"She Blinded Me With Library Science"

Premier Party

2012-01-31T11:39:00.004-06:00

Last Friday the movie One for the Money came out. It's a book based on the popular series by Janet Evanovich. It was a funny moive, not as funny as the book, but still good. I feel for people associated with the movie because I keep seeing poor reviews, but I have to say it wasn't as bad as all that. Anyway, back to the issue.

The Carroll Public Library hosted the most awesome premier party on Friday. It cost $20 to attend but included was the ticket to the movie and a Friends of the Library dues for the year. They did a great job with games, trivia, food, and prizes all themed around the book/movie. I had a great time and got a lot of ideas for my own premier party.

I've talked with a couple teachers in the building and given a heads-up to the principal. So far I've gotten great feedback so I'm going to move ahead with planning. Hunger Games Movie Premier Party here we go! We are going to have it the Thursday before the movie opens in the high school library. I can't wait! This is actually going to happen!

So that's going to take up a bit of time outside of school this coming month. I'm still working on getting my eReader proposal up and running. I've got a lot of really good input and I'm ready to start ordering and purchasing. Which scares me because I'm still not 100% sure where the money is coming from...crazy! But I'm excited about moving to the next stage. February is going to be a really busy and short month!

A really long story

2012-01-25T21:16:00.003-06:00

Some people may have noticed I showed up over the holidays with a "boot" on my left foot. Surprising I know, but it was such a long story and I did a horrible job of explaining...so I'll try and get it all out now.

It started around the last week of September. I had ordered a piece of shelving from Amazon for the house. Well, it doesn't come put together so I just set it aside. Now I have this weird heater that's in the floor. It's kind of in the path coming from my only hallway right over to the kitchen. I don't like walking over it so I put an old shelf there while the heat was still off. And right next to this shelf is where I set the BIG box with the new shelving inside. It was NOT in the walk way, but it was right next to it.

So one day I'm going from the hallway to the kitchen and cut the corner I have made just a little too short. BAM! My foot, little toes first, slams straight into the side of my box of shelving. I step back, and it hurts. I limp to the couch and it hurts. I look at my foot, nothing looks off, but it still HURTS. So I decide to sit with the foot up for a while. After about 30 minutes it's not hurting any longer. It's still tender to walk on though.

Now, flash back even further! I had hurt my foot in January while I was finishing up at UNI. I went to the health center when it became too painful to walk any sort of distance. The doc there looked it over and said my foot was probably broken, but they didn't do much for broken bones in the foot. He didn't say that OTHER doctors outside the university might do more, no. He said to buy better shoes and to take it easy. Which brings us back to my new problem. After the last debacle. I decide it's better to just take it easy and wear my best shoes because there is no point in going to the doctor if there is nothing to be done.

Yes, my foot hurt for a while after the incident. Yes, it started to feel better after a while. Then I made the big mistakes. I started changing up my footwear at work, one day good shoes and the next crap from Payless. Then the first weekend of December we got 6 inches of snow. I got to try out my new snow boots, which worked fine but put different kind of pressure on my foot. While I was shoveling everything was fine, but the next day my foot felt just as bad as it had the week I'd hurt it back in September! So I decided it was time to get to the doctor.

Happy Birthday to me, I've got insurance! I went to the doctor in Manning after work on my birthday. She actually took an X-ray and looked at what was going on. She prescribed a "boot." So I got a boot for my birthday. It was to keep pressure off the break. I was so good at hiding it that most people didn't notice it the first week I had it! So I'm told to wear it for a couple weeks and then come back for a check up. I finally scheduled the check up last week.

The doctor was pleased that I was able to stick with the boot so long. Apparently people don't care for it. But my foot NEVER hurt the whole time I wore it. What was to complain about? The break is by no means completely healed. So she suggested I try wearing it for half days my first week back. She says to stick to my tennis shoes for the next six weeks as well. Which is fine with me, they're comfortable! So I don't have to wear the boot around the house and I'll probably skip it for driving now as well. I figure I ditched it just in time. Pretty soon here we are gonna get the real smack down from Old Man Winter. I'd rather have two solid feet under me when the crap starts to pile up!

Random Thoughts

2012-01-16T13:19:00.000-06:00

I am beyond obsessed with the whole series of Hunger Games books. I suggest them to everyone I see, even the students I know don't read Science Fiction or Fantasy. I've got the board game and I'm counting the days until the movie comes out, 66 days. So I've decided I want to have a movie premier party in March. I think the best time will be the week before the movie comes out, but I'm not sure. Right now I'm just thinking about what I like about the idea. Discuss the books, discuss the movie(s), play the game...and then I'm stuck. I'd like there to be food and maybe a couple other game options. But for now it's just an idea. I was really bummed when UNI Rod Library decided not to have a Hunger Games this year. I was going to have THE best team! So this is my consolation prize...PARTY!

On to a new topic! There seems to be a craze for hot pink hair running through the school. It started with a new girl who came at the beginning of December. She had hot pink hair with black as the undertone. Just last week I saw another girl with hot pink as the top color and her more natural "dirty blonde" under it. The trend starter's sister showed up this week with the same hot pink on top but a platinum blonde under that. It's an epidemic. I feel like I keep running into Jem in the hallway!

Next topic: my library suffers from afternoon heat waves! In the warmer months my library was the BEST. Other people would wear layers to keep warm in the cooler that was my library. Now that the winter temps have finally arrived so has the heat. When I get here in the mornings things are good, but as soon as I get back from lunch I'm dying! Which is funny, because after lunch is when people would get the coldest at the beginning of the year. So I guess it takes half the day for whatever hot OR cold air to pump it's way to the library. ARG, I much preferred my cooler temps.

In other news I found this neat video online the other day! Enjoy!

Upon reflection this is one of the strangest posts ever...random thoughts about The Hunger Games, the Jem epidemic, and the current cold front/heat wave...I guess I've got a title for the post now.

Christmas Break

2012-01-09T10:19:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful break. After two years of University schedules I was afraid that this break would seem too short, but it actually felt perfect. I left for Blue Grass right after work on the Thursday before Christmas. The teachers got done an hour early so I was able to get on the road by 3pm. What a difference an hour makes! Since it was a Thursday traffic wasn't horrible and I got to drive longer in the daylight. I wasn't even tired when I got to the house!

Christmas with at home was nice and low key. I got exactly what I wanted, which was great! It was a banner year for me. I got a Nook Simple Touch, a hand-held mixer, an awesome Green Day coffee table type book, and more Polish Pottery than I know what to do with! We went to Midnight Mass at 11pm at Our Lady of Victory. It's my favorite Mass of the year because we get to sing all the best music, including THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONG EVER: Joy to the World. I love it!

The day after Christmas was the family gathering at Grandma Bush's house. Emy couldn't be there because she had to be at the store, but what can you do. We can't always get everyone there every year. But my cousin Becky was there with her 7 day old son Issac (spelling?)! He was such a cutie. He's a sleeper, and his big brother doesn't quite know what to make of him yet. It's fun to have little ones to watch for entertainment!

The rest of the week was perfect. I got some errands run and was able to spend time with my friends. For New Year's Eve Claire came over and we played games had fun. I was able to start back to Manning on Monday morning which gave me most of the day to unpack and re-organize once I got home.

Tuesday was the first day back for teachers in my building. It was a "work" day so we were able to spend the day doing whatever needed to be done for ourselves. It was the best way to come back to work. I got to wear comfy clothes, one step up from PJs. I got all the biographies integrated into the Non-fiction section and had a productive meeting the the librarian from the other buildings. It was awesome!

Now it's the first Monday back to work. If the nice weather can hold out a little longer I'll be happy enough. There aren't enough "breaks" in the Spring semester, but that's no reason to start wishing for snow days! Happy Monday!

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

2011-12-21T09:17:00.000-06:00

Poison Study is one of my favorite books. So much so that I own three copies of the book currently. One audio version on my MP3 player, one hardback copy with the dust jacket, and one hardback copy w/o the dust jacket! :-) My library has recently added the whole Study Series to the collection as well. I'm so excited to share this fun series with my students.

The story starts with Yelana, our main character, in the dungeons waiting to be executed. Instead she is brought to a man who gives her a choice: continue on to be executed and know your death, or become the Commander's Food Taster and await possible death by poison. She takes the job and that's just the beginning of her problems. The whole story line really grabbed me. I enjoyed the ups and downs as Yelana made friends and enemies while trying to stay alive and gain her freedom.

Yelana's adventures continue in Magic Study and Fire Study.

Is it Break Yet?

2011-12-13T13:45:00.000-06:00

I have 7 days, not counting today, left of school before the Winter Break. I am BEYOND ready for it to be here. And more importantly so are the students. I can't wait for next semester, with new schedules and new faces. The students seem to feel the same, schedules came out last week and it's been a little crazy ever since.

Surprisingly this feeling didn't really "hit" me until today. I've got a head cold going on, giving me the world's most annoying headache. On top of which I went to the doctor last night, yes Happy Birthday to ME I've got health insurance (!), and found out I broke my foot. I've been walking around in slight pain for the better part of two months, because the last time I saw a doctor about my foot they said "there really isn't much we can do." But I was fed up with the pain so I went to the doc anyway and it's a good thing I did! Today I get to go to Carroll and buy a "boot" from a pharmacy, which I am to wear for the next couple of weeks. So, I'm ready for a break. Really, really, ready. Maybe I'm getting a bit more ready the longer this day lasts...

Just like that

2011-12-05T15:05:00.000-06:00

I started looking over the biography section. I know I'll need to move it, and I know I want to get rid of the old useless books while I'm at it. So I decided to jump right in.

I went through the first three shelves of the section. Only looking at the condition of the book and the copyright date I was ready to grab anything that was older than the 1990s. However, upon seeing most of the books coming from the 1950s and 1960s I revised my earlier standard. I kept anything from the 1980s and some things from the 1970s depending on the condition and the content. It was quick, and kind of painful. In no time at all half of each shelve was in my discard pile.

I'm not ready to toss the books out yet. I want to be stealthy about it so nobody tries to give them to charity. These books are fit for no one! So for now they'll get put in my back room as a "consideration" pile. And when I'm ready I'll delete them from the computer and send them to the recycle bin. I fully plan to have half as many biographies by the end of the week. But on the bright side I did find some really great books once they were not hidden behind real losers. Now I'll have half has many books to fit into the already bloated non-fiction section!

WTF?!

2011-12-02T09:08:00.001-06:00

Okay, I know that when using the Dewey Decimal Classification System it is easy and common to come across differences in cataloging. It's a highly subjective "science." But I have never seen or even heard of what I found today. Next to the biographies in the middle of the Fiction section that is divided by AR and non-AR is a section labeled SC: Story Collection. This is where I found Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Famous Tales of Sherlock Holmes and a Garrison Keller book. Random? I should freakin' think so! I now have so much re-cataloging to do it's not even funny. To be fair the section is really very small, but where the heck did it come from and who decided what a "SC" book was anyway? I think I might be spending my WHOLE summer in the library now. Between combining the Fiction sections, putting the biographies back in the Non-Fiction section (hopefully weeding some of the section) and now disbanding the bat-shit-crazy Story Collection section! AAAHHHH!!!!! I hope everyone else is having a better Friday than I am.

Anne McCaffrey

2011-11-23T10:33:00.000-06:00

My favorite author, who wrote my favorite book, has passed away. I am floored, I am speechless, I am sad. Here are some of my favorite quotes, books, and book covers.

The White Dragon was my FAVORITE book of all time, just look at that cover and tell me you wouldn't want to read it! But some of the best Dragonrider quotes come from the Harper Hall Trilogy, because really who better to quote than Harpers?!

“Don't leave me alone!
A cry in the night,
Of anguish heart-stiking,
Of soul-killing fright.

Live for my living
Or else I must die
Don't leave me alone.
A world heard that cry.”

~ Dragonsinger

"The tears I feel today

I'll wait to shed tomorrow.

Though I'll not sleep this night

Nor find surcease from sorrow.

My eyes must keep their sight:

I dare not be tear-blinded.

I must be free to talk

Not choked with grief, clear-minded.

My mouth cannot betray

The anguish that I know.

Yes, I'll keep my tears til later:

But my grief will never go."

~ Dragonsinger

"Oh, Tongue, give sound to joy and sing

Of hope and promise on dragonwing."

~ Dragonsong

"My nightly craft is winged in white, a dragon of night dark sea.

Swift born, dream bound and rudderless, her captain and crew are me.

We've sailed a hundred sleeping tides where no seaman's ever been

And only my white-winged craft and I know the wonders we have seen."

~ Dragonsong

I love this last quote because it is talking about events that took place in The White Dragon. The Harper Hall Trilogy overlaps with The White Dragon's timeline. I also really enjoyed Nerilka's Story which was a minor and shorter story pulled from Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern. There was a time when I could probably have recited the WHOLE book from memory. I did read more than Anne's dragonrider books, but they were always my favorites. I enjoyed reading the Talent books starting with The Rowan and all the Pegasus books as well.

Anne McCaffrey was an amazing author. She was a pioneer for women in what was largely considered a man's profession: science fiction writing. She was the first woman to win the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award. She lived in Ireland for most of her life. I'm sad that I've missed the opportunity to visit here there. Oh Anne, you will be missed.

Holiday Travel

2011-11-22T13:32:00.001-06:00

Right about now I miss the train. It is a highly underrated pleasure to be able to sit contentedly while someone else does the driving. I love being able to sit and read, watch the scenery, play cards, or just take a cat nap while traveling from one place to the next. Moving 4 1/2 hours away from friends and family tends to make you cranky about travel. I'm not saying it's the worst thing ever. I am lucky to not have children when traveling. I can choose my own music and sing along with it at the top of my lungs if I so choose, and lets face it that's what I do. But every now and then I'd like to be able to gawk. So this Thanksgiving don't expect to hear me volunteering to drive. I'll be driving on Wednesday and Sunday. That's it. Thursday's trip to Wisconsin and back will see me in the passenger side seat gawking out the window at absolutely nothing!

FEVER CRUMB!

2011-11-21T14:25:00.000-06:00

My Lit Review introduced me to the author Philip Reeve and his Mortal Engines series. The article I found had me so interested in the series I was hoping to be able to read it in my research. However as I narrowed my focus during the selection process I cut out the possibility of reading the books. Part of my criteria was to not read any books in the middle of a series. Another criteria was that the book be written between 2005 and 2009 (or 2010 I can't remember exactly). Every book in the series except the first made it into my pool. I was a bit upset. But when I finally managed to look at my final list Fever Crumb by Philip Reeve was on it. At least I had found a book by the same author. I soon came to realize it was a prequel to the Mortal Engines series.

Reading this book was such fun. The book is set in the far future of London. The main character is the lone female in what is called the Order of Engineers, they tend to believe that women can't think rationally enough for their order. However this girl was raised by one of the members which allowed her to join the order. She is singled out for a job which takes her away from the order for the first time. Right away she runs into trouble and sets several problems into motion. I was intrigued by how many different points of view were shared in this story. I really just enjoyed Reeve's writing style and can't wait to start the original series!

The book had its ups and downs in terms of pace. Some sections seemed to race by and others felt like they took forever to get back to the interesting parts! While the book had a satisfying ending I am pretty sure if I had read the original series first I might not have felt the same way. From my understanding of the Mortal Engines timeline there are things that still need to happen in this book to make way for the future readers already know happens. There is already a second book out and another on the way in the new Fever Crumb series so I hope that these loose ends will get tied up nicely. :-)

Crazy!

2011-11-17T11:39:00.000-06:00

If you notice the bookshelf on the right side of this blog you will see something truly amazing. I am reading 3 books right now (not the amazing part) that are ALL non-fiction (AMAZING!!!!)!!! That's right I need 7 exclamation points to get this point across. I am NOT a fan of non-fiction. If you look through my Shelfari shelves you will notice an abundance of fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and even some romance titles. But by far non-fiction titles make up the smallest percentage on my shelves. However, a goal at my library is to update and refresh the non-fiction section. So this could be a lot more common in the near future.

The Comet's Curse

2011-11-11T14:16:00.000-06:00

I should do the last two books together, but I can't bring myself to do it. Mostly because I was so indifferent to The Comet's Curse and I was beyond in love with Fever Crumb. So, about The Comet's Curse...

The story starts after a comet narrowly misses impact with the Earth. Instead the "tail" of the comet passed through, which turned out to be worse. Slowly people start to get sick and slowly lose touch with reality. The sickness is not responding to any medications that are thrown its way. Eventually it is determined that only adults can contract the disease and at the rate that it is spreading scientists won't be able to cure it before it wipes out Earth's population. That's a lot of back story for such a short book! But it is given partially as flashbacks from the main characters' points of view.

So the idea is that they build a HUGE space ship to send a select group of "children," nobody over age 16, into space on a mission to locate a new planet. This is humanity's last hope. It is one of the most classic space adventures that I have seen in recent years.

The main characters are Triana, the head of the council, and the rest of her council members Bon, Gap, Lita, and Channy. The events of the story are related through their perspectives along with Roc, the main computer aboard ship, and Dr. Zimmer, the man who came up with the plan. One reason I was so indifferent to this story was my lack of connection with any of the characters. I just couldn't get excited about anything that was going on.

This is just the first adventure in a series as the ship travels to its intended destination. So the book was very open ended. I think I would be interested to know how it ends up once they land on their new planet, but the flight to get there holds very little interest for me. Maybe I'll check into the last book in the series, but I might have to skip everything in the middle! I really thought this would be better...more exciting...more anything. Meh. That just about sums it up.

11-11-11 THANK YOU

2011-11-11T10:48:00.000-06:00

I must say Happy Birthday Uncle Bruce! Happy St. Martin's Day to anyone celebrating in Germany! I hope everyone has a lovely day.

Thank You to all the brave men and women who have served our country and kept us safe!

I'm back!

2011-11-10T14:50:00.001-06:00

Okay, by now we all know that I am a horrible blogger. But I can't help thinking I could be better. So here I am yet again trying to make a go of it. I STILL have not finished writing the reviews from my research! I've got two left, Fever Crumb and The Comet's Curse. I'll try and get those done one of these days. I've decided to keep a blog for my school library, which brings me back here. The goal is to post something once a week, if all else fails at least once a month! I found that I keep up with this blog a lot better when I've got another blog to write. Who knows, maybe this time it will stick.

I cannot believe that it is November! Where did all this time go? It seems like yesterday was the first week of school and I was just trying to keep my head above water! Now I've made it through two walk through observations with my principal, the elementary book fair/parent teacher conferences, and football season. Bring on the basketball season!

In a couple of weeks I'll be headed home for Thanksgiving! We had our first snow scare this week. The weatherman predicted 2-4 inches...we didn't even get any rain. It was a total bust but it scared me enough to make an unscheduled trip to Carroll to buy a snow shovel. And I went all out buying the funny handled shovel, I was less than thrilled with the plastic options that were available but made do. Well, I think I've rambled enough for now. Hopefully these get better...but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Good-bye old friend, you will be missed...

2011-07-22T23:18:00.001-05:00

This was a post I meant to written WAY back when I originally heard the news about Borders closing. I was and still am very sad about the whole mess. While Borders and Barnes & Noble share many qualities I had always found Borders to give the better overall experience. The music and movie sections were far superior that of B & N. I enjoyed the way they arranged the different genres. I loved the cafe and the most comfortable areas to "browse" the merchandise. I went to every midnight release party that they gave for Harry Potter through to the Twilight books that I was able to attend. That's right I am THAT GIRL. :-) Now it's over. I can't go and spend a Saturday morning sitting, reading, and deciding which books I can get and which books have to stay at the store for a while longer. Sadness.

I've been lucky being in Manning and not Davenport right now. I'm sure I'd be a lot more upset if I were home. As it is I'v been out in Western Iowa where it's difficult to find a Target let alone a B & N or Borders. :-) It's been kind of nice.

What do you know? Books I've already read!

2011-07-08T10:17:00.000-05:00

As I went about choosing the books to read for my research in as scientific a way as possible I ended up with three books on the list which I had already read. Lucky me! The Hunger Games was a book I had found while taking Library Resources for Young Adults. I randomly bought The Adoration of Jenna Fox at a bookstore's closing out sale. And The Carbon Diaries 2015 was a book that Dr. Yolanda Hood, director of the Rod Library Youth Collection, asked me to read and lead a discussion on for a library program. It was nice as I started to re-read these books to remember what I had liked and disliked about them in the past.

The Hunger Games was an amazing book. I remember my only problem with the book when I first read it was that it was a planned trilogy and none of the other books were out yet! I was so excited for this book that as soon as I heard the Rod Library Youth Collection was putting together The Cedar Valley Hunger Games, I signed up to help. I loved this book. Katniss and Peeta have been chosen to compete in the Hunger Games, a barbaric fight to the death that the Capital makes everyone take part in. I'm not gonna spend much time on this book, because really everyone already knows this book! By the way, it is currently being made into a movie! Exciting to see how much they screw it up.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox begins with Jenna waking up from what she is told was a coma. But as she becomes more aware of herself and her surroundings she finds that some things are just not right. The first time I read this book I was completely creeped out! While the story is not actually about cloning, it is a very similar idea. Upon reading this novel for my research I was very interested in the search for identity that Jenna was going through. This helped take some of the focus off the creepiness! I enjoyed this book much more the second time through.

The Carbon Diaries 2015 book discussion came about on accident. When I first started work on my research my advisor had initially suggested Dr. Hood as my second reader because of her work and interest in young adult science fiction. After our initial meeting she asked if I would like to lead the discussion on The Carbon Diaries 2015 that was coming up. Of course I said yes. The discussion was part of a series of movies and books being read and discussed for a library program about climate change and going "green." I read the book in a day it was so interesting! I was a little nervous about the discussion, having so little background information about climate change. In the end there were four, maybe five people at the discussion! Dr. Hood and her associate from the Youth Collection and one or two students that had not read the book but saw the topic and wanted to know more. It was an interesting discussion. One student who attended had a science background so we had a wonderful time talking comparing what happened in the book to the actual science! I really enjoyed this book. Basically, after some apocalyptic type storms have happened around the globe England has decided to rush their carbon rationing program. The story is told through one high school student's diary. It was amazing, and made me want to "go green" in a hurry!

Being by Kevin Brooks

2011-07-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

This book was good and horrible all at the same time. I really enjoyed the "voice" of the main character, Robert. I totally bought him as a typical kid. I also kind of loved Eddie, she was all sorts of messed up but still likable. It really was a shame how the book ended...

Basically Robert has found out some surprising and dangerous information about himself. He's on the run from who knows what kind of guys in suits and just can't understand how this is happening to him. The title of the book suggests that this will be a story about something/someone that is other than human. Which is true. But that whole idea never gets resolved! At the end of the book Robert, and the reader, are no closer to figuring out what he is than at the beginning of the story! Which makes for a VERY disappointing ending. But despite the fact that the ending of this book was HORRIBLE I still have to give it four out of five stars. Why, you ask? Because I loved Robert. He was a great character; likable, funny, normal.

House Hunting

2011-07-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

I thought it might be nice to let everyone see my teeny, tiny house! I'll be renting this house from one of the teachers in the building. I think it's small but perfect! The tree in the front yard is doing a pretty good job of hiding the house, but it's there. Trust me.

Back at the beginning of June Claire came with me to check out apartments and houses to rent in the Carroll/Manning area. There was a lot to look at! If it wasn't for having to move up a crazy set of stairs and an impractical entryway I may have ended up living above the garage of a funeral home! But it just wasn't meant to be, and in all honesty it was probably more space than I needed. So I've ended up renting a small one bedroom house in Manning.

I'll post better pictures after move in weekend! Move in weekend will be the last weekend in July, so I've managed to make sure my family misses out on a family picnic, the Bix Fest, and the last day of RAGBRAI. I'm such a meanie!

Magic or Science?

2011-07-05T09:43:00.000-05:00

If I had to pick one over the other I might have to pick magic, but that's just because I've become more of a fantasy reader! Luckily for me, I won't ever have to make that choice because everything works better when it is balanced. That's what I learned reading Interworld by Neil Gaiman. I LOVED this novel. And really, how surprising is that? Neil Gaiman wrote it, with Michael Reaves.

According to Interworld there needs to be a balance between science and magic in order for the whole Multiverse, and the Altiverse to function. The Altiverse is a part of the Multiverse that contains all the infinite variations of Earth. This book was fast paced with plenty of action and adventure! I thought this was an incredibly smart piece of science fiction for the younger scale of the young adult market.

I really loved the information at the end of the book about how it came to be written and published because the pitch for TV wasn't working. I can't imagine why this story wasn't snatched up for television because I loved it! I think this would have made an interesting and exciting series to watch. At least I got to read the story even if I didn't get to watch it on TV.

"This is a work of fiction. Still, given an infinite number of possible worlds, it must be true on one of them. And if a story set in an infinite number of possible universes is true in one of them, then it must be true in all of them. So maybe it’s not as fictional as we think." ~ Neil Gaiman

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

2011-07-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I which army Mr. Shusterman would have sided with. Basically this book comes down to one key problem: pro-choice vs pro-life. I really enjoyed the idea of finding a compromise between the two sides of this argument. And I can COMPLETELY see how the ridiculous answer they came up with is satisfying nobody and everybody at the same time. It's so true, that there is no middle ground in this argument and the only way to come up with a middle ground would be to find a third completely crazy option. Because whatever the "answer" is to the pro-life and pro-choice debate I believe it can never be the "right" answer.

About the story...I enjoyed the characters. Connor is being Unwound by his parents after his behavior and grades continue to get worse. Risa is a ward of the state who is being Unwound to make room for more children. Lev is being unwound as a religious tithe from his family. Connor was an excellent train wreck! Risa was perfect as "the thinker." I'm not sure that I ever enjoyed Lev as a character, but it was an important point of view to have. When I started reading this book, I didn't really have high hopes of enjoying it. I was surprised in the end when the action of the story kept me interested and engaged throughout!

The edition of the book I read had the blue human silhouette cover, but I much prefer the cover with the different body parts. I think I would have had a better idea of the story and more positive attitude if this had been the cover I had seen.

Chaos Walking

2011-07-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness is the first book in the Chaos Walking series. While this was one of my favorite books during my research, it took forever to finish! The first half I finished in no time...then crap started piling up and my reading time got a lot smaller! So I finally finished it a couple weeks ago now and loved it!

This book made me feel young. "The Knife" is classic science fiction at it's best. Todd and Viola are the main characters. Together they are trying to out run an army! I really loved this story. Mr. Ness has a way with words. Within and between the horribly annoying imporper speech that the settlers use are some really powerful passages. "The Noise is a man unfiltered, and without a filter, a man is just chaos walking." Love it! There were a couple spots while I was reading that were like that...I just knew I had to write them down or mark the spot because it was just amazing.

My only complaint with this book is the TOTAL lack of ending. It was pretty obvious early on that this was going to be a series of books, but I have a problem when authors can't take the time to end something. Right up to the last couple of pages it was looking like a somewhat normal end was coming. But than BAM! It's gone and I was left with the RAGE of A.) not having the next book to read NOW; and B.) not having the time to read that book until after my research was done! It was dreadful. Even with those two infuriating problems I still think this was one of the best books I've read this year.

Sucess!

2011-06-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

I had a goal and reached it! I have finished writing the last two chapters of my research paper. My goal was to be finished with all the writing by the end of June! So now all I've got to worry about are revisions and printing! I'm beyond excited. I'll have to do some serious work on my portfolio as well, but I'm going to leave that for next week. This weekend is all about basking in the glory of a job well done!

Great blogger that I am...

2011-06-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

I've obviously gotten off the blogging bug. I think I'll be able to keep up with this fairly well once the school year kicks in. It would be nice to have a place where the family could keep tabs on me without my having to send a bunch of emails! Of course that's what I thought about my trip to Germany and we saw how well I kept up then...hmmmmm. Good luck with that! But here's an update for anyone who cares!

I'm working on finishing my Master's Research. The goal is to be done with the major writing by the end of this week and only have to deal with revisions and printing in the month of July. I've also got to get my Portfolio finished...hmmm...I HATE writing! I'm hoping to get that done this week as well...maybe I should be working on that now rather than a stupid blog post...

I've found a place to live! I'm going to be renting a small but lovely house in Manning starting the last weekend in July. It's gonna be a lot of fun. Dad is working on finding me a used lawnmower and renting a moving truck. I'm working on my paper, and figuring out what I need/what I have to move!

That's about the it for me. Not much is actually going on other than procrastination right now!

PS
Once the worst of the research paper and portfolio is done I am planning on posting my thoughts about the other books that I read!

A job!

2011-04-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

I will be a k-12 school librarian this coming Fall! Everything is tentative right now, since the contract for next year is still being negotiated. But a school made an offer and I accepted. I am expecting a tentative contract in the mail by the middle of May. I'm very excited and a little scared about this new adventure. It's exactly what I wanted. It's the reason I went back to school. I have accomplished what I set out to do. How scary is that?!

April, where did you go?!

2011-04-17T21:29:00.000-05:00

So it's quickly coming up on the end of April and I haven't posted anything in almost a month...yup, I suck. I was going along so well, and then I hit a couple bumps. I just didn't have enough time to "get into" my research books like I wanted to. The ones that I have left to read seem to be a bit more layered or at the very least more "involved." I can't handle what's going on in the story quickly enough to read, move on, and get the rest of my life in order! So I've shelved the reading for now. I need to get my end of semester projects done and get through the Graduation ceremony. Then I'll take all of May and finish those darn books! I plan to be done with the whole thing by the end of June. We'll see how it goes.

Ah...Heaven...

2011-03-09T12:56:00.000-06:00

I give up!

2011-03-09T11:57:00.000-06:00

The Declaration was not going well for me. I am putting it aside for now so that I can continue to read the rest of my books! I was looking at my time line and realized if I can't get these books read by the end of Spring Break I'm gonna be in trouble. I don't really want to take research again this summer, I could probably just pay for the class by the number of hours I'm going to take, but who wants to do that?! I'd like to be done so I can have the summer to myself. So I started The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness. I started it yesterday and I'm already at the mid-way point. I'm astounded and excited by this one. I can't wait to finish it, although I know it probably won't be a real ending...it is book one of a trilogy.

Ehhh...

2011-03-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

I'm not enjoying The Declaration. I raced through to get just past the half way point...but now I need a break. Being the empathetic reader I am, this book is pretty stressful for me. This happens from time to time when I'm reading, but not always. Candor, for example, could have been a stressful read. However the author did an excellent job of moving the story along, and engaging me in the WHOLE story. In The Declaration I'm just too focused on the two main characters, and right now things are only going so well. It's too much. I think I'm going to take a break and try reading from The Road again. Which seems depressing, but maybe not quite as stressful! I've got a horrible knot in my stomach whenever I look at The Declaration right now...what does that say about my research?

You are what you hear...

2011-03-02T11:36:00.000-06:00

Cador by Pam Bachorz

Wow, I really enjoyed this book. I was interested in reading this book after reading the "blurb" on the cover and was pleased it made it into my research. Some books I've been indifferent to, a couple I've been excited to be able to read for this project, and at least one I am not looking forward to reading. I know I should keep my opinions to a minimum, but there's only so much I can do! I know what I like and what I tend not to like. Not that I don't find pleasant surprises once in a while. But that's just background, I need to talk about THIS book!

Candor, Florida. The perfect community. Problem with your kid(s)? Problem with your marriage? This tight knit community is the answer to all your problems! Of course the fact that things are only perfect due to subliminal messages running 24/7 isn't really mentioned, to the kids. Oscar is the perfect son of the founder of Candor. Only Oscar has found a way around things. He's got a pretty good business going, getting some of the kids out who can afford his fee...until Nia comes to town. She's different, more resistant to the Messages. And she's the first person who that ever trips up perfect Oscar Banks.

How much did I love this book? I liked this book so much I wanted to throw the stupid thing across the room when I finished. Now that's a good book. Oscar isn't your typical hero, he's majorly flawed. He's been making big money and perks from his clients, and he's just not the nicest person. Which initially turned me off. However, when you see what the "nice" kids are like, the mean ones start to look a whole lot better. In the end I liked him. I could see that he had grown as a person. He wasn't the same Oscar at the end of the story that he had been at the beginning. I'm shocked, but I really LOVED this book.

Taken by Edward Bloor

2011-02-28T18:25:00.000-06:00

I was very cautious when reading this story. I was worried that the ending might leave me hanging, I was pleased to find my worries were unfounded. So let's go over the story a bit. Basically in the future people will horde currency, ANY and all currency in big vaults in their homes. The gap between rich and poor is at an extreme. This leads to kidnapping children of the wealthy becoming big business. The story is told in first person by Charity as she deals with her kidnapping. I'm not sure how much I enjoyed the overall story, it was different. I think this will be a very interesting book to interpret once I start the "research" process. I'm actually looking forward to reading this again to see how things are "different" now that I know the whole story.

One down 15 more to go!

2011-02-14T14:06:00.000-06:00

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld.
This book was NOT what I was expecting. I thought that when I chose the topic for my research I had chosen one that would steer clear of the current vampire craze. It's not that I am not a fan of vampire books, I actually enjoy them. But there is so much fantasy out right now, I was having a hard time seeing any science fiction titles when I went to the book store. So I decided on a topic that would focus solely on science fiction and leave fantasy topics, like vampires and werewolves to another researcher! What a shock to find a scientific take on vampires. And it is a very detailed and researched scientific take on vampires. Although, the "big bad" that is named at the end of the book started sounding like a fantasy. I mean, after all the trouble of hitting "the vampires are science" theme you would think the author would give you a little more science to go on with the "big bad." But I believe that will be addressed more fully in the next book. As far as I know there are only two books in this series, and that is how it will stay. But I'll hold judgment on that until I've finished the second book. Because, yes, I will HAVE to read the second book. Not for my research, just for myself.

I have found lately that series books, especially for young adults are not holding my interest like they once did. I read Shiver, but haven't felt the need to even touch the second book Linger...and now there is a third book set to come out in July. Maybe I'll get back to the series eventually, but right now...meh...I can take it or leave it. The same thing happened with the book Hush, Hush, read it and liked it. When I looked at the second book called Crescendo, I read the "blub" on the cover and passed. That however seems not to be the case with this series! I need to know what that "big bad" worm thing is and if Westerfeld has a reasonable scientific explanation for it! Or else there will hell to pay! I'm so glad I have this blog to just go crazy with because I wasn't ready to really "interpret" what I had read and apply it to my research project...but I think I am now. I'm excited to finally be starting this process!

Next Up:
Taken by Edward Bloor

Blogging for a grade...

2011-02-07T11:26:00.000-06:00

I hate blogging for a grade. My first post got 5 out of 10 points, because I didn't put the right detail into my post. I'm sorry I thought it looked pretty awesome. And isn't this class about VISUAL LITERACY! Okay, I know it has to be more than something that LOOKS nice, but I am just so frustrated! I like short and sweet and there is of course a word count. ARGGG...I didn't like it when I was required to post on this blog for a grade any better. But when I started this blog it was my first. So even though I hated the format it wasn't too difficult to conform, because I had never done anything else! Now that I have started blogging in my own, admittedly poor way, I am having a difficult time conforming to the new guidelines. I also don't think the guidelines were very specific and needed to be more structured if she's actually going to cut so many points off my grade. It's one thing to miss an element that was required and take a couple points off, but she cut me to 50% of the total...that's a failing grade! So now I am second guessing myself for all the posts after that. I've already added a couple sentences to two other posts, and I'll probably add more to at least one more. I HATE blogging for a grade, and I feel like it can become redundant when having to post discussions AND blog about similar or even the exact same topic(s). I'm just a little frustrated right now and had to blow off some steam...thanks! Better...I feel better...I WILL DO better next time...sigh...I needed that.

February...I hate February

2011-02-04T11:52:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right I hate the whole month! There is nothing good about February! I don't care about Valentine's Day, and I'd like to believe I'd feel the same with or without a Valentine. By now I am DONE with Winter, but apparently Winter isn't done with me. This year was worse than normal, first with the Blizzard right away and now the COLD is setting in. We might have some decent temps over the weekend, but rest assured that by the time we all have to go back to work/school it'll be frigid and cold again. I'm just sick and tired of Winter, I'm ready for SPRING! Ahhh...now there is a happy thought! SPRING!!!!

BOOKS!!!!

2011-01-31T12:45:00.000-06:00

I have started buying the books for my research project this week. I am looking online for the cheapest prices I can find. I am going to use the library copy of one book, because it is in the Stacks at "the Rod" so I can check it out for the whole semester. All the other books I am using are in the Youth Collection and only check out for 7 days at a time. I could talk to Yolanda and request longer check out periods, but that's not really fair to the other patrons. Besides, I assume I'll be making some notes right in the books while I am reading! I think it's best that I have my own copies. I believe I own 2, maybe 3 of the books already. Which leaves 12 books to purchase. I am excited about finally getting to read some good science fiction, but I am nervous about the research! I feel like I don't know what I am doing! There are 16 books that made the cut in the research process. I can't wait to start reading!

Incarceron
The Road
Peeps
Interworld
The Declaration
The Carbon Diaries 2015
Makers
The Comet's Curse
The Hunger Games
The Adoration of Jenna Fox
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Taken
Unwind
Being
Fever Crumb
Candor

What am I reading?!

2011-01-26T13:01:00.001-06:00

I feel like I have sorely neglected the fact that this is the blog of a future librarian! I haven't mentioned what I've been reading in ages! And don't for a minute think that just because I was having a marvelous time in Germany that I didn't get any reading done. I didn't get MUCH reading done, but I did finish a few books. Hmmm...let's think about this for a minute!

Right as I was leaving at the end of August I started reading the Sundered Series by Michell Sagara West. I got the first one done in the States and took the second and third with me. I was an idiot and didn't bring the fourth book. Forgetting that there is always time to read on never ending train rides and before work in the mornings! So I am finishing that series right now and am just to the half way point. When I got home I also got to start in on the latest book in another series by Michelle West: House Name. I had been waiting for this book for some time and was very happy with the wait. Of course now I have to wait another year for the next book to come out!

I was able to purchase a few books while living in Germany. Most bookstores had at least a small section of English language books. It was fun to see the British cover art for some of the more popular books. I found a short story collection by Neil Gaiman that was good called Fragile Things. I also picked up a new fantasy book called The Magician's Apprentice. That was a LONG book, and it kind of dragged in the middle. There is another book out in that series, but right now I'm not interested. They had a pretty decent selection of young adult novels as well, so I decided I'd pick out one of those for something faster to read during a particularly boring section of The Magician's Apprentice. I found Hush, Hush. It is about a fallen angel! I thought it was a good trade off from all the vampire and werewolf stories for young adults going around right now. I really enjoyed the story, but it was a bit obvious what they were setting up for the next book, again, I'm not sure if I'll read further in the series. For now I think I'll wait and see.

While stocking the bookstores for a copy of the new Michelle West book I did fine another treasure. There is a new Jane Eyre movie coming out this year, and I thought the trailer looked excellent. I knew some of the back story from another book I read that used the novel Jane Eyre in the plot. But I had never read it. Well, I found the most amazing cover art on a new copy of the book and had to have it. I spent the New Year getting to know Jane, and I must say that I liked the story. It was a bit long getting to the end, but all in all a good read.

I think that catches everyone up on the highlights. Next I start reading the young adult science fiction novels for my research! I've got 16 titles picked out. I think I'll try and make one post about each book, ambitious I know!

Online learning

2011-01-23T18:22:00.000-06:00

I am taking a course titled Distance Education this semester. Basically distance education today means online courses, but that's just a technicality. I'm trying to finish my assignment that is due tonight, but I'm having some difficulty. I have three readings to finish and then I need to write a reflective paper. The problem being the stupid chapter keeps putting me to sleep! I'm not even tired! It's just THAT boring! The whole class is online so it's going to be a lot of read and reflect...I am NOT a fan of online learning. At least not when I am the student!

I am a librarian...

2011-01-19T21:53:00.000-06:00

That has got to count for something! It's not like I could have AVOIDED the Twilight obsession. I was working with junior high students when the books came out! I read the books...I watched the movies. Do I think it is the most profound series ever written? No. Do I think they are the best movies ever filmed? No. But, they are ALL entertaining in their own ways. And really, that is what it's all about. Being entertained! People forget that. Things get "trendy" and it's all about how long you've been a fan or NOT been a fan. Really, it's only about one thing. Did I enjoy the books? Yes. Have I enjoyed the movies? Yes. In celebration of that fact here is the first photo to be released from Breaking Dawn!

Did I just post that for ANYONE to see?!

2011-01-17T21:43:00.001-06:00

Oh Facebook how I love and hate you all at the same time. Only on Facebook can you embarrass yourself so completely. There are just too many people that are connected to keep track of it all! Really, I've done enough for one weekend so that's all I'm going to say on the matter...I just had to vent.

Saturday Afternoon Class

2011-01-15T14:32:00.000-06:00

I got to teach the end of the Introduction to School Library Studies class today! All I really did was go over how to use eLearning. I answered the questions that I could. It was pretty informal. I think there were plenty of people who knew what they were doing. There were a couple with more specific questions, but I think I did okay. I need to remember to give Karla some feedback on the quiz. Most people did not like the way it was set-up. It was pretty fun! I wish I had brought my camera!

Thank GOD it's Friday!

2011-01-14T10:46:00.000-06:00

Some days when starting a new job you just feel like you don't know anything...and everybody else knows it!

Just because...

2011-01-12T15:51:00.000-06:00

I feel like the pictures from the end of my trip got cheated. So I am going to post some here anyway. Lots of stuff happened at the end of the trip! Like my birthday and all the WONDERFUL Christmas Markets. I really went crazy over the Christmas Markets. I think working backward from December is an excellent idea. On my Birthday Janeel, Erin and I went to the Nuremberg Christmas Market. It was my third trip to that particular market...what can I say? I was ADDICTED! I also went to Christmas Markets in Ansbach, Wurzburg, Augsburg, and Munich. I collected a mug from each and they all survived the trip home.

At the end of November Mom and Dad came to visit. I actually got the long weekend, it was nice to have the time to spend with them. Of course while I finished my work week they had fun in Munich. I'm not gonna lie, the best part was getting to the Birkenstock Factory. But I also got to take them to a Christmas Market, and it's obvious how much I like Christmas Markets. We had some fun in Nuremberg before as well...mostly we were lost, but we did find what we were looking for!

November also happened to be Janeel's birthday. Janeel stayed home for the weekend and so did Erin and I. Bruce, Janeel's boyfriend came for the day and we made Thanksgiving dinner! It was great. We bought a turkey, potatoes, and Stove Top. We played Clue and made some fun drinks. It was a fun day. Did I mention we moved a couch? It was a small Thanksgiving get together, but it was the best we could do. Thanksgiving weekend I was with my parents and everyone else was in Berlin!

November we also got a day off in the middle of the week! Thank You Veterans Day!!!! That was totally a military perk. We got off work on Wednesday and hopped on the train to meet up with the Illesheim girls. They had wanted us to come and visit them at some point in the trip, they had enough extra beds. So we did. We had dinner at a Thai restaurant and then went to a bar. It was nice to be able to see the other girls.

I really did enjoy my semester. I am missing the kids, even the preschoolers! That's saying something because those kids were the most difficult for me. But I'll miss Germany this semester while I'm trying to get everything done! CHEERS!

The Final Semester

2011-01-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

So I am obviously a horrible blogger, which has already been discussed and examples abound. Since I gave up half way through my semester in Germany...sorry! I will try to keep the self-loathing to a minimum. ;-)

This semester I need to have a blog for my visual literacy class. The worst part about blog assignments tends to be the requirements. "No shorter than 120 words," "cite all visuals," and "date each entry." I'm sorry but blogger dates my entries for me! I'd also like the choice of how much I want to share. I don't think that more is better, especially when blogging! Oh well, maybe this will help me keep up my real blog better!

I am also taking Distance Education, an online class. We'll see how that turns out. The original class scheduled sounded much more interesting, but this is what ended up being offered. I think it will be good enough.

After that it's just finishing my Research paper/project. That doesn't have a class for this part. It's all one on one work with Karla and Yolanda, my first and second readers.

I'll be working as the Grad Assistant for the School Library Studies Dept. and at the MSC desk in the library. As far as I know I am not planning on working at Catherine's this semester, but I won't rule it out just yet. We'll see how it goes and if I get soft. :-)

Munich...a little late...

2010-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am working on updating the blog... but some of these next few posts will be short on details! My next step will be updating my weekly journal! I REALLY need to get some school work done this weekend.

Back in October we took a "day" trip to Munich. All 6 girls actually went to Munich, but 2 decided to stay the night. Kelly, Erin, Janeel, and I decided to make it a day trip. So I am a big wimp and decided not to go to the Concentration Camp. Kelly and Erin both wanted to see it so after we went to the town hall to see the Glockenspiel they went off to find the Dachau Concentration camp, just outside the city. Janeel and I decided to try and see the sites downtown. We went to two of the three churches along the pedestrian/shopping area. We walked by the palace, but it was under construction so we decided not to go in. We looked for a specific art museum, but our map was sadly lacking. It was a wonderful time. After a couple hours of walking around and site seeing we met back up with Kelly and Erin at the English Gardens, the largest green space on the continent! It was beautiful. After walking around the gardens we headed to the Hofbrauhaus for dinner. We met back up with Ally and Rebecca and made a new friend. As far as I can tell Munich has the friendliest Germans in all of Germany. I don't know why, but maybe it has something to do with all that beer! All the girls were able to finish their huge beers except for me...but I knew when I started it that was never going to happen. It was a fun night though. We left a little late for our train and didn't make it, so we had to stay in town until something like 2am! It was crazy. Luckily the other girls got us into their hostel and everybody hung out at the bar there. Rebecca was nice enough to let me crash on her bed until we left as well. It was a LONG day! We didn't make it back to our apartment until something like 7am the next morning! It was crazy.

I am officially a HORRIBLE Blogger!

2010-11-02T02:42:00.000-05:00

Things are getting busy around here at the half way point. Not really an excuse because I don't have any more of my homework done for all that I am neglecting to update my blog. But there it is.

I think I'm going through some pretty serious burnout right now. This week I am in the CDC in the mornings and SAS in the afternoons. I should be having a GREAT week, but I'm not. I'm really frustrated with different classrooms and would much prefer to just hole up in an Infant Room for the rest of my time. Sadly that will never be an option. I think I might start spending some of my break in an Infant room. Just "volunteering" out of ration to rock a baby and de-stress...we'll see if they will let me!

I will be posting about my trip to Munich soon...we'll see if I actually get it done before the weekend. This weekend Claire and I are taking the whirlwind trip to Paris. But luckily two other girls are going as well so we are all good! I've been really lucky that my fellow Camp A's have been able to work with my schedule for Claire's trip!

Paris...aka the best city in the world!

2010-10-16T07:33:00.002-05:00

So I have now been to Paris 5 times. I still managed to take over 100 pictures in just 3 days. Yes, half of them will be deleted because they were crap, but that's still a LOT of pictures of a city I've seen so many times. What keeps me coming back? The art, the beauty, the history, and the fact that there is always something new to see or do. Paris is different every time you visit. I LOVE PARIS. So let me start at the beginning...

Friday after work Kelly and I got the last of our packing done and took quick showers since we were on the night train. Our train left Ansbach at 9pm and arrived in Stuttgart around 11:30pm. Which gave us about a two hour wait for the night train to leave. As we got off the train, before we even made it to check out where our next platform would be, a girl camp up and asked "are you camp a's?" There were two other HUGE groups of Camp A's waiting for the same train! Half the girls were going to Paris and the other half were going to Amsterdam. We quickly got together and camped out on a nice spot on the floor to wait it out. The train station was hopping, it seems there was a big sports event or the end of a festival because the place was FULL of people. Kelly and I were the only girls in the whole group who spent the money to reserve a bed for the trip, 20 euro well worth it! We didn't see any of the girls once we were on the train but, I'm sure they didn't sleep much in the crowded seat compartments. Kelly and I both slept reasonably well on the beds, even with the snoring that was coming from the man beneath me. Seriously, he sounded like he wasn't breathing the whole time...sleep apnea anyone! I think Kelly was happy with our choice of transportation as well, we saw some of the seats on the way to our compartment..talk about cramped!

So, Saturday morning we get off the train right around 9:30am and begin to make our way to the hotel and then Disneyland Paris! From the train station we needed to take a metro to the RER line we needed. So we bought some tickets and got going! We bought a Carnet, a packet of 10 metro/RER tickets, it's cheaper than buying them one stop at a time. Unfortunately they didn't work on the RER outside the city limits. Our hotel was tops a five minute walk from the RER station. We stayed at an Ibis hotel, a European chain. It was cheap, clean, and half way between the city and Disneyland. Perfect! Once we got checked in and cleaned up we were on our way. Disneyland Paris...awesome! I wouldn't normally say a trip to Disneyland is a must do when spending time in Paris. There is already plenty to see in the city and it's surrounding areas, but this being my 5th trip I decided it was a must see for me. Luckily I only had one traveling partner and she was happy to visit as well. She has been to Disney World once, when she was 10, so she was looking forward to seeing it as an adult. It was kind of fun to see Main Street...looking so "all-american" in the middle of Europe! We decided to explore that on the way out and dive right in to the park though. First up was Space Mountain, which was so different! No little "bullet" cars for this ride. It was a normal seat with an over the shoulder harness. The ride was also a lot faster, it couldn't have been more than a minute and by the time we got off my ears hurt from being tossed between the restraint! I liked it a lot more than the original sorry to say. The worst part about that damn ride was the cars, I felt much safer in the Paris version. We also went on the Buzz Lightyear ride and had a blast, literally! :-D From there we moved on to Fantasy Land, which was pretty much the same as Orlando. But I finally managed to go on the Peter Pan ride. I really enjoyed flying in the "ships" rather than just being pulled along in cars or boats. I now understand why that ride has a FastPass. We probably had the last of the good weather this weekend! Which would have been perfect for going on my favorite ride, Splash Mountain, but no such luck. Disneyland Paris doesn't have Splash Mountain! Instead it had Indian Jones and the something or other ride. Which I got in line to ride, but saw that it went upside down and left by way of the "chicken exit." With a big, "I'm Sorry," for Kelly I skipped out on that ride. We went to the Pirates and It's a Small World. Both were up to standards. We went to the Haunted Mansion and found it dull and disappointing, a much better ride in Orlando. The best part was the castle! Sleeping Beauty's Castle! Unlike Orlando there are rooms that you can go through in this castle. They have the book from the opening of the movie as you walk up the stairs and as you go through the book is open to different parts of the story. There were tapestries, props, and stained glass windows all about my FAVORITE movie giving you the story! It was awesome. However, I've read that the dragon from the movie is in the "dungeon," however Kelly and I never found a dungeon. Oh well, next time maybe. :-D It was a fun day and I liked seeing how everything was done up for Halloween, even though we were in Europe. We got there around 12:30pm and didn't leave until around 10pm, when the park closed. It was a long day! We slept great that night for sure.

Sunday we got up early so we could get to the city and make the most of our only full day in Paris. We got to the Ile de la Cite and found St. Chapelle right at 9:30am when it opened. We took some amazing pictures and wandered around. After that we made our way to Notre Dame, with a quick stop at the weekly flower and bird market. That got us to Notre Dame right 11am, just in time for the 11:30am "international Mass." When they say "international" it means there will be three, count them three, sentences in English and two other languages. We were really excited to go to Mass but it was really hard to stay awake listening to a French Mass, it's such a liquid language! It was literally putting me to sleep. So I decided to concentrate harder on picking words that I knew, which helped me stay awake, but I still don't know what was being said. The bulletin did have the English translations for the readings so that was good. It was a neat experience. After that was done we looked around and then headed to find some lunch. We decided to eat across the bridge on the side of the Latin Quarter. We stopped in at Shakespeare and Co. before heading towards the Musee d'Orsay. My very favorite museum in the WORLD was a bit of a let down this time around. They are doing some renovations and so everything was out of place and weird. More than half the Monet collection was on loan to the Grand Palais, and Starry Night was in the states! It was a train wreck, I was upset that I hadn't been able to find this out from the museum website, which I visited two days earlier when planning the trip! Once we were done we decided to walk across the river and down the street just a little bit to see the Louvre. We walked through some of the Tuileries, gardens in front of the Louvre, and took lots of pictures as we came up the the glass pyramid. It took a bit for Kelly to understand that the whole building around us was the museum and yes, it was all FULL of art. :-D She was in awe of the size! So we went down to the reception area, I picked up a map but we decided not to go in. We just didn't have the time. So we wandered around the museum shop, looked at the underground shopping and the Da Vinci Code point of interest and were about to leave when we ran into some of the Camp A's from the train station! They had just gotten done with the museum, after getting there at open! They had gotten carried away and spent the whole day in the Louvre. We chatted for a bit and were parted, but came away very happy we had decided to skip it. From the Louvre we went to the Arc de Triomphe. At first the plan was to get a picture and leave. But once we were there Kelly really wanted to go up. But it was 284 stairs and I wasn't sure I could make that So we decided I would wait at the bottom while Kelly went up on her own. It was just dusk and getting a little chilly. I'm so glad she went up, she got some excellent pictures of the city and the Eiffel Tower and the sky was just beautiful! I made a Spanish friend while waiting at the bottom. A nice looking older lady, she was waiting for her daughter to finish looking around and started a conversation. Which was funny because she barely knew English, but could speak French. But I could barely speak French! Her daughter came over and she spoke English very well. It was a nice way to pass the time. Our plan had been to go to the Hard Rock for dinner, just for the American menu! But I wasn't sure which Metro stop I needed so instead we decided to head all the way back to the hotel. We dropped our bags and went back out to Disney. The Disney Village had a Planet Hollywood and Kelly really wanted to go. So we did. It was a bit of a long ride and a long wait once we got there but we had a good time. We didn't make it home until after 11pm! Crazy, but fun!

Monday morning came all too soon! We got up at the same time as the day before thinking we could make it to the Eiffel Tower at open. But we forgot to add time to check out of the hotel! And then our train left late after somebody almost got stuck in the doors (everyone was fine). The Metro we took, was the most direct, but had way too many stops. We didn't make it there until 10:20am, about an hour late. The line was HUGE and we just didn't have enough time. So we took pictures in front of it and decided to do something else with our time. We needed to be near the train station by 12:30pm because our train was leaving at 1pm. We walked down the garden to the Military school. Then we took the Metro to the Place de la Concorde. My favorite spot to start a walk. We didn't have time for the walk, but we did take some nice pictures! After that we headed towards the train station. We got there just after 12pm. I had been hearing about a train worker strike all weekend and was worried about our train, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary and our train was on time and still running. However, we did run into a technical difficult at some point and had to wait for 45 minutes to get back on our way. Which completely ruined all our connections to get home. We were supposed to get into Ansbach at 8pm, but didn't make it back to the train station until 11pm! It was a VERY long NIGHT! But totally worth it. Next time I won't take the late train back!

CDC vs SAS!

2010-10-16T07:33:00.001-05:00

This was an interesting week. I was loaned out to the SAS in the afternoons a couple days this week. The art teacher, in charge of 2/3 grade students was sick and unable to get to work. It was stressful, in terms of lesson plans and activities. Not unlike substitute teaching...walking in and finding little to nothing in the way of lessons. Not to mention little to no help from the other teachers. The routine is different almost everyday and each day I was there something else was going on. But I made it work and did my own thing. Working with the kids was great. It really reminded me why I want to work in schools. The kids are so much fun! So next week another teacher is out all week, she is in the game room and works with the kindergarten kids. While kindergarten can be a challenge, I'm really hoping I get to go back. I'd love to work with the same kids all week and especially since I've already got an idea of what I want to do with them! If I had to make a choice between CDC and SAS...SAS wins hands down EVERY time! Even though I love the infants at CDC, it's so much more fun to plan and work with school age kids!

Oktoberfest...not so much for me

2010-10-03T03:09:00.001-05:00

Another quiet weekend at home for me. I really do enjoy having the time to myself. If I can't travel alone, at least I can stay home alone when I need some me time! The girls were going to Oktoberfest for the day with Janeel's boyfriend and some of his friends. They were a group of 6, 3 boys and 3 girls. Unfortunately they stayed out late the night before and the boys had more than a little trouble getting out of bed in the morning! They didn't make their train...twice! But on the plus side, while in Munich Kelly was able to buy her rail pass! Which meant she was able to make our reservations for Paris! We have two beds reserved on the CNL, CityNightLine, and two seats reserved for our trip back as far as Mannheim. And it only cost us 30 euro extra.

I spent my day being productive in a couple of different ways. First, I took out the trash. Then I watched a couple hours of TV on the internet. But, I also figured out prices for rail travel for mom and dad when they visit. I found the price for a rail pass and just using the regional passes, and it's cheaper to use the regional. I was able to start looking into hotels for their stay. But I won't be able to finalize that until they make a decision about renting a car or taking the trains. We'll see what happens. I also started working on one of my papers for the Internship classes and got pictures taken for my portfolio. I don't want to be stuck with too much to do at the end. I also caught up on my weekly log. I tried to start another paper, but found I couldn't really start yet. There are a couple things I need to do with the kids and some timing that needs to happen before I can start most of my work. I really need to get done with the paper I started! I want to have something done! I think there might be one other paper I can start as well, that would be two things done and out of the way. The goal is to do that today.

It's Sunday today. We love/hate Sundays around here. It's nice to have some time at the end of the weekend to just relax, but we all seem to watch the clock. There is always the thought, "oh man, it's already 3pm; I don't want to go back to work tomorrow." But I try and keep those thoughts to a minimum and actually get something accomplished. The goals for today: take out the recyclables, start another paper, and hopefully finish the first paper.

I did take some pictures of my room here in Germany! I also attempted to make some yummy food while I was home alone, I think I did pretty good with what I had.

Stuttgart and other happenings...

2010-09-28T05:48:00.000-05:00

Sunday Erin and I joined up with the girls in Stuttgart for a day trip. It was awesome. We went to the Porsche Museum before we met up with everyone to quickly find a key chain for Erin's brother. We though Porsche gift shop will HAVE to sell authentic key chains...no such luck. We left with postcards. So Stuttgart is the location of the second largest "fest" in Germany. Only Oktoberfest is bigger. It was like a big carnival with really big beer tents in the middle! It was a cloudy overcast day so there was plenty of space. We looked into a beer tent to see people standing on tables, drinking lots of beer, and singing! It was pretty awesome, but we're not beer drinkers so we moved along. We rode the HUGE ferris wheel, which freaked me out a bit, but eventually I calmed down. I hate to sit on the sidelines and wait and the ferris wheel is pretty tame. The high in the sky swings I passed on though! No death swing for me, thank you very much! Erin and Kelly went up and had a good time.

The weather was kind of crazy all day. It was mostly cloudy and overcast, but for a short time while the girls were on the swings the sun came out and it was beautiful! The beautiful didn't last long, a down pour started soon after and we ended up taking cover under the overhang from a ride! Luckily the down pour was short lived and we were able to get back out and walk with a little bit of sprinkles the rest of the way. At this point we decided it was time to head for the train station and home, in case more rain was on the way. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea. The train station was packed! We were luck to find seats together right away though. As we got further away from Stuttgart and the carnival the train got less full with each stop so we were able to get a bit more comfortable.

On Monday Erin and I had the day off from working on Saturday. Now that is the way to start your week...everyone else going to work while you sleep in! We had a great morning doing whatever needed to get done. Then we headed into town, Ansbach, to try and figure out the bus system from base. So I had been able to find one time for pick-up online, at 10:20am, but we were looking to leave closer to noon. So we decided to wing it. When we got to the bus stop the next pick-up wasn't until 1:50, almost two hours away! So we went to the TKS shop to buy phone minutes, we sat in the sun until it got too cold, and then we decided to call the cab. Before we left we checked the drop off times to get home! There was a bus dropping off around 6:30pm and another at 4:30pm. So we wrote all the train times down for reference later!

We decided to drop off at the castle and wander the shopping we found our first weekend here. Erin found the H&M was actually here rather than in the mall! So we stopped to do a little window shopping, and they had a plus size section as well! It wasn't as big as Heidelberg's section, but it was still nice to see. I'll probably check it out again soon. I was finally able to buy an umbrella and Erin found a rain jacket. It was a pretty productive day. When it was time to head back we went to the main bus depot across from the castle. We found that our bus came by every 15 minutes but the didn't always stop at our location. So we had to wait for 30 minutes to catch the correct bus that would take us all the way out to our stop. That gave me time to make hotel reservations for Claire's stay though! It is right down the road from the train station and looks out on the castle! I didn't even have to put any money down. I need to go back and fix some times, but for the most part, she's all set! Once we were on the bus it only took 15 minutes to get back to base and it only cost 1.20 euro to get on, which is so much better than the 12 euro it costs to get the taxi! Unfortunately the bus is only an option when we have a weekday off and we can get to the bus stop by 6pm...which will be rare. But we had a good time!

Kinder Fest - Illesheim

2010-09-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

So today Erin Murphy and I worked at the Illesheim base Kinder Fest. We were NOT expected and may have been able to go home...such is the communication we live with! But I already changed my plans for this, I wasn't going to change again. So we stayed and ran the Bouncy House.

We got there around 9am and were told to come back at 11am because they didn't need help setting up. We worked from 11am to 4pm. I am proud to say that there were no serious injuries on our watch! NONE. We tag teamed the kids by holding it to about 10 kids in at once. Mostly keeping the big kids out when too many of the little ones were in. Erin and I also took turns in the Bouncy House to make sure that things were running smoothly from all sides! We were a great team. I really wish I had thought to bring my camera because it would have looked soooooo good in my portfolio at the end of the semester! But I'll live without the pictures.

I only have two incidents that bothered me all day. First, when two "older" boys came into "the house" and immediately did a couple of somersaults. Those were not allowed in "the house" and I told them that. They looked at me like I was either crazy or the wicked witch and left. I felt like their parents were not amused by my intervention. But those were the rules of the house I had to make sure that EVERYONE was safe! The other incident happened with a couple of "older" girls. They looked to be playing at ridding on each other like a horse game maybe. I told them that wasn't a good idea because of the number of people and the way "the house" moves. They were fine with that and would have kept on playing but a dad like guy came over and told them to get out. I'm not sure if it was because I had to correct them or not, but I felt like it was. But they had corrected the behavior and would have been fine! I felt kind of bad for the girls because they hadn't given me any grief about it. Oh well, that's the way it goes.

The day itself was kind of crazy! There were a couple of kids I saw running around but never did see a parent attached to them...some doing fine without the parental supervision and others not so fine. This all happened inside a hanger on base because it was raining cats and dogs! ALL DAY LONG! The weather this weekend is VERY German weather. The hanger was nice for the Bouncy House because it kept the dirt to a minimum and we didn't have to worry about people/kids knocking over our air supply (nothing but wall behind us). The noise was a little annoying from some of the games because the way things echoed, but for the most part it worked just fine. There was a good turn out, but I think it could have been better. Because even though the event was moved indoors parents have a hard time wanting to take kids out of the house when it's raining like crazy.

Now it's time for a hot shower and finding a movie to watch! My legs are already sore from jumping/bouncing around that stupid "house" all day long! The plan is to head to Stuttgart tomorrow for a day trip, but if the weather keeps up like today we may have to cancel. We are supposed to be going to a carnival and it won't be any fun in the rain!

Good News and Bad News

2010-09-24T06:42:00.000-05:00

Bad News: I am working all week all day in Preschool 1 next week. The only teacher they listen to is off for the week...I am helping to fill in...very BAD news.

Bad News: I am working Saturday from 9am to 4pm on the other base to help cover a special event. No trip to Heidelberg for me. :-( Very SAD news.

Good News: Because I am working on Saturday I will have Monday off. Giving me a four day week instead of a five day week in Preschool 1...little ray of hope.

It seems that the bad news is outweighing the good at this point. Hopefully it will get better soon.

Do I look like I can be in two places at once? Wait, don't answer that!

2010-09-23T06:41:00.001-05:00

So This week's schedule was crazy! Every other intern was assigned one room for the whole week. Not me, I am all over the place and in different rooms depending on what time it is and what day of the week! So I was going along pretty good, 3 hours each morning with Preschool 1, but it wasn't too bad. We went to the park and I would help them with lunch. Ending the day in Preschool 2 with another intern, Rebecca, she's so awesome with her class. And doing everything and anything in between.

Then came Tuesday...my schedule this week has been in bold so that I could easily find my name. So I look at my schedule for Wednesday and notice I'm not in bold at Preschool 1. I am actually assigned to work there from 8am to 5pm all day! WHAT?! Because the rest of my schedule has me all over the building like normal. So I go in Wednesday morning and the lady at the front desk sends me on my way with my schedule in bold. But little did I know that Preschool 1 had been looking for me all morning! One of the teachers finally looked at the schedule and noticed I was scheduled all over the building. And I didn't have to go, they made due without me because Infant 1 was down a teacher. I spent all day with just one other intern in that room. It was her second day with infants and I had never worked in that room before! It was a crazy day, but we made it!

So the rest of the week has been a slightly better time, even with my room jumping. Mostly I'm being told to skip out on my Preschool 2 assignment in the afternoons because they have been down people in the infant rooms. So most of my afternoons have been with the babies, and I like it like that!

Now to live through the weekend. As usual around here plans change quick. And now somebody, MIGHT have to work Saturday...putting a wrench in all our plans. Anyway, we'll know by tomorrow, but hopefully it will get worked out.

A relaxing weekend at home...aahhhh...

2010-09-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

Well, I had a wonderful weekend. I spent the entire weekend at home! I finally looked at the homework for the classes that go with my internship...I even started work on one project...out of like 16...

The girls who live with me took a day trip on Saturday to Garmish to try some hiking while the weather was still nice. Well, the weather wasn't as nice as they had hoped and the hiking didn't really pan out either. But they had a good time and a fun adventure. I really enjoyed some time to myself in the apartment. I experimented with cooking while my picky eater roommate was away for the day! It was a fun time. But mostly it was just nice to relax...and eat some sweet sweet ice cream bars! Do you see the "M" that's how you KNOW it's a Magnum Bar!

Week Three

2010-09-17T13:23:00.000-05:00

As I said before this was the week of injuries! First, Erin Murphy sprains her finger deflecting a book being thrown at her, and then Kelly gets knocked in the jaw by a child's head. Apparently my apartment was targeted for disaster this week. However, I believe I was able to avoid disaster. I had one minor hiccup today when my finger was closed in a car window, but no trace of the injury remains so I'm giving myself the all clear!

Most of the girls had a half day today. There was a picnic for the community that everyone was encouraged to go to, so the CDC closed. The boss decided not all the interns needed to be there. So we owe them hours now, which will work out fine for them because we'll pay them back in Saturday time. Whatever, I've already worked one Saturday and it wasn't that bad. I spent my time today watching bootlegged movies on the internet! That and one of my friends from the CDC gave us a lift to the commissary! So I was able to get some cold medicine and some Aleve! That's right, I'm still sick! The cough is better, but now I seem to have a runny nose. I think this is a different cold than I had last week, because that was basically cleared up by Sunday. Arg, working with babies is hazardous. The goal for the weekend is to get some homework done and get rid of the cold!

Home Sweet Home

2010-09-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Ah Heidelberg! It just feels like home. I could happily live there for the rest of my life...sigh... :-) We had a beautiful weekend to explore and have fun. The best part about Heidelberg has to be the shopping! I love the castle and the main street, but you can find those types of things in a lot of German towns. But shopping on the main street is THE best. The H&M sells plus sizes, up to 26! There is a shop devoted to Irish...stuff! The tea shops, the fake Hard Rock, not to mention the Doner Kebaps! Basically I spent too much money this weekend, but I can't regret it.

I found an awesome record shop where I bought the Soundtrack to Flash Gordon, all music by Queen. It was only 12 euro! I bought three shirts at H&M and the most expensive one was only $19.95 euro. I bought some tea because it's gonna get cold here pretty quick! I bought a sweet bag, that if I was really good I could have made myself...but I like that it's handmade. Anyway I had a wonderful time. We spent most of the day Saturday getting our hostel figured out and shopping because we knew that nothing would be open on Sunday except the tourist attractions.

Sunday was a great day. We went to the castle and the student jail before we skipped town. The student jail was nice, but I think the people I'm traveling with had built it up in their heads. I don't know but I feel like everyone I was with was a little disappointed with the city. They all had a good time, but it's not home to anybody else. Anyway, the castle was much more the thing. We actually made it to the tram that takes you up! I was sooooo happy not to do the 300+ stairs! Kelly was perfectly happy to take the stairs, she likes the feeling of accomplishment, but I wasn't having any of that. Sorry! Been there, done that, I'm NOT doing it again! :-) I think she understood. I love the Heidelberg Castle and I wanted to sing the whole time I was there! "I got locked in the Heidelberg Castle. The people all left and they shut the door!" So our trip was great, shopping on Saturday and site seeing on Sunday! But the train ride home gets it's own post later this week!

What a week!

2010-09-14T15:20:00.000-05:00

Okay so I still need to post about my trip to Heidelberg, but I wanted to comment on the week first. Yesterday, Monday, Erin Murphy was working in one of the preschool rooms and got hurt. One of the students threw a hard back picture book at her head and to deflect the book she put up her hand. Well, it hit her fingers just wrong and her pointer finger is swollen, bruised, and unmovable now! It was a rough morning. Today we get back from work to find that Kelly spent five hours at the emergency room!! Apparently her jaw was smacked by the head of a student...pure accident and the student has a pretty good sized goose egg on his head. She is supposed to rest and not talk much...we work with children! All we do is talk! And she is expected at work in the morning! This seems to be the week of accidents...I hope it does not continue but now I'm on the lookout!

Prague Part II

2010-09-06T06:29:00.000-05:00

Day 2:
Well we are big on castles in this group so that was the first destination for the day. It's a pretty long walk, but everything is! We tried to stay along major streets that didn't break up to keep us out of the twisty turning maze. It worked fairly well...we really only got "lost" once. And we figured out our mistake pretty quick and fixed it. However it did allow me to get a photo of some Czech duckies! Now I have French and Czech duckies! Sorry you can't really seem them, but they are there!

The climb up to the castle reminds me of going to Sacre Coeur, or Montmartre, the wrong way! It got to be a bit steep near the top, but it was a pretty neat castle. We decided against paying for the tour to go inside. Nobody really knew enough about Prague to want to spend the money on a tour that might not have interested anyone. I wish I had done a little more research before we went. But we don't really plan ahead very well as a group yet. It's early in our trip and I'm hoping to fix that eventually. Cross your fingers!

So on the way down we went across the Charles Bridge, the old one with all the cool statues and tourists. It was really easy to get to from the Castle, but it wasn't so easy to get across! The bridge was loaded with tourists, street musicians, and vendors. It felt like it took an hour to get the whole group across the bridge. I didn't really take any pictures, because there were so many people everywhere. A good picture never really presented itself. But I did buy a picture/print of the bridge from the castle gift shop. I know that is way better than anything I could have done in the middle of a busy day!

At this point it was about 1pm and out group was getting a bit hungry and tired. It's a lot of walking, and the cobble stones seem to make everything worse. Rather than try and find a spot that 8 people could agree on we decided to split up and meet back at out square at 3pm. I went with Megan U. and Kristyn to a close restaurant that advertised traditional Czech food and pizza. We decided it would be good to have a back up in case the traditional food didn't seem like our thing. Which we all ended up buying pizza because the traditional dishes looked a little odd. Plus the menu English was a bit sketchy, however I was glad it was there at all so there's really no cause for complaint. Too bad we picked the WRONG restaurant. Before we sat down we specifically asked if they took cards, because Kristyn and I were both out of Czech money. They said yes, great! So we ordered and over an HOUR later Kristyn and Megan got their pizza. Ten minutes after that I got my pizza, well I got a pizza. It was not what I ordered but was close enough that I let it slide because we didn't have the time to fix it! I had to scarf that down in 15 minutes so that we could quick get going to meet everybody back at the square. It was a mess. Then when the bill came I gave him my card, again no problem. A couple minutes later he comes back..."I'm sorry the card reader is down...do you have cash?" Um...NO! They took American dollars and Euros though so between the three of us we got it figured out, but it was a mess! Not the best dinning experience I've ever had.

After meeting back up at the square we basically decided that it would be best to head to the train station. Everyone was carrying their backpacks today and nobody had gotten very much sleep. We were tired and had seen most of what we wanted. Nobody was looking forward to the 6 to 8 hours of travel, but it was cheap. It was a long night but we made it home a little after 1am on Monday morning. I called the taxi service again and asked if my bag had been turned in. They said no, but to call back tomorrow night. I don't know if that is because the guy who was driving me might not have worked again yet or what. But I'm thinking it's a lost cause. I will however keep calling...maybe until this weekend and then give in. The lesson I learned was don't put your bag where you can be allowed to forget it! And don't put anything in it you couldn't live without!! Here's a summary of my missing bag experience/stuff:

Tally of lost items:
1 Pair of comfy gray activewear pants (PJs)
1 Reba/Brooks and Dunn Concert Tee (PJs)
1 Sweet Sixteen UNI tee
1 Baby Blue backpack
2 Pair green LB panties
1 Travel size hairbrush
1 Toiletries bag...Lands End
1 Spare Toothbrush in Travel Case
1 Bar Soap in Travel Case
1 Pepto stash
1 Travel Shampoo
1 Spare Deodorant
1 Small bottle of Bath and Body Works Body Mist
Unknown quantities of tampons

Items to be mourned:
Lands End Toiletries bag...they just don't make 'em like they use to (and Grandma no longer has her discount)!
Sweet Sixteen Tee...I hate to lose a "comfy" tee right now!
Travel Size Hairbrush...I don't know why, but I'm attached!

Reasons to be thankful:
I had thought to bring my MP3 player, in my backpack.
I had also thought to bring my book...my out of print book, in my backpack.
I did not bring a change of pants...I have at least two more pair of the "comfy" gray pants at home waiting for me!!!
I did actually clean out my toiletries bag before I left and so my number of tampons lost is a lot less than it would have been...since I took the space to bring them over in the first place.

Ahhh Prague

2010-09-06T06:25:00.001-05:00

We had a three day weekend due to Labor Day on Monday. We decided we were not ready for a big trip that would really be worth our three day miracle, so instead we decided on Prague. There was talk of Rome and Amsterdam, but in the end Prague won out. I was very excited by this choice since it was the number one destination on my list of places to see this time around. It's technically about 5 hours away, so we could have plenty of time to see what we wanted and come back late Sunday night. Which leaves everyone Monday to catch up on SLEEP!!!!

We left at the BUTT CRACK of dawn Saturday morning at 5:30am to catch our train. In order to save about 80 Euro we decided to take the roundabout route rather than the 5 hour bus. I think we were traveling for about 8 hours each way. But we only spent around 20 Euro a piece for the roundtrip! But what should happen at 5:30am when I get to the train station??? I left my backpack in the trunk of the cab!!! Oh no!! So I immediately call the cab company and ask what can be done. They say to call back tomorrow at 10pm because the night shift is just getting off so my driver will be on his way home. Since I didn't get the driver's number they won't make a call for me. So I let it go because darn it I'm headed out of town for the weekend. I don't have the time to go back and get new clothes so I decide to just live with it. I can spend two days in the same clothes...and I did! (I've got the picture to prove it!)

Prague!! The train travel was a little long, we arrived in Prague around 3:00 on Saturday afternoon. We were all tired and hungry from a LONG morning/days worth of travel. So all we really wanted to do was find our hostel and drop our gear. Easier said than done. Due to a LONG and boring explanation we arrived in Prague with no set reservations. There was a chain of two hostels that we were going to stay at one or the other. By the time we found the first one, around 4:00, there were not enough beds for our group of 8 girls! So they called over to the other location to see, and LUCKY for us they had room for us. However we took the long way there...due to some sketchy map reading and some poor communication skills. We arrived at the Old Prague Hostel just in time to drop our gear and get some grub! We were hungry. On our way back to the "Old Town" we stopped at the Dubliner, an Irish Pub like restaurant just off the beaten path. Have I mentioned that all of the "Old Town" is cobblestone streets and sidewalks? Well they are, and my feet have the blisters to prove it! It's a miracle nobody tripped and sprained an ankle.

After we got some food in our bellies and a few less bags to carry around we were ready to see Prague! We stopped at a marionette/souvenir shop, and walked back to the "Old Town Square." I'm not exactly sure that's the name, but it's where everything touristy was centered. It's been a while since I've seen tourists in crowds like that! Everyone all milling about, and on all the little roads there were people looking lost and pulling out maps! The Old Town in Prague has all cobble stone roads and sidewalks and all the roads are twisting and turning into one another. It's like a maze, which is not helpful when you don't have ANY sense of direction! We walked around took some pictures and then decided we wanted to head towards the river. We ended up walking down a pretty main street that had lots of people going to shady looking bars and clubs. But the street was full of people and it was fun to watch them all. At the end we came up to this huge building, and since none of use even remotely know Czech we had no idea what it was. From what I have figured out from looking at our free map from the hostel I THINK it was the National Theatre, but I could be wrong.

After that we turned around and THANK GOD decided against going into any of the shady looking clubs along that street. So we headed back to the square because it's the landmark that we could find other things from. It was really funny, before at the square I heard so many different languages I couldn't tell them apart, but when we made it back I heard a LOT of English. Back at the Astronomical Clock there were a bunch of different tours and such headed out. Most of the group decided to take one of these lovely "tours." However, I'm not much of a "tour" type of girl and I was TIRED. So I went back to the hostel with our new member Megan. She got in a week later than everyone else and we seem to be on the same page for a lot of things. We only got slightly lost on the way back, and sat and talked for a while until the rest of the girls came home. I, of course, slept in my clothes...never leave your bag in a cab!!

We had to be out of the hostel by 10am the next morning so we decided to get up by at least 8:30am because breakfast was free. We all seemed to be up by 8am, with the exception of one anyway. This was a really nice hostel. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well organized. The beds were acceptable and the linens were clean. There was free internet and wi-fi, breakfast, linens, and towels. The breakfast was funny. Everyone gets a sandwich and can go to the common room for cereal, coffee, juice, tea, or milk. The sandwich was a good base to the morning since I wasn't really into the cereal choices though. This post is way too long so I'll have to finish Day 2 in another!

Work

2010-09-06T06:21:00.000-05:00

This week was nice. I was stationed at Infant Room II all week where things went smoothly. This coming week I will be moved to Toddler Room I for the entire week. I think it would be great to work in either of these classrooms so for now I'm pretty happy with work. It seems that the two Interns that were placed in the preschool rooms last week would like to remain in those rooms for the rest of the semester...I think they may eventually change their minds, but I like that they are digging right in! Now on to the stuff you really want to hear...Prague!

Ansbach and Wurzburg

2010-08-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

This being our first week in the country and next week being our first 40 hour work week it was suggested to only do day trips this weekend. Which actually works perfectly because it gave us the opportunity to see Ansbach, our town, and to figure out the train system on a short trip to Wurzburg with less pressure.

Saturday afternoon we decided to head into town after not hearing anything from the girls out at Illesheim, I have NO idea how to spell that, our base decided to head into town. A quick taxi ride dropped us off in the middle of everything, at the castle. Which was less than impressive and under some construction. Ansbach is actually a pretty small town. We walked ALL over it with no problem. Don't get me wrong my feet are SORE, but it wasn't like trying to walk from one end of Davenport to the other! As my group of girls were getting done checking out the train station we ran into the our friends from Ill. I think I'll call the other base Ill. for short! It's prefect! Anyway we spent the rest of the night together and finished the evening at an Irish Pub in town. It was a fun evening.

Sunday was a much more organized trip. We decided to go to a Wine Fest in Wurzburg with both bases of girls. That's eleven people to walk around with...it's a lot of people to keep track of! We were to meet up at the Wurzburg train station around noon, but turns out we connected with them while on the train! So off we went. The wine fest was good for some awesome food! I had a bratwrust on a bun, a crepe with Nutella, and a glass of "sweet" wine for lunch! It was delicious! There is a castle, the residence, and a fortress in Wurzburg. We made it to the Fortress. It was a LONG climb up through a grape yard to get there! It felt like my first weekend in Heidelberg! I was pretty surprised that I made it all the way up. By the time we got done there it was time to head back to the train station. Wurzburg was a fun city to walk around, but I could have taken a tram back to the train because my legs were like jelly! And now my legs are quivering and cramping from all the abuse! Time to find someone to take me to the Commissary for Aleve and/or Mortin IB!

Oh yeah...here's some of what we did all week!

2010-08-28T00:34:00.000-05:00

I guess I have neglected to mention some of what we have been up to in our "off" hours around here! Monday was the day we landed so basically we came back to base and crashed but Tuesday was a little better. After work we were taken for a quick Commissary trip and then spent the evening all having dinner together. We had wanted to go bowling but the ally was closed on Tuesdays. Instead we went bowling on Wednesday night. It was fun, but we only managed one round because there were so many of us it was taking FOREVER! But it was nice to check out what seems like the ONLY spot on base that is open after 7pm! On Thursday night everyone, except me went and had some fun on the playground here on base. Apparently there is a MONSTER of a metal slide down the road a bit. So they had fun, but I was too tired and there was...you know...a really interesting part of my book...bad on me I know! But really it was just one outing that I missed! Friday night I took the trip to the German store and the half of our friends were moved to the other location. I think the girls in the apartment above us went out and about on base for the evening, but my apartment all stayed in and chatted because we all signed up to work on Saturday. I can't imagine what we'll be up to next week!

Deutschland at last!

2010-08-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

So here I am finishing my first week in Germany, otherwise known as Deutschland! I have had more jet lag this trip than I remember from any other...however, this may have something to do with the week long marathon of paperwork and training meetings. I have never sat around so much at the start of any trip.

There are 6 other girls living and working with me here on Katterbach Base and 6 more girls working on another base about 40 minutes away. We trained together all week and had a pretty good time getting use to the base. We hope to travel together on weekends even though we are now apart! My roommates are Kelly, from Missouri; and Erin, from California. Yes there will be two Erins this semester! I'm the only Iowa girl this time around. There are three girls living above us all from California, they are Janeel, Ally, and Rebecca.

Today I observed all day at the CDC and had a really great time. I started my day with the an Infant room, the babies were really lively and happy. Then I went to a Toddler room and watched the chaos that is Lunch. Then I had my own lunch, it's so nice to be able to spend your hour break at the apartment! After lunch I looked in on a Pre-School room, another Toddler room, and I ended the day in another Infant room. It was a LONG day, but it was fun to visit the different age groups!

After work our Camp Adventure "leader" took my roommate and me to the local German grocery store. Long story short we are supposed to shop on the Economy (AKA Germany); but will probably be able to beg privileges to the Commissary from our co-workers. But since I never really felt like I was LIVING in Germany last time around I decided to embrace the rules and head out...I may have been completely out of food with no other options at the time as well. It worked pretty well, I got mostly basics, but nothing that is going to last forever or anything. I tried German mayonnaise, which turned out okay, as well as some pre-packaged lunch meat. Both were better than expected; however the meat only came with two servings and no way to re-seal to I had two sandwiches for dinner along with some delicious tiny green grapes and Pepsi Light!!! We are supposed to be able to get a weekly ride to German store, I think I'll be able to live with that!

I'm digging in and starting work right away tomorrow. They have a special thing going on and needed extra help and since both my roommates volunteered I thought I should too! It'll be a short day only 4 or 5 hours, THANK GOD! I think after that we'll head into Ansbach to check things out and get a feel for the place. On Sunday we are thinking about going to Wurzburg for a wine festival! That whole plan could change, but I'm pretty excited to be getting off base.

Wow I suck

2010-06-30T15:26:00.001-05:00

I am the worlds WORST blogger. I can't keep up with this, it reminds me of my diary keeping skills! I may have to kill this blog, except I really love the idea of it, and I feel like it could really work. I think I may give it another year. I think this could be an exceptional tool during my semester in Germany, we'll see how it goes.

BTW I'M HEADED BACK TO GERMANY!! I don't have a specific location yet, but I'll be working on an American Base for the Child Development Centers. I could be working with children from Infants to School Age. I'm a little hazy on the details right now. I will be leaving around Aug. 22 and returning Dec. 18. I'm excited to be headed back! I'm nervous to be working in a new setting, but after volunteering at the UNI Child Development Center I'm getting comfortable with the idea!

It's the end of the semester...am I dead yet?

2010-04-26T18:01:00.000-05:00

Here I sit, in my Monday night class, taking notes and trying to be productive. Last time this class met I completely forgot, but it's a good thing I made it today because if not I wouldn't know what I've got to get done this week!

There is one week of regular classes left in the semester; next week is finals week. I thought I was pretty stress free and on the ball. Opps! I have a 7-10 page paper to write by Friday. (This new paper is for another class, but I found out about it tonight.) Oh happy day...or not. I think I've figured out when to do it, but it completely puts me off. I was going to use the whole week to finish up revisions to my Research paper and start reading any and every book I can get my hands on! I guess that'll have to wait for next week.

I had been on a self imposed ban of reading for pleasure. There was just too much going on and too many distractions this semester. I've got a couple books started but decided they would be too involved for me to concentrate on at the time. AARRRGGGG!!!!!!! I'm ready to be done with this semester and all the baggage that goes with it.

I guess signing up to extend my Thursday night shift was actually a good idea. Instead of reading the first book on my list I'll spend the night working on one paper or another! Yup, I've got from 7pm Thursday night until 2am Friday morning! But wait, here's a problem: the library is going to be crazy busy, probably all night. It IS the week before finals. So reading a book was going to be the perfect set aside and pick back up activity for the night. I'm gonna get cranky and pissy if I keep getting interupted while working on a paper. So maybe I'll REALLY have to get moving and try and get it ALL done Wednesday...seems unlikely. We'll see how well I hold up to the late night. It might be a good idea to give me a call Friday (AFTERNOON) to make sure I'm still alive!

There are two sides to every story...

2010-04-19T18:54:00.000-05:00

Exploring iGoogle

2010-04-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Can you guess? Today I have been exploring iGoogle. On Wednesday I will be helping my "cooperating" librarian with her teacher workshop on iGoogle Sites. I've had an iGoogle account since I set-up this blog, but haven't really done much with it. So today during my practicum hours I'm giving myself the crash course in everything iGoogle!

I've spent a LARGE chunk of my time adding gadgets to my iGoogle homepage! I am trying NOT to add a bunch of junk games and such, but it's sooooo difficult to stay away. I have added and deleted a couple of gadgets after seeing them on the page and testing how they work. My first gadget was my hamster! My friend had one on her page and it was so cute! It's useless...but darn cute! I also added a Wikipedia search box, I find I'm less opposed to Wikipedia these days. I'm not saying I want kids to use it as a reliable source for serious research topics, but it does have it's uses! I plan to spend the rest of my day playing with the Google Sites.

After searching the site for more information I was able to figure out how to delete a whole site. So I'm going to start playing around without the fear that my practice site will be forever "out there." :-) I'll have to think of something FUN to create a site for!!!! Maybe I should call for back-up...I'm not the most creative person...

On a completely different note I am starting to choose YA SF titles for my research! I have some great recommendations to start so I have no fear I'll have PLENTY of titles to choose from. One title I will be using for sure is Carbon Diaries 2015, as I have been asked to lead a book discussion about it! I'm excited to do it, but I haven't read the book yet, and the discussion is on Wednesday...that only gives me two days to get it finished! I'm on a mission tonight...I haven't been able to find a copy within a 50 miles! If I can't find the copy in the library today then I'm driving until I do! I'm just gonna say, this is a fairly NEW book, and a sequel JUST came out but not a single bookstore in the area has had one on hand!!!!!! Which may actually be impossible!

How pathetic...

2010-03-11T17:55:00.000-06:00

So I'm a horrible blogger, is anyone really surprised about this? This semester has been kicking my ass almost from the start. Next week is Spring Break, this week is mid-term. I haven't been on this for half a semester! Where did all my time go? Oh yeah, I've been writing a research paper, poorly. I am currently trying to fit 120 hours of "student teaching" into less than half a semester. I still work at "The Rod" and every now and then end up at the mall for a shift. As well as taking a media class that has been fun, but kind of stressful. So here are some details!

I am currently working on "chapter 2" of my research paper. This is my chapter for Literature Review. I have to write summaries for nine other research studies already completed about or related to my topic. It's crazy and I'm horrible at it, but I think I've finally got my head wrapped around it. My plan is to have ALL the summaries written before I leave for break. That way all I have to do is revise and write transitions before I turn it in. It is due during spring break, but that's wonderful because is had been due on Monday (which would NOT have been happening for me!).

I have (finally) started my practicum, which is the fancy name for student teaching in the library. I am at the high school in Jesup. It's been very productive which is another way of saying stressful! My second placement will start after break and I'll be in a Cedar Falls elementary school. I'm hoping that will be a lot less stressful since I already have a lot of experience working in that setting. Cross your fingers!

I am so glad that I took Media Planning and Production this semester! Prof. Marchasani is one of my favorite teachers ever. That said, it's been a busy class. We have four assignments, one class presentation, one mid-term, and a final project. The goal was to get all but the final project done by Spring Break, that's a lot of work to fit in half a semester. But it worked. We just got done with the last presentation and assignments this week. The mid-term is take home and will be due when we get back from break. It's been a busy couple of weeks! I hope we get our final project stated right away. It would be kind of nice to keep up this crazy pace and get done a little early. I'd like to be less stressed at the end of this semester!

So, as I'm working in this library I've been doing something horrible...I've found more books to read! Like my "to read" list wasn't already a mile longer than it should be! Now I'm seeing interesting books coming across the desk and browsing the shelves to see what kind of collection she keeps. I don't think I've walked out of that library without adding another book to my list! It's driving me up the wall!!! Here's a small sampling of what I look forward to reading...SOMEDAY...

A New Semester!

2010-01-12T10:51:00.001-06:00

As you can see in the made crush to get everthing done at the end of the semester I abandoned writing here at all. Yesterday was the first day of the Spring Semester. I had my first Research class, and I'm just as freaked out as I was before. We are supposed to have our topic in time for our next class, in two weeks! I didn't have a clue before class and I still don't! I've got my first Media Planning and Production class this afternoon. I'm looking forward to it. I hope this is a good semester. I know I won't be doing as much fun reading as last semester, but I should still have some fun things to do. We'll see...

6 pages done?!

2009-11-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Wow, I've got WAY too much to do! I can't believe how quickly the end of the semester is coming. I've got a little paniced about my website last night. I went to YA class last night and was talking with my friends from my web design class. They BOTH had 6 pages done on their final website! 6 PAGES COMPLETELY DONE?! At that point I think I had one done, and one I needed to "tweek." So I flipped out and spent a good deal of time last night and this afternoon working on building my website. I'm happy to report I now have two pages compeletly done but I have 13 pages in total. The rest are in different stages of development. Some just have the outline from my sitemap while others are just missing pictures. I'm pretty happy with what I've got and it went pretty quickly. If only we didn't have all the "busy" work between now and the due date I could relax a little about that class. But the weekly chats are always over something we were to try out on our site and all that BS. I'm gonna leave that alone for a bit, and start to work on my research paper for YA now.

I've got a good lead on some more sources so I'm gonna try to get all my sources copied and/or printed by the end of this week. That way all I've got to do is read the books and put it all together...I need to start Son of a Witch this weekend and What the Dickens has just been sitting around for a week now. I also have to read Tyrell and post my reflection by Tuesday. But right now I want to focus on my research paper, typical. I also started listening to the audio book of New Moon this week for class. You can't expect me to stop in the middle just because I've got other stuff I should be reading! If I get to go home next weekend maybe I'll listen to it in the car if the CD player is working.

It's the first week of November?!

2009-11-05T13:43:00.000-06:00

How time flies when you don't have enough of it! I can't believe October is gone. I will be in Orlando before I know it, 36 days in fact. My birthday has never seemed to get here this fast before! It's a beautiful Thursday afternoon and I have been very productive today so I thought I'd better catch up on blogging!

The Hunger Games...what a night! My team did NOT win, sadly we died. I was co-chaperone with another girl who worked at the library and we were in charge of the "yellow" team. Our girls were from Cedar Falls High school and were very excited to be in the games. It was a long night...boys, sugar, competition, and video games rarely make for a good combination. It was a neat experience to spend the night at the Rod Library though. I hope they do it again next year!

I am headed home this weekend so I have started on my homework early for a change! I have my web design post already done and I am going to be working on my YA at work tonight. I'm still working on getting What the Dickens read! I just haven't had enough time to give it my full attention lately. I will also blame Emy for giving me the new Dan Brown book to distract me from what I SHOULD be reading! I am even going to get the girls at home to help me try out some "non-book" materials for YA! I have a couple board games and movies I'd like to take a look at.

I've already got all the laundry done, and if that isn't a miracle I don't know what is! It's such a beautiful day I've even got my shades open while I've been cleaning my room. I wish I could have a day like this every week! I've gotten everything done today I wanted and I've enjoyed doing it...crazy.

October 17th

2009-10-17T15:48:00.000-05:00

Well, today was the Dreamweaver workshop! Everyone in both sections of Web Design came to campus to get a start on the Dreamweaver project. Also on the agenda was Fireworks, Advanced IowaPages, and going over our Sitemaps. It was nice to see some of the people from my summer classes. I was unable to stay for the entire class because I had to work at the library. It being Homecoming weekend I was not able to find someone to cover my shift. If I had found someone to cover the shift I would not have been at class though, I'd be at my cousin's wedding! Sigh, apperently I will have NO life and miss EVERYTHING until I'm done with grad school. The morning went quickly and work has been fine.

Tonight Megan and Chris are in Clinton because Chris has his ten year high school reunion. I think I'm gonna finish Friday Night Lights and and watch movies tonight. Not too exciting, but it seems that Sherry is working today as well might not be around to hang out either. So far I have NOT been impressed with Friday Night Lights. The subject matter is not my favorite and the way it's written is getting on my nerves. This is the second non-fiction novel we have had to read for class. I LOATHED the first and I haven't enjoyed the second. I know I can enjoy non-fiction writing, but I'm not sure my prof will believe me!

This week I plan to start work on my author study research paper. I'm trying to start reading the first book for that, but I HAVE to read The Hunger Games first. The Rod Library Hunger Games are next weekend so I'm on a time limit here! So far I'm really enjoying the book. It's hard to put down and I'm not getting as much sleep this week as I'd like because of that!

Home!

2009-10-08T15:08:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for a whole weekend at home! I'm still deciding if I want to leave straight from work Friday night at 5pm or if I want to get up on Saturday and go. It depends on if I can get Chris to help me with some Web Design homework tonight I think. :-D

I finished Impossible, an excellent read! I'm still no further in Glass Castle... I've started The Book Thief, which is sad in its own way but still manages to be ten times the book Glass Castle is! I may have a little bias since I'm not a fan of biographies in the first place.

I finished my Iowapages website; on to Dreamweaver...it's never ending. The book talk went well in YA. I think everyone was impressed with the coffin I brought as a prop. I'm almost done with the group project that is due at the end of the month so I'm feeling a little less stress this week. It's all an illusion anyway, I ALWAYS have something I could be doing. I'm still just really happy to be heading home for a weekend. The work, school, work, work, school routine was getting a little old!

sinking fast!

2009-10-01T13:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah, so I've got soooo much to do in October, who knew?! I've got my first test in Adv. Child. Lit. which shouldn't be hard but is stressfull. I've just finished my Iowapages website, which wasn't really that hard but took longer than I wanted to get comfortable. I've got a group project that isn't due until the end of the month but my partner wants it done ASAP. Which is cutting into my prep time for my YA Booktalk next week. I aslo have to start on my research paper for YA which isn't due until December, but I have to read five books! Not to mention the five+ books I still have to read for that class. And with all that I have to find the time to work two jobs...YUCK.

Okay, better...

I'm STILL reading the Glass Castle. I've decided I hate it and it is a form of torture to make me read it, but...it's for class. F*@k!!!! I've moved on to start Impossible because it's gonna be enjoyable and I need to read something! I'm also working on writing some of my reviews for my 9 novels. I've finished four books and haven't really started any of the reviews. Well, now I have one and a half done which means only two and a half left to go (until I finish another book). The never ending cycle continues!

I have been very productive today! My water aerobics class was canceled due to lightening so I was up early and have been working all morning. I finished Iowapages and worked on the reviews. I also found all the pictures I'll need for my Mexican American Learning Center. Tomorrow I am going to work on my annotated bib for that project and finish my slides. I'll figure out what I'm gonna say sometime next week after I get through some of this other stuff!

The Glass Castle

2009-09-24T18:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, I finished The Graveyard Book no problem. I'm not sure I liked the ending, but it was a good book. Then it was on to The Glass Castle...
I didn't think it would take to long, it's NOT a long book. But it is SO difficult to read. After a while you just can't take any more horror stories of how these kids had to live! It's just one thing after another and I can't take it. I KNOW I don't want to finish it, but I think I have to. I mean I need to right a response to it...sigh. What makes this all worse is that I don't normally go in for memoirs anyway so this being the most depressing and sickening book I've read so far doesn't help anything! Here's hoping I can get it done this week, write my reflection and never have to pick it up again!

Book reviews...

2009-09-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm out of HTML Hell and THANK GOD for that. The worst part is typing everything in and then having to add all the codes. It takes forever, and for all the work you put into it, it look like crap when you're done! Well for all who would like to see my Westford Wildcats just click here!

This week I have started work on a group project that will be due at the end of October. My partner is all about getting it done early. Which is wonderful because we will also be partners on our final project that is due the week before I leave for Disney. We are palnning to have that done well before December! I WON the group project partner lottery! ;-) We each have two "aspects" of Mexican American Culture that we are going to work on seperatly and then we'll put it all together about a week before it's due. I'm looking at famous Mexican Americans and Mexican American History. Surprisingly I'm finding it difficult to find three examples of Mexican American History. Partly because I'm not sure what the prof. is looking for. Is Mexican history included in Mexican American History??? I have to find children's books to go with each event I pick. I'm a little worried but I have a list of questions for the prof. ready to go!

I'm also still plucking away at the books. I didn't get The Watson's Go to Burmingham read this weekend, but I did finish Graceling and Athletic Shorts. This week I hope to actually read The Watson's Go to Burmingham as well as The Graveyard Book and The Glass Castle. My biggest problem is writing reviews. For YA I have to read 9 novels, of my choosing. Not a bad assignment at all and I've already got 3 read. However I also have to write a review for each novel I read as well as the ones we all read and talk about in class. So I've got the ones for class done because they are due the day before we discuss the book. This week I get to write a review of Twilight! I have not even started the reviews for my 9 novels, of which I have 3 finished! Sigh, I'm just not good at it, and they have to be like 400-500 words. AAAHHHH...I'm a short and to the point kind of girl. I'm not really good at the "deep thoughts." :-D Anyways, life's busy here! I hope everyone is having a good week.

HTML Hell

2009-09-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

After a lot of hard work I finally finished my first web page. It looks like shit, but it's done. There are no bells and whistles, otherwise known as buttons and fun text. It's just got the bare essentials. And boy do I hate the server that UNI uses. Here's the link to my site:
www.uni.edu/perngirl/index.html

It took me all day to figure out how to get the pictures to a decent size and to make sense of the instructions for linking my two pages together. It's crazy that I was able to make a link to the ALA website easier than I was able to link my pages together! That damn "readable" text had a couple of pages of confusing, and useless diagrams to show me that had very little to do with what I was trying to accomplish. Sigh...I guess that's just how it goes. Big THANKS to Chris for answering all my questions, walking me through the "easy" stuff, and not getting too annoyed! I don't know that I could get through this class without constant reassurance and help! Now, it's back to the reading list for YA and Advanced Children's Lit. :-D That's much more to my liking. This weekend I hope to finish Sports Shorts, Graceling, and The Watsons Go to Birmingham.

Fall Semester Classes

2009-08-27T08:50:00.000-05:00

So I've now been to all my classes for the semester. I only have one class that meets on campus. My ICN class meets at Cedar Falls High School, because the prof is one of the librarians there. I'm taking three classes: Library Resources for Young Adults (YA), Web Design, and Advanced Children's Lit.

Advanced Children's Lit...

I've got Prof. Cai, so far so good. We have hit the ground running. He has a couple of major assignments for the whole class and the first one is already starting. It's a group project and we randomly already have partners. My partner seems to be very focused and just wants to make sure it gets DONE. I'm hoping for the best. The text book is kind of dry, but we have to find three quotes from the first and second chapters to respond to for Thursday's class, today. I still need to start it. I'm planning on heading to campus early to work on it at the library or in the SEC. I just don't seem to stay focused when I'm at the house.

YA...

So, I knew I was gonna love this class. I enjoy reading YA novels so I'm set. Yes, it's a lot of reading, and responding to that reading but I love it. I'm just not that good at responses. I'm hoping to get better at that during this class. There are three people at the Cedar Falls ICN loaction which is nice. It feels more like a real class that way. I'm hoping to work ahead with the reading so that when I have the projects done I'll be okay timewise. I just wish we had a Borders book store here...sigh.

Web Design...

This may be the most difficult class. It's another WebCT class, not my favorite. I haven't started the reading yet, but I guess it's not your normal dry text book. I'm actually looking forward to reading it so that the first assignment will make more sense! I'm gonna need to keep up with this class pretty well. I can't afford to lose too many points on the projects or little things because I'm not gonna be able to make it to the ONE on campus meeting. I'm just NOT going to miss my cousin's wedding so that I don't get docked a couple of lousy points. I don't want to drop the course because I want to know about web design and I'm not sure I'll be around the next time this class is offered, so I'm stuck.

The best part about my classes this Fall is the timing. Because two of my three classes are "distance learning" classes my finals are not during finals week. SOOOO, I'll only have one thing left to do when I get back from Disney! Everything else will be done the week before I leave. So, I'm feeling pretty good about that. At this point I'm not even sure what that last final will be. It's a little early to be worrying about that for most professors. It may be that our "final" in that class may just be our last test. Cross your fingers! All in all the semester looks to be busy, but fun.

First Day at the Library

2009-08-19T19:20:00.000-05:00

So I had my first day of training at Rod Library today. A couple of us are starting a little early since we are alreay on campus. They use an automation system that I have never seen before, but really, you seen one you seen em all. It was a lot to take in, but we've got another day tomorrow. Sunday is the offical start for everyone and we'll get our schedules then. I'm getting excited to be in a library again, even one as BIG as Rod.

Classes start Monday and I'm getting excited about that. I can't wait to start the web design class, but I'm a little worried too. I'm just nervous about what kind of projects and assignments we'll get. I'm super excited about YA, other wise known as Library Resources for Young Adults. I've got the reading/shopping list. :-D My other class this semester is Advanced Children's Lit. I'm gonna be doing a lot of reading this semester. Well, that and projects related to reading. Tomorrow before training I'm heading to University Book and Supply to get my text books, luckily I don't have that many. Most of my shopping list will be "trade" books.

Green Day

2009-08-14T02:05:00.000-05:00

I just got back from a Green Day concert and can't sleep yet! I really think that Green Day should support librarians and librarians should support Green Day! It seems like it could be a good fit...I know, it's 2am and I'm not sure I'm thinking clearly. BUT, you know how it goes! When I was listening to some of the lyrics it kind of struck me that they reminded me of some ideals we have as school librarians...can't for the life of me remember WHICH lyrics, or what songs...again it IS 2am! Anyway, just my random little thought process! Maybe I'll remember and add more later...or maybe I'll just forget it and leave my lovely 2am rambling as is.

It was an excellent concert for anyone who wants to know. This was the first time I've ever heard "Time of Your Life" done with an accustic guitar live, it was amazing. They changed things up from the last tour, but kept the crowd favorites. "King for a Day/Shout" is always great. They didn't play "Knowlege," instead they had a different person come up and sing each verse of "Longview." Wow, people don't know how to use mics! They did play one song from the Kerplunk album, but I can't think of the title. When I get home I'll go through the CD until I figure it out. Someday I'd really like to be there when they sing "Christy Road" live.

Queen Song

2009-07-29T01:32:00.000-05:00

"I'm going slightly mad
I'm going slightly mad
It finally happened - happened
It finally happened - ooh oh
It finally happened - I'm slightly mad
Oh dear!"

Final Thoughts for Class

2009-07-28T16:42:00.000-05:00

So this is my last post for class. I think I have decided to keep my blog going. I may change the name and focus, but this seems like a great way to keep everyone informed without having to send mass emails! (The pics are just for fun, doesn't this look like a "I'm ready to be done" photo?!)

It's kind of sad to see the end of summer school, but at the same time it's stressful enough that it NEEDS to end. No matter how much I've tried to work ahead I always seem to have a pile of things to get done at the last minute. The 10 articles we had to look at for class was something that did that. I had two done almost right away, and I never got back to it. I had the articles I wanted to write about, but I never got around to typing up my responses! Sometimes I think I do this to myself on purpose...you can ask Emy. I'm always stressing/freaking out about something.

As I look over my blog posts I know it's not exactly what was requested. I tried to write one "straight" thought each week to fulfill the expectations. My problem is...this is a blog! Writing a little bit at a time about what I'm thinking at the time seemed the most natural way to do this. It felt forced and boring the other way. I know, it's for class, I needed to "just do it." But I think the idea behind the assignment is to get a real experience of keeping a blog. And for me this is how I would blog. I looked at this in terms of library use. If my library is going to have a blog, I'm going to be writing it. I would be posting examples of what the students are creating, upcoming events in the school or library, and other simple posting subjects. I might take the time to reflect about different aspects of the job while I was at it, but that would not be the focus of my school library blog.

So this is what you get. Me...unorganized, scatter-brained, sometimes discouraged and sometimes excitable me. I loved the content we looked at in this class! I'm excited that I've found new sites and new skills for FINDING what's new. Because what Kelly said in class today is true, things will change. Some of the things we looked at this summer will not be around for long. New sites and tools will pop up in their places. So I'm glad I've got some ideas about where to look for new technology in the future.

Favorite Book:

It's coming together

2009-07-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

So I think I've figured out the basic layout for my portfolio. I'll probably change the colors a million times, but for now it's set. I've got buttons that work, now all I need is something to read/look at on the "pages." ;-)

I'm not sure if I'm going to do my "Teacher" section or my "Instructional Patner" section. The only reason for this is because I'm not sure which section better fits one of my exhibits. I really want to use this one lesson plan because it will work well in the electronic format. I might actually have some websites to link to. But it was a collaborative effort with a classroom teacher. Oh the choices!

I'll work on getting the reflection written and the exhibits chosen and located. Hopefully all I'll have to do on Thursday is put it all together since I don't have PowerPoint on my home computer. Well, there is a desktop that has it, but it's an ancient version and not worth my time. I really like that we are starting the Portfolio in this class. Now, when it's time to actually finish it I'll have half as much to do and think about. All the "hard work" will be done. I'll just have to fill in the blanks.

Must sleep...need to sleep...

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Why did I agree to try Second Life? I may never get a full nights rest again! I'm not "doing" anything and I still can't help but stay "on." If I start to drag behind in my work we'll know why!

Destiny

2009-07-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Oh my GOD! I am in love! First order of business when I get my own library is to start work on getting Destiny if we don't already have it! It was great to have a demo from the experts. It almost seems too perfect. There must be something it doesn't do, but I'm in love! The only thing is, in bigger districts where there are so many schools using the system it could get difficult. Although it may open up a bunch of jobs for "catalogers." ;-) I love it, most of the schools I have worked in have such old systems. It seems like this would be the perfect system to get those systems to up grade with.

I keep thinking about where I want to end up and what I might find there. Ideally I would like to work overseas in a Department of Defense school, DODs, where Destiny might make a huge differnce. In some ways it doesn't seem like it would work. The schools overseas don't have districts the same way schools here do, but there are divisions. I only did my student teaching with DODs so I'm not sure how it is broken up. I know the automation system they had was far from perfect. Where I was there were two computers but they did not work in real time. If you checked out a book on one it didn't "show up" on the other until it was "rebooted." Which was maddening! I was in a school with 1000 students and we used both computers all day. Upgrading to a system that works in "real time" would be amazing. You could do so much with that, and maybe they have upgraded already and gone with something different, but man I LOVED this system. Having the catalog online for students and even parents to use at home would be outstanding. However if I can't get a job with DoDs I'd still like to work abroad in one of the many "American" or English speaking private schools. I have no idea what companies they may use for automation. It would be interesting to find out what systems they typically use. I'll have to talk with some friends I know.

Portfolio Thoughts

2009-07-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

So I'm kind of excited about working on my portfolio. I think the PowerPoint format will work best for me. Since I'm taking the Intro class at the same time I'll be working on my "paper" portfolio at the same time I'm working on this one! That could be nice, but I'm not sure that anything I put in the PowerPoint will make it to my finished product. I think I'll start a file on my desktop for consideration. Anything I come across that looks like it might work I'll dump in there. That way when it comes time to start the whole thing, I'll have a lot to choose from. I'm wondering what the odds are that I'll keep up with this???

Movie Maker is done!

2009-07-01T22:59:00.000-05:00

So I finished my movie. I shot five different video clips and I ended up only using one. Of course it's always better to have too much video rather than not enough. I just didn't like how the clips were fitting together so I used the still shots instead. It was easier to narrate those as well.

Can I say that I HATE narration. Mostly because microphones seem to hate me. I used the same kind of microphone for this project as I did for the PowerPoint, but this time the microphone wouldn't work. So I had to speak into the mic on the top of my laptop screen. The quality of the audio was HORRIBLE! I turned the audio up as much as it would go and it still wasn't loud enough to have music playing in the background. So, I had to just use music when the narration ended. The music is still louder than the audio so it is kind of abrupt when it starts. I don't know, I feel like I did the best I could.

I uploaded the video to the Ning. I think it's working and I won't have to bring a copy with me. I didn't have enough space left on my flash drive so I had to save it to the computer because I didn't have any CDs. I think I'll buy a new flash drive tomorrow and copy all my class materials onto it. That way everything is together. By the way I also don't like the way any of my credits turned out. They seemed easier to read when i was working in Movie Maker, but maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention to it. Who knows, but I'm glad I'm done! Popcorn and treats tomorrow!

Movie Maker Project

2009-06-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

So I'm in the middle of my Movie Maker Project this week. It should be done by Thursday, I'm just not gonna make it on Tuesday. After looking at what I have and what I want to say with my project I don't really think I'm gonna have much actual video. It's only gotta be a minute long and mine's not going to last much more than that. So far I've got about 30 seconds of video shot and I think I'll have 30 seconds more done tonight. Not a lot, but I'm going with a commerical so it's not going to be super long. I finally got my first video to play picture and sound, now I just hope I can get it all saved in the file on my "stick" so that it will play correctly in class. Cross you fingers!

This project has been a lot of fun. I think it's going better than PowerPoint, even though I've had some hiccups. I don't really have many people in this area that want to be in a video, but I'm making it work. I think I like the Movie Maker program but having worked with Final Cut Pro it's a little dissapointing. But I think it's better to get use to working with FREE programs now because when you have a program that comes with your computer for free why would a school spend money on buying a different one? I just wish the audio had two lines to make the narration and music easier. I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else has put together. It should be a fun time in class on Tuesday for the first round of videos.

I am really enjoying the focus-on projects in class. I haven't seen a lot of this stuff and I'm learning a lot. I'm trying to go home and try out what I can. The Voki was awesome. I couldn't get the toondoo to work on my computer. I think it was too much for my internet connection at home. I'm gonna try it at school where I can get a better connection. Although by far the best thing I've seen is the "clickers!" I think that would be awesome in any school! I've never seen them, I'm not sure if they have anything like that in the Davenport District. You'd think that the AEA would have them. I really want to see them used with one class I worked with in particular, all day every day. The iPod Touch was nice, but I just can't afford something like that on my own. How is a school gonna buy those with a limited budget? I can't wait to see what everyone has for this week.

Get a Voki now!

"Focus-on" project LibraryThing.com

2009-06-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm working on getting my Librarything account set up the way I want it. Emy is so excited. She's been on me to join this forever! She's updating her info at the same time she's trying to help me get more of my collection on there. Seeing as how nearly all of my books are in Blue Grass and I am in Waterloo she's been a very big help. I'm pretty good at remembering the recent books I've read and the series that I am currently in, but I've got picture storybooks that I haven't looked at since I was in college and it's hard to remember what books I read from the Trinity library and what books I bought while working at Trinity. I've got a lot of young adult and intermediate fiction. Mind, some of those books are from when I was an intermediate reader, for example "The Kid in the Red Jacket" by Barbra Park. That book is a side splitter for sure. I'll have to go through all my book boxes when I get home. I haven't even started in on my Babysitter's Club books yet, but I did donate some of those to Trinity so I can't remember if I still have the first 10 in order any more.

It's funny to see the different ways that Emy and I arrange our books. So far she's the only "friend" I have on the website. I joined the group Librarians on Librarything, and I'm thinking about joining another group. I'll probably make more "friends" once I get on the threads and start participating in discussions. I just wanted to set up my books the best I could before I got into all the extras. I've been looking at the discussions and other tabs today. I'm probably gonna be on this site all day!

I'm not sure how I would use this in a school library yet, but I'm sure by the end of the day I'll have a better idea. I've been trying to keep that thought in mind as I've poked around the site today. Some of the functions are really great, and others seem kind of useless. I'll get more into it during my presentation or in my reflection for class.

The first time Emy tried to get me to join this site was right after she took cataloging, years ago now. She loved it, but I didn't see what the big deal was. Sure you can have all your books cataloged online...then what? What are you going to do with that information now? But seeing some of the other features has really changed my perspective. There is a "local" tab that I'm in love with. I've favorited some books stores, even the second hand bookshop in downtown Davenport was there. If there were any local "to-do's" going on it would be listed there as well. I think the DPL, Davenport Public Library, should advertise some of their summer programs on Librarything. Maybe it would pull in some new people! I guess that's one way the school library could benefit from using Librarything. I could advertise book fairs and other events that were taking place at the library that may be open to "the public." So those are my thoughts so far, I'll try to be done for now and save the rest for my presentation and reflection!

"Clickers"

2009-06-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

This "focus on" project will be the death of me! I'm gonna end up with mile long list of software and gadgets that I want for "my library!"
The "clickers" that were shown in class today were the best ever. The last class I long term subbed for would have really loved them. I'll have to start a file folder with my list of gadgets and software with all the info I'll need once I want to buy! Tee hee!

Reflection for Class

2009-06-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

So we are starting the second week of class and I think this is a good time to work on a reflection. The PowerPoint Presentation went well. I really liked working on certain sections of the PP but the narration was rough. I think if I had taken more time to "play" with different features I would have figured out a better way to add the narration. I don't think that I could ever make something as smooth as the professionals, but I could probably have a lot of fun trying. I have always liked using PP, but it was difficult for me to do the narration in the slide show. I didn't want to write everything out and sound like I was reading so I just jotted down some notes and went from there. No two takes were the same.

It's already time to move on! Our next project is a MovieMaker production. It only has to be a minute long, which is great. BUT, I'm not in a library right now and I don't know what kind of library I'll end up in so I'm having a really hard time coming up with ideas for these projects! I think what I am going to do for this class is take everything as if I were still at Trinity. I know some of the things I had wanted to do and some of the projects that the grades used every year. I kind of want to make an introduction to the library for the school website in the hopes of making a page just for the library, but if I do that I'll need to work with Janet and I'm not sure there is enough time. I'm trying to think of a good Plan B in case we can't make it work. A one minute movie that needs to include titles and credits can't take too long to shoot, but I haven't talked to anyone yet. I'm a little worried about needing narration in this video again, but hopefully all will go well. I'm hoping to have a storyboard to bring to class tomorrow so that if by some miracle Jan wants to do this with me and has the time I'll be able to start shooting right away. Of course I also want to have Plan B storyboard ready to go as well. I just need to call Jan...

We've got a couple of PP presentations to watch tomorrow and then we are gonna try and talk about the article we read for the week. I hope we have some time in class to go over some more information about the MovieMaker project as well. Next week I have my "focus on" project to present as well. I don't think I was the first to sign up so I think those must be starting tomorrow as well. This class is moving at the speed of light!

Flip Camera

2009-06-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

With my next project being in MovieMaker I am thinking about buying a flip camera. It's small and it doesn't hold more than 30 minutes of film, but when would I EVER need 30 minutes of film space?! I'm looking into it because I know this won't be the last project I have to do with a camcorder before I'm done with this. So maybe buying one now will save me some trouble and time. I'm still thinking about it, it's just an idea, but I think it's a good one.

Power Point #2

2009-06-15T21:39:00.001-05:00

So it's now more than 12 hours later than my last post. I managed to finish the narration by noon, but then ran into trouble with the music...of course! I know what music I want to use, now I need to find a way to use it the way that I like. I'm not sure that will be possible and it is required that I use music. I'm gonna be so mad if I can't get it to work the way I want and STILL have to put it in the darn slide show. Cross your fingers, 'cause I'm headed back to work.

Power Point Presentation

2009-06-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

Can I just say I hate recording my own voice! I've recorded and re-recorded this thing more times than I care to count. What is really getting me is the time. I can't talk for five minutes straight! The idea is to be around 2 minutes. I'll be happy if I can cut it down to three! My problem is I can't help but talk about my subject. I LOVE the books too much to just skim the surface! I guess I should be glad I finally found a computer that worked with the microphone. But I haven't even started looking for music to put in the background yet! Oh well, back to work.

School Library Media Studies

2009-06-09T14:04:00.000-05:00

So, this is my first blog! This summer I am going back to school at UNI. I am going to get my MA in School Library Media Studies. This is homework for my Automation class this summer. I think I may just continue on after it's done, but only time will tell. Hopefully it will get easier to write!