Funny mysteries

Just finished reading a Stephanie Plum mystery, Eleven on Top, by Janet Evanovich. I picked up some free paperbacks at the Ridgeland library a few weeks ago. I thought I was getting mysteries but most of the ones I got were romance-ick! I'm going to return those and try to get more mysteries. I had never read any Evanovich and didn't know what was in store. Funny main character.

My other reading obsession is the Mamur Zapt mysteries by Michael Pearce. I actually bought 3 because I read all of the ones in the libraries in Madison County. Really interesting historical mysteries. The author brings in background information about the middle east that helps me understand some of the conflict going on in the area now.

Of course I am reading to avoid sewing and conference stuff I should be doing. My brain needs a rest from my self imposed stress, so I keep on reading.

Got to swim this morning. Wish every morning could start with a swim but I need my sleep. Swimming helped my knee, feet, and back recover a little from all the lifting and toting I've been doing as I moved from the building into a much smaller portable. Hope to finish getting everything into the new room Monday. Then who knows how long it will take to make order out of the chaos. Oh, well, what's a few days missed instruction.

I have been searching for my National Boards certificate off and on all week. I thought I knew right where it was-but it wasn't there.  I know I put it in a good place; I just wish I could remember where.

Too Busy Reading to Write

Okay, where did summer go? I last posted so many weeks ago and didn't realize I had neglected this blog. I have been busy with summer school, travel, quilting, swimming, and of course-reading. In summer school we read the Alex Rider book and watched the DVD. The kids loved it! Best. Book. Evah.
My other reads had to be tracked down at various libraries and the bookstore. I am still reading Michael Pearce's mysteries. I bought one and found some at libraries in the county. I bought two Roal Dahl books just to get the free lunch bag. It is a cute bag. The surprise was his biography Boy. He had a very interesting childhood and I recommend this book for biography genre studies.
School starts tomorrow. Wish I had about 4 more weeks to read and sew and swim. Just waiting for the weekends.

New Mystery-A Dead Man in...

Yesterday I went to the Ridgeland library branch and found two more of the talking cats mysteries and happened upon a newish series. There were three titles by the same author and all began with "A Dead Man in ___". I am reading the first one and it is engaging so far. I look forward to reading the others.

Random thoughts on various topics: we started summer school this past week. We had 24 students including two teacher's kids. Since we are sharing two classrooms, I am pleased with the numbers. I expect three more in the older group and two or three more in the younger group. That's pretty good considering there are no buses provided.

The older group read a graphic novel by Herge', Tintin's The Adventure of the Unicorn. We watched the movie that was based on the series. I think more than one book was used for the movie. The kids liked the series. Next week we start the Alex Rider book. I hope the second graders ( going to third) can keep up. Tried to include a photo from London but it wouldn't upload.

Talking Cats?

I finished the medieval mysteries and have started reading 'Joe Grey Mysteries'. Joe is a talking cat who lives in a small town in California.
There are three talking cats in the stories and four humans who know the cats can talk. I like reading these because I can picture the small towns we saw when we traveled from San Fransisco to LA last summer.

Computer age quilting

Today I met with Pam who is quilting my blue and yellow 'Summer block party' quilt. She ordered the quilt pattern so she could see all the different blocks. ( I could have given her my pattern.) She has spent some time on her computer deciding which quilting designs will look best on each block. I was amazed. She explained the different designs and I made a few minor suggestions. She is going to do the quilting with white thread. Pam said her husband will upload the design to the quilting machine. Then the quilting will begin. I'm excited. Can't wait to see the finished quilt. Pam deserved equal billing on this one.

Never stop learning

Reflecting on recent events, I've learned some things about myself. I was feeling down as I administered English proficiency tests the whole month of April. I had a presentation to prepare and couldn't get excited about it.

I asked for time off to go to the conference and just put the paperwork in the 'in box'. Should have known better. An explanation always goes down better but I was busy testing and didn't take the time.

Then I got fussed at for being gone too much. Wasn't given a chance to say I was going to present a session at an international conference. The selection process is very exacting and this was the first time that one of my proposals had been accepted by this international professional organization.

During the month I was singled out in staff meetings with the statement that if our enrollment increases I will have to move out of my room. Have you seen my room? Two sofas, five large tables, and thousands of books.

All this to say, I was not feeling very competent as a professional and especially not as a presenter.

I didn't realize how much I need affirmation. I guess everyone does. I don't have to be at the top of the heap but I do like to be given a pat on the back.

So I sent an email to all the bosses letting them know about being asked to present a session at an important conference.

And my friend Vicki took up the trumpet and sweetly announced that I was going to be a presenter at the conference and sent me off with gifts.

I had told myself that this would be my final presentation, that I was getting too old to keep this up.

After the session was over and participants thanked me for an informative and engaging session, I realized that I still have ideas to share.

I love to talk to groups of teachers.

I love to exchange ideas with other professionals.

I'm not done yet.

And I need the affirmation.

Waiting.... it's going to be a late night tonight.

Well, I finished preparing my presentation for IRA with 30 minutes to spare. Got myself to the right room early and found two Mississippi friends waiting there. The room held 280 and I made handouts for that many. My lovely assistant (Jo Prather) introduced me and gave out my one page handouts. The participants were attentive and no one left in the middle. Always a good sign, I think. I finished my prepared one-hour session in about 35 minutes, then asked for questions. There were many thoughtful ones, some clarifying ones, then we wrapped it up about 5 minutes early. I don't like to go over into someone else's time. A couple of people came up and asked more questions and one person wanted me to mentor her-long distance. That will be interesting.

Some other highlights of the conference were Debbie Silver-funny mom of five boys who has written a book called Fall down 7 times get up 8. I've got to get that book. Levar Burton was okay. Richard Allington was slow to warm up but fabulous once he got going. I'm on his team if there is a reading debate. I talked to him briefly about coming to MRA. Hope that works out. Today I heard the mayor of San Antonio-he has a bright political future. I would vote for him. His wife is a teacher. Then Mo Willem was HILARIOUS! Wish all my friends could have heard him. I learned to draw a character from his books and will share with students ASAP.

I went to several sessions that were really good. Got lots of ideas for apps to use with the ipads in summer school. Talked to the Lego rep and got a catalogue to order the robot kits for summer school.

My suitcase is full of books. And it wasn't over the weigh limit. I got one author's signature and was able to get another of her books for free by standing in a long line for a long time. I didn't get the office staff little goodies this time since it wasn't an official 'school' trip. I am going to donate some of my swag to the teacher/staff appreciation box, so some may get a free bag, book, or t-shirt.

Now I am waiting at the San Antonio airport. I have received four texts telling me the Houston to Jackson leg of the trip has changed. I may have a two hour layover or longer in Houston. Just hope I get home tonight and not in the morning. By the way this airport has free wi-fi. Great idea. Wish all airports had it.