Year One in the Books and the Joys of Summer

Wow, I did not realize how long it had been since I'd last posted on here. I have to say the last few months of school were both chaotic and rewarding at the same time. You know, I think that when you're in college and they are preparing you for "the real world job", they purposely leave details out so you won't run away or drop out of the program. Sorry former educators that may be reading this blog session, but it's true. Why did nobody tell me about the amount of "end of the year" paper work that must be filled out, checked, recorded, organized, and filed? I mean a little heads up would've been nice. Or perhaps that's only true to my particular county? Not sure, but at least I'll know for next year. The last few weeks of school (especially after Spring Break) flew, and I mean like speed of light flew, by. We get back from spring break and hit straight into SOL review, then SOL testing, and then what like a week and a half and it's over. People said that once the year was over, reality wouldn't hit until a few days later than I had until August off. They were exactly right! When I was student teaching at VSDB, there was a sign that was hanging from the door of one of the rooms I was staying in that said "reasons to become a teacher: June, July and August"-Amen to that! I have thoroughly enjoyed not having a set schedule for a job to go to during the day. I have spent up until last Tuesday everyday at the pool for at least 4 hours and I consider every minute "a time well wasted." Cook outs in the evenings, spending time with friends (old and new), traveling, bonding time with the cat, etc. I'm just enjoying life at the moment and loving every second of it. However, I'm unable to get school out of my head. I often find myself thinking of ideas for next year, always looking for that "something" in a store that would be perfect for the classroom. (Oh btw, I need a small college sized refrigerator, anybody have one they want rid of, I'd gladly take it off your hands) Is this common fellow educators? Can you ever escape fully from the classroom?
Lastly and randomly, I'd like to mention my top 10 songs that are featured on my summer ipod shuffle.
1)Working on a tan-Brad Paisley (very funny)
2)Sexy Chick-David Guetta (featuring Akon)
3) ET-Katy Perry (featuring Kanye West)
4) Little Sundress-Chris Cagle
5) Toes- Zac Brown Band
6) Knee Deep- Zac Brown Band (featuring Jimmy Buffett)
7) Groovy Little Summer Song- James Otto
8) No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems- Kenny Chesney
9) Old Alabama- Brad Paisley
10) Water- Brad Paisley

Well that's all for now, until next time, here's to life,
Simply N :)

127 Hours (My Review)

My anticipation for the film "127 Hours" has been building up ever since I saw the first trailer for it on apple.com and only accelerated after reading the book. Prior to reading the book, I searched local theaters to only be disappointed when the nearest theater showing the film was in Washington, D.C.. Thus I read the book again with the thought that I'd rent it when it came out on DVD. However, after the Oscar nominations were announced and the film was in the running, I checked the local theaters again and low and behold theaters close-by were finally showing it. Now you have to understand that I have been reading everything I possibly can to find insight regarding this movie because I had such high expectations after reading the book. Reviews were good, Oscar noms., podcasts were interesting, so it couldn't be bad right?!?
Right!! This movie is fantastic in so many ways, from the acting, to directing, to little details that really drive the movie home. James Franco's portrayal of Aron Ralston's story is convincing and moving. Danny Boyle has done it again with his amazing direction and attention to detail. It really feels like you are inside this canyon with Franco, going through the emotions, stress, pain, and unbelievable task amputating your arm. According to articles that I had read, some people had fainted when this scene occurs. Maybe it's because I've grown up gutting deer, but this scene I felt, was incredible and I didn't feel faint at all. I found myself wanting to cheer him on!
Not only is the movie itself entertaining, but watching and listening to peoples' reactions during parts of the movie where equally as entertaining. For example, during the scene where Ralston (Franco) drinks his urine after running out of water, he begins to cough. The amount of people that were gagging and coughing at this amazed me and I started cracking up. Talk about looks. I also found it amusing at the amount of people that started to close their eyes 10 minutes after his arm gets stuck by the boulder and he removes the pocket knife from his backpack. Seriously people, the title is called 127 hours, he's not going to cut his arm off the first 10 minutes he's trapped.
It's a great movie, great acting, directing, I would recommend you people out there in blog land to go see it. It's definitely worth paying the money to see in a theater. So check it out, and then read the book, or read the book and see the movie. Either way you won't be disappointed!

So here's to life!
Simply N