Stargazer: Mixed feelings

October 26, 2005

Mixed feelings

I am relieved that this busy Wednesday is done--my Parent Conference Half Night went well. (5 parents and they were all very nice!) I was also delighted to talk to many parents of former students, colleagues, former colleagues, and even (gulp) a former student with a daughter at my junior high. Am I THAT old? It is amazing how many people in this community stay or return to rear their own families. Later that evening, Alison's choir concert was wonderful; I chatted with the mom in back of me whose two sons I have had in class. I sat next to a retired colleague who has three children in the choir, and behind a close lunch buddy, who was sitting next to his girlfriend and his ex-wife. R. was relieved to see me because he wasn't very comfortable; I talked to both ladies, which took the pressure off him a bit. (of course, I did this between musical groups.) Have I already told you that my First Lunch Bunch helps keep me and all of us sane? We laugh so much that we must have already added a couple of years to our lives! Today was a hectic day, and yet in so many ways, it was terrific. Yes, I do like sitting around the house in my bathrobe drinking espresso and reading the paper--but a fast-paced life full of interesting people is also invigorating. In fact, I am so "invigorated" that I need to go to bed.

October 26, 2005 | Permalink

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Comments

Your so cute and funny Margaret.

Posted by: deb | October 27, 2005 at 02:05 AM

I have an awesome lunch bunch with some newbies this year. They are of great support!

Posted by: bari | October 27, 2005 at 02:17 AM

That's one of the best things about a teaching career - the way your life becomes entwined in the larger community. I love my job. Except when I hate it.

Posted by: MistressMary | October 27, 2005 at 02:55 AM

Im glad it all went so well ....sometimes we project things that dont actually happen but we still worry about the possibilities...

Posted by: Laura | October 27, 2005 at 09:57 AM

I'm so glad you are feeling refreshed, Margaret!

Posted by: raehan | October 27, 2005 at 10:49 AM

Well, I'm glad you're enjoying your hectic time. I'm so tired I could cry.

Posted by: Scully | October 27, 2005 at 02:21 PM

Teacher Woman/Stargazer says, "You know, knowing what I know now, I still think I would become a teacher."

Posted by: old horsetail snake | October 27, 2005 at 04:36 PM

Margaret..good and interesting blog you have..thanks for stopping by mine and posting...in response to your comment on my blog..one must remember..Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible. Christians refer to the Hebrew Bible as the Old Testament. The OLD TESTAMENT was written for the Jews of that time. That's why there is a NEW TESTAMENT.

So..no..we do not have to be willing to sell people into slavery or do some of those other things in Leviticus to believe in the Bible today.

Take care
GOD Bless
Op~

Posted by: Opie Outlaw | October 27, 2005 at 05:38 PM

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Book Club Reads

David Benioff: City of Thieves: A Novel
Benjamin Parzybok: Couch
Laura Lippman: What the Dead Know: A Novel
Kathryn Stockett: The Help
If you don't read another book this year, make it this one. It is completely five star and a fascinating look at the south around the Civil Rights era, told from the point of view of many women, most of whom were rearing other people's children while not even able to use the same bathroom as the family.Amazing in its detail and emotion. (*****)
Garth Stein: The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did; it was painful to read in spots, but also delightful. I found it both beautiful and poignant. (*****)
Muriel Barbery: The Elegance of the Hedgehog
This book was difficult to grade. The first part was heavy and hard reading about philosophy and people, with some absolutely incredible pages. The last third of the book was amazing though. And it elicited an amazing discussion at Book Club. (****)
Ron Rash: Serena: A Novel
As I said in Book Club, I would give this book an A for setting and writing, but a D for the people, who were often caricatures and not very likeable. Rash is a talented writer who could have written a much better book--but this would make a great movie. (***)
Dinaw Mengestu: The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears
It took me a while to get "into" this book, but it was well worth it. It was beautiful writing and a meaningful story of African immigrants who don't fit in anywhere--neither their homelands or the United States. There was lots to discuss. (****)
Aravind Adiga: The White Tiger: A Novel (Man Booker Prize)
I found this book dark, but fascinating. It was a unique view of India from the perspective of a servant. Most of my Book Club disliked White Tiger, but I found it worthy of the Booker Prize. (****)
Stieg Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Intriguing characters and setting, a twisting plot and a gruesome mystery--all the elements I love and yet this wasn't a five star read for me. I blame it on the stiffness of the translation from Swedish to English. (****)

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Marcia Muller: Locked In (Sharon McCone Mysteries)
A fascinating mystery about locked in syndrome and many nefarious characters. It was hard to jump back and forth between the different voices though; that would be my only complaint. (****)
Abraham Verghese: Cutting for Stone: A novel
This was an amazing, epic novel about people, Ethiopia, medicine, families, and culture. It was both tragic and uplifting. A definite five stars! (*****)
Janet Evanovich: Finger Lickin' Fifteen (Stephanie Plum Novels)
Still some funny parts, but this series is tired and repetitive; this book was tedious because it was full of the same old stunts and over the top wacky characters.(nothing new) (***)
Stieg Larsson: The Girl Who Played with Fire
This sequel was WAY better than the first book in the series; it kept me interested and on edge the whole way through. Excellent book and a solid 5 stars! (*****)
Maj Sjowall: Cop Killer: The Story of a Crime
Wonderful characters and excellent plotting. This series is incredible. (****)
James Patterson: The 8th Confession (The Women's Murder Club)
I don't know why I bother to read Patterson except that his chapters are short and it doesn't strain my mind at all. This was a forgettable, made-for-movies drama fest. (**)
Per Wahloo: The Abominable Man (Vintage)
Tautly written and suspenseful--with some humor and pathos thrown in. I'm going to miss reading this series when I finish! (*****)
John Sandford: Wicked Prey
Although implausible in spots, this was a great summer read--full of action and plot twists. It's one of Sandford's best recent Prey books. (****)
Per Wahloo: The Man on the Balcony (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
Another stellar police procedural about the combination of dogged work, research and dumb luck that it takes to catch a criminal--in this case a child murderer. The realism of how pitiful and insignificant the murderer turns out to be really struck a chord. (*****)
Per Wahloo: The Man Who Went Up in Smoke (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
This Martin Beck mystery takes place mostly in Budapest instead of Sweden, but is interesting and perceptive on many levels--people, cultures and plot. Great story. (****)

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