Wedding Registry

People have been asking about our wedding registry. To tell you the truth, we don't have one. We figure the best gift is to spent time with us during our special time.

Even if I wanted to make a registry, I would drive people absolutely crazy.
My understanding is that a wedding registry is for things you want. Right? (Correct me if I'm wrong)

Well here's a list I've been conjuring up for the past couple of years; things I can't do without any longer:

1. Crest Sparkle toothpaste (which I haven't seen since the 80's-best-toothpaste-ever!)

2. Creepshow Magazine (I had one when I was a wee lad. I've been scouting Ebay and the $45-$200 is ridiculous!)

3. A 10x10 canvas (for watercolor)

4. Tin whistle/ Native American flute bag (about 2'x1')

5. Susato tin whistle (Key of Eb or D)

6. A year's supply of GummiBears

7. A 100 gallon lobster tank (with a filter of course)


These are just some ideas I had for now. (I'm sure this list will change daily)

Ah, A Lazy Weekend for Four

This weekend we did absolutely nothing. Since I started work, I've had no less than nine and half work work days. All my fault of course. I want things to be very -very- organized.

I brought home books to read, my school laptop, and some other articles to read this weekend..but I slept most of today. Yesterday was actually more productive, we went to get icecream. Today...not so much. My awoke with my two kitties and Keem using me as pillows. Sweet lazy Sunday...

What the Heck Is Up With This?

Today I wrote my name on the chalkboard and immediately started scratching (like a mosquito bite). I totally forgot that I'm allergic to chalk. You're probably thinking---really, a teacher allergic? That's classic.

Sad but true.

During my 4th grade student teaching I discovered this. I kept braking out in hives and scratching madly. I went to my doctor because my face was raw and red. The doctor couldn't figure it out either. I was told it could be my cat/carpet/pollen/bug bites,etc. When I left the school, it cleared up within a week and that's when I figured it out. (Actually, I forgot about it until now.)

I'm glad I have a Smartboard to use instead!

What a Teacher Makes

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, A CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a Kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America .

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"


THERE IS MUCH TRUTH IN THIS STATEMENT: "Teachers make every other profession "

~Author Unknown

Perplexing Thought

I don't know why this really irritates me, but why is it okay to take grocery carts from stores? This is a peeve of mine. I think it's stealing, but I guess I'm the only one in that category. For instance, there have been many a time I have seen cops drive by someone walking down the street with a grocery cart full of groceries/laundry/children/etc. Your probably thinking, "Dawn, you have too much time on your hands," but actually, this really really bothers me for some reason (kind of like the perpetual gum snapper or the TMI person).

I can't fathom walking out of a store with a pack of gum without paying, yet people walk out of the stores with no intention of bringing back a giant metal cart worth $250. The little yellow lines are useless too. I've seen clever people use the curb for this.

Someone explain this to me...please....


Cart article: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/226242_carts28.html

Other perplexing thoughts: http://www.dreamhaven.org/~data/humor/questions.html

* * * * * * Sea Chanteys * * * * * *

On Saturday Keem and I went to a BBQ at his sister's house. The drive is about an hour (considering traffic and random Slush Puppie stops). This particular day I was in the mood to perfect my sea chanteys. I started with my Eb tin whistle and played a little ditty called "Drunken Sailor" and "Cockles and Mussels."

Not one to complain, Keem sang along. I changed things up a bit and played the soft melodramatic "Scarborough Fair" on my key of C. I'm really thankful that Keem's patience has allowed me to play and perfect my songs. (Other family members have been known to take away my tin whistle mid trill. But I guess it's my fault for leaving sea chanteys on family members' voicemails)

I did get a few quizzical stares from drivers on I-10, but that comes with the territory, I guess.

**Side note: I don't know why, but I was banished from playing "Danny Boy" in the car. Someone seriously ask Keem why he can't stand this beautiful song.