Books for the Holidays

    Hello all!  I hope everyone had a successful and satisfying Thanksgiving with your families:)  I wasn't going to do a blog today just because of the holiday and the fact that I've been gone all day, but I decided when I got home that I wanted to write about some books I saw at Barnes and Noble yesterday while shopping with my sister.  This isn't a review of sorts, rather a suggestion post regarding new releases or options based on particular interests in reading genres.  Literally speaking, I think these are pretty swell choices for gifts or just leisurely reading over the holidays.

    Amy Tan's The Valley of Amazement is first on my list, being that I'm a fan of her work, including The Joy Luck Club.  Tan's typical theme generates around Asian-American conflicts with a mixture of mother-daughter struggles and other relationship turmoils.  This new book is no exception; focusing on the courtesan life of an Asian-American immigrant, from past to present, Tan brings to life the tainted truth of naivety and innocence with her characters and true-to-life detail and scenery.  I would read this book solely because of the author's reputation, but also because the story, like her previous works, dwell on the conflicts of minority groups, which have always intrigued me.  To read a great review of this book by NPR, click here.

    Another book I've been interested in reading is The Book Thief.  I recently saw the trailer for the movie version, and I nearly died.  It looked so great!  But I realized that I hadn't read the book in years and would be completely lost if I saw the movie first, so I decided it would be a great idea to re-read the book.  Narrated by Death, the story of Liesel unfolds in front of us as she tackles hardships ranging from death to fear to imprisonment fighting through Nazi Germany during World War II.  I am absolutely obsessed with the history of this time period and enjoy this genre of creative non-fiction, (however horrible the actual history may have been).  Considering the movie looks amazing, the book would be a great gift for someone looking to see it.

    For those teen-novelists out there, (or middle schoolers), I have the perfect series for you!  Including her Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, Louise Rennison has never disappointed me in the laughter department.  Thus, when I came across her new series, starting with Withering Tights, I got a little excited.  Where Confessions focuses on the preteen life of Georgia Nicolson, Withering Tights focuses on Georgia's cousin Tallulah while she attends a performing arts college for the summer in northern England.  This is a comedy preteen series from the UK, so it evolves to a different kind of funny that only the Brits have mastered at this point.  I've found this author hilarious for a number of years so far, and expect nothing different from her new series.  If you want to learn more about Georgia Nicolson, click here.

    Last recommendation is another book-to-movie fandango, (see what I did there?...), called Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, a seemingly horrific story about dead children.  A 16-year-old boy named Jacob gets sent to this children's home after a family tragedy and has to cope with not only his own troubles, but the terrors lurking within the walls.  Even though I cannot watch scary movies, (it's a physical impossibility), I've found that I can read scary books, so I wouldn't mind reading it.  Although it didn't get great reviews on Goodreads, I would still at least give it a shot.  The less scary the better, in my opinion.  The fact that this is going to be a movie is another incentive to read it.
    I know this wasn't a typical Thursday post, but I didn't want to load people with knowledge on a day devoted to spending time with families, so I made it easy and holiday-related.  If you are interested in any of the books above or want to suggest your own literary picks for holiday gifting, let me know in the comments.  If you want to keep track of your reading lists, need book suggestions or want to expand your literary knowledge, check out Goodreads and sign up to get unlimited access to book reviews, ratings and new releases.  Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.
   

Thanksgiving Week!

    It's finally here!  The week everyone usually has some form of vacation and family time ensues.  But more on that later, as I feel the need to spill my guts about other things that matter, like DWTS...

    Some of you may know that I watch Dancing With The Stars with my dad, and let me tell you, if you haven't been watching, you should be!  It has been one of the best seasons I've ever seen, although there have been a few hiccups.  One being Bill Engvall, the "cat with nine lives" as they say, who persevered through this season mostly on fan votes to make it to the first part of the finale, but was sent home last night.  I have to say, if Bill had made it any farther I feel like there would've been riots in the streets, (at least in New England, where rioting serves as both a sign of extreme happiness and anger).  His last performance really got me in the heart region though, being so daddy-daughter-ish and lovely, his relationship with his professional partner really made you want to hug him.  I am a fan of his stand up comedy, so seeing him on the show doing the best a middle-aged man can do was great fun.  I will continue my undying support for Corbin Bleu, however, as he heats up the dance floor, as well as every woman's nether regions.  Can't wait for part two!

    As for Thanksgiving, I'm really looking forward to it this year.  Last year we spent Thanksgiving with my husband's family, so this year it's my turn.  My family tradition has changed drastically over the course of my lifetime so far, and I can predict more changes to come in the future I'm sure.  When I was younger and my parents were still together, we would have Thanksgiving at my great grandmother's house, complete with what my Nana called "cranberry apple relish," which is SO much better than cranberry sauce, (believe me when I say this).  Since then, I've been spending Thanksgiving with my father's side of the family, where we Italians still like to have the traditional meal, plus a heaping side of home-made, 8-layer lasagna.  Totally normal to have all of that on, let's be honest, two plates.
    I really do enjoy spending time with my whole family.  Having to live with my dad for the last almost 6 years of my life has taught me a lot about humility, values and selflessness.  I've spent the majority of the holiday seasons making sure everyone is happy, including my dad, but sometimes that's not an easy task.  We've spent a few years, including last year, without presents, in deep depression and an overall funk.  Family is what matters the most, so wherever I am I try to focus on how much I love the people I'm with and that makes all the difference.  I love spending time with both families during the holidays and I love seeing everyone smiling and laughing and joking around.  I never used to see it, but now that I'm older I think I have a greater appreciation for the simple things and quality time.

(photo credit: kivalophotography)

    My in-laws are some of the best people I've ever met.  I've never seen any family so happy and positive about everything life has put in front of them.  They have shown me the value of kindness and they have supported and accepted me from the first day I entered their home as a stranger.  I have nothing but great things to say about them, and I truly have no idea what I would do without them in my life.  It is such an honor to be a part of their family, and I thank God for bringing them into my life when I needed them the most.  I love all of them to death and I would take a bullet for any of them.  So grateful and thankful to be able to enjoy the rest of my life as one of them.  Thank you for all you have done for me Shelly, Tom, Danny and Beau.  I love you guys so much!
    I'm most thankful for my dad and my husband.  Without their love and support, I don't know where I'd be right now.  There were times where I thought things were hopeless and there wasn't a point to trying to fix everything, but they've kept me going.  Depression, hardships and personal tragedies have made the holidays a difficult time not only for me, but for my dad as well.  I can say with great certainty that I have put a lot of effort into his happiness because I love him like a daughter should always love her father.  But you can't live your life trying to make everyone else happy because sometimes people don't want to be happy.  However, when you do see them finally ready to commit to being happy, it makes it so much sweeter.  I'm feeling so much better this year and I can't wait for what next year has in store for us.

    So I will be spending the next few days shopping, working on some of my final projects for the coming weeks until the end of the fall semester, and spending time with both of my families.  Thanksgiving is such a pivotal time for rejoicing and sharing with one another.  As the gateway to Christmas opens, it will be bittersweet, partially because it'll be Black Friday and I have been dreading it's impending doom since last year...  But I will suffer through to get to the days to follow, which will bring me closer to Christmas and all the good tidings and cheer and what-not, (plus my 24th birthday!).  Hopefully it'll also bring me closer to seeing Catching Fire, since I heard it was amaze-balls.  Sunday is my sister-in-law's baby shower and I can't wait to give her all the presents we got baby Tanner!!!  I WILL BE AN AUNT in January you guys!

(credit: Literally, Darling Twitter)

    I would like to end this blog post by referring you to another blog called Literally, Darling, which is a blog run by various female 20-somethings who write about everything from academics to organics to music to foodies; they have something for everyone.  I haven't explored as in-depth as I would've liked to, (yet), but I've recently read their reviews on Pokemon: X and Y and Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, which were both really good, as well as an article about "finding forever in your 20s."  You can also follow their Tumblr here.  If you need a new blog to follow, this should be it.  I have nothing bad to say about it besides, "Why aren't I writing for them?..."  Anyway, time for me to continue being productive on this lazy Tuesday.  Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.

Creative Writing Process

    I'm obviously a sucker for anything related to English or Language Arts, so, naturally, I have a talent for creative writing.  I've done everything from nonfiction to poetry to journalism, and I can honestly say, without a doubt, that fiction is my favorite form of creative writing.  You can do anything within the scope of this genre, and I appreciate the freedom it gives you to write literally whatever you want.

    When you teach creative writing, I find it a lot simpler if you just let your students have as much fun with it as possible, including picking their own topics.  Now I know that's not ideal for every subject area or topic you're studying, but giving kids as much freedom as you are allowed will be more beneficial to their writing process.  It will also result in a much better final product, complete with effort, which is a fleeting hope at best when it comes to student writing.
    As I've stated in a previous post, I'm a huge fan of the multi-genre projects, which give students multiple options with which to tell their story and interpret information differently.  Within the multi-genre project are smaller writing activities built to engage the writer and incorporate their prior knowledge about the subject they're writing about.  Some of these include, but are not limited to, narratives, dialogues, letters and fairy tales.  All of these options and more can be used as creative writing activities.
    Another tool I like to use in creative writing is a notebook.  Never underestimate the power of a good notebook.  Students can use them for note-taking, jotting down ideas for projects or essays, making lists, comparing and contrasting ideas and just general brainstorming.  They are also good for free-writing activities, which are meant to give students the opportunity to write down their thoughts in the hope that some vital information will surface.  In creative writing, notebooks could represent the beginning stage of any piece.  Notebooks can house various drafts of writing, inspirational dreams and story arc maps to generate more ideas.

    Notebooks are one of my favorite things to use in my writing process.  I've been writing in a composition notebook since first grade, and I have kept almost every single one up until now.  I still keep a notebook for writing about various occurrences in my life, but in the past, I've used them for writing short stories, interpreting my dreams and experimenting with voice and character development.  Notebooks have been a huge part of not only my academic career, but also my inspiration to teach writing.  I believe that notebooks would be an asset to any English and/or Language Arts classroom.
    The versatility and freedom that come with writing should not be ignored or misused.  Students should be allowed to choose their own paths to writing and feel that their ideas and opinions are honored and respected.  There is no wrong way to write, nor is there a right way; only your way.
Writing is an integral part of any school curriculum and it would be a shame to waste all our energy and great skill on state-mandated essays and writing assessments.  Teachers should work with their students to find the writing style that bests fits their personality in order to create an open-minded learning environment.  Creative writing is meant for students to broaden their minds, reach into their imagination and explore writing as an enjoyable art form, not as a boring requirement.
    Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.
   

The Dark World and The Fate of the Future

    I hope everyone had a great weekend!  My trip to Vermont went smoothly and involved some hiking, some drinking and some much-needed down time.  With that being said, since I've been home I've done almost nothing but this YouTube project.  Although it's been difficult to interpret, I've had a lot of fun exploring YouTube as an authentic frontier to a new era of social media production.  Hopefully my paper reflects how I feel about my efforts, but I can't make any promises, (to myself...because it's my grade...obviously).

    I've been thinking about my future a lot lately, not just mine either, but ours.  Now that I'm married, I have to think, feel and act with another person next to me all the time.  It's not like I can't think for myself anymore, but there are now factors in place with every decision I make.  I can't just do whatever I want; I have to think about the needs and desires of another, and vise versa.  Sometimes that would seem like a good thing, especially if both parties agree on what they want and have similar tastes.  On the other hand, it sucks if you are completely different people and desire different paths.
    I'm not saying that I think my husband and I are incompatible because that wouldn't be true.  We love each other and there's nothing that can change that.  I just wish that I could be as flexible and willing to do the things he really wants to do, just as he's sacrificed things for what I wanted to do.  Even just watching a scary movie together would be an accomplishment and a step in the right direction, but I don't know if that will ever happen.  I need to want it to happen, and I don't think I'm ready yet.  I don't know if I'll ever be ready, for anything, other than what I want.  But I guess we'll see.
    This means I have to be willing to move away from here if need be, if it's better for us elsewhere.  I need to learn how to accept things and "go with the flow" more than I usually do.  I'm more of a structured thinker: I need to have order, a plan and a means to an end.  I can't just go do random stuff without thinking about it first.  That's not how I role.  I'm a very boring person who would be completely content with living out the rest of my days here in New Hampshire with my husband and our nuclear family.  I don't feel the need to explore the world because I have everything I want right here and I'm content with that.  I'm a simple person and I don't need much.  Just love.

    Now that that's out of the way and I'm fresh out of deep shit to give you, let's move on to something else...  My husband and I have been watching "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as a part of our obsession with all things Marvel, and I noticed today in the previews for tonight's episode that they would be continuing the plot line from Thor: The Dark World.  So, as any nerd would think, I figured we needed to see the movie first before we watched S.H.I.E.L.D. so we would understand what's happening.  So my husband proposes an impromptu movie night in order to get caught up, (and see one of the movies we've been dying to see for quite awhile).  It was nice to get out of the house, and the movie was even better than I had imagined!  With plenty of secret after-movie footage to rack our brains, we can't wait for the next one!  Don't worry, there will be no spoilers of what could potentially take place in the next installment of The Avengers or Thor...not from me anyway ;)

    So that's basically it for me.  I've got a least two other projects and the revision of this last one to do before the first week of December when all my classes end, so I have that to look forward to...  On the bright side, I'm subbing Thursday and Friday so I get to see some of my kids!  Plus next week is Thanksgiving and we will both be going to my uncle's house for the traditional turkey and fixings as well as an added Italian bonus in the form of home-made lasagna.  My mouth has been watering for a week already, so you can imagine how excited I'll be in a week.  On another bad(ish) note, Black Friday will be right after that...I'll write more on that next week I'm sure.  As there are many awful shopping days left, there are also plenty of good days that will not ruin my holiday spirit.  It's close, I can feel it!  Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.

Multigenre Projects

    

    So, for one of my courses I have to create a curriculum support project with regard to some aspect of writing.  I've decided to do a unit on the multi-genre project, which is a combination of smaller projects rolled into one.  Teachers can choose multiple genres of writing to provide for their students on any given topic.  The goal of this type of learning is to generate and support the same ideas you would gain from a typical, boring term paper.  Plus it gives students some choice and the ability to work their strengths in an otherwise difficult practice.

    Melinda Putz, a teacher and author from Michigan, wrote a strikingly effective account of multi-genre projects in her book, A Teacher's Guide to the Multigenre Research Project: Everything You Need to Get Started.  You can find that resource here to learn more about the process and the different interpretations available.  Putz arranges a detailed and organized account on how the process works, what choices you have to give your students and step-by-step instructions on how to bring it to life.
    In Putz's example, she starts off with a topic search, where students can research genuine personal interests to narrow down their project ideas to two different choices, making their ultimate decision from there.  Students then choose at least seven different genres to use in their projects, including, (but not limited to), diaries, letters, recipes, graffiti, dialogues, comic strips, etc.  The kids are encouraged to make their own choices in genre, as long as they relate well to the topic they've chosen.  This aspect of the project is where I think it truly excels; kids can basically choose their own project, down to the content and the type.  The amount of freedom and flexibility is really beneficial to students' educational self-esteem.

    I chose to dive deeper into this project because I wanted to know the true advantage to using this sort of system as opposed to the traditional essay format.  Obviously the multi-genre project has it's perks: almost complete student-driven control, multiple options and a personal touch.  There are virtually no downsides, so why don't more teachers utilize this project?  How isn't this adaptable to other subject areas, such as science and math, as opposed to English and History?  The point, I think, is that the liberal age of teaching is just beginning.
    With the ever-growing access and advancements in technology and the influx of younger, newer teachers on the horizon, the chances of a more hands-on, inspirational learning environment.  I believe the day will come when school districts will be more susceptible to change and classrooms are not places where students go to write their lives away for a standardized test.  I think that day is upon us, or at least I hope so.  If you'd like to learn more about multi-genre projects, you can follow the link I posted above.  With any other aspect of teaching, please don't hesitate to ask:)

Daily Routine and Disney Analogies

    Hello there!  It feels like it's been awhile, but I guess it really hasn't...  I had a busy week last week, but I'm proud to say that I actually caught up with my work this week already and only have my grammar assignment to do for Thursday, (snaps for that).  It feels good to not be behind or have to cut out some necessary reading just to get things in on time.  Hopefully I can keep this up!

    This week is the week I get to pick my last two classes ever, (the internship for next year is technically a class, however it is still an internship, so I will treat it as such).  It's surreal how long it's been since I first started college, to be here after getting my Bachelor's degree this past winter, getting married this summer, and now finishing my Master's degree already and going on to finally become a teacher!  It's so awesome, and I feel like I've gained so much more from this experience than I had ever hoped to.  You always hear people talk about the benefits of higher education and how it's definitely worth it to make the sacrifice and do it, but I don't think you actually appreciate it until you're done.  Actually, I can see myself not knowing what to do after all this work every day for the last five years.  Luckily I'll have lots of grading, lesson planning and curriculum development ahead of me...JOY abounded.
    I've also realized I really have to work on better motivating myself to do things.  Whether it's just a simple phone call to someone or cleaning the apartment to getting to the gym, (last time I went was probably April?....I think....that's horrible).  I need to work on getting myself out from behind this computer and actually DOING things, things that make me happy.  I was thinking about maybe getting back into baking, since I did it a lot when I lived with my dad.  I really enjoyed making things for other people, and I'm not very crafty, so food was a natural choice.  You can ask anyone about my Blondie brownies;)  I just miss cooking in general and I wish I didn't have to work late so I could take the time and prep meals for the two of us.
    I've been so focused on school and work that I've been in a lull for a long time and I don't know how to get out of it.  It's like, right after the honeymoon in June I just went right back into my routine without really getting a chance to have everything sink in and enjoy it.  It's like nothing even happened...and that's partially due to the fact that we've been together for so long that it just felt normal to be married and that nothing significant had occurred because we already felt it.

    I actually had an interesting thought the other day about us.  I had determined our wedding theme, (much to the distaste of my husband), to be "Beauty and the Beast" inspired, because I love that movie so much and I like to think of us symbolically as "beauty" and the "beast," (nothing weird there).  Our color scheme was dark blue and yellow, (with some teal), I had a full A-line dress, and I danced with my father to "Tale as Old as Time," (I can't even watch the movie anymore because I tear up just thinking about it...).  From an aesthetic standpoint, I think we nailed it, even though there were a few things I wish we could've had, like glass covers for floral arrangements on the tables, (like the rose).
    The one thing I hadn't thought of until now was our story, and how it corresponded to the story in "Beauty and the Beast."  As an English student, soon-to-be teacher, I like to analyze and pick apart story elements and themes because that's what I do.  The story, to me, symbolizes impressions, acceptance and that not everything is what it seems on the outside.  "Don't judge a book by it's cover," comes to mind, (because she loved books, get it?).  When I look back on how we met, it made sense to me because we didn't necessarily like each other at all.  I thought he was an older, weird guy who sweat a lot and he just thought I was cute.  There was absolutely NO intention of going further with our relationship.
    So we were friends, mostly acquaintances, for quite awhile, until I went off to college, after I went through what could possibly be one of the worst summers of my life to date.  He was there for me when no one else was, when he probably should have just let me be, but he didn't.  We grew together and I think the beginning of our relationship wasn't perfect, but it worked out.  There were times where he rescued me, in a way, from myself and things I would've done if it hadn't been for him stepping in and taking care of me, and for that I'm eternally grateful.  I just thought that, even though the theme of the wedding was solely for my benefit and it wasn't exactly right from a visual standpoint, I realize now that it sort of fits perfectly for our relationship.  I am in no way a product of Stockholm syndrome nor do I agree with bestiality, but I think the underlying message of the story holds true to our relationship, and I'm really happy about that.  My prince is real <3

(Photo Credit: kivalophotography)

    That's all I have for this week.  Very mushy and so-on, but it was a relief to get all that out!  I'm going on another trip this weekend, to Vermont, to spend time with some friends.  I might film the experience, however I'm still backlogged from the last few weeks of footage, so we'll see.  Since I'm so on top of my work, maybe I'll actually get on that.  It's getting closer and closer to the holiday season, so that means I'll be both extremely annoyed with all the retail aspects and really happy about all the family time coming up in the next 40-ish days, (don't judge me, I'm not exactly counting the days yet).  If you're interested in following me, my links are on the right and the tab for my YouTube channel is now up top.  Keep checking back for updates on my latest upload!  On Thursday I'll be doing a bit on multi genre projects, so be on the lookout for that!  Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.

Fantasy Comic Pokemon League

    So this week has already been hectic and it's only Tuesday...  I feel like this will most likely be the rest of my semester, so at least I know there's relief in the form of the first week of December.  The good news is that I finally feel like I'm in control of my courses for the spring!  MORE English!!

    As a few of you may know, my husband and I went to the Rhode Island Comic Con this past weekend.  It was awesome!  I had been to the Boston one earlier this year, however I believe this one was a little better.  I say this solely because there were more celebrity appearances, but the comic book selection seemed to be much better and more extensive in Boston.  Regardless, we had a great time!  We also got to meet and shake hands with Bulk and Skull from the Power Rangers!!!  To say my life is complete would be accurate.  I loved seeing some characters from my childhood:)  Hopefully I will have better luck uploading that video in a timely manner... (I'm not making promises about the St. Louis video anymore, but I'll try to work on it this weekend...or tomorrow).

    In other news, I'm killing it in my Fantasy Football league!  Second place, and there's still at least 7 weeks left in the season.  I didn't think I'd ever get this involved, but I've gotten really into it and I'm finding that winning feels a lot better than losing, (go figure, right?).  Also, it's taught me that some things are just out of my control and not worth getting upset over.  Megatron can't always be there for you...

    Still in the midst of my YouTube project, (haven't done much "active" participation as of yet...), I'm thinking about another one revolving around Pokemon as an affinity space.  Unfortunately, I would need to actually play the new Pokemon game, which requires an entirely new gaming system from the one I currently own, (upgrade, what what!).  Hopefully if I put them on my Christmas list Santa will help me with this educational endeavor.  Maybe since I want to write a research paper on it it'll help my chances.  It doesn't hurt that my sister wants to play with me, so I'll have a second participant.  I'll keep you posted on that development as soon as my birthday roles around come December.

    So far that's everything.  My week is wide open after Thursday, so hopefully I'll have some plans for this weekend besides laundry and dinner with my father, (which I always enjoy).  If anyone has any ideas on what to do with a free weekend, let me know in the comments!  Maybe I'll get on that video upload now...  I'm also thinking about doing a few more blog modifications too, like adding tabs.  Hopefully I can move some posts I've already made once those are in place.  Check back again Thursday for a pretty awesome book review about video game affinity spaces!  Until next time, I remain your faithful correspondent.