Miscellaneous Missives

This is not our school and/or dog. As I was trying to talk to one of my classes today, I could tell one side of the room was concentrating on what was happening in the hall instead of me.  "Do I need to shut the door?" I questioned. "No," chorused the class as they continued focusing on the hall.  Of course, I walked to shut the door and looked into the hall to see what was of interest.  The drug dog was being lead down the hall. "When there are animals in the hall, you need to let me know," I informed. "They were..." started a couple of the students. "I know what they are and why they're here, but you need to let me know," I persisted.  "If it's a dog, a kangaroo..." "There's not going to be a kangaroo," one boy chimed for the back of the room. "Not with that attitude!"  I exclaimed. A couple of minutes later an administrator came and shut my door.  I went with him into the h...

Remember the little polar bear from Toronto?  He experienced snow for the first time. Conversation with 8th grade boy during after school reading program... S- Hey, what are you doing on Valentine's Day? M- Why? S- Well, I'm not like asking you to be my Valentine. M- No, I really didn't think that... S- We have a basketball game.  Will you come watch us?

Today is the fourth day of no school due to cold.  Many have been complaining about the " cold " days.  I, for one, wish I was in school too although I spent two hours at the gym this morning and loved it.  Since winter break, it's been difficult to teach.  It seems like we're seeing the kids every other day.  Tomorrow we will finish a two day summative exam (writing assignment) that I started on Friday (supposed to have been given Thursday/Friday). When we go back tomorrow (I hope), students will need mega-reminders before they finish the writing (summative exam).  Arghhh! The good news is I bought new boots this year (Sorel, Joan of Artic).  I really like them and think they are kinda stylish.  By stylish, I mean living in the tundra stylish...

This was the 34th University of Okoboji Winter Games .  Friday night three of us high school friends had dinner in preparation for the games.  For some reason, I've never really participated or been on the ice for winter games.  As we talked I discussed how I wish I was a bit more brave and would attempt the polar plunge.  As I stood on a snow bank (must have been in front of these people filming... same snow bank), I realized that I would never, ever, do this.  While I was wearing a winter coat, snow pants, my new Sorel boots and other layers, these people were waiting in line in a swimsuit to jump into a hole cut in the frozen lake.  Plus could I mention having all of those people watch me freeze and perhaps even take my picture.  My desire to do the polar plunge is completely gone. More Pictures on Facebook Saturday was a great day.  Since there wasn't enough snow for snowshoeing, we took the winter hike.  This was followed by choc...

"What will your verse be/" Dead Poets' Society Need to watch again "We don't read and write poetry because it's cute."  I love this new Apple ad.  It's positive.  This would make a great listening activity!  Woot!  Maybe geeking on the internet while icing and elevation is not a waste of time.

I typically pull this video out sometime during the winter to entertain. It is time to ice I'll be icing all the time Make the swelling leave Perhaps I picked the wrong theme/idea/goal for Sankalpa.  Some days it's difficult to be positive.  After attempting lunges last night, my ankle is once again swollen, and I'm in a bit of pain.  I set up a PT appointment for this afternoon.  It wasn't all negative.  A friend and colleague was kind enough to take my academic seminar, and the PT was able to alleviate some of the pain.  He did, however, send me with directives that were not to my liking.  Again, it's not all negative.  Since he realizes I'm going to snowshoe this weekend, he did give me directives to help me prepare for Saturday's snowshoeing.  In fact, I worked a little with positivity and his attitude today.  When he said that my ankle would be swollen and painful after snowshoeing, I helped him with his wording.  It may...

Who has a baby tiger in their living room? Play to the cat at 4:26.  Actually, the cat on 5:25 is cute too. It is super cold It's hard to be positive 'cuz it's so dang cold! Winter is a time for cute animal videos and sweatshirts.  I have a great idea to stay positive.  Implementation is going to start tomorrow.  Today I wore jeans and a t-shirt (with layers under) because the Twins' Caravan came to our school.  Of course, I didn't care enough to go to the gym to participate; I merely wanted to wear jeans.  Since it's a short week, my plan is to wear jeans and a sweatshirt tomorrow and Thursday.  Perhaps, on Friday I wear a skirt to mix it up since Friday is typically jeans and a sweatshirt day.  Wearing jeans and a sweatshirt will help me to stay positive.