a few observations

Ok, ok, ok, I've procrastinated updating the blog as long as possible. Now I'm using this post as a way to procrastinate doing my homework. Do you see the common theme??

I woke up yesterday with a tiny sore throat and contemplated calling for a sub. I was dreading Monday that much. I sucked it up and went to work and actually had a decent day considering it was, you know, a Monday. My sore throat has gotten progressively worse until today during 7th period it seriously took me about 5 minutes to swallow just so I could talk, which was probably funny to watch because each time I swallowed, I winced in pain. I've been drinking water all day trying to flush the sore throat away, but it feels like it might be around to stay for a bit. Lovely.

Observation: My 8th graders have been acting like toddlers. I took two boys out in the hall today for pinching each other. Really, isn't this a kindergarten thing to do? Miss Rigby? Does this happen in your class?? (Not that I don't love kindergartners!) I chalk it up to the change in the weather (yesterday we were near 80 and today we're enjoying a snow storm...go figure!). The birds and bees, if you will, are also having an effect on my darlings.

Observation: The bell makes a difference. A few weeks ago Ben bought me a sweet bicycle bell to attach to my cart/classroom. He was sick of hearing me complain that students wouldn't get out of my way in the halls. He attached it and it's been a lifesaver. It sounds kind of geeky when I ring it but they kids actually move. And it's become kind of a joke with some--they see me in the hall and, as if I were a semi truck driver being asked to honk is horn by a passerby waving his arm, students pass me and say, "Ring your bell, Mrs. H." And I do. And they laugh. One student who I had last year decided to call it my taco/churro/ice cream stand and each time I pass him, he asks for his food of choice.

Observation: Making an End-of-School-Countdown calendar doesn't make the days go by any faster. We're currently at about 37 days left, not including weekends. I used to have it posted on my little white board that I carry in my cart, but I decided to erase it because it wasn't helping me any to see it there each day just staring at me. The good news is that next week is mid-terms so we're just about halfway through the last quarter of the year. Believe you me, June 5th can't come quick enough!!

Observation: I am no good at not eating candy/sweets. I had emotional angst last week while out to dinner with Ben's family and Opa offered me a Dum-Dum. I was just about to open it and put in my mouth when they all said, "You can't eat that!" Then, for our Primary activity on Saturday we all made rice krispie treats and I himmed and hawed back and forth about eating one. Finally, after discussing this oh-so-important matter with my husband, I decided that I'm only cutting out actual candy from my diet. I settled with the fact that I can eat cookies, cakes, etc. etc. And thus, each day since Saturday, I've made my own personal one person serving of rice krsipie treats and have thoroughly enjoyed ever minute.

Observation: Even though he's crazy sometimes, my devil dog Zeus is seriously growing on me. Here he is in his most favorite place: soaking up the sun on our bed in the early morning hours.
Well, the homework deadline isn't getting any farther away so I must conclude. Happy birthday to my big bro, Z, tomorrow!!