Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Life with an Intern

I peek inside, what
was mine, became ours, is yours.
Unneeded, but loved.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Small Steps for Lazykind

I was so noble in the car. I had a plan. I made a list. I had a goal. I would be productive. I would accomplish Things. Many Things. I would not put on my super soft sweat pants, read a lost forever but really under my bed Jane Austen, and then watch two hours of tv. (Sounds excessive, but one of those hours is "Antiques Roadshow." And the other is "Heroes." Both teach very important life long lessons: "Save your crap and don't try to fix anything." and "Don't let people know you are special; they will try to kill you.")

But I am in my super soft sweat pants. I have changed to my fuzzy socks. And I have accomplished one thing on my list. But I have life lessons to learn.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Over reading, or subtle details missed

Things I did not notice, or think about, when I read The Giver in middle school, in high school, and then again in college:

- The pilot in training was released. Which means he was killed.

- I began most mornings as a student, and most mornings as a teacher, chanting the morning anthem and singing a patriotic hymn.

- "Hair like Fiona's must drive them (genetic scientists) crazy." Is Lois Lowry commenting on genetic engineering, or giving a scientific reason for the color blind society? And if it is the former, is The Messenger a comment on immigration?

- Jonas-bonus and Lily-billy. Coincidental nicknames? Or letter dictated by family?

- Was Rosemary the Giver's genetic daughter or community daughter?

- Does the baby Roberto and the released elder Roberto (or the baby Caleb and the lost four year old Caleb) share the same genes? Are they genetically the same person?

- Is my Grandfather's assisted living facility really a House of the Old?

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Me as a Sharer

I brought in chocolate brownies to share at lunch. Fudgey, chocolaty brownies that are the stuff of school day fantasies: a slightly crunchy crust, gooey insides, perfect for dunking. My big plan was to celebrate with my fellow teachers that Today Is Thursday which meant Tomorrow Is Friday. Brownies seemed to be the perfect lunch time party treat.

However, in the first 10 minutes of my 20 minute break, I polished off 3 of the 4 brownies. I only have my good intentions and smiles to share.