A Few of My Favorite Things Today

-My New Job: I love being back at work, and I love my new job. It's been exhausting and overwhelming at times, but exhilarating, too. The start to this year is unique because our building is mid-renovation, but everyone is happy to be back. I think this new position is going to suit me well, and although I'll miss teaching at times, I'm feeling really good about the move to admin. One thing I don't love is finding a big girl wardrobe for work. I lived in stretchy Old Navy tanks this summer, but those won't cut it. Thanks to two friends -- Sherry and Sarah -- who have loaned me tons of cute maternity work clothes!

-It's Not on the Test: This is the video that my Superintendent showed this morning to all 7,000 PISD employees at convocation. It's clearly satirical, and we all laughed, of course, but there is a sad reality to it. Many districts have had to eliminate fine arts programs, even though research shows that they are integral in developing critical thinking skills and a love of learning. We are in an age that requires us to prepare students to think critically in a world full of technology that has yet to be created, but we are often limited because testing tends to dictate the 180 precious days we have each year with our students. Even the very best teachers often feel like they're forced into a position that causes them to cheat students academically; I've never met anyone who went into education to mold test-takers. I have, however, met many people who went into education to mold children and minds and global citizens. I sincerely appreciate working in a nationally recognized district where the Superintendent, his cabinet, the School Board members, teachers, administrators, and parents believe in doing what's best for kids, even when federal and state laws seem to insist on doing otherwise. Those of you in education will appreciate this video and likely see the truth through your laughter; those of you not in education may gain a little insight to the frustrations and realities regarding testing that public school teachers and students face. And the saddest part is that we're left asking what will become of our students ... even the best and brightest can become lost when they're no longer an individual learner but a cut score on some test. How can we justify limiting so much potential, especially among the minds of our future? Soap box, thank you for humoring me this evening.

-Lucky Charms: I usually try to make healthy cereal choices, but one can only eat so many bowls of cholesterol-minimizing Cheerios. Last week, in a moment of serious weakness, I bought some Lucky Charms and then proceeded to eat the entire box in two days. Right now all I can think about is my carelessness in not buying two boxes (or maybe three).

-The Olympics: Love them! Even sports that don't normally interest me have become totally engaging. Although I'm slightly miffed by some of the gymnastics scoring (and I'm pretty sure that sooner or later we're going to have another French-skating-judge-buy-out-to-screw-the-Canadian-pairs-situation manifest itself), I can't get enough. Nastia Luikin is a hometown girl who lives only minutes from us. Shawn Johnson feels like a hometown girl, too, since she and Steve went to the same high school! We've been rooting for both. And, seriously, how could you not be proud to be an American while watching Michael Phelps? Not possible. However, even though I waited all summer for the Olympics to begin, I'll be glad when they are over so I can start getting decent sleep again. My mind and body won't let me sleep until I see every last minute of the Olympics each night, and I'm seriously paying for it in the mornings.

-Hand-me-down Sweater: My Grandma Lou made this sweater for me when I was a baby. While I was going through some boxes recently, I found it. The sweater was dirty, so I gave it a good wash and now it looks as good as new. It is so soft and sweet, and I can't wait to see Baby Girl in it. We'll definitely have to send a picture of that to Great-Grandma Lou.

-Self-titled Princess Dress:

My mom's friend, Laurie, sent us this precious light blue and brown dress -- a silky masterpiece complete with embroidered flowers, a very puffy skirt, and bloomers. Will someone please invite us to a classy event next summer so Baby Girl can show off in this little princess ensemble?

-The Hills: The drama is back and we love it! Will Audrina move out? Will Heidi's unfortunate-looking sister move to town? And if she does, what will become of Speidi? Is Stephanie really going to mack on Lauren's new man? Will Lo stop being such a Royal B? Only time will tell, I know. Thank you, MTV and rich 22-year-olds with nothing to do but party, shop, fight, and gossip, for giving us a reason to look forward to Mondays.