I haven't had a chance to update in almost a year. I miss you guys..... 
I'm so sorry. 
This past year I have experienced what the Hindus call "Karma" on a magnificent scale:
In my prior academic life, when I was but a wee babe, I did everything I could to avoid doing my homework. Now that I am reincarnated as an adult and a...
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I'm so sorry.
This past year I have experienced what the Hindus call "Karma" on a magnificent scale:
In my prior academic life, when I was but a wee babe, I did everything I could to avoid doing my homework. Now that I am reincarnated as an adult and a...
Read More
VIEW 5 of 5 COMMENTS
This is gonna be short....
I'm leaving tomorrow AM for a whirl-wind tour of the Mid-west, West, and Pacific Northwest. I'll be hitting places like Madison, Wisconsin, Indian Reservations in the Dakotas and Montana, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, Portland, Redwoods NP, Yosemite NP, The Arches NP, and Denver before winding my way back home.
Because of that you won't see me on here until after the...
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I'm leaving tomorrow AM for a whirl-wind tour of the Mid-west, West, and Pacific Northwest. I'll be hitting places like Madison, Wisconsin, Indian Reservations in the Dakotas and Montana, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, Portland, Redwoods NP, Yosemite NP, The Arches NP, and Denver before winding my way back home.
Because of that you won't see me on here until after the...
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VIEW 15 of 15 COMMENTS
quietlythere:
where, and how are you???
aponia:
I miss you Mr. Lufypants!!!!
First of all I want to apologize to aponia, grimjack, mpphoto, quietlythere, malenka, and any others that I've forgotten. I was SUPPOSED to be in Philly for the weekend, and I was supposed to see them - and possibly others - over the next few days. But I can't.
I'm not in Philly because there is an outbreak of some...
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I'm not in Philly because there is an outbreak of some...
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VIEW 19 of 19 COMMENTS
stiles:
That is one sweet ride.
The 429 in the caddys is a different engine than the 'vette 429. GM was the master of making dozens of different, yet similar engines for no good reason (witness Chevy, Buick and Olds 350s, the 455 and 454, the Buick 300 V8, the Chevy 302, the caddy 390, 425, 429... the 472 and 500/501 (that were related to the 425/472), even the 229 V6 and 230 V6... the 4.3 Caprice V8, the 4.3 TBI V6 and the 4.3 Vortec V6... the 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5 4-bangers... the list goes on and on.
Do send me the schedule, it'd be cool to hang out for a bit if scheduling works out.
The 429 in the caddys is a different engine than the 'vette 429. GM was the master of making dozens of different, yet similar engines for no good reason (witness Chevy, Buick and Olds 350s, the 455 and 454, the Buick 300 V8, the Chevy 302, the caddy 390, 425, 429... the 472 and 500/501 (that were related to the 425/472), even the 229 V6 and 230 V6... the 4.3 Caprice V8, the 4.3 TBI V6 and the 4.3 Vortec V6... the 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5 4-bangers... the list goes on and on.
Do send me the schedule, it'd be cool to hang out for a bit if scheduling works out.
franandzooey:
Wow, I've never heard of the spanish flu. I guess the war took over people's interest at the time and it's just something no one really talks about anymore. Did you see where it mentioned killing mostly 25-34 year olds?! Yikes!! 
I'm doing this at the behest of n8tvegrl. I've never really indulged in these things - I guess this is a moment of journalistic weakness for me. Tell me as many of these as you want (feel free to ignore #8):
1. Name:
2. Birthday:
3. Where you live:
4. What makes you happy:
5. Currently listening/the last thing you listened to:
6. An...
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1. Name:
2. Birthday:
3. Where you live:
4. What makes you happy:
5. Currently listening/the last thing you listened to:
6. An...
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VIEW 13 of 13 COMMENTS
aponia:
So so so....did you see it? Did you see it?
Multiple Fucking Man...how awesome was that!!!!
and "oh my stars and garters". I swear I nearly pee'd myself.
Sigh......too bad the movie was "ok" overall.
Multiple Fucking Man...how awesome was that!!!!
and "oh my stars and garters". I swear I nearly pee'd myself.
Sigh......too bad the movie was "ok" overall.
akirali:
Haters are hating. It's what they will do 
Yeah, right now I'm debating if I'm going all three days or just the weekend.
Yeah, right now I'm debating if I'm going all three days or just the weekend.
I'm not feeling the will, lately, to update. The weather is pleasant and I'm so goddamn tired from work that all I want to do is spend time outside and/or sleep.
My summer plans are spiraling out of control. While I'm going to get the chance to meet many old friends (and some new friends face-to-face for the first time) the destinations are piling up...
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My summer plans are spiraling out of control. While I'm going to get the chance to meet many old friends (and some new friends face-to-face for the first time) the destinations are piling up...
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VIEW 27 of 27 COMMENTS
aponia:
Of course...I'm always around for your awesome baldness!!!!
Yeah...things are just ugh and blugh and argh and ick....but I'm dealing. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger....right?
YAY!!!!! LUFY'S BACK!!!!!!
And maybe you can even get Mr. Mopey-pants out of his house too! (and we all know who THAT is)
Yeah...things are just ugh and blugh and argh and ick....but I'm dealing. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger....right?
YAY!!!!! LUFY'S BACK!!!!!!
And maybe you can even get Mr. Mopey-pants out of his house too! (and we all know who THAT is)
datsun:
I'm near SF. East Bay, actually. Let me know when you're coming through. One of my fave places in the world is right near Yosemite.
TEACHERS GONE WILD!!!
Here's an update at the behest of Goob, a woman I cannot say "no" to:
I feel a little derelict in my job, lately, as teacher. One of the reasons is that as a teacher I'm supposed to point my students towards the right types of knowledge and to keep them away from the wrong forms of intellectual pursuits. You know,...
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Here's an update at the behest of Goob, a woman I cannot say "no" to:
I feel a little derelict in my job, lately, as teacher. One of the reasons is that as a teacher I'm supposed to point my students towards the right types of knowledge and to keep them away from the wrong forms of intellectual pursuits. You know,...
Read More
VIEW 25 of 40 COMMENTS
kleio:
For Brookings, there is always McCrory Gardens - usually quite nice in the summertime. Some people think the Campanile is pretty awesome, but it's basically an enormous phallic symbol - the Prick of the Prairie, the Penis of the Plains. Sioux Falls, if you happen to pass through, has a reproduction of the statue of David, which we think is pretty cool. It all depends on what you're looking for.
franandzooey:
Do they ever have sumo in the U.S.? That would be so cool..sumo...sake...and sushi! I would be in heaven! ♥
I've now spent the better part of two months kicking my ass trying to get everything in line so I can leave my job with the sense that 1) I've impressed my peers and administrators and 2) When I leave all the hard work I've put into this place will not have been for naught. That's the reason why I've been absent for so long....
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VIEW 19 of 19 COMMENTS
n8tvegrl:
It's impressive you made it that far in the recruitment... I am sure if you were otherwise first choice then you'll have great things in your future. I wish I could say the same but things are just in limbo for me right now.
After three deaths in three months I kind of reevaluated things. I am going to church with the kids every week after a boy I was confirmed with passed away. It made me realize how important the Church as a community was to me growing up (I went to the same Church my whole life and my class of 6 was very close). The kids love going each Sunday and my step son asks his mom if he can go with me instead of to her mega giant Church. That makes me happy.
I'm also doing more with the native community. A friend passed away from Leukemia and now I'm finding that I understand how much it means to be a part of that. I let it go for a while and would only intermittently go to pow wows and keep in touch with certain friends because there were those who thought being with a white guy means selling out. That was not fun and the ugliness embarassed me. But now we're all older and understand that those issues are nonsense and I'm making sure that I spend as much time as possible doing things with my native community.
So while the job front for me is nonexistant I'm really focusing on feeding my soul and the spirits of my children. It feels good.
After three deaths in three months I kind of reevaluated things. I am going to church with the kids every week after a boy I was confirmed with passed away. It made me realize how important the Church as a community was to me growing up (I went to the same Church my whole life and my class of 6 was very close). The kids love going each Sunday and my step son asks his mom if he can go with me instead of to her mega giant Church. That makes me happy.
I'm also doing more with the native community. A friend passed away from Leukemia and now I'm finding that I understand how much it means to be a part of that. I let it go for a while and would only intermittently go to pow wows and keep in touch with certain friends because there were those who thought being with a white guy means selling out. That was not fun and the ugliness embarassed me. But now we're all older and understand that those issues are nonsense and I'm making sure that I spend as much time as possible doing things with my native community.
So while the job front for me is nonexistant I'm really focusing on feeding my soul and the spirits of my children. It feels good.
goob:
6200. That's a lot in nine days. Where's your update?
Happy New year, everyone!
In spite of the Universe's attempts to drive me into a depression just five short days into the new year - I resolve (so far) to ignore the shit it is throwing my way and focus solely on the Shinola.
I have high hopes for the year. I am resolved to switch schools. I cannot handle the administration at this place...
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In spite of the Universe's attempts to drive me into a depression just five short days into the new year - I resolve (so far) to ignore the shit it is throwing my way and focus solely on the Shinola.
I have high hopes for the year. I am resolved to switch schools. I cannot handle the administration at this place...
Read More
VIEW 11 of 11 COMMENTS
skank_zero:
Yeah, I can see the JET cliques, and I don't happen to be in any of them. I think the biggest problem in my prefecture is population distribution. Practically everyone else is living in a town with at least one other JET, but I'm alone in mine, so everyone else gets together to hang out on a regular basis, but I don't really get to do that. Then at the big events, they've all bonded and then there's me I'm starting to make Japanese friends in my town now, though, and that's definitely a pick-me-up.
I'm starting to make Japanese friends in my town now, though, and that's definitely a pick-me-up.
quietlythere:
how's everything going?
VIEW 25 of 42 COMMENTS
twotoner:
That's the latest fashion in Wheeling, isn't it? There're what, 15...20 years behind civilization in everything.
starisea:
Mwahahaha! Just you wait until my next vocab update!
Congratulations on the nuptials! Being married rocks!
Congratulations on the nuptials! Being married rocks!
I have a migrane right now.
My skull feels like it's trying to eat its way out of my skin.
Tell me a joke to make me feel better. Please?
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My head is killing me so much that I forgot to add: Favorite Student Anecdotes of the Week.
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Since we've just gotten back from Thanksgiving break, this week's edition is brought to...
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My skull feels like it's trying to eat its way out of my skin.
Tell me a joke to make me feel better. Please?
=======================================================
My head is killing me so much that I forgot to add: Favorite Student Anecdotes of the Week.
=======================================================
Since we've just gotten back from Thanksgiving break, this week's edition is brought to...
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VIEW 15 of 15 COMMENTS
norritt:
nietzche is neat chi
haden:
oooh, group therapy is a tough one. i did that for years growing up. not sure who needed it more at this point. hope all goes well though, as much as it can.
when my head hurts, i take a nap. i love naps.
you can come haggle for my car then???
when my head hurts, i take a nap. i love naps.
you can come haggle for my car then???
I mentioned when I returned that I have been going through a bit of an emotional "trial". I mentioned that I'd share it with you guys. I'm kinda nervous to do this because I'm usually reserved about my private life - the stuff that bothers me, I mean. Oh, sure, in conversation I'll blather on incessantly about some arcane factoid or take the most inconsequential...
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VIEW 18 of 18 COMMENTS
kay:
*hug* I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Warm juju his way, and inspiration in yours for your conversations with him.
I loved the quotes from the students though!!!
~cheers
I loved the quotes from the students though!!!
~cheers
rubysparkle:
Your brother has my empathy.
I was diagnosed with depression & anxiety disorders (I'm disorderly!) 11 years ago & it can be quite the struggle.
There are some fantastic medications available now. I wouldn't be where I am without my meds, my family & friends.
Oh and a good cognitive behavioral therapist can be of great help too.
My student story:
One of the peer tutors who comes into my special ed class to help out, told me that she & her friends decided that since I don't look like a mom, that I can't possibly, really be a home ec teacher.
[Edited on Nov 29, 2005 10:26AM]
I was diagnosed with depression & anxiety disorders (I'm disorderly!) 11 years ago & it can be quite the struggle.
There are some fantastic medications available now. I wouldn't be where I am without my meds, my family & friends.
Oh and a good cognitive behavioral therapist can be of great help too.
My student story:
One of the peer tutors who comes into my special ed class to help out, told me that she & her friends decided that since I don't look like a mom, that I can't possibly, really be a home ec teacher.
[Edited on Nov 29, 2005 10:26AM]
VIEW 24 of 24 COMMENTS
liante:
That dress is fabulous. 
Re: the Dowd article -- my quibble with the evidence is that, basically, there is none. It's all anecdotal. That doesn't mean it's unconvincing, since it matches up reasonably well with my own personal experience, but it does mean that it's hard to know how far one should assume the trend goes.
Is that really how the "younger generation" thinks? I don't know. It's such a huge group of people, with so many different educational backgrounds, trajectories in life, and expectations about themselves and their partners that it's very very hard to generalize, and Dowd doesn't really give us any tools to do that anyway.
So yeah. Sorry. My answer isn't one. Wish I could do better.
...and I'm vaguely impressed if you got mpphoto to call you a knucklehead. Methinks that would take some doing.
Re: the Dowd article -- my quibble with the evidence is that, basically, there is none. It's all anecdotal. That doesn't mean it's unconvincing, since it matches up reasonably well with my own personal experience, but it does mean that it's hard to know how far one should assume the trend goes.
Is that really how the "younger generation" thinks? I don't know. It's such a huge group of people, with so many different educational backgrounds, trajectories in life, and expectations about themselves and their partners that it's very very hard to generalize, and Dowd doesn't really give us any tools to do that anyway.
So yeah. Sorry. My answer isn't one. Wish I could do better.
...and I'm vaguely impressed if you got mpphoto to call you a knucklehead. Methinks that would take some doing.
cheapbastard:
Doesn't it? But they all treat me like the league mom. I feel like I have to rein in 40 children. They call me queen bee. Feh.
Well, at least you're back, knuckles...