A cruising I will go, in July

I’ll keep it brief. 

Cruise.

20 family members.

No cheap internet access.

Won’t have my laptop.

Sharing cabin with a 6th grader and a 10th grader. (which I’m not complaining about, that might be the most fun!).

Plan on trying to work out each day (twice if possible -Yeah, I really need it. ‘

Should be fun and interesting. Hoping I like it more than I’m thinking as I am more of an explorer than a sit in front of a pool, my cellulite hanging out, tanning .  I do have a couple books to take along: Girl Meets God and The Color of Water. I’ll likely grab some magazines too.

Ahhhhh, There she goes…right into the bush!

Rule #1: Get a bike you fit on! Yes, I’m a total dork. I shopped and shopped. Asked questions here. Asked questions at bike shops. I felt like the 14" Trek 7000 WSD was too small (what do I know, I’m a total newbie). I tried it with different seat heights, handlebar angles. I then tried the 16" (wish they had made it in a 15 ). The 16 I had to have the seat all the way down. And even then, I barely could touch with my tippy tippy toes. The bike guy, who was really really great , said that that is the ideal.
So today, 2 days after bike purchase I finally go to ride it and what happens? I carry it down stairs, get on, and fall off into a bush and scratch my foot! LOL. I was frustrated and laughing. My neighbor comes out and asks, "Are you ok?". I reply, "Oh, yeah, not a problem, the bike got caught in the bush". I try to look cool walking the bike to the sidewalk. I fumble getting on and start riding down my street. The gears aren’t set right so I try switching (yes, still need to learn the proper settings) and I switch the chain off the teeth!

Are you laughing at me? I am. Success! I’m able to get it back on and not make a mess of myself in the process. At this point I’m realizing, "****LUK! This bike is too big!". I can’t comfortably stop and balance because my leg is FULLY extended and barely hitting the tippy toe. So, I ride to the video store, only to find out it’s out of business. LOL, yes, I’m serious. I turn around and head home and am now positive I got the wrong size bike.

I lug it upstairs, get right on the computer to get the phone number of BudgetPro Bikes. I call, David answers and says exchanging shouldn’t be an issue but they would have to inspect the bike. I lug the damned thing back down, take the wheel off, stuff it in my back seat and bring it on in. They say all is good and David is great helping me. He says that, yes-a 16 is actually too big for me at only 5′3". They have my same bike in the next size down but it needs to be built. I try another bike with the same frame and he agrees it’s the correct size.
And so, if you’re not laughing at this newbie, you should! It’s all sort of funny and I felt like an arse. BUT, at least I’m getting a bike that I can adjust the seat more. I think I’ll have it about half an inch lower than it should be so I can feel comfort with my feet on the ground, not my feet, my toes. Riding in a parking lot is VERY different then when you’re out there in the real city with bumps, cracks, curbs, cars, people, dogs, etc.

Update: New bike in hand. Smaller one will be much better.

I won’t be a speed racer, but at least I’ll be rollin’

So I did it. I went and bought a bike today. Before I continue, here she is!

This is a TREK 7000 WSD Hybrid bike.  It was tricky finding a size that really suited me and that I actually like aesthetically.  I got a 16” which is actually just a tad tall for me (though I tried it out in work flats).  I can touch the ground on my tippy tippy toes. The sales guy was really great and he assured me that the ideal size is to only have tippy toes touching. Not everyone is comfy that way but the smaller bikes felt too small as far as my leg height went. I also felt sort of cramped on the smaller bikes.

The bike is cute! It does have some cheesy patterns on it that you can see close up here.  I thought I was going for the thicker tires but I actually liked the road style better. I also liked not having the front shock and the couple extra pounds. Especially since I knew I’d be packing on weight.  I added a bike rack on the back for when I get some panniers for commuting.  I also had them mount a U-Lock, drink cage and bottle, and a small under seat pouch with a spare tube, took to remove tire, and mini pump.  Oh, and I got a bell and a strap to hold my pants in .

Yes, I do need to get a helmet still. But, I will ride without one for now. I know, I’m a horrible person   I should conclude by giving credit to the bike shop I got it from, BudgetPro Bikes in Eagle Rock. The sales guy, Tony, was very patient as I tried 3 different bikes. He adjusted and even switched full seats out to see if I liked it without shocks. They of course tuned it up before I took it and mounted all the extras I got for no extra charge. They also gave me $20 off the bike and 10% off all accessories I got..

So there you have it

Been Bike Hunting

 

Today Avi and I went bike hunting. We went to four different stores in Pasadena. I sample rode 4 different bikes. Of those 4, these three are the ones I’m thinking of. Each has their benefits.  I’m considering these bikes based on comfort and aesthetics and of course quality but at this level, they aren’t ALL that different, from what I can tell. 

The white one is a Performance and the least expensive at $200 but seems to have the least desirable hardware. Although realistically, I wouldn’t know the difference at this point but sales people and Avi do so I’m going on that.

The middle photo is a Schwinn. It’s pretty cute, comfy, but it’s more expensive at about $350. It seems better put together than the Performance bike.

The The bike I think I’d like the most I haven’t got to ride yet, they’ll be getting it in this week. However, based on the way it looks and that the other bikes of similar model like this were quite comfy, I’m pretty sure this one will be my favorite. This one is a TREK and is going for $329

 

 

 

Jesus and Enquiring Minds Want to Know

Today I was out and about doing some errands with my hubby.  At one point I was waiting outdoors and a group from Campus Crusade for Christ comes up to me. The lady who spoke English, the older one only spoke Korean, she comes to me and very sweetly starts to tell me about their ‘crusade’. I tell her “No thank you, I’m Jewish”. Her response was funny—“OHHHHHHH, hmmmm”.  The older lady said something in Korean, likely asking what I said. After explaining in Korean what I said, the younger lady comes back and says, “So you are not interested?”. My response? Guess!  “Ummm, I’m a Jew, I don’t believe in Christ”.  I’m convinced they’re praying for my soul as I type this.

After our errands we went to one of my all time favorite vegan restaurants, “Pure Luck”.  While eating their Avi looks to the young hipster couple next to us. (really, it’s ALL hipsters there, but I dig it because they’re into bikes and I’m trying to be like them, but that’s on my previous post). So, Avi is looking and makes a “whoa” face. I ask him, “What’s up?”.  Avi says the girl is the Asian and always high girl from the movie “Knocked Up”. I could neither agree nor disagree because, well, I have shit for brains when it comes to actors. I told him to ask, why not, just be “hip” about it ) .  So before we leave he tells her she looks very familiar and asks if she and/or her friend are in the film industry. Sure enough, he was right! Stoner Asian girl was eating at my vegan place.  She was very sweet and down to earth,and well, a Hollywood Hipsterette!  We talked for a minute and she has a film coming out in August which I just Googled, it’ looks great!  Check it out here AND here PAPER HEART. When they left I was looking at them outside and told Avi that the guy looks like an actor too, like he looks very familiar!  Sure enough, Avi confirmed that the guy with her is the same guy that played her boyfriend in the film. GO FIGURE! So, the pressing question is, are they a RL couple? Enquiring minds want to know.

Bicycle, Bicycle, Bicycle (no, I’m not singing the Queen song)

I’ve been talking for months, all school year actually, about getting a bike now that I work very close to home and it’s mostly flat for riding. Riding to work is scary. First, I live in Hollywood and it’s CROWDED on the streets. Second, I’m lazy; hence the need to get a bike and get more physical. Also, biking means a change in lifestyle. It means waking up earlier to get to work; not much, but earlier nonetheless. It also means making this a hobby and part of my daily, well almost, life. I joined a gym two weeks ago and have gone twice. Although my intentions are good, perhaps the bike will get me more calories burned. I hate the gym but it’s an easy place to go and do cardio. You know, the gym isn’t so far, perhaps I should make biking to the gym something I “do”.  Then again, I mostly do treadmill at this point, so that would be a double whammy of cardio.  You see, I’m the most out of shape that I’ve ever been and I’m really really really trying to get into the mindset in order to get motivated to incorporate new activities into my life. As of this week Avi and I are going to avoid buying ice cream and bread for home. I for one have been eating WAY too much bread and ice cream the last few months and dammit if every part of my body doesn’t show it!

And so, in the spirit of getting motivated, I give you some links to bikes, bike culture sites, and other cool bike stuffs!

I can’t really afford to buy this bike, but if I could choose a bike with just from my very pre-mature knowledge and perusing on the net, this Breezer Uptown 8 would be the bike I’d want.  Granted, I have never been properly fit for a bike but this Hybrid style that has a classic look with all modern features is up my alley.

And since I definitely will have a budget when I do go to purchase a bike, I’m thinking of looking into THIS BIKE from BikesDirect.Com.  It’s $350 with tax and shipping included. Not bad!  It’s not as cute as the bike above but it seems like a good deal. I know I’m supposed to support my local bike shop but I want something decent and I’m not, well, rich.  I’m thinking of going ot the local shop to ask some questions, get fitted, and perhaps sit on a similar bike. That’s the sucky thing about buying online, can’t try it out.

And so, out of Jewish guilt because I may order a bike online, I give you one of the neat local un-bike-shops. The Bike Kitchen is not a bike shop but rather a non-profit do-it-yourself store front. On their site they describe themselves as: “The Bike Kitchen is a cooperative, do-it-yourself bike repair shop. We provide all the tools and parts you need to fix or build a bicycle. Our staff of volunteer mechanics is available to give advice and answer questions.”  One benefit of living in the Hollywood/Los Feliz area is that I am in the center of hipster environmental zone and there are more than a few places like this within a 5 mile radius.

Bike Metro is a pretty cool site which provides a Google Maps type service.  you can  put your address in and where you want to go and it will pop out a map for you.  Not only that, but the site has a very cool calculator feature which includes a calorie calculator, environmental impact calculator, and cost calculator.  If/when I decide to get a bike, I would be burning about 69 calories each way to work (work is only 1.4 miles).  With my car, a 1996 Camry V6, I would be saving .$32.39 per month on gas which equals $388.64 per year.  Environmentally I would be saving, just as an example, Total Carbon Monoxide = 0.068 Lbs Total Carbon Dioxide = 1.12 Lbs. COOL RIGHT?!

“Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange (C.I.C.L.E.) is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles working to promote the bicycle as a viable, healthy, and sustainable transportation choice.”   On this site you can find all sorts of cool stuff  including events to do mellow bike rides, lessons on urban riding, and city street smarts.  Their site describes it better than me, so, “Utilizing a multi-faceted approach which incorporates web-based outreach, social and recreational bicycle rides, festivals and events, and bicycle workshops – CICLE educates and encourages people to begin bicycling as an active and healthy lifestyle option, a valid and sustainable transportation choice, and as a means to reconnect with their neighbors and their community.

For someone like me who has never been into having a bike, this site might come in handy. The neat part, to me, is the Bike Map. Click a part of the bike that you want more info on and a list pops up.

OK, now Bicycle Safe is definitely nifty. I mean, DUH, if I am even THINKING of buying a bike in Hollywood, I bettner know how to safe my tuchus should the need come up. Better yet, I should know how to avoid the need to save my tuchus!  I like the author’s DMV style illustrations.

accomplishment and satisfaction

Tonight we had our third parent meeting in the last six weeks. Yes, this is a lot. A parent meeting is held in our parent center. We send home a letter stating there is a meeting and we also send a pre-recorded message to parents.  Additionally, we have a committee of two teachers who call the parents who have shown up in the past.

Remember, I teach in a large comprehensive high school that has three small learning communities (SLC) and one independent school that shares our space, lunches, library, etc.  

Our first parent meeting had just a few parents and then they slowly trickled in, however, for our first parent meeting (yes, very late in the year) us teachers were “into it” and outnumbered the parents. At that meeting we reminded parents of the dress code, A-G grad requirements, and other basics relating to our SLC,  At the end of the meeting we announced the topic for our next meeting which was Pilot Schools. We held our second meeting with a bit of a higher parent turnout.  The third meeting, tonight, was to ask final questions and express concerns about Pilot Schools and to take a parent vote.

For those of you not familiar with the Boston Pilot School model, you can read more at at the Center for Collaboration’s website,  The teachers of my SLC have been working on going Pilot for over a year. There are many advantages, that of course will bring challenges.  However, most of us feel up to the challenge so a committee has spent hours upon hours writing our 18 page proposal.  The next step in the process of becoming a pilot is to pass a 2/3 teacher vote of the teachers in our SLC. We also need a majority parent vote. Once we have those two things, we can formally submit our proposal.

Tonight’s meeting went better than I think any of us suspected it to.  The parents of my students are low income, immigrant, struggling. Each meeting we have had to translate in both Spanish and Armenian. You know, an inner city school. However, I have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised with the turnout and knowledge of the parents who have come. The parents didn’t hesitate to ask us challenging questions regarding the benefit to their kids, the data, the reasoning, and other questions to understand why we want this. We answered questions randomly (I probabaly talked too much).

At the end of the meeting we took a vote and had an outside party, the woman who runs our parent center, count the votes. We had 15 parents turn out for this meeting. That is 15 out of apx. 400 kids! Yes, not a lot, but more than we would need for a parent committee. Of those 15 parents, we had 15 YES! GO PILOT! votes.

It was nice to come home, albeit another late night, with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Just ONE of the Reasons to Become a Pilot School

I pasted the text of our 18 page Pilot School Proposal into Wordle and came up with this graphic.  Wordle takes words from any text you paste and creates a collage based on use and frequency of words. I’m pleased that Students, School, Academy, and learning jump out first. As a school should be, students first, learning first. And yes, teachers do stand out but they are NOT the foremost focus. I’m pleased.

On the other hand, when I pasted the text from the union’s home page, the results were quite different. As a matter of fact, it was hard for me to find the word student anywhere!  I’m not anti-union, but I sure do wonder sometimes if everyone is working for the same goal, have the same interests on their minds. Just something to think about.

Holocaust Unit Updates with Pics!

 

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the Holocaust Unit I am finishing the year off   with.  So far we have done the Photo Analysis, Found Poetry of Survivors, and the Butterfly Project.  With the Butterfly Project we have done everything except the part where I reveal if the student’s child died or not.  I wanted to leave all the butt erflies up a week before revealing this. It worked out great because they finished that on Friday and tomorrow begins three days of state testing, so at the end of the week we’ll do the cutting down part.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I threw in another activity that turned out to be quite great.  I was going to be out of town for a course and needed something for the sub. I found a great handout called, “Who is Responsible”.  I can’t  seem to find it on the web right now but it goes like this.  The students have an overarching question to analyze as pairs, “Who is responsible for the Holocaust?”.  The pairs had to discuss who had the most and the least part in the Holocaust. They had a list of all parties involved such as: Nazis, victims, the church, the SS, r esidents, etc.  Each group is assigned a color and the students had to create a pie chart representing the responsibility of each. 

Enjoy the photos of the different activities here and check out more on my Picasa Classroom Album!

Fun Activity: Chalk Your School!

Today the students and teachers of our Safe School Ambassador program spread positive messages around campus by writing on the grounds of our lower quad with chalk. The teachers baked and brought snacks and the kids pre-searched for positive quotes that were meaningful to them.  Some quotes we made up on the spot

Some of the more creative quotes that were original:

Hate better, hide somewhere (a play on our school’s letters)

Equality is the best math.

It’s hard to hate when we’re holding hands. (We drew a world with stick people around it holding hands)

We also did a big Peace square which included Peace in languages of our school. We managed to get: English, Hebrew, Arabic, Urdu, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, and Tagalog. NOT BAD!

If someone posts pics, I’ll attach them to this post later