An archived stack of papers: 'Personal'
Am I Dreaming?
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Apr
- 14
- 2008
I can’t believe it. Yet, I also can believe it at the same time.
Last Thursday
We have a special schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday! Because we want to drive up to Sacramento and hold a rally opposing the Governor’s 10% cut in the education budget, we’re letting school out at 11:30! This means a block schedule with periods 1-3 meeting on Tuesday and periods 4-7... read more
2007 In Review
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Jan
- 12
- 2008
I spend a lot of time on teaching. From grading papers to puzzling out tomorrow’s lesson to just being at work, there’s not a lot of free time in my day. But there is some. How do I spend that time? And what do I have to show for 2007? When not standing in front of a group of students, I’m reading, writing, running, or watching.
Table Of Contents
... read more
Published!
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Dec
- 22
- 2007
I didn’t want to say anything here until I had the book and check in hand. Well, the book arrived yesterday and the check last week. It’s long been a goal of mine to have something published in a print source; that’s now happened and I’m excited, honored, and humbled all at the same time.
... read more
Thanksgiving Day Loss
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Nov
- 22
- 2007
I ran 6.2 miles this morning. My watch read 51:56; I’ll update after the official ChampionChip time is posted. That’s all good, but I’m pissed.
In the final stretch of the race, a guy appeared next to me. I kept pace with him and had a brief... read more
This Is Not A Drill
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Sep
- 28
- 2007
No one was killed and no one was injured. That’s the good news.
As I’m reading chapter four of The Great Gatsby out loud to seventh period, the fourth time I’ve read this chapter out loud in the same day, the lights start to flicker. Eventually, they shut off completely. Students get distracted and look around to figure out what’s going on. They see it before I... read more
Half Nelson And Planning
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Aug
- 18
- 2007
I finally watched Half Nelson the other day. 2 stars out of 5. The script needs some serious revision to be worth any kind of emotional investment or to live up to the Academy-Award-nomination hype.
As hard as they both tried, even ... read more
Back-to… You Know
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Jul
- 30
- 2007
Yesterday, the first back-to-school commercial blasted in my ears. It was almost offensive, but an alarm went off in my head to the reality of the cruel calendar. And then there’s that someone who told me the other day that I should wait until a week before school starts to get my game face on. What to do.
Work!
On the one hand, I’m getting the message that school is around... read more
Razor Bush And Makeup Tree
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Jul
- 21
- 2007
The Razor bush and Makeup tree are essential components to survival on any island. It is fortunate for most desert islanders we see in shows like Lost and dating even as far back as Gilligan’s Island that these two plants grow in abundance anywhere fit for the marooned. This... read more
Summer To-Do
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Jul
- 01
- 2007
Ah Dan, your invitation was merely postponed, not forgotten. Making public such lists is something I’m very much into. Here goes.
This summer, I want to:
Run an average of 1 mile each day (so far so good with 30 miles run in the month of June); Write at least the beginnings of 2 short stories; Record the CD... read more
Pride And MacBook Prejudice
In a stack of papers called Personal.
- Feb
- 21
- 2007
They didn’t notice me in the Mac store today, thankfully. It was pretty uncomfortable, standing right next each other in such a tight space. We said hello as usual, as if nothing had changed, but we both knew it was different. It was awkward as I looked around the store, ogling others. I know that must have hurt, even just a tiny bit, but I couldn’t help it. I need to decide where to go... read more