Class Photos

Yearbook pictures.... A time honored tradition.... My, they have changed over the years!

I remember that I had an absolute fit with my parents that I had to have this certain photographer in Bloomington do my senior pictures. And it cost a small fortune. I went with my friend, Julie, and we couldn't find the dang place and just about missed the whole appointment. I thought they were beautiful. This photographer was very modern and had all sorts of backgrounds and poses and even let us change clothes. I know - it's the norm now but back in the day - that was cool.

Normal West does something easy and has a school photographer do their yearbook pictures. If you wanted anything else, you could either pay extra for more poses from the school person or also go somewhere else. AJ and Kiel could have cared less about their pictures. We just had a few extra photos taken by the school person. Meesie on the other hand, wanted the whole enchilada. Yes, we spent a fortune and honestly, it was worth it. Gorgeous subject - gorgeous photos. None of those pictures are allowed in the yearbook though - those were just for family and friends. Headshots from the school photographer was all that was allowed.

I guess that there is a news item now about a controversial photo that a beautiful girl wants to add to her yearbook. Here's the deal. Yea - it is gorgeous - as is she - but I don't think it is yearbook appropriate. Can't really blame her though - it is a 'current' type of photo. I really blame the school. They should have some guidelines. Maybe require only headshots for the yearbook. Maybe have a setup like our school district and have a school photographer. What about the kids (like AJ & Kiel) that don't care about their picture? Are they even included? What about the kids that can't afford that ridiculous amount of money?

Always a new controversy...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/photo-high-school-senior-sydney-spies-deemed-sexy-yearbook-colorado-article-1.1003352?localLinksEnabled=false

Too far...

I had my teaching degree. Yes, it was a while ago and I admit, I am probably very out of touch with some of the current teaching methods. Early childhood methods tend to dive into a topic and just hit it hard in every way possible. So - for example, if we were to study whales - we would have every center have something to do with whales. So we might have a water center with little whales or maybe an ecology lesson on ways to protect the ocean. The reading center would have simple books on the topic. We might do a crayon/blue wash that depicted their view of an ocean. You get the idea.

Tonight on the news I heard something that just went too far and upset me. Judge for yourself.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/08/examples-of-slavery-in-school-worksheet_n_1192512.html

Lottery

My friend Deb and I went to Casey's today and bought our favorite bacon breakfast pizza. Believe it or not - I had coupons for Lottery tickets!!! So - we spent a whole four dollars (buy one get one free) and will be millionaires this time tomorrow!

For the record - I know who my favorite family members are....

The weather...

I am planning a lovely family trip to Florida to escape the horrible weather conditions here in Illinois for late April.

But what happened to winter? It is January and I told Riley to just wear her warmer jacket not her winter coat (but take gloves and hat in case). What is happening?

Time...

As a new year is upon us - it seemed only appropriate to have a little thought about clocks...

I like clocks.

I have an old grandfather's clock that hangs in my bedroom. It doesn't work. It didn't work when mom had it either. I remember that she had a neighbor, Mr. Hughes, work on it once. I think it was too old to have available parts. It is really cool looking and once I am a millionaire, I will find someone to fix it.

I have a standing grandfather's clock in our hallway. I bought it when the Carriage House in Champaign went out of business. It used to work but it has been moved way too many times by non-professional clock movers. I will get it fixed too...

I have a clock that I love that hangs over my sink in the kitchen. It hasn't had a battery in years - but it is a cool looking clock too. It's just easier to look at the microwave or the stove to find out what time it is.

I remember staying at my grandmother L'Hote's house in Aunt Lisa's old bedroom. That was a cool bedroom. Everything matched and was white. Aunt Lisa had moved out long ago but I felt grown up in there. Grandmother kept her china painting stuff there. Anyway, I remember this clock that in the day - was modern. It had little tiles that would flip every minute. Not sure how to explain it - but I remember staying up so I could watch all of the little tiles rotate at midnight.


I took a picture of my favorite clock. I bought this clock with my first lifeguarding check - yes, it is that old - and I was so proud of my purchase. And guess what - it still works!!! It was the new thing - and was compact and digital. Now, I don't use it to wake me anymore - I have my cell phone for that. But it is still chugging away. I think I bought it in 1978. That clock has gone everywhere with me - to college - to all of my moves - everywhere. It will break my heart if it ever quits working.

I must have a zillion watches. I went thru a watch phase. I remember when Chris wanted to buy me a watch. I like watches with numbers on them. I guess he had a hard time finding one...

I think it is sad that people don't have as many clocks and watches anymore. I use the time on my phone, my computer, my appliances or my tv stuff now.

And don't even get me started on time telling with my kids. I still don't think Kiel knows what a "quarter till" means.... I guess it is a lost skill - similar to cursive handwriting. That's a whole new post!