Think Matthew took this photo of the bonfire at Bell's Dell.
April 5 – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
12 years ago
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Iowa is going green!!
I-80 out of Omaha has changed quite a bit from last fall. There are over 50 new wind generators visible from the road going east. It was shocking and very cool to see them all along the road and disapearing off into the distance. We even saw semis loaded with the pieces of a new one driving along the interstate.
Puts the 2 you see near Lincoln to shame.
Trip to Bell's Dell
We took a trip out to the family cabin over Easter weekend. We haven't been out there since last fall when we winterized it. We have been dreading going just a bit.
Last year we discovered all sorts of problems with the plumbing and ended up ripping out most of the bathroom (Jim's alter ego Demolition Dan ("DD") took over). There is just a toilet there surrounded by a privacy curtain - and the kitchen sink was still working. We have been trying to make a "long term" plan to put in a real bathroom that doesn't make you claustrophobic when you use it.
Objectives: 1. Comfortable to use, making extended stays at the cabin desireable. 2. Take up as little space as possible and utilize every spec of space.
3. Not cost a fortune.
DD had a wonderful plumber meet us at the cabin on Friday. After talking options, DD, Emma and I went off in search of materials. DD installed a utility sink by the toilet before ripping out the old kitchen sink. He learned how to use PEX and will never go back. Frustration ensued as we looked for a shower pan. Apparently, the only size shower pans deemed necessary now by home supply stores is 36" square or 48" rectangular - and those only come with a wall surround kit. So we had to leave some of the work undone. We were hoping to place the shower pan, which would determine the exact potion of our walls. NOPE. We finally tracked down the 42" we want in Lincoln and just need to decide on whether or not we are going to tile or not.
DD was resigned to the fact that the next trip to the cabin meant a cement cutting blade and a jack hammer as we got ready to sink the new drains. The plummer called today and suggested Qwik Jon sewage removal system. It requires no cutting of cement at all and is definitely worth checking out. Man would that save us a lot of work!!
Other things we are looking at: some way to soften the horrid water, small water heater solutions and metal cabinates for the kitchen. The plumber suggested IKEA - but said it's only worth it if you drive up to the twin cities and pick it up. We are very optimistic that we will make great progress this summer - especially if the Qwik Jon works out.
more to come later....
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
School Books arrive
I ordered 7 books - needed for 3 classes this summer. The other 2 classes use booklets made by the professor. My first class is Multicultural Education. Just in case you want to follow along, I have to read "White Teacher", The Education of a WASP" and Racial Healing: Confronting The Fear Between Blacks and Whites".
I'm hoping the class is better than the one I took in college titled "Minority Studies". The entire semester was filled with nothing but "how horrible the white race is". No kidding, I got an A in the class because all you had to do was not say a word in class (if you were white) and pick the right multiple choice answer to questions like, "All of the problems in our world are caused by white people - True/False?" You think I'm kidding, but it was really that outrageous. We had a young black man speak in class one day and the hatred that filled that room is something I remember to this day. An hour of angry, heated speach about how horrible all white people are and how racism is worse than it's ever been.
I felt so badly for that young man - and still do say a prayer for him to this day when he is brought to mind. I did learn what racism is - one definition from dictionary.com is "hatred or intolerance of another race or other races". Some people see it as a "black and white" issue. I've really always seen it as just hatred.
Kids come in one variety - they all need to be told and treated like they have value just the way they are. They all need to be encouraged and helped to find their strengths and work around their weaknesses. They all will fit in the real world just fine if they are focused on making the world better, doing something they enjoy and contributing to the kind of world they want. None of them are expendable - these are the kids who will shape the world for the next 40 years, who will raise the next generation. Disinfranchise and discourage them and just watch them go in a negative direction.
I have certainly not seen this attituded in the schools my kids have been in. I'll be interested to read my books and see what this class is teaching.
I'm hoping the class is better than the one I took in college titled "Minority Studies". The entire semester was filled with nothing but "how horrible the white race is". No kidding, I got an A in the class because all you had to do was not say a word in class (if you were white) and pick the right multiple choice answer to questions like, "All of the problems in our world are caused by white people - True/False?" You think I'm kidding, but it was really that outrageous. We had a young black man speak in class one day and the hatred that filled that room is something I remember to this day. An hour of angry, heated speach about how horrible all white people are and how racism is worse than it's ever been.
I felt so badly for that young man - and still do say a prayer for him to this day when he is brought to mind. I did learn what racism is - one definition from dictionary.com is "hatred or intolerance of another race or other races". Some people see it as a "black and white" issue. I've really always seen it as just hatred.
Kids come in one variety - they all need to be told and treated like they have value just the way they are. They all need to be encouraged and helped to find their strengths and work around their weaknesses. They all will fit in the real world just fine if they are focused on making the world better, doing something they enjoy and contributing to the kind of world they want. None of them are expendable - these are the kids who will shape the world for the next 40 years, who will raise the next generation. Disinfranchise and discourage them and just watch them go in a negative direction.
I have certainly not seen this attituded in the schools my kids have been in. I'll be interested to read my books and see what this class is teaching.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hulu
If you have been following The Novel Coder's blog, you will have heard of Hulu. Actually, this was started by The Oracle and her hubby, Max. They infected Matthew with the bug and he used some of his summer job money to buy a monitor that he could watch tv on.
**NOTE: Hulu has free Tv shows and movies that you can watch with your computer or route to your tv. Current seasons of shows like Heroes, Chuck, 24, Monk, Bones and The Tonight Show are available as well as oldies like Bewitched, The Three Stooges and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and It Takes A Thief!!. Now where is The Carol Burnett Show?? Plz!**
Our Tv consumption is basically dish network with a DVR machine (we live in the country). We tape anything we want to watch and then watch it atleast 15 minutes later so we can speed through the commercials. We hardly ever watch live Tv anymore except for news. We don't have that many shows that we follow either, yet pay through the nose for that entertainment.
We are watching the choices available with Hulu and as soon as it really takes off, we will dump the expensive, gouging cable/dish FOREVER! Hopefully CNN, HLN and FoxNews will offer streams of their news so I will have that. Netflix is great and will soon be offering more and more live movie choices to replace HBO/etc garbage.
Kudos to those supporting a better option to see entertainment. Cable companies have had the monopoly for far too long. They have gotten enough of my money and I can't wait for them to go belly up!
**NOTE: Hulu has free Tv shows and movies that you can watch with your computer or route to your tv. Current seasons of shows like Heroes, Chuck, 24, Monk, Bones and The Tonight Show are available as well as oldies like Bewitched, The Three Stooges and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and It Takes A Thief!!. Now where is The Carol Burnett Show?? Plz!**
Our Tv consumption is basically dish network with a DVR machine (we live in the country). We tape anything we want to watch and then watch it atleast 15 minutes later so we can speed through the commercials. We hardly ever watch live Tv anymore except for news. We don't have that many shows that we follow either, yet pay through the nose for that entertainment.
We are watching the choices available with Hulu and as soon as it really takes off, we will dump the expensive, gouging cable/dish FOREVER! Hopefully CNN, HLN and FoxNews will offer streams of their news so I will have that. Netflix is great and will soon be offering more and more live movie choices to replace HBO/etc garbage.
Kudos to those supporting a better option to see entertainment. Cable companies have had the monopoly for far too long. They have gotten enough of my money and I can't wait for them to go belly up!
Monday, April 6, 2009
My head is going to explode...
I think I'm trying to learn too many new things at once - a product of wanting to get some things done before I start school.
If you haven't been to Facebook in a while - check out Jacob's singing group "Image". They went to Orlando, FL and took all the awards at the Disney music contest. They recieved a superior rating, a best in division and best overall group. I stole the CD that Jacob brought home and uploaded the 4 songs.
I am also working on video. The boys have had the video software and have done some productions for friends and the school, but I have not been able to get them to make me CDs of their singing and concerts. I bugged Jim so that he would get some good editing software and I am trying to learn it. In order to get something useable I have to use the camera software and then Power Director to change the format and then Vegas Movie Studio to produce the actual video. Oh, then you have to find a format that Facebook accepts and that is compressed. It just goes on and on and on... I used the software to produce the Disney music songs - audio only - haven't graduated much beyond that yet. Expect some good things to come of this...
Since dumping WoW, I've been teaching myself Visual Basic.net. This is mostly due to the fact that Jim was teaching a young high school student and I just kept hearing the talk (also I might have to teach it some day). I wanted to see how much programming had changed since I was at work. It's amazing! I have been following tutorials that walk you through all the different "beginner" things that one can do with web design. So far, the tutorials are much better than the books I have checked out at the library. I'll tell you one area where we HAVEN'T come a long way - and that would be textbooks. You know you have something bad when you have a 1175 page how-to book with a 30 page index. Just name it "Visual Basic for those who love frustration!"
I'm also reading "Foundations and Fundamental Concepts of Mathemathics" - and yes it is as dry as it sounds. It was a book recommended by home school groups to kind of tie together the origins of math with what we teach today. So far, all I've read is some pretty heavy Euclidean geometry type theorums and proofs. I put the book down for other things frequently.
I am also brushing up on algebra, trig and calculus type basics. When I talked to the head of the certificate program, she asked specifically whether I would want to teach higher math like calculus. She was also very excited that I could be double certified in computer science. Kind of freaked me out - because I'm a bit rusty.
If you haven't been to Facebook in a while - check out Jacob's singing group "Image". They went to Orlando, FL and took all the awards at the Disney music contest. They recieved a superior rating, a best in division and best overall group. I stole the CD that Jacob brought home and uploaded the 4 songs.
I am also working on video. The boys have had the video software and have done some productions for friends and the school, but I have not been able to get them to make me CDs of their singing and concerts. I bugged Jim so that he would get some good editing software and I am trying to learn it. In order to get something useable I have to use the camera software and then Power Director to change the format and then Vegas Movie Studio to produce the actual video. Oh, then you have to find a format that Facebook accepts and that is compressed. It just goes on and on and on... I used the software to produce the Disney music songs - audio only - haven't graduated much beyond that yet. Expect some good things to come of this...
Since dumping WoW, I've been teaching myself Visual Basic.net. This is mostly due to the fact that Jim was teaching a young high school student and I just kept hearing the talk (also I might have to teach it some day). I wanted to see how much programming had changed since I was at work. It's amazing! I have been following tutorials that walk you through all the different "beginner" things that one can do with web design. So far, the tutorials are much better than the books I have checked out at the library. I'll tell you one area where we HAVEN'T come a long way - and that would be textbooks. You know you have something bad when you have a 1175 page how-to book with a 30 page index. Just name it "Visual Basic for those who love frustration!"
I'm also reading "Foundations and Fundamental Concepts of Mathemathics" - and yes it is as dry as it sounds. It was a book recommended by home school groups to kind of tie together the origins of math with what we teach today. So far, all I've read is some pretty heavy Euclidean geometry type theorums and proofs. I put the book down for other things frequently.
I am also brushing up on algebra, trig and calculus type basics. When I talked to the head of the certificate program, she asked specifically whether I would want to teach higher math like calculus. She was also very excited that I could be double certified in computer science. Kind of freaked me out - because I'm a bit rusty.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Jacob is back...
Yes, the Disney trip went very well!! Image, the 20 or so member special singing group, got a Superior rating, Gold in their Division and then Gold for all Divisions!! Choir and orchestra got Superior ratings, as well. All did a tremendous job!!
Jacob was excited about the trip and all the new things he would get to do - the airplane ride being top on that list. He loves to compete musically, but once that was over, he had about a day of Disney in him! He called a couple times a day and by Saturday night, he was saying, "Hmm, I am having fun, but could come home now..." I think the amount of activity and noise was a little over the top for the boy.
Jake is simple: sleep, quiet, interesting mental challenges, food - THINK TIME! Avoid the wacky, juvinile, EMO people as much as possible. Have a safe home base where there is love and acceptance to retreat to.
He is really a very thoughtful kid - sometimes that doesn't come across when he's ignoring us and in his own world. He got me an adorable Disney animal (that I have yet to identify - and yes I almost cried) and a huge pencil. In my time, a teacher could use that to hit kids over the head with, but alas, I think I'll have to use mine for a pointer!
Jacob was excited about the trip and all the new things he would get to do - the airplane ride being top on that list. He loves to compete musically, but once that was over, he had about a day of Disney in him! He called a couple times a day and by Saturday night, he was saying, "Hmm, I am having fun, but could come home now..." I think the amount of activity and noise was a little over the top for the boy.
Jake is simple: sleep, quiet, interesting mental challenges, food - THINK TIME! Avoid the wacky, juvinile, EMO people as much as possible. Have a safe home base where there is love and acceptance to retreat to.
He is really a very thoughtful kid - sometimes that doesn't come across when he's ignoring us and in his own world. He got me an adorable Disney animal (that I have yet to identify - and yes I almost cried) and a huge pencil. In my time, a teacher could use that to hit kids over the head with, but alas, I think I'll have to use mine for a pointer!
Cool math/computer stuff to check out...
Ok, when I start something new, I get all excited about what is out "there" that I might be able to use when I start to teach. I am going to post a few awesome things here for CAROL especially to check out for use in her classroom. (NOTE: Carol these things are not too geeky!)
I tried to go to the home school curriculum fair to look at all the choices for materials - but they wanted $70 just to get in the door. Still can't figure out why some of these groups get so exclusive - don't they want to encourage people who might want to home school?? or use good materials and methods in the school system? Wierd.
First: Free young kids' computer software curriculum (says middle/high school, but easily doable for 5-6). Diane you will love this, too. Carnegie-Mellon developed a way for kids to learn the programming structures of things like Visual Basic.net in a 3D way with The Sims. Jim didn't even know about this, but watched the promos and thinks it's way cool.
http://www.alice.org/index.php?page=what_is_alice/what_is_alice
choose demonstration of Alice video (video at the bottom of page first)
http://www.alice.org/
http://www.carnegiemellontoday.com/article.asp?aid=328
Second: supplements that are totally reproduceable for your class.
These give math practice in a puzzle format that are self correcting. If the kids solve each problem they use the answers as a code to put together at the end. Elementary not written by the same people but looks similar. Follow school standards for content.
https://www.wrightgroup.com/creative/index.html?PHPSESSID=3717cb9629877f38c7012718843ba78f&gid=79 McGrawHill Pizzazz series 5-8
Kutasoftware.com free worksheets, puzzles etc. stuff for kids with learning issues. You can create your own worksheets too. other teacher aids and sites
http://www.killerstartups.com/Site-Reviews/kutasoftware-com-kuta-software-for-math-teachers
Absolutely excellent site for teachers (mostly algebra and beyond). Has links to all sorts of free tutoring, explanations, worksheets, etc for kids or teachers. No advertising or silly sites, it says - just serious math help and practice. Articles like "How to suck up to your teacher" are great for teachers too (what standards do you have for homework, showing work, etc).
http://www.purplemath.com/
http://hotmath.com/ Has many free answers and walk-thrus of textbook problems (have to have the textbook to know what they are stepping through)
http://www.lulu.com/ This one is for you, too, Diane - a lot of home schoolers and geeky people publish their own stuff here. Wacky, cool books here. OH NO! prob not in kindle format yet, but you never know. This is where I found the Pizzazz Math books.
I better stop.
I tried to go to the home school curriculum fair to look at all the choices for materials - but they wanted $70 just to get in the door. Still can't figure out why some of these groups get so exclusive - don't they want to encourage people who might want to home school?? or use good materials and methods in the school system? Wierd.
First: Free young kids' computer software curriculum (says middle/high school, but easily doable for 5-6). Diane you will love this, too. Carnegie-Mellon developed a way for kids to learn the programming structures of things like Visual Basic.net in a 3D way with The Sims. Jim didn't even know about this, but watched the promos and thinks it's way cool.
http://www.alice.org/index.php?page=what_is_alice/what_is_alice
choose demonstration of Alice video (video at the bottom of page first)
http://www.alice.org/
http://www.carnegiemellontoday.com/article.asp?aid=328
Second: supplements that are totally reproduceable for your class.
These give math practice in a puzzle format that are self correcting. If the kids solve each problem they use the answers as a code to put together at the end. Elementary not written by the same people but looks similar. Follow school standards for content.
https://www.wrightgroup.com/creative/index.html?PHPSESSID=3717cb9629877f38c7012718843ba78f&gid=79 McGrawHill Pizzazz series 5-8
Kutasoftware.com free worksheets, puzzles etc. stuff for kids with learning issues. You can create your own worksheets too. other teacher aids and sites
http://www.killerstartups.com/Site-Reviews/kutasoftware-com-kuta-software-for-math-teachers
Absolutely excellent site for teachers (mostly algebra and beyond). Has links to all sorts of free tutoring, explanations, worksheets, etc for kids or teachers. No advertising or silly sites, it says - just serious math help and practice. Articles like "How to suck up to your teacher" are great for teachers too (what standards do you have for homework, showing work, etc).
http://www.purplemath.com/
http://hotmath.com/ Has many free answers and walk-thrus of textbook problems (have to have the textbook to know what they are stepping through)
http://www.lulu.com/ This one is for you, too, Diane - a lot of home schoolers and geeky people publish their own stuff here. Wacky, cool books here. OH NO! prob not in kindle format yet, but you never know. This is where I found the Pizzazz Math books.
I better stop.
Going back to school...
Ok, so, after a few attempts at deciding what I want to do for my "second career" - defined as: something to occupy my time now that the kids are grown and help pay for years and years of college - I have been accepted into an accelerated certificate program. I am excited and scared to death about getting my teaching certificate and teaching math/computer science at a high school or junior high level.
I absolutely loved my math teacher in high school. It is really the reason I took all the math I could and was in the first computer science class offered at our school. I had little self-esteem or direction and had massive problems with anxiety that I hid by obsessing about getting my work done as soon as it was assigned. Mr. Stensaas (not even sure of the spelling anymore) encouraged me and treated me like I actually had something to offer the world. He taught a BASIC programming class when computers hit the schools. He really had no training, just a book to read from. I would go home with the assignments and my dad (worked for Control Data at the time) would show me tricks and ways to code that were a little more advanced. I would go in and show Mr. S. He loved it and had absolutely no ego problems with working with a kid. Boy did I love school.
That is the kind of teacher I would like to be. The fear comes in when I wonder if I'll be able to hold onto those ideals and dreams once I hit the "real non-real world of public schools". I have sort of a love/hate relationship with schools right now. I hate them. I love my kids for surviving so well. I have to think that God has given our family the experiences we've had so that I can be a good teacher. But, if I become one of the many egotistical, self-aggrandizing, checked-out, burned-out, filling a job spot, turn off more kids than they turn on teachers - please shoot me!
I absolutely loved my math teacher in high school. It is really the reason I took all the math I could and was in the first computer science class offered at our school. I had little self-esteem or direction and had massive problems with anxiety that I hid by obsessing about getting my work done as soon as it was assigned. Mr. Stensaas (not even sure of the spelling anymore) encouraged me and treated me like I actually had something to offer the world. He taught a BASIC programming class when computers hit the schools. He really had no training, just a book to read from. I would go home with the assignments and my dad (worked for Control Data at the time) would show me tricks and ways to code that were a little more advanced. I would go in and show Mr. S. He loved it and had absolutely no ego problems with working with a kid. Boy did I love school.
That is the kind of teacher I would like to be. The fear comes in when I wonder if I'll be able to hold onto those ideals and dreams once I hit the "real non-real world of public schools". I have sort of a love/hate relationship with schools right now. I hate them. I love my kids for surviving so well. I have to think that God has given our family the experiences we've had so that I can be a good teacher. But, if I become one of the many egotistical, self-aggrandizing, checked-out, burned-out, filling a job spot, turn off more kids than they turn on teachers - please shoot me!
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