Paris Love

Google informed me this evening that today is the 126th birthday the Eiffel Tower. I dream of Paris all the time. It is without a doubt my favorite city in the world. So happy birthday Eiffel Tower. Hope I get to see you soon.

Ps. Notice how the photo is slightly off center - proves I took it. How's that for odd logic? :)

Sunburn

I am thrilled to report that I got a sunburn yesterday. I know that somewhere out there dermatologists and anti-aging experts are shaking their head, but getting a sunburn means two wonderful things: 1) I was outside for extended periods of time yesterday and 2) Spring and perpetually nice weather are here. It's a good life. Happy Sunday!

Can't Shake It Off

I did that thing that teachers always swear they shouldn't do. I went on ratemyteachers.com. Normally it's not a big deal - a random snide comment here or there, but usually it's overwhelmingly positive. And so despite better judgment, I wandered to that site last Sunday while killing time before who knows what. And there was a comment that crushed me - it was short, bitter, and obviously from a kid who isn't a fan of what goes on in my classroom. His (I'm assuming it's a boy from the writing style) final comment is a hashtag (misspelled by the way) that essentially says anyone can be a teacher these days. 

I don't know why this comment is haunting me, but I can't seem to shake it. With any minor set back in my school day this week(and let's be honest there are many), that comment flashes through my mind. I am trying so hard lately to be innovative and optimistic. I'm trying to not get bogged down in the typical March malaise that traps well meaning teachers and students each year. But I'm sad and feeling like I can't ever do enough. 

But thankfully each day is a new day. Spring break is coming. And perhaps if I play Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband" and Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" enough times on repeat, I can just let it all go. 

Happy Spring.

Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am so impressed by authors that can convey depth of emotion and characterization in a book comprised of poems. Hesse's narrative arc is very well done and tells a powerful story of a teenager girl living in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. I can't believe it's taken me this long to read this book. I loved it. Wish I could give it 4 and a half stars.

Happy reading!

Landline

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After reading tragic story after tragic story, I needed this book - something clever, but not so upsetting that I can't keep it on the bedside table. Rowell's first foray into adult fiction includes screenwriting, LA living, a phone that lets you talk to someone in the past, velour sweatsuits, Christmas, pugs, and drama - it has cheesy romantic comedy stamped all over it...only in novel form. Perhaps it wasn't worth the hardcover price, but I had a gift card. I'm happy.

Happy reading to you.

Help Me Raise Money For Books...Please

Hi friends-- I am attempting along with some of my fellow 10th grade English teachers to try and bring in some new books to our classes next year. Unfortunately the school doesn't have the funds to buy those books. I'm trying to raise that money. Our goal is 270 books. This donorschoose project is for 45 of the books. If you're able or your company looks for local projects to donate to, we'd appreciate any potential help.

Even better, this project qualifies for the SPARK match: For the next 7 days, when someone donates to your project and enters the code SPARK, DonorsChoose.org will match their donation dollar for dollar. Fingers crossed we can make it.

Thanks for any and all help!!

[Just click here to check out my donorschoose page :) ]

p.s. In a perfect world, this project will be filled. The next 100 books we're trying to fund are on this donorschoose page. 

Bring on the Rain

Weird confession. I love Groundhog's Day. I find it hilarious that we believe a tiny creature can predict the weather. And honestly, I really hope Punxsutawney Phil is right this year because we desperately need six more weeks of winter rain here in California. 

Happy Groundhog's Day and happy February!!