The world looks brighter from behind a smile.

Tom opened you and giggled with glee. I asked why he was laughing "Just wait, and you'll see." He handed you over and I opened the spout. Then I giggled too " That's what the fuss was about!" There, on your top, in the silliest place Carved into red plastic, a smiley face. Thank you, smiley syrup, you made my day.

Carolyn once told me that she was the only girl at her high school to ever get a detention while she was in detention.  If I remember correctly, I think she said she was whistling.  Classic Carolyn.  No matter how old we get, I think I'll always picture her this way. Carolyn is one of those people who brings fun with her wherever she goes.  She's also one of those kinds of people who is so distinctive that everything she does can be labled with "Yeah... that's classic Carolyn."  I met her when she lived on the same hall as some of my friends in South Quad during our sophomore year of college, we bonded over trashy reality tv (remember "Frat Life"?), and we have been friends ever since.  We logged more hours than I can count on the couch watching "Law and Order: SVU" with our roomies, traveled to a Rose Bowl, took a scary history class together, played enough Power Hours to add up to a week, enjoyed months of hot dogs and Carolyn's special...

Kyle* is prancing around the back of the class with another (female) student's gym pants on over his clothes.  He usually spends study hall bouncing around and doing anything he can to avoid doing homework. Today, however, he has been quite studious.  Not only is he completing all kinds of work, but he has been doing it quietly and without being distracted by his classmates.  Until he puts on the pants... Me: Kyle, what in the world are you doing? Kyle: I've been so good all day.  I got almost all of my homework done. Me: I know, I'm so proud of you!  You've really been doing a great job.  Did you just need some attention now?  Is that what this is? Kyle: Yeah... yeah, I think you're right.  I feel better.  Back to work. Me: Maybe this could work out well.  You just get to work every day, and let me know when you need to stop and take a little break for attention. Kyle: Agreed.  Like my sweatpants? Me: Lo...

This morning I forgot to get the chicken out of the (sparkly new) fridge to thaw while I was at work.  Oops. Luckily, this mistake turned into a wonderful opportunity for some QT with my husband over a heaping plate of pad thai.  Who knew there were actually Thai restaurants in the depths of the Midwest?  If this is the way things turn out, I may have to learn to be a bit more forgetful! In all honesty, even though I had a fabulous evening, this temporary forgetfulness will probably just lead me to a more vigorous schedule of detailed list making and intense checking off sessions.  That will bring me joy too. Thank you, pad thai, you made my day. 

There was a time in my life when the most important thing to me was simply fitting in.  I was embarrassed all the time- to be smart, to be skinny, to stand out, to be different.  All I wanted was to look like everyone and be like everyone and blend in with everyone.  When my eighth grade English teacher called me up to the front of the room, congratulated me on getting perfect scores on all three English finals, told me I was special, and hugged me, I almost died right on the spot.  It wasn't until a few years later that I could fully appreciate what a wonderful moment that was. I think of this often as I navigate my way into teacherdom.  I don't want to embarrass my students, but I hope that I will find a way to show them how unique and special they each are- and what a beautiful thing it is to stand out and to be different (for the right reasons, of course).  Surely this is a lesson I will take to heart as I brave the job market this sp...

Toenails Painted a color with a name like teak rose or plum seduction May seem silly When stuffed into winter boots or covered by thick socks, Having hidden From half of the fall and all of the winter. Who will enjoy them, after all? I will, of course!  Score one more for the small things. Thank you, painted toenails, you made my day.

Spending every day with lots of freshmen and other high schoolers has a way of making my life quite unpredictable (usually wonderfully so).  However, there's one thing I know I can count on each and every day.  When I come home and open the door, my adorable puppy will be waiting on the other side with his tail wagging so vigorously that it makes his entire body move.  Today Tom worked from home, and General was outside running around when I got home.  When Tom heard me come in, he ran to the door to let the dog in to greet me.  General was so excited to see me that he yanked his chain out of the ground and sprinted in the patio doors with the whole thing dragging behind him.  Love. Even though we still call him a puppy, General is actually now a two year old 60 lb. dog.  He's growing up so fast!  We spent his first few months training him, but he will spend the rest of our lives training us.  Pure joy and unconditional love....