KINDLE

I have the best husband in the entire world. Now, I know that is a big statement, but he knocked my socks off. Seriously. He got me a Kindle for my birthday. What could be more exciting then saving trees via less paper and being able to download books immediately. I can't wait to start reading!

Social Media

I am currently sitting in a grad class all about social networking. How exciting! I love using technology like this to "trick" kids into enjoying school. My students LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Facebook, so I hope that I can funnel that love into a Ning site of my own. Middle school students need to feel part of a community and they need to learn how to socialize appropriately. I think that a class social network site would be a cool place for them to learn.

Busy Busy Busy

Such a fun weekend-We went camping in Wisconsin with our friends, the other Pearsons. We biked 50 miles in one day, played minigolf, ate lots of s'mores and banana boats, and enjoyed some Spotted Cow. It was such a fun weekend, but now we are back in the real world for one day. Tomorrow morning, (3am-EEK!), we leave for D.C.. It should be a fun trip, but today I feel swamped with papers and projects for GPDE. I can't believe how much homework we have. There is no way to get it all done, so I am one crabby girl. Sam keeps telling me not to worry, but I can't seem to help it. Therefore, I am trying to relax by checking up on my blogs. It will be about a month until I can veg out online again, so I am soaking it all in now. (i.e.-procrastinating)

Tears

I don't know why I keep finding tears joyful. Seriously, tears usually are brought about by sadness or pain. Lately, I keep finding them refreshing, natural, and inspiring. Last night, I went to see the movie My Sister's Keeper. I honestly wasn't expecting a lot. I mean seriously, I thought I knew the story. I even told my friend Bridget, "Don't judge me if I don't cry. I never cry when I am supposed to." Lo and behold, I spent the entire movie crying. The bond between the sisters was just so touching. It reminded me of my sister, Laura-or Louda, to me. I miss her so much, and she just moved to Montana. It was quiet a coincidence that in the movie, Kate, the sister that passed away, told her family that Montana was the place where they could always find her. That got me...the tears and sadness were so refreshing though afterwards. It really made me realize that I am so blessed. Seriously, why am I so lucky??

sick

How can I be sick during the summer? All school year, through the cold, the snow, the sniffles, and the snot that surrounds me, I remain healthy. Then, summer comes, and BAM, I get the flu. Bah. I wish I could shake it. After saltines and toast, I snuck some real food today. Let's hope it doesn't rock the boat too much.

Tears of Joy

I feel like crying!!! Crying huge elephant tears of joy! A student in my class is currently laughing so hard that tears are rolling down his face. The reason I am so happy? He is reading a BOOK! Amen! All kids need is TIME to read and discover the joy of reading.

Summer

I truly felt like our house became a home this weekend. After lounging around all day Saturday watching Lost, we left for Soph's house and the cabin. It felt so nice to get away, but when we returned I felt this sense of peace and home. We have lived here almost a year this week-and it truly feels like our house now. It helped that we planted our garden yesterday afternoon. Tomatoes, broccoli, beans, peas, sunflowers, pansies! It felt so good to dig in the dirt.