Kat's Blog

My myspace page

2005-08-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

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

New stuff...

2005-07-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

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

2005-07-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

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

2005-05-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-05-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

"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

2005-05-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

2005-04-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

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

Dreams about teaching

2005-04-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

So I finally dreamt about my students and my classroom. I was teaching a lesson to my Trig students and it was all disorganized and they weren't getting it. Then, my master teacher was there, only she was this other teacher that I observed at Dos Pueblos High. I don't particulary like this teacher because she is pretty critical and kind of condescending. So that made things worse. THEN, my High School Calculus teacher walked in for some reason. After he left, I was like "hey kids, that's the teacher who inspired me to want to teach math." And they were like "ok, whatever."
Yeah, I need to get out more.

What I've been up to

2005-03-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been so busy teaching, planning lessons, doing homework, and going to class, that I long to just hault and catch my breath. The most appealing thing most days is to curl up in bed with some hot tea and read whichever Chronicles of Narnia book I'm on. I know my reaction is typical of other student teachers, but I can't help but wonder if all this business is really the best way to learn about teaching. Despite all this, I really am enjoying it. At times I feel like I'm just pretending... but then I remember 130 kids see me as their math teacher. Kind of weird. It's a bigger responsibility then my mind can grapple.
To top that off, I'm learning that some kids are going to think I'm a good teacher and some are going to hate me. It's next to impossible to have all students enjoying your class. Although my main concern is their learning, it is an added benefit if they actually like me. So, I'm learning to face that reality too...
By the way, Happy Pi Day. Pi Day songs

A new post!

2005-02-21T22:29:00.000-08:00

So, I haven't posted in awhile. I've been really busy... started student teaching three weeks ago. Can you believe it, I'm up by 6:20am every morning! I compensate by sleeping until noon on the weekends...

You know, there's really only one thing that is constant and the more I go through life, the more it is confirmed: God's love. And I really could not go on without knowledge and gratefulness for that. It's not a love that is easy to understand, but it is the most perfect love there is. I suppose I should add to the consistencies God's word. His promises are real.

Another thing that I've been reminded of is the true nature of prayer. In The Magicians Nephew (first book in the Chronicles of Narnia), there is a part where a character is confused about why Aslan (the lion who represents God) does not provide food for him on his journey. Another character points out that Aslan can provide, but he likes to be asked. How interesting and simple is that? I forget to ask all too often... but when I've asked ernestly and faithfully in the past, my prayers have never gone unanswered. Sometimes answers come in a form I do not expect, but they are always for the best. Of course, there is also the matter of whether or not I listen...

Nerdiness factor

2005-01-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

Control Issues

2005-01-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

Well I'm about to go leave to take the Math CSET, but when I tried cramming, my brain just felt fried, so I'm seeking something to take my mind off of it...

It seems like the older I get, the less life really makes sense and the more everything that seemed so certain and safe is taken away from me. I mean just when you think that you are secure and in control of your life, you realize how little that is true. My house, my family, my friends, my job, and my very life I really have no control over. No matter how hard I try, I can't make someone love me, control my parents' relationship, get the opportunities I want, or know that I'll wake up every morning. But the good thing about realizing such things is that I have assurance that there is a higher being that is in control. He may display sovereignty in ways that I don't understand, but I trust Him because I know that he is righteous and just. So I thank Him for the realization that my securities are really not secure at all because this draws me closer to Him.

Speaking of things I have no control over, off to take the test...

Rain and more rain

2005-01-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, there was a huge mudslide about 30 min south of where I live in La Conchita and the only freeway south of Santa Barbara is closed. There has been 400% more rain fall in the last week then in the average year. We even made world news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4162055.stm
However, how ironic is this when compared to the Tsunami in Asia. Within a couple weeks of each other, our inconvience pales in comparison. One women told a news crew that "I'm sick of being wet, I can't wait to be dry again." Although this woman spoke in honesty, are we so spoiled that some flooding and rain makes world news? If this happened in Indonesia, no one would report it. Perhaps we should take this as a lesson in humility and should be thankful for what we do have...

Christmas Party

2004-12-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

Pictures from my house's Christmas Party

Some lyrics

2004-12-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

"heaven
are you really waiting outside the door
never though i'd hear the words before the road
sever
it's the simple things that are so hard to grasp
can't find myself in all the days that passed
but i can feel it when it shines
nevermind i'm falling in love with you
can't find the road that runs though
falling love with you
heaven
are you really waiting outside the door
never thought i'd hear the words before the road
sever
it's the simple things that are so hard to grasp
can't find myself in all these days that pass
but i can find feel it when it shines
nevermind the way they shy
turning around along the trail
my whole world is falling in love with you
can't find the road that runs through
falling in love with you
can't find the road that gets through" --The Fire Theft

"I was waiting for a cross-town train in the london underground
When it struck me that I've been waiting since birth to find
A love that would look and sound like a movie...
I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real"
And I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd" --The Postal Service

"We all try hard to live our lives in harmony
For fear of falling swiftly overboard
But life is both a major and a minor key
Just open up the chord" --Travis

Iraqi people

2004-12-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, call me crazy, but if we are to justify a war in Iraq and are daily broadcasting the numbers of American soldiers killed there, why is it such a secret how many Iraqi civilians have died? If we are there to help these people, shouldn't we know how many of them have died because of our "help"? Numbers range from 15,000 to 100,000… that is a difference of 85,000 people. That is three times as many people as the population of my city. If you were to say these peoples names in remembrance, it would take you over three days nonstop. Why doesn't the world care to know about their deaths if we care so much about their country?

An article published by the BBC says this:
"Why don't the allied countries count the civilians they kill?

According to Prof Herold, the answer is simple. "They just don't care," he says.

Prof Sloboda says many believe it would be "politically embarrassing" for the government to admit that a humanitarian intervention can cause huge civilian casualties.

But the UK government says the Geneva Convention does not oblige it to record civilian loss of life - only to avoid "indiscriminate attacks" where civilians will be killed or injured.

Prof Rogers doesn't agree.

"The government might be right about the letter of the law, but not the spirit."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4079059.stm

Some Zulu

2004-12-03T10:10:00.001-08:00

Sawubona. Uyaphi? Ngifuna bheka uMzansi Afrika. Ngikhumbula inkawu njalo-njalo.
(I think that says, in Zulu: "Hello. Where are you going? I want to head towards South Africa. I miss the monkies and so on.")

One of the things I made a point to learn to say while I was in South Africa in Zulu is "Your Mom": uMama Wako. "Ngikhela ukukuluma uMama Wako" (the "kh" in Ngikhela is pronounced as a click sound, and I'm not sure on spelling cuase I just sounded it out) means "I would like to speak to YOUR MOM." Pretty cool, huh? ;).

uJesu phila amanzie. (Jesus is living water)
Bayete, Bayete Nkosi. (Worship, worship the King)
"I will lift my voice, and these holy hands, to see your glory here. Cause I know who you are, and I've seen your face. Jesus, son of God, worthy is your name, all the angels sing, worthy is the king. I will give this life, a living sacrifce, to see your kingdom come, cause I know who you are, and I know your name. Jesus, son of God, worthy is your name, all creation sings, worthy is the king."
I miss worshipping on the other side of the planet.

*Note: my Zulu translations are probably not exact because I used a dictionary to translate, but I try :)

A post-holiday post

2004-11-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I had probably the largest holiday I've ever had yesterday with a bunch of people I didn't know. Due to circumstances, I spent Thanksgiving at my brother-in-law's cousin's house. There were over thirty people, most of whom I didn't know. So, I made the most of it: I followed my two nieces all over the house, playing Power Puff girls games and Peek-a-Boo. Sometimes I think I relate better with a five year old then with some adults. At least a five year old is still innocent to the weights of consumerism and ideals of beauty. However, for what it was, I am thankful.
And now for something completely different: do you ever watch TLC's What Not To Wear? It is now my favorite show and has become something of an addiction (talk about consumerism and ideals of beauty). But anyway, I think it's great. I mean they find these people who just seriously need help in their fashion sense. Yeah, sure they are a little rude, but that's part of the show! How many times I wished I could help some people out with their wardrobe :).

Humbleness and Thanksgiving

2004-11-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

I never cease to be humbled. On Sunday, I went to an all city prayer meeting where we prayed in small groups. In my group were two young girls (probably around 9-12 years old). I was amazed at their ability to pray and express their desires out loud to God in such a pure and honest way. May I be able to pray with such honest, heartfelt intentions.
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though i know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." Psalm 71
Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to be thankful!

The World's Largest Image

2004-11-19T23:20:00.000-08:00

So, some Dutch people decided to make the largest digital image in the world after a lunchtime bet. You should check it out: here.

This day a year ago

2004-11-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

This day a year ago, I was on a plane leaving South Africa. I just looked in my journal, and I wrote a friend's advice to me: "Never forget, Kat. Never forget what you saw, experienced, learned, felt, loved, hated. NEVER FORGET. Know that God has got a new adventure already planned out for your return. It may be a hard hike or a slow walk, but God's got a new journey for you to take when you return." It's interesting to see how much that is true already.

A few things...

2004-11-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

I have decided not to make my blog a retaliation for Bryan's blog, despite my great desire to fight back. However, I hope that you enjoy his ridicule of me :).

If you want to see something ridiculous go to Marry an American

Also, World AIDS day is coming up (December 1), so please be thinking about/learning about/praying about this virus and the many people it affects. To learn more, go to AIDS.org. Or, go to the World AIDS day website. Every 6 seconds, someone is infected with HIV. About 36 million people are currently infected with HIV/AIDS and about 22 million have already died from this virus.

Finally, I would like to add to this random blog: listen to The Fire Theft, it will make you a better person.

Bryan

2004-11-11T14:49:00.001-08:00

To see a picture of Bryan on an average day, go here: http://www.angelfire.com/oz/elizaandkat/images/bryan.jpg... this is also retaliation against Bryan's picture of me.

My niece and I

2004-11-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

This is the youngest of my nieces and nephews... thought you might like to see how cute she is :).

Bryan's anti-kat blog

2004-11-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Bryan has started an anti-kat blog. The link is http://bryansipho.blogspot.com/, if you want to check it out. This is war.

About Bryan

2004-11-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Because of consistent teasing and tormenting about this blog from Bryan (one of my housemates), I dedicate this entry to him. About Bryan: he was my small group leader freshman year (when the teasing began), he has more units of school then probably any of you reading this, he leaves open snickers bars out in his room the day after he cleaned up thousands of ants bodies from previous attacks, he's been to South Africa, he thinks I ask too many questions, and he's a good friend :). There, you happy Byran?
P.S. Anyone have anything else to add? :)

Burro Genius by Victor Villasenor

2004-11-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am reading an autobiography about a Mexican-American man who grew up in America. He went to kindergarten in 1945. In an account of an incident this year, he wrote:
"'NO SPANISH!' she [the teacher] bellowed. 'You were all told that in you classroom! There will BE ONLY ENGLISH SPOKEN on the school grounds! Do you boys understand me!'...
'LA TUYA! VIEJA PINCHE MALA!' shouted Ramon.
'What did you say!' yelled the teacher. 'Don't think I don't know your DIRTY SPIC WORDS!'
And she slapped him across the face, once, twice, three times, but still Ramon continued speaking in Spanish, telling us not to fear, that we were Mexicanos, and that we weren't their slaves!"
America has a history to instilling self-hatred or anger in minorities. In this account, the racial predjudices (such as "Mexicans are dirty liars") become true out of neccessity for survival. It makes me angry to think that teachers would break the spirit and culture of innocent five-year-olds. What is more sad, is that I think this still goes on. What are we doing by telling students that they are only allowed to speak English? We are telling them that their native language is not good enough for the classroom... and thus, their family and culture is somehow less valuable.
It is a teacher's responsibility to not only teach the subject matter, but to develop students' self-awareness and character. Teachers must show love and respect for all students and belief that each of them can succeed, no matter where they come from. Many kids turn to gangs, depression, drugs, etc. because they think they have no hope in school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2004-11-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Umm.... yeah... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZA!!! (remember, I'm your elder)

Why some people voted for Bush

2004-11-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

On the BBC news website, some people gave reasons for voting for President Bush, followed by my thoughts:

"I voted for Bush because I am Pro-Life and against gay marriage. Bush stands more for these issues than does the Democratic Party."
Ok, this is a tough one...

"...the two candidates offered two different approaches to leadership. Ever since an attempt was made in the 1770s to tax our favourite breakfast beverage, Americans have never liked being told what we should do, or how we should do it."
Yes, Americans want freedom... but do all Americans really have this freedom? What about the poor and oppressed... do they really have freedom? Do we not have a moral obligation to help them? But, I do understand some people's perspective that it should be a choice whether or not to help, not a forced duty.

"I voted for him because he has not turned a blind eye to the problem of Islamic terrorists who are determined to kill us."
Fear of an ominous "islamic terrorist" group is something that has been promoted by the government and thus it is not surprising that this should be a reason people re-elected Bush.

"Whether the Democrats want to admit it or not had there been a Democrat president in office at the time the most he would have done is throw a few harsh words at Osama and then would have forgot the whole thing happened."
What? Why would you assume this? And how much has Bush REALLY done to capture Osama?

"I voted for Bush because I a run a larger corporation that needs him in office. Without the Bush administration's alterations of previously existing law, my company would not be able to make such large profits. The administration has provided the necessary loop holes in environmental and fair competition laws. They have allowed us to exploit the intent of the law without fear of prosecution."
Ummm... ok, I think he said it right there.

There are many who said they voted for Bush because he follows God. I hope and pray for this to be true. Since he has been re-elected, I feel as a Christian, I must pray for wisdom and guidance for him and others in office. However, I will not give up my convictions. It is important to remember that God is ultimately in control and I pray for his will to be done.

Day after Election Day

2004-11-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, all I can think to say is, "nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... how could this happen?" It may be true as one friend put it: Bush got re-elected because of his stance on abortion and gay marriages. Many would compromise all else for these issues. But when did it happen that the Republican party became associated with Christianity in America? My frustration would not be quelled if Kerry were elected either, though. America is subserviant to the two polictical parties. Ignorance, compromise and apathy keep them in power. And what we do has ramifications for the world. "I feel an overwhelming need to apologize to the world." "Looking at opinion polls, still a slim majority of people thought the war was the right thing to do and thought Bush was the right person to handle it rather than John Kerry. Do you change commander in chief in the middle of a war? I guess the majority of people decided you don't." But would America support Bush in the war so much if they realized that Osama Bin Laden is actually NOT connected to Sadam Hussein? Ignorance is like a thick black curtain that even I can not escape. What really is going on?

On a lighter note, go to www.homestarrunner.com/main1.html and click on "puppetween" when it flashes on the button on the top right corner of the page. OH MY GOSH!!!

Welcome

2004-10-31T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Halloween and I'm doing what everyone does on Halloween... create a website out of boredom. So, I hope this will be a place for me to put interesting thoughts and finds... if not, I apologize :). But I can't think what to say now...