Wednesday. Which normally means, this darn thing is due in, like, 10 minutes. But, that would be if it actually WAS Monday today. Which, as we all know, is not the case. Because today is Wednesday. And I am just NOW posting this blog. Because I felt like it was just Monday. But, again, as we have all ascertained, it is not. So, this blog is not due in 10 minutes. More like 12. (Tee heeeeee) Or Sunday. Yeah, maybe Sunday would be better. OK, Sunday it is. This blog is now due on Sunday. Unless today really IS Monday. Then, no dice.
Let me take you to a place you may have been countless times in your life--I know I have. Your telling someone--your best friend, significant other, parent, teacher or whatever--a story. It's a great story, rife with vivid imagery and catchy dialogue and suspense and just...well, all the hallmarks of a great story. And then, you get to the best part, the juiciest detail, the apex of this recount that is going to knock your listener right on his or her butt, and you are trying to describe this one moment...and you can't think of the word to give that moment its due justice.
You are literally stumped for a word and you end up going with some lame synonym that pops into your head (probably from Bunje's darn SAT Vocab list) but you know that your story falls flat because that was SO not the word you wanted. Ever happen to you? Why, do you think?
Well, I have a theory. It's in its nascent (huh? huh? What's that you say?) stages, but a theory nonetheless. I have procured said theory by perusing ( a word that does not mean what many of you think it means, incidentally) The Global Language Monitor. This site is dedicated to tracking trends in language, specifically the English language, and it is chock full of all kinds of fascinating facts about word etymologies, global trends, colloquialisms etc. It's really cool, especially if you're a geek like me (and many of you are--don't even try to front).
Anyway, it was while I was on this site today that my theory began to crystallize about why we, at the worst possible moments, are suddenly at a loss for words.
According to the GLM, English passed the 1,000,000 threshold on June 10, 2009 at 10:22 am.
SIDEBAR: 1,019,729.6 (January 1, 2013 estimate) I really wish they would update this.
Know what the millionth word was?? "Web 2.0." Which is just one more posit to the idea that popular culture is the crux of societal knowledge as well as the main contributor to the notion that we are a generation of CONSUMERS. But, I digress. How unusual.
Anyway, 1,000,000 is a pretty impressive number by any standard, especially when you consider that the French Language has fewer than 100,000 words total. The average human has approximately 14,000 words in his or her repertoire. Shakespeare had 24,000--1,700 of which he made up--floating around his brilliant brain. Man, I love that guy.
So, all this to say..what? Well, even with all of those words zooming through the ether, the bottom line is there is sometimes no word to describe, define, pinpoint or whatever, the "undefinable." That's why we can't finish the story in the scenario I mentioned earlier. Undefinable words usually fall into one of three categories: feelings, abstract concepts and phenomena.
When I say feelings, I mean like, that sensation that washes over you the first warm day after a long, cold winter when you are driving in a car with all the windows down and radio tuned into your favorite song. Or, the feeling you get when you just get your crush's phone number and you're staring at your cell phone, sweating, pacing, wondering if you should start to text.
Occasionally, mixed in with feelings are some abstract concepts, like the idea of strength, character, courage etc.
And I know we have all experiences some weird phenomena-type occurrences that we write off as "coincidence" which is a catch-all word that doesn't really encapsulate the notion that, for example, when someone you know gets pregnant suddenly all you see are pregnant women or maternity stores or baby paraphanalia. Or, when you buy a new car you begin to notice that there are 4 of that same car within a mile of your house.
All of these things and so many more, despite the much-vaunted number the GLM is broadcasting about the English Language, simply do not have a word that really captures the essence of their true meaning.
That is, until this blog.
Your task this week, Langers, is to put a word to those notions, concepts, feelings and/or phenomena. So, first I want you to think of one of those moments--the feelings, concepts or phenomena that you personally have experienced. Then, I would like you to talk about the "synonym" that would closely describe it, even though you know in your heart that synonym doesn't do it justice. Then, in a whimsical fit of language acquisition, I want you to MAKE UP a word that would better describe what you're talking about. Hell, if Mary Poppins can do it, why can't we?
Let me take you to a place you may have been countless times in your life--I know I have. Your telling someone--your best friend, significant other, parent, teacher or whatever--a story. It's a great story, rife with vivid imagery and catchy dialogue and suspense and just...well, all the hallmarks of a great story. And then, you get to the best part, the juiciest detail, the apex of this recount that is going to knock your listener right on his or her butt, and you are trying to describe this one moment...and you can't think of the word to give that moment its due justice.
You are literally stumped for a word and you end up going with some lame synonym that pops into your head (probably from Bunje's darn SAT Vocab list) but you know that your story falls flat because that was SO not the word you wanted. Ever happen to you? Why, do you think?
Well, I have a theory. It's in its nascent (huh? huh? What's that you say?) stages, but a theory nonetheless. I have procured said theory by perusing ( a word that does not mean what many of you think it means, incidentally) The Global Language Monitor. This site is dedicated to tracking trends in language, specifically the English language, and it is chock full of all kinds of fascinating facts about word etymologies, global trends, colloquialisms etc. It's really cool, especially if you're a geek like me (and many of you are--don't even try to front).
Anyway, it was while I was on this site today that my theory began to crystallize about why we, at the worst possible moments, are suddenly at a loss for words.
According to the GLM, English passed the 1,000,000 threshold on June 10, 2009 at 10:22 am.
SIDEBAR: 1,019,729.6 (January 1, 2013 estimate) I really wish they would update this.
Know what the millionth word was?? "Web 2.0." Which is just one more posit to the idea that popular culture is the crux of societal knowledge as well as the main contributor to the notion that we are a generation of CONSUMERS. But, I digress. How unusual.
Anyway, 1,000,000 is a pretty impressive number by any standard, especially when you consider that the French Language has fewer than 100,000 words total. The average human has approximately 14,000 words in his or her repertoire. Shakespeare had 24,000--1,700 of which he made up--floating around his brilliant brain. Man, I love that guy.
So, all this to say..what? Well, even with all of those words zooming through the ether, the bottom line is there is sometimes no word to describe, define, pinpoint or whatever, the "undefinable." That's why we can't finish the story in the scenario I mentioned earlier. Undefinable words usually fall into one of three categories: feelings, abstract concepts and phenomena.
When I say feelings, I mean like, that sensation that washes over you the first warm day after a long, cold winter when you are driving in a car with all the windows down and radio tuned into your favorite song. Or, the feeling you get when you just get your crush's phone number and you're staring at your cell phone, sweating, pacing, wondering if you should start to text.
Occasionally, mixed in with feelings are some abstract concepts, like the idea of strength, character, courage etc.
And I know we have all experiences some weird phenomena-type occurrences that we write off as "coincidence" which is a catch-all word that doesn't really encapsulate the notion that, for example, when someone you know gets pregnant suddenly all you see are pregnant women or maternity stores or baby paraphanalia. Or, when you buy a new car you begin to notice that there are 4 of that same car within a mile of your house.
All of these things and so many more, despite the much-vaunted number the GLM is broadcasting about the English Language, simply do not have a word that really captures the essence of their true meaning.
That is, until this blog.
Your task this week, Langers, is to put a word to those notions, concepts, feelings and/or phenomena. So, first I want you to think of one of those moments--the feelings, concepts or phenomena that you personally have experienced. Then, I would like you to talk about the "synonym" that would closely describe it, even though you know in your heart that synonym doesn't do it justice. Then, in a whimsical fit of language acquisition, I want you to MAKE UP a word that would better describe what you're talking about. Hell, if Mary Poppins can do it, why can't we?
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
What Have You Done for You, Me (or anyone) Lately?
In Buddhism, HH (which stands for His Holiness),the 14th Dalai Lama once said, "The creatures that inhabit this earth-be they human beings or animals-are here to contribute, each in its own particular way, to the beauty and prosperity of the world."
I am not sure where I heard or read that, most likely in a liturgy at Temple or any one of a thousand (hyperbole) books on HH, but I think about that particular notion quite a bit. It goes along the same lines as that age-old query, "Why am I here?" I suppose, but when I think of my contributions to the world and what I can do to be a part of the sum total of beauty and prosperity, only two things ever come to mind.
One, of course, is you. Collectively.
I teach. That's something I can do because in so doing, I am afforded the opportunity to, hopefully, broaden minds and open hearts, which will in turn allow you to do the same things with whomever is lucky enough to come in contact with you as you dance through your time on Earth.
What do you do? What will you do? Do you believe in HH's idea about contribution? Does it make sense but seem impossible? Does it seem like a bunch of nonsense? What has been your greatest contribution so far? Don't say nothing or start wailing, "I'm only a teenager--I haven't done anything yet!" because that is a total cop-out. Think about all the people you have known, both superficially and deeply, and imagine how many more you have impacted in ways you might not even know yet. Maybe it's a friend, a sibling, a stranger on the street. Things that you may not even think twice about doing or saying can have an impact that changes someone's life forever. That's chilling and exhilirating and awe-inspring concept.
So, what do you think will your legacy be? And more importantly, what do you WANT it to be?
I am not sure where I heard or read that, most likely in a liturgy at Temple or any one of a thousand (hyperbole) books on HH, but I think about that particular notion quite a bit. It goes along the same lines as that age-old query, "Why am I here?" I suppose, but when I think of my contributions to the world and what I can do to be a part of the sum total of beauty and prosperity, only two things ever come to mind.
One, of course, is you. Collectively.
I teach. That's something I can do because in so doing, I am afforded the opportunity to, hopefully, broaden minds and open hearts, which will in turn allow you to do the same things with whomever is lucky enough to come in contact with you as you dance through your time on Earth.
What do you do? What will you do? Do you believe in HH's idea about contribution? Does it make sense but seem impossible? Does it seem like a bunch of nonsense? What has been your greatest contribution so far? Don't say nothing or start wailing, "I'm only a teenager--I haven't done anything yet!" because that is a total cop-out. Think about all the people you have known, both superficially and deeply, and imagine how many more you have impacted in ways you might not even know yet. Maybe it's a friend, a sibling, a stranger on the street. Things that you may not even think twice about doing or saying can have an impact that changes someone's life forever. That's chilling and exhilirating and awe-inspring concept.
So, what do you think will your legacy be? And more importantly, what do you WANT it to be?
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Time to take you Lang temp! (Not as gross as it sounds, I promise!)
OK, ladies and gentlemen. You have done it. Well, almost. The mid-point.
The year is now half over--more than half for the AP folks because your year ends sooner than everyone else's.
So, now is the time for some introspective reflection.
What do you know now that you didn't know on September 3?
What kinds of things still give you fits because you can't seem to grasp the concept?
What would you like to focus on moving forward?
What would you like to see more of? Less of? (don't say work; remember who I am. And, I know who you are--so go ahead. I know you're going to!)
Do you feel like your getting the most out of the class?
Is it what you expected? Less? More?
And, most importantly--are you learning?
Take your time, think about your answers and tell me how you feel. I will use your responses as a means to plan out the rest of your year. If there are other things you would like to say, tell me, vent about etc feel free. If you feel you cannot do this in a public forum, you know what to do.
PS--this is still a blog--it's not a worksheet--please don't answer the questions one by one.
The year is now half over--more than half for the AP folks because your year ends sooner than everyone else's.
So, now is the time for some introspective reflection.
What do you know now that you didn't know on September 3?
What kinds of things still give you fits because you can't seem to grasp the concept?
What would you like to focus on moving forward?
What would you like to see more of? Less of? (don't say work; remember who I am. And, I know who you are--so go ahead. I know you're going to!)
Do you feel like your getting the most out of the class?
Is it what you expected? Less? More?
And, most importantly--are you learning?
Take your time, think about your answers and tell me how you feel. I will use your responses as a means to plan out the rest of your year. If there are other things you would like to say, tell me, vent about etc feel free. If you feel you cannot do this in a public forum, you know what to do.
PS--this is still a blog--it's not a worksheet--please don't answer the questions one by one.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Welcome to Hogwarts!
Did you hold the door open for anyone today? Did you let anyone step in front of you on your way into school, the cafeteria, a classroom? Lend anyone a pencil, pick up a fallen book or paper? For most of you, the answer is probably yes, you did in fact do one or more of those things. All of you are well-mannered, considerate and generally just a nice bunch of kids. So, for today, or the next 4 days as it were, let's take that one step further. This will require a bit of imagination, introspection and innovation, so again, don't sit down to this blog on Wednesday night at 11pm and think you can do a respectable job on it.
Ok, so imagine, one morning, after a kindly old wizard--who bears a striking resemblance to Albus Dumbledore--visits you in your dreams, you awaken with the power to give one person anything in the entire universe. What would it be and why?
Now, that question, while startling limited in word content, is not as simple or straighforward as it seems.
I am not actually asking you to go ask someone what wish they would like to have granted (which seems like the obvious assumption given that I started off talking about wizards and magic); Instead, I am asking you what YOU want to give someone if you had the power to give them anything, and I am asking you to explain that choice. Additionally, because there is always an "additionally," I would also like to know what advice you would give this person after you have bestowed this "gift" upon him or her.
Ok, so imagine, one morning, after a kindly old wizard--who bears a striking resemblance to Albus Dumbledore--visits you in your dreams, you awaken with the power to give one person anything in the entire universe. What would it be and why?
Now, that question, while startling limited in word content, is not as simple or straighforward as it seems.
I am not actually asking you to go ask someone what wish they would like to have granted (which seems like the obvious assumption given that I started off talking about wizards and magic); Instead, I am asking you what YOU want to give someone if you had the power to give them anything, and I am asking you to explain that choice. Additionally, because there is always an "additionally," I would also like to know what advice you would give this person after you have bestowed this "gift" upon him or her.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind" ---Rudyard Kipling
I love words.
Good thing I suppose, given my chosen and hard-fought-for occupation. Every time I sit down at a keyboard or have a pen poised over a blank sheet of paper, I feel overwhelmed with excitement, with possibility, with anticipation. With a few key strokes or swipes of a pen, you can find the right combination of words that can make someone LOVE you.
Conversely, you can break a heart, manipulate a mind or sever an allegiance…all with those same strokes or swipes. Think about that. Legends are immortalized because of words. Nations go to war over words. Couples are united in matrimony with words. Hearts and lives are shattered due to words. The power they wield is, in a word, awesome.
“Every time I come around the corner and see your car in the driveway I get sick to my stomach.”
I sat on the couch during yet another face-off with my mother when she let fly with that condemnation, effectively shattering any sense of comfort and belonging I may have been clinging to at the time. I was 17. I’m 42 now, and I can hear those words in my ear as clear as if they were uttered 10 minutes ago. I can’t say that it was those exact words that led to the eventual, unsurprising demise of my relationship with my mother, but I know it was certainly a huge chunk out of the already crumbling foundation. It stands, to this day, as one of the worst things anyone has ever said to me.
But, as I said, words are powerful. They have healing properties. Let me give you a scenario. I was visiting a friend at what is now, TCNJ (back then it was Trenton State College). My boyfriend of about a year had just broken up with me, quite unceremoniously, at a party the night before. I was feeling kind of blue, just sort of moping around the campus waiting for my friend’s class to end. While aimlessly wandering through the bookstore, I saw an old friend from high school, a guy who graduated a year ahead of me. We got to talking about life after high school and what my plans were and all of that idle small talk, when he looked me right in the eye and said, “Well Cass, the thing is, I hear you’re an excellent writer.”What followed is not a Cinderella-like ending of fairytale romance (this is me we’re talking about) between Matt Opacity (that was his name) and your Lang teacher. We didn’t fall into each other’s arms and swear undying love—it wasn’t even a romantic moment. He wasn’t trying out a brand-new pick-up line or even trying to soothe my bruised, dumped ego. It was a simple declaration that I am quite sure he would never even remember saying all these years later. But it’s impact on me was and is undeniable. Because of him, when I went back home, the first place I looked for a summer job was at a local newspaper called The Sandpaper. I landed a job as a stringer and at the tender age of 18, got my first ever piece of writing published. I even got paid for it! (It was an article on Tonkinese cats—don’t laugh!) Such is the power and the beauty of words.
So, that is the focus of this week’s blog question. I would like you to think about conversations you have had, arguments in which you’ve been embroiled, moments of bliss you have experienced. They all have one thing in common—WORDS.
The Yin: What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you? Why do you think it was the worst thing? How did it make you feel?
And for the Yang (because there always is one): What was the best compliment you have ever received?
Who said it? Why do you think was it was the best compliment?
And finally, perhaps even MOST IMPORTANTLY, reflect on the fact that you highlighted these two particular comments. What do you think your choices of what was the best and worst thing anyone could say about/to you reveal about your personality? Much to think about, I know. Don’t delay!!
Good thing I suppose, given my chosen and hard-fought-for occupation. Every time I sit down at a keyboard or have a pen poised over a blank sheet of paper, I feel overwhelmed with excitement, with possibility, with anticipation. With a few key strokes or swipes of a pen, you can find the right combination of words that can make someone LOVE you.
Conversely, you can break a heart, manipulate a mind or sever an allegiance…all with those same strokes or swipes. Think about that. Legends are immortalized because of words. Nations go to war over words. Couples are united in matrimony with words. Hearts and lives are shattered due to words. The power they wield is, in a word, awesome.
“Every time I come around the corner and see your car in the driveway I get sick to my stomach.”
I sat on the couch during yet another face-off with my mother when she let fly with that condemnation, effectively shattering any sense of comfort and belonging I may have been clinging to at the time. I was 17. I’m 42 now, and I can hear those words in my ear as clear as if they were uttered 10 minutes ago. I can’t say that it was those exact words that led to the eventual, unsurprising demise of my relationship with my mother, but I know it was certainly a huge chunk out of the already crumbling foundation. It stands, to this day, as one of the worst things anyone has ever said to me.
But, as I said, words are powerful. They have healing properties. Let me give you a scenario. I was visiting a friend at what is now, TCNJ (back then it was Trenton State College). My boyfriend of about a year had just broken up with me, quite unceremoniously, at a party the night before. I was feeling kind of blue, just sort of moping around the campus waiting for my friend’s class to end. While aimlessly wandering through the bookstore, I saw an old friend from high school, a guy who graduated a year ahead of me. We got to talking about life after high school and what my plans were and all of that idle small talk, when he looked me right in the eye and said, “Well Cass, the thing is, I hear you’re an excellent writer.”What followed is not a Cinderella-like ending of fairytale romance (this is me we’re talking about) between Matt Opacity (that was his name) and your Lang teacher. We didn’t fall into each other’s arms and swear undying love—it wasn’t even a romantic moment. He wasn’t trying out a brand-new pick-up line or even trying to soothe my bruised, dumped ego. It was a simple declaration that I am quite sure he would never even remember saying all these years later. But it’s impact on me was and is undeniable. Because of him, when I went back home, the first place I looked for a summer job was at a local newspaper called The Sandpaper. I landed a job as a stringer and at the tender age of 18, got my first ever piece of writing published. I even got paid for it! (It was an article on Tonkinese cats—don’t laugh!) Such is the power and the beauty of words.
So, that is the focus of this week’s blog question. I would like you to think about conversations you have had, arguments in which you’ve been embroiled, moments of bliss you have experienced. They all have one thing in common—WORDS.
The Yin: What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you? Why do you think it was the worst thing? How did it make you feel?
And for the Yang (because there always is one): What was the best compliment you have ever received?
Who said it? Why do you think was it was the best compliment?
And finally, perhaps even MOST IMPORTANTLY, reflect on the fact that you highlighted these two particular comments. What do you think your choices of what was the best and worst thing anyone could say about/to you reveal about your personality? Much to think about, I know. Don’t delay!!
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