My myspace page

Check out my myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/26000962

New stuff...

Recently added to my summer reading list:
"The BFG" by Roald Dahl
"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster

Music that I've been getting into recently...
"The Widow" by the Mars Volta
"She's Lost Control" by Joy Division
"Riot Radio" by The Dead 60s
Coldplay's new album X&Y
"All the Things that I've Done" by The Killers
"Million Voices" by Wycleff Jean
"Honest Mistake" by The Bravery
"Fortress" by Pinback
anything by Interpol

I just saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory yesterday... it was awesome. I would go so far as to say I like it better than the old one. Perhaps the combination of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and a great children's story was just right to make a movie that I would love :).

Books on my summer reading list

I am currently reading...
"Lupita Manana" by Patricia Beatty
"How to Heal the Hurt by Hating" by Anita Liberty
"The Motorcycle Diaries" by Ernesto "Che" Guevara
"Good News about Injustice" by Gary Haugen
"The Schools our Children Deserve" by Alfie Kohn
"Taking Sides: Clashing View on Controversial Educational Issues" by James Noll
"Curriculum" by Allan Ornstein and Francis Hunkins
The Bible
:)

After a three day weekend

I just spent a three day weekend sleeping, being lazy, and trying not to think about teaching. I am really dreading going back tomorrow. With only two and a half weeks left, I know that these students (and I) are pretty much done. However, I have to keep going and I still have to get a job for next year...

Do you ever slow down for a moment and wonder if the only reason you are content and surviving is because you are too busy to think about it? However, despite my stress and everything that is going on, I truely believe that I am more at peace and joyful than I have been for years. I feel as though I am blessed in so many ways. This may not always seem to be the case. In fact, someone told me the other day that after they heard a sermon on suffering, they thought of me! I could list the things in my life that should have overwhelmed me and caused me to sink into depression long ago, but I would be ignoring the blessings and the strength God has given me through reliance on him.

So, I go into another day of teaching... trying not to forget these things.

"I could hear the church bells ringing
they pealed aloud your praise
the member's faces were smiling
with their hands outstretched to shake
it's true they did not move me
my heart was hard and tired
their perfect fire annoyed me
i could not find you anywhere
could someone please tell me the story
of sinners ransomed from the fall
i still have never seen you, and somedays
i don't love you at all

the devoted were wearing bracelets
to remind them why they came
some concrete motivation
when the abstract could not do the same
but if all that's left is duty, i'm falling on my sword
at least then, i would not serve an unseen distant lord

could someone please tell me story
of sinners ransomed from the fall
i still have never seen you, and somedays
i don't love you at all
if this only a test
i hope that i'm passing, cuz i'm losing steam
but i still want to trust you

peace be still (x3)"

Secret of the Easy Yoke by Pedro the Lion

Biblical Legos

If you played with legos as a kid, you definetly want to take a look at this. Some guy has devoted his life to showing stories from the Bible using legos. Go here:
The Brick Testament

Careful when you sing

This is really funny... it's annoying at first, but you must endure to the end :)...
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/stfu.php