English Language 101

In today's lesson, we will be discussing the following word...

oxy·mo·ron (äk′si môr′än′) - a figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined

Several examples of OXYMORONS are: loosely packed, sweet sorrow, pretty ugly, original copy, black light, live recording, deafening silence, etc.

For now, let's FOCUS on the oxymoron phrase: "Spring Break"

If we take a look at the EXACT meaning of each word...

spring (spriŋ) - that season of the year in which plants begin to grow after lying dormant all winter

break (brāk) - to stop activity temporarily

... we therefore CANNOT fault Mother Nature for her LITERAL interpretation of the phrase this year.

In the PAST we have ASSUMED the phrase "Spring Break" to mean: a week long vacation spent ENJOYING the warmth of the sun INSTEAD of laboring at work or school in dreary winter weather.

BUT, with special thanks to Mother Nature, our UNDERSTANDING of the English language has been corrected and next year...

We will be better PREPARED for "Spring Break."

Enjoy these oxymoron PHOTOS entitled:

"Mother Nature's Spring Break"

Good Morning, Spring Break!!

Goodbye, Spring Break!!


It was a little hard to leave for Bryce Canyon

with a tree on top of our 4 wheeling trailer.


The trees were completely covered in wet, heavy snow.

The tulips were straining to keep above the snow.

Thankfully, most of the snow had melted by the next day.

We spent the first day cutting up the tree that fell on the trailer.

And THEN...

Now you see a leaning tree...

... AND now you don't!

Over the NEXT several days,

while Kelly, Ryan & Brock PACKED up the fallen trees,

Kelsie & Emilee helped me UNPACK...

6 suitcases, sleeping bags, a basket of food,

four wheeling helmets, and a bucket of winter clothing

(all of which had been packed the day before.)

Oh, Spring Break 2009, we will NEVER forget you!!

Next English Language Lesson Topic:

co·inci·dence - occurring at the same time

QUESTION: Was it a COINCIDENCE that Mother Nature chose to BREAK our Spring on the same day (April 15th) that the

U.S. Government annually BREAKS our bank accounts?