Day 11: Fat Face

Today for the first time, I discovered an app called Fat Face, via my students in 6th period.  You take a picture, then the application modifies your photo to make you look like you have gained a considerable amount of weight.  It was super funny.  There was also "face in a hole."  My students are way more up-to-date than I am. 

Day 10: Survivor: An Entire Season

I have officially watched an entire season of Survivor: The Outback, courtesy of YouTube.  It was awesome with no commercial interruptions, no waiting until next week to see what happened.  It was interesting to see that the people who started the game with one focus in mind, ended the game with another focus.  I think it would be an interesting experience.  Even though it doesn't seem like it is too long to be "stranded" with 16 strangers, it really does take a toll on those who participate.  Sitting from the warm comfort of my living room, I think I could make it on Survivor.  There are some "old folks" who make it pretty far.

Day 9: Pork Enchiladas

Yummy!  Though not really a big thing, I had pork enchiladas made by my hubby.  They were delicious!  Also, War and Peace is still coming along.  It actually really is a good book.

Day 8: Look Up an Old Friend

Thanks to the internet, it seems that finding your old friends is easier than ever.  As I was blogging about my college professor yesterday, I fondly remember my college friend, Teresa Rapkin.  She was the coolest friend I made at college.  She was always so generous with anything that she had.  I had an electric typewriter, but she had a Kaypro computer, which she allowed me to use anytime I needed to.  We both went to Italy as part of our Minor Studies in Italian.  She took me to parties, introduced me to people.  I even went to her parents' house in Venice, which was the biggest house I had ever been in.  I remember having a drink of Uzzo at her mom and dad's and eating a huge Italian dinner.  Terri was always so put together, nicely tanned, and most of the time, wore a skirt, which was really different for college girls in my era.  She usually drove us around, too, as my 1974 Ford Maverick didn't hold a candle to her new red Nissan stick shift.  We really lost touch after college, so I hope she remembers me.  I found her resume on the internet and sent her an email. 

Day 7: Thank You to a Former Teacher

I have let too many moments go by in my life without thanking someone, later regretting the lack of words.  Today I wrote a letter to a former teacher who inspired me.  I've had many "bad" teacher experiences, some which have indelibly marked my life with words that I will never forget.  Words spoken to my mother in a phone conversation. "She'll never make anything of herself."  I remember that my mother cried.  For some reason, this particular high school teacher was on a mission to accuse me of cheating and lack of effort.  I couldn't possibly have written that poem.  This essay is copied!  From where?  I don't know...but there is no way she could write this!  I guess it may have taken a teacher like that to lead me down the path that I eventually took, which was into creative writing.  The trouble was that I never really believed I was any good at it.  Until college and my professor...Rick.  He let us call him by his first name, which to me was the coolest thing ever.  He did not like to be addressed as "Doctor," or "Professor," which is probably why I can't remember his last name.  I remember receiving my first paper back from him,  the margins  filled with comments. I initially thought that I had done something terribly wrong. I took my paper and headed back to my apartment, afraid to read what was written.  Back in the safety of my apartment,  I first noticed the grade at the top of the paper, which was an "A."  It was the first "A" I had ever received in an English class.Then, I began to read the comments...I don't think that there was one negative remark, and if there was, it was stated in such a way that it just sounded positive. At the end, there was a comment that read like a letter from your best friend.  It took up more room than my entire paper.  From that point on, I began to take more risks in my writing, and the more I risked, the greater the reward.  Sometimes Rick would even use my paper as an example in the class, which always made me feel like I had won the lottery.  Many of our classes were not even held in the classroom.  Some were at the local pub or Rick's house, out on the lawn, or at the Poetry Cafe.  I'm sure that I was not the only one who flourished under Rick's guidance.  He actually didn't treat me better or differently.  So, today, I wrote a long overdue "thank you" letter to Rick.  (Now, if only I remember his last name, I will mail it!  I checked the FSU website and he no longer works there).

Day 6: Message in a Bottle

I have always wanted to find a message in a bottle.  I envision a message filled with some passionate note or one packed with infinite wisdom.  Alas, I have not yet come across such a treasure. Tonight, I decided to toss my own note into the Atlantic.  In a way, I kind of hope no one will find it, so that the thoughts remain just that...thoughts.  On the other hand, if someone finds it, what will he or she think?  It's out of my hands now, sharing a ride with the right whales and dolphins.  Hopefully, it won't wash up on the shore tomorrow at the exact spot I threw it in. 

Day 5: A Shot of Tequila

Probably may not sound believable to some, but I have never had a shot of liquor.  Tonight, for the first time, under the direction of my husband (apparently, he may have partaken of a shot or two in his younger years),I had a shot of tequila, accompanied by salt and a lemon (we had no lime).  It wasn't as bad as I anticipated.  I thought I might puke up a lung, but alas, I am now fairly relaxed and prepared to grade some papers!  Jose Cuervo, you are a friend of mine.