tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48894765552270784752024-03-25T22:09:19.728-04:00RuminationsEllenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-333965299787021372024-03-25T10:37:00.000-04:002024-03-25T10:37:17.428-04:00Acceptable Escape<p>My go-to activity these days is to hunker down into my reading chair and escape into fiction of all sorts. Reading is an acceptable form of escape from the demands and complexities of my life. Over the course of two weeks, I devour many books, reading before bed and for hours on the weekend. </p><p>A trip to the library for replenishing complete, I relax into my chair, book bag on my lap, and I pull each book out to reread the inside cover. Where will I start? </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Something light and humorous - currently reading anything by Jenny Colgan for this category. </li><li>Romantic - possibly a historical novel from Mary Balogh. </li><li>Scary - am I ready for something that I can't put down while my heart remains in my throat until the last page like the most recent Kristin Hannah? </li></ul><p></p><p>An orderly stack develops to the left of my chair - and soon the bag sits empty on the right, ready to collect the finished books and the cycle can begin again. Ahh...</p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-7444942530343371852023-03-19T11:39:00.001-04:002023-03-19T11:39:37.606-04:00After Action Report<p>I sit quietly in my chair, breathing in and out in an attempt to calm myself after the argument. I focus on the rhythmic whooshing in my ears and veins and the trembling of my arm muscles. I realize I'm gripping the arms of the chair and move to relax my hands, breathing in while I stretch the fingers out. The fuzzy feeling in my head must be a post-adrenaline chemical reaction, the down after such an intense up. Drained, I stay where I am. </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-3880002180675547892023-03-16T21:05:00.000-04:002023-03-16T21:05:30.135-04:00Putting Out Fires Today<p> </p><p>and yet, there was joy in the chaos:</p><p>-sixth grade English writers mastered problem/solution paragraphs - awesome</p><p>-Nic Stone, author and activist, entertained and enraptured our students - amazing </p><p>-walking field trip with the eighth grade, inspired by Leb Tav - delicious</p><p>-multiple meetings with thoughtful and dedicated staff - reassuring</p><p>-one day closer to the weekend - #thankful!</p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-2002636309364720972023-03-15T19:37:00.000-04:002023-03-15T19:37:45.648-04:00Spirit Week Woes<p>I've had a hard time getting into Spirit Week this week - not sure why (although I'm guessing Daylight Savings Time is a key factor!) Today was "The Future Looks Bright" day - and all week I have been uncertain what I might wear for this day - was I going neon? Was I going to go futuristic? Or, some sort of career?</p><p>I forgot (conveniently) Wacky Tacky day yesterday, to the chagrin of my admin colleagues who rocked the mismatched clothes. Pawing through my clothes closet this morning, I hemmed and hawed, not wanting to disappoint - but not feeling inspired. </p><p>And then...I got it. I greeted students this morning wearing my green graduation gown from George Mason University and that terrible hat (mortarboard?) that gives us all bad hair! I perfected my line..."I'm dressed as you... in the future - a graduate!" I love wearing my college graduation garb - and feel especially impressive when I add the Master's hood. So, I was feeling pretty good about my clothing choice until an adorable sixth grader earnestly asked, "Ms E. Smith, are you dressed as a leprechaun today? Isn't that Friday?"</p><p>I love middle schoolers!</p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-44811107494183049802023-03-13T19:11:00.000-04:002023-03-13T19:11:04.998-04:00A Quiet Day<p>Today was a little pokey - I'm not complaining. In middle school, a pokey day means that the climate was calm and relatively relaxed. I will admit, the dark morning accompanied by a light rain, ensured that we all were acting a little glum. But, I do believe that the time change - springing forward and losing an hour of sleep - was the main culprit. Students and staff alike were wiping the sleep out of their eyes as they arrived to school. </p><p>New day tomorrow - and we know that the energy of our middle schoolers will return to Spring Forward! </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-87276865431067880072023-03-12T19:04:00.000-04:002023-03-12T19:04:20.294-04:00Life Lessons Learned<p> No one really ever wants to go to the lab to get bloodwork - and I'm the same. I have put off and put off reaching out to my doctor to schedule my annual tests...and now I'm down to my last pill, and I have no choice. </p><p>This morning found me barreling around the beltway to my doctors office, throwing on a mask, and dashing into Kaiser. While I was moving right along, I was making a list in my head of the things I would do while waiting to get called in to the phlebotomist. </p><p>As I entered the lab, I noted optimistically that there was no line. Checking in at the kiosk, I pulled a number - and immediately my number was called to go in to the lab. Amazing! I walked right in, took a seat, rolled up my sleeve, and I was back out and on the road again within 4 minutes. </p><p>Two lessons for me to remember...first, the blood draw is never as bad as I expected; the lab techs are really skilled at doing their job. Second, Sunday morning is the best time to go to the lab. I've noted this in my calendar for next year! </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-75061726512570537082023-03-11T13:04:00.000-05:002023-03-11T13:04:04.478-05:00Breakfast Club<p>The hood-ied bodies swarmed to the corner of the field, antennae arms thrust into the air, cell phones waving like fans at a rock concert. The focus of this attention, a scuffle after lunch on Wednesday, resulted in no injuries, but I wanted both young people involved to understand how quickly a wrestle can turn into a physical altercation. Saturday School it was. </p><p>I opened the front door for the two seventh graders who were joining me this morning. Both sheepishly followed me into the building - subdued greetings and polite "holding of the doors", they were gracious in their guilt-ridden state. </p><p>As we walked through the darkened hallways, their heads swiveled and their affect changed. All of the sudden I was peppered with questions: are we the only ones here? Do you have all the keys? Can we take a secret tour? It was kind of cool to be in the building with no other students. And, finally, the comment "this is going to be fun!" </p><p>This is no Breakfast Club, though. We are going to be here for three long hours, fully supervised with no down time, and engaged in reflective activities, homework, and some community service. No fun to be had here. </p><p>But, it's a great opportunity for me to catch up on some blog posts! </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-48049207801565858592023-03-10T18:11:00.000-05:002023-03-10T18:11:58.958-05:00A Visitor<p>Rainy, messy roads this afternoon, and getting my grown kids off at the airport for their trip to Portland, was a test of my driving patience. But, I finished my errands and eagerly turned towards home. </p><p>My hubby and I are dog-sitting for our son and his girlfriend this weekend - and it's been a while since there was anyone else in the house but us two. It was lovely to walk in and have this beautiful dog, Luna, greet me like I was the most exciting person in the world. </p><p>A few minutes playing "retrieve the kong" and she's outside to explore the backyard. The sound of a wet-dog-shake lets me know that she's back inside. </p><p>I forgot how affirming life with a pet is. Looking forward to the weekend. </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-54358189688451389192023-03-06T19:47:00.001-05:002023-03-06T19:47:14.279-05:00Full Moon and...<p>Middle Schoolers! Need I say anymore? </p><p>The radio crackled to life first thing this morning, "An Admin is needed to meet bus 617. The bus will arrive at the front in three minutes." </p><p>My heart sank right into my shoes; how could there be a problem already? </p><p>But there was; and, the rest of the day went just like that. </p><p>Three more Mondays until Spring Break, but who's counting? </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-25395878453901358732023-03-05T17:43:00.001-05:002023-03-05T17:43:53.737-05:00Ready for the Week<p>Sunday is the day that I do my regular weekly things...laundry, the week's meal prep, and often a trip to the library. </p><p>Today, instead of going to the smaller library nearby, I went to Central Library which is larger and has more books. It's a little further away, but the glass recycling center drew me that direction anyway. After appreciating the impressive central staircase and the busy teen and children's section, I wandered into the fiction section, selecting titles, covers, and descriptions that interested me. I could have stayed there, with that task, all afternoon. </p><p>After returning home and finishing some chores, I gave myself permission to sit out in the sunshine, pull a book at random from my bag, and hunker down to escape into another world. I reveled in the warmth beaming down and escaped into an idealized time long gone. </p><p>Nothing could ruin my relaxed mood, not even the ominous splat that landed disturbingly close to my arm or the splash that landed on the page I was reading. </p><p>They say being pooped on by a bird is good luck, right? I'm ready to start the week, then. </p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-64954629657223556962023-03-04T18:07:00.000-05:002023-03-04T18:07:07.302-05:00Taking Care of Myself<p>The Community Learning catalog arrived in the mailbox this afternoon, and I eagerly flipped through its thin newsprint pages to see if there was anything that seemed intriguing enough for a commitment.</p><p>In an effort to do more than work, eat, and sleep - I've promised my family to explore different ways to take care of myself. I think I need the accountability of a class and teacher, with expectations of attendance and engagement to help me do this, and the draw of learning something new helps. </p><p>I could take another language: the German that I took in high school came in handy when we lived in Deutschland for three years, but it hasn't been especially useful since then. I've always kicked myself that I didn't take Spanish when I first began teaching - surely after 30 years I'd be fluent by now, right? </p><p>Music perhaps? I'm intrigued by the Beginner Cello classes. I love the sound of the cello - soothing, rich, and hypnotizing. But, am I ready to purchase, or even rent, a cello? Maybe the chorus, I'd love to sing - I'm a great car singer (slipping easily between melody and harmony) although no one ever hears me. Hmm, auditions required, I'm not ready to sing by myself. </p><p>There are writing options...learn how to blog, write your novel, explore poetry...but I'm committed to my writing here. There are fixing options...cabinetry, furniture repair, plumbing, organizing your email, starting a new business. There are art options, and I focus in on the "Bob Ross Painting Workshop," taught by a Bob Ross Certified Instructor! I've always envisioned myself drawing and painting mountains and trees, eagles soaring over it all. Alas that class happens during the school day. I'll bookmark it for some time in the future. </p><p>Perhaps this is my best option: "Sensory Tea Tasting and Meditative Study Workshop." This sounds like the perfect class to help me slow down and focus on what's important. </p><p>It's nice to have so many choices! </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-85709817429236123982023-03-03T22:52:00.006-05:002023-03-03T22:53:35.688-05:00Writing Group Rocks! <p>Continuing the theme of optimism - </p><p>This evening I met with my writing group - a group of passionate English teachers who write to understand, explore, reflect, and communicate in the same way that we ask our students to, and it was brilliant. As the evening ends, I'm feeling cared for, motivated, and reinvigorated for the work we do as educators. </p><p>We started writing regularly for and with each other almost 15 years ago - and the month of March, with its Slice of Life Challenge, has become an annual touchpoint for our lives. Looking back over our posts we celebrate teaching successes and failures, major and minor life events, and the joy of collaborating with thoughtful, honest friends and colleagues. </p><p>Here's to another month of slicing, sharing, and supporting each other. </p><p>Thank you, Friends. </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-43853890880453304502023-03-02T20:16:00.004-05:002023-03-02T20:16:55.086-05:00Optimistic Closure<p>Whew - it's March already? I really cannot believe it - and I'm delighted...the school year seems to be whizzing by, except for every single really slow day, week, and month. </p><p>Today I took a jaunt down to one of my favorite local colleges to recruit new teachers - and it was a wonderful, uplifting experience. </p><p>Young person after young person met with me to share their passion for their content area, or for working with a certain age student, or the power of equity and inclusivity to make a difference in a life. The future middle school teachers, especially, were joyful when speaking of their experience student teaching in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade! Each gave a bashful grin, almost surprised by their enthusiasm for our oft maligned middle children. </p><p>On the long ride home I found myself in The Zone - you know that good feeling when you find an open road lined on either side by blue-tinged mountains, your favorite song on the radio, and the freedom to sing just as loud as you want...</p><p>And the song was..."Don't Stop Believin'" by the group I saw <b>live </b>last night...Journey. This day, with this wrap up, gave me the optimistic boost that I have been needing to keep going! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-60080707706900687242022-03-23T18:29:00.001-04:002022-03-23T18:29:08.151-04:00Sixth Grade Lunch on a Rainy Day<p>We have continued to maintain outside lunch for students, and about half of our sixth graders typically eat outside. As I marched down the stairs to the cafeteria and then on the Plaza, ready to supervise lunch, I noticed large groups of students bringing their lunch back inside. "It's freezing, today," they shared with me, "and starting to rain." When I got out to the Plaza (our "backyard" space with tables for students) it had begun to sprinkle in earnest and even more students were migrating towards shelter. </p><p>Once the movement had settled I glanced around and one lone gray umbrella, with two sixth grade girls perched side by side beneath it, remained sitting out in the rain. Both girls had their knees pulled up and braced against the table, and they were happily digging around in their lunchboxes. As I walked over, they both looked up and grinned at me. "Ms. E. Smith, we are fine...we aren't getting wet - honestly. Can we stay here?" </p><p>I couldn't resist the joy in their faces. I let them sit there, in the rain, eating their lunches, perfectly gleeful that they were in the rain and adamant that they were not getting wet. </p><p>Sixth graders have so much joy!</p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-7465199245793126282022-03-22T20:01:00.004-04:002022-03-22T20:01:32.863-04:00An Unexpected Stressor<p>Leaving the classroom to become an administrator was a difficult decision - and if I'm honest, I didn't realize some of the stress that I would face. One unexpected stressor has been the emotional drain of being THE person with whom every staff member shares their personal challenges, especially when it impacts work. A sick parent, a death in the family, a cancer diagnosis, a crazy debilitating accident... the cumulative toll of listening, acknowledging, supporting, and worrying is an un-discussed stressor in the world of working with, managing, and leading people. </p><p>And yet - these are opportunities to listen, to connect, to acknowledge colleagues' fear, pain, sorrow, and grief, and provide the supports that we can. The worry - and the feeling of being powerless to help - our colleagues don't have to know about...but they are real, and they weigh heavily. </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-84336507508688736782022-03-21T17:47:00.001-04:002022-03-21T17:47:16.964-04:00Traveling through Spain with My Daughter: Tapas...<p>Tapas...</p><p>I really wasn't sure what to expect of the food in Spain. However, my daughter has spent the last nine months raving about her new favorite dinner: a glass of house red with a tapa side. Her favorite tapa has become the croquetas de jamon - and her description of the crispy, deep-fried deliciousness with a melt in your mouth filling has left me drooling. </p><p>On our first night in Malaga, Rebecca walked us up and down narrow streets to examine the menus outside of (what felt like) hundreds of Tapas bars. Finally, choosing one with lovely outdoor seating facing a stunningly lit cathedral, we relaxed into our chairs and let her place the order. Glasses of red wine were followed by multiple small plates of delicious treats like: ensaladilla rusa - chopped potatoes, eggs, and tuna, drizzled with creamy mayonnaise, garnished with fresh olives; a unique flat croquetas with a salty jamon (ham) flavor; and finally crunchy thin crackers with an Iberian cheese. What a lovely celebration of our arrival. </p><p>Every night in Spain we sought a different tapas bar, whether in Malaga, Ronda, or Granada. And, each night we tried something a little different. One of my favorites was eggplant fries with honey - I am not an eggplant fan, but these were delicious. And of course, we loved the traditional croquetas de jamon with the light and tantalizing aioli sauce. In reflection, there are so many tapas that we didn't get to try - </p><p>I'm going to have to go back. :)</p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-83861051794797137592022-03-20T18:57:00.000-04:002022-03-20T18:57:38.973-04:00Good DissonanceVisiting my daughter in Spain a couple of weeks ago was an absolute treat. It's been so long since I have ventured out of the town I live in, let alone travelled to another country. Being masked in multiple airports and planes was not fun, but getting off the plane and experiencing that feeling of dissonance - new language, different signage, vistas that look so different from the suburban world that I live in... that was exhilarating. <div><br /></div><div>Then, SHE ran through the doors, arms spread wide, angled straight towards her dad and I. Confident and poised, she directed the taxi driver to our hotel, checked us in, and took us out for our first cafe con leche in Malaga. She looked just the same as always, and yet, she was at home in this culture; we were on her territory. We were here just a week, and Rebecca was in charge! Whoo hoo! </div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-11069247415091613512022-03-13T21:07:00.003-04:002022-03-13T21:07:42.703-04:00Two Years, Really? <p> I've gathered my gumption to sit down and write for The Slice of Life Challenge. It's taken me some time to get here - as the last couple of years have been pretty challenging. </p><p>On Friday, March 13, 2020 the announcement came during eighth-grade lunch to students' IPads - the school system would be shutting down due to a CoronaVirus. The crowded and noisy lunchroom, a microcosm of the world, erupted with excitement and tension. We all had a general sense that this CoronaVirus thing was going to be a big deal - but the students' response, not suprisingly, was as if they had heard a sudden prediction of Snowmaggedon. </p><p>They lost their minds...and then I did too. Locked in our homes, attempting to engage students through a screen - the days passed slow - but in retrospect...</p><p>Two years later, it's challenging to look back, honestly, and reflect on that first year of our school's existance - and the year of virtual teaching and learning that followed. It's been a pleasure to have students back in the building this year, and now we are removing masks and moving forward as if things were normal...</p><p>But they are not. There is a new CV outbreak in China - and war has broken out between Ukraine and Russia. Will things ever be normal again? </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-36134860005493001252021-03-20T15:50:00.000-04:002021-03-20T15:50:44.861-04:00It's all about the timing...<p>When I opened my eyes this morning the sun shone brightly into the room. This was not dawn, this was the light of high noon. March 20, the Spring Equinox, announced itself joyfully. Spring is definitely in the air - despite the frozen birdbath and fish pond in the backyard this morning. Strings of little green buds hang veil-like around the willow tree, while the Forsythia bush explodes bright yellow and the fuzzy buds on the Bradford Pear tree burst open. The tiny wild Violets are spreading their green across the lawn, and a multi-bird chorus accompanies the story unfolding before my eyes. </p><p>So, I took down the Christmas lights - seemed like the thing to do. </p><p> </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-12364981400162791552021-03-19T18:40:00.000-04:002021-03-19T18:40:13.514-04:00Things To Do This Weekend<p>Things to do this weekend - Stream of consciousness: </p><p>-I need to do my laundry - and now that includes dry cleaning...I haven't taken anything to the dry cleaners for over a year. </p><p>-I need to take care of my closet - full disclosure, about 51 weeks ago I anticipated many free hours (I'm not sure why) and I unloaded my closet onto the bed in the guest room. I have picked up the occasional outfit to take back to my closet, but for the most part, all of the clothes are still there. Boo. </p><p>-I need to make my week of lunches - the only thing between me and a hearty Popeye's Chicken Sandwich (and the increased chance of a heart attack) is the salad that I pre-package and grab as I walk out the door each day. Willpower = nonexistent. </p><p>-I need to contemplate and then collaborate with the hubs around what our plans will be for Spring Break - it's only 1 week away! I should stay home and take care of the aforementioned closet, but...Spring Break!</p><p>-I need to put more books on hold from the Library. I love this ritual. I was so relieved when the library started allowing us to pick up books we had put on hold during the pandemic. This has been a lifesaver for my sanity and my wallet. </p><p>-I need to make a doctor's appointment. Ugh. Why are these so difficult to make? Could it be that I'm concerned about the gentle remonstration I may receive for the extra 20 pounds, lack of exercise, and general poor self-care? Yes, I know...I will. </p><p>-I need to take some time to visit my parents and my aunt now that we all have been vaccinated. We are the only ones in the family who can hang out! I want to sit with them, and visit with them, and enjoy them, and celebrate with them. </p><p>That's a pretty full list - I think I'll stop there. If I get 3 of these things done, I'll be happy. Have a good weekend! </p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-27399760625459830622021-03-18T19:50:00.000-04:002021-03-18T19:50:04.770-04:00Stand-up, Anyone? <p>Today I had to acknowledge to seventh and eighth graders that the school day that they returned to doesn't feel normal - and it won't this year. Because it was raining, we brought our kids into the auditorium for their "recess" time. I beckoned the kids down to the front and then into the rows (separated by multiple seats and rows each). As I walked to the front to grab the mic, the silence was deafening. They knew to expect the desk shields, the social distancing, the hand sanitizer at every entrance; but, the reality of it was hitting them - and they had only been here for two classes. </p><p>The eighth-graders, especially, expressed a loss of the unique freedom that they have lived with for the last 12 months. For these guys - on the cusp of independence - coming to school was feeling very much like steps backward, and they didn't like it. </p><p>Meanwhile, at each of our six recess periods, the kids stared at me...with trust, with suspicion, with curiosity, with doubt. Oh, I'm in trouble. I'm going to have to up my entertainment game - because, me asking trivia questions to 50 kids in the auditorium, and tossing packages of Swedish fish at them for prizes, will lose its appeal quickly! Let's hope Spring comes gently, and soon! </p><p>Stand-up, anyone? </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-11882180118108294682021-03-17T21:27:00.002-04:002021-03-17T21:27:18.526-04:00 How's Your Stress? <p>Occasionally my husband and I watch a show while we are eating dinner. In fact, we have a repertoire of shows that we watch that help distract from the day's work, including shows like The Mandalorian, Somebody Feed Phil, and Enterprise. However, we just finished an episode of the Greatest British Baking Show (Italian Week) and I am distracted AND completely stressed out! How am I going to sleep after watching that? Tonight there were injuries, high temperatures, and devastating outcomes. </p><p>I'd love more details about how this show actually works. Matt and I observed that the contestants are often wearing the same clothes, leaving us to hypothesize that they are working on multiple challenges over the course of the day, and they all seem very familiar, even comfortable as if they have spent an extended period of time together. </p><p>The other interesting thing is that we have heard Judge Paul ask contestants if they practiced the type of baking as they are discussing what the plan is for their dish. Practice? I pretty much thought these guys walked in off the street to do the contest. Having said that - there are a few of the contestants that seem very calm and collected (professional perhaps) while others are a total disaster. </p><p>Tonight Yan got eliminated - her pastries didn't laminate the way they should have. I can't believe it. I'm devastated for her. (I now know what laminating means, in baking at least, by the way). </p><p>And yet, her concession was so lovely - "I loved every minute," she said to Judge Pru. </p><p>How for real is this show? And, who is the retired 80's rocker who announces who is going home? </p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-81976677390227401852021-03-15T21:47:00.004-04:002021-03-15T21:51:41.882-04:00Food, Glorious Food...Religiously, on Sundays when the kids were in elementary school (and before I quit trying to send them to school with a healthy lunch), I would put an assembly line together to make a week's worth of bagged lunches. With one or two little helpers, I spread out the 20 pieces of bread, slathered peanut butter and jelly, and squished the two slices together - or we might branch out to sliced ham and swiss with a quick swipe of butter (neither child would touch mayo or mustard!). The favored job, though, was bagging the cookies and Cheezits. There would often be an argument about who got to help with those tasks - and obviously lots of nibbling occurred. <div><br /></div><div>Packing lunches is in my history - for many years my sisters and I packed our lunches to take to school. One of the memories that I relish (and enjoy embellishing) is packing lunch for my sister and me when we were in middle school. We lived in Germany during those fateful years (7th, 8th, and 9th grade for me (she was a year younger)) and my sibs and I rotated jobs to help out the family. There were five of us kids (with 13 years between us) and my mom had her hands full. We had different chores assigned - making the milk (yep, mixing up the powdered milk in a 2 quart container (it's not bad if it's cold)), making the salad for the family dinner, bathing the little ones, and making lunches for the three of us in school. My sister and I would lay out that wonderful German brown bread (long and oval-shaped), smear it with peanut butter and Nutella, and we'd be good; although to get it to fit in a plastic sandwich bag took some creative cutting. I do recollect it being pretty dry to bite in to...perhaps my memory is faulty. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>I've begun packing lunches again - for myself. I've found that if I don't take a lunch with me, I'm apt to eat any snack food that I can put my hands on - or, I've learned a Popeyes chicken sandwich can be delivered for a small price...which, when I'm hungry I'm willing to pay. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, Sundays, again, find me in the kitchen, this time chopping romaine lettuce into bite-sized chunks and doling it into 5 plastic containers. Next, I determine the veges I am going to load onto the lettuce - this week I added chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, and sliced beets. Finally, I've figured out that there must be something protein-oriented (as well as some fiber) so this week I mixed Black-eyed Peas and diced ham with garlic and celery and a little oil and vinegar - and ta-da - a salad topping. </div><div><br /></div><div>I probably should have begun this post by admitting that I am not a cook - I don't create anything with food. But, I do find pleasure and reward in implementing this assembly line of lunch creation that will serve to sustain me (and/or various family members) for the week. And, wow, the salads taste pretty darn good!
</div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-70716944447208692802021-03-14T18:26:00.000-04:002021-03-14T18:26:43.266-04:00If You Feed Them...They Will Come<p>Many years ago, in our first home, we installed a bird feeder which we loaded with Black Oil Sunflower Seeds in the hope of drawing beautiful birds throughout the year. Unfortunately, for months we fed the neighborhood squirrels, despite my husband's ingenious squirrel-proofing; and of course, the squirrels called their friends, and then they called their friends, and in frustration, we took the bird feeder down. Many years and one move later, we are ready to try again. We have had incredible success growing Purple Coneflowers in our yard, and we both enjoy watching the Finches gather to peck at the seeds embedded in the center of the flower, so we have decided to focus on feeding the finches. </p><p>Now, a bright yellow feeder hangs off the fence in our backyard - perfectly positioned so I can watch in the morning from my comfy kitchen chair, and later in the day, my husband can watch from the home office. The feeder holds about 3 pounds of Nyjer seeds - a seed popular with the Finch family and not popular with the squirrels. </p><p>This morning, a cup of coffee in hand and wrapped in my warm robe, I watched the birdfeeder and the little chirpers that it drew. Red-headed House Finches, more subdued female Finches, and occasionally the light-yellow head of a Gold Finch all stopped by to nibble - and an apparent pecking order began to emerge. The larger red-headed House Finch stayed primarily on the bottom of the feeder, generally wallowing in the black seeds and flicking them over the sides. The daintier Gold Finches grasped the wire mesh and pecked at the seeds, twitching their tail feathers for balance when the wind caused the feeder to sway. </p><p>They were a pleasure to watch, and honestly, there was something calming about being able to observe nature so closely without disturbing it. The squirrels that use our back fence as a trans-neighborhood highway - didn't even blink at the birdfeeder. Apparently, Nyjer seeds just don't appeal. </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4889476555227078475.post-69133289493872626932021-03-13T22:11:00.001-05:002021-03-13T22:11:45.492-05:00An Annual Tradition<p> Every year around this time in the Slice of Life Challenge, I have written about participating in the annual job fair here in our district. Today, I participated again - but it was completely virtual - and it was almost more fun than in person. </p><p>The enthusiasm of the candidates was still palpable - their faces reflected their enthusiasm for teaching and supporting young people. Even the candidate whose camera wouldn't turn on conveyed her passion for ensuring that all young people had a solid and strong start on their life's journey through her voice and her responses. </p><p>The Superintendent did a wonderful job rallying the team - reminding us that the work of hiring is perhaps the most important part of ensuring student success. </p><p>I even loved getting dressed for these interviews...suit jacket and blouse on the top, jeans and slippers on the bottom! </p><p>Who's the wiser? Just me. :)</p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05648692207452837262noreply@blogger.com6