Meat in the Mail

A couple days ago, Stein got a coupon in the mail from Omaha Steaks. They were running a special deal on a package of meats. So he ordered two.

Today the packages arrived. The contents of each package would make anyone think we strictly ate meat. Each huge Styrofoam cooler contained boxes of steaks, chicken breasts, stuffed sole, pork chops, hot dogs, and burgers. Oh, and twice baked potatoes too. (I guess it wasn't all meat after all.) We had to rearrange our freezer, since it wasn't long ago that we stocked up on meat from Sam's Club. Seriously, we are set with meat for the next few months. At least.

The weatherman said on the news today that spring is coming in three weeks. While I take that prediction with a grain of salt, it sure would be nice if it was warm enough to grill some of this meat. Right now we would have to wade through snow drifts to get to the grill.

Great Meal

I forgot to tell you about a great meal we had the other day. We had some salmon in the freezer and some red potatoes, so we made this salmon recipe and this potato recipe. They both were yummy and they complimented each other really well. They were really easy to make too. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures, but they looked a lot like the pictures on the web page.)

Sick Again

Almost a month ago today, I got sick. And now, I'm sick again. I'm really not surprised, after all the stress I was under the last 2 weeks. I'm sure that when my body finally relaxed this week while I've been off, it probably thought, well, what about getting sick too? Just add it to the list...

I'm just mad about it. I really wanted to be productive this week and get a lot done at school and at home. This throws a big 'ol wrench into my plans. I'm going into school today, but don't know how long I'll last. I know I'll probably need to come home for a nap this afternoon. That's the one thing that makes me mad about colds. Missed sleep. I do take night time cold medicine, but a lot of times it just puts me in a funky state of fake sleep.

The only consolation on this day where my head feels like it's going to explode and my nose is red and chapped? The sun is shining.

Glimpses From Windows

Yes, we've been hammered with snow once again. The only positive thing I have to say about it is that it looks pretty.

Spring is coming eventually, right?

Ahhhhhhh

As you've already read, I have this week off. It's winter break. I am so excited to get the classroom in order, and get myself in order. I am so grateful to have this time to plan ahead and look forward to starting fresh with the kids. I told them not to be surprised when they came back and the room was rearranged. I need to make it more conducive to learning, more inviting. Right now it has a really sterile feel, like a college classroom. Not the kind of place that anyone wants to spend 7 or 8 hours everyday.

I feel a lot better this week, now that I have time to put it in perspective. I know everything is going to work out. I know that everything will be fine in the end. I have to keep pushing through. I need to think about the kids and their futures. As Rafe Esquith said yesterday at his book signing, "You have to think about giving these kids the skills they will need in five years, or ten years." That is my goal for the remaining months I'm with these kids. I owe them this.

I want to give a huge thank you to all of you that have given me words of wisdom and encouragement as I have ventured out on this new road. Whether it's been in the comments on this blog, emails, or phone calls, I appreciate you reaching out. This has been a big challenge for me, but knowing there are people out there who are thinking about me makes it that much easier. Two people in particular have been extra special in the kindness department:

Stein. He's the one who has to deal with my tears, fears, and psycho babble at the end of a long day. He gently gives me advice or feedback. He's the one who wakes me up on the couch in the morning after a night of insomnia. He's the one who makes dinner for me when all I can do at night sometimes is stare at the TV. He does this all without me asking. He knows me. He supports me. He's wonderful.

Mickey. Almost everyday I get an email from her checking in on me. When I get a spare moment during the day, it's so comforting to see her email in my inbox. She gets the whole teaching thing. She also gets being in a new position for the first time and all the challenges involved. She lets me babble to her on the phone. She listens. Intently. She offers advice when necessary or appropriate. And like a big sister and a best friend, she wants me to succeed, no matter what.

This week as I have more time, I am thinking about all of you. And I am thankful you are in my life.

I Can't Believe We Forgot

We didn't watch the Academy Awards last night. I can't believe it. It wasn't like it was intentional, or a silent protest against something. I love the Academy Awards. I love the glitz and glamour of it, I love the tradition of it all.

Mickey even asked if we were going to watch them when we talked earlier in the evening. "Sure," I said. "We'll probably have them on. But I don't know how long I'll be able to last." It wasn't a matter of lasting. We just forgot. I blame this:

These are the (remaining) enchiladas that Stein made for dinner. I posted this recipe before, but it's worth posting it again. Yum.

So after partaking in this wonderful meal, I was in a food coma. I didn't care what was on TV, in fact I didn't care that the TV was on at all. Stein didn't either. We both woke up on the couch at about 10:00 and went to bed.

This morning, as I was watching the Today show, they did a recap of the winners. I realized we missed it. I couldn't believe it.

Inspiring

Today I went to see Rafe Esquith speak. He is a fifth-grade teacher in inner-city LA. His book, Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire, came out in paperback recently, so he is on a book tour.

I picked up the book last week in a desperate attempt to get all the information I could before continuing with my long-term sub job. I was impressed, to say the least, and read the book in a day.

Hobart School where he teaches has 92% of the students living under the poverty level. Most of them speak English as a second language. Rafe's students come to class voluntarily at 6:30 every morning. Many of them don't leave until 4 or 5 at night. They are involved in performing Shakespeare, and participate in the school orchestra.

He also brings his students on his book tour. Today he spoke briefly about his book and his philosophy, and then the kids performed some Shakespeare. In fact, he has traveled around the country and the world with his students. They are the Hobart Shakespeareans. They're amazing.

I thought about the similarities between my class and his class. I thought about how I could incorporate some of his ideas into my classroom. He said one thing that I think is so true: bring yourself into the class. He said if you like to cook, then cook with your class. If you like sports, bring it in. His passions are baseball, music (rock), and Shakespeare. He brings all three into his class.

When I got my book signed at the end of his talk, I told him that I was also teaching fifth grade. He handed me his card and said, "Call me when you're having a bad day... Or a good day." He mentioned that he does answer the phone, and if you leave a message, he will call back. The kids also signed my book. As the last one signed his name and handed me the book, he said, "Thanks so much for coming to see us." He embodied the motto of Rafe's classroom: Be Nice. Work Hard.

Needless to say, I was inspired by Rafe, his philosophy, and his rapport with his kids. I just wonder when the guy sleeps.