Quote of the Day

"But I've always found that the better the book I'm reading, the smarter I feel, or, at least, the more able I am to imagine that I might, someday, become smarter."

Francine Prose
Reading Like a Writer

Just Dance....It'll Be Okay

Driving home last night after staying out as long as I could stand, I was pulling into my apartment complex and I couldn't help but think, here I go to my cave for a few more days. The ice is back and it is cold. 

So, here I sit contemplating the Sweetheart Dance the Student Council is hosting for the 4th-6th graders. I can't help but reminisce about the day of my 6th grade dance. Slow dancing to All-4-One's "I Swear" with a cutie named Francisco. No worries...it didn't go past the dance. But, this has me curious as to how times have changed? Will they slow dance and remember that day, that song, that boy band, that boy's name in 17 years? These kids seem so young. You know, because I was so mature in 6th grade. Ha, no. But, I did grow up a lot that year. It was actually my least favorite year. The year of the "mean girls". It all worked out though. We all made up. I often believe it's because they learned I was able to sing. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. Late one night Becky and I were singing in my bedroom and she said "hey you're pretty good... you should try out for choir." The next day on the playground, Becky gathered a few of the "mean girls' around to here me belt a few lines of Reba's "Take It Back". Instantly, I wasn't the outcast... I was cool. Eventually, I tried out for choir and stuck with it throughout high school. 

Middle school and high school were nice because in my hometown many elementary schools feed into the middle school. It was a relief to have a whole new set of friends. Now, I don't really tell people I sing. It defined me for a long time, I thought. I choose now to use it simply as a gift. I sing at church and an occasional wedding. That's about it. Unless I'm re-creating lyrics and dances to a popular song for a TAKS pep rally for my students. Even then, it's not necessarily going to win me over in a popularity contest. In fact, I will probably get some chuckles of embarrassment rather than oooh's and ahhh's. 

So once again, here I sit thinking about the Sweetheart Dance. Think the kids will appreciate a little All-4-One or Reba McEntire? Probably not. 

Here's to Change!

Four days inside an apartment "due to inclement weather conditions" causes one to go stir crazy. So, I decided to start something I never thought I would. I'm not sure what changed my mind? I always had the notion that one who had a blog reveals too much personal information. Maybe they do... maybe I will.

I enjoy writing. But, I don't claim to be an expert or even good. So, I guess that in itself is why I may give this a shot.

I sort of feel like I'm going through a new phase of life. Things are a changin'.
I've started my Masters. My frame of mind is no longer focused on teaching. I'm thinking about information I never really thought would be interesting. I find myself to be a bit surprised at times by this. I guess that's part of change.