true story

I finally got my hands on this picture. When Brandi, Kelly and I went on our hike up to to Holland Falls, this is the sign that greeted us:

happy thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wish a safe journey for those of you traveling. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday spent surrounded by loved ones and good food!

kind words

Thank you to everyone for your kind words in response to my observation. It really means a lot. I love you guys!

observations

So, today I was observed by my adviser for my practicum. Needless to say, I was worried. Although I've been observed informally by my cooperating teacher as I've taught a lesson, this was a formal observation, and it determines my grade for practicum. I was a hit! He told me I "posses the natural abilities of a teacher," and that that is the main thing he looks for because if you have that, then the rest will follow. He had all great things to say: the lesson was well organized and gave students ownership over the learning, I had control of the class, I had a good relationship with the kids, etc. In short, it was a excellent evaluation! YAY! This was really nice to hear, as was hearing from the office secretary how much they all love me in the building. I'm very excited!

lucy!

use it in a sentance, why don't ya!

lugubrious - exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful

you just don't know what you've got until it's gone...

Right now I'm teaching my class about the Bill of Rights, and so naturally we're talking a lot about what happens if you are accused of a crime, etc. It's making me miss quizzing Panda over Criminal Procedures and the like. I think someone (probably, but not necessarily, a law-school person) should have a weekly issue for us to discuss; sort of like Fishfrog's old Morality Monday, but more law specific.

It has been decided, and so it shall be. (In other words: DO IT!) :)

it does have a ribbon!

I exclaimed after reading in Stephen Colbert's new book, I am America (And You Can Too!), that it came with a ribbon place holder. That is just awesome. All books should come with ribbon place holders!

nikita and scarves

Pretty much all my spare time lately has been spent crocheting and watching La Femme Nikita. My roommate Timotio can often be heard saying, "You're sill watching this show?!" or "What are you knitting now?" (to this I reply, "I'm CROCHETING!," and he responds, "whatever." Anway, I started the show from the beginning a week or two ago, and now I"m in season 2 (I've skipped some of my least favorite episodes as I've seen them all a million times). The other night I put in a disc and crocheted this scarf as I watched Nikita and Michael kick ass. I'm pretty impressed with myself. Now...if only there were a covert anti-terrorist crocheting organization I could join...

Next up: Gloves!

it's hard not to pick favorites

I'm teaching a class this month, and I have to admit: it's hard not to pick favorites. Some of the students are just so wonderful, and others...are not.

just lovely

I've always been the sort of person who has not understood the appeal of a having certain pets. These include: bunnies (sorry, fishfrog and nell), hamsters/gerbils/guinea pigs, ferrets, hedgehogs, or birds. They eat, sleep, and live where the poo and they are boring; it's never seemed like much a life for them or for me. My roommate has two birds, and for the last two months they have done little to change my mind about the merit of having such pets. Sure, they're pretty, but they don't DO ANYTHING!

Well, all that has changed because these birds do do something. They sing. Beautifully. Sometimes I feel like I am out in the wilderness on a hike or camping trip with Panda, Fishfrog, and Nell. It is wonderful, just delightful. I am a bird convert. A convert, I tell ya!

i made this!

My moose Simon is sporting a pretty snazzy scarf, if I do say so myself!

i'd like to get my picture took

and put it in my memory book.*

Today I started making a scrapbook/photo album from my Portland/Missoula Holiday. I find the task fun, but somewhat stressful. What if I mess up? What if I RUIN it? So far I've done all my Portland pages and the first Missoula page. I'm really excited about how it is turning out! Here is the front cover I made!

*BigRiver, "Arkansas"