Friday, October 17, 2008

"Give me excess of it...



Not just of music-- but of the chance to read! The book I have chosen for these precious UEA days is the well-known Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. After going through books for at least 45 minutes, I chose this novel for a few reasons. First of all, I have never actually read Tolstoy, and I have heard from at least two very reliable sources (Katy and Michelle) that this is the kind of book I would enjoy. Secondly, the first line of the book is this: "All happy families resemble one another; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Talk about me being caught by a literary hook! My third reason is perhaps more mercenary than I would like....but I found an edition for 5 dollars, and to get 709 pages for 5 dollars is a big thing for a college student/ first-year teacher like yours truly. So Anna Karenina, here we go....

I do quite like reading. It is such a fun experience. I am like about 68% of my students-- they can't wait for SSR.

I feel so productive so far...on everything except lesson planning, of course. But I did go shopping yesterday, did clean, and finally turned in my application for Graduation in April (where, incidentally, I ran into cousin Mark Driggs. His wife and two daughters are doing very well). Things are starting to fall into place.

I also met my new roommate yesterday. Tiffany has been teaching 3rd grade at a Charter School in Orem the last two years, and this year she wants to lessen her commute by moving closer. What will my apartment be like with two teachers, you might ask? Well, if there were more space, it would probably be creativity central. Right now, it's mostly just... work central? That sounds fairly boring, I know...

I am going to the opera tomorrow night with my roommate Ashley, though. Don Giovani, to be precise. Another first for me; the only opera I have attended is "La Boheme" my freshman year. Now that I am a super-senior, it's time to get cultured again.

And to start lesson-planning. That is my next order of business....

4 comments:

  1. Nabokov said:
    "All happy families are more or less dissimilar; all unhappy ones are more or less alike."
    It is an interesting contrast, but which is more correct?

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  2. Well identified! That contrast is very illuminating-- Well, I suppose the question is this: did your copy cost more than 5 dollars? If so, then I am sure yours is right.

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  3. Way to go Celeste! I love the feeling of reading "heavy" literature books. It gives one such a feeling of accomplishment, as well as boosts the intellect.

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  4. A good translation can make a BIG difference. I'll send you my copy if you send me your address. I'm excited for you to read AK. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

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