Can't help it...negativity

"They" say that shit happens and I've generally agreed with that statement. I have also generally believed that when it does (and it inevitably does) you just suck it up and deal with it the best you can. Just for the record, I am really sick of all the shit that has been happening in my life the last few months or so. Not that it has been all bad, but really...there has been some monumentally unfortunate stuff happening in my world since about April and I, for one, have had about enough.

So, we move in five days. Some of you may know that I was planning to drive home in five days. Now I'm not. We'll spend Saturday and Sunday moving from our current place on 11th Street to our new place on 10th Street. We're hiring movers for a short period of time to handle the furniture and heavier things (my back puts me in no position to be moving at all, but I'll deal with it so long as I don't have to move furniture) on Sunday evening and a UHaul cargo van to help us move more efficiently on Sunday morning/afternoon. Saturday we'll move stuff with our cars, I guess.

When it's all said and done, I'll drive to Chicago on Monday morning so that I can have some time with my family before I go to Colleen & Dave's wedding and head back here to complete the final move out on the 15th (have the carpets cleaned, hand over keys, etc) and start getting settled in the new place.

How does this happen? One minute, I'm enjoying my rather relaxing summer, getting my life back in order after a few months of chaos and confusion, thinking that things are starting to turn around and the next minute, everything is in shambles again.

I'm trying to stay positive, but I'm starting to get really overwhelmed here. I don't think I'm ever going to make it to Chicago. I mean, I will b/c I have the wedding to go to and I want to see my family (especially my mom) before I start work again, but it's sure going to be a crappy vacation, I think. I'm going to be so exhausted when I get there late Monday night and then I'm going to try to cram in lots of quality time Tuesday-Friday before the wedding on Saturday. Then rest on Sunday and head back early on the morning of the 14th. So I'll be back and have a week to get the new apartment in order before I have to be back at school for a week of meetings before teaching starts.

I get the feeling that August is going to make me forget that July ever happened.

Moving on

Dear MTV,

After many years of happiness together, I am afraid I have to put an end to our relationship. I have tried and tried to maintain things, but I simply cannot get excited about another night of "The Hills" or another "Real World/Road Rules Challenge." And a girl cannot survive on "My Super Sweet 16" and "Made" alone. I know. I've tried. I suppose that this was meant to be. After all, I am now older than the women you try attract and perhaps it is best that we go our separate ways. To be honest, I have found someone else. Yes, I am now a fan of VH1 - from "World Series of Pop Culture"* to "Best Week Ever" I am hooked. I hope you understand. It's not you, it's me. But, you know, I'll still come around for marathons.

* Maggie, I blame you and Eric for this new addiction...because I don't watch enough tv already.

Also, I went into work today to download my files onto a flash drive (bc I got my technology grant, which includes a new laptop!) and when I walked into my classroom I saw that I got new tile!! This is beyond exciting, folks. No longer will I trip over the torn seams in my carpeting. No longer will I cringe as an overstimulated child doesn't quite make it to the garbgae can before vomiting. No longer will I worry about the potential mold and other creepies growing under the carpeting. PLUS no one thought I would actually get my request filled this summer - it usually takes a few years of asking. I'm telling you - it pays to make nice with the facilities crew. Now I have to rearrange my classroom (since they emptied it of furniture to lay the tile), but it's worth it. And Elizabeth said she would help (she knows she stands to get free office supplies) so yay overall!

It's Friday and I'm thinking of going to read at Jazz in the Scuplture Garden on the Mall, but it's also about 97 degrees out so I may pass on that plan. We'll see. I was hoping to get together with this guy I was chatting with online, but I think I offended him by teasing him about living in the suburbs. ::sigh:: One day I'm going to choke on the foot I continually shove down my throat. Oh well. Better luck next time.

Word.

Someone posted this as a comment on a blog I read fairly regularly and it resonated with me, so I thought I'd share:

Sometimes you just have to belly up to the bar, order a strong drink, and see what life has in store.

Word. Now, if only I could find someone to belly up to the bar with me...no one wants to go it completely alone, right?

"Pass the Dayquil"

I have a cold. An annoying, exhausting, summer cold. At first I thought it was allergies, then stress, but no, it is a full-fledged cold. I'm not sure where it came from, but I sure feel like crap 80% of the time. Feverish, headache-y, lethargic. I want to enjoy these last few days of summer vacation in DC (I leave for Chicago in just over a week and have stuff to do at work), or at least be moderately productive, but instead I find myself in bed reading and sleeping. I suppose it is nice to have the luxury to do just that. Still...this is not how I planned to spend the week.

In other news, I went to the library again yesterday. I picked up another Brad Thor book because I do love me a political thriller. I also got Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani*, which I really liked (yes, I already read it) as I thought I would since I also liked her book Lucia, Lucia. Now I'm in the middle of the newest Amy Tan book, Saving Fish From Drowning, which is good so far. To round out my selection (I check out four books at a time), I picked up When Washington Was in Vogue by Edward Christopher Williams, which looks like a good read and a unique look at DC in the Jazz Era.

* Cole, if you're still looking for summer books, check her out - she has a trilogy as well.

I wanna talk about me

Man, have I missed silly surveys like this, although it took me some time to get over the fact that the list ends at 48...who does that?! Anyway, enjoy - I'm off to the library for more books!

1. FIRST NAME? Jessica
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My grandpa Jerome, who I never knew
3. LAST CRY? Last week
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I'm pretty ambivalent about it - I do like my printing though
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roasted turkey
6. KIDS? Absolutely, although for now my students suffice
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Hard to say...I'm pretty picky :)
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? You're looking at it (I have a personal one as well)
9. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
10. #10 has left the building
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Six months ago I would have said no, but now I think I would, although I would be scared beyond belief
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms, but I LOVE cereal of any kind
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, but I untie them before I put them on
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? And only getting stronger
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Chocolate peanut butter or cookies and cream
16. SHOE SIZE? 11 (I'm tall - something has to keep me upright)
17. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? My moodiness
18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My friends and family who live hundreds (thousands) of miles away
19. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? That wouldn't be fair, since I'm not sending it out
20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I have on jeans and no shoes (I hate shoes)
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The a/c and some commercial on tv
22. #22 is with #10
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Freshly cut grass, "boy" and the smell of a city after a summer rain
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THEPHONE? Mom and Dad
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU AREATTRACTED TO? Eyes, height, hands
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Nope...I love her
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Diet Coke
28. FAVORITE SPORT? NCAA Basketball, baseball and soccer
29. EYE COLOR? Green (or blue, depending)
30. HAT SIZE? I haven't worn a real fitted hat in years...my army hat is a S/M
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sometimes, but usually I'm too lazy
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Thai food and mashed potatoes
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Usually happy endings, but sometimes you just need to be scared
34. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIE THEATER: The Devil Wears Prada
35. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray with red writing
36. SUMMER OR WINTER? Neither is my favorite, but I prefer winter weather to summer weather and summer vacation to winter vacation
37. HUGS OR KISSES? The hugs I get from my students sustain me, so I'll go with hugs
38. FAVORITE DESSERT? Creme brulee or brownies
39. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Again, not sending this out...
40. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See above
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I just finished the last of my library books so I'm out right now (sadly)
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? An eagle and the American flag (leftover from my roommate's Republican days, I think)
43. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Birthday Girl - with Ben Chaplin & Nicole Kidman (it was on the independent film channel)
44. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Rain, silence, laughter
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Italy
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I have unending patience with kids
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Evanston, IL
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Maggie

Cancel the shipment of one large cardboard box

Elizabeth and I found a new apartment. It is one block north of us. We are signing the lease and leaving a deposit this afternoon. I don't know when we'll move, but since I'll be out of town August 5 - August 14 (or so), I suppose I'll have to start packing soon. Neat. I don't so much mind moving (well, I do b/c I love the current place), but I hate the process. I suppose I should feel lucky since I'm off work right now. But still...ick.

Misadventures of Maggie and Jess

DC monuments: Good
DC monuments at night: Better
DC monuments at night in a thunderstorm: Best

Never a dull moment with us, folks...never a dull moment.

Three loves this evening

1. Edy's Whole Fruit Sugar-Free popsicles (I have to stop myself from eating the whole box, especially the tangerine...YUM)
2. Jon Stewart (did anyone else see his piece on Senator Brownback's speech during the stem cell debate - I mean, really, how can you NOT love this man?!)
3. Anderson Cooper (intelligent, compassionate, attractive...hott)

Also, Maggie's flight lands in 12 hours!

G-d has a funny way...

Just under 11 months ago, Elizabeth and I moved into our current apartment. It's a little small and a little pricey, but I love it. It's in a fantastic neighborhood, our landlords (a husband/wife in their early 30s) are great and it's home. Tonight I went downstairs to have a drink with said landlords (Elizabeth had a date with Emily and couldn't make it) and they announced that they are pregnant...with twins. They currently live in the basement and first floor of the house, while our apartment is on the second floor and that does not allow them enough space for two babies. So we have until October to find a new place to live. I don't know the message G-d is trying to send me, but I sure wish there was a different vehicle by which to send it. This will be my fourth move in less than two years...ugh.

So if anyone knows of a decent sized, two bedroom apartment in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market area for around $1700, I'd sure love to know about it.

Mixed bag of thoughts

First (!), in less than 24 hours (20 hours, to be exact), my very best friend is coming to visit me and I am so excited! I haven't seen her since January and I cannot wait to have four full days to hang out with her...even if I'm spending two of those days with her boyfriend as well. Actually, I'm really looking forward to meeting him as well. And really hoping it goes well. We're doing touristy stuff: Capitol tour; monuments at night; Eastern Market as well as regular stuff: drinks & dinner on 8th; wandering Georgetown; Eastern Market. Yup...SO excited!

Elizabeth took yesterday off of work. We decided to go prostrate ourselves at the altar of capitalism, which means, simply, that we drive out to Woodbridge, VA to shop at Ikea and Potomac Mills (outlet mall). I'd feel bad about it, except I don't. :) At Ikea, we browsed the "as is" section and picked up a coffee table for $16, as well as two side tables for $10 each. Add in a $15 rug, a clear vase and a white orchid plant and we were good to go for under $100. Not bad. And the living room looks completely different. I love it (it is much more "modern" now) and Elizabeth is getting used to it. I think she'll come around (so does she), although there was a dicey moment last night when we set it all up and she looked very unhappy. Anyway, it's a brand new apartment without the hassle of moving - yay for that!

President Bush vetoed the stem cell bill today. I'm not at all surprised and I know that the bill really wouldn't have changed much, but I am still very irritated by it. The man never fails to disappoint, it seems. In explaining his veto (his first in 5.5 years - way to go Senate Republicans, not bowing to his will this time around), Bush talked about "moral lines" and "terminating life" and "manipulating humanity". I despise this loaded language, even if I understand where it is coming from. Senator Frist issued a statement referencing his support of stem cell research as a surgeon. Bush's office said that making this decision as a policy maker is different from making it as a doctor. Apparently, the difference is that as a policy maker you consult your religious beliefs and talk about morality to try to shame people into accepting your point of view. ::sigh:: There are 400,000 stem cells eligible for research, so I'm not worried about the immediate future of such research, but I'm annoyed by what this move says - that our administration isn't listening to the people. That, once again, this administration has decided what is best for the country and is acting on it, regardless of what the majority of Americans might think. This isn't a red/blue issue, folks - most Americans support this research, minus conservative Republicans and this move smells of midterm election strategy to me. I can only hope that it backfires. ::grr::

But hey! Did I tell you? My best friend will be here tomorrow! And we have an awesome new living room! So, life's not all bad, I suppose. Besides, being pissed off by the Bush administration is nothing new for me, right? Right.

Less than happy thoughts begin this week

There have been sixteen days so far this month. There have been fifteen murders so far this month. DC is in the midst of a crime emergency and it completely blows my mind. Think about it - the fifteenth murder took place early yesterday morning, which means that, on average, one person has been killed every day this month. ONE MURDER A DAY. It is completely beyond words and yet I struggle to put it into words because I don't want to not think about it.

On the other hand, war seems to be on the horizon in the middle east and there the death toll rises at a much higher rate. The world is a scary place sometimes. What blows my mind, though, is how the "crisis" can be on the news every single day and yet people still seem to have no idea what is going on. The other day I heard commuters discussing it on the Metro and from what I gather they firmly believe Israel is fighting with Palestine. I also overheard people who clearly believe that Israel is overreacting and is fully to blame (well, less Israel and more "the Jews" - seriously, people say these things...out loud...in public). And I suppose there are those who are perfectly content not to know what's going on at all. I mean, really folks? The American media has already dumbed it down an awful lot for you. Do try to keep up, will you?

Finally, and trust me, I know this is NOWHERE near as serious or important, a heat wave is about to hit DC. In case you didn't know, DC really only has a few temperatures in the summer and if it's not rainy and kind of gross then it is sunny, HOT and ridiculously humid. We're in the latter stage now. For instance, it is 11:10 pm and eighty degrees outside...and not a pleasant 80 degrees. The next few days should break 100 degrees and that's WITHOUT factoring in humidity, etc. Ick. Just ick.

Neighborhood living

So far this week, nearly every time I have ventured out into my neighborhood on errands, etc, I have run into at least one person I know. It helps that I know a decent number of people who live in or near my neighborhood (because it's a cool place to live, ya know), but still. I saw my friend Sarah out with her friend on Tuesday night, Ryan and Sarka on Wednesday night, this morning I ran into a former student and just now, on my way home from the market, I ran into my old principal. I have realized two things from all of this: 1) I must get better at small talk & 2) I should probably stop leaving the house looking like a total schlub. Oh, make that three - I really do like living in this neighborhood. Even if it means sidewalk small talk and not always just throwing on the nearest tank top and jeans.

I heart books

Man, do I love the library! As I left physical therapy this morning, I thought that maybe I would go to a movie. Or maybe make my way downtown for the Bastille Day block party. Then I got outside and realized how horribly humid it was and ruled out the block party. Sitting on the train made me think that sitting through a two hour movie wasn't the best idea (PT was almost too good today - I'm a little sore). So I stopped at the library (conveniently located across from the Metro) and picked up four books: Son of a Witch, Gregory Maguire (I loved Wicked and want to love his other books, but so far, no go); Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor (I picked up one of his novels at the airport this weekend and liked it); Zorro, Isabel Allende (uhm, hi, it's Isabel Allende, how could I not?); Save Your Own, Elisabeth Brink (it looked interesting and had a peanut riding a bicycle on the front). I could have gotten so many others, but I forced myself to show restraint. I plan to spend all day in bed reading. Yay for summer vacation indeed.

Also, I know I didn't say much about my trip to Madison, but that's because there isn't much to say. It was WONDERFUL to see everyone again, especially my old roommates, and it was even better to be able to spend so much time together. As always, it was a little bittersweet since after two days it was back to life as regularly scheduled. So it goes, I'm afraid. Even still, I am so glad we all were able to make it and that we are still so much at ease with each other. I often talk with my seniors about how the friends they make in college will be their friends for life and I really do think that is true - my group of friends certainly seems to fit that mold. I can't imagine life without them, even if I am really bad about keeping in touch.

Sunday afternoon I spent time with friends from my other college life: organizing. (I very much led a double life in college and right after college - it worked for me though.) That was also fun, but in a very different way. I went to a cook out and talked with Jeff, Jon, Steph, Max, Dan, Bethany and Ryan. They talked politics, I mostly listened and interjected every so often. I also spent a good amount of time talking with Dan's wife about life after college (she graduated a year ago) and with Steph about...stuff. It was good to see everyone and hang out, but it also made me realize how far my life has taken me from that place. I don't think that is good or bad - it just is. Jeff and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest that night and I liked it, although nowhere near as much as the first one. It was a little long and the fight scenes got somewhat repetitive. Still...it's a movie about pirates! How can you pass it up?! (Not going to lie though - Davy Jones and his crew totally creeped me out.)

Okay, I'm off to finish re-reading The DaVinci Code and then maybe start something new. Good times.

Wedding Weekend Fun: An entry in photos

I took this idea from my friend Christina. For more photos, check out the new album I created. I'll add more pictures as I get them.

My flight to Madison was quite smooth - other than a flight attendant who thought she was really funny. Cole and I had some troubles with our airport rendezvous, but thankfully Geoff was there to help us out.

Then it was time for the rehearsal dinner, where we rehearsed our eating (since the wedding had taken place weeks before). This turned out to be a good plan since I kept dropping silverware and apparently needed the practice. We also rehearsed taking photos.
After dinner, it was on to the Essen Haus for silliness...

and drinking...

and more photo practice.

Saturday morning was hair and makeup...

And then getting dressed and SMILING!

There was a lot of dancing and fun after this last shot, but I'm having trouble posting anymore right now. Check out the album - we're fun people!

Okay, okay...one reality tv show

I'll admit it: I am a huge Project Runway fan. Seriously. I have seen every episode at least once and hate to miss a new show. Need more proof? I set my alarm for 9pm so that I would not get so caught up READING that I missed the first episode of season three. For two hours, I was glued to the screen and I was not disappointed.

Here are my preliminary thoughts on some of the contestants:

• I want Robert to win. I decided this before even seeing his design, but the dress clinched it for me. (And who knows, I could be right - I predicted Taylor Hicks' AI win from day one.)
• Laura reminds me of Geena Davis...almost. I loved her coat tonight. Gorgeous.
• Every time that Malan guy laughs, I want to jump through the tv and shake him. Really. He's like a bad caricature...only it's worse because he's real.
• Something about Stacey reminded me of Wendy - I wasn't at all surprised when she was "out."
• Kayne reminds me of Elizabeth's friend Tim.
• Michael is every twelfth grade boy I've taught since coming to DC.
• I only have two words for Vincent: Woody Allen.
• The dress was amazing, but I think Keith is going to drive me CRAZY. Arrogance is not appealing, my friend.
• No matter what he does, all I think when I see Jeffrey is, "Did those neck tattoos hurt?!"
• The previews keep showing someone being asked to leave...who could it be? What did they do?! Ooh...the drama.

I promise that I have a real life too. Tomorrow night, in contrast, I am going to a lecture on ethics and politics in the writing of Borges. See? Varied interests. A complex woman, I am. Honest.

More on the weekend later

I just had a dream that starred my mom, Spencer Black (a Madison representative), George W. Bush and an ex-boyfriend I haven't thought of in months. My mind is a messed up place sometimes.

Last week, the world of Internet dating brought me someone I will call "DC". After a few emails that left me feeling a little uncertain, I decided to take the risk and share my phone number. On Thursday night, DC called and left a message. I did not call right back. Friday afternoon he emailed calling me rude and hypocritical. I apologized for not calling, told him I didn't think it would work and wished him luck. Sunday he sent this convoluted email calling me names and telling me to go back to Disneyland (right...no one knows). Although I'm glad to have dodged that bullet, I think I'm done with Internet dating for awhile - sometimes G-d sends subtle signs and sometimes he sends you rambling crazies like DC. Message received: trust your gut and back slowly away from the computer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLE! May this year be spectacular and be full of moments that leave you asking, "Who wouldn't want to be us?"

Making haste

First, I must take a moment to congratulate my current roommate on her PROMOTION at Public Citizen! More responsibilities, more pay... Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Last month one of my college roommates, Marcia, got married to her long time fiance, Brian in Oahu. The ceremony and related celebrations were all wonderful, from all accounts and photos. Marcia was stunning, Brian looked happier than I think I have ever seen him and the scenery was picture perfect. Don't believe me? Check out that photo! Due to my work schedule, I, like many others, was unable to attend the wedding in Hawai'i, which made me sad. Not to be forgotten, Marcia and Brian planned a reception in Madison for this weekend. So I am just about off to Reagan Airport where I will fly to Chicago, have lunch with my sister and fly on to Madison. With just enough time to catch up with Cole and Geoff before heading to the rehearsal dinner (although, what to rehearse since the wedding already happened? Marcia's vote is for a choreographed dance. I'm praying not.) and out to the bars. Saturday is hair, photos and the reception (ie: drinking and dancing). It should be great fun. Sunday I'll spend more time with the pre-organizing college friends (how I miss them!) and then meet up with Jeff and see some other organizing folk. Monday morning it is back to DC. Good times WILL be had and fun clothes will be worn (this is me we're talking about). I'll be sure to tell you all about it!

Enjoy your weekend!

UGH

I just wrote this AMAZING post, but then it got deleted. No one knows how. I hate when that happens. I'll try to post again later tonight. For now I need to write two technology proposals for work.

"You be dressin'!" (And other stories from my week of orientation.)

Last week was my school's orientation for their incoming seventh grade students. Technically, it is an orientation for "potential candidates" since some students may not be invited to enroll if they are deemed a poor fit with the community and some students are on the waitlist and may not get the chance to enroll. Last year, I had a blast, the kids were adorable and the week flew by. What a difference a year makes.

This year, I taught five 45-minute social studies classes of 10-15 young ladies. It was trying to say the least. Although I do enjoy the curriculum - I use their reading of Witness to guide lessons on tolerance (meaning respect, acceptance and appreciation) and history. We taught for four days (M-Th) and then went on an "all-orientation" field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian. Now, that is one of my all-time favorite museums and if you ever come to visit me, I will certainly make sure it is a stop on your trip (if for no other reason than to apprectiate the unique design and fantastic cafeteria), but it is not an ideal museum for a school trip. And certainly not when the school trip involves 115 rising seventh graders, all of whom are students of color and none of whom are particularly interested in being there.

You may already know that I generally relate much more easily to my male seventh grade students than my female ones. This, I think, has a lot to do with the fact that I have little experience in my life to help me relate to/deal with the "queen bee-drama queen-don't you say my name out your mouth" attitude that so many of my girls bring into the seventh grade. Regardless, teaching 57 girls all week was a major learning experience for me. Not that it was all bad. As usual, there were some great moments. Enjoy!

Title track: Professional dress for female staff means no jeans, no casual shirts and no shorts (during orientation). Footwear is also watched, but no clear guidelines exist. Given the heat, I wore a lot of skirt/capri & sleeveless button down combos with dress sandals this week. Upon seeing my Wednesday outfit, my fourth period had this to say:
K: Ms. Miller, you be dressin'!
Me: Uhm...thank you. ::confused smile::
R: No, for real. You do be dressin'. Your outfits are tight.
K: ::quickly:: For a teacher.
::whole class nods and makes low noises in agreement::
Me: Well, I try. ::smile::

All together now ::shaking head:: "Seriously?!": In teaching tolerance (and using Witness), it is important to address the KKK: their history; their purpose; their philosophies. The students love this part of the week b/c they hear a lot about the KKK without ever knowing much about them. After an exercise on the history and philosophy of the KKK, the students check their understanding with a crossword puzzle, which we then go over. It was during this review that our brand new assistant principal decided to observe my class.
AP: Don't mind me.
Me: ::internallly:: I won't. ::externally:: Welcome! Please have a seat - we're just reviewing our crossword puzzles! ::to students in enthusiastic tone:: Who can answer 5 Across?
Students: ::silence and anxious looks at AP::
Me: ::even more enthusiastically/encouragingly:: C'mon! Don't be afraid of pronounciation, this was a hard one! Who can tell me what we call the idea that whites are better than other people of other races?!
Students: ::almost all raise hands confidently::
I think you can take it from there...(the answer, by the way, is "white supremacy")

Simple math: Before we are allowed into the museum, we are given an overview by a guide. Mind you, it is about 90 degrees and sunny and we're standing in a circle, three deep, around this 20-year-old guy who is trying to be heard over the traffic without any electronic assistance. Not so much, guys. Nice try though. The overview is basically just a threat - behave or we'll kick your whole group out. Do they give that speech to the school groups from Kansas too? Anyway...we walk into the museum where we must gather in this "holding area" until everyone is through security. There are 115 kids and about 25 adults. The security guard yells at the kids for blocking the path to the restroom, then the guide yells at the kids for blocking the path to the cafe and then the guide looks at me exasperated and...
Guide: Don't they know how to be quiet?
Me: There are 115 of them in here. They are being quiet.

Cranky old white lady (and no, I do not mean me): We are at the museum and my group of ten girls are exploring the section on Native American beliefs and religions. It is dark, with stars overhead and several television screens playing various short films. The space is enclosed (and therefore prone to enhancing sound).
T: Look, a movie!
::girls crowd around television screen::
A: Oh, I know this story! It's about a girl and her sis-
Cranky lady: SHHH!!! ::glaring::
Me: ::externally:: Girls, keep it down please. ::internally:: Get a grip lady, it's a three minute video on repeat.

I am so glad to have the next few weeks off. I adore teenagers, I really do, but it was definitely time for a break. And now it's time for bed.

Grand Opening!

Now that work is (relatively) on hiatus until mid-August and now that the Internet is functional again and now that I'm slowly pulling myself out of the little dark hole I've been in of late, I thought it was a good idea to start a brand new blog! It's okay to show your excitement - I understand. It'll take me awhile to get used to the new format of this host site, etc, but I've been craving an outlet lately and it was time to get started.

As I am a teacher, I feel the need to set some guidelines.

1. Contrary to what publishing an online blog might suggest, I am a very private person. I do not share this website casually. Read often, enjoy my wit and wisdom, use my posts as a conversation starter, but please do not share any personal information you get from future posts with others. That caused the demise of my last blog - I'll try to be better about what I write, but I'm counting on you as well.
2. This blog will not be used as a vehicle through which I can passive agressively fight with anyone. If it seems like that is what I'm doing, I'm sorry. I'm not. You'll have to trust me on this one.
3. Comment freely. I am not a phone person and I email at a fairly irregular rate. My only salvation is that I can usually post on a regualr basis and thereby communicate with my friends and family. I'd love to hear back from you.
4. If there is one thing I am good at, it is being cryptic. I usually de-code myself at some later point, but not always. Sometimes, a girl just needs to vent, you know? I apologize in advance. Feel free to scold me when I start writing in code. I'm not promising anything, but I generally respond well to redirection.
5. Enjoy! Please, visit often, enjoy the (mis)adventures from my life and all that jazz. (Y'all know I couldn't leave that list at four.)