Miscellaneous Missives

It seems I was not the only staff member that found humor in yesterday's message concerning the "Penguin Shuffle."  When I grabbed for my coffee (fake coffee... mocha) this morning, I realized that my coffee was still in the car.  As I walked across the ice covered parking lot to my car, I heard, "Slow down.  You're walking to fast.  Use the penguin shuffle."  AH, an 8th grade science teacher was heckling my trip to the car, but I assured him that I was being careful and planned on using all three points of contact when I reemerged from my car.  Let's be honest.  This winter sucks (or blows) if one doesn't keep a sense of humor, it could be disastrous.  My weekend trip was also postponed because of the winter, but we probably could have gone.  Plans have been rescheduled for next weekend when the weather forecast is 20º warmer. Kids should know that a sense of humor is important, especially when the weather sucks (blows). Kids should als...

Nalo (Lovable) As I sit down to post this evening, it is -7º (feels like -18º).  It's miserable.  Although I'm happy that Nalo stopped by to stay another night.  The truly good news is that I work in a district that actually has a "Severe Weather Team" although I'd never heard of it until this year.  This afternoon we received a super informative e-mail about the horrible conditions of the parking lots and sidewalks.  One would think it was a joke if I hadn't been shared by our principal in the conference.  Now I will know what to do tomorrow morning when it's freezing (or truly below freezing), and I need to make my way through the parking lot.  Maybe this memo should have been shared on the school news.  After all, maybe kids should learn how to "Penguin Shuffle." Cabinet, Principals and Department Leaders: We are sharing the following information as leaders of schools and departments to share with ALL of your staff: Dangerous Icy Condi...

Enough is enough...  Kids (of all ages) should know the power of endurance and knowing when to "throw in the towel".  When it's cold and miserable and one's feeling ill, it's important to keep going even when it feels as though it's impossible.  I haven't been to the gym since Sunday because I'm fighting some kind of infection or sickness or tiredness or depression or...  My head has been ready to explode.  This morning I was late for school because I went to Walgreens first for Advil Cold and Sinus (actually Walgreens' generic).  Later in the day I called the school nurse to see if I could take Sudafed (again generic) with the cold and sinus.  She suggested I may be sleepy, so I told her I would take a nap in my room.  Why do I share this?  I don't know.  I don't have anything to post about because my headache is crazy, and this winter can only be referred to as something to endure.

I visited friends from high school this weekend in Okoboji.  We (at least I) had a blast.  One of these brilliant (They both, of course, are brilliant) ladies also does my hair.  She gave me new color and a cut.  In addition, she talked me into letting her style my hair.  Since I never do anything with my hair except throw in product and leave with a wet head, I hesitate to show her work.  When one looks at the picture, they should not have expectations.  A) I could not do this on my own.  B) I'm to lazy.  C) It's possible my blow dryer and curling iron don't even work.  Anyway, she also sent me home with some amazing soup.  Skills.  This girl has skills!  My advice to kids is to "Know when to hold em."  Holding these two friends since high school has been a wise plan.  Of course I also "know when to fold em."  There's a reason I'm only in communication with a few friends from high school.

                    Yesterday I drove treacherous roads of snow, ice, and salt on the way to God's Country.  When I arrived an hour later than usual (maybe even longer), I ordered a margarita to embrace the ice and salt.  This morning I awoke early to shovel the snow off the drive.  I never have to do this at my condo.  It was peaceful.  My guess is it equalled a gym visit.  Maybe I could do more to embrace this season that doesn't want to leave.  Kids should know that embracing winter and its complexities can be embraced.  Kids (of all ages) should keep an open mind.

Donalyn Miller, the book whisperer , challenges middle school students to read 40 books.  Many teachers and students in my school also participate in the forty book challenge.  I typically don't participate because I don't like to start things that I can't finish (win... yep, I don't want to play if I can't win).  Last night I decided to see how many books I'd read since September instead of actually reading (lame).  It seems I've only read 24 and have a lot of work to do to get to 40.  I, however, think I should challenge myself.  For example, maybe I should have read while I was on the treadmill last night instead of watching the lame 4 o'clock news.  Maybe I should have read last night instead of counting how many books I had read.  Perhaps, if I put a little effort into this endeavor, I can be successful.  I will say that I might throw some YA (young adult) titles in to shore up the categories/genres in which I am lacking.  In a...

After school activities were canceled because of the latest snow.  I left as soon as the halls were cleared.  It was nice to get out of the building before 3:30.  The ride home, however, was not nice.  Because I was prepared for the drive, I took it slow.  When I wanted to contact a friend, I called instead of sending a text.  Sometimes it's important to stay safe.  This evening I'm also feeling it's important to stay inside.  I think this is also good advice for kids.  The snow is beautiful if one is inside and looking out the window.  Let it snow!

Some days it's difficult to be happy.  Actually, some days it's almost impossible.  It, however, is not impossible.  Kids (of all ages) need to remember it's the little things.  Even though I had a horrible headache this morning (all day), my ears perked and a smile formed when I heard birds chirping as I talked to a colleague.  As I sat down to geek on the internet and watch the news this evening, I found this cool website  devoted to happiness.  Happiness... even when it's elusive, it's important.  Be Happy!

Bubble, Bubble... During the winter I hardly ever see my neighbors since we are all hiding inside.  During the other three seasons, I frequently have quick chats with them.  Unfortunately, I only have one phone number of my neighbors.  Well, that was until tonight.  I now have the numbers of all three neighbors whom I converse with when it's nice outside.  It became a necessity as I came home to find water bubbling up in the parking lot.  Bubbling water can only mean toil and trouble.  Neighbors and emergency numbers have been called.  Let's hope I have water in the morning.

Today is another snow day.  We don't have school because of President's Day, but it's snowing outside.  This winter has been brutal.  I'm tired of snow and cold.  Since I live in Minnesota, where there are four distinct seasons (sorta), I've always tried to only complain about one season.  Instead of grumbling because it's too hot in the summer, then whining because it's too cold in the winter, I choose one season (winter) as my one season of annoyance. Even narrowing it down to one season, I can't complain the entire season.  Instead I try to look for the beauty in the annoyances.  Yesterday I noticed the snow had little crystals that glistened in the sun.  Today I looked at my clivia blooming as the snow piled up outside.  Kids of all ages should look for the beauty and goodness in each day even when the roads suck because there is snow and ice everywhere.  

Kids of all ages should remember the fun of random acts of kindness.  Recently, my pastor posted about it.  This past week I experienced the joy and frustration of someone's random act of kindness.  Each day last week, at some point during the day, someone put Dove chocolate candy hearts in my box.  As they appeared, I was delighted.  The giver left two milk and two dark chocolate hearts with no note.  February was a wonderful time to find chocolate, but my frustration occurred as I kept trying to figure out who left the magic in my box.  By Friday, I thought I had it figured out, but alas, I was wrong.  I left school not knowing the giver yet appreciating the gift.

Last week I commented on a student's nail polish.  In fact, I commented on it twice.  The second time I mentioned that I really liked it.  This week she brought me the finger nail polish.  She went and bought a new bottle (same cool color, "Blue-Away") and gave it to me as a gift.  Wow!  She blew me away.  Last night I was going to apply it to my nails and blog about the kindness, but unfortunately, I left the polish at school.  When I saw the gift giver today, I told her of my sadness last night when I realized I had left it on my desk.  She smiled.  I could tell that she felt my sadness.  Of course I put the polish in my purse and applied it tonight.  Kids should know that giving gifts is amazing.

Sunday night I was watching the Olympics and geeking on Facebook when I realized the The Beatles 50th Anniversary Grammy Salute was airing.  Although I wasn't able to watch the entire salute, the show was amazing.  I'm not a big Beatles fan, but I think I should be a big Beatles fan.  Earlier this summer a friend gave me a Beatles 101 course, and I gained more respect.  After Sunday's show, I have even more respect for the Beatles.  I think every kid (young and old) should know about the Beatles.  Think about it, fifty years later, and we still play their music.

Many would disagree that kids of all ages should push limits, but I embrace pushing limits. Pushing limits is the only way to know the true boundaries.  Today I decided to push the boundaries of proper etiquette and of my ankle.  First, I left church early (only missing the last two songs).  This may happen more frequently.  I left church early, so I could make it to BodyFlow (tai chi, yoga, pilates class) and hang out on the treadmill first.  Before class started, I told the instructor that I might leave early depending on the pain in my ankle.  When the instructor started talking about foot and ankle movements (I'm sure for my benefit... think about this...), I started to get nervous and questions my insanity, but it's about pushing limits to find the boundaries.  Anyway, class went well and I left relaxed and energized.

Everyone needs different kinds of acknowledgement.  Some people need public validation.  I am a fan of the simplistic yet sincere.  Earlier this week I had a parent send me an e-mail of thanks.  At conferences she and her husband were feeling a the stress of their daughter.  Typically, the students conferences with the parent, this student didn't even show.  Basically, I explained expectations and other information that they had not known.  My guess is the daughter was not sharing the reality of the situation (not quite sure).  Anyway, the mom took the time to write a sincere e-mail of thanks.  Today as I was walking through the parking lot, she was leaving.  She actually stopped her car to say thanks (again).  I wish more people knew the importance of a sincere thanks.  It doesn't have to be some grand gesture, merely a simple show of appreciation.

I knew today was the day that World Book Night was announcing its givers. This year I will be giving out Hoot by Carl Hiaasen.  Hoot Hoot! Kids Need to Know For today's journal entries, I posted a few quotes from Live, Learn and Pass it On.  They start with I've learned that...  Students needed to finish the statement with what they've learned.  One student in my last class announced, "I've learned that it's not the grades that matter but the learning."  No, I'm no lying.  It was amazing!!

A colleague of mine has a daughter in our building.  Although I had the daughter in class last year, I don't have her this year.  Sometimes she uses my room after school to work on homework and chill as she waits for a ride.  Today she walked in the some plastic tubing that will be used for the family pet turtle's tank (?).  Anyway, when she walked into the room with the tubing and her clarinet, it looked like she was carrying a beer bong.  I asked her if she knew what it looked like, but she, of course, did not.  I feel that it is important to know about life and its intricacies.  Perhaps beer bongs don't belong in the category of intricacies, but it seems like something teens should know.  How could I resist this opportunity?  I showed her online pictures of beer bongs and explained how they worked.  She now has the knowledge of the beer bong without actually having to use a beer bong.  Teens need to know about beer bongs!

Sunday in church we were blessed to have a harp player, Dennis Doyle .  I was amazed as I listened and watch his hands move on the harp.  Listening to him, I realized that I wanted to learn how to play harp.  Unfortunately, I want to learn how to play harp the way I want to learn to play piano and guitar.  When I was little, I took piano lessons although it didn't go well.  Actually, I also played the clarinet which went even worse.  The harp as opposed to the clarinet is beautiful and calming.  If my parents had given me harp lessons, I might be a calmer individual.  Blaming it on my parents may be unfair since they gave me instrument lessons, and I now have no idea how to read music.  IMHO every kid needs to learn how to play an instrument.  How can I say this since I never really mastered an instrument?  Well, it built character, and I do have appreciation for those who can play an instrument.  Plus, I do know how to play...

Many need to know who to cheer for in the Super Bowl.  Since only two of the 32 teams play, many of us never or seldom see our favorite teams in the Super Bowl.  My choice today is the Seattle Seahawks.  Before I read this article , I had two reasons.  Peyton Manning plays for the Broncos, and I cheer against him at every opportunity.  Plus, the Seahawks are in the Rams' division, so it looks better for the Rams if the Seahawks win.  NPR, however, had more proof that I should cheer for the Seahawks.  Manning and the Broncos crew give a ton of money to the Republican party.  The Seahawks give money (not all... after all, they're millionaires) to the Democrats.  Basically, children (of all ages) need to know about politics and football.  Go Seahawks! Everyone should also know that I have two favorite commercials before the games begins.  The Budweiser puppy and H&M's Beckham.

Kids need to know that when you procrastinate, it only causes stress in the end.  Today I put off grading until about 3:00.  I finished one class and started on the next.  At that point, I stopped to watch the news, check my e-mail, geek on the internet, and basically procrastinate a bit more.  Kids need to know that when I say add transition words, I mean add transition words.  While watching the news, I found the new Kid President video.  Of course, the video gave me an idea for a blog and perhaps a challenge for February.  Maybe (PLEASE), we (KC, JDoc, MC, LH....) could blog in February about what kids need to know.  Perhaps (PLEASE), we could set a goal of 10 (maybe 15 posts) about things we think "Kids Need to Know."  It seems like it could be a positive way to blog instead of blogging about the snow and cold and kids that can't add transition words.  Anyone want to join me and think about what we want kids to know?  Anyone?!...