Amelia: Warrior, Mouse-slayer

I never could suspend my belief enough to enjoy (or watch) Ratatouille because two years ago we had mice in our kitchen. It was horrible. I can't even pretend that mice in the kitchen is a cute storyline because I remember the 5 we caught in about a week. We plugged all the holes we found with tin foil (they can't eat through it) and put out a lot of sticky traps. We never had anymore that year, and then we moved to a new place thinking our problem would be over forever (at least hoping it would be).

On Sunday, we discovered some holes in the bread bag sitting on the counter. Terror raced through us again. Again, it was horrible and yucky! We moved appliances and found small dark drops of doom along the wall behind the stove and fridge. So, we plugged holes and put out more traps. The next morning two were caught. Now, the nice thing about sticky traps is that the mice attempt to run across them and get caught (usually quickly). The bad thing is that then they need to be killed (so as not to prolong their pain, which might seem a little like an oxymoron since the entire premise is their death, but we do it nonetheless).

Well, here is where my title comes in. Amelia is kind and brave enough to do the deed once they have been caught. I won't go into details, but I am really glad she is willing to do it. Hopefully, we won't have anymore and luckily I am moving to the sixth floor of a complex. And no, I will not be watching Ratatouille anytime in the future--or ever.

Dead Poet's Society

I love that there are some movies that always inspire me when I watch them. Even before I became an English teacher, I loved Dead Poet's Society. Now, it means even more to me. I show a clip in my literature class when I introduce the Poetry unit: the one when Mr. Keating has the students rip out the introduction. I am surprised that more and more of students haven't seen the entire movie.

The first time I ever watched it, I sobbed at the end. It was so beautifully tragic. I have to admit that I still sob when I watch the ending--I can't help it.

If you haven't seen it in a while, take some time to watch it. You won't regret it.

BYU and Modernism

The Museum of Art at BYU has a new exhibit that is quite different from its usual art: modernism.

It is Turning Point: The Demise of Modernism and the Rebirth of Meaning in American Art.

It has minimalist art and also installation art. It is refreshing and an interesting exhibit. If you are in the area, you should check it out. There is also a new addition to the permanent Religious Art: The Annunciation. It is lovely.