Political quote, anyone?

I am not one for email forwards, but my dad sent me a list of political quotes that get the ol' thinker thinking.

"When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation."

"The night Max wore his wolf suit he made mischief of one kind... and another."

I have the book memorized, I read it to my students and I will read it to my future kids. It is a story that everyone can relate to. Fun, mischief, adventure, imagination, and taming our biggest fears.
The new PG movie, Where the Wild Things Are, is not for kids. It is a story about a troubled boy who needs an escape from is torn apart life. The story is so deeply emotional and terribly disturbing which leads kids to think the story is sad, scary and even boring. The little girl behind us in the movie theater, who couldn't have been older than 5, kept asking her parents, "is the movie over yet?" The score is complied songs by Arcade Fire and the imagery/cinematography was wonderfully done.
Kids should only have access to the book Where the Wild Things Are, the movie will ruin the grace and journey of the book.

Together Again

The Snow's have made an announcement this week....They are coming back to California in less than 4 weeks!
After 3 years in Japan they are returning with: a new world knowledge, tons of Japanese kitch, a total of 10 memorized Japanese words and phrases, 10 years of marriage, and one more kid (named RoRo) in tow.
In less than four weeks we will all be together again.

Thank You Ladies!

We can't wait to try the first fruits of our chicken labor.

Seeing Pink

There's nothing like seeing large grown men in tight pants, wearing bright pink cleats, bright pink wrist bands, and bright pink gloves, running down the football field.

The NFL got me in the mood for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this weekend when the whole football nation joined in on the pink festivities. It is chances like these that allow us to remember to do our part in the great race for cancer awareness and donating to find find a cure.

So, here are some links ladies (and gentlemen) to some fun pink apparel and accessories to show your support for the cause.

Ellen Shop

Susan G Komen

NFL Shop

Playing Substitute Teacher

I'm accepting my new role in the world as substitute teacher. The transition is slowly killing me in reverse. I still have my rough days where I long to have my own classroom filled with 25 little students, sitting at 25 little desks, with their 25 intelligent minds. I've let go of the resentment that I held for Arnold Schwarzenegger for approving a class size increase to headway the drastic LAUSD new teacher slaughtering (AKA budget cuts...even though we've yet to see any other ways the district is cutting down on their big business spending). It's cleared my mind to let go of that hate.
I've been working consistently thanks to the wonderfully lovely people at the elementary school I previously worked for. They boost my confidence and my ego continually. I'm not sure how well I'd hold up if it weren't for them, the parents at the school, and the students who express their distress of my loss and the support that they provide.
It's strange walking into some other teacher's classroom. I'm not sure you'd know what I fell unless you have went from being a full time teacher to a substitute teacher. Each classroom has their own routines, structure, and schedule. Each teacher has their room set differently, with materials and books in various places. I can't help but want to judge, or to clean/organize, or to long for what they have for a job. Yet, I come in, dust off my rusty teacher legs and give those students my all just for the day.
Playing substitute teacher isn't my favorite game and I don't think it ever will be. But I think it is a lesson to me to take my challenges in stride and overcome the hardships of leaving behind the job I spent 6 years in mind bogging school for and two years of blood, sweat and tears working as a 2nd grade teacher. By encompassing my new role I'll learn, becoming a more rounded teacher and more experienced educator. I think I will be able to learn the tricks and strategic moves to become the winner in the end.