Duly Noted

Inspired by several educators and colleagues emphasizing the value of authentic student interest in regards to increasing reading volume, I decided to let my students select a book from our media center for independent reading with a little follow-up video production assignment (basically, the assignment works like an advanced version of Reading Rainbow where they can share their tastes and critiques with classmates). Our class period in the media center went well until I noticed that two of my 11th grade boys selected a variety of books that solely focused on drugs: "Cocaine," "Legalizing Marijuana," "Meth." Great. I felt a little annoyed and a little stuck. Surely, I am not one for censoring books. But, any teacher in their right mind would feel uncomfortable with their students walking down the school hallway carrying a series of books on drugs. Right?! Like, what if we ran into the the principal?! Or the head of the school board? "Oh, thi...

There's nothing better than whipping up a couple meals for the week ahead (or in the case of this Thanksgiving week, the three days ahead) on Sunday evening. This Sunday I made three recipes: Squash Risotto w/thyme and goat cheese: This is an old standby of mine. Actually, my friend Rose first introduced me to this dish following a chilly winter run together last year. Ingredients: 1 cup risotto 1 onion 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups vegetable broth 1 roasted squash (Cut squash in half from stem to bottom, scoop out seeds, and spread some olive oil on the inside. Place on baking sheet covered with tin foil. Roast at 425 degrees until you can stick a fork through the skin easily, take out of oven and scoop out squash from skin.) 2 tablespoons thyme Salt and pepper to taste Goat Cheese for topping Procedure: Saute onion in olive oil until soft and transparent, add risotto. Stir on medium heat for a minute. Stir in one cup vegetable broth. Stir occasionally. Once broth is abs...

So in addition to the holiday bootie buster challenge (I know, what a name), I am also partaking in a blogging challenge organized by a couple of fellow teachers whom I spent some time with at NCTE. The challenge is described here if you feel like joining: http://alittleleeway.blogspot.com/2010/11/2010-blogging-challenge.html With that in mind, I received an email from my friendly media specialist, Patty (oh man, do I love her), with the following link: http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/ The site is filled with ideas, directions, definitions, and tutorials for including media in the classroom. I definitely plan on using some of this material in the near future.

This past weekend, I traveled to Disney World (perhaps my least favorite vacation destination...I am admittedly part snob, part anti-consumerist) in order to attend the National Council of Teachers of English mega conference! Although "consumer world" itself (Mike's nickname) was over-priced and bridged on ridiculous, I did manage to have a fabulous time and not spend too much money. Actually, the price was really right for me as MCTE (the Minnesota division of NCTE) paid for my flight, my gorgeous room, and my conference fee in honor of an award I had been given- MCTE's early career teacher leader. Truly, I was so surprised to have been nominated, and I felt very grateful for the nomination, the award, and the opportunity to attend the conference. For me, the highlights of the weekend were many. I was absolutely inspired at the sessions I attended on Friday and Saturday. The teachers and researchers seemed to really stress the value of student engagement and mot...

1. Parent/teacher conference night! This is my second or third high school conference night, and let me just say, its pretty amazing to meet the parents of the teenagers I interact with every day. Most of these parents I never hear from, so meeting them for the first time comes as a surprise. Almost across the board, there is so much love and concern in the parents' eyes. It makes me truly proud to work at this school. 2. Random half marathon: So, um, last night I ran a half marathon, er, or an equivalent of a half marathon without really meaning to. I went for a quick run with my friend and co-worker, Ben, after the school day, and then Wednesday night workouts with the WRC (plus Rachel!). So, yeah, that was a lot. 3. Holiday Fitness Challenge: Lately, I've been getting more involved in the healthy living blogging community. So, I am going to give this challenge a shot as way to stay motivated over the holidays and connect with other bloggers! And, maybe even, win a p...

Inspired by the "Three Things Thursday" trend as exhibited on the blog Run Girl Run and other healthy living related blogs, I am going to start my own TTT series! So here's three things for this Thursday: 1. The weather has been totally FUNKY: the morning started dark, cloudy, and wet. Then a snowstorm during my 2nd period English 11 class! As we turned from our books, Their Eyes Were Watching God, to look out the window, I heard one teenage guy gasp, "A Christmas Miracle!" Although he wouldn't admit to the comment later, I found it totally amazing. Now, it's four; I am about to leave school, and fittingly...the sun is out! What a day. 2. Brought some almonds to work today for a snack and surprisingly, they really filled me up and kept my energy going. I always knew almonds were supposed to be highly beneficial, but I had yet to experience the effects myself. I will have to see how they sustain mean during the evening run with Ray the dog. 3. We...

Tonight WRC (women's running collective) is having our first official "gender-blind" workout! We decided that we should take a cue from organizations like the YWCA- aimed at women's health, but accepting of all genders!!! So, all are welcome! That said, I am anticipating it's going to be a small group tonight running hill repeats along the river. Still, I am looking forward to feeling the cool weather turning my cheeks pink and the wet flurries sticking to my hair and skin. As much as I love running in the fall, winter running certainly as a brisk heartiness to it that you can't get on the sunny days. More soon post-workout!

Tonight WRC (women's running collective) is having our first official "gender-blind" workout! We decided that we should take a cue from organizations like the YWCA- aimed at women's health, but accepting of all genders!!! So, all are welcome! That said, I am anticipating it's going to be a small group tonight running hill repeats along the river. Still, I am looking forward to feeling the cool weather turning my cheeks pink and the wet flurries sticking to my hair and skin. As much as I love running in the fall, winter running certainly as a brisk heartiness to it that you can't get on the sunny days. More soon post-workout!

Finishing Time: 1:21:19 Average Pace: 8:08/mi overall finishing place:1262/7019 gender place: 106/1028 age group place: 382/4313 Yay! This was absolutely an awesome race. I am still smiling as I remember the brisk morning run through downtown Minneapolis to the capital in St. Paul. I was so excited because Carol and Milt Vasich were there to cheer for me along with Mike. They got up so early to drop me off at the Metrodome at 6:30am (the race started at 7!) It was still dark out as they wished me luck! Over the years, I have learned that a slow start is the best way for me to ease into a race. When I start out too hard, things tend to go downhill (uphill is more like it) about halfway through the race. This summer I have eased into each of my races, and I have ended up feeling great and averaging faster paces overall. So, I have learned to let myself feel it out and hold steady on each incline. By the time I hit the Guthrie Theater along the west bank, I was in cruise contro...

Finishing Time: 1:21:19 Average Pace: 8:08/mi overall finishing place:1262/7019 gender place: 106/1028 age group place: 382/4313 Yay! This was absolutely an awesome race. I am still smiling as I remember the brisk morning run through downtown Minneapolis to the capital in St. Paul. I was so excited because Carol and Milt Vasich were there to cheer for me along with Mike. They got up so early to drop me off at the Metrodome at 6:30am (the race started at 7!) It was still dark out as they wished me luck! Over the years, I have learned that a slow start is the best way for me to ease into a race. When I start out too hard, things tend to go downhill (uphill is more like it) about halfway through the race. This summer I have eased into each of my races, and I have ended up feeling great and averaging faster paces overall. So, I have learned to let myself feel it out and hold steady on each incline. By the time I hit the Guthrie Theater along the west bank, I was in cruise contro...

Some days I am really apt to make this into a "runner" blog. Yet, this inkling tends to get stifled when I think I might become obsessed. That said, blogging provides a really solid opportunity to log progress. I make a quick note of my mileage and sometimes my splits on google calendar, but I don't really analyze my daily running adventures. To be honest, after the trail half at wirth parkway a few weeks ago, I have been feeling in a bit of a running rut. I am exhausted after work. I always feel better after running; it's a good transition time, but it is so tempting to just go home and lay around after a long day! But, like I said, as soon as I get my legs stretching on the roads, I feel so much better. I am thinking about switching to an early morning running routine. I need to change it up! I am going to try to get up early tomorrow and see how that feels. 5:30am seems early, but it is worth a shot. Perhaps I will be able to feel more awake during the d...

Some days I am really apt to make this into a "runner" blog. Yet, this inkling tends to get stifled when I think I might become obsessed. That said, blogging provides a really solid opportunity to log progress. I make a quick note of my mileage and sometimes my splits on google calendar, but I don't really analyze my daily running adventures. To be honest, after the trail half at wirth parkway a few weeks ago, I have been feeling in a bit of a running rut. I am exhausted after work. I always feel better after running; it's a good transition time, but it is so tempting to just go home and lay around after a long day! But, like I said, as soon as I get my legs stretching on the roads, I feel so much better. I am thinking about switching to an early morning running routine. I need to change it up! I am going to try to get up early tomorrow and see how that feels. 5:30am seems early, but it is worth a shot. Perhaps I will be able to feel more awake during the d...

3 things i love: jars as glasses running with rachel an afternoon soy latte 3 things that make me sad: saying goodbye the book, "half the sky" lost friends 3 things i hate: can't sleep cause too much coffee forgetting to update the netflix queue getting yelled at when running...

Just trying out my new "small wonder" video cam. The weather has been stinky hot these past few weeks in Minneapolis. I don't mind too much anymore...now that I have my poison oak under control. Eek! Small price to pay for an amazing honeymoon. :)

Just trying out my new "small wonder" video cam. The weather has been stinky hot these past few weeks in Minneapolis. I don't mind too much anymore...now that I have my poison oak under control. Eek! Small price to pay for an amazing honeymoon. :)

Slowly getting back into the groove after wireless and incredible ten day honeymoon. Over the next weeks, I will provide a smattering of glimpses into our magical and love-filled wedding week! Custom-made clutches courtesy of AtelierEdytaLoukia on Etsy . The silk flowers matched the bridesmaid dresses perfectly! (Sunglasses courtesy of Urban Outfitters!)

What could it be??? TBA! (And, yes. Do pronounce "Treashures" with the "H." It is much more delightful that way).

After an early morning 14 miler with some friends who are training for the Twin Cities Marathon, I gave myself a little pep talk and headed off to do ERRANDS! Woot. The best kind - paper shopping and grocery shopping ala trader joes. One of the best thing about Trader Joe's is the line up of enticing flowers at the entrance. I am typically pulled to the bright colored blooms, but today, I eyed a smart lady pick up a bushel of eucalyptus and a bundle of lavender. Brilliant! I grabbed a few packs and filled several vases around the apartment. I haven't left the apartment yet, but I am hoping that when I reenter, the wild branches will bring me back to running Owl Trail along the Pacific coastline. Later in the afternoon, Mike and I rearranged furniture and CLEANED! Our wedding entourage (ie. friends and family) begin arriving tomorrow! We actually had a pretty nice time of it. And, the apartment looks just lovely if you ask me. We spent our last night as an unmarried co...

After an early morning 14 miler with some friends who are training for the Twin Cities Marathon, I gave myself a little pep talk and headed off to do ERRANDS! Woot. The best kind - paper shopping and grocery shopping ala trader joes. One of the best thing about Trader Joe's is the line up of enticing flowers at the entrance. I am typically pulled to the bright colored blooms, but today, I eyed a smart lady pick up a bushel of eucalyptus and a bundle of lavender. Brilliant! I grabbed a few packs and filled several vases around the apartment. I haven't left the apartment yet, but I am hoping that when I reenter, the wild branches will bring me back to running Owl Trail along the Pacific coastline. Later in the afternoon, Mike and I rearranged furniture and CLEANED! Our wedding entourage (ie. friends and family) begin arriving tomorrow! We actually had a pretty nice time of it. And, the apartment looks just lovely if you ask me. We spent our last night as an unmarried co...

Earlier this week, I attended my first trail running club practice! I was tentative at first; I wasn't sure about the concept since I have never joined a professional running group. However, after the first practice, I really think I'm going to like it. First off, it's awesome to run trails when someone else (ie. coach) is keeping track of where we are running! Secondly, it's motivating to run with other people (the club is open to all ages and pace groups). I tend to run a little harder and accept tough workouts as challenges instead of hurdles to finish as fast as I can. Our first run was an easy 4 miler on the Theodore Wirth trail system. Most of the practices will meet there. There isn't much to say about the run itself...but I must voice how much I adore the trails! Not the bike trails, not the running paved trails, the REAL THING. I CRAVE the sensation of leaping over a fallen tree and turning fast corners. I like the terrain, the hills. All of it....

Earlier this week, I attended my first trail running club practice! I was tentative at first; I wasn't sure about the concept since I have never joined a professional running group. However, after the first practice, I really think I'm going to like it. First off, it's awesome to run trails when someone else (ie. coach) is keeping track of where we are running! Secondly, it's motivating to run with other people (the club is open to all ages and pace groups). I tend to run a little harder and accept tough workouts as challenges instead of hurdles to finish as fast as I can. Our first run was an easy 4 miler on the Theodore Wirth trail system. Most of the practices will meet there. There isn't much to say about the run itself...but I must voice how much I adore the trails! Not the bike trails, not the running paved trails, the REAL THING. I CRAVE the sensation of leaping over a fallen tree and turning fast corners. I like the terrain, the hills. All of it....

An incredible berry custard pie crafted by a beautiful, fearless friend.

Handmade clutch by a designer in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. So pretty!

Inspiration: Heidi meets Midsummer Nights Dream. I haven't kept track of where these photos are from...please identify if in the know! My guess is that most came from this quirky, fabulous Flickr group: Braid Wednesday . Simple and feminine, braids evoke the pastoral with a touch of whimsy.

An amazing trip with family and friends to the boundary waters to start off summer.

Our very first CSA share. Lots of salad greens of all varieties. So far, we've all the spring greens, romaine, oakleaf lettuce, and arugula, but the bok choy and some other kind of spicy lettuce is awaiting the proper recipe. Suggestions? As a former CSA farm intern and a ranch intern, I have some wild notions about the need to wash vegetables immediately. The way I see it is that if you wash and dry right away, and then store in inviting fridge containers, you are more likely to grab that bucket of lettuce and run with it. Alas, without a salad spinner, the washing and drying process calls for some creativity. Later that night, wedding invitation assembly and addressing! Mike assembled, I addressed. What a team. Since I used pretty wet ink for little heart stamp on the envelope, the final invite package needed drying space as well. Again, with no tables left to cover due to the greens amounts, further inspiration was required. I will post the interior invitations and rsvp...

Beautiful, Pennsylvania Dutch themed shower invitations created by my soon-to-be family! Baka's array of Serbian cakes and desserts. She is incredible. All transported from Milwaukee to Chicago the morning of the shower. Crate and Barrel sunny apron! Max, the family dog, models Rachel's new dog camping backpack. He's jealous.

Well, things are certainly on the up-swing wedding-wise! The checklist is starting to focus on details instead of the central drivers. Just this week, we met and contracted the most natural fit photographer, Scott Streble . His studio is in Northeast Minneapolis in this great old warehouse. Mike and I had quite an adventure figuring out the freight elevator. From his massive PEZ wall to his candid, photo-journalist style, it was immediately clear that Scott fit the bill. And! After waiting four months, my wedding dress arrived! And yes, it is as gorgeous, more gorgeous, than I remember. The ladies at l'atelier couture are just lovely. This is the precious e-postcard I received last week: Also, new bridesmaid dresses... Pansy for my beautiful bridesmaids: And, wisteria for my lovely sister: Okay, and just so you are convinced that I haven't fallen headfirst into the over-the-top world of wedding planning, I am sharing with you a quite hard-core (well, about as hardcore...