I was at a P.D. workshop today and I always participate in them and feel all silly and energized.
You WOULD be annoyed by me.
I LOVE to learn and I LOVE to teach - and usually we get to do both.
I almost always become more aware of my shortcomings as a teacher and as a person during these P.D. sessions as well.
Like for instance, I need to read more.
How do I know?
Because my vocabulary is awful.
You may have noticed?
Um. Ya.
We were creating a persuasive paragraph about why we think Elin and Tiger Woods should stay together and usually writing good, quick little pieces is my specialty. Um. No longer.
I was grasping for the language.
And there was this high school English teacher there who had such rich language at her disposal.
And I am not ashamed to admit this: I was JEALOUS.
I was!
It's okay. Competition is a part of being human, I am learning.
I can no longer be ashamed of my inner beast.
Nope.
I hold on to my natural want to be the best in every room at all times and I hold it with pride.
It does not mean I don't want others to shine.
It just means I am aspiring....
Right?
I hope so.
Anyhow, regardless - I need to start reading...But where to start. Every book other than Jen Lancaster has proven to not really grab my interest. My last attempts were The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and something Circus. Don't even remember.
Anyone have a good book they can recommend? Please? I need something interesting, smart, but not too too complex. Like no Shakespeare-type reads with complicated names and too many characters.
And I don't like books like Blindness or The Road - too detached.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
And when I do read your recommendation, I will even post about it - so that would be something, too, wouldn't it?
Thanks for your help in helping me re-grow my vernacular, my interests and my brain!
Until the Next Time....
Try The Thirteenth Tale...it was amazing! Or the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (it's a whole novel of letters!! written during the war)
ReplyDeletei dont think you're getting my comments... but.. i'm reading sarah's key and i love it.. also trying to read lovely bones.. not so in love.. i want a book club..
ReplyDelete~ anonimo
I want to start reading more too -- reading *novels* not musicological drivel... I'm planning to bring either Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, or Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez on the upcoming Big Trip (yay -- we *are* going!) These 3 have been collecting dust on my bookshelf for longer than I'd like to admit. I think two were Christmas presents -- from, maybe, '06 and '07. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the English teacher felt about today's activity. She probably felt like she was under pressure to produce something that reflected her position. She may well have gone home today feeling like she didn't measure up. Oh, why are we all so critical of ourselves? It's not good for us!
This will probably be my last post for a couple of weeks. Looking forward to catching up on your posts when I get back :)
--le
PS: Nice meeting you, anonimo!
hm. anonimo - I was wondering if you were just having a crazy week - otherwise, no, I am not getting your other comments...that sucks!
ReplyDeletele - I will miss you greatly! But I am excited that you are embarking on this travel adventure in these next weeks!!! Oh your fun life is so pregnant with possibilities! p.s. have tried catch 22 - it's another dreary too many weird names one...and the other two, not sure. maybe. I have Power of One. I should really try that. It's a on the book shelf for too long one..
Beth. I think I'll try that thirteen one. To the library tomorrow!!!
ps. anonimo - read lovely bones - liked until end...might try your suggestion too. and book club? summer book club? good idea - if vino is involved!
ReplyDeleteThe Power of One is my all-time favourite book. I guess you probably already know that. Oh, dear Peekay...
ReplyDelete--le