My Name is Memory.

I assigned my TAG kids homework for every night of the week. From now until the end of the year.

30 minutes of reading a night, 3 reader responses a week

But I promised I would do it with them.

Here's my first response.

"Who Do you think of when you hear smashing glass and screaming? That's a telling question."

-Ann Brashares

I like the idea that there are certain things that tell you the answers to your personality, to your soul. I wish it was as simple as that. Yes's and No's, and absolutes.

These things are always true- or these things are never true.

Who would I think of? My mom, my dad. The other people in the room?

At school, my students. Past and present. Teaching has put my safety net on high- alert. Being nervous about someone' s well being comes naturally now. Especially a child's safety, even if they aren't mine.

If they let me into part of their life for 50 minutes a day, don't I get to worry about them always?

My Weekend in Pictures

I had a GREAT first week of school and an equally great weekend.

My favorite band, Nelo, came into town.

My best friend, Brooke, came into town.

Another best friend, Adam, is finally moved into town.

And I got to celebrate it all!

At NELO!

West 6th after NELO

Swimming at Deep Eddy.

The Classic Hook Em.

Andrew, Brooke, me and Adam downtown

Lake Austin.

Dancing at Annie's West.

Finally, something that added to my night.. Brooke was involved in a dance off that resulted in this:

She still looks good even though her drink was spilled ALL OVER HER.

P.S. Thanks to the roomie for teaching me how to make my pics look better!

(and for taking this ADORABLE picture with me)

back to school.

it's 1015. and I am in bed. And wish i was sleeping.

But I decided to post instead- however this will be brief.

I am so tired and forgot how draining it is to stand and talk all day.

I had two kids in one of my classes commit some minor classroom problems- that wouldn't bother me that much on any day of the year- but really got under my skin on the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

Because of this it tinted my view of my first day of school. And to not a kind of view I wanted.

HOWEVER... I keep forgetting this one amazing thing about my day that trumps the two beginning trouble makers.

Last Friday, when a bunch of students where picking up their schedules and walking by their teacher's rooms, I met one of my students who actually talked my ear off. He seemed sweet but I was a little busy setting things up and was distracted. We did briefly discuss the Lightning Thief and Percy Jackson series, and I mentioned that I wanted to read the 2nd one but didn't have a copy.

The first thing he does when he walks into my class today? HANDS ME THE 2nd BOOK IN THE SERIES!

That made me beyond happy. I can't wait to start reading!

Where I'm From

I have looked for this EVERYWHERE and finally found it.

I wrote this poem in 7th grade and then updated it in high school. It's still pretty accurate.

Where I’m From

I’m from dance classes

From dancing in any place that had enough room

I’m from swim lessons at the neighborhood pool

From counting the days till summer and swimming would start

I’m from parents who hardly had enough time at one point

And then having too much time later on

I’m from the stories of when Jessie was my age

And her father always telling her, “Jessie Bell, children are seen and not heard.”

From her telling me she always wants to hear what I say

I’m from private schools and uniforms everyday

I’m from church every weekday, but not on Sundays

I’m from the hymns that were my favorites and my mother’s favorites

I’m from stories I don’t even remember

From jumping off the couch just to go to bed

I’m from the song my dad made up just for me

From the words I hoped to hear him sing before I went to sleep