A [Miss] Cook

We've Moved!

2010-06-07T13:34:00.004-06:00

Okay, so we have moved in a lot of different ways. For one, Blaine and I are currently living in our construction zone of a house. If you don't know where to find us and want the address, let me know.

Email: krystlebassett@gmail.com

I know. I was super lucky to get my new name!

New blog address: http://www.gingersnapcookie.blogspot.com

I know. It rocks. Think about it for a minute and it will become the best blog name ever! :)

LOVE YOU!

Wedded Bliss

2010-06-01T20:57:00.002-06:00

I was married on May 22 and it was honestly everything I could have wanted in a day. The ceremony was nice, the luncheon was lovely, the reception was well-attended and the wedding night was.

That's funny. I didn't tell you anything about the wedding night. Get it? I don't kiss and tell.

So, I pretty much love being married. It may have something to do with the fact that I married a fantastic man. We spend most of our free time painting walls and tearing out carpet. Then I get frustrated because I am overwhelmed with the home we have purchased and Blaine lets me be stressed out and then we kiss and make up. It's good to be me.

I like this picture because Blaine absolutely looks like he is trying to pick up on me, even though we are already married. Funny.

As for the house:
We were given a range and a side by side fridge, and they are both installed and working. We were also given a dishwasher and we are trying to tackle that. Tomorrow our goal is to move into the kitchen so I can cook meals. That will rock.

Today I painted our main bathroom, and gave it a good scrubbing. My husband tells me that I can get new floor coverings when I have the house painted. If anyone wants to help in project paint, come on over!

Bridal Shots

2010-05-09T17:00:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Blaine's wonderful cousin took bridal photos of my smiling face. It was happy. There are so many pictures that I absolutely love. We went up around the capitol building and also to Memory Grove Park.

Emily Dunster (aforementioned cousin) has her own business. You can find out more about her HERE.

Also, if you want to see the images, you can go to the gallery HERE.

Password: (ask me for it and I will email you).

See, Blaine! This is the kind of cloak and dagger stuff I have to do just so you don't see the pictures.

I have offered a preview that is Blaine-friendly (no dress is pictured) :)

Peter Gabriel - Book of Love

2010-05-07T21:28:00.000-06:00

I love this song. I put in on my wedding playlist, but today for the first time I realized that it includes a naughty word! What's a girl to do?

P.S. I am getting married in two weeks! Hurray!

The Saga, Part 1

2010-05-02T17:45:00.004-06:00

Blaine and I have purchased a home, with occupants. This is certainly awkward, unpleasant, and not to be recommended. Please keep us in your prayers. Further, please pray for the former owners to find peace. It is very probable that there is a rough road ahead.

Not Homeless

2010-04-27T23:22:00.003-06:00

On Sunday Blaine and I looked at a home that we found absolutely charming. It was built in 1922, came with animal rights and one share of irrigation. The outside has siding, the interior has a light wood floor, and it seems to be just the right size for us.

On Monday I met with some friends and they helped me prepare a bid for this home. I spent about two hours ironing out the details of the bid. The family from whom we were purchasing were out of town until tonight, so I brought the bid with me to school and planned to submit it this evening.

We did not purchase this home.

Today, at noon, my dad came into my classroom. A home was going into foreclosure and was going up for auction at 1 PM. Did I want to look at it? Did I want to submit a bid? Should I call Blaine while he is in Salt Lake and talk to him about the whole thing?

I called Blaine and asked him if he was comfortable with me submitting a bid even though he couldn't see it. He said, "Sure." (HE SAID "SURE!" SO CALM!) During my lunch break I ran and saw the house and then asked my dad to put in a bid. I gave him a bid limit and then asked him to go crazy. I went back to school and felt like a wreck! At 1:44 I received an email from my dad. "You have a house! Love, Dad."

We purchased the house without looking at the interior. It is three times the size we need. It has a brick exterior, and was built in 1981. It is several thousand dollars less than the 1922 home, and comes with a two car garage. Oh my goodness.

It's amazing. I'll offer pictures when I can. Cross your fingers that it all works out for us!

A Good Weekend

2010-04-18T20:26:00.003-06:00

It's surprising to me that I can even say that because I have been without Blaine for many days now and it is strange that I can count any day as good without him around. I am attached to that man! That's all.

This weekend was ab fab. ShaNeil came to town and we talked my parents into going to watch the movie Date Night. We were crafty, watched a fun movie, and sat next to Deb Hall, who giggled non stop and made the watching that much more fun.

Then, on Saturday morning ShaNeil, my Mom, and I woke up and drove to Sugar House for a bridal shower that Michelle planned for me. I had who I can consider my heart friends there: Joni, Kim, Michelle, Nicki. It was lovely. We purchased my temple dress, just in case I cannot wear my bridal gown inside the temple (perhaps too much bling?) and I purchased a new swimsuit at Costco. It was $20 for a Speedo brand suit. Nice.

Sunday brought church, and a family gathering that was the tops.

Overall, pretty fantastic. And without fail, I am ready for Blaine to return.

The Me I Am

2010-04-10T22:17:00.006-06:00

I was sad; I am happy.
I was lonely; I am loved.
I was sneaky, I am honest.
I was foolish; I am wise[r].
I was overwhelmed; I am zen.
I was angry; I am forgiving.

Design a Whirligig!

2010-03-30T16:02:00.003-06:00

My English 10 students are reading Whirligig by Paul Fleischman. In the text, Brent kills a young girl named Lea when he is driving drunk. He then travels around the country and makes whirligigs in memory of his victim.

The prompt: Design a whirligig to memorialize, celebrate, and/or commemorate a person who has influenced you.

Requirements:

• Must be 3-dimensional

• Must have a part that will spin in the wind

• Must be colorful

• Must represent the person

• Can be any size

• Can use any material – wood, cardboard, recycled materials, paper, etc.

I decided to make my whirligig in honor of my friend, Cassi Ann Ricks. Some people call her Cassandra. She has been on my mind recently because she moved to Colorado for grad school and I miss her face. On the stem of the whirligig are maps and flowers and images of Africa. I admire Cassi a great deal because she loves to travel, dares to travel, and finds ways to serve people from all walks of life. I have glued the cardinal directions to each spoke of the whirligig in order to represent the fact that Cassi is often going in a lot of directions but regardless of where she ends up I have no doubt that it will be somewhere lovely.

She has influenced my life because she has loved me unconditionally, without hesitation. When I have been crazy and strange and tragic she has let me and loved me still. She has been on great adventures with me, offered favors that are beyond the bound of friendship, and inspired me with her frank goodness.

Dress? Check!

2010-03-18T22:48:00.002-06:00

Yep. Don't you worry. I have found a dress and it is lovely! To those of you who want to see a picture of the dress in this post, you will just have to wait until I am getting married because I am sure that I will look that much better if my hair is done, etc.

I would love to post a picture (kind of) but I happen to be marrying a man who is wonderfully traditional and also modern enough that he subscribes to my blog. Thus, he would see a post of my dress and be sorely disappointed.

But, I am willing to try it on at my home if you stop on by. :)

And, Jamie...I will get a picture for you ASAP! Why? Because I love you so.

The Shoes

2010-03-13T16:59:00.002-07:00

I have found my shoes, and I love them. When I say my shoes, I am talking about THE shoes that I will wear with my wedding dress on May 22.

I have found THE jeans to wear with THE sweater for my engagement photos, which we are trying to take this Sunday. I am marrying THE man who brings me joy, and anxiously awaiting THE big day.

And I am glad for it all.

Now, I am losing sleep because I need to find THE dress. Aargh.

Of Course I Said Yes!

2010-03-10T17:15:00.008-07:00

On Saturday night, I went to the high school production of The Importance of Being Earnest with Blaine and ShaNeil. The first act was enjoyable, but I was incredibly antsy because we had already watched two "dollar" movies earlier and I was a little tired of staring straight ahead.

Don't worry. It became more jazzy.

After Act I, ShaNeil rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and saw Blaine walking toward the stage. The lights were out and stage crew had changed the scenery for Act II, but Blaine just kept walking up there. I whispered, "Blaine . . . Blaine . . ." because I wanted him to turn around and come back to sit with me, but no such luck.

In my mind, I thought that perhaps he had seen stage crew drop something dangerous and he was going to fix it before the lights came back on. Instead, he walked on stage and a spotlight came on.

He announced, "We are going to have a quick 10 minute intermission. But first, I have a question for Krystle. Miss Cook."

I walked up on stage and he said, "Krystle, will you marry me?" It was magical. He took a beautiful, perfect ring out of the box and placed it on my finger and I may or may not have kissed him a dozen or so times. On the stage. In front of my students. In front of my principal. It was amazing. And I cried.

Students clapped and cheered and whistled and Blaine and I were given a standing ovation. Incredible.

If ever I have imagined a proposal, it was never so lovely in my mind as it actually was. Blaine. Oh Blaine. I love that man.

We have set the date for May 22. The temple is booked. The luncheon is scheduled. We are happily, joyfully, blessedly in love.

Flash Game

2010-03-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. We are lookin' good. :)

Ode to Salt Creek Cinemas

2010-02-23T23:00:00.001-07:00

Oh movie house, I love you so!

My boyfriend and I were able to watch Valentine's Day in your soft, comfy seats. We were able to drink your Mt. Dew and eat your Red Vines. We were able to do this all a few blocks away from my home on a school night. And, forgive me, but I am glad that we were your only company this evening. :)

A night with you is worth every penny!

Dear Valentine,

2010-02-14T11:22:00.006-07:00

You have changed the course of my eternities.

I am daily glad that we have the courage to be together, that we are moving forward in a direction of promise and love.

Thank you for my gifts...you went overboard.

More so, thank you for loving me like you do.

Yours,

Krystle

Please Profread!

2010-02-14T10:30:00.002-07:00

As an English teacher, I have a chance to be critical of others' mistakes on a semi-frequent basis.

Some of my favorites:

A process analysis essay explaining "how-to" make the perfect bowl of cereal. "Open the panty and see which cereal looks best." Lucky Charms, anyone?

A newspaper article explaining procrastination. "Grab a handful of potato ships and dig in."

Funny. It's good to be me.

Tear It Up!

2010-02-04T15:48:00.003-07:00

I am alive, and well.

We are reading Julius Caesar right now. The following conversation occurred in my 7th hour class today:

B: Miss Cook. What would you do if I ripped four pages out of this textbook?

Me: I would charge you 80 bucks.

B: For four pages?!

Me: Yep.

B: It's almost worth it... (he is seriously contemplating)

Me: Here. Let me give you something else to rip.

I walked to my cupboard and pulled out an old textbook, one that is musty and nasty and 22 years old.

Me: Go for it!

B: Really?

Me: Yep.

--------------

(A conversation overheard a few minutes later)

B: How much will you pay me for tearing out a page?

C: A dollar.

RIP!

B: How much will you pay me for tearing out a page?

J: 50 cents.

RIP!

----------------------

B then went out in the hall to see if anyone else would pay him for ruining a book.

He ended the day, frustration over Caesar released, $2 richer, thinking I am a loon.

And I had an amusing 7th hour.

Kisses!

2010-01-17T11:07:00.002-07:00

I am fairly sure that I should not be allowed to blog right now because at present I am surviving on a mixture of liquid Lortab, IB 800 and herbal teas.

I am ill; in fact, I am suffering from the oh-so-glamorous mono, also known as the kissing disease. Yep. I am so proud. This is something that apparently is going around the high school, and is typically something mostly passed around 16 and 17 year- old hoodlums.

My throat is swollen to a point of extreme discomfort. I sleep and then wake up and have no concept of how much time has passed.

I am posting this in an attempt to get sympathy from the masses. Please! Send your good wishes my way.

KISSES!

My 2009

2010-01-02T11:37:00.001-07:00

Choose Your Own Adventure

2009-12-16T22:53:00.003-07:00

If given the choice between two submarines, which would you choose?

A) This submarine can travel only east to west. It does not have the capability to turn and travel north to south, nor can it travel west to east. You travel in one direction. Should a current snap you up, you will still travel east to west but will also drift a bit without your consent, perhaps to the north or the south. Your destination is unknown, but the submarine will pretty much move forward in the same direction, and will make it to the destination safely.

B) This submarine can travel east and west and north and south, but only with the help of powerful magnets. The over use of these magnets has made the submarine a little less reliable. In fact, while on the journey there is a chance that this submarine will split in half and sink because the magnets have weakened the ship so much. But, you are not at the mercy of currents. You are mostly in control of your travels, with the small exception of the danger that you are in while on this submarine.

I had to choose between these two in a dream I had this afternoon. What do you suppose my choice to be?

I also welcome any comments offering dream analysis.

Kisses!

On Silence

2009-12-10T15:41:00.004-07:00

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."

-Luke 2:19

This statement has been rolling around in my brain lately, one that is both meant for the season, and profound. I am not Mary by any means; I am not the sacred and special lady that she was. But I, too, am a woman of God, one who understands this concept of pondering within one's heart.

I have faced a great deal of feelings lately, and a few challenges. I find myself fast becoming the woman that I want to be; I am able to feel more joy than I ever expected to feel.

I am also racked with thoughts of despair, thoughts of sadness and loneliness that I cannot express.

More than anything, I sit on my thoughts. I ponder the life that I lead and the life that I want to lead and sometimes find it better to not say anything at all.

It is contrary to this post to even blog about this, but the moral of the story is this: sometimes silent pondering is okay, is more valuable than proclaiming one's thoughts to the world.

Happy almost Christmas!

Batman!

2009-11-22T18:01:00.002-07:00

On friday I was tidying my classroom after school. Near the garbage can at the back of my classroom there was a little white pumpkin. I assumed it was a leftover Halloween decoration and picked it up to toss it in the trash. Under the ledge of a cupboard I saw something small and grey, and I went to pick it up as well. Don't worry. It was a bat. It was small and dead and a little flat. There was fur on its little tummy and whiskers near its nose. I screamed and dropped it once I realized what it was, and then ran to find some hand sanitizer. I carried it through the school on a piece of paper and showed a few other teachers. I also reported it to my principal so the grounds crew could look into it. A bat. In my beautiful classroom.

I brought it home because I wanted to take a picture of it, but I had left my camera out at the Bassett's home. Then, I panicked and felt a little ridiculous for keeping it in the first place, so I threw it away before getting photographic proof. Sad. Next time I find a bat in my classroom I promise to take a picture.

You've Grown!

2009-11-15T10:23:00.004-07:00

On Friday afternoon Blaine and I went up to my great uncle Rulon's 90th birthday party. Upon entering the party, we walked over to Elaine Cook to say hello. She saw my mom, and me, and Blaine, and looked at him with obvious surprise. "Wow! You've grown!"

I looked at Elaine, and said, "This is my boyfriend Blaine."

Poor woman. She was horrified. She thought, yes, that Blaine was my 13 year old brother, having experienced some sort of growth spurt since May, when she saw him last.

Yes, they both are blonde (kind of). They both have fantastic smiles. But Blaine has facial hair. And is a head taller than Jace. And, when I kiss Blaine I am not thinking of my brother. AT. ALL.

I am three months older than Blaine, and now I feel like a cougar.

Poetry

2009-10-28T22:45:00.003-06:00

It’s been a while

Since I last felt this lilt

This sense of easy rhythm

The beauty of movement

Of words

Of life

A desire to see red berries

Against white snow

And rejoice.

I am a poet once more because my world

(with you)

is a poem.

Happy Day

2009-10-25T21:44:00.001-06:00

Today was a good day, full of tasty food, good company, and much happiness. Love it.

Diane Says...

2009-10-21T20:35:00.003-06:00

She does not want a blog, but had something blog-worthy happen today. Please comment lots on this post to encourage her forming of her own blog, otherwise a{miss} cook will be high jacked.

My computer is from the dinosaur era. My students let me know that fact as they refer to it as "the dinosaur." Sometimes it does not turn on. Sometimes it turns off at random times. Sometimes, the computer tech tries to fix it and makes it even worse. Once upon a time, the computer crashed and the district wiped off the entire hard drive, Internet, and anti-virus software. Does this seem odd?

Yesterday, I even thought about timing how long it took to open my email, just so I could plead my case. My estimate is four minutes, and that would be being optimistic.

Now the reason for my blog-worthy joy: I HAVE A NEW COMPUTER! I walked into my classroom today and there on my counter...ta da! I asked the teacher across the hall if the computer was indeed mine, because I was scared to get excited if it was just a joke. It was not! The computer is mine.

And now my students need to give this new fellow a name.

:) Diane

Sunday School

2009-10-18T08:56:00.004-06:00

This morning I woke up early to prepare a Sunday School lesson. It has been many moons since I have been in front of the single's branch with a lesson, and something in my heart is seized with a sense of panic when I consider teaching once more.

Mind you, I teach on a daily basis. And sometimes when I am teaching even at the high school I am struck with a terror beyond that which I can express. I look out at 30 students and consider the fact that they are looking to me to guide them, to offer knowledge. I make peace in that context because I am the expert. I understand acutely the concept of parallel sentence structure. I can explain misplaced modifiers in a way that students actually enjoy.

But this?

Sunday school?

I know the gospel is one of truth. I understand that. But I feel like I do not know enough to teach another soul.

And so, here is my admission of shortcoming. I am prepared to teach a lesson, but am afraid that again I may panic and fall apart.

UPDATE: Thank you for your love and prayers and most of all, your presence. I survived it, and am so grateful that you are in my life.

Something Frilly, Feeling Silly

2009-10-09T20:09:00.004-06:00

For Miss Nancy Berry's bridal shower, my mother and I bought a classy leopard print ensemble. We are combining this frilly little thing with a sexy cd, a Victoria's Secret candle, etc. Last night I took the outfit out of the bag to show another friend and then left it in the back of my Escape...without the bag.

Today I asked a Senior sudent to run out to my car and get a stack of newspapers from the cargo space. Don't you worry. The nightie was there in all its glory. He did not say a word and came back with the stack of papers, but I am WAY too embarrassed to even ask if he saw what I know he saw.

Is That a Movie?

2009-10-07T22:10:00.005-06:00

My mother and I bottled homemade apple pie filling tonight. As we were working we talked about shopping tomorrow for a bridal shower gift for one of my newly-engaged best friends.

My little brother said, "Oh! Are you going up North?"

I said, "Yes. I'm going to see my shrink."

He said, "Is that a movie?"

The Sky Is Blue

2009-10-06T19:46:00.002-06:00

I sometimes get so caught up in life that I forget to notice the beautiful things. For example, right now I am worried about getting my laundry done, or making my bed, or planning for tomorrow or grading essays.

But, people, the sky is blue! Isn't that a gorgeous thought?

You Are So Soft.

2009-09-23T15:45:00.002-06:00

One day after school a student lingered in the classroom. This student is from India and has a certain proper mannerism about him that is pretty fun to experience. On this day, he walked up to me and said, "Miss Cook. I would like to ask you a question." I replied, "Okay." He said, "It is a personal question." I replied, "Okay. What is the question?" He said, "Why have you never married?"

Um...

Flash forward to today.

After school, this same student stayed after. He said, "You are so soft."

Wha?!

"You are so soft. I would write a poem on you."

He means ABOUT me, in case you are unsure of that statement. I asked him to explain soft because soft is a word I have never heard used in this way. He said, "You are true of heart and good."

Nice.

I've Lost It...

2009-09-15T19:34:00.005-06:00

So, last week I had a dream that can only be called a nightmare. I have published previously about dreams of mine, and I am definitely one who believes that dreams are significant and meaningful and yada yada, but this one was downright ridiculous.

Homecoming week was last week at JHS. We lost the game, but had a great showing of school spirit in the meantime. I love it as a teacher, but the nighttime activities mean that I fall a bit behind in other ways. I started laundry on Monday night but did not get much done. On Tuesday I started another load but was stressed out because I had not folded the previous load.

SO...

on Wednesday night, I dreamed that I brought my laundry basket to school. In my mind I could fold laundry during the down times. Instead, I left my classroom for a moment, only to return to see my panties (yep, underwear, people) flying across the room. Some sophomore boy thought it would be funny. So clothes were flying and I was angry but somehow could not get my classroom under control. Now, these clothes, in dream form, were clean, but it does mean that this situation improved in any way. It was AWKWARD.

After school the next day I finished my laundry just so I could get it off my mind.

Just in Case You Were Wondering . . .

2009-09-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

I love being a teacher. I find so much joy in waking up every morning and going to school. My classroom is lovely. My coworkers are fun. My students are just geeky enough that I am glad to know them.

And, in spite of my sadness and loneliness (two things that run so deep that I am periodically crippled), I am glad to be a teacher. My job sustains me. For now.

Pathetic

2009-08-30T22:35:00.002-06:00

On Friday morning, I went to the library and looked for a book for my Friday Free Read. I picked up The City of Ember. I finished reading it 6th hour and a student in my 7th hour class went to the library and picked up the sequel, The People of Sparks. On Saturday morning I finished that, so I went and keyed into the library and took The Prophet of Yonwood and The Diamond of Darkhold. Don't worry. I have successfully read FOUR books this weekend.

On the first day of school...

2009-08-20T21:51:00.003-06:00

I conducted a survey in my classes, asking students which teacher they had last year. I knew that one student was new to the school, and I said, "And where did you come from?" (fully knowing that I ought to say "And from where did you come?" but unwilling to say it because the sophomores will panic if I say it that way).

The boy replied, "My mother."

I thought he was being a smart aleck and I said, "Well. Good. That makes sense. But where did you last attend school?"

He looked at me like I was a moron and said, "Um, I was home schooled."

Oh. I am so jaded.

What Do I Want Out of Life?

2009-08-16T15:09:00.002-06:00

In the long run?

A home.

A family.

A friday night out.

Someone who loves me more

Than I have ever loved.

A goodnight kiss.

Hot chocolate at midnight.

A miracle.

Early morning breezes

And bike rides.

Pumpkin cake and

Cream cheese frosting.

Little wiggly toes to tickle.

Laughter at bedtime.

A tiny someone who has my eyes.

Peace.

Proof that I Should Be a Beautician

2009-08-06T12:46:00.008-06:00

I spent yesterday at the Lyman's. We walked to the garden and post office. We played "Dead Woman" on the trampoline during which time I realized that I am related to cheaters. The girls helped me punch out letters for my new bulletin board. We ate Otter Pops on the front porch. We listened to music and watched the visualizer in my iTunes. While Angie made Lasagna for dinner, my nieces and I played with each other's hair. Anya's hair got a stylish knot, Haven got a lovely loose braid, and my hair... There are no words to describe the beauty. Thanks for a fun day, cute ladies! You should come play at my house soon! :)

a Penny for your Thoughts

2009-08-06T12:20:00.007-06:00

<--- Pocket portfolios at Office Max = 1 cent, limit 6.

Gas to Orem = $6.

Lunch at Chadders =$14

Deciding that we need at least 175 folders and doing what it takes to get them? PRICELESS.

My good friend Diane is an elementary school teacher in Payson. She is a little CRAZY about her folder usage. She wants each student to have 5 folders apiece. These are color-coordinated, as in RED MATH FOLDER, etc. Last year we purchased these folders for a penny each at Office Max. There was a limit of 9, so we asked the kind checker if we could perhaps purchase them in separate transactions. LAST year, checker said yes.

Fast forward to Monday. Diane talked her boyfriend into purchasing folders with her. SHE can purchase 12 (twice the limit) because she is a teacher. Two stores later, Diane is the proud owner of 36 folders.

Fast forward to Tuesday. I offer to go to Office Max and use my double limit teacher magic. We left the Office Max in Provo with 24 folders (60 total, for those of you who are mathematically inclined).

We then travelled to the Orem Office Max. Before we walked into the store, I said, "Okay, Diane. We are NOT leaving without all of the folders we need."

We both sadly purchased our limits, (ONLY 78 folders, as I was sans school ID) and then began mulling through the store considering options. As Diane wandered, I walked up to a stranger. With all the courage and charisma I could muster, I said, "Hey. I have a strange question. If I give you money, will you purchase 6 folders for me? I have reached my limit." He looked at me, said, "Sure," and Diane walked with him to the register. I found a second "helper" and our grand plan was born. We left a stack of purchased folders up near the register and kept sneak-attacking strangers, asking them to help us out. We would hand them change and the 6 folders, and they would happily go through the line.

At this point, the Office Max workers became wise to what we were doing. And they let us. And they laughed at us. And one of them started pointing out where in the store we could find more customers! This lasted for a while until finally, VICTORY, the manager said that we could, WAIT FOR IT . . .

purchase the last 8 folders on our own.

<---Each receipt also came with a Save $5 on a $25 dollar purchase from Payless. Do we seem like people who would ever spend that much money in one place?!

Untitled, #4

2009-07-31T19:44:00.002-06:00

Do the brave thing. Do the brave thing and say no and fly away. Not only is it brave, but it is smart. Not only is it smart, but it will lead to an infinitely better future. Be brave, little bird!

Untitled, #3

2009-07-25T19:58:00.005-06:00

I had a dream that I don't want to talk about because it scares me so much. But I have to talk about it because it scares me so much. In my dream, I am outside and a man walks up to me. He is not someone that I know in real life but he is someone that instinctively in my dream I know that I know. He threatens me with a knife but I begin to run. He follows me, and I am almost inside an apartment (not the one I am in now) when he sticks his foot in the door and gets in too. So my apartment is not safe. And I am screaming and crying and he is wrestling against me. And everywhere that he touches my body is a slash, and bright red swells to the surface of my skin. My arms. My legs. My stomach. My neck. And I am thrashing. And I ask him why?! Why is he bothering with me? He has someone else. And he says that I am his for life and cannot belong to anyone else and it is better this way. And he keeps cutting me with every caress.

There is a moment of distraction (something crashes in the distance) and he looks and it is all I need to get away. So I run. Oh, I run. I get out of the apartment and my bare feet touch the gravel and the hot tar and I run. And suddenly I find myself in Ephraim, hiding in a bush near an old house that used to be on campus but has long-since been torn down. I sneak into a window and enter the home and I am suddenly SAFE. It feels like peace.

Up to this point, things make sense, but now, in my dream, I see Dustin Hoffman sitting in a recliner. I climb onto his lap and he rocks me to sleep.

I know what this dream means. Don't tell.

Untitled, #2

2009-07-24T19:32:00.002-06:00

I am scared of the dark. In the dark, I can have all sorts of dreams that I don't want to have. In the dark, I can't protect myself, and no one is around to know how to protect me.

Untitled, #1

2009-07-24T15:04:00.004-06:00

I noticed his yellow teeth, a bottom row of not-near white enamel that has an interesting sheen in the sun. How strange, that I had not before noticed the imperfection. They are uneven and jarring. I, who usually only see him at night, noticed the truth of the rows of teeth in the light of day.

He stood behind the bed of his truck, telling me he was leaving. Instead of thinking of Oregon, or my mother, or the four years we had been together, I thought of his teeth. The chip in the front tooth I had seen. He earned it in a fight he had in a club shortly after he first proposed. I had traveled to my Nana’s for the weekend and was called awake one night by a bail bondsman. He had been in a fight and was arrested. I let him spend the night in jail. He needed to learn a lesson and I needed the money for rent.

I think about how much I love his smile, but then realize that he only smiles in my mind. I haven’t seen a smile. So what is it that I love?

I Think I Can.

2009-07-15T13:05:00.003-06:00

I'm including a picture of my sassy new 'do because it brings me joy. This is not the "salon styling" but is proof of the fact that I know how to do my hair. I think I have it in me to maintain this style.

Hello

2009-07-09T13:55:00.003-06:00

Today I am grappling with my life and the fact that I have oodles of free time and nothing to do. In honor of that fact, I chose to customize a header for my blog and make it slightly more personal. I made my Lego figurine at Reasonably Clever. I decided that it would be best to make a superhero version of myself, as that is what I wish to be. I am slightly sad about the boxiness of my figure, but such is life in Lego-land. The main font is Rickles, found at dafont.com. Overall, happy. Although, overall, at present, I am sad.

On Facebook Friends

2009-06-23T12:17:00.005-06:00

I am not friends with my students. I may be friendly, but I do not allow my students to become my Facebook friends until they are no longer my students. There are some friendships that I relish. A few days ago, I saw a status update of one of these student-friends. It brings me joy. For one, I am called a wise woman. For another, I taught a whole slew of really cool people something. Finally, THEY REMEMBERED IT!!!

:) I am funny.

Right Now

2009-06-07T20:14:00.007-06:00

So, this is my life right now:

-I have been offered a job in Layton as a media specialist or English teacher. I did not even apply. I turned it down. The principal keeps calling me.

-I love my new Ford Escape. I feel like a queen when I drive it.

-My little brother is here to order $5 Threadless tees (sale ends tomorrow)

-I just finished reading Fablehaven 3

Up

2009-06-02T09:09:00.003-06:00

Last night I went to a 3D showing of Pixar's newest flick, UP. It was beautiful. I found myself tearing up a bit, but at the same time I found it so incredibly life-affirming. It dealt with relationships and happiness and life choices and loss. And even though it had some sad moments, ultimately it was just so joyful. This is a movie I will definitely own, and one that I want to share with those I love. The title makes total sense to me now because the film is so darn uplifting!

A Must-Watch

2009-05-29T22:10:00.000-06:00

Bear-napped

2009-05-17T21:43:00.011-06:00

So, I keep Bear in my classroom and dress him up for the season. The classroom is the BEST place for this little fellow, as he is not at all little and takes up more space than my apartment allows. I dress him up according to the season or according to what we are studying. When we read Chaim Potok's My Name is Asher Lev, he wears a skull cap and prayer shawl. When we are in the midst of Julius Caesar, Bear wears the traditional toga. All in all, Bear brings me vast amounts of joy. Lately, Bear has been perched on his shelf with a hospital mask and baby blanket, in honor of Swine flu. Last week during my prep period, Bear disappeared. In his place was the note you see above.

As day two arrived and I had yet to pay a ransom, I entered my classroom to find this picture (and many more disturbingly similar shots) on my front white board, along with demands for more cookies.

Never fear. After some careful terrorist negotiating, he is once again safe and sound. Look at those sad eyes! Notice how the duct tape was placed roughly over his flu mask! How could anyone NOT give cookies for the return of a friend such as this?!

A gift. :)

2009-05-17T21:35:00.003-06:00

So, I finished ShaNeil's and Russell's wedding gift and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. I sent the photos to Wal-Mart's online photo processing and added a studio finish to the edges to make it look happy. With this piece, I aged the back mat and the frame. The back mat has spray paint and varnish, intentionally uneven so it has a little depth. The frame was painted black and then given a little bit of white detail. I also scraped a bit of the paint off the frame so some of the original brown shows through. I chose to keep the pictures in color because I liked the combination, but for the next one I am going to try to create a collage that is less grunge, more class. I really like the aged look, but I am not sure what Carli wants. :) (So, Carli, we will be talking soon!)

Thank You!

2009-05-04T13:22:00.004-06:00

Dear blog readers,

Thanks for your love and support as my journey of sorts has come to an end. Last friday I participated in a hooding ceremony that brought me joy beyond belief. In fact, I was accused of smiling too broadly. Tom Rathke was taking pictures of me. When someone asked who he was photographing, he replied, "The one with the teeth." And so I am. To those who were able to attend the ceremony: THANK YOU. To those who were unable to attend: I STILL LIKE YOU A WHOLE LOT! Thanks to all for being a part of my life :)

Kisses.

Cool

2009-04-24T11:24:00.004-06:00

Surprising

2009-04-14T20:52:00.001-06:00

I really liked school today. I'm not sure why, but it brought me quite a bit of joy.

Here Comes the Bride!

2009-04-12T20:33:00.006-06:00

Today I spent much of my morning taking photos of my gorgeous younger sister. When we had taken 400 pictures or so, we decided to call it quits and give my arms and her body a break. I am attaching to this blog post a small photo stream for your viewing pleasure. Please leave me some feedback, as this is my first real photo shoot! :)

Week 13: One Last Thing

2009-04-08T19:34:00.000-06:00

Today marks the end of my Learning 2.0 journey. I feel such a sense of accomplishment, and I have been reflecting about those things I have actually used outside of class since the semester began.I used photos of letters from Flickr to create a wedding gift for my sister.

I created a Wordle that I used to help my students articulate ideas they have about My Name is Asher Lev.

I set up accounts at numerous sites that I now can refer back to at a moment's notice.

I suggested to the leadership team that we use GoogleDocs to share common assessments and that we set up a calendar in Google.

I watched more YouTube Videos than I can academically justify.

I have created a blog of which I am proud, and one to which I will actually miss posting.

I have created a wiki book entry and have a stronger understanding of basic html.

Most importantly, I have been able to gain a basic overview of several meaningful and compelling technologies.

I am overwhelmed at the thought of all the resources that exist online, but edified at the thought that I have time and motivation to learn how to use those resources.

I started with a somewhat conceited attitude about Learning 2.0, but am leaving with the thought that I have much to learn; I am grateful for that realization.

Good Advice

2009-04-08T18:04:00.001-06:00

An Obituary

2009-04-08T18:02:00.001-06:00

This Kid Wants a Grade...

2009-04-03T12:01:00.002-06:00

An excerpt from an essay scored today by yours truly:

"Now, there are many teachers who definitely belong to the Hall of Tutors but there are few I have met who remain its leaders. Miss M.D. [sidenote: what?] Krystle Cook, my High School English Teacher is not only royalty, but she is the Queen of the Hall of Tutors. She has all the attributes of a great teacher, although it is not her wonderful classroom discussion or her thrilling assignments that make it so. The thing that makes Krystle Cook different from all the other teachers is her wonderful personality and her amazing ability to be a true friend. I remember 10th grade when I first met her; she was always so funny, ducking behind podiums and throwing markers at me when I misbehaved [sidenote: this is only partly true]. Now, in the 11th grade, only a few weeks ago Krystle reprimanded me for excluding my friends. I know she truly cares about me. She is a great example and I am really grateful to her for helping me become a better person."

Sigh. I am pretty sure that, in spite of the all too evident kissing-up aspect of the above paragraph, things like this make me happy to teach.

Evaluating and Synthesizing

2009-04-01T01:04:00.000-06:00

Ultimately, the most useful articles/websites were those that talked about recycling programs that have existed in other areas. As I started searching, I realized just how much information is out there. I believed I would be able to

Pleasanton is rewarding residents who are willing to recycle.

Indiana University combined art with recycling.

Utah may have an increase in sustainable living because of the federal stimulus package.

Recycling programs are expensive to initiate. However, in spite of high up front costs, in the long run there are several benefits to paper recycling. Recycling requires a change of mindset, as those heading up research initiatives must be patient while the wave a recycling takes hold. Paper recycling does not necessarily "save a tree" as trees are planted specifically for paper; paper recycling DOES increase the life of a landfill. In addition to recycling, consumers ought to reuse and reduce their paper use. It's a cliche that I have heard countless times, but it is true!

REDUCE

REUSE

RECYCLE

It was at this point in my process that I realized that I had lost track of the initial goal of my research, to find out how reuse works into the equation. I was so distracted at my personal goal that I lost absolute track of what I was supposed to do. Reuse! It's all about reuse! I quickly changed my search topics, looking for such things as "recycle + reuse" and "recycle vs. resuse"; the latter search brought me to a website about the perks or reuse. I also visiting the EPA website that offers compelling statistics about all three R's. It is definitely worth a look.

As I evaluate all of the information I have been able to find, it seems clear that REUSE is much more useful than RECYCLING. Reusing an item is common sense, does not require further energy output, and increases the life of a land fill more than recycling ever can. Those proponents of recycling seem motivated by money. It also seems as though companies brag about recycling. It's just a buzz word that seems nice. In a sense, Recycle is the glamorous younger sister to the frumpy but productive big sister, Reuse.

UNRELATED BUT WORTH A LOOK:

My research did lead to the discovery of a favorite website thus far, one that addresses toilet paper and recycling. I also came across a home made entirely of paper. Another, while it dealt with making the choice to PURCHASE recycled paper, was aptly named Going Green @ Your Library.

Information Seeking

2009-04-01T01:02:00.000-06:00

I think that the biggest mistake the cell phone searcher made was relying too much on one place. Consistently, that user used Google as square one. I didn't realize what a big deal that was until I made the same mistakes. As I started looking for information about paper recycling, I first performed a Google search for Paper Recycling Process! I am no better than cell phone guy!

I moved away from Google and tried other search engines that I knew. I found an informative website that talked me through the step by step of recycling. You can check it out by clicking here.

I also found a somewhat geeky YouTube video that explains the whole process, if you don't feel like reading:

My next logical step was to find possible harmful effects of paper recycling. I found an article called Rethinking Recycling that is a little dated (1995). You can read the whole article, but I am including the gist of it here:

"Critics say that what seems at first to make a great deal of sense doesn't always stand up to a close examination. For instance, some critics argue that collection costs make recycling a bad bargain for many localities because the costs often exceed the prices that the recyclables bring on the open market. They also charge that operating additional trucks to pick up recyclables increases toxic diesel emissions, offsetting any environmental gains.

Recycling advocates are quick to respond that economics are not the only consideration and that recycling is essential in managing America's solid waste. They say that using recycled instead of virgin materials benefits the environment by cutting back on a wide range of pollutants and preserving biodiversity. And, they add, recycling may make economic sense by delaying or lessening the need for landfills so that land can be put to more productive uses."

Because this seemed a little dated, I decided to pinpoint more timely information, this time using a GoogleScholar search. I am including the link, even though I did not find any results with which I was happy. I went back to my standard Google, this time adding dates as a delimiter. The first site to pop up was one from the American Forest and Paper Association, displaying the 2009 recycling awards.

It seems, so far, that I can only find recycling information from companies who somehow benefit from recycling. It also seems as though this is not a topic that people are talking about anymore. That, or perhaps I am not information literate!?

Task Definition

2009-04-01T01:01:00.000-06:00

The situation: My city is interested in implementing mandatory curbside recycling. I always attend meetings where the community can give input on a matter. To prepare for this meeting I want to know more about the possible economic and environmental benefits of recycling. I've heard something about how it might be better to re-use things, rather than use things once and recycle. How does re-use fit in?

I have a sister who lives in England, and she has shown me a great example of recycling and reusing. In the UK, everyone participates in curbside recycling of glass, plastics, compost, and metals. I am not sure what would be the best plan of attack in Utah, or in the United States, for that matter. People talk about how expensive it is to recycle, and I have heard students tell me that recycling is a waste of energy because it does not make that much of a difference.

I would like to examine paper recycling, as that is something that my school already participates in. Specifically, I would like to have real information to pass on to students in order to rev up our school wide paper recycling.

I need to understand the process, costs, and impact of paper recycling. I would also like to know where paper from Utah goes in order to be recycled.

Learning to Find/Use Information

2009-04-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

I am starting the information literacy aspect of this course and I was first posed with the question "how important is the skill of information literacy?" A simple answer would be one word: very. An expanded answer might include a variation of the following: more important than most of us can even realize.

A little background (taken from the course):

The term "information literacy" was defined in 1989 by the American Library Association's Presidential Commission on Information Literacy as an individual's ability to identify and shape research questions, access information, evaluate it, and manage it. Information literacy is different than "learning how to use the library", which focuses on teaching tools, resources, and strategies for a specific library's resources and for a very specific assignment. Although there is some value in this, today we all encounter information in a very different way. Having a broader and deeper understanding of the information landscape, including libraries, will enable you to navigate that landscape much more easily.

Information literate people are problem solvers; they can be dropped into any foreign situation and often take on a leadership roles because they are able to manage information. They are curious. They are researchers. They are those who make effective teachers and helpful friends.

It important to know that there are various types of information that can be found in different ways, using different tools. It is also important to have good searching skills. As a teacher, I am given the responsibility to help my students become informationally literate, which implies a mandate for me to be the same.

Shhh! Don't Tell!

2009-03-31T21:18:00.004-06:00

This is me having fun with some gift ideas for ShaNeil and Russell. I know that I should not post gift ideas online because its a gift, and that little sister of mine reads this blog, but I figure that she is so stressed with wedding plans and school work that reading my blog is not a high priority. I also would like to mention that every time I post something new, I don't necessarily need praise...in fact, I would love feedback, but mostly I just like to share what I have learned and what I have created. I promise, I am NOT fishing for compliments! :) So, tonight while I was in class I played around with images from Flickr in order to create this collage of ShaNeil's new last name. The shape and size is not quite right yet, but in theory its kind of cool. I am using Adobe CS3 (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), programs that I have become accustomed to because I am the school newspaper advisor. This particular piece has three layers, one solid black, one for images, and one for text. It is MUCH easier to work in layers when you are trying to be creative. I am not offering to sell my mad skills (as Michelle suggested in an earlier note) but I would love to sit down with anyone who wants to learn a few things. Or, if you have a project in mind, suggest it and let me try it out as practice. Let me know. :)

My Little Sister is Getting Married!

2009-03-30T21:38:00.003-06:00

And here is the announcement that I designed. :)

Hips

2009-03-23T16:24:00.004-06:00

My Honors English 10 students are reading The House on Mango Street today. We just started the book, mind you, and I have not taught these students for several weeks. I asked them to choose a vignette (a short little section of the book) and then make some inferences about the text. One boy raised his hand and said, "This vignette reminds me of you!" I asked, "Which section?" He replied, a little embarrassed, "Um, Hips." Awesome. So, I made a face and said, "Oh. Let's move on." He said, "Wait. No. It's just a few sentences. I want to see if other people agree." He proceeded to let the whole class know that they should turn to page 51 and read the first two lines. They are as follows:

"I want to shake like hoochie-coochie, Lucy says. She is crazy. I want to move like heebie-jeebie, I say, picking up the cue. I want to be Tahiti. Or merengue. Or electricity."

WHAT ON EARTH DOES HE MEAN?

Lucky Me!

2009-03-22T22:26:00.002-06:00

Dear Ms. Cook,

In follow up to a letter sent to you on February 24, 2009 and in accordance with District Policy, I am pleased to inform you that your contract for the 2009-2010 school year will be renewed, providing that the economic conditions in the state do not require further cuts to the District budget.

I appreciate your patience during the last month while the District could not make promises to provisional employees. Also I appreciate your willingness to work hard and serve students during the past year. Thanks again for all that you do.

Sincerely,

_______________________

Awesome. I get to keep a job and fill my classroom with 40 students at a time! There were three teachers cut at the high school level.

Kisses!

My Life in Words

2009-03-18T20:07:00.004-06:00

So, today I was playing around on Wordle and came across the option to create "word clouds." You are looking at the same blog post as below, although this version seems much happier. Agreed?

Week 12: Tag Cloud Things

2009-03-18T19:34:00.000-06:00

I just made a Wordle image using the text from our high school media center page. It is amazing! I can already think of so many uses for this. If you want to make your own, you can click here.

Week 11: Podcasts, Video, and Downloadable Audio

2009-03-18T18:33:00.000-06:00

So, I am including an embedded video from Youtube. This clip is a music video from many years ago, and it brings me absolute joy. Namely, I think that the main female singer looks lovely and innocent and the male vocal lead looks a little creepy. And, I love the background dancers. Pure genius.

I subscribe to several podcasts via iTunes. I love This American Life and Radio West. I listen to these podcasts on my computer and on my iPod. I have also been able to share them with students. In October, we listened to Old Time Radio Thrillers. I have actually turned students on to some podcasts also.

I have tried to use Pioneer Library's downloadable audio files, but since I have an iPod instead of a regular mp3 player I am unable to use these files. :(

Saddest Day Ever

2009-03-17T19:05:00.004-06:00

Due to a series of unfortunate events, today I lost three year's worth of files. I no longer have a computer record of the past three years of my life and I am sad, perhaps depressed. Can you say a prayer for me? I know that I cannot recover the files (this is not really miracle-material . . . they are gone for good!) but I would sure like to have some sort of piece of mind and be able to sleep tonight. I have been crying nonstop because we are talking COUNTLESS hours that are lost. Beautiful worksheets, stunning rubrics, assignment guides galore. Gone. All of the assignments I have submitted and still needed to submit for my Masters degree. No longer. Letters of recommendation I have written. Vanished. The homework that is due at midnight. Hmmm. That would be nice to find. Sadly, nope.

I have hard copies of many things, and I am going to put my TAs to work re-typing the big stuff. My mom called this afternoon and I started sobbing; she left work to come to comfort me. I love that woman, who understands my stress and pain. I know, I am crying over files, but, man. It's like I've lost the record of my life.

Week 10: Spring Break!

2009-03-11T19:33:00.000-06:00

Spring Break is AMAZING! :)

Week 9: Online Applications and Tools

2009-03-09T19:33:00.000-06:00

I have never typed anything in GoogleDocs but it basically brings me joy. I know a lot of students who have trouble transferring files from home to school. At first glance, it seems like GoogleDocs would be a fantastic fix, but I go right back to the problems we have with blocked sites at the district and this very useful resource is not available. Curse the filters!

Last summer, for my Masters program I had to do a group presentation with two other students. We shared all of our files through Google. It was very handy.

As a Clarion advisor, I have used GoogleDocs with some of our advertisers. Alyssa's Bridal has a Google account on which they store all of their print ads. It's pretty genius. The interface of this looks much like Word; overall, GoogleDocs seems like an incredibly user-friendly program.

(p.s. This post was typed in GoogleDocs and then transferred.)

Sisters Do As Sisters Should...

2009-03-07T19:07:00.002-07:00

Mucho Better, Yes?

2009-03-05T20:48:00.003-07:00

So, I played around a little bit this afternoon and my sister Angie introduced me to the brilliance of digital scrapbooking. I am NEW to it, and felt slightly overwhelmed. AND, I am SO embarrassed that you saw my earlier attempts! I am fairly savvy when it comes to using the technical programs, but I had NO IDEA that these sorts of possibilities existed. So . . . drum roll please . . .

THE NEW MOCK UPS!

Graduation Announcements :)

2009-03-05T13:09:00.004-07:00

So, these are my mock ups of graduation announcements I am considering. I think I like #2 the most. In the blank white spaces, there will be geeky pics of some sort. Respond to this post and tell me which you like most!

p.s. I have not done anything with fonts yet because these are just sample layouts. The end.

Hire Me!

2009-03-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Juab School DIstrict sent out a harshly worded certified letter last week to all provisional teachers informing us that our services may not be needed next year. Suffice it to say that I am worried. I feel as though am I competent and successful within my classroom, but I won't know about anything for sure until April 1st. April Fool's Day. What a horrible day to be informed of my future. Stay tuned.

My Ephraim Home

2009-03-02T22:11:00.003-07:00

Last summer when I was working at Snow College, I lived at Lamar and Elaine Cook's home during the week. They were fantastically generous and loving and completely made my summer more joyful. The fact of the matter is, Elaine is someone who I hold dear to my heart and I will pretty much do anything I can to let her know that. Elaine is just getting back into the real estate business, and I wanted to share her new website with you. Just click here to give it a read. Enjoy! :)

Week 8: RSS and Newsreaders

2009-03-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

This week I learned about RSS; RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. An RSS feed is a document that contains either a summary of content from a web site or the full text of a website. RSS feeds makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites automatically rather than checking them manually.

I think that there are many things about RSS in my mind. I have a list of websites that I view on a regular basis, but it is no where near "simple" for me to keep track of those sites. On my personal blog, I have a feed of blogs which I read, and I must admit that it saves me so much time. I do not have to spend time checking each blog, but can rather sign in to mine and then see my friends' updates.

Newest words in the English language

2009-02-24T19:51:00.002-07:00

Came across these fun things in my Master's classes tonight. They brought me enough joy that I thought they were worth sharing.

Blamestorming: Combination of blaming and brainstorming. Used when co-workers sit around trying to figure out who is at fault for a missed deadline or botched project. “The client wasn’t happy. You know the boss will want to have a blamestorming session.”

Swipeout: When the magnetic strip on a credit card wears out due to use. “I just called my credit card company because my old card had a swipeout.”

Friendiligence: The amount of time it takes to maintain friend requests on social networks such as MySpace and Facebook. “I just don’t have time for all of this friendiligence!”

Prehab: A program to prevent young stars from behaving inappropriately. “Looks like Miley Cyrus is the only one who’s been to prehab.”

Irritainment: A celebrity spectacle that, like a car wreck, you just can’t turn away from. “Brittney Spears provided enough irritainment for 2007.”

Bromance: Combination of brother and romance used to describe a strong heterosexual relationship between to males. “Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have a great bromance.”

Earjacking: Eavesdropping on a conversation. “That guy at that table over there is earjacking us!”

Ginormous: Combination of gigantic and enormous. “That sandwich I just ate was ginormous.”

All of these words were found on this this reputable website.

I believe...

2009-02-23T14:40:00.002-07:00

I just came across this link. Listen for a few minutes. Then, post a response listing 10 things that you believe. This is not a forward, or anything uncool like that; it's just something that I think would be enlightening.

You can listen by clicking here.

I, Krystle Cook, believe that:

1. People are worth trusting, even when they let you down.
2. There is enough love to go around.
3. A person should get as much education as possible.
4. It is worth your time to read a book.
5. Sometimes Sunday mornings are meant for staying in bed.
6. The world would be a happier place if more people found jobs they enjoy.
7. It is worth your money to watch a play once in a while.
8. Music is meant for dancing.
9. Families can be together forever.
10. It's okay to be a little geeky.

What do you believe?

What do YOU believe?

2009-02-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Teaching

2009-02-19T13:43:00.002-07:00

I miss being a teacher. I am ready to have my classroom back. I know. What a loser I am because I cannot just be happy with the fact that I only kind of have to work right now. Having a student teacher is amazing, but so strange . . . I miss my students.

Week 7: Tagging, Folksonomies, and Technorati

2009-02-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

This week I learned about a strange site called Delicious. I am still trying to wrap my mind around its uses. I spend about 1/2 hour wandering through the site and still cannot think of a practical, personal application. I watched a short tutorial that was meant to help me but was only moderately successful. Delicious is a social bookmarking service for sharing web links. It uses a key word categorizing system. It is a "folksonomy" because it is a peer-driven taxonomy. Delicious allows one to a) Build a reading list, and b) build a syllabus. According to the podcast tutorial, it allows one to connect with other learners.

I am not sure that I care to add myself to Technorati...but I was partially willing to play the game. One high point: when I read about tagging I was inspired to label my posts for easier website navigation! I spent some time looking for other blogs I read and I must admit that the Technorati site does a nice job of helping me find blog things.

Week 6: Play

2009-02-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

This week we were meant to play around online, and I must say that I fulfilled this task with gusto! I actually started playing from a computer at the public library. My little brother was on the computer to the right of me and his friend was on my left. (Don't ask why I was in the middle!) I played on a few of the generator sites; within a matter of minutes both 7th grade boys wanted to know which website I was on. I lead them to the main blog (right here) and we all giggled for the next half hour or so. Tonight, I have generated a new image for your viewing pleasure.

I was also meant to create a LibraryThing account today, but I already have an account at Shelfari (a similar site) and I mostly track my books through a Facebook application. I wandered around the LibraryThing website, but I could not bring myself to sign up for something that I know I will not use.

Synthesizing Again

2009-02-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

I ultimately discovered that I agree with the researcher's synthesis. She decided to proceed with caution, which seems about right. I already use my phone on speaker quite often, keeping it sitting on the desk while I talk. And why not? Speaker phone is not Bluetooth, but what can it hurt?

I like the way the research was presented because it is done in a very conversational, comfortable manner. The researcher also offered her opinion while at the same time including links so we could once more revisit her train of thought. Solid.

It seems like a natural time to revisit my own solutions. I ultimately have decided that recycling is not the perfect answer to a community's problems. Reusing is more cost effective, offers more energy savings, and is more of a community building activity.

At the beginning of this process, I started by merely wondering if our school paper recycling program made a difference so I could then bring that idea of difference to a larger community scale. I found some interesting information about paper recycling, such as how and why. Once I re-calibrated and adjusted the focus of my searching to fit the needs of this assignment, I found ready information about reusing. It was actually nice that I had spent such a large amount of time looking at recycling websites, because I was able to quickly see the contrast between the recycle and the reuse sites. The recycling websites are trying too hard and they seem as though they have something to hide; that fact alone lessens the appeal of recycling.

I wondered at first how a community could go about implementing such a program, and I ultimately came across Freecycle, a system that shows a lot of promise. One downside is that it is web based, but that might also be the upside. It seems like a legitimate site designed to process the needs of such a venture.

Using Information I Found

2009-02-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

The researcher went to Academic Search Premiere, which was a good call. When I was an undergrad I used databases like a mad woman and I was also so grateful for the quality of information available. She found much more relevant information and was also able to link information together in a sort of research chain. I do think she ultimately resolved the conflicting information that initially existed.

As I tried to make my own research chain, I realized that at first, I was so focused on recycling that I completely neglected to examine reuse; however, once I refocused my efforts it seems like reusing is most certainly the way to go. Recycling takes energy at every level. There are transportation costs from the beginning, as most small communities are not equipped with the needed plants to process products. The recycling process itself uses valuable energy resources. In contrast, reusing is a matter of communication. If a community organizes itself to SHARE things and to advertise that sharing, there is much less waste. It would require effort, but wouldn't it be amazing if a compost bin could be established at the city rose garden? Wouldn't it be phenomenal if the local newspaper advertised FREE sales instead of yard sales? It's a compelling thought, and one that I would like to think would work.

As I thought of this concept, I was reminded of a website I used to visit when I lived in Salt Lake. Freecycle is a website that claims to change the world one gift at a time. It is a forum that is community based which allows users to post things that they would like to give away (i.e. get rid of).

I do not think that I can support a recycle-only program. I would like instead to get behind a program that allows for organized reuse. I would like a FREEcycle community to be established and advertised in Nephi so that residents can share those things that they no longer want. Sounds cool, right? I applied for a new group and am now just waiting to hear back. :)

Seek More Information

2009-02-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

As I began to seek more information, I decided to branch out from the Internet and expand my sources. I went to the Nephi City Library. Using the card catalogue and the brains of my good friends who work their, I searched for any sort of text that related to any of the "R's." One librarian remembers displaying brochures at some point in time about the concept, but we could not find any sort of paper source to support any ideas. (A little ironic, I say!)

I decided then to expand my search into primary sources, or people who may have had experience with both recycling and reusing. In my high school, we have been experiencing a paper shortage since January. Because of this, teachers have been finding ways to reuse papers BEFORE they are sent to the big green recycling bin outside the building. I talked to a math teacher who sent home grade reports printed on the back of old worksheets (none with student names, mind you!) This act alone saved 170 pieces of paper from being added to the local dump. I have talked to other teachers who photocopy new worksheets on the back of old work; teachers also take old pages and cut them into quarter and half sheets, allowing students to use one side of the page for written response.

I talked to Diane Park, the school secretary, to see if she has noticed a change in paper usage in the past few months. She said that she has not needed to order any more paper (a relief, because we can't). Ultimately, it seems as though at our own Juab High School it makes more sense to reuse BEFORE recycling...we should try to get as much as possible out of each sheet of paper. It makes me wonder how I can restructure our school recycling program.

Ultimately, I read another website that inspires me to spread the word. It is conversational and friendly, and makes some good common sense. You can read it here.

Week 5: Skype

2009-02-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

I use Skype all the time to talk to my sister who lives in England. I do not have a camera attached to my computer, but my microphone and chat feature work just fine. Search for my Skype name: kriddlec. :)

All of my sisters refuse to turn on their cameras when we are on Skype because I don't have a camera and they think it is unfair! Talk about Skype connecting families; last week I was on Skype with my sister Velecia. I sent her links at which to look, we watched Youtube videos "together" (shared links and pushed play at the same time), etc. We were both giggling over how fun it was.

A Confession I Ought Not Make...

2009-02-02T20:09:00.003-07:00

Today, as I was walking down the hall, I saw a Hershey's Kiss. On the floor. It was mostly wrapped. I looked around, picked it up, unwrapped it, and popped it into my mouth. There is no excuse for me.

That's all.

Week 4:Wikis at JHS

2009-02-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

This week I am meant to learn about wikis. Hurrah. The wiki fascinates me. I love the idea of common knowledge, and a forum for others to share what they know. It pretty much rocks. I would love for students to create a wiki during their year in my 10th grade English class, but it feels like just another thing to add to my to-do list.

As far as I am concerned, Wikis are something that we should use, with caution. Last Spring, just for my own amusement, I started a Wikipedia entry for Juab High School. Since its creation, the entry has been edited and enhanced. This gives me quite a bit of faith in Wikipedia. If a small, seemingly insignificant entry such as this gets edited, how much more accurate must a significant entry be? Just a thought!

So Proud!

2009-01-27T20:42:00.005-07:00

Our most recent issue of The Clarion is amazing! Check it out by clicking here.

Flickr Photostream

2009-01-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Week 3: Photos and Images

2009-01-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to share this, but I just squealed with glee because of Flickr. I clicked on a link for Spell with Flickr and typed in my name and voila! Krystle spelled in a beautifully quirky way. You should try it with your own name, or another fun word. I promise, it will bring you joy!

Also, a little fun phrase just because I can:

In case you cannot tell, I strongly encourage any and all to play with Spell With Flickr. If I figure out how to change the size of my letters, I will pass that knowledge on. I also started a Flickr account using my Yahoo ID. It couldn't be any better OR simpler!

Yep. That's Me.

2009-01-20T20:00:00.002-07:00

Week 2: Blogging as Therapy

2009-01-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

When my older sister moved to England, she set up a blog to help her keep in touch with the rest of us while she was across the pond. It has been a great way for us to get to know her little boy because she posts pictures and video of him. When they came to visit over Christmas, I felt like I already knew him because her blog has given such a good record of his young life. My other sisters jumped on the band wagon and finally, not so long ago, I joined the blog craze as well. My personal blog can be found by clicking here. That said, I really like blogging, but I think there is a certain amount of hubris one must have to become a blogger. For me, it is not about other people reading my blog, but it gives me a chance to express most of what I feel in a very modern, effective way; my blog acts as a sort of therapy, I suppose. I enjoy changing my backgrounds, playing with fonts, and just being a blog-geek in general. There are many things that I do not know how to do, but I am still learning. :)

This week's lesson asked that I pay attention to the 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners.

Lifelong learning is a belief that learners can and should be open to learning new skills and ideas at all ages. I would like to think that I am a lifelong learner.

Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind
Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning
Habit 3: View problems as challenges
Habit 4: Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner
Habit 5: Create your own learning toolbox
Habit 6: Use technology to your advantage
Habit 7: Teach/mentor others
Habit 7 ½: Play

Of the habits listed, I am best at is Habit 6 (use technology to your advantage). Almost on a daily basis I find myself learning and using new technologies. The habit that I seem to struggle with the most is habit 7 1/2, the habit of play. I do not plan enough playing time into my schedule. Advice to you and to me: play, be curious, and read!

The Importance of Correct Punctuation

2009-01-18T20:27:00.002-07:00

Dear Charles:
I want a man who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we're apart. I can be forever happy--will you let me be yours?
Gloria

Dear Charles:
I want a man who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people, who are not like you.
Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever.
When we're apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?
Yours,
Gloria

Week 1: Welcome to my Blog!

2009-01-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

This semester I am taking a course for my Masters Degree that is called "Information Access and Technology." I took the first half of the course last fall and am now adding to my information knowledge. At the risk of sounding like a total geek, I am somewhat excited to take part in the blog component of this course; I am required to post blogs as a result of my learning, but it is a mode I feel increasingly comfortable with.

This semester, I will be tracking things learned in 2.0, a component of my INST course through Utah State. Please feel free to join me, and enjoy the journey!

Can I get a "Woot?"

2009-01-06T19:05:00.006-07:00

Hurrah! It is a new year with new adventures. For the past two days I have been a teacher once again and both days, as I have written the date on the board, I have had to erase the "8" with my fingers and rewrite a lovely little "9" in its place. The result is a blackish hand, but I have not had a student see me miswrite the year so I feel proud about that.

2nd quarter is almost over and the struggle for grades begins! Can I get a "woot?" Next week my student teacher will be in my classroom watching me teach; I am completely doubting my awesomeness as a teacher now that I think of another person seeing me in action...but she only observes for a few weeks, so I think it will be just fine. My greatest student-teacher fear is that my students will love her more than they love me. That, of course, will make me sad. My second greatest fear is that my students will not love her more than they love me and life will be difficult for her. Sigh.

I basically love my job. I love my students. I love my school. I am grateful for moments of clarity when I understand acutely how I can teach a new concept. I am glad for my brain and the insight it offers in moments of frustration. Today, I talked to my 6th hour class to let them know that they were completing their group work in a less than stellar way. I loved that the words came to me and I sounded like a teacher and I meant every word that I said. I may or may not have used the word "suck" (which I regret, even though it was offered in the context of, "if you cannot complete this simple assignment for me, 11th grade will basically suck for you because it will be impossible for you to be successful) but other than the brief lapse into teen language, I completely sounded like a teacher.

Once more, can I get a "woot?"

Family Pics :)

2008-12-23T22:40:00.005-07:00

Vote For Me!

2008-12-05T16:07:00.002-07:00

Okay, so not really me. But it would help my school a lot if you would click here and vote for video #3. If you don't believe me you can watch them all, I suppose, but believe me, the video created by JHS (aforementioned #3) is by far the best. Cheers!