Not So Smart Remarks

I think the Hunger Games is probably my favorite book ever.

I loved the characters and the plot, the writing, etc. It was probably the first book I actually read cover to cover. Don't get me wrong-- I read like crazy and have read a TON of books in my life. But I fly through pages that have lengthy descriptions and end up having to reread pages when I become interested in the story at some later date. (Examples of books I loved but skimmed: Watership Down, Count of Monte Cristo, Genesis, etc.)

I was on a dizzying review of it last night online until the kitchen/baby/costumes/bread/upstairs neighbor tv viewing interrupted so there isn't much to add really to those smart ladies and their 90s lyrica.

For those who have not read the book here is my summary:
-Strong female character who is probably pretty but doesn't really think about it is on the REAL survivor- meets -Truman show in a post-apocalyptic depiction of government oppression of the masses.

Interesting characters include: baker's son who sacrifices his all for love, alky older man whose money has just embittered him further in a sense of spiraling hopelessness, a wimpy younger sister who makes herbed goat cheese and a hardened street fighter whose survivalist lifestyle made him a man by age 12 whom the author does a brilliant job developing through the thoughts of the female lead. Oh and the girl who gave away the mockingjay pin. What are the chances of her being a lead character in the next installment? 95%

I need another book like this and feel that of the millions out there surely there is one other that can make my heart beat prior to September of 09 for the love of all that is holy.

My son, the catholic

My son came home from school today with this tribute to my father that he had done in his art class. I was really surprised by both what he had done and the assignment (seemed a bit religious for a bunch of liberal artsy teachers since "Día de los muertos" is a catholic thing, but I loved it)

Here is the green box he made- I threw in the pic of my pops just for the shrine effect:

He said that the little guy inside was an alien with a spaceship on the right because my dad made an alien and a spaceship that is in his friend's front yard.

Close up of what he wrote...

Translation for those who don't speak a 4th grade gringo level Spanish-

My grandfather likes to play with me. My grandfather was an artist. My grandfather lived in Sonora. My grandfather likes to eat pancakes with peanut butter. I tell him he is a good grandfather. I like my grandfather.

Well I took some liberties with fixing his grammar a bit, but that is the gist... I was very touched and cried a little bit.

Long live the memory of Hippieartist

Of cooking

Okay I have to post this recipe. Only because I know some of you are craving a 100% whole wheat recipe.

This works every time and it is quite useful if you are too lazy to go to the store to buy more bread and you want to save $4 or so. Note that I double this.

3.5 c whole wheat flour (I have been using the freshly ground food storage stuff lately)
3 T olive oil
5 T honey
1.5 t yeast
1.5 t salt
1.5 c water

It calls for some gluten thingy and nuts or sunflower seeds but I skip that crapola.

Cook it for like 45 minutes or so in a 375 oven after it rises twice.

Voilá healthy bread and happy kids.

One tip: Slice it all quick and stick it in the fridge or it disappears from the counter as if it were some kind of treat.

Many Thanks

I have had a tough time coming back to work- not because of my life but because of my job- the economy affects everyone I guess. Anyway I am feeling more inspired again today and I need to thank the people who have made my general happiness in life so possible:

Lil Meg. She slept through my stressful meetings this morning and even allowed me time to work after they were over. I also purchased the new Ingrid Michaelson CD which is fantástico.

Steve. He stayed home with Meg instead of going to one of his classes so I could attend the meeting without background crying- I deeply appreciate him all the time.

Paul Curtis- you don't know him but he is my source of all inspiration in my work world for creating such an amazing school model. I hope to someday have his perspective on long-term change and reform.

My parents- RIP. They were crazies but each gave me some amazing gifts of love, peace, tolerance, and locura.

Tiff. For being a surrogate parent whenever I need one. Except my parents never let me have sugar cereal.

Vivian. For helping me see a wonderful perspective on Prop 8.

Katie. For the pumpkin seeds and for in general making me feel like my contributions are worthwhile.

Emily. For years of your example of a solid routine, consistency, and for making the sacrifice to come out here for me this weekend (this is an in-advance thank you)

JennyESP. For getting me excited about blogging again.

Lauren. For providing some sanity and regularity in an otherwise overly conservative wasteland.

Tara. For intellectual stimulation, appreciating academic lifestyle and reminding me to love my circumstances.

Chellese. For meeting her goals, loving people around her and her calm presence, virtually and otherwise, in my life regardless of passing time.

Ex-misioneros de las islas- por seguir con nuestras amistades sin importar el tiempo y por las experiencias que hemos tenido. Son personas tremendas que enriquezen mi vida por lo regular.

Why I Miss the Classroom

Featuring some of my former students...

Back to Life , back to realiT

Okay so first day back from maternity leave. I thought it would be painful but as it turns out, I still love my job. It was a brutal day with some really frustrating phone calls and conference calls about technology but in the end of the day, some school changed the way business as usual happens so how can one turn that down?

Meg cooperated nicely.

I am not going to Sac until further notice, maybe next week. Because why not go the same week as Halloween with four unfinished costumes, a baby blessing and lunch for friends and family (like 50), family photos (memzerton photog!), election day, and co-hosting a baby shower (halleluiah for Lauren who is a star baker and merchant of cool).

Trouble in Paradise...

So I checked my email when I got home tonight and had this little gem sitting in my inbox:


Dear slumlord fleming,

It looks like your tenant has skipped--I am immediately marketing the home
again. I am changing managers to Lady X as she is in the South
office and much closer to your property. You can reach her at blah blah number.

- Property Manager