Freshman English: Creative Uses for Chalk

Google image

1. writing implements – blackboard lessons, dark paper drawings, sidewalk art

2.  in food – to get bugs out, in place of sugar in your tea, in your siblings potatoes

3. scientifically – experimenting with different chemicals and elements

4. cosmetically – space of a missing tooth, make-up for Halloween, hair dye

image by: littlepinkmonster.com

5. as a toy – juggling object, as a doll with family and home

6. marker – clothes for yard sale, what page you are on in a book, in place of white-out

7. as a gift – teacher for class, friends, maybe a famous artist

8. throw it – as defense, a new game, in place of rice at wedding exit ceremony

internet meme

9. helpful tool – plug a hole, fill a crack, door wedge, a model

10. jewelry – necklace at the beach, bracelet on a rainy day

11. medical aid – stop a bloody nose, a finger splint

Did I miss any? What things have you found to have more than one use for?

Posted in Art, Education, Entertainment, Things | Tagged , | Leave a comment

My Paternal Grandfather

Jessica with my grandfather John Wise Sr and my dad John Wise Jr

This is the only photo of me and my paternal grandfather – John Michael Wise Sr. This was the first, and the last time I would see him. I was on summer vacation from school, 9 years old, and on my first visit with my dad since I last saw him in Germany. Dad moved back to America, to Arizona specifically, the previous April. After getting situated, he and Caroline invited me over for a short vacation.

The first stop was Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Next, was Knott’s Berry Farm, you can see I’m wearing the Hammerhead t-shirt; that ride is now gone. Before heading south to the San Diego Zoo, we stopped in the city of Ontario to visit my grandfather. Diabetes and heart disease were taking their toll on him with subsequent bouts of illness making it difficult for him to enjoy having visitors. He passed away on February 1st, 2003, the same day the Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.

Our next stop was the San Diego Zoo; this day wasn’t going to work out all that great. After our visit to the zoo we drove across the border of Mexico to Rosarito. Dad and Caroline were interested in this village on the ocean, as rumor had it that a new James Cameron film about the Titanic was going to be filmed here. We had dinner overlooking the ocean and then headed back to San Diego for our hotel. Except we never made it to that hotel.

Upon ‘trying’ to cross the border, it was determined that Caroline’s immigration status didn’t allow her to leave the United States – Mexico is not in the United States. Tears and frustration didn’t solve the problem. Before we left Caroline in Mexico, we went back to the U.S. for some shopping to make sure she was well stocked with food in a room at the Tijuana Holiday Inn. Dad and I drove back to Arizona to figure out how he would resolve the dilemma and my first time seeing my dad in 6 years was cut short.

As for Caroline, some good luck and some well-connected friends helped fix the problem and before the week was out, she was on a plane flying back to Arizona.

Posted in Family, Places, Travel | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

My Fatherness!

This is my father, John Wise, in the summer of 1989 – the year he abandoned me and my mother and adopted a beard.

Posted in Family, Places | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The 3 faces of Jessica

The three faces of Jessica Nicole Wise - See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. This was how I started my second year of life. Well at least they used a banana instead of a ball-gag.

Posted in Family, Places | Tagged , | Leave a comment

26 Minutes Old

Mom and daughter 26 minutes after Jessica Nicole Wise was born in Wiesbaden, Germany

Well here I am, eyes open and ready to go. Mom’s contractions began earlier in the day before lunch. By 1:00 p.m. she still had a smile on her face, but by 10:00 p.m. she was holding on fast to the bed frame as my arrival demanded her concentration and a lot of focused breathing. It would not be until we started to approach the midnight hour that nature would decide that it was time for me to make my appearance. My stunning beauty and adorable cuteness pushed mom and dad both to tears, though they insist it was the moment of recognition that this little baby just became a reality. Awww.

Posted in Birthday, Family, Places | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment