Cows

Battleship Texas in Houston

That Would Be Nice

The forecast for tonight into tomorrow is 10 to 14 inches of snow.  Now, the weather service says to stay home and only travel tomorrow if you absolutely must do so.   Seems to me, cancelling school tomorrow (doing so tonight) would be the thing to do.  I could sleep in.  I could probably wake up at a decent time and get things accomplished.  I could stay up past 9:30.   It would be nice. 

Monday!

Good morning!

Back!

So, I couldn't tell you that I was leaving for a week without telling ALL the crazies out there that I was leaving for a week, so I will now tell you that I'm back!   I went to Texas where it was warm and cold and buggy at times.  I saw a BMX bike race, turtles, a real Texas ranch, the Battleship Texas, and coolest of all: NASA's Johnson Space Center.  Way cool!  I also got to play with cousins and make new friends.  Good, good time!

Weird Dreams

I've been having weird dreams.   One night, I was riding a bicycle in a car.  Last night, or rather this morning, I was driving a bus across Texas and needed to stop in "Wilco" to eat.  There was a bucket of slaw to scoop from and a HUGE line for sandwiches.  I guess the place was known for it's matchmaking and there were lots of women there with reluctant-looking men (The women were trying to find love for the men.).  Oh my.  I ran into my sister and my choir director and then I dropped my shake on the floor, but it didn't spill.  They asked me how I paid for my school lunch and I said that Teachers got it for free (not true) and they were confused.   Then, I dreamed about having TONS of work to correct and then going out to eat with other teachers.  Weird.  Yep, that's what I remember.

Snow

You know how it always seems to rain right after you wash your car?  Well, in Duluth, people do the same thing throughout the winter with snow.  Friends will apologize on FB for washing their cars, etc.  Well, yesterday, I was IN LINE to get a car wash and it started snowing.  Does that count?  I don't think so.  We can blame the bloke ahead of me! 

I know of many pregnant ladies right now and it makes me want to make a list of names I like, just to help them out!  What names would you put on the list? 

Valentine's Day

I corrected a lot of tests for Valentine's Day and then watched a dumb movie.  Not even a mushy movie that people think is dumb, just a dumb action/parody movie.  Yep.  I live the life!  I hope your day was sweet!

Royalty

A long time ago, I was in charge of the Homecoming coronation at Central.  I would get tons of catalogs for stuff and one day I decided to buy myself a tiara.  It's beautiful and I love it. 

Yesterday, I learned that I get to get a crown now!  Unfortunately, it is of the dental kind and 19 times more expensive.   Oh well. 

Wacky Day

Tomorrow is a big day, a significant day.   1) It's my baby brother's 31st birthday.  2) It's the two-year anniversary of the passing of one of my great friends, Nate.  3) It's Wacky Day at school (meaning wear neon or mismatched clothes).  4) I get to go to the dentist. 

Origami

I saw a video on Yahoo!  about making origami flowers and they're awesome!  I'm not going through another origami phase, I guess!  I made one that might go public tomorrow, we'll see!  I'll keep you posted.

Shoveling

Are you an organized shoveler or a random shoveler?  Do you have very neat little marks when you're done?  Or is it a hodge-podge of lines?  

Usually, I start out organized and then get distracted and go random.   Then, I alternate.  Last night, it snowed a wee little bit and the wind took all of it away from the driveway and sidewalks.  I do believe THAT is my favorite method of snow removal.

Fingers Crossed

Sometimes I feel like I am fighting a cold ALL the time.  Like, I'll have a runny nose and then I'll sleep and be okay, etc.  Well, yesterday, I got a sore throat at the beginning of school.   That's a really hard time for me to try to stop-gap anything.  I can't run to my medicine cabinet, grab vinegar, or even gargle with salt water.   Luckily, a friend had some fake thera-flu stuff that might have helped.  Then, I went home and went to bed at 6 PM.  Yep, wild life.  I woke up this morning with a runny nose and the sore throat (and some stuffiness).  Drank some more vinegar (had some before going to bed) and now I'm hoping it will go away.  Otherwise, more sleep tonight!   Uff.

Calm

You know how when it's a busy week, you wish for calm?  Well, it's a calm week and it's kind of weird.  Knock on wood.   The week is slowly making it's way through the days.  To what?  A calm weekend.  Maybe next week will be fun.

Horsin' Around (in July)

Lent

Lent is in a couple weeks and I'm debating the idea of giving up something for it.  One year, I gave up chocolate.  I only messed up three times.  One year, I added flossing (giving up the comfort of not flossing).  Maybe I should add something fun. 

Random R words

• random
• retch
• rend
• rink
• ring
• rattle
• rate
• rind
• rat
• root
• rob
• raid
• rabble
• rabbit
• repeat
• rope
• rap
• rot
• rip
• ripe
• ripple
• ran
• rain
• rank
• radio
• radius
• rotate
• revolve
• revolution
• reevaluate
• restrain
• reap
• round

No outside REsources were used in the creating of this rather refined list.  Tee hee.

Things to Do Instead of Watching Football

I have most of tomorrow afternoon and evening wide open and I'm trying to think of things to do that would be lovely to do with less people around.  The gym closes around 7:30, so maybe I should hit it around 5 when the sporty people are watching the Super Bowl and eating their weight in nachos.  Sounds like a solid plan. 

I have plans to watch Downton Abbey, of course.  What else would be good?  Wandering Home Depot?  Sporting Equipment stores?  Michael's would be hectic.  hmmmm.....

Downton Abbey

I am now officially obsessed with Downton Abbey!  It's sooooo good.  I started watching the first season two weeks ago and basically watched it in 4 days.  Then,  I caught up on this season on pbs.org.  Now, I'm anxiously awaiting Sunday night (just for the show, not the Super Bowl).  Woo hoo!  

Basement

I need to bundle up and clean my basement this weekend.  I know it's a summer kind of job, something to do to pretend I have central air (hang out in the basement), but it's needed.   Maybe I'll wimp out and try to ignore it.  Maybe I'll put on a couple layers and hack away for a while.  Pretty exciting stuff, eh?

Mystery Guest

We have a speaker today in the afternoon assembly and I don't know what the topic is at all.  I know the lady's name and I googled her, hoping to get a clue as to what would happen, but no dice.  Nothing.  She might be from the UK, but that doesn't really tell me a topic.  I guess I'll have the answer by tonight.

Oh, and Betta update: He's swimming on his own!   I think he missed people or warmth (my house is cold) or teenagers or something.  Woo hoo!   Munch-A-Bunch Lives!   (He likes to eat.)

Graphing

If you were given an equation of a line, could you graph it?  And if yes, what process would you use?

I'm serious.  Some of my kids can't graph and I want to know what process "sticks" longest, if at all.

Dream

I had a dream about Thanksgiving and my Grandma and old cars and a 1920's Theme (Watched Downton Abbey last night).  Then, my cousin stayed home to golf, but we told Grandma he was in the basement (though she went down there and clearly he wasn't there).  Then, an old friend arrived and gave me a big hug.  That was awesome.  Oh, and my family ate Thanksgiving dinner while I napped.  Huh?  How unfair is that?

Off Limits or What?

January has been a pretty unscheduled month for me.  Seriously, I have many nights with nothing required of me.   Wednesday is the first of February and suddenly I have something going on Wed, Thurs, and Saturday.  Don't you think that's weird?   It's like everyone got wiped out from December, took January off, and now we're back with LOTS to do.   It's good, though.

Fish

My Betta has been depressed.  So, I brought it to school and it seems to be reviving from all the attention.  One girl started prodding him to move with a colored pencil and he proved he could still swim, which was good.  Yesterday, he even started eating again!  Woo hoo!   It feels a little weird to not have to worry about a fish in my kitchen, but not weird enough to buy another one for my house!

Super Bowl Predictions

LaRae sent some topics yesterday (She's a middle school English teacher, she's teeming with topics!).  I decided to start with my Super Bowl predictions.  Since I don't know who is playing without googling it, I thought I would predict what that afternoon will be like.  Some people will buy HUGE amounts of food for a Super Bowl party.  Some will attend a party for the game.  Some will attend for the half-time show. Some will attend for the commercials.  Some will attend for the food.  Others, like me will either decline the invitation or not even get invited and will find something else to do. 

I Need Help

Okay, so maybe you've known that for a while, eh?   Actually, I am finding myself with very little to report.  I should look up "Journal Topics" or something and see what they have to offer by way of "things to blog about while you are only sort of awake (i.e. me writing before 6 AM each morning).  Or, I could just ask you for help.  What would you like me to ramble on and on about?  Toothpaste?  Hair color? Pizza toppings?  Foods I think are a good idea, purchase, and then have no idea what to make (think kale)?  The list of books I've started reading and then put back on the shelf?  Help!

Weird Stuff

Some people LOVE rummage sales.   I don't really like knowing where the stuff comes from and I don't like watching people sift through my stuff either.  What I like is a good old-fashioned church rummage sale.  Yes, there is a lot of stuff.  Yes, I don't know where the stuff came from originally.  And yes, there are some WEIRD things there and I can get giddy about finding something weird without hurting anyone's feelings (or at least seeing their reaction)!  It's great.  I don't seek out church rummage sales, but now that I think about it, I should.  Seriously.  Some of my awesome finds:

• a Tigger kids cup with a Tigger figurine in the middle that you can't see until you drink some of the contents
• a holographic scene of some random countryside
• a Ronald McDonald glass 

Sure, they aren't taxidermied monkeys, but it's something.

Vroom

Weeks kinds of go by quickly and some how I don't know how my house gets so messy during the week (okay, I'm too wiped out to clean, but it's always so surprising to me).  So, this week, I would like to request a massive snow storm around 3 AM Friday morning.  Here are the reasons:

• 3 AM isn't early enough for the plows to get out.
• We need snow so the pipes won't freeze and the athletes can find release.
• I have two LONG meetings on Friday and three short classes to cram in between them.
• Everyone loves a three-day weekend.
• My kitchen needs tidying up.

I really do like this plan.  It seems like a win-win-win-win.  So, if you have any sway over Mother Nature, please put in a good word for a blizzard, okay?  Be specific, though.  I've thought through the details.  

Moving Forward With or Without Me

I've had the end of first semester on my mind for so long, it feels weird that it's over and we're starting a new one today.   In some ways, I wish we had more of a break so I could shut down thoughts about first semester and move forward with planning the new one.  Yes, we had one day at school with no kids, but that's not a lot of time.  Of course, some of this could be because I was warm and cozy this morning and did not want to face the day.  Oh well.   Onward and Upward, right?

Snape

If you've ever watched Harry Potter, you'll know that Professor Snape has an extremely impressive presence in his classroom.  He swooshes in with his long black robe flying behind him, a sneer on his face.  He's Scary with a capital S.  Tomorrow is the start of a new semester and my very first class of the day is a "Do Over" of a class that is essentially Algebra 1.   Every kid in the class has failed it before.  Every kid.  Now, maybe this will be a wake up call and maybe they will try to slack through it.  I don't know.  But I bet Snape would keep them in line.

Teeth

I think I broke or chipped a tooth yesterday.  My back left tooth has been weird lately.  I was able to fiddle with it using my tongue and make a clicking sound.  It was kind of fun and good for an OCD fidgeter like me. 

The dentist couldn't find anything last summer, but I knew something was weird.   So, yesterday, I was enjoying lunch out as teachers do on the ONE day they don't have kids during the year.  We went to T-Bonz which is a darkly-lit bar and had a yummy veggie wrap.  No one had beer, though many people wanted it.  Well, there were a really weird CRUNCHY veggie in the wrap, but I just blew it off. 

Then, the same CRUNCHY "veggie" was in my cheese, Miracle Whip, mustard, and pepper sandwich last night.  Um.... bad news.  So, I found a little tiny chip that I saved.   For now, my tooth doesn't hurt, so I'm going to wait for my next dentist appointment in mid-February and see if it's fine the way it is.   Unless it starts hurting, why go in...

Ah, Bloodwork.

I have a doctor's appointment today and I need to be fasting for the blood work.  This is the WORST part about going to the doctor.  I'm so worried I'm going to eat something without thinking!  Then, I plot and plan how to get breakfast before rushing to work.  Today, I believe it will be Cold Fusion. 

Half-Way There

Today marks the half-way point for students this year.   They have tomorrow off; teachers have tomorrow to do records (and go out to lunch for once!).  The hard part about semester time is that not only are there finals to grade, but rescheduling needs to happen for the next semester.  We have to make sure kids are placed correctly and that takes a lot of time and effort.  A lot!  Our counselors deserve a medal and maybe a week off.  

Plants

I have a really long counter in the back of my room and I don't have anything much sitting on it aside from some pictures leaning against the wall.  I'm thinking of getting quite a few plants to put back there to create extra oxygen and connect us to the plant world.  I just need to get organized and figure out how many to get.   I wonder where I can put them during the summer (my house is full of plants already).

Book

I read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green this weekend.  It's about teenagers who have cancer.  It was so funny, smart, and sad.  There were surprises and heart-break.   It's a Young Adult book, but great for Not-So-Young Adults too!  I would definitely recommend it.

Trigger Endorphins

I was told yesterday to work on getting more endorphins in my life.   I relate that to a runner's high, I guess.  So, I started researching ways to trigger endorphins.  I suppose that old saying about "natural highs" that went around on email in the mid-90's would work.

Sleep

Friday night, I decided not to set my alarm.  I got up at noon yesterday.  I went to bed at 11 and woke up at 3 AM.  I read for a while and then got up and cleaned.   I went back to bed around 4, maybe and slept until 7.  I hope this is enough sleep to get me through the day without a nap.  If I must, though, I will.   That's what open weekend are for, right?

Puzzles

I like cryptoquips and Sudoku.  I also like word-based board games.  Are there any new ones out that you would recommend?

Random

My mind is kind of racing with all sorts of things this morning.   I'm thinking about the play I went to last Tuesday and the one I'm going to next month.  I'm thinking about my stress level and how I'm having all sorts of new pains, mostly stress-related.  I'm thinking about my department meeting this morning and how thankful I am that it's Friday.  I'm thinking about the fabric I bought to finish a quilt top that I bought in October.  I'm thinking about the tests I didn't finish correcting and my friends' texts.  I'm thinking about friends having babies and friends not having babies.  I'm thinking about what to do Monday to relax AND celebrate MLK Jr. Day.  I'm thinking about friends who just suffered major losses and how heartbreaking it is.

Plays

I really like going to plays.  Last night, I saw Spamalot!   In February, I'm going to Avenue Q.  In December, I saw The Sound of Music.  I've seen so many plays, I don't even know if I could list even half of them.  Here are a few:

• Wicked (twice)
• Les Miserable (twice)
• Phantom of the Opera (twice)
• The Tempest
• Our Town
• Children of a Lesser God
• Godspell
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Twice)
• Wit
• Rent
• The Fantastiks
• Beauty and the Beast
• Guys and Dolls (twice)
• Sweet Charity
• Avenue Q

I'm sure there are at least 20 more that I'm not thinking of right now.  Love plays!

So Much to Read

There are so many awesome books coming my way right now that I hardly know where to start and what to read.  At some point, I need to focus on one book and finish it.  The problem is that they are different genres and sometimes I feel like reading light fiction, sometimes intense fiction, sometimes self-help, and on occasion work-related psychology stuff. 

I think I'm getting The Fault in Their Stars by John Green today.  It's autographed.  I'm psyched!!!!!

Vacation

I've been back to school for 5 days now and I'm ready for a vacation.  I think there is something in the air system or maybe it's just end-of-semester stress, but I'm super tense and have migraines every so often, which I don't usually get unless I go to extreme altitudes.   So annoying and so weird!  Make it stop!  I actually considered going to one of those "get a massage in the chair in the middle of the mall where any ol' person can see you" places.  I still might after school!

Boring Request

Dear Powers of the Universe,
Please let this be a boring week at school.  By boring, I mean no fire drills due to construction (or fire or hooligans), no random assemblies, no fights or major disruptions, and no major outbreaks of flu or mono or broken bones.  It's the last full week before finals and we could all use all the help we can get to focus on the tasks ahead.

Thanks!
Becca

Wordlessness

I'm reading Martha Beck's new book Finding Your Way in a Wild New World and it's fascinating!   Right now, it's talking about wordlessness and how to stop the verbal part of your brain.  Essentially, to me, it's like stopping the constant conversation I have with myself in my head.  It's super weird and interesting and eye-opening.  If you decide to read the book, let me know so we can discuss!

Silly

Silly Things You Could Do to Brighten Your Day

• Mismatch your clothes
• Paint your finger nails a weird color.
• Shake up what you normally have for lunch
• Pick a word to say a lot today and see if anyone notices and says something about it.
• Start the day with a Laughing Circle video off YouTube and join in.
• Buy yourself a plant or flowers.

Columbians

A group of students from Columbia are visiting our school this week and today they are going to perform at an assembly.  The kids are shadowing students to their classes and I had four of them yesterday.  It's pretty cool.

Stored Happiness

Have you ever memorized a moment?  When I was on a whale watch in Massachusetts about 10 years ago, I memorized what it felt like to have the sun on my face, the ocean beneath me, whale surrounding me, and the breeze going through my hair.  It was amazing! 

Right now, I miss flowers.  Bright, spring colors with green grass beneath them.  For now, my memories will have to suffice and the knowledge that the flowers will be back will have to get me through the dark, cold winter.

Finals are Coming!

How do I get my students to start planning/worrying/studying for their finals without getting myself in a tizzy too?  For example, there won't be a ton of time to review for these kiddos.  The panic is partly because I had to back track in one class (they ALL failed a quiz) and partly because this last grading period is VERY short.  What to do?  What to do?   I guess I just start in on reminding them and go from there.  Uff.

Gooseberry Falls 12/30/11

Advice

What if we stopped listening to so much advice and just started living instead?  We know the answers to many of our questions.  How do I lose weight?  Eat less, exercise more.  How do I improve my relationships?  Focus on people instead of your phone, Facebook, your iPod, etc.  How do I get rich quick?  You don't, not without losing your integrity.  How do I reduce my stress levels?  Breathe.  Laugh. Look for good.  Help others.

It's not rocket science.  So, if I took all the time I spend reading advice and getting that 1 trick to a flat belly and put it to some good, cheerful use, what could happen?  Anything.

Also, dear media, if you are going to market tons of junk food and lazy living only to then market ways to lose weight (usually quickly and without doing anything), could you just find something productive to do instead?  I'm sick of it.

Quiet

I tried to be all cool and stay out late on New Year's Eve.  Okay, maybe later than 8:30, but the rain turned ice turned snow forced the sensible part of my brain to make the rest of me go home early.   So, here I am, safe, sound, and sleepy in my cozy home.  Time to curl up with a book and fall asleep early.  Why not? 

So long, 2011!

New New New

I decided to try Facebook Timeline today and it's actually kind of cool.  I also decided to try a new blogspot format, but I don't know if you'll even be able to tell a difference (it might just be for the writer).  Any way, for some reason, I'm in the mood for new things.  I guess that's a good thing, right? 

What will you do that's new in 2012?

John Adams

I watched the first two parts of the John Adams miniseries last night.  What struck me, aside from my lack of remembering much from 8th grade American History class, sorry Miss Hoff, was how much John relied on his wife Abigail.  It was so cool to see how well they got along and how much they loved and respected each other.  That's not very common in movies these days.  The only other movie I can think of like that is Date Night. 

I'm hoping to get the next installment in the mail this weekend!

Wrong Season, Right Idea

Up

Well, I woke up WAY early this morning, like before 4 AM.  Boo!   So, by 5, I decided to get out of bed and clean.  As long as I'm awake, I might as well be productive.  I'm in a clean and sort kind of mood again today and it's nice to get some stuff done that I've been "overlooking" for a long time.  If I were brilliant, I would bring in a few empty boxes to fill for rummage. 

I'm pretty sure other people are in this mode or the stores wouldn't be selling lots of "storage" and "organizing" stuff right now.  Stow this.  Hide that.  Etc.  It's all very alluring.  The Container Store is way too much fun.  Good thing the closest one is 2 hours away.

On to the Relaxing!!!

Christmas is not relaxing.  Christmas is hard work.  Either, there is a lot of food to help cook or lots of things that need cleaning up or whatever.  Either way, I came home last night and slept for 12 hours.  Yes, 12.  I would have slept more, but my mom called and woke me up.  After chatting for 20 minutes, she said she should let me go back to sleep.  I just laughed, because of course I couldn't go back to sleep after talking.  Plus, I was dreaming of diet Cherry Coke, which I should not have (and don't have in the house).   So.... once I get moving in full swing, there might be a trip to the grocery store in my future.  Big plans!

My Arm

My arm is on the front page of the local news section of the Duluth News Tribune today.  If you look to the far left, you will see a black coat sleeve with a pink mitten.  That's me!!!!  My mom and I went to a vigil on the steps of City Hall yesterday.  The vigil was for the homeless in Duluth and it happens every Christmas Eve at noon.  CHUM collects blankets, mittens, hats, and monetary donations for the poor.   There is carol singing, prayers, soloists, poetry, and then a reading of all of the homeless who died in Duluth over the past year.  Signs with names of the people are passed to members of the crowd and they go up front when their person's name is read.  I held the sign for Nicole W, 37.  I don't know anything else about her. 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Coupons

I have a huge pile of coupons and deals for stores that expire tomorrow.  The thrift in me wants to go use them up, but the part of me that knows I have everything I need tells me to stay away from stores today.   Seriously.  Who in their right mind is going shopping today? 

Well, actually, do you think there will be single men shopping?  I could offer my assistance...

It's Here!

The last day of school before break is here!!!  We're all really excited!  We have an assembly this morning (band, orchestra, and choir concert) and then regular classes after school.  Then....relax!  Well, that's at least what I'M going to do.

A few kids were talking about not coming to school today.  Then, I mentioned that some people will be handing out treats (not me) and they changed their tune. hmmmm....

Hustle and Bustle

So, we prepare and prepare and by December 26th things are a little more chill.   But then what?  Are you saving enough energy for AFTER Christmas?  Will you relax?  Will you relax so much that you get sick from being so stressed and then crash too quickly?  Maybe you aren't stressed right now? 

May you be chill right now and enjoy the moment.

Good Question

I've been asking people if they're going anywhere for Christmas, just to liven up an antsy kind of week.  Everyone needs a vacation in a bad way and thinking about traveling, even if it's someone else's trip, makes me happy.  So, I ask.  So far, not many trips, except to Wisconsin, which can be pretty wild and crazy!

Where are you going over break?

Well, Weird

So, the stupid plumbing is still not working in my house.  At least not working well.  What a drag.  Time to call in the professionals, AGAIN.  Then, switch back the low-flow toilet.  It's ridiculous.  The plumbing company said HALF of their jobs are from low-flow toilets.  That's just plain crazy!!!

My House Hates Me

Plumbing issues again.  For the second time in one month.  BOOOOO!!!!!!  Not time to blog.  Must clean up.  Uff.

Rachel's Challenge

Both high schools in Duluth had a presentation yesterday called Rachel's Challenge.  Rachel Scott was the first person to be killed at the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.  Since then, millions of people have heard her story and some of her ideas about ways to make a difference in the world.  She had 5 main ideas in her code of ethics.  It's all right here at Rachel's Challenge. 

I spent a good part of the school day crying yesterday, which is not my favorite thing, but I'm hoping that it will change the culture of our school and make a positive impact. 

Homework

I hate feeling swamped with homework.  I can't just let things sit without feeling tons of pressure (from mainly myself) to get it done.  So, I spent hours last night and an hour this morning (from 5 to 6) correcting.  It's not even done, but I feel better.  Oy! 

Maybe I can even goof off this weekend!

Sewing

It's about this time of year that I feel like plunking in a movie and sewing some fleece blankets.  This year, I have some fabric that I'd like to make into a skirt.  I just need to investigate patterns and con my mom into re-teaching me what I learned in 7th grade sewing class.  That was only 25 years ago, so it shouldn't be to hard to remember (ha ha)!

Dear Wednesday,

Dear Wednesday,
Thanks for being here today.  I'm wondering if your morning and afternoon could fly by quickly so I can get on with my goofing off tonight and get one step closer to the weekend.  I know it's a lot to ask on such short notice, but I have faith in you.  You can do it!!!

Thank you so much,
  Becca

Grown-Up Advent Calendar

I bought myself some yummy Belgian chocolates the other day and I know how compulsive I am with sweets, so I decided to call it my Advent calendar.  One chocolate a day and it'll take me past Christmas.  So far, they have all been amazing and I've only had one per day.  Whew. 

When I was growing up, Santa brought candy cane tubes of fake M&M's for our stockings.  I wonder if those still exist.  I don't recommend them, just wonder.  Okay, enough random chocolate talk.

Enough, Please

I'm getting tired of multiple emails from the same 6 stores who convinced me to give them my email so I could get an initial deal of some sort.   I like getting some of the coupons, once a week, throughout the year, but one or more emails PER DAY from the same store is getting annoying.   No one needs to go to Michael's every day unless they are extremely unorganized.  Uff.  So, delete, delete, delete!

I'm hoping January will be more peaceful.

9 Days

We have 9 days of school left before break.  One of my students is gone this week for a vacation.  He actually asked if he had to make up the work he's going to miss.  "Come on, it's called a vacation."   Um, yes.  IN TWO WEEKS you get a vacation.  If you go when there is school, you have homework.  Argh! 

Oh well.

I'm Tense.

Okay, you know you're a tense person when you're getting a massage and mention that maybe you could buy a heating pad to help with your tense back and she says "Or a jackhammer."  Uff.  hmmmm... what would be a blunt way to create a jackhammer effect besides getting daily massages?  hmmmm...  something to ponder.  Or, I could try to learn how to not hold my stress in my back.  

Good Movie

Sometimes my Netflix queue gets neglected and I end up with some random movie that I put in the queue on a  whim a long time ago and then forgot to move anything more urgent into the first spot on the list.  So, I end up with a movie in my house that I might not be hyper to see at the time.

Last week it was a 3-hour foreign film that I just didn't have time for and sent back immediately.  Last night, I opened the movie, another foreign film, and decided to at least try it.  It was 2 hours and 45 minutes long and awesome!  It's called Like Stars on Earth and it's about a kid with a learning disability in India.  It was a vibrant movie with music and art and lots of sweet moments.  I would definitely recommend it.

Birthdays

My friend Nate should  have turned 38 today.  He died a year and a half ago, suddenly.  The loss still has the ability to make me sob on a dime.  He was friends with everyone.  He was super smart.  He was silly and adventurous and rational.  He REFUSED to help me meet Zach Braff, whom he had ONE degree of separation from (oh so close!).  He and his wife showed me around Paris.  He was always about gathering people together.  And I miss him.

Where ever you are Nate, I hope they have amazing French pastry!

Vocabulary

Our ninth graders are going to a Respect Retreat this week.  Half of the class will go Thursday and the other half will go on Friday.  They will walk across to the parking lot and have the retreat in the basement of the neighboring church.  It's a non-religious thing, just held off-campus, in what happens to be a church. 

I had a kid ask me why it was at a church and then said "I'm not even a polyhedrian."  I replied with, "Do you mean a Presbyterian?"  "Yeah."   TOO FUNNY.   If you don't know, a "polyhedron" is a many sided three-dimensional object.  Ah, ninth graders!

Uproar

It's the third grading period and the Algebra Lab teachers are switching things up for it!  We're adding practice questions from the beginning of the year and I'm being more intentional about the hour.   Well, this didn't go over so well with the ol' students.  In fact, they signed a petition (all but two of them) to get rid of the worksheets.  HA!  What they don't think about is that this is not a democratic classroom.  It's a dictatorship!  HA!  So, we will do the worksheets and they will learn and it'll be good for all of us.  (One side benefit is that when they hate the worksheets they come together to hate me instead of hating each other all hour!)

Blue Christmas

My church has a Blue Christmas service for people who don't find Christmas to be entirely happiness and light.  Maybe it reminds us of a loved one who is gone or that we are alone or whatever.  For me, I feel a slight urge to go, but almost feel like I don't deserve to be blue.  I should be grateful for what I have and happy that even though I've lost people in my life, at least they were there for a time.  Maybe I need a Light Blue Christmas? 

For those of you gone, know that I'm thinking of you and for those of you yet to arrive, know that I'm thinking of you too (and hop to it, already!  There is fun to be had!).