Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Poisonwood Bible, Friendship, and Mr. Carl Lindstrom

Well, I finally finished this wonderfully written and emotional roller coaster of a book. Barbara Kingsolver is an amazing writer. This is the story of Southern Baptist faimly living in the Congo as missionaries during the late 1950s. It is told from the point of view of the mother and 4 daughters. It is a story of tragedy, loss of life, personal growth, and personal decline. It's about faith, hope, love and the absence of these three. I think this is one of my favorites. (I know I say that every time) I just bought Prodigal Summer written by Kingsolver, and I hear it is just as good. She weaves so many literary elements in The Poisonwood Bible, and I know she will do the same with Prodigal Summer.

My favorite character in the book is Adah because of her palindromes, cynical wit, and strong free will. Everyone would be lucky to have a friend like Adah. I'm starting a new book today before I read Prodigal Summer. It's called Water for Elephants. If anyone has read it, please let me know what you think.

As the day progresses, and my nap moves on, I realize some things. You can't make people do the right thing. The only thing you can do is leave them to God, and let them know you will be there for them through thick and thin. If a person chooses not to believe this or doesn't accept it, then there is nothing you can do. (I know that sounds weird coming from me because I am not that religious, however, I believe it none the less.) Until vital important questions can be answered, you can't move on to better things. All you can do is know in your heart you did the right thing despite the consequence. Keeping the good times rolling is not always the best thing at the time, and I have to stand up and fight for what is right. Friendship is thanksgiving. I am grateful for all of them, even the tough ones in my life. I don't and won't take them for granted or forsake them. I've learned a lot this week and frankly i'm exhausted.

For my friend who is fighting the good fight right now. I love you. Your family is going to be blessed once you crush those demons and I'm so proud of you for trying. There are so many people in your life that will benefit from the choices you are making now. Stick to the plan and know that blessings lie beyond the pile of crap you are feeling like now. (Remember ur dumb, and smiley is always watching you) hahahah :)

I'm sadly missing the good time at BT's and Claytor Lake right now. I hope that all my pals in the VA are having a blast! I got the BEST phone call from Mr. Carl Lindstrom today letting me know all of the ailments of my friends in the VA; I guess we are getting older now. Apparently, Greg Allen has some scrotum problem, Randy Jarrells has hemorrhoids, and poor Leslie Martin has a herpe on her lip! Gosh, who knew our old vice principal kept up on such things! Thanks Scotty! I laughed harder than I had in weeks, and I needed that!

Shout OUTS <3
Erin--I miss you already. Vesta--I always miss you. Jd--I hate the Raiders. Lora--Oh no! It wasn't me! It was the one armed man! Jodi--I was RUNNING! Tina--Take your 70 degree weather and shove it! Christina, Annette, Vanessa--I love your faces.

That's about it.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Hard Days

Sometimes a day is so hard you just want to bury your head in hole and never come out. Relief only comes when those you know come through for you.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Not so-Dirty Southwest

Within the last few days, I've had some good rude awakenings. I won't get into those now, but I continue to learn my shortcomings and strengths sometimes are one in the same. The things that make me a good person at times also incapacitate me. Can you care too much? According to my husband, you can love someone to death. I tend to think there is not enough love and sometimes self-sacrifice is needed, be it marriage, friendship, parenting...whatever the case my be. Also the things that make me a bad person are the things that give me strength. How can a person be so dichotomous? I honestly think that is the way we are all made. One little slip--a good person.. another slip--we are villainous! Isn't that human nature?

I really loved today. Hanging out with Jodi and Leti and the kids was great. Kelsea got a little sore throat today and didn't feel too good, but being a trooper she hung in there and slept on Leti's floor while we enjoyed coffee, dog-nuts, and chorizo and eggs! It was 104 and as usual I can not get in the damned sun because of my Lupus! The damn curse of the sun... why can't a vampire bite me or something! Everyone was so sweet and sat in the shade with me which makes me feel guilty as hell because they should be enjoying the pool.

I guess it could have been worse and all of us girls wearing CHP wool uniforms! HAHA we sorta teased the guys today because they were working and we were by the pool. They sent some pretty cute pictures of themselves all clothed in wool at the range. We felt sorry for them (for a second) and then went back to drinking water and sweating and complaining about the heat.

Thanks girls for a great day today! I loved hanging out. I love your faces. I love the kids! :)

Sunday, July 18, 2010

That's what I get for talking politics and drinking at the same time!

Well needless to say Sundance Canyon Heartache was in full effect last night! I pretty much got there and told Lynette, "oh i'm only having a few beers tonight!" To which she gave me a funny look and consumed a jello shot! Then I remembered that Jen and Ef brought Jello shots ... in syringes... yeah. So the Malibu was very good and so was the keg apparently because the more I talked to Mark and David about politics the more I drank and the next thing I know I was in the pool.

And that's all I have to say... about that!

I woke up this morning and my arm has a rug burn on it. I fell out of bed last night according to Jerry, and the only thing I kept saying was.. "I fell. I fell." I don't feel good at all this morning so i'm going to spend the day watching Turner Classic Movies and I hope that I can find Forrest Gump. Jayke is working, Kelsea is home and Jerry has lain on the couch with the dog and is now in a sleep coma. I think I will join him.

To all of those I offended with my Sarah Palin comments last night. I apologize.


Saturday, July 17, 2010

Happy Swonker Birthday!!

Tonight is the birthday parties of... Teri Canby, Joey Janzen, Diana Kadel, Justin Olson, Jeff Speights, and Lynette Speights! It should be a grand time for all! I can't wait to hang out with friends.

Yesterday was so much fun. I spent the day with Emily and family for Em's birthday. She had a water bounce house and the kids loved it. I think the biggest kid was Jerry. He was going down the slide with the kids and having ball. We ate ribs and potato salad and had a blast. Kelsea was babysitting Ty and Patrick (Katie Mac's kids) and they had a blast too. They were so good very sweet and well behaved. Norma and I wanted to play dominoes, but Jerry and Popa didn't, so we acquiesced. I miss spending time with Norma, Bill, Crystal and the boys. Family is important and I think we are all guilty of letting life get in the way. We need to do that more often. They mean the world to me and I really don't say it enough. Jayke came back from the beach safe and sound and that's all I can ask for. He ate lots of left over ribs when he got home. I think he and Robert cleaned us out! :)

At night we went to my girl Sarah Odom's birthday party at Chalet Basque! It was divine! I ate escargot, lamb chops and a set up. I smell like massive garlic this morning, but so does Jerry so no big deal. Jerry ate a New York strip and a set up and we drank a bottle of Merlot. We came home and talked for a bit, and then Erin came over and we talked some more. We went to bed around 10:30 or so. I missed Jessica's party at Amestoy's and I was sad, but I don't think I could go out another second. It was a long party day and I was tired.

Last year yesterday two of my best friends in the whole world formed a bond: Jennifer and Efrem. They are getting married in October and I can't wait! It's the most successful union under my watch yet! LOL

Tonight.... Some serious Swonkin at the Sundance Canyon heartache bar and grill :) hahaha I've not seen Jodi in forever and i'm Jones'in!

I miss Vesta Ray.

That's all I have to say so far today. Peace Love and Swonkerness :)

Friday, July 16, 2010

A weekend.... of sorts

Good Morning,

Today I'm going to spend some time with my sister-in-law on her birthday. She is the sweetest. I can't believe she is growing up so fast. It seems like yesterday I was changing her diaper :) I love you Emily. You have grown into a fine young lady and I'm so proud of you. Sarah's birthday party is tonight and I can't wait. Sarah has been such a good friend to me this year. I don't think I could have made it without her. I guess the CHP family takes care of each other during times of need. I'll never be able to repay you Sarah. Thank you. Love you much.

Kelsea is baby sitting for Katie today and scheduled to have fun. She loves sitting Patrick and Ty. Jayke is at the beach with Robert and his family. He drove to Carpinteria last night. I don't think you ever get finished worrying about your kids. When they are smaller you just worry about them differently. He has turned into such a man these last few years and sometimes it's hard to get used to!! Kelsea and I went shopping yesterday and I got her some really cute stuff. She is definitely your atypical teenager. She is easy going and fun and lacks the drama element I had when I was her age. I think it's really cool. We went to Mainland and I bought her 2 dresses, a top, some sandals and another cute top. We also saw the Sorcerer's Apprentice with Nick Cage (yeah momma had to see him). It was a really cute movie and we had good bonding time.

Jerry and I made BLT's for dinner last night and they were delicious! Erin came over and we watched Big Brother and talked. It was a nice lazy night. I can say i'm looking forward to having next week off before heading back down to San Diego for AVID. This summer has been one long set of conferences right after one another. I really would like next summer to be more for family and less for work. We will see.

Congratulations to all my friends who are out of summer school today. YOU MADE IT! Let the good times roll now and catch up on that much needed family time.

For all of my friends going on Vacation, have safe travels and i'll see you when you get back.

I wish I would have had a chance to get to the beach with Leti and Katrina this week :(



Thursday, July 15, 2010

San Diego We The People aka "Constitutional Boot Camp!

This is my first attempt at a blog, so be kind to me. Other than missing my family, the trip was a great success.

The trip down-- I picked up Mike around 11, and we left out with good conversation anticipating the week and just talking about work, friends, and life in general. We both agreed to stop at Claim Jumper because any person from Bakersfield who drives past it on the way down must stop and eat the delicious yummyness! We made it down to San Diego around 3:30, which was excellent time. There was no traffic. I checked in and went to my room and got settled, and then headed over to the dinning hall and met a lot of really cool people and had a few glasses of wine courtesy of David Richmond and not the Center for Civic Education. Thanks David! We were briefed on what the week would be like and met with our mentor groups. I met Bob, Justin, Ryan, Laurel, and last but not least Vicky. I'm pretty sure Team Marshall built some serious connections and life long friendships during this week. Thank God for "judicial review." haha

Day 1--We woke up to a yummy breakfast and headed off to class. Mike and I decided to park the car in the garage and go to the dining hall to get some exercise before breakfast. Well yeah..that was the last time that happened for me. I didn't take the best shoes in the world and I was not at all in shape. There were lots of hills to walk on and I wished I was in better shape. :( Maybe something to consider? I think so. Anyway, after breakfast we went back to the IPJ and had class with Susan Leeson, who is a retired Justice, Oregon Supreme Court. We discussed the differences between classical republican government and natural rights theory. She sent my mind in a tizzy. I had never considered some of the nuances of classical republicanism and the implications of such a philosophy on modern day America. It was a great lecture. After break Scott Casper, a Professor of History at the University of Nevada, Reno, joined the conversation. He is a very lively speaker and really broke things down as to how Federalism played a part in the framing of the Constitution. After lunch we focused on pedagogy, and then broke up into groups with Scott and Sue and went over the Madison, Jersey, and Hamilton proposals for framing the Constitution. I found their approach very easy and I see how I can adapt it to the classroom. Then mentor groups, dinner and bed. It was a very full day.

Day 2-- At the IPJ, we picked up where we left off on the framing of the Constitution and looked at the Declaration of Independence, the Confederate States of America Constitution, and spent time with our mentor groups. This day was less exhausting because of the content. I wish we would have spent more time on the incorporation of the 14th Amendment, but what I got from the session was very useful. We had more mentor time and the day ended without fanfare.

Day 3--The day of cognitive dissidence!!! Dr. Mike Williams, Professor of Political Science at USD pretty much rocked my world. (No not like that) He spoke on the increasing power of the presidency and how there has been a gradual increase in presidential power since the turn of the 20th century. This reminded me of college where i'm sitting in the classroom and the professor literally destroys your whole world view for the better. I walked away from his lecture knowing more than I ever did (and I still feel like I know nothing), but at the same time he gave so much great food for thought, it will take me weeks to rummage through all the notes I took. That afternoon Milt, showed us some activities to take back to the classroom and use with students! I really appreciated this! I think I want to be Milt when I grow up! I am 100% sure his students love his class and learn a lot! Terry Richmond gave another pedagogy session as well and I really enjoy her line of thinking. She is a great teacher and VERY smart! I wish I knew half of what she does! She helped me so much with my congressional speech! :)
After this long and emotionally draining day, I decided to head to the pub with my new friends and enjoy some wine. It was nice. We even went to see Tio Leo that night! He now owes Mike some money I think? hahah

Day 4- My favorite... Unit 5--Civil Rights. The part of the book that makes me wish I would have went to law school. The part of the book that makes me want to be a better person. The part of the book that makes me want to help others. What I find ironic is this section of the book is all about individual rights yet it points to our own responsibility as citizens more than any other part of the book because in our own rights and responsibly, we have a responsibility to others. Professor Kevin den Dulk, a Frisian (haha) of Grand Valley State University gave a great discussion on the First Amendment and Freedom of Religion. He addressed both the establishment clause and the free exercise clause and discussed some of my favorite court cases regarding this. I found him engaging and very socratic in the way he lectures. I love his methods of teaching because he forces you to learn more on your own about the topics.
That night was "cultural exploration of San Diego" and Jason and Brenna picked me up around 3:30 and we stayed out till 11 or so brewery hopping and genuinely having a great time. I feel like I met a new sister with Brenna. We love the same books and the same nerdy stuff. Thank you Jason for introducing me to her! She is a wonderful lady. Ocean Beach was awesome and so eclectic! Right up my alley! There was great conversation about a million different topics and I can't wait to see them again at the end of July! Thank you Thank you!

Day 5--Citizenship day--Mike and Kevin gave a really good lecture about citizenship and the challenges we face as a nation. We sang songs (haha) and really got into the discussion. It was amazing. I'm still kind of spinning from this session. That afternoon Joey Biron gave us a pedagogy session and it was so fun! I am sure that students love the way he teaches as well. He gives a lot of autonomy in class and he reminds me a lot of me in the classroom. I got fired up and I think this day is what got me "in trouble" Day 6! LOL

Day 6--Congressional Hearing-- I wasn't nervous at all. Things like that rarely intimidate me. I think it's fun and it makes me super passionate. Unit 3 went well. I was hoping for more critical feedback from the judges but hey it's ok. I was the least prepared for this and to me it is the hardest Unit in the entire book. Now Unit 6 .... I was all over that. A little too much. I have a tendency to get very passionate about issues, and in that passion I sometimes exclude other people. It's something I have to work on for sure, but if this is something you understand about me, well you pretty much know me. The judge said I was too talkative and invaded others "person space" basically calling me rude. All I know is that I hope my group didn't think me rude. That is all that really matters to me. I honestly didn't mean to get so fired up... ok I did but I surely didn't mean to be rude or intrusive on anyone's argument. It kind of had been decided that I would take the opposite view of my colleagues and I think in doing that maybe it was my arguments that bothered the judge more than my "rudeness." Can't win them all right? I just hope a judge doesn't speak to my kids the way he spoke to me because if anyone would I would go off on them.

Bob, my mentor, almost made me cry. At the end, there was a presentation. He was a great mentor and challenged me in so many positive ways. He was the perfect mentor for me and filled in gaps where I needed them filled. I hope I get a chance to see him again. He was there for all of us.

My team--the best! We worked so well together. There was no ego there. We cut things out without complaining. We worked well on making sure everyone was heard---The best experience of the "boot camp" was them!

The Ride Home--it was quiet, Mike slept. It was like we were both tired from camp..haha. He was tired and so was I. He asked me if I wanted him to drive before we left, but I could see he was more tired than me, so I drove. We left about 1 or so and got home at 4:30. It was a great trip. I was thankful for someone to share the ride with and good conversation.


Great experience. Look forward to many more with the We the People family.