The world looks brighter from behind a smile.

It's been an incredibly busy week, up late each night (2 am last night!) finishing last minute projects and grading papers.  Sleep has eluded me all week, but I've finally caught it and it's wonderful! Thank you, sleep, you made my day. (Written by Tom on behalf of Jessi, since she is sound asleep!)

Oh, do I have a story for you!  I was ecstatic to get a call for my first teaching job interview last week.  I scheduled it for this Tuesday during my plan period, and I was glad that I had the whole weekend to prepare. Then, I got sick.  Really, nasty sick.  I basically slept through the entire weekend.  I woke up on Sunday with no voice and a nose that was spraying more reliably than Old Faithful.  I was nervous about the interview anyway, and this certainly didn't help. As my voice began to come back, little by very little, I thought maybe I'd be ok after all.  Then we lost power in half of the house, the half including our bedroom.  You know, the bedroom where I got dressed for the job interview.  So, on Tuesday, I got dressed in the dark and headed out to the interview armed with tissues, cough drops, water, and hand sanitizer.  I opened the interview by apologizing for my voice (or la...

"See this bracelet, Mrs. Ferri?"  She pointed to a colorful yarn bracelet on her wrist.  "If I made one of these for you, would you wear it and never take it off? "Well, I do have to shower sometimes, so I can't promise that I wouldn't take it off.  I would definitely wear it, though."  She brought it in today.  She said she couldn't wait for tomorrow and wanted to make sure it was sized right.  As I tied the colorful blue, pink, and yellow creation around my wrist, she beamed with pride. "Like it?" "Love it!" The goodbyes start tomorrow.  I'm probably going to cry, but I'm totally ok with that.  I am so incredibly lucky to have been a part of all of these lives, even if it was only for a short time. I have all kinds of fun things planned for the next two days, and I can't wait to spend the time enjoying my kids. Thank you, friendship bracelet, you made my day.

My milkshake serves an important purpose far beyond bringing the boys to the yard (see Kelis- "Milkshake"). Once upon a time when my mom was still my nurse and I was a wee little Jessi, I was violently ill.  I simply could not keep any food in my system, and I was miserable.  I was also underweight to begin with, and the weight I was losing was a huge concern for all parties involved.  My doctor suggested that my mom get me a chocolate milkshake to see if I could take that and use it as my reintroduction to foods.  Magic! These days my wonderful husband plays nurse, and I have taught him the trick.  Since I haven't eaten a full meal in about four days, he was kind enough to go pick me up a Mickey D's chocolate shake tonight.  Work your magic, milkshake, work it! Thank you, chocolate milkshake, you made my day.

I almost feel as if I am in a movie or a game show.  I have been presented with a list of challenges/tasks that stand in the way of completing my final week of student teaching successfully.  First, I woke up on Saturday with little to no voice and a nasty cold/infection, and it has been touch and go ever since.  Then, some kind of circuit blew in my house yesterday, leaving us without power in the front half of the house.  This half includes the bedroom and the outlet where our internet modem is plugged in, creating some additional unique challenges.  Finally, my dog has decided that he is obsessed with me once again.  And with barking.  Especially when the two of us are alone in the house after dark. Don't fear, I have not forgotten the point of these daily blogs, and this remains a positivity only zone.  I am not complaining.  Rather, I am simply laying out the facts that l...

"There may be places that he's not as talented as other people, but he's always made it up in try." Jet Tom and I have gotten into The Amazing Race over the past few seasons, and there always seems to be an endearing team that we can't help but love.  This year, it's definitely the cowboy partners, Jet and Cord.  Those cowboys sure do crack me up.  In a challenge earlier in the season, they went from last place to first, even though they had to complete an extra challenge.  As one of them said on tonight's episode, they really do make up for what they're lacking with a whole lot of try. This statement also reminded me of something my dad says that always makes me giggle.  When asked about his dancing ability once, he said, "What I lack in natural talent, I make up for with gusto and enthusiasm!"  I can't be certain, but I believe that this statement was followed by some sort of high kick or other attempted dance move.  Since he got t...

I was sick all day, but you and the fuzzy red blanket were my faithful companions.  We watched lots of movies together and had a good nap (or twelve).  I appreciate your efforts.  Thank you, couch, you made my day.

When we started writing research papers in class, Alicia informed me that she had never finished and handed in a paper before.  How can this possibly be? I wondered.  However, after getting to know her better, I realized that it was probably true.  Not on my watch.   I decided that this girl was going to get the dang thing done, no matter what it took.  It's a good thing that I had such resolve because it took a lot.  I had to find many extra times for her to go to the computer lab.  I had to push her every day, every step of the way.  I had to accept the paper wayyyyy late, but I did it because if she was willing to put in the work and eventually get it done, then darnit I was going to take it.  Sure, she lost a ton of late points, but something is better than nothing, and her paper certainly turned out better than nothing.  Today she handed in another paper, an essay, only two days late this time.  I was so excited that I coul...

This morning I got up at my normal time.  I wasn't particularly tired or cranky or short on time.  However, I just plain did not want to do my hair.  I must admit that this is a weekly occurrence.  When my hair is curly, I probably haven't brushed it.  If you see me with a headband, then I may have brushed it a little bit (or maybe not).  Clippy thing?  Mmm hmm.  Don't worry, I am not delusional.  I understand that when I spend five minutes (or less) on my hair, it shows.  I'm just not sure I care. I do feel responsibility to be a professional at work now, though.  While the bed head look works just fine at the Depot (it ends up looking the same way by the time I come home anyway), it doesn't fly so much at school.  To this I say thank goodness for bobby pins !  With just a few little magical bobby pins, I can whip myself up an excellent schoolmarm bun or a business lady updo.  Here a...

Me: "Yeah, my last day with you guys will be next Friday." 7th Block: "Really?  Are you sure?  How about if you just stay here?  You could still come in every day." Me: "I wish I could.  I have to find a job for next year, though." 7th Block:  "Work here.  You could teach sophomores and have us two years in a row!" Me: "Again, I'd love that.  Unfortunately, the district isn't hiring." Anna: "What if we pooled our money together, Mrs. Ferri?  I babysit a ton.  I make $8.50 an hour, you know."  The funny thing is, she meant it.  I don't need the kids to love me or even to like me.  My self confidence and feelings of worth as a teacher do not depend on it.  I want my students to respect me and to learn from me.  If I'm doing my job, then the rest will come naturally.  However, conversations like the one we had today sure do make me smile.  I adore those kids. Thank you,...

The whole cast.  Like a prayer.  Gospel choir.  Kurt solo.  Sue Sylvester.  Vogue.  Cheerios on stilts.  Mercedes belts it out.  Borderline.  Jesse St. James.  4 Minutes.  Cone bras and track suits.  Female empowerment.  What it feels like for a girl.  Artie and Tina.  Open your heart.  Express yourself.  Sue hair, Shue hair.    "The Power of Madonna" There is only one word to describe what I am feeling. GLEE. I am going to need a copy of this new soundtrack for my car.  I'll probably also need to buy one for the shower, as that is the other place where I do my best singing.  Thank you, Madonna episode, you made my day.  P.S. Thank goodness for DVR.  I'm sure that this episode will make my day a number of times for a number of days (months, years) in a row.

Here's the thing about yesterday- it was filled with work and not much play. I lifted soil and mulch and blocks and loaded tons of bags of rock. In the winter I hibernate and sometimes add ten pounds of weight, but before I can start to frown this job, in spring, it trims me down. So I run around the store We compare pedometers, and mine says more! I see how much my muscles can take, they don't complain, but sometimes ache. In order to keep the pain away, I thought, I'll take a bath today! A good ol' soaking in the tub will give my muscles lots of love. My body is no longer sore, for I'm relaxed down to the core. Tonight I'll have a lovely siesta and wake up ready for a fiesta! Thank you, bath, you made my day.

American Country Music Awards, that is.  Some of the first music I ever loved was country music.  I can still sing along with every song on the Randy Travis "Storms of Life" record thanks to my dad playing it on repeat when we were growing up.  I went through a phase where I wasn't so found of country, but my sister brought me out of it by making me listen to her Dixie Chicks tape so many times in the car that she wore it out- literally.  One day, probably around round 1,452, she popped it in, and we heard "wiiiiiiiiiiiddeeeeeeeeee opennnnnnnnn spaaaaaaaaaaces" all slow and horror movielike.  I pretended to cheer, but by then I was back in love with country music, and I was sad that the dang tape was toast too. I was delighted to discover when I got home from a long day at work that the ACM Awards were on tonight.  I enjoy other awards shows for the glitz and the glamour and the "What will...

I have a massive portfolio project that I have to complete in order to receive my certification this spring.  I have been working on it for a few months, and I have been working especially hard the past few days.  Today I got a lot more done, and I am really close to being finished with the whole shebang.  The due date?  April 28!! It turns out I might just be a grown up after all. Because I have gotten things done early, my professor will look everything over for me and let me know if there's anything I need to change, revise, or improve.  This is the second time this year that I have gotten a project done and ready to hand in EARLY.  For anyone who knows me, this is a big deal.  A huge deal. So long, all-nighters full of panic.  So long midnight Mountain Dews (don't worry, I'll still come for you at lunch every day).  We had our time and our place, but I think I'll be moving on now. I know what you're thinking, Mom and Dad....

The wheels on the bus may go round and round, but they sure do seem to stop a lot too.  Usually getting stuck behind a school bus on the way home is not an entirely pleasant experience, but today it actually was. I know that different buses have different routes, and I'm pretty sure that the one I drove behind this afternoon was on some sort of route of cuteness.  All of the little kids that stepped off the bus were as precious as can be, and I couldn't help but smile as they ran home waving their arms in the air and jumping for joy with excitement for the weekend.  I felt the same way. There was one little boy in particular that made me smile from ear to ear.  He was ten different kinds of adorable all at the same time.  The little man had on plaid shorts and a polo shirt, the perfect compliment to his little man crew cut. He was pint-sized and dark-skinned and oozed personality.  From the second he st...

I have absolutely adored this show since the very first season, and I have followed it from New York to LA and back again.  I am in love with/awkwardly obsessed with Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, each season's designers, and, most of all, TIM GUNN!!!!  I would very much like to visit Mood (the fabric store) and touch lots of things.  I would also like to accessorize myself with the Blue Fly wall.  To top off the day, I would, of course, have my hair and makeup done in the Tresume salon.  Ooh la la! I can sum up what made my day today in just six words. Tim Gunn jumping on a trampoline! You got a rough start there, Timmy, but you made it work :). Thank you, Project Runway, you made my day.

Okay, I know I already gave kudos to Trisha Yearwood and her fabulous cookbook once this week.  If I'm being honest about what  really made my day today, though, I have to give her a shoutout again.  This week's score now stands at Trisha 2, hunger/sad tastebuds 0.  The recipe of the day was for asparagus bundles.  Butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, asparagus, bacon, and more... what's not to like?  My husband, who is not a big fan of asparagus at all, had a second helping.  I suppose this just goes to show that a little bacon and butter can sell just about anything.  Go ahead, post me on thisiswhyyourefat.com.  I'll just have to work extra hard at slinging soil this weekend :). Trisha's crockpot mac 'n' cheese is up tomorrow.  Could she possibly go 3 for 3?  My magic eight ball says all signs point to yes.  I should probably hunt her down and force her to be my friend.  This lady really ge...

Hi, my name is Jessi, and I am a  total gLeek.  I have been counting down the days until the return of this show since one second after the season finale.  I have both soundtracks from the first season, and I listen to them obsessively in my car.  I also know all of the words to all of the songs.  Sometimes I even belt them out without the cds.  I have watched every second of every episode, scoured the internet for every preview I could find leading up to this season, and scheduled a debriefing with many of my students and my CT before school tomorrow to gush over tonight's episode.  I have come to love Glee as much as I love popcorn.  I know.  This is serious.  Here are a few highlights from tonight (although, let's be honest, the entire episode is one giant highlight):  "Now that we're dating, I have to work so much harder to pretend I'm listening to her." Sue (after cutting off a boy's ponytail) "There.  Yo...

It turns out that Trisha Yearwood is more than just a wonderful singer.  I saw her on tv recently promoting her new cookbook, and the foods looked absolutely delicious.  I don't mean to be rude, but after looking at her husband (Garth Brooks), I decided that I just might be able to trust Trisha as a cook too.  She also said something that went straight from her mouth to my heart, "Butter.  The thing that makes my food so tasty is lots of butter."  Since the time my roommates caught me drinking a bit of garlice butter in college and made fun of me/were totally disgusted by me, I am constantly on the lookout for vehicles to deliver delicious buttery goodness into my diet. I gushed about the cookbook so much to Tom that he was nice and surprised me with it last week.  What a guy (although there is something in it for him too)!  We couldn't help but oooh and ahhhh at just about every picture on just about every page as we flipped through. ...

a warm day a refreshing drink the clink of the cubes floating, rolling, cooling the first taste of summer ahhhh... thirst quenched. Thank you, iced tea, you made my day.

I dragged my husband off to a play at school tonight because a few of my kids had parts in it, and I had even more students on the stage crew.  Although Tom was a good sport about tagging along, I was worried that I would have to go see some awful movie to make us even for the two hours of pain and suffering he would experience. I'll probably still have to see a bad movie with him in the near future (because I can be bribed to do just about anything for some greasy movie theater popcorn), but it most certainly won't be in retaliation for tonight's play.  We were both pleasantly surprised to thoroughly enjoy the show (Tom being much more surprised than me, of course).  It was a cute little Shrek-like story acted by high schoolers who were really invested in their performances.  It was funny and lovely and just what we needed to escape from the stresses in our lives, if only for a bit.  We were happy to fill a few more seats in the audience for these kids who ha...

Today was multicultural day at school.  I must say I was a bit skeptical about this at first.  Although West is more diverse than the area I grew up in, it's certainly not a mecca for all cultures.  However, I was impressed with the assembly that the school and the kids put on.  I'll spare you all of my cheesy and terribly cliche thoughts on this.  Let's just say it was delightful. There was also a whole setup in the little gym all day.  We were encouraged to take our classes down and to let them explore all of the booths set up to represent different countries.  I took my small class of juniors and seniors down after lunch since they have a split class and seemed to need a little break from reading this afternoon.  I wandered around from booth to booth, occasionally pausing when something caught my eye (hello, beautiful quincenera dresses!).  When I got halfway around the gym, I noticed a cute little man waving me over to his booth.  ...

I've already professed my love for to do lists.  My adoration for collecting things does not stop there, though.  I also get quite the cheap thrill out of filing things away into pretty folders (or even not so pretty folders) and binders. When I discovered that I would need to hand in a binder with my lesson plans and materials at the end of student teaching to be reviewed by my professor, I was flabbergasted.  "Just one binder?" I said, "What happens if I have four or five?" I have a folder for everything in my personal life too.  There are folders for recipes and certificates and papers from the past.  I make folders of magazine clippings of decorating ideas and snacks for kids and projects for the future.  One of the first things I did when we bought our first house?  It was imperative that we have a notebook/binder with color coded post it tabs that contained paint chips and descriptions of bedspreads and prioritized li...

I love that my neighborhood Hallmark store is right on my way home, although I'd travel an extra fifty miles, for this store I love to roam. Around the store I walk and walk, searching for new treasures. I love to find and send good cards it really is my pleasure. Thank yous, stickers, holiday treats, and bags and books and candles, All this place has in store for me is almost too much to handle. Every time that I walk in now, I'm greeted with a smile. Those ladies know me by first name and don't mind if I stay a while. They even send me coupons to lure me back to the store. Shh!  Don't tell them I'd come anyway! Just let them send me more. Today, I gave them a bunch of my money. I know- oh my, oh dear! But what's a couple of dollars when it helps to spread so much cheer? Thank you, Hallmark, you made my day.

I never thought I'd get to you. Lessons, handouts, outlines. I pictured you off in the distance, out of reach. Countless days in the lab. I read hundreds of pages, wore out a pen, filled numerous rubrics, and gave a few stickers. Grading, grading grading. Finally, at long last, I have reached you... the elusive end of the stack. Thank you, end of the stack, you made my day. 

I filled out two brackets this year, one for a possible cash prize and one just for fun.  It's a good thing I like winning as much as I like money because I didn't win any money, but... I WON! My bracket, STL GTL, dominated.  In this crazy year of upsets and Cinderella teams, I actually picked two of the Final Four teams, and I had Duke as the winner.  I was cheering, as always, for the underdog to win.  It would have been heartwarming to see Butler have their "One Shining Moment."  Can you imagine if that buzzer beater shot had gone in?  Epic.  However, you know what else is satisfying?  WINNING! Sure, I will not come away with a cash prize, and I saved my skills for the just for fun bracket.  The thing is, though, winning is fun.  Tom would just like it more if this fun had led to a contribution to our vacation fund. Thank you, winning bracket, you made my day.

We goofed. Tom and I did not realize that all of the grocery stores in the area would be closed for Easter.  Does this happen everywhere?  I never noticed before.  Whoops. Thank goodness our friends at Outback Steakhouse stayed open today.  Apparently they don't take Easter quite as seriously in fake Australia.  No rules, just right. We enjoyed a lovely Easter feast of steaks, veggies, and bread.  It could have been much worse.  After all, I was afraid we'd have to make a go of it with the frozen chicken patties and jalapeno poppers we have left in the freezer.  While those crazy folks on Top Chef could have made a masterpiece with what we have in our freezer and pantry, a top chef I am not.  Good cook?  Yes.  Food artist?  Not exactly...  chicken patties for breakfast tomorrow?  I may be thanking the grocery store on Day 109... Thank you, Outback Steakhouse, you made my day.

Usually when people talk about being hardheaded, it's a bad thing.  It means that someone is stubborn, willful, or unable to yield.  Today, however, I was glad to be hardheaded.  Literally, I was thankful to have a hard head.  I was roughhousing with General and chasing him in circles around the downstairs of our house.  He seemed as if he was tiring of our playing, so I sped up and ran ahead of him so that he could chase me.  Unfortunately, I underestimated his speed and competitive nature.  As he jockeyed for position with me around the turn, he knocked me out Korean speed skater style.  I thudded to the floor so loudly and painfully that Tom did not even laugh.  Yeah, it was that bad. I have a large gash across my arm, a thumb that hurts to bend, and a headache (possibly a bit concussed... who knows).  Yet, I am quite thankful to my hard head for cushioning the blow.  I'm sure my other softer skulled ...

A morning text from my dad: Detroit 45 mins late.  No gate agent!  Just ran through Atlanta airport and made connection.  Whew.  Now off to paradise! I have always known that I have good parents.  I knew this every time they sacrificed things for themselves to make sure that we had pretty new Easter dresses or piano lessons or all the books we could read.  I knew this every time I saw them in the stands at a track meet for four hours in 20 degree weather or in the crowd at a ballet recital where I was only on stage for two minutes of a two hour show.  I knew this every time they sat down to read with me or talk with me or play with me, only to have hours of work to do once I went to bed.  I knew this when I applied to and attended the University of  Michigan without any kind of stress about how it would be paid for.  I knew this when we were able to throw one heck of a party for everyone we wanted to invite to celebrate our wedding....

We were sitting in the classroom when my CT had an idea. How about we take the kids outside? Oh yes, oh mama mia! What would be a better place for our fine students to read than oustide underneath the sun? Oh, they'll like this, yes indeed. What a delight it was today, a first for me to teach there outside, in beautiful weather, like being on the beach. As the rays shone down and then the wind softly tousled all of our hair, we looked around and were pleased to see students smiling everywhere. Thank you, outside class, you made my day.