Inside My Head

Summertime

2011-06-17T02:15:00.003-05:00

Okay, so the school year and track season have finally ended. Track was an amazing experience again because our girls defended their team title from a year ago. I also got to coach an individual state champ in the 300m hurdles. I'm going to bed but perhaps I'll work on another blog in the near future with more of an update. :)

It's been a long time...

2011-04-27T23:50:00.002-05:00

So, my best friend in the universe "prompted" me to post some thoughts since it's been awhile since my last. Sadly, this one will disappoint her but I'm using it as a shout out to her "thug" daughter! (haha This angel is nobody's thug but there is a funny story that she can share as a comment in response to this post.) I'm also using it as a promise to do a more thorough, jarrin-style, update sometime within the next month. I don't know that anything in my life is overly interesting at this time but has it really ever been??

Spring Break

2010-03-28T23:56:00.003-05:00

So, I've continued the trend of neglecting this blog... I haven't forgotten about it... I just never get around to updating it. Now that I'm on spring break, I'll try to fill in the blanks since my last update. Hopefully this won't put you to sleep.

Fall semester ended up being difficult both personally and professionally. I had 38 students in one of my 10th grade classes and struggled to deal with the reality that is increased class sizes. So much so that I had to give myself permission to hate my job. I LOVE my school -- for real, that's part of the reason I left a great job -- but I was miserable for the better part of first semester and figured that I might need to consider getting out of education if I remain in the Twin Cities. This semester is going much better and now that track has started, even though I'm uber-busy, I'm much happier.

I had to replace the transmission in my car and that set me back financially. I had to make some tough decisions and sacrifices to get back on my feet and I'm slowly but surely getting there. Despite the trials, I'm feeling good about life so I can't really complain about anything at the moment. I've been playing dodgeball since early December and that's been keeping me happy. I'm also planning to play kickball this summer.

I am going to spend a little bit of break catching up on my grading. This is very necessary since our academic term ended. I will have the grades done when they're due (April 9) but I'd like to have some me-time NOT interrupted by school. I will have track practice this week, so I'll be at school anyway.

I'll try to update this again soon but it may be June before I get back on here. I have Twitter, Yelp, and Flickr accounts connected to this blog so you can see that I'm always doing something. :)

2009-09-13T01:48:00.001-05:00

Recent reviews by Jarrin W.

What's this?

Home

2009-08-17T21:55:00.003-05:00

So, I'm WAY overdue for an update...

Well, I moved back to Minneapolis at the end of July (on the 31st exactly). I spent most of June and July saying goodbye to my friends and family in Iowa and at times was a little sad. It wasn't a bad time... Since I've been back, though, I have really been enjoying summer as well as my new apartment and neighborhood. I've done quite a bit in the past 18 days: Trader Joe's, Burger Jones (twice), Common Roots Cafe, Tryg's, Be'wiched, Smashburger (ugh!)... walked around downtown, walked along the river, danced at The Front, attended a Twins game, and much more! Just enjoying the end of summer here has reaffirmed my decision to return to the Twin Cities! I'm already confident I will be happy with my professional life once school starts since I'm returning to a familiar place.

In keeping with my mission to break out of the slob lifestyle, I have done a much better job of maintaining an organized and clean space here than I did in Davenport. Yes, it's still early but I have unpacked just about all of the boxes that weren't unpacked in Iowa. Everyone in my apartment building is nice and it hasn't been uncommon meeting new neighbors who have lived in this building for at least two years. If I didn't have to worry about that condo situation in St. Louis, I'd be immensely happy. I don't think I could be much happier than I am at the moment, though. On top of all this, I have a date on Wednesday. I'm not saying anything else at this time because I'm not trying to jinx it. Perhaps I'll share an update later... :)

I'm going to try to include some pics from my iPhone.

2009-07-02T02:08:00.001-05:00

Test from my iPhone.

Moving on

2009-07-02T01:43:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted last but I'm not sure it's mattered. Does anyone read this thing? If so, you should say hi. Otherwise, it's still all good and I'll post once a blue moon.

Anyway, I've decided to move. At the end of the school year, I was offered a position at a high school in Minnesota where I once taught. After much agonizing, I decided to accept the position and will be returning to Minneapolis at the end of this month. One would think I wouldn't agonize as much as I did since I thought I was going back for another opportunity but this school year was amazing in many ways. I was not unhappy in my job... I just decided that I wanted to live for me and not make as many personal sacrifices.

I've also decided recently to create a soundtrack to my life on CDs with music from iTunes. The creation of the lists have seriously taken me down Memory Lane. Currently, I'm planning to make four volumes - one for each fairly significant chapter of my early life: Elementary school years (1977-84), Junior high school years (1984-86), High school years (1986-90), Undergrad years (1990-94). Much music would make my list but I'm only including music for which I'd be willing to pay. Pretty interesting criteria, right? :)

I thought there was more I wanted to write, but that's it for now. If you're out there, it'd be great to hear from you. Let me know how you found this site. Otherwise, you'll probably find updates via the Twitter posts linked to this blog. I'm constantly sending tweets! :)

Here I am...

2009-03-16T23:30:00.002-05:00

Hi to my one loyal reader! :)

I have been ridiculously busy with teaching, advising the school's newspaper, and coaching track, which began on February 17. It's been a hectic month and while I haven't updated this thing, I have been Twittering like no other. :) This is my school's Spring Break and I'll be involved with track for most of it. That's not totally bad and I can't complain since I chose to coach. (As a favor to a friend...) I'm confident this will be my last year in coaching because my plate is pretty full.

I'm pretty sure I'm excited about summer already! haha I'm thankful for a Spring Break but I'm going to spend most of it coaching and catching up on grading. I should try to tidy up my apartment. I want to read at least one book for personal enjoyment as well and requested a book from the public library to make this happen. Yeah, my life is pretty interesting (to me only)! :)

It's been a long time... happy new year!

2009-01-20T22:57:00.003-06:00

Yeah, I'm a bit late with this post. Much has changed...

I've learned to deal with my previous disappointment. I'm making an effort to put in more face time with family and friends who mean much to me. Still enjoying the job but the weather/season is making that a challenge. I've just made an "investment" that I hope will have a very positive effect on me that way. Getting ready for another performance with my teacher's dance crew (this Thursday... was supposed to occur last Monday but we've had pretty wacky winter weather).

Most importantly, today was a most historic day for our country. I hope people will at least give this President and his administration a chance to make a difference. "Change" definitely cannot hurt. :)

I hope to journal more (2 - 3 x a month?). We'll see...

Disappointment

2008-11-11T17:39:00.001-06:00

Related to a phone call received today that is directly related to the last post. I have much to consider... Do know that I plan to bounce back.

Time for change

2008-11-08T19:56:00.003-06:00

Yes, this past week was one for the history books. Literally, I think everyone on the planet now knows that the US has elected the first non-white president. I'm kicking myself because I should've made the three hour sojourn over to Chicago after work on Tuesday to witness the history firsthand. Of course, I wouldn't haven't gotten all that close to the stage, but to share the moment in real-life would've definitely been worth the sleep I wouldn't have gotten before work the following day. I thought our President-Elect's speech was eloquent and inspiring, especially considering what he'd endured in the days leading up to the election. I thought his opponent gave a classy concession speech. It's quite sad the drama surrounding he and his VP candidate's campaign handlers continues to remain in the news. (I'm slightly embarrassed for both of them.)

On a personal note, I'm excited about change. I'm ready to make a significant change but I can't declare much about it at this time. This almost makes me feel ashamed of the upcoming change, which I shouldn't feel at all, because I'm kind of keeping a secret. I'm hoping that I can be more specific by the end of the month because I don't keep secrets well. (Mine... I can keep others secrets quite well, actually.) Needless to say, this change is major for me and I'm definitely ready for it.

I need new glasses or something

2008-10-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

Okay, there will be no trip to NYC at this time. I can't believe I misinterpreted our school's calendar for the weekend I was hoping to get to NYC. No big... I'll enjoy life here in Iowa for a little... perhaps take a road trip somewhere if some monetary inspiration comes my way. :)

School's still great. Life's as great as it can be. The big decision, or resolution, is still the same... just waiting to make it official and public. :)

Should I go?

2008-10-08T00:29:00.002-05:00

I found a super cheap airline ticket to NYC for next weekend, which is an extended weekend for us. I HATE flying but really want to get back to NYC. I try to live life without reservations and regrets and am close to booking the ticket. I've reserved a seat on the flight and purchase the ticket tomorrow (later today). I could take Dramamine and an anxiety pill... argh... what should I do??

Dinner and dancing

2008-10-05T01:52:00.006-05:00

So I went out for dinner and dancing with some teacher friends tonight (or last night since it's well after midnight). Good times! Still need to lose some weight and/or exercise more because my belly is ridiculous! For real! I was trying to look cute tonight though... rocking a new striped thermal hoody from Old Navy. I'll post a pic of me trying to work a supermodel pose. I used to also be able to pose without much effort. Whatev... haha

PV's Best Dance Crew Competition

2008-09-21T22:36:00.002-05:00

Here is video footage of my crew's performance this past Friday at the assembly. Six teachers taking on a crew of students. We won but I couldn't the entire video to YouTube to save my life! :( Oh well... you can at least see what my crew did. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAAcqHtW2aU

Randomly checking in

2008-09-14T19:08:00.003-05:00

So, I've been back at work inspiring the youth for about a month now. Despite being super busy with the grading that comes with teaching, I have to admit that I'm thoroughly enjoying my job. I'm really digging my students (STILL)! :) I'm a sucker for school, really... I've assembled a group of teachers who will be performing in this coming Friday's homecoming assembly. We are a dance crew in an MTV America's Best Dance Crew-type skit called PV's Best Dance Crew. My group's name is Teacher's Pet... creative, huh? :) We're dancing to "Picture Perfect" by Chris Brown. The student group against whom we're competing has NO idea what they're up against!! haha

As far as my "do I stay or do I go" decision... I've made a decision and have been sitting on it for two weeks. In the time since I've made the decision, I have NOT gone back and forth so I'm pretty set as far as my intentions. I realize I'm teasing but just know that I'll probably post something related here once I've made these intentions public. You may actually be surprised at what I plan to do...

Decision time

2008-08-24T20:24:00.002-05:00

I've just returned from a grand time in Minneapolis. A little bit of business... a great deal of pleasure/leisure... :)

Business

Talk Town Diner

The Front

State Fair (bonus)

The Saloon

Byerly's carrot cake

Catching up with multiple friends and former students

This trip was like a last summer fling since I've already begun teaching.

As far as that decision I am contemplating, I plan to wait at least two months before making a final decision. I already feel like I know what I'm going to do. Of course, I have to make a brand new pros/cons list since the game has changed somewhat from the tough questions I was pondering earlier this summer. This will probably only make sense to me unless you understand code, but I have to keep it like this until I'm ready to announce what I've decided.

Back to school

2008-08-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

The 2008-09 school year officially begins for students in my school district tomorrow. (For the record, my summer ended on Monday when I began teacher workshops.) This summer was fairly short, but I'm looking forward to the school year. Though school just ended in June, I feel like I had a fairly full summer, even if the first month was personally rough. I actually did a Midwest tour this summer with brief stays in Minneapolis (not-so-brief), Des Moines, St. Louis, Iowa City (not-so-brief), and Chicago.

I think I will know where I intend to spend the rest of my career and days, or at least the next couple of years, by the end of this month. I'm being vague on purpose but something I'm going to do will help me make this tough decision. As I spent time preparing for the new school year, I really felt like I was gonna make a go of it here in Iowa, even if the prospects for a personal life seem dim. I really heart teaching and I work in a good school district with good people. A couple of people I've spoken with recently have provided me with enough perspective to not totally rule out Minneapolis without the exploration that is set to happen before month's end.

If I do stay in Iowa, it'll definitely be because I fully intend to stay true to myself. Am I prepared to do that here? It doesn't seem so hard in a bigger city...

Still going back and forth...

2008-07-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

So, I'm teaching at this high school journalism workshop on the campus of the University of Iowa (next session starts in less than 10 minutes) and I keep going back to one of my tough questions. The "why did I take the job at PV?" one... answer: because I really LOVE being an adviser for newspaper and teaching journalism.

This decision is not going to be easy, but I'm not going to rush to make a decision. I have to admit, it's been more difficult than I thought. On certain days, I'm almost certain I'm going back to Minneapolis; on other days, I really think I want to stay here (in Iowa). I don't have enough time to get into more details.

Do you ever wish someone would just tell you what to do? (I don't really want that because I am adult and am capable of making my own decisions, but it sure is tough!)

I heart summertime

2008-07-23T16:13:00.003-05:00

For me, summertime's just about over. School doesn't officially begin until August 11 (August 13 for students) but I'll be teaching next week at a high school journalism workshop on the University of Iowa campus. I'm pretty excited about the opportunity. Preparing for the workshop is actually helping me transition into the beginning of the new school year. The week after the workshop, I'll be spending three days at school working with this year's newspaper staff. I was hoping to have one weekend away before climbing back into my teacher's costume full-time, but my money is too funny for that.

I do heart summertime though because despite some of the personal stuff with which I've been dealing, I've still had an opportunity to enjoy part of the season. I'm really happy that I'm reconnecting with old friend from grade school. (We caught up at another friend's wedding last month.) Actually, I'm reconnecting with all kinds of old friends from school. This is a good thing, of course, but if I end up moving again, I'm wondering how that will affect the newly reconstructed connections.

Gosh, I ramble about many things and some of the ramblings come off in a dramatic manner that is not intended (or even the case)... Summer's not quite over and I need to remember to take it one day at a time. I also need to stop succumbing to my adult ADD (self-diagnosed) and focus on the tasks I got on the computer to complete. In this case, it would be the PowerPoint presentations I'm creating for the workshop. Perhaps I'll get on later this evening and finish one of the presentations. :)

More pics

2008-07-19T23:41:00.004-05:00

Photo test

2008-07-19T22:17:00.004-05:00

I'm going to test adding pics here... If I'm successful, I will definitely continue to add pics when the spirit moves. These first pics are going to be QC-based, since this is home and this is where I'm currently living. (I need to represent, you know!) :)

Since March, I've been taking lots of pictures... mostly of athletic events, but I've really been trying to experiment with taking other kinds of pictures since I teach a little photojournalism in my journalism classes. I try to employ good, basic techniques (i.e., leading lines) when I'm out and about. I'm definitely an amateur! :) haha

Life

2008-07-17T22:20:00.002-05:00

Has been pretty good so far. I can't complain... Of course, I could easily be depressed if I dwelled on my current financial situation, but I'm trying to do better about not obsessing. I'm still working out; in fact, even though I rested on Wednesday, I walked three miles on Sunday so I will have put in five days this week (counting tomorrow morning's appointment with one of my favorite pieces of machinery -- the elliptical machine)! :) Overall, I've been in a pretty good mood for most of this past week.

Today, I was sure I was leaning towards staying here in the Quad Cities. I spent a few hours at school preparing for this high school journalism workshop at which I'll be working in two weeks. While preparing my materials, I felt like I could see me teaching and advising newspaper (and coaching? :) ) for awhile at PV. I haven't felt this strongly for most of the summer. However, I decided to make a call to a Hopkins parent who gave me some things to think about when we spoke in Des Moines last month at the NCAA meet. I really wasn't looking for reasons to be confused about my future situation. I won't get specific here -- not that anyone knows about my blog yet anyway -- but I may have opportunities that take me out of the classroom. If you know me or anything about me, you know this is significant because I absolutely LOVE teaching. I'm trying not to obsess or get ahead of myself, but I do have some serious things to consider between now and my self-imposed deadline for a decision (Jan. 1).

I kind of rambled here; I intended to write a couple of days ago about my mood and life. More later...

Physical

2008-07-14T17:18:00.002-05:00

I've struggled all summer trying to establish a consistent work-out routine. Last week, I decided to personally train a colleague. He inquired about running together this past school year and I kind of brushed that aside because we all know I have terrible knees. Well, after meeting for coffee last week, I had an epiphany. Not only would we "run" on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we could do some weightlifting on Tuesday and Thursday! :) He's not a runner at all.

Well, we started in the middle of last week and he did a great job. He went from running two city blocks with his sister previously to running a mile and a half at an easy pace. He aggravated an injury that I didn't know he had during the run, so I ran another mile on my own. I lifted on my own due to some miscommunication the following day. We got back on the horse today and will try lifting tomorrow. Being a "trainer" has been my motivation for getting back into shape. This is a good thing because this will help me overcome some of the issues I've started dealing with recently. Wish me well!

Things that cause me embarassment/anxiety

2008-07-08T20:10:00.003-05:00

So, this list literally popped into my head this morning...

1. My belly button

2. My feet

3. Sexuality (mine, specifically)

4. Relationships

5. Heights

6. Riding in airplanes

7. Finances (mine)

8. A condo I need to sell in St. Louis

The list seemed longer this morning... Perhaps I'll add to it later if I think of anything. I wanted to put it out there so I could let go. (If that made any sense...) What causes you anxiety or embarassment?

The Tough Questions

2008-07-07T08:59:00.002-05:00

These are the tough questions I'm asking myself these days:

1. Why do you want to return to Minneapolis and Hopkins?

2. Why did you leave in the first place?

3. Why did you move to St. Louis?

4. Why did you leave St. Louis?

5. Why did you take the job at PV?

6. Why do you keep moving?

7. Can you leave your friends here behind?

8. Where do you see yourself long-term?

9. Why do you want to leave (the Quad Cities)?

First post

2008-06-30T18:07:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure that I'll ever use this blog again, though I may... I'm currently "testing" a blog at my iWeb preview and that's just about up and I'm giving serious consideration to paying to keep it. Most people, including myself, LOVE free so I decided I would create one here.

I've had this Blogger ID for a couple years... I don't even remember why I got it in the first place, but I couldn't leave comments on other people's blogspots without having at least an ID so when I logged in to see if I could log-in, I found that I'm still here. :) So here I am...

I like journaling and have been doing so online, to some degree, since I had a Xanga back in 2005. I did a little blogging on MySpace too, but I just keep moving on. (If you know anything about me, there is probably some kind of correlation between this trait and my real-life persona.)

I'm rambling and don't believe I'm the most boring person to read about, but I don't want to monopolize your time by reading madness, which is what you may subject to in the future if you return to visit (and I continue to use this site to share the madness). Thanks for reading anyway! :)