November 27, 2005

Sunday... Ah, Sunday

It is difficult to believe that it is Sunday. I have enjoyed a hiatus from teaching, from work in general. It was the week of Thanksgiving. I did nothing. Well, not quite. I cooked. I played guitar and piano. I chorded out a new song (one that is almost too cliche for my taste) and arranged "Fade Away" for piano. It was a nice break, but I am preparing for work anew.

Preparing Lesson Plans

I am looking for simple algebraic equations that can be used with my special ed math class that (a) contextualize practice with algebra and (b) are within their realm of capability. I found a neat example that uses simple algebra to calculate the speed of a moving car based on the surface and the length of the skid mark. I am toying with the idea of doing a thematic unit on cars in motion. To do it justice, I will have to do more than the simple math. I need some film and other resources. I can call them the "Crime Lab" or some such moniker.


A Long Shower... This Is the BEST of Things!

I just took an obscenely long shower. I soaked in the shower for at least 45 minutes. I did stretches to loosen muscles, but mostly just soaked. What luxury! What decadence. I recall not too long ago when we were in the grips of a drought: a shower was five minutes max. This began many of my habits of water conservation. Today they went down the drain, literally! I soaked, relaxed, changed into comfy clothes and thought more about my lesson plans. I should do dishes, but they can wait a bit. I need to cook some steak before it goes bad. I live in a world of abundance. It is when I consider that I have the luxury of throwing food out that I realize that I am fortunate beyond measure. I do not live a life of comparative luxury. I really live rather simply. But it is all relative: in comparison with the rest of the world I have more than can be imagined.

Relationships... Never an Unfamiliar Topic for the Fool

I am in a relationship that I believe is moving too quickly for my comfort. It is my fault. I let myself get swept into things and then realize that I am moving more quickly than I consider to be prudent. I am not certain what I should do. As always, I find that if I assert what I should have asserted at the offset I run the risk of hurting somebody. If not, I run greater risks. I hate to hurt people. Sometimes I allow myself to become passive in relationships as a result of this. Not really certain what to do. I need to mull this one over. I like CN. She is a musician and plays beautiful violin. But there are some other issues; the greatest of which is that I just don't feel passion there. I have been a passion junkie in the past: I love hot sex and all of the drama and excess that goes with it. I am not certain that this is healthy, but it feels as if I have exchanged a life of gourmet dining for a bologna sandwich. That may not be the best metaphor, but it comes close to the mark.

It is Sunday... best to enjoy the quiet and the day. More later.
-tDF