Oh, Sandy.

I'll admit it...I've never really taken hurricanes seriously. When Hurricane Isabel hit in 2005, I spent the night at a friend's house, playing spatula mini golf and growing fond of not shaving my legs due to the lack of running water available. When Hurricane Irene hit last fall, my husband, mother-in-law, and I spent several hours playing board games by candlelight.

This year, though, is the first year I've ever prepared for a hurricane. Hurricane Sandy had me scared. I went to Target and bought Starbucks doubleshot energy drinks, waters, canned tuna, and animal crackers (all necessary for survival, of course). I purchased two flashlights, extra batteries, extra cat food, and some extra Yankee candles.

I was ready, people. I even researched "where to buy dry ice" with every intention of buying some in case the power went out and I needed to preserve the Lean Pockets and frozen spinach in my freezer.

The county I teach in was scared, too! They cancelled school Monday (hallelujah!). A day to do laundry, sleep in, eat Halloween candy that was supposed to be for kids while lounging on the couch glued to HGTV, and crochet that blue scarf I've been working on for two years!
But then county officials went all paranoid.

We also had Tuesday off.

Thank you, Sandy, for not destroying Virginia. To all you up north and on the coast- thoughts and prayers are with you. I know so many of y'all don't have power or transportation. Hugs to you all! Wish I could send you some tuna and animal crackers!

Not for kitties

List of items currently strewn around our house that are not for kitties:
Cough drops.
Bottle caps.
Pens.
Hair ties.
Pencils.
Twist ties.
Paper clips.
Bobby pins.
Toilet paper (not currently strewn...but has been on occasion) 

List of items Minion plays with on a daily basis:
Cough drops.
Bottle caps.
Pens.
Hair ties.
Pencils.
Twist ties.
Paper clips.
Bobby pins.
Toilet paper (not currently strewn...but has been on occasion) 

*shakes head*
How come she wants to play with everything that is NOT FOR KITTIES but her fuzzy toys and jingly ball remain untouched, sad and lonely, wondering what makes a cough drop more interesting than they are?

We always seem to crave what is not meant for us.

What I wish I could tell my students

Sometimes I wish I could take each of my students out for a cup of hot cocoa and just level with them.

Kids...I would tell you that I hold you accountable for tardies and don't accept late work because I know you will rise to the challenge when I set the standards high. When we adults don't expect a lot from you...well, what are we teaching you? We are teaching you that we DON'T believe you can be on time, turn in work on time, or behave responsibility. I hold you accountable because I care about you. Trust me, it'd be a LOT easier to be a slacker with the rules. But that wouldn't do you much good.

I make you read for thirty minutes every day and let you choose your own books because there is value in reading for pleasure! Public school has ruined reading for so many kids. It's sad. I know I was one of those kids who loved reading until I started high school. So, kids, I give you a chance to choose WHATEVER book you want and read it for 30 minutes every day so you will increase your vocabulary, yes, and learn new things, yes...but also so you will just learn to like reading again. 

Girls- TRASHINESS IS NOT CUTE. It is not attractive. It shows that you do not respect yourself. If you don't show self-respect, how can you complain when guys don't respect you? You do not need boys to make you feel beautiful and important. You were born that way. 

Guys- You don't need to act tough in front of me or your classmates. It's ok to admit that your mom is the woman you admire most (this comes through in almost EVERY journal I read, so moms, be encouraged). It's ok to try in school- making good grades doesn't make you nerdy! It's ok to show emotion and to let your guard down every once in a while. You don't have to convince me you're tough- I know better.

You might think I don't like you because I wrote you up for a rule you broke. You might think I'm too strict because I won't let you text in class. That's ok. I will validate your feelings and emphasize your right to make choices. After all, kids, you are young adults. I cannot control you, and I don't pretend that I can.

But I hope you know that I care. I believe in you. I want you to learn, to love learning, to enjoy reading, to like writing, to think critically, to connect your learning with the world around you, to ask questions! Because YOU are the reason I teach.

I'm 24

Birthdays are a bigger deal to me than I let on. I really like when people remember them, but I try not to sound like an attention hog by counting down to my birthday on Facebook or reminding my friends of it.

That's why I was especially blessed this year when my bestie, Ashley, took me to lunch and shopping! And my friends threw me a surprise party (super well organized, may I add...bahaha). And my parents came to watch me coach the night of my birthday.

Thank you, all, for the love. I am lucky to have such caring and wonderful friends.

All that being said...I really hated turning 24. I know, I know- it's SO YOUNG. But, man, is it really unexciting. It's a few years out of college. It's not old enough to really sound "adult" to me. It just feels like a "blah" age. I can't even rent a car on my own (at some rental companies, anyway).

"24" is a great TV show, though. So I guess that's some consolation.

Speaking of great TV shows...anyone watching "Breaking Amish"?!