lining up my words

a slice of list making

Juliann — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:46:19 +0000

You may remember my hesitation about getting an i-phone, my worries that I would not be able to resist the urge to check email messages and that I would become – well, one of those people who is always playing with her phone.

I think I have been able to moderate the urge to tap and it has been a great help to have access to my calendar and email as I drive to and from my various campuses.

But my favorite thing right now is this new application I found for list making. I have hunted for months, looking for a program that will take the place of my many pieces of paper lists that are always stuck in the wrong part of my purse. When I make a list here, I can store it on my phone or mail it to myself for printing. I even made a list for Slice of Life ideas!

In twelve weeks

Juliann — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:30:52 +0000

Sounds like a long time but -

In twelve weeks, I hope to be healthier,

In twelve weeks, I hope to be sleeping better,

In twelve weeks, I hope to be feeling more balanced,

In twelve weeks, I hope to be running in a 5K.

Last spring I participated in a healthy choices challenge at work and I am reviving that process to get back on track. Twelve weeks. Ready, set, GO!

Slicing up a spin

Juliann — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:42:07 +0000

Earlier this month, I was at our admin retreat and we were talking about how we can stay true to what we understand and believe are good educational practices. I brought up the difficulty of describing a play-based program for young children in a way that would not turn away those parents who want their children to be “learning something.” In my summer reading, I had come across the term guided play and was wondering if this might be a better way to talk about what teachers and children are doing in the classroom. Then someone mentioned a story they had heard on the radio citing research that indicated a good kindergarten experience could result in a higher earning potential. What she had heard was this – children who had great kindergarten teachers ended up making more money than those who had less than great teachers. Wow – talk about pressure. I was very interested in this idea so of course I launched an internet search and I found this article (which had been sent to me but left unread). I will leave it to you to decided who is spinning what but it does make me think about how we use words. As I am getting ready for our back to school parent meetings, I am contemplating what words to use and how to use them. The last thing I want is to get caught up in the spin.

Slicing into my routine

Juliann — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:35:29 +0000

Time to get back into a routine. And hoping the transition from summer to school year will be made a bit easier with a no mess hair style and a simplified approach to dressing. Earlier this summer I heard about a challenge to choose 6 items and wear only those items for a month. I am working on a version of that for my school wardrobe. I have also been learning to embrace my curls which has really cut down on my morning routine. So, what will I do with that extra time? Not quite sure yet but there are books on my Kobo and a new Couch to 5K ap on my phone not to mention a blank journal. Surely something will feel right.

a slice of crafting

Juliann — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:33:27 +0000

Being back at work is made a bit easier when there are fun distractions – like an evening making little books and crafting with my daughters. We made a big mess, started some projects, finished some projects, and enjoyed being together.

doubt, drumming, and writing about it

Juliann — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:16:30 +0000

In my own world, my day-to-day getting up and going to work and being an educator, I feel pretty confident. Not overly confident (I hope) but enough to believe that I can do the work. I try to put in the time, at the desk, in the classroom, reading and studying and keeping up on the research. When I tell people that I am an educator, I believe it.

But I struggle with calling myself a drummer or a writer. I am putting in the time, practicing those rhythms, writing words, reading the music book, watching other drummers, reading about writing, taking up writing challenges. But I hesitate to say that I am . . . I wonder what it will take to give me that confidence? performance? publication?

Today I read a piece about doubt and it ended with asking a good question; if doubt is a seed, what doubts are being planting in my so that I can grow?

back to work

Juliann — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:13:10 +0000

I don’t usually mess with wet mediums – fabric and paper are my preferred materials for creative processing. But I got this little paper sample book and I do have a bottle of gesso and I have been browsing this magazine all summer so I thought, maybe this is the thing I need to do now. I am heading back to work today – just a few hours for the first few days, but I need something to pull me back to the “not at work” state of mind. So far I have prepped about half the pages inside and will do the rest tonight. Not sure what will go into this little art journal but I am inspired by so many things, especially the work of this fellow teacher.

a slice of Celtic rock

Juliann — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:24:49 +0000

My grandparents were born in Scotland. As a girl, I loved to see my grandmother’s beautiful teacups and lace. I remember my grandfather putting on his dress kilt only a few times but I know they were proud of their heritage. Each year the Highland Games come to the Pacific Northwest and we have gone a few times. But it wasn’t until our trip to Scotland a few years ago that I found myself looking forward to this weekend. I love the kilts, the bagpipes, the massing of the pipe bands and the gathering of the clans. But I have also grown to love the Celtic rock groups that play each year. This year we saw Tempest, a very lively band with a wonderful sound. I even bought a CD. I wonder a bit what my grandfather would have to say about this development.

goodbye july

Juliann — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:12:32 +0000

I thought about posting the last few days but just couldn’t muster the energy. So now, I am going to spend some quality time in this chair, on the refurbished deck, with my new KOBO and a magazine and a cold beverage.

thinking green

Juliann — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:57:06 +0000

Our week at VBS had me thinking about this photo from a few years ago. The kids are learning about taking care of creation, reusing, recycling, renewing. It has been very fun – although also very exhausting. I always forget how much energy large groups of kids demand.