The Rules

Last year at this time I was riding a bike around Ile De Re in France.  It was so relaxing.  Now I'm at school, trying to work on an inquiry center for an artful learning unit. I'm using Michael Pollan's book FOOD RULES, an eater's manual, with illustrations by Maira Kalman.  I came across this nice quote from Maira:  "I'm trying to figure out two very simple things.  How to live and how to die.  And I'm also trying to have some meals, and some snacks, yell at my children, and do all the normal things."

I wonder what I'm trying to do here.  Trying to figure out how to talk to people directly, and lovingly.  Trying to figure out how to keep up with research when I'm not part of academia anymore.  Trying to let my children be exactly who they want to be. And I'm also trying to have a couple of laughing moments each day, get outside and look at flowers, show my friends and family how much i care for them, and do all the normal things.

The Dad

 

Yesterday my dad turned 83 years old.  My dad is an all round great guy, funny, smart, caring.  He works several days each week and has a reputation at his worksite for speaking truth to power.  Last week some mucketymucks came in to chastise the workers, as mucketymucks will do.  My dad stood up and delivered a pointed argument in defense of his coworkers. And in response, the 150 coworkers present broke out into spontaneous response.  They call him Mr. Dan there.  I'm delighted to call him dad.  And I wish him the happiest birthday ever.

The Dogs

I'll tell you something.  I'm missing Husbandman big time.  Tonight I actually had to go to the grocery store.  I left work at 8:30, then drove over to the grocery store.  The lights were dim in the store and there was this man (I assume he was an employee) walking around with this huge floor washer machine that was so noisy it made my brain rattle.  Wherever I went, that guy went.  I tried to stay calm, but I kept muttering aloud things like, "I wish I could poke my eyes out right now," and "This can't be happening, This can't be happening."  But it was.  That machine followed me around for about 30 minutes as I purchased food items.  It was a nightmare.  I decided to try a new brand of veggie dogs and come to find out, they aren't very good.  I still have a kind of gross feeling in my digestive tract because of the new hot dog product.  I'm trying to wash it away with wine.  

The Husbandman

Husbandman is in Korea now, or almost to Korea.  It's a long trip.  As you may know, Husbandman is
our organizer, our efficiency expert and our all round support staff.  My plan is to stay super organized using the flylady system, while Husbandman is gone to the far east. One of my major concerns is my ability to provide food for #1 son. Usually Husbandman makes some casseroles before he leaves. I guess he didn't have (take?) time on this occasion.  #1 son was already stressed this morning because we had no bacon. I'm not trying to cast aspersions, but come on Husbandman.  Get the boy some bacon.  And would it have killed you to pop a lasagna in the oven?  Okay, I'm sure we'll do fine, so no worries dearheart.  Enjoy your time in the far east.  We'll muddle through somehow I'm sure.  But here's the good news, Husbandman:  Our AC is working now.  And we love and miss you a lot.

The Poems

We held a belated Poem In Your Pocket Day yesterday.  Good fun.  Everyone excited.  I asked a sixer if he had a poem and he pulled it out of his pocket and read it with pride.  I was told later that this same
kid was insistent that all others he met have a poem in their pockets and he photocopied poems for several kids and teachers.  This kiddo could barely read 2 years ago.  He was also very grouchy about reading.  And now he's our biggest piyp advocate.  Happiness.  The singing and poeming in the gym was fun, but when the kids got to read to each other, they got extremely loud.  Most were reading, but others were running and acting nutty.  Annoying, but I just kept an upbeat attitude, thinking Friday afternoon with 3 weeks left of school, after a week of horrid standardized testing.  Of course they're blowing off steam and having some fun.  Everyone got back to class in one piece.  And I'm already thinking of ways to modify PiYP day next year.  It will be awesome, may fronds.  Tres awesome.

My poem was by Basho.  A haiku about a pink crab and the glistening sea.  Pleasant, Amusing.

The Testing

In the morning I spoke at a meeting, reviewing directions for giving a new mandated test to K's 1's and 2's.  I have spent hours poring over the millions of directions.  The test is annoying and I referred to it as "dumb" several times during my chat.  After the talk, my boss said, "Way to be positive."  To my mind, I was actually fairly positive considering what we are dealing with at the moment. Today I helped give ISTEP to some 3rdies, and then I gave versions of newtest to kinders, firsties, and secondbees.  Was it fun?  Not really.  But what's done is done.  I have tests coming out of my ears right now. Constant testing makes me testy.  I hope I don't get testicular cancer.

The Work

Husbandman and I spent hours trying to book some hotels in Nova Scotia.  It wasn't easy because we had to look at the guide book and then look at the web and then send emails.  But we're getting closer to getting our lodgings nailed down.  I fear we'll get to Nova Scotia and wonder why we wanted to go there.  Oh, please, Nova Scotia, be pleasant.

Today I had a difficult time in the cafeteria with a kiddo.  She's a sixer with only 18 days left of elementary school, so she's feeling pretty sassy. The kid was so obnoxiously defiant that her teacher is sending her to recess detention tomorrow where she has to write me a letter of apology.  The whole event  depressed me a little bit because for 4 years I've had fairly negative encounters with this child on a fairly regular basis.  It kills me that this kid really has never joined the leeway fan base.  I have 18 days to get on her good side.  Can it be done?  Or can I let this one just slip on by, with the knowledge that deep inside somewhere, we both know that neither one of us is perfect, but we're both pretty good?  I think the latter choice makes most sense.  But maybe I'll give her a heartfelt chat when she delivers her letter of apology and she'll like me once and for all. It's bugging the holy heck out of me that this kid likes others, but not me.  I know. Real mature.

The Sub

This morning I'm at home because I had to go to the dentist.  All is well, the dentist said I'm doing great.
Now I'm heading back into work and I'll probably pick up Jimmy John's on the way.  They have the best iced tea there.  The problem is, whenever I get my teeth cleaned, I feel sad for a few days when I drink iced tea or coffee.  Are you feeling me?

Anyway, that's not really important.  What's important is this:  I've taken a half day off and I've organized my house a little bit, and I'm feeling upbeat about this beautiful Monday morning.  Here we go!