Well, I didn't do the dishes last night, but I did make a light dinner, watched a bit more crap tv and that was that. I completed a load of laundry before bed and also was refreshes to play with Quinn when he got home from class. We had "coffee" with Curious George and Elmo at his little table. It was fun.
I really like reading people's heartfelt musings about change and also what they're going to do to achieve it. Sometimes, the thought behind the idea is just as important as the actual DOING. The more we consciously consider an action we went to take, for instance, or one we need not to take, the closer that thought it to the forefront of our mind. Plus, there's nothing like repetition to reinforce something. For example, I casually tell myself that I should be a kinder, more attentive partner to Luke, but days will pass and when I reflect on them, I haven't done anything exceptional to be a nicer, more affectionate person. My "intent" was good, but my follow-through was non-existent. So, for those of you that haven't really developed your goal or your idea, please do so.
Next, the great thing about this class- for me-- is that I'm writing every day and reading student writing everyday. Just like you might procrastinate on homework, I put off correcting things sometimes because I want to hang with Quinn or have to make dinner, etc. And, while I write comments on all work I receive by hand, this class affords me the chance to give more feedback. PLUS, I have a record of all you write and all I write so both of us can truly see the evolution of it all! So, when I say that I want you to design a writing project for the remainder of the term, I want you to select something that allows you to suck the marrow out of the cool design of this course. Write letters to all your friends or Congress. Read the paper and respond to editorials. Write a slew of outstanding poetry. Count down the days to the inauguration by thinking about what the next four years might be like; what you want it to be like. Write your will or your eulogy. Work on college essays-- heck, research colleges and post-school options and then process that through blogging. Write a choose your own adventure and make each day a single choice the reader makes. Write a sequel to the last Harry Potter. Have fun!
What should your day consist of:
A. Tell me how your project/goal/resolution is going and what you're doing to make it happen
B. Dive into your independent writing projec
C. Conference with Becky with either A or B bewitch you:)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Owning Change
A little time on the couch and a little crap tv has given me a bit more perspective on what I might venture to change about myself this year. Luke and I have set plenty of financial and familial goals for the year, but the individual gets lost in the family. I don't mind that, to be clear, because being a Mother is seriously great stuff. Quinn, as I've previously mentioned, makes me feel at peace in the world, optimistic about the future and full of love. And yet, some wise people have told me that I will be a better mother and partner if I am also making sure that I am happy. The fact that I've paused writing this for about 10 minutes so I could watch more Bret Michaels bus of Love is telling. I need more mindless, relaxing time. Of course, the only way that can happen is if I'm done with all the things I really need to do. That list is always longer than time I'm afforded. At present, there's laundry I could do, dishes to wash and I haven't made myself dinner yet because I'll have to clean it up too. Monday nights are Dad's class nights when Quinn and Luke go to Early Childhood Family Education class together. I've got about 30 minutes until they return. Will I: 1. race to clean dishes, 2. eat dinner, 3. watch more crap tv. 4. blog or none of the above??? Stay tuned. Oh, and read the next blog.
Feeling bliss
We've got our keyboard situated differently on our desk and the screen too is at an odd angle. I have a series of cramps in my upper back... and still I write. I'm like the Michael Phelps of blogging-- haha. So, I believe that I've finished reading everything composed between December 18th and yesterday and have commented on a slew of things. Thank you for the hearty mix of drama, humor and revelation. There are many strong, vivid, entertaining and provocative writers in our midst. I do hope you are reading one another's work:)
So, the majority of you have selected something about yourself that you resolve to adjust or tweak. Super. Now, you need to make a plan. How will you accomplish your goal? How will you consciously work on this objective? It's worthless for me to say I want to lose weight if I continue to eat and live in the same manner as 2008, right? in today's blog, please include a short plan and/or rationale (depending on how much thought you've shared already on this goal) for your goal. Each day of class until the end of the term I would like you to comment on your progress and how things are going. For some of you, a daily note will be short and others of you may find that immediately you have things to say and report.
For all the goodness to this venture, it will surely not fill your writing time each day, so I'd like each of you to brainstorm a meaningful writing project for yourself. For example, I might select a book I've been dying to read and spend time each day reflecting on the new novel. Maybe, you'll read the newspaper online each morning and then spout off an editorial-like blog about the state of the world. Maybe you want to expand your memoir that you started last month. Possibly you want to write more short stories or a novel... at least, the start of one. Or, maybe you'd simply like me to start giving more traditional writing prompts each day. For me, I'm going to become a more devoted FOCUSED blogger and spend time blogging on my Quinn's Mom site. Maybe you want to start up a new blog that focuses on an issue or objective daily. Let me know your thoughts and ideas in a blog today.
Cheers!
So, the majority of you have selected something about yourself that you resolve to adjust or tweak. Super. Now, you need to make a plan. How will you accomplish your goal? How will you consciously work on this objective? It's worthless for me to say I want to lose weight if I continue to eat and live in the same manner as 2008, right? in today's blog, please include a short plan and/or rationale (depending on how much thought you've shared already on this goal) for your goal. Each day of class until the end of the term I would like you to comment on your progress and how things are going. For some of you, a daily note will be short and others of you may find that immediately you have things to say and report.
For all the goodness to this venture, it will surely not fill your writing time each day, so I'd like each of you to brainstorm a meaningful writing project for yourself. For example, I might select a book I've been dying to read and spend time each day reflecting on the new novel. Maybe, you'll read the newspaper online each morning and then spout off an editorial-like blog about the state of the world. Maybe you want to expand your memoir that you started last month. Possibly you want to write more short stories or a novel... at least, the start of one. Or, maybe you'd simply like me to start giving more traditional writing prompts each day. For me, I'm going to become a more devoted FOCUSED blogger and spend time blogging on my Quinn's Mom site. Maybe you want to start up a new blog that focuses on an issue or objective daily. Let me know your thoughts and ideas in a blog today.
Cheers!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Welcome Back!!!
"For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's
words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
-- T.S. Eliot
I love this quotation. Muse on them for a moment and begin your blog by pasting them into your message and responding. Then, tackle my task below.
Welcome to 2009 dear writers,
I hope that you enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing two weeks. More than likely, you had some fun, some surprises and a bit of extra sleep. The narrative to describe such things will be fun for me to read. And that is what I'd like from you today-- a meaty recitation on your break. In addition, I'd like you to recall that prior to break I asked you to think about something you'd like to change about yourself, whether that was a habit, a way of thinking, a pattern, etc. As we journey through the next three weeks together, we will spend time writing and thinking about your selected change. Ideally, we will also act as a support network for one another as we all attempt to tweak something about our unique and wonderful selves. So, your work today consists of three parts:
1. Quote reflection
2. All about your break recitation
3. Change reformation:)
Finally, I hope that when I check my dashboard that people made use of break to make up missing blogs. January 1st was the last day to post anything from December.
words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
-- T.S. Eliot
I love this quotation. Muse on them for a moment and begin your blog by pasting them into your message and responding. Then, tackle my task below.
Welcome to 2009 dear writers,
I hope that you enjoyed a relaxing and refreshing two weeks. More than likely, you had some fun, some surprises and a bit of extra sleep. The narrative to describe such things will be fun for me to read. And that is what I'd like from you today-- a meaty recitation on your break. In addition, I'd like you to recall that prior to break I asked you to think about something you'd like to change about yourself, whether that was a habit, a way of thinking, a pattern, etc. As we journey through the next three weeks together, we will spend time writing and thinking about your selected change. Ideally, we will also act as a support network for one another as we all attempt to tweak something about our unique and wonderful selves. So, your work today consists of three parts:
1. Quote reflection
2. All about your break recitation
3. Change reformation:)
Finally, I hope that when I check my dashboard that people made use of break to make up missing blogs. January 1st was the last day to post anything from December.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Happiness
The picture above makes me smile. It fills my heart with joy. Great writing fills my heart with joy. As we head into our winter break, consider the ways in which your life is brimming with good fortune and relish those things that make you distinctly happy-- whether that's Hot cheetos, a steaming bowl of ramen or time with a friend watching familiar movies.
Have a terrific break. Read on to my next blog. Thanks.
Have a terrific break. Read on to my next blog. Thanks.
The Chicken and the Egg
Do you ever wonder if the tension and anxiety that always precedes a major break from school is because people are honestly burnt out, or do you think that knowing we're on the verge of a break causes a break down? I always wonder at this time of year if the exhaustion I feel is because I let myself feel it since I know break is coming or whether I am actually genuinely tired. Many schools, for example, have school into next week. If that was the case with us, would the "get me the heck our of here's" have started this early or kicked into gear next Monday?
What are your thoughts?
Will I get sick this weekend? More than likely. I tend to always have a break down of my immune system when we're out of school. Anyone find that similarly happens to them?
Who has big goals for break-- things they want to accomplish? I already feel like every day of my break is consumed with activity and responsibility... How do people do it when they work all year long without the breaks we enjoy from school? I have had a winter break since I was old enough to attend school.
Who here is good at relaxing or knows how to unwind in healthy ways?
Misc. note: The last day to post an assigned December blog for partial credit is January 1st.
Today's writing task: Muse about the above thoughts or write about anything that moves you.
What are your thoughts?
Will I get sick this weekend? More than likely. I tend to always have a break down of my immune system when we're out of school. Anyone find that similarly happens to them?
Who has big goals for break-- things they want to accomplish? I already feel like every day of my break is consumed with activity and responsibility... How do people do it when they work all year long without the breaks we enjoy from school? I have had a winter break since I was old enough to attend school.
Who here is good at relaxing or knows how to unwind in healthy ways?
Misc. note: The last day to post an assigned December blog for partial credit is January 1st.
Today's writing task: Muse about the above thoughts or write about anything that moves you.
A Warmer Wednesday
First off, props to everyone who rides the city bus. My partner Luke spent probably 2-3 hours of his day yesterday on mass transit. Wild.
Today, we are going to begin Part II of the work you started with your
Alphabet Year in Review. Now that you've put some thought into the
high and low lights of your year, I want you to consider what you would
CHANGE about your past year. More specifically, I want you to think
about something YOU could have changed about the year. Sometimes,
things happen to us that are tragic or wierd and they're out of our
control. Thankfully though, there are things within our domain of
control. In a reflective blog, write about what you might change about
yourself. This can be a behavior, a habit, a way of thinking... a
pattern... Then, in today's blog, establish why this is a worthwhile
thing to focus energy on.
Why? Because we're going to resolve to change something about how we
live, think or act and we're going to use your blog to track your
progress on that goal.
Some of you may have experienced this project in the past. I call it
the Pygmalion Project after the play by Bernard Shaw. You will
chronicle your journey to amend something about yourself. Very
exciting.
Happy Wednesday!
Today, we are going to begin Part II of the work you started with your
Alphabet Year in Review. Now that you've put some thought into the
high and low lights of your year, I want you to consider what you would
CHANGE about your past year. More specifically, I want you to think
about something YOU could have changed about the year. Sometimes,
things happen to us that are tragic or wierd and they're out of our
control. Thankfully though, there are things within our domain of
control. In a reflective blog, write about what you might change about
yourself. This can be a behavior, a habit, a way of thinking... a
pattern... Then, in today's blog, establish why this is a worthwhile
thing to focus energy on.
Why? Because we're going to resolve to change something about how we
live, think or act and we're going to use your blog to track your
progress on that goal.
Some of you may have experienced this project in the past. I call it
the Pygmalion Project after the play by Bernard Shaw. You will
chronicle your journey to amend something about yourself. Very
exciting.
Happy Wednesday!
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Becky at HS Graduation
Becky at HS Graduation
About Me
- Becky
- I am a middle school teacher in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am the proud mother of two: Quinn (7) and Lily (4). I live in St. Paul and enjoy the terrific food and shops of this great place.