Unbelievable Luck

In case you didn't realize it, I managed to catch another flight. I haven't been able to post any blogs entries because the hostel...

I'm up because I felt like venting. Up until now, my time in the hostels has been pleasant. I did everything for the next leg of my trip(showered, laundry, packed, etc..). I have to be up about 5AM. So, what happened????

Someone checks in at 12midnight. LOUDLY!!!!!

Once that person quieted down, the person across the hall made a phone call. LOUDLY!!!!

I didn't realize until now how paper thin these walls are.

Normally, I squeak around like a mouse, but you better believe come 5AM I WILL BE LEAVING THE SAME WAY I WOKE UP. The other "guests" will know I've left the building.

Post Date - Wednesday,July 29,2009 1:04AM

I Missed My Plane

The title says it all. Needless to say, I'm not in a good mood. Actually, I'm feeling a bit better once I returned home.

Old Habits WON'T Die!!!

Today, I was really out of it. I procrastinated to the very last minute. The day started with a 6:33AM call from my foster brother asking a question. That threw me off. I briefly dozed off, the went online to get the information he asked for. And as you know me, once on the computer, I become comatose. A couple of hours later, I got off the computer and...went back to sleep. I was then awaken by my foster father who wanted to point out the problems with airplanes crashing. And maybe I should cancel my trip to the west coast.

Since I was up again, I stayed up. I had laundry to do, and shopping as well. I finally made it downtown to finish some last minute shopping. I wanted a DVD case for my player. I also wanted a carrying case for my DVDs. I also bought a blanket and pillow. I was told that those are no longer provided by the airlines. Actually, the blanket is really for the bus rides coming up in the coming weeks. I can deal with a chilly airplane cabin for a few hours, but I really didn't want to be unprepared for the very long bus rides.

Aside from shopping, I also wanted to go to a cyber cafe to print out my airline e-ticket. Didn't I buy a printer a few months ago. Yes, April 2nd. It is still sitting on the floor unopened. Once school finished, I didn't bother setting up the printer since I knew I wouldn't be using it during the summer. Anyway, I thought I would be useful to go to the internet cafe and just print out what I wanted. Problem? With about 25 computers, they had them hooked up to a regular personal printer that wasn't working. So, after printing in e-ticket, nothing else would print. About 10min. was wasted with different staff trying to figure out the problem. They offered me a 15 minute credit for my next visit.

I arrived home about 11PM, and started packing. I was actually very impressed with the very neat job I did packing. Originally, my plan was to check one bag, carry on another (smaller) bag, and also have my backpack with me. Once I finished, I checked the airline website and discovered a liquid limitation. Liquid containers are supposed to be under 3oz in size and fit into a quart size transparent Ziploc bag. So, I had to dig through my bag a repack the second bag. Then, I tried to do an online check-in of my baggage. I discovered that there was a loose battery requirements, more digging and repacking. Then, yep, another requirement, baggage weight and length restrictions. After repacking again, I gave up and submit my online check-in. I have to pay an extra $40 dollars for my baggage check($15 for the first bag, $25 for the second bag. If I had a third, the fee would have jumped to $125). Problem? I still had my backpack and other items that are considered carry-on items, but wouldn't fit in my backpack. Finally, I decided that I would just repack my things yet again. Now, my backpack is packed in my smaller carry-on bag. Problem? Refunds have to be addressed at the airport. Needless to say, I'm not in a very good mood. I still haven't shaved or showered, nor clean some of the trash from my apartment. I don't want to leave dirty dishes or food trash in my apartment for the vermin to multiple in the dark silence for the time I'm away.

I stopped to vent on my blog, now that I'm feeling a bit better, I will try getting those things done. Bye for now. If everything goes well, the next time I post here it will be from the west coast.


Post Date - Friday, July 17, 2009 3:54AM

IQ Tests - Warning

I was just watching channel 2 evening news. They did a report on IQ Tests that are scams. I thought it was important since I've done the IQ Tests. The Tests talked about on the news program were scams because after you have finished the short test, you are then required to put in your cellphone number to get the results. I've actually seen those online tests. I've even taken a few of those tests, but whenever a test asks for personal information of any kind, I stop and close the window. I just thought I would pass on the warning.

I tried to attach the actually video clip link from the WCBS website, but I wasn't able to access the link. Instead, I attached a link below of the Consumer News Report Page, from there, the video of various reports are located on the right-hand side of your computer screen. Under the video screen, you will have to scroll through the set to find the correct one.

IQ Test Scams

Post Date - Tuesday, July 14, 2009 6:16PM

Candy Wipes

Not much to write about. I slept most of the day away. I just got up about 30 minutes ago.

Below is a link to a video for a product called Candy Wipes, they are disposable clothes in a very convenient travel size. This is one of the items I'll be adding to my travel supply list. I think they will come in very handy while I'm on the road.

So, have I tried them? Yes, it actually works. It has the look and feel of a disposable washcloth. The strength appears to be that of a Handy Wipe towel.

CANDY WIPES

Post Date - Tuesday, July 14, 2009 5:21PM

Big and Tall

Today I went to a local mall. First stop was the movie theater to see of anything was playing. I was in luck, Ice Age 3 - Dawn of the Dinosaurs was showing within 5 minutes. The movie was cute, I enjoyed it. I also liked the theater being only about 1/4 full.

After the movie, I did a quick price check on portable DVD players. Then, to my surprise, the restaurant Panda Express was back!!! Well, the name was changed to China Max, but everything seemed the same. Same workers. Same food. The only change seemed to be a more of a fast-foodish look with the display menus.

After lunch, I went clothes shopping at JCPenny. After about 45 minutes of trying to find something I could wear, I was about to call it quits with a pair of shorts and a single shirt. Then, on the way out I discovered their "Big and Tall" section. I've never needed this section before. Oh, for those of you who don't know me....I'm not tall. After my vacation, I'm really going to have to start exercising. I left about $98 poorer. The damages:

1 belt
2 shorts
2 short-sleeved shirts
2 Tee-shirts
I was going to buy my underclothing here, but came to my senses. I knew Target would be much cheaper.

Next stop was Target. I finished with a $267.65 hole in my pocket. My list:

1 pack of undershirts
2 pack of underclothes
1 pack of socks
1 Sony DVD portable player
1 3Yr. service plan for DVD player
5 DVDs
- Epic Movie
- Disaster Movie
- Eragon
- Spiderman 3
- Jumper

Back home, I ordered Chinese takeout for dinner (Beef with Broccoli). Now, I'm about to call it a night.

Oh, the Amazon company called me to tell me that the man purse would not be available until the end of July, so I had them cancel the order. I might go shopping downtown on Wednesday for a new backpack. As for my sneakers, I don't think they stink, so I'll be keeping them a bit longer.


Post Date - Monday, July 13, 2009 11:36PM

Lazy Day

Today was a lazy day. I woke up about 7:30AM, I had a couple of bowls of cold cereal. I sat on the couch reading the last of Ultimate Wonder Woman reference book, and then fell asleep. After more online surfing and downloading music, my day was just about over. I went to visit my foster father. Since I didn't do much today, when I returned home, I got off the train a couple of stops early and walked the rest of the way home. Tomorrow, is shopping day. I want to head over to the mall to see about buying a hat. Normally, I only wear baseball caps, but I thought I might try one of those Stowaway Hat with Gore-Tex. I saw the hat on the LL Bean website. I don't want to risk buying one online and it not arriving in time, nor do I want to spend the extra money for express delivery for a hat I probably won't wear. I've always worn baseball styled caps (without a logo). I also want to check out the portable DVD players, I'll only be interested in one with a battery lasting 5 or more hours on a single charge. Oh, and I need a new pair of sneakers. On long rides, it is comfortable for me to take off my shoes, I'll feel more comfortable if my shoes are new. I'll also be sharing rooms in various hostels, I don't want to draw attention to myself. I have a bad habit of wearing shoes until they are worn with holes.

Okay, time to go.

The picture is from the Barnes & Noble website.

Post Date - Sunday, July12, 2009 8:19PM

Cleaning

Finally, the cleaning has begun. The goal is to have a completely cleaned apartment before I travel to the west coast. I want to have a clean apartment to return to. I've already shown you the rest of the apartment, but the living room was always the tough room to finish. Last summer, I foolishly allowed schoolwork to remain on the hopes that I would grade some papers...yes, even though the school year ended. I avoided those piles with a crazed passion. The end result was that the paperwork spilled over into the following school. Today, I finally started to "clean house". I'll continue tomorrow.


Post Date - Saturday, July 11, 2009 10:23PM

Travel Prep.

Today was suppose to be my get away from the computer and do anything else. Well, I started to fall into my "locked in the seat mode", but eventually, I was able to get up. Today was also final day for rent payment, so I had to get up. After showering and dressing I was out about 4PM. From the rent office, I walked to the bank to deposit my tax refund and a check ($80) from jury duty. It has been about a year since I did jury duty. I never got around to cashing the check. As for my tax refund will disappear in a short time. (1), I spent my rent money with this upcoming trip. (2), There are a few more things I want to buy. I'm thinking about buying a portable DVD player. I'm not really a movie person, but it might come in handy while I'm traveling. My (approx.)traveling time is as follows(including layover time[in total]):

Plane
6 hours

Bus
Destination #1(16 hours[Layover -2hrs,15min])
Destination #2(34 hours[Layover -5hrs,20min])
Destination #3(15 hours[Layover -1hrs,30min])

As you can see, I'll have a lot of sitting time.

You know, since I planned this trip, I've never looked at the numbers. I'm still very excited about this trip, but looking at the above numbers are making me just a bit nervous. Looking at the numbers makes this seem a bit like a trial of endurance. Considering how much extended time I've spent in front of this computer (yesterday was 12 hours and the day before was about 10 hours), I should be okay. Oh, that reminds me. I was also thinking about getting a Netbook (a mini laptop). If I had a Netbook, I could breeze through the bus rides. The cheapest is about $300(not including taxes and extras).

Anyway, I've looked a couple of DVD players, I'll see next week.

I got sidetracked. My originally blog entry was suppose to included my observations of bad parenting of three different parents in the check cashing place I went to pay my ConEd & telephone bills. I'll just say it was a headshaker. The only thought that that kept replaying in my mind was that these kids would someday be "the personalities" in my classroom with the parents telling me how they don't know how their kids turned out the way they did.

Since I sat in front of my computer for the last couple of days for more than 10 hours each day, I did some walking. I also went grocery shopping. When I returned home, to my surprised, I cooked dinner. I haven't cooked in several months. Yep, several months. When? Probably the last time I posted a photo of my dinner here on this blog. So for the regular readers of this blog, the last time you remember seeing a dinner photo on this blog was the last time I rattled pots and pans in my kitchen. As I was cooking, I told myself that I wouldn't clean the dishes until tomorrow. Imagine my surprise when I washed the dishes and put the extra food away right after eating. I had pasta with a meat sauce. I added ground turkey meat with the jar of pasta sauce. After dinner, I downloaded more songs to my MP3 player. Did I mention in a previous blog of buying two new Napster music cards. Each card allows me to download 60 songs to my MP3 player. Well, I just finished one of the cards. Now, I have about 120 songs on my MP3 player. As I'm writing this blog, I am listening to my Napster online playlist.

You know, this blog was suppose to be about my Go Card & guidebook, but I completely forgot about them. Oh well, it's too late now. I'll just post a picture of the pair. Now, that I have them, I will be able to better plan my LA adventure...I hope.


Post Date - Saturday, July 11, 2009 12:40AM

On second thought, since this blog entry isn't about the ...skip it. I'll just post another picture from the internet. (12:45AM)

Storm - Slideshow

My orginal plan was to go to the mall to either shop or see a movie. Well, I didn't do either. I stayed in front of this computer for about 12 hours. Many, I searched the internet to help me make a (tentative) list of activities for my upcoming travels. I also watched some more YouTube videos.

It's late. Tomorrow, I will have to move to pay the rent. So, I won't have another marathon day sitting in front of my computer. Strange, I can sit in one spot for hours at a time, but a part of me feels if I don't start getting up and moving around seriously for the next few days, I might have difficulty being able to sit still on the plane or the bus.

I'm doing it again...rambling. My original purpose for this blog entry was just to post my pictures of the storm damage. This time I'm not going to put off making another blog entry because I will most likely get sidetracked again.



Post Date - Friday, July 10, 2009 1:12AM

Tornado !?!

There was a storm last night, just not the room cleaning kind. A couple of weather reports even mentioned that it might have been a tornado. So, did I use Mother Nature's fury to motivate me to start cleaning my apartment...No.

I was awaken about 8AM with the sounds of loud conversations about the storm last night. After taking a few pictures from my living room, bedroom, and kitchen, I had a bowl of oatmeal, and a cup of green tea. I was back in bed soon after.

Around 3:30PM, I was finally showered, dressed and out the door. First, I walked around my neighborhood taking pictures of the storm's damages. Next, I had to pay a credit card bills or risk paying yet another $39 late fee. Today, I made my last ($343)payment for that credit card; this credit card is now paid off.

After stopping off at the bank, I took the Metro-North train into the city. I was determined to find a Napster card. I also wanted to get a digital antenna. I miss channels 7, 11, 13, and 21. First stop was MacDonald's at 42nd street near Grand Central station.

I walked down to 14th street to get my Napster cards (I bought two). I didn't get the digital antenna. The clerk told me that it probably wouldn't increase my signal, so I passed on buying another antenna.

Next, I took the train back to the Bronx. With time to kill, I went to the Target store. I ended up buying some things:

a 28in duffel bag
a toiletry kit bag
Superglue to fix my mini shortwave radio (I found it yesterday)
a few other odds and ends.

Once home, it was a Healthy Choice meal for dinner than I was online downloading songs.

I'll attach a photo slideshow of the damages from the storm.


Post Date - Thursday, July 9, 2009 1:51AM

Los Angeles

Instead of going to bed early. I started doing more online surfing for the first leg of my summer trip - Los Angeles.

If I had more time, I would have done a more thorough search, but I got lazy. I had already visited the LA metro trip planning website, and the Los Angeles tourism website, so walking around LA, wouldn't be that big of a deal. But, then I found out about the "LA Go Card", it is a pass that allows the bearer access to various attractions. I didn't really crunch the numbers the way I should, but I think it was a good investment.
1. it will help guide my exploration of LA.
2. it will make my first LA trip more enjoyable.

At first, my plan was just to do the walking exploration of LA. Before I found the Go Card, I had already made a list of the LA areas accessible by mass transit. In other words, seeing LA on the cheap. However, wanting to take a couple of tours, and visit Universal Studios, the GO Card seemed like a good investment. If I had a few weeks available in LA, then I would have more time to explore LA on the cheap using public transportation.

I'll be in LA for about 6 days (2 half days [arrival day and departure day] and 4 full days). I purchased the 3 day Go Card(about $183 including $15 express delivery and a 47 page guidebook and map of the LA area).

Preliminary Itinerary:
Universal Studios
Movie Stars Homes Tours
NBC Television Studio
CBS Studio City Tour
Wax Museum
Santa Monica
Downtown "Little Tokyo" LA Metro Adventure*
Long Beach Metro Adventure*
Hollywood Metro Adventure*
* The Metro Adventures are those adventures that were provided from the Metro website accessible by taking the LA public transportation with day passes.

Once my guidebook and (more importantly)LA map, I will try to finalize my LA trip itinerary.

After LA, I'll take a bus to Salt Lake City. I will be meeting Max one of the other bloggers who frequently leaves comments on my blog. Oh, and Paperback is another blogger I'll be meeting in Salt Lake City. Max's offer to show me around Salt Lake City (Utah) was the orginal reason for my trip west. I added LA when I found out the plane ticket to LA would cost the same as one to Salt Lake City.

Next, my preliminary itinerary for Salt Lake City...Then, one more stop before I return home to NYC.


Post Date - Wednesday, July 8, 2009 12:53AM

Man Purse or Murse

A slow day of surfing and sleeping. So far, that tornado through Kansas has been delayed. Not much to write about. Last night I went shopping online for my upcoming trip west. I was looking for a backpack, but I got hung up on the many, many choices available. I'll be gone about 3 weeks, so my over night duffle bag won't be enough. I'll be traveling to the west coast on a plane. I'll be returning NYC by bus. This will really be my first trip (inside the US) outside of this east coast area. At this point, Washington DC has been the farthest I've traveled from NYC. How should I pack for 3 weeks, I'm not sure. I'm learning as I go along.

Anyway, in terms of packing, my plan was to pack a semi-large duffle bag as checked bag, and a backpack as a carry on bag. However, when I finished searching Amazon.com, the bill came to about $350 before taxes and shipping. No, I didn't spend that amount. I realized I would have to delete some items. Normally, I'm a backpack person. It is very difficult for me to leave my apartment empty-handed. For awhile I've been wanting a stylish mini pack that didn't look like a man purse. I also didn't want a fanny pack. I have enough junk in my truck, I don't need attention drawn to it. I really don't want a man purse. I like the messenger bags, but too big. I needed something big enough to carry a paperback book, tickets, maps, mini umbrella, camera, my wallet, etc...

I may have finally found the answer to my murse problem. It looks cool (to me). It is not too big. And it doesn't look like a purse. I will cut and paste a photo from Amazon.com. Now, my problem is having the mini pack arrive in time. According to the Amazon site, the delivery date will be very close. I also purchased a luggage cart. I was tempted to buy nice duffle bag with wheels, but having to travel by bus and being responsible for the moving of my luggage with layovers, I wanted ease of travel. With the luggage cart that is foldable. I can unfold it and put my luggage on it. When I don't need it, it folds up and will fit (or I will certainly make it fit) in my large checked bag.

Well, I better go. If I go to bed early, maybe I can bring on that tornado mentioned in a previous blog. One of the things I want is to return from my vacation to a clean apartment.


Post Date - Tuesday, July 7, 2009 10:07PM

Cute.

I thought this was cute.

4th of July 2009 - Slideshow

Still Tethered to My Computer

Falling back into old habits. I turned on my computer with the plan of just briefly checking my email. And about 10 hours later, I'm still sitting here. I watched a few episodes of Star Trek Voyager. Then, I watched a couple of the Star Trek Next Generations movies (Insurrection and Nemesis).

I'm doing it again...rambling. I was going to post my slideshow of my 4th of July photos. But, now I think I'll put the slideshow in its own entry.

Loving My Sansa Media Player

I'm loving my Sansa media player. The only problem I'm having now is having spent so many months sitting (hours at a time) tethered to my computer via my headphones watching and listening to YouTube videos. My body still reacts as if I'm tethered to the computer. Normally, I'm one of those people when I'm in a mood, I can play the same song over and over, but out of respect for my neighbors, I use a headphone so I'm not bothering my neighbors. So, how does it feel to be able to listen to music without commercials outside my apartment. It is okay, I guess. I did use the MP3 play on the train ride into NYC, but it was a bit unsettling to no be aware of what's going on around me. I had to keep taking off the headphones to check I wasn't playing the music too loud. I can't tell you how many times I've been annoyed by someone blasting their personal stereos so loud it could be heard in a train from 3 or 4 feet away. I was also a bit concerned about not being able to hear the conductor asking for the ticket, or the next stop. Although it sounds strange (to me), I might actually have some control issues. That idea just popped in my head. Another reason I'll probably only really use my MP3 player at home (and long commuting), I'll lose my only reading time, when I'm on the train commuting. Oh, and let's not forget about staying alert in public. It isn't good to not be aware of your surrounding when you are walking.

Wow, this entry turned into a bit of a rambling. I was only going to post my photos of the Macy's Fireworks Show. I'll do that next time. It is late. My living room is still cluttered with mounds of papers. I better remember to change the title of this blog entry. Oh, by the time I pulled myself from the computer, it was too late to go shopping for another Napster card or digital antenna.

I also need to submit my application to return to college to finish up my masters degree.


Post Date - Sunday, July 5, 2009 11:39PM

Napster

Okay, it must have been the late night, or just being a bit lazy. Here it is almost 4PM and I've been at my computer downloading songs. It turns out to be a bit easier than I'd imagined. I was trying to download a whole set of songs at one time. So far my limited understanding is that only one song can be downloaded at one time. However, having been here for the last couple of hours, my learning curve has increased just a bit. I can now download several songs by not waiting for the current song to download before I click on another song. Napster just puts the songs in a queue(a line), and the songs are downloaded in the order they were placed. Last night I purchased a Napster account because I did not want to join the program that came with the Sansa Media Player -- It required an account that offered unlimited access at $15 per month (automatic deductions from my checking account). I really don't like automatic deductions because I end up forgetting about them. And, I don't balance my checkbook the way I should.

As I was typing this blog entry, I had about 15 songs that were being downloaded. From the $60 membership I paid for (entitling me to 70 downloads), I think I've downloaded about 55 songs. I'm feeling a bit stupid of resisting the MP3 for as long as I have. For the last year or so, I've had a piece of paper on my computer table that I've been using to keep track of the songs I've been watching on YouTube since YouTube stopped keeping track the way they originally did. YouTube used to keep track of any song (or video) you viewed, so that anytime you clicked on the search box, all the previous clip titles would be shown. Now, YouTube doesn't do it that way. Now, you have to remember what you saw, type it in, then YouTube will provide a list and show which video was "previously viewed". And lately, even that isn't working the way it used to. Anyway, I've been keeping a list on a piece of paper on my computer desk. Now, I'm using that list to create my MP3 music list. I haven't had a chance to really do a "field test" of my Sansa Media Player, and anything can still go wrong, but at the moment I'm happy. I also like that the music I download is mine, without any playing limitations to it. When my Media Player gets worn out, I can just download my music list to the new media player; I won't have to retype or (hopefully not) redownload the songs.

So, what songs have I been downloading? I've been (just about)all over the musical landscape. I started this morning. After watching the McLaughlin Group(a political discussion show), an infomercial came on for Time Life Music - Flower Power (music from the 60's and 70's). That program was my starting point, as songs I recognized were mentioned, I started making a list. Then, I remembered my list on my computer desk), and about 5 hours later, I have about 55 songs to start off. Now, I'll log off. Shower, visit my foster father, see if if I can pick up a digital antenna, and (of course) purchased another Napster music card.


Post Date - Sunday, July 5, 2009 4:23PM

sansa clip

I just spent the last couple of hours trying to figure out my new sansa clip MP3 player. I have to tell you, it looks nice. It plays nice. But the downloading part is a major headache. The music program that came with it was Rhapsody, they wanted about $15 per month for unlimited songs selection. I then signed up for Napster for $60 I got...I don't know what. I am ready to throw this thing right out the window. I guess I'm just an AM/FM radio kind of guy.

4th of July 2009

Happy 4th of July. Today my plan was to stay home and clean my room, but at the last minutes, I decided to see the Macy's Fireworks Show. From about 10AM to about 4:30PM, I spent most of the day in front of my computer watching YouTube episodes of Star Trek: Voyager. Finally, about 4:30PM, I was able to pull myself away from the computer monitor. I showered and had a Healthy Choice meal. I took the train to 14th street. I wanted to buy a mini AM/FM radio. I had my camp chair with me. I thought if I got to the westside of Manhattan early, I would be able to get a good spot for viewing the fireworks. While waiting for the fireworks show, I would listen to my radio and read the newspaper. I also wanted a radio for my trip out west.

When I got the 14th street, I quickly realized that I was really behind the times...as usual. No one listens to AM/FM mini radios anymore, only the old men in the park. Unfortunately, I am a creature of habit. I tend to be behind most trends. Anyway, after walking to union square and discovering that both the Virgin Superstore and the Circuit City were both closed. I settled for Radio Shack. Being indecisive, I could decide on getting a regular radio, or one of the cheap ipod imitations, so I bought both.

1. The American Red Cross Microlink Emergency Preparedness Radio. It is about 8.5oz (5in long x 2in high x 2in wide) and includes: AM/FM radio, weather band, crank powered, USB Cell phone charger, solar powered, flashlight, and headphone jack.
2. sansa clip - Until today, I had no idea what this was other than it looked like a cheap imitation of the ipod. It is very small 1in by 2inches.

With radios in hand, I walked over to the westside of Manhattan for the fireworks display. So how was it? The show was nice. Not being a crowd person, I was a bit annoyed at the "street" behavior some some of those near me. One guy with his mother started shouting at another guy for "humping him and his mother". No, that isn't a typo. Instead of saying something like, "yo dude, you're too close". The guy instead goes into a couple of minutes ranting and shouting about the guy humping his mother and now was humping him. He kept shouting that over and over.
There was an aunt/uncle couple with their nieces. THEY TALKED THROUGHOUT THE SHOW!!!! The nieces were about 12inches from me, but they talked as if they were the only ones there. The crowd was packed in like sardines. The police across the street moved their barriers about about 15 or 20 feet 10 minutes before the show started. Well, the police on the side I was on was about to move the barrier, so everyone crowded in hoping to get a better spot that we had before, but instead of moving the barrier a greater distance, the police only moved it about 3 or 5 feet. The end result was that everyone crowded up to the barrier, but then had no place to move. We stayed packed in like sardines until the show was over. Then, it was a mad exodus to get out. I don't think I'll do that again anytime soon. If there was music, we couldn't see or hear anything other then the explosions. I've always seen the fireworks show on TV. It was nice seeing the fireworks, but I don't think it was that great, especially with those talkers, and "street" behavior.

I took about 40 pictures, but to spare you the boredom, I've narrowed my collection down to 24 pictures. Lately, I've been trying minimize the slide shows to no more that 25 pictures. I'll post the photos at another time, since it is late.


Post Date - Sunday, July 5, 2009 1:35AM

Packed Up for the Summer - Slideshow

Below is a slideshow of photos I took of my clean classroom.

An Exercise in Futility

Well, I'm done!!! Finished!!! No more!!!

I'm finished and of course there was drama involved. Today, I had a 9AM appointment for a mover with a van to help me move my things home for the summer. Remember, I tend to pack as if I'm not coming back (even though I will be coming back). One, packing this way allows me to go through my materials and see what I can keep or toss. Also, if I ever do go on to another school, I don't want to wait until September to start packing.

Anyway, I arrived and thought I was doing a good thing by moving my things downstairs to the exit with the ramp. My appointment was for 9AM. After about 30 minutes, I called the mover to find out what happened. The guy came on the phone with a "matter of fact" tone telling me, "Oh, the van wasn't working". He said that he found out 1:30AM. He said that he would rent a truck (Budget?!?). After another 30 minute wait, I called the guy again. This time he told me that it would take 2 hours for his van to get fixed. I was angry and cancelled the job. I then had to carry my stuff back up the stairs and down the hall. I then had to stash the boxes and things so that they were not on the floor. I was angry at first, but once I was able to pack my things in the classroom. A part of me was glad to not have the boxes cluttering up my apartment for the summer. I also won't have to worry about dragging all that stuff back at the end of August.

Well, my vacation has official started...and I am exhausted. I came directly home. A part of me wanted to go to the movies or do some walking. However, my next goal has to be to clean my apartment...especially my living room. I'm going to rest up and hopeful attack my living room like a tornado cutting through Kansas. The first thing to go are the mounds of "paperwork".

I took some photos of my classroom. I'm still pleased with the job I did with the packing.


Post Date - Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:00PM

Finished...Almost

I finally finished packing and cleaning my classroom. All that's left is to return tomorrow morning to pick up my personal materials. I'll attach a photo. All the items on the right of the photo are my things that I take with me each summer. I try to pack as if I'm not coming back even though I'll be back. I think this time I did a good job packing, stacking, and cleaning. All the items along the back are basically grouped by subject matter. My closets and cabinets are all cleaned and organized. Although it took me three extra days to finish, I feel really good about the job I did this time. However, only time will tell if my packing job was a success. I'll know at the end of August when I return to set up my classroom. If I'm walking around and procrastinating, trying to figure out what I should do first, then I'll know my packing was not successful. The way everything is group, I should be able to arrive in August knowing exactly what to do and how, especially if I put my classroom back in the same order as this year. Another thing I liked about this job was me being much more thorough with the packing aspect. Tomorrow, after my things are removed, I'll take another picture. I was able to pack everything. Nothing was left on the floor except the furniture. There are no lose books, papers, or manipulatives around. Everything was packed and grouped. I'm really hoping I'm feeling this pleased with myself in August. If I did the packing right, I should be able to unpack (and set up my room) in a single day. That would give me 6 days to go through materials for planning differentiated instruction. My goal next year is to make a greater attempt at differentiated instruction(among other goals).

Well, I better go. Tomorrow will be my last day in school and this chapter will be closed. My summer vacation will be able to start.


Post Date - Wednesday, July 1, 2009 10:20PM