Experiments in Life

Issues in Education

Virginia — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:42:40 GMT

I am preparing to write a modestly hefty research paper on an issue plaguing education today. I've thought about standardized testing, bullying, peer pressure, parental influence.... the list goes on and on.

Today, however, a new issue came frighteningly to the forefront of my mind: school violence. What a scary world we live in where the most seemingly safe and pleasurable environments become a source of danger and tragedy.

A tragedy like today just proves that no place is safe, no one is exempt from the such heinous acts. This is a sad reminder to everyone to keep our ears and eyes open for illness, sadness, and desperation.....

My heart goes out to all the Virginia Tech students, faculty, parents and community members.

Snow... Again

Virginia — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 23:29:40 GMT

I always hedge when it comes to complaining about the weather because undoubtedly someone will say, "Well, you could move... you choose to live here..." And while this is true, I don't think it's unfair to expect some sanity by the time the second week of April rolls around.

I don't know much about SAD (seasonal affective disorder) but I do know that I'm feeling pretty dumpy. I need to get out into the sunshine, I need to feel warm sun on my face...

This weather drains me of any and all ambition I might have. By nature, I am a pretty peppy and active person. I have a hard time sitting still for any amount of time, I eat pretty healthy, take good care of my body. However, over the past few weeks, I have wanted nothing but garbage (snickers bars, cheesecake, jelly beans -- damn you Easter Bunny!) and where I usually have the ability to eat only tiny bits of these things, my willpower seems to have disappeared. I can't stop myself from gorging on this stuff.

And, as someone who pays really close attention to what her body tells her, I know that the recent junk food binges have been taking a toll on me. Sugar makes me extremely lazy and sluggish. It makes my mind much less sharp and it makes me depressed to feel out of control. I've been having a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning to get on the treadmill. So, all this taken into account, my body is about five pounds heavier than I like it, I'm miserable, and I'm desperate for sunshine. Oh, and to make matters worse, the five day forecast is calling for much of the same. In fact, a huge storm is forecasted for Sunday night into Monday.

Arizona sounds good right about now. But then again, I'd probably find something else to complain about.

Dogs...

Virginia — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:58:32 GMT

I know first hand just how ferocious dogs can be (especially basset hounds... take a look at my youtube video!). Can't you tell by the photo on the left? Two wildly ferocious beasts.

The past few months have been bittersweet for me, as our Rottweiler, Norman, was having terrible medical issues this time last year. Unfortunately, his gentle soul just couldn't take the upset anymore and he died last May.

The winter is tough for lots of reasons, but for me, it's even worse now because Norman absolutely loved this time of year. I've never seen an animal love the snow as much as he did; he loved to eat it, jump around in it, park his fat rottie ass in it. He was just the best.....

Anyway, we've still got the basset. I hate to admit this (for those of you who know that I complain about her every chance I get), but I don't know what I'd do without her. Bassets are waaaaay comical, they're adorable, and they're loyal. I must say, my relationship with her has taught me a lot of really important things. Maybe I'll work on a list of "Basset Life Lessons" later...

Kids are Priceless...

Virginia — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:32:14 GMT

Conversation between my six-year-old niece and my sister...

"Mom, is it true that the easter bunny isn't coming this year?"
"Lydia, where did you hear that?"
"They just said it on the radio-- they said there is going to be no easter..."

We're expecting a storm in this neck of the woods... a NOReaster. No easter. Noreaster.

Six-year-olds rock.

New Day...

Virginia — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 20:43:30 GMT

New Article

Virginia — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 20:41:34 GMT

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