In the Moment:Year 2 at Word Count

January 1, 2009

Happy New Year everyone! Hope last night was fun. We enjoyed being with friends, but the night feels so fake, so artificial. I was in a great conversation with someone and had to end it to watch the ball drop. Sure I stood close to Tuvia. We hugged, and then made it through the group to share the moment but I felt gypped a bit. I did watch what I was drinking but not as much what I ate and that was a mistake on today, the day after. Oh well, just took a zantac and the rice and soup are feeling warm and comfortable lining my stomach today. I was ready to make an end to this 2nd year journal and then realized that officially I still have another day before I begin the next one, but shhh, don't let it out. I'm going to begin right now, on the first day of 2009. Join me... Bonnie

December 31, 2008

Okay, enough Today, I am writing and it's just beginning to snow here. SNOW, why not? It's winter outside and lovely inside. I have the opportunity to HAVE IT ALL! Watching it snow with no where to go, at this moment. That could change later, if it doesn't stop. It could hurt the wedding for Friday, but we will be there. Of course, I won't be driving. Just need to work on the dress. Haven't dealt with that. It's only Wednesday. Okay today, last day of 2008 and the last entry of this blog. Year 3 is coming here, not sure how we will move to 3 but move, we will. What will be different? Well, probably nothing tomorrow. Getting up as usual with the guilt of the WEDDING still on my head, but maybe I can make some progress this morning. I want to get it moving in a cool way and so far the tutorials I've subscribed to aren't helping. Still missing a few pieces but I am getting closer. It's in my head even if it's not in reality yet. I have done some work for my grants. Nice, nice, nice...should be fun tonight at Jane's house. New people to connect with...and 60 is coming...believe that? I will be 60 in August. Hope it's as good as the first 59. Okay I need to get moving, shower and a lesson later and then Tuvia should arrive in the early afternoon and get ready with me for the party tonight. YES!!!!!!!! I will need a nap to prepare for it.

December 30, 2008

UP and it's windy and there's a call for some snow tonight and more on Friday and that night is a wedding of one of my old students. Adjustments will be made. Good here, that Tuvia has no issue with driving in snow. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, but I can't do it anymore. As for yesterday it was a great day. Lots of activity all in my pj's. Perfect. Some online purchases, bills got paid, practice, reading about Practicing, planning for a party here on Sunday, NO SNOW ALLOWED! and a mac lesson today and our grant is almost done so, now I need to focus some effort on tech in our big grant and then move to new projects for the spring. It's good, all good. I do need a movie but not today or tomorrow. New Year's Eve with friends and a group of new people.
All good.... And my third year here begins on Thursday. EXCITING! But for now I am moving out and getting to writing some of our HVWP grant.. YES!!!!!!

December 29, 2008

Ah, the sun, a fire in the fireplace, sheets in the washing machine, the apartment is neat and I am here poised to get moving on more projects hanging over my head. Feels good , although I would like to hear that Israel doesn't have to fight in Gaza. But it looks like they will be entering with troops. A shame that we aren't closer to peace there. I wonder if Barack will make a difference there and everywhere? Could that happen? I think we are all hoping for good things no matter who we once voted for. Tuvia and I sat and watched the 60 Minutes walk through Barack's rise. We both remembered that moment we made the shift, his race speech and we never looked back.
And today, I'm beginning to plan for our trip to DC, centering my interest on the camera I take along to document the experience. I'm thinking that my good camera is too big and too good to risk in a crowd so I'm back online shopping around for something small, good and inexpensive. Not hard to find. So one this great morning, I want to use it wisely so there' s no regrets, no guilt. Exercise, guitar, some Hebrew, my DS piece still, and lots of writing.... Okay, can do some of it at least... And I need to think about New Year's Eve and the upcoming wedding on Friday night... and maybe my belated Chanukah party next Sunday. Always events coming...

December 28, 2008

Up, up on Sunday and wondering, about the gym. Amazing how much better I'm feeling with just a few paragraphs of writing on the grant with Kevin. Of course there's more to write there, more to write on our HVWP grant more to do.
I have been practicing guitar every day and reading a book about just that subject: Practicing and it's so cool to be reading and reading about just that subject that sometimes torments me. For about a year, last year it was tough to be to the guitar for a practice session. I felt guilty about it, really guilty but I just didn't do enough. Since my return to classical guitar with enthusiasm in the fall and Jon's more regular opportunities for weekly lessons, I've been feeling terrific and making new progress and I'm almost finished with a piece that's been taking forever.
So that's great.
Today we will be lunching with my parents at Charlie Brown. Nice to see them. Tuvia of course, always pushes me to spend more time with them. I'm grateful for that push. Nice that he's still sleeping at 7:30.
Today I think we will continue to stay away from the movies. Just a bit of a break to digest our marathon.
Today, Sunday, what will it look like? Not sure.
At the moment it's creepy outside. Misty.

December 27, 2008

I missed my morning writing for a good cause, hosting our planning session for Empire State Network's upcoming annual weekend retreat, this year, in New Paltz. We had a lean and mean group sitting around my dining room table working as we ate bagels etc. and drank lots of coffee and as we got the planned end, noon, no one got up, not for another hour and as we moved through our morning we began using our computers to create a Ning site and something on Facebook and even move some to SKYPE and that was wonderful, really wonderful. As usual, I am proud and happy and professionally satisfied to be connected to the NWP/HVWP/ESPNW etc, etc.
And as for Tuvia, I'm proud to be with him as well as we find our way to movies that stimulate our thinking and move us emotionally. LOVED The REader, just for that. It deals with the the generation of "Nazi" offspring. Time to move away a bit from the gas chambers to the population that has to live with the crimes. Loved Kate Winslet, the rest of the cast, the screenplay, the structure. Sure, we will see more of the new movies, but they won't all equal this piece. And I working on other things as well. More work makes me happy. Less eating? No, that's not happening.

December 26, 2008

Good morning on the day after Christmas and everything will be opened. Last night at the mall, where we saw Doubt the place was hoping. Only movies. Everything else was closed and that was weird, but the movie was an actor's playground and we watched 3 amazing stars work together with aplomb. A blow out from Merle Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. I never got to the play and now I wish I had. We got there comfortably early and had our pick of seats but sadly not everyone could say that. The room was beyond packed with people arriving even when the theater was dark. Bad move. I had to smile when as we were picking up our tickets a couple ahead of us were so disappointed that they were closed out of Clint/Chris' Gran Torino. Although I hope they are coming for the real movie, Clint is not Dirty Hairy of old. I'm happy with that but maybe not everyone. Ahhh it's all about Chris this time for me. Last night at our diner, I did realize that a meeting at my house I was thinking would take place next weekend is really going to happen this weekend, as in tomorrow. What was I thinking? Okay, a quick change in plans and sleeping spots and some quick shopping and we are set. And of course a rearranging of movie theaters for this afternoon. The Reader is up for attention. Tickets ordered and ready to pick up. Parking? Tuvia is in charge. Bagels for tomorrow coming from Long Island with Katelin. Hope I get a poppyseed. Coming down the the New Year!!! But first a session with Anthony at 8, right on schedule.

December 25, 2008

I am up on Christmas morning. The sun is up and shining. Breakfast is finished quickly as usual and Tuvia is probably home by now and it's only 8:35 and I have the morning to write here, to begin creating my movies for 2008 list, write a bit of mail and then to the challenges: exercise here, guitar? writing for grants, my DS wedding movie that I think about now alot and that's a good thing. Am I missing a challenge? Hebrew: Did some of that yesterday, Hebrew homework due in the two weeks, done and off to my teacher and already back to me corrected so I can do more. Good there. And some reading? My Kindle is filling...I'm going to save that. I like creating a mini grant with Kevin on Google Docs. So much fun to arrive there, read the new pieces he's created and then add a bit of my own and move to other things and then return to more...I like that process. I can't do it all at once and it's good to know that whatever I add is respected and will be blended well into the fabric of the piece. And then there's my HVWP grant and that will move the same way with even more hands working together on it. Again, for me it's all about collaboration, quality collaboration. In fact next weekend a new collaboration with our New York Empire team as we create the beginning of our weekend retreat for the end of February. Lots of great minds here working and eating together. What fun awaits. So many projects hanging out there, and all before the end of the year. It's exciting! So I'm going to get off and move to another screen but not for long. I'm going to force myself off this and get going... Have a full and rich Christmas Day my friends. Chanukah is going strong for us.

December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas to All, especially my buddies, Karen and Kevin. Here it's a rain day and probably will be tonight as well. I was hoping for some snow, but at least it will be warmer tomorrow when we get to a movie. Last night Tuvia and I went out for dinner with friends and found, right around the block, practically, a fish restaurant that we both enjoyed and so far, the prices are reasonable. YES!!! We haven't been with these friends in a long time and while they were also excited about the coming of Barack we spent lots of the evening talking about the economy and of course there's not too much we can say that's positive, but it was good to share a meal, dessert and good conversation with them. A year ago their infant grandson, newly born was touch and go and now, he's one and going strong. I have a guitar lesson today at noon. Lots of time to play a bit, to get to the gym, to plan a nice dinner for Tuvia. He will be working today and that's very good for his mind and being. I have grant writing to stay with and that's good for me. My Wedding DS is with me always now and that's good. Still no pressure from the couple. Hope you have great plans for tonight and tomorrow and time for family to enjoy the holidays. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! Tonight is the 4th candle for us on Chanukah.

December 23, 2008

Morning. We are getting closer to Christmas. A shame there could be rain and not snow to usher in the holiday. I understand, but then again, I lost my Chanukah party because of weather. The threat of snow, how I remember it well. I always directed the snow play and often snow directed my play more than I did. I remember lots of early-morning conversations with principals, determining our performance future, how to make the best of a tough situation. I think this would make a good Slice of Life Tuesday entry on my regular blog. Hold that thought. As for yesterday, what fun, well Hebrew online wasn't. I couldn't concentrate,even though I wanted to. I was prepared for more of what we had been working on last week and the focus of the lesson was logically on Chanukah with all the vocabulary one would need. Oh well, I kept thinking about Peter, wondering if he really cared about that lesson, after all he's not Jewish, but I suppose, why not? He is taking Hebrew as a language and this is a Jewish holiday. I have to ask him. Feels strange that he won't be continuing with us for Part 2 of our class. We are a group and he is one of the 4. My fave. Oh well. I'm sticking with it!
I'm going strong with guitar. Good year for me. I'm making some progress with the grants I'm writing, slowly though. Good talk with Tom yesterday about what comes next. All good, but now for a conversation with my mom... And I have the wedding piece to play with. Off I go for Slice of Life Tuesday

December 22, 2008

This writing year is coming to an end on New Year's Eve and I'm ready for a clean slate because things on this account are just too slow. Imagine, too slow. How easily we get spoiled by speed.
As for today it's really freezing and Tuvia's cell phone wasn't working and once again we are dependent on our objects to work and provide channels for communication. I couldn't get to him and he couldn't get to me and as he drove home he was ready to stop a police car to use a phone to call me. He didn't and soon he was home and communication with me once again. Whoops...interruption: family issues about Chanukah, my 90 year old mom , and then a call from HVWP and Tom and that moves me away from here into the world of work and getting grants written. Okay...I have to get off the couch, close this window, even though it took forever to get it opened, and get to exercise and wonder where Dana is. Oh well...I am ready to move... I could keep writing, but I've lost the time focus. I am feeling the pressure of today's list of activities...

December 21, 2008

Happy Chanukah to all! No family, no latkes, but the candles are shining brightly. Now 7 more nights to come. Even as an adult it's a fun holiday, especially sharing it with Tuvia. We actually enjoyed Chinese left-overs and the cleared snow, still a white blanket outside.
It was a great day, filled with phone conversations and work on the things I've been feeling guilty about. So with the help of the computer, I can open and close pages of writing, sometimes leaving them all open at the same time and then moving to my other computer where I'm working on my wedding movie. All good even though it's all moving slowly. Tuvia is sitting next to me, tooth pick in hand, waiting patiently for 60 minutes as the football games winds its way to the end of the 4th quarter, slowly. He's watching my new tv screen as if he cares and knows what's going on. Yesterday he watched Slumdog Millionaire with the same feeling of patience, but there I was hooked from the start and he was vacant from the start. I never lost interest and he never found the point of it, but he sat politely and patiently. I don't think I could have done the same. As for tonight, I have Hebrew to work on and some guitar. Wow, the game is over and 60 minutes will begin right on time. YES!!! Okay, I'm almost off as well. Just a few more minutes to write a bit more about the great time we had today enjoying the beginning of winter even with its weather obstacles. The sun appeared at just the right moment and the complex staff made sure to have the service necessary to support life moving out of apartments, into cars and off into the world. It was great to lunch at Strawberry Place. Today we were able to get the best table in the house. Usually on a Sunday, we are at the counter rather than waiting to be squeezed into a small table space. Okay, I am now off as 60 minutes is previewing its evening stories. See you in the am.

December 20, 2008

Up and the snow is all around us with plans for more tonight. Will there be Chanukah tomorrow night? Sure, but probably without a celebration at my place. Snow will hold us all back. Snow taking control. Of course, it could be worse, much worse, but in my reality, the personal blues are taking over and Tuvia is here working hard to combat them. Oh well, I was able to take the blues and compose a 6-word creation for Kevin, so all is not lost. I suppose today will be great if I can make some headway on the writing projects I have and the wedding project I've been playing around with now, honing down photos and arranging and rearranging pieces of voice over and video. I haven't found the great hook yet, but I'm playing. The process is way to slow for Tuvia. He keeps asking, are you making progress? I don't know. I'm "in it" at the moment. I need some action today, some time outside. I'd like to see Slumdog Millionaire today. Looks great!
Okay, I'm moving to another screen now. I have to find out where my raisins are... Snow anyone? Winter! Bonnie

December 19, 2008

Snow anyone? It's still exciting, especially when I canceled my 8AM gym appointment but strangely, I will miss being there. I haven't been there since last Sunday and even though I've been exercising daily at home, there's something about the focus in the gym environment that I've come to appreciate. Just me and my Shuffle and the weights to challenge me beyond where I've been. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. As for today, I have all my toys with me at Tuvia's. I have my computer work, my guitar, Hebrew, an exercise ball and lovely DVD to direct me and I love the anticipation of snow and there's writing to be done for our grants and nothing to hold me back except myself, and my procrastinating. But I have gotten much better with the help of this writing into the day. Kevin and I are moving ahead with our new collaboration plans and we have begun to get some positive responses on the Ianthology idea. I'm sure Kevin will suggest something more exciting than I anthology. I'm ready to oblige. As for Tuvia, beware. He will not be patient to hang out for long in house, snow or no snow. I would bet we will be on our way to a movie today. But he has me to contend with. Snow!!!!!!

December 18, 2008

I'm here and writing, salivating to be in this writing/thinking mode, wondering how this will move. All those thoughts swirling around, what will get captured here? I was amazed yesterday when my new TV arrived with two delivery guys from PC Richards who were not native Americans, probably from Eastern Europe, maybe Russia. The lead guy heard my particular requests and went to work without much detail. I offered him more than he needed and he on moving at his own speed of expertize. I followed him around offering my help, explaining more. He was polite but I was unnecessary. He saw the problem and attacked i with comfortable expertise. He is here with more skills than I'm sure he needs for this job, but within 30 minutes or less, he my new TV installed, my old Tivo moved to the bedroom, my speaker wires reconnected and a short explanation offered for all the clickers. Of course I opened my wallet. Of course I offered them something to say THANK YOU. Nothing had to be moved. And to prepare I had emptied my wall unit of all breakables. They never moved anything. Everything was operated from the front of the unit. Wow what a operation, what collaboration! I need to call PC Richards and pass on my BRAVO Having this flat screen will take some getting used to, it's flat. I think I'm going to miss my SONY Trintron. Shhh, don't tell anyone. As for today, I'm off to Apple early in the morning for my one on one focusing on Final Cut with Gene and then across to Shoprite for more eggs and oil and then back home for another experiment with latkes preparation.
What was so cool yesterday was a Skype conversation with my buddy Kevin. A short face-to-face focused on our new collaboration, bringing our two sites together in late March during the New England Sites meeting to for our mini retreat with some of our tech team, sharing strategies for our SI tech embedding and then planning a mini grant to create a pilot local version of the Eanthology for WP continuity with writing and feedback that seems to be a place where new TCs and old, feel excited and hoping to continue with after their SI's. How does that sound out there??? Anyway, I just created and Google Doc for it, so the collaboration continues. Anyway, I need some OJ even though it's still dark out. Happy Thursday. NO SNOW SUNDAY ALLOWED.

December 17, 2008

Finally I've arrived to begin my day with some writing into it. Snow last night and bit to deal with on windshields. Tuvia took time getting it off and driving on home. I wanted to help him, but of course, he wouldn't call to have me join him in the cold. A gentleman to a fault. It's hard to complain to friends about that behavior. Oh well. Today I'm getting a new TV, waiting to hear when it will arrive. So I'm sitting tight before I start to dismantle the wall unit with all my lovely possessions, I want to keep whole. I'm sure this will be a big pain and I hope the new one lasts as long as I old Sony Triniton which is still not dead but feeling its age. And I suppose I'm ready for a new one. Now if we were talking about computers, there'd be question, I would have replaced without a question, years ago. The TV is at least 15 years old, pre Tuvia. Can you imagine a computer lasting 15 years? I don't think so. I can't wait to hear more about the future, Tri-book mac. Then later today, I'm off to NYC again to see my buddy Nancy and share some food and great talk with her. This is really a belated Obama celebration with her, especially as he became Time's Person of the Year. Of course! Nancy is even more left than I am and love that! Someone more left...keeps me on my toes. My wedding DS is now officially in my head. As I fell asleep last night I was thinking about it, creating it. Good, I need to relieve my guilt with its presence. Good to get the issue of latkes out of there. Do I need a food processor??? Should I see if Joy has one? Let me call... Okay, time to get going, or should I wait to hear when they will arrive??? Funny, I don't care about TV's

December 16, 2008

I'm here, through all the screens and that should get better in my year three journal beginning with the new year. Can you believe it? That's the relationship we have with time. It's moving faster than we can ever deal with. Oh well. Great Hebrew lesson last night. Of course it's all about being prepared and I was. Just listening to the lesson from last week really helps and the homework was to compose some sentences and it was fun to figure out how to best do that. I tried using the Hebrew letters on the language option but it took too long. I have a cool program, Sketch where once I created a blank page, I could draw the letters and then send it to my teacher. She got it right away and corrected it for me and used it with the class. And this week we worked on something that Tuvia has started with me: infinitives. I didn't understand the rules behind their creation and that's where the class could make sense of them. Tuvia and I have agreed to speak at least 15 minutes a day of only Hebrew around a topic I know...We will see how this works. But it's time to renew for the second level and I think I'm joining in...debating if it pays to do it two times a week for a shorter period of time than once a week for the 9 months. I'm not sure if I want to give up two nights a week. I have to think about this one. I am planning to spend some of this day cooking latkes with a combined recipe from my sister-in-law and my buddy Agita. We will play. Fun and Tuvia will be ready to taste. I have my ealy morning lesson today as usual. Guitar is feeling good and then I need to get cracking on the wedding Ds and HVWP work. Okay... early morning darkness. Probably no snow here today but maybe tomorrow. I'm almost looking forward to it as long as it doesn't get in my way. I'm off to the city tomorrow night to hang out with my buddy Nancy. Lots to do... YES!

December 15, 2008

Okay, I've been up for a while. Tuvia is out and working, probably, I've spoken with my mom, created a To Do list for today, a grocery list for the Latkes on Sunday, I've changed the bedding and washed the old sheets, I've watched Tom Cruise on the Today Show, who cares! I have a fire in the fireplace, I've written a Memoir Monday about Gran Torino and Chris, I am just about to begin writing about tech this year at the HVWP and NWP... I am itching to call Eileen although she might not be home yet from Florida, and the list continues... I love the early part of the day, when it's fresh and I can still do it all. As it progresses and I don't don't IT ALL, or even close, I start feeling like I'm wasting great time opportunities, but there's tomorrow to try again. I think my best days are when I get very close to the morning list on paper of in my head...that's it! So I'm on my way...I have to get off here sooner...so here I go...time to clean out some drawers...socks first! Have a great MONDAY!

December 14, 2008

A late writing. Not planned but what can you do, life got in the way today. Up early and off to cooperate with the Rick side of the family to meet my parents at the diner for a late/early breakfast/lunch without Tuvia, but that was part of the cooperation side. It was fine. No issues, no tension but always walking on eggshells. And next week my place for family Chanukah with a good chunk of the family and I'm up for the challenge of some cooking. All good! Tuvia will be helping, or I will have to find things to have him do. A partner for sure. Home is the sunshine with challenges in mind for later. New toys to work with: Ipod Classic, radio/speakers...for music everywhere easily. There's always the next toy... And there's a new challenge now folded in: to learn Final Cut Studio with the support of online tutorials from Lynda.com Time for a great movie: great- I'll Always Love You... Kristen Scott Thomas where have you been??? Glad you are back and not just a pretty face, that's for sure. This one is a wow. I need to write about it on my blog... Then home for dinner and Hebrew, exercise and some writing and NO guitar...oh well tomorrow!
I am powering down... Good night and writing into the morning...

December 13, 2008

Yesterday Tuvia and I spent the afternoon in New York City. We walked to see the tree on 5th ave. and the skaters, the season without feeling too crushed. But we were really there to see Gran Torino because it isn't opening in Rockland and I couldn't wait until December 25. At 3:00 we arrived at the Lowes on 68th st. and rode the escalator up to the second floor and with time to kill I enjoyed at bit of popcorn, but I was anxious to get into the theater and get watching. The theater was almost totally empty but gradually, even on a Friday afternoon, it began to fill. I wondered, did anyone in the audience know that Chris Carley was in the movie? Of course not. How many movies that I seen with people I knew in them, probably none. But that's what made this one so different.
Chris had been sharing this adventure with me and I was busting to see what he had done. Tuvia could have waited but knew I couldn't and didn't hesitate to join me. Okay, we got through the ads and previews, and finally the theater darkened and we were ready. I knew the story, read all the early reviews and the movie opened in the church and this was Chris' territory, as its priest. Clint stood at the casket of his dead wife and Chris took to the pulpit. And I was nervous, busting...not enough time for him to establish his character... But Chris never went away for long. He kept coming back, pushing his way in... It was hard watching at first...a very good movie, great work by Clint. But the scenes with Chris, Chris looked so young to be a priest that Clint treated as a adult. Chris was great, with a look of Spencer Tracey, but it was hard for me to sit still. I was watching a movie but not casually. Not the same experience. I kept waiting for more of Chris and there was...He opened and closed this one. I hope this moves his career to allow me to have more experiences with him on the screen.
BRAVO Chris Carley.

December 12, 2008

Late today. Exercise Friday mornings. Today I got a break: 9 not 8, but even still, too much to do so early. Go figure, I used to be teaching by 7:30 AM not so long ago. We do adapt quickly. I was up to watch the ticker tape read that the upstate schools were closed, my old school was closed, my Rockland school no, and I was free as well to get up and get driving.
So Anthony demanded a lot from me. All good. An hour of sweating! Then back in the car and home to Paramus and planning for the afternoon in NYC. Central: getting to see Chris in Gran Torino ASAP! Lincoln Square Theater on Broadway and 68th. Of course, Tuvia wants to see and do more. A visit to 42nd St., the tree etc. and I'm thinking about what camera I have with me. Go figure. I actually have my Iphone and my Flip... my God what am I doing with all these adult bought toys? I will play with them today, I will, but this afternoon is for Chris with a big of popcorn. Of course, I still need time to read, to review Hebrew, to play guitar to at least, think about the DS project I have on the table...Still my challenges. And the rain is done and the sun is shining...nice! Enjoy...

December 11, 2008

Thursday morning with the hint of ice to come. Upstate it's probably there. Maybe an 2:00 delay. Oh, I remember...my favorite. A few extra hours at home in the morning and then a short school day without penalty. What a hard time to be in school though with the threat of cuts coming, probably threatening the most humanizing elements of education: music, art, drama etc... What can I do to prevent this? As for our writing project? We are good and I hope we can continue to remain optimistic and strong. Last night, I'm feeling last night. An hangover from great, rich food treats. We opted for an array of appetizers instead of the conventional entrees with their ridiculous price tags. I hate being ripped off. But our version of tapas, that was so much fun and so much cheaper and so much food. I will pay today. Good reminder to get back on the wagon. I got on and keep trying to stay there, but ahhh, temptations taste great! But there's nothing like waking up and feeling in control...well last night counts as my cheat meal and I can't get another one until next week, after Wednesday...I have to plan it carefully. Today is another Mac lesson at the Apple store. Another Mega Millions lottery ticket, over 200 million, chicken, chicken, chicken... And the Golden Globes will be announced this morning. Gran Torino watch! Off to Paramus!

December 10, 2008

Back from our annual holiday dinner with my GNO book club- 3 of us together for over 10 years. Wow! We've shared lots of books and lots of meals and most important, lots of our lives. And we continue to enjoy moments of our lives. Bonnie understands my phototag needs. Her husband shares my craziness, Julia though gets crazy, but she was good tonight as we captured our trioness. Earlier today, I was back with my HVWP leadership team, meeting to talk about our work and plan for our grant writing. Good demand to get us to focus on where we've been and where we are moving to.. And ride up and back came with James Taylor and Yo-yo Ma, offering music to drive with... I am home now, with a few drinks to get out of my system but it's all good, all good.... Happy holidays!

December 9, 2008

I'm here in my space early, as usual. What continues to drive me is challenge guilt. I have lots to do this month. Lots of writing for grants and applications for more work with the NWP etc. It used to freak me out to be challenged with writing, but something has to get easier,especially when I write every day for the personal challenge of it. I'm back with Memoir Mondays and Slice of Life Tuesdays and Write on Wednesdays. I was struggling during the NWP SA period but I'm back now with my own schedule on my Apple calendar that I can't live without. I am poised to work on my wedding piece, just wondering if I should just use Final Cut directly and not Imovie to begin a draft. I'm not sure.
I have my videos on both. It easier to move photos and VO back and forth between the other programs to clean them up. I don't know... I want to master Final Cut and the Studio. That's my media challenge. And tonight is Chris' opening in LA! I hope I see some pictures soon. I am there with him. Yesterday was filled with fun and tension, guilt to include guitar practice and Hebrew onLine...what I'm enjoying is the sharing in class with Peter and Peggy and wondering if I should continue for another course... Probably...

December 8, 2008

Good Monday morning! I am happy to be home today and ready to work through my list of things...of course the wedding video is high up there, exercise, guitar for tomorrow, Hebrew tonight....help!!!! But first I'm here and then moving to Memoir Mondays and then a movie review of Milk...and then some thinking about the calls to make... It's all good...the week ahead with a new album of music to listen to... yo Yo Ma has done it again...an album for the holidays with a new twist...lots of collaborations Yo Yo style...Just watched his work with James Taylor on Charlie Rose and then a video of their work...I'm in heaven...and yesterday I found a guitar piece that I would like to play a version of Stairway to Heaven...I can't wait to play it for Jon tomorrow and have him begin to recreate it for me...Ahh, I love playing guitar...reminds me, I need time for it today...a day ahead to craft...it will kill me to throw it away...Dana will arrive soon with my second cup of coffee from DD to get me going but I will probably remain here too long...oh well.. I have to get moving to the next screen...more to come... Keep warm will you...

December 7, 2008

Morning! Sunday, with a dusting of snow and that's exciting. Snow is fine in small doses and early, in the months of December and January, when it's a novelty but usually it lasts way too long, into February and March. Oh well, just makes you appreciate the coming of spring that much more. I have my fingers crossed that there's no snow on January 20th and that it's not too cold so I can really enjoy being outside in DC. with the others who are venturing down there for the history of it all. I am beginning my wedding DS. I have photos, video, vo's all ready to put into my Imovie software and wonder about what I will do with it all, what will move it along. I think the video will be the center for this piece and who knows where it will go. I think there will be a DS and a photo slide show with a slew of their photos and extras from me but the ds piece, while it will be longer, needs to tell a story and now run on and on for the sake to just including everything. No one will have the patience to watch it. the ceremony, the dances etc...Now how to slice and merge....that's the challenge! Saturday Seminar yesterday still thinking about the collaboration that is not an easy one, how can I best deal with it, make it better for me and for her and for the group. Too much one upping... Today begin a thrill of movies all out to qualify to the Academy Awards and the Christmas moving-going season... Milk today and this week Chris and Clint in Gran Torino! Can't wait...the reviews are beginning to appear and Clint already has a best actor award and the movie has a screenwriting credit. Great for Chris and his career to be in a movie many people will see even if he just gets a line or two in a review. Lots of people will see him on the screen as they opt for a Clint Eastwood extravaganza. But first Milk.

December 6, 2008

Full day! An early morning out and off to New Paltz for a Saturday Seminar for photos and a meeting with Ell/Tech and a reconnection with Mary at BOCES. Good morning with great workshops and nice support for our SI08 TC presenters. It was all good/almost all good. Some issues with collaboration that I have to deal with. The day was cold and stimulating and I was more than not comfortable with my people. And on the way I was ready to return to life with Tuvia and enjoying lunch and the day back with him in Paramus. All good and reading time with my Kindle. I think I miss writing into the day, though, not after it. Tomorrow morning...

December 5, 2008

Can the news get much worse? I supposed everyone is waiting to see just how it will impact on their lives. I keep living and wondering and writing about this. And each day the news is worse. I still get my hair worked on monthly, my trainer session each Friday at the gym, my house gets cleaned by Dana every other week and I work on my guitar with Jon every Tuesday morning...I hope my staff remains with me. As for life as usual, yes, life continues to be usual...Full, exciting! Up early, out to the gym, some frost on my windshield. Some email problems and off to Apple to clear it up after the gym. Now, back at Tuvia's I was writing here and planning to be off after lunch to shop for friends coming for dinner tonight. What could be a better way to spend a cold, but sunny December? As for my work on the wedding...it's fun moving back into the past, to that day in September. How do i bring that to a DS without getting boring. There's way too much here. I think I need to begin with the video, although I have selected photos from my group of 600+ Karen did send me even more and I will take a look there... I love being in the process of creating... Off I go! Tomorrow begins early: Up and out for SUNY and a Saturday Seminar!

December 4, 2008

Okay, I know I was going to write here at the end of the day, but I had that urge to begin here, although I've been clicking away on my new DS project, the wedding I worked on and I'm back with my editing software, getting used to the buttons and windows. Always takes a bit of time to reconnect with old tools. And there's a frenzy of very exciting work coming: Empire Network, a meeting over Christmas at my house, a tech retreat with Kevin, some family pieces, our site grant writing, getting the PPT's from our NWP sessions out to the participants...what else??? Dover DS in the spring... And dinner tomorrow night for a great couple I love being with. Tuvia is good. Loves to socialize. And life continues to be full and flourishing...Im probably spending too much money,... So let's see if I have more to add here later... I have this morning to myself and then lunch and the rest of Thursday with Tuvia... okay...I'm off...

December 3, 2008

Took a really long time to get to this screen, but I've been patient here with my other online tools but it does make you crazy. I decided to try writing at the end of the day when the day is fresh but I am tried,really tired. Let's try. I was up and writing a lot: a slice of life Tuesday, a Write on Wednesday, an invite for Boil Down your week... I got the exercise and dress and arrive with time to spare for my Apple lesson and pretty much Gene tried to help me get back some of my Flock tools but no luck. By next week I'm hoping to have a good chunk of my wedding piece ready to move to Final Cut...I'm actually using Final Cut now. I forgot. I wonder if I can move the video to I movie...I I did wait too long to play guitar. I just didn't have patience for myself. Saturday is a seminar in New Paltz, Friday night, dinner here with Jane and Michael and Tuvia. Chris' movie with Clint is getting closer to going public and it's so cool to have him share it with me. We've been speaking daily and I love it.
I am looking into getting a new TV but something just basic. Not like buying a computer. But my 15 year old SONY is feeling its age and it's getting worse. I can't write anymore.
So good night to all....It's been a good one, seeing my Y ladies for lunch,even if I did eat too much. Ugh. Okay time to clean up and move on to the bedroom...I'm off.

December 2, 2008

How ironic, there's chaos in the world and in my world, life is exciting! I am relishing the enthusiasm at Dover with my DS team and their commitment to "all" their students. I'm excited about a new collaboration with Kevin. I'm thrilled to be writing again with Stacie's Memoir Mondays and Slice Tuesdays and then, Write on Wednesday I am still thinking about a wonderful movie I saw on Sunday, Rachel is Getting Married and next week my drama boy and Clint hit the red carpet in LA for Gran Torino. Charlie Rose have you made the call? The sun is shining, I'm getting some needed beauty care, still have some money for that... And I began the day with an exhilerating guitar lesson. And Tuvia is coming tonight for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory... and I still have that wedding DS to get to...I'm making it due by NEw YEar's Eve. Perfect for lovers.

December 1, 2008

December first again. I don't remember the last one, but I do remember December 2007 and last winter and beyond and we are back there again.
I like this one even with the stock market declining again today. UGH!. But today I finished a DS inservice and I really wasn't sure how it was going until we met and each member of the group had to admit their pieces were not done. They were totally taking in the guilt and annoyed with themselves that something had gone wrong as they raced to finish them today. I didn't have to say a word. They were beating themselves up. All I had to do was make them promise to finish them before Christmas vacation and that's what they wanted as well. I don't think I will get them in my email but that's okay. We shared what they had and talked about what they could do to move them to the next place. They do look to me for my judgment. I do give suggestions but they share ideas as well. Then with some modeling they wrote and shared process pieces and they were wonderful and positive about me and the course and themselves. They were filled with ideas for their classrooms. We shared those pieces and moved to their classroom collaboration, something they need my support to accomplish and support from the administration as well. 100 digital stories. One for each 6th grader to have for their big school day in May. Can we do it? Great challenge ahead! And that was all I needed. We left late, after dark for sure, but first Lorraine handed me a gift bag from all three of them with a leather journal insider. I couldn't tell them that I don't write in journals anymore but I am sure I will use it for something important for them. What a way to end and plan to begin again. That was my December 1. But first this morning when I signed on to write this clicking through my Web Brower, Flock, I opened to a blank page. No people sidebar, no media bar, no tabs...and I was lost, racing to give everything back. Almost everything is back but why didn't I move on earlier and not give up the whole morning to the search. I did take a break to talk to Kevin and plan a bit on our partnership plan to merge our tech hands for a weekend in March and do some SI and Beyond, tech visioning. Ah, collaborations, my favorite. And then an hour of Hebrew online and I'm still alive and clicking away. Over and out!

November 30, 2008

Sunday morning with a bit of snow/sleet and a late rise: 8:15! And I'm thinking that it's the first Sunday since SA. How about that? How soon we forget but all good. My SA photos are everywhere and I am mastering the new version of Comic Life, fun! I am ready to respond to Tech Friends after reading Troy's long share about his time in SA. I've tired it a few times on my blog and there as well. I need to just write it and keep moving. I'm fighting the fate of time. The more time that passes, the more the moments fade. Okay, I'm moving back there fast. After all, does it really matter? Sure, to me.

November 29, 2008

Back at the gym with trainer Anthony at 8:30 so too early to get to write here. And now as I remember, I am late. It's midnight and then some. What am I doing up is the question of the moment. I will pay for this in the am. Yesterday was the night that never ended. The meal that never ended at a new restaurant in Ellenville and my brother tries to support new businesses but they were not ready for a group of 25 for meals that needed to be ready at the same time. So we sat with chips and guacamole in a variety of strengths to wait and wait and wait. We did get to talk although I stayed far away from my dad. He has NO patience for this kind of waiting. But we were all there to celebrate the 90th birthday of my aunt. Wow, we do have good family genes. Let's hope they come to us as well. As for the food, it was Mexican. Now when have I had that food recently and lots of it if I remember and it never took hours to get. And would you know it, that my dish of steak, a special of the evening came out burnt to a crisp and I asked for, yes you guessed, it medium rare. I couldn't cut it and sent it back and stupidly asked for steak frajitas that my sil ordered and yes, it took another 15 minutes and by the time it arrived, well the evening was over when I put my fork down for good and I politely refused a doggie bag. But it was good to be with lots of family and we still had dessert back at my brother's house and that was still fun. And it was still fun on the way home, even though I had to stop for a wake up break.
A good night. A good day, watching Christmas now take hold of the world around me. I love Christmas songs... Okay, I'm done. I've played with my photos on Facebook and elsewhere and I am done...

November 28, 2008

Up on Thanksgiving with the Today show. Tuvia's off early and I canceled my exercise session at 8. Tomorrow, tomorrow! Thanksgiving...a great morning of activity: preparing the brisket, cleaning out some torturous drawers and shelves and enjoying a fire just for me. Perfect! And then lunch here with Tuvia and a movie with a bit more of an audience than usual for Australia and I will remember is the focus on the 7-year-old "creamy", half white/half Aboriginal. He was wonderful, and truly authentic. Sure there some star power: Nicole Kidman and sexy man, Hugh Jackman, but I won't keep them with me. It was the issue of the "Lost "Generation." I remember another movie,"Rabbit-Proof Fence", on this subject focusing on a powerful pair of sisters who are determined to find their way home when they are taken away. Our dinner was just nice, not much different than a usual home-made creation. We could wake up this morning with NO GUILT. Whoops, I did have a bag of popcorn. And we continued the romantic theme as we watched "To Have and Have Not", the first Bogie-Bacall pairing. It was Tuvia's first time with it and even though it's a black and white piece from the 40's shot indoors, it can hold its own against block buster, Austrialia. Rock on Bogie! So we are moving into Black Friday. No shopping here, just family today.

November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving morning. A great day to be an American. I remember my parents making this day special for us as a family unit, just parents and kids. Funny, we had my dad's parents and his sister in our town and I don't remember sharing the day with them. Maybe I'm just blocking them out, but I think we were on our own. It was a special day for the Macy's Day parade on TV, the sounds of my parents arguing about the stuffing ingredients but the aromas were enticing. It was a peaceful day where we all slowed down and got along. And as an adult with a partner, it's a great opportunity this year, to enjoy something quiet. Tuvia will be working through the morning to support his team and make up for his time away. I have the morning to putter around the apartment again, exercising, writing, cooking brisket to fill the apartment with my aromas and a fire in the fireplace. I will miss seeing Marla's family but we will be up there tomorrow for my aunt Francis at 90. I am writing here and thinking about what comes next... Feels good to be here first to kick off the day and get back to a familiar routine. I missed the familiar when I was off in conferenceland. I enjoyed being away, but you can't have it all and I need to have my exercise and home eating back. Okay, time for coffee. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

November 26, 2008

I am HOME and today was just to enjoy that. I was up early playing with a new online tool for podcasting, a la Kevin. I didn't get to Boil Down my Week last week and he only had one taker but I used my early morning energy for that, even though I didn't like the voice quality. I have been working with the new version of Comic Life and that's been fun. I had a large block of time to walk around and exercise and watch the Today Show and get ready for an Apple session with my buddy Gene. Apple is working to build an online community. Sound familiar? Now every participant gets their own portal to focus on what they are interested in learning and sharing. Our store will host an evening a sharing digital pieces. I was invited. I am wondering what they will expect. Could be fun, could be a start. All good. I am filling my December on the calendar. I am ready to cook a romantic dinner for Tuvia on THanksgiving and select a movie.. Life was lovely today, even in the cold. Tomorrow? Can't wait.

November 25, 2008

Our last few hours in San Antonio in lovely sunshine and time for a last-minutes packing, a leisurely breakfast and one last walk along the river walk, without my camera. When I don't have it I always wish I did, and the Iphone is just not the right camera for me. I create the images as I walk and remember that it's good to be enjoying "the moment". I think that's why I don't have more photos. For example, I don't have a good picture of my buddy Karen or one with the two of us. It would have been easy to ask the waiter to shoot it, but the camera is still artificial. It gets in the way and I don't want to interrupt the moments, my moments. I don't have too many photos of the TL dinner. Maybe same reason. I hesitate to interrupt moments: mine and others.
It was a great day to leave. Thanksgiving travel was beginning in force as we arrived at Newark but leaving SA was a breeze. Good trip back, just playing with photos on Comic Life for a while but more of the time nothing really... Dinner at the diner, perfect! Then grabbing my car and leaving T at his place and I made it with fresh milk from him, to my home at the Hudson. I entered, turned up the heat and just sank into the couch in my coat for a good 20 minutes. Heaven! I AM HOME!!!!

November 24, 2008

We are leaving SA tomorrow morning. I CAN"T WAIT! Seems like I've been here for months( actually, 6 days) but lots happened. A whirlwind of stimulation and presentation and then a few days of vacation with Tuvia. I think I've had enough "bad" food. I need to be exercising and back watching everything that passes into my mouth. Enough with the Mexican food and the chips. Enough. I can't wait to get back to our diner. It was cool to be here with Tuvia, it was cool to be here with my site. It was cool to reconnect with the tech buds and others, but it is now time to be home. I miss my Hudson just outside my window, my place...what I know and love best. And it's almost Thanksgiving and I get to share with Tuvia, a romantic Thanksgiving without a turkey. Brisket instead, my brisket and I have the challenge to find the perfect "romantic" movie for the afternoon. But first I need to get home. So time to get back to my life as I know and love it. Off in the AM. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 23, 2008

Tuvia and I woke this morning after a good,solid night of sleep that both of us needed. We enjoyed our reconnection in SA and as we joined Mary and Denise and heard about their last-day workshop experiences we saw them off as they ate their last breakfast in San Antonio and finished last-minute packing, shopping and check out. We began our vacation mode here. We walked to the Alamo and took a city tour of the sites. Back to the room, a nap and then back out in the sunshine and warmth for the River Walk and lunch...more walking...back to the room for news...a glass of wine...plans for dinner back at MiaTierra and more walking...So nice to enjoy the city in slower motion transitioning. Now back in the room for 24 and working on my SA photos. Perfect! Tomorrow it's out of the city for Fredricksburg.

November 22, 2008

Ahh I'm here. Saturday. Can't say I didn't enjoy Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but they were full and it's good to be here to slow everything down. I was going to get to the shower, dress and race to NCTE for an early-morning workshop presented by Two Writing Teachers, my online buds, but no, I can't. I am looking forward, instead, to slowing everything down to enjoy the day and get ready for Tuvia's arrival. It was good yesterday. Everything happened. Everything went well and I am here now to look back and slowly debrief the events as my mind unfreezes. I'm working backward now. Here in the present and I have to retrace my time here to fill in the empty days. I think this has been a good conference experience. I am where I want to be. Now I have to ask, Are you enjoying it? I think so. So back I go before I move forward... This is also the day that JFK was shot and it never passes without my memory of exactly where I was when I got the news. Something to write about. I have actually, many times, replayed it in my head. My invitation into the world of politics with inspiration and hope. We are back here, poised for it again. And it's my friend James' birthday. My age exactly and connected to JFK. I won't forget either one on this day. A phone call for the living. And off for the morning. Lots of breakfast time and still we couldn't move out the door. Just too much moving and even the group planning to leave needed to stay up for longer. I didn't feel guilty for long and still there would be time to walk with Katelin and Jackie, meet up with Denise after her presentation and finally reconnect with Liz from our HVWP past. It all worked, all of it and I still had some time and energy to get to Click and write even without paper...and that was that for my conference time. Mary and Denise are still floating around but I am back in the new room drinking wine, watching the news and waiting for my man to arrive and move me into vacation mode for another two days of Texas. I'm hoping for a bit of sunshine and warm air. That's all.

November 21, 2008

No sleep even with two power cords. Up to continue to play with and refine the presentation slides. Ugh what can I do without sleep? It was a wonderful morning enjoying our hotel and its lovely breakfast and then a suprise River Walk with Tom and Mary and more great conversation about SI09 and my work. Respectful! We return. More coffee and off finally to the opening session with Sharon Washington for the first time and her wonderful energy with an edge. I was tearing up. I am often tearing up. I see the coming together of the forces of change,,,I know, I know this could be dashed, but right now, at this moment in time, I have HOPE! And as we leave the Texas Ballroom and move to the next activity, preparing for our workshops, we get to meet our team and wait patiently for our workshop space to be created. Steve was wonderful to work with, so grateful for the opportunity. And even though the session was a small one it was a group of NWP quality and we could be presenters and participants. I loved our partners from Maya West. Wonderful women offering the authenticity of their challenges....the WEATHER! Then on to session two on another floor, in a small space filling with bodies,,,too many bodies. Too bad the spaces weren't reversed. Oh well. It was good. I was stressed but no one seemed to realize that. It was smooth and interesting to work closely with two NWP pros. And I was still not done with this day... One hour back at the hotel and off to the TL dinner. Cynthia came in handy and my HVWP Marisol, joined us, so I came with padding...wondering how this would all pay out. 40 people? You have a party of 40? Of course they had lots of room but the waiting area was filling with strangers and very slowly our numbers were rising...Finally we had 20 or 40 and Mary could not stand for much longer. We had drinks to help, but the head waiter was willing to seat us with half our party if we would be willing to sit in the outside area with heaters. I went to check it out and it looked fine but I wondered just how we would fill that very long table. We moved our party in...and 20 looked good and then quickly everyone else arrived and we had...38 and finally, I could deflate and relax and move around to say hi to everyone and it WAS FUN! FUN! and I was officially finished with responsibilities...well, almost but that was another day... All good!

November 20, 2008

First day in SA. Hard night without a power cord. Imagine, no powercord and this is not the first time and I have three to choose from, but I am overwhelmed with cords. And I had trouble sleeping, worrying. I couldn't think straight after a wonderful dinner as we arrived in SA last night. A dinner at 303, a dinner of tapas and wine. I had vodka and cranberry, two actually and we talked, directors talked together. We talked for hours even though we promised to give it only 45 minutes. We need more of that talk time. First full day in SA. Early shower, little sleep, two power cords to choose from. See what happens when everyone takes you seriously and gets their own mac. Nice. And Jackie and Katelin are not as connected to the machine as I am. No need to find an Apple store. Too bad I didn't figure out how to talk with them the night before. Coffee, very early...breakfast off to the conference....with Karen!!!! 3 cheers!!! And we hung out, talked and began the conference together. I missed my first session. Okay and instead prepared for my video interview and that was pure fun. What fun to be with the videographer as he made me totally be me. It was a good first day connecting with friends. Is their anything better than NWP friends???? watching our TC's enjoy.
But still there were those workshops scheduled for Friday and the TL dinner to consider. But it was a fun day...even the cold, weird place for ribs... But all fun!

November 19, 2008

Good morning. It's chilly here and where we are headed it should be warmer, although most of my clothes are for winter. I hope that works out. I have a few hours to myself as I pack my tech and last bit of clothes and makeup. This is the time that I go crazy and start packing EVERYTHING I see around me. Crazy time. I am feeling good about getting on the road. Tuvia will be driving me to the airport and I am almost ready to leave here. It's exciting, once a year to plan this trip with my site and the deeper I've moved into the TL network, the more connections I make when I get to our place. All exciting! Can't wait for it. And a vacation, like a cherry on top at the end of the trip. BRING It ON! Just a bit more of home before I leave. Coffee and the Today Show and just the familiar. I need to soak it all in. See you there.

November 18, 2008

Waiting for Jon and my guitar lesson. I could be running scales but instead I'm here running my fingers on the keyboard. What would be better? Probably guitar, but I will need all my energy for the lesson. It's a workout for me that's for sure. I am moving in lots of directions and I am feeling scattered. When I am here, I want to be there...the guilts are torture. But okay, I probably always felt this way. Now the challenges I've created are with me, always. As long as the sun shines I feel like I can do anything! Tuvia is off working two days in the row and that's really so he can comfortably take me to the airport tomorrow and hang out with me until I go through boarding. So good to have him, especially when I lived for years taking care of all my arrangements. I enjoy the partnership...

November 17, 2008

Whoops, I think I started this entry last night and something got in the way. Life, I would figure. Getting ready to present at the NWP conference, creating collaborative PPT and collecting clothes to pack and then there's life as I know it: guitar, a Hebrew lesson, some writing but sorry, I had to give up on writing 1700 words a day and getting to involved in a new online memoir writing course and I even missed my Memoir Monday entry.
I know, can't do it all, Honestly, after a session at the Apple store, I took charge and started moving and deleting 9,000 photos off my hard drive to free up 20+ gigs of memory. The hard part was leaving some on and deciding what I couldn't live without being just a click away.
Sure I have everything else on my external hard drive, my small one that I have now set aside for just photos but I need my fix right here. I am planning a new way to upload photos and save them. To keep them off here. But I will have more backup. Disk and my external HD. So now I have 1000 photos here. Looks clean and mean. Okay... off to guitar... and the next entry... Tuesday, here I come... A meeting today to celebrate with my New Paltz Obama Babes.

November 16, 2008

Sunday and the sun is back. During days of rain I think about the Ray Bradbury short story where there's one day of sunshine every 7 years on an other planet. I remember that story often on days like yesterday. Ugh! We even lost power in the middle of watching a powerful documentary about The Lost Boys of the Sudan. Wow, up against Bond? What a contrast! I have to get to my blog for that one. but first I'm here... We had a good day in the rain. I finished drafts for my workshop Power Points and sent them off to the other Presenters. I got responses right away. Nice. Not from everyone of course. I am starting to get focused on SA. The details...mail, packing, clothes to wash...excitement. Today a pair of NWP reps are coming to interview me for the workshop I'm doing as part of our grant. I am suppling the coffee and muffins at my place. Guitar is going strong this week, exercise as well, but I think I took on one too many new challenges...the novel this month, blog study, a course from Jessica Sprague...too much... So I'm backing off a bit, but just a bit... So on to my own blog before I pack at T's and get to the gym. Have a good one friend.

November 15, 2008

Rain today, all day. It's okay as far as I can see in Weather.com, there will be good weather in San Antonio for our NWP conference. That's what is now moving up front for me. I'm working on our group power points and considering what I need to include and I'm playing with the newest version of Sketch for screen shots and they have made it easy enough for me to play with. I complained and they listened. Nice. But I keep living my life and the economy keeps falling. When will my world be more impacted by that? I have left behind the novel challenge. Too many challenges I think. Too many balls in the air. I am on over drive with challenges. HELP! It's 7 and TUvia is still sleeping, That's great. I am in a book, a great one: Andrew Jackson, a new biography. I'm loving it with my Kindle. I stopped writing my entry yesterday abruptly when I looked up at the clock and realized that I still needed a shower, clothes and time to get to my gym in early morning commuter traffic with time to warm up before my session with Anthony. Of course it all happened with time to spare but that moment of panic with the clock always happens. From the gym to the periodontist and all the tensions from last week initiated by that obnoxious hygienist were tossed out by my periodonist. No emergency, just deeper cleaning. No infection. UGH. Experts. Okay, I hear Tuvia moving around in the bedroom, getting ready to join me for the day.... I'm off... Enjoy. Rain at your place?

November 14, 2008

Today is a rainy Friday, probably not any more or less than yesterday on my long ride up and back to Dover for PD/DS It was a trek and worthwhile. We worked on the shape of stories with a story circle.

November 13, 2008

Up at 7 to the usual bad economic news. I'm doing lots of planning. Planning for my workshop today, planning for next week at SA for my workshops. Planning for Washington, the Inauguration, Planning for Thanksgiving. So right now my life seems to be moving like it usually does. But how will this craziness in the economy, impact on my life and planning. Sec. Paulsen just doesn't make me feel confident and I'm hoping that Barack has something better to offer. I'm excited to see what happens. I have on the Today show, I have my coffee, I have my mental list of things I need to do that I never get to finish and that moves me on, the things on that list I WON"T get to. My guilty conscience moves me on. Okay, I'm getting off now, I'm getting off now to the next thing... Guilt is moving me along...

November 12, 2008

Good morning! I just watched Tuvia drink his first cup of coffee for the day and then off he went. I shut down the front of the apartment and found my way back to bed for some cozy writing to start the day.
I have to work today on my novel: 15,000 words and counting. I have my wedding project to take on. I have workshps for NWP next week and guitar and exercise at the gym. It's the usual set of challenges. I seem to add more and more and then get more selective as time passes. I have Hebrew to focus more time on now that it's getting harder. I have an inservice session tomorrow. Looks like I'll be driving up there in the rain and as long as I don't miss one for the exits again, like I did last week I'll be good to go. It's really all going well. I just hope the economy settles down. I don't like hearing about increasing tuition for the New York State schools, or a loss in aid to the NYC public schools or in medicare for the poor. Why go after the most needy. There's the other end. Okay, I need to get to my novel while I'm bursting with energy but I'll be writing out this site today for Write on Wednesday's prompt response on my blog. Love it still even though it's a slow journey to get to this page and begin to write. Oh well, no one said things need to be perfect. No rain today , just wear a good jacket. No problem here.

November 11, 2008

Tuesday morning and there's a chill in the apartment and as I move from room to room individually bending down the move the knobs on the heating units I can smell the coming of winter, after all it is November, Veteran's Day.
It's okay, I dont hear any news of S N O W in the forecast so I'm good. A guitar lesson and then I'm off to New Paltz to work with our ELL/TECH group. It's been good to work hand in hand with Judy. We are a team. We are very different but we are becoming partners. I think it's been harder for her but she's been very up front about her issues with "teams". Good conversations, face-to-face and on the phone. Sure this is a tech project but face-to-face. Can't do without it and why should we? Plans are building for the coming SA conference. I just found out that the weather is warm. 80's on the web. A shame, I just refreshed my winter wardrobe. Oh well, a combination. Is it really back to summer there? I don't think so. Two workshops to prepare for with great teams. Conversation tonight for blogging and then more work on Image and Text. All fun. Good this year that it's not in NYC. I couldn't enjoy that one. Too much to do and too close to home. I like being away. We have a great group meeting up for a TL dinner. Seems to be growing by leaps. Too bad I won't be seeing Lynne or Tanya. They can't come. Damn, just when I have more time. It should be great. TIme for the workshops and connections and then time with Tuvia. All good. Okay, enough. the day will begin any moment and I want to save this. Enjoy....

November 10, 2008

Up Up! Monday morning with lots to do on my list. It was a hard night for me. UP at 2:30. I've been here often, moving to the couch in the living room and exploring what I have stockpiled on my TIVO. Of course lots of Charlie Rose and I can tell I will never get tried of the new era in politics and I'm not alone. I am happy to move from the uncertainty and worry of the presidential campaign for the next phase of moving to a Democratic administration. Feels so good. I have been great with centering on my daily exercise routine. I've been here before but it helps to have this center again for all the other things that need daily workouts: guitar, Hebrew, digital work, my November novel. etc. Okay, I need some OJ and some coffee.
I could keep writing the rest of my words here but I need them for my November novel. Have a good one... Karen see you next week.

November 9, 2008

I am up at 6 watching President-Elect Obama taking a weekend off to "chill" and probably breathe and take time to let it seep in that yes, HE WON! I wonder how he is dealing with the expectations that everyone has for him. I'm feeling what I once felt for JFK, wondering how I can better serve my democracy with the tools I love. Hmmm! I can imagine how it will be to join the crowds in DC for the Inauguration in January. I'm just hoping that it doesn't snow on the day of our traveling and that it's not brutally cold. Tuvia can't afford a chest cold. I'm hoping that it will be good. I'm also hoping that as we get closer to NWP conference in San Antonio that I get a chance to chat face-to-face over some coffee with my IM buddy Karen. I wonder, what's her schedule like? As for today, I need 45 minutes at the gym for my weight training, then we are off to meet my parents for lunch at the diner in Middletown, time for guitar, for Hebrew and of course for the November novel I'm writing and then it's rib for dinner at Bailey's Barbeque, Cheat meal encouraged. It's a lot to do as I get the list in print. First, I am off to a movie review on my blog and then my novel. Wow, busy on Sunday morning. Enjoy yours

November 8, 2008

First Saturday with a new president! Now I'm planning for the Inauguration! Can't wait for the photos to come. It's always in the head, the photos I can capture.
For now the time is hectic and even though it's November, the weather has been cooperative, but we all know that won't last for long. My NaNoWriMo novel challenge is going well. I'm up to date with my word count. I am enjoying the motivation to keep the words flowing and that forces me to add more and more words to a moment. Rain is on the way and we will be off to the movies. Tuvia will read at Borders and even though money is tightening I am in need of a few new threads. Money or no, I'm not a big clothes shopper. All my big money goes into new tech toys. Just got a Flip and can't wait to take it along in my bag. Off to my novel, enjoy Saturday.

November 7, 2008

Morning. So today is OB's first scheduled press conference at 2:30 and I'm happy to be able to adjust my schedule to watch all of it live. I find that I'm listening to NPR in the car now, not just my Ipod. As we transition from this long and intense campaign time the political conversations continue, they just adjust now to the reality, not worrying about vision nightmares of Sarah and John. I am keeping up with my novel. I've got 9600 words, just what I need. I am enjoying the need for details. I feel the luxury to just hold on to a moment and get to know my characters. I know one of the two characters very well, so far she is me, so as I dip into her details, I dip into my own past. I have a bigger challenge on the other side, creating a life for Molly, my first manicurist. Yesterday was filled with driving to Dover and then working with my small ds group gently getting them to revisit their pieces and revise. Mike was emphatic that he was all done. I was soft here but firm with suggestions. Ed the tech guy has the tech down in a very nice way, and we got to talk about his piece. Again he was ready to write as he went along in telling his story but it's the shaping that they need. I will bring them some material to look at. It's good that they are working with new storyboarding sheets that I brought along to use with kids as well. We have the time to work on their pieces and then plan for the classroom project. I am hoping to work with them in the classroom, Mike and Lorraine. Ed has already been working with his students but again he is more about the tools than the text. I think they can make more with this moment. Maybe they need materials for it. I will look at Jason Oler's book for details. We talked a lot yesterday with Mike's and Lorraine's as a group. And then the long trip home in the dark, the wet darkness. Today there's time for exercise with Anthony, then coffee with Marie F and then....the dentist.

November 6, 2008

Day 2. I'm back in the political life of the US. I think lots of people will be watching with more excitement. It's good to be a Democrat again. So I am back to work today although here there's always work. I am trying hard to keep up with the novel writing challenge. 1600 words a day, that's a bitch. I'm behind a bit, but it doesn't matter, there's another 1600 the add on the very next morning. I wake up with 1600 words on my mind and my storyline is becoming more demanding to explore my characters beyond what I know. I'm pouring more of my own life into this piece. That's okay. My fiction is always blurred with my life. Okay... I am back to work today to support the group as they move their texts to the digital world. It's good. Last night I worked with Tanya and Ruth as we moved our workshop along for SA and that was really fun. I have to do that with the blogging group next week and I have my article back to add a bit more before it goes live.
And I'm in this new blog challenge. That's fun to read another bloggers work and comment. Cool...and there's all the other activities...and the wedding piece out there to get to... And life that gets in the way...Okay... Back to my novel

November 5, 2008

WE DID IT and even though it will be a tough road ahead nothing was more exciting than to see what the world felt and we shared the victory with the world. Maybe I'm too romantic but I feel confident that whatever I see, Barack sees the opportunity even sharper, to use the moment to bring everyone together with vision.
As for work, I think I need to postpone my long ride today. It was a long and tense night until the returns started coming in. It was just a long road to the White House for all of us. I got great calls last night from Amy and Chris. Yes we can was all I could think about and even though my novel is not about the present I need to include this event. I am a bit behind but I will make it up today as I relax and enjoy the reality of Obama. Can't say what will come but for now I will be working on my trip to the Inauguration. I can't think much about anything else. YES WE CAN!

November 4, 2008

Today is THE DAY! As I got ready for bed last night and raced to get my word count up for yesterday's numbers, I was listening/watching Charlie Rose as he once again spoke with interesting guests about the election and it was more exciting than ever before because the eve of a unique event was stirring the conversation. An older black woman, and then a group of minds who now spoke about a future with Obama and I started visioning with them and writing a short piece for my blog, centering on the my events and excitement. I even booked a hotel for the inauguration, just in case Tuvia can't get something near his friend David.
And the chatter now on tv is really exciting. All exciting...and soon I won't be able to stay in bed. I will have to ge up and get to the polls at the bottom of my hill with my camera.
Johnny Mac is up and sharing his excitement and hope. Barack is in Chicago, talking about his grandmother who died too soon. Joe B. is running for the VP and the Senate and win both? Can't keep them both. Which one will he choose. Ha ha... Two towns are in: Obama has them both. Last time they were Bush. Bush, what an old word. Okay, time for that shower and walk. I am very tired and smiling... Remember to VOTE

November 3, 2008

Good morning on this very last day of the longest campaign I've ever known. It's a good, full day ahead with work for Obama in the afternoon. I don't know if my efforts matter much to the campaign, but I feel better. Yesterday was fun, I spent more time capturing the event with my camera, actually. I am still obsessed watching polls and I feel good about the assessments this morning and comparisons to where Kerry was at this point when he was running. I thought he had a bigger lead. I think the issue with him, and our surprise, was with the exit polls, more than the polls going into the election day. I am now hoping to be an the Inauguration and Tuvia is now on board. He just wants me to wait until tomorrow night but I want to book something just in case. Today I need to take care of my car, and life things before I get to my novel writing words and my wedding ds that's now demanding its due. OKAY!!!!! I can't wait for tomorrow.

November 2, 2008

NYC marathon today. No, I'm not running or watching it, but the news is on, as usual, and they are there for me. It is cold! But that's outside. Inside Tuvia has the place toasty to make sure I don't freeze. He's taking advantage of the extra hour and knows I'm not. So I am now officially writing a novel this month and so far, I am trucking along, but this is the easier part, familiar terraine that I've begun with before. Soon I will be on new ground. Yesterday was a perfect day: diner breakfast with Tuvia's family, the a ride to Tom's new "farm" WOWWOWOWOW for an hour. So we could be back home for a break and then off to NYC for a heavenly guitar concert. Loved everything....and there was still time for news and the latest campaign updates. Today, tomorrow and Tuesday I am committed to phone calls for Barack so I can feel that I've done something for my guy. GO Barack! And now I'm moving back to my girls waiting to be given more voice: Jessie and Molly, I'm coming for you... Have a great Sunday!

November 1, 2008

Okay, I'm finally here. Too many screens to enter and so slow but finally. Lots of patience. We have Saturday, Sunday and Monday....and then Tuesday. If I''m exhausted, I can just imagine how it is for the candidates. I'm going to be busy today, not yet activily working for Obama, but continuing to be with him in spirit as I meet Tuvia's family for breakfast, travel to New Paltz, get to a guitar concert tonight and get to my novel, that I began last night at midnight, well really at 11:30. Shhh don't tell. I'm not going to write much here. I need the time on my new challenge but I'm so hooked on beginning my day here that I have to begin here. Okay....I'll be back. Have a great Saturday, before we fall back tonight at 2.

October 31, 2008

If it's Friday morning it's time for the gym with Anthony at 8:00. So I'm running now...but it's hard not to write into the day...How about that? and tonight, at midnight, I will begin NanoMo and write my first novel in the month of November. If I didn't have this computer, this is probably not a challenge I would take on, but seems like 1600 words a day could be doable, especially when you just keep on moving along the page to get all the words out without looking back to revise. I'm good at freewriting like that after years of Bard and NWP. Of course I've never tried writing a novel, but I do have a cool story to return to and I'm on it. Of course I will be taking lots of life breaks. There's an election coming on Tuesday. TUesday, so nice to be able to say that Tuesday. Go B! I would like to keep writing now, but it's 7:05 and I need to get to the shower and clothes and into my car and on to the Garden State and Thurway and to a elipse to warm up and then an hour of tough work. NICE. We have to keep up the challenges everywhere... I'm off. Have a good one!

October 30, 2008

Good morning on Thursday, as we say goodbye to October. It's cold out and I'm back in my blanket jacket. I am still in love with that jacket that I got from LLBean last winter. I lived in it and was sad to hang it up, but I did want to trade it in for something more spring in weight but with the coming of winter, there's my blanket jacket and the appearance once again, of the Hudson from my balcony. Two great things that make winter easier to live with a long time... Great meeting yesterday with our writing project. A group of 10 participants and we were rockin. Tom did a nice job running it and I'm having a great time with there and then dining after we finish, with my old buddy Kathy, who is a director but now that she took off the semester from her job, she has been enjoying the rest of her life more. She's relaxed. A good time to be relaxed if you can. I did miss Obama's informercial and I almost didn't stay for dinner so I could get home in time and then I stopped in my tracks and thought, wait, I know who I'm voting for so I stayed and dined with Kathy. Good decision. Today I return to Dover for session 3 of this digital storytelling workshop. I need to think through the session. It's a needle in the back of my head. It doesn't need to be, but what can you do. I begin my novel writing challenge tomorrow night at midnight. Exciting. I'm writing the draft on my computer rather than a blog. I don't think I need to socialize with writing groups in reality, I have writers online who will be in this challenge to share a bit with. It's more solitary for me, with reflections on my blog. And I am loving my guitar work. I do need my weekly lessons to keep me focused and practicing. Same with my exercise challenges. I need my PT to keep me coming back for my own sessions of work. Okay, I'm checking in with the K12 Online conference now... Have a good one...

October 29, 2008

I am up a bit later because as I felt yesterday I"M HOME and taking care of fall issues: getting out for a flu shot, Duraflame logs for the fireplace, some new exercise clothes to replace the cutoffs put away in the seasonal closet. I'm never sad as I move from one season to the next. I was never sad about leaving summer for school. As much as I love Israels lovely summer in October, and spring in March-April. the reality of their summer is brutal from June to October. So it's good to be able to be selective in travel. I can't help my focus on the upcoming election. Sure, I am dealing with the rest of my life, meeting with an administrator at a new school in our service area on Monday, planing the 3rd day of our inservice on Thursday, and traveling to New Paltz for a leadership meeting, but I'm not alone as I talk and focus of what there is to say about next week. I even got a new site with great focus on how the polls work. But there's always time to write. I'm waiting to get the prompt for Write on Wednesday and I will begin writing a novel on Friday. How about that??? Okay, time to move on...

October 28, 2008

Waking up to rain, to snow forecasts in the higher Hudson Valley regions and then of course, the news of New York State's budget gloom, connected to what is happening on Wall Street. I shudder to hear anything about state retirement pensions. He did say nothing is safe, and he is talking about cuts to education and health care. What will that mean to this house of cards? I don't want life to change, do you? I know that Tuvia is very worried. I keep living, listening hard, focusing on next Tuesday, finally just a week from today when I wake up and make my way to just down the hill to my voting spot. I am so ready to pull the lever. So ready to do what I can in the last week for Barack. I am not a romantic about this. I just want to sleep a bit easier that there's someone who has a good head on his shoulders, ready to grapple with the challenges ahead of us. I want that breath of fresh air. I listen carefully to political experts who sound reasonable to me and they give me a good feeling that we are on our way to an exciting time in our history....I can't wait to celebrate and breathe easier. And here is the start of my Slice of Life for today.

October 27, 2008

Good morning. I'm home and relaxed in my skin now. My sleep is off a bit, but that's the norm. Yesterday we also felt back home as we spent time with my parents and raced home to make calls in Nyack to Ohio. Our charge was to get volunteers signed up to work next weekend for Obama in Parma Ohio. I was thrilled not to be calling the undecided, although most of our callers were not answering their phones and there's no leaving messages, which I think is smart. the organization is impressive. Next Sunday we are signed up at a larger place with some buddies of mine. Nice. We are getting very close now. I can't wait to vote next Tuesday. Today Tom is meeting me at a school district near ME, a change! Our of our SI08 TC's is dying for our support in moving her school along technologically. She has shared the politics involved, There's a tech head who is holding on tightly to the tech reins and blocking most sites from the rest of the school. She has an ally in her principal and we are meeting with him. Let's see what happens? Tonight I am back with my Hebrew on Line. And tomorrow back with guitar. Back...and we were only away for a week.

October 26, 2008

Sunday morning and we missed our 4 AM wake up! We make it to 6, 6:30 for breakfast and back to the presidential campaign news. I can't be too far away from a TV and is the last full week, imagine. I have been waiting to be here for a LONG time but not as long as Barack etc. I am traveling to see my parents for lunch and then an afternoon with my cell phone to make calls for Barack at a house party and then home to participate in a conference call for our upcoming NWP Blogging workshop. All good today, all good. Big week for work, for food control, for some politics, for guitar etc... My first full week back from Israel. Seems like we've been back for longer. Isn't that always the case? Okay, time to move on...Tuvia is reading the Israeli newpapers online and will be in to remind me about of travel today. Well maybe not so soon, it's not 7:00 yet. I am good, feeling really back and ready for a week of routine. My first experience with the National Novel Writing Month begins on November 1. Nice!

October 25, 2008

I am hoping that today will be the last day of my jet lag and I can get back to my guitar and more normal sleeping. That's normal for me. At the moment I'm up in the darkness with my computer and CNN and it's 4 am and I've been up for an hour, but I did get into bed at 10, so my inner clock is off. But I am enjoying the daylight at home. Yesterday I was back working out with Anthony and 8, then lunch at our diner and planning for a movie, W. and then dinner home. I've been writing a lot on my blog and reflecting on my workshop at Dover and getting ready to take a more active role for Obama tomorrow with my cell phone at a local house party. I am more and more addicted to CNN and it's running at this moment in the background. I am loving the familiar and the strong polling for Obama and the lovely fall. It's really been a great week that seemed like it would be tough to manage but it's been stimulating instead and next week, more of the same. We also joined Net FLicks last night, like we don't see enough movies, but I think this will fill in the gaps for older movies and foreign films that we don't get to see and it's more convenient than Blockbuster. We will experiment. So, today will soon be Saturday officially and we will probably be making a trip to Eville and my parents and later a play at Penguin? We shall see. Always time for writing. You know, I am really a writer.

October 24, 2008

Is the jet lag officially over yet? It wasn't yesterday as I drove up to my PD inservice and knew as I got to the spot I would have to turn my car around and return in just a few hours. It was a worthwhile way to spend the time as our small group of new DSers talked through the DS elements and we watched lots of pieces together talking about what struck them and what they would try their hands with. No one was in a rush to leave,( I wasn't in a rush, but I did want to get out before it was dark and I did.) It was a good start for this workshop, a good start... I was very tired as I made my way home, but Tuvia was waiting with dinner and both of us gave up our resolve to stay up as late as possible, when we both got to be at 8:30 and now I'm up writing at 5. But the sleep was deep and refreshing. I have my gym date with Anthony back on schedule at 8 and next week I'll be back with guitar with Jon. I do need to start practicing though and tonight we will be back with movies. So good to be back! And on Sunday we will be partying for Barack, at a house party phoning with our cells. Can't wait. 11 days to go and I need to see a fresh change.... Okay, time to get off and try for a bit more sleep. Have a great Friday.

October 23, 2008

I am finally writing into the morning, finally It tooks lots of savlanute(patience) to get from one screen to the next. I was able to leave the computer and get my first cup of coffee. That's a good thing. I've been up for another hour or so finishing a post for Write on Wednesday back on my blk blog. It's fun pushing to keep up with all my online writing communities. My piece focuses on what it's been like to become a writer and write every day, so word count journal has been a critical piece of that. As for my new DS Dover PD, that was great yesterday and I have to be today with even more, but the group is small and cool and i have a great tech guy working with me. He is opened and friendly and not trying to one up me with his techie expertise. I was able to talk through my first day with Tom and that was helpful as I worked in the morning to shape the first session. I even got to open my PC and play with PHoto Story 3. That was fun and easy. After I finish here, I'll move there. It's all about my life on my mac... I am so glad to smell fall. I don't know how long this novelty will last but I'm going with it. Anyway, I'm off... It always great to get the writing flow here,

October 22, 2008

I didn't begin here this morning. Write on Wednesday took me away. Sometimes, it's Memoir Monday, or Slice of Life Tuesdays. So much writing that it's hard to believe it's me. I'm taking a break in my Wednesday post to come back here and put up the coffee pot. I need the energy boost. And after my WITD, I have a DS workshop to plan for. It's in my head. I need to get more of it on paper, on the new blog I just created for it. Some much better to use a blog to begin something, instead of printing out the handouts that get dumped, usually. On a blog, it's there, just a click away and this might be a good way to get blogs into the school as well. That's where I'm moving the incorporate more Web tools into my PD. A good place to share: our ABC movie,but not yet... It's so funny. I've been stalling with Photo Story 3. I've been away from my PC for so long that I was afraid to come home. I pushed myself yesterday afternoon, as I was slowly returning to life at home. I lifted my lid on my Dell and realized that I had long-ago downloaded Photo Story 3, it was there on my desktop. I opened it and began to play. They have made it VERY user friendly. And then I returned to our Tech blog and found a great tutorial. NICE! Now I have to put the ideas in my head down, more firmly on the blog. Sounds like a plan. But first I have to finish my Write on Wednesday entry. Good to be home, even though I had to put away my sandals finally, and smell the heat rising instead of the air conditioning in Israel. Oh well, so far I'm not sad. I will be, that's a given, but not quite yet. Off to more writing...

October 21, 2008

I'm home! It's 4:54 AM the early morning news in on, I have changed the sheets, washed all my vacation clothes, drying almost done. My sandals are moved out of my main closet to the darkness of their winter home, and I have had some Tropicana OJ. Hard to find good OJ in Tel Aviv. Coffee is brewing and I'm turning up the heat, walking around my home to get planted again. Just a bit more than a week and it feels like I've been gone for a month.
It's a good feeling to love where I've been and love where I am. I am still basking in Colin Powell's decision to support Obama. I actually watched a chunk of his Meet the Press in Israel, but it's even more powerful here. I miss US news there and I will be running lots of it today, non-stop as I luxuriate at home before I have to leave again for my PD at Dover. At this moment, in the darkness I am so excited to be up and enjoying. Tuvia won't understand. I'm sure he's hoping I will sleep a lot. I think those days are long gone. Ahh, my guys are on sharing their friendly morning vibes: Chris, Michael, Darlene and a traffic girl.
All good to be home... I 'm getting off so I can back up my macbook after its journey with me to Israel. Lots of new pictures to keep. I'm off.... My challenges need me...

October 20, 2008

Good morning from Israel on our last morning for this trip. I am ready to go and return back to the US for the fall while it's still at its peak. Here sandals and t-shirts continue to reign. In just a few minutes, when Tuvia is finished dressing, the pressure will be on me to get up and back into jeans and shoes. Okay! I am feeling good about our trip even though it's been more expensive than ever before, we still loved being here.
I always love the trip and then love going back home. Good way to be I think. Lots of do when I'm home...okay, okay... my turn in the bathroom. Hope that everything's good with you today.

October 19, 2008

Last full day in israel and we are off to Nahariya to vist Tuvia's old friend, Millie. It will be the first time we see her since Armand died the last time we were here last March. Tuvia speaks with her once a week , but I'm sure that she has been longing to see him in person and even though we don't communicate with language I have come to cherish her since we met on my first visit to Israel with Tuvia 13 years ago. The trip to Nahariya has been built into our Israeli visits. Through Tuvia's close connection with Millie and Armand we have built a great friendship with Millie's daughter and son-in-law and I hope that continues. The the trip to Nahariya is by train and takes almost 2 hours each way and it's so much fun. Just a great way to end this week. Tonight we have dinner out with Ami and Adi... Yesterday was all about the beach. An early morning walk, back again with A and A and the kids, then as they left we found our way back to banana beach for our usual meal of humus, pita, salad and wine and a sunset. And even with all that, a late night walk up to the opposite end of the beach area and it was wonderful to share the night with lots of walkers. What a rich week!

October 18, 2008

Shabbat in Israel means the beach below is packed especially when the sun is shining and there's a sweet breeze blowing. We were up early to walk, and stop for a drink and digest our visit to Jerusalem with Gilad where we met his mom and husband, both patriots of Israel who found their way here when the county was beginning. Yalid, from Germany arrived in '36 when he could no longer attend school or work as a printer. He came knowing Hebrew, German and French and added Arabic and Russian once he arrived. Gilad's mother came from South Africa without her family's blessing and became part of the first group of volunteers to help others learn the ropes. Both love Jerusalem and know every stone of it. Tuvia loved sharing stories and I just soaked it all up as we sat with them for coffee and lunch and a tour of the Menachum Begin museum.
What a day! And there's still more to come and we've only been here less than a week. Can't say I feel gipped. Quality, not quantity. Tuvia and I are enjoying the beach now from the living room of our place inviting the inside to enjoy the outside with just a push of the windows door. Nice!

October 17, 2008

I actually wrote this entry already but why not use the space to fill it with good words. I am in the groove now, as we begin to think about the details for our return trip and wonder what life will be like with the economy is its latest incantation. Tuvia is hesitant to commit to dates for our return trip to Israel in the spring and I continue to ask the question, How will everyone else change their lifestyles? Will people travel, shop for luxuries, eat out? etc. I'm so glad I bought my new camera before this month. It would have seemed too risky now.
I 'm just wondering and I feel more intimately connected to the stock market. My brother has always teased about watching the Today Show first thing in the morning and he focuses on CNBC and the stocks. Now in the afternoon, even here, I watch CNN and the small box on the right side, tracking the market. Ugh!

October 16, 2008

Thursday and after a walk on the beach and a nap to catch some missed sleep from last night's effort to catch the last debate live, at 3 am here, it's time to exercise, finally. Enough eating without balance. Today is the best day with legs firmly planted here. Hard to believe that I spent most of the day here, in the condo, enjoying our Israeli friends for lunch and then waiting to meet with my niece Leigh as we took them out for dinner and walk through Neve Tzedek. What fun! Today TUvia is off lunching with a relative and I am on my way to the hotel's gym. We have such a socially packed week that it's nice to have time for walking and coffee at the beach. It's all good, all good, especially with Obama's poll numbers growing and my Obama clothes crating such interesting conversations here. As for my Hebrew? It's opening up. I understand more and feel more comfortable using what I have at moments. Not full conversations, but beginnings... All good and now it's time to get up!
The day is beginning back home. Here it's almost lunch time. Take care....and enjoy Thursday. Now I'm not sure about days and time. I just opened my computer to begin Friday and realized that it's still Thursday at home. Here the day is just beginning and the sea calls me, or is it the preparations for the day at the sea. There's daylight and figures out gathering on the sand and the machines out and moving the sand in preparation for the Shabbat crowds to come later today and tomorrow.
No matter how expensive this hotel gets, no matter how much of our stay moves to Ami's place, I will continue to push for nights here. This window to the sea plays a major role in our Israeli connection. I am up and at peace here poised for yet another photo from the same location. The moments feel unique and my eye gets sharper and more selective before I click down on the shutter. My relationship with this camera is a wonderful thing. Something new and different. But as much as I love being rooted here, enjoying what is unique about this world I am thinking about the next week home and gearing up for my next DS inservice and wondering how I can make it worthwhile for the people who will give up their time to explore the process with me. Am I up to the challenge? Will I be prepared for it? Ugh, here it goes again... And I have another challenge on its heels to prepare for...good that I don't have to do it totally alone, especially the thinking for it. And then there's the campaign to get involved with. Life remains dynamic. How fortunate I am... Okay, I'm grabbing my camera. We are off the Jerusalem today in a different way...always wonderful...

October 15, 2008

Day 2 and still feeling the jet lag, so I'm up and down in the night and then a deep sleep in the early morning. So I'm not in sync but that's okay, this is vacation! The day began with a strong rain and that still didn't stop the exercisers, prepared for it at the edge of the sea. They walked, I stood on the bacony, stealing shots. Reminds me that I have to download that set. I have a set up now on Facebook as I get used to that site for my earier Twitter micro blogging. I am feeling like this is our sec==

October 14, 2008

Whoops I don't think I filled in the right day, oh well. Travel confusion. I never know what day it is here. Good that one of us knows. And today is a holiday, Sukkoth, the harvest holiday, marking the 40 days the Jews traveled in the desert after they fled from Egypt. People eat in sukkas, makeshift tents to commemorate the event and our first meal was in Ami's sukka with Adi and the kids, just outside their brand new palace. Really a palace in the middle of my favorite TA neighborhood. I can't wait to stay there and watch it all come together. Space is hard to come by and that is not an issue here. The kids are great and I've begun to speak Hebrew with some confidence. It's good, really good to be where I am now... I no longer dread long Hebrew conversations. Not that I join in, but I am talking with Mihael and Mia and that's the point. We walked in Neve Stedek a bit last night but Tuvia was really ready to get back to the hotel and relax and that was fine with me.
So, Day one is just beginning....

October 13, 2008

Greetings from Tel Aviv! Day one begins roughly. Early to bed and way,way too early to rise, 1:30? So the Israeli TV goes on to the news of yesterday and then Moonstruck. There's always time for Moonstruck. In the midst of my Jet Lag, Tuvia joins with his own version and together, we spend time inside and out on the balcony with the holiday bringing out lots of walkers and the sound of the surf for us all. It was an easy journey here. With exit door seats we have that rare commodity, ROOM!. Leg room and space in front of us and the bathrooms steps away. And the newest version of personal entertainment, 250 movies. I sleep to my favorites and most of the trip disappears before me. So even though I didn't get much last night, I have resources now. So the early morning walk at the beach was perfect. And soon I will have both feet firmly on the ground.
Here as I wear my Obama T-shirt proudly, there's a positive feeling about him. And with news of the market's good day yesterday, Tuvia is smiling as well. Fearful of course, that some of the bitter racists will not tolerate the dawn of a black US president. I dont' want to think about that... I will be happy to be here and happy to get home for the end of this very long campaign. Off to the beach...

October 12, 2008

Sunday morning, last one in the US for a while. Israel, so far it's not really reality, just taking care of the details here first, one last gym session this morning, a few last things to pack, phone calls home, the Sunday Times, although now that comes with me on the computer. Yesterday I made it my business to get to a wedding shower of a former student who has been planning this event for a few years and always made sure I was saving the date for her-for her, for her mom, brother, family. OF COURSE. And Tuvia too. This is a special family, the sal of the earth. Two kids, two great successes with very little financial support. But who needs money when your values are in the right place. Both kids worked with me in theater, both kids gave everyone their best. My presence was appreciated and when my gift was opened Maryclaire made a special speech to me. I was very touched. And there was no talk of politics, why did I open my big mouth at my table with some of my buddies from the school. Who are you voting for? Silence. " McCain!" McCain and Palin?" Yes! We can't trust the other one. Too many things are hidden." What?" Silence. Back to the gifts... My first face-to-face.... Now back to the news... Are those poll numbers telling us the reality?

October 11, 2008

I've been up for an hour or more, ugh. The news is on so I can catch up from last night. What a junkie and increasing with the economy in tatters. But yesterday was perfect even with a start in slow-moving traffic over the Tappan Zee Bridge due to construction, what else is new? But the sun was shining, the trees were filled with fall color and there was no time to stop home for my camera. Oh well. I did get to the school with more than enough time to set up with Eric and the Asst. Super, Mike who was at our beck and call and attended our workshop and participated and is dying to be a part of our SI09 next year. Wouldn't that be cool. A REAL ADMINISTRATOR, maybe two! My workshop went Great! Sunshine on a Friday afternoon after a morning of conference day experience and then lunch and still the group was cooperative, even excited to write, to explore ds possibilities, even sign up for my DS workshop coming just a few day after we return from Israel, oh well, jet lag, just deal with it. It was great collaborating with Eric even though all that extra work for the pp was unnecessary but I did develop more facility. Hope I don't have to know too much for the pc work coming up for this workshop. I'm sure it will be fine. Today , finally packing and then a wedding shower for the daughter of a favorite friend from PR who I never get to see. Loved her, her kids, and her courage. And then back to T and preparing to leave for Israel tomorrow. I am hoping for the best with the economy. I want to believe that everything will be okay soon.... I want the quality of life that I enjoy to continue for me and everyone else. Is that a fantasy?

October 10, 2008

I'm wondering how long it will take for us to really understand what's going on around us. When will we feel it? What do we have to do to deal with it? It? The economy!
I am very worried and still living my life. I watch the news non-stop and feel guilty with life as usual, wondering how this will impact life as usual for me and everyone else. I am worried for Barack and racism in America, Sounds like I'm a nervous wreck. I wonder, is there anyone who isn't worried? I want to see Bush take charge even though I don't think he can. Someone needs to step up.
Okay, today I am presenting my DS workshop at our PD grant district. I played with my Keynote software last night on a power point even though I don't really like them. But it was helpful to focus on the workshop and create it in my head and now with my early rise, as usual, I'm going to move to Google Maps to get directed to Dover. Just a few more days to go before I can get back into my shorts and sandals for our daily walk at the Sea. YES! I do need to pack but that won't take long. It never takes as long as you think... I've been packing in my mind for weeks... I'm wondering if my Hebrew has really improved. We will see! I'm off...Have a good Friday. Hope the market rises.

October 9, 2008

Today is Yom Kippur and I am home with a stuffed head. Tuvia went back to synagogue this morning without me. I would have joined him, but there's too much at stake at the moment. I have a big presentation tomorrow and Sunday we are off to Israel. While it's never fun to be sick, on a plane it's torture and we are only there for a week and every day counts. So, I'm home breaking the fast a bit with OJ and tylenol. It's okay. It was nice yesterday sitting with Tuvia as we listened to an interesting sermon about excavating and then building up.
I am using some of this quiet time to build a pp for tomorrow and snooze and that's where I'm headed now, until Tuvia returns and we plan out our activities to break this fast later today with my family. Never dull that's for sure.

October 8, 2008

A very nice Tuesday. Work for Friday, writing Tuesday's Slice of Life, Great talk with Tom and Eric planning for our inservice at Dover and then a great chat with Tanya as we begin the conversation for SA's photo workshop. I think so much better with others. Too bad so much of my teaching career was solo. Thank God for theater. Never had to think about creating a play by myself. Ah collaboration, can't be beat! Last night's debate was what it was, and my guy continues to look presidential as McCain is sweating and the economy will be dropping again today. I have become just a news junkie. Almost 24 hours of CNN even though they are too hyper, but they are all news. I wonder how it will be in Israel next week? Good thing there's something called the INTERNET! And hurray for us, Hofstra U. will be hosting the last debate. That's my college. YES! I have a nice day ahead: breakfast with my book bud, Bonnie, who is off to Ireland next week. Then a check in at the gym with Warren and weights for me. Then an Apple lesson at a different Apple store. Ahhh, good to live with lots of Apples around me. As for now, I'm off to some coffee and cereal and packing for Yom Kippur at T's. Have a good one!

October 7, 2008

Good morning! I am up and the sun is shining and my guitar teacher is not feeling well. I am almost ready for a lesson, almost.
Yesterday was wonderful. I had my list of things to do and I was pretty motivated to keep moving from one thing to another. I didn't leave my place and that was heaven. I am working now on my upcoming workshop and moving slowly to a new DS project,slowly. I have the wedding piece and Manda's wedding book to get going on. It's great to have different pieces to create. And I do need to bring up my suitcase and get packing. But tomorrow will slow me down. Yom Kippur tomorrow night! And then there's the economy...ugh... And the debate tonight: GO OBAMA! That's all for now...pretty scattered.

October 6, 2008

Monday morning and I've finished some email, a post of 4 movie reviews and a Memoir Monday entry and my head is swimming. The sun is trying to find its way out but I am committed to indoor activities. I have to move my Nordic Track, get to chat with Eileen and Jackie, pay bills piled on my desk and then work for our upcoming PD at Dover. I'm enjoying a very present Tom and working with Eric there on Friday and then a new set of teachers. They are more open and I am more experienced and we have a cool plan in mind. I'm staying over for a two, two-day sessions for DS and during the day, before the second session, I will be around in teacher classes for support on preps...and just to check out what's happening...It will be cool. We have more work to come at two other schools. All new and fresh... And I did have to say no to a SUNY tech course in the spring. Steve can't commit to it, but we do have a plan for the fall. Could work even better that way. All good....and we are off to Israel this Sunday. Time to bring up the suitcase from the garage. YES! I am ready to walk on the beach, especially when my summer clothes are still close by and I am leaner than ever to enjoy wearing less.... All good...enjoy the day!

October 5, 2008

Sunday morning and it could be raining out there, but just a look out the window can't give you a hint. IT"S Pitch Black! Oh well, the summer is over, at least on this side of the world. Next week at this we will be packing for Israel and beginning the day of limbo before we arrive at the airport, always exciting for me. But for now, I am just waiting for daylight. Yesterday was a winner of the day. A bit chilly but up early, we were dressed and out on the highways to spend the day on Fire Island with good friends who have owned a summer house there for 20 years and they usually rent it in the summer and use it in the spring and fall and invite us regularly and Tuvia will never sleep over and share a bathroom but for the day he was in heaven just on the 20 minute boat ride from Bay Shore, Long Island to Fire Island. It was fine to sit up on the top out in the open and enjoy the air, the sun and all captured through the lens of my camera. There, Don found us as we exited the boat, as he was taking his bike to the fix-it shop. We were wined and dined for the day and just our walk out to the ocean was enough for us. but there lunch in their backyard and we were in heaven. Then home and dinner at our diner and the day was amazing. Climaxed by Saturday Night Live, the opening sketch once again starred Tina Fey, aka, Sarah P and a guy playing Joe and Queen Latifah as Gwen the moderator and I was back laughing out loud. And the polls continue to make me smile as well. Can't wait for the debate on Tuesday. The nation is wired....Go Obama! Movie this afternoon...The Secret... The Holocaust in France... but first I need the gym more than ever.

October 4, 2008

Good morning. Fall morning with all its darkness at 6:30 and chill. We are off to Fire Island and it will be cold, not cool and that's a bit of a shame but as long as the sun shines we will be walking along the beach with good friends who own a summer house there and while they rent it every summer , it's all their's in the spring and fall and we are always invited but Tuvia will not sleep over, so we are compromising and just spending the day. Can't wait. First I need to finish a first cup of coffee, some cereal and then off to the showers. Ahhh, some news as well. I am addicted to early morning news. So here we go on our day of adventure....

October 3, 2008

Happy Birthday Tuvia! 85 and wow is he going strong! He has redefined aging for me. Good genes and good luck and a good attitude about life and probably that's too simplistic. But I am the lucky one, that's for sure. I couldn't wait last night with my card and bit of sweetness in some Godiva dark chocolate. No presents allowed ( his rules) but we are going out for a nice dinner tonight and he probably will let me pay. As for yesterday, my DS was put out there in public and the audience was thrilled with it, so grateful that I created it and had copies for everyone. I think that's what is so special about this group, they are unspoiled. They don't expect you are there to serve them.
I have a few projects with some to plan PD in their schools. Tom and I will be on the road soon traveling to meet with their administrators and propose HVWP technology. Seems like schools are now getting the hardware but they don't know exactly what to do with and still don't have enough support for teachers to use it.
But there's lots of gas in my Prius so off we go! Off to the gym! Have a good one...

October 2, 2008

UP! I'm already dressed and ready to go(in my head). A full day of work with our SI08, back together to reconnect once in the fall another in the spring and then???? Never again as a community, then???? How many will remain with us feeling like they are a part of a "community"?
I wonder what the numbers are? How many stay connected? How do we determine that? PD? Saturday Seminar attendance, specific projects commitment...Sad to think this group is almost over... I have my piece ready to unveil...It took hours and if I could I'd go back and adjust a bit more of it. But no, moving on... the wedding needs my attention...Manda's photo book... a piece for my 92nd StY ladies, and then work on the PD group at Dover. I have to open that PC living on my desk and get comfortable with DS there...photos there? Music??? I am off to the retreat spot. Mary will be bringing to the food with lots of effort. Jane is coming with a new workshop for our group, Kathy is visiting, Tom? a new project with Sarah, Marisol and Steve working together... I am getting excited to get up for real and begin the day, but first I need some light our side to move me... Dark outside at 5:53...you know we have moved away from summer light now. It's more than official. Good to know we will be waking to Tel Aviv sunshine soon. I need to grab some photos for Photo Friday!

October 1, 2008

Feelin' Groovy! I just wrote a post on my blkdrama blog: http://blkdrama.wordpress.com/ inspired by Write On Wednesday http://writeonwednesday.wordpress.com/ What fun to kick down the cobblestones and consider what's happened to me with the life-changing event that was marked the day I retired officially 4 years ago. What fun to write and remember! And now, as Roshanah continues, the food needs to stop. Too much last night but with family it feels right. Good to be with my parents, my brother Rick and his family. Everyone behaved for the most part , and most important, my parents were happy. Today it's Tuvia's turn with his son etc...I will be able to relax more. And there's time for guitar... One more day until the VP debate! What's happening with the stock market? Life continues...

September 30, 2008

I am up and wondering what's coming at us next, how will our lives change? I can't say much more because I wrote my Slice first and posted it on my blog and what I focused on was this economic crises. I'm on my way to my neighborhood Apple store for a lesson, but I'm wondering will this be a day of life as usual? What about my credit card, my retirement??? I love to spend money casually, how will that change? I am wondering a lot...Tuvia is wondering even more. He didn't sleep much last night...what about everyone else? Is everyone worried, changing yet? Questions that perplex me....and how does this impact the campaign... Sounds like the "experts' on the Today Show aren't sure... Ugh!

September 29, 2008

Good Monday morning! I am up, even though Tuvia tries to sneak out and let me sleep more. I DON'T WANT TO! I love the early morning in my home and writing into the day. So the Today Show is on and I'm multi tasking a bit. Listening to Sarah Palin drown. Can't say I'm not smiling. I am thinking more about how this reflects on McCain. As for me, I have the finishing touches to add to my DS piece for Thursday and then time to prepare for a new year and Rosh Hashonah. Tonight it will just be with Tuvia and then tomorrow with a group of my Rockland friends, many who attended my luncheon and then off to Eville for dinner with my parents and one brother and his family. We are bringing the food from Harolds, a great place filled with Jewish delicacies all Kosher and proper for my mom's home. This weekend was filled with gray rain and we survived well, with movies, Cool Hand Luke, and a lovely lunch at Strawberry Place in Nyack and a walk around our place here. Just great. Now Tuvia is off to work and I have my place to myself. Nice Monday!

September 28, 2008

DS on its way to the finish line. Almost one hour of viewing pleasure. Now just a bit of cleaning us the sound so that the music doesn't overpower the voice overs. Everyone created their own VO this year. I am just putting it together. There's a piece of everyone's writing from our ending celebratory reading and on Thursday it will take our group back now to our history together. Will everyone be there for the retreat? Probably not! And then in the spring and then? TC's on their own! Who wil remain with us? Always a good question. For now, I need to just focus on the present moment getting the piece at hand DONE! and I'm almost there. This week Rosh Hashonah with my family on Tuesday. Probably no synagogue until Yom Kippur. Honey Cake at Hilda's, then dinner with food from Harolds at my parents, with Rick and Earis and two kids. and my camera to freeze the moment. Feeling good about week ahead. Feeling good about Obama and the debate between Joe and Sarah. Feeling good about our coming trip to Israel. Feeling good watching Cool Hand Luke in honor of Paul Newman. Just feeling good.

September 27, 2008

Good evening. What happened this morning? I didn't move from my spot here but it was all DS business even with a raging head cold and my first version is almost ready to move to a quicktime movie. I am hoping that in that format I can clean up this version and move to a final cut. It would be nice to have it done before the Jewish holidays begin. So we have tonight, tomorrow and Monday. Okay! Today I didn't get to help Obama, but the debate was great for him. I didn't get to our first Saturday Seminar.
But I worked all morning, napped with a tylenol and then we went to the movies. We saw a great western. Appalousa with Ed Harris, Viggo Morenstein, Rene Zeliwigger, and Jeremy Irons. WOW! And last night, the latest Richard Gere romance. Also a winner. A great weekend, even with rain and the economy.

September 26, 2008

Good morning. A bit late today. Gym with Anthony even with a rain storm early in the AM. 8-9 focused on me and my physical challenges. It's over and now, it feels good as I munch on my Cookies and Cream protein bar that tastes more like a great candy bar. A reward! I deserve it! Looks like Bushwacker is about to speak to us. DOES ANYONE LISTEN to him anymore? Here he is talking about the bill that's being written now. What a mess! When will I feel it? How will life change? He didn't stay long, what an uninspiring leader! Tomorrow Tuvia and I were supposed to travel to Philly to work for Obama but the weather seems to be working against us. Rain will make the trip tough and I am feeling like I need to be present and HVWP's first Saturday Seminar tomorrow. So plans are changing. I'm in a groove now with my DS for our SI retreat. I love being in the groove. Feels good and in the afternoon, to get out we will see one of three possible movies and then tonight, before the debate, dinner with a good friend, a surprise dinner. And then the DEBATE! Will John McCain show up? Have a good one, Karen

September 25, 2008

Good morning on this Thursday morning, one week to go before our HVWP retreat. I am immersed in my DS for the event and enjoying the work with Imovie. I should be using my Final Cut Studio but there's something great about begin able to move so easily among the other tools in the Ilife suite: Garageband, Iphoto as I now build the piece and refine it. I would love to be able to create a draft and take iit into the Apple store and get some suggestions on how to make it better, but I think I am exhausting their creativity.
It's okay... I am happy to be in this process. The first of three pieces to go. It was fun last night to be on a conference call with our blogging group for NWP. 6 people from around the country and Puerto Rico, sharing together. It was good for my HVWP buddy to share in it. He was blown away by the way people worked together. Should be a wonderful experience. I am also looking forward to working with Steve as well, collaborating on a Tech Literacy course at the college. All fun. I'm wondering what Saturday will hold for us. Will we be able to get to PA for Barack. The weather may not work with us. Ugh. Oh well...I am off to create a Write on Wednesday and then move to my DS, that will hold my attention now until it's done and then the wedding to recreate.

September 24, 2008

I used to write here first thing each morning before I checked my email, before I clicked around in my Google Reader, before I started writing a post for Memoir Mondays, Slice of Life Tuesdays, Write on Wednesdays or Photo Fridays, but lately, I am already writing away somewhere before I arrive here. Very true today. I just had to check out the prompt for Write On Wednesdays and begin something with the challenging prompt from Becca. I just love this writing community. I JUST LOVE THIS WRITING COMMUNITY. I have to watch the clock as well. Can't get too much of a good thing. There's exercise, there's my DS piece on the table, there's my brunch coming at noon for a group of my favorite women thrilled to be invited to spend a meal together. They are feeling their ages, conscious about their aliments. Hang on, new poll numbers: Obama is up 9 points. YES! Tuvia and I will be traveling to Philly on Saturday to work to get voters registered. I was planning to attend the first Saturday Seminar, but I think I need to be in PA instead. Time is of the essence. I am getting ready to rock. The sun is coming up on the river and the flowers are still going strong on the porch...ahhh, just nice to be active in the world... I'm off...

September 23, 2008

Good morning, up and in bed. It's too easy to travel with this computer. Oh well. I've been writing my Tuesday Slice in a lovely dark quiet here. Just the news softly keeping me in the now, catching me up on the murders last night and David Blane's challenge to hang upside down for 60 hours. Imagine. Now that's a far cry from Man on Wire. Yesterday was a great one: I didn't leave my apartment and did meet all the challenges I set for myself: exercise, writing, guitar practice, DS work, Hebrew and a break for beauty and Chinese food with Dana. Really a gem of a day. Tuvia can't digest a day indoors of choice. Oh well, he isn't around on Mondays to fight me on it. It won't happen today and that's okay. I need to get to the gym for a session with weights. My exercise routine is taking on a higher priority these days. Nice! I don't think this will ever become an obsession, but it feels good to work the exercise with diet control. Just self-control.
I can't lounge around this morning. Should be a lesson at 8:30. I haven't heard anything from Jon, so I'm expecting him. Did I practice enough? Never! Last night's practice was a hard one as I took on older pieces that I've left alone only to forget. Hard to get them back, but with patience, the fingers found their way to the right places on the strings. Calm is the mantra of the day. So what will this day hold for us? What will be happening on the campaign trail, on Wall Street, at the Capital? Lots of questions as I try and continue life as usual.

September 22, 2008

Sounds like fall out there. Winds up here. It's dark still at 5:34 but once the early morning news comes on NBC the day is official. Tuvia is still sleeping and that's good. He has a full day of work. For me, I have the full day to work on my SI08 piece, exercise, play guitar and get ready for Hebrew class. It's getting hard and I'm getting frustrated but there's Tuvia to hold my attention and Israel in October. As we walked around Nyack yesterday, my Obama t-shirt did make a splash. A number of people stopped me to high-five! But this is Nyack, where many cars still have Kerry bumper stickers. I don't usually have a sticker on my car. I did put on one for Obama. Of course, I idon't feel that it's enough. Last night a good friend participated in an Obama party and I need to do that. Tuvia is interested in a trip to PA for campaigning. Me too. We have Israel in the midst of next month. We didn't think about the election when we set that trip up. I do have a few more t-shirts coming to wear for support during the campaign period. So the day has begun...off to write a Memoir Monday...

September 21, 2008

I'm back first thing in the morning again. Feels right. Sunday at 6:45. The heat is on and soon the sandals will be put away. Although they will return for our trip to Israel next month for the beach. But now Nyack is entering fall and that's exciting. As for today the sun should be wonderful and warm and we will move into Sunday mode. I remember when Sundays were unique, when I created mellow Sundays at Tuvia's request for some couple time. Sunday was a day to enjoy together without my school guilt. After a few weeks getting used to it, I found that the mellow element was addicting. Now, it doesn't have to be Sunday. It could be a Tuesday, depends on the schedule for the week. This week coming I have built in time for blocks of hours to work on my digital projects. I'm up to three. Exciting!!!! I'm wondering too, about when we will get together for our planning sessions for the NWP in November? Okay... November..elections...most important! Another donation...plans to join other Obama lovers in PA!

September 20, 2008

Okay, one more day to catch up on. Today! We are back home from Princeton and it was fantastic! We were entertained and hosted by my niece and her husband, our new family couple and today for brunch our families fused over bagels, great white fish salad and coffee. Tuvia and I got our walk in around Princeton, a great night at the Hampton Inn and an afternoon with his nephew and his wife. And we were home in just over an hour. Amazing! It was a full weekend in a day and back home I got to play guitar and relax and write here. I need to exercise and feel great. So I'm saying goodnight for now.

September 19, 2008

A day of exercise and craft shopping. Hard to believe we are in a market disaster. Lyndhurst was packed and I was shopping with Sharon and together we enjoyed the morning ignoring the hands on the clock as we spent time with my buddy Ricky and his great jewelry and moved from row to row outside and in the crowded tents. I left with a new leather bag, earrings and two necklaces and very little guilt, just a bit, but I am always thrilled to support craftspeople who are passionate about the work they create. Feels good to support them and walk away with treasures. And this week I spent three days with my good buddy who knows me and shares my sensibilities about art and life.
And then I was packed and off to Tuvia's and leaving for Princeton. Hard to believe that was just yesterday and we are home now watching CNN waiting for the special with 5 secretaries of state and Christian L. And it was a great Friday night at Manda's with Jon , Marla and Jeff. A new segment of our family that I'm glad to be a part of. Nice. Okay, one more day to fill in...

September 18, 2008

Whoops, where am I? It was hard to get here for the past few days, but with some help from Chuck, I'm back up and running. So time to make up for lost time and thoughts. Thursday? Okay! I spent lots of time working on my DS for our SI08 reunion. Nice to be in it now that my self-torment has moved into the action phase and I am working and not on the procrastination fence.
I am excited and enjoying and I even moved my Iphone session at Mac up so I can keep working. And I had time to exercise so that's another challenge dealt with. All good... at Apple I got my battery issues dealt with by a large-sized newbie in minutes and I was off and happy and moving on to the next activity, getting ready for dinner with Tuvia and friends at a Turkish restaurant. And it was good with most of the conversation centered around Obama and how he can be elected in this "racist country" Okay...the fires are heating up! Sarah Palin is showing herself in the light of day and the economy.

September 17, 2008

I am on today. Somehow I didn't get on yesterday. I tried and eventually had to give up and I never had another chance to get back. But I think I can remember yesterday and even the day before.
The market is going crazy and I am wondering how that will affect me. But somehow I didn't know yesterday until I was driving home in the evening from New Paltz and a great day. The night was torture. Nightmares! Two wonderful days with great weather and being outside to enjoy it. Photographing with Sharon at Hook Mountain, a great guitar lesson with Jon... Just a wonderfully active and stimulating life experience and there's more to come, I hope. Still hard not to think about the Stock Market. I have another entry to fill so, I'm heading to it.

September 16, 2008

Today might be a perfect day to just pull the covers over my head and stay here in bed to avoid the horrible reality of the plunging stock market and how that will effect us and the horrors of the hurricane devastation. Take your pick! And then there's the continuing Republican nightmare to deal with.
Too bad I have a full day ahead that I can't stop. Guitar lesson, a day in New Paltz, back to Tuvia's for dinner and the evening. Not a bad day to live through, but what about the economy? What about the economy?
What about the election? Can't wait to see a debate next week. We will be away for 9 days in October. Probably not the best time to be away, given the building excitement coming, but we do want to get our fall fix of Israel and October is a perfect month to be there. I'm wondering though if there will be a Hebrew class while I'm there. Imagine, joining Niva the teacher at 3am as she wakes for the class. 3 is not a problem for me. I'm up and down during the night. I started today at 4:30. Not by choice but just because I was up and why not plunge in? Although it's hard to begin a day when it's pitch black out there. Lots to think about.

September 15, 2008

Whoops, didn't write here into the morning. I wanted to but instead I was focused on my Memoir Monday and then I got an invite to walk in the woods with Sharon on a perfect day. How could I refuse? Great day, even though the stock market tanked. So far, I've been just living as usual. When will that change? I dread the day!
I had a big, glorious day with exercise in and out of the gym, good news from the scale, a good solid Hebrew lesson with the group, minus Peter, and guitar practice. I didn't get anything done my SI digital piece but that is on the list to get to and I will, as usual. I just haven't found the hook yet.
I will, I am always thinking about it, even when I don' t know it. I have the wedding to work on soon. Right now Karen is away on her honeymoon and she seems totally understanding of the pieces I have to get to before hers. She's been great about everything, except offering me dinner and place to eat it. Oh well, saved me calories. I am almost ready to get moving and off to bed. I am looking forward to the next phase of the evening... Tomorrow!

September 14, 2008

Yesterday as wedding photog I was nervous that I wouldn't be good, that someone who find me out, that I wasn't a pro. Of course that didn't happen but I learned lots about my camera, about changing the batteries on the hot sho flash and how fast you have to be when you are working video and photo at the same time. By the end of 6 hours I was exhausted and I had 800 photos and two full tapes. But I am not a wedding photog. Not because I can't do it, but because I don't really want to spend a full Saturday working at a wedding, making sure I get all the table pics, running to get the bride and groom racing down the aisle, taping the father-daughter dance. Now I did feel good about the invitation that was based on the work I love to do, from a HVWP TC who has created ds pieces with me in an advanced DS workshop, but I'm not hanging a shingle, not yet. Who knows, with the economy the way it is and with the Republicans looming so large. Sarah Palin....what a nightmare. But on the way home I had with me, 800 photos and two full video tapes. And even though it was a bitch to photograph under such low light, I have great moments and I'm proud. Sure I would do this for a friend as a guest, but for now, Tuvia is relieved that I not getting serious about spending my weekend eating the DJ's on the food break. Maybe if I were younger, without a great career....I think I will continue to focus on my HVWP PD work and NWP challenges...the passions of my professional life.

September 13, 2008

It's September 13 and I am ready to get moving to my photography job, Yes, today I will assume the role as wedding documenter and be paid for it. How about that? I will look the part. I have pods: tri and mono, I have cameras, video and photo, I have all the things I need. I have a client who asked me for this job because of the digital work. She I think, wants what I can deliver and that will be fun. It's a small wedding, a culmination of joy on the heels of misery. Young lovers reunited after both lived lives with others, creating families and losing them in divorce. Now she is still embroiled in a custody suit but this day should be a day of celebration inspite of it. I'm feeling good about this. And I love being weighed down with digital pieces that need my attention. I have my SI08 piece begun and that will come first, it has a due date thank God. I need those due dates. I am of course still focused on the campaign but it's nice to have life get in the way. So, time for some cereal. More tomorrow.

September 12, 2008

Up and ready to rock at the gym! First I need my fix of the Today Show and last night's reporting of Barack/McCaine's forum. Of course there's more focus on Sarah, ugh! She is not running for president! What about how great Barack did last night. Let's hear about that! We will be out of the country soon. I wonder how I will feel in October, begin away. Look who's on for comments, Newt Gingrich. Let's get to the real meat! Oh well. In work, I am immersed in my project for our retreat, creating something to bring us back to our SI with pieces of anthology now on video and audio recorder and I have more documentation than I know what to do with. 15 more minutes...get moving off Sarah.
I wonder who will show up today at my semi annual craft fair??? I wonder if the economy will have an impact? Whoops, I have to pay attention...

September 11, 2008

September 11. I remember...we remember and the event changed us, defined us. I just heard Tom Friedman refer to 9/11 in talking about his latest book. I agree with him. I think this event should not define us. I like the idea of being defined as an American, by the 4th of July.
I remember teaching after 9/11, spending the whole day, sharing the Billy Collins poem The Names, with my students. We read the poem aloud, wrote to a line, then I would read the poem slowly and each student would add their writing to the original poem and we created community poems and community roots. A copy of the poem with the student pieces would be created and live on the wall behind us for the rest of the year and almost every day someone would be back there reading it. The were moved and grateful to have their own opportunity to be back in the moment, sharing it with the group, our new community.
I'm remembering Ray Wang, who left my class on the day of 9/11 went off to his next class as a new 8th grader and was never the same when he got the news that his dad was killed, gone when the towers were hit. I remember Ray on this day. Now he's in college. I hope he and his family are thriving, if that's possible. 9/11...I hope we can thrive again.

September 10, 2008

I am obsessed with the polls. OBSESSED! And last night, up at 3 I watched a Tivoed episode of a Charley Rose interview with Tom Friedman who has a new book to talk about, Hot, Flat, Crowded and I could only think about OBAMA and the change candidate. First is was just exciting to watch Tom Friedman and as he talked about where America should be when it comes to Green Technology, where we are now and where we should be for the next first years, to take on the world leadership in innovation, I became more anxious about our leadership. Bush is not on TF's list and he is don't feeling good about John McCain, ie Drill, Baby Drill, is dumbing down America, distracting us from the important issues of moving away from oil and our dependence. I can't wait to read the book and I am about to download it to my Kindle. As for today, it will be great: a visit to the gym, off the Storm King for a hike with my supervisor buddies and then a meeting with the HVWP for PD. All good for now. I need to get Obama active.

September 9, 2008

I am nervous about this election. While the newscasters find this one exciting I am worried that the media presentation of Sarah will be twisted. I got a list of books last night that she tried to get taken off the shelves of her local library and even worse, if there could be an even worse, when the librarian refused, Sarah tried to get her fired. But the librarian prevailed. Three cheers for the good gals. I do remember when Alice Walker was on the ropes at our school and our department head was ready to give in. He even brought the book our meeting and began reading specific sections out of context to us. Sadly a number of my colleagues were with him. ENGLISH TEACHERS. THE COLOR PURPLE. Of course there were other heads, like the librarian, who remained strong on this issue.
And that was 10 years ago. We are back again and now it's in the hands of someone way too close to the highest power. Why isn't anyone raising this? Will anyone in the media ask her about this? What can I do to help? I am living my normal life routine but if the outcome moves to McCain on November 4, life won't be normal. Ugh.

September 8, 2008

You know, I've come to love Monday mornings. I didn't use to that's for sure. Sunday night is still crazy with my crazy lists for Monday, worrying about what isn't included on the lists that should be, but once daylight arrives I'm rockin'. Tuvia is off to work,and I'm on my own. What I have to do, is not be here on this computer for too long but it is the place I begin the day creatively. I've read and written emails, revised an article for the NWP, I am here writing into the day and soon I'll be writing a Monday Memoir. Wow, a lot and it's just 7:30 AM. Nice. The weather is and will be inspiring. like yesterday: cool, sunny, glorious. Out to the gym, to Apple, to see Denis, my old student who is a successful adult, one I love checking in with. I need time for guitar, for preparing for a Hebrew Lesson and time today to really get behind Barack, beyond a donation and a t-shirt. He needs me, I need to do what I can. It's America, no?
Bush, ugh...and there's a new Woodward book to support that feeling ugh. Okay, I know I could write more here, but I need to conserve my energy for MM. I wonder if Kevin's returned to that exercise? Nice to see him twittering and I also notice that Karen has a photo on her IM. Love this thing called the WEB.

September 7, 2008

Good morning and happy birthday to Leigh and Mihael, to members of our family who share the same day. I remember the births of both. I remember getting the phone call just as I was leaving for the first day of school when I lived in Piermont, that Leigh had joined us and then many years later, Mihael arrived to a couple who had really given up any hope of having a child. He arrived in the early hours the 7th and I heard his first scream standing right outside his birthing door. Tuvia was walking back and forth. And then Ami came out with him and I've never seen anyone carrying more joy and today, we really can't communicate. I'm hoping that my bit of Hebrew will help. I just called Leigh, who is spending her junior fall semester in Israel and she is thrilled to be there and living a great life away. I can see it. Tuvia and I will be seeing both birthday stars in October. Can't wait to be there. Can't wait. As for today, it's gorgeous out. Last night it rained with vengeance, but no flooding where we are. We cozied up with a movie we've seen before and still loved: Intimate Strangers. Lovely...French. A woman, in a need of some therapy, knocks on the wrong office door and instead of a shrink gets a tax attorney and it works. What an quirky paring and it works, patiently the film takes us on this journey of personal growth. Gorgeous for both our stiff attorney and lost lady. Wonderful. Could Hollywood create a piece like this? Sure, but would they? I don't think so. Anyway I recommend it still! Okay, time to get outside, that's the place to be today. Tomorrow, I have slated lots of work space.
Enjoy your Sunday and sun if it's coming your way!

September 6, 2008

Up and getting ready for rain today. Seems like will have it much easier than lots of other people who have to deal with hurricanes on a regular basis. I loved the movie, Man on Wire. I watched it as a viewer, new to the event almost. I really had no appreciation for Philippe Petit's daring walk across the Twin Towers. August 7, 1975, as the towers just being finished. Ironic time to watch this subversive effort just as we arrive at 9/11 when a very different group planned the Towers' demise. And personally as I watched I marveled at the director's work as a documenter and I thought about my own connections with this medium. I'm a documenter in the digital media world.
For so long I have loved movies and now I have my own way to create cinematic pieces of art. I loved each frame of this film! As for today, I have the usual challenges to hit and pieces of writing to work on. My latest NWP piece has been read and edited by Paul and it's back to me to revise. I have work to do for our PD grant at Dover Middle School and I need to remember Tuvia in it all.
So, off I go to see what's happening in the world. Enjoy.

September 5, 2008

Back home after an overnight with my parents and Tuvia at the Minnewaska Lodge just outside of New Paltz and it was great, a great memory to savor and share and freeze with a camera which is growing out of my right hip most days. So I have it. It was great to be with them and to leave the first cool eating spot for the local average diner so everyone could order eggs. Easy to compromise, because I enjoy the funkier spots when I am there for everything else. And back here at Tuvia's I am on here clicking and thinking about the new semester ahead of me. Looks great. Now to it... Worried about the election. I need to get active for Obama/Biden.

September 4, 2008

Way, way too early to be up and thinking but it's good to think and write, wondering about the effects of the Palin speech. I missed the last part and evidently big hit but how will she resonate out of that hall? I am nervous about that flavor of politics, concerned about the ticket even more than before. This woman is there to pick up disaffected Hillary supporters? How can that be? Hillary a champion of choice, for health care for all...sorry I don't buy the cross-over. Okay, let the games begin... As for me, I am going to find a way to work tor Barack. Traveling?? Good day yesterday. Meeting a great friend, spending time in the gym, in the car thinking and waiting for the team to get adjusted to the new school year.
Time to spend with my parents, giving them a night away from home with us and starting to think about the next trip to Israel. Life is dynamic, to be savored with good health. I am blessed.

September 3, 2008

I am tired. Up early with Tuvia and then my world of writing and sharing with a new community on Write On Wednesday. Looks exciting. I am still having a hard time actually describing what it is I do at work. Where I work? etc. It was must easier to report out as a drama/English high school teacher. Everyone knows that person, but my work with the writing project, on the web, digital stories? My dad is more excited about the fact that I am hired to photograph a wedding next weekend. He gets that. I think it's my fault. I don't have the language to describe it. Oh well, Is this so hard??? Another good day, reconnecting with an important friend. Friends, so important. I am actually too tired to write much more. Will I return? Can't say. For sure I will return in the AM. Republican Convention ugh...hard to watch....

September 2, 2008

FInally the screen is opened for writing. I've been patiently waiting and finally here I am. So I didn't get to write here this morning; too busy creating a Slice of Life for Tuesday and I wanted to create a mosaic with Flickr. I've done that before, a few times, but this often happens, that if I don't keep working with an online tool it is gone from me and I sat playing for at least an hour until it finally came back. After lots of the same screens laughing. A without this writing away...I did complete a SLice for today... Whoops, I almost fell asleep. The day was filled wit Julia,

ENough, I'm falling aswleep.

September 1, 2008

Happy Labor Day! September 1st. Barbeques today? We ate barbeque last night at my CHEAT meal: ribs, pulled pork, fries, and some alcohol. I had it all. The same meal at the same place for the last three weeks. What a great reward for following my latest diet challenge and it's so much fun, a guilt-free pig out once a week and today I'm back on the stick, with an early morning workout at the gym. What fun! Wondering now about the hurricane and what great weather we are having today, perfect weather. So I don't have much more to share this morning and I do need to move over to my piece for Memoir Mondays...maybe more later.

August 31, 2008

Early Sunday morning and we are meeting the family today for a early lunch in Middletown at the diner. Meeting with one of my brothers and his clan and my parents of course. I think I'm missing the start of a school. Just thought about it, why this weekend seems to be a long one, when it used to speed by me. No kids, coming, to first day with teachers to wonder about. What am I feeling here? Sadness, no...maybe it's just quiet and I still don't really like quiet. I wonder what I will do when I really don't have anything to do. I hope that never happens. I don't think it will. I love to learn and when will that end? A play last night I will soon totally forget. I'm wondering why anyone would direct that, spend their time committed to it? Oh well. don't think I'm resubscribing next year even though I so respect the passion of the founders of Penguin. I didn't like anything this season. I do long for a good play...but I don't want to spend a fortune for a seat. I need to find a new theater. For now, I am psyched for a cheat dinner tonight at our new ribs spot...ahhh, a guilt-free meal of favorites...perfect way to diet, one pig out a week. I can be good for that. See you for Labor Day.

August 30, 2008

Saturday morning and I am calm. My small piece for the NWP is out to Paul. I am sure it's not a its final stage yet, but someone else has it and I like that. On to the next projects... one thing I will start doing is working on crafting a great 60th birthday trip for next year. Barcelona? Maybe Italy? What a challenge! Saturday with some rain here. A bit of a drizzle. No hurricane. Not like what could be returning to New Orleans. What can we say about that? I'm speechless when you consider how that city has been battered.
I'm still basking in the excitement of Barack's big night and now that I have begun my support I am getting emails from everyone. Just today Barack sent me a YouTube of his speech. Great use of our new technology. I will be watching the Republican Convention, bits of it, just to see the other side.
Love this time of year but it's serious now. I want to see BO president. Sending the right message to the world and it will be fantastic to have someone thoughtful in the white house. I need to stop being embarrassed with the President of the US opens his mouth. Tuvia is on the phone speaking Hebrew and I understand more and more and more...And I am feeling comfortable to speak more. AHHHH what fun to learn...

August 29, 2008

Big morning ahead and I could use more sleep but my eyes are itching from late August allergies and Tuvia's asleep I hope, and I can't find the allergy medication. Oh well, just keep clicking into distraction. Great night. Loved it all. Barack ended with charisma and power. Now I need to find something to do to help. Tshirt is on the list. As for today, early morning session with my trainer at the gym, then with my lovely guitar up and running strong once again, lesson with Jon. Then it's off Salon Elyse for hair care and back here for lunch with the T. Weekend plans? Labor Day Weekend? How did we get here? Article to Paul needs to finished and sent out. Work on DS has begun for our SI retreat and then work for Ellenville and Dover will begin. Good that most of will be done right here. Just began to explore some new tools just by following some blogs I like. Sessimatic, Friendfeed, Tumblr...efforts to connect everything into one. Great talk yesterday with Troy.
All excellent! Movies????

August 28, 2008

Great night last night at the convention. I hope my excitement is mirrored in the rest of the country. How many people watched the convention last night, raise your hands. Can't wait until tonight although I do wish that Barack wasn't speaking in a football stadium, a security nightmare, for sure. Polls are tight, how can that be??? Great work conversation with Tom ,yesterday planning out my HVWP work for the fall and beyond. I've come to love planning, creating my work in the moment...It was good to have more specific work in the early years, but this fall I refused student teachers. I am more comfortable in the unknown and the work will come. It's piling up now and it will be great! Again, it's exciting to be connected to the NWP/HVWP and my article is almost ready to be sent out.
Last night I returned to my guitar and it was a lovely return. So time for breakfast and the Today show. It was great last night to turn off the reporter chatter and just watch the convention on SPAN. ahhh.

August 27, 2008

Still dark outside but with just the light of this screen, I can write away. What a great way to wake up and see that I have some hits on my blog, some comments to my latest slice about the Democratic convention last night. It was an inspirational event once it got moving. Why are things starting so late? I wonder too, who's watching?
I am passionate about the need to see change in the White House. How wonderful it would be for America to reflect something different, a break from the White Male world. I do worry about the racism and isolationism our country suffers from. I am glad to be living in New York even if it's not the "real America". And here in Nyack, it's a given that Barack will carry the election. The campaign signs are already up outside Nyack homes. I have to get one, still need a Tshirt. They are selling in the hippie store in town.
I have to admit I don't spend the same energy on the Republican convention. I will click back and forth, but I'm not voting for anyone who feels like Bush. Funny, I once liked John McCaine, but I could never consider anyone who is anti abortion. Good day yesterday, getting our ELL/TECH group out there. Small group showed but that's okay. We have a place to begin. I have the day ahead of me to work more on my projects and enjoy the peace.

August 26, 2008

Last night it was so cool to watch Ted Kennedy speak at the convention, so powerfully and courageously. I am so proud to be with him and then Michele was great and her kids. I LOVE politics! I'm glad that my brother is the mayor of our hometown. Today I am off to New Paltz. Meeting with our new ELL/TECH team. Collaborating with Judy. Love the challenge! I don't seem to have too much to say this morning... I have been on this computer a good chunk of time yesterday and I have more to do today. What a work horse this is. The weather feels great and I am almost ready to bolt from my spot and grab for coffee and cereal. I am almost ready...Not much to add now...

August 25, 2008

Monday to myself. I am ready to click away on projects, to make the calls on my list, play guitar, exercise, prepare for Hebrew tonight and chill when I can. I LOVE Mondays. I never did in my past life, but now I have most Mondays to myself and home to enjoy it. Sure, sometimes it doesn't work out, but many Mondays it's a day I can craft as I choose. I hope it's always like this. How about last night and the end of the Summer Olympics. I loved the human flame created by the Chinese genius of creation. Just WOW! And I did get to chat with Judy at 10, as she prepared to work for today as SUNY begins the semester without me. Nice! I'm taking a break from supervising student teachers. I think it will be freeing not having to find spots for observations. We'll see. I wonder what my work load calendar will look like? Now what's on tap? Digital Piece for our SI'08 Renewal, playing with Voicethread for our ELL/TECH start tomorrow, blogging article for Paul, tech sheet for our on-the-road PD plans, Memoir Mondays needs a piece and I'm sure I'm missing something...enough for now... I am officially fighting a head cold, I think. I need coffee and maybe a tylenol. All good...Democratic convention begins tonight... Happy Monday to me and to you!

August 24, 2008

Sunday and it's sunny and humid and we were able to enjoy my porch two days in a row now that I am in my place for the whole weekend and loving it...Cheat meal last night at our new Barbeque spot, not that Tuvia can eat much there, but it was fun. As we walked in, me first, there's Rosie O'donnel and I smile and say nothing because an old friend is also standing there. Marla and her mom had a conversation and I had my camera in its bag. Oh well, great night. And today...what's up for the day...thinking about the fall and my adventure with Tom and we beat the bushes for PD work for our site.... I have a digital piece to get working on for the renewal and I'm waiting to see if Kevin might take the bite I threw out to him to consider a regional tech retreat and on Tuesday I have a start with Judy coming our way... All fun to come... The Olympics end today and the Democratic convention begins tomorrow and I'm ready...bring it on..is the country ready for a Barack Obama or are we destined to more of the same Republicanism... Tonight at 7...the end of the Olympics... We are staying away from movies today to give us time to really enjoy our memories of Elegy...really a masterpiece... Okay...now I'm off to the showers and weights waiting for me. I'm loving what's happening at Photo Fridays...check it out! http://www.flickr.com/groups/photofridays/

August 23, 2008

UP on a Saturday to hear the news that it's Joe Biden. YES! My choice too. I love politics, especially now when we are finally moving to November! I am feeling the fall here and we will be out walking in it in a few hours. I am back with my passion for classical guitar music. Yesterday I returned to my pieces and played one, with the passion in my heart. Now that's been frustrating to feel the music and not hear it as I play. Yesterday I took my great guitar in to be fixed at the place I bought it and not too bad. Two weeks and it will be back. I have backup. Yesterday in Hoboken with Tuvia's family and that was nice. And to end the day...Elegy with Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz. Wow and masterpiece: 3 great films of the summer: Tell No One, Vicky Christina and Barcelona and ELEGY! Okay...time to drink coffee!!!

August 22, 2008

Up and racing through breakfast. Of course, I have been on here already, selecting and uploading photos for Photo Fridays, enjoying Kevin's return to our tech world, and wondering about the three paragraphs I still haven't finished for Paul.
Big day today: gym with Anthony, NCY to fix my guitar. Hope there won't be sticker shock, lunch with Tuvia's family...and then??? We are open for the evening...It will be good and I am filled with the power of HVWP and our visioning work for the last two days. WOW. Good to be in that family. BOCES, is becoming a distant memory. I would like to stay here and write more, but I need to get a shower, dress and get back on the road. Back for more... Opps.

August 21, 2008

I am writing this morning here, at SUNY, writing into the day at our visioning retreat. I am in that wondering state of mind. Our is smaller today 10, but no less powerful and it will be cool to see where we move from here. I am always wondering how tech can be integrated and my role in it all. I don't want to miss ANYTHING! How do we keep the pieces connected to the whole? Is it all in one person's pocket??? Shouldn't it be shared??? I am writing into the day even though I probably should be more actively listening. I will return....

August 20, 2008

Guitar Surprise! I was all set to bid a farewell to my Spanish chapter and my teacher threw me a surprise, sure let's fold me some fun work and I had the right book in my library and I am now working on Landslide by Fleetwood Mac and smiling. I even practiced later in the day and noticed something crazy. The back of my guitar had separated ugh and it's a good guitar, expensive. So I am taking it in to the shop I got it. Hope the repairs won't break me. As for today, I'm off to SUNY for HVWP visioning. Still wondering how the leadership works. AHHH and where I am in all of it. Okay, I'm drinking cup #1. What about you? It 7 coming on...I'm early. More time to write? Sure. Yesterday was a rich one: a lesson, walking and birthday celebration lunch at Strawberries, oil change and new tires, Tuvia and what else??? I'm forgetting something...oh well. I'm off....

August 19, 2008

My writing time seems to be back. I am up and it's windy here and while my bedroom tv works, the main one is off at the moment and I am in a nice, unexpected silence as I write. Why is that I need background noise? Comes from my mom maybe. Anyway, I'm up and thinking clearly. Jon is scheduled to arrive around 8:30 and Sharon later at 9:45 to walk and then take me out to breakfast for my birthday, one of our August rituals.
Last night I spent time with Nancy L and that was stimulating and wonderful. Two friends for life and each offering different stimulations. Both are passionate about things I am as well: Nancy loves ideas, we share a love to reading and thinking and politics, Sharon is a teacher always and loves place and creativity and photography and with each one we share our lives and I listen deeply and they listen deeply. Perfect friends for me. Today I have a lot in the morning, an Apple lesson in the early afternoon and then Tuvia arrives. I do want to crack more of the article for Paul. And it's almost nice to have most of my summer things cleared as I enter September and begin to think about my DS for the retreat and then Karen's wedding that's coming. I need to take on the video work I've done. Okay enough for now. I have to have some coffee. Over and out...

August 18, 2008

I just posted a Memoir Monday entry and it's still dark outside. Hats off to Stacey to have a MM up and ready to connect and her post is up too. How perfect for my timing. I had an easy time for this one writing about my current guitar issue. Where do I go from here with my music playing passion? It feels like I've made my decision and even though I had a tough time coming to this one, over the weekend it's getting clearer that it's time for me to change my approach to guitar. I so love rock and blues and jazz and I want to be open to the possibilities. I did invest a good chunk of money into my latest guitar and I would love to keep playing it. I hope I can find a good way to transition. I feel better especially after a great Sunday with Tuvia: lunch on a stool at a packed Strawberry Place and then a "cheat" meal of ribs, great ribs and then home and just comfortable. We even worked on Hebrew together for my lesson tonight. It was a great weekend, a romantic one and I got a lot done. And the weather was to die for yesterday.

August 17, 2008

Sunday morning and the day ahead should be wonderful! I am focused on writing my NWP piece and wondering about how I will deal with my guitar decision which has been plaguing me I'm i one of those transition periods now. Intense work and then a break. I'm not good with transitions but it is gorgeous outside and Tuvia will probably agree to a walk in NYC or Nyack anyway. Either way we can be outside. I have a new camera lens to figure out and we have overnight plans with my parents. So life continues to move on in a very nice way. I have a guitar lesson scheduled for Tuesday morning and I'm sure it will be okay with Jon but it will be a big change and I am in the market for a new teacher, a critical piece of the issue, because I've been with Jon for 5, 6 years.
More about that to come... So time for breakfast, gym etc....Have a lovely Sunday!

August 16, 2008

Saturday! And I'm seriously thinking about where I go with my guitar work. I LOVE Spanish music! I love playing the guitar and I've been at this for a number of years, 7 I think. But I'm wondering where I want to go with this. I want to be able to pick up my guitar and sail across the fretboard, without struggling so much. I want to be able to play for and with others. I can't od that now. It's a struggle and this year it's been hard to sustain my practicing. I want to play Bob Dylan, the Beatles. I want to be able to find my voice on the guitar. I have a good ear, but I don't have the tools to play with it yet. I seriously thinking about making a change and that will involve changing my teacher and that will be hard. I love learning from Jon and we have a history . What do I do? I have a lesson scheduled for Tuesday. What do I do? Sounds like, from the writing above, that I've made a decision. What do I do? Will I lose what I have? What do I do??? I remember when my friend Don moved from classical on the piano to jazz. He loved the move at first. I haven't spoken to him in a while. I'd like to speak with Bonnie's Tom. He could have a teacher for me to consider. What do I tell Jon? I know he will understand, but am I ready to move away? Feels so permanent and serious. Maybe it isn't. I want a better chance at mastery. I don't have that yet. I am a person who loves new challenges. Does that go with the guitar too?

August 15, 2008

August 15th, special day for my brother and Marla and me of course, the recipient of this great and lasting union. And then there's Tom Meyer's birthday begin celebrated at his family's compound on Amaganset, where ever that is. For today, I got a session in with Anthony at the gym, a weigh in update I was expecting, sadly....and then off to Apple to deal with my Iphone and computer and it was good. Lots got done. Still the jury is out on the phone. I got my new lens this afternoon delivered to our doorstep and then we were off to the movies, back at my mall. A great Woody!!!! And home in the middle of the rain storm for dinner from Tuvia and here I am back clicking away and getting ready to watch Michael win another GOLD. I get so hooked on the Olympics, every time. I am enjoying my free time.

August 14, 2008

I am as often happens, up early, early, way too early. What can you do? I don't have much to do today, just for sure, a ride to Tuvia's and that's "just around the corner". I have this day for errands, for exercise, for breathing deeply. Sure I was on vacation last week, but I wonder if I was really able to breathe deeply? Sure, sure, but I thought way too much about how this work at BOCES would go, forgetting how work usually goes, and that's, GOOD! I loved the nature of Maine, Acadia National Park is to remember, even if I don't get back there anytime soon. I'm so glad that we made the trip. I think a few more days would have been better...maybe. Now I'm home until October when we return to Israel, with my bit of Hebrew under my belt. Fun! Fun to see Ami's new home lived in. For now, I have digital pieces to begin, I have an article to work on and I have photos to take and guitar to get back to...exercise, diet...the challenges continue. THE CHALLENGES CONTINUE!

August 13, 2008

I just lost the entry I wrote for this post. It was a big post and I don't want to get too hung up on my loss because the word flow never ends. So far, or course. I am not paying any attention to what's happening here. Someone is speaking and I am being bad, just clicking away here. She needs to offer me more. I wonder who is listening to her. I have an issue with these computers on and open but what can I say, I'm clicking away. I'm wondering what Steve is doing? As for me, I'm ready to stopn driving up and back this week. Last day for this week, for me. Not like anything Ive been connected to and with. I am not feeling the HVWP/NWP team approach. I am part of a little team, but not enough, sorry. Not enough. It's been fun but I am ready to b home tomorrow morning enjoying my home and creating a routine of freedom. I want to remember what is was like to make sense of yesterday, debrief if you will, with tuvia and at the Cheesecake Factory and then reconnect with Chris, my teacher past.

August 12, 2008

I am up as usual, earlier than I should be but what can you do. I've already been writing here and that's fun and productive. I have a new piece to work on for the NWP and love that challenge. Yesterday was a great one! I painted with HVWP brushes on a new palette and that felt strange and rewarding. Interesting to teach a tech conference while everyone has laptops and you have to keep them focused with you using the laptops for "good". It made great sense to have them use them for writing, for searching out blog sites. They had lots of fun moving around Kevin's blog. Of course I began the morning moving immediately from the latest workshop revision I had been creating the last four days, to my original and I don't regret the last minute decision. If I had opted for the new version, it would run too long. As it happens the group shared a lot all the way the workshop and Nelson Colon was a surprise participant and I took full advantage of his presence. I was really able to enjoy being with the participants and I will continue to connect with them when I'm on and when I'm not. Fun and I am getting paid for it. Yesterday also marked so work on the phone with Apple, working on my cell phone, my .mac email account, a bogus email I got supposedly from Apple for my credit card information. Good thing I made the call before I filled out the form.
Evil, trying to ruin my good thing. Okay, I'm getting up. Have a good one.

August 11, 2008

August 11 and just before I move out for the day to another workshop, I am writing by the window. The sun is up on the other side of the clouds and probably will exit just as I get on the road and the skies will open and the rains will pour down. Ugh! I am ready to present today. I am ready but it's taken time to work through my workshop again. I'm wondering if I can smoothly move from my power point back and forth to the web. Of course I was making myself crazy over what to show in the second half of my presentation. A few showers and I was ready to return to the familiar, but no. I'm set now to present Cynthia Calvert's DS and her reflection podcast. She's the real deal, a classroom teacher, honest about her life and her work with technology. Ahhh that Chico. So far I have left my NWP blogging article on the sidebar, but once I'm moving this week at BOCES, I will start working on that one. I promise. It's so nice to breathe today, home and back to writing into the day...ahhh I love my routine and I loved Bar Harbor...Lots of love! Update, Update. I am now sitting in the back of a large conference room getting ready to present and in the real moment, I am moving back to my original workshop presentation to keep the power of DS stronger. I think our ABC collaboration needs to stand on its own in the next workshop I give. So how about that? I created a new one and I'm not using it yet.

August 10, 2008

Yesterday I found my way inside a book. The latest Louise Erdrich that I had downloaded to my Kindle a few months ago as the summer season began, but I never began it. It just patiently remained in my EBook waiting, patiently and yesterday afternoon, after we returned home, and found the warm sun of Tuvia's shaded porch, I brought it outside with me, leaving the computer on the kitchen table and outside, Kindle in hand, I released it from its uninteresting holder and began to bring it alive and together we read, page to page, to page and I fell back in love with printed page, the words that forced me inside the world of Erdrich characters and I was back in love. Sure I still thought about my Monday Keynote but it was a great break, that I took up again for the rest of the evening with a break to walk and eat frozen yogurt in Ridgewood. I will be home today. First a visit to the gym. I can't remember my last visit there. Ugh...and then I have my guitar to dust off. Lots of challenges to take up once again. Am I up for it? SURE!!!!!

August 9, 2008

I tired writing yesterday after we were home and rested, but I couldn't get on. Maybe too much action in other areas on my computer and I began to really obsess about my Monday Keynote. Now why am I reworking a good thing? Am I CRAZY????? Why do I need to move the workshop to the work I did with Kevin and the group of great teachers last year? So what if Steve and Terri have been through it before? So what? I think it's more about me and my need to be challenged. Could that be it? And there's the focus of this workshop to bring the power of the web to them and that's important to me, why the web is so amazing....that's what I want to show others. Okay, Okay...I will. I stayed up late last night just trying to set up a few pieces to show and figure out how I could move the information to the group smoothly. I think it's almost ready. Just a bit of Agenda reworking and I'll be ready. We are home. Half home. Tuvia's home and soon I will be as well. It was almost a perfect trip home. That is except for one of those couple fights in the car. We have them and they hit Tuvia more deeply than they do for me. Oh well, no details here. I just can't return to the dark side. And seems like we've left it behind. Especially given our return home and all that that entails.

August 8, 2008

I so wanted one more day(at least) in Bar Harbor. Just to be able to marvel at the world of water and woods in Arcadia National Park would have been heavenly. But rain got in our way and it was probably good that Tuvia forced us into the car before breakfast, even though I tortured him for this decision. We drove the first leg of the trip back to Portland, avoiding the leisurely ride up, casually stopping at a few of the lovely coastal towns up to Bar Harbor, traveling on Route One. For the return trip we moved to highway 295 and we were moving with highway speed and as it turns out, it was all for the best, given the coming floods of towns that we had visited on the way up. Freeport, home of LL Bean was hit hard and we missed the dangers. 3 Cheers to Tuvia! Back in Portland we relaxed in the hotel, found our way just across the street to shop in a supermarket and eat in for a lovely change. And uniquely we/I feel in love with the hotel's jacuzzi. AHHHH!!!! Did I need that! we were on our way home and I spent time working on with my new photos that I readied for Photo Fridays on Flickr and I began thinking about life as I left it at home. Birthday over and done for yet another year. We were half way home.

August 7, 2008

It's the night of my birthday. It's almost over and I'm good with that. A day in Bar Harbor, a bit of a chill and bit of rain. No sandals, no shorts, no pool time. We did a take a great morning tour of the Arcadia National Park and we LOVED it. The afternoon found us back at a great ice cream/frozen yogurt place and I have a favorite: black rasberry with chocolate chips. Heaven. Tuvia made sure I had flowers to usher in the day and a lovely dinner to share. We opted for the lovely view from the hotel dining room and spent most of our time with the ocean, everywhere. We were surrounded by rugged tourists and it rubbed off on us. Of course it was Tuvia who was dying to kyack and me who just couldn't bear the thought of it.
Tomorrow we begin the trek back home. Will we ever return here? Probably not. I love this park but there are many more to experience and I would travel west before I'd find my way north. So probably not, but I'm keeping my options open. So tomorrow Portland and then back home and getting ready for a week of blogging adventures.

August 6, 2008

Count Down to 59! One more day at 58 and it makes no difference. Tuvia is by my side to make sure the day is shaped just for me. I remember many when I had the job to make the day unique and it was more effort and sometimes solitary. It's good to have a partner who understands your uniqueness. I wonder about the future...aging for both of us...I wonder without without putting it down on public paper about my future, his and how things will play out for everyone else.... I am concerned about the conference next week. Unusual organization that there isn't more reflection to tweak what worked and didn't from the first session that I had very little to do with. I've tried to get information and now I will just go with the flow. I don't have any more control. I don't think this would happen in the HVWP. Oh well, go with the flow, do what you can...etc.I am very interested in exploring online video communications... We will see.
Tomorrow we are back on the road. We never left the road, really. Tomorrow though off to Bar Harbor for two nights. Should be great. And I am playing my guitar. Good to get back to it even though it's a rocky road to reconnect with my fingers and my pieces....feels good. One less thing to feel guilty about.

August 5, 2008

In Maine, deeply in the towns of Maine on a day without rain. It's been a long ride to get to Rockland. We have lugged in all our things and in this very nice Hampton Inn next to an Applebees and across from a local ice cream stand, I am itchy to get to the classy part of town just down the road. There's always the "modern strip welcoming the tourist and then just down the road, the town preserved from the past also for tourists, but its the true attraction. We have passed through one after the next and it's tantilizing to unwrap a town, wonder what the inside will offer. It's ALWAYS a pleasure to keep moving into the core. We are right on the edge of the sweet inside. I am salivating to get inside a sit down by the river sip a cup of coffee and click away at the shutter of my camera. Heave in Maine and there's a sliver of sun still. It will be fun to turn 59 here in a few days.

August 4, 2008

Monday morning I was up early and Tuvia left me to packing and getting ready for Maine. I'm sure he knew I'd be on the computer and yes, I was working on something for Memoir Mondays. There was a time this journal would be my first writing into the day and it usually is, but I sized up my time immediately and knew I could get to only one and the one with a greater sense of an audience, won out.
I knew I would be on the road to Portland, but go know that it would take all day, with only enough time for a quick dinner and then to my have computer, Hebrew online will happen and yes from our hotel room I'm on with my class and teacher, beaming out from Tel Aviv and 3am and much to my surprise, I'm comfortable and doing very well. How about that?
So to get the most out of this trip we didn't even try to get to the port tonight. Too much chance of getting lost and me getting pissed at Tuvia. He gave in easily. For now, I am getting off but it feels good to write here as usual. I love the daily routines and my writing has a great fluency because of this daily ritual. SO thanks again guys of Word Count Journal. Keep it coming

August 3, 2008

Sunday morning and no Monday to prepare for, that is no Monday of work to prepare for. I do need to pack a suitcase again, but this time it's for VACATION! I am beginning to relax. Sunday morning 7:49 breakfast on the porch in the early sunshine with a bit of crisp air and a shirt on top of PJs. It was a pleasure to breathe in the air. Tuvia is up and out, on his way home for morning things at home, a phone call to Israel. And then he will be back for a walk in Nyack, a coffee and then we are off to see my parents today for lunch, a prebirthday lunch at Charley Browns and then back home to continue the list of things to do before we leave in the morning.
I have things to think about of course, but it's a great time of the year to be free and ready for a trip. Maine, a new state for me. Can't wait for the ride, although I will be demanding the wheel becuase tuvia is not a good driver. Too much brake. Oh well, he can't be perfect. Okay, on to the next thing...a wash???

August 2, 2008

It's the first official day without SI08 and I am trying to relax but really how can you? I have a new blog site up and running. A few new TC's have joined and as usual we are off to something positive. Will it continue, probably not, but maybe, maybe. For me I have my list of things to do now that it's life back at me. Planning for our trip to Maine, more workshops the week we get back and then more and more HVWP... Love it! I wonder if I could travel without a computer. Who's kidding?
I am also going to take a guitar. I need to get my fingers back on the strings. First I have to file down my nails. Then... For now this is my last computer post and I am off with my incomplete list to take care of my Iphone that is only working with half the items. So far, I'm not wowed and it was more than I thought it would be. Ripped off my A T and T. And then to the post office....etc, etc, And by noon to Tuvia for lunch with his family. Mine is scheduled for tomorrow. Equal time. Then Maine for us and my camera of course.

August 1, 2008

August 1st and today we put SI08 to bed with a morning of reflections with our Returning Fellows. Same building, same floor, same room and it was clean and fresh and way too quiet but we shared together and put our energies into remembering and planning for ways to make SI09 even better for its future TC's. We really didn't talk much about how we would try and hold onto the enthusiasm of our new TC's, but we still have a retreat in October and a new blog. I got home and began to create spaces for new sharing. I wonder who will continue with us? I am sitting against Tuvia. I'm sure he would be like it if I got off my computer and watched Bill Moyer with him. It's too dirty, the holier than thou Republicans controlled by Delay and Abramoff. I can't watch it. I would rather write.... I am generally tired and feeling great. We have a trip to Maine on Monday to pack for. I have another week of work at BOCES when we get back and then plans for HVWP in the fall.... It's good, it's good. Okay, I'm hoping to be back on Schedule tomorrow...writing into the morning? It would be great.

July 31, 2008

Last day of SI'08 and I wonder what the new TC's are thinking. We've been here before, this is the 8th time. I wonder who will stay with us? All 11? Maybe, in different ways. It will be interesting to read their reflections. Yesterday was packed with great conversation and finally, an opportunity for them to explore the sidebar on the blog filled with delights and they played. Of course I focused them at Kevin's blog and Two Writing Teachers and a few other articles. Some found their way to mine and that was cool, walking behind them and watching them read ME. Today, filled with writing, last night I created a slideshow for the early morning. It's been easy to work with our leadership team, Mary and the RF...smooth... And I have two sessions at San A to present with other SI's. Cool. One focused on on SI blogging and the other Photos and Images and I'm hoping that's all. I need down time.
Okay, time to start moving to check in on Tuvia before I leave and then out to the car. See you on the flip side of the SI

July 30, 2008

One more day to go and hopefully I wont have any more excuses to play catch up here. I always wondered why other writers had such a hard time not writing here every day. DUH! Life gets in the way. Nice to realize that my life doesn't usually get in the way, that writing into the day is usually the way I can begin each day instead of racing out of the house at 6:45 with just a few seconds for email checking and a last look at our SI blog. So today as our SI writes into the day about workshops, I am not. Don't tell anyone. I am facilitating the discussion that will follow.
It's okay... I have to say this has been an SI without high maintenance players. It's been relaxing and easy working with Mary and our RF team and the lab, lovely. I do wonder what more we could have done to integrate literacy tools with the writing work of the SI? A question for next SI So one more day... one more day... and then Maine next week. And more Tuvia time. I hope his head cold is really getting better.

July 28, 2008

BOCES!

July 27, 2008

A wonderful wedding. Rich in friends, family, food, weather, love...what more do you need? Tuvia was a hit with everyone. When he knew there would be an after party, party and he could change into casual clothes he was thrilled and enjoyed moving from table to table for chatting. He's much better than I am. I'm so glad everyone likes him. Reflects well on me. I love Jon and his family and I hope that Manda feels the same and she's up for the rest of her life beyond the wedding celebration now that she's almost back to reality. Still the honeymoon to come. Too bad our family isn't perfect, but then... I wouldn't say perfect, maybe conflict free. Oh well. Great having my aunt Sally and cousin Elaine with us. Love my brother Jeff especially when I'm not his target of humor.

July 26, 2008

My niece is getting married tonight. My niece is getting married tonight! Lots of niece's get married, probably lots are getting married tonight as well, but for me, as it should be there's only one getting married tonight. I have 4 nieces and a one and only nephew and I'm rich. No kids of my own, they have each shared their childhoods with me. Adulthood that will be up to them but in the days that I was special and their time was not in their control we hopefully established relationships. I think the day that Amanda found Jon our relationship went into adult mode. It was important for her to have me know Jon and that is happening and I'm thrilled about it. So tonight I will be proud to celebrate this niece's new challenge. Last night officially set the celebration in motion with the rehearsal dinner and I came with camera, with computer, with speakers and I was main techie with support from lots of guys and we got everything up and running and it was fun. Lots of people thought I created the slide show. I didn't and honestly if I did it would have been much better.
Today I am off the get my hair fluffed and then guide my aunt Sally and cousin Elaine through Nyack. Not my plan, all Tuvia. I don't think I would have pushed for it given their energy levels, but no one is saying no so on we go.... Updates to follow

July 25, 2008

Today, finally...Friday...one day off...I am happy to be here and ready for Manda's wedding. And chances to see Aunt Sally and lots of other people. It will be fun...it will be fun....I have the dress, but too bad a gained back some of my fat pounds. Ugh. I've been trying... TRY HARDER! I am ready for hair...I just need to make sure Tuvia has his time. Monday...get ready. I am running out of words.

July 24, 2008

Thursday. Lots of rain to begin the day and riding over the mountain, even in the fog it was gorgeous. Last day for the SI and I was meeting a student who graduated in 1980 and I so remembered her and she is so smart and interesting. I didn't have enough time to talk with her and she really made an effort to meet me. Great time. Great time to surprise our SI with checks and celebration...easy group... Wondering where we will go from here with them.... I will feel weird not to be at the SI on Monday...Tom will entertain... I am having a great July. I don't think Tuvia can say the same. Ready for the wedding??? I have my computer ready that's my responsibilty. I am almost ready to get out of here... Almost up to date...

July 23, 2008

Wednesday...Visitors' Day. Rain to begin the day but at the Terrace in a fresh environment, the anti was kicked up for sure. Felt good to write into the day with a room filled with friends....and then Nancy's great workshop, Tom around, Jackie, t-shirts....new faces...and then distraction...Mary L and off to BOCES wearing another hat. Next week...freak out! A workshop with Bard language....I am interested, challenged but out of my comfort zone. You know what they say, that's all good... and it was nice working with a new techie...sweet...I think it's all good. Hope Tuvia is good about it. Hebrew was so much fun last week. Lots of my favorite words folded in. More to come..but Monday will be torture.

July 22, 2008

Tuesday, I remember Tuesday. SI all the way and things are going great even when it comes to writing for me. I have a professional piece now on its way to the anthology and ready to submit to Memoir Mondays...How about that? I am so feeling good about working at the SI and then spending time with my family in Eville. It was cool too being with our leadership team and dining at Tom's with our Keynote for Visitor's Day. Nancy M. Great meeting her informally before seeing her in action. It was great although those chips looked too good and I cheated way too much and felt it a few hours later and the scale never lied...ugh... and I have a weekend of celebrating to come...how can I control myself? I will try...I will try...it's so good to back in my clothes without zipping up slowy...with torture.

July 21, 2008

Very slow on this site today. I need to remember to copy this entry before I try and publish it here. Remember, remember. I am tired. Long, humid morning. It's been good but my brain is frying a bit, after all it is week 3 of our SI and I am feeling the BOCES pressure coming next week on this very day. It's good that Mary 2 and I met on Thursday and I created my share of the work. I do like the idea of working on a follow up with BOCES on blogging and beyond if it works out. If not, that's okay, but I'm feeling like it's a good time to test out video cam courses, especially when I won't have to travel up here. Okay, I'm waiting to hear about that. As for now, I need to get busy on a piece for Paul Oh... I need to do many things...what???? I cant' think.... It's good. I still have the Saturday night movie with me. TELL NO ONE!!!! I am writing here but I need to move to the next thing. I'm not moving too far away but writing can take lots of different forms and most of them are here. I am really feeling good. I am really feeling good. Good talk with Tim. Jose is talking with me now. I want to get going here, but it's nice talking with him. He just left and I am still clicking away. Time to move on... See you!

July 20, 2008

SUNDAY and we are watching Meet the Press with Al Gore, one of my heroes. He has grown in weight, sadly and more importantly, in stature. I was disappointed that he didn't run for president but I respect his decision and his commitment to our future as a world. Tuvia spends July 20, celebrating the birthday of his wife who died of cancer at the age of 56. I cherish his feelings and even though her name is rarely mentioned we feel her presence. Today we have a small group coming: one son, his wife and their daughter. I'm looking forward to it even though it's so hot that we will be together indoors. As for my BOCES work, I've been rockin' it to the end, playing with Apple's Keynote(the PC's power point). Great partnership with a new teacher connection: Mary Leonard. And at our SI, we are beginning week 3 and that feels good although I wonder about what's happening with tech??? Hard to really tell... I'm looking for a great day, a great week and a big family event next Saturday...our first family wedding, my niece. YES! See ya for now...

July 19, 2008

Saturday! Funny though I've been thinking it was Saturday for three days. Now this is really Saturday. It will be hot again. Great AC here at Tuvia's. We are set to see MFand Don. The new Batman with great actors and great reviews, but it was very hard to watch. Just too much violence for me. We didn't enjoy watching it even though lots of people applauded at the end of the film. I have been working on the workshops that are coming up at BOCES, not stalling. Feels good to be on top of that. Good conference call with Paul planning the upcoming workshop at San An. NO internet AGAIN, ugh! Interesting: two other sites: PR and Ozarks and we were all on the phone with Paul in CA at the same time. How cool. I learned a lot. TIW work to share on the blog... I still wish we were using the Ning network. A very big and full day. Nice. Today I'd like it to be less active, but Tuvia will not be able to stay in for too long. I am looking forward to the movie.

July 18, 2008

A very hot day, an odd day of shopping, a day that ended with a very violent movie. Shopping? A pair of shoes for the wedding next week and I had the shoes in my head and now I have them ready to put on my feet. Nordstroms at the Garden State Mall on a Friday. Little did I know there would be a store-wide, annual sale. I wondered what was going on when I tired to park in front of the store. I did get a spot but with difficulty. SALES in every department and I was really not interested. I had specific things to do. I got the shoes that were in me head, I returned something for my mom and I was on my way to take care of everything else. Apple store, another Iphone line and I remembered that it was just last week that I was lining up for 6 hours. I was just there to return something. Great attention and I ran into Keith from my Apple. Nice. I did break down when I ran into a Rosetta Stone kiosk and buy a set for my Hebrew challenge. I did. ATT...not the great customer service I had last week. Still trying to find a comfortable head set. All done in two hours and back for lunch, a nap and guitar practice after a few weeks. Though but I stayed with it. Feels good. Exercise actually began the day. Ending with a very violent Batman. And what's on tap for today???

July 17, 2008

An almost normal start to the day. Good sleep and up with Jeff for coffee and his financial news channel. I can only sneak back to 4 when he leaves the room. M and Jeff are out walking. The day is looking great. I'm not Scrambling with Mary. She's off to get her kids from camp and with that golden opportunity, I'm getting to meet with Mary 2 at BOCES and then with Judy to nail down our work together. I'm wondering where Tom is, if he can join us for lunch. Just a thought. So it could be a good one. Yesterday was long and hot outside and I was a bit removed from the action of the SI after I completed my morning routine with a computer glitch in the way. I do see that all of our people have been on the EA and left a piece and some comments. I've been feeling ready great about my writing sharing and that's because I've been writing so much on my blog and in my writing communities: slices, comments challenge, memoirs. So my first piece came from that and now I'm on my third draft. Ahhh. literacy life, writing online...that's a piece right there. NICE! Okay...off to the day...love my new sleepover in Eville. Love my connections.

July 16, 2008

Last night dinner with my mom and dad it was nice to share the check with my brother. It was just nice to be with them, comfortable and casual. And it was nice to wake up and drive here on 44/55 and just drive free. No one in front but I was missing my camera to freeze the moments. Loved it and then what happened? Yesterday was great that's for sure. Really great as I got to my southwest piece. LOVED that. Loved the TIW today and I used the writing time to write my letter to ATT and I loved having Denise here for Moffat and her article.
And I have more to say and more???

July 15, 2008

I am behind once again. How did this happen? Again??? I am not able to be smooth with my writing into the morning... I am not supposed to be writing as Staci presents process drama...she is charging the group up right this moment. Nice. And I am out of it. Fried and I didn't plan it and I won't be taking part in the Scramble tomorrow. I want to but I don't hthinkg it's going to work out. Instead I'm thinking that my time could be better spent with Mary 2 and Judy RR if it all works out. It's a good day for the group knowing that tomorrow will be special... I am happy to back up a bit, play with my cameras.
And get ready to meet Eilleen and Andy for dinner tonight. I am SOOO tired. How did that happen?

July 14, 2008

Today at 5:30 am it was pouring, I felt it and on the sills there were puddles. I wondered how I would be driving up the SUNY and hoped that I could hear the force in decline. Eventually, yes, it did lessen and by the time we left for our day there were just some drops to avoid. I had my raincoat, Tuvia nothing. I rode up in almost clear skies, thinking steadily on my southwest piece. Where and how could I bring to the piece my own visuals of place. What knocked me out? I'm there and enjoying it. At the moment I am in the midst of a TIW. It's good but where are the TWI pieces??? It's a cool idea for sure...collective biographies... Okay, I need to move on. But today is today. I have to make sure I save this now. Okay??? I'm off.

July 13, 2008

How did I miss this entry? I was up early yesterday and wrote a lot. Probably I didn't save. I'm thinking I did write yesterday about my writing. Yesterday was a day for my mom, her 90th birthday. And our family was all there for her. My dad was the host and loved the jacket I got for him to give to my mom, I think and hope mom liked it. It was a good day, connected with Tuvia and preparing for today more comfortably than last week. I got to eat wild. Seems like on my cheat meal, I've eating ribs, and enjoying a drink and then feeling like I have a hangover form the food and alcohol. Contrast with my regular eating. I did get to exercise last night and I will continue to try and exercise the rest of the week. Maybe not today, but I will try on my new exercise ball at Tuvia's. Sunday! Loved it. More? Always, but for now I'm moving off to today's entry...

July 12, 2008

Saturday morning. I am up with the news and laptop and Iphone. I am loaded. Hours on a line yesterday morning, I didn't wonder what I was doing there. No, I can't say that but the 6 hours of waiting didn't hit me until I was in the Apple store where I spend lots of time with people who were happy to see me, surprised somehow, that I was on a line to get in. Should I have waited until today? That was never an option. I was ready to get one. By the time I got into the very airconditioned store I was ready to pass out. No food since 7:30 and still ATT issues on my plan. And I couldn't decide what cover to get for my Iphone and I wondered if I could figure it out. Gene was confident that there would be no problem. You know it's an amazing piece of technology. Leora was here last night dying to grab it up and play and own her own. Her mom was thrilled that she could use it easily. Ron, he's all pc. Couldn't give it a break and Tuvia doesn't need to touch it.
So much for my dedication to Apple toys. Moving on to Saturday and some BOCES work and guitar and Hebrew and Tuvia...

July 11, 2008

What is happening to me? I am missing entires? I have had a week of HVWP SI 08 and sorry to say, I have been online but not here. But it's been action packed. And it's been all good. Loving my new connections, my work with my co-facilitator, our returning fellows, the new TC's. Everyone is really great, getting to know. Of course I'm exhausted. Doesnt that go with the territory? As for this morning, I am off to exercise with my PT and then to Apple for my new Iphone YES! This weekend. I need a weekend. And I do have to get moving to my BOCES work. I think I am getting too much work and saying yes too many times. Oh well.

July 10, 2008

Happy 90th birthday, MOM! Good thing I remember to make the call and my mom was out getting her hair done as she always does on Thursday mornings at 7:30. Got to enjoy dinner with her on Tuesday as I spend time up in the New Paltz area as well work with the SI. It's great, really even though each day is a month. A week at least. I can't write too much, There's a few more days to fill in.

July 9, 2008

Pick a day, any day...they are all melting into one. It is a glorious experience. Glorious. If it's July I'm probably leaving from NP or returning home. Wednesday. Steve's workshop went over great. I was happy to be with him, supporting him. I look forward to building on our great connections.

July 8, 2008

Day 2 and I began to breathe easier. I was off the hook at bit and just focused now on keeping things moving smoothly. Katelin was up to present and I realized that I had no computer power cord and I can't be without my mac book for too long. Of course things, Katelin has my computer and when I asked for help, she did have her cord without her computer and could loan me the cord because of all things, her husband had his own mb and cord at home. HOW ABOUT THAT???? I didn't have to go home to get mine. In Ellenville for the eveing. Loved being home.

July 7, 2008

First day of the SI and I am UP for most of it. A new log, a TIW, the afternoon in the lab. Could I take on more responsibilities? Sure, I also provided breakfast from DD: bagels and muffins. What stress! But of course, even with some initial computer issues I was on it and moving with the help of my tech guy Steve who is up and ready to support 24/7. So far he has not disappointed. He has even agree to teach a SUNY course with me. Of course, why not? He is young and hungry for the "prestige". I am already jaded. But it will be a great challenge working with him. I want to say more but....trying to recreate the week...

July 6, 2008

I'm up early, too early but my mind is going WILD! I am trying to keep myself focused and calm. So much to present tomorrow I have to remember that it's not about me on my own. There's a group with me, not behind me. Sure I am presenting my new log, DD,( I need to check a working camera for the DD person up tomorrow...) Sure, it's on my list of things to do... I have the tech lab with Steve to get moving...should I have worked on the Ning site?? Actually, it's too late now...Edublogs all the way. Okay...it will be fine. Been here before ...I have time...everything is really done as I think about it. Just need sometime for breathing and reviewing my workshop. It's all here. It will be fine... And I need time to get to the gym, to Apple for one glitch, time for guitar and TIME FOR TUVIA....TIME FOR TUVIA..... Hancock was a total bomb...ugh... Great day though yesterday with my parents, Josh, Tuvia and my work...really great...

July 5, 2008

Making progress and finding time to fun with Tuvia. Essential for sure and staying up late last night to almost finish my Digital log was VERY helpful. Now the issue of copyright laws to consider. I have used lots of copyrighted songs for my piece. I credited each performer and just as I get ready to send it off to You Tube I take the time to read the fine print. You need permission from the publishers no matter what. It doesn't matter if you give them credit, it doesn't matter if it's downloaded from Itunes. It doesn't matter if it's just a small piece of the composition. You need permission in writing. Of course, I don't have it and I was about to press send and I might still. Most of my videos on You Tube and Google include copyrighted material without permission. What can happen? They can take down my pieces and send me a letter not to do it again. I spoke at length with some of my Apple buds...They laugh. It's a non-issue given the volume of pieces up and out there. As a TL/Co-director I wonder about my responsibility. I have the piece saved as a quicktime movie and I will show it on my computer. I will probably put it up on my Iweb page through Apple, less traffic and a great reference place to share with others...I wonder what will happen in the future. Okay...I still have work to prepare for Monday...and time set aside for a blockbuster, just for fun: Hancock. I'd really like to see a new French movie, Tell No One, but it's not around yet. Patience...and one more day before SI'08 kicks in.

July 4, 2008

Happy 4th! I am ready for a barbeque and Tuvia is up to the challenge! Ribs, steak, chips, salsa, dessert...I can have it all...one cheat meal a week and then ugh...why did I eat that? Bring on the tums... Good day yesterday getting into the DS groove, getting used to software I used in the past...and I have control of the text...playing with it as I find the photos to make it work...ahhh it's a crazy whirlwind and Tuvia feels sidelined but the work is so exciting...Couldn't flourish without it and yesterday another cool challenge came my way...I can't stop... I do need to get a photo for July 4th Photo Fridays...step up to the challenge and join us... Coffee's coming...enjoy the day...Happy 4th.

July 3, 2008

I don't know that I have much more energy to write. I've been at this for the last hour and 1/2 and it's only 7:30 AM. But the air is fresh and I don't have to get to the gym until 9:15 or so and I takes me about 7 minutes to get there. So I am moving along. Another DS piece is up and done, I think. On my blog. Along with reflections and last night I moved to my next piece for Monday feeling freer. Of course there's lots to prepare for in addition to the that log DS, but I have lots of lists and support. I just sent out an invite to my Photo Fridays group, and I got my early morning call from Tuvia. It's all good or is it??? When does the gas rise begin to impact on my life? It's a bit bizarre, it's one or many news stories but when will it halt life as we know it? Will it??? I hope not. Life is just too much fun. The new Iphone will be unveiled in a week and I am itching to put down my money to get one. Should I??? Okay...I'm off for coffee, cereal and activities...

July 2, 2008

I am creating another life episode here, quickly before I leave for the gym. I did something brave yesterday. I created a You tube draft of my TESOL/ELL DS and put it up on my blog and asked for feedback and got it! And I began to rework the piece and as I was nearing the finishline, yes, you guessed it, I hadn't been saving, the phone rang, I didn't save my work and something happened as I moved and yes, I got shut down and had of course an older draft and immediately, I began to return to it. Freaked out of course, but I kept working...and feeling the pressure...ugh... And when the evening ended, I didn' have a completed piece but one that was saved and ready to be finished today. I did lose some time but maybe not. Who knows.
A good thing...I am working the program with expertize. Nice. Today it will be finished, I promise. And then..the next... Off to the gym, to Salon Elyse, to meet with Steve and home to get working more...with time for guitar and Hebrew...am I missing anything???

July 1, 2008

July 1! I missed this entry. Too much to do in other areas here. DS DS DS! Okay I am moving back to yesterday. It was a god morning, I think. Lots to do, guitar lesson, exercise, mac lesson and then home to spend the day with Tuvia and reconnecting after some tension. All good now, but I hate wow he deals with frustration with me. Just shuts down and goes home just when I want to clear things up. UGH! I wonder if it's a man thing? I am feeling the pressure to get things done before Monday and to be ready for everything. What will fall by the wayside? Last year at this time I was realizing that I could not continue with the Mac I had and I traveled with Tuvia to his closest Apple store and walked out with a new macbook, this one as a matter of fact. So good to be able to take care of business. I hope that continues with life the way it's becoming...ugh...

June 30, 2008

A bit slow this morning and little patience. Oh well, what we have come to expect. Great weekend! Lots of activities: early morning walks and inspiring movies and food and exercise going strong. Amazing what that does for your frame of mind! And today is targeted for digital work. Digital work, now those two words don't really go together. I am excited that my DS piece for the ELL conference I documented is almost complete. Just waiting for a list of contributors and a refresher with moving the piece to Youtube and final credits that I'm going to work on tomorrow at Mac...and then...done with that one...It was slow going with my own procrastination and computer problems to slow the process down and then my newness with the software, was a bit intimidating but then it moved to the finish line. Like all pieces I did need time to immerse myself in the material and there were places where I just had to think and edit and then try again, carefully selecting video pieces that worked together for the focus on what happened to the participants and how I could best showcase the work of the presenters with the film I had taken. I had to get over what I didn't get on tape and accept what I had. It is longer than I'd like it to be. 7 minutes, but the focus is on the participants journey throughout the day and I needed to give more time to their reflections.
Who will watch this piece? I'm thinking that it will be an audience interested in the quality of the reflections. Okay let's get it up on YouTube. For today, moving on to the SI log...and then BOCES work. Ahhh...new challenges o create, how can that be bad? And time for exercise, guitar and then coffee with Denis this afternoon.

June 29, 2008

Sunday sunday....and it should be another hot one. That's okay, I still have the other half of my study to work on. Time to weed the file cabinet, book shelves, and desk drawers. I won't be teaching No Promises in the Wind again, I don't think, so why not get rid of the materials I used to use? I need to weed out the tech cords, and some teacher guides and manuals. Tuvia will be filling bags I'm sure and by tomorrow morning I will be once again, taking up residence on the desk's surface for inspiration at the window. Perfect timing, the SI begins in a week.... And I have a dress for the July wedding. A very cool, tight dress, that makes me feel good and Tuvia as well. And I have lots of plastic dishes for eating outside on the porch. I was planning for a few, instead, on a great sale, I have full bags of the set. Kudos to a very energetic saleswoman with a very cool name. I have to write an online review for her. So cool dress, cool dishes, and a great cheat meal at Chillis last night: ribs, drinks and dessert and then an asprin and a nap when we got home. I can't take all that richness but it's part of the weight reduction plan to stimulate the metabolism. Tuvia doesn't buy it, but I'm in this to win and my clothes as getting looser and that's my objective. Okay, on the work scene, I'm going strong. One almost finished and one begun and a third on its way...I need to be totally done and ready for Monday July 7th. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS And always time for fun: Yesterday morning was great!

June 28, 2008

Morning. I know things have changed when I'm waking up and wondering how I can squeeze in a third day of weights into my week without lifting two days in a row. I would have to move things around Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. I am getting hooked on this and it's fun. Okay that's in addition to guitar, to Hebrew and then there's work. I'm missing a few challenges but I'll remember, not that many. I am almost finished with my DS piece for ELL. Just the final credits scrolling and wondering about the look of the titles. Looks distorted since I added music in Garageband. Oh well. Something has to be sacrificed. Mac lesson on Tuesday should help. But now I can move on to my log. And then BOCES work. And today, before the heat, we are off to Hoboken for some walking along the pier for photos and then a dress? I don't know. Maybe I'll wait with that. Time is still on my side. For sure Tuvia is NOT the guy who can sit and watch the process beyond the third dress but what guy really is expect for my old friend Wayne who spent a day with me playing hookie from school and creating a new look for me. Now that was fun! Tuvia can only appreciate the results of my own search. Like most of his group. That's okay, it will be easier and freer. Okay, I am going to be my new piece...downloading video. Of course watching it all left me cold and disappointed. Not crazy about the photos I took either. Hope they alll look better on the next viewing. I go much better video at the conference. Saturday, here I come.

June 27, 2008

It's another morning after another bloodbath on the stock market and a blood bath at the movies and at least the movie version had no effect on me. I just pulled my jacket over my head and/or made a bathroom visit, but the one in NYC, how will that affect me? So far, I am strong and continuing with life as I've always known it. What's coming down the road? That's something I wonder about, even as I plan my next vacation or next tech toy. What's coming down the road for me for all of us? As for today for this week, one piece is almost finished....now moving on to the next....two more this week and then I'll feel better about the SI after the 4th. Almost time...

June 26, 2008

7AM. Love those birds, up chirping and enjoying the summer with me. Today Show called me and here I am in Tuvia's kitchen. He needs a bit more and as usual he showed up wondering how long I'd been up. Not long. He's returned for a bit more sleep. That's great. I love the quiet time in the morning. A flurry of HVWP emails from Jackie. Good day to come. My DS is moving along, beginning to think about the next one and then my BOCES work and I have the week ahead to work. I also have been working on Hebrew with Tuvia and exercise/eating and I am feeling great as my clothes get looser and that's all I want, to be a comfortable 12. Not pie in the sky, just a zipper on the mouth. Okay, breakfast, gym and mac today.

June 25, 2008

Up and slowly finding my rhythm today. It's okay I can. Exercise, weight check at the gym, lunch with my drama buddy, Laurie at new French cafe in Piermont and then home for work. Almost done with the ELL DS and that will be moving to live on Judy's Ell article. probably close to my Seeds piece. Then we move to my DS piece for SI08. As for yesterday, it was warm and lovely. Dropping off packets at BOCES and then connecting with Tom. I felt loved and appreciated. Important and great. Lots of challenging and exciting work to come with BOCES and HVWP. Nice, really! It's all good.
I know I'm in a good place when I'm clicking through my Ipod for music for both DS pieces. Really good.

June 24, 2008

Today is a great day to begin. I have a movie draft! Yes! I need to add the title and ending but the guts are there. It's longer than usual but it's all in the conversations and reflections of the participants and I don't know if I want to cut anymore of that. I don't think I need much music underneath. Just to begin and end...But I like it. I LIKE IT! And I am freed to move to the other projects. NICE! Ahhh what a good feeling as I travel up to New Paltz today...I am feeling lighter in my head and lighter in my step. What a great moment to freeze. I have a free movie to exercise and just move a bit of video to my computer from the camera. Just to have the raw materials for my SI orientation piece. Ahhhh....Ahhh... LOVE It! Lunch with Tuvia to celebrate just a bit. Sticking to my diet of course.

June 23, 2008

Monday morning without sunshine. That's okay. It could be a very productive day without any competing demands. Yesterday was all about cleaning closets. Wow was it productive to have Tuvia working alongside. I was not quite ready to brave it on my own. Down the road yes, but Tuvia's push to get to it was a great incentive. Together we filled 5 bags of old clothes I will NEVER wear again. 4 bags of tech related boxes and just stuff taking up space on the shelves. There's more to do. Every closet has its issues, my desk drawers filled with wires, my book shelves holding 8th grade work projects and my file cabinets all need weeding. I will feel SO good when they are tackled but even Tuvia had enough. And I still had to release this week's set of sentences. And now George Carlin died...enough already.

June 22, 2008

Sunday, once again but unlike other Sundays I have made a commitment that I am SURE Tuvia will not let me out of: spring cleaning my study, files, closets, shelves for tech that I am ready to pass along to others. I've been thinking about this cleaning but until I verbalized it Tuvia it was safe in the back of my mind, gathering guilt. Once it was out in the open, it became a reality, one that Tuvia has taken on to support, So there's NO WAY OUT. Good thing it's supposed to rain this afternoon. No temptations. Although I'm sure there will be a period of escape from the inside. Tuvia's only good for about 3 hours of inside activities. That's okay. I am trying hard to manage all my "challenges":

Learn Hebrew Learn Classical Guitar Work on Digital pieces Work on PP for BOCES workshop Manage my writing for the online challenges Exercise Stick to the Diet Plan Keep working on SI08 with Mary Keep working on ELLTech with Judy RR Am I forgetting anything? Read????? I am trying to keep everything moving.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

June 21, 2008

Up on Saturday morning. At the windows are open and the fresh air is blowing in carrying the sounds of car and birds in the backyard. Just a glance to the left, to the green everywhere. Good to be in June speedily moving to July and the SI and a wedding and much more summer. It's a short freedom from the bulk of coats but let's enjoy each day in sandals. Today, off the Village in the late morning with my camera in one hand and Tuvia's in the other and together we will walk familiar streets and seek out a cool place for lunch. All good. And on my mind the work sitting right next to me. I can't be without its reminder. Yes, it will be done in time. YEs, yes, yes...

June 20, 2008

I'm up and drinking coffee. I have exercise at 8:00. So not much time to play here, but this is part of my routine. It's hard to begin the day without clicking away here.
So I'm in the zone now to move along on my latest DS piece. I love being here. Probably not easy for Tuvia. And I have another one to work on once this one is done. I am so ready for this season. Love the warmth. Photo Fridays, already lots of photos left there. And I'm hosting Day in a Sentence. Lots there. So for now I'm beginning here and then powering down.
Guitar this afternoon at Sue's. Should be fun too.! Lots of FUN!

June 19, 2008

Okay today is today and I'm back on track. Yesterday was filled with new challenges and new collaborations and it was exciting, can't say no. Not that I need new work at this moment but what can I say, bring it on! Yesterday was Tim Russert's funeral. I've been opening my heart to his loss. So sad and glorious at the same time to learn just how much this guy did for his world. What a loss! We can't afford loses like him. Okay... I have my DS work to move on...good foundation to keep going. I have an early morning guitar lesson today.
I have Tuvia to look forward to, to cherish. It was fun to be back on TTT last night, listening to Mary M and remembering Chico. And it was nice with Paul. LIked it. I am looking forward to another day of my life and I don't want to think about the rise in prices.... Let's just keep enjoying...

June 18, 2008

I should have written this yesterday. Couldn't so it's catch up time. I should have spent some time raving about my dramaboy, Chris, who has nailed an amazing movie role with big Clint E. Two of my absolute favorites will be joining forces and I will be lining up to see them together on the screen, maybe at a NYC premiere, who knows, but give up to Christopher Carley, one of my most powerful actors. I was honored to be working along side him and proud that he hung in there in a very tough profession, keeping his head above water, without working as a waiter. Out in LA, away from his family and close friends, he has taken on the mountain with his passion. BRAVO CHRIS!

June 17, 2008

Ah the focus on work. Yesterday morning I was pushing to get to some new work. Overwhelmed at first, and then slowly finding my way. It helped to have a mac lesson at 11 and a canceled guitar lesson. Lots of lessons, Monday nights, I have Hebrew and that's proving to be tough, in its format with a weak, I think book for homework. But where things are working really well, is with my weight loss and exercise. That's going great. Feeling good and clothes as looser. And no scale allowed and that is treeing. My new weight man is certain that there's more to weight loss than the numbers on the scale. Tuvia doesn't agree, but I have to land on the Apex side for now. I'm polite about it. Okay time to write today...maybe I should wait with that. I'm off to work in New Paltz. New job, fun for now. And I am on the TTT show tonight.

June 16, 2008

Up and ready to rock and roll! Well not quite. But with some coffee, cereal and OJ and some of the Today Show, I'll be ready to open the other computer and begin the work. I wanted this work so much and now that I have it, it takes me time to get going with it.
Of course this piece is also moving as I do, learning new ways to showcase it. It's all video, that's a bit challenging... And then there's a new project to check out...I have that. So okay a day of work with time at the gym. Work and the gym and my house. How can it be bad? Sounds like there's so rain coming. Good I'm not on the road. Just a lot to keep me busy. And yesterday was another nice one...Full and diverse.

June 15, 2008

Couldn't sleep last night with images of children killed in revolution: Innocent Voices. It was a powerful piece but hard to digest before bed. I wonder what I'm taking away with me. I have to see how it plays out, but the dreams that came from it were jumbled. For today, we have Father's Day with Tuvia's son in Hoboken. I'm sure there will be something there for Tuvia but he doesn't really participate in this holiday for himself, but he's more than happy to celebrate for other dad's: my dad, his son etc.
I sat down with my guitar last night and really practiced carefully and deeply and it felt great. I am working on three work projects now at the same time and that feels good.
Work is a good thing. Work that you love, the process, the tough times when you aren't sure where you are or where you're going...but my process is going strong.

June 14, 2008

It's June 14th already. How did that happen? Okay, I need to get on the stick, get moving on my DS pieces. Come on there Bonnie. It's time to really get off this computer and onto the big one sitting right near by. First we are off to celebrate Father's Day today. Why not, it's a commercial creation anyway. Card company's??? We will meet my parents in Middletown for lunch and pass over a few fresh new shirts. Just a bit of a gift, just the thought. Coffee was enjoyed out on the porch, my porch overlooking the forest all around us. Tributes to Tim Russert this morning. Can you believe it, he's dead at 58, younger than me. How could he be dead? Okay...off to the showers and a walk in town with Tuvia. He's patient as i sit here by the window and he's on the couch watching TV. He'll be squirming very soon...Okay...just before we get there... I'm up and ready to move things along.

June 13, 2008

I'm up and ready to rock and roll our of here. The gym with weights and Anthony for an hour and then speeding to the dentist and then back to Paramus and then back again to Rockland and over the bridge for a movie. Am I breathing you ask, YES! Good to be in this whirlwind especially on a great weather day like this one. Photo Fridays is up to 24 members. I uploaded photos last night, did some writing and woke up this morning to lots of new ones. Wow! What fun! And now the work kicks in: 2 digital pieces and one powerpoint for new work. Get crackin' and stop stalling BK. Okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm off!

June 12, 2008

Just this and I'm moving to the Nordic Track before the day kicks in. Great day yesterday. Good results at the weigh in: 6 1/2 pound of body fat gone. I don't know how that translates on the scale but I am hopeful. In a good place to be more in control. Good evening, fun on the guitar even though I couldn't concentrate. So today I'm traveling to New Paltz. Nice. BOCES with Mary. Nice. A new challenge And TESOL DS is in my head and moving to the computer. All Good And I'm off...

June 11, 2008

Weigh in Wednesdays, that's a challenge for me. Just completed week 3 and it feels great to be in control with support from the outside. A guy this time, a muscle guy at the gym is in charge, my PT also supports my new control with his weight work with me. It hasn't been hard yet. I get one meal where I can eat anything/everything I want and it's fun to select that meal. It's tonight at my friend Jane's house. She is actually planning a meal that's actually too diet friendly, but I won't have to measure anything tonight. Normally, I am very careful about portion control. So far it's been really good as I continue to refuse Tuvia's offers. He's impressed. I'm working on Hebrew, working on my writing, working on my plans for the summer programs, working on the DS for TESOL, just working...That's a good thing, moving along. Nice. Photo Friday is coming again...

June 10, 2008

Hot today, really hot again and would you know it, Tuvia's air conditioning was on the fritz and he stayed in the heat waiting for the guy to come and fix it. He was still waiting at 10 pm and refusing to come here to sleep. But he will be here tonight, this afternoon, no matter what. Thank God. As for me, I had a great day yesterday spending time at BOCES in New Paltz and being treated with so much respect. LOVED it. And I am working with someone I've respected for many years. I watched Mary when I was beginning my writing life at Bard. She was a facilitator there, not mine and yesterday I sat across the table from her as I joined the team for the workshops they will be offering during the summer. I have been holding back from their offers. They do compete for the same clientele that we a the writing project are trying to attract. But for me, it's healthy to be out in another world spreading my wings in a new space, a bit of independence. Feels good so far. As for today, it's all about the DS challenges I have before me. They are calling...I am off the mac store for more support first and then I'm on my own. Okay..time for a guitar lesson first. Love my sweet AC breezes

June 9, 2008

I'm up and gearing up to make a dash for the door and a big meeting in New Paltz today, actually could be three: BOCES, SI08, and our grant group. All good. So just a few words today. I am all about writing. Hard to believe. See ya, soon, later today.

June 8, 2008

Should be 100 today! Yes, it's summer and we will be indoors most of the day. I ride up north to meet my parents if they are up for it. Maybe an afternoon movie just across the river. I am up early, went to bed late and I am conscious of just dealing with the ongoing life challenge list ever with me and ever growing. I was overwhelmed by that list last week, verbalized it with my friend Eileen and now I'm on it, using time more effectively and that's a great thing. This week, I'm on my TESOL DS. moving it to the front of my mind's attention. I bought a new manual this weekend and of course, it does show me what's there. Do I need it? I found some things online as well. But I will hold onto it. ANd I have another lesson scheduled for this week and i will just get working and the questions will come...and the process has begun because I have another piece to do for the beginning of your SI...Okay! It's early today...Tuvia is still sleeping... Yesterday was filled with activity: Central Park early in the morning, home for lunch at our diner, an afternoon for a short nap, time here, and meeting with my buddy Amy who is recovering, slowly but powerfully from a serious operation. And I worried that she would have aged. She looks great, wig and all. Home to watch the end of The Constant Gardner, for a second time still powerfully romantic and wonderfully constructed visually, moving back and forth between bast, present and future. That's what I love when time is racked open! And today??? Just more time for fun. It's good.

June 7, 2008

I'm up early. What a surprise! Okay, I'm up WRITING! Not a bad thing. I have lots to do, but first we are off to the city for a big of a walk before the heat hits. It's coming! I have lots to do on my "other" computer. I should be jumping over there and instead I'm here, putting it off. Oh well, I'll get there. Photo Fridays went up yesterday and that was very cool. I hope it continues. Nice start. Love the new challenge for me. Working on the SI with Mary yesterday was great. And a wonderful offer from BOCES. I felt like a VIP. How did that happen? Work continues leading to July and now the plans for Maine in August is taking shape with Tuvia. And my diet and exercise plan is going strong. Guitar? Needs more. Hebrew, that's good too. Okay...moving on... Getting ready for NYC!

June 6, 2008

Photo Fridays begins today. I am hosting a new challenge, hopefully opening it to the rest of the community http://www.flickr.com/groups/photofridays/ or you can post at your blog and connect it to mine: http:blk1.edublogs.org Either way, it's exciting to see people jumping on!
A photo and some text! It was a great day yesterday as I calmed down about all that I had to do, by just doing: meeting in New Paltz at the new offices. Good meeting with Judy and some time with Tom and Jackie. Now we can focus of Obama and candidate, wondering who will run with him. I love the excitement! It's summer and that's a nice thing. Yesterday I smelled summer for the first time: mowed lawns, cut grass, that's summer for me and a pair of shorts. Today: hair, Mary and more work on my DS project.

June 5, 2008

I was on the phone last night. A spontaneous marathon conversation with Eileen. It used to be the norm for me, phone marathons and now it's unusual. I use this medium for my communication that can't be face-to-face. I couldn't have that conversation with Eileen here, she doesn't IM and you know, I wouldn't want to . The phone has a great purpose, conversation. Me here in my pj's, she there in hers and we talked deeply, sharing. I articulated what has been simmering and I needed a friend on the other end. The phone, how refreshing. Of course as we talked I could still play here, with my comic life update, just opening windows and experimenting as if I were doodling... But the phone, that was the instrument of choice. Today is exercise and off to SUNY and then my life in Paramus begins.

June 4, 2008

Okay, it's raining but everything is blooming and flourishing so it's a good thing. I don't have to drive far today,so that's good thing. The Today Show is showcasing the win of Barack and that's exciting. I am feeling the pressure now: my DS piece, the coming SI, and more???of course but it will all work out, yes! Today is my first weigh in....and then coffee and then lunch????Let me check I have to move off here and get going with the day even if I will be moving around the rain drops.

June 3, 2008

There is NOTHING like friends! And I am so blessed. Yesterday I met up with 4 who were first the other student teacher supervisors and slowly we began to meet for lunch and slowly move outdoors together and slowly they became more important than the work and we meet together now without the supervisor role. NICE! And what a day! Glorious and worth the gas. Home for Hebrew. Slowly, slowly....am I learning something? Sure even with a break in the action and trouble with sound. Still going strong. And today I'm ready for guitar and more Motion... And surprise, I put up a new photo Friday challenge, sent out invites and people came! Wow. Enough for now...

June 2, 2008

Monday morning. Perfect for a hike with buddies. Storm King! A place for photos of course. Great day yesterday...NYC for the Israeli Day Parade. We watched from a perfect location: 5th Ave. and 58th. It was smooth, parking near the West Side Highway, taking a taxi to 5th and just enjoying the experience. Then home and a visit to my friend Bonnie's shop opening. Looks great! But allergies did a number on me and the end of the day was tough. I am planning a new blog site. Photo Fridays. Just for fun.

June 1, 2008

Sunday morning, perfect weather today for a parade in NYC! Israel at 60! My camera is all ready to go, batteries charged, cards cleaned off. Not sure about what to wear, but that will come.
Yesterday was breakfast with the S and C girls and then a play in the evening. Didn't come close. I wonder what Joe, (the director) saw in that one. Totally ridiculous. But the morning movie led me to write a review I truly cared about and felt proud as I shared it first with Tuvia got some suggestions from our discussion and added a bit. My blog gets written regularly. I wonder too about the comments challenge as it ended today, how relationships on the web continue strong and healthy. is it essential to give and get back??? I'm considering that now. Can there be an imbalance? Just a lingering question.... Anyway, off to a parade... What's the next challenge???

May 31, 2008

Saturday morning and so far, no rain, but I'm sure it's coming....Yesterday was full: mac lesson that was great. Cool things to be done with Final Cut Studio and I am now officially deep into my TESOL project. Back to Tuvia for a surprise lunch and then off for a group guitar lesson and that was THE BEST so far. I felt relaxed and enjoying how we sounded and I didn't worry about the mistakes I was making...nice an ahhhh... And then home for a quick snack and off to the MOVIES for Sex and the City with a sea of women...and Tuvia and it was a good one, that is until just before the end we had to leave the theater. Fire?????/ Ugh. How did it end? Then a late night playing on the computer with Final Cut and the small battle was won so far. Can't wait to play with the new title page and video. Today? some theater and dinner with friends.

May 30, 2008

Morning! Good to be up and thinking back to yesterday filled with riding up the New Paltz and reconnecting with Patti focused on writing project work. Nice to have someone to bounce off from. Nice to hear enthusiasm about my work. All the activity here has a PURPOSE! Love it! I am very pleased about the day with focused exercise to begin and then very careful eating during the day especially in the evening. I love control, my control over myself. I did miss guitar practice yesterday but there is today. Looking forward to Sex and City tonight, guitar in the group, mac lesson...ahhh the day will be great and SUN is shining!!!! Can I continue???? More to do with SI coming up...

May 29, 2008

Good morning. Looks good out there, even if it's unusually cool. I can share a great day yesterday, at least the people part of the day: Met my virtual buddy, Nancy in Riverdale with Nancy and Felicia, NYWP What a great neighborhood, a real neighborhood. Then home and working on my digital project had me pulling out my hair, a missing cord, video not seen and clicking the wrong box and go know? I was lost in the mire of technology. Stuck!
Tuvia called and pushed me to get up and take action. Get in the car and drive to the Apple store for that magical face-to-face support and knowing my way around the place, I did find a new/young Apple techie with Final Cut expertise who led me back to normalcy as he found the box that needed to be unclicked and now I KNOW for the next time. Ah learning...it's wonderful. And then off to dinner with my book club buddies, even though I'm not really reading books. We celebrated a restaurant opening in the Piermont and it was wonderful, not the opening, that was bumpy for the service but for us. Bonnie has a store opening on Sunday. And home and time for more playing, even guitar before bed. All, in all, a nice one. Tuvia to the rescue and know I'm ready for coffee.

May 28, 2008

Today I will be eating out lunch and dinner. Looking forward to lots of salad now that my head is totally into this new diet regime. It's exciting to be back in control of my food intake. Been a while and it comes a great time, before the SI begins in July. More than a month to get in the groove. Today it should be nice. I'm getting my meet my virtual buddy Nancy in the flesh. That' s cool and tonight I'm reconnecting with my book club buddies even though I haven't been reading books. This month it's been all about the blog. But I do need to move back to print. I can feel it. I need to get off this computer. Tuvia needs company. Me too... Have a good one. The sun is streaming in now with a cool breeze. My chimes have been going crazy but it's lovely. Missed them in the winter when I took them down for a break. The winter wind is not the breeze of summer up in this area. Okay, off!

May 27, 2008

Almost June. How about that? May? It's been nice and scary as gas rises and you wonder how that will impact everything else but you continue to live, to plan trips, to spend money... As for yesterday, because I can't write anymore about that fear, Tuvia hosted my brother and sister(in law) and it was great. Like all families it hasn't been a perfect fit as the primary unit expands with new members who arrive from other families with their own baggage and then you spend time readjusting...sometimes it works out and sometimes, no, not so good. Sad, and as my parents get more fragile as they age I wonder what will happen when the glue isn't there to keep a semblance of a "whole" unit. For now I love the fragments and Tuvia feels comfortable and that's wonderful.

May 26, 2008

Whoops! I was writing away and moved away and lost my start. Come back, come back... I am trying to do too much here at the same time. But Memorial Day with lots of sunshine. How perfect. Breakfast on the porch with Tuvia...and photos to document the experience of course. He leaves and I move here to the clicking...to explore new posts, new comments, and write away... I write all the time now...I wonder if it's making me a better writer. I can write much easier and faster that's for sure. And today, what about today? I am off soon to be with tuvia and wait for our guests and then we will spend time walking in a great part with camera in hand and back for a movie or two. DVD's! And tonight...AMEricAN IDOL on Larry King Live... And that's enough

May 25, 2008

How did I miss yesterday? I lived it that's for sure and I was writing like crazy on the web, but didn't get here. That's probably because of this blog challenge or was it the memoir challenge. Overwhelmed...and then there's my own projects... Everything's moving along. Yesterday was a great day until Tuvia and I sat down last night to watch Recount on HBO focused on the election that was stolen from Al Gore by the republicans and the Supreme Court. It was great and depressing all over again and even worse after 8 years without Al where are we and how do we get back to a good place. How do we get back to where we should be, where we were at the end of Bill? I think it's all about Obama now. Let's get him in. It would be so cool if Hillary would join forces with him. What a ride. Black man and a woman! I would still like to see Bill Richardson with Barack... oh well. Al, we missed you!

May 24, 2008

Good morning and welcome back head. I missed you yesterday when I was trying to think and enjoy the day. That's right, yesterday really never happened for me. I was away and I think I'm back in the world. Nice! So most of yesterday found me on the couch sleeping and course clicking for fun and even a bit of reading, but mostly sleeping. It was tough on Tuvia, but what could I do. Today should be different. Looks gorgeous out there and I'm ready to enjoy. Walking, heading to my place to find my cell phone, and eventually finding our way into the city to celebrate Zehavah's birthday at the veggie place. I am in a new head...on the 4th day of a diet...and so far, so great. I am loving the control back in my hands. We will see... On this program you get one meal a week where you can eat anything and everything you want. Imagine! Nice for a barbeque. I am now itching to get my great software on my new computer. Can't wait.

May 23, 2008

Good morning. Head cold today. I already canceled my guitar lesson. Good to have a light day with Tuvia to take care of me. Nice. We did get to see the new Indiana Jones movie last night and loved it! I needed the bathroom and waited for almost 2 hours. What does that tell you? Yesterday I learned so much in one hour that I can't wait to get going with Final Cut and my new DS projects needing to get done. Can't wait! And yes, my head is blown up and I'm achy but I'm ready to get going with the work. YES!!!! and I am day 3 into my new food control. All good, all good!

May 22, 2008

American Idol crowned a new one last night, my pick, David Cook! I have been enjoying the process of moving to the final two. I don't watch any other contest show, but this one focuses on passionate kids trying to get a break and they all really have an enormous audience. This winner is a rocker, with a great voice and lots of passion. His backstory is intriguing as well. He was not the contestant to start. He came along with his brother and spontaneously too a shot and then his brother was diagnosed with cancer and that made his journey on the show even more emotional. He is open on stage with his emotions and that comes through. I have been voting for him every week as well.
The other David is also very talented, but too young for me to believe the words that come out of his mouth. I am sure there's a career there as well. Anyway, the fun's over for this year. I'm sure Idol will be back in January. Still a hit but I bet there will be changes in the show's structure to remain fresh and hold their audience. Today it's back to the gym. Working on my food intake along with my exercise program, then off the Apple for a lesson and motivation back to the projects I have to work on and then reconnecting with my buddy MIchele and then off to T. Loving the move out to new blogs...

May 21, 2008

Early as usual. 6 and I gave up and picked up the lid and that's all there is for formal sleeping. I left Tuvia undisturbed. Lots of writing pieces started and out there, now that my DS computer is returned to me I'm ready to get going on my pieces that are hanging on me. I have the TESOL conference to get to and my DS for our SI orientation and Manda's wedding piece, but that will be on hold for a bit, when it will best be appreciated. For now, I need to get focused on the TESOL conference. I have been working well with Kenny at the Apple Store on great software, Motion and I think that will give me great possibilities. And now that I have a NEW computer setting on the chair nearby, I am psyched. Just need to get to it. I have stalled enough. Yesterday was sweet with my special group of friends at Hilda's in the rain. I have great photos to use as I consider a piece for them. Now that's a group who will appreciate my efforts. Tuvia arrived with pieces of our dinner: great soup and amazing white rice from our favorite take-out right around his house. I wonder what I will be able to eat after this morning when I get a new diet plan handed to me at the gym. I am so ready for some help to remove the band of fat from my middle area. Ugh I hate it and my inability to reduce with my old tools. I did enjoy getting to the gym yesterday. More time today after my meeting with Warren as well. YES. I want to make this coming month of June productive, before July takes me away into the world of the HVWP. AI is ending tonight. New Indiana Jones coming... I' ready for both.

May 20, 2008

I am up ready for my lesson. Last night it was off, this morning it was back on. I'm up and dressed and coffeed and it's off now. Okay, and look where I am, right back here. I am so sick. Just writing. And this is not my first post today. Earlier, around 6 I was in bed with this clicking away on Stacey's Tuesday Slice, reading Kevin's latest, putting up mine from last night and working away on my image/text blog.
Okay, I will move on. I will move on... A new diet tomorrow, but first, Hilda's for lunch.

May 19, 2008

Whoops almost forgot to write here. Sorry, I just discovered a new challenge at Two Teachers and I had something perfect to share: a new blog for images and text. How perfect! And memoir Mondays. Love that! More writing, bring it on. Lots of writing this weekend. Movie reviews, reflections, blogging like crazy in the comments challenge. And I have been committed to spend more time on blogs that show up on Kevin's boiler challenge. Lots of writing...my writing...a out-of-body experience for the ultimate reluctant writer who found her way into teaching English from the back door, now there's a story to unearth! Maybe for Tuesday's slice... There's sun out this morning and it's not supposed to last. I could be out in it, but I will probably get moving to my indoor Nordic Track instead. I have an important appointment today to get started on a new weight reducing plan at the gym. I'm juiced for it. I need the external discipline and the promise of a leaner me. Just can't do it alone. I confess. And Jenny Craig and the food is not doing it for me anymore. Fresh starts, yes!
Here's my first blkdrama.wordpress.com photo

May 18, 2008

The eyes have it! They are on fire and have taken over my sleep. So I'm up and would prefer not to be.They are running, itchy and it must be spring/summer in the air. It is green everywhere and in my eyes as well. I need to get to a Claritin. It has helped in the past. Let's see what it can do this season. I don't like to take drugs but maybe I need to for now...ShopRIte, here I come. Today, the usual Sunday. I remember when it began mellow Sunday, at Tuvia's request, I began to put some of my upcoming anxiety away and gave me more of my attention. Of course, he let me alone on Sunday nights. But by relaxing during the day, the evenings were more productive, planning for the upcoming week. But that all happened in the last few years of my full-time teaching. Now our Sundays aren't quite as unique. I can plan a mellow day more often, but Sundays remain special, centered on my space. I am food shopping, back home, planning for a cool movie across the bridge, and walk and lunch in Nyack, today shopping for plants to decorate my balcony and just breathing... and I remember when Sundays were filled with guilt. First I need to deal with these eyes.

May 17, 2008

It's hard to believe sometimes, that when it's raining with a vengeance, that we can believe the weathermen that when we wake up the next day the sun will be shining and the temperature will return us to spring. We are back and right on time for my niece's shower. Last week she graduated from college and today she getting showered with wedding attention. I am so thrilled for her and I hope she can accept all this happiness. I think it's hard. So much is happening in her life now. But I am happy to celebrate her and her buddy's house is less than an hour away. NICE! I am up, Tuvia needs a bit more, but the sun called me and I needed to get on the Today Show and open up here and get writing. I am addicted to writing, imagine.

May 16, 2008

Back to the winter jacket last night. I don't really want to give that up. It's a blanket for me. I didn't really need it, but it's hard for me to say goodbye until next fall/winter. What a perfect find! I had another great day with a fun movie to end the day and a bit of tension with Tuvia, but I've learned with him, that the key is to keep talking and we went to sleep with a kiss. Okay, today its raining and I am scheduled for a move to AT and T and getting ready for a new tech toy(so what else is new?) an I phone when it arrives in June. But my Verizon account is up and I need a temporary phone that I can get from AT and T. Yes! And then we are back to guitar with Susan at Tenafly HS. I have to see if Jane will be around when I get there. A stimulating day to say the least.

May 15, 2008

I went a little crazy last night and wrote two new posts for the Comments Challenge and then visited some new blogs on the list of participants. And I could pay for that this morning . I have a workshop session with my Personal Trainer, Anthony, but yesterday was spectacular. I blew through my mental daily list of all the things I have to do: exercise, play guitar, get out of the house for lunch with Hilda, read a book, I don't need to add computer work, that's a given, and I'm forgetting something...connetct with friends by phone, make sure Kevin gets his new membership with WFUV, I know I'm missing something but I did it all yesterday. What a great feeling...oh I paid some bills...nice. And the weather, glorious! What will today hold???

May 14, 2008

Itchy eyes, head ache all night but somehow I did sleep so I can think about how I might use this day in front of me. I want to get out, to the gym, to read my book. Rereading How Green Was My Valley, ahh, it's still wonderful! I had lots of writing done on my blog and I want to visit the boilers blogs. That's my goal. I want to play guitar. I want to see what happens on American Idol tonight. I want to do ALOT! and maybe take my camera out in the sunshine. Too bad Sharon cant join me. First breakfast and some Today Show. I could write more here but I need to get off here and call my mom.

May 13, 2008

I am running late. Guitar this morning. Hebrew online last night. What else can I add to my life? Enjoying the new Comments Challenge. Just created a page invitation on my blog. Fun to try new things. The sun is streaming in. I can't go too many days without it. I still remember that Ray Bradbury short story. Ugh, what a nightmare. Sun once a year. I can't stay here too much more...too much to do before Jon arrvies... Great day yesterday even without sun. GREAT!

May 12, 2008

It's the morning after a wonderful weekend. It's raining and I will traveling up to New Paltz for work with Eric at a school in our site area, even farther from New Patlz. I'm sure Eric is driving. A nice way to begin the week. Looks like I'm getting a new laptop from Apple. They can't seem to fix my pro and I have fallen behind in creating my DS piece for the NWP conference. A new laptop. Can't be bad but I want more information about the extended warranty policy. It was a great weekend. I need to write about it before it leaves me. It was really wonderful. I am also interested in working on a way to invite people to comment on my blog. Rich conversations in the comment challenge. Okay, I'm off to my other blog...

May 11, 2008

Mother's Day with my mom, dad, one brother, one sister-in-law, one niece and her fiance and of course my guy. He is off having his coffee, probably with a newspaper and my parents if they are up and dressed. I am with the Princeton news on channel 4 soon to go national and familiar. I can see the sun coming up this morning and we have a plan to get to a favorite breakfast spot in town early, before the crowds descend after Church. We will probably gone and on the way home before the service ends. We were in church, the Princeton Chapel yesterday by 9:30. It was a glorious experience, that is for most of the celebration. Manda graduated from Westminster Choir College and it was beautiful.
We sat with Jon's parents who are both grads with gorgeous voices. Jon inherited that talent and their passion for music. And like them Manda and Jon are a couple product from their time together. This was a a weekend to be with family and celebrate Amanda, the first of a series of celebrations for her as she gets closer and closer to her wedding in July. I enjoying the ride. Nice to have family to remember with and hold on to.

May 10, 2008

Good morning from Princeton. We are here for my niece's graduation. Not all the family is celebrating but what can you do. My brothers and families were with us last night to celebrate our parents' 60th. A dinner for 13 people and the bill was 800 dollars. How ridiculous! We paid the 115.00 tip. And I had to take a Zantac last night. Oh well, my parents enjoyed the attention and they are here for the graduation and my mom doesn't get out of the house much anymore. So it will be a great day even if it does rain a bit. I have to get back to my comments challenge commitment. As I read Kevin's latest reflection I was feeling guilty that I took a break.
I will return. It's a great thing to grow here.

May 9, 2008

It's raining, good for nature but oh, I do love waking up with sun rays in my eyes. Today it's getting in the car and out onto the highway for a hair appointment and then to Princeton to celebrate my parents 60th. Great reason to brave the drops and Princeton, great setting. Tomorrow is Manda's graduation from Westminster. I remember when she was there with her voice to get a career and maybe teach. I wonder now what she will be doing 5 years from now, with Jon? a kid, two, teaching(don't think so) working in a spa? Princeton, good place for them. On their own, not far from families. And we will have fun. Last night I watched a documentary about the deaf world and cochlear implants for a deaf couple at 65. It was heartbreaking to watch their expectations dash with sound. Old brains, the audiologist described. Old brain to break into a world of sound. It was a wonderful piece written and and directed by their daughter. I am so glad I caught it on HBO.

May 8, 2008

It's raining today. That's okay, yesterday it was perfect for hiking at Sam's Point, ironically, very close to my hometown. But I was there with Jane and Agita and I was sharing the walk with them. They had been there more often than I. I actually couldn't remember the last time I was up there, in my childhood. It was too close to home to appreciate. The mountains were too close to home to appreciate as a kid, at least that's me. Some people are passionate about their "places" from the start. No me. I just read Kevin's quick fiction and then listened to his podcast. And that's without any coffee. I am becoming more conscious about leaving comments that reflect something of me and something for the writer, something more than great job. I am really interested in the process of writing. Kevin turns out so many words on his blog, so many creations. I wonder about how they happen. Today is a nice mix to come. I have the newest version of Photoshop Elements and it looks very user friendly, YES! I have a session with Anthony at the gym. I'd like to lose the fat around my middle. So far I've failed, but I'm back checking myself out on the scale here. I' m wondering if that will make a difference. I have a session with my student teacher and that will be the close for that experience for now. And I am pledged to practice more guitar. Okay let's get this day going. Breakfast? Coffee?

May 7, 2008

I am up to the news that we are getting closer to a nominee and it will be Barack and that will be exciting. I think the sad thing about Hillary is that she does not offer something new, something necessary for our problems today and she doesn't have vision and I have moved closer and closer to Barack from my vote last February . I am a dreamer, I hope that doesnt word against Barack. As for me, I 'm off today to get playing with my camera with Jane and Agita. Can't wait.
Lesson at Apple without the necessary computer that was sent, yesterday off to get fixed. But I'm sure the lesson will be fun. THey have a few computer theres to play on. And then there's AI tonight. And I need to get to my guitar. Maybe before I leave. It will be a good day.

May 6, 2008

Yesterday was glorious! I was up and working here, dressed to exercise and then get to the camera shop to take stock of my first week with my Nikon D60 and spend a bit more of my money on a filter and an external flash to improved two areas of love: outdoors and indoors. Is there another environment I frequent? I came home and worked on my Slice for today and worked with Nancy on an Edublog feature, hoping to find an easy way for our SI to engage in a threaded conversation. Nancy worked hard but I think that Edublogs is not up to it. I worked with Hebrew online and didn't get too far with my orientation. Didn't get on to their new Mac conference. Off to Jon's concert and that was sad. He was great but the audience really wanted a mariache group for Sinco De Mayo, not his gorgeous sounds. I was freezing and uncomfortable in this space but I loved his music. I came home and grabbed my guitar and did what I could do. Why don't I pick it up more often? On that, I need to get up, shower and have a cup of instant coffee ugh...I need a new coffee pot. I'm off.

May 5, 2008

UP! Remembering yesterday's movie as I enjoy the cool air from my window and promise myself that there will be exercise today and guitar practice and maybe Hebrew orientation tonight and work on my coming course and what else??? A wonderful weekend just ended and there will be time today to dig into the new comment challenge. Ready! I am very focused now on gearing up for my next challenge at SUNY! And ending my student teaching experiences. Hiking this week with Agita and Jane and my new camera. And Manda's graduation at the end of the week and wondering about her new issue: will she or won't she get married? Just what Jeff and Marla need. This entry is as fragmented as the movie we saw...oh well...just a mirror of my mind.

May 4, 2008

It's early as usual. So what else is new? Tuvia laughed last night when I said I was planning to sleep until 11. He knew I was kidding. No matter how little I get the day before, yesterday, there's no way I can sleep in the morning. Afternoon nap? That's possible. Okay I loved yesterday. My conference article was published. http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/2566 I don't think there's much of me left in the text, but one of my digital stories is there and that's all mine. Text by itself just doesn't do it for me anymore. I'm wondering what work I can find that focuses on the change in text that goes digital. I am becoming interested in that transformative process since my last workshop presentation. It was so dramatic when I presented student pieces, their DS work and then the text. Yesterday was a great orientation for us. A wonderful blending of our new leadership team and a very savvy new group of fellows and in the lab for our first tech session they went beyond my expectations. WOW.

May 3, 2008

Day 2 of HVWP's SI'08 orientation 2 and so far, so good. I'm enjoying Mary and the new RF's and Tom presenting today and he's back on... I might have to move off here. I am the documentor for the day... Bye for now.

May 2, 2008

May 2 and I haven't paid my monthly bills yet. WHoops. Okay I do have things on my mind, SI08 orientation two tonight and moving everyone to our blog tomorrow...yikes...and my new camera, a craft fair this morning with some raindrops, I'll bet, but it will be cool to see my buddy Ricky and add something to my collection of his work. I am filled with ideas, as I try moving myself to yet another online challenge: commenting work and reading new blogs and getting my blog more exposure. It's a wild life that's for sure and I got some guitar time in last night as well. All good. Tuvia is talking to me as I write. He doesn't really know what I'm doing here but that's okay. There's a great idea from a guy I need to read, he was on Charlie Rose last night. Okay...time to get crackin...see you tomorrow...

May 1, 2008

May 1st. May, so we are in the spring zone. It took a long time to get here and now things will be moving at very high speed. Oh well. Lots of more for me to do. SI weekend and DS course begins at the end of this month in a PC lab Yikes! Yesterday was cool but gorgeous and good things happened. Apple lesson, my computer stayed dark and immediately it was taken for a fix. Good thing i have two. It was fun working with Kenny. He knows Motion and figured out why my memory is getting used up so quickly even without working on my real computer. I will have it back next week. It didn't shake me for a second. I have this one. Up to New Paltz. My eyes are feeling the spring but what can you do? Continue. New Paltz was filled with forms to fill out about BOCES, working with a very sweet guy, Victor. Lunch with Agita, Jane, Jackie and the handsome and very friendly Henry, what a sweetie. I played with my new camera. Indoors I need some help with it. A call to Bergen Camera? Jonathon!!!!!!!!!!!! And good, supported student teaching conversations, beginning and then taken to Mary and the rest. And it was supportive and surprisingly productive, more than I thought it would be. Nice. Home to eat, to play guitar, to watch AI and my boy continue. He could lose. But he's a winner! Remember Chris Daughtry 4 and Taylor Hicks winner. Who's the winner?
And some frustration with linking my blog to the latest challenge that I think will be amazing. Hope I get it together. And today is an early one: Anthony and the gym at 8 and Jillian at 11.

April 30, 2008

Okay, moving on my list of projects to get to, I'm up to my DS piece for the NWP. I have been working on it. I have been looking at it, and closing it. But that's what I did with Elyse's piece for her salon. It's okay....then down the line I have my course to work on and that's starting to weigh on me. First I have to get moving on Saturday, tech day. Okay...I need coffee... I'm off...

April 29, 2008

Too much doing yesterday and I missed writing into the day. And for the first time that I can remember, I didn't have my computer with me. I bought a new camera in the afternoon on Monday and I was so close to Tuvia's that I surprised him with a visit, spontaneously. No toothbrush, no computer. He was ready to drive back to my place to get it. He was pleasantly pleased to see that I am not as hooked on it as he thought.
It was hard to be disconnected. I did check my email on his computer. I am ready to have an Iphone, coming in June or so. Anyway I have a new camera. And I'm dying to use it. We have an SI orientation coming up this weekend. Perfect opportunity. I have to create a DS log for the experience. It's so great to have it today. I have a trip coming to New Paltz. I love shooting up there. Anyway, I have another day to fill in now.

April 28, 2008

I am up and feeling the rain this morning and that's now okay because look what it's feeding. Everything's alive and blooming. Tuvia is off to work, important and I am hoping for a day that's productive and all mine. Dana should be here for cleaning and maybe some beauty. I need that! There's Where in the World is Matt Lauer. Buenos Aries, oh how I remember that city. Lots of rain and not enough interesting indoor entertainment for 11 days. UGH.
It's so good to be up and getting into the day with writing. Although I'm writing most of the time these days. Two new posts on my blog and always on email. I am hoping I get some responses, especially in collaborative areas. Okay...let's get going today. I need coffee. COFFEE!

April 27, 2008

I am almost ready to move away from this screen. Seems like I've been here for hours. I have! Overcast today, but we are now in Spring and nature is exploding so bring on the rain to feed everything and we will head to a movie and challenging one. I am getting the heave ho, gently so more of life to have and then document. A good movie this afternoon and work to get going on for next weekend.

April 26, 2008

Whoops what happened? Forgot to leave something for yesterday? How could that be? Let's move on. Yesterday was perfect. Maybe 5 degrees warmer would have made the day really perfect. But I was back from the dead to enjoy a Saturday in the Village with Tuvia by my side respecting my need to stop and capture the world with my camera, that will soon be put up on a shelf as the next toy comes my way. Something seems ridiculous about this move to the next tech innovation, but I'm in it and I do need a camera with more power indoors. So much of what I shoot is indoors and it's frustrating not to get better quality photos. On to an SLR! It was really a nice day! One I want to remember.

April 25, 2008

Long day. Up too early to write and I didn't have wireless and that combination made my writing into the morning impossible. I was in Eville sleeping over at the my brother's and that was fun, but we were up too late and I was up later and then up again too soon, worried, wondering about my conference workshops. Sure, I've presented my digital storytelling workshops often but every one is a new one and my work the day before transformed it a bit and I was up a 3:30 wondering if I could remember how to get to the school, what time I had to present, when I should leave and I got out of bed and started rummaging around for my computer to ease my mind. I up and up without cereal or coffee. I stopped at the Eville Dunkin D for an extra large and then off in the fresh sunshine to Rondout where I student taught in 1973. I found the place and got a presenter parking spot and then wrong information to my workshop room which took me and my equipment far away from where I was set to present. Okay. I got where I needed to be, set up and chatted with familiar faces, one from a former student from very early teaching days, 1985. Wow. I tried to catch some of Leon Botstein's keynote, but it was too much to concentrate on. I needed my energy for my workshops. I forgot to eat.
Large first group: 25-30. And a new slant to my work. It was challenging and the group worked with me and really thought about my prompts and my pieces and offered lots of great reflection. I had two "behavior problems but they kept themselves in check most of the time and I was able to work with the rest. Until I had a bit of a tech glitch at the very end of my workshop but no one seemed to notice and the conversations spilled over at the long break in the cafeteria. Loved that. The second group was much smaller, quieter, but not any less appreciatve of my time and energy and work. It was hard to drive to Paramus after the day, and the nap was essential. Home after dinner with Ruty and Gilad and that was fun.
Now I have Charley Rose in the background and I don't think I can stay for it all. Tomorrow will be easier. YEs?

April 24, 2008

Okay, I'm ready for my workshops on Friday with a Powerpoint for the first time. I spent hours working on it. That's more the creation of slides for the presentation and then it's about what I included and how I organized the student work. Funny, I've presented this workshop many times but yesterday I did put time and thought into its elements. It was mentally stimulating and my head cold seemed to disappear. Tom has also decided to pull back a bit from planning for the SI. Disappointing, but understandable. Now Mary and I have to work together more intensely. I hope there will be time for everything. Today I begin with a guitar lesson. Two days without much practice. And then off to SUNY to meet with Jackie and then Judy and then off the Eville. I can deal with that. It should be hot, summer today. What will happen with prices? Ugh. Loved watching Ram Emanuel on Charlie Rose last night. Interesting point of reference in the political world.
AI is movng along with some surprises. My guy was safe right off the bat. Now I have other projects to get moving on...

April 23, 2008

I am dealing with a head cold this morning and guilt on upcoming projects. I am hoping that I feel better today and use it productively to get some of the work moving. It's all about exercise and guitar and clicking away here and in my head. AI was interesting last night. A stretch for singers to deal with Andrew Lloyd Weber tunes. Feeling crappy, I appreciated support from Tuvia staying with me for the whole show. Nice dinner at Cheesecake factory. Today I have one break for lunch with Marie F. in town. And then back for more couch and work.
Guilt for me is all about keeping up with my expectations!

April 22, 2008

Yesterday, spontaneously, I was out walking and shooting the pier of Piermont with my buddy, Sharon. She has moved her career in art to painting/photography and I have moved more to the word and the image still and in motion and that's so exciting for us both to do and share. Sharon, a good subject for a slice. Now I'm wondering about writing a second Tuesday slice about Sharon, I could always do that just for the fun of it. A glorious day yesterday and another one today. Yesterday filled with guitar, with exercise, with writing, with some work that needs to be done this week. I'm stalling and that tortures me. Oh well, that's my process. Ugh...

April 21, 2008

Up early as usual, no matter how much we do the night before. Two nights of Seders, too much food but lots of wonderful memories. I loved both and probably Tuvia didn't enjoy either one. What can you do? I don't get bored easily. It was good to be with my parents, at least one brother and his wife, kids...a fiancee and his family, a pregnant wife of Marla's nephew etc... We gain family, we lose family and I just need to keep savoring the moments. As for dreams...last night, I had a dream that felt real. I was in the midst of deciding if I should join the Obama camp. I bought his book and then was invited to visit with him. It was all very casual. Seemed too causal. No security for him. Seemed weird, after all it was a dream. Barack and I spoke as if it was important that I joined on with him. He was very local in feeling, too local. But it's a dream of course. How oould I say no. MIchele came in to join us for coffee. Love those dreams! Feels like I'm just about ready to get political!

April 20, 2008

I am up and getting over the first night of Passover and eating foreign things. Today I'm off food, except the essentials and tonight at the second Seder I'm going to have Tuvia keep an eye on me. I loved last night. No the service but the people. I loved watching Ruty see my place and the ride to Piermont. Yesterday was all about being outside and enjoying spring in all its splendor. And the Zehavahs family last night and having Zehavah share her thrill about what I mean to the family. LOVED that! And I am peaceful today. With things to do slowly.... The week coming will be full. Preparing myself for tonight....exercise, guitar...etc.

April 19, 2008

Spring in my eyes! Some springs I am missed but last night the crusting began and this could be just a preview of lots of sneezing and itching to come. Oh well, I am happy there will be no snow(yes?) until November? December?
So just before Passover Tuvia and I will be hosting and escorting Rutie and loud Gilad around Paramus, Nyack and Piermont. It will be a long day. I will be ready to end the role before it's officially over. But family is family and if today isn't enough we will be with them for the Seder tonight as well, but there will be lots of people around Ron's table, many chatting away in Hebrew and who knows, maybe I will be chatting with them, next year. What will be fun with this new challenge coming my way is that Tuvia will be chatting away with me. He's excited and that's enough for me. So I'm ready to publish my last poem for the week. It's been fun. Love that Stacey for presenting the challenge! And I'm now ready for some cereal.
Hag Sameach all!

April 18, 2008

Ahhh surprise yesterday. GREAT guitar lesson! I was not good about practicing for the last few days. I wanted to but I couldn't get myself away from this computer to do it. Then my teacher shows up and I'm back and rooted and excited because he's added one extra new thing for me. Just proves, I need a teacher to keep me focused and disciplined. I have been thinking about exploring some rock and roll though, but I love the sound of Classical even if it's not so relaxed. Feels like I am making progress. For now, I'm sticking where I am. Soon I'll be dressed and off to the gym to work with my PT, my exercise mentor and then I will get on the scale at Jenny Craig. Just putting myself through the paces I need. And tomorrow night's Passover. Seder one. Should be fun and Tuvia is great! My matzo balls are a perfect compliment to his chicken soup and I got a poem out of it on my blog site. This week of poetry challenge has been fantastic! Stacey, ROCKS! Now if I could figure out what's up with embedding my podcasts it'd be all good. I want to move to more of that. Kevin, HELP!

April 17, 2008

Up of course and I just knocked out a bit of a poem. Finally after years of intimidation I've used this week to break through my own to my own poetry, MY WAY! Just writing, using the form to get to the essence. Fun!
This new one needs more image explosion but I like the first/second draft. I'm hoping to get some suggestions.
I've been writing and not getting much feedback, but they are there and the summer institute in coming... yes. A great day is on us. Sorry Nancy can't come. Off for the rest: car oil change, guitar...Tuvia and Passover soon. I'm up to make the matzo balls. With a bit of seltzer they will be lighter than air, lighter than the ones Harold's charges a $1.00 for each one. RIP OFF! There's a poem: Matzo Balls!

April 16, 2008

Yesterday was SPRING! and filled with work in New Paltz. Planning for my second digital course at the college, in a PC lab. What a lab to say the least, but no wireless and no hookup for my computer. But we will be working with phtoto story 3 software for PC and then moving to the internet, so there's a way to work with that. I'm thinking about how great it will be have a fresh adventure with students and as long as there's a table in the back to meet and work face to face, I'm good to go. I liked Linda who runs the labs and I'm thrilled that she's ready and willing to support me even though there won't be someone to work with students other than myself, on a PC...there's a challenge. But she does have someone else working along side her to help, Brian. Looking forward to meeting him. I moved to meet with Mary on the run as she took a break to walk with me to the nearby Tower for some coffee and quick suggestions. We need more time to really work together for the summer. My concern. I'm not good at working on the run. Then to BOCES to meet with Dana about a summer project of collaboration and work with teachers in the area focused on literacy and the web. Steve is being pushed to get involved from his principal and that's perfect for me. We could be working side by side. Love that! Especially after my SUNY course in June and then the SI and then a break and then..BOCES for 4 days. Looking forward to these new challenges. And then there's my own challenge here on the web. Podcasting. That made me crazy yesterday. I was good to go with a hypertext challenge. Loved it actually. Until I tried one more thing- using my voice which I think I don't do enough with. I have this great mic, why not use it? Sometimes I can move a podcast to my blog, but I'm not sure how I do it. I need to keep working on that....It inspired this week's Tuesday Slice and as of now I am up to date with slices of poems... Now I need time to do some reading and commenting... Who can help me with the podcasting/blogging issue??? Today should be very cool....breakfast with my book club(am I reading books?) and then meeting with my bad boy student teacher and then an evening in NYC with Nancy L. such a cool friend. What a day coming my way!

April 15, 2008

Just wrote my first hypertext poem, just a few minutes ago. It was fun. Of course I had some support from Kevin. Watched his first exploration on his platform. I got it, but as he moved to hypertextopia where I was signed on but intimidated to move too far, once I began to play with it with Kevin's start as a collaboration, I got the hang of it and then once Kevin had another one up I was ready to start one for myself and I liked it. I want to add voiceover as well. I have been promising to do more of that. Why have I been hanging back from it? Anyway, I needed to process this experience and here is where that happened. Here's my hypertext poem: http://hypertextopia.com/library/read/362 I love this collaboration and all this writing. And I can't wait to be driving today to New Paltz but first lunch with Tuvia.

April 14, 2008

Yesterday was rich both online and in life. Tuvia and I attended a bris right across from the Met Museum of Art, hobknobing with the rich and powerful and sharing in the joy of watching a miracle baby join the family. Later, back home, Tuvia read at B and N while I got my chance to see Persepholis and sad to say, disappointing. With the power of the cinema I think you need to use it more effectively. The look of a graphic novel just didn't work for me. Online, I was in heaven. Writing and rewriting my poem for Poetry Challenge, experimenting with hypertext with Kevin and Donna, iming with Karen and sharing her online eportfolio, chatting with Nancy, reading this week's set of sentences/paragraphs now. and I have a mac lesson in an hour. And the birds are chirping, the sun is rising the Today has begun...ahhh the morning! My time of the day for sure and for always.

April 13, 2008

I am back, hooked into Stacey's poetry challenge this time. I work well when challenged. I work to the pressure of a deadline. I work faster. I have my video project to get moving. I will but I work with it slower and feel guilty when I don't. But I need the pressure. What would I do without a guitar teacher or a Anthony at the gym to keep me focused on a routine? I am hooked on support and a sense of community. Although, for my Denis poem I'd like more feedback, but the SI is coming with the Eanthology. I have pieces to work on. I HAVE PIECES TO WORK ON!!!! Last night we saw two movies that resonate still. I have to write more about them. Could I write a poem about them? Let me think about that?

April 12, 2008

This weekend we are here at the Hudson. I'm not used to it. Tuvia is up and gone home for a few hours to check his mail, read the Saturday/Sunday Times, just be home. I'm here enjoying the novelty of the place. We were able to break in the porch with breakfast in the midst of the early morning fog over the river, but the birds and the yellow buds kept us in Spring. We will be off to the Israeli film festival using venues all over the area to showcase movies with the Jewish focus. We will be at the Burns. A perfect place for movies with a perfect audience. No one goes there wishing they were at a mall theater. A select group of savvy movie lovers. I'll be in very good company. Movies...my passion. Reminds me I have my own to work on. The guilt the guilt. But first exercise and then guitar? I missed yesterday. Okay...up, up , up!

April 11, 2008

Friday! I remember when Fridays were very special, bringing on the weekend of a break from work. Now, not as unique, not so different. But this weekend we will be here. Usually we are in Paramus. Tonight we have friends for dinner. Tomorrow we have the Israeli film festival at the Burns and Sunday is Sunday. Maybe a return to Paramus just to be fair. Anyway, yesterday was filled with unnecessary dread. One of our Skype sessions was a bit hard when I can't see faces on my end and the conversation focused on me and tech for our SI and blogging and everyone's opinion but it was better than expected. No one was scrapping the blog. No one was forcing it closed. All good. Just looking for language and definition. Okay. I think it was good to have three people there to have two in conversation and one to sometimes to moderate and reflect. I got the guitar, I am moving with Hebrew online, I have new reading glasses coming. And how did Michael Johns get voted off last night on American Idol? Ugh. Okay, time to move on...exercise is coming at 9!

April 10, 2008

Good Morning. Supposed to be REALLY nice today. I'm ready for it! Now that I'm back in my home flow, I'm not impatient for what I left behind in Israel. It's not snowing, not icy even. I can wait for milder. more consistent temperatures. Waking up to extreme weather in the middle states of the country, we are blessed here, for now. We are more fragile than we think. Nice yesterday. Reconnecting with my work at SUNY with Agita, Lynn, Mary, Devon... It's a good group.
I'm hoping that my experience with East R. is positive. I remember when people used to bash Eville. I hate that. Let's be positive about teaching, no matter how tough the situation. Stop bashing schools. That's my mantra today.

April 9, 2008

Seems like there's no way around this 5:30 wake up. Somehow I can make it up a bit during the day. But the more hectic things get the harder that will be. Once my trips to New Paltz increase.... OKay, I am feeling good. The guilt begins when I don't get to my new DS piece to work on, to begin to wonder what to do with that. At least I know how to begin it. Just slowly watching pieces and soon editing into slices of moments, images that repeat... The conversation about closed vs open begins. I am not totally comfortable that conversations for the SI continue to be on the run...a bit here, a bit there and we contnue to have to work as a threesome...oh well... Not much I can do... I am really enjoying blocks of time home. Love this place. Today I have a meeting at SUNY. Hope we clear up issues of silence. Good, good, good...

April 8, 2008

Too early to be up! I begin an entry often in this way. I would really like to be sleeping. I have a guitar lesson this morning at 9:30. It will be tough. Oh well....I am happy to get back to the demands of practing. As for yesterday, I met Denis at Yogis, where we have met often. Denis is a success story, his story but I was a player, and I'm grateful for that. Denis was the tough kid who enjoyed dismantling a class. He often tried to do it to my class. Somehow in the course of this battle he won, by losing. He moved closer to me and to theater and found his voice on stage and in learning. Today he is teaching at BOCES in a multihandicaped program and considering a PHD. Denis, who graduated high school with a 67. I wrote both a short story and play about my life with him.
It is such a pleasure to continue to know him!

April 7, 2008

I am up and it's okay. I have a relatively easy day. 8 am at Mac and then the gym? I hope so. I will be dressed to move on to exercise. I am focused on getting to work on my new digital project. I downloaded lots of video last night to my computer and it looks good. Soon I will be obsessed about how I can best create something that reflects the essence of the day. One good thing, I almost enjoy editing down to the pure best. LESS is MORE. I am with that. I am wondering about the issue of blogging public vs. closed for our SI. If someone is reading this that has some ideas please feel free. I have created our blog with extra safeguards, but isn't that part of the experience to make it real? Anyway....I will also be working on a new slice for Tuesday. I miss the "pressure" of getting a new one out each day.

April 6, 2008

What a great week and to think last week at this time I was dreading it! Last week we had breakfast at 3 am without milk. This morning with jet lag officially gone for this time trip, we are ready for a full week of regular home life. Tuvia is planning to try some doctoring that will be difficult, working with the poor in nursing homes a few days a week. It will be depressing but he needs to be a doctor in the present.
As for me, I was digitally documenting a conference last Monday, hired for the position and I LOVED every minute. NWP knows how to do things and I was welcomed with opened arms. I am grateful. Yesterday we officially kicked off our 8th Summer Institute and that felt great as well. A wonderful new cohort coming down the road. I am feeling productive and supported. NICE! And I'm glad there's no more jet lag just the memories of a great trip.

April 5, 2008

SI08 begins in a few hours and finally I think Im back to normal. It helped yesterday working with Anthony at the gym to get my muscles pushed a bit with thought and consideration. And we had a lovely Shabbat dinner at my place, my cooking and planning and we loved that with the weather so misty and cold. But the birds are chirping louder and louder. They have arrived and remind us that no matter what we there will be spring VERY soon.
Tomorrow Tuvia is determined to prepare the balcony for spring although he is promising to hold off on planting until Mother's Day or at least the beginning of May. At least not tomorrow. We saw a movie that everyone recommended yesterday afternoon, The Band Plays. It's a fictional story about a police band arriving at the Tel Aviv airport to play for the opening of an Arab cultural center in Petah Tikvah. By mistake they are directed to a small town somewhere far away. Cool idea, but it moves in slow motion...I was happy to nap at bit. 1 1/2 hours felt like 3. I sadly can't recommend it. We did try our a French film I got from Blockbuster, back home. Tuvia tried harder. I was multitasking, working on the start of my new digital piece for NWP. What a great challenge! Video looks great. I think I will be using my video camera more for indoor work. What a discovery. I've been carrying that camera in my bag for 2 years and not doing much with it. I can't wait to get home and spend more time with Kevin's experiment with Hypertext. I want to explore that. Okay, enough...shower time. Too bad I will wake up Tuvia.

April 4, 2008

It's very early. I'm in the dark and watching a TIvoed show, Myles of Style, new. I'm not really watching. It's just background music. Tuvia and I watched one of my perfect gems last night, The River Runs Through It, produced and directed by Robert Redford and staring a very young and innocent Brad Pitt. I so remember my first time with this film: one spring afternoon on my own and I was ready to jump into a river in Montana with a fly fishing rod. Never much interested in fishing, this movie brought an active connection with nature alive. All about the river, watching this for a 4th time with the Hudson right below, and just writing a slice today about a sense of place, this was a perfect movie to watch. Tuvia doesn't get my passion for second and third viewings of a movie. For me there's always more to experience and explore in a powerful reality created collaboratively: actors, director, place, screen play etc. This one still holds its own. A River Runs Through It with Redford as the voiceover for the writer/older brother of Brad reflecting back on his memories and feeling about place. A gem, truly. I'm sure I will see this one again, probably without Tuvia. I thought that my jet lag was done, maybe though there's a bit left. I do have an exercise session scheduled with Anthony at 8 and I'm not canceling so achy body, prepare to be challenged.

April 3, 2008

Okay, today could be my first real day home. Yesterday I pretty much lived on Tuvia's couch and clicked away, thinking about everything I had to do but not being able to move very far with anything. The motivation was there without the energy.
It was good to just be here when Tuvia needed an embrace. I think it's harder for him to be without Armand than he thought and I am happy to be here for him. Today I will be on my way home. Back to Jenny Craig to try once again, to stop the unwanted pounds finding their way to my hips and everywhere else...ugh. On a more positive note, both my friend Sharon and I will have time to share travel experiences and lunch together,( a salad only for me). I will be HOME!!!!! and get ready, slowly for our SI orientation on Saturday. BK

April 2, 2008

Back, back, back. Tuvia is now waiting on me. I am tired and achy. My Apple people designed a stupid staircase down into its bowels of a store on 5th avenue and while I won't sue them, I am disappointed. One foot is very bruised and without a shoe its tolerable, but I am on the couch and happy to be here.
I am clicking away, making up for lost time. It was such a great day yesterday even though I was really exhausted. But me and tech. How did that happen? I am still have out-of-body experiences as I offer tech support especially when it comes to a mac. but then again, it hasn't been for lack of learning. I have been faithfully attending one-on-one sessions for the last 3 years and working on my own so sure, I should have some expertise. Interesting revelation.

April 1, 2008

I am tired to the bone. It's the end of jet lag and the end of nerves and expectations for my digital work today at the NWP/TESOL Conference. Tuvia is here with me in the Hilton and he is at my beck and call and I am grate for the attention. We just got back from a rip-off diner-style dinner just across from the hotel. Not what I imagined but given my present condition, it's all I wanted. 15.00 for warmed-up waffles. I don't care. I did get to walk on 5th avenue, strolling along in the fresh air for the first time today and it was romantic. We stopped in the check out the insane Apple store across from the Plaza. It was a trip and we enjoyed the experience for about 10 minutes. Way too much stimulation but on the way up the odd, opened steps, I caught both of my feet in the spaces and wondered if I could still walk. We managed to get to a wall outside. Tuvia gently rubbed and I felt better to walk, But now, back at the hotel, the first tangled foot is very bruised and it aches. But I'm in bed playing and that's wonderful We are in for the night with lots of diet coke and a tub filled with ice. I am so glad to be with T. He is my heart.

March 31, 2008

Up and just about ready to get moving today. I have a lot to do. Planning for a conference in the city tonight, dealing with my work life by phone, packing, the last day of the monthly slicing challenge, getting a shower, jet lag is still here, Dana is coming for apartment cleaning...and all the rest. I am HOME and that feels so good. I think that no matter what else there is to do, I'm home. Everything else will fall into place as long as I'm anchored on my firm ground and I begin to see the spring I left behind in Israel. Just a few days ago I had to buy sun tan cream. I had a sun burn. I HAD A SUN BURN. Doesn't happen often. I wonder if I look like I've been in the sun? Let's see when Dana opens the front door. Okay, I'm off...

March 30, 2008

Home and I can't yet appreciate the return. Still fuzzy, foggy. Not firmly planted anywhere, yet. I've been here before, in this nowhere place. In the early morning when Tuvia wakes up I will be gently pushed out to face our return home. I would like to enter slowly, but I will let Tuvia open the garage door to get back to my car and my world 20 minutes away. A stop at Shoprite for the basics to fill my vacation-emptied refrigerator and then home to the Hudson. A gentle push...to the Hudson. Okay I'm moving now to the my daily slice. Working here was a good way to begin...more there.

March 29, 2008

Almost boarding and I have mixed feelings about leaving. I love coming and usually feel mixed about leaving. I'm in a groove now. I'm connected to the flow here and I have to leave and get back home. And what am I saying. I love HOME, I love HOME and I have Tuvia with me. And there are great challenges on the way. Although I wonder about the SI coming. Last year I was wondering how it would be and turned out great. I hope my concerns are not serious. We will see.

March 28, 2008

We are leaving in the morning. WE are leaving in the morning and I made a decision today to change some plans. I have been making decisions like this one often, when weather gets in the way, and today when it was clear that this would not be a good time to leave Tuvia on his own for so long a stretch of time. I had second thoughts about the week for myself, but with the latest death of Armand this morning, that sealed the decision. I am needed. That's enough to find a way to alter plans that can be prioritized. No DC again. I need to be at TESOL in NYC, I need to be at the O1 for our SI, but I can let go on the DC. It would be great and interesting and a good way to connect with the next Empire network, but I am needed elsewhere and I will be there. It feels good to be needed. And tomorrow we will be off early so who knows when I will be back writing on this... That's all for now. BK

March 27, 2008

In the North of Israel in a very cool cabin. Hard to believe we are in the Golan Heights. It's cool here. A day with family with young kids. I remember how desperate their parents were to have them. It didn't look good and now Michael is almost 4 and Mia 2 and it's hard to remember life without them. Their parents, bilingual missed a great chance to make learning English painless but there's still time to learn, just won't be as seamless. They can't really communicate with me but just being together for the last twenty four hours helped. It' been a really great trip and I can't wait to get home and then come back. Enough for tonight. One more full day in Israel.

March 26, 2008

Up way, way too early. Okay what can you do? We are moving on and getting to the last leg of the trip and I have lots of things on my mind and I had a piece to write, or begin to write and the room was too hot and I wanted to be closer to the water and here I am with some quiet time to send just soaking in a dark blue sea. I haven't seen it so glorious this week as it is right now and of course, with my camera so close. It's captured in almost all its glory. As much as I could get anyway. Just watched all the videos on You Tube of American Idol and I have two clear favorites at this point: Michael Johns and David Cook and I think I will start voting when I get home.
When I get home...ugh...getting nervous about that... Oh well... still vacation for a few days. North of Israel. Fun! Packed into the van with Michael and Mia, Tuvia, Ami and Adi. Let's see how this works,

March 25, 2008

Another very full day. My sun experience is giving me a very healthy glow as Tuvia and I went and returned today from Jerusalem and it remains a place unlike any other. You might be able to say that about all cities, all places, but still Jerusalem transcends that I think. There is the population, there is the 3,000 years of one city's history. That's an unbeatable combination and then there's our individual experience and our shared experience and that makes for a very amazing day. Today in the lovely air, in the warm heat, it was glorious. I may be sounding very general, but I have been very specific elsewhere in my slice of the day. I think I'm going to take up that challenge beyond the organized version for this month of March. I could begin here each morning as usual and then shape something more for that writing on my blog. Just more and more writing. I am a writer. How about that? And we are coming to the last leg of this trip. Tomorrow, one last walk on the TA beach, one last oj at Banana Beach, and then off to the north, to the Golan Heights in a caravan with the Ami Rosenberg clan: Adi and the kids. All of us in one space for 4 hours of driving and then a B & B popular now here. It's been a while since I've been in the north and I'm looking forward to using my camera there. And then back to TA for Shabbat dinner with more of Tuvia's relatives and then off on Saturday morning for the USA and we will be ready. Tuvia is probably ready now. I am rarely ready to leave before the time is up. But home will be wild.

March 24, 2008

Today! We are in a nice routine. A bit boring for Tuvia but I have my toys and my things to do. I have my guitar to either play or feel guilty about not playing. I have my sneakers for exercise. I have all my tech toys and that's all more than enough. So this morning was to have been for our trip to Haifa. It was hotter than yesterday. So no Haifa. We walked on the beach early and stopped for a drink at our BB. It was quiet, peaceful with schools reopened now that Purim is over. And we were well covered. We strolled back to the hotel. It was summer hot and we sat reading. I was working on Boil Down Your Week, still trying to fine tune it and we planned for lunch. I have been consciously working on more control over what goes in my mouth and instead of a restuarant we opted to return for a great salad, eggs etc. to BB for a later lunch. Perfect. At noon it was cooler than 10. The temperature did go down. And tomorrow it should be even better. Back again to the hotel: exercise , a nap. Back out to Neve Tzedek for some small scale shopping and coffee and then to the kids. Wild tonight. But it comes with the territory. Last night was amazingly special. That's something I began on my slice writing today. But of course, there's more. And tomorrow Jerusalem... A lot today. A lot.

March 23, 2008

Whoops! Somehow I missed a day or so. It's hard to keep track and I have been obsessed with the Slices Challenge and the Boil Down Your sentences. The A day/week is done for this time around and I wonder was it a success? What measures success on the web? Lots of people contributed and many added photos and some comments were very warm. And I was able to deal with a new tech challenge that came my way and got used the blog features necessary for this guest host role and it was fun and exciting to be part of this experience. As for the slices, it's be motivating me to step aside of the experience and consider what's happening here for us and I'm excited about the writing I'm doing this time around. I would like a few more comments about the posts but that's okay. I know that Kevin is reading them and probably Karen and my new buddy Nancy and probably more in the unknown.

March 22, 2008

I have just a few minutes left to write after my moving around the web, reading the last slices I missed last night. I am feeling the sun's warmth entering our living room so we will need to get going even on Shabbat before it gets too hot. Tuvia will need breakfast first. So I will have to get up and shower. I am can feel that he's ready to move and I promised I would join him. It was a rich day yesterday reconnecting with his wonderful friends, some who have had some serious health issues yesterday and are still hanging on to live. We raced home to prepare for Armand's daughter, Edna and her husband and I love that. Edna. There's a person to write about.

March 21, 2008

.No more jet lag! And Purim is TODAY. So Hag Sameah! There will be celebrations and parades. When I lived here for a year I'm sure I celebrated but it escapes me. After all it was 1980 and during this spring period I was intoxicated with life here and seriously considering another year, but reality hit when I looked into another leave from my teaching job back home and that wasn't going to happen. And of course there were other things, which I don't remember, but the big one was really missing home and as I spent a month thinking hard about it, I ultimately opted to return home and I have never regretted my decision. And now I have the best of both worlds. So today will be filled with Tuvia's friends. They are wonderful, my friends as well, but they come with him and wow are they great. This afternoon we will see Armand's daughter and that will be hard and bittersweet and they talk about Armand's last remaining days. For some reason the print is very faint so I will finish here for now.

March 20, 2008

March 20th has begun here. Most of the people I know are sleeping or would like to be. Here at 6:30 people are out walking on the beach(not a lot yet). But the shots of sunlight are appearing everywhere. Hang on, I am documenting the morning. Pic time! I'm back. Preparing for 2 days of Purim. Remembering how this holiday came and went as a sad immitation of Halloween. Here there's only Purim. An attractive idea the first year I lived here. It was around Purim that I was trying on the idea of living here for a second year. I gave it a month to walk around with it. I remember how appealing it felt and it was right around now that I began to walk with the idea. Tuvia is up, showered, and looking over at me. We have to be ready ready to leave by 9:45. It's now 6:40. I would say I need 20 minutes, tops. Sound be a fun day. I need time to exercise and play guitar and I'll be happy.

March 19, 2008

I would almost like the sky to be cloudy and to be more gloomy. But I'm not. I actually did the right thing without thinking too hard about it. I was up late last night IMing to a world still in motion. Here most everyone(at 2AM) were asleep. Not me. I had been sleeping and after a few hours I was back up and too awake to sleep. But now, with a very long cable I could play on this machine in bed and that was fine with Tuiva. He slept, I Imed with new virtual friend Nancy. When Tuvia woke up at a more normal time, I was sleeping until I sensed he was up and I joined him. Quickly I dressed and offered to have a small breakfast with him. He was OVERJOYED for the company. What a small gift, painless, spontaneous. Received with passion. And off he went to the train station for a 1 1/2 trip to Nahariya without me to say goodbye to a friend. I can't imagine how empty he will feel on the way back. I will be here for him. It helps that the sun is shining and we will walk together on the beach for a lunch at our romantic spot. It helps that I exercised, so I won't beat myself up. We are there for each other. That helps.

March 18, 2008

You know, maybe I didn't miss a day after all. It's 8 here and 3 there. I'm just starting early so I'm going to leave this entry and return to it later. For now I have to investigate why my wireless doesnt' work in our room.

March 17, 2008

Here's a day that I lost somehow. Travel day. Moving from one side of the world to another. Impossible for me to understand, but instead I will just enjoy the marvels of flight. It was a good one at that. 10 hours and lots of sleeping with a new innovation movies, music, shows on a touch screen. Movies from Hitchcock to Juno, Cary Grant...on and on... maybe 250 to choose from. So from the past, to the present and that makes for lots to sleep to...I didn't read at all. Of course the issue of space in coach is still an issue and bad food. But we brought sandwiches this time and next just some cold cereal and it will be better. Why did it take so long to figure this out? We are here and the first day is always a hard one. But it's back to our favorite hotel in the middle of all the action and I am almost ready for it. Here it's 8:05 AM, home it's 3:05AM I have to get used to that. OKay on to the day I missed.

March 16, 2008

I have last minute things to do today as I get closer to my 10 hours in the air, on route to Israel. I am almost totally ready for this one. I had a bit of a melt down yesterday when I had to deal with my body as I returned to my unforgiving spring/summer clothes. Tight is spots that torment me. Ugh. I was miserable yesterday and Tuvia was miserable too and what did he do? Ugh, weight...I am tormented, and wondering what it will take to get me back on track. I finish here and get my sneakers on. That's a promise. And I did have my cereal without strawberry jam. Of course, there's no way I can be in Israel without a glass of red wine, hummus and pita. Ahhh....I love to eat.

March 15, 2008

Today is packing day. Tuvia helped me feel less anxious when he encouraged me knowing the busy week I had, to just put it off till today and that was great permission. When people asked about that, I could comfortably say. No, not yet and smile. Tuvia is coming along. He will read the Times while I pack and then we will make a day of it for the last time until we are back in Nyack in a few weeks. I am really ready for the beach and the water and the blue sky and shorts and short-sleeved shirts. But that's what you can expect with winter, it's all about February and March. Tomorrow night...the countdown begins...

March 14, 2008

Whoops, what happened here? I was sure I wrote this entry yesterday. I could have. I have here and had some time but I am so focused on getting out a slice a day on another blog, that I missed this one. Sorry, to me and to my readers?Who's reading this? Show yourself(ves)! It was a busy day yesterday. Writing and then driving to see my student teacher and then home for some gulped down lunch and then off for a beauty fix before our trip at the beauty salon. Missed my Jenny Craig meeting. That was okay. This was not a good diet week for me. Most weeks aren't WHY NOT???? WHY NOT???? And we are off to the country with amazing hummus and pita and I can't refuse it. I'm wondering, what new photos I can get that I don't have. It will probably be the last time I use the camera I have. Time for a new one? Really? It's been just a few years. It would be sad of course, if my present camera was a real person. It doesn't have feelings. Okay, I have another one to write.

March 13, 2008

I didn't get to write this morning. Not home, on the road early. Off to New Paltz on my favorite road and busy by 8:02 and it didn't stop until I did. Until I couldn't take another photo for listen to another word even though they were good words. It was a warm environment. I spoke with Jane B about an upcoming conference on the 25th and a grant in the summer, August. It was complimentary that's for sure. Just a challenging day with John Dorough, Jackie, Mary , Tom lots of great TC frliends.

March 12, 2008

It's 7:47 and the Today show is in full swing. My sheets have been changed, the washing machine is going strong, time for a second cup of coffee, my daily slice is uploaded on my blog and I am wondering how long my energy will last today. Tuvia left this morning concerned about my long day. I didn't sleep well. Visions of the movie last night, Tuvia's experiences, the piece I was working on late into the night and well, everything else. We are leaving for Israel on Sunday that always adds to the tension and the excitement but I never deal smoothly with change, like most of the people around me. I am traveling today, New Paltz to lunch with cool ed ladies and then Student Teaching Seminar to meet with Charlie and the woman I will pick up when I return. Jane has agreed to look in on Charlie while I'm gone and Dana will check in here and I will be off to return to great familiar territory. I am writing myself into a frenzy of excitement. Who will leave AI tonight? I won't know in the moment unless I sneak a peak at another TV at Marla and Jeff's. A cake for my dad tonight. I have to remember that.

March 11, 2008

I am up once again way too early but it should be an easy day, with time for preparing for our trip and just taking care of things around the house. I am happy to be home. I missed my house Monday yesterday but I did love the work at SUNY. I loved visiting a new school and meeting a set of teachers there. I can still hold my own. I thought it was good to talk with Tom as well. It's messy working with leadership. It's essential that we continue to talk.
I am very excited about more daily writing pieces and where they come from.
I am getting comfortable the twittering on the sidebar to the left of this screen but I need to shut down this computer more. I am moving now to work on my slice that I began yesterday. It's a hard one.

March 10, 2008

A day on the road, New Paltz from 10-5. The weather should work with us today and that will help. I always wonder as I get into my car, how will I fit in the larger plan? I have been writing slices of life like crazy and while this is journal allows me to start the day, that writing challenge offers the next step, a chance to shape pieces. Both are great for moving my cursor across the page. My writing is in bloom and I couldn't be happier. The problem is time and how easy it is to get lost in this machine and what it offers once you click to the internet. A world I love exploring. For example: comments that seem to create very cool communities. It's so great to get a comment more comments after you send off a piece. It doesn't have to be much, just a connection. I LOVE that. Or you are reading someone's post and you find yourself mentioned. That is SO cool. So I continue. I have to remember there's Tuvia though. I my passion for my hummus piece I forgot him. That's not a good thing. Okay, it's time to kick the day into motion.

March 9, 2008

I am sitting in my Hudson River chair with my winter jacket on and ready to go. Tuvia is sitting in his river chair reading. From the surface it looks copisetic between us. But it's not. We are annoyed at the moment with each other because I wasn't a willing participant in our complicated travel plans for today. Sounds ridiculous, but it's not feeling good. I suppose I will be the one to break the ice. I knew we just didn't need to rush today, but he is to one who always feels like we need more time than we do to get somewhere. It's cool to be writing this out. I'm sure it will help when I have to return to reality and take action. We have a great day planned: brunch with my parents at mid way diner in Middletown and then back here for a rest stop and then on to the city for a Chekov play( I love them all), The Seagull, a my favorite theater in the village. It should make for an interesting review on my blog. First I have to break this silence. It helps, somehow that even though there's still wind blowing outside, the sun is shining and in one week we will be ready to leave for Israel.

March 8, 2008

Saturday at 3 in the morning and I'm up against my will, wondering if there's a chance I will be on the road and up to New Paltz today for a Saturday Seminar. I am thinking, NO even though I would like to be. I need the roads and sky to be more welcoming. I just checked weather.com and seems like it will be raining all day and more tomorrow and there could be some serious flooding. Tuvia is great about my indecision. He would encourage me to go to get me moving off my weather issues. Of course he would rather me be here with him. I think that's what's going to happen because I have been pretty firm about avoiding hard driving when I can. In this case it's not essential. So I can back out of a promise to be there. As for today, it's a movie day for sure. What fun! And maybe even an adventure at the brand new diner down the street: Tom Sawyer. We get excited about the strangest things, a fresh diner. So here's to a peaceful Saturday, just one week away, ISRAEL!

March 7, 2008

Rain once again could ruin my plans for a trip back up to New Paltz early tomorrow morning. I want to be there to document the day, to support Tom and TC presenters and see and hang out with Jackie and Kerri but what about the drive up in torrential rain and wind. It's not worth it to me for that. It just takes too much of a toll on me. Ugh, I hate nature sometimes. It's been happening often lately. The month of February and into March. Ugh! Okay enough complaining about the weather. How about politics? Is there a chance that Obama and join HIllary and be the first Woman/Black ticket? Wow would that be great. I think we need to see about a few primaries to come. See if Hillary can add a few more victories on to what she has and show herself as the top of that ticket in my ideal world. Lets see how it plays out. I think all Democrats are ready to see an end to Republicans in the White House of a few years. I am! As for culture this weekend: BRING IT ON... I need to move to my Slice of Life Challenge. From one writing platform to the next. Go figure.

March 6, 2008

It's been a very long day, two days and the weather really accounted for it. Rain turned out to be the latest weather enemy, flooding an area I needed to cross last night. I couldn't get where I needed to be and had to tap into my memory banks and Tom on his cell phone, to find my way to 209, Ellenville and dinner at the next Mexican place in town that was sadly without customers. The food though, was great and the company, my brother and s-i-l even better. And watching AI was so much fun. Up early, I was back on the road to get to our SI07 renewal and it was good that I remembered to call Madyln and prepared her for the same problem I had last night. We both got to our destination within minutes of each other. I did wonder what would be happening when I got there. There wasn't enough time for collaborative planning. I need more of that but the group was wonderful to be with and between bouts of tired I was enjoying the group with and without my camera. It was cool to have Jackie there as well and Kim and her approach to writing. Loved that and felt good that I could make sure she had her DVD working for her. Nice that I had batteries from my flash that were working for their remote. Ahhh, technology, it still boils down the simple elements: AA batteries. And what's coming: My student teacher tomorrow, exercise with Anthony. I haven't been at the gym enough that's for sure this week.
AI is on right now as I write. Off I go! There needs to be time for guitar tonight.

March 5, 2008

Everything's calmed down now. Hard to believe that just a few hours ago the world outside was going crazy with rain and wind pelting everything in sight. Now the birds are out chirping again. I guess they are not a figment of my imagination and the sky is blue and the Hudson below looks calm. Everything is gorgeous. I love it. And last night was wild. Hillary is back. I like that. Even if she doesn't make it to the White House, or even to the race, she can end with more dignity. The people can decide, not the press.
And American Idol is moving closer to the top 12 and that's great entertainment. And it looks like I will finally get to work today. Smooth sailing up the Thurway. All, in all, it will be a good one to be out. I'm ready for that. But first a one-on-one at Apple and lunch with Hilda. It could be a great one today. I'm ready for it, how about you?

March 4, 2008

The birds are singing out there. I hear them even with the remnants of the last snow storm. They are as impatient as the humans who share space here. We are ready for the next season. We can taste spring. It's a funny time. Do you ever ache of winter? Sure I enjoy the first snow if I don't have to be anywhere. I love lighting logs in my fireplace, but pretty much that's enough. And still it's part of the deal and so far, in the east weather hasn't been destructive as it's been in so many other places. I'm sure our turn will come. For now I'm hoping for a bit of sunshine and walking weather.
Tonight is Hillary's last chance and as always, I am ambivalent, I cheer her on, on one hand, and worry that she can't beat McCain. I try to warm up to Barack but I'm not totally there yet. I remember trying to like Bush, back when it looked like he was beating Gore, just before he really wasn't. I didn't try too hard, just a split second and it couldn't work for me and never did. How could it?
Anyway, we need someone who will do more and there's so much to do. 8 years to clean up and then some. Barack looks so youthful and idealistic. What will he look like in 6 months, one year after the election? Politics, I love it and never get tired of campaign talk. Tuvia gets bored, I just change the channel. American Idol tonight: The guys. Moving to the top 12: 6 and 6. What fun! Okay, I need coffee. Imagine I get writing before coffee. I'm so hooked.

March 3, 2008

Good morning. I am sort of up and planning to make this a slow-moving day with time outside in the great weather coming. After a weekend of snow and cold in Albany, I need warmth and sun. Don't we all! This weekend is a blur. I think we are going to be very involved with this new organization and that's a good thing. We ended on such a high with the Marge Piercy poem about work that Tom loves. I didn't really feel it when he brought it in to share with our writing project, but when I was reintroduced to it yesterday. Wow it was great . Great to use with a newish writing group. I just began sharing on a new daily writing project sharing life moments. I began and mentioned Word Count Journal. I got immediate responses, how cool and questions about this site. I wonder if new people signed on from that inquiry? Feels like there's more to write here. I could be back but for now I heading over for a a life moment.http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/

March 2, 2008

I'm up and it's early. I'm wondering if Steve has a new niece/nephew. We have a morning left here at this conference. As we finished the afternoon session I was painfully exhausted and thought about getting to dinner and then to sleep. The dinner time was painful, listening to complaining for another group,eating Mexican food in the dark and and tolerating a very noisy table next to us. I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel and as we entered our rooms Katelin mentioned she would be moving downstairs and somehow after a conversation with Tuvia I grabbed by computer bag and joined her and the fun began. Katelin and I played with our macbooks. I showed her around the desktop.
As I Twittered she caught up with Youtube videos and odd conversations that I didn't get. Rob and Steve returned excited from the hockey game, the guys from Cortland came in from dinner with the NYC contingent and everyone was relaxed and enjoying the downtime. And my camera was up in the room and I was too lazy to get it. Oh well. It was so peaceful in it's ease. Steve soon got news that Kristen, his sister was in labor and it didn't take much encouragement from us for Steve to pack and get on the road back to the hospital. He promised to call me when he arrived back and of course, he did. It's been run to watch our two new young RF coming to the table with their youthful excitement and passion. They are building their own connection. It's exciting, probably like the meeting I missed.
I pulled out my Kindle and the group went crazy! I was surprised actually, but it was fun to share. I llove being the first one on the block! YES! It was a great high to end the day there. Now I'm up for the end of this day. I am taking away some nice face to face. I'm not sure about what I would like to see happen in the future. I think for me it's making some real tech connections with NYC writing project.

March 1, 2008

Up early, as usual to SNOW and lots of it. I'm wondering how this will impact the plans for today. I can envision us trying to clump across the campus, but from the look of the local news lots of organizations have closed up for today. Breakfast at 9? Good thing there's a DD right next door that if anyone ventures out. Of course there's a Marriott cafe right here. I'm glad this isn't my party to host. Just a guest who will be fed one way or the other. I wonder if I'm the only one up and getting going... It could be a day of adventures. I'm up for it.

February 29, 2008

Not so early today on yet another very cold day with a threat of SNOW as I prepare to leave earlier for a weekend NYS NWP conference for our state. I have made some changes to get up there a bit earlier, just in case the snow begins earlier than expected. I need to travel in relative weather safety when it's possible. Last night Tuvia can with me as we attended an 8th grade play, directed by my old drama buddy, James. There was a time when we were very connected to the stage when I still had mine at Pearl River. When I retired I gave it up to an old student grad and never looked back, never missed it and still don't but it was all warmly familiar as I sat in between James and Tuvia as I could support James with quiet feedback. It was a great show.
I am very satisfied to say I directed enough plays to never have to work on another one. I still love seeing them though. Okay, breakfast and then another skype conversation with Tom and Mary. Does my voice carry weight, of does the college duo drown me out?

February 28, 2008

Today is a work day. I hope that my early morning drive is ice-free. Looking forward to watching my student teacher work with kids and use the lesson plan he has struggled to create. We will see. I am excited about the political campaign although I do feel that Hillary has been hit hard because of gender, but it looks like my book club BB and J will becom Obama girls. We are working on a Tshirt now and planning a road trip to campaign when the time is right. As for my day of wondering, I am still wondering about what my work life will look like down the road. My heart and passion has been centered around my work with the HVWP. I'm wondering if that might be altered. Wondering at this point. I am up listening to the weather. Snow tomorrow night? Night, that's the key. Night I can deal with that. We are traveling to Albany. The snow needs to hold off until we get there. Okay, almost time to get going....coffee?

February 27, 2008

It's a wondering time for me. The change from life with a full time classroom never leaves my present. The change continues to be dynamic that I never seem to take it for granted. Past and present are so contrasting. I actually love the calendars I create on this computer. Often I get to change plans for complete days. I don't think Tuvia gets the thrill of that, but maybe because the tight structure of a classroom teacher in contrast to life as it is now, offers a freedom that's intoxicating. I'm feeling a poem in the making, a digital story perhaps about life now/life then. And in all of this, I'm always wondering about my work which continues to be hard to describe because it isn't set in a daily structure. How many days do you work in New Paltz? I don't know. How many hours? I could say every time I open this computer. And that's more than I can calculate.
I've been wondering a lot lately. That's a good thing. As for today, I will be meeting up with my book club, our trio at Strawberry Place in Nyack. Where else? Now before retirement we could never meet there. By the time school ended that place was usually closed. We actually rarely meet in the evening. Mornings are so much more powerful for me.
Anyway, no driving up north today. Friday there will be lots of driving if there's no snow to contend with. I'm praying. Okay, time for coffee at 6:15.

February 26, 2008

I'm up , I'm up and here. That's the routine. Up and on this thing. Is that a good thing? Well I am writing and now that I am experimenting with more networks, I more connected to the outside world, even though it seems hard to get into the conversations I am watching. That's okay. I'm learning the lingo and more about the world of the web.
I joined another one yesterday: Tumblr and I do have one person to follow. There's more of course, but the beginning with one is cool. I also see that there's a few on Facebook to connect with. So I've made that connection. It's easy to keep up on the sidebar. They are all integrated. I can't help but wonder if this is just someone's way of listening in on my thoughts, someone, something that wants to control. Paranoid? We'll see. For sure I am writing like crazy and that's a fantastic thing. I have the writing muscle that I remember being so envious of when I began attending workshops at Bard. It was sure easy to write the article with Paul and keep up with my main blog for the writing project. I wonder about my lesson today. How will that be and I have a lesson today and a one-on-one with my cameras. OKay. I'm ready. Snow? Not here. That's nice too. ENOUGH! I could just write all day...but no, I need coffee. oj, french toast today.
BTW, it was good to get working at SUNY yesterday. It was great!
Three great meetings.

February 25, 2008

I can't wait until it's light out when I'm up so early. I don't mind it, these early hours. There's actually, at 6 AM, a light out there, a red sunrise coming up through the leafless trees. If I got up and walked over to the window, I'd see the river reflecting the red rise of the sun or the end of the moon. It's gorgeous. Last night, at the Oscars, Tuvia sat for the entire show, watching the TV and me as I moved back and forth between the show and this computer, obsessively working on my new website. Wandering through old video pieces, selecting and deleting. Remembering back. A challenge to select just the best pieces. Moving things around, saving, deleting, selecting, clicking back. I am wondering about the newest version of collaboration for the SI coming up. I'm wondering what will happen to my voice, that was so powerful last summer. I am wondering... It was also interesting yesterday to be back with my very grown nieces who would regularly see Broadway with me. This year they came to meet me on their own. I was the second stop of the day. It was fun, but maybe not as much fun for me as it's been in the past. Three of them together is a powerful force, hard to connect with in a meaningful way. Not what I expected when they were younger and more dependent. I saw the connection to continue without such a dramatic independence in them. I like them, I like the fact that they are so close. The show, Spring Awakening had a great score by Duncan Shiek but the play was not memorable for me.
Okay...I'm moving to watch the sun rise.

February 24, 2008

Up and in our backyard the sun is shining on still the pure snow. From this window it's clearly winter. I could be December, January...Tuvia continues to move ahead, putting winter behind him. I am the realist on winter. No spring yet. If you think so, you will for sure, be slammed. Today is all about NYC and Broadway with my niece trio: Maya, Leigh and Dani. Spring Awakening. A play I toyed with once to use with my high school kids. But a bit too risque in a read. But now with cool music from Duncan Sheik, I am excited. And tonight, the Oscars, and while I'm not personally committed to any one winner, like I'm not feeling Hillary or Barack individually yet, I am love the magisty of the Oscars. What genuine movie lover could stay away? Well Tuvia won't be able to take too much of it. Although, he did enjoy the SAG awards but they were much more low key, and more about the films. Okay, so there's lots of glitz on Oscar night. Oh well, yes.
And here comes a week of lots of work at SUNY. I am looking forward to it and not and then a weekend at Albany. I am psyched for that. It's all good. And soon I will be able to officially begin packing for Israel. My latest picture book has arrived and it looks amazing! It's what I love: taking photos and then making sense of what I have.

February 23, 2008

I'm going to try this again. I did have a solid paragraph written and I moved to my new up and published and revised website: www.tellitdigital.com and I lost my post here. Oh well, lots more where that came from. It's been a busy online morning now that I am twittering, working on my website and even some facebook. Wow, do I need more? I'm living on the web as it is. How much can Tuvia tolerate? I know when he's had enough without my attention. Whoops that just happened. A call home to my parents. I get that. Okay, back again. We are almost ready to be out for the afternoon. First I need to complete this entry. I can't leave it unfinished. I have been working on my course blog coming up this summer. I have begun to create it by parking blogsites and online articles and tools that my students will be able to explore during the course. Last year it was all about digital storytelling. We need to move with DS to the web and how best to do that than to blog away with focus and purpose. Let's do it! I'm getting excited already. In the spirit of collaboration, I am also bringing my HVWP tech team with me into the course. That should be so cool. Actual classroom teachers dealing with the challenges of the web in their classrooms. Nice. Okay...time to watch the predictions for the Academy Awards.

February 22, 2008

Snow in February. Why am I not surprised? Of course when you think you're home free BAM! And up early to watch it come down in its pure beauty and our cars and warm and clean in the garage. I am hoping that Tuvia doesn't get his usual cabin fever. I am not feeling 100%, so staying inside the entire day will be a pleasure. I have enough toys here with me to keep me occupied and then there's always naps and movies throughout the day. Yesterday Tuvia insisted that we see Sharon's art show together. I was planning to stop by on my way back from my student teacher, and just hang out with her. But his desire was so strong, how could I say no? He walked in, went right to the wall and found a piece he loved. He called me over to let me know he wanted to buy a piece. And did. He selected his favorite. Sharon was thrilled of course and then the three of us sat together and of course I had a few favorites and as we left I had it in my head and it remained there and that was the critical indicator for me and the price is reasonable. So I well may own it. It takes me back to New Mexico and it's a wonderful mixed media piece, Sharon, at her best! It's the signature piece of the show. I already emailed my decision to Sharon. She won't be surprised. Tuvia is up,showered and shaved and ready to serve breakfast. And the Today show begins! HIllary and Barack, I think it will be Barack, but who's my choice. Both I think.

February 21, 2008

A big day today after spending yesterday on my couch most of it. Cold outside and inside the fireplace cleaned and ready for burning, hunkering down with some company from Dana, it was easy to give in to a bit of a bug passing through me. Sure I comforted myself with a favorite treat, air popped popcorn and diet Dr. Pepper. Ahhh... I did get to some work, thinking about some tech readings, David Warlick. A challenge from Tom, that annoyed me at first. Okay well. I have to get used to having him back. Twitter, not sure about that. Conversations seem to swirl around me. I'm not an insider but I'm getting more comfortable just watching. For sure I've turned off the twitter on my computer. I had a tool downloaded that had each tweet appear with a bird sound on my desktop, interrupting whatever I was doing. Peace. I can wait to see who has joined a conversation. Sometimes people are posting and there seems to be no response, unless they get private messages. Oh well, just starting to figure it out. Today I will finally meet my student teacher's CT, finally. And I will be seeing my ST without seeing a lesson plan. I'm concerned. Is he writing them? I'm not sure. I will know soon enough. I have been clear about his needing them before I see him. I hope I don't need to take this further. Is John McCain guilty of the accusations reported by the NYTimes that he conducted a relationship with a female lobbyist? We will see. I can't say I"m too upset.
Snow tomorrow? Really? Sure, it's still winter and just when we need to say bye bye to this season, we get slapped down. Ugh! Snow coming... okay! I'm canceling tomorrow. Tuvia, I'm sure will fight that cancellation. We will see.
And American Idol has begun now. I like the guys more and some very feisty women of color. Tonight 4 go home....WHO???

February 20, 2008

Happy Birthday , Amy. I wonder if the flowers arrived? I'm sure I'm not the only one who sent flowers but what else can you send? I'm not that creative when it comes to gifts. The thinking takes me a lot of time. The nicest thing I could do is create a digital story for her. I'm searching for photos. Today was going to be different but I had to recraft it. No trip to SUNY. Instead, I'm here in my chair waiting for the world to come to me. First talk with Tom and Mary and then chimney sweep action and then Dana, and later another online call....and American Idol tonight. Guitar practice, computer lessons, planning for tomorrow...ahhhh.... Life, filled with all the good things... Four minutes and counting.... Almost time...

February 19, 2008

Good morning to sun today. I will get out of the house for exercise, a lottery ticket and just some time outside. I am meeting 1/2 of my book club for an early lunch, Tuvia will come in the early afternoon and I have a conference call with Paul and then dinner at Janes. NICE! All nice. No more Castro and a big election in Pakestan. Will the world bet better? I don't want to say no. And Obama? What about him? I am looking closely at him.
220 million dollars for the lottery today. I will stop for a ticket on the way to the gym. Will we win? Probably not. That's okay. It was weird yesterday, using the phone. I don't have phone stamina anymore. I lose focus but on this computer. NEVER. I am so addicted. And I feel like a stranger in a strange world on Twitter. But I'm playing with it. Okay...time to move on. Have a good one.

February 18, 2008

Whoops, I lost my writing again. Twitter! Rats! Maybe that's the writing on the wall. Will I stick with it? Can't say, but I do like playing with new tech tools. So here we are getting immersed in yet another one. What will happen when I get my Iphone. Watch out Bonnie K. Today was a home day for me and I am glad of it. It was such a pleasure to walk around the place and get to the things I've been leaving behind: Tax deductions for my taxman, phone calls to people who need my time, reading, exercise...my guitar gently weeps for its time and that will hapen very soon. It's a nice day on my own. Nice! I am ready to move on and stay dry. Tomorrow!

February 17, 2008

WHoops I just lost what I was writing when I jumped to read a twitter post. Oh well, there's never a lack of words. I'm thinking about my movie review from last night, wondering why that movie will never stay with me. There's another level to explore and we just never got there. No time. Too many characters to introduce. Too many women to show us. Anyway, today, if I have my way we will be seeing Persepolis. Now that one should be deep. I just need to convince Tuvia that the challenge will be worthwhile. He usually trusts my insistence. I am hoping that snow does not prevent my work this week. I am looking forward to some face to face meetings. You can do just so much with long distance tools. Skype was good when the group was small, but the larger meeting on Wednesday was torture. Okay, OJ time.
Have a great Sunday!

February 16, 2008

Saturday and it bright and clear and sunny! Could be cold out there but that's okay! I'm so ready for Spring and that what always happens as we get here, it's the itch for Spring.
Yesterday had a nice shape to it. I was on the scale and then exercising with Anthony. A great combination. I now own a bright yellow exercise ball . I didn't think twice about it but it was a hit at the gym with the other trainers, imagine. We sat last night watching lots of terrible movie from Blockbusters. I have to put the Assassination of Jessie James in that pile. Just what was the point? The other movies were those very light comedies, some never getting too far in theaters. But now what's caught us is yer another school shooting. What can we do about this? Michael Moore return to Columbine! That's what hits me. Anyway off to begin Saturday. Enjoy!

February 15, 2008

Happy Friday. Some people are on vacation and that's wonderful. Good news to report, my first online article is heading to its appearance with the support of Paul Oh. What a wonderful process of editing! And more to come. I think my ordeal with the writing process has changed with this daily writing ritual. It makes it so much easier to get serous after this morning writing. Just exercising this writing muscle. How powerful! Yesterday morning started in early, in the darkness and with the coming of the daylight cool things began to happen one after the next...a Mac lesson, a makeover, a visit to the beauty parlor, new from Paul, preparations for Valentine's Celebration at the Burns with Nancy and Chris and home with Tuvia who noticed the updates and loved them. What more can one day offer? And today?? What does this day have in store? Time to get into it. Have a good one!

February 14, 2008

I am SO up and wondering about my work. I am feeling that I am on a crossroads, on the verge of something new and I'm not sure what. It's always a hard place to be, on the verge, but what can you do?
Valentine's Day today and it's nice to use the day to celebrate love. A great movie, Casablanca, in a great space, with friends and champaign and chocolate and of course a great man! And I'm still up thinking about a new challenge. How about that? There's more to write about, always...yesterday I had the best time creating a post about my love of Brazilian guitar music. Just picking up where I had left the post took me back to that day. I kept racing back to see the entry during the day.
I finished a new photo book and again, I am in love with getting to know images I have on my computer. I just wish I could capture images indoors better. I need some help before the TESOL conference. Time for Bergen camera? Ray?

February 13, 2008

The weather has forced me to stay home and I have been thrilled to be here. Tuvia on the other hand, was out all yesterday to make sure he got to see his son before he returned to Israel and even though I tried to get him to get home and not travel here he ignored me and arrived around 9, happy to be with me. How's that for love and insanity. It was wonderful to see him at the door, grinning.
At the moment he is sleeping deeply and I am up to watch the school closings. I am still hooked in this. Yesterday is really a a sweet day and a productive meeting with Skype returning to my original leadership team at HVWP which we will be re-establishing this summer. It was wonderful. I don't think I will be up there today either. All those plans and no way will I be traveling to SUNY. But Skype is a nice alternative. Will I be in my car today? Probably. Not so bad here I'll bet.

February 12, 2008

Snow in February. My nemesis as usual. Lots of my creative babies had to be rerouted because of February snow. No matter how warm January could be there was always February to deal with and here we go again.
Today was well planned for work in New Paltz with backup if necessary. A sleep over in Eville or New Paltz, but the snow is coming too early to handle what might be on the ground in the Ulster area. I just have too far to travel to make it comfortable for me. Sorry. I'm disappointed but I have a great alternative, an early valentine coming instead. Can't feel too sorry. And with new technology we will be able to salvage something. Lovely.. I have to decide about the my meeting at 11. I think I will cancel that for the end of the week. Looks like both meetings could be canceled for me. I do have an early morning guitar lesson to enjoy. I pretty well prepared. I managed to practice almost every day this week. Ugh... Opps... missed Janet's Birthday. Should I call today? Why not! Doesn't look like there will be any snow to mar V Day, nice! And I have started twittering...I'm not sure how I feel about that... have to play it by ear... Too early to be up and working but I have my computer with me in bed. How sick is that?

February 11, 2008

Good morning! We are in the deep freeze here in New York. The wind was howling all night and just for a few moments we lost electricity but it came late enough that we could have just gone to bed and we were together so that would have been fun. As the lights went out I searched for a flashlight. The fire was already going in the fireplace so that wasn't critical but the couple downstairs who love to yell it seems, usually at each started cursing at the top of their lungs. How appropriate! During the day I was lucky to be invited to brunch with friends in the city and watch a cool documentary on quantum physics and the power of the mind. I confess I did nod off for a few minutes but I think it was okay.
It was great to be with that group of women. Nancy, Liz, Sue, Laura and Pilar. All bright, thoughtful, active and engaged. I was complemented to be included. Now the sun is out. Need that and I'm off to Apple, where else? And then exercise and lunch with MF. Perfect.

February 10, 2008

Creepy day yesterday! An early morning journey to a HVWP Saturday Seminar and a ride home in some light snow. I could deal with it and still keep up my steady speed. We watched movies from Blockbuster. I liked this edgy movie with Morgan Freeman and Greg Kinear, although I do understand why I don't think it ever showed in movie theaters. Hard to find an audience. It was marketed as a quirky comedy. I DON"T THINK SO! Tuvia grew to like it with me. Later we cued up Elizabeth, the Golden Age. Tuvia was into it. I stayed focused on my portable computer screen. I ancient history hat appeared. Returning to my original academic passion, this was a period I loved. Now this movie did not get very good reviews and I so understand why not. The fiction was okay for Tuvia. Not me. The dynamic events of this period can speak for themselves. You can tell the story quietly. Not this movie. Each scene was loud and ridiculous. Kate Blanchet played the game, but is this the performance for an Oscar,a performance to be proud of? I don't think so. There was more important performances to acknowledge. Sorry, I can't go along. I worked on my latest photo book for Adi and family. More challenging and I did get to play and enjoy, guitar!
Crappy outside, lovely inside. And lots of cold and wind coming..today and the week. You can't rule out mother nature and what about Obama, he's a force to be reckoned with. Nice on the other side that Mccain is not a slam dunk. I have to think more about Obama. Better than trying to get used to Bush for two terms.

February 9, 2008

Early morning, too early to write to kick off the day. An early morning on the road to New Paltz and I made great time listening to freshly downloaded tunes- a playlist of Sheryl Crowe and Jack Johnson and as I traveled and listened to new these new tunes, I wondered which of this crop would ignite my passion chord, the one that travels through me when the music is just right. For example there's a Nora Jones song that does it to me every time. the Tonight Quintet from West Side Story does it to me and on. Tuvia recently commented that I need music. He doesn't? He does love music, but he doesn't need it.
I wonder how many people are with Tuvia and how many there are with me? Time for a movie! We both need that!

February 8, 2008

Good morning! Great weekend ahead, New Paltz tomorrow morning and brunch with great ladies on Sunday in NYC, Grammercy Park for food and a film a great conversation. What a combination. Last night I reconnected with West Side Story! Maria, Tonight...the Quintet is my favorite as five singers sing the 5 parts...I shut my eyes and breathed it all in! Ecstasy! And what about politics?
Going strong and I pick up the sword of support for women! Last night I listened to someone refer to Hillary as a Bitch! I didn't respond to that comment/ sexual insult,I had already gone after the barbs against the "Clintons" in general. But my missed opportunity about BITCH won't happen again. I pledge! Coffee time!

February 7, 2008

7:07. I slept later than usual. It was a night a bad dreams that I remember. I usually do remember the bad ones. I wake up still in them and as I come back into reality, it's great to be able to breathe and say, no, it was just a dream. But some a very close to the fears of reality and leave you wondering, will it come to pass? I think this morning's episode will. Oh well, the sunrise over the Hudson is very helpful. I'm running to get my camera. After all this rain the ring of red/orange is brilliant! WOW! Off on another journey to a school district I've never seen before to meet a new student teacher to add to my student list.
I have to take a break, the Hudson calls me...

February 6, 2008

Yesterday was truly a SUPER Tuesday. My passion for romance and my support of things New York, fueled my fair-weather interest in the Giant's victory and celebration yesterday. It was glorious to watch a team all but finished in its early season this year, stage an amazing comeback it the post season journey to the Superbowl. 12 straight, glorious wins. A coach preparing to be let go and his quarterback who had the record for most interceptions, showed everyone what they could do. It was wonderful to watch. And that was coupled with Super Politics Tuesday and I continue to envision both Hillary and Barack both being sworn in on the day Bush goes home in defeat. A woman and a man of Color. What a choice! A young man of passion. A woman of experience. It's too hard for me. I was happy that both of them are still in it. I'm prepared for either one to emerge as the winner. What a great ticket, but that won't happen in the real world. It's just so exciting to be an American!
And the question...will I, or won't I get to New Paltz today? Will the rain stop me???

February 5, 2008

Writing in the darkness, how romantic? Not really. I hoping that this inspires some sleep. The early morning Today is on, always on but it's not enough to return me to dreamland. I am giving this effort 30 minutes? to move me to get tired enough to stop or it might just work to stimulate my mind and move me out and up officially Guitar lesson at 8AM. I am hoping that guitar first and then off to the gym. That's been a hard combination.
And today is the Superbowl Parade to easy heroes. Sports is easy, uncomplicated compared to the reality of war, family conflicts, illness, poverty. That Superbowl, alllowed 97 million people to overeat? and cheer. You know, we need that. And today, celebration in NYC and in New Orleans? Are they really able to celebrate? All those still left homeless. Lower 9th Ward, are they celebrating? Bravo to the heroes who are still there trying to make things better. Bush? Never! But he can't feel good about his last year in office. Will anyone invite him to campaign for them as we move closer to November? Today I'm ready to vote. I'm ready to support Hillary. When I get the calls to support Barack with money I say, too soon to tell. Maybe. For now I'm all Hillary. Just months ago I was waiting for Al. I understand about his decision and respect it, but for now, it's HIllary. I'm enjoying the choice. Not much on the Republican side as they fight for the mantle: The True Conservative. TURN OFF. I am writing like crazy. Good for me that's for sure.
Am I ready for the day to begin? It's pitch dark. Too early.
Vote today. Go democrats. .

February 4, 2008

Up and out for education, that's my education at the Apple store and I'm working with a young guy, Tom, who is very involved wit software I want to know comfortably so I having him move me along slowly. Keyframes. I've been playing them by ear and now I want more clear foundation. Of course, he's not a teacher and when it comes to teaching computer skills, even for a teacher(me) it's a challenge. He was frustrated that I was picking it up quickly and surprise for a Geek, he blamed himself. He shouldn't. I totally understand and I'm willing to move slowly. An interesting dilemma, but with Apple's Pro Care feature you buy 52 one-hour one-on-one lessons for $100.00. I am not watching the clock.
Love learning! And what about those Giants! What a great game, even Tuvia enjoyed the win. Today in the bleak return of real winter, complete with a touch of snow, I want time to move rapidly to March and Israel.

February 3, 2008

It's Superbowl Sunday and I know who's playing, where and when and I will be watching for the first time in, many years. There will be no pig out to accompany the event, and I can't vouch for Tuvia after the first 10 minutes. And I can't guarantee that it will have my full attention but I will proudly have it on my main TV screen tonight. Okay? As for yesterday. A great day after a Friday of rain and gloom. Yesterday was chilly but stimulating with a return to NYC after our time away in Tucson and as I've been shifting through thoughts for a new digital piece I flitted to the contrast Tucson-NYC...and I had my camera along yesterday for some street shots. So the piece has photos and the beginning of text. Love the preparations. And then last night, The Savages... a movie that will linger as I deal with my own family dramas down the road. I will remember this one when I have my own parents to take care of and share the responsibility with my brothers. I hope that our relationship survives and moves into our own aging.
It helped too to end our eveing back at our diner over a waffle with strawberries and great coffee. And there's Super Tuesday on the way and that's even more important than Superbowl. No?

February 2, 2008

Okay the ground hog saw his shadow! 6 More weeks of winter. I don't think we can stop the last 6 weeks shadow or not. Yesterday was SO gloomy. I need the sun and it's here today. The SUN, I remember reading Ray Bradbury's short story about the sun coming one day a year on Venus and later traveling in Norway and imagining a place without much sunshine. I don't think I could function. I'm so glad to see the light today. And get ready to meet my parents for lunch. I need to get unhooked from this machine as well. At the moment I have three computers around me: this one, a bigger version for digital work and the Green Machine on a chair. I AM INSANE! But it's fun! I did break away yesterday for guitar, for TV, for Tuvia I did miss my group lesson and a play directed by Chelsea at PR. I couldn't go home. I thought about it a long time and while it would have been fun to be there with Sharon. I couldn't be there. I think Im done for now. I am planning to see James' new work coming up the end of February...but that's different. It not my place. Anyway we will be out today! Have a great Saturday. Here's my latest digital story about Tucson if you want to check it out. Leave me a comment if you do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNVtbIrMF7o

February 1, 2008

February! How did we get here so fast? Time is speeding for those over 18. I remember when I was a kid, faintly, and time moved so slowly. And I remember adults telling me to slow down...I couldn't believe it then..Now, YES! I would like though to move through this month. Not a favorite. It's a gray month. I used to direct a play in the winter to move the season along with something stimulating... By March I will be packing for Israel. Nice! And I will go public: HIllary has my vote! That could be the kiss of death though, I don't have a good track record on voting. Bill was my great success at the booth. Maybe that's a good vibe for Clinton 2! Anyway...a productive morning on the computer and now to exercise and off to guitar. Have a good one.

January 31, 2008

It feels like new projects are cooking again. I had a quiet time as I worked on some older pieces but right now I'm feeling like new things are perking. We are getting ready to join in with the NYS writing project network with an interesting group of site reps. I am also thinking about how we can move beyond where we've been techwise. And Kevin, fully engaged with his green machine reminds me that mine is still in the box and I need to get it out SOON! I am almost ready to send off another version of the NWP article. Almost! Okay, I need coffee!

January 30, 2008

Hillary or Barack! What a dilemma! A woman president, a Black President. Of course, I'd like to see a Clinton/Obama ticket but who will agree to take the second banana position? I think that John Edwards is playing some interesting politics now that he's dropped out of the race but holds important seats in his hand as the fight for delegates will continue. I love the race. It's America! Democracy! We need change for sure! As Caroline Kennedy threw her support to Obama the other day, I was taken back to my early experiences with JFK. 6th grade, the election results were coming in and it was close. My dad let me stay up to watch the returns. Of course I was for Kennedy. He was young, inspirational, good looking and on my wave length. It was hard getting over his assassination as a 9th grader. He made the presidency human for me and that's how I began in the political process. I wonder what power Obama has with kids now?
It's an interesting dilemma for me. We need to be done with Bush and try to clean up the mess we have allowed him to make. Although, I can't take any responsibility for his election. I supported Al Gore, remember him? and John Kerry. And for sure we would not be where we are now if more people had joined me. Oh well... November 2008, let's get there!

January 29, 2008

Back to the guitar. It's easy to remember the sound of guitars from the Sunday Marathon at the 92nd St Y. In my head still! Sure, I can't match the sounds I heard or the technique or anything else, except the passion. My passion is beginning to find a growing voice through the strings now that my fingers are connecting better, feeling more comfortable. I am in love with music and the challenge to create it for myself, in front of a fire these days. Makes the cold winter more friendly. Off to breakfast. Lesson at 8:00. Then back to the gym.

January 28, 2008

Home! Tuvia leaves. I begin to reconnect with my environment. I get ready for my Apple session. I pack my things for a day on the road. Gene offers me the latest young techie, Tom, who is a whiz at Final Cut and open to moving with me, experimenting with the rest of the programs in Studio 2. I'm the only one interested in exploring this set of tools and Tom is uneasy that he doesn't feel comfortable with these tools quite yet. Oh I know that feeling! Been there myself. I am just happy to have someone ready to do some homework just for me. Out the door and off to New Paltz. It's been a while since I've been up there. I am excited about meeting up with Eric and Karen and wonder where are we going as a site. I get to talk with Jackie from the moment I leave Apple until I'm sitting outside the Muddy Cup, one hour later. I wonder how I've gotten there, how I was able to park with the phone attached to my neck. It's fun and stimulating to be back in this atmosphere. I get to talk with Mary as well and that's good. Back home....I am ready to exercise, to play guitar, to talk on the phone, to communicate on this computer. And now as I write this piece and my NWP piece, Bush is droning on...his last year. How was he ever elected, once, twice? How could that have happened? I still don't get it. Al Gore, John Kerry...no, BUSH, ugh! I'm going to leave that with the same questions I remember asking about Nixon, and Regan, yes Ronnie.
So, it's back to my NWP article. I promised.

January 27, 2008

You know I just realized that I didn't write here today. I was too busy feeling the pressure of hosting Boil Down Your Week in a Sentence and at the same time keeping up with my buddy Kevin as he set a new challenge for himself and for me in the DS world. I had so much fun stepping up and watching the clock to get to NYC for the guitar marathon. I'm good with a deadline and the coming of ecstasy. That's right PURE ECSTASY! One great artist after the next and I was sitting front row center. That's right. As the Assad brothers played, Sergio Assad turned his seat to see his brother and inadvertently to see me as well. What a thrill. WHAT A THRILL of a day! And it wasn't too cold. And the sun was shining... and life is slowly returning to normal.
Suitcases unpacked. Clothes washed. Plants fed. Off to work tomorrow. It all feels fresh. Tucson: Here's my You Tube Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNVtbIrMF7o

January 26, 2008

Back home and feeling it. Ugh..where am I? Actually, I'm happy to be here. I was happy to be there, but here is familiar. The kitchen, the refrigerator, the food, the diner we stopped in last night for a familiar dinner of chicken soup, a waffle and scrambled eggs. Sounds strange but good, familiar.
It was such a great trip just to be out into the countyside, to walk without winter coats, to talk with people from Tucson, it was great to embrace the unfamiliar America, the fantasy America for me. THE WEST!
And back home the work that was supposed to happen on Tuesday isn't happening so I don't feel pressured to jump back in. Life is still more flexible. I went through my calendar, reopening the slots....I am sure they will so be filled.

January 25, 2008

Good morning. Time to return to my real world. I was disappointed at first that we were staying for such a short period of time, but as I see it, that's fine. A few days away is good, but I miss normal eating, I miss my guitar, and since we have a big trip set for March, just a few days in the west has been so great.
What a place to just ride out into the countryside of America. WHAT A PLACE! Still open spaces, untouched land, mountains, sky... It was great to return to the place where I first fell in love with America west of NYC. Tuvia loved it too. And it was very cool to see Josh last night. Something good that came from my week in the Headlands last year. People connections! Leaving on a jet plane soon.

January 24, 2008

Tucson today...Here's a funny story: I sent out my Day 1 photos to lots of friends in my address book. Right after they went out I got an email from my buddy Josh, someone I met at a workshop last year, excited about the photos but more excited that I took them here, in his city. Tonight we are meeting him for dinner. Ahhh, love this web 2.0! And the place isn't shabby either. Shower time...

January 23, 2008

Tucson! Great flight, softest entrance I can remember. Out of the airport and the sun was warm and I was ready to get out the sandals. We arrived at the hotel and it was perfect, a suite. Unpacked and out for a walk and Tuvia was satisfied beyond his expectation. As we rode to the hotel I tried to remember Tucson but it was 1987 and I have spent much more time since then in New Mexico. So no, nothing seemed familiar and that was fine. Today we are renting a car to travel outside into the mountains that surround Tucson on every side. Tucson remains very local in feeling. We walked to a steak house last night and while Tuvia at first compared it to Charley Brown, he agreed that it did not really have the chain feeling.
It's good to be away.

January 22, 2008

We are off to Tucson today and I'm wondering about the Stock Market. How does the Stock Market impact on our lives as we've been living them and will continue? And what's happening with politics? I love this time in the campaign. Last night the mud was flying and I am liking everyone and missing Al. I am sure I will move to Hillary. I like Clinton/Obama. I know it doesn't exist and will probably not, but how perfect! Female and Man of Color. What would be cool is Female and Female hispanic. The more diversity the better as far as I'm concerned. Just let's have some intelligence. But it's fun!
We are getting closer to 1-20-09! So back to reality. Bags are packed and poised to move with us filled with our things. All tech comes with me! Tuvia is calling. Time to go.

January 21, 2008

It's cold. Good time to get on a plane and go west for a few days to warm up and explore new territory. Want to come along? So I guess the dream I had last night was just that. I was just beginning a new teaching job at a high school. It was fun meeting the drama department, finding my name tag at a teacher luncheon, having that new feeling in a place where I was tabula rasa, but slowly, as I woke up, I started to think reality: high stake tests, complaining parents, early morning wake ups, lessons to plan for, papers to read and grade... AHHH, nice to get back to reality and consider what I need to pack for the trip. And last night, cold for sure, but It was great to meet Jeff and Marla in Brooklyn and enjoy their weekend place while Josh is away following his heart in San Francisco. It's nice being an adult and enjoying drinks and dinner and then a ride home and planning for the next day.... Ahhhh.... no, I guess I won't take that teaching job...even it was a dream job!

January 20, 2008

DEEP FREEZE today! But that's not holding us back from a day with events. I have a baby party to photograph and then we are off to Brooklyn to spend the afternoon(before the start of the Giants game) with my brother and sister-in-law. Appetizers and Dinner out and then home for a fire in the fireplace and the start of packing for Tucson. Nice to be with family. Yesterday it was lunch with Tuvia's side in Hoboken. Today it's my group. Fair's, fair. And last night's movie, The Bucket List lingers but probably not for long, although aging is an issue that lingers as we spend time with Marla who just lost her father. Okay, cereal is on the table and I still have time for my article. A few more paragraphs, but I'm waiting for some juicy quotes now from the team.

January 19, 2008

Freezing temps are coming today and tomorrow and I will be so ready to pack, get on a plane be off to a warmer place. Tucson, why not? It's been a lifetime ago since I was first there with Joel ready to play tennis at Lowes Ventana Canyon Hotel and when we arrived just before Christmas it was snowing and more freaked out than us, was the people of Tucson. And the snow was quite beautiful on Christmas eve and even the next morning, but by noon we were on outdoor courts playing in shorts. I am hoping that it's warm and sunny. THat's all, just warm and sunny. Not that I hate the cold here yet. By February and I will have had enough and our trip to Israel in March won't come soon enough. But when we return I will be ready to spring and it will almost be here. It's early on Saturday morning and we will be back in Hoboken. Tuvia's family today and tomorrow, it's my side in Brooklyn for an adventure at Josh's apartment without Josh. But first a photo shoot for Dana at Emma's first B day and then Brooklyn. For now, the news and weather on early morning Weekend Today. Tuvia's still asleep. SHHHHH

January 18, 2008

What is happening to our world as we know it? The Stock Market? How are we all dealing with this fall? Who owns America? There's lots of money being made out there on oil as we continue to drain our budget on a war and the book I've come to love, Three Cups of Tea offers another way to win friends and move the world to a better place: EDUCATION! I'm very nervous about our future. Leadership? Can anyone feel that Bush is doing anything? In my reality, I played guitar last night well over an hour and if Tuvia hadn't been ready for a movie I could continued on. Wow! And I didn't think I had anything in me. It was a beautiful sound. I am more and more in control of my instrument. Today I have a lesson with Sue. Ugh, still makes me nervous but it doesn't hold me back from playing without shaking hands. Love that! I am also wondering is my inservice happening or not.
And we are off to Tucson on Tuesday! A change of place is always good, no? Breakfast anyone?

January 17, 2008

UP! Wondering about leadership. An odd thing to be thinking about at 6AM but isn't that what happens. Something is in your head and even when you push it aside it refuses to leave you and it's very early, too early to be able to do anything about it but there's email and careful. You don't want to use that medium without thinking carefully, because it's out it's out and on it's way.
Ahh emal. A wonderful thing, email. Beats the phone sometimes...especially when phone service is on the fritz like it is at my house, but the cable service has gotten a lot better about responding to problems and someone is coming today in the morning. Fast! Capitalism at its best. January is an odd month for me. It used to be the most insane month of teaching. From the day we returned from winter recess there was no time to breathe. For me it was even harder than June. The end of a semester and the middle of play rehearsals with the issue of mid term prep coming in the way and exams and snow...and kids getting nervous..finals...performances for drama classes...I remember, I remember... Sitting here in my warm living room, planning out the day with time for guitar, for exercise, for the cable guy, for my article...better...a better way to spend January...even if there will be projects to come. Time for a log in the fireplace.

January 16, 2008

What a great day! An early morning guitar lesson and I am loving the sound I can make and the control I am starting to feel I have. The wood is not controlling me (as much). Sometimes I feel like I'm being walked by a Dalmatian. But it's good, really good. Then a good and clear ride to a new area for me, to Lehman college in the Bronx and a meeting with the NYCWP and that was exciting!
Home again in the sunshine. Amazing what a bit of sun can do. Makes me smile spontaneously. Tuvia arrives and dinner out at the Cheesecake Factory and American Idol begins tonight as I pull out my Nordic Track. And yes, yesterday Steven Jobs uncovered new Apple toys. Ahh that new notebook looks sweet. And I did move my writing to a place where I could send a draft to Paul Oh. How about that??? And now....it's another day. The sun is rising on the Hudson and it's clearly cold out there in its beauty and Tuvia and up and out and on his way to see his son. And I have this day to me...Apple lesson coming up at 9...gym by noon.

January 15, 2008

It's early as usual, too early and it's easy to grab my laptop. It's right here with me, not in bed, but on the night table. That's what happens when I'm on my own for an evening, a computer close by. Beats a milkshake. Today I'm ready to go with the guitar lesson. Almost totally comfortable with the minor scales and last night I'd play a while, put it down and then return for more. Lot of time on the strings and it sounds really nice. My fingers are taking charge and it sounds so nice. I had a day with Dana yesterday. She cleaned, I wrote. She took care of my beauty needs, I planned time to photograph her granddaughter's first birthday on Sunday. I do want to spend time with M and Jeff in Brooklyn, though. It was great to have her around.
It's hard to believe I have so few words for my Paul Oh article. I have been writing and stopping, writing and revising...and still I don't have too many paragraphs. Maybe I just need to write and write. I don't know. It's not really my piece. It is but I'm feeling it needs to fit someone else's vision. So I'm writing slowly and soon I will send it to Paul to see where I am. I am not uptight about the issue, the writing sucks. I know that it's a particular kind of writing. The writing I love to do is here and on my blk1 blog and my DS writing and my email writing, actually. I love that writing. I love writing. I love writing,,,,I wish I could have felt that way earlier in my life. I love writing. Nice to say.
I love playing guitar. Not as dramatic a statement. I love writing...what a triumph. Enough for now... I'm off...guitar and then a ride to the Bronx to meet with Felicia. I wonder what will come of that? Cool to wonder. More to talk about... Have a good one.

January 14, 2008

I am up and there's just a dusting out there. Of course right in front of my window the trees are covered in white and that's gorgeous, but now the weathermen have to do their dance to cover their boo boo and school leaders have to do the same, especially the ones who canceled all of today. In this area, it's perfect, just a 2-hour delay. Used to be my favorite. An easy way to begin a shorter day. All it all, it's been a tough weekend and I'm not sure why, maybe because of disastrous Friday and I'm still thinking about evil old man Daniel, in There Will Be Blood and a very sad Golden Globe awards last night without the usual party atmosphere I enjoy even more than the Academy Awards and Ellen Page didn't win for Juno. Oh well. Not really my life, I do have that article weighing on me. I left it alone and I have to JUMP IN! Come on Bonnie, JUST DO IT! Next week off to Tucson... It was nice being with T yesterday, watching the Black Book and returning with him to the period of the Holocaust, man's inhumanity to man. It took him back to his particular hell. What will this week look like? I'm off, coffee???

January 13, 2008

Sunday with the call for snow tonight after 9. Is it a done deal? Tuvia won't buy it. I will be up all night checking out every window and loving the fall of winter over the trees in the front and checking the reality fall in the back parking lot. Now when I was teaching every day, I loved the anticipation of snow coming and the break in routine. A Monday at home with a fire in the fireplace, pj's for the morning and coffee running continually with the Today show. And by noon with the sun coming out and the snow melting it was good to get out and enjoy or begin to deal with the reality of Tuesday back at work. It was the anticipation, the 5:30AM call first to announce the delay and then the later call for NO SCHOOL! This was all great until we moved closer to mid February and the coming All-School Drama. Snow became the enemy. Almost every rehearsal was essential, especially the last two weeks and then what about the nights of performance. I had my share of adjusting to Mother Nature. But when there was nothing that had to happen, just BRING IT ON! BRING IT ON TONIGHT!

January 12, 2008

A new day and I slept a bit later than usual, 7:35! I look out the kitchen window and it looks like March: a beautiful sun on the trees, a few birds, green grass and according to weather forecasts it will be covered by Sunday night. NO! I've had enough snow and it's only, wait, it's my brother's Birthday! He is 56 today, nice. Closer to me! A crazy life we've ahd together. Imagine I like him so much after a rocky childhood of annoyance that I had such a goofy brother. Now the goofy is generally a good thing. He full cup is important to all who know him. He does spread his unique good cheer and we need it. As for yesterday, I'm actually glad it's over. Too much time and effort for a project that just didn't give us enough in return. At least that's where I am and I can't say much more but sometimes when you are teaching/facilitating you need a willing group. It was just too hard. But I was able to come home to Tuvia who welcomed me with open arms and then after a break, I could pick up my guitar and play away. That's good and today I need to open a file on my desktop and get writing for Paul.
And we will enjoy the day and soon yesterday will fade away even more.

January 11, 2008

Wow, things got faster at Word Count. Still lots of screens to click through, but fast! No time to leave the computer and get a second cup of coffee. BRAVO Chuck and team! So last night we met friends and traveled for two hours to dance heaven at the Joyce Theater, watching the David Parsons Dance Company. Ten young, gorgeous men(5) women(5). Using both traditional and contemporary music David Parsons, dance genius offered something stimulating for all dancing tastes. And the finale, using the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire was new to Tuvia and brought me back to the 70's . What romance, what energy, what beauty of bodies moving together. I have seen this group three times: originally at the Joyce a few years ago with my 92 St Y ladies and then in Tel Aviv and then I didn't remember the name, until the concert began and I watched Tuvia lighten up. And when I remembered where I had seen them, I realized that they are based in NYC and hence last night back home with good friends. I was the cultural hero of the night! By the end I was bopping pretty animatedly and no one seemed to care. They were probably bopping in their heads.
One piece before the end was another I had seen them present before. One dancer, very buff, is solo, moving to dissonant sounds from one pool of light to the next, we are engaged. Then the music changes and a strobe light is turned on. The light flicks off he moves, the light turns on he is frozen in a new pose, in a new place. The strobing continues, faster, faster and he is always in a new place in a new pose with the light returns. Often in mid air. Spectacular, magical. You don't hear him move. How does he do it? What will he be doing in 10 years from now? What a night! And now what a day! Off to work, up state with a group of teachers who I met in the snow and today on a Friday we are back with them in the rain as they have to deal with testing and us, for dessert? Ahhh, last night!

January 10, 2008

Early morning as usual. Tuvia is off to his regular hospital lecture series at 7:30AM and the Today Show, complete with New Hampshire reflections, offer background "music" for us as we eat small breakfasts and Tuvia scans the NY Times. I'm on the computer running through email and writing. It was good to ride up to Eville for another evening with Marla and Jeff and my parents as Marla sat sitting sheva was her dad. Lots of people have been visiting and her solid friends are there all the time, supporting her. Wow! Big day today: exercise at the gym with Anthony, home for packing, moving Elyse's piece to the web and off to NYC for a dance concert. YES! Can't wait. What a day to come. Yesterday was full as well. Nice to get to Carol's and reconnect with PR people: Sharon, Bill, Bob, my dearest principal who I didn't talk with enough. Damn... Okay, time to begin..lots to do.

January 9, 2008

You can't count Hillary out! I was happier with her win than I thought I'd be. Go Hill! I love the primary process and soon I'll be doing my part, getting off the couch although I don't have a great record for electing my choice.
Good day yesterday. Spring in January and a walk a the pier. We still needed jackets but we were able to walk leisurely as if it were April.
A dinner with Maya and Tuvia just talking and catching up around my table, over my salmon, veggies and rice. Nice to be an aunt with a niece now in law school and excited to be there. Tuvia was won over in seconds. And now I'm off to the dentist... he's the best!

January 8, 2008

A day upstate was full and productive. 10:00 at the Muddy Cup working with an inservice team was exhilerating! Eric, Diane, Karen, and Tom planning for our second session with Fallsburgh for Friday without snow this time, I hope. It distracted me a month ago. As usual, I work best with a group, thinking, sharing rethinking getting excited. Can't wait to see what happens this time. Lunch with Jane, my supervising buddy who had a calendar for the new year for me with her photos and Haikus. Then reconnecting with Jackie, which was hard, given the burdens she deals with in her life. And then on to Ellenville to share in the richness of Jeff and Marla's life dealing with the death of her dad. I couldn't help thinking that if I still lived there, I would be there, really there, not just visiting, thinking about my night ride home. I feel torn about just visiting. And in the midst of this, I got to talk with James and we return to our friendship after a break that we both wanted to end. I was hoping that the more we talked the more I would hear the warmth of a friend and when we got to theater and his sharing the current play he's directing he seemed to relax and share. I've missed him. I hope he's back. An early morning lesson soon. Almost time for a shower.

January 7, 2008

Good morning. I am in a bit of a rush to begin this day. It feels like it's back to work for me. Up to New Paltz for a meeting with the HVWP team at Fallsburgh and then some lunches and then off to Eville to support Marla and be with family. It will be a full day and full week and that's great! I like full, of course by my creation and built into this week is lots of lunches with good friends and exercise I hope. A guitar lesson tomorrow and a dance concert on Thursday night. But last night I got to see Once, again and I loved even more than the first time. I will be owning this one. It was for me, TUvia was just supportive in watching it for a second time. He doesn't really get the music and has trouble finding meaning with Irish accents and dialects getting in his way. But for me the songs, the actors, the story line works beautify and knowing the story makes it even more powerful. Passion is good Okay, I would right more but it's time to move. Back in the am.

January 6, 2008

What a way to spend a day: NYC for a powerful play, a walk in the east Village and a after-theater snack of humus and pillows of pita. Perfect! And above us, thoughts of loss and how we all deal with death for the living. It was peaceful without a movie. Interesting to feel refreshed in a small theater, a theater that took me back to teaching and loading groups of kids on buses for theater trips into the city to often see powerful plays at CSC. Still going strong... I wonder what those kids might still remember about those trips with me. Maybe just time out of school, a walk around the village, lunch with friends, maybe the play itself, conversations with actors in the q and a after the performance, the bus trips home... For me, until we were back home and everyone in cars and on their way home, could I breathe peacefully again. I think sitting with Tuvia yesterday was a more relaxed way for me to actually digest a play. It was much harder with kids,. I was always more focused on them and that was how it should be. Lately, I've been dreaming about being back in the classroom with my students. But then I wake up and reality is okay.
Enjoy Sunday.

January 5, 2008

Hard day yesterday. Funeral in my family and even though Harry was not related to me my blood I knew him well as he was the father of my sister-in-law. And as Tuvia and I arrived at the funeral parlor and made our way to the voices we entered a room filled with shared family and friends and while we were here to join the mourners it was hard not to catch up with the living as Harry would have wanted it. I have seen Harry recently and he was not enjoying his life. Probably the last few years have slowly taken their toll on him and if he had his wish it would have been to roll over one night and just not wake up. Roz will have a very hard time living without him. They've hard 61 years together so could she even remember what it was like to be single? She does have two devoted daughters and 4 grandchildren and they were impressive yesterday. As shaken as they were, they all(except for Josh) rose to the podium and spoke with passion and love about their grandfather, in ways I never knew him, but it was so good to hear about those relationships. Jeff often met him for breakfast, Manda had him to applaud her, Amy had a warm hand on her "keppie".
They had been able to sit down a compose their memories in their grief.
It was a very sad day even in the cold sunshine and we didn't get to the cemetery and I'm waiting to call Jeff and find out how everyone is, but as we drove home and even when I wasn't thinking about Harry I was generally sad and didn't realize it at first just why I felt sad.
Our family has been blessed with good health so Harry's passing is the first for this group of grandchildren. This is new for us. Death, who can prepare for it and its coming... I will be with Marla and the family on Monday. For today in the warmer sunshine we are off to NYC for a walk and a play.

January 4, 2008

I am off today to a funeral, my brother's father-in-law who has been ill for a few years. The family has come together to take care of the essential details as his wife remains in bed weeping, curled up in a ball. As the ball dropped she sat with her husband enjoying the start of the new year, as if they would enjoy its coming together. He was gone in just a few hours and as much as she knew he could be ready to go, she's alone now and that will be hard for her to grasp even though she was really having trouble caring for him in the last few weeks after his latest stay in the hospital and his last return home. She has two daughters who will be there for her, but she's alone now for the first time as an adult and for her that will be very difficult. I am more and more aware of loss, not that I have experienced much yet, but sooner or later, I will be, it's inevitable. How can you prepare? I am looking forward to sharing the experience with the living, to offer my support and sit with Tuvia who supports me 100%. Yesterday, on my own was rich, Dana arrived in the frigid cold to clean and drink coffee. I went on the Jenny Craig, no scale this week. On to Apple for a lesson and the need for some TLC for my pro. Support! Back home for guitar, exercise, and the Iowa caucus. Democrats all the way! Joe and Chris are out. And it's on to New Hampshire. How do I feel about Barack and Hillary? I would have liked to see her do better but I'm still on the fence. How about that, I'm an undecided. But I could work for either one because I don't see Al joining into the fray. I will be happy to see Rudy out in the cold. Weekend in NYC. Theater tomorrow!

January 3, 2008

So I'm beginning by breaking the word count rule. I have stopped counting words. I don't remember when I began to stop but I just let the juices flow and my writing muscle takes over so here we go into year two and a shout out to the keepers of the site for providing the structure to allow for my daily writing exercise with the Today Show every morning for background music. Today it's Iowa all the way! I am a campaign junkie. I love the contest even if my guy has taken the high road. He's been burned and is playing it smart. He's above the fray even if I wish he would still jump in!
What a year 2006 has been for Al Gore and for America in the area of energy conservation. Too bad we missed out on Al for the last 7 years in the White House where we could have been more powerful. I don't want to think about that now. I have a fire going in my fireplace, the sun if rising outside above the Hudson and the apartment is humming to life. So let's keep this positive! Tomorrow we are off to Long Island for a funeral. M's dad said enough yesterday and for the most part we have been shielded as a family from death and fatal illness.
This day is a day of solo life, a break from the day-to-day relationship. Tuvia is not thrilled going solo but knows that I need to just hang out on my own. We are adjusting to a new schedule for him without work and as I want to be supportive, I don't want to give away the solo days I've held on to from my single life. Most of my friends would love to have a few single days. It's just the way it worked out with us. It's fun to live in two places and revise the basic structure to keep things fluid and adjustable to our needs. A few days at his place together, A day solo, a day here together, solo, together....I think he likes the variety as well. He does hate eating and sleeping alone. I'm fine with it all.
So, it's feeling like it's time to get moving...exercise, guitar, Dana, Jenny Craig...reading....writing my article...what else??? Marla... Welcome to my life, year 2!