The Decorating/Remodeling Itch

One of the side effects to being home this summer is that I've been looking around our home, which we've lived in for almost four years, and have been wanting to make some changes, big and small. We did a lot of painting when we first moved in, but other than that we were very lucky that the previous owners had taken excellent care of their carpet, had upgraded the kitchen (although the cabinets could use some TLC), and had done a beautiful job on the yard and pool. 

There are a lot of minor things that I'd like to do, and are mostly of the decorating sort. Maybe I'll do a post on those, just to help me prioritize. Basically, though, it's artwork, mantle ideas, laundry room decor, etc.. 

But then there's the Big One. We want to replace the carpet in our living room, great room, and dining room areas (who puts carpet in a dining room?!?!?!) with a hard wood that will stand up to the dogs. I don't want laminate and we're not sold on the tile that looks like wood (although I think it would be awesome in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room), so I think we might consider bamboo. I know there aren't a ton of options, but there are some if you're willing to pay. While we're doing the floors, we're also going to redo the bannister and stairs, with the same flooring (with a carpet runner). We aren't a fan of light wood, which is what the bannister is right now. Since our house will be a mess we will repaint the great room and upstairs hall it leads into, possibly have a custom made bookshelf put in, and buy new light fixtures for the entry way and dining room. 

Did I mention that we don't finance things like this? Right now we're saving, and depending on what the next year brings, it may be possible next summer, or the one after. I'm hoping when the time comes it can be coordinated to happen within a few weeks. Pipe dreams, I know. If only I could book a month-long vacation and come back to perfection. 

Anyway, it's fun to look at ideas on Pinterest. Here's what we have and the direction we want to go in:

[currently]

[want; source]

[currently; the berber is nice and in good shape, but it's light and not what we want]

[something like this; the staircase is great too!]

[our current IKEA bookshelves; they do the job but are very basic]

[a little more sturdy; source]

[in dark wood, but love the design!; source]

[current outdated fixture]

[option; a larger version of this]

[or something like this]

[Good God, I LOATHE this monstrosity. I may convince my husband to replace it sooner]

[I love this but it might be too high? Or maybe I'm just used to the hanging light we have?]

[a bit shorter than these are, but I like the idea of three small lights]

[I like pendant lighting but will it go out of style?]

[we'll stick with a neutral for paint; our current one has a too-yellowish base]

I wish we were DIYers, but the honest truth is that we are not. I'm very jealous of people that decide they're going to put in a new light fixture and hop on down to Home Depot. We're more of the "wait an extra month and save to hire an electrician" sort. But man, if you want something edited or written for you, we're the couple to go to. 

Any plans to change things up at home? 

Foster the People

[admittedly misleading blog post title and picture, although it's a great album]

Some of us are born and raised readers. Some of us took our books out to recess and some of us were told they couldn't read while their eyes were bloodshot from long hours spent in a chlorinated pool. Some of us had no problem spending long hours in the car on trips because it meant more time to read. And some of us actually got excited when the teacher passed out paperwork for book projects.

And some idiots of us couldn't give a rat's ass.

How do you make people read? Better yet, how do foster a love for reading (get it now?)?

During the last week or so I've been slowly reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston for work. The book is fantastic, for those who haven't read it, both in terms of the story and the language. And yet for some reason I've had to force myself to continue on. I glare at the paperback and accompanying pad of paper for question writing and note-taking, resenting the fact that finishing the book has become yet another item on my to-do list. 

And then that familiar feeling returns- this is exactly what we do to our students. I always feel a tinge of guilt when I enforce outside reading requirements and class reading assignments (that soon leaves when the power trip of dictating what they can and cannot read returns). As soon as something becomes an obligation at least half the fun is sucked out of if it, no matter how much you're going to learn or even enjoy it. Frequently at the end we can admit that the task was worthwhile, but the process often turns into a burdensome chore.

So what's the solution? How do we, as a society, promote reading? Personally, and many experts will agree, I believe that the love of reading usually has to begin during childhood and that parents are really responsible for cultivating this. I think this is something many want to pass the buck on to teachers over, but there is research that proves the need for families to embrace reading. It's essentially a good habit you're developing- if your child isn't expected to clean their room growing up expecting them to do it as teenagers is going to be a struggle. Parents need to cultivate a literary environment in their home starting as early as possible- read to your baby (not in the womb, though, that's just a tad creepy), take your toddler to story time, and never associate reading with punishment. Parents and teachers need to serve as positive role models, going out of their way to show kids that reading is interesting and not a "nerdy" activity. For leisure, kids should be allowed to choose their own books, but gently steered in the direction towards ones they might be legitimately interested in. 

Teenagers are tougher. Many supposedly hate reading because they haven't found books they actually enjoy, struggle with comprehension, or fear the social stigma attached to being a reader. I think helping them find time, or providing it for them, to read is also important. Giving them tools to understand what they read and the freedom to ask questions is also important. I've worked with several students this year on ways to find books that are similar to ones that they already like (other than just asking me or reading the same author over and over again). I think this is one area in which YA has actually been helpful- it's gotten many teens reading and will hopefully serve as sort of a bridge into actual literature. 

But what about what I'm going through with Eyes? My love of reading was definitely fostered by the people, but I still hate the feeling that it's mandatory. This is the really hard part as a teacher. I've tried offering extra credit to students that are ahead of schedule, giving ample time, and trying to positively promote the assigned books as much as possible. I must add, though, that reading for school doesn't seem to be an issue for some students- I'd say about half of my students don't complain or get behind.

As futile as it sounds, I think this will always be a problem. Some of us, myself included, just hate obligations, even if it's something we love. I was talking about this with a friend this morning, about how sometimes we make plans and as the date approaches we lose the desire to participate. Part of it's laziness, but personally, I start resenting the fact that something or someone is dictating how I spend my time. Again, there's no easy answer, except that sometimes we just have to suck it up for our own good and do things that might actually benefit us in the end. 

Like reading Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Top Ten Tuesday- I Solemnly Swear

The Broke and the Bookish ask us to list the top ten books we "resolve" to read in 2013. I hereby solemnly swear that in 2013 I will read the following books*:

1. Heyday by Kurt Anderson- I've had this for so long I've forgotten what it's about. I think it's length has deterred me, so apparently it's going to be become the Underworld of 2013.

2. Reading and the Brain by Stanislaus Dehaene- Another one I've had for a long time, this one touts the neurological importance of reading. 

3. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson- I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo quite a long time ago and have had no real desire to continue the series. I already own the second and third books, though, so I'm going to have to suck it up. 

4. The Problem of Pain CS Lewis- Religion and the existence of God is something I really struggle with. How and why does God let horrible things happen to good people? Why were 20 little kids killed in Connecticut? Why do countries blow each other up? Why hasn't Rage Against the Machine put out a new album in years (kidding, really)? My Uncle, a pastor, recommended this book to me so maybe it's time I gained some perspective. 

5. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann- I am fairly positive that I will love this book. That being said, I've owned this for quite some time and haven't read it yet. Lame.

6. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov- I've always wanted to read it (obviously, I own it) and a student just read it and suggested it to me (and acted a tad snotty when she learned I've never read it). 

7. The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling- Time to make up my mind for myself!

8. Big Girls Don't Cry- The Election that Changed Everything for American Women by Rebecca Traister- I had wanted to read this during the election to get in the spirit of things but I didn't. I think as Obama is inaugurated again (yay!) and Hilary steps down from Secretary of State (boo!) this may feel a little more relevent. 

9. Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon- I know this may be a bit of a challenging book for me, which can be a good thing.

10. Fathermucker by Greg Olear- I hear this book if pretty hilarious- there will undoubtedly be a time this year where I need a laugh.

*I'll probably only read 4 of these.

 

Have you read any of these? What are you planning on reading this year? 

Eff Off, 2012/Top Ten Books of the Year/Resolutions

[If you are here for the Top Ten Tuesday from the Broke and the Bookish, please scroll waaaaaay down for my ten "bookish goals" for 2013 (sorry!). And if you're a follower and have already read them, check out The Holden Caulfield Drinking Game post instead. Thanks so much for stopping by!]

This is a long post. Hopefully my delightful wit and fascinating commentary will hook you in. If not, you can always go read about Kim K's pregnancy on People.com. 

I tend to get a little nostalgic this time of the year- I take stock, reflect, and plan. 2012 was definitely not my favorite year- it brought a great deal of challenges personally and at times professionally. And while not all were bad, the accompanying stress hasn't been appreciated in the slightest (don't you love it when people allude to juicy information and then fail to throw you a bone?). And, for the record, I think it's okay to have "so-so" or even bad years- it makes the great ones that much better. In the whole "scope of life" things could have been much worse, and for that I am thankful. I'm still married, live in a pretty nice house, have the health of my prized pups, am fortunate enough to have a steady gig, and have great friends. I faced some fears this year (skydiving!), took some fun little trips (Yosemite to climb Half Dome again, San Diego, Vegas, Arizona), nailed some projects (blanket making, NaNoWriMo's 40,000 word count, working on my yoga moves), and have tried to get out and "do things" (museums, readings, restaurants).

Oh, and I read some books. 60 of them, to be exact, giving me an average of 5 books per month, compared to the 38 I read last year, at a measly 3.17 books per month.

[source]

And, without further adieu, in no particular order:

Top Ten of 2012

1.  What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami- I just finished this short memoir today and loved the marriage between writing and running that Murakami creates.  This is by far the best running book I've ever read; a post devoted to it and my complicated relationship with running will be up soon.

2. Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt- The writing and the story were both spot on- I was hooked from page one. Brunt tells the story of a teenaged protagonist who loses her beloved uncle to AIDS. If you read just one book on this list, let it be this one.

3. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach- I read this book as my Giants slowly maneuvered their way into first place in the NL West, making it an even more appropriate read for me. But it's not just about baseball- it's a coming of age story that will make you care about the characters and their futures. 

4. Family Fang by Kevin Wilson- The two words that perfectly describe this book is fucking hilarious. I've written about it many times before, so I'll spare you the details, but if you need a laugh read it.

5. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn- This isn't exactly a literary feat, but I really, really loved this quirky little story about the island that loses letters of their alphabet. 

6. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer- Another one I've written about before, this is the story of a man who decides to climb Everest. It's adventurous and exciting and had been read by pretty much everyone but me prior to January 2012.

7. Habibi by Craig Thompson- The first graphic novel I had ever read, this one was the way to go. I still don't feel completely comfortable reading these, but I'll get there.

8. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer- I stopped eating meat early last year and read this soon after. I learned a lot, and while I'm still struggling with making sure my body has what it needs, I do think that relying as little as possible on meat is the way to go.

9. The Barbarian Nurseries by Hector Tobar- While I definitely am by no means a social activist, I am interested in the sociological and economic implications of immigration in Southern California. Combined with the recession and the dynamics of marriage, Tobar creates a fascinating story.

10. When the Killing's Done by TC Boyle- The fact that this is by the TC Boyle aside, I loved the questions this book left me with in terms of what my stance is on certain environmental issues.

Resolutions

Some people don't like resolutions, but I do. And while I have some in my mysterious, hush hush personal life that I won't mention (basically, I want to quit stripping, stop spending all my money on blow, and find Jesus), I do have some in regards to reading, books and blogging. So here we are:

1. Read 61 books

2. Go to at least 10 readings

3. Visit the Huntington Library again

4. Check out some of the few independent bookstores left in LA

5. Consider moving the blog to a different format/host (a big we'll see)

6. Continue to grow the blog by being super smart and funny

7. Read at least 2 graphic novels

8. Read at least 10 nonfiction works

9. Read at least 5 "classics"

10. Finish a draft of my novel by the end of the school year, work on editing during summer break, and then go from there

The End

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Years and that 2013 brings you loads of awesome shit.

Arcosanti- Crazy or Onto Something?

For the past four years my husband and I go on vacation, just the two of us, for Christmas. We've done Yosemite, Hawaii, and San Francisco in years past and this year decided to check out Phoenix (our original plan was Seattle, but airfare was astronomically expensive by the time we started looking into it). It turned out to be a really great trip- we stayed at the fancy Biltmore (hooray for offpeak prices), visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesan West campus, explored the Biosphere 2 in Tuscon, and enjoyed a delicious Christmas brunch in Scottsdale. We ate at local restaurants and had plenty of time to relax, too (I read a book and half and became semi-addicted to Wordament). After four days we then drove the five hours home and I whined most of the way about being tired of driving. I can be really charming when I try.

[Some of Frank Lloyd Wright's books in his bedroom at Taliesan West]

Anyway, the point. 

On our first full day away we went to this strange little place 70 or so miles North called Arcosanti. Their website describes them as  "an urban laboratory focused on innovative design, community, and environmental accountability. Our goal is to actively pursue lean alternatives to urban sprawl based on Paolo Soleri's theory of compact city design, Arcology (architecture + ecology)." It sounded pretty interesting, so we made the drive through the mountains and desert to investigate.

After getting off the freeway in the middle of nowhere, we had to drive up a rough dirt road a mile or so, passing by open space dotted with cows. Eventually I pulled into a dirt lot right in front of a small gated area that looks like a junk yard, complete with a few broken down campers and bicycles. We followed the signs and entered a large building made of cement and glass- at this point my husband was cracking jokes about being forced to join a cult and possibly being murdered. It was eerily quiet and there were very few people around. The woman at the front desk told us that we had a half hour to the next tour, so we paid our ten bucks and looked around the gift shop, which was mostly comprised of the bells the people at Arcosanti make. There were also expensive books written by the founder, Paolo Soleri, outlining his philosophy on sustainable living and reducing urban sprawl. At this point I was pretty jazzed- this place was weird enough to be memorable but not enough so as to make me think I might get my head chopped off. 

When the tour started our guide had us sit down in front of a thirteen minute film that outlined the premise for Arcosanti- it was basically the city of the future that would be self-inclusive. You would live, work, learn, and be entertained within a structure that spanned about a half mile. There would be no cars, limited pollution, and as little as possible reliance on the outside world as possible. It would be the ultimate community. The video was filled with impressive drawings and renderings of what the city would look like- a beautiful structure full of sharp lines, gleaming surfaces, and fresh vegetation. 

And then we went outside.

Arcosanti is nothing like the images in the lobby and on the video- instead it looks like a half-finished construction site that has been taken over by a group of conscientious hobos. Harsh, I know. There are clothes drying outside on lines, toys strewn over common living spaces, dirt-caked windows, and cluttered porches. At least that's how it appeared at first.

But as I heard the guide talk, I could tell that it was more than just a haphazard commune. It was a group of people that truly, truly believed in something. They want to create a better world- they are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, live off the land, and know their neighbors on a deeper level than those of us in suburbia. They understand that the rate the world is growing is problematic and will eventually be impossible to sustain. They care about the environment and each other. And they don't give a flying fuck if people think they're weird or misguided. I can appreciate that. 

This isn't to say that their operation has been successful or that they're even realistic. They've been working on Arcosanti for decades and only have a few main buildings that house, at the most 150 people (the finished product is supposed to hold 10,000) during peak season. Their bells are beautiful, but overpriced and not really useful- you can't create a futuristic, self-sustaining city off the income of bells. They don't have a fully functioning agricultural space, nor do they have the means to educate the children that live there (the guide says they will "eventually" have their own school, but for now they send them to the local public one). This idea of "in the future" is attached to so much of what Arcosanti is- their vision will become a reality.... someday...

Arcosanti isn't exactly beautiful, and it isn't overly exciting. But I left with a deep appreciation for the people that live and work there. They really believe in something- so much so that they're willing to abandon "normal" society and devote their time and energy into maintaining something that may never truly come to fruition. I can't say that about myself, and I doubt that most of the people I know can. I think as a society we're so quick to judge people like those of Arcosanti, to cast them off as "hippies" or as "crazy," but in fact we just don't understand what it's like to take that step and change our lifestyles for a cause.

Am I going to run off and join Arcosanti? No, I'm not (she said wistfully). But part of me really, really wishes I  had the balls to at least do one of their one or two week live-in programs. Maybe someday.

Cabin Fever

[there will be no killing, I promise]

Before I start I have to give the obligatory disclaimer: I love my husband, my dogs, my house, and my friends. I am thankful for my job, my health, and my lifestyle. 

And now that that's out of the way, I can say, without guilt or regret, that I have the strongest case of cabin fever that I have ever had in my entire life. It almost hurts.

I just spent thirty minutes planning a trip to Paris over spring break. A pretend trip, anyway (for now).

[places I want to go. like now.]

I've traveled more than some and less than others; I've been to Hawaii, New York, Italy, Chicago, Cabo, all the states between here and Minnesota, and up and down California. I've had a taste of what's out there, and I want more- it's like reading the first chapter of a book and being told you can't finish (like that would happen). There are so many places I've never been and I know that I'm at a place in my life where picking up and leaving is almost easy. I have a good job with ample time off, some money saved up, and nothing that can't be left behind for a week or two. Easier says than does. 

An overwhelming sense of boredom and frustration for the area in which I live is also a factor- I need a break from the landscape, the people, my routine. I need to hear different languages and to feel like an outsider. There's something freeing in being a tourist- no on knows you or cares what you do. Here I can't even go to Target for fear of running into someone I know and worrying that they'll judge me for wearing yoga pants out in public. 

Plus, I think we're more likely to take risks when we're traveling- being home so often means being safe. When you travel you want to do everything the area has to offer- try to the food, see the art, absorb the culture. Staying put allows you to get stuck in a rut, never really experiencing things that are new or different (unless you make an effort, of course). And on some level being out of your comfort zone allows you to act more authentically- traveling to unfamiliar places poses challenges and decisions that force you to pull from your true self. Being free from burdens, responsibilities, and the expectations of others doesn't hurt either.

Of course, travel isn't for everyone. Some people are content in their homes and geographical bubble, and I do understand that. Travel can be hard. There are itineraries to create, directions to navigate, and obstacles to overcome. Whether it's worth it is up to the individual, I suppose. I think some people have the wanderlust gene, and some don't. 

But I do. It's sort of like male-patterned baldness- once it starts you can't stop it.

 

Learning and Whatnot

[Powell Library, UCLA; Source: my own]

Today I went back to my old stomping grounds, UCLA, to run/walk a rivalry week 5k with my sister. It was such a blast to run around the building where I spent hours of my life, including my beloved Powell Library. And somehow later in the day I ended up at UCI (University of California, Irvine), another campus near and dear to my heart (I attended a science program there one summer in high school, spent many weekends there with an ex-boyfriend, and drove down to visit one of my sisters there when she briefly attended). And while I was there I probably said a million times "I want to go back to college."

I think more than anything, and I've written about it before, I just want to learn about things I care about. No offense to my profession, but I don't have a crazy passion to learn about education at this moment. I've gone through the credentialing process, received my Master's, and have sat through countless hours of professional development. Learning how to become a more effecive teacher is great, and something I appreciate, but it's not the type of learning I feel compelled to do right now. 

When was the last time I felt like I was acquiring new, truly fascinating knowledge? When was the last time I felt compelled to seek out a substantial amount of information and immerse myself into it? When was the last time I boldly went where no man has gone before? Oh wait. 

I find it frustrating to not feel intellectually challenged or stimulated right now. What will I do about it? Between the five million papers I have to read and everything else I have (and choose... hello NaNoWriMo) to do? Probably not a lot. Maybe read another nonfiction book or watch a few documentaries to ease the irritation, but not much. And that- that hesitancy to take action- makes it even more frustrating. 

Top Ten- Pack Your Bags

The Broke and the Bookish gave us license to choose our own topic this week- I'm going to with The Top Ten Places I'd Like to Sit and Read. What can I say, I'm experiencing some massive cabin fever lately, especially with our annual Christmas trip is so far in the away (and yet to be decided). A few of these places I've been before, and I know there is a definite cheese factor, but I'm going to go ahead and embrace it tonight.

1. In a hammock in Fiji, overlooking in the water (cheesiness factor: 9)

2. At a coffee shop in Paris, with a view of the Eiffel Tower (cheesiness factor: 10)

3. On a blanket in Strawberry Fields, in Central Park (cheesiness factor: 5)

[my own- maybe in the spring next time...]

4. On Janss Steps at UCLA. The nostalgia for college kills it (cheesiness factor: 7)

5. St. Marks' Square in Venice, Italy (cheesiness factor: 6)

[my own]

6. In a snowed-in resort lodge in the Swiss Alps (cheesiness factor: 4)

7. On the deck of either a Carribbean or Mediterranean Cruise (cheesiness factor: 9)

8. By a huge fire at a luxury dude ranch in Montana (cheesiness factor: 3)

[source via source- desperately want to go here, by the way- eco friendly!]

 

9. By the beach in Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, wearing Ralph Lauren Polos and pretending I'm from old money (cheesiness factor: 6)

10. One  a jungle safari in Africa (cheesiness factor: 4; and yes, I'd really go)

Anyone else itching to drag their book around the world?

A Rant Before Bedtime

[source]

I'm Googling a little obsessively lately and it's occurred to me that information, both correct and incorrect, is just too readily available on the Internet. This isn't the first time I've had this thought, it's just resonating today. We don't have to work for information anymore, we don't have to talk to anyone, we don't have to go anywhere. Just today I managed to find some herbal remedies for a medical condition I've diagnosed myself with, selected a new camera to buy for yearbook, decide on a new recipe for dinner, start a web page program for my students, check if Barnes and Nobles carries a book at the store so I can look at it before I order it on Amazon, and see what my electric bill is so far this month (don't ask). I'm not kidding- all between the hours of five and seven.

It's just too much. There aren't any surprises anymore, the concept of mystery and wondering becomes completely irrelevant at the press of a button. Our experts have turned into faceless beings that claim sufficient knowledge- instead of making the time to create a connection we ask the source that's open and all too ready to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all for the low price of an internet connection. 

Once upon a time, back when I was twelve, I was doing a project on the Hetch-Hetchy project in Northern California for science and had to request past newspapers from the circulation desk at the public library.They went downstairs to the archive and brought back bundles of newsprint.

Once upon a time, back when I was ten and wanting to figure out when my favorite used bookstore, Yesterday's Books, opened on a Saturday morning I had to pull out the phone book, look up the number, and call for the information.

Once upon a time, back when I was seven, I had to do a report on astronaut Sally Ride. I went to the library and looked up the information in a card catalog, jotting down the call numbers for the relevant books with tiny pencils on scratch paper thoughtfully cut into small squares by librarians. 

Once upon a time, when I was six, I accidentally said the "N-word" because I was looking up different locations on a globe, learning how to use latitude and longitude. Unfortunately, there was a little African American boy in the group and the whole situation ended up with me crying. Wait to set me up for failure, Niger.

Bottom line- we used to have to work for our information. There was a sense of satisfaction that was gained after a long afternoon in the library with notes scribbled in my Trapper Keeper (what what) and fresh copies made from the machine I pumped dimes into (there is nothing more adult-like to a middle schooler than using a copier without an adult). I don't feel that way after hours spent at my dining room table with my bleary eyes glued to my computer's screen.

Side note: Did you know that card catalogs are now nifty DIY sort of projects that upcyclers love to distress and put in their homes? They use the drawers for their kid's crap or their office supplies. Would I balk at having one in my front room? Hell no (in fact I kind of want one now...), but you can bet one drawer would have some actual cards in it. 

[source]

But, on the other hand, this whole "information at your fingertips" monster is terribly efficient. The things I was able to do this afternoon would have taken me several hours worth of phone calls and appointments if I hadn't had the ability to look them up on the Internet. I'm a busy woman and there are only so many hours in a day. I've got shit to do. Lots and lots of shit. 

But, back to the other hand, the romance is gone. This whole technological revolution is like an old, boring marriage- we've been together awhile and I'm becoming nostalgic for the days prior to we vowed to stick together forever. Technology gives me what I want but doesn't challenge me- we don't fight anymore, we don't try anything new. Every night all we do is Google with the lights off.

I could start making massive parallels to our society, and how this is indicative of a larger epidemic- the laziness that is today's people. But I won't. This diatribe is nothing new, we've heard this song before. And I'll be honest- while I'm sitting here pining away for the days of yesteryear I know very well that I'm not going to change. I'll check Facebook when I'm done typing this, peek at my email, and glance at the weather so I know what to wear tomorrow. I'll continue lusting after the iPhone 5 and and iPad, and will forever use technology as a way to communicate. Despite all this I can still think it's sad. Maybe Siri will know what to do. 

Books on Your Back- Work Can Wait

I try to justify reading pretty much whenever I want on the basis that I'm an English teacher and need to remain an active reader in order to inspire and motivate my students. You know, because they give a shit. 

$26 Megan Lee Shop via Etsy

 

Accountability

As an educator, the word "accountability" is word that I'm quite familiar with- at some level, districts, administrators, teachers, students and parents all need to be held accountable. This is a concept I accept professionally and in personal endeavors as well. I hold myself accountable in terms of workouts, calories/nutrition, housework, maintaining relationships, and raising my dogs to be upstanding, successful citizens of the global community (Chomsky and Cordie are very excited to vote in November).

And now I'm done patting myself on the back. 

This sense of responsibility isn't something that shines through in every aspect of my life. I have not held myself accountable when it comes to writing the supposed novel I have semi-dreamed up in my head. This will be the sixth (seventh? eighth?) summer that I've forecasted at least a draft come September. Let's not go there, though. Let's go to Delillo. Mother effing Don Delillo and his doorstop Underworld. 

I first became enraptured with Underworld my first year in college, back as a UCLA undergrad in 2001-2002. I was taking a writing class and one of the assignments revolved around reading the lengthy prologue to Underworld, which Delillo has actually published as the novella Pafko at the Wall. I should have stopped there! 56 pages of solid, quality fiction that told the exciting story of the Giants beating the Dodgers during the 1951 playoff series while they were both back in New York. But no, I had to ask for the book for Christmas... back in 2002. 

It's 2012. 

I've started and restarted the book several times, but the furthest I've seemed to have gotten is halfway. Apparently last time I took it pretty seriously and busted out the colored tabs. I think this was four years ago. 

I have no clue what the damn markers are for now.

I honestly have no idea why I haven't been able to finish the novel. It's dense and long (over 800 pages), but from what I've read (and remember) it's good. Delillo's descriptions are spot-on, his characters are interesting, and I can't wait until the connections between the sections really show themselves. I'm intrigued, really, I am. 

But isn't that the way? How many things in life do we put off because we fear the anticipation is actually better than the outcome? How many times are we let down by something we've looked forward to for so, so long? Vacations, red velvet frozen yogurt, parenthood (kidding... maybe...), a spa day, road trips, a movie? Or is it the idea of something being actually over that is more disturbing? 

Look what this book is doing to me! I'm attempting to be far too metaphorical and am completely  over-using rhetorical questions. Disgraceful. Dramatics aside, this book is a mountain that I haven't been able to climb and it pisses me the hell off. And so it's time for some accountability.

Last week I started reading Underworld and told myself that all I needed to do was read 25 pages a night (for some reason this takes me 45-60 minutes, depending on the distractions). I made a chart telling myself what page I should be on each day and even started taking notes as I read. Last Monday I got serious. And I did really, really well for four days.

And then I went out Friday night and got off track. And then Saturday was rough and then busy, so I increased the deficit up to 50. On Sunday I had to make up for doing jack crap on Saturday, leaving me up to minus 75 pages. This is not accountability, this is negligence. This is like doing a really good job of feeding your puppy for four days and then forgetting about him for the weekend because you like your friends too much (I have never done this, by the way- pinky swear).

So, in order to hold myself responsible I publicly declaring that I will have Underworld done by July 16th. 

If not I'll read Twilight. Not really.  

Let's Go Back to College

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I miss college. Not necessarily for the free pass to sleep in late, drink too much, and wear shorter skirts, but for the opportunity to learn about whatever I wanted to (embrace those GEs, undergrads!). I hate to say this, but I was so dedicated to graduating in four years, supporting myself, and handling boyfriends, that the learning and academic component sometimes feel like it fell by the wayside. In recent years I've done a lot of reflecting on the career path I ended up taking- while I am very happy now with my job and the students I teach, I don't necessarily think that there's just one job for every person. There are other things I could have been good at and would have enjoyed; I've briefly considered going back to school to become a principal (that lasted 2.57 seconds), physical therapist, nurse practitioner, publisher, or, more recently, a nutritionist. Alas, there will be no career change on my horizon- I'm still paying back the bills on the first one, enjoy having a life, and am very happy at the site I'm at currently. I would, though, like to take some classes (and not just so I can buy new books). If I had an endless supply of money and time here's what I'd study (via UCLA's and UCLA extension's course catalogs): 

1. Exercise and Sports Nutrition- Obviously, this is a topic I'm fascinated with, both on a personal level, but because I think it's interesting to see how endurance athletes train. 

2. Intro to Human Nutrition- This is also probably pretty self-explanatory, but I'd really like to know more about nutrition at a molecular level. I know a lot about the individual food groups, but would like to learn more about the ratios that comprise a healthy diet (especially since it appears I'm basically a vegetarian these days). Plus, is there really such a thing as good fats?

3. Joyce's Ulysses and Homer's Odyssey: I've decided that I'm somehow a less literary person because I haven't read Ulysses (probably because a book I just finished mentioned in thirty million times). I've read The Odyssey, but a really long time ago, so taking a class that used both texts would be necessary. I'd really like to say that I plan on doing this study on my own, but I doubt the follow through. A class would ensure that both were actually finished. Book club?

4. Graphic Novels- Using Visual Texts: After reading Habibi I learned that not only can graphic novels be true literature, but that I'm not necessarily a strong reader of this genre. There are different skills necessary for reading graphic novels- ones that I lack. 

5. Introduction to the History of Religions: As someone who has struggled with organized religion, I think I'd actually really appreciate a more in-depth study of their origins. I find the spiritual mumbo jumbo the yogis during class spout out pretty interesting (and totally unbelievable... sorry Mother Earth) and would really like to learn more about religions in other cultures. Religion is all about storytelling, which I'm slightly fond of.

6. Introduction to Architectural Design: I really, truly appreciate architecture, but just happen to know jack crap about it. I know there are time periods, styles, and new ways to incorporate green technologies, but that's where my meager knowledge stops. 

7. Topics in US History- 1960s: I am fascinated with the sixties- the hippies, Woodstock, protesting, drugs, politics, music, bra burning, communes... 

Who's coming back with me?