Encouragement

So, after school today, I didn't have much to do and had to sit around as a kid was serving a detention. Looking at a list of names, I had a stray thought about how I was pleased with how a certain student has been doing in class (especially since he'd previously given me grief). So, I called his mom and left a message saying how he was doing good work, asking thoughtful and helpful questions, etc. And after I hung up the phone, I felt good. So I called half a dozen more, left more positive messages and talked to one grandma.

Now, hopefully, when the parent gets the message, they'll feel good, and trickling down...the kid too. But nonetheless, I left school glowing. Focusing on the good kids and spending the time to praise them sincerely really fed my soul. And I do have lots of good kids. I had a lot of apprehension about this new term that just started, but I feel like things have gotten to a good start. I've made a good impression, and the kids are doing what I need them to do, for the most part, and are happy enough doing it. It's nice to see what you're doing is working and is well received. Now, I'm not talking about their learning...we'll see about that after tomorrow's quiz! But the classroom management and positive environment foundation has been laid, so hopefully the rest will follow. :-)

PS Casey wrote me the sweetest email today, definitely an encouragement, too!
"Good for you on making a nice impression on your French 1 classes. I am looking forward to you being the mother of my children. You are a wonderful with children and do a great job. I expect to learn a lot from simply watching you." Aw...wasn't that sweet?

Slow...no, Fast!

I got a bike. It's a "Women Specific Design" bike, full carbon. It bares no resemblance to the much beloved pink banana seat of my childhood.It has the kind of pedals that you clip into, so of course, before I can even get moving, I fall and bust up my knee. That made me mad. One small expletive. Stupid pedals. But I get going, and we get stuck behind a group of riders going about 16 mph. And, I'm scared of falling. Vivid images myself falling and sliding headfirst into the metal rail on Garland road.

But after the first lap of the lake, I get into my groove. I think the combination of being a runner and having used a stationary bike for six months, makes me want to push the whole time, uphill or downhill...and so those 16 mph people who were just letting momentum push them were ticking me off. According to Casey, you're supposed to cruise sometimes...but whatever.

I knew that I would take to biking when I saw a SLOW sign,and actually said NO! aloud. Of course, I did get passed right after that...totally ate the dude's dust...but it was fast for me!

Going fast can be fun. I think it's helping my running too. Recently, we've gotten PR's on both the 9 mile White Rock loop, and the 7 miles of the Katy trail. Like 30 secs a mile faster.

I think I'm going to sign up for a triathlon. Casey's doing a Half Iron distance in April, so I can do the Sprint distance, right? Only problem is that it involves swimming. No likey. But it's only fifteen minutes...so I'll tough it out.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Because love is a sugar cookie slathered in cream cheese icing.

Today was kinda an off day for me. I just wasn't very determined in my workout...even got gently scolded by my spin instructor for my lack of focus! I skipped the dance class. And later, I bumped into some friends at a coffee shop and probably came off as a total ditz because I just felt out of it. So, my solution was to go home and clean house for two+ hours. Does tend to clear the head, yes.

The most Valentine-y thing Casey and I did today was make these cookies...of course, he did dub the above cookie-cutter "Sharkbite." We did some other cooking: spaghetti and meat sauce, put together a lasagna to bake tomorrow, but I had planned to make chicken and dumplings and roast a chicken for Casey...but I lacked the determination.

Hopefully tomorrow. :-) Next week, I will be teaching absolutely nothing, as it's the last week of the term...just review, games and testing. I am hoping that my French 3 students will rise to the occasion to do some great things with the Little Prince essays and oral presentations. It's such a beautiful book to teach, and it really feels like a culmination of three years of teaching when they can produce a real essay in French (with lots of help). Plus I just love the book.

Almost as much as I love sprinkles!

Behold!

All 36 fillings from a package of double-stuff oreos, lovingly stacked into the Uber-Oreo, courtesy of Jasongraphix.com and a cheese slicer.

Let us give pause.

Perhaps with the theme of 2001 Space Odyssey playing in the background, for proper atmosphere:

That's my kind of monolith.