Thursday, January 19, 2006

Journal Writing

I've never been one for writing in journals or diaries. I write very slowly (sort of like I read), and since I type so much and don't write very often by hand, when I do so, it makes my hand hurt like crazy. And, when I'm in the mood to be contemplative, I am usually more productive in my processing if I am processing in a conversation with someone than if I am writing down my thoughts. That's just me. Many times in my life I've tried keeping journals, and have always gotten away from it.

Well, this year, in our homeroom groups, we are having the kids write in journals once a week. The rule in Miss A's room is that you have to write for the entire 15 minutes of the homeroom period. That allows for low-ability students who don't write well to do their best work, and allows for high-ability students who write volumes to do so. And, while the kids are doing their homeroom activities like reading (on Tuesdays) and writing in their journals (on Thursdays) I try to "model" the activity by reading or writing along with them.

So today, being Thursday, was journalling day. I have enjoyed writing in my journal all year. We usually give the kids a topic about which to write, and I usually offer them the option of writing about something else if they'd like to do so (about half the students take me up on that). I always write in my journal on the "assigned" topic (suggested by the school).

Today's topic was, in effect, to make a list of the things that you'd like to do before you die. Yeah, there are lots of things that I want to do before I die, but it was fun to write the list, seeing which things came to my mind first. I wanted to put that list here, just in case anyone is interested. :-) I rearranged the order so that you just have to wonder a bit.

The Things I Want To Do Before I Die
  • Go to Carnival in Venice
  • Live in Colorado
  • Hike the Grand Canyon ... down and BACK UP again!!
  • Meet Elisabeth Elliot
  • Own a yellow convertible mustang, either a 1960-something ... or a brand, spankin' new one.
  • To go jet skiing.
  • To write and publish a novel.
  • To write a screen play that is produced as a successful movie.
  • To get married.
  • To have at least one child (who happens to look like me), and to adopt several (??) more!!
  • To publish some travel writing and photography.
  • Learn to pilot an airplane.
  • Climb a mountain, like Denali or some other "biggie".
  • Go to Africa.
  • Own a dog.
  • Cruise Eastern Canada in the Fall.
  • Visit the Navajo Tribal Reservation

    Of course, I didn't write everything. First of all, how can you make a list like that in 15 minutes. Besides ... there are just certain things that I wouldn't ever write down. ;-)

    So - what are some things that you want to do before you die?
    • posted by Lou Ann Aepelbacher @ 2:46 PM •
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