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!