tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76656801499074751252024-03-13T00:17:50.790-04:00Second ThoughtsThis blog is about my first and second lives - my friends, events, and adventures...Yamis JewellYamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-86623970742303848722009-11-12T19:48:00.004-05:002009-11-13T10:38:37.242-05:00The River Will Roll, Roll, Roll<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Its time for another post. I have a lot to share. One thing I am learning is there are a lot of you out there reading this that i didn't realize - thank you for taking the time.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I've had a few major bumps in my life lately, but I've been so fortunate for some wonderful friends - especially in SL - who have been pulling me through, whether they realize it or not. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My dissertation is stuck. My site backed out, thanks to a woman who is not what she appears to be. I am struggling to find another place to do my research now. If you know of a secondary school that is interested in hosting a study on the effectiveness of SL as a learning tool for academic achievement, please let me know. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My friends in SL are coming and going, but those who are close to me are closer than ever. Shift happens. Love comes and goes, friends weave in and out, life moves on. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My own personal roller coaster ride is bumpy. I had a serious setback. Back to square 1. So here I am 10 months later - not much progress. Eventually. I was told this part would be trial and error - so be it. If you see me whizzing past you - slow me down. If I am barely moving, give me a shove. I'll learn how to walk steady eventually.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thanks and love to my good friends who make me smile every day no matter what. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-69411495037296397722009-10-09T14:29:00.001-04:002009-10-09T14:39:10.572-04:00Obama Won the Nobel Prize for Lactating Hope<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; white-space: pre; "><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HgbGJTFpVY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8HgbGJTFpVY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object></span></span></span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-4373213215385980772009-09-28T23:16:00.002-04:002009-09-28T23:41:03.106-04:00She's Baaaaack!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Well hello there - I feel like I fell off my bike and am afraid to get up (ok, maybe not that extreme). Its been way too long since I've blogged. I've been up to my eyeballs in writing chapters for my dissertation, getting my IRB approval, and reminding my family I still exist. And in between I am spending way too much time in SL, between playing, networking, and listening to good music. SL is my hell in a bucket, btw. And yes, I"m enjoying the ride. Just not sure where I'll land. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of the things that are going on in my SL world are fun, some are frustrating, and other are actually getting boring. I've been in SL for 2 1/2 years now. Since I've been here the music scene has exploded and I am branching out of my comfort zone and listening to a lot of different kinds of musicians. I"ve been especially loving the electric blues sounds of Edward Kyomoon, Noma Falta, Komuso Takagawa, Jimmyt49 and Jeffo Pelous. What an amazing collection of musicians. And then there are my always favorite folk/classic rock musicians like Kitzie Lane (my SL sister, so yes, I'm biased), Woodsong Zapatero (another bias), Montavious Peccable (might as well be family - oh, sort of is now), and Tallguy Kid, Gregg Collossus, Nick99, and Grateful Stryker. And most of them even know how to pronounce my name correctly! (ok, so for those of you not sure: Yay-mis) The music is ALWAYS the fun part of SL for me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So are my friends. Kitzie and I have added a sister to our family, Dawnlyn Writer. I never thought i would meet such wonderful people and wish we didn't all live in different corners of the US. One day a trip is required. Soon. And I am meeting really great people in some of the educator groups I belong to as well. I am becoming more and more involved in them (ok, slowly, but surely) and am finding it fascinating to see the level of dedication people have to embracing virtual worlds as an emerging educational technology tool. You all rock! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So what is the boring part? I guess its the routine of what I do. I need to shake it up a bit. Maybe more time in the educational groups, just doing something different now and then is a good thing. I need to explore other sims more often to see people's creativity and get ideas for educational uses of SL. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So if you aren't busy this Friday night at 6 SLT, come out to my Butterfly Garden for a night full of music - Octoberfest American Style. I've got 6 musicians over three hours ready to rock you into the weekend. IM me for a limo!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh, and thanks for reminding me I have a blog ;-) ttys.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hugs</span></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-68908439610635396322009-07-10T19:39:00.002-04:002009-07-10T19:41:40.253-04:00Life is Good<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2CzOrCu2v_71QTtcXMjW8RL1iuZRP9YvnxsRhrO0IKbzMhfAxbzr6p9jcRehkle6HhnROXA_lnqh32scyoxonwCPIq5S9n523tbWIsdxIPbjxSuHP_Icyrts0AX4fD7FycVrKMzQNQ/s1600-h/Life+is+Good+-+Bike.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2CzOrCu2v_71QTtcXMjW8RL1iuZRP9YvnxsRhrO0IKbzMhfAxbzr6p9jcRehkle6HhnROXA_lnqh32scyoxonwCPIq5S9n523tbWIsdxIPbjxSuHP_Icyrts0AX4fD7FycVrKMzQNQ/s320/Life+is+Good+-+Bike.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356980311385253458" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Pedals on wind</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;">Wheels in the air</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;">Fly with me</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;">Ride with me</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;">Come if you dare.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', -webkit-fantasy;">Life IS good :)</span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-11456635446647032682009-06-06T09:40:00.007-04:002009-07-10T19:45:31.015-04:00Muzzy and Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyTn3GvjYORE1Voyz6sn8RTingWlKp92OxyfjWW-TuslkawJTNDPR5j7_Z4L8PntyexISg2DAWuUzd-4hH-_EiSgiwWJ4a9T3j7-HmfS2Iz4Vc-pQI6czrzz46YrdFF6KmIrU0YamRA/s1600-h/P1010737.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyTn3GvjYORE1Voyz6sn8RTingWlKp92OxyfjWW-TuslkawJTNDPR5j7_Z4L8PntyexISg2DAWuUzd-4hH-_EiSgiwWJ4a9T3j7-HmfS2Iz4Vc-pQI6czrzz46YrdFF6KmIrU0YamRA/s320/P1010737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344217361517733234" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">L</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ying here next to me</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">your head in my lap</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">snuggled in tight</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for your morning nap.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My buddy, my friend</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">your nose cold and wet</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the sweetest one</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've ever had yet.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bouncing with me</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">when I want to play</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sitting with me</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">after a long day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My puppy, my love</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lets play in the sun</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the fun of the day</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">has just now begun.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-59025777596367160412009-05-14T13:58:00.003-04:002009-05-14T14:14:15.207-04:00WTF???<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">OK, so most of you know that i have spent the last two years working to get a sim on the teen grid for my school. With my superintendent's blessing (so I was told) I began training my teachers. Like all other districts, we are financially strapped this year. District support isn't an option. Fortunately, I am getting very good at grant writing. Then - BAM - deadline due for the grant tomorrow - and i can't get it approved to send - by the tech director who doesn't understand this technology. WTF??????? frustration - anger- and a resignation that even the best technology resources will never reach their full potential. So I am done. Sarah (my teacher alt) is no longer needed. So now...time to focus on what matters - one less thing on my plate, right?</span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-30215223766315201782009-05-04T08:58:00.003-04:002009-05-06T13:56:41.268-04:00Which Way Did I Go?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Wild thoughts racing through my head. Stay, go, why am I here, where can i go? How are you today? I don't know. I can't tell where I am. Up? Down? Both? I'm definitely not in the middle. Who needs me? Who do I need? Losing track of time, of stuff, of where the balance is. It wasn't expected to last, the peace. Guess i got a good stretch between. Better than nothing. Sleep comes to me now, thats good. Lost in my other world, this one lets me go. Floating, not grounded. Will you love me anyway?</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;">When I had no wings to fly.....</span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-82911818623515018352009-03-22T23:32:00.011-04:002009-03-23T10:51:57.752-04:00Box of Rain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsLXVHsVO8PCsjjzRS_U40CcSfutNg2GAgwo-my78dYnV12WEYEqT2RM56IgLok5T_RRj5jV6rpZ3-m2yIEt9uOAiKmbxFlCjlgMcXo_tMqU9RiQlC85HYQeUBtf59JsOi7AXPMonMA/s1600-h/Lavender.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsLXVHsVO8PCsjjzRS_U40CcSfutNg2GAgwo-my78dYnV12WEYEqT2RM56IgLok5T_RRj5jV6rpZ3-m2yIEt9uOAiKmbxFlCjlgMcXo_tMqU9RiQlC85HYQeUBtf59JsOi7AXPMonMA/s200/Lavender.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316222913418116338" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Walk into splintered sunlight<br />Inch your way through dead dreams<br />to another land<br />Maybe you're tired and broken<br />Your tongue is twisted<br />with words half spoken<br />and thoughts unclear<br />What do you want me to do<br />to do for you to see you through<br />A box of rain will ease the pain<br />and love will see you through<br /><br />And love is seeing me through</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Walk into shining sunlight<br />Inch my way through sweet dreams<br />To another land</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I might be tired and broken, but<br />My tongue is softer<br />My words complete<br />My thoughts are clear<br />I want you to love and hold me<br />To care for me, to see me through<br />My box of rain will ease the pain</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Your love will see me through<br />.<br /><br /></span></span></div></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-67819218644749004692009-03-16T10:47:00.006-04:002009-03-16T17:11:38.419-04:00Happy Rez Day to Me!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPrDCmWcSRQ9ndOP7zqLHhnAqWs5jaswicG9-I4kzWXinYZXUVLZZbHZIyJ4K6Fwy0Ry3lxOy9BLjXhU5E8h1qSCU16ZjRXUaooFuaDPOcRoiWF1AV9OAE1JGZznVQVX___pi4QWryQ/s1600-h/Flowers+for+Rez+Day.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPrDCmWcSRQ9ndOP7zqLHhnAqWs5jaswicG9-I4kzWXinYZXUVLZZbHZIyJ4K6Fwy0Ry3lxOy9BLjXhU5E8h1qSCU16ZjRXUaooFuaDPOcRoiWF1AV9OAE1JGZznVQVX___pi4QWryQ/s200/Flowers+for+Rez+Day.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313892643429071874" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Wow! I can't believe I'm two already. As my rez day approached, I wondered where the last two years went. Not to my surprise, I realize it has been in SL. If you've been following my blog, then you've been on this journey with me for the last year and i thank you for coming along for the ride. The people in my second life are as dear to me as those in my first life. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My personal and professional lives have flourished here, and now my dissertation research keeps my SL time in check (mostly). What can be better than having an excuse to play, work,and research in my favorite place.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;">So while my family and RL friends think I'm going to hell in a bucket...at least I'm enjoying the ride. ride, ride ,ride yeah!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3vjoWW_zR8Q&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3vjoWW_zR8Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-68564294906271425252009-03-11T16:53:00.003-04:002009-03-11T16:57:13.496-04:00If IIf I opened my mind<div>and saw you there</div><div>would the wind and the fire</div><div>cause much despair?</div><div><br /></div><div>If I opened my heart</div><div>and let you in</div><div>would the flowers and birds</div><div>know where to begin?</div><div><br /></div><div>If I sang through the night</div><div>and cried in the day</div><div>would the powers that be</div><div>lock me away?</div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-85008560393528317522009-03-11T16:03:00.005-04:002009-03-11T16:15:51.550-04:00writers blockwhat do you do when you want to write - but your mind has been forced to slow down - and creativity no longer flows from your fingertips, sparkling and insightful? <div><br /></div><div>what do you do when the energy levels dwindle and your brain run at the same speed as the rest of the world, plodding along, getting by? </div><div><br /></div><div>how boring. </div><div><br /></div><div> how necessary. </div><div><br /></div><div> or is it...? </div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-79049937558378053652009-03-01T09:05:00.002-05:002009-03-01T09:12:11.530-05:00He's Gone<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My friend, my confidant, my love. I am sorry. I will always love you. </span></span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-87156602034967454052009-02-26T10:37:00.003-05:002009-02-26T10:51:41.726-05:00Isn't it Ironic?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">I have to laugh at irony. Over the last week, I have read the first two books of the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. A wonderful modern day Romeo and Juliet love story between a girl, a vampire, and a werewolf. The series is absolutely engaging and lives up to the expectations set by all my friends and students who have read and recommended it. It is so well written, that I am in awe of Bella and Edward and Bella's desire to become part of the Cullen family. Vampires suddenly became "cool". I like them.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">So then why was it that I was shocked and momentarily frightened when vampires moved in next to me in SL? I raised a wall between our lots. Then I stepped back and laughed. Laughed that I could find vampires fascinating in my book fantasy, but frightening in my SL fantasy world. Is it because my SL world doesn't seem as fantasy-like as a book? If that is the case...I need to re-examine my perceptions. Until then, I will wear garlic and a scarf around my neck. ;-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">.</span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-44731871681377684762009-02-24T14:46:00.003-05:002009-02-24T15:19:15.388-05:00The Times, They are A-Changing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am very worried about the economic state of the country right now. The concern is both personal and professional. On a personal note, I now have probably one third of my closest friends (that includes one sibling) who have been let go recently and/or cannot find work. What is going to happen to them and their families? How long can the live off of the reserves they have in the bank - if any? I am concerned because I have never seen so many people each day worry about whether they will be employed the next.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">Professionally, I worry about the impact of the economy on education. Teachers, teaching assistants, clerical staff, and even administrators are being let go because districts cannot afford to pay everyone. What will this do to our children? Will we be able to give our children the education they are entitled to in an environment conducive to learning? How many students will be left behind and in need of academic intervention services because we cannot afford to give them the proper education in the first place? Will we be able to teach them 21st century literacy skills to compete in a global economy? What will this do to the drop-out rate? I cannot fathom the answers to these questions. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">In half an hour, our district has an emergency faculty meeting to discuss this. I am curious to hear what our superintendent has to say about all of this, and how our district will handle this difficult economic period. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">I am frightened for what feels like an impending crash of the our entire economic system and how my family will have to handle it. I know we will have to live more modestly, help others when we can, and be just a little kinder than necessary to put smiles on otherwise worried faces. This is Tikun Olam. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-30512329481904028102009-02-16T19:02:00.004-05:002009-02-16T19:36:31.027-05:00Lessons for a Butterfly<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hello! Thank you, my friends, for being patient with me while I took a hiatus from writing. It has been a very turbulent couple of months for me, personally, and although I wanted to write, my thoughts weren't coherent enough to put down in words. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLBsgYdWytPxawTKVy4DPHw47oIUc2L2BysXVQnaVqSpmdpdXH0ZQkA9po-4WjxvDsTmuvTGVB-cP6ns2drZsHDT1QQLzjrpUHJFFJk5Fx3PtpcLv4n6Q4_ez_DSfwY5lI7pQBYklCQ/s200/butterfly6.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303557315185100130" /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have been forced to face a very serious life-long condition - the details of which are personal and I hope you will understand if I don't choose to share them. As a result, I have been forced to look at myself in ways I never have, and acknowledge the stranger I have become to myself. I have been forced to take responsibility for my actions and for my health. I thank God for the good friends and family I have who remind me that each day is worth the fight and will bring me one step closer to fine.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffoppgC1g2P_EZbOj5-jpmynFxGPpg_S5QuTCXQB_xRKQ37pxumRGtFSWNAyKgbmbgvVLUGoQtOQw_MeBK1rul3nzMiCF933TjKY3UJ4iPQtVOmwBzIlwDz45qkmlT5ww8rD7GMJJDg/s200/butterfly10.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303557309894438402" /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, my friends. My FL friends have proven themselves over and over in my life. And the SL friends with whom I have brought into my FL, either through Facebook, email, Yahoo, phone calls, or "live and in person visits" have also remained true and honest. And these are the people I need in my life. Every day is a gift to be shared with friends and family. I cannot waste my days in either world petty issues, cliques, back-stabbing, and self-righteous people. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTFNq1VGj8yJ5LqkDc2ZY9DG8Se9U78PrlABs7mGBj1r7Ksi4LwpM9o-PpC0xGmAfzdWHEhIsePjS7lBzP7KPi-EN5nOBZhwsWh2R5QrVVFBRf9QZe3Wt5ajNMFflZE7FE4y62cyYGA/s200/butterfly2.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303557309991259650" /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I almost feel fortunate that I am going through what I am (when I am not having a pity party for myself) because I am learning things about myself and others that I would not have otherwise. It is too bad it often takes a major life event for people to learn these things. What a better place the world would be if we all shared that perspective. Life, love, family and friends. It really is all that matters.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBHUUdTLuaHmrbvFas7NOjY1UtOrpcTzgNzjLysRQYiS8zexPosvBaHNhJdzYcnEg-1MMszYo9u8PLkUXA90Tw6EGWsj1S34ty70zqhHEzST7h-CU_smceFxd9GSh42rF9Q2kQGH6Sg/s200/butterfly1.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303557306565752866" /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those of you reading this who have been with me on this journey - you know who you are, THANK YOU!!! You are all making such a difference.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So, with that out of the way......I'M BACK - and this butterfly is still free to fly!! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">/hoooo!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-721207303660124742009-01-08T14:06:00.003-05:002009-01-08T14:23:25.290-05:00Are you Addicted??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">Most of you know I am a high school computer science and math teacher. I am looking to bring my classes into Second Life on the Teen Grid and have been working with a core group of teachers in my school to bring this project to fruition by September. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">Anyway - the educators List-Serve to which I subscribe has had an interesting thread over the past couple of weeks on gaming addictions, and specifically Second Life addictions. The two sides of the argument are that either it is addicting, as it consumes an increasing amount of your time here, frequently has negative impacts on your real life, and is difficult to leave (see also impossible - i liken it to Hotel California) OR it is not an addiction, as the time spent here is (for educators/builders/scriptors/scientists/?) for productive purposes even if it means being so focused that you forget to eat or sleep. Needing to log in upon wakening didn't seem to count as a "problem behavior".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">So, Tribe members, I would REALLY like to hear what you have to say about this. Please comment with your thoughts and experiences regarding this, if you are willing to share that. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">This ought to be interesting!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-44842376763852223972009-01-02T09:20:00.002-05:002009-01-02T09:31:13.925-05:00Goin to leave this Broke-down Palace...for a while<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Its time for a break. I love you all.</span></div><div><br /></div>Fare you well my honey<br />Fare you well my only true one<br />All the birds that were singing<br />Have flown except you alone<br /><br />Goin to leave this Broke-down Palace<br />On my hands and my knees I will roll roll roll<br />Make myself a bed by the waterside<br />In my time - in my time - I will roll roll roll<br /><br />In a bed, in a bed<br />by the waterside I will lay my head<br />Listen to the river sing sweet songs<br />to rock my soul<br /><br />River gonna take me<br />Sing me sweet and sleepy<br />Sing me sweet and sleepy<br />all the way back back home<br /><br />It's a far gone lullaby<br />sung many years ago<br />Mama, Mama, many worlds I've come<br />since I first left home<br /><br />Goin home, goin home<br />by the waterside I will rest my bones<br />Listen to the river sing sweet songs<br />to rock my soul<br /><br />Goin to plant a weeping willow<br />On the banks green edge it will grow grow grow<br />Sing a lullaby beside the water<br />Lovers come and go - the river roll roll roll<br /><br />Fare you well, fare you well<br />I love you more than words can tell<br />Listen to the river sing sweet songs<br />to rock my soul</span></span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-59865710532079082832008-12-27T20:18:00.004-05:002008-12-27T20:22:54.456-05:00Walking Forward, Looking Back<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">I borrowed this title from a friend’s book (John Labriola, 2002), which pictorially chronicles the destruction of the World Trade Center while trying to figure out how to move forward - a moving book and highly recommended. The title seemed appropriate, as I wanted this post to be a reflection of my year in Second Life and first life and what I hope for in the coming year.<br /><br />I did not say “real life” for I truly believe that my virtual world is as real as my physical world – just a different space. And that is what has made SL so rewarding and at times so difficult. I have lived, laughed, cried and loved in both worlds. I have developed new friendships and nurtured old ones in both worlds. I have been both a shoulder to cry on and in need of a shoulder to cry on in both worlds. In fact, I am no longer sure where Amy ends and Yamis begins – or whether there is a distinction at all. <br /><br />So to reflect: My Second life has been full of changes this year. Most basically, my avatar itself has morphed from newbie-ish (despite being almost a year old this time last year) into a pretty woman with wings – my butterfly self. That happened when I learned to be free – to be me inworld. When I allowed my true self to come through. It was at that point that I realized this wasn’t a game and that I wanted people to get to know the real me. The real me has a need to be a free spirit, to be social, to fly, to soar, to flutter from friend to friend and to love. The real me also has responsibilities to my family, my work, and my education that dampen my wings in first life. So here I’ve learned to walk more. And there is nothing inherently wrong with that – except that I am often lost in the trees and cannot see the forest through which I travel. <br /><br />The friendships I have made in both worlds have been so special – and a few have crossed worlds. I have brought friends (and one sibling) into SL and I have brought friends from SL into my first life. I love that my children recognize and know my SL friends as well as they know my first life friends: “oh, Kitzie looks pretty tonight” and “did your friend Jon change how he looks?” <br /><br />The environments I’ve lived in in both worlds have gone through peaceful times and difficult patches. What I have learned from this is that nothing stays the same. Life – no matter where – is as unpredictable and dynamic as the people who inhabit it. But the good part – is that nothing stays the same. So I have learned not to expect the high times to stay high and that the low times will not stay low. I’ve learned that love comes in waves, and that honesty and forgiveness to lovers and friends in both worlds are not just good suggestions but are required components of love.<br /><br />So, to look forward: I will continue to work on the FL/SL balance putting more emphasis on my FL to care for my family and work on my dissertation. I will continue to nurture my relationships and friendships in both worlds. And I will most of all do my best to care for myself physically, mentally, and spirituality.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><br />Happy New Year my dear friends!<br /></span></span><br /></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-13209457792684998102008-12-09T17:19:00.008-05:002008-12-09T17:29:16.060-05:00Friendship - by Kazzabee Runningbear<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This post is from my dear Second Life friend, Kazzabee Runningbear, who has much to say on SL/RL friendships and requested a place to publish it. For the record, I share her perspective, and in some cases, have bridged my SL friendships into RL. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don’t have a blog but I do have an idea, so I’ve asked my friend Yamis if I can borrow her space. She is my friend and that’s what I want to talk about. Friendship. What is it?<br /><br />Yamis lives in the good ol’ USofA and I’m a true blue died in the wool Aussie sheila, we met in SecondLife sometime in the last year. I’ve never stood in front of this lady but I consider her a very good friend. People tell me that’s an illusion. How can I be friends with someone I’ve never met. To them I say “phooey”.<br /><br />How should I define my friends?<br /><br />In my real life I have a variety of friends and each has a different level of importance to me. I have friends I have known for 30 years (let’s assume I met them in kindergarten ha ha). After such a long time these friendships don’t need a lot of maintenance, we’re always going to be friends. I have some new friends I’m still getting to know, they’re a bit more maintenance heavy, but it’s all new and exciting so it’s fun to do. There’s a range of people that fit inside those time brackets.<br /><br />Some of my friends I see often, others I see rarely, some I talk with regularly in person or on the phone, others I haven’t spoken to for years. I have friends who live near me, friends who live far. One of my closest friends lives a 3 hour plane ride from me. My best friend lives a 2 hour drive from me, I see him 5 or 6 times a year when we meet for lunch, but we talk on the phone almost every day.<br /><br />Those friends are people I met, in most cases, by being in the same physical place as them at the same time. Their priority in my life is not related to time, distance or regularity of contact.<br /><br />I also have a vast range of cyber friends. Some people collect friends on facebook and myspace. Mine are from SecondLife. (Enter Yamis. J) Are these people less real to me. Absolutely not.<br /><br />In SecondLife I have repeatedly heard or been told, RL and SL are separate, RL & SL don’t mix, SL friendships are not real friendships. Well to that I say poppycock (it’s a British saying).<br /><br />In SecondLife as in Real Life my friends have a varying degree of importance to me. Some are special, some are fun, some are acquaintances, some are transitory, some are keepers. You see the thing is that behind the SecondLife avatar, the representative cartoon, is a real person. Just like me over on this side. If I make friends with that cartoon, and over time we share experiences, life details and develop trust, then I am building a real friendship. There is nothing artificial or superficial about it.<br /><br />In SecondLife I have a friend who is: a doctor, a banker, an engineer, a postie, a philosopher, an alchemist, a financier, a horse breeder, an artist, a snake breeder, unemployed, a programmer, a lawyer, a teacher, an addict, a farmer, a childcare worker, a student, a professor, a landscaper, a nurse, a realtor, a carer, a swinger, a cantor, a musician ad infinitum. There are old people, young people, men, women and children (yes).<br /><br />I have supported some of those people through major life events – relationship breakdown, reconciliation, divorce, job loss, death of a pet, terminal illness, loneliness, addiction, family issues, work issues, the list is almost as endless as the possibilities. And then there were SecondLife issues to deal with as well. Some of them have supported me back, one of them has become my career mentor.<br /><br />I talk to a number of these people who I’ve never seen or touched for hours and hours each week. Others I see, irregularly or haven’t seen for months. To me they are my friends as much as any person in my so called real life.<br /><br />There are people who may consider that their real life friends are more important - whether they are the ones they meet for coffee every third Thursday between 10 & 11.30 (if there wasn’t a full moon the night before and as long as the schedules don’t clash), or the person you used to go out drinking with when you were both young and you had lunch last February after you bumped into them in the shopping mall car park, or the work colleague, or the team mate - just because they have a physical presence. <br /><br />To me my friends hold my heart and trust carefully and in return I treasure theirs, and that is true no matter where I met them or how we interact.<br /><br />So you see if one more person says to me “SecondLife friendships aren’t real friendships, coz after all it is only a game”, then I think I will scream.<br /><br />So that was my thought. Thankyou Yamis, my friend, for the space. </span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-88758030303825904112008-12-01T21:06:00.001-05:002008-12-01T21:09:51.539-05:00I never had the nerve to make the final cut<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Through the fish-eyed lens of tear stained eyes</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">I can barely define the shape of this moment in time</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">And far from flying high in clear blue skies</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: 13px;">I'm spiraling down to the hole in the ground where i hide.</span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-515595164422774022008-11-30T13:09:00.006-05:002008-12-01T09:10:11.153-05:00Ramble on Rose...continued<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Goodbye Mama and Papa<br />Goodbye Jack and Jill<br />The grass ain't greener<br />The wine ain't sweeter<br />Either side of the hill<br /><br />Did you say your name was<br />Ramble on Rose<br />Ramble on baby<br />Settle down easy<br />Ramble on Rose</span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-21616127576888838152008-11-23T10:19:00.003-05:002008-11-23T10:44:52.824-05:00Ramble on Rose<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I've been falling behind on the job of maintaining current blog posts. Partly because I just don't have enough hours in the day to put blogging on my priority list, but also because i don't know what to write. Its not that nothing is going on...so much is going on that I don't know what to focus in on - or maybe I just can't focus in. But thats a whole different issue. LOL</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">OK, so let me share with you all the things that have been going on which are keeping me from keeping up. The biggest time consumer is my family - for the best of reasons. And I have been making a point of spending a little less time online and a little more time with them. Thats been a problem for me every since I started my doctoral work in 2006. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Which brings me to another huge time drain - work on my dissertation. Six weeks ago I probably would have told you that i hate my doctoral research. But at that point I made a monumentous decision to throw out my former dissertation topic - a year and a half worth of work - and start over. It took at least three months of not working on it to make that decision. It was the best decision I could have made. I love my new topic - and am wholly vested in it: the impact and effects of virtual worlds (SL) on education. I have a new advisor who is as excited about this as I am. Work is going well and I am doing some exciting things with my classes. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The inservice class I am teaching in-world with my colleague and good friend, Juniper, is going great. In between I have been sneaking in Phil and Friends shows and have an upcoming Dark Star Orchestra show to let loose at. What else could I ask for? Life is good!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thanks for you patience and for listening to my ramblings. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">:)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Love is real and not fade away" </span></span></div>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-40063651952041332682008-11-11T14:16:00.004-05:002008-11-11T16:14:08.311-05:00Black Throated Wind of Fall<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Fall is not my favorite season. Its tolerable, but as the weather turns colder and the days get shorter, I can't help but count down until spring. I miss riding. I'm back at the gym, but its just not the same.<br /><br />So today I decided to try to like fall. It is the perfect autumn day. The sun is bright and the air cool and crisp. I took my son on a nature walk on a leaf covered trail through the woods nearby. I enjoyed the sound of the leaves crunching and rustling under our feet and the smell of a not so distant fireplace wafting in our direction. We talked and laughed and held hands the whole time.<br /><br />Then he asked me if we were going to have a long winter. Oh, I hope not. But I wasn't going to tell him that. He who had only a couple of good days last winter to try out his snowboard. I could have told him about the colors on the big fuzzy gypsy caterpillars that I check every year against the Farmer's Almanac. But I didn't think that was what he wanted to hear. So I just asked what we would do if it were a long winter. We would build snowmen, snow forts and have lots of snowball fights. I got detailed battle plans and team lineups - which parent would be paired with which child. "Sorry Mama, but Daddy can throw better than you." Fair enough, but they'll have a hard time getting me into my snow pants either way. I don't do snow.<br /><br />So maybe it isn't fall that I dislike, but the impending winter death that looms so heavy for months on end. I've got my fingers crossed that the gypsy moths were wrong...<br />.<br /></span>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-32133721184349596952008-11-09T13:05:00.003-05:002008-11-09T13:51:38.521-05:00I've Been Tagged Again :-)<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Here are this game's rules from bigd to Kimala to me...</span><br /></span><blockquote style="font-family:arial;"><p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Ok, I guess its time for another getting to know you type of blogging activity. Five questions, you only tag three other people. Lets go shall we <img src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></span> </p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">What’s your favorite saying?<br />What part of your personality do you wish not to pass on to your child?<br />While driving, what’s your biggest pet peeve?<br />If you could change your name, what would it be?<br />What’s the best excuse you’ve ever heard?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">1) My favorite saying: "Growing older is required. Growing up is strictly optional."</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">2) I am so flawed that I can't easily narrow this answer down to one aspect of my personality that I wish to not pass along to my children. However, if I have to pick the worst, it is my wreckless habit of biting off more than I can chew. I know Alanis Morrisette recommends this...it doesn't work so well for me though.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">3) This one is easy - I HATE when other drivers won't let me move over into their lane - even when I signal and give the courtesy "thank you wave".</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">4) I used to hate my name - but I have to say - it fits me well after all these years. I would have liked it to have a consonant at the beginning though. Jamie would work.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">5) Ok - I am going to agree with Kimala on this one - being a teacher gives you an arsenal of excuses. I have to say though, the best - and most shockingly blunt - excuse I have ever gotten from a student for not being able to stay after school to take a test: "I can't stay after school today. I have to take my sister for an abortion." I shit you not. *~*~* OMG ~ FAINTS*~*~*<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">ok, i tag Borday, Taliesan and Mikki - if they haven't been tagged already</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p></blockquote>Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665680149907475125.post-91265252735625045912008-11-05T06:44:00.004-05:002008-11-05T06:53:21.562-05:00Dancing in the StreetsWell the Parking Lot on Darkstar was filled with hippies celebrating the impending (and inevitable) victory since early yesterday afternoon. Never saw a happier bunch of Deadheads. I thought for sure Jerry himself had been elected. What a great day. <br /><br />With great hopes for positive change and an eye to the future, I am especially glad to see our country has successfully moved past the point where a man's color is a disability. I hope Obama can help our country find its rightful and needed place again among the other great nations of the world and that the new administration will have the wisdom and support it needs to move us forward - beyond where we began to lose ground in the global game. They have a lot of work ahead for sure.<br /><br />Kudos to Get out the Vote, and all the Deadheads for Obama whose influence on this election cannot be underestimated.<br /><br />/Hooooooo!!!!!!!!!!<br />.Yamis Jewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12844293865054301490noreply@blogger.com0