Sweet Monique

Some joys in life are coupled with sorrow. Nine and half years ago my little niece Monique was born in a burst of surprise. What a sweet little angel she was. My brother, always the comedian, used to hold her up and talk for her in this crazy little high pitched voice until we were all laughing, I'm sure Monique would have approved. Over the years, her cousins and younger siblings have loved to be near her. We've each loved the tender moments of time with her as we've watched her bravely endure an uncooperative body that didn't allow her freedom of movement or speech. Although her time with us was too short and often heart wrenching, we loved her dearly.

Through all of this, her parents have been constantly brave and loving. They were just 22 year old kids when she was born but they met this challenge courageously and gracefully. I love you Roger and Veronique. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Now the challenge to figure out how to say goodbye is in front of each of us. I for one, am unsure of how to do that. But I echo my brother and his family in the following message,

"During this difficult time our family testifies of the reality of the resurrection which is a gift from our Savior Jesus Christ and are filled with an overwhelming sense of love and hope. We take strength in a sure and peaceful witness that our Father in Heaven loves us and has prepared a way for our family to be together now and throughout all eternity."

Amen.

Distracted

Cram 30 young people into a room and you're going to get some off task behaviors. You just are. I spend most of my working day trying to keep a roomful of kids from getting distracted. Then I spend the rest of my life giving in to the sweet, sweet temptation of distraction. I love being distracted.

Low Calorie Friday Treat

One of my students gave me a fortune cookie this morning with this awesome fortune: "You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend." I have to admit that this little slip of paper has created a bit of hopeful anticipation in my soul. How cool would that be if it were true!

A typical weekend for me mostly involves rest and hanging out with friends. Both of these are enjoyable activities, but yeah, I would love to "enjoy doing something different". . .

Any ideas?

And here without further ado, the low calorie friday treat tradition continues: Enjoy!

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4255627/ok_go_this_too_shall_pass/


Hope you enjoy doing something different this coming weekend too.

Chocolate for Medicinal Purposes

I'm seldom crabby. Happy is my personality’s default operating procedure. But sometimes...well, we all have our moments.
A couple of weeks ago I had one of those moments. I know exactly what caused the mood, but I just couldn't shake it. If you didn’t know me you might not have even realized what a funk I was in, but Aimee, who knows me well, spent the morning with me. Poor kid.

So I'm driving around pioneer square trying to find parking and getting so annoyed (this would try the patience of a person in the best mood ever) and finally just pulled over and dropped her off to run into Elliot Bay Books as I circled the block.

A few minutes later, she returned with this huge gourmet chocolate bar which she explained she had purchased because she knew it would cheer me up. How amazingly cool is this chic chick?
Seriously.

Verdict? It totally worked. I let this perfect square of rich dark chocolate melt tenderly in my mouth as I felt every burden lift off my soul and fly away.

Rx: Chocolate. For use in cases of extreme grumpyness, disgruntled emotions or dementors.

I also encourage preventative medicine. Eating a bowl of cocoa crispies for breakfast sounds smart. Try it tomorrow.

Dating and Fashion Advice

Note #1
Girl 1: Curl your hair 2morrow! Please!
Girl 2: I can't
G1: Why not?
G2: cuz
G1: Fine then! At least sleep w/ braidsin!
G2: Well I can try but I suck at it
G1: It's easy leave it in count to 20 spray w/ hairspray but DON'T brush it. okay!


Note #2
Girl 1: Bow Chica Wow Wow!
Girl 2: What do U mean?!?
Girl 2 (after what appears to be a little time): GASP!
I just got it!
OMG!
G1: loL! i'll ask him at P.E to ask you out.
G2: I'm sooo nervous abt all this! I D even know if I want 2 go out w/ him!
HELP!
G1: Ummmmmm I'll just tell him 2 ask u out and you can decide to say yes or no.
G2: That is SOOO unfair!! :)

There are so many things about these notes that crack me up. Like why do they find so much time on their hands during my classes? Or Why don't they use proper punctuation? But the thing that is so curious, is why am I still having the same conversations with my own friends? OMG!