One of my students wrote this for his "free write" at the beginning of class.
"girls. girls are hot, sexy, and quit but not all of them. so are ugly, disgusting, and ugly. And sometimes you like them but if youre gay you like boys I'm not gay so I like girls. Sometimes you fall in love whith them so mouch you cant stand it so you ask them out only if you'r not scared if you are then you'r a chicken."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Patriot Day
In my generation, I have only had a few memorable moments where I can remember where I was when I heard the news. These historical moments have engrained themselves in my memory and I will have them forever. One was when it was announced that the 2002 Olympics would be held in Salt Lake City. I was in the library at Jefferson Jr. High, in 9th grade. You could hear cheers erupt throughout the halls. Another was when OJ was aquitted. I was sitting with the rest of my class on the floor of the small gym crowded around a radio listening to the news. At the time, I thought he was not guilty. I have since changed my mind. Scumbag. Other moments are of a more personal nature, where I was when I learned a grandparent had passed away. Recently, I'll always remember that I was taking bridal pictures at Thanksgiving Point when we received numerous texts that Michael Jackson, king of pop, had died.One thing that had a particular impact on me, as well as the rest of the world, was 9/11/01. I was preparing to leave on my mission and therefore wasn't working. We had gotten up for family prayer before my dad went to work and I had gone back to bed. I wasn't asleep and heard the phone ring. It was pretty unusual for 6:50 am. My dad called and told my mom to turn on the tv. I went out to the living room and was horrified. I sat there with a blanket wrapped around me (who wears pants) for hours. I was glued to the tv for information for the next three days. On the 14th, I was shooting a wedding for a girl who grew up in my ward. That was also the official day of rememberance and there were programs going on at temple square. We finished with the shoot right in time for me to go to the 12:00 ceremony and because the tabernacle was full, I went to the Assembly Hall on the south west corner of Temple Square. I squeezed into a bench and watched as the program started, broadcasted from the tabernacle. There were songs and a prayer given by the prophet. At one point, the congregation stood and started to sing "America the Beautiful". In the middle of the first verse, down the aisle on my right a man walked to the front of the room. He walked up on the podium and as I watched him, I could see in the shadows (from the darkness due to the broadcast) I saw a flag standing against the wall. The man, who obviously had training in bearing a flag, brought the flag to the front of the room and the most respect and honor I had ever seen, he bore that flag. Tears filled my eyes as the spirit of love, freedom, gratitude and patriotism filled my heart. I had not been directly impacted by the death of a loved one or friend. I was safe in "the shadow of the everlasting hills" and surrounded by feelings of peace and comfort. But I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss for the nation, a concern for the questions that would now arise as I shared the gospel, and a renewed desire to share the Good News to a country who had felt great sorrow. It was later, when I was in the MTC watching conference when President Hinckley announced during an address that the nation had just declared war. We were protected from the news of the outside world, and to hear such worrisome news from a Prophet of God was reassuring as he testified of his knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Politics.
I've been wanting to post about Obama's speech to the students for a while. This is my position that I put as a reply to a post on one of my Oakcrest MyFamily sites. Then, as another guest post, I will post what Tracie wrote. I am really proud of the way that she expressed herself.
When we started getting emails from the district about permission slips going out for the speech, based on the outcry from the video in Davis district, I was really surprised. Well, I guess because we're in Utah, I wasn't that surprised. But I guess you could say frustrated. I understand the irritation and frustration about the video, from what I understand it had some influential celebrities which adds to the influence it would have. I don't know much more than that. But when it comes to a nation-wide address from the president, I think that is a different thing. I was talking to my dad about it on Monday and he is a serious Obama non-supporter and gets all of his information from talk radio. He was saying things that he had heard about the socialist ideas that Obama would be sharing with the students and I think he even mentioned that someone went so far as comparing it to when Hitler started with indoctrinating children. Seriously? I don't agree with Obama a lot of the time and I think he spends too much time in the media when he should be worrying about other things, but I don't think he would ever get away with the nation-wide indoctrination of k-12 students. Is this making sense? I might have to edit it tomorrow. I agree with Kazoo that although we may not agree with him personally, it is important to show respect to the office. And twenty bucks says he didn't write the speech anyway, he has people to do that for him. And there was outcry about the proposed lesson plan and a certain line in the speech, but the line was changed and the lesson plan cut. I do think the lesson plan was weird. I read through the talk the night before online and was really impressed. I was really excited for my students to see it because so many of them are Obama supporters, in my opinion, mostly because it was the "trendy" thing to do. Hate Bush, love anything not Bush. (this is based on my students, not everyone's. And remember I am in SLC district. Totally different than I'm sure Jordan or Davis in it's belief system). With Obama speaking directly to them, a speech just for them, impressing the importance of an education, I think there is absolutely no harm in that. If I was a parent (and I say this now with no kids, it might change when I have them) I would encourage them to listen to the president, knowing that I can support the things I agree in and challenge (and encourage my kids to challenge) the things I don't agree in. But there was nothing I disagreed with in the speech. I don't think kids today can hear too much about the importance of education and knowledge and I think it's really fantastic that Obama places so much emphasis on education. I think that you guys have all had valid points, especially with regard to having the right to stand against it. That's what America is about, freedom of choice; in most things. Does any of this make sense? PS Tracie told me that she was in AP US Government during the speech and her teacher decided that they weren't going to watch it because they were behind in the lesson and needed to catch up. I was absolutely floored, I even used caps in my return text. I would think that especially as a us gov teacher you would grab that opportunity to listen to the president and debate what we are debating right now. She did say he tried to find it later but couldn't find a link to watch it. I couldn't believe it.
From Tracie:
Hey gang this is Tracie, Biph's little sister! I'd just like to contribute the opinion of someone directly affected by this, as I am in 12th grade. First of all, my AP Government teacher (who, by the way, didn't put watching it as a priority, and in explanation said, "Stay in school and don't do drugs, that's all he's going to say.") was discussing this with my class, and the point came up about needing permission to listen to the daily teachings of teachers. This is totally true, I have had at least five or seven teachers who are much more worthy of wariness than Obama. Despite some teacher's attempts to be unbiased in their teaching, many end up giving their opinion anyways. Even in a disclosure statement sent home to my parents a couple years ago, a teacher commented that George Bush has a Homer Simpson personality, to which he referred for the rest of the year. Secondly, we need to concentrate on making progress. This means working with people we don't like, finding common ground, and improving our not so perfect country. This is where education comes in. Obama likes it. I like it. We can be friends about it. Maybe not on other issues, but we can't compare apples to oranges. Don't let your previous prejudices affect something that could hinder the future. I think that there is a lot of narrow-mindedness when it comes to Obama, not necessarily here on this site, but in general. He is simply addressing our nation's great need to put education at a higher priority. This is a very important message, and whether you agree with him or not, it should definitely be addressed. Thirdly, we, as children, need to be informed. We can't rely on our parents' political views anymore than we can rely on their testimonies for the rest of our lives. Otherwise I'd wonder why Glenn Beck isn't a General Authority and President and overall Captain of all things bright and beautiful. We need to learn to be critical thinkers, and that doesn't mean the answer gets handed to us. So when Becky said that parents need to explain to their children why they feel that way, she's respecting our ability to think for ourselves. We need parents to guide us with facts, but not blindfold us. Nothing in politics is black and white (haha, pun), so we can't take a staunch position against Obama, because there are good and bad qualities about him. He's our President for a reason, Heavenly Father wouldn't put someone in charge of his promised land if they didn't have something good to bring to the table. But that's just what I think. :)
When we started getting emails from the district about permission slips going out for the speech, based on the outcry from the video in Davis district, I was really surprised. Well, I guess because we're in Utah, I wasn't that surprised. But I guess you could say frustrated. I understand the irritation and frustration about the video, from what I understand it had some influential celebrities which adds to the influence it would have. I don't know much more than that. But when it comes to a nation-wide address from the president, I think that is a different thing. I was talking to my dad about it on Monday and he is a serious Obama non-supporter and gets all of his information from talk radio. He was saying things that he had heard about the socialist ideas that Obama would be sharing with the students and I think he even mentioned that someone went so far as comparing it to when Hitler started with indoctrinating children. Seriously? I don't agree with Obama a lot of the time and I think he spends too much time in the media when he should be worrying about other things, but I don't think he would ever get away with the nation-wide indoctrination of k-12 students. Is this making sense? I might have to edit it tomorrow. I agree with Kazoo that although we may not agree with him personally, it is important to show respect to the office. And twenty bucks says he didn't write the speech anyway, he has people to do that for him. And there was outcry about the proposed lesson plan and a certain line in the speech, but the line was changed and the lesson plan cut. I do think the lesson plan was weird. I read through the talk the night before online and was really impressed. I was really excited for my students to see it because so many of them are Obama supporters, in my opinion, mostly because it was the "trendy" thing to do. Hate Bush, love anything not Bush. (this is based on my students, not everyone's. And remember I am in SLC district. Totally different than I'm sure Jordan or Davis in it's belief system). With Obama speaking directly to them, a speech just for them, impressing the importance of an education, I think there is absolutely no harm in that. If I was a parent (and I say this now with no kids, it might change when I have them) I would encourage them to listen to the president, knowing that I can support the things I agree in and challenge (and encourage my kids to challenge) the things I don't agree in. But there was nothing I disagreed with in the speech. I don't think kids today can hear too much about the importance of education and knowledge and I think it's really fantastic that Obama places so much emphasis on education. I think that you guys have all had valid points, especially with regard to having the right to stand against it. That's what America is about, freedom of choice; in most things. Does any of this make sense? PS Tracie told me that she was in AP US Government during the speech and her teacher decided that they weren't going to watch it because they were behind in the lesson and needed to catch up. I was absolutely floored, I even used caps in my return text. I would think that especially as a us gov teacher you would grab that opportunity to listen to the president and debate what we are debating right now. She did say he tried to find it later but couldn't find a link to watch it. I couldn't believe it.
From Tracie:
Hey gang this is Tracie, Biph's little sister! I'd just like to contribute the opinion of someone directly affected by this, as I am in 12th grade. First of all, my AP Government teacher (who, by the way, didn't put watching it as a priority, and in explanation said, "Stay in school and don't do drugs, that's all he's going to say.") was discussing this with my class, and the point came up about needing permission to listen to the daily teachings of teachers. This is totally true, I have had at least five or seven teachers who are much more worthy of wariness than Obama. Despite some teacher's attempts to be unbiased in their teaching, many end up giving their opinion anyways. Even in a disclosure statement sent home to my parents a couple years ago, a teacher commented that George Bush has a Homer Simpson personality, to which he referred for the rest of the year. Secondly, we need to concentrate on making progress. This means working with people we don't like, finding common ground, and improving our not so perfect country. This is where education comes in. Obama likes it. I like it. We can be friends about it. Maybe not on other issues, but we can't compare apples to oranges. Don't let your previous prejudices affect something that could hinder the future. I think that there is a lot of narrow-mindedness when it comes to Obama, not necessarily here on this site, but in general. He is simply addressing our nation's great need to put education at a higher priority. This is a very important message, and whether you agree with him or not, it should definitely be addressed. Thirdly, we, as children, need to be informed. We can't rely on our parents' political views anymore than we can rely on their testimonies for the rest of our lives. Otherwise I'd wonder why Glenn Beck isn't a General Authority and President and overall Captain of all things bright and beautiful. We need to learn to be critical thinkers, and that doesn't mean the answer gets handed to us. So when Becky said that parents need to explain to their children why they feel that way, she's respecting our ability to think for ourselves. We need parents to guide us with facts, but not blindfold us. Nothing in politics is black and white (haha, pun), so we can't take a staunch position against Obama, because there are good and bad qualities about him. He's our President for a reason, Heavenly Father wouldn't put someone in charge of his promised land if they didn't have something good to bring to the table. But that's just what I think. :)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tidbits.
Ok, so there are three new posts following this one. I have a few thoughts that I want to mention that don't necessarily fit in the other three.
1. I never realized how sexy fast cars are. Yesterday at the gym, "Fast and Furious" (the most recent one) was on. I haven't seen the other movies, but I am a big fan of Paul Walker. Vin Diesel is pretty good looking also, but he is very broody. I think action movies are the best to work out to because the speed of everything makes you forget you're drenched in sweat. Just going to throw this out there, I think the cardio cinema should be cooler. Anyway, it was pretty cool. Then, I went to the gym again later that night (I had to, I sucked it up all week long) and "Transporter 3" was on with Jason Statham. He's hot. I really like his accent. He drives that audi like it's nobody's business. Hot. Never thought about this before. I admit, I drove a little too fast on the way home. Just for a minute, though, don't worry.
2. Transporter 3. Really? totally not realistic. So lame at parts. Not so lame at parts. But I really wonder sometimes where people get their ideas.
3. I got engaged in my dream last night. It was awesome. Don't remember much more than that.
4. Going to the singles ward next sunday. Ahem. Nothing more to add to that. (Bama, it's your ward. Save me a seat.)
1. I never realized how sexy fast cars are. Yesterday at the gym, "Fast and Furious" (the most recent one) was on. I haven't seen the other movies, but I am a big fan of Paul Walker. Vin Diesel is pretty good looking also, but he is very broody. I think action movies are the best to work out to because the speed of everything makes you forget you're drenched in sweat. Just going to throw this out there, I think the cardio cinema should be cooler. Anyway, it was pretty cool. Then, I went to the gym again later that night (I had to, I sucked it up all week long) and "Transporter 3" was on with Jason Statham. He's hot. I really like his accent. He drives that audi like it's nobody's business. Hot. Never thought about this before. I admit, I drove a little too fast on the way home. Just for a minute, though, don't worry.
2. Transporter 3. Really? totally not realistic. So lame at parts. Not so lame at parts. But I really wonder sometimes where people get their ideas.
3. I got engaged in my dream last night. It was awesome. Don't remember much more than that.
4. Going to the singles ward next sunday. Ahem. Nothing more to add to that. (Bama, it's your ward. Save me a seat.)
Ellie's Blessing
Today Ellie Kate Paul was blessed. I took Brayden home before Sacrament meeting started because his tummy was hurting. He got his tonsils out on Friday and had been feeling ok, but I think the pain meds made his tummy hurt. So we went home and watched "kid cartoons". Wow. X-Men just isn't the same with Hugh. Everyone said that Ellie did really well and the blessing was beautiful. Everyone came over for lunch afterwards, and it was good food and good times.
This angle is funny. Nice, Kat.
Ellie is such a good baby and has such big, beautiful blue eyes. She's also the only one to have had curly hair, I think. Such a doll.
Speaking of dolls, Audrey was in rare form. She's always a little ham, but she was ca-razy today. She knew she had the spotlight, and it was so funny.
She also does this thing where she puts her arms up with her hands by her face and shakes, like she's really upset or something. Sometimes her face gets all red and everything. It's so funny. It's also funny when my dad does it, but I didn't get that on camera. Maybe next time.
This angle is funny. Nice, Kat.
Ellie is such a good baby and has such big, beautiful blue eyes. She's also the only one to have had curly hair, I think. Such a doll.Speaking of dolls, Audrey was in rare form. She's always a little ham, but she was ca-razy today. She knew she had the spotlight, and it was so funny.
She also does this thing where she puts her arms up with her hands by her face and shakes, like she's really upset or something. Sometimes her face gets all red and everything. It's so funny. It's also funny when my dad does it, but I didn't get that on camera. Maybe next time.
Week One Down!
Well, the first week is over and I survived. Not only that, I took on another project and get to do the yearbook this year! I'm so excited, I loved doing yearbook in high school. I'll try and stay calm, though, Jenn. It was a great first week and I only had one really stressful day. I am teaching six periods, two of seventh grade and four of eighth grade. The eighth graders are really chatty, but we're working on that. Here are some pictures of my classroom:
The view from my desk. The students desks are actually all facing forward now. Some of the eighth graders couldn't handle being able to look at each other all the time.
This is the scrabble board I made that I love love love. My crowning achievement in crafty-ness.
I'm looking for more posters to put on the back wall. The kids want Michael Jackson. Their wish is my command. When it has to do with MJ.
The view from my desk. The students desks are actually all facing forward now. Some of the eighth graders couldn't handle being able to look at each other all the time.
This is the scrabble board I made that I love love love. My crowning achievement in crafty-ness.
I'm looking for more posters to put on the back wall. The kids want Michael Jackson. Their wish is my command. When it has to do with MJ.
Old story. . . Oops!
I forgot to post about this. On the 24th of July, the kids slept over at our house. Mom and Dad made homemade raspberry ice cream and we watched E.T. He was a pioneer of sorts. After the movie, we went to go outside and watch fireworks from the porch. As I was going up the stairs, Dad was laughing really hard so I asked what he was laughing at. He said the Brayden must have had a hard time swallowing the raspberry seeds (he has issues. . .just had his tonsils out on Friday) so every time he had one, he would grab his shirt at the shoulder and wipe the seed on his shirt. As he walked by, Dad saw the damage and was laughing. I had to take a picture, but he didn't know we were laughing at him.
We also took action shots on the trampoline.
We didn't need her head anyway.
We also took action shots on the trampoline.
We didn't need her head anyway.
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