Sunday, November 25, 2007

November update with lots of () and ...

Wow! I can't believe I haven't posted since the day after Halloween! I think that is definitely the longest bit of time between posts on this blog. I am a little chagrined to think of all the time I spent bemoaning how little time I would have for blogging when I started school. I actually managed somewhat nicely until November. Multiple papers, out-of-town visitors, etc. conspired to finally knock the wind out of my blogging sails. My Google reader regulary informs me there are as many as 180 posts to read. 180 posts??!!!! I periodically hit "Mark All As Read" and move on.

School is slowing down though. I have: one paper to write this week (reporting on my teaching of a reading comprehension strategy to three students); one Power Point presentation showing a lesson plan which incorporates technology in the classroom (Guess what? My lesson involves blogging!); four chapters from my content area literacy book; and, one online response project. That's it. After those few assignments I will have completed my first semester of grad school. Yeah me! (And, of course, yeah! Paul, Marley and Colin for having to live through it!)

Marley Update: I've had many people ask my about Marley. I pretty much left everyone with a Strep Throat cliff hanger. She perked up within a couple of days of being on her antibiotics and has been fine ever since. I has some apprehension because about day 7 of her medication she went on strike and refused to take the pills. We got one or two more in her after that and I intended to call the doctor to either get his okay to stop or a prescription for some liquid meds to finish her out. Of course, I became distracted and never got that call made. She hasn't had a relapse and it has been a few weeks, so I think we are out of the woods on this one.

Other than that, life is, you know, what you might expect. Paul is gearing up to hit the road after being home for weeks (lovely, lovely weeks). Colin prepares for his driver's license permit and behind-the-wheel driver's education. (Theoretically I am happy for him and ready for him to drive. Seeing as how he has not actually driven a car yet, it remains to be seen if my theoretical acceptance will translate into actual acceptance that my baby...sniff... boy... sniff... is DRIVING!!!!

Oh yes, life-wise, tomorrow, 11/26, is my birthday. 43. In spite of all the good things going on in my life, I face 43 with less enthusiam than 42. I can't say why. I know I've enjoyed being an age that equates to the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything. What does a has-been Ultimate Answer do when she leaves that magical number behind? I guess we'll find out this year.

There is so much more to blog...

  • I never got to finishing BubandPie's tag of five influential books...
  • I've been on a period costume drama DVD binge: both Pride and Prejudices (Firth vs. MacFadyen: I have my definitive fave, but at the risk of an all out Darcy War, I will remain silent as to my preference), Wives and Daughters, North and South (again!)...
  • I've also been reading all those books (as ebooks of all things).
  • School! I've learned so much about content area literacy and adult developmental education. I am enjoying what I'm learning and am excited to share some of it here...
  • Sleeping with Bread. I've not baked my bread of gratitude here for such a long time, yet there is so much to be thankful for...
  • In January, Paul and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage... so much to blog about that!

I've missed the companionship I get in the blogosphere. I wish I could have kept up with everyone and kept everyone up-to-speed. But well, isn't there some saying about wishes?

School is winding down... I'll get back in the swing of things. At least until January 18th when my spring semester starts and I am taking 9 units. (9? Oy!)

In the meantime, I leave you with this poem... just because I like it:


There Is A River by S.A. Griffen

there is a cheerful ignorance
a chance meeting and
luck like gold that cannot be
mined or stolen
a common atom
a dance
and stars that trick the
water with their
certain magic
do not wash your wars in it
take your holy rituals to the
precious fountains built by your
agencies of fear
press your
wine from the fallout
and drink victory
for yes
there is a river
a giving river that will
sing you safely
a river of
light
final
fast
and
free
where you can
disrobe
and leave your casual sadness
walking sideways at the
shore
meet me there
whoever you are
and we will agree to
swim it
together

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice to have you back, and happy birthday.

The first semester of grad school is brutal, especially if you've been away for awhile. You should be proud of yourself for making it this far, even if it meant letting the blogging slide.

Julie Pippert said...

Mary!!

Oh my gosh...so good to see you!!

Thanks for the update, and we all understand periodic absences; plus you did warn us.

A driver! Good luck!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

I hope 43 settles in more comfortably on you soon.

Julie
Using My Words

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you blogging again. Happy birthday and kudos on your studies. Your classes sound sooooo interesting. Glad Marley is feeling better, too!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! How did you do on your website assignment?

I prefer MacFayden's Darcy. It was the first portrayal I'd seen that said, "I am shy and introverted BUT not in need of prozac and psycho therapy." As much as I adore Firth there are moments in his version that makes me wonder if he is really not just manic depressive. I've got to see North and South. I've heard so much good stuff about it.

Beck said...

Hey, I missed you! It's so hard to have a busy real life and do much blogging at all - I'm glad Marley is all better.

Anonymous said...

Phew, that's a lot! So goo d to hear from you.
Congratulations on having a semester (almost) under your belt. And Happy Birthday. For me, it's usually like a personal New Year.

EnnuiHerself said...

Glad to have you back and Happy Belated Birthday!! Sorry I didn't get here sooner but busy, busy . . .

In the week that I was away from my computer, I had *216* new posts on my Google Reader (mostly from this site).

Congratulations on finishing your first semester of grad school. As I remember, the first semester was the hardest so you should be proud.

Anonymous said...

Well I'm so glad you're if only briefly for a catch up. The poem is just what I needed. Glad that holiday time is just around the corner although we have a couple of birthdays in December first.
BEst wishes

Violet said...

Happy Belated Birthday! You have been one busy woman. Glad to hear the strep went away. Good luck with the driver, i'm sure you'll retain your happiness for him.

Lindsey said...

Nice to have you back. Happy Belated Birthday!! Hope it was a good one!!

Sheila said...

Love the poem. I've never read that before.

And at great personal risk, I will tell you: I prefer the Macfadyen Darcy. (aaaahhhh - i can almost hear the screaming . . . .)

Aliki2006 said...

Nice to have you back!

Happy birthday!

And thanks for sharing the poem--it was lovely.

deedee said...

Happy Birthday!
I am only a couple of months younger than you and I feel the same way about 43 :)

Tara Lamont said...

OOOHHH! I've missed you - I'm trying to get back to the "Bread" as well. Merry Christmas!
Tara

atypical said...

I hope all is well with you as the crazy rush toward the 25th continues.

I'm thinking about you!

-t

Shari said...

What a beautiful poem! I've missed you, Mary!

Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas! :-)

Cristina said...

Hi Mary,

Merry Christmas to you! Congrats on your upcoming 20 year anniversary. From someone 6 years in, that seems like quite an accomplishment! :)

Have a great holiday,
Cristina