Huh?!

Today we got an email at school about the presidential address that Obama will make to students on Tuesday. The email basically said that we were NOT to show this speech without parental consent from every student in our class.

HUH?!

Well, first of all, this was the first I had heard about the address. But apparently parents have been calling the school adamant that their child not watch the speech.

HUH?!

What in the world? So, I did a little research trying to find out what the big deal was. What I found was that the speech will be addressing the importance of education and doing your best in school. Seemed pretty harmless to me...now, I could be wrong, but I think that kids would think it would be pretty excited to know the PRESIDENT wanted to speak to THEM and I don't see what is so taboo about him telling kids to do well in school and graduate. Hmmm...what are your thoughts about this? I just don't see why some people have their panties in a wad about it.

Surviving the First Week

The first week of school is always the toughest. Not only are you exhausted from the long hours prepping your classroom and getting everything ready for the kids/parents, but you also forget just how adorable, small, and clueless they are when they first come to you. EVERYTHING has to be taught or retaught while fighting extreme wigglyness/hunger (on both the teacher AND student sides.) Do they remember how to line up and walk down the hall quietly? No. Do they know how to unpack their bookbags? No. Do they remember to get napkins, spoons, straws, and ketchup at lunch? No. Do they know what to do with all of those notebooks and folders? Of course not. But, however much I might feel like a broken record of a robot, it is always a good feeling to know that deep down you can't WAIT to get to know this new class of kids. Why? Because already you can tell it is going to be a great year.

Back to School

Monday starts the beginning of another school year! For the first time, I am completely ready for the first day. I repeat, I do not have to go into work this weekend! For those of you that know me (or any other teacher) well...this is quite an accomplishment. I got to meet my new students on Thursday. I think it is going to be an exciting year! More on this to come...for now, it's time to tackle the monstrous pile of laundry that is lurking in our bedroom.

Counter Surfing

Hank is a growing boy and needs his strength. What he does not need is his own bran muffin whenever he pleases off of the kitchen counter. Oh dear...I am saying goodbye to the days when we could place things out of our dog's reach, at least until we get this new "talent" under control.

Beach Reads

Ryan and I decided not to go on vacation this summer. We had elected to spend our "vacation money" for dog expenses. Now that Hank is a bona fide member of the Knapp family, I can't imagine spending this on anything more worth while. It has been a good summer, and I really have no reason to complain. But, as the summer comes to a close I have found that I am missing one thing: beach reads. My book club has read many great books over the course of this year. Many of them have been heavy topics or a little on the dark side. I felt better for have been challenged by their ideas, and great writing. Now, it is time to flip the switch and dedicate the rest of August to girly, fluffy, easy to read beach books. I put these types of books in a category all their own, because to me, they are just as important as the next Pulitzer prize winning fiction. So here's to chick-lit, and a fun last few weeks summer!

Anniversary Dinner

Ryan and I celebrated our 5th anniversary at Millstone Tea Room. We have been there a few times, but it has been at least a year and a half. For those of you that have never been, the drive out is amazing with views of the mountains all around you! We pulled up to the restaurant and deliciousness ensued. Rich, golden yellow walls with dark, rustic wood trim are accented by old sepia and black and white matted photographs. The restaurant is small, only allowing room for about 10 small copper topped tables. Fresh, spring flowers from their neighboring gardens decorated the tables. The garden is also where they grow seasonal produce to incorporate into their menu. Can we say YUM!? For an appetizer, we shared the shrimp tempura with Asian slaw and dipping sauces, one spicy and one soy sauce based. Then, came the Spanish Gazpacho soup with fresh tomatoes, cracked pepper, and garlic flavors exploding in your mouth as you ate it. I chose the crab cakes with creamed corn garnished with tomatoes and basil. Ryan had the ribeye with the three cheese macaroni and cheese on the side. Since I had passed on the wine, we ordered two deserts (yes!) strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream and cinnamon pecan bread pudding served warm with homemade vanilla ice cream. As we clinked our spoons to celebrate the last 5 years of marriage we knew the best was yet to come!

Work

Does anyone else out there like to wait until the last possible minute to get ready for work? I'm doing that now. Sometimes I feel that if I wait just one or two more minutes I can somehow cheat work. Thinking, "Hmm...I've never waited this long to get in the shower before. Wonder if I can make it?!" Weird, huh? Yeah, mostly I am just feeling that I should have gotten going about 10 minutes ago. Oops...