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fashion 101

When you apply for National Board Certification, you have to video tape yourself teaching. Today, I'm supposed to be watching my tape and analyzing my methods. I am told to ask myself these questions: Did I capitalize on those "teachable moments"? Did I facilitate or lecture? Are my students highly engaged? How do I ensure fairness and equity? Is my lesson challenging enough?

Want to know the only question running through my mind as I watch the tape?

Why did I wear those shoes?

The February Thaw

Today, on Valentine's Day, let's take a moment to celebrate Random Acts of Love.

I know Valentine's isn't about "randomness". It's about celebrating your love on The Day. I know most people think it's stupid, and the Evil Card Companies have an Evil Scheme to make Even More Money. But last time I checked, the executives at Hallmark weren't out kicking orphans or puppies, so I think we can let them off the hook.

I like to think of Valentine's Day as the day we celebrate our love for each other, and to take a day to appreciate the little random acts of love that keep us going all year long.

So, today I celebrate random acts of love. Let's leave the cynicism in the candy aisle and let our hearts thaw. Let's get inspired by what New Jersians refer to as, "The February Thaw".

Or, at least one Dirty Jersian. Named Steve. (Or Daddy, to those in the know.)

The February Thaw, according to Steve, takes place during a random two or three day period in winter. The snow melts. The ice thaws. The clouds clear and the sun emerges for the first time in weeks. The sky is blue and the air is crisp and the people are happy.

The February Thaw, according to Steve, is a magical time. After weeks and weeks of gray weather, bitter cold, icy winds and relentless snow, New Jersians are treating to a taste of spring. They spend more time outdoors than the usual time is takes to travel from the garage to the car and back again. They smile. They laugh.

And, according to Steve, they make mad, passionate love to their wives and nine months later, bring home the cutest baby they ever did see. Named Lindsay. (Or Little Meggy, to those in the know.)

Here's to random acts of love, and all the wonderful results that follow.

being down to earth

is overrated.

Last Saturday, as I lay in bed, feeling gross and icky after an intense two days of battling The Stomach Flu From Hell, I couldn't help but feel my stomach take another flip when I heard the words: "Let's go to the Cape."

The Cape? As in ... Cape Cod? Woo-hoo! My boyfriend is so romantic. And apparently, rich enough to whisk me away for a romantic weekend at The Cape. I'm so lucky! I'm going to puke again, but this time, in happiness.

Then he says, "The Cape. Like, Cape Canaveral."

Cape Canaveral? Woo-hoo! My boyfriend is a science geek who loves museums and outer space. He is not rich enough to whisk me away, but he's sweet enough to drag my sick butt out of bed, let me pick the music on the 2 hour car ride, buy me a ticket to The Kennedy Space Center, and spend the whole day documenting our trip with his digital camera.

Afterwards, we went on a US1 adventure to find the perfect beachside restaurant. The results? Awesum. We found "Breaker's", which boasted the best burgers in New Symnra Beach. Not only did I get to teach Danny how to say fun Floridian words (i.e. "Titusville" and "Symnra") but I sipped on a delish and much needed Long Island Iced Tea. We ate our Mahi sandwiches at a wooden bar, gazing out at the ocean and the stars.

 

 

 

 

One whole day of not throwing up combined with quality Danny time?
Awesum.

gastroenteritis...

is the grossest disease I have encountered to date. I am/feel/look/smell like the most disgusting person on the planet.

Please come visit.

they tried to make me go to rehab

I did it.

I finally gave in.

I am now a paying customer for the evil that is Comcast.

But, it's so good.

Cable, seriously, it's my new drug.

How could I ever forget how sweet my life is with Project Runway? And Top Chef? SuperNanny? Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Survivor? Biggest Loser? Grey's Anatomy? Full House reruns?????

All at the touch of a button.

Screw blogging. I am, once again, a cable tv whore.

Auf Weidersehen.

my first date of 08

I am planning for a very special event in the new year.

A date.

Since I already know what I plan to wear, this year, I am going to consider many other things before I attend. Some of them include...

1. How does my date plan to end the war in Iraq?

2. Will my date provide the adequate funding needed to overturn the disastrous results of NCLB?

3. Will my date support gay marriage?

and, what every girl wants to know at the end of a date:

4. Is my date going to keep their laws off my body?

That's right! On January 29th, 2008, I will vote in my first Democratic primary! To be frank, I've been waiting for Hillary's date with destiny for many years. But I just can't stop thinking about that Senator from Illinois. I really believe it is an amazing privilege to be able to select among these fine candidates. Even Edwards might get a wink from me, even though I'd rather hang out with his wife. Part of me hopes that Richardson will hang on long enough so my options are even more exciting!

Ok, candidates, keep in mind - I am looking for someone eco-friendly, family friendly (including GLBT family friendly), against the war, pro-choice, supportive of higher pay for teachers and more money for failing schools, who has a plan to make college affordable, wants to take better care of veterans, and who does not plan to mix their religion with my government. Also, you must have a record to back you up - it isn't right to just tell me what I want to hear on a first date in hopes of scoring a second. I am not in the mood to play games!

And don't think you get by on good looks alone (cough, cough Obama, you dreamy slice of politician pie, you). I'm doing my research. I've been visiting websites and reading articles. If only there was a site like match.com for voters. (patent pending!)

I hope that everyone in our beautiful Sunshine State will join me at the poles on January 29th! It is essential that we chose a candidate who is willing and ready to make the necessary changes to bring America back to its happier days prior to the huge mistake we made in electing George W. Bush.

And can I just say how happy I am to be a Democrat? I mean, can you imagine the alternative? Mrs. Lindsay Huckabee? Seriously? Barf!