A Controlled Experiment

Aim: To discover through various means exactly how much stress high school age students can handle without going completely insane.

Hypothesis: Based on their hysterical response to given homework assignments, we predict that clinical insanity will take no more than a week of exams.

Materials: 400 students, seven classes each, one exam per class

Procedure:
1. Tell each student that they will be forced to take exams on everyhting they have leared in the whole of semester two.
2. Watch them panic.
3. Allow them afew weeks procrastiantion time, then spring the finals on them.
4. Watch them panic.
5. Starting with a difficult class (preferrably algebra 2) make them sit for a two hour minimum examination.
6. Watch them panic.
7. Change schedule enough to get their fragile high school system thrown off.
8. Watch them panic.
9. Repeat procedure as many times as it take sbefor ethey start having nervous break downs in masses. *The longevity of this experiment is yet to be seen. The teenagers are proving much more resilient than oroginally anticipated. No matter, we have four years to break them! Then let the colleges deal with them! MWAHAHAHA!

This experiment was sponsored by high schol teachers everywhere. Want to join our mailing list? Just go to www.testthemtiltheycryanddropout.antiedu for more details!

"I have paint in my hair!"

So spoken by one Amanda at an interesting afternoon art project.

I was waiting for my algebra teacher to be done with a meeting so she could...remedy the hopelessness of my...skills. Anyway, I decided to hang out with Amanda and do my math review while she painted her phoenix (background: Amanda won in the school's mascot drawing competition, her phoenix was deemed the best, so she gets to paint one on the wall by the gym).

We were in the middle of a relatively normal conversation about math, boys, etc when she knocked over a can of bright red paint. Now when I say knocked over, I mean REALLY on the floor, walls, ceiling, PAINTING, bookbags, shoes,EVERYTHING knocked over! REdredredredred. She an dI were doubled over laughing. She left to get paper towels and I took a hesitant glance at my math work, looking for stainage. None! Miraculous!

She returned after a few moments with a massive wad of paper towels and a giggling Helene to help with the dammage. We immdiately started trying to smooth the paint off the phoenix so that it could be painted over with relative ease. I started on the floor and proceded to get wet redness all over my hands and a bit on my neck as well (it's just a flesh wound!). Then I realized that I looked like I had been sacrificing small animals...I also decided about then that I really didn't care.

So at 4-ish, I went upstairs to chill with the math teacher. As she was showingme how to do a particular problem, she caught sight of my hands which, at that point, were the only paint-covered parts of me. She was a bit shocked, but I explained it to her and she laughed.

Once done trying to salvage my math grade, I went back downstairs to see how Amanda was functioning. I found her on the floor fuming over ANOTHER spilled paint can! This one had been doen by a passing elementary student. However, it stayed on the floor...and my feet.

Then Amanda decided to make me into her masterpeice. At present moment, I am sitting at the computer with dry red paint on my hands, legs, and face. Anne laughed and asked what happened to me, Amy (Amanda's sis) laughed and had Amanda do her face too, Sol just asked me how my face was (haha), and Pete just ignored it. Didn't say a word. Either he didn't notice (HIGHLY unlikely) or he thinks I am looking for attention. Maybe I am. So what?

Anyway, Amy and I tried to get Amanda back and we realized that she had a rather large red spot in her hair. Hahahahahaha! Painting is fun!

Just Another Rainy Saturday

"Just a day, just an...ordinary day" ~ I don't know what song that's from, but it fits.

Today was...calm. That's the word. Because of...circumstances not entirely beyond my control...school has become a bit crazy. It burns too much energy. Not whining, stating a fact.

It was truly a blessing to wake up after a dreamless sleep to find that it was SATURDAY! I could sleep as long as I wanted and do almsot whatever I wanted all day. After finally getting out of bed, I had cold pizza and Honey nut Cheerios for breakfast. Anne and Pete were going to look at a house in An Phu (a HCMC district about 25 minutes away) so I was on kid duty. No worries...yet.

I talked to Mom for awhile, then she and I both had to go accomplish things, so I set the kiddies in front of a movie and found a cookie recipe. I love to make cookies. It's fun, esay, and rewarding. Even if these kids are majorly ticked at me, when they see me battling to turn the oven on (it's one of those push the sparker, wait for it to heat, let go, watch it go out, start over 10 million times things) they ask what I'm makin gand ho wlong it will take. They are the first to enjoy. I like watching the kids enjoying something I do.

~~~~~~Interlude~~~~~~
This is not well written. It leaves a lot to be desired, but I felt like writing. you can quit here if you want. I won't be insulted. Much. Haha.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyway, after solving a few domestic disputes, i retreated to my room and the AC to read Warlock. Very good by the way. I wiled away about an hour before I texted Amanda. We are doing a joint book report and we need to finish it. So we had to get together today.

That was fun. We just hung out for about a half an hour; she was reading the book, I was working on m report. then we took a break and listened to Phantom of the Opera. A great CD. Then we just talked for awhile about lots of things including a book we are thinking of writing together. We tossed around ideas...not much to report just yet.

Then we headed t Jackie's for a movie night. When I told Anne where we were going she said "If-no, when you decide that you don't want to be there anymore, call me and I'll come pick you up on the motorbike." I lasted slightly under two hours.

Now I am home listening to the rain. It's not heavy enough to be soothing...*sigh*

It's just another rainy Saturday...

What to Say?

Prom...fun. Yeah...guy I like went with someone else. My date was nice though. He danced and wasn't afraid to make an idiot of himself. Gotta love that in a guy :). I am inordinately fond of people who are unafraid to look dumb.

I danced a ton at prom, all kinds of super weird dances . Haha, it wasn't paired off dancing, but let's-all-stand-in-a-huge-group dancing. It was cool. The music was lame though...and far too loud.

My dress was a hit. I took pics on Pete's camera because mine is...malfunctioning of late...but I don't know where Pete's cam is at present. So no pics yet. I got compliments from Mr. Klar, Mr. Isely, and a huge number of students. Adam included. Adam who aadmitted that he was pretty excited about getting to finally see the dress he created. Haha...

The after party was the best. We played Twister, ate cookies, and laughed until about three thirty in the morning. Goood stuff.

Prom Preparations

Home
~eyebrows
~shower (duh)
~shave (double duh)
~lotion
-face
-legs
Salon
~hair
-wash
-straighten
~nails
-manicure
-pedicure *don't ask what color, I don't know yet


I'm psyched about prom. Nervous, but psyched nonetheless. There will be pics, no worries there. I am hoping to dance with a certain someone, but who knows? Doubtless, I am looking forward to a very fun evening. Wish me luck!

Sin-Chow

Sin-chow (incorrectly spelled!) means hello. I've picked up some Vietnamese....and you just read it!

Chelsea and Briana: Yes, I'll have many pictures. No, I did not put Jess in the baggage part of the plane, but I did come dangerously close!! Thanks for asking. And thanks for posting a comment! It was so fun to receive.

I know testing is no fun, but it is your opportunity to show what you know! I know you'll continue doing your very best job. Remember to take some deep breaths and don't forget to drink lots of water (keep that brain hydrated!). I miss you all, too. I have so much to tell you! Make sure you tell everyone hi for me.

Hilly and I spent an evening out last night. Just the 2 of us. We shopped, had wonderful Vietnamese food with much good conversation and laughter (like 2 teenagers, giggling at everything), and shopped some more. There's a saying that goes like this: It's not what you do, it's who you do it with that counts. Most readers know I detest shopping.

Hilly chose a restaurant (a/c and minimal smoking...no smoking laws here...cough, cough, choke, choke....were my requirements) overlooking the city. We got to watch the traffic, which I may have mentioned, I am completely mesmorized by. Everytime I glanced out the window I gasped....waiting to hear the sounds of pain caused by something or someone crashing into something or someone else. But no. For reasons I cannot explain, it just works. So each time I held my breath or gasped in horror (of what never occured) Hilly would just crack up! She said it took her about a month to get used to the traffic. Well friends, I do not have that luxury.

So...off I head to the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, by way of taxi cab. If I live through the experience, We'll return to WV very late Fri night (after midnight). Air travel is risk-free compared with that of the Vietnamese cab or motorbike ride! But we love the thrill!!

love to all,

Ms. Crum (Lori)

**** Numb.....I, too, will not forget our first dinner out! Such fun!!! Do I owe you money? We'll discuss it tonight over Pho (Vietnamese noodles.....yum!)

**** Janice....I'm in Vietnam!!!!! Have I mentioned THAT little tid-bit??!! This place is WAY cool. Can't wait to see pics of Marissa in prom-gear. love you!

Hilly sends love to all! She'll get back in 'blog-action' once we leave, I'm quite sure.

Yep, I'm here and you're there!

Hello to my beloved students,Mrs. D.R (I was told that using your name left you too 'open'),and whoever else may be reading! Hi Mom, Janice, Robert,Aunt Cay, Syd, and the rest of you....YOU know who you are!,

Jess and I have quite successfully flown halfway around the globe to do what?.....that's right......to hug my Hilly!! And we have been doing quite a bit of that. Ahhhhhhhh. Hugs. The best! But you guys know that, don't you? You have been keeping me extra-hugged since Hilly has been so far away. Thank you. Thank you!

The trip was wonderful! Do the math (remember, we've talked about this...Mrs. D.R. will help you). We loved the flights (and there were several). We saw amazing sights from the air. But the very coolest part was the taxi-ride here from the airport. WOW. Hilly was SO right! They drive EVERYWHERE: the sidewalk (yes, the sidewalk!), thru traffic lights, on the other side of the road heading toward on-coming bikes, motorbikes and people!!, they swerve around trees and old women impersonating walking grocery stores! AMAZING!!!

Last night was Hilly's play! We went to her school. Remember? We looked at it on the website. BIG pool, (Anne took Jess and the big boys to swim this afternoon), cool computers (of course, we now have cool computers at NJE, also). We got to meet all of Hilly's wonderful friends from all over the world! They are so fun and very nice, too. I met her teachers, as well. They say she is real trouble!!! Only kidding. They love her and they tell me that they will be sad when she leaves. The show was great fun and Hilly was so great in her character 'Puck.'

I have just been informed that I have to be ready to leave for the city shortly. This place is so incredible. I will try to write more. But for now I must run.

Remember to do your best job everyday! Know that you are in my thoughts as I view these amazing new sights, sounds, tastes and experiences.

Perhaps one day you will travel the world also!!! There is much to see. Much to learn!!! Different ways of living! Bye for now.

Oh, one more thing: if you have time to journal to me during tesing week Mrs. D.R. will get you set up, if you ask VERY nicely! Don't forget to self-edit and make corrections before asking her to view it before final publishing.

Hilly and I walked in the Ho Chi Minh City rain (a lot so far, the rainy season is just beginning). We get soaking wet and giggle the whole time! Hilly says hi and she likes it when you write.

I have used chopsticks almost the entire time. I'm getting sort of good at it. I thought that would impress you, or make you laugh!!!

Tips for a Long Flight

For all those fantastic people (coughcoughMomandJess) who will be soon embarking on the flight to Viet Nam, I have attempted with relative success to compile a list of tips to make the flight more bearable. Anyone who so desires may of course comment with suggestions of their own!

Hillary
~Bring music!!! Lots and lots of music. It can help you sleep, of pass time. Books on tape work well too. Incidentally, Anansi Boys, which I have not yet read but is by a great author (Neil Gaiman) is sitting, I believe, near my CD player. If you bring that here, I can relieve you of it. Haha, I'd love to listen to it, but you should too. That was a really long run-on. Ooooh well.

Anne
~Toddlers sleep well on the floor. So skip the seat for them. If they sleep well, you will sleep well.

Lonny
~I just like to eat.

*the kid has a point. There is a lot of eating on an airplane. If you are on EVA air, the food is even edible. Haha.

I love flying. Aside from just the feeling of soaring through the clouds, there's also jsut the feeling of complete and total relaxation. You are not expected to do anyhting, to be anywhere, or to rush. Long flights can get dull, but I love it. Bring something you really have been meaning to do, but just never got around to because you have no time. On a plane, you have all the time in the world.


So my trans-continental fliers, get ready! The flight and three days are all that stand between me and your arms!! prepare to be hugged like CRAZY when you arrive, slightly discombobulated (sp?) in Viet Nam. I am SOOOOOOOO excited that you are coming! And that Uncle Stevie and Kevin are here already! WOOHOO!!!!