Day 212

Today is the first day back on campus (just teachers for a couple of weeks) and I'm ready (well, for the most part) to hit the ground running. After a day full of meetings with the whole staff I spent the afternoon unpacking boxes and getting some resources organized. I can't wait to get started on lesson planning!

Today's bow tie came by way of the good folks over at Cotton Treats. Not only do they have a cool selection of bow ties for guys, but their models do a fine job of making the bow tie an accessory for the gals, too!

Day 185

Today's adventure took us from Ridgewood to Hoboken and back again. After an exhausting workout, I took the family over to one of our favorite spots for sweets known the world over because of the reality show called "The Cake Boss." Fortunately for us, there was no need to wait on the long lines. We typically order online and just swing by to pick up our sweets, that last a few weeks thanks to our freezer. 

Speaking of treats, check out this silky sweet special from Cotton Treats. Very summery, no?

Day 77

Who said the weekend was for taking it easy? I thank God for giving me the ganas to really want to live life to its fullest, regardless of this cold I feel creeping up my throat. My Saturday started out with an early-morning, three-hour stint at LA Fitness with my father-in-law, followed by softball practice and then a nice nap with our two-year-old. I'm glad I got to dvr the Barcelona match and catch two amazing goals by Xavi and Messi, respectively. It's nearly 11PM and I capped off a busy day by creating my third bow tie. You'll have to wait a couple of days to see pictures because I'd hate to take too much attention away from today's bow and because I plan on debuting the tie on Monday. 

Today's bow was a gift from Cotton Treats and features a lovely mathematically sound pattern that seemed to be tailored for my shirt/sweater today. Happy almost Sunday!

Day 60

There's nothing like starting off the day with an automatic detention during homeroom. Not cool. Yup, we're a strict school - but I suppose it all depends on what you consider to be strict and what might be considered to be baseline expectations.

I has some interesting interactions with some adults last week (and yes, I'm purposely being somewhat vague about it) about the expectations we place on our students. One adult said, "You're expectations are too high - you treat them (the students) like adults." I don't think they meant it as the compliment that it was. In talking with my students about expectations the other day I mentioned how our youngest is in the midst of potty training. What sort of father would I be, I asked them, if I excused him from being treated as an adult who should be expected to use the bathroom appropriately until he was 8,9 or 10? But he's so small, I'd argue. I can't possible expect him at the age of 2.5 to climb up on that huge porcelein throne and take care of himself. I've got to do it for him. How long will that argument hold up? Disgusting, right? I, too, think it's disgusting when we as parents contrive the notion that we're somehow reaching the child by nurturing poor perspectives of responsibility and respect.

Speaking of respect - I've go to pay my respects and send a shout out to Cotton Treats, who sent over this lovely light blue and white striped bow. Lily says the shirt was an obvious coordinating pair, but I was too tired last night to pick out something different. =)