Final Slice - SOLC 31

I made it. I can't believe I was able to write everyday for an entire month and post it on a blog for the world to see. Feeling very proud of myself right about now.

A year ago...
A year ago today I was going insane trying to finish up my IEP paperwork prior to spring break and making final plans for my wedding in two days. What was I thinking! It was the craziest of times. I was freaking out and wouldn't have been able to pull it off without my mom. She was the best wedding planner ever. My friends and sisters were also so helpful. They did all the decorating while I panicked about work. I don't know what I would do without them. I am so glad it is a year later and I am sitting here relaxing and writing on a blog I never thought I would have. This is so much better than the stressing of last year.

Thank you for sharing the slices of my life all month. It has been a blast.

Can I do it? - SOLC 30

I am not doing anything for spring break this year.  My husband has to work so we are staying home. I decided I needed to challenge myself to read some of the many books in my classroom library that I still haven't read yet.  When I first started teaching I promised myself I would read every book that I bought for my classroom.  I did pretty well at first but now with about 1,000 books in my library, I have seriously fallen behind.  So, I decided to bring home a few of the books and see if I could get them all read before going back to school next week. I brought home six books.  I have been reading Mockingjay for quite a while.  One of my fourth graders is reading Catching Fire and I challenged her to finish it and read Mockingjay before the end of break.  Then we could talk about it when we get back to school.  I definitely have to finish that one.  The other 5 books I brought home are: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, Confessions from the Principal's Chair, The Teacher's Funeral, Fish, and Falling In.  I will keep you posted on my progress.

 

 

Firefly - SOLC 29

Obsession.  Firefly is one of my obsessions.  It is an amazing TV show that was so stupidly cancelled after only twelve episodes.  They still had three other episodes finished that they never aired.  It is such a shame and I mourned its loss.  Fans of the show effortlessly attempted to get the show moved to another network but it didn't happen.  The fans did put up enough of a fuss to get a movie out of it.  Now, the short series with the unaired episodes is on DVD for my continued enjoyment.  The movie inspired by the series is also on DVD.  

The series portrayed an outlawed crew flying through space continuing to rebel against the Alliance.  This was the superpower control group that governed the Allied Planets.  There were nine crewmen on the "Serenity" which was the name of the firefly class ship that was home to the crew.  The world was created with the premise that China and the United States were the last to controlling nations so therefor everyone in the future worlds spoke a mix of English and Chinese.  This of course made for some hilarious moments on the show.  

The humor mixed into the future worlds that were sometimes stuck in the past made for a great show where anything could happen and it often did.  A friend got me addicted and I got my family addicted and now I encourage you to check it out.  Even Dr. Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory liked the show.  :D

Enjoy some of my favorite quotes from the Series and Movie.  

Mal: "Someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill 'em right back!"

Wash: "Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"

Mal to Jayne: "Well, my time of not taking you seriously is coming to a middle."

Jayne: "You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with 'til ya understand who's in ruttin' command here." 

Busy Nothings - SOLC 28

If you know me, even a little, you soon realize my love of all things Jane Austen.  She was a great writer.  I love everything having to do with her books.  I have at least two copies of all of her books, some even more than that.  I try and read them at least once a year.  Well, at least Pride and Prejudice, my favorite of her books.  When I find something involving her, her books, or that era I cannot help but purchase it.  I am obsessed.  


I needed a little inspiration today for my writing.  I went to my favorite author and found this quote.  


Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings. 
Jane Austen 


I thought this was so appropriate.  It sums up the last few days so well.  Many, many things have happened but when it comes to slicing about one of them, those happenings really are busy nothings.  Life is funny that way.  You can fill an entire day and at the end of it nothing really happened.  I think I prefer it to the extraordinary or horrid things that I could experience.  Jane Austen wrote it best.  


There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.
Jane Austen


Amen, sister!  

What to do now?!?! - SOLC 27

I have read several other blogs from the SOLC in the last couple of days that question what will happen to all the blogs they have enjoyed reading after the completion of the challenge.  I also wonder what will happen.  Will I still be able to find some of my favorites?  Will they continue to post on a regular basis?  What should I do with my blog after the challenge is complete?   I will be selfish and state that I will miss getting daily comments about my writing.  I live for the email that tells me someone has commented on my blog.  Oh well, I have to find ways to keep it going for me and not just the comments I might receive to boost my spirits on a daily basis.  :)

Here are some thought on what I can do to keep my blog going, even if its only for myself.
1.  I could continue to take part in the Tuesday SOLC through the rest of the year.
2.  I could post memories with pictures for my future self and family.
3.  I could take part in the 365 photography challenge starting next year and post it on my blog.
4.  I could start compiling all my classroom knowledge on special needs and share it on my blog.
5.  I could search for other blog challenges and try to get in on those.  I love a good challenge.
6.  I could find a way to use my blog in the classroom more.

Little Kitty - SOLC 26

Be warned, this is a very sad story.

This weekend as my husband and I were cleaning out our back rooms and moving everything to the garage for storage, we found a kitten.  Normally, I detest cats but this little kitten was adorable.  She was all grey except for her little paws which were bright white.  She ran into our garage. I was put in charge of getting her out.  It took quiet a while for me to coax her out from behind boxes and furniture.  I doubt she had much if any human contact before now.She meowed a lot, sniffed my hand, and finally agreed to come closer.  I picked her up.  I quickly put her back down outside the garage when I felt her clawing my hand.  The dog was outside, so she hissed and quickly scurried away.  The cat was no longer my concern and I put her out of my mind. Until this morning when I saw her again.

She was lying in the middle of the road, dead.  She was easily recognizable by her bright white paws.  I couldn't believe it.  I never thought that might be her fate.  Sadly, I didn't think about her at all.  After seeing her this morning, she has ever been on my mind.  Should I have done something other than just let her go?  Should I have taken her in?  Should I have let my garage be her home?  Should I have found some one to take her?  All these questions swirling around in my brain making me doubt my former detest for cats.  They deserve to be loved.  They  deserve to have a family.  The cute little kitten won't have that chance.  So sad!

Long Week List - SOLC 25

The week before spring break is going to be a long one.  Here is the list that is constantly running through my head of all the things I need to do, both professionally and personally.  

Monday 

- 4 IEP case conferences

- Crochet Club

- Start painting the trim in the rooms that will be getting new carpet.

- Blog :)  

Tuesday 

- 7 IEP case conferences 

- Finish painting

- Blog

Wednesday 

- 6 IEP case conferences

- ACT committee meeting

- Begin putting bedrooms back together. (At least the bed.)

- Blog

Thursday (semi normal day)

- One case conference 

- Blog

Friday 

- One case conference 

- Shut down room for spring break week. 

- Get Petunia ready to come home with me. (My classroom guinea pig.)

- Blog

Saturday 

- Finish putting the house together. 

- Anniversary dinner with parents. 

- Pack for anniversary get away. 

- Blog 

I hope I make it through the coming week without taking my stress out on my husband.  We shall see.  :D 

I found it!!! - SOLC 24

I found it.  After a year of morning its loss, I found my beloved necklace.  This used to be the only piece of jewelry I ever wore.  It was from my daddy.  The chain was the only jewelry he ever bought me. Well, that and an adorable cow charm for it.  This started a tradition in buying charms for my necklace for all special occasions.  I have a cross, cow, white rabbit, Eiffel Tower, London Tower Bridge, Tinker Bell, and class of 99 senior charm.  At one time, in my cool high school years, I wore several charms at one time.  Then I realized how goofy and heavy that was and just changed the charm regularly.  The last time I remember having it the Tinker Bell charm was on the chain.  It was lost it for an entire year!

We were moving furniture out of the bedroom so we could take up the old carpet and prepare for the carpet guy who would be coming this week with the new carpet.  We started to roll up the old carpet as we tore it from the floor and there it was!  I was so excited. It was a miracle that I was on that side of the room.  My husband is not that observant.  It could have ended up in the trash with the carpet.

 I immediately sent a picture message to my parents.  I have been bugging my dad to buy me a new chain since I lost mine.  I let him know he was off the hook.  They were glad I had found it as well.  It needs a little jewelry cleaner after being lost on the floor for so long but it will be good as new soon.  I will be wearing it all of next week just because I missed it that much!

This is the picture I sent soon after I found it! 

IEP Woes - SOLC 23

Here are some silly little couplets that describe my day today as I was working on IEP's.

The documents reach up to the sky.
Oh, how I wish I could die.

One IEP complete.
It is so, so sweet.

The day drags on so slow.
Why can't I get into a  flow?

I am finally half way done.
Too bad I can't bask in the sun.

Only a few more to go.
I suddenly don't feel so low.

A message about closing the IEP site!!!
It gives my heart such a fright.

Now, I am rearranging my plan.
I am not a big fan.

It better be a fast update.
Or my paper work will be done late.

Taking a forced break.
Oh, for goodness sake!

ghost stories - SOLC 22

I am the biggest chicken ever.  Although I am scared of pretty much everything, I don't believe in ghosts and all that hoopla.  So, I have no idea what possessed me to tune in to Celebrity Ghost Stories on my TV when I got home from school this afternoon.  I was enraptured by their stories of ghosts in Hollywood.  The program did a pretty good job of adding suspense and spook with their flashing scenes and scary music.  Again, I don't believe in ghosts! My imagination though is a bit uncertain.  This is why I will lie awake tonight while my imagination turns every outside sound into a ghost.  :(  Boo Hoo!!!

David Catrow - SOLC 21

I love David Catrow's work.  He illustrates and sometimes even writes the most wonderful stories.  Every time I find a book that he illustrates, I must buy it.  I enjoy the characters and colors he creates.  You just can't help smiling or laughing out loud with every turn of the page.

My first experience with his work was the book Take Me Out of the Bath Tub written Alan Katz.  David Catrow illustrated the book.  It was full of poems set to familiar children's songs.  I had a student that loved me to sing the book to him all the time.  He didn't even mind my rather interesting singing voice.

One of my favorite picture books is I Like Myself.  It was written by Karen Beaumont.  David Catrow illustrated the book.  "I like myself.  I'm glad I'm me.  There's no one else I'd rather be."  These words are made even more powerful, in my opinion, because of the way it was illustrted with an awkward looking yet adorable girl at the center.  The book teaches self-esteem and I love reading it aloud to my students every year, even though I am sure the middle school students don't have the appreciation for it that I do.

Impossible Things - SOLC 20

"I can't believe that!" said Alice.

"Can't you?" the queen said in a pitying tone. "Try again, draw a long breath, and shut your eyes."

Alice laughed. "There's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Lewis Carroll

Six Impossible Things I believe before breakfast...

1.  Ever child in my classroom was given a good breakfast.

2.  Every child was given a kiss or a fond farewell on their way to school. 

3.  Everyone has a thirst for knowledge.

4.  Everyone in my classroom will get along today.

5.  No one will treat their peers with unkind words or actions. 

6.  Everyone will become successful adults that shape the next generation even better than I am attempting to do in six hours, five days week.  

Oh, how I long for the impossible.  

Oh the noise, noise, noise! - SOLC 19

Today was truly a case of loud, louder, loudest.  As the day dragged slowly on, the noise increased at a rapid rate.  By the end of the day I felt like the Grinch.  I was even beginning to act like the Grinch.  The morning started out fine.  It was a typical Monday morning.  Everyone was sleepy and just going through the motions.   The clock ticked ten and the kids got loud.  Then it was lunch and the kids got louder.  Then it was the two and the kids were the loudest.  My head was pounding and my mouth was shouting.  The poor kids.  I know they are starting to get the spring break jitters and the weather is making them giddy.  I should have been understanding.  The Grinch in me just wouldn't let it happen.   Hopefully my heart will grow two sizes over night and all will be well tomorrow.

The Previews - SOLC 18

I love watching previews.  My husband hates it.  To me previews hint at the quality of the movie I am about to view.  Scary previews warn me of possible scary "pop" moments in the movie.  Horridly boring previews set my mind up for a possible ho-hum movie.  Funny previews hint at the hilarity in the movie to come.  Heart warming previews help me prepare for possible tears.  I need these hints to get me in the proper mind set for the movie.

It saddens me when my husband fast forwards past the previews so nonchalantly as if they are a waste of time. If we are allowed to watch the previews, after severe begging on my part, he talks through them.  Oh, how it aggravates me to hear him talking.  Why doesn't he understand the importance of the preview and how it sets the tone for the movie we are about to watch.

Today we rented three movies.  The first had no previews at all.  How shocking!  The movie however was pretty good.  The second movie had one scary movie preview (gulp) and one boring independent film preview.  That movie had more gore than any movie needs and was indeed very ho-hum.  The third movie had four previews.  Two of them were heart warming, one was a paramount movie DVD commercial, and one action/drama preview.  The movie was full of heart and drama.  I enjoyed it.  So, whether on the big screen or on a DVD always watch the previews, even if a husband protests through them.

First Ritter's of the Season - SOLC 17

After a hard day of organizing, cleaning, and rearranging; my husband and I decided to reward ourselves.  What was our reward?  Mine was a creamy peanut butter glacier from Ritter's Frozen Custard.  SO YUMMY!  I look forward to the few times I will indulge in this treat every year.  I was lucky to discover they had  lite custard that was no sugar added.  Since that discovery I have been in peanut butter custard bliss.   Today's glacier was no exception!  It was pure delight.

It Worked, Hallelujah - SOLC 16

I have posted before about my lovable yet crazy dog. She had recently went off the deep end and decided I was a cruel mommy for putting her in the pantry all night long. She howled and whined and cried until I slept with her on the living room couch. She has been continuously doing that every night since then. You would think I was torturing her instead of pampering her with comfortable bedding and treats in order to get her to enjoy her nightly rest.

 My husband not having lived with my baby for the past fifteen years thought we should just put her in the garage so he didn't have to hear her. I couldn't do it. The dog, Pepper, has wrapped her little paws around my heart and I could never put her someplace I wouldn't want to be. So, we have been trying several things that allows me to sleep in my own bed and allows her to be close to me without letting her have free rein to destroy the house. Nothing that we tried so far has worked.

Our last attempt was an open crate that she could see out. It was placed next to my side of the bed. We got it set up and I put her favorite pillow in there with water and her treat. I closed the door and climbed in bed. I was so nervous. Will it work this time? We she bark and whine again tonight? My heart was beating rapidly as I layed there waiting to see what happened. I was afraid to move for fear she would think she could leave her crate. She moaned. My heart stopped. Silence, she was just moaning as she settled her old bones down on her pillow. My heart sped up again. Would she stay settled now? Will she stay calm all night?

 The next thing I knew, my alarm was ringing. We both made it through the night. Hallelujah! We found something that worked. Now I just have to worry about it working for more than one day. This morning though, was a great morning. I was sing praise as I got around, so thankful that it worked.

Tired All Over - SOLC 15

My day at home should have been relaxing.  It was the exact opposite of all I had hoped it to be. My mind being tired would have been understandable with working on my students annual case reviews.  I decided to go the extra mile though by cleaning and organizing my house as well.  Ugh...I think I made more of a mess while trying to organize.  I got distracted way too easily and was not able to get everything done I want to accomplish.  So as I sit here trying to relax my bones and brain before bed, I feel the aches making themselves known.  My brain is screaming with all the work that was done and all the work that still needs to be done.  I am sending a little prayer that I can pull it all together nicely in the end.  

So Grateful Today - SOLC 14

I am having such a great day that I decided that for the slice of life challenge I would list fourteen things that I am grateful for today.

1. weather - It is so beautiful outside.
2. husband - He is so good to me.
3. parents - They are very encouraging.
4. dog - She is so precious. 
5. job - I love trying to make a difference in my students lives.
6. co-workers - They are fun and make the job just that much better.
7. house - It's small but all mine.
8. books - I love to read and re-read great stories.
9. car - It's small but it gets me where I need to go.
10. iPad - I love technology especially when it works properly.
11. friends - We have such great memories. They are very supportive.
12. bike - I love going for bike rides.
13. camera - I love capturing moments.
14. God - "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." Psalms 54:4

 *note - these are not in order of importance. :)

My Mommy - SOLC 13

I stopped at my mom's house yesterday after work. Before the visit I had emailed her about taking part in a writing challenge and sent her a link to my blog. While we were visiting she told me that she had read my blog. Being the awesome mom that she is she praised my writing. Whether it is true or not, her praise meant the world to me. Her opinion means the world to me. So as I was deciding what slice I would share today, my mom was one of my first thoughts. 

I don't get to hang with my mom as much as I had before I got married.  I used to spend my free time hanging with my mom. Since adulthood, my mom has been one of my very best friends. I was always dragging her on adventures. She would gladly follow me around as I explored the world. I actually think she liked that I dragged her around. That way she could keep track of me and know I was safe. My mom is my idea supporter, bargain shopping companion, checkbook balancer, and friend.  Love you mom!

Trying Something New - SOLC 12

O.K. I am trying something new.  Since this whole challenge is about writing and being a better writer, I thought I would look at some poems to use as a mentor text for my own writing.  I found one poem that I thought had an intriguing beginning.  So I decided to use it for the ideas and craft.   The original poem is "Bad Day" by Kay Ryan if you want to search for it. This poem sums up how I feel this rainy Monday morning.

Not every day
is a good day

for the teachers of today.
Some days
our students
reveal what
they have learned:
the knowledge
or the skills
to be successful.
Other days
the teacher
must guide
and assist
the students she teaches.
But some days
neither the skills, knowledge,
nor the guidance
presents itself;
and these are
the hard days
for the teachers of today.

Here Comes the Sun - SOLC 11

"Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo).  Here comes the sun, and I say It's all right."  These lyrics have been running through my mind all day today.  I sang it when my husband and I went for a walk on one of our city trails this morning.  I belted it out as I was doing laundry.  I serenaded  to the neighborhood as I opened the house to let in the warm sunshine.  My favorite was when I hummed the tune as my husband and I got our bikes out and went for a ride on our matching his and hers bicycles.  It was our first ride this year and it was the perfect day for it.  So, here comes the sun.  Please stay around for many days to come!

A mornings person, I am not! SOLC 10

I HATE mornings. I always have and always will. My lack of kindness and general social awareness in the morning has never really been a problem in my adult life. I have always been able to get up and have an hour plus my drive to put on my happy face or at least a tolerant face before I greet the rest of the world. Then, I got married.

My husband never sleeps in. He is all happy and ready to go as soon as he opens his eyes. I have tried to get him to realize that I don't do mornings. I will not wake up and wish him a good morning. I will grunt and that will always mean - GO AWAY! His happy manner in the morning is as offensive to me as my stinging looks and grunting is to him. I did warn him about my morning views and he married me anyway. He either didn't believe me or he really loves me despite my hatred of the early a.m.

The only time he ever has to deal with my morning behavior is on the weekends. He leaves before me for work so only my dog is aware of my morning hatred through the week. She isn't bothered by it. If only my husband would learn to let me wake naturally, he would have a loving wife the rest of the day. :) We will see if he learns this valuable lesson as our new marriage turns in to many years together.

Shut Down - SOLC 9

I made it.  Well mostly made it.  I am half way through my Friday and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Sadly, my co-workers are feeling the effects of my shut down.  My mind is not firing accurately as the day continues on.  It started on Monday with our final preparation for ISTEP.  Then Tuesday with the first test.  It continued through Wednesday with a meeting, ISTEP, another meeting, and a crazy dog.  Thursday, a power point slide with recorded voice that I had to create twice to make it work and more ISTEP.  Now today...

My mind is saying its over.  My body walked out to my car this morning with my keys and mind still inside the house.  I had a meeting this morning.  I think I contributed appropriately. My mind is telling me I did.  Team time I don't even remember.  My instructor's manual that I lost on the corner of my desk.  Luckly, it was found it and turned it in safe.  May this day proceed without anymore lost materials and loss of brain function.  May I quickly find my pillow tonight.  May sleep renew my mind with blissful dreams of the coming of spring!

Crazy Pets - SOLC 8

It was routine as always last night with my dog.  I put her out potty one last time and then off to bed she goes in the pantry that has a nice little area just for her complete with dog treats, comfy bedding, and her monkey squeaky toy that has seen better days.  Typically, she goes right to her treat gobbles it down and then circles several times before settling in to a peaceful rest.  Last night was not typical!  For some reason she decided she didn't want to sleep in her bed.  She whined and barked.  Then whined and barked some more until her mommy came out and rescued her from the pantry.  

She is not allowed in the bedroom at night because she tends to make messes and generally stink up the place.  So, guess where I slept last night?  On the couch with Pepper curled up as close to the couch and me as she could get.  Needless to say it was not a peaceful night for me.  I am sure today is going to be forever long due to my sleep deprived state.  When I left this morning the dog was still following me around and whining as I walked out the door.  What was different? I have no idea but I desperately hope she is recovered when I get home this evening and I will be able to sleep in my bed without the noise.

My Cell Phone Woes - SOLC 7

I walked out the door without my cell phone this morning.  I didn't realize my error until I got to work and was trying to find it in my purse to shut it down for the ISTEP test.  Immediately I went into panic.  How would I contact my family?  How were my family going to contact me?  What if my car breaks down on the way home?  What is on my phone calendar that I won't remember now?  I hate that I forgot my phone and I hated that I was so reliant on it in the first place.

How did I ever get to the point where I needed to have a phone with me at all times?  I certainly hadn't grown up with a cell phone.  My first cell phone was in college.   I wasn't attached to it then but now the thought of not having it for one day was giving me quiet an anxious feeling.  This feeling stayed with me all through my after school meeting until I was finally home and could check my phone for messages.  :)

Care Bear Stare - SOL 6

Yesterday, the general education teacher in our 7th grade co-teaching LA class was giving this wonderful pep speech about doing well on the ISTEP test that would be starting the next day.  She had some great tips and motivational things to say to the kids.  At one point in her speech she raised her hands in cheerleader like fashion and said, "We care!"  This immediately brought to mind a part of The Care Bear movie.  I began to laugh at my own thoughts which distracted a few of the students that were sitting close to me.  I didn't want them to think I was completely crazy and randomly laughing for no reason.  I explained the images in my head to them.

My mind was continuously playing the end of the movies when the Care Bears and the Care Bear Cousins join hands and together use their magic Care Bear Stare to triumph over evil.  All the care bears, in order to create the most magic, shouted "We Care! We Care! We Care!"  They succeeded in banishing the shadow, helping the little children in peril, and saving the day.  The students thought that was funny.  They were still laughing about it as they got their belonging and headed home.

The next day in order to have a little fun I found a picture of the Care Bear Stare and taped it to my message board.  Above the picture I wrote WE CARE!  They were again amused and one suggested that all the teachers should act out that part of the movie for the student to let them know that we care.  Even though I highly doubt that will ever happen the principle behind the gesture will remain true and hopefully in the forefront of all our students mind as we continue testing this week.  WE CARE!!!!

Honking at the Police - SOLC 5

Is it wise to honk at a police officer?  I really wanted to honk in frustration at the police officer that didn't realize the light had turned green and he should move.  I decided it was better to sit there through the light than honk at the police.  He finally realized and moved.  Of course he was speeding down the road after that.  I caught up to him at the next light where I was turning.  He must of decided to turn as well and swerve into my lane ahead of me.  Again, probably not wise to honk at him in frustration.  I decided that it was better to have him in front of me acting crazy then behind me where I could get a ticket.  He eventually got his head on straight and was driving better.  Sadly, I think it was the person in front of him trying to avoid a ticket that had him following the speed limit.  I was never more happy than when he decided to turn, using his signal appropriately.  Way to go, police officer!

Then after I calmed my tendency toward road rage, I was thinking of how we hold people up to certain standards.  I hate being held to societies standards for teachers or how a few seem to be what is considered the norm. I think I should learn a little more patience with the police or at least the ones that happens to be driving in front of me on Monday mornings that I decide to skip my delicious chai tea.

Sunday Afternoon Blues - SOLC 4

This Sunday began and continued in a lazy fashion.   However, as I watch the clock slowly tick past noon and into the evening, I begin to feel the blues.  Time has betrayed me today and continued its march forward to a new day.  My busy days start again tomorrow.  It makes me sad to think of Monday and the constant running and scrambling I am sure will commence with the ringing of my alarm clock in the morning.  Here is hoping that time flies through the day and slows down in the evening.  Here is hoping that Friday approached quickly and next Sunday lasts forever. 

For My Husband - SOLC 3

I was telling my husband about starting a blog and how I was taking part in the writing challenge for March. I wanted him to read my blog. He asked if I was writing about him. I let him know I had not and he replied that he wasn't reading the blog if he wasn't on it. So, I wrote three pseudo-haiku poems just for him.

Man Shopping-

Shopping with my man

Is much quicker than I'd like

Money still in bank

Clicking -

My man will not stop

Clicking all that he touches

Driving me crazy

Love -

I was so alone

Then he came and did love me

Now I am happy

Cherries ??? - SOLC 2

My three year old niece asked me last night if she could come over and pick cherries to eat. I was puzzled for a moment trying to figure out what she was talking about. I don't have a cherry tree. I don't even like that particular fruit. Then all of the sudden it hit me. She was referring to this past summer and the many times she helped me pick cherry tomatoes off my thriving tomato vines. I remember teaching her that first time what to look for when picking tomatoes off the vine. She loved it. Every time she came over I would send her home with a baggy full of cherries. She ate them like candy and usually had the bag gone before I was able to get her home to her mom.

It was sad that I had to disappoint her by telling her that we don't have any cherries to pick right now. She made me promise that she could help me plant and pick cherries next year. So whether I wanted to garden again this summer or not is out of my hands. My niece's adorable face and pleading eyes has made the decision for me. I am now beginning to look forward to spending time with her in the garden picking and eating her cherries.

Student Led Conferences - SOLC 1

Tonight is parent teacher conference night. I love being able to talk to parents and collaborate with them to ensure their child's success. Our school did it a little different this time. We participated in student led conferences. We as teacher's took a back seat and the student shared with their parent how the class worked. They discussed their strengths and weaknesses. They even showed their parents their agendas.

I really enjoyed listening to the students explain themselves to their parents. The comments I heard were touching, funny, and encouraging. For the most part the kids took pride in their accomplishments and let their parents know how they could do better. I was sceptical about this whole process at first but now I believe it was a good experience. We always want our students to take responsibility for their learning. I can finally say that several of them did that tonight. I am super proud of our Warriors and look forward to seeing how student led conferences progress in the future.

Tuesday's Slice of Life - My Morning Comfort

I was luck enough to find and fall head over heels in love with chai. Big Train's no sugar added vanilla chai is my favorite. I try to limit my self to one or two a week though because I really don't need all those calories. This week I have no restraint. So far I have had a chai every morning. Monday, because it was Monday and today because I couldn't stand the thought of walking out the door without my morning comfort. So sitting here now thinking ahead to an already full Wednesday, I know I will get up, head straight for my fantastic electric tea pot and my stash of vanilla chai to start my day on a delicious and positive note. May it comfort me until I can head home and enjoy some of the other comforts that being at home allows.

Pepper Forever

My second post ever and I can already feel the pressure. I can't believe I am challenging myself to write everyday in the month of March. A slice of life...

My dog Pepper has been my constant companion for 15 years now. This summer I was shocked to learn she was getting old. It completely blew me away to know that forever isn't as long as I thought. Her eye sight is declining as well as her hearing. She sits and walks more gingerly than ever before. Its sad to see and realize that after spending exactly half of my life with her that she would not be with me forever.

This morning I woke as always and went to the kitchen to let Pepper out. She was in a playful mood. She was jumping, barking, and wagging her tail so excited to see me. It was if she was still in her prime and ready to conquer the great outdoors. I hated to leave her and head to work.

When I returned home she was back to the older and slightly slower Pepper I have become used to these past few months. She slowly walked to the door to greet me waging her tail ever so slowly. I greeted her as always, asking her if she missed me and was a good girl while I was gone. She curled up with her head at my feet after dinner, groaning the whole way down. As I looked down at her I realized that even if I can't have her forever, she will forever be in my heart.

First Babble

Silence is not always a Sign of Wisdom,but Babbling is ever a folly.
- Benjamin Franklin

I fear that Benjamin Franklin is right.  Babbling is a folly.  Sadly, I was challenged to babble on daily (blog style) for the entire month of March.  I rarely turn down a challenge.  So here I am creating and sharing my babbling thoughts for the world to read, if they so choose.  I am afraid I am a terrible writer and even more horrid speller but if I am going to make my students try, try, and try again I should in the very least be willing to put myself out there and try.