I'll admit it, I'm kind of obsessed with language. This is a really interesting article about the decline of language and the simultaneous rise of writing and literacy. As an English teacher, I struggle with teaching a generation of texters to speak and write well - and understand grammar and the mechanics of writing. It's not easy sometimes.
I am curious to see how technology will continue to influence and change our language. Even already, Google has morphed into a verb. iPod is like Band-aid, and represents all mini music playing devices. And don't even get me started on all of the abbreviations we have now as a result of online chatting and texting.
And while it can be frustrating, I do like that more people are reading and writing. I just hope they learn to write well because the connection between idea expression and thought is critical. Without language, how does an idea exist? How can you even think it? Ah, my mind is spinning...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Faces
This weekend, Riley received a new backpack from some family friends, complete with a sleeping bag. It was the perfect present for her right now. She really wanted pictures with her new gear, so I asked her to show off her different faces. The next Zoolander.
Also this weekend, Adrian received his first battle scar. That is, he pulled himself up on Riley's baby stroller and poked himself in the eye with one handle. What a tough little man. He makes some funny faces, too.
Also this weekend, Adrian received his first battle scar. That is, he pulled himself up on Riley's baby stroller and poked himself in the eye with one handle. What a tough little man. He makes some funny faces, too.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Me and My Babies
And a couple of quick stats, a story, and some pictures:
1. At his nine month appointment, Adrian weighed 18.5 pounds and measured 27 inches long. That means he is in the 16th percentile for weight and the 9th percentile for height. Yeah, he's a little guy.
2. Still, the boy has no teeth!
3. In one sitting, he can eat a whole banana and a handful of beans.
4. After I ran into our bed last night (literally), Riley comforted me. She said, "It's okay, Mommy. I have Band-aids for you. Come lay down, and I will read to you." Then she read me the story Go, Dog, Go. She probably had over half of the pages right. It was so exciting to see her think about what was happening on the pages and try to "read."
Enjoy the following pictures. Riley wanted to wear a dress to the park the other day when my mom was visiting. Here are her Marilyn Monroe shots! Oh, and a few from our muffin-baking adventure the other day.
1. At his nine month appointment, Adrian weighed 18.5 pounds and measured 27 inches long. That means he is in the 16th percentile for weight and the 9th percentile for height. Yeah, he's a little guy.
2. Still, the boy has no teeth!
3. In one sitting, he can eat a whole banana and a handful of beans.
4. After I ran into our bed last night (literally), Riley comforted me. She said, "It's okay, Mommy. I have Band-aids for you. Come lay down, and I will read to you." Then she read me the story Go, Dog, Go. She probably had over half of the pages right. It was so exciting to see her think about what was happening on the pages and try to "read."
Enjoy the following pictures. Riley wanted to wear a dress to the park the other day when my mom was visiting. Here are her Marilyn Monroe shots! Oh, and a few from our muffin-baking adventure the other day.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ten Days...
That's all the time that remains until my thesis is due. Those nine days cannot pass quickly enough because I need my head to stop swarming with all these characters and their stories. Those nine days will pass entirely too quickly because I don't know if it will be ready. I mean, of course it will. I know I will put in the time to get my collection of eight stories to the best place I can get them. And I suppose after that, I just have to trust in my readers and my writing. Still, it scares me to be so close to finishing. I want this book to be publishable. I want these stories to be good. Meaningfully good. Beyond my children and the relationships in my life, this is the best thing I have ever created. And I am proud. And tired.
I don't really talk a lot about writing, and what writing means to me. For me, it just is. It's what I do for long hours on the weekend and at five o'clock in the morning and on nights when I can keep my eyes open past nine and after school when I used to work out or run errands. This year of writing and working on my collection of short stories has taught me so much about myself and writing and the world. It excites me and pains me. I see things differently because I write. I read differently. I teach differently. I probably love differently. I think it makes me a better friend, a better parent, a better teacher, and a better wife. Writing often feels like a confrontation, and every time I sit down to write and work through a word, a passage, a page, or a story, I think I grow a little.
I hope one day, my children will have the opportunity to follow their passions and their dreams. I hope they will learn to work hard and go after the success they desire. I hope they will learn to think creatively and deeply. And I hope they will know that success is not achieved in isolation. Without my thesis advisor, my writing teachers, my workshop peers, my readers (especially Shawn, my Dad, Brendan, and Jamie), all the authors I have read and admired, and support from my family and friends, I wouldn't be on the verge of finishing my collection. I completely understand why authors need a full page for acknowledgements. Throughout this whole process (working towards my MFA and writing my thesis), Shawn has been so supportive. He encourages me when I become self-conscious of my work. He watches the kids so I can work. I couldn't do this without him. Thanks, Babe.
When I was a kid, I dreamed about writing a book. Now I'm ten days away. The homestretch.
I don't really talk a lot about writing, and what writing means to me. For me, it just is. It's what I do for long hours on the weekend and at five o'clock in the morning and on nights when I can keep my eyes open past nine and after school when I used to work out or run errands. This year of writing and working on my collection of short stories has taught me so much about myself and writing and the world. It excites me and pains me. I see things differently because I write. I read differently. I teach differently. I probably love differently. I think it makes me a better friend, a better parent, a better teacher, and a better wife. Writing often feels like a confrontation, and every time I sit down to write and work through a word, a passage, a page, or a story, I think I grow a little.
I hope one day, my children will have the opportunity to follow their passions and their dreams. I hope they will learn to work hard and go after the success they desire. I hope they will learn to think creatively and deeply. And I hope they will know that success is not achieved in isolation. Without my thesis advisor, my writing teachers, my workshop peers, my readers (especially Shawn, my Dad, Brendan, and Jamie), all the authors I have read and admired, and support from my family and friends, I wouldn't be on the verge of finishing my collection. I completely understand why authors need a full page for acknowledgements. Throughout this whole process (working towards my MFA and writing my thesis), Shawn has been so supportive. He encourages me when I become self-conscious of my work. He watches the kids so I can work. I couldn't do this without him. Thanks, Babe.
When I was a kid, I dreamed about writing a book. Now I'm ten days away. The homestretch.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Yes, I Stalk Blogs
I recently read an article in the New York Times online about Heather Armstrong, Queen Mommy Blogger. Wow. I didn't realize the blogging world was so affluent! I didn't realize it was so dramatic. I mistakenly assumed moms blogged the way I did - to keep in touch with friends and family and document the adventures of your little ones and your life.
That being said, the phenomenon of mommy blogs fascinates me. So much so that it is the topic of one of my stories for my thesis. I consider my blog stalking research. At the same time, I enjoy looking into the lives of others for reasons beyond my writing. I love reading about women finding out they are pregnant. I am overjoyed when I find out their babies are born and everyone is home, happy and healthy. I am devastated when I hear about an unexpected diagnosis of disease. I am sad when I read about women experiencing broken bones or broken spirits. My heart is lifted when birthdays are celebrated or babies take their first steps. I am curious about the time saving tips they have to share. I enjoy following other women follow their passions. I would like to be friends with some of them. Online, it's like a perpetual multimedia girls night. I'm happy and proud to be part of that party.
If you are stalking or lurking here, welcome!
That being said, the phenomenon of mommy blogs fascinates me. So much so that it is the topic of one of my stories for my thesis. I consider my blog stalking research. At the same time, I enjoy looking into the lives of others for reasons beyond my writing. I love reading about women finding out they are pregnant. I am overjoyed when I find out their babies are born and everyone is home, happy and healthy. I am devastated when I hear about an unexpected diagnosis of disease. I am sad when I read about women experiencing broken bones or broken spirits. My heart is lifted when birthdays are celebrated or babies take their first steps. I am curious about the time saving tips they have to share. I enjoy following other women follow their passions. I would like to be friends with some of them. Online, it's like a perpetual multimedia girls night. I'm happy and proud to be part of that party.
If you are stalking or lurking here, welcome!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
What we're up to...
1. Shawn is in DC with his students this week. That means I'm tired. I have managed to get to school early every day, which is something. I eat dinner standing up and usually holding Adrian. Friday, please get here soon! Shawn, we miss you!
2. Strawberry shortcake with Caroline yesterday!
3. Park with Irene and Natasha today!
4. Thesis deadline (aka a complete, publishable draft of my collections of eight stories - March 21st. Yup. I'm a bit stressed. But it is coming along. I am getting better at self-editing and thinking through my stories. I cannot wait to have it finished, but I cannot imagine getting to that point either. So exciting.
5. End of the third nine weeks at school. Grading, grading, grading.
6. Riley reminded me that we couldn't buy blueberries because they weren't on sale.
7. Adrian started walking around the house with a walker.
8. I am almost two full weeks into Jillian Michael's thirty-day shred. I worked out six days last week, and already five this week. It feels so good to sweat a bit. Usually, my workout involves laundry and dishes. But I need more workouts. I feel better even after just 11 days. Now if only I could have Jillian's body...
2. Strawberry shortcake with Caroline yesterday!
3. Park with Irene and Natasha today!
4. Thesis deadline (aka a complete, publishable draft of my collections of eight stories - March 21st. Yup. I'm a bit stressed. But it is coming along. I am getting better at self-editing and thinking through my stories. I cannot wait to have it finished, but I cannot imagine getting to that point either. So exciting.
5. End of the third nine weeks at school. Grading, grading, grading.
6. Riley reminded me that we couldn't buy blueberries because they weren't on sale.
7. Adrian started walking around the house with a walker.
8. I am almost two full weeks into Jillian Michael's thirty-day shred. I worked out six days last week, and already five this week. It feels so good to sweat a bit. Usually, my workout involves laundry and dishes. But I need more workouts. I feel better even after just 11 days. Now if only I could have Jillian's body...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)