Christina Perri Songs Are Not Depressing...They're the Story of My Life

This past week at work, I would consider a "lazy week" because I was doing a lot of testing and little to nothing of teaching. I told my students that if they were good, and stayed on task I would play background music; some of them actually work better with music--it's the generation of ADD due to electronic devices--most of my classes did a good job, and there were a few classes with 1 or 2 students that didn't want music, and the students that wanted music claimed majority rules, yeah right my classroom is not a democracy--like I'm going to let teenagers tell me how to run my class HAH!--it needs to be unanimous in order for the music to be played; they suggested to "just send those kids [the ones that didn't want music] out," no way! those are the good ones, and sending students out of the room is a punishment not a reward for good behavior, my reward to the good students is just being left alone--I think they appreciate that more.

One of those days, a song that I love, "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri, came on. My TA told me it was depressing and should change it. I told him to leave my iPod alone. "Come on. You're happy, this is a depressing song." Again, I had to tell him "DON'T touch my iPod. This is my song." I will admit it isn't an upbeat song, but it doesn't make me sad. I feel like it empowers me. She's talking about not letting a "contemptible male"(feel free to fill in whatever slang/swear term you wish that fits this description; I like the word that is French for shower, the Brits like the "w" word") steal your heart, put it in a jar, and store it on his "shelf of conquests." I like the video, it actually tells a story that fits the lyrics, and it's raw, you feel what she's feeling.

Not all of Perri's songs are depressing. "Arms" is a good one that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside; it talks about letting someone in after a series of heartache and putting up walls to keep people out, but that person whose arms are around you, is the one that makes you feel safe and like your heart is protected. But, my new favorite Perri song is a collaboration with Jason Mraz (he does awesome collaborations, "Lucky" anyone?) called "Distance." I don't know. I guess she sings what I'm feeling, when I'm feeling it. It's kind of like if you were to make a movie about my life that tells the story of just this past year, it would be on the soundtrack. Amaaazing! Right?! How does she do it?

The Nerd Within

Today is the beginning of Comic-Con--which I am not going to. Every year I talk about it, but never go. It's the only place where if you don't wear a costume you're considered a dork, an outcast, a loser. Vindication for nerds! I once went to, what I endearingly call, a "nerd convention," but it was more for academics. I wrote a research paper, it was selected, and I read it in front of an audience. But I digress. I wish I could go. I wish I had thought of buying tickets last July. Here's to procrastination, and not being a genuine nerd, just a nerd wannabe.

Comic-Con is huge! Hollywood stars even go. I was hoping to run into Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Ironman (Robert Downey Jr.), but I looked at the guest list and they weren't on it. But the cast of Breaking Dawn Part 2 is--when did that become cool! Seriously, that is the worst of the Twilight series and they could have taken out like 2 hours of part 1 to make it all one movie. Yeah that's cool, trying to hold on to your 15 minites by copying Harry Potter (and Harry Potter was effectively made into 2 movies because there was a story).  Despite no Thor, Psych will make an appearance. I love that show!

I was never into comic books--which are now called graphic novels--because I thought it was a boy thing, and I thought I had grown up and moved on from "illustrated" stories, but I read the Sunday comics  "Calvin and Hobbes," (I love that tiger), "Peanuts," "The Far Side," (Sometimes I would stare at that for hours to figure it out), and the occasional "Prince Valiant." I like watching the movies, even though they aren't true to the graphic novel, and that's where I get my knowledge of comics. I come to realize that graphic novels do have a strong place in literature. They have well-developed characters and a plot, that is sometimes better than most novels. But at the core there are some good lessons to be learned. I really like the message in X-Men. It's not just good v. evil, but good v. a little evil v. really evil; and who is a little evil and really evil; and the"search for hope" (imagine Magneto, played by Ian McKellan, saying it).

The last reason for me really wanting to go to Comic-Con this year is that on this day there is a forum on using comics in the classroom. Anything to make learning fun is ok by me (and whatever helps make my life easier)! It sounds really awesome, so maybe I should drive the 3 hours (another benefit to living in Yuma, being closer to San Diego) break into the venue, take notes and get handouts (I love handouts), and drive back without being caught (that is the important part).

Yes, I have nerd tendencies that I hide really well. But when Comic-Con starts up that nerd inside takes over, and I have no control over her. And someday she will be appeased once I make my pilgramage to the "mecca" of nerdom--Comic-Con!

It's Back-to-School Shopping Time

It's only July 11th and the back-to-school sales have already started. I went into Wal*Mart and there was a cardboard display for school supplies listed by grade. The funny thing is that retailers and marketers can assume what students need, but it's best to just wait until the first  day to find out what your teachers really require. Yeah go ahead and buy a backpack with a matching lunchpail, and some paper, but don't waste too much time or money.

After I graduated, I felt empty not being able to buy school supplies. Pens. Binders. Notebooks. Filler Paper. I love shopping for school supplies. For two years I missed out. It's nice to be a teacher because I can shop in the back-to-school section again. That is such a nerd thing to do. . . want to shop for school supplies. School supplies are so fun.

Uh-Mazing!

Being sick is no fun. I had plans of being productive today (yesterday was my "Lazy Day"), but thanks to the stomach flu I have to sip on gatorade (to stay hydrated in 110+degree weather); eat crackers, chicken noodle soup, and applesauce; and watch TV (perhaps another Millionaire Matchmaker marathon, yes please!). Poor miserable me.

While laying in bed watching TV, VH1 was playing videos--I know, shocker right?!-- and my favorite artist of the moment (perhaps for the rest of my life) Kelly Clarkson came on. I absolutely love her music. She has a song for every mood (happy, sad, angry, in love, out-of-love), and Stronger is by far her best album, I pretty much like every song.  "Dark Side" came on after some lame song, and while I was facebooking/playing an internet game--yes, I can multi-task--I took a break to watch because before then the videos were just background noise to my rumbling twisting stomach. I looked up and said "She looks uh-MAZING!" Check it out for yourself.



I also bought a magazine with her on the cover.

Summer Plans

I know it's been a long time since I last blogged, the reason partially because I've been busy with being a first year teacher, and because while my adventures in teaching have been superfun (and believe me worth discussing), I kinda like my job and would like to keep it. I do like my students, but sometimes they give me a rash.

My plans for the summer are simple. Teach summer school for 3 weeks (just to rack up a few more dollars to get me through July). And read. Oh to read again! The simple things in life are what I enjoy, and reading is simple.

So far, I finished a book I started in January, started a new book but didn't finish it, and started another book in the middle of the second book and just barely finished it. So you see, I am well on my way. I don't know if I will finish the second book; I am going to start the fourth book once I get some summer school lesson plans out of the way--I still need to focus and prioritze for a little bit longer, ugh!--and this is me just putting off the inevitable. Procrastinating is awesome!

Last night I was called a "nerd." I know it. I own my nerdiness. It took me awhile to accept it, but I at least have other hobbies, and friends... That's what's important right? Having friends?
 

Book #1

 

Book #2 (unfinished)

Book #3