Though I am far from a professional I will give a review of Wicked! Amazing production! I wasn't sure how I would fell about it as I am about 75% through the novel. But much to my surprise and enjoyment the play deviated enough from the story line of the book that I can finish the book without feeling cheated.

That being said, I will focus on my impressions of the show. Simply put- the show blew me away. Beautiful costumes, breath taking sets, heart pounding music and paradigm shifting themes. When attending a broadway show I expect a visual and auditory experience- I did not expect my heart to be challenged.

Without giving too much a way (you must go see it!!), I will say that the major themes I took away were related to how we perceive evil and what true love and devotion really is. Related to the latter it is important to note that evil is in the eye of the beholder. If you were to base all you know about the witch on the story told in "The Wizard of Oz" you would assume she is the evil in the story- but wicked gives us another view of the realities of Oz and challenges us to question the reality we've been shown. Is it possible that evil can be based on perspective? That there is no true evil? Now as a Christian I can say true evil is found in the form of satan, but as a historian I can say that history is always judged from the perspective of the winners, there by making designation of evil upon a person somewhat subjective. To Europeans, Columbus is a great explorer who's travels changed the world for the better, to those native to the Americans he is an invader who was not only personally responsible for death and destruction but who's very presence led to the extinction and enslavement of multiple cultures. So which is the correct view? Both and neither- as Wicked shows us a persons actions may not always be clearly good or clearly evil.

The second theme that seem to permeate the story is related to the devotion and love between friends. Elphabah and Glinda form a bond through the story which is put to the test when their personal philosophies diverge and their lives take them down not only different but colliding paths. Through all of it, it is clear that Glinda's affection for Elphabah sees past their differences and though they disagree the bond the holds theirs together.

So my big Broadway lessons are these- we must all work to look past the obvious answers about people and our love for each other should be stronger than our differences. To be honest this is the same message I believe Jesus gives us in the New Testament. I got a great reminder wrapped in engaging music, breath taking sets and an amazing performance! Two thumbs way up!

Post 10k

So I reached my goals! Under 70 minutes and I didn't walk!! Super happy about that, but the race was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Miles wise I had prepared, but the mental wise is a different thing. The race was both a 5k and a 10k- so half way through those running the 5k peeled off leaving the course really lonely to be honest. It is easy to keep moving with people all around you, but when there are only a few of brave runners trudging next to you, it is easy to loose your enthusiasm for the process!

As I ran I fought the desire to quit- to walk or even stop. My feet hurt, my legs hurt, at one point my lower back began to hurt. But I know that is battle I have to fight, every time those thoughts cross my mind I remember how it feels to reach my goals- to finish and finish well. It reminds me that when life gets tough (and we know it will get tough) we have to keep our eyes on our goals and to fight those thoughts that would implore us to stop. Through pain, though sweat, through tears, all that will keeps us moving is a focus on finishing well.

I hope through all life throws at you, that you are able to finish and finish well!

Pre 10K

Two blogs in one day! Super exciting huh?? :)

I am preparing (at least mentally) for my first 10k race tomorrow. I have run four 5k's and been looking to push myself a bit more. Now let me say right now I have NO DESIRE to run a half or full marathon- that's just crazy. I think 10k will be my longest distance!

I must admit to being a bit nervous- 6. 4 miles is a lot. My goal is to be under 70 minutes and to not stop to walk. I have run 6 miles before but this is different- there will be people every where and honestly putting the number on makes me feel like I have to compete with...well mostly myself! I have no delusions of winning anything- for me finishing under my goals is winning. Okay, I'll admit with about a mile left I will pick out another female runner who is running my pace and make it my goal to beat her. Sad I know...but I can't seem to get far from my competitive nature.

You may ask why I run, well, it started as a way to get in shape, but after my first race I was hooked. I like being able to set a goal that I totally control and pursue it. I like the atmosphere of race, it is a subculture that I have never experienced. My first race was the St. Paddy's Day Dash and as we waited at the start the weather went from cold rain to snow and people spirits never dimmed. It was great. These are the type of activities I want to be a part of, ones that are good for my health, ones that challenge me, and ones that give me free tshirts! :)

Wish me luck!

First Full Week Reflection

Okay so it wasn't a full week, but we'll call it the first week of school.

The great thing about being a teacher is that every years is a new beginning. New students, sometimes new subjects, new challenges, well you get the picture. I love being able restart every year! This year in particular I am excited about trying some new things in my classroom and try to grow as a teacher. I am sure some of my new ideas will fall flat and there will be days I can't wait to for my students to exit my classroom- but generally I am very encourage by how this year has started!

That being said I wanted to share some of the high lights from my classroom:

1. The other one of my sophomore students came to my desk and said "Ms. Anderson, what is a country?"

My response: "Ah, I am not sure I understand the question."

Student "Well, what do you mean by country? Like what is a country?"

Me: "Well, the US is a country, Canada is a country. Is that what you mean?"

Student: "Yeah I guess so. So then is Alabama isn't a country?"

Me: "No, Alabama is not a country."

Now mind you I wasn't sarcastic , I was doing my best to be patient as I honestly was a bit confused by the question. It did help me see that I may have to a bit slower....

2. My senior Law class...today I asked my students to come up with a new law. So they were brain storming and one asked me quite plainly, "Ms. Anderson, is it legal to kill a prostitute?" My reply: "It is note legal to kill ANYONE!"

Well at least they are not afraid to ask questions! Here's to week 3.....

Health Care

Having just watched/read the President's speech on health care I must put my two cents in. I found myself very frustrated as I did my treadmill workout and read the Presidents speech on the TV stationed above me.

I agree that the system is broken- there is no doubt that we are in need of reform. There are so many people in our country in need of good health care and certainly big companies are controlling the industry. I can only hope that this administration is able to bring the positive change we know the health care system needs.

My frustration comes from the feeling that his speech was just simply propaganda meant to play on our emotions. I didn't get a clear picture of what his plan really is and what I did take from it was that the cost will enormous and paid in the future. The hope is that the changes will lead to saving that will pay for the changes- but what if they don't? That freaks me out.

So what do I think our government should do to help our health care problems? After much thought and almost falling of the treadmill, I offer these ideas.

1. Since our biggest problem is obesity - start taxing fast food restaurants and give tax breaks to restaurants that offer healthy food. The fast food restaurants market to and service lower income people- make healthy food cheaper and more available. Tax the corporations that are profiting off of unhealthy habits. Include in this tobacco and alcohol (this for a girl that loves a good beer or glass of wine)- make a stand against large companies and lobbyist- don't allow people to profit from our poor health.

2. Subsides organic farmers! As it stands right now, organic produce is a luxury, only accessible to people willing and able to pay the price, which is directly related to the cost for farmers to be able to grow veggies that WON'T kill us. Clearly, organic farmers are doing the right thing, invest in them!

3. Give tax rebates for healthy life style changes- gym membership, registration fees for running, walking, biking etc races.

4. Offer tax breaks to companies/small businesses that offer either gym memberships or workout rooms, as well as dedicated workout time for their employees.

5. Keep money in the school systems for PE!! Require students to take PE every year of public education! Along the same lines- change the food services at school- take out the fries- put in some salads! Cut soda and candy out of schools (this will also help with behavior issues as well as achievement).

These are the real long term solutions, change our society- we are fat and lazy, we smoke too much and workout too little. Sure there are a ton of other health care issues to be dealt with, but these are the simple ones to deal with - ones that will keep our country strong. And you don't have to go to Canada for these!