Thoughts on Aging

Although my mind is still young, my body is aging. I’m getting wrinkles and flabby skin. My hips are broadening and my waist is disappearing. Mentally I think I can do anything, but physically my body objects. I want to burn up those calories, but my body wants to stay in bed. Although I try hard to deny it, I’m becoming a senior citizen.

My Novel

Okay folks, I know it has been awhile since I posted.  Life gets busy.  The latest news that most of you know is that I have decided to write a 50,000 word novel this month.  WHAT? you say.  It seems there is this organization that has a contest every November to write a 50,000 word novel in one month with no editing.  It is actually very popular and international.  They work out of Oakland, no less.  The prize is to know you wrote 50,000 words.  Maybe you have heard of NaNoWriMo.  In between report cards and parent conferences, I pound out a few words here and there.  The subject I know best is teaching, so that is what I am writing about.  I thought I would be brave and share a little with you.  Remember, it is brainstorming and no editing allowed.  (Do you know how hard it is to type and not edit? Very!!!)

The class was had settled down to work on their math assignment when Samuel approached Jane.

            “Please Ms. Jane, I’ve got to use it.”

            “What is it you want to use Samuel?

            “I just have to use it, Ms. Jane.”

            “Of course, Samuel, but is it you want to use?”

            “Miss Jane I have to use it.” and Samuel did a quick little dance.  The light bulb went on in her head.

            “Oh, Samuel, of course you can go to the bathroom.”  Without a moment’s hesitation, he rushed out the room and down the hall.   Jane made a quick mental note “use it equals go to the bathroom.” 

It is not an autobiography, but it is based on some personal experiences.  I have a long way to go to put it together.  My intention is to actually finish my novel.  It will, however, take more than a month to come up the final product.  I can at least say that I have started.

Thanks for bearing with me.

CC! and Stingrays

Our school mascot is a stringray and we are doing Character Counts.  The first pillar we are doing is Responsibility.  The Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade class wearing the most green to school on spirit day get to have a stingray and the same goes for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.

School Begins

School is back in session!  I make up these bags for birthdays.  I borrowed the idea from the teacher next door.  Don't you just love those next door neighbors with great ideas!

School is getting more and more stressful for students and teachers alike--and I'm speaking of elementary school.  The district has decided we have to give tests three times this year that are comparable to the state tests and in addition to them (that equates to a minimum of five weeks of testing).  The amount of time left for teaching is steadily decreasing.  I could easily keep a secretary busy with all the paper that is now required and none of the additional paperwork is related to classwork the students do.

Glenwood Canyon Drive

This summer I had the opportunity to drive through Glenwood Canyon on I-70. If you have never driven it, it is a beautiful drive. This is the Colorado River near Greezly Creek in the
canyon. The highway litterly hangs out over the river in some areas. There is also a great biking path below the freeway, along the river. If I were in shape, I would be very tempted to bike along the river.

This is Greezly Creek feeding into the Colorado. I just love the sound of the rushing water. I did take the opportunity to go wading in the Colorado on the beach just below here.

FLOWER

There is a flower here in Nebraska that looks like a hot air balloon before it opens.

Stormy Night

I am visiting family in North Platte. The past few nights we have had thunder and lightening. Last night we got the rain to go with it and some hail. I made a short clip of it last night. You can see the sky light up and hear the rain.