Today I need to write. Why? Because I feel emotionally exhausted. My healthy eating is going well, I'm exercising almost every day, and I feel pretty good. So why the emotional stuff? I tend to get like this when I make a change. The current change? My tuition rate and scheduling lessons for the fall. I am confident about the change, but I'm just feeling a bit of guilt. Rather than talking about THAT, I thought I would peruse through the Daily Spark and find a frivolous topic.
Topic #91: Chocolate Milk and Croissants
If you had to spend two weeks alone on a remote island and could choose only one kind of food and one kind of drink to take along, what would you choose? Explain your rationale.
This statement is quite open to interpretations. A "kind" of food could be Mexican, or Southwest Fusion, or Japanese. However, I will limit my options to have only ONE item of food. To eat the same food over and over and over, just as itself. One could approach this question with choosing one's favorite food. Many would say chocolate, or candy bars, or pie (of course you could only choose ONE kind of pie).
However, in my humble opinion, I think peanut butter is the best food possible. Of course I would need it to be able to be eaten in many ways, so I would say Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches. This way I could separate the bread and have two sandwiches, or I could lick the inside contents, or I could cook the sandwich over a fire for a dessert treat. Yes, that is my food.
Now onto beverages. If I were stranded on a remote island, I would most likely be surrounded by salt water. In this case, drinking water would possibly be scarce. So I think water would be my smartest choice of beverage. Water is not my favorite drink. My favorite would probably be sun tea or bourbon. However, I don't really think alcoholic beverages would be sufficient in the tropics. I'll stick with water.
There is another way to interpret the question. There is nothing that states I am alone on this remote island. I might be with a group of others who also could only bring one food. In that case, I will stick with my drink selection: water. However, I might need something tastier to trade for another person's provisions. In that case I would choose roasted chicken. Roasted chicken would work well if another person brought dessert or even if they brought peanut butter. A Thai peanut chicken would be very tasty.
As much as I wish I could get away for awhile, I don't really care to escape to a remote island. Nor do I hope to be all alone. I believe to "get away from it all" truly means to get away from the daily grind. Get away from schedules: school, work, homework, lessons, etc. Get away from phones, and emails, and facebook and TVs. Just get away.
What would be YOUR food and beverage choices?
Showing posts with label Daily Spark. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Spark. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Do I really Need a Vacation?
Today I flipped open to another random page in the Daily Spark. Topic 173 is:
I Need a Vacation
The University of the Bahamas has named you one of three finalists for a full scholarship to its College of Vacation and Relaxation Sciences. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen by a review board that will read an essay from each of the three finalists. The essay must start with the sentence, I deserve the scholarship because... Write this essay for the review board.
You would think, reader, that a topic such as this would be a delightful one in which to compose an essay. I just had a deep conversation about "getting away" with my husband, Jim, last weekend. What brought on this conversation you ask? Well, it just so happens that my dear friend, Fairy Tale Mama, went on a little respite last weekend. It was a welcome surprise from her husband, and it definitely got me thinking about the possibility of trading places at that moment.
However, as much as I feel the need to escape sometimes, I don't wish to do it alone. I know this probably sounds insane, coming from a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), but I think I'd rather run off somewhere WITH my husband (minus the ladybugs). Since Evie has started full-time school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday I am a MUCH more relaxed Mommy. Having that time to get things done around my home (i.e. laundry, dishes, bills, etc) ALONE, makes all the difference.
I recently changed my teaching schedule, and that has ALSO made a huge difference in how I spend my time. I am no longer running home from picking up the ladybugs from school to teach for 4 hours, nor am I teaching ALL day on Saturday. Spreading the teaching up into 4 days has really been the brilliant idea I needed. And, just this week I made the decision to raise my tuition rates this fall. I put together packages of information for my families, which include: an explanation letter, a brief bio of my qualifications, and a new procedures document to sign. On the encouragement of my dear friend, Dana, I also have added an incentive for signing up early (i.e. May) for fall lessons. Each family will receive a $25 voucher off tuition to be used at any point during the school year (September 2012 - May 2013).
Making these changes has taken quite a lot of thought and prayer. I have also spent a lot of time composing the needed documents and creating the files necessary to accomplish goal. But the rewards are going to be stellar, so I cannot wait. I have also made peace with the idea that maybe I will not have all my students return to lessons in the fall. I hope this doesn't happen, but I know that a small increase in tuition can sometimes be what deters people from continuing lessons.
Now onto renegotiating my finances and writing that best seller about Bonnie! :)
I suppose with time we will see what happens.
I Need a Vacation
The University of the Bahamas has named you one of three finalists for a full scholarship to its College of Vacation and Relaxation Sciences. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen by a review board that will read an essay from each of the three finalists. The essay must start with the sentence, I deserve the scholarship because... Write this essay for the review board.
You would think, reader, that a topic such as this would be a delightful one in which to compose an essay. I just had a deep conversation about "getting away" with my husband, Jim, last weekend. What brought on this conversation you ask? Well, it just so happens that my dear friend, Fairy Tale Mama, went on a little respite last weekend. It was a welcome surprise from her husband, and it definitely got me thinking about the possibility of trading places at that moment.
However, as much as I feel the need to escape sometimes, I don't wish to do it alone. I know this probably sounds insane, coming from a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), but I think I'd rather run off somewhere WITH my husband (minus the ladybugs). Since Evie has started full-time school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday I am a MUCH more relaxed Mommy. Having that time to get things done around my home (i.e. laundry, dishes, bills, etc) ALONE, makes all the difference.
I recently changed my teaching schedule, and that has ALSO made a huge difference in how I spend my time. I am no longer running home from picking up the ladybugs from school to teach for 4 hours, nor am I teaching ALL day on Saturday. Spreading the teaching up into 4 days has really been the brilliant idea I needed. And, just this week I made the decision to raise my tuition rates this fall. I put together packages of information for my families, which include: an explanation letter, a brief bio of my qualifications, and a new procedures document to sign. On the encouragement of my dear friend, Dana, I also have added an incentive for signing up early (i.e. May) for fall lessons. Each family will receive a $25 voucher off tuition to be used at any point during the school year (September 2012 - May 2013).
Making these changes has taken quite a lot of thought and prayer. I have also spent a lot of time composing the needed documents and creating the files necessary to accomplish goal. But the rewards are going to be stellar, so I cannot wait. I have also made peace with the idea that maybe I will not have all my students return to lessons in the fall. I hope this doesn't happen, but I know that a small increase in tuition can sometimes be what deters people from continuing lessons.
Now onto renegotiating my finances and writing that best seller about Bonnie! :)
I suppose with time we will see what happens.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Terrible Loss
I decided to flip through the Daily Spark and see what popped out at me. I thought it would be fun to imagine myself as a character in high school and a possession that would be rather quirky. Here is #69's topic:
A Terrible Loss
Imagine that you've lost your most precious and prized possession. Write one paragraph about what the item was, and why is was special to you; a second paragraph about how you lost the item; and a third paragraph about how you felt when you realized the item was missing.
I am almost embarrassed to admit my most precious and prized possession. Most guys my age would probably think my choice to be odd and a bit feminine in nature. But, I must come clean and tell you that my most prized possession is a tiny blue and white striped t-shirt that my baby brother wore. If I ever need to remember what he smelled like, or what it felt like to have him near, I simply inhale the sweet fragrance of the fabric and I'm transported to a much happier time. A time when my parents were married. A time when there was laughter in the house. A time when I wasn't an only child. A time when nothing bad could happen.
When I woke up this morning I put the shirt inside my backpack - the same way I do every morning. It stays folded at the bottom of the backpack until I get home (or unless I need to visit my locker between classes to forget about the my monstrously insane day). I put my myriad of books and notebooks on top of the shirt, zipped the pack together and threw it over my shoulder. The walk to school was the same as always: uneventful. I saw the same people I always do, waved to my buddy Pete, and entered the school when the bell rang. I walked slowly to my locker (the quicker you walk the quicker school begins), hung my backpack and hoodie inside, grabbed my books, and went to my first class.
It was during lunchtime when I first noticed the shirt was missing. I was making a quick stop at my locker to switch my morning books for the afternoon ones. I wanted to have a pure moment without judgement, and so I reached to the bottom of my backpack. I couldn't feel the shirt, so I pulled the pack off its hook and began searching the contents. The only things inside were a pencil, crumbs from a cookie I ate maybe a week ago, and a candy wrapper. I then searched the interior and exterior pockets, because maybe in my rush to get ready I mistakenly stuck the t-shirt in the wrong place. Nothing. I could not breath, and I heard an animal-like sound that was coming from the background. People began crowding around me and pointing to me and my mess outside the locker. A few moments later I realized the primal sound was coming from me. Then the world went black.
A Terrible Loss
Imagine that you've lost your most precious and prized possession. Write one paragraph about what the item was, and why is was special to you; a second paragraph about how you lost the item; and a third paragraph about how you felt when you realized the item was missing.
I am almost embarrassed to admit my most precious and prized possession. Most guys my age would probably think my choice to be odd and a bit feminine in nature. But, I must come clean and tell you that my most prized possession is a tiny blue and white striped t-shirt that my baby brother wore. If I ever need to remember what he smelled like, or what it felt like to have him near, I simply inhale the sweet fragrance of the fabric and I'm transported to a much happier time. A time when my parents were married. A time when there was laughter in the house. A time when I wasn't an only child. A time when nothing bad could happen.
When I woke up this morning I put the shirt inside my backpack - the same way I do every morning. It stays folded at the bottom of the backpack until I get home (or unless I need to visit my locker between classes to forget about the my monstrously insane day). I put my myriad of books and notebooks on top of the shirt, zipped the pack together and threw it over my shoulder. The walk to school was the same as always: uneventful. I saw the same people I always do, waved to my buddy Pete, and entered the school when the bell rang. I walked slowly to my locker (the quicker you walk the quicker school begins), hung my backpack and hoodie inside, grabbed my books, and went to my first class.
It was during lunchtime when I first noticed the shirt was missing. I was making a quick stop at my locker to switch my morning books for the afternoon ones. I wanted to have a pure moment without judgement, and so I reached to the bottom of my backpack. I couldn't feel the shirt, so I pulled the pack off its hook and began searching the contents. The only things inside were a pencil, crumbs from a cookie I ate maybe a week ago, and a candy wrapper. I then searched the interior and exterior pockets, because maybe in my rush to get ready I mistakenly stuck the t-shirt in the wrong place. Nothing. I could not breath, and I heard an animal-like sound that was coming from the background. People began crowding around me and pointing to me and my mess outside the locker. A few moments later I realized the primal sound was coming from me. Then the world went black.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Belle and Sebastian vs. Creed
Today's topic from the Daily Spark is:
Belle and Sebastian vs. Creed
Write two paragraphs contrasting your favorite band or musician with your least favorite band or musician.
I must admit - I don't really find the above to be a stimulating creative writing topic. Why? Because I really don't dislike a band enough to write a few clever "trash talk" sentences, and how said band does not measure up to my listening standards. And, yes, there is another thing; the amount of time I have to listen to my own music choices is very small. You see reader, 49% of the time I listen to kid-directed music. The ladybugs have heir favorites: Laurie Berkner, The Beatles, Christian worship and/or Papa Tom music (my father's obsessive collection of his recorded covers). The other 49% of the time I listen to student-directed music. Fur Elise and Cannon in D used to be favorites of mine, however, they have become just another melody I have to hear wrong over and over and over again.
I'm not saying I don't like listening to these music choices, I'm simply stating that when I get my 2% opportunity I'm usually listening to a variety of songs by a variety of eclectic artists.
Recently I was a presenter at Career Day at the Ladybugs' school. As a music professional, I made certain to illustrate the passions and pitfalls encountered with this career choice. I also challenged students to listen to music they've never heard before. I encouraged them to go to a concert, see a Broadway show or even an opera on stage. Reach outside your music comfort zone to experience other genres. In my opinion, a true musician must have infinite respect and admiration for all forms of the expression.
This brings me back to the topic above. If I don't have just one favorite group or band, who do I enjoy? My likes are, but are not limited to, She & Him, The Saltines, Bread, Carol King, Ella Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Audra McDonald, Led Zeppelin, ABBA, The Carpenters, Jewel, Michael Jackson, and the Black Keys.
Who are is/are your favorite(s)?
Monday, April 2, 2012
You're Not Supposed to Say That
Here is another entry a'la Daily Spark:
You're Not Supposed to Say That
When we're talking, we say suppose to, instead of the grammatically correct supposed to. But suppose to is a made-up phrase. To burn this rule into your brain, write four sentences that use supposed to.
Write one sentence about pit bulls, one sentence about politicians, one sentence about protractors, and one sentence about pears.
1) Due to negative media, we are supposed to believe that pit bulls are vicious dogs when they can be really wonderful pets.
2) I think most people believe that politicians are supposed to lie, which probably explains why most of the people running this country have questionable moral characters.
3) A protractor is supposed to measure angles, but I like to use mine as a guide to draw half circles.
4) According to Maggie, a character in the movie City of Angels, a pear is supposed to taste, " Sweet, juicy, soft on your tongue, grainy like a sugary sand that dissolves in your mouth."
You're Not Supposed to Say That
When we're talking, we say suppose to, instead of the grammatically correct supposed to. But suppose to is a made-up phrase. To burn this rule into your brain, write four sentences that use supposed to.
Write one sentence about pit bulls, one sentence about politicians, one sentence about protractors, and one sentence about pears.
1) Due to negative media, we are supposed to believe that pit bulls are vicious dogs when they can be really wonderful pets.
2) I think most people believe that politicians are supposed to lie, which probably explains why most of the people running this country have questionable moral characters.
3) A protractor is supposed to measure angles, but I like to use mine as a guide to draw half circles.
4) According to Maggie, a character in the movie City of Angels, a pear is supposed to taste, " Sweet, juicy, soft on your tongue, grainy like a sugary sand that dissolves in your mouth."
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sweltering, Not Hot
I'm actually enjoying using the Daily Spark as a writing guide. Today's topic is nothing short of challenging. Plus I make myself write for 30 minutes and that's it. I cannot change what I write or spend all day thinking about the topic. Here we go again!
Sweltering, Not Hot
Even the best writers rely on obvious words. Practice mental flexibility by writing a paragraph describing a typical August afternoon without using the words hot, humid, heat, or sun.
Perspiration was forming a liquescent line down Rowan's back, as she gazed longingly at the cool and inviting water of the family pool. Even her raspberry iced tea was sweating in the sticky August afternoon. Yuk! It was just like her parents to send her to her room for absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing! They are so unfair how they treat her because she's different. Rowan couldn't help that she was not cut from the same cloth. Now all she could do was peer begrudgingly at her sister and her sister's perky friends jumping and laughing poolside in their bikinis. How could her parents be so clueless? There was not a worse punishment than sitting in an oppressive bedroom while your sister is having the time of her life. Why bother to even look! Rowan angrily forced the curtains closed on her window, threw herself down on her bed and hoped she could sleep away her frustration.
Sweltering, Not Hot
Even the best writers rely on obvious words. Practice mental flexibility by writing a paragraph describing a typical August afternoon without using the words hot, humid, heat, or sun.
Perspiration was forming a liquescent line down Rowan's back, as she gazed longingly at the cool and inviting water of the family pool. Even her raspberry iced tea was sweating in the sticky August afternoon. Yuk! It was just like her parents to send her to her room for absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing! They are so unfair how they treat her because she's different. Rowan couldn't help that she was not cut from the same cloth. Now all she could do was peer begrudgingly at her sister and her sister's perky friends jumping and laughing poolside in their bikinis. How could her parents be so clueless? There was not a worse punishment than sitting in an oppressive bedroom while your sister is having the time of her life. Why bother to even look! Rowan angrily forced the curtains closed on her window, threw herself down on her bed and hoped she could sleep away her frustration.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
An Embarrassing Topic?
Today's Daily Spark is:
An Embarrassing Topic?
Most formal paragraphs consist of at least four or five good sentences. Usually, the first sentence of such a paragraph is the topic sentence, which contains the paragraph's main idea. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support the main idea. Practice writing a solid formal paragraph with a topic sentence and several supporting sentences. Write your paragraph on the topic "My Most Embarrassing Moment Ever."
My Most Embarrassing Moment Ever
After much thought and consideration, I have determined that I do not have a most embarrassing moment. I could have chosen from a myriad of life experiences spanning my 37 years. I admit that I make a fool out of myself at least once a day, so choosing the most embarrassing moment is quite difficult. Some of these life moments are as follows: when a co-actor forgot her lines on stage in high school and I had to try and fill in the blanks, when my bikini top fell off on a ride at Cedar Point, when my tutu fell off on stage, when my white pants had a blood stain down the leg in 6th grade, when I walked into a poll while talking to friends, when my boyfriend's sister walked in on us naked, when I had to have my father pick me up from jail, when I was too drunk to walk out of the bar without help, or when I left a marriage after only five months. However, I would rather own my failures and learn from them, rather than letting the failure define me as a person. Embarrassing moments are what help one grow as a person and ultimately contribute to the strong person one can become. Therefore, I do not have a most embarrassing moment.
An Embarrassing Topic?
Most formal paragraphs consist of at least four or five good sentences. Usually, the first sentence of such a paragraph is the topic sentence, which contains the paragraph's main idea. The rest of the sentences in the paragraph support the main idea. Practice writing a solid formal paragraph with a topic sentence and several supporting sentences. Write your paragraph on the topic "My Most Embarrassing Moment Ever."
My Most Embarrassing Moment Ever
After much thought and consideration, I have determined that I do not have a most embarrassing moment. I could have chosen from a myriad of life experiences spanning my 37 years. I admit that I make a fool out of myself at least once a day, so choosing the most embarrassing moment is quite difficult. Some of these life moments are as follows: when a co-actor forgot her lines on stage in high school and I had to try and fill in the blanks, when my bikini top fell off on a ride at Cedar Point, when my tutu fell off on stage, when my white pants had a blood stain down the leg in 6th grade, when I walked into a poll while talking to friends, when my boyfriend's sister walked in on us naked, when I had to have my father pick me up from jail, when I was too drunk to walk out of the bar without help, or when I left a marriage after only five months. However, I would rather own my failures and learn from them, rather than letting the failure define me as a person. Embarrassing moments are what help one grow as a person and ultimately contribute to the strong person one can become. Therefore, I do not have a most embarrassing moment.
Monday, March 26, 2012
You're the Sub
In a cognizant effort to focus on my writing, I purchased a Daily Spark book over the weekend from Barnes and Nobel.
I realize that I am not a traditional student who needs daily writing ideas at school. However, I think I'll try out the topics when I'm feeling in the mood to write but have no clue where to start.
Today's topic:
You're the Sub
Write a two-paragraph story about a day in class in the first person (using the pronoun "I) from the point of view of the last substitute teacher you had.
The moment I step inside Edward Snow Elementary School I am warmed by the familiar crayon/dirt/tempera paint smells permeating from the classrooms. I am completely aware that I am in a state of nostalgia as I round the hallways plastered with student artwork and prose. Oh! There is the library! Surrounded by that beautiful children's book mural. Oh, I loved being a library helper; learning the card catalog and sorting in alphabetical and numeric order. There is such organization and beauty in each shelf of books. Turning the corner, I pause for a moment at the "Star of the Month" bulletin board, and grit my teeth together as I see an awkward picture of a little girl with permed hair and glasses. I take a deep breath, fill my lungs, and hope that my exhale will drive out my ever increasing anxiety.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot stop my eyes from looking to the right and peering through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the one place I can never forget: the playground. Such a happy name for such an evil place. Girls, with perfect little figures, jumping rope or sharing a secret or smiling as they swing together. Boys, with their goofy grins, playing ball or climbing the jungle gym or playing capture the flag. But there she is: the little girl with the permed hair and glasses. She is standing alone and looking hopeful at her watch. Just waiting for the bell to ring and school to start. Just waiting for the names to stop and the nasty words to be silenced. Just waiting for her time to shine and for the dullness of her beauty to finally bloom. Just waiting. Just waiting.
Today's topic:
You're the Sub
Write a two-paragraph story about a day in class in the first person (using the pronoun "I) from the point of view of the last substitute teacher you had.
The moment I step inside Edward Snow Elementary School I am warmed by the familiar crayon/dirt/tempera paint smells permeating from the classrooms. I am completely aware that I am in a state of nostalgia as I round the hallways plastered with student artwork and prose. Oh! There is the library! Surrounded by that beautiful children's book mural. Oh, I loved being a library helper; learning the card catalog and sorting in alphabetical and numeric order. There is such organization and beauty in each shelf of books. Turning the corner, I pause for a moment at the "Star of the Month" bulletin board, and grit my teeth together as I see an awkward picture of a little girl with permed hair and glasses. I take a deep breath, fill my lungs, and hope that my exhale will drive out my ever increasing anxiety.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot stop my eyes from looking to the right and peering through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the one place I can never forget: the playground. Such a happy name for such an evil place. Girls, with perfect little figures, jumping rope or sharing a secret or smiling as they swing together. Boys, with their goofy grins, playing ball or climbing the jungle gym or playing capture the flag. But there she is: the little girl with the permed hair and glasses. She is standing alone and looking hopeful at her watch. Just waiting for the bell to ring and school to start. Just waiting for the names to stop and the nasty words to be silenced. Just waiting for her time to shine and for the dullness of her beauty to finally bloom. Just waiting. Just waiting.
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