Aesthetics

I am teaching an aesthetics lesson to the 3rd and 4th graders this week. They just made paintings that look like Jackson Pollock paintings, but much cleaner because we used marbles in box lids rather than throwing paint...

I'm going to show them a painting similar to this-


Would you pay $300 for this? Would you pay more? If this was hung in a museum, does that make it art? If you knew who the artist was, would you change your mind?

This goal of this lesson is to get them thinking about what they think is considered art and why.





The painting was done by an elephant, by the way. Does that make it art?

Abnormal, or Bizarre Conversations

Random thought:

Colin, Emily and I often have conversations about words that make you feel gross when you say them. A few of them are as follows:

- Moist
- Orifice
- Gush
- Pluck
- Supple
- Gulp

Moist is definitely the crowning winner of the worst words to say. Not because it means anything awful, but because it makes you feel like you are throwing up as the word comes out of your mouth.

That's all.

Almost Better: Part II

Teaching 1st grade last week, I made a little boy cry. We were writing a story together as a class, and he was distraught that in the story, the robot did not win the race. Literally, bawling in the corner, curled up in the fetal position, I made him cry. It was indirectly, but I did facilitate the reason for tears. I think I teach that class tomorrow, so hopefully we can fix the problem...


Changing gears-- I read this quote recently:

"Opportunities flit by while we sit regretting the chances we have lost, and the happiness that comes to us we heed not, because of the happiness that is gone."

-Jerome K. Jerome

I am happy. I know I am happy. I am so happy to be with Colin. I am so happy to be coming closer to the goal of graduating. I am so happy for the upcoming opportunities that await us as soon as we do graduate.



I had a girl tell me today that she thought I had a great attitude considering everything that has happened. She said that she was impressed I can be so positive and supportive of things despite everything that has happened. I laughed at her, thinking maybe I'm a better actress than I thought. Probably not...

I still have the heartache--that heartache from missing out on something thought to be right. The lack of interaction with certain people is slowly crushing my heart. I want to throw something every time I get an email from a certain director because he hasn't taken us off his email list yet. And even still, I cry over this. It usually comes when I least expect it- sometimes when I am driving from student teaching, sometimes when I am doing homework at 3pm on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, and every time I get one of those emails.

I am happy though. I just can't help but feel that I could be a small bit happier.

Christmas Customs

Teaching first grade today, we wrote a story. Best quote:

"This is boring. I want to write a story about Captain Underpants!" (said in the most whiney-are-we-there-yet-type voice...)

Sad that this is the best quote. They really do say funny things... I don't even know who Captain Underpants is, nor do I really care to find out. But, evidently I need to keep myself updated on all the elementary aged movies, stories and games in order to communicate with them.



On another note: Christmas traditions are the things that make Christmas magical for me. It brings all the excitement back from when I was little, and I hope to keep that magic for our family to come. Some traditions we already know we want to keep:

- Making Honey Candy. My great-grandma made honey candy, and I think every year I've been alive, my mother has made it at Christmas time. If you have a sore throat, it is not an enjoyable experience to eat. Every other time, however, it is wonderful.

Butter is essential to making the candy not stick to counters or hands. Also for making any food taste better...

This year, we struggled a bit with a couple batches, but what is better than caramels that taste just like honey candy?

-Bretzli. (I think that is how you spell it...) I love these cookies. When I was growing up, I would really love to make them because you could eat the dough that squeezed out of the press and cooked along the edges. Now, the cookies are my favorite, so thin and perfect. They are Swiss cookies, and I actually had them at my wedding. Love the tradition.

-Graham Cracker Houses. We love making them. Colin is always making things to out-do his architectural ambitions. This year- a second try at the Death Star from Star Wars. Many pictures to come.

-Scotch Eggs. The only time I will eat them is at Christmas. I can feel the fat going to my arteries every time I eat them, which is probably what makes them so good. Colin introduced them to me. For him, I will continue to fill my heart with unhealthy goodness every Christmas morning.

-Bananas. I'm not so sure about this one... Bananas aren't my favorite fruit. But Colin says he will faithfully eat one every Christmas morning before the scotch eggs and other holiday goodness...


The tradition that started for Colin and I that is new to us is getting a Christmas children's book every year. Colin started with one of my absolute favorites growing up- The Sweet Smell of Christmas:

Love love love this book. More than anything, this brings the magic back to me. We have about 8 books now, and we love them. Colin is good at finding ones that are traditional to both our families (like the Littlest Angel from the Slades, and Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect from the Carpenters), as well as new books that have the most fantastic stories and illustrations. One day we will own How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express though. Have to have the classics.

Any suggestions for other Christmas traditions?

Christmas Break

Man, it was wonderful. Doing absolutely nothing. Finishing the challenge. So great. However, as far as the challenge goes, I think the overwhelming thing I have taught myself to do is to binge on chocolate every time I just want a small piece. I won't be able to eat it for a whole week! Then I realize I can eat it whenever I want and should really put the chocolate away...

Anyway- quick update:
- Colin and I spent a most wonderful holiday season mostly in Draper or Cedar Hills. It is wonderful to spend time with family. :)
- I surprised Colin this Christmas. He loves me.
- The Carpenter family had an Iron Chef night. It was awesome. I hope we do it again. This time, Janet and Kristen are the cooks! I will watch and heckle instead of trying to make biscotti.
- Yes, I have lots of photos, soon to be put up, but for now- a photo of our so beautiful tree in our apartment. It took over the front room:


The room looks rather empty without the tree now...


In other news, I started student teaching! And there will be many posts about all the funny things that kids say to me. Today, for example:

"Mrs. Slade, did you have a baby?"
(awkwardly pausing...) "No... I did not..." (small laugh)
"Oh. I must be mistaking you."

Mind you I met most of the children for the first time this week... Go figure.