"La vida es un ratico/Life is just a short while" ~Juanes

Issue Task: Exploring the complexity of a claim

2010-03-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

A GRE study program suggests the following to explore the complexity of a claim and help guide the essay process: What precisely is central issue? Do I agree with all or with part of the claim? Why? Why not? Does the claim make certain assumptions? If so, are they reasonable? Is the claim valid only under certain circumstances/conditions? If so, what are those conditions? Do I need to explain how

Get those mental wheels turning: Let's philosophize over GRE questions!

2010-03-28T17:10:00.001-04:00

And a year later.....I'm back! This time last year I began the 6-7 month training for the Marine Corps Marathon, I com which I completed on October 27, 2010. Next challenge? The GRE - the Graduate Record Examinations - on June 19, 2010. Three main sections - Math, Verbal, Writing. Math and Verbal I can play with and prep in private but it's the writing section that got me thinking about a fun

President Obama gets his priorities straight

2009-03-18T13:39:00.004-04:00

I was glad to read in the White House blog today that President Obama is finally getting his priorities straight this month.White House Photo, 3/17/09, Pete Souza Which battle would you rather watch?Louisville versus UNC or the U.S. gov't versus AIG?And your pick for the winners?http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/18/March-Madness-At-the-White-House/

Presidential Prayer Breakfast

2009-02-06T13:09:00.003-05:00

I take the 16th street bus to work and then head west walking towards Connecticut Ave, where my office is. The roads were all blocked off with police vehicles, especially outside the Washington Hilton, which is directly across from my building on T street. It didn't occur to me until reading through the White House blog postings that arrive in my Google Reader that President Obama and the First

Playing catch up

2009-02-04T13:28:00.005-05:00

Blogging needs to take more of a priority in my life b/c there's just so much cool stuff going on around me and I have so much learning I'd love to share. But living in the city has turned me into a busy body-in the best way possible. So much good going on.Eventually I'd like to share with you all my experience on Inauguration day. I'm at work now so won't get into it, but here's a teaser: I

First week as a DC resident!

2009-01-19T13:26:00.005-05:00

So many good and fun things going on. Just to name a few....Moved from home into wonderful group house in NW DCReveled in the fact that my alertness and general demeanor has improved because of a shorter commute.Made new friendsSpent an 1.5 hrs in the grocery store going through every aisleCooked/baked lasagna, breakfast for one of the housemates, banana bread, cream of broccoli soupAte lots of

I sought and I found!

2008-12-06T21:01:00.002-05:00

Okay so I couldn't be more surprised, grateful and excited about a recent find that showed me how faithful God is to comforting us and supplying our needs, however trite they may be. Check it out.Senior year of college I had this precious black and blue tea pot and tiny tea cups that my dad brought me from Vietnam. Ashley, Ally and I used them while sitting on our Good Year 23 livingroom floor. I

Goodbye fireside chat, Hello YouTube

2008-11-16T21:06:00.005-05:00

One thing I really enjoyed about Barack Obama's presidential campaign was the way he was able to reach many of his supporters wherever they were and get them aware of and engaged in the political process. The Obama team became a master of web 2.0 technology, using e-newsletters, social bookmarking, rss feeds, twitter, podcasts and YouTube to deliver his messages of change, clarification of

Yes we can and yes we DID!

2008-11-05T12:00:00.002-05:00

A good number of slogans are cheered around during any campaign. I haven't been around long, but in what I've heard, I've never seen a slogan as substantial and promising as Barack Obama's "YES WE CAN". At first I thought it was very catchy and easy to remember, but I soon realized there is true power behind those three little words. The slogan is weighty yet promises freedom from burden; it's

Kayaking on the Potomac River!

2008-11-02T11:32:00.002-05:00

Had another trip yesterday to kayak in the Potomac River with my dad. What a treat! It was sunny, warm, not a cloud in the sky, and the colors were just brilliant. Take a look: Kayaking on the Potomac

Weekend field trips

2008-10-26T21:26:00.007-04:00

Day trip to Harper's FerryFall is likely my favorite season. The crisp cool air and brilliantly colored leaves falling from a blue sky invigorates and inspires me in a way that's hard to describe. It's the one time of year that I actually crave things folksy and country - hay barrels, apple picking, baking, scented candles, listening to Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion, wearing cozy

Cruisin' on Lake Anna

2008-09-24T15:15:00.003-04:00

IMG_3305.jpgOriginally uploaded by andyghatchI haven't posted in a while because I've just been busy having way too much fun! Labor Day weekend as well as last weekend was spent at Lake Anna, the Hatch/Morris family compound, with family and a great group of friends.Thankfully, I've got a brother not only with a high tech camera, but with the skills to go with it too!Take a look at his flickr

USA Women's Vball defeats Venezuela

2008-08-14T14:06:00.003-04:00

Gotta love this game! Check out the game video highlights HERE Photo: FIVB

All hail the President of the United States!

2008-08-13T13:39:00.007-04:00

The best part of this photo isn't the Bush's giddy grin - check out his daughter Barbara's look of disbelief!Could it have been jet lag?

Not me, WE

2008-07-18T12:35:00.003-04:00

My mom and I, along with many others who'd replied to an e-mail announcement and received free tickets from MoveOn.org, showed up downtown for a major speech on global climate change by Nobel winner and former vice president Al Gore . I spent a swelteringly hot hour yesterday waiting outside the DAR (the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution) in a blob of progressives (

Lessons from a little black squirrel

2008-07-17T15:58:00.005-04:00

I've become especially appreciative of still moments I've had even while working in the city. During my daily walks I discovered the Spanish steps. Now I go there almost daily, retreating into a haven from the noisy traffic, construction and chatty lunching business folk on Connecticut Ave.So yesterday during my 30 minute lunch break, my mind was filled with needless thoughts and worries as I sat

I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills, I love the fireflys...

2008-07-11T16:45:00.003-04:00

Remember that great song? Here's the 2008 remix. I love the world too!

2008-07-10T12:02:00.003-04:00

Love my mac...and these ads too!

I have a pretty cool brother

2008-07-07T10:49:00.003-04:00

SummitOriginally uploaded by andyghatchJust a few weeks ago my twin brother Andy took a 3 week solo trip in South Africa. I really admire the sense of spontaneity and adventure that impelled him to go. He also has a good eye for photographic composition. Take a look at the photos and video from his trip!

Morgan's bench

2008-07-04T18:05:00.007-04:00

At the end of my stay in San Diego, I was fortunate to get to La Jolla for a visit to Morgan's bench. Morgan is my first cousin who passed on too early and last September my Aunt Laura and her kids used donated money to install a bench overlooking the La Jolla coast, Morgan's favorite location. My friend Charissa, her brother Nate and his wife Suzanne (in picture) were very kind and generous

Ally and Ronnie's Wedding

2008-07-04T16:36:00.006-04:00

Ally's Wedding WeekOne of my bestest friends from college Ally (whom you may remember as the one who I also visited in China a year ago) married Ron Mona this past Saturday, June 28th. I was so grateful to be able to take a whole work week and a day off last week to be there with them in sunny San Diego, Cali. As some may know, spending the week before the wedding with the bride is never without

Good things do happen!

2008-07-03T10:06:00.004-04:00

How refreshing to hear the great news this morning about the freeing of the U.S. and Colombian hostages (15 total) that were held by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) for 5-6 years. This reminds me of another incredible rescue/release that many thought impossible - the story of the kidnapping and release of Christian Science Monitor reporter Jill Carroll in 2006. These are both

Exploring the Disability Community

2008-06-20T10:41:00.003-04:00

I'm excited about a new task given to me at work. One of the researchers here recently started a blog and wants to explore what is going on in the online community of people with disabilities. He asked that I do some research of my own on sites like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube to get an idea of how people with disabilities are representing themselves. Then he asked that I write a blog post on

wOOOAAHhhhh

2008-06-13T16:23:00.001-04:00

MTV HD Crow from mate on Vimeo.the wonders of graphic design, film, and technology!

Good morning metro

2008-06-13T09:25:00.004-04:00

My commute from Rockville to Dupont Circle took an hour instead of 30 minutes this morning. Apparently there was a power outage at Metro Center and that of course affects the entire Red Line. We finally get to Dupont the whole tunnel is dark, save a few emergency lights, and b/c the power is out I can't swipe my card to exit. I exited a metro station through a handicapped stall after someone else

Lean on me...in the metro?

2008-06-12T23:15:00.005-04:00

It was 10pm tonight when I tiredly stepped of the orange line train at metro center, eager to be in bed instead of riding another 30 minutes back to Rockville. But I woke up a little when I heard the familiar tune of Lean On Me being sung by a large group of people in the middle of that lower level of the station. An a capella group at 10pm? Are they looking for money? but no bucket was in sight

It's National Donut Day!

2008-06-06T11:56:00.005-04:00

Krispy Kreme - I'm coming to you for lunch!

Ode - a magazine for intellectual optimists

2008-06-06T10:20:00.006-04:00

I love getting mail when it's completely unexpected. Two days ago Ode magazine was sitting in my mailbox. I had no idea where it was coming from or who sent it to me so at first I thought it was junk. I opened it up and was hooked in by....surprisingly...the first three ads. I rarely stop to read the ads in magazines. One because there's just too darn many of them and two because they are

Congrats BARACK OBAMA!

2008-06-05T16:04:00.004-04:00

(Photo by Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times)Many congratulations to Democratic Presidential nominee Obama! This record breaker has shown that change isn't on its way - it's here now! He's got his work cut out for him though. It's been this way his entire campaign though, hasn't it?

Not it's not a time machine, but just as cool!

2008-06-04T14:17:00.007-04:00

(Photo by Alessia Pierdomenico/Reuters)One of my favorite movies when I was young was the Time Machine, the old film based on H.G. Well's novel. When I saw this picture my imagination flew back to how I felt when I used watch the Time Machine. I knew the story wasn't realistic but I didn't mind believing it for a few hours and pretending that I too was visiting those historic, futuristic and

Wanna Meetup?

2008-05-20T11:43:00.008-04:00

Since returning home, I've been far from all my friends from camp and college and I've had a fun time trying to fill in my social calendar. I discovered recently that the opportunities are endless. I discovered this great website called Meetup.com. You can sign up for free and there are an infinite number of groups that you can join in your specific area of the world depending on your interests.

Who can turn down a hug?

2008-05-14T16:27:00.005-04:00

On the days that I'm not commuting with my dad to work in DC , I take the metro. At many of the metro stations in the DC area there is a person handing out free Washington Post Expresses. Not all of the news presented in this paper is substantial but at least it promotes the dissemination of information and awareness of current events - and it's FREE! The greatest part about this service, at

To be young and voting

2008-05-12T11:36:00.003-04:00

There was a good commentary in Christian Science Monitor on May 5th that discusses the surge in young voters (ages 18-29) during the primary election season and it claimed that this will likely have an impact on this year's presidential election. One could also argue that the effect of the youth involvement will take this country in a direction that is drastically different from its present state

Good point

2008-04-30T16:33:00.002-04:00

What would you do with $3 trillion?

2008-04-23T16:35:00.001-04:00

2008-04-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

OH MOM......

Turtle wurtle

2008-04-15T10:26:00.005-04:00

How aware are you?

2008-04-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

2008-04-09T16:55:00.000-04:00

Will it, should it, can it ever end? What do you think?

Tango bellísimo

2008-04-04T16:56:00.004-04:00

I went to the DC tango marathon 2008 held at Trinity College in downtown DC a few weekends ago. 11pm Saturday night to 5:30am Sunday morning I danced.I had the great privilege of seeing Sigrid Van Tilbeurgh & Mazen Kiwan, the best tangueros I've ever seen, dance. Check out the following videos to get a taste of ridiculously good looking tango. They are both the same piece but done at different

Obama - a man with many ideas that turn realities

2008-04-04T14:41:00.009-04:00

I just love the great ideas and tangible projects that are coming from the Obama campaign. Campaiging is about getting the candidate to the White House, sure, but Obama's crew is beefing up the objectives a little. They're taking remarkable steps to get the American people involved in the political process, making them more knowledgeable and empowered citizens. A few weeks ago the campaign

Baby Taylor Pics!

2008-04-04T14:34:00.006-04:00

Check out my sister's blog for pics of my little niece!

looking for a trip out of the ordinary?

2008-04-03T10:08:00.005-04:00

*Thanks brother!

Air conditioner instead of refund check? Lousy gov't!

2008-04-02T11:42:00.002-04:00

Accept the good, dang it!

2008-03-21T13:33:00.010-04:00

Has it really been a month since I really wrote something? There's been plenty to write about, such as - surprise surprise - more sex scandals involving our political leaders and the breakdown of investment banks. Oh yes and don't forget that the heroes we worship in American culture - athletes - revealing their human side by admitting to taking performance enhancing drugs. It's too much to

Tall bike

2008-02-27T10:26:00.000-05:00

AWESOME!

Texas Democratic Debates - CNN/Univisión

2008-02-21T21:02:00.010-05:00

I just watched the debate between the two Democratic candidates for the 2008 Presidential election - Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I took some notes on here during the debate and the points are not necessarily in order so I'll try to make them comprehensible.On experienceClinton: she made the point that an Obama supporter, when asked, couldn't name an accomplishment of his - I think

Kickin' it into aunty gear

2008-02-19T17:14:00.005-05:00

There has been a load of excitement and cuddling since last Wednesday, February 13, when my niece Taylor Grace was born to my sister Libby and her husband Jared. I was lucky enough to meet this wonderful child just 3 hours after the birth and all of us have been having a grand old time since. Being "in transition" (some may read "unemployed") has provided me with the opportunity to do things I

Homemade valentines

2008-02-14T17:00:00.002-05:00

It's never too late to make Valentines, right? I decided to branch out from the traditional pink and white themed valentines and try out my own creativity. Take a look!

Obama for President

2008-02-12T22:00:00.003-05:00

I am super pumped about the upcoming election and thrilled that I have had the time and resources to become politically aware and involved. I've been on the edge of my seat this past week because of the close primary race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Add to it that my sister is going to have a baby any day now.So yesterday I had the great privilege of seeing the candidate I feel can

Current.Com

2008-02-12T11:10:00.001-05:00

I've fallen in love with the news channel and website called Current. It's a new kind of news network that gives the task of producing information and news to the viewers. So the viewers are ones who create the content posted on the web and aired on TV. Not only are the stories covering current news worthy events, but people also do what I see as mini documentaries that showcase people's lives

A new kind of Valentine's Day

2008-02-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

Each of hearts may flutter with expectation or sink with dread when looking forward to Valentine's day. For some, the day might bring great elation in the form of flowers, chocolates and love letters to and from a special someone. For those who are single, the big Vday might crush the lonely heart and instill jealousy of those couples who stroll around with a mushy glow on their faces. Such is

Are you aware of the Iraqi refugee crisis?

2008-02-08T12:09:00.001-05:00

I was looking into the Open Society Institute for job ideas and discovered this very informative forum on the Iraqi refugee crisis that has not been very well reported in American journalism. It doesn't seem that our government takes the negative effects of war seriously because there have been very few efforts to aid those displaced. Could it be that by recognizing the crisis of all these

ZUMBA ZUMBA ZUMBA

2008-02-07T20:16:00.001-05:00

For much of my life I have enjoyed dancing. It started out with swing in 6th grade and the when I learned how to move my hips a little more I advance to hip hop in college. Just a year ago I fell in love with tango and continue to advance in it. Last spring I attended the Saratoga Dance Flurry and was introduced to the quick stepping rhythm of merengue. In January I got lucky enough to find free

16 yr old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant - WHAT!?

2007-12-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

So I heard that Britney Spears' younger sister, 16 year old Jamie Lynn, announced that she is pregnant with the child of her 18 year old boyfriend. I saw this announcement on the local news while at the gym and the pictures and video footage of Spears showed her flaunting her little belly in the latest maternity fashion and grinning ear to ear. The report made it seem that this was the most

2007-12-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

I received this in an e-mail from my mom and found it worth reading. Subject: FW: Obituary Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Mr. Common Sense. Mr. Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to

2007-12-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

I've heard it said before that the world becomes a playground once one leaves the comfortable cookie cutter path set during childhood and school years. After graduating from Dickinson College in 2006 with a degree in American Studies and a special focus on Latino cultures and Spanish, there was a blank slate ahead of me and in theory I could fill it in whatever way I chose - what freedom! After

El Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe/ Our Lady of Guadalupe Day

2007-12-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

Today, el 12 de diciembre, is one of the most important days in the Mexican cultural and religious calendar, El Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe. This day celebrates la virgen morena , or dark skinned virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to a humble indigenous Mexican man named Juan Diego outside Mexico City in 1531. She told him that she was the blessed mother of the indios, indigenous

Interesting dialogues on religion

2007-12-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

Discussions of religion, spirituality, and philosophy really fascinate me. A few months back, my mom directed me to I Believe coming from the Washington, D.C. area. The interviewer visits the different worship locations representing the major religious traditions and talks with the leaders of each church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other religious meeting places. It's worth taking a look.

A tadpole in winter?

2007-12-08T16:18:00.000-05:00

I was just took Basie outside and after playing ball and wandering through the woods, we did a little walk around our pond in the front yard. The water is down to a very low level so it's easy to step in it but still be standing on the dirt/mud. Well I walked in to pull a huge tree branch that had fallen and upon moving the branch a little and breaking the soft ice at the edges, I noticed a large

Who knew he could sing?

2007-12-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

Anyone need to laugh? Listen to Chewy sing. Merry Christmas everyone!

Mom called me a snob

2007-12-08T13:07:00.000-05:00

My mom called me a snob today. I didn't want to go to the Glen Echo swing dance tonight and she called me a snob. Now she actually wasn't trying to be mean, but just point out that maybe I'm too limited in methods of branching out in the community.We started swing dancing as a family when I was in 6th grade. I never took any formal group lessons that I can remember but we just learned at the

I'll be in a concert!

2007-12-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

Speaking of music, I myself will be participating in a concert next week. When I got home, my mom told me about a choir group she was in through the World Bank/IMF (my dad currently works with the WB). Currently they only practice and perform during the Christmas season, but the participants are from all levels and departments of the development groups, as well as family members of people working

An evening at the Music Center at Strathmore

2007-12-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last night my grandmother treated my sister and me to a concert at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD. My grandmother lives about two hours south in Virginia and I see her only occasionally during the year and in the summers when I go down to her lake house. So this was a unique occasion for us to dress up and see a professional performance. I wasn't sure what to expect but only knew

Cool video

2007-12-08T11:57:00.000-05:00

Cute dog

2007-12-08T00:50:00.000-05:00

I love my chocolate lab, Basie! He rocks my world!

From fall to winter

2007-12-05T16:12:00.001-05:00

I'm so pumped today because it's December 5 and there is already snow! Just last Friday I spent the entire day blowing, raking, and picking up leaves on our 1 acre yard. I've heard that the rest of the week is supposed to be sunny and warmer. I hate when snow melts because all the grass pokes through and white snow turns to slushy mud - yuck. I guess today is just the start of the snow season.

Brought to tears

2007-12-02T23:32:00.000-05:00

Today I went to Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA for the annual performance by the US Marine Corps band, followed by the Carol sing along. It's a big theater that is roofed but it is wide open and has no walls. So visitors bundle up, drink their hot chocolate or cider, and jingle their little bells and join together in singing classic holiday tunes. Well I have no idea what got into me but I had to hold

Thanksgiving Pics

2007-12-02T23:12:00.000-05:00

Back in Mo Co

2007-11-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Mo Co is short for Montgomery County, Maryland, statistically one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. Ugh, that fact makes me shudder. Without a doubt, I've benefited from the safe streets, beautiful landscape, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and banks, and proximity by car and metro to the nation's capital. While in many ways a participant, I get overwhelmed by the crowded

Where have I been?

2007-11-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

It's been It's been almost 4 months since I've made a post and of that I am actually quite embarrassed. I think I've forgotten how to write, so bear with me while I take a few posts to get back into it. Where have I been? I was relived to finish my first (and maybe only) year of teaching in June. It was a fantastic time full of trials, tribulations, and also some successes too. The colleagues,

Ni Hao from China

2007-07-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

My desire to travel and explore is finally being satisfied. Well, I actually don't think the addiction can ever be fully quenched. However, I write you all from Wuhan, Hubei Province China - I'm in the heart of a rooster, if you could turn the map of China into a drawing. Honestly, China wasn't at the top of my list of places to visit in the next 10 years but when your closest friend moves back

Born to Tango

2007-02-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

"Tango Pasión" 1999 José María Cornide I've been wanting to do something adventurous and spontaneous for some time now and the opportunity came this past Friday night. While sitting at the j.v. basketball game I received a message on my cell phone from Kevin, one of the dance teachers here at EWS, inviting me to a Milonga ( a tango social party) that was beginning in only 2 hours or so. Somehow

"Be the Change"

2007-01-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

Soon after graduation last May I went to Barnes & Noble and bought myself a little book called God's Graduate: Continuing Education for everyday life. There are 39 themes , such as Attitude, Love, Prayer, Forgiveness, and Worry, explored through six or seven pages each. Looking over it again tonight I came across one page that is particularly applicable to what I wrote in my last post. "Be the

theme for the week

2007-01-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

Recently I have been anxious about future plans and excited for what's to come. to be honest I have no idea what that is but I've been feeling recently that I need to do something very different, something that will throw me out of my comfort zone and get me to toughen up. I've certainly been challenged as a first year teacher, but i'm looking for new challenge that will force me to take action

At least one good thing this week

2007-01-28T00:49:00.000-05:00

1. Spanish 2 Friday afternoon --> although it may have been a little out of control, spanish 2 was fun. 5 minutes before class starts 5 out of the 11 students run into my office and ask if they can run to get food from the school store. it being the the afternoon and the last day of the semester, (and me being the softy that i am) I told them to go quickly and get the darn food. So they arrive 5

good teaching week

2007-01-18T16:55:00.001-05:00

As you can see from my last post, it's been a pretty good week. I also should add that things have gone quite smoothly as far as teaching goes. I've feel much more relaxed in class. I used to be planning and fine tuning those plans up until the last minute before class. Add onto that that I would enter my classes super nervous and I'm sure my students could tell. After more than one observation,

Woo hoo for long birthdays!

2007-01-18T00:24:00.000-05:00

I've decided that Sunday is the best day to have a birthday because there are so many days to celebrate before, on and after it. This year served as a perfect example. Here in the Emma Willard community, birthdays, and just personal interaction and care in general, are very important. So, the week before my birthday i was getting birthday wishes, hugs, and hellos. My house mates planned a Friday

Birthday pic

2007-01-14T14:36:00.000-05:00

Vacation summary and Job ideas

2007-01-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful 2.5 weeks for break in which I visited with family, met up with some good friends and even went to Florida for a wedding! There were two firsts in that visit- first time in Florida (not too impressed! it's so flat and you have to have lots of money and want to only shop, eat, or sun bathe! nevertheless it was a great respite from the pace of northern life)It was the first

December reading list

2006-12-20T02:35:00.000-05:00

Inspiration: Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth: Awakening to your life's purpose" (main focus: understanding the value of this very moment. may seem a little far reaching for some but it has made a world of difference in enlightening my everyday experience)School: ¡En Español 1! (if you in high school or if you'd just like to learn high school level beginner Spanish, this could

I'll be home for Christmas (imagine the song....)

2006-12-20T02:00:00.000-05:00

One of the lovely things about being a teacher is that you still get to enjoy the holidays you had as a student. It's an added bonus to work for a boarding school with a good number of foreign exchange students who travel great distances to return to their families. Three weeks is what Emma students get to enjoy and faculty have about 2.5 because we must return early for a Faculty Forum. I'm not

Photos from the fall 2006

2006-12-20T01:50:00.000-05:00

Here's some photos of my funky living space and beautiful campus!EWS Fall 2006

Revels 2006

2006-12-20T01:03:00.000-05:00

I took this explanation directly from the Emma Parent Newsletter: "Revels is an exciting and integral part of the rich tradition of Emma Willard School. Students have been performing this tradition since 1915, and each year the pageantry is reenacted by the senior class portraying the play's familiar medieval characters. To add to the excitement, the identities of the Lord and Lady of the Manor,

troubles with blogging

2006-12-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

Recently I've been been frustrated that I haven't been doing as much blogging as I'd anticipated at the beginning of the year. However, after pondering this for, oh maybe two minutes, I realized that (1) I just don't have/don't make that kind of time and (2) everything I want to write about involves complaints, revelations, inspiration, frustration, involving students or colleagues and this is

¡¡¡¡¡Esta nevando!!!

2006-12-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

I almost tripped over myself this morning after opening the blinds to see snow falling rapidly down to meet a white blanket on the ground (hey that kinda rhymes!). Yesterday it was in the mid-60s, yesterday it was a bright sunshiny day, albeit it a bit chilly, and now it's snowing!!!! These are the best kind of snows....when you have no clue they are coming. Maybe I could take my Spanish classes

Blunder of the day (written Nov. 27)

2006-12-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

I just got back from running over to the mail room to stop a disaster. Well, I guess it's not a disaster but one wouldn't necessarily look to fondly on putting a test in a student's mailbox before the test has been graded, let alone even taken. oops! This is a student who missed a whole week of class and of course didn't try to catch up over the week long Thanksgiving break. She is so far behind

Brother and Sister bonding: "Paperweight"

2006-11-23T23:47:00.000-05:00

"Paperweight" by Josh Radin and Schuyler FiskBeen up all nightstaring at youwondering what's on your mindi've been this waywith so many beforebut this feels like the first timeyou want the sunrise to go back to bedi want to make you laughmess up my bed with mekick off the coversi'm waitingevery word you say i thinki should write downi don't want to forgetcome daylighthappy to lay herejust happy

http://www.searchkindly.org/

2006-11-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

Looking for an easy way to help the world? A friend told me about this website that's a great alternative to the average google site. Well actually it still is Google but every cent made from advertisers goes to a different charity organization each month. This months charity is INVISIBLE CHILDREN (http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php) . My computer battery is about to run out so I will

I am a contribution

2006-11-10T00:47:00.000-05:00

n the book Art of Possibility, the authors have a chapter called "Being a contribution". The main idea is that we should go into our days with the attitude that you have something to contribute, something of value that will positively affect the day. well, I've been just about fed up with how I've been feeling recently when preparing and teaching classes. I've been going to class with the

All school fieldtrip to Boston to see Dr. Gunther von Hagens "Body Worlds 2"

2006-11-07T23:20:00.000-05:00

www.mos.org/bodyworlds

(from last thursday)

2006-11-07T23:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm feeling pretty down right now. the only image that I can conjure up for how I think of my teaching profession as it stands is of this wonderful yet trecherous rollercoaster ride that brings me to the highest heights with the most beautiful view and then after two seconds of enjoyment I drop down screaming into a dark abyss. After some seconds of confusion and chaos I ride back out

Beginner Teachers Institute - NYSAIS 10/26

2006-10-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

Every year NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) puts on various conferences that support the professional development of teachers in their association. It is our (the other interns and I) second and last night here in Renssalaerville, NY (http://www.riconferencecenter.com/), a beautiful setting which certainly facilitates learning and inspiration. The conference started

school visit to Concord Academy

2006-10-22T01:30:00.000-04:00

So at this point in my teaching career I feel like I really haven't established a teaching style for myself. I see myself more like a big sponge than anything else because i just have so much to learn and I am just soaking up everything I can from whatever resources are presented to me. last wednesday the language department took off and went to visit Concord Academy in Concord, MA. Not only was

Parent Teacher Conferences

2006-10-22T00:58:00.000-04:00

So I did it! I made it to a very important date here at Emma Willard - Parent Days. After being away from their little darlings for about a month and a half the parents arrived in full force. Classes and hallways were packed on Friday as parents were shuffled from one class to the next by their daughters. I can't believe that I pulled of teaching yesterday. When asking about how to plan for the

Sleep much?

2006-10-16T00:45:00.000-04:00

So it's been quite some time since my last post. When I signed on to this job I never thought I'd get as tired as I was when I was in college. My past month here has disproven that assumption. On a typical day I need to be in the office by 7:45am, which means waking up by 7 at the latest so that I can get dressed for the day, eat breakfast, and walk the 7 minute walk to my office. Although I do

Jane Fonda

2006-09-22T10:49:00.000-04:00

Did I mention that Jane Fonda was the speaker at convocation a week ago? she graduated from Emma Willard in 1955. She gave a fun speech and afterword she shook every hand at this school (including mine!) and then she danced with all the senior during the picnic on the lawn. Here's the link to her speech if your interested: http://www.emmawillard.org/news/index.php

2006-09-22T01:02:00.000-04:00

I still can't believe that I work here!

Good Book called "The Art of Possibility"

2006-09-22T00:37:00.000-04:00

I recently wrote an email to one of my Dickinson professors, telling her about a wonderful, life altering book that I'm reading. It's titled The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. I reread the email recently and thought it a good idea to tell you all about the book, too. So below, just to give the main idea of the book I just copied and pasted what I wrote in the

Doing what I do

2006-09-19T00:29:00.000-04:00

Okay, so last night while on duty I spent at least 40 minutes writing out a huge blog that gave you all the gist of what I am doing here at Emma Willard School. I was in the zone, the writing zone that is...writing clearly and confidently, sure that my blog would satisfy and keep the interest of many readers. My topic sentences were clear and one sentence harmoniously flowed into the next. Sadly,