Tuesday, September 09, 2003
90% PREPARATION- 10% EXECUTION
Today was a satisfactory day. I can't complain. I lectured the whole period and gave notes via power point; power point makes life so much easier- I don't have to write on the board, which takes forever, and I just give the kids an outline to follow. Everyone has identical notes and there are no excuses come exam time.
Today I'm proud of myself because I timed the lecture perfectly. It ended a minute or two before the bell rang signifying the end of the period. Perfection.
Speech was the highlight of my day today. We're just taking notes this week, before the major speeches begin, but even giving note in that class is fun. I feel the class respond to what I teach. I feel their fears relieved. Finally, I see them making correlations between the textbook, the quizzes and the notes- it's rewarding. The beauty of it all is that it's nothing I'm doing. I just make sure I'm ready for class, show up, and they take the class to the zenith of feel-good fun. Every teacher should be so lucky. I love to know that I rarely have to remind them of class rules- they're upperclassmen- I treat them like young adults, command respect and they step up to the task of giving me the same respect. I trust them. This is a sign that I'm growing as a teacher; I relenquish complete and anal control, the class relaxes and 55 minutes goes by before we know it. They're smiling, they're laughing, they're making jokes, they're teasing me and I know that it's all good.
I fully anticipate some amazing speeches this year. The hardest part of speech class has been working with the guys. They're just "too cool" to practice speech techniques. But a few weeks ago we did our monologues and these boys absolutely amazed me!! They were all over the place with volume, rate, inflection (the beginning basics of public speaking). They even moved around the room a little and I never told them to. There was eye contact, enthusiasm, and almost a competitive edge that took over the room. I have never seen this before in my speech classes. This is definitely a great sign. Just thinking about the whole thing makes me giddy. Next week they will present their first speech. It's a Pet Peeve Speech. I told them I want passion, emotion; just tell us what absolutely pisses us off. Yell if you have to. I can't wait to see what they create.
My #1 rule in speech class is that everything must live up to this statement: 90% preparation, 10% execution. The word execution is synonymous with delivery and presentation, to explain a bit further. I will be able to tell in an instant who has heard me bark this rule every day and truly take it to heart.
Sigh. I outwardly and freely proclaim to all who inquire that I despise my profession, but deep down inside I know it's the beat of my heart.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
After school there was a faculty meeting. This is all I have to say about that:
F(*&^%%$!@#$%^&*)_)(**&^%$$#@!k!! What is wrong with people? Does every single faculty member need to accompany each point on the agenda with an anecdote and personal illustration?? This is not summer camp! Keep your kumbayah singing- marshmallow s'mores toasting- hiking boot loving- gotta badge for "archery" wearing -suck up to the camp director having- selves locked in your classrooms!
I leave you with this ever fabulous piece by my precious namesake. Chew the fat.
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste, 5
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played
At wrestling in a ring; 10
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible, 15
The cornice but a mound.
Since then 'tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.
Emily Dickinson (1830-86). Complete Poems.
Today was a satisfactory day. I can't complain. I lectured the whole period and gave notes via power point; power point makes life so much easier- I don't have to write on the board, which takes forever, and I just give the kids an outline to follow. Everyone has identical notes and there are no excuses come exam time.
Today I'm proud of myself because I timed the lecture perfectly. It ended a minute or two before the bell rang signifying the end of the period. Perfection.
Speech was the highlight of my day today. We're just taking notes this week, before the major speeches begin, but even giving note in that class is fun. I feel the class respond to what I teach. I feel their fears relieved. Finally, I see them making correlations between the textbook, the quizzes and the notes- it's rewarding. The beauty of it all is that it's nothing I'm doing. I just make sure I'm ready for class, show up, and they take the class to the zenith of feel-good fun. Every teacher should be so lucky. I love to know that I rarely have to remind them of class rules- they're upperclassmen- I treat them like young adults, command respect and they step up to the task of giving me the same respect. I trust them. This is a sign that I'm growing as a teacher; I relenquish complete and anal control, the class relaxes and 55 minutes goes by before we know it. They're smiling, they're laughing, they're making jokes, they're teasing me and I know that it's all good.
I fully anticipate some amazing speeches this year. The hardest part of speech class has been working with the guys. They're just "too cool" to practice speech techniques. But a few weeks ago we did our monologues and these boys absolutely amazed me!! They were all over the place with volume, rate, inflection (the beginning basics of public speaking). They even moved around the room a little and I never told them to. There was eye contact, enthusiasm, and almost a competitive edge that took over the room. I have never seen this before in my speech classes. This is definitely a great sign. Just thinking about the whole thing makes me giddy. Next week they will present their first speech. It's a Pet Peeve Speech. I told them I want passion, emotion; just tell us what absolutely pisses us off. Yell if you have to. I can't wait to see what they create.
My #1 rule in speech class is that everything must live up to this statement: 90% preparation, 10% execution. The word execution is synonymous with delivery and presentation, to explain a bit further. I will be able to tell in an instant who has heard me bark this rule every day and truly take it to heart.
Sigh. I outwardly and freely proclaim to all who inquire that I despise my profession, but deep down inside I know it's the beat of my heart.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
After school there was a faculty meeting. This is all I have to say about that:
F(*&^%%$!@#$%^&*)_)(**&^%$$#@!k!! What is wrong with people? Does every single faculty member need to accompany each point on the agenda with an anecdote and personal illustration?? This is not summer camp! Keep your kumbayah singing- marshmallow s'mores toasting- hiking boot loving- gotta badge for "archery" wearing -suck up to the camp director having- selves locked in your classrooms!
I leave you with this ever fabulous piece by my precious namesake. Chew the fat.
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste, 5
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played
At wrestling in a ring; 10
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible, 15
The cornice but a mound.
Since then 'tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.
Emily Dickinson (1830-86). Complete Poems.
Monday, September 08, 2003
TEACHER’S PORTFOLIO
Every now and then, I try to save letters, awards, certificates and other noteworthy paraphernalia to add to my collection of items that I will someday put in a professional portfolio. This way, when I leave my current profession to pursue my dream job of being a tour guide at a Smithsonian Institute in D.C. (if the teaching in college thing doesn’t work out), I will have something for my future employers to look at and judge my ability by.
[For all you grammar mavens out there, I DO realize I just ended a sentence with a preposition. (rolling eyes) Bite me. Bite me hard.]
For your reading pleasure today (and because that is the only pleasure I am comfortable satisfying for you at the moment), I have decided to share a letter from a student I taught last year. To protect his identity we shall call him Grover.To protect his identity even more, we shall pronounce Grover with a French accent, "gro- vay", for added effect. Last year, a week or two before the semester exam in December, I told the students that I would help them review by posting review games and quizzes on my website. I nonchalantly mentioned that it would probably help them ace the exam. Of course, very few students took advantage of the opportunity, but for those who did, there was a little extra credit surprise waiting on each review page of the website. One of the extra credit opportunities requested each student to email me two things they liked about English class, and two things they didn’t like. I wanted to have some student feedback so that I could modify and adjust my teaching style for the students who felt I might not have been meeting their needs.
Grover (once again, that's "gro-vay") wrote me a letter, which I have kept in my email inbox for a year now. I plan to someday place it in my portfolio because it meant a lot to me for a variety of reasons. I have told both Grover and Grover's mom (Mademoiselle gro-vay) my intentions with the email, so I hope I am not violating anyone's trust by posting it. There have been no changes to the format or grammar.
I have a feeling that people who read this may have mixed reactions. I welcome any questions or comments you may have.
From: Grover@grover.com
To: Ms. Graduate Girl
Subject: Four Things About English Class
HONEST PART
Well, seeing as I'm not going to be graded on my letter composition, (I hope) I'm not really worried about the neatness of it. As you may have guessed I'm only writing this letter to get two extra credit points. However, since you don't want to know that, just scroll down and ignore this part.
STUDENT PART
I was so thrilled to be able to write you a letter that I just wanted to procrastinate and make it as long as I could. So now I will list two things that I like about your class.
I like:
#1 That you deal with the class in a strict but loving manner and always have our best interest (of this I have no doubt) in mind.
#2 You have no mercy on the underlings that don't do their work. BWHAHAHAAHHAHA, and that you keep discipline and order in your classroom.
P.S. (Can I write this? Oh well) I seem to strive on discipline and it helps that its the last class of the day and it helps even more that your always in a good mood for our class.
At this point I'm going to ask you to look above and notice that we are completely out of the honest zone and that I am not responsible for any false information given. (HAHA just kidding :-)
I don't like:
#1 All the homework!! (I know your heart must be bleeding for me right about now) and all our class does is WHINE WHINE WHINE! yada yada yada! blah blah blah--by the way I'm amazed at how much you teachers can put up with, is it mandatory to take a tolerance course to become a teacher?
#2 Uhhh...You've been the only teacher to give me a lunch detention! (not to mention 2!) How could you? (dumb question) How could I?!
Yeah that pretty much wraps it up.
Love ya-
Grover
Keep up the good work--thanks for devoting your time to ensuring the education of the next generation--Whoa did I just come up with that?
Every now and then, I try to save letters, awards, certificates and other noteworthy paraphernalia to add to my collection of items that I will someday put in a professional portfolio. This way, when I leave my current profession to pursue my dream job of being a tour guide at a Smithsonian Institute in D.C. (if the teaching in college thing doesn’t work out), I will have something for my future employers to look at and judge my ability by.
[For all you grammar mavens out there, I DO realize I just ended a sentence with a preposition. (rolling eyes) Bite me. Bite me hard.]
For your reading pleasure today (and because that is the only pleasure I am comfortable satisfying for you at the moment), I have decided to share a letter from a student I taught last year. To protect his identity we shall call him Grover.To protect his identity even more, we shall pronounce Grover with a French accent, "gro- vay", for added effect. Last year, a week or two before the semester exam in December, I told the students that I would help them review by posting review games and quizzes on my website. I nonchalantly mentioned that it would probably help them ace the exam. Of course, very few students took advantage of the opportunity, but for those who did, there was a little extra credit surprise waiting on each review page of the website. One of the extra credit opportunities requested each student to email me two things they liked about English class, and two things they didn’t like. I wanted to have some student feedback so that I could modify and adjust my teaching style for the students who felt I might not have been meeting their needs.
Grover (once again, that's "gro-vay") wrote me a letter, which I have kept in my email inbox for a year now. I plan to someday place it in my portfolio because it meant a lot to me for a variety of reasons. I have told both Grover and Grover's mom (Mademoiselle gro-vay) my intentions with the email, so I hope I am not violating anyone's trust by posting it. There have been no changes to the format or grammar.
I have a feeling that people who read this may have mixed reactions. I welcome any questions or comments you may have.
From: Grover@grover.com
To: Ms. Graduate Girl
Subject: Four Things About English Class
HONEST PART
Well, seeing as I'm not going to be graded on my letter composition, (I hope) I'm not really worried about the neatness of it. As you may have guessed I'm only writing this letter to get two extra credit points. However, since you don't want to know that, just scroll down and ignore this part.
STUDENT PART
I was so thrilled to be able to write you a letter that I just wanted to procrastinate and make it as long as I could. So now I will list two things that I like about your class.
I like:
#1 That you deal with the class in a strict but loving manner and always have our best interest (of this I have no doubt) in mind.
#2 You have no mercy on the underlings that don't do their work. BWHAHAHAAHHAHA, and that you keep discipline and order in your classroom.
P.S. (Can I write this? Oh well) I seem to strive on discipline and it helps that its the last class of the day and it helps even more that your always in a good mood for our class.
At this point I'm going to ask you to look above and notice that we are completely out of the honest zone and that I am not responsible for any false information given. (HAHA just kidding :-)
I don't like:
#1 All the homework!! (I know your heart must be bleeding for me right about now) and all our class does is WHINE WHINE WHINE! yada yada yada! blah blah blah--by the way I'm amazed at how much you teachers can put up with, is it mandatory to take a tolerance course to become a teacher?
#2 Uhhh...You've been the only teacher to give me a lunch detention! (not to mention 2!) How could you? (dumb question) How could I?!
Yeah that pretty much wraps it up.
Love ya-
Grover
Keep up the good work--thanks for devoting your time to ensuring the education of the next generation--Whoa did I just come up with that?
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Are there any women out there who despise the radio? Please contact me; I have just the man for you...
IT'S A GOOD LIFE.
I will try not to talk too much about it, but I have been thinking lately about how different life is now that I am single. Of course I had the initial feelings of despair after the breakup: I cried as lovers are prone to do when they part ways. The loneliness was killing me, as well as the undeserved feeling of utter failure which had engulfed me. Thankfully, those feelings are gradually diminishing because of my small but adequate circle of quality friends.
Yes, life is different. Things have changed. I can listen to the radio.
Maybe you didn't hear me: I can listen to the radio.
The X! despised the radio and requested (several times) that we do not listen to it in the car or in the house. THE RADIO! Have you ever heard of such a thing? One day we went to the mall for dinner and a movie and some shopping. While inside the Gap, rummaging through the typical aisles and aisles of poorly made articles of clothing (admit it! it's true!), a familiar song began to play over the loudspeaker. Of course, I love to sing- and I am, from time to time, compelled to sing or hum harmony or melody to whatever tunes I hear. So...instinctively...and without malicious intent...I hummed.
Well, that made the X!'s lips purse together and his brow furrow. He wasn't just displeased, he was down right ANGRY. Suffice it to say that he refused to speak to me for the rest of the evening. When I finally couldn't take the silent treatment anymore, I confronted him. What was he angry about? He just didn't know, he began, if he could date someone like me. What do you mean? I inquired- completely oblivous to the grievous crime I had committed two hours earlier. I don't know, he continued, if I can be with someone who listens to the popular music that is played on the radio. I'm an artist, and I support starving musicians; the radio stations monopolize and manipulate the industry. I need to be with someone who understands my convictions on the matter.
@#!*?
I did, after many soothing kisses and loving hugs, manage to persuade him that I was truly sorry. I held him close to me and cooed and cajoled him into a smile, all the while convincing myself that it was these bizarre thought processes (and there were many) that made me love him so. I also tried to casually mention that it really shouldn't have been a big deal.
But it was a big deal.
I will try not to talk too much about it, but I have been thinking lately about how different life is now that I am single. Of course I had the initial feelings of despair after the breakup: I cried as lovers are prone to do when they part ways. The loneliness was killing me, as well as the undeserved feeling of utter failure which had engulfed me. Thankfully, those feelings are gradually diminishing because of my small but adequate circle of quality friends.
Yes, life is different. Things have changed. I can listen to the radio.
Maybe you didn't hear me: I can listen to the radio.
The X! despised the radio and requested (several times) that we do not listen to it in the car or in the house. THE RADIO! Have you ever heard of such a thing? One day we went to the mall for dinner and a movie and some shopping. While inside the Gap, rummaging through the typical aisles and aisles of poorly made articles of clothing (admit it! it's true!), a familiar song began to play over the loudspeaker. Of course, I love to sing- and I am, from time to time, compelled to sing or hum harmony or melody to whatever tunes I hear. So...instinctively...and without malicious intent...I hummed.
Well, that made the X!'s lips purse together and his brow furrow. He wasn't just displeased, he was down right ANGRY. Suffice it to say that he refused to speak to me for the rest of the evening. When I finally couldn't take the silent treatment anymore, I confronted him. What was he angry about? He just didn't know, he began, if he could date someone like me. What do you mean? I inquired- completely oblivous to the grievous crime I had committed two hours earlier. I don't know, he continued, if I can be with someone who listens to the popular music that is played on the radio. I'm an artist, and I support starving musicians; the radio stations monopolize and manipulate the industry. I need to be with someone who understands my convictions on the matter.
@#!*?
I did, after many soothing kisses and loving hugs, manage to persuade him that I was truly sorry. I held him close to me and cooed and cajoled him into a smile, all the while convincing myself that it was these bizarre thought processes (and there were many) that made me love him so. I also tried to casually mention that it really shouldn't have been a big deal.
But it was a big deal.
Friday, September 05, 2003
SINGLE GIRL, BIG CITY, BIG PLANS
Well, now that I am officially single, and have been for quite some time- I thought I would take this time to draw up my goals for the coming year. I think it's important to have some things to look forward to - especially activities that don't end with the word "boyfriend." Now I do teach, so my year has officially started and will finish the last week of May, 2004. We shall see, after that time, what I have accomplished.
In no predetermined order of appearance, my goals are to:
A. Plan a four day personal vacation to New York City for the summer. See one Broadway show.
B. Remain single and free until at least December, to ward off evil spirits from the "ex" and appease the anger of the gods.
C. Add and maintain at least one month's salary in my savings.
D. Learn at least 5 more guitar chords by Christmas (damn that Bm!).
E. Dress up on the weekend with the purpose of going out. (At least twice a month.)
F. Sign up for my third Latin dance class by summer.
G. Pay off the balance on my credit card before Christmas ($450)- yes I only own one, thank God.
H. Call the lady back from the Phoenix symphony and get trained for the volunteer program by November.
I. Look into the PhD program at ASU- just for kicks if nothing else!
J. Write or call my parents- once every two months is enough.
I think that's good for now.
Here's hoping.
Well, now that I am officially single, and have been for quite some time- I thought I would take this time to draw up my goals for the coming year. I think it's important to have some things to look forward to - especially activities that don't end with the word "boyfriend." Now I do teach, so my year has officially started and will finish the last week of May, 2004. We shall see, after that time, what I have accomplished.
In no predetermined order of appearance, my goals are to:
A. Plan a four day personal vacation to New York City for the summer. See one Broadway show.
B. Remain single and free until at least December, to ward off evil spirits from the "ex" and appease the anger of the gods.
C. Add and maintain at least one month's salary in my savings.
D. Learn at least 5 more guitar chords by Christmas (damn that Bm!).
E. Dress up on the weekend with the purpose of going out. (At least twice a month.)
F. Sign up for my third Latin dance class by summer.
G. Pay off the balance on my credit card before Christmas ($450)- yes I only own one, thank God.
H. Call the lady back from the Phoenix symphony and get trained for the volunteer program by November.
I. Look into the PhD program at ASU- just for kicks if nothing else!
J. Write or call my parents- once every two months is enough.
I think that's good for now.
Here's hoping.
ODE TO TODD
You have graciously allowed me to converse with you at will, and to seek out your friendship. For that, I am most grateful.
One quiet and unsuspecting day, I pulled back the cumbersome and never ending folds of cyber space and, serendipitously, found you there.
You did not know you had a purpose in my life; unknowingly, you stepped up to the challenge anyway.
You are a master teacher and a shining example to bloggers everywhere. You are not a mere acquaintance: I call you friend.
It is only fitting that I write about you first.
Your humble tutee,
GG
You have graciously allowed me to converse with you at will, and to seek out your friendship. For that, I am most grateful.
One quiet and unsuspecting day, I pulled back the cumbersome and never ending folds of cyber space and, serendipitously, found you there.
You did not know you had a purpose in my life; unknowingly, you stepped up to the challenge anyway.
You are a master teacher and a shining example to bloggers everywhere. You are not a mere acquaintance: I call you friend.
It is only fitting that I write about you first.
Your humble tutee,
GG
Saturday, August 16, 2003
100 THINGS ABOUT ME
This Page Under Construction...
The very first thing that will go on my blog is, of course, my 100 list. It's taking me a while to get it up but I'm sure I will have it completed by the weekend. I appreciate your paticence!
1. I am 5'4" and love my height. Why? Because I can wear heels without feeling too tall.
2. I am almost 100% certain that if I get married I will marry someone of a different ethnicity and skin color.
3. I teach English at the high school level. Should any of my students ever discover my posts, I would be screwed. My highest aspirations right now are either to move on and teach at the college level, or to sell all my worldly possessions, move to D.C. and work full time as a tour guide.
4. In my free time, I love to dance. I love to frequent Tempe and Scottsdale clubs alike; however, I spend more time in Tempe clubs because they're less snobby and pretentious.
5. I have taken two Latin dance classes and enjoyed them very much. It is, in my opinion, one of the few remaining forms of dancing that require a partner; where the man must lead. It is truly romantic and passionate, even if you are dancing with someone you don't feel an attraction for.
6. In my free time, I also play guitar. I am a novice, but I will go ahead and say that I have learned a lot in a year. Everything I know how to play I taught myself. Guitar playing is more than a hobby now. It is a lifestyle. I do hope to someday write and perform my own music.
7. I am not close to my family members, although I wish I was. I love them dearly, but we have been through strange and mysterious times. Time and distance has created a numbness in me that is somewhat acceptable. Not being close to them has been a source of contention for me, and I realize that if I ever meet that special someone, he will be dealing mostly with me; I do not plan to make my family (my parents, rather) an integral part of my married life. It's a sad fact- but here it is.
8. I drive 30 miles to work and back. I refuse to live in Paradise Valley/Scottsdale(Snobsdale). My heart beats for Tempe, AZ. only.
9. I watch Judge Judy regularly. I fear and respect her simultaneously.
10. I'm an insomniac and a night owl. Often, it's hard for me to get to sleep before 12 pm. I wake up at 5:30 every weekday in order to make it to work by 7am.
11. I've only been drunk twice in my life.
12. When I was only in the third grade, the powers of the universe saw it fit to bless me with breasts. I think I would have appreciated it if they had waited til I was in junior high. What can a girl do with breasts in the 3rd grade????
13. I cannot stand to go to the movies very often. Going every two-three months is enough. I find it a nonsocial event. I prefer to go alone if I go at all.
14. I love to hang out at Borders or Barnes and Noble. Either bookstore would make for an ideal date.
15. I understand absolutely NOTHING about football. Until I was in the latter part of grammar school, I thought men had to be born with special shoulders to play. No matter, I just cheer for the team with the most lovely jerseys.
16. I played field hockey all four years of high school and loved it. I also played basketball and volleyball and soccer. I was a cheerleader in college. I hated cheer.
17. I am a perfectionist and workaholic. For this reason, I think it's best that I remain single, and not bear children. I am open to suggestions concerning this very touchy issue.
18. I have never broken a bone in my body.
19. I went to my first college on a vocal scholarship. That's something... right?
20. The last great book I read was Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. It's a must read. I thought I would have to sell all my possessions (I only have three) and move to Japan forever after reading it.
21. Two movies I would recommend to anyone are A Clockwork Orange, directed by Stanley Kubrick. It was... interesting. I recommend it to all. Another great one is Farewell My Concubine. I don't recommend it if you don't like subtitled movies, which I do.
22. I have read just about every book of the New Testament except for Revelations.
23. I also teach Speech.
24. I have taught a college freshman course 3 times.
25. If I have casual plans to go out for the evening, and become displeased with my hair or the outfit I'm wearing, I have no qualms about standing up the people I have made plans with. I hate this about myself.
26. Although I am gregarious by nature, I have noticed that I tend to spend a lot of time alone. I can't decide whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. What are your thoughts?
27. I got my first period when I was 11. I just met two women who didn't get theirs until they were 17. The powers of the universe despise me, and are plotting my demise most urgently.
28. Between the ages of 7 and 18 I grew up in a foreign country.
29. I have a profound fear of dogs. I once ran out of a New Year's party screaming bloody hell because a friend's beast of a dog came bounding towards me. I knew I was overeacting but I couldn't help it. I was terrified, and angry; my entire body shook for 30 minutes afterwards.
30. There are four pieces of jewelry that I never take off. Two silver rings on either hand, and two silver toe rings.
31. I feel naked when I don't wear earrings.
32. I believe in a heaven and a hell.
33. I am an undeclared vegetarian. I don't cook beef, although I eat it fom time to time. When I cook and eat food with eggs and chicken I have to really focus so that I don't gross myself out. I prefer the meat I eat to be cleverly disguised, incognito, and deceitfully delicious.
34. I didn't get my driver's licence until after I had my first college degree.
35. I wear glasses sometimes when I have been sitting in front of the computer for a long time, or when I'm reading for extended periods of time.
36. When I was younger, I had a terrible habit of making a sweeping licking circle all the way around my mouth with my tongue, then wiping the saliva off with the collar or neck of my shirts. Often, my lips would get so chapped from the chaffing I couldn't move my lips.
37. I detest the word "belly."
38. I once spent 5 days straight frolicking in bed with theX!. We got dressed only once that week- to go out and pick up a pizza.
39. My second toe is longer than the first one. Does that freak you out? :)
40. I believe in the message of dreams, and I believe in journaling them/interpreting them.
41. I once dated a man who was 13 years older than I for 2 years. Although we never once had an argument, one day he walked out of the door, and I never saw him again.
42. I love paper. No particular reason.
43. I don't really care for ice cream.
44. I took a vacation by myself for the very first time last summer.
45. I have a love affair with black coffee. Sugar, no cream.
46. I have been on a hot air balloon ride. It wasn't anything special.
47. Even though I don't really care for swimming or water sports, I have a passion for canoeing! I volunteered to teach that at camp every day!
48. Oh yeah, when I was 23(?) I was hired as the Women's Director for a reputable high school sports camp in the midwest. I was in charge of all camp parties and social events.
49. I like to go fishing but I worry about the fish feeling pain.
50. I just passed the 50 mark on my 100 list.
51. Three weeks ago I overdosed on Excedrin. The doctor at the ER accused me of trying to commit suicide.
52. When I was younger I used to eat dirt... 3 years ago I was hospitalized for severe anemia. This was the explanation for eating dirt. It seems I have dangerously low levels of iron.
53. I took French for 3 years in high school.
54. The meanest thing I have ever done was to take a chicken's cut off head, boil it, wrap it in tin foil, and give it to this girl we all hated in junior high. I told her it was dessert my mom gave me, but I didn't want it. I can't believe I touched a chicken's head.
55. The second meanest thing I have ever done was to "flavor" an uncle's plate of food with specks of dirt. I hated him so.
56. The meanest thing ever done to me: I have a 1 inch, very thin, very faint line of a scar on my left cheek. It used to be very,very dark. I got it when I was 13.
57. My mother gave the scar to me with her fingernail when she pinched my face in a fit of inexplicable rage and anger. The one apology I did get from her was forced and sheepish. I love her, but I hope she feels a twinge of guilt every time I look at her.
57. When people first looked at the scar (when it was really dark) they thought I was crying because it looked like the trace of a tear. I was depressed and ashamed about my face being marred for a long time.
58. I told everyone at school I had been scratched by a cat. No one ever remembered I didn't own one.
59. My very first serious boyfriend (when I was 18) told me he thought it was a beautiful scar. It was a turning point.
60. I receive compliments about my skin and face everywhere I go. What an odd twist of fate.
60. I really enjoy NPR.
61. Manos Manos, Hands of Fate... need I say more???
62. After watching a movie, I must read Roger Ebert's review of it.
63. I want to write like Roger Ebert.
64. Besides my dad and my brother, I have never lived with a man. Ever.
65. I cannot stand to hang my clothes on wire hangers. Only plastic or wooden ones will do.
66. Although I am intimate in relationships, for the most part, I'm not a touchy feely person.
67. My love language is time. I like to give quality time and I like to receive it. I often equate a person's love for me with the amount of quality time they can afford. The other love languages- gifts, for example- do very little for me.
68. I play a little piano.
