Last Day of School

Today was my last day of tutoring science at the middle school. Well, that isn't exactly accurate, because not a whole lot of teaching has been going on in the last 1-2 weeks. It was my last day there, and the last day of school for my students.

Other than the seemingly incessant, "What are you going to do this summer/next year?" questions from teachers and students alike, I was able to forego admitting to myself that, come June 5, I would be sans job again.

But, as I write this, the tidal wave of this fact is smacking me upside the head. I have a couple potential opportunities, but they are just that: potential. Nothing is certain yet. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. I am trying to master "cautiously optimistic."

A handful of my 8th grade girls were crying this afternoon. Two were full-on sobbing unabashedly. I asked their teacher what was up. She said, "Oh, they're just sad they're going to miss each other." As if they're not all neighbors, or texting each other constantly, or all would probably list Myspace as a hobby!

As ridiculous as I found their tears, I later realized that I could relate. We were all forgetting that everything would be ok. We all needed to remember that new things, or changes, can be great things. And we all could use a reminder that God has a plan for each of us.

...Tough realizations aside, my kids taught me a fun new game today called Ninja.

It might sound cheesy, but I'll miss them. All of them. I hope the best for all of them. And I hope I have made even the tiniest positive impression on their lives.

New Photo Series

I've been thinking about this for a while now, but I'm going to finally do my series of photos called I Don't Understand It, But I Love It. It's pretty self-explanatory. I just want each photo to be intriguing both in its image composition and its subject matter. I want it to be a testament to the idea that life may not always make sense, but there's always something in it to appreciate. You can click on them to get a larger view.

Here's the first, One of Two in My Spinach.

And here is The Floor Was Pink, Too.

Busy McChaos

Hi friends! There has been a lot going on in my lil' world recently. Not bad stuff (in fact, all potentially good), just a lot of it. I promise to write a more thorough post soon. For now, I leave you with a song I heard on Sirius last night that gave me goosebumps. It just reminded me to keep that eternal/Biblical perspective, even when my surroundings might be changing. Enjoy!

Crossed Paths

I love when the things in my life connect in some way. It gives me a sensation I can only descibe as "positive heebie-jeebies." Maybe a new acquaintance quotes one of my favorite movies. Maybe a co-worker mentions a band I am presently gaga over. Who knows!

Today I had a moment like this. The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite shows. Sheldon in particular cracks me up (even though there are unfortunate moments when his neurotic remarks remind me of myself). I am also a huge fan of Cake Wrecks. Imagine my surprise and happiness when I read the CW post featuring this beauty!!! Has something like this happened to you recently?

Another Lovely Song

J.J. Heller's "Your Hands". The graphics are cheesy, but the song is great.

I want to get the chords, it doesn't sound that hard to play.

A Beastly Day, With a Beautiful Ending

Today was a Monday after a very busy weekend for me. By the time I awoke this morning, my sweetness was already en route to Boston. As I listened to my alarm, I yearned to hear his, "I landed and I'm here" phone call. I got ready for work, noticing that my daily Claritin was no match for the latest batch of allergens blowing through North Texas.

At school, I was still struggling to get the morning groggies from my head. Between classes, I sat in the teacher's lounge with the other science tutor. One of our teachers came in, and congratulated her. The teacher left. I turned to the other tutor. "What did she congratulate you for?" She said, trying to be delicate, "I got a teaching job...here. They offered it to me on Friday." Of course, I acted all squeal-y and excited about it. But I couldn't shake the conversation I'd had with our principal a couple weeks ago. When I inquired whether he'd be needing to hire any science teachers for next year, he'd said he didn't know yet. Today, it was clear that he'd made up his mind.

Feeling about three inches tall, I went to my auditorium duty. Since there has been an increase in kids skipping and leaving campus recently, all the campus monitors have been assigned to outside posts during lunches. That leaves yours truly the only one supervising the auditorium. It is a huge old room, seating at least a thousand. It has a stage, which is off-limits to the kids. It also has two sets of stairs leading to a balcony of seats, also off-limits and even more enticing to the troublemakers. And today was the day that my assistant principal decided to walk in, when a rebellious student was refusing to come down from the balcony. She, for lack of a more eloquent phrase, griped me out in front of a group of students. She ended with apologizing for leaving me in there by myself. "This is too big a space for one person to watch." I told her.

For the last three class periods of the day, I had to go "babysit" the substitute for one of my science teachers. I don't know why the other teachers thought this was necessary. He was doing a great job, and all the kids had to do was complete a personality/career profile test. It would have made for an easy afternoon, had it not been ridiculously muggy, and 80-something degrees in that classroom. Woof. In 9th (last) period, I overheard something aggravating. A usually sweet student of mine blurted out to her friends, "I don't give a f*** about teachers!" The best response I could muster up, to let her know I'd heard her: "Thanks, Marlene."

Finally, the bell rang, and I made my way to the gym. My plan was to do the 5:30 spin class. I was a little nervous. This would be the first exercise I'd done in over a week, since I'd gotten sick, fainted, etc. However, I felt fidgety and ready. It was amazing. It felt so good to sweat, to use my muscles, to fight for breath. I made it through the whole class, and did better than I expected I would!

And as if spin class wasn't great enough, my dinner was delicious. First, I had a salad. The spinach, grape tomatoes, and baby carrots looked like a confetti used to celebrate summer. Then I made a cheese quesadilla. I used a heavenly homemade tortilla from Jesse's mom, and even whipped up a smidge of guacamole. Yum!

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 5:17-21

⁶Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This passage has really resonated with me over the past few days. I've really not been feeling "at home in the body" while dealing with intense pain, one scary fainting spell, some anxiety, the urge to do some late-night eating, etc. While I could take this Scripture as a validation for wallowing in the shortcomings of my earthly body, there are a few things stopping me

1. That's only part of the equation. Verse 8 says we'd prefer to be at home with the Lord. Do I have that longing in my heart? Have I been pursuing Him in my everyday life?

2. Verse 9 adds further conviction. Am I making it my goal to please Him? Honestly, in the midst of pain stabbing in my belly, I'm just hoping I don't black out again. How do I glorify God in those moments?

3. This passage is quite probably referring to "the body" as a metaphor for this world. And, as we Christians know, we are supposed to be "in the world, but not of the world." So, how am I doing in that department? Further conviction: I'm gossiping, judging others, being impatient... Ouch.

All this, coupled with the promise of judgment in verse 10, is very depressing. This is the point in which most cases, including other religions, we want to work off these bad things. What can we do to make it right? What can we accomplish to clean the slate? Amazingly, nothing. Further on, Paul writes:

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

What?! God's letting me off scot-free? This is fantastic! But that's not all:

²⁰We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

So God has done this ridiculously wonderful thing for me, and said, "Mkay, go tell your friends." Nooo problem! No pain or frustration of this world, or this body, can change the fact that I have been redeemed. This lovely song sums up the sense of perspective and joy I feel when I remember this. (Unfortunately it has embedding disabled, so I had to just link to it.)

ADDENDUM: I wrote this post, and was so proud of it. Immediately I realized I'd forgotten a very important element: that of sin-repentance-forgiveness. Well, we'll just say this one deals with overall redemption/Grace. I'll look for appropriate Scripture for the rest later...

Fainting*

*potentially bad pseudo-poetry/venting

Three, four hours later.

I searched the bathroom walls.

Which corner snatched skin from my thigh as I fell,

In exchange for a bruise?

I looked for the surface

Where I bumped my chin.

Must've supported me for a moment,

gave me a red spot, too.

Did I call out his name loud enough?

Did I form the sounds,

push them out with my lungs?

Blackness was surrounding me-

I had no time to wonder.

I must have.

"What happened?"

He said, rushing in.

"Did you hit your head?"

He was nowhere to be seen.

I heard him.

I felt his arms around me.

I hung on with all I had.

Sorry, "People of Wal-Mart"...

But this site just robbed you of the my-current-favorite-website title.

Still Surprised

If I were more like this blogger, I would have quit being surprised by things by now. However, I am still taken aback when...

• A student asks me, "Miss, how do you spell 'area'?" (I teach middle school, BTW.)
• People think it's an ok idea to pull out in front of me in traffic. Vroom!
• I am proved wrong when I'm so certain I'm right
• I was told that one of our students (again, middle school) is a father
• A crummy day is nearly always followed by a fantastic one
• I laugh ridiculously hard at things like this

...And so on. What surprises you?

Movie Review: Zombieland

Let me begin this review by first saying that this is not the sort of movie I usually go for, er, for which I usually go. In fact, I never would have seen it, had my mom (like-minded regarding this type of movie) not first seen it and, surprisingly, recommended it!

In turn, I must recommend it too. Yes, it's gory, but not in a realistic way. While it is suspenseful, it's far more funny than scary. Plus, how great is a movie that features a list of rules? Rule #1 for surviving the zombie attack: cardio!

The soundtrack is awesome. As you watch the movie, you hear everyone from Mozart to Van Halen to Hank Sr. to Metric!

The cast members complement each other well, and make up a great enesemble. Woody Harrelson is the bristly Tallahassee. (The best good-bye he can muster up: "That'll do, pig.") Jesse Eisenberg seems to have studied Michael Cera's acting quite a bit. He nails the soft-spoken, nerdy, neurotic humor of his character. Emma Stone (Superbad, The Rocker) has the smoky eyes and voice that bring to mind Mean Girls-era Lindsay Lohan. And Abigail Breslin gives a solid performance as her little sister! She's come a long way from Olive (Little Miss Sunshine).

The quality, humor, and storyline of this movie were all pleasant surprises. I can't believe I'm typing this, but, you should see Zombieland!

A Song I had to share

So, the past few weeks, I've really been struggling with my anxiety/panic attacks again. It comes and goes. I met with my church counselor this afternoon. (Yes, my church is awesome and has a fantastic Biblically-based counseling center.) She mentioned, among other things, that I look up this song. It brought me to tears, in a good way. It's "If You Want Me To" by Ginny Owens.

Grammar/Spelling

THAT'S what I'm talking about! Clever, funny, and true.

Wildflower time!

Yesterday, I saw the first blossoms of Texas wildflower season: Henbit (above), and Crow Poison (below). Hooray!

Can you guess what these are?

I just took these photos this afternoon. Then I messed with the color, contrast, etc. a little bit. I don't have titles for them. They may or may not become my inspiration for abstract paintings, we'll see...

No new car...yet.

Blitzen's lease is up in about one month. I want to purchase my next car. I have been ogling an uber-cute Jetta I found online. It has all the options I want, low miles, etc. Plus, it is red, with a tan leather interior.

Being the awesome father and tough negotiator that he is, my dad went with me to the dealership to see it today. We inspected it thoroughly. I found a couple rock chips on the hood, and he estimated that the front brake pads might need replacing. The tires were practically brand new. We learned, thanks to Carfax, that the car was originally a rental, and bought by the dealership at an auction (aka probably for nuffin'!). Its former gig as a rental did mean that all the maintenance was performed, but that it was potential victim to all kinds of crazy drivers.

The test drive was fun. The Jetta wasn't as peppy as Blitzen, but was no Mildred either. Mildred was my Chevy Cavalier who had the zip of a giant tortoise. The salesman informed my dad and I that it was because of its five-cylinder in-line engine. A five cylinder?! Those Germans think of everything.

Then came the part that is likely a beating for all parties involved: the price haggling. Dad was great. Not only did he get them to come down considerably from the price, he got them to throw in the 2-year warranty extension for free! However, the price wasn't quite where we wanted it.

We said we'd think about it, a move that prompted the salesman to get his manager. I knew that would happen! He told us this sad story about how he overpaid for it. Riiiiight. And that is my problem how? The salesman piped up, "It needs a new home!" I was thisclose to firing back, "Not that badly, apparently."

Then he tried to tempt me into looking at some other cars on the lot. I was getting hungry, and Dad saved the day with, "I've gotta get back to the office." We were out.

Dad and I left, and had lunch. During the course of our meal, the salesman left me a voicemail about an "identical" platinum-gray Jetta that was, well, the price I'd wanted on the red one. I did not return his call.

Today may not have yielded a new car, but it did provide me a lot of time with my dad: one of the smartest, funniest people I know. The drive to and from the dealership, lunch, and even the car-shopping process were great because he was there. It might sound cheesy, but I am so grateful to have a dad like him!

Two Songs

From my drive home this afternoon.

I heard this one, and was reminded of how great I thought they sounded on SNL this past weekend. (I was less impressed, however, by the painfully un-funny sketches that seemed to go on far too long.) As for the song's lyrics, I am still trying to work out how a soul can be both "old and rusty, burned beneath the rising sun," AND "locked up like a trophy." Hmm...

This second one, I think, is sweet, poppy, and far too short.

I'm ready

My first two years of college, I was a chemistry/pre-med major in Virginia. My intention was to become either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. However, unaccustomed to having to actually work hard at school, I let Organic Chemistry kick my butt. My reaction was to transfer, come back to Texas, and change my major to graphic design (something I perceived would be easier and more fun).

Seven years since my departure from science and Virginia, I am finally ready to retake o-chem. Whether it's for personal reasons, or to get back on my original path, I am not sure. I just know that, like Spongebob Squarepants, I'm ready!

A question for other teachers

I am writing this while taking ANOTHER day off of school.

I feel like crap. Again.

I flip back through my iCal, and I can see all the days I've taken off from exercise, because of feeling sickly. I'm averaging a 1-2 day cold every other week/2 weeks or so! This is ridiculous.

I am wondering, is there something seriously wrong with me? I'd normally consider myself a pretty healthy person!

Or, teachers, did this happen to you your first year? Maybe it is being around all the germy kids all day...

My First 10K

Ding ding ding! It was 5:30 on Saturday morning, and my cell phone's alarm clock was ringing.

I was reluctant (to put it mildly) to leave my warm bed. But, wanting to avoid potential traffic, and being someone who is perpetually early to things, I got up. I arrived at the shuttle parking at LaGrave Field ahead of schedule. The buses were filling with excited runners of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors. I sat next to a lady, probably in her late 60's, who was going to do her 10th half marathon!

We were dropped off downtown, where a huge crowd was already gathered. There was plenty to do and see before the 7:30 start. I checked my purse, sipped some complimentary coffee, and meandered around Sundance Square. People-watching was awesome. There were quite a few runners wearing plastic trash bags to keep warm!

During the run, I was surprised by how quickly the time passed. I also found it odd how my hands would get hot, and then cold, and then hot again. I took my gloves off and put them back on a couple times during the run! I was also surprised to see some people walking before we'd even reached the one-mile marker.

The course was great. There were uphill and downhill slopes, curves and straights. I was glad that only one uphill, the second to last, made me think that I just might barf. Luckily that was only a fleeting thought. I ran the whole way, save the 3 seconds when I had to stop and tie my shoe. There is something very motivating about running with thousands of other people, all of us like little trains, puffing our breath into the cold morning air.

Finishing the race was the best part. Not only did I get a medal, and snacks, but I got to see my sweetheart waiting for me at the finish! (I surprised him, because I finished more quickly than I planned.) It took me 1:11:06. Hooray! I am excited to do another one in the near future!

...And here is a pic of me (tired, sweaty, but happy) with my finisher's medal! :)

Wish Me Luck!!!

Holy crap, I am running my first 10K in the morning! I'll let y'all know how I fare.

Nighty-night!

Sometimes

Sometimes, as it says in an Old 97's lyric, "the day just wins."

You feel discouraged by the attitudes of those around you, both students and teachers.

You are tasked with cleaning out a storage closet belonging to the hoarding-happy department chair. (She has apparently come to the conclusion that things like the tops to Snack Packs are essential to instruction.)

The next class period, you have to corral antsy kids in the auditorium, and all your yelling and frustration smush your soul a little bit.

Your next class, you do some one-on-one instruction with a kid who has the attention span, charm, and physique of a mosquito.

Lunch. You have half an hour to savor your PB & J. (You gave up bringing microwavable lunch weeks ago, when the teachers' lounge was reduced to one working 'wave.)

You make it through your next three classes daydreaming.

You hurry home to change, so you can run some errands before your exercise class. The gym is brutal, but in a therapeutic way.

You have a hot shower, and a good dinner, but the things you heard and felt and saw just hang on you.

You talk to loved ones, who brighten your spirits.

You make an earnest effort to have a good cry/pray, thinking that would renew you. All you can squeeze out are a few anxious tears.

You stay up 'til midnight eating.

But then sometimes, things are different... even the very next day.

The teachers have activities that they are excited to share with the students, who are eager and receptive.

The expired Nescafe crystals and empty baby food jars in the storage closet strike you as weirdly funny.

The students in the auditorium are calmer.

Your one-on-one student from yesterday chooses to be with you again, rather than stay in class. You accomplish a lot together.

The teachers you eat lunch with are cheerier (partially because of the cheesecake someone brought, which you are strong enough to resist, BTW).

You do pull-out instruction with 3 "troublemakers." They work well, and are enchanted by your illustrations of the concepts you teach them. One even murmurs, "Thank you, Miss...for teaching us."

You hurry home, and go for an amazing run. The 10K you have coming up doesn't seem so menacing.

You write a blog, work on an art project, and talk to those you love.

A song for today

I honestly didn't like this song the first time I heard it. I think I have to be in the right mood/frame of mind to be receptive to new jams. This is certainly a good one: danceable, encouraging, etc. Enjoy!

Utmosts of the Day

Funniest thing I saw all day: I saw this photo this morning, when checking one of my regular webcomic sites. It cracked me up! (Click on it for a larger view.)

Best phrase I heard all day: "Fascinating cardigan." Yeah. What does that bring to mind for ya?

Sweetest compliment I received today: That the smell of baking cookies "has nothing on [me]" when it comes to "brightening up the whole place." (!)

What were some of your utmosts of the day?

Assorted Thoughts, Vol. 2

This edition of Assorted Thoughts includes photo illustrations, pulled from my friend Google Image!

Not even seeing an obese lady on a scooter (as I did on my drive home) could make me rethink skipping the gym today. My shoulders are sore, my legs are tired, and my feet hurt. So there.

I thought that Crocs were the most hideous shoes ever created. However, that was before I saw a lady in my gym wearing these fugly things. Apparently they are related to the "barefoot running" fad.

Have you ever sent an email agreeing to do something, and then immediately thought, "Oh, crap! Why did I do that?" That was my reaction to volunteering to host Bible study group at my house this week. Now I feel the need to clean. And bake.

The following are things that make me feel special and happy: receiving a letter from someone while they are out of the country, fresh flowers, yummy homemade breakfast.

Middle schoolers are kooky. I should know this firsthand, having been a very awkward one myself. I had a huuuge, slow (mentally), very moody African-American male student try to pick a fight with a small, equally slow Hispanic girl today. Did I ever think that was an okay way to go about life? I've never even been in a fight. The class period before, I had a painfully shy/quiet girl come in sporting hospital bracelets. I asked her teacher about it, but she didn't know anything. I guess she didn't want to ask, afraid of the explanation??

However, I had a handful of students ask me randomly throughout the day, "Miss, how's your day going?" I couldn't honestly answer anything but, "awesome." I am alive, healthy, loved, and employed.

Snow Day? Hooray!

(a view from my treehouse)

As I write this, I am sipping some hot chocolate, topped with a cobblestone-esque layer of marshmallows. It is still snowing here in FW, as it has been all day.

My day began with me skidding my way to school, cursing my district for being open. I made it in safely, and on time. My students (the ones who showed up, anyway!) were all so excited. Any kids who had classes in the portable buildings, or in rooms even near a door, snatched up the opportunity to scurry outside and pelt their classmates with snowballs. Anyone walking outside would have seen every window filled with eager faces.

I logged onto the district's website around 3 this afternoon. Tomorrow, there would be no school! Hoo-frickin'-ray! This let me hatch a nice little plot: If the roads are okay by tomorrow afternoon, I could surprise my sweetness at the airport when he arrives home from Paris!

I hope I'm able to do this. And, I hope you all have a fun, safe, and toasty-warm snow day!

ADDENDUM: The weatherman tells me that this was the snowiest day on record in Dallas/Fort Worth history: 7.9" of lovely snow!

Tu me manques

As I type this, my sweetness is en route to Paris... sans moi. I miss him already. This song comes to mind as one to suit my current mood. Friday afternoon can't get here fast enough. To you, lil' bear:

Chatted Up

This week was a good one at school. However, the kids in my classes are getting more comfortable with my being there. In fact, they all want to know about me. They ask questions, compliment my wardrobe choices, make attempts to flirt. It is a frustrating problem, because my gut reactions are to blush, answer their questions, thank them, etc. But I'm not there for that. I'm there to help them learn.

However, I know that the brain is more receptive to learning when it feels it's in a physically and emotionally safe environment. I want the kids to feel that. Where, and how, do I draw the line between, "Miss, I like your shoes!" and, "Miss, do you ever go to the club?"

Whaddaya think?

So I redid my blog template. It is definitely different, but I like it. Thoughts?

PS: the only thing I don't like is that "read more..." at the bottom of each post. I can't find a way to get rid of it.

The cutest thing I've seen all day!

I just saw this on one of the blogs I follow. I decided to post it here in homage to Sam and Ronald. Sam and Ronald were a German Shepherd and a duck from Jesse's childhood, who were friends! He even has a cute photo of them, just hangin' out in the back yard.

Assorted Thoughts

I don't really have the time or desire or even need to write a whole post about one topic. It's getting near Nyquil & sleep time. Here are some things that've been occupying my thoughts during this past week:

In one day of driving, I was flipped off by one lady, and then graciously surrendered a sweet parking spot at Target by another lady. You never know who's driving next to you!

I signed up to do the Cowtown 10K. I was initially pumped about it. However, I inexplicably injured my ankle last week. It's better now, but now I'm facing another round of this allergy/cold mashup. My eagerly-made training schedule has been derailed again, and I worry I won't be ready for the run.

Last week was a great week at school. Yes, I had a student tell me that the chunk of glass in my ring looked like crystal meth. Yes, I had another student tell me to shut up. But, I got to teach a lesson, assist with a lab, and give a test.

I did my taxes! I can't wait to get my refund! As much as I want to spend it on silly things, I should probably save it because...

I've only got 3 months left on Blitzen's lease. Chances are, I'll need some cash for a down payment on another car. I don't want to lease again, I'd rather buy. I want something that's more "grown-up," without being boring. And that has Sirius.

We're Running Barefoot, You and I

This evening, I was sitting at a stoplight on my way home. I was staring at the truck in front of me. I was admiring the tread pattern in its tires, and how it tessellated. What song should then start on my radio, but Tessellate, by Tokyo Police Club! Was it coincidence, quantum physics, God, or all three? Enjoy.

A good sign!

I noticed this little guy this morning. He was beaming up at me from the parking area at my apartments. "How could it not be a good day now?" I thought. It was a good day, indeed. I had an awesome run and did errands in the morning. I spent the afternoon relaxing and laughing with my sweetness. And now, I am going about preparing for tomorrow in a leisurely pace. I hope you had a great MLK day and have a wonderful tomorrow, too!

Book Review: Girls of Riyadh

I just finished Girls of Riyadh this evening. It is the first novel from 25-year old Rajaa Alsanea. The book's fifty chapters are written as email installments, sent out weekly from a mysterious author to subscribers around Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East. (A sort of Gulf "Gossip Girl," perhaps?) The book focuses on the lives of four young, upper-class Saudi women. Girls apparently created as big of a scandal in the Arab world as the fictional emails do in the book!

This book was fascinating. Though fictionalized, the author's accounts are kept as realistic as possible. The revelation of the usually-secluded lives of women there adds considerable intrigue. I felt as if I were reading private information! Not only that, but the culture and value systems are so different from the ones with which I am familiar.

For instance, marriages are arranged by [hopefully] well-meaning family members. Before signing the marriage contract, the couple are allowed to meet in person only once. It is no wonder that the trendy engagement gifts, then, are cellphones!

I highly recommend this book. It is fascinating, and enlightening. It is filled with everything from verses of the Qur'an to lyrics of Saudi pop songs. The characters are engaging and likable. Although I may be far from them geographically and culturally, I was able to see the universal nature of the human experience shine through. We all want to be successful, happy, and loved. These girls are no different.

Mexican Butthead

This week at school (Tuesday, to be precise), I got to do my first pull-out tutoring with a small group of students. For three class periods, 6-8 kids came to me from their science teachers.

We did some re-teaching of energy transformations, by making and discussing a foldable (whose template I designed, by the way!). I quickly learned that, if I showed them my example first, they would use my ideas for the illustrations, instead of thinking of their own.

Then we played Jeopardy. The winning teams got their choice of Hot Cheetos (which the kids inexplicably love- blarg!), Kit Kats, or Reese's. I shouldn't have been surprised that there were some who didn't even know what Jeopardy was. I had the template to make the game into a Promethean Board activity. However, with a small group circled around a table, I opted for the "analog" version: a grid of different-colored index cards with the questions on the back. (I felt vindicated when a student said it was "cooler.")

Making sure that we had "team agreement" for an answered question was a great way for the kids to catch their errors. It was an opportunity for one to pipe up, "Wait, wouldn't it be this?" to his/her peers.

In 7th period, I saw a student coming towards my room whom the teacher told me she would keep with her. Why was he here? (I later learned that he hadn't even gone to class, but found his way into my room somehow.) This child, let's call him... Ramon. Little Ramon eerily resembles a Mexican version of Butthead (from Beavis and Butthead). He is a constant source of honks, clicks, animal sounds, and other distractions. I panicked for a nanosecond. Then I remembered that everything happens for a reason, so I'd just go with it. To my surprise, he only honked once. He spent the remainder of the time hitting on me: "Miss, you should try out for modeling. Miss, I lost my phone number, can I have yours?" etc. To me, a still very green teacher, this was much more bearable.

I spent the next day attending a funeral and visiting someone in the hospital. When I returned to school on Thursday, I had some pleasant news. Apparently, all the kids were asking about me! The ones who I taught wanted to know when they'd get to go back, and the ones who didn't get to go were jealous! Their teachers even let them use the foldables we'd made on their test.

When I first found out I'd be doing this (small pull-out groups), I was so excited. The other science tutor, for some reason, sneered, "Oh...I'd rather not do that." (Good thing they picked me, and not her!) I think it was just as effective, more relaxed, and more fun for the students than trying to accomplish the same goals in a crowded, noisy class. Mexican Butthead or not, I can't wait to do it again!

Creeped-Out, Let-Down, and Ticked-Off...

...These were the combined states in which I left the gym this evening.

I entered the studio room for my Body Works class about 10 minutes before its scheduled beginning. The only other occupants were the instructor, and 3 other women. Suddenly, a red-haired guy about my age, dressed in blue jeans and a heavy Carhartt jacket, charged into the room. He located the bags used for the kickboxing classes. All the while clutching his giant, styrofoam Whataburger cup, he began kicking and punching the bags. He jumped. He jabbed. He spun. Oh, and did I mention that he was talking to himself the entire time?

While this continued, I stood in complete wonder. What was my instructor's problem? Why wasn't she taking any action? Only when he grabbed a set of weights and began hitting the bags with him did she say, "Excuse me!" At this he dropped the weights, picked up the jacket he'd shed during his "exercise," and left the studio. My instructor decided to tell the people working at the front desk about him. When she returned, she reported that they didn't have the faintest idea who she was talking about!

Class started, and through the studio's glass doors, we saw him bouncing around the rest of the gym. He wandered into a racquetball court. He talked to some of the people lifting weights. He took a brief ride on a rowing machine. And, several times, he came back to the door of the studio, only to place his hand on its handle, then turn, and walk away.

When class [finally] ended, I approached the two guys working the front desk. One is a part-time employee, the other is management of some sort. I asked them if the "creepy red-headed guy" had a membership. They didn't know who I was referring to. I told him about his odd behavior before Body Works. One of them joked, "Oh, him? He's a new employee here!" The other (Mr. Quasi-Manager) attempted to console me with, "Well, there's plenty of guys here, in case you ever need anything."

Ok, I will admit that, being a white, pretty female in my late twenties, I usually have my guard up somewhat around guys. I will also admit that, in the gym, this guard is even higher. For example, I don't like to show a lot of skin when I'm working out. I don't wear jewelry, and have on only what remains of that morning's makeup application. But THIS was flat-out unnerving. I am speaking of not only the strange man's behavior, but also the flippant response I received from the gym staff. This became even more unsettling when I remembered the shooting rampage that a man went on at another location of the same gym, a scant 5 months ago.

So... Do you think I should look for another gym?

Recent Acquisition

This Christmas marked a new acquisition for this treehouse-dweller's collection, a gift of Jesse Sierra Hernandez.

Sofia With Octopus, Pussyhouse Propaganda, 24"x25", spraypaint on birch.

Horchata

Hooray! It is officially the weekend. After a fantastic day at work, I am off to see my sweetness for the first time in what seems like forever. We are going to La Playa, because I am in the mood for horchata. Of course, this song came to my mind. It seems to match my excited, contented mood well. I hope you all have awesome weekends. :)

Hey Ken!

I was quoting this video, and Jesse said you would enjoy it. Great to see you and your sweetie last night!

Another Song

...That makes me wish I directed music videos.

Weird Dreams

I have them almost every night. Sometimes I remember the whole dream, sometimes just a snippet, and most commonly, I am left with just a vague feeling.

Last night, however, was a great one. I was a college-age girl in the 1950's. I was going to get my teeth whitened. However, I was hesitant about this because a) the hygenists were all busy, and they assigned me the sketchy mad-scientist-ish lab tech guy instead, and b) I was aware that 1950's technology was not so hot. I snuck out, only to have my unemployed husband (played by some guy I've never seen before) tell me that he'll just make money from my sorority to support us. I was angry and confused. The end.

What's a weird dream you had recently?

The Ghost of Avocado Past

...On my cutting board.

This is a temple? Yup!

Last night for me was an evening of too many fun-sized bags of chips (and cheese slices, and tiny bowls of cereal...), then reluctant sleep, punctuated with Benadryl-popping, weird dreams, and nose-blowing. I awoke wondering how on earth my body is supposedly a "temple of the Holy Spirit" made to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I thought: This thing? Really? This cellulite-ridden, hypoglycemic, panic-attack prone bag of bones? This is "fearfully and wonderfully made"(Psalm 139)?

I glanced out the window, trying to shake off the shame of yet another night's snack session (read:binge). Below were three little birds, enjoying a splashy bath in a puddle. Immediately I thought of Matthew 6:25-27. It made me feel loved, and comforted. However, I still couldn't see how my body, with all its shortcomings and flaws, was a temple for God's Holy Spirit. Not to mention that God bought my body at a price, and therefore I should glorify Him with it.

I spent some time this afternoon reading Scripture, along with Elyse Fitzpatrick's Love to Eat Hate to Eat (both of which I highly recommend). I thank God for the understanding I was able to glean:

• God bought me (including my body) at a price=He gave His Son so that I'd have eternal life
• He blessed me with this body, but it does not belong to me (see above bullet)
• Even the Apostle Paul struggled against sin and his own body (Romans 7:14-25, 1 Cor. 9:27)
• I have a responsibility to keep it as healthy as I can (this is how I glorify Him with it)
• I can be thankful for, and make use of, its flaws as opportunities to help those with similar issues (further glorifying God, hence this post)

So there you have it. I hope that, if there is someone needing to read this, they do, and that it helps them somehow.

D'you Ever Hear a Song...

...And instantly visualize how you'd direct the video for it? That happened to me yesterday, when I heard this crazy gem on Sirius. I would go with: post-apocalyptic pep rally. Enjoy! Be advised: it is loud, and the "bad" quality is intentional.

Skinny Jeans

A while back, I finally bought my first pair of skinny jeans (see "wintry joys" list). Yes, they were from Banana Republic, but a) theirs were the only kind that provided adequate bum coverage (I'm long-waisted), and b) I had a 40% off coupon, ok?!?!

Anywho, I determinedly bought the size 8 pair. They were a bit snug. No problem, I thought. I'll just stretch 'em out by wearing them for a while. Sure, the tag says to wash them before wearing, but what do they know? I put them in with last weekend's laundry. Since then, they've been folded patiently in my dresser, waiting me to work up the courage to try them on again. What if they shrank? What if I expanded?

I put them on this evening to wear to Bible study. They fit better than they did pre-wash! WOW! Since they feel so comfy and trendy, I now have a dilemma on my hands: Fridays, the teachers at my school can wear jeans. Do I go with my tried-and-true faded bootcuts, or pretty much blend in with my students by donning the skinny jeans, a black polo, and my Converse? I mean, I know teachers are supposed to dress professionally, as a way to garner at least an iota of respect from students. But it's jeans day! And what will students respect more: cool new jeans, or 15-year old stonewashed Jordaches (this is an exaggeration of the old teacher jeans I spied last Friday)? I guess I'll decide tomorrow morning.

PS: Pic is from BR's website.

Let's Go for the Hat Trick

This has been a weird 90 minutes or so.

FIRST: I discovered 2 tracks on my iPod that were actually voicemails from homeowners/tenants to an A/C service place of some sort. I have no idea how they got there. I am so tempted to call the numbers they left. One is local, an 817 area code. The other is 979, which Wikipedia says follows the Brazos River from south of Waco to the Gulf Coast.

SECOND: A friend posted this lil' gem, which I love.

FINALLY: I have this song stuck in my head, so I thought I'd share. Not too strange, but the most bizarre-yet-catchy thing I've heard in a while.

Yeesh. I think it's time to go to bed.

Party Pics!

Last Thursday was the "Staff Holiday Party" at Jesse's workplace. The best part was the photo booth! It offered instant prints, as well as online viewing/ordering. There were also an assortment of hats, boas, and other accessories to try on. Here are 3 of my favorites of us:

One for the ol' scrapbook...if I had a scrapbook!

What's a photo booth without a smooch pic?!

And, lookin' sassy with a feather boa and yachtsman's cap.

Hey, Cakeballs!*

Consider your butt KICKED.

*Cakeballs are an oddly-named but delicious pastry.

Readjusting

Readjusting to working full-time has been challenging. This past week seemed both long and short. My workdays were long, but the precious hours before and after them were all too fleeting.

Waking up to my 7:00 alarm is tough. I stumble out of bed, getting ready in a fog. I try to reenact my morning routine from my last full-time job, but I have trouble thinking. What will I wear? I stare into my open closet, waiting for an idea. Behind me, shoes, scarves, jackets, workout clothes, and other articles are strewn about the treehouse. I am only grateful that I can sip my coffee en route to school and into the morning.

The students I help are funny, goofy, typical middle schoolers. They tell me I look nice, cute, and ask if I know Spanish. I respond, "Si, un poquito. Por que?" They blush and tell me, "Nevermind!" The teachers I work with are all different, but all great. Seeing them in action has given me tons of ideas for when I get my own classroom.

After work, there are errands to be run, exercise to be done, food to be cooked and eaten, and sleep. I battle traffic and my own sloth to get to the gym. I opt for easier meals, knowing that the space between dinner and drowsiness has narrowed since I began this job.

All this considered, I cannot imagine if I were just starting out as a "real" teacher. I thank God that I have this transition job, where the likes of lesson planning and paper grading are not required of me! And yes, I know that I will get used to it. ;)

Thrift Art

Last Saturday was Chris Blay's 9th Annual Thrift Art Show and Auction! He buys art all year at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets. He then presents them in a gallery, complete with fictional titles and back stories, for an auction where bids begin at 50 cents.

About 30 people were in attendance, bundled in coats and scarves at the drafty warehouse. The larger room was where we first sat to watch a short video: an interview with the "collector" that was clever and funny. The gallery was a cute, smaller room adorned with industrial lighting, brushed stainless steel tables, and rusty remnants of heavy machinery in the corners.

I clutched my hot cocoa as I mingled and admired the artwork. Some memorable pieces included:

• A portrait of a man wearing a cowboy hat, featuring a garish yellow and black background, and the phrase, "Aaaah Jeff!" painted in one corner
• A painting of a wide-eyed puppy in the back pocket of blue jeans
• A matador on black velvet
• A pair of portraits with Modigliani-esque facial features. The man was wearing a pinstripe suit. The woman, nothing.

For $13, I took home this lovely rendering of a vase of flowers. The signature reads, "Cisarik '66." However, it was accompanied by a card that read:

Boquet[sic] for Your Thoughts: Through the use of groundbreaking technology, x-rays reveal an underpainting of three popular breakfast cereals from the early 70's. Experts believe the original artwork was done by the artist Ad Reinhardt.

This is such a great concept, and a very fun event. Accumulating "bad" art, giving it a new, if fabricated, context, and presenting it as such does wonders for changing a viewer's perspective. (I discovered this when I raised my hand to bid on a much-larger-than-life painting of a scorpion!?) I am definitely marking my calendar for next year's auction!