Hipster Humor

You should watch. It's funny.

I'm awake

It's 5:51. I'm awake. On purpose. Summer is over.

Schools Starting

School is starting on Tuesday and, yesterday, it seemed that it would be starting without me. Despite my summer long effort to gather paperwork, it seemed that I would not be able to produce what has not been mailed. I was devastated. I have become so attached to the idea of starting each September with students. I love my students. I love watching them grow, laughing with them, and seeing their eyes grow wide when something new comes their way.

Today, after a little glimmer of hope, I realized that my year will have students. I will start as a volunteer, if needed. It probably will not come down to that. But, if needed, I'm sure that my school can utilize a volunteer with a graduate degree in special education.

A ticket from God and Dog Poo

I recently had several run-ins with my former life...but there were unexpected outcomes. A few days ago, I walked out to my car and was put into a panic by a ticket on the windshield. Did I not know about an alternate side of the street parking? Was there some law I did not read about in my sub-par studying of CA traffic rules for my driving test? Oh, no. It was a little flyer about God. I got a ticket from God.

The other run-in was while walking on a dark night. My foot slipped and I thought it was poo. I was all grossed out. Nasty poo on my foot. But...no. It was dirt. Dirt not poo.

This is LA not Queens.

Beastie Blog

I love Alfredo Ortiz.

Proud

My little sister started college yesterday. Today her away message says, "Dinner, Opera, Class." I am so excited for her.

My other sister's away message says, "Guitar Hero." PVision is excited for that one.

Precocious Parents

Yesterday I talked to a mom who wanted to subject her 2 year old to flash cards and was concerned that the baby couldn't sit through a whole book. I thought that the first one was not a good idea and the second one was developmentally appropriate. Then I told her about matching bears and felt like I'd done my teacherly service.

Today I learned that American Idol is better than Baby Einstein for the little guys. The Baby Einstein lady was one of the people to get pointed out and applause at the last State of the Union. Does this mean Simon will have to be invited next?

Woo Hoo

Today, I rediscovered my Woo Hoo playlist. I made it last summer and have not listened to it since then. It starts strong with a little Gogol Bordello, moved to a little Instant Pleasure and then lots of big sound music. I love it. A playlist makes all the difference as you attempt to navigate the tangled web of LA freeways.

P.S. The House in the video is confusing to me...but, I enjoy the House so, what the heck.

P.P.S. Although I missed my exit from the 134 to the 2, I found my way home. Another reason to have a little WooHoo!

News and a thought

First, let me begin this blog with the most interesting news I've read in a while. Although I have a special interest because it happened right around the corner from my old apartment, I feel like everyone will be interested. Well, if you like monkeys.

Secondly, I had a realization today. I should be embracing the culture of LA and doing work in public places. After I took a walk today, I stopped at a local coffee shop and was greeted with many glowing apples. All the ladies had white iBooks/MacBooks and fellers had another color Book. Well, except for the two people who must not have known and brought their PCs to the coffee shop. Next week, I'm going to bring my iBook to Silver Lake Coffee (to show I belong) and then push my computer to the corner of the table and go through the 30 pounds of curriculum I brought back from my classroom.

Huh...

Today, as Dave and I walked towards the Yaris, I noticed something covering my car. It was a fine white powder. What could this be? Oh yes, it's ash. Something is on fire and now my car is covered in ash.

But, then we went to see a Beatles tribute band and I completely forgot my whoh-we-don't-have-this-where-I'm-from reaction as I sang all the words (with only a few mistakes) to many a Beatles song.

A problem

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap. I'm not a napper. But, summer has taken over. I had plans for the morning (a walk before it was hot, a few phone calls to rearrange my schedule, and some other things I've already forgotten). Instead of those things, I fell asleep to a David Sedaris audiobook. I'm feeling a little lazy. This is a problem.

Overheard at the DMV

I finally made it to the DMV to take the test I needed for my very own CA drivers license. I had been warned that the test was actually hard and people had been known to fail more than once. I had taken a few practice tests on the DMV's website and felt that I was ready for the real test.

After finishing some line standing, I moved to the sitting and waiting part of the whole DMV experience. I sat in the back row and attempted to look engrossed in my book while I waited for G213 to be called. The whole situation put me in the perfect position for spying.

I saw a woman come over to the chairs of the fellow DMVers and make some type of proclamation that made everyone avert their eyes. She then came over to my section and sat directly in front of me. She started a conversation with the woman at the end of the row. Woman #1 asked about the baby's name, followed up with how spiritual the name was, and then talked about the color of god. [By this point, I was pretty sure Lady #1 was going to snatch the baby or start undressing or something]. Lady #2 had a different take on the situation.

After Lady #1 stopped for a breath, Lady #2 responded with "Have you ever had a psychic reading?"

I was stunned as I watched them negotiate price and then talk about Lady #2's mother and men right there in the DMV's office.

PS I passed my test (on the second try).

A day in the sun

Sunday, my sisters, Pvision and I went on a little hike to the Hollywood sign. It took us a little bit of time to make it up to the top. There were some cheez-it mishaps, water fights, and other assorted breaks. It was a good time.

Monday, I realized that not wearing a hat on the hike was not a good idea. I have a minor scalp burn. I really thought that people only got scalp burns when they were in 8th grade, went to the Bahamas or Puerto Rico with their family, and had someone give them braids on the beach. Oh, how wrong I was.

I have my fingers crossed that peeling is not involved.

News from LA

My sisters are visiting so I've been filling my time with bringing them around and worrying about creating a balanced meal situation. It's left no time for blogging.

Highlights of my last few days in LA:
*I do not know where I am...I get lost (if only by a few blocks) each time I get into the car. Luckily, I'm borrowing Chester, PVision's GPS. So far, despite occasional moments of crank, Chester has not failed to put me on the right course.
*My sisters are visiting and they have brought entertainment. The current entertainment is watching the older one slide her way to fitness on the Total Gym. I'm pretty sure that injury will be at the end of all of this fun.
*The Kwik-E-Mart has turned into a bigger attraction than the Universal Studios stuff. We walked right into the CityWalk tonight. But, when we attempted to follow it up with a Squishy at Burbank's Kwik-E-Mart, the line wrapped around the store and we decided to bail.

Now, I have to go introduce the girls to Pump Up the Volume. Some how, I have failed to introduce them to early Christian Slater. A life without Gleaming the Cube...horrible.

Strum, strum revolution

Today was my first go at the Guitar Hero. I tried (and failed) to play some Iggy and the Stooges and Nirvana. It seems that Warrant's Cherry Pie is my song. It is fitting that I'll be rocking out to the 80s glam metal here in LA. Maybe someday, I'll be
Freebird ready. But, for now, I'm staying at the top of the set list.

Fiction and Reality

Sometimes, it seems that there is a blending between fiction and reality. A few months/years ago, I watched an Australian movie about a man, a lawn chair, and a dream. Today, while reading CNN, I learned about a man, a lawn chair and a dream.

Now I really feel like I need a hobby.

I'm sure my hobby will not be as cool as flying furniture using balloons, though. I'm a little bit scared of the balloons.

Interview No. 2

Although I have a job, I had set up another interview while I was in NY and I decided to keep my options open. Today's interview was with a very different type of school. It was less in line with my idea of education as social justice...more in line with my desire to become a teacher who has resources out the wazoo.

I thought that I would be happy or excited or without stress now that the interview is over. But, I don't feel those things. I feel more conflicted than before. Boo.

That New Car Smell

It's official. I'm an Angeleno. I have a car and if I need something at the store around the corner, I just might drive.





PS My new car met all of my requirements: MP3 jack, nice paint, 40 miles to the gallon. Whooo Hoo!

Why CA is different than NY

I took these photos during my walk today. They are all CA to me.




More to come....

School

I have just accepted a job in a school with a supply closet. I will have paper clips, markers, paper, and bulletin board paper waiting for me to use on an as needed basis! My new principal told me to tell her what I needed and she would get it for me. No more paying for paper and needing a classroom patron to supply post-its!

Seriously though, I have a classroom again. I can go in and create my little classroom universe soon. My shark dissection model and musical instruments will have a home again. And, I will have students. I can't wait to meet them.