tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22586730772336356222024-03-14T01:35:11.406-04:00I'm The Chez & You're The Macaroni:RAMBLINGS OF THE CHEZZIEST VARIETY!I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-5457200562225122592014-01-14T11:17:00.001-05:002014-01-14T11:51:10.008-05:00To The People of West Virginia and Her Friends:<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">DAY FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, AND NINE.<br /> <br /> I'm going to follow the lead of one of my former students. The other day she posted this:<br /> <br />
"So I've been thinking a lot and I have decided that every day for the
rest of the month, I am going to devote my daily status to someone who
has made a difference and impacted my life, big and small." Ashley Shade<br /> <br /> I'm going to do the same.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">My last gratitude dedication status was Thursday morning. Thursday started as a great day; it ended with a screeching halt as Freedom Industries had irresponsibly contaminated the water source of over 300,000 West Virginians living within nine counties. I am one of those 300,000. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">West Virginians historically have been cast in the role of the under dog. From our majestic mountain tops to the black dust in the landscape's veins, West Virginians have had experience in <i>almost</i> getting a head of the curve only to be knocked back down again. This gravitational pull knows no class system or household income. It knows not whether you are a Friend of The Mountains or a Friend of Coal. </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">We
are born and raised with an intrinsic, internal duality, a consistent struggle between our natural beauty, our natural resources, and lucrative yet cruel history that surrounds both.
</span>It's simply something that we've grown up working to justify, debate, battle, and overcome. It is one of the many reasons that I think West Virginians are the first to help OTHERS in moments of distress, devastation, or when facing hardships. This is a time of no exception. Today's gratitude status is dedicated to the people and friends of West Virginia, for you have given us your SIMPLE GIFTS of kindness, friendship, comfort, water, supplies, and hope. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Since Thursday evening, there has been an outpouring of concern for those of us who have been directly affected by the chemical leak. Phone calls, texts, tweets, Facebook messages, emails, care packages, and deliveries have been part of a continuous stream of support. Friends and family from all over the state, the country, and the globe have offered up prayer, thought, money, supplies, and concern for us. Your love and concern for those that you know and those of us that are complete strangers are so very moving, appreciated, and over whelming! YOU have renewed our faith in humanity through your giving and grace. YOU have kept us hydrated. YOU have given the kind words when there is so much negativity circulating in our drains. YOU have called us resilient, which we are, but now I ask for another of your SIMPLE GIFT...please continue as this is not over yet. We need to feel and be safe. Majority of us don't feel very secure and we need to gather the strength to generate real change in the coming weeks, months, and years.What you have done for us so far, and continue to do will help us make the changes that we so desperately need. For that I give you the biggest thank you. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Once again, from the bottom of my potentially contaminated heart, I thank you all for the gifts that you have provided the people of West Virginia. You have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. We hold you in our hearts and prayers of apprciation. </span>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-61972498736223274282014-01-09T10:07:00.001-05:002014-01-09T10:07:21.931-05:00Day Four: Mary Utterback<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">DAY FOUR.<br /> <br /> I'm going to follow the lead of one of my former students. The other day she posted this:<br /> <br />
"So I've been thinking a lot and I have decided that every day for the
rest of the month, I am going to devote my daily status to someone who
has made a difference and impacted my life, big and small." Ashley Shade<br /> <br /> I'm going to do the same.<br /> <br /> I don't know if you all know this or not, but I have a <span class="text_exposed_show">social
soul mate. We see eye to eye on ALMOST everything socially and
politically. She allows me to sometimes sit in a pew with her
religiously, and will even pop me on the back of the head when I roll my
eyes during the sermon. We both cheer on the feminists and bless the
hearts of the idiots. She laughs WITH me when I give her a curious look
about farm living, but will give me travel tips when going to a new
city. We both love a good glass of wine or two or three. The two of us
can, will, and have most likely talked about anything and everything
from books, to God, to clothing styles, and the state of the Union.
Plus, the best thing about her...she gave me one of my best friends on
the planet, her daughter Katie. Thankfully, Katie shares her mom with me
and I share mine with her. So today's gratitude status is dedicated to
<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100000603666331&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.utterback.5">Mary Utterback</a>. <br /> <br />
I met Mary in the late 90s when her daughter moved into the apartment
below me. At a glance Mary and I are an unlikely pair. The Utterbacks
are church goin', farm livin', bible name givin' folks and in the
beginning, for the life of me, I couldn't understand why Katie wanted
them to meet ME, her bra burnin', booze guzzlin', cigarette smokin',
loves to swear, spiritually lost friend! Nonetheless, we met and
imprinted on each other! <br /> <br /> Mary is one of the most fascinating
women that I have ever met in my life. She manages to balance her
independence and family life with grace. Mary works tirelessly so that
she can play unabashedly. She's intelligent, cultured, well rounded,
and most importantly has a sense of faith that is unguarded yet
comfortably secure. There have been many a time that I have heard her
words whispered in my ear, "Child, every once in a while you need to put
your face in front of God." It's a nice reminder that I'm not alone; I
am accepted and loved. Mary has led by example that one can live a
spiritual life of service to others and to a God, but not be unbend-able
or so stringent that you become a hypocrite. She is the ying to my
yang and provides me with a sense of balance and hope. For all of these
reasons and many more I love her. Mary, thank you for all that do,
all that you are, for including me in your family, and sharing your
daughter with me.</span></span>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-66034498948038478702014-01-08T10:18:00.000-05:002014-01-08T10:18:04.982-05:00Dedicated Status Update Day Three: Greg Coble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">DAY THREE.<br /> <br /> I'm going to follow the lead of one of my former students. The other day she posted this:<br /> <br />
"So I've been thinking a lot and I have decided that every day for the
rest of the month, I am going to devote my daily status to someone who
has made a difference and impacted my life, big and small." Ashley Shade<br /> <br /> I'm going to do the same.<br /> <br /> I cannot remember a time that I could not read. Books<span class="text_exposed_show">
and words have been part of me from well before my actual birth. My
parents and grandparents made it a habit of reading to me every day and
night. My mom says that I was an early reader, picking up the sounds
and the words quickly. Great teachers throughout all of my education,
but especially my early reading teachers helped to fulfill my need to
read more and read better. Because of this vivaciousness for words,
often when gifted something, it has been the beauty of a book. My
library, started when I was born, is huge, varied, eccentric, and
eclectic. Other than my immediate family members, there is one man who
stands out in my mind as being one of the first and longest contributors
to my personal library. Today, I dedicate my gratitude status update
to Greg Coble.<br /> <br />
Greg is a long time friend of my father's and our family. He is kind,
generous, compassionate, incredibly intelligent, wise, and a believer in
the power of words and education. Every Christmas for years, a new
book would find its way into my hands given to me by Greg. At 6 years
old, I was given a copy of the complete works of H.G. Wells. A few
years later, an architecture book of all of the great man made beauties
of the world. An encyclopedia of Art History would appear in the coming
years. Years and years worth of book to read time and time again, all
of which are in my library today.<br /> <br /> At 6, I didn't understand
much of what was given to me, but as I grew older and more confident in
my reading, he gave me a world that helped develop who I was to become
and what was to be my calling. He gave me a very early liberal arts
education and appreciation for what was around us all. For if not for
the liberal arts and the beauty of words, people, and what they can
build and accomplish, then the maths and sciences have such very little
meaning. <br /> <br /> Greg, I thank you for being one of my best
contributors to not only my library, but also in helping me along my
journey of becoming a teacher of the English language. If not for all
of those that helped me to love reading and yearn to learn more, I might
not have been that for someone else. Thank you for all that you have
done, all that you continue to do, and for being such a great friend to
my family.</span></span>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-34865376953194206482014-01-08T10:15:00.004-05:002014-01-08T10:15:48.956-05:00Dedicated Status Update Day Two: Melanie Johnston Files<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> DAY TWO.<br /> <br /> I'm going to follow the lead of one of my former students. The other day she posted this:<br /> <br />
"So Ive been thinking a lot and I have decided that every day for the
rest of the month, I am going to devote my daily status to someone who
has made a difference and impacted my life, big and small." Ashley Shade<br /> <br /> I'm going to do the same.<br /> <br /> When I was in my early to mid twenties I took a leap and <span class="text_exposed_show">moved
to what at the time I thought to be the smallest town in not only the
state of WV, but perhaps any where because I needed to 1. get out of
Morgantown, 2. I wanted to teach school, and 3. I needed a fresh
perspective. I left everyone that I knew, everything that I knew, and
moved to a town that I knew very little about. During the time, I was
clawing away at trying to be fiercely independent, learn more about who I
wanted to become, and hone my craft of teaching. I made the leap and
moved. Little did I know that I was soon to meet my Morgan County Mom
and that her love and guidance would save me during some very lonely,
but growing times. Today's gratitude status update is dedicated to Melanie Johnston Files.</span></span><br />
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My first impression of Files was actually pretty spot on. The science
teacher, with wild red hair, drinking her tea from science lab equipment
had a no bullshit, everything within reason, let me tell you how it's
going to be while I hug you and bless your heart kind of attitude. She
reminded me a bit of my own mother. We connected rather immediately. I
have loved her from the moment I met her. She is strong, confident,
well read, meaningful, thoughtful, giving, community minded, socially
concerned, and a damn great teacher. Everything I wanted to be when I
grew up. She's been a source of inspiration, a guiding force, a quick
reminder, and the hug you need at the end of the day. I listen to her
when I don't want to listen to anyone. I became a better teacher
because of her mentoring. My life then and now will forever be better
because she is a part of it. I miss seeing her every day, but always
know that she is a birthday card, an email, or a phone call away. I
love you Melanie Files to the moon and back again! I thank you for being
who you are and for loving me unconditionally. (wipes tear from cheek)</span></span><br />
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PS: Over ten years ago she gave me a stuffed rabbit with a note
t-pinned to it saying. "This is Fred. Although he does not say much, he
is a great listener. Talk to him in lieu of the walls. Files" He still sits on my desk.</span></span>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-55525444894897571062014-01-08T10:09:00.002-05:002014-01-08T10:09:19.523-05:00Dedicated Status Update Day One: Sarah Hurt Long<br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I'm going to follow the lead of one of my former students. The other day she posted this:</span><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
"So Ive been thinking a lot and I have decided that every day for the
rest of the month, I am going to devote my daily status to someone who
has made a difference and impacted my life, big and small." -Ashley Shade</span><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> I'm going to do the same.</span><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> </span><br /><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> Today's post is dedicated to Sarah Hurt Long. Sarah lived two ho<span class="text_exposed_show">uses
up from me when I was growing up and might have been one of THE best
babysitters EVER! She used to help us choreograph dance routines, write
and act in our own plays, set up outdoor adventures, and create
scavenger hunts for us. I always felt so stylish when she would give me
some of her hand me down clothes. She never treated us like we were
anything other than special. She helped us develop our imaginations and
creativity. I payed it forward when I started babysitting a few years
later. Sarah, I thank you for all of these things and for being so
wonderful to us all those years ago.</span></span>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-76708130955119699592012-07-16T11:07:00.002-04:002012-07-16T11:07:42.193-04:00Abuse of Power<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">I can't nor do I ever WANT to
be able to get my head around how a group of trusted, powerful adults
could EVER turn their back on a person, let alone a child in their care.
Choosing to turn their backs on those children is exactly what happened in Pennsylvania over the last several decades. When one refuses to tell the truth, or in this case,
shout the truth, to put an end to treacherous hurt, pain, and
injustice...then damn them! I don't want to be able to understand how
a person can do that. Life is about making choices. They chose quite wrongly. Having a winning record over a lifetime does not erase that.
It's always sad when a hero falls, but fallen they are. </span></div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-8650989479554182082012-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:002012-01-10T11:17:59.859-05:00I Want A Gonzo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"Heather, do you want to be a big sister to a little brother or a little sister?"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"Neither. I want a Gonzo!!!" </span></b></div>
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Needless to say, the three and a half year old version of me wasn't exactly bursting at the seams with the thoughts of a baby coming into her life-- especially if the crying that was sure to accompany said baby was going to interrupt her<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078607/" target="_blank"> Dukes of Hazzard</a> or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074028/" target="_blank">Muppet Show</a> watching. That would surely cross the line!</div>
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When Ted, the neighbor, asked me if I wanted to be a big sister to a baby boy or baby girl, I wasn't lying. I didn't want either of them; both options sounded less than stellar. I truly, with everything in my being, wanted a <a href="http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Gonzo" target="_blank">Gonzo</a>. I mean, who wouldn't, right? I wouldn't trade my eventual sister in for the world, but let's face it, a Gonzo would have been a super sweet runner up! The daredevil escapades that Gonzo The Great and Her Highness Heather could have attempted are, I mean...were, limitless! It's no wonder that I made my sister wear the t-shirt that Ted and his wife bought for YEARS. (That's the actual shirt today. Slightly stained, but I want to see my niece in it just ONCE.)</div>
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My love of the Muppets, as I'm sure this is true with most of us who were born in the 70's, was by no mistake. PBS had a huge surge and was on the fore front of every culturally and socially revolutionary parent during that time. Many of our first words were the names of a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063951/" target="_blank">Sesame Street</a> character. The muppets on Sesame Street taught us our fundamentals--counting, positive social behaviors, how to make friends, emotional appropriateness, SPANISH, how to care for our environment and our neighbors, reading, everything! So when The Muppet Show first aired it was a natural progression to also become one of the viewing audience members. And we did. Every week, the televisions were turned on to see if the gang and some LUCKY celebrity could pull off the variety show!</div>
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The great part about The Muppet Show is that it wasn't just children that were part of the viewing audience. People of all ages identified and felt comforted by those zany characters and the celebrities that made weekly appearances. I can't remember ever watching the show without BOTH of my parents watching and laughing along with me. For 30 minutes, one day a week, my family shared a common experience. We were lucky! It's no wonder that I waited to see the 2011 Muppet Movie until my mom and I were in the same city. Might I mention, that it felt like a homecoming and we both cried. Mahna mahna! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esJTIc477us/Twxc9P0aBAI/AAAAAAAABTI/xhwunPiuh4s/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esJTIc477us/Twxc9P0aBAI/AAAAAAAABTI/xhwunPiuh4s/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Jim Henson's Muppets are something that my generation carries with us. They don't just provide us with nostalgic memories of our childhood, but are also part of the woven fabric that ties us together. The Muppets are part of our cultural language. They are our teachers. They are our comfort. They are our lessons. We've watched every spin off show and danced with David Bowie to "Dance Magic Dance." We've pretended to sing Christmas carols with John Denver. We've visited the <a href="http://www.darkshire.net/%7Ejhkim/muppets/borker.html" target="_blank">Borkifier</a> site as adults just to play. "We-a'fe-a fisited zee-a Borkiffier site-a is idoolts joost to pley. Bork Bork Bork!" We've introduced our children to Kermit and the gang. We cried along with his characters the day that Jim Henson died. We stood in line in our 30s, 40s, and 50s this past November and December to be reunited with our friends on the big screen.</div>
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The Muppets have meant a lot to many of us over the years. I'd put money on the fact that they will continue to do just that in the future. So, can you REALLY blame me for maybe STILL wanting a Gonzo of my own?<br />
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<br />I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-60207946076077158222012-01-09T15:34:00.002-05:002012-01-09T15:46:38.128-05:00Thought For The Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I ran across this sign today when I was perusing Facebook. It really struck a chord with me. It is a very honest statement. However, even though it is one of the most OBVIOUS statements out there, for some reason it is the hardest one with which to follow through. </div>
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From spouses, significant others, family members, and friends, saying good bye and letting go of what is currently a toxic relationship is absolutely terrifying, difficult, and exhausting. Most of us were raised to forgive and to love in a great big, huge way. Many of us were raised on the false ideals that are presented in fairy tales, romance stories, and classical literature...to love is to suffer; to suffer is to love. The more you suffer, the more you are capable of loving and the more lovable you become. We tell ourselves that these are teenagers or twenty something year olds' problems. Or, only those involved in abusive relationships go through this type of sadistic journey. We become addicted to the drama that the toxicity creates. We justify ourselves and our actions into imaginary reason, and for what? It is easier to create the justification than to eliminate what is holding us back in our lives, and facing the real problems at hand. </div>
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To throw in the towel on someone that you love, but is making you miserable, feels like giving up, but in reality it is creating space for someone else worthwhile to fill. And sometimes, actually most of the time, the only person that you need to fill that space is yourself. If only we ALL loved ourselves as much as we try to love others. Oh what a difference that might make.</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-43127590410430266482012-01-06T13:56:00.000-05:002012-01-06T13:56:20.024-05:00My Latest Obsessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYhzT-lrqg/TwdDTdbWrBI/AAAAAAAABSo/vkkc6iEPN7Y/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYhzT-lrqg/TwdDTdbWrBI/AAAAAAAABSo/vkkc6iEPN7Y/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caUIhvb4S_Q/TwdDTjSwdJI/AAAAAAAABSw/RNyML3s9P6E/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caUIhvb4S_Q/TwdDTjSwdJI/AAAAAAAABSw/RNyML3s9P6E/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://instagr.am/" target="_blank">Instagram Application</a><br />
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I am obsessed with these two applications. I use them daily! Check them out.I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-10214369321834557342012-01-06T13:00:00.003-05:002012-01-06T13:01:22.208-05:00A Memory for My Grandmother On Her 90th Birthday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFy9zJIM7BE/Twc1TqafabI/AAAAAAAABSU/D4IhatSEOFg/s1600/249883_10150253515468245_603128244_8796672_4610811_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFy9zJIM7BE/Twc1TqafabI/AAAAAAAABSU/D4IhatSEOFg/s1600/249883_10150253515468245_603128244_8796672_4610811_a.jpg" /></a><i>My grandmother turned 90 last May. For her birthday, she asked for a memory. This is the memory that I shared with my family on my grandmother's 90th birthday. </i></div>
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First
of all, I would like to thank my grandmother. The only reason that I
am here today to help her celebrate her 90th birthday is because she
saved my life 30 years ago. Let’s just say if it wasn’t for the
protective arms of my grandmother, my cousin, Jessica, and I would have
been sent to the slaughter by our mothers at the age of 4. God hath no
fury like two mothers glaring at the vasolined walls of a child’s
bedroom. If it wasn’t for my grandmother grabbing her two greased
watermelon granddaughters and throwing them in a bathtub far away from
her daughters in law’s grasps, at least two of us might not have been
here tonight.</div>
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With that said, let me move on to a fond
memory that I have of my grandmother. If I had to decide on one memory
of my grandmother that defines her role and importance in my life as
well as the relationship that she and I have, it would have to be this…</div>
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It
is night time; it is always night time for these moments. Three little
girls and one little boy are curled up in two twin beds listening to
their grandmother reading the stories of <u>The Five Little Peppers</u> and<u>
Heidi</u>, of the quiet old lady whispering, “Hush,” the adventures of a
curious monkey, the remarkable friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur,
the escapades of Mole, Ratty, and Toad, the imaginative world of <u>The
Wild Things</u>, or my personal favorite, getting lost in the <u>Secret Garden</u>
of Misselthwaite Manor. My favorite memories are of those very precious
moments when we would get lost in the worlds my grandmother would
create when she read to us. We would transport ourselves into other
places and experience moments unlike those of our daily routines. The
stories she would pick out for us to explore together would stimulate
our childhood imaginations and in turn, those imaginations have created
and shaped our adult dreams.</div>
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The adventures that the five
of us went on when she read to us have very much shaped who we are as
individuals. Grammy, like the wizard in<span class="fbUnderline"> <u>The Wizard of Oz</u></span>,
through reading to us has helped give us the tools to develop our
dreams and get us where we needed to go. Bryn, like Louis in <u><span class="fbUnderline">The Trumpet of the Swan</span></u>, has found her voice and song and has used both resourcefully to find love and contentment. Adam, like<u> <span class="fbUnderline">The Giving Tree</span></u>,
has an unwavering sensitivity and whole heart-ed amount of
unconditional love that pours from his soul when he looks at his
family. Jessica, like Meg in <u><span class="fbUnderline">A Wrinkle in Time</span></u>,
has a natural curiosity that she uses to search out scientific answers
and solve mysteries of the universe while still maintaining her sense of
fun and adventure. And me, like Mary in <u><span class="fbUnderline">The Secret Garden</span></u>,
prefers the worlds outside of my own. Mary had her garden, I have my
stories which I read, teach, and write. We have used these tools to be
who we are today.</div>
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These are the memories of my
grandmother that I luckily get to share with my cousins and sister.
These are the memories that stand out the most. These are the moments
that I look forward to telling the next generation about. I am excited
for the time when I get to say, “Oh I love this story! I remember when
my grandmother used to read this to us when we were little.” It is
through these memories that tradition and love lives on, and for that I
thank you. Happy Birthday, Grammy.</div>
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<br /></div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-9470460962815444812011-08-17T12:06:00.001-04:002012-01-09T15:34:48.395-05:00Feelings of DisconnectI received the following message from a parent of a former student the other day:<br />
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"I have always heard so many things about you and always wanted to thank you for being there for _________ during her years at _______. So, Thank You for being one of the teachers that she will tell her children about-- the good, caring teacher not the one everyone hated. She looks up to you as an inspiration to continue writing. Again thank you for all the extras."I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-18153207434926670472010-08-17T10:47:00.000-04:002010-08-17T10:47:56.925-04:00Mixed Feelings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teachersfirst.com/welcomeback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.teachersfirst.com/welcomeback.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br />
Today is the first day back for teachers in Kanawha County. I have participated in opening day of school for 8 years until today. I'm feeling slightly nostalgic and out of sorts today. <br />
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To those of you returning to your classrooms, good luck and have a great year! I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-56695728337196449562010-04-30T10:09:00.000-04:002010-04-30T10:09:26.344-04:00Eclipse Countdown<img border="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNzI2MzYxNzMzNjAmcHQ9MTI3MjYzNjM4MDQyNyZwPTEyMDc*MSZkPTZRQWExS2VxSEh*a3hCSk4mZz*yJm89ZWI3/MDNmNzZhYTVjNGViYmFkMDcwMmRlMTBjZTgxMmEmb2Y9MA==.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="300" id="playerLoader" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/6QAa1KeqHHtkxBJN.swf" /><param name="quality" value="best" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed src="http://farm.sproutbuilder.com/load/6QAa1KeqHHtkxBJN.swf" width="200" height="300" name="playerLoader" align="middle" wmode="transparent" play="true" loop="false" quality="best" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-40416420121075039302010-04-21T14:37:00.002-04:002010-09-05T11:12:48.501-04:00Public Education: Something I Am Beginning To Believe The Public Knows Nothing About<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://edubuzz.org/blogs/law/files/2009/12/chalkboard20and20newspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://edubuzz.org/blogs/law/files/2009/12/chalkboard20and20newspaper.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am saddened by today's article in the Gazette that announces that the five principals are stepping down. Three of the principals I know personally and they are excellent at their jobs. They have hard jobs! Nonetheless, the dedication to their schools, teachers, students, and community is amazing! The comments that have appeared on the <a href="http://wvgazette.com/News/201004200767">online edition</a> of the paper are appalling and personally attacking. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It amazes me just how clueless the general public is about public education, yet they feel the need to open their ignorant mouths to spew unintelligent drivel. I am completely and totally offended by the general public's remarks about teachers and administrators in Kanawha County. Yes, there are both good and bad school faculty members, but when will we start addressing culture, parental involvement, community accountability, and overall negative mindset towards the betterment of the next generation? When will everyone attempt to climb on board and start working on solutions rather than blame placing? Isn't the point of an education to better the next generation and to better oneself? How do we begin this process? </div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-61956236875249792832010-04-15T14:43:00.000-04:002010-04-15T14:43:14.878-04:00RHS's Hands Are Not For Hate: Civic Responsibilty<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dT3GokwtI/AAAAAAAAAv8/fAUOXH4LFII/s1600/handsforlove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dT3GokwtI/AAAAAAAAAv8/fAUOXH4LFII/s320/handsforlove.jpg" width="240" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last week, several groups within our community were told that God hated them by a group of less than tolerant individuals from Kansas. West Virginians were told that they were less than human due to sexual orientation, religious decisions, employment, gender, and any other 'difference' that one could muster up. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dUCcm5HkI/AAAAAAAAAwE/XpKTbG4vDNw/s1600/antihate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dUCcm5HkI/AAAAAAAAAwE/XpKTbG4vDNw/s320/antihate1.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wvcovenanthouse.org/">The Covenant House</a> in Charleston, WV organized a FLASH MOB and A Stop The Hate Rally on the Capitol steps the evening that the hate group was <strong>protesting </strong>diversity. The rally was to <strong>promote</strong> diversity, difference, and focus energies and power on the positive rather than dwell in the negative of the HATERS. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dUIWjErwI/AAAAAAAAAwM/xStVY3xzZ9I/s1600/groupantihate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S8dUIWjErwI/AAAAAAAAAwM/xStVY3xzZ9I/s320/groupantihate.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Several Riverside High School students wanted to be a part of the experience. In class and in the halls, students began to have a dialog about civic responsibilities and how it was their turn to stand up for what they believed was right. Students held discussions about how turning a blind eye creates more harm than good. They felt that it was their turn to stand up and say "Stop The Hate!" They were kind enough to invite their teacher to join them, so I went joyfully!<br />
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As an educator and loyal supporter of diversity, I had a profound experience at the Capitol that evening. I was impressed with how many individuals came to support The Covenant House and give a message of positivity to those that needed to hear it. I was PROUD that 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students came out in the rain to stand up for something that they believed in. I was PROUD that they understood the real meaning behind Civic Responsibility and followed through with their mission of sending a positive message. It was fun. It was heartwarming. It was a proud moment. It was a moment that none of them will forget. <br />
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You can read one student's personal account of the rally on his blog post <a href="http://cwfridley10.blogspot.com/2010/04/stop-hate-rally.html">"Stop The Hate Rally."</a> Please, watch the videos that follow to see for yourself why some of the students opted to "Stop The Hate."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="370" id="viddler_774a47d9" width="437"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/774a47d9/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/774a47d9/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler_774a47d9"></embed></object><br />
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Cody, Riverside Student<br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="370" id="viddler_a5a30b43" width="437"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/a5a30b43/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/a5a30b43/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler_a5a30b43"></embed></object><br />
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Ashley, Riverside Student<br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="370" id="viddler_12f7f523" width="437"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/12f7f523/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/12f7f523/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" name="viddler_12f7f523"></embed></object><br />
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Riverside High School Students Creating A Poster<br />
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Stop The Hate Flash Mob <br />
Steps of WV Capitol<br />
Charleston, WV<br />
April 8, 2010<br />
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Author's Note: This post originally appeared on Chez's World of Globaloria: Where literature, language, and technology go hand in hand. All students in pictures and videos gave consent to be posted on the internet.I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-74591677225799206302010-04-12T14:36:00.000-04:002010-04-12T14:36:17.717-04:00Student Memorial Speech<div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, the eastern end of Kanawha County has experienced a massive amount of loss in the last decade since the doors opened at the consolidated high school. From the deaths of students and family members, to house fires and floods leaving children and families homeless. Riverside High School was not an exception when being stricken with grief and loss from the most recent Mine Explosion. Many of our students and community members knew and loved one of the men that lost their lives in the mine that day. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Riverside High School students opted to hold a memorial service for fallen Warrior, Cory Davis on Friday. His family attended as did his school and community family. I would like you to take a minute and read The Memorial Speech that one of our students gave during the service. Her words are honest, universally West Virginian, and moving. <a href="http://ktferrell.blogspot.com/2010/04/memorial-speech.html">Student Memorial Speech.</a></div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-65272497535004318052010-04-07T10:45:00.002-04:002010-04-07T12:52:46.861-04:00West Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lockree-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/overlook-sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.lockree-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/overlook-sunrise.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lockree-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/overlook-sunrise.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit </span></a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2258673077233635622&postID=6527249753500431805" name="l2_2">W.Va. Girl</a></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Mike Morningstar </span></h3><div style="text-align: justify;">You've been carryin' heartache 'round these small and dirty towns</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Clutched-up in your heart and soul Bluefield to Wheeling town</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've seen you down in the coal mine shacks, in the mountains of the north</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the southern farmlands cracked your hands, to show these men your worth</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">West Virginia Girl I've loved you from the start, WVa Girl these songs I sing for you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For I know God loves you in his heart, God knows I love you too</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With all the weight of decades upon you as you strive</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the poverty around your door, the wisdom in your eyes</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't the coal dust ever make you weep as it sifts into your sod</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't your tears e'er seem to blur your sleep, come a dreamin' out for God</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You have seen your sons and husbands carried from those mines</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With a "coal tattoo" deep in their chest, a death stare in their eyes</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Down in Farmington I heard your cries and I felt your misery too</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Small comfort tho' my song may bring, I'm singin' it for you</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now I sing this song for every West Virginia Girl I've known</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And for every one I'll never know who shares this mountain home</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For my Mama and my Grandma, all who gave their love to me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the Gypsy and her mother, and the "one who would not be"</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-37838725872336465092010-03-29T09:26:00.000-04:002010-03-29T09:26:30.278-04:00Spring Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S7CqVUUhqeI/AAAAAAAAAv0/UZy_iIceEl0/s1600/dolphin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-_zw81TVU4o/S7CqVUUhqeI/AAAAAAAAAv0/UZy_iIceEl0/s320/dolphin.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had.</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-16836772910575140102010-02-15T11:30:00.000-05:002010-02-15T11:30:04.040-05:00Then... <br />
<embed ="" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height=" 348" src="http://xml.truveo.com/eb/i/1567896127/a/58ef677afb89fc040e3dec6de7dd6c26/p/1/h/4b796befa301b0:506d9f40d15c43febc6a385c5ff7fda0" style="height: 385px ! important; width: 480px ! important;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width=" 425"></embed><br />
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Watch more <a href="http://video.aol.com/channel/vh1" target="_top" title="VH1 videos">VH1 videos</a> on <a href="http://video.aol.com/" target="_top" title="AOL Video">AOL Video</a></h1><br />
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<h1 style="font-family: arial; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 0.8em; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin: 5px; padding: 0pt;"><br />
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<a href="http://video.aol.com/" target="_top" title="AOL Video"></a></h1><br />
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and now...<br />
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Give. </div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-42527885902536754732010-02-08T08:24:00.001-05:002010-02-08T08:26:28.635-05:00Super Bowl XLIV<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theboulevardtavernwv">The Boulevard Tavern</a> threw a fantastic Super Bowl Party last night. The buffet was absolutely fabulous. The huge screens and the additional HD TVs didn't hurt either! It was fun seeing Reggie Bush and The Saints pull it off. However, do you know what the best part of the whole entire evening was?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/4701430/2/istockphoto_4701430-pile-of-cash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/4701430/2/istockphoto_4701430-pile-of-cash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The $2,500 that I went home with at the end of the evening!</b></span></div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-33573695517179228862010-02-05T08:05:00.000-05:002010-02-05T08:05:32.253-05:00My Students ROCK!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.connectedfamily.com/graphics/globaloria_galaxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://www.connectedfamily.com/graphics/globaloria_galaxy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm currently teaching an unconventional English 12 class. Through the <a href="http://globaloria.org/">Globaloria</a> program, my students are working through the English 12 curriculum and exploring and creating educational video games. With the use of an online textbook, wikis, blogs, and FLASH the class is almost completely paperless and pen-less. It is completely and totally problem based learning and the kids are having a blast!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All of the students in the class are flourishing. They are learning so much and using collaborative learning techniques to learn more about themselves and the world around them. It is one of those classes that a teacher dreams about.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday, two of my students were asked to present their class to some of the major stakeholders in the GlobaloriaWV project. The gave a 10 minute presentation about their unique class in front of:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Jorea Marple, The Assistant Superintendent of WV Schools</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Steven Paine, The Superintendent of WV Schools</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gaston Caperton, former WV Governor and current President of The College Board</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Idit Caperton, founder and president of World Wide Workshop Foundation</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gayle Manchin, WV's First Lady</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Monica Beane, Assistant Directory of The Office of Instruction</div><div style="text-align: justify;">David Lowenstein, State Director of Globaloria WV</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is a well respected and highly educated audience. The girls were nervous, but one would have never known. I was so proud of them! I still am.</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-58400474540403709782010-01-14T08:43:00.003-05:002010-01-14T08:56:03.505-05:00Thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/multimedia/dynamic/00144/Haiti_Earthquake_JP_144645k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/multimedia/dynamic/00144/Haiti_Earthquake_JP_144645k.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Technology has advanced the human race to such extremes that the activities and things that we can do sometimes seems like a dream rather than a reality.<br />
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Humans can send a man to the moon.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">People can communicate in real time to others on the other side of the world.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A US citizen can literally be in London for a business meeting in less than 8 hours.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> School age children can create video games for learning purposes.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Scientist can predict storms and when the Earth might tremble. However, all the technology in the world can't stop the natural devastation that can occur during those moments. Please, during this time remember the human condition and the commonalities that all human beings share. <a href="http://www.redcross.org/">Donate money,</a> time, services, or goods. Pray, whisper, sing, meditate. Keep the people of Haiti and their loved ones in your heart.<br />
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</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-57751139272273465892010-01-14T08:14:00.000-05:002010-01-14T08:14:43.727-05:00Guilty Pleasure Admission #1Guilty Pleasure Admission #1<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.statejournal.com/images/111709022146_jail12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.statejournal.com/images/111709022146_jail12.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Several times a week I like to check the <a href="http://www.wvrja.com/dailyincar/admissions.asp">South Central Regional Jail Admissions List </a>to see if any one that I know was arrested the night before. </b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What?! It isn't any sicker than reading the Obituary Page everyday! Don't judge. ;)</span><br />
</div>I'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-39282764151137484842010-01-11T14:13:00.000-05:002010-01-11T14:13:05.899-05:00Have A Burning Question To Ask?<iframe frameborder="0" height="275" scrolling="no" src="http://www.formspring.me/widget/view/ImTheChez?&size=medium&bgcolor=%23fff&fgcolor=%23333" style="border: medium none;" width="180"><a href="http://www.formspring.me/ImTheChez">http://www.formspring.me/ImTheChez</a></iframe><br />
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A neat site! Do you have a burning question that you would just love to anonymously ask? Do you mind answering the questions that people have for you? Check out this site. www.formspring.meI'm The Chezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11256317174233040774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2258673077233635622.post-34422219376338163072009-12-14T10:45:00.000-05:002009-12-14T10:45:23.507-05:00Holiday Present Idea: Local Art Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b5oqtRHkMm0/SvnbrUedkdI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Swk8n3KPJ0Q/s1600/christmas-presents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b5oqtRHkMm0/SvnbrUedkdI/AAAAAAAAAF4/Swk8n3KPJ0Q/s320/christmas-presents.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking for the perfect gift to give to that special someone? <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Want a unique, one of a kind present for Mr. or Mrs. Particular? <br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">This Thursday during <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CharlestonArtWalk">The Charleston Art Walk</a> be sure to jaunt down to <a href="http://visionsdayspawv.com/">Visions Day Spa</a> on Capital Street to see the original artwork by local artists <a href="http://imthechez.blogspot.com/2009/03/march-13th-and-14th-gallery-showing.html">Dave Thomas and Ian Bode</a>. I'm sure a piece from either or both of these guys would make for the perfect present for someone special in your life! <br />
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