I should be working, but I'm not. Get over it.

Today I just wanted to share somebody else's quote. A middle school friend posted this status yesterday, and I just thought, "Yeah. That's true sometimes".

Here it is: Overall, I'm just really mad I have to put on pants today.

The Dogged Pursuit of Meaning

What is this life really about?

Can you answer? And without turning yourself around in circles?

The only measure I have is my fellow humankind. Is it about

power

expression

companionship

pain

going through it

creation

money

finding happiness

the pursuit

helping those less fortunate

?

Teacher Story ALERT!

The best thing I heard today...

There is a little, first grader who really needs recess. He uses it to its utmost potential. Everyday he runs out to the playground, climbs the red, ropes structure until he reaches the very top, and there he screams at the top of his lungs for the entire 15 minute recess. Every. day.

Imagine if we took that recess away from him.

An Invitation to Argue

Ok.

So.

Today my students filled me in (in Spanish, nonetheless!) about who Herman Cain is. They knew all the latest news leaks and rumors, as well as SNL skits against him. As I listened, they realized by my surprise, that this was the first time I had heard of Herman Cain. "What? Don't you watch the news?" And I have to say, no, no I don't.

So, here's my invitation for argument...First, you need to set aside your knee jerk reaction that everyone should watch the news, that you're an irresponsible citizen if you don't, etc, etc. Is it set aside? No, really. Because if you don't, you're uninvited from the argument. Now?

Ok...so, here's my argument...other than watching for the weather, why should I??? Unless, I'm interested. State of emergencies would be broadcast on radios, and even if I missed that, I would find out anyway just from living in the world--as soon as I go outside, or go to the grocery or to get gas, or work, or wherever else. What makes the interest (that is what I'm going to consider it here) of watching the news any different from the interest of playing music? or the interest of writing? or playing a sport? News is delivered through biased lenses, so why can't I choose to not participate? Why shouldn't I choose to view the world only through the lens of my own eyes? I am going to claim that the virtue of watching the news is a value, like any other, to be chosen individually.

Ok, argue with me.

Gotta Have You

No amount of coffee, no amount of crying

No amount of whiskey, no amount of wine

No no no no no, nothing else will do

I've gotta have you.

It seems like every winter, this song by The Weepies becomes my theme song. It soothes and comforts me, and somehow, without making my nerves any more raw, it helps me to keep going. I suppose if I moved to California, I would miss out on this bittersweet feeling.