this was supposed to be a snow day.

I shit you not, I am not suppsoed to be here. We were supposed to have INCHES of snow. Instead, we got rain. What a jip. The universe OWES me.

I am, however, making up for it by completely slacking off. Watching the news and, clearly, blogging. I have big plans this weekend. It's called SLEEPING. This whole be at work before dawn thing is really starting to get old. like REALLY old.

I read a really good article yesterday in a publication called "new teacher advocate." It was kind of the profile of an inner city math teacher from Texas, and all the things he does in his classroom. It talked about catching your kids doing good, and how positive reinforcment is not only so much more effective, but really the only thing that's effective all, with low level kids. It really reminded me what I Want my classroom to looks like.

I really believe the ability to stay positive and upbeat is a big part of what makes a good teacher instead of a bad teacher. It's so hard sometimes, though. You have to be prepared to just give and give to these kids, of emotional resources and physical resources (I've been through a box of 200 pencils already this semester.) and it just drains you. Especially coming out of high school and college, where you're the one taking advantage of the resources, it's strange to be the one supplying the resource instead.

I'm so lucky that i have a personal life where I can refuel. My friend the biology teacher just works and works all the time. She goes home and eats and then works until 12 or 1 at night. I would have lost my mind by now. I don't know how she does it.

I just found out another friend, who several of you know (her last name starts with an r and rhmes with "ski") is deployed to BAGHDAD. She's 21 years old and she's second in command of an army hospital in BAGHDAD. are you KIDDING ME? That's just unreal. It makes me feel old. And a little unsuccessfull. I don't even have my license yet, and she's a second Lt. Whoa. I guess that's what I get for being a slacker.