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When a Student Breaks Up With a Book

Posted on March 20, 2014 by auburnchick

Last week, one of my students experienced an emotionally distressing situation.

He had to break up with a book.

He had quickly fallen in love with her.

He had nurtured his love affair, meeting each daily rendezvous with anticipation.

He became more invested in the relationship with each page he turned…each word he read.

He couldn’t contain his feelings but made them known to everyone around him.

When he turned the final page and closed the back cover last Friday, it was with great sadness.

He held the book tenderly, refusing to part ways.

He wasn’t ready to say goodbye…just could not accept that the relationship had run its course.

He refused, at first, to look for a new relationship, feeling as though he would be cheating on his first true love.

I introduced him to a number of eligible partners, but he bucked.

Nobody could hold a candle to his former love.

My heart went out to him, even as I assured him that he would find love again, if only he was willing to open up his heart.

He’s giving it a valiant go, but I fear he’ll never be the same.

It is said that time heals all hurts.

We shall see.

Filed under: Books | Tagged: , | 2 Comments »

A Spring Time Hodgepodge

Posted on March 19, 2014 by auburnchick

I have been a bad blogger.  The time change kicked my rear last week, and I’m working really hard to get prepped for the week following Spring Break, which I am fortunate to have next week.  I don’t want to work during Spring Break, so I’m putting in the work now.  This is crunch time for teachers in Florida as we prep our students for the FCAT test they will take during April.  Talk about stress!

So, let’s cut to the chase and make our way through Joyce’s questions!

1.  Thursday marks the first day of spring…to celebrate would you rather plant a garden or go for a walk in the woods? Would either of those activities be possible on Thursday where you live?

Oh, I’m going to say neither.  To plant a garden would require energy that I don’t have right now, and walking in the woods calls to mind bugs and all things creepy crawly.  Can I opt to sit on my back porch and read?

2.  When did someone last spring something on you? (or when did you last spring something on someone?)

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I surprised anyone or anyone surprised me.  I lead a fairly boring life outside of my classroom.

3.  We often think of spring as a time for new beginnings. What’s something you’d like to start doing this spring?

I think I’d like to start going on daily walks around my neighborhood…or perhaps quick bike rides around it.  I have a good bicycle that I paid a lot of money for a number of years ago.  I think a quick trip around the neighborhood would bring a refreshing lift to each crazy day.

4.  Where do you like to sit in a movie theatre? When did you last sit there, and what were you watching?

When I go to the theater, I like to sit about halfway up but near the end.  Hubby needs a quick exit to the restroom because of his Crohn’s, and I don’t really like being boxed in.  I haven’t been to a movie in a long time, because I don’t like the cursing or sexual stuff that directors seem to think is necessary to sell a story.  I am hoping to see Divergent though.  I read the series and loved the books!

5.  When you meet someone for the very first time, what do you want them to think about you?

When I meet someone for the first time, I want them to know I’m a Christian.  I am usually very shy when I meet new people, but I hope that my faith shines through in the way I conduct myself…and that it’s quickly apparent to people when they first meet me.

6.  March is frozen food month (yes, really!). Besides ice cream (gotta make you think a little) what’s your most often purchased frozen food item?

Lately, I’ve been buying frozen pizzas for Rooster to munch on.  I’ve been on a non-cooking streak of late thanks to my over-achieving, over-planning self.  My work is leaving me too exhausted or disinterested in cooking.  Hence, the pizzas.

7.  What’s something you avoid?

I only get to list one thing, Joyce?  Surely you jest!

Things I avoid:

Social situations (whenever possible)
Non-vegan food
Work drama
Movies with sex and cursing
Music about sex
Inappropriate clothing
My mom (sorry for the honesty, but it’s true)

8.  My Random Though

Paydays always equal pampering.  Take a look at the creativity of my nail tech…

I am blessed to be treated so well by a group of sweet gals.  They always make sure I’m comfortable, put up with my rambling, and ensure that I leave them each week as a happy customer.  I ❤ them a lot.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 6 Comments »

Hold the Cheese, Please!

Posted on March 18, 2014 by auburnchick

Yesterday evening, Rooster and I had one thing on our minds…

Dinner.

The Mr. was working late, so it was up to us to fend for ourselves.

I did what all good mothers do.

I called and placed a to-go order at my favorite Mexican restaurant.

I always get two bean burritos but substitute the cheese sauce for enchilada sauce.  Not only am I vegan, but I am lactose-intolerant.

Rooster requested plain chicken and cheese nachos.

The gentleman who took my order repeated it back to me.  Everything was set to go.

I arrived at the restaurant, asked about Rooster’s order to ensure that my wishes had been adhered to, and made my way home…eager to dig in.

Take a look what I found when I opened my meal…

Do you see the cheese?

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

I was also angry.

Very much so.

This is a restaurant I frequent often.

They know me.

They know my order.

I can tell you how much it costs before and after tax.

I quickly called them up and explained what had happened…IN VERY FIRM WORDS.

I was ticked off royally and vented, explaining to the gal that I knew she was just the person who’d answered the phone (actually, she was also the one who gave me my order, so in reality, she should have checked it).

She knew I was mad.

I told her that I did not want to go back right then because 1) I was tired and 2) I was about to jump in the shower.

She offered to replace my meal the next time I go back…even mentioning how she knows me but still didn’t check my order.

Seriously?

Sheesh.

I meekly agreed to get a replacement meal on my way home from work the next day, but now that I’ve had time to think about it, I’m going to ask for my money back…sans the meal.

I jumped into the shower with tears flowing down my face…heartily disappointed.

I didn’t have dinner.

It sucked.

I feel as though I am constantly sending dishes back to the kitchen because SOMEBODY DOESN’T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I’VE TOLD THEM.

How hard is it to write my order down or, if you’re the cook, READ the order?

If you’re the person picking up the order to deliver it to my table, shouldn’t you CHECK THE ORDER?

Last week, the Mr. and I visited our local Bennigans.

I was thrilled because I’d called ahead to make sure that the veggie burger didn’t have an egg binder…that it truly was vegan-friendly.  It was, so we traipsed to the mall.

I ordered STEAMED broccoli…strictly requesting that it NOT be cooked in butter because of my ALLERGY TO MILK.

Guess what I got?

I got an order of steamed broccoli with PARMESAN CHEESE!

Seriously?

The server was mortified when I called her to my table.

That order should never have even made it to my table!!

Here’s the deal, folks.

If a person asks you to hold the cheese, white sauce, or butter, ACQUIESCE to the request.

Most of the time, it’s because there is an allergy that the person HASN’T CHOSEN to have to live with.

How would you like to be stuck in the bathroom for hours while your body tries to get rid of the stuff that’s been put in without the owner’s knowing it?

How would you like to have to call in sick because SOMEBODY FAILED TO DOUBLE-CHECK AN ORDER?

Been there and done that, which is one reason why I went totally vegan.

That’s the reality of my life.

My Mexican restaurant has lost a fan.  It’s too bad.  I don’t trust them any more.

In fact, I’m going to have to buckle down and stick with what I know…plain and simple home-cooked meals.

I’m really very tired of having a spotlight shine on me nearly every time I go out to eat…all because of something I cannot help…all because someone can’t see fit to hold the cheese.

Filed under: Vegan | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

The Luck is in the Hodgepodge

Posted on March 12, 2014 by auburnchick

Another week has gone by, and I can hardly believe it!  As I was typing last week’s post, I was preparing myself mentally for the observation my principal would be conducting in my room the next day.  I am happy to report that my students were AMAZING, and the lesson had the intended impact that I’d hoped for.  God is so good!

This is a brand new week, and Joyce has prepared a fresh batch of questions for us.  Play along by posting your own answers on your blog and then linking back up with Joyce.

1.  Do you have an interest in learning about your family’s heritage? Why or why not? If you know a little bit about your roots, share an interesting piece of trivia or a fun fact about someone who goes way back on your family tree.

I know a few things about my family’s heritage but, unfortunately, my father passed away in 2001, taking much of the information with him.  It’s rather difficult to track French family lines that run outside of this country.

I do know that my grandparents came from families on opposite sides of WWII, which made their marriage quite the controversial thing.  One of my grandparents was French, and the other German.  You fill in the blanks.  I’ll bet the stories they told throughout the years were quite colorful.

I also know that my great-grandfather fought in WWI.  I have a picture of him in his uniform somewhere.  I really should dig it out and frame it.

2.  Branch Rickey, the baseball exec credited with signing Jackie Robinson, is quoted as saying-

“Luck is the residue of design.”

Agree or disagree? Why?

For a Reading teacher, I’m having a little trouble deciphering this.  Is this quote saying that we have a hand in our own luck?  If so, I might agree with that.  I think that some people are lucky, such as when they win the lottery.  However, I believe that it is hard work (not to mention God’s hand) that earns results.

3.  In the town where you currently reside, what’s your favorite green space?

I guess we have a couple of parks in my small town, but I honestly can’t say that they stick out to me.  I’m not much of an outdoorsy kind of gal.  If I had to select a green space, I’d say that my front yard is my favorite simply because it’s home.

4.  Who is your favorite comedian?

Oh, I am such a stick in the mud!!!  I don’t listen to comedians.  I don’t watch late night shows (as opposed to watching DVR’d shows late at night).  I don’t find most comedians funny because they always throw in crude jokes, which I have no stomach for and refuse to laugh at.

Going back to the 80’s, I would say that Bill Cosby was a favorite.

5.  March is National Nutrition Month, and almost everyone needs to improve their diet in some way.  What about you? How can you improve your nutrition on a daily basis? Will you try?

I have been, with the exception of a cupcake and a brownie on Monday, without processed sugar since before New Years.  I’ve been conscious about my eating habits for years but more so since becoming a vegan four years ago.  I read labels and ask what is in the dishes on menus at restaurants.  I don’t eat much…rarely breakfast or lunch.  When I do, I eat fruit.  I’m a fairly simple eater and quite honestly would be happier juicing most of the time.  I have some food issues, I know, but I’m determined not to gain weight or die from plaque in my arteries.

6.   Which of these green expressions have you ‘experienced’ in recent weeks -green with envy, green thumb, green around the gills, or give the green light? Explain.

I’ll go (get the pun?) with give the green light…to my students, that is.  My lesson plans have increasingly become more student-centered, allowing students to take more control over the learning they are doing in my classroom.  It’s difficult to do, and I have to go with the flow more, but I’m enjoying the process…watching students discover things with my gentle guidance.

7.  Where is one place you don’t mind waiting?

I don’t mind waiting in line at my favorite pizza place, Red Brick.  It’s a gluten-free, vegan-friendly place, and I look forward to indulging once or twice a month.  We’ve hit Spring Break season, and our beaches are nuts.  The mall where our Red Brick is located stays busy, but it’s worth it for that pizza!

8.  My Random Thought

I’ve been a busy girl again…buying more books for my classroom…

I really can’t help myself.

I read too many book reviews, and various students come to mind.

I’ve been known to add books to my Amazon cart while a student is looking over my shoulder.  The joy in delivering that book to that student is indescribable, as is the knowledge that I’m helping to foster a deep love for reading.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 4 Comments »

Dear Fourth Period

Posted on March 10, 2014 by auburnchick

Dear Fourth Period,

I want to tell you thank you for how awesome you have been all year.

You are the class that has been observed often.

You are the class that Mrs. T filmed so she could finish up the requirements for CRISS certification.

You kindly acquiesced when we were observed for Kagan.

When Mr. Principal came into the class in December, you worked your magic.

Then, last week, you showed how amazing you are by turning on the charm and dazzling him once again during our final observation.

Although you are a talkative group and prone to get a little rowdy, we have a strong bond that is based on respect and trust.

You’ve worried me every time during the first 45-minute block when you’ve talked my ears off; however, you’ve always promised to come through during the second, most critical block when the observers made their appearances, and sure enough, true to your word, you focused and did what I have always known you could do…conducted yourselves as students who are eager to learn.

You have more than earned the S’mores Cupcakes I baked from scratch yesterday.  No boxed mix or Sam’s cupcakes for you!

I hope you enjoy the extra surprise I baked…Chocolate Cocoa Brownies.

All year, you’ve been curious about my vegan lifestyle, and I am making it my mission to teach you a thing or two about healthy eating…that being vegan doesn’t mean I eat grass…that being vegan means I can eat tasty treats.

As I watch you gobble down your hard-earned reward, I am thankful, and I don’t mind the nasty cut I got while cleaning the kitchen after my afternoon of baking…

As you eat the cupcakes and brownies, I hope you’ll consider what you accomplished each time you were observed.  You proved what you are capable of.

Though one of you said that, “It was all an act,” I don’t believe it.  I think that what you did came from somewhere deep in your heart.

You do want to learn.

You enjoy being in charge of your learning, as evidenced by how the class led last Wednesday’s lesson after simple instructions from me, your Fearless Leader.

You enjoyed how you were in the center of everything and I was a blip on the periphery, gently guiding without getting in the way of your exploratory, hands-on learning.

Thank you for helping me to grow this year as an educator.  I’m slowly learning to take a step back into more of a facilitator role, and that is because of what I’ve seen through the various observations we’ve gone through together.

Enjoy the treats.

Stay focused.

We have four more instructional weeks until FCAT.

Love you to pieces!

Mrs. AuburnChick

 

 

Filed under: Teaching | Leave a comment »

Validating Each Other

Posted on March 9, 2014 by auburnchick

It goes without saying that everyone needs a bit of validation from time to time.

We like to know that our efforts in whatever we are doing aren’t for naught.

Last Friday, I unexpectedly received such validation from two different people I work with.

The first, a fellow Reading teacher, called my classroom and told me how much she loved the Validity/Reliability Prezi I had shared with her.

I created this Prezi last year and brought it out again this year to teach key terminology and concepts.

She’s a new Reading teacher, and our team is really great about sharing resources with each other, so I didn’t think much about what I was doing.

She raved about how engaging the Prezi was…much more so than a PowerPoint would have been.

She continued to extol my awesomeness.

I was embarrassed but in a happy way…glad that I could help her out.

The second person who provided validation was an English teacher who shares some of the students I teach.

She sent me an email Friday afternoon that warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

She told me that several of my students had been proudly telling her about the books they had been reading…bragging about how many they’ve read this year and how quickly they are flying through them.

She went on to say that my efforts are not in vain…that by reading the YA Fiction I put in front of the kids, I am taking the extra step needed to foster a true love of reading.

Folks, many students do not like to read.

When they enter Intensive Reading, many buck at the required silent reading that is part of our daily routine.

At least at first, they do.

Something happens to the kids, though, during the year.

They grow to love their reading time and are disappointed when other activities cut it short.

I don’t know that they often have time to set apart for reading outside of class.

Giving them a solid 20 to 25 minutes allows them to get into their books, immersing themselves into their characters’ lives.

It’s a beautiful thing to behold, but something that I’ve often wondered is carried beyond my classroom door.

My coworker’s email confirmed that what I am doing is having long-lasting results.

It’s something I didn’t know I needed to hear until I read her words.

What struck me even more was this teacher’s kindness in taking the time to compose the lengthy email.

She has six classes of students…double my load (I only teach three double-blocks with half the number of students).

I know every minute is valuable to her.

I’m honored and humbled that she used some of that precious time to lift my spirits.

It’s something I need to make more of an effort to do for others.

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: | Leave a comment »

Focusing on the Breakthroughs

Posted on March 6, 2014 by auburnchick

Teaching.

A profession where you can ride the high’s one moment and be in the depths of the low’s the next.

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating:  Teaching is not for the faint of heart.

Tuesday did not start off well.

At.

All.

I really don’t want to say much about it except to say that by 10:45, I’d felt completely beaten down.

Don’t you hate when your day starts off that way?  It sets the tone for the rest of the day, unfortunately.

I felt down the rest of the day…until my last class came in.

I thought it was going to be another difficult class period as I watched students talk instead of completing their bellwork.

I set my timer for five minutes, determined to play the role of Mean Teacher and shut off my Smartboard responders, with which I was collecting bellwork answers, when the five minutes was up.

I watched one of my students talk…

And talk…

And talk…

To the student who sits across from him.

I didn’t say a word.

I didn’t remind him to work on the task laid before him.

He’s often complained about me aggravating him.

I figured I’d let natural consequences take over.

I watched the timer tick its way down to one minute fifteen seconds.

About that time, this young man slowly picked up his text passage and began reading it.

I had my mouse primed, ready to strike, but continued to spy on this student.

A very, very interesting thing happened.

I saw him cock his head ever so slightly to one side, and I could see the wheels turning as he considered his answer choices.

I saw him move his head in the other direction as he silently argued with himself (teachers are gifted with the ability to read minds, don’t you know).

He reached, ever so slowly, for the responder to enter his answer as the timer went off.

I let the timer go so he could finish.

I didn’t click the mouse button to end his time prematurely.

As we reviewed the answer, we discovered that a little over a quarter of my students had selected an incorrect answer, so we began discussing why students had chosen the first incorrect answer.

We moved to the second incorrect answer, but no one was willing to share his/her thoughts about that answer choice, and I didn’t want to call anyone out.

The young man I’d observed earlier volunteered by saying, “Well, I actually went between this answer and the correct one.”

I asked him to be metacognitive and explain why.

He said that he already had prior knowledge about the topic in the text, which made him almost choose one answer, but then he WENT BACK INTO THE TEXT  (patting myself on the back for harping on this all year) and found that the text DID NOT SUPPORT HIS PRIOR KNOWLEDGE.  He wound up choosing the correct answer.

Hola!

I praised him mightily and gave him a high five.

That wasn’t the only breakthrough that would life my spirits, though.

Later, this young man asked me what he needed to make to pass FCAT.  I told him that tenth graders need a 245, and he asked what he’d made last year.  Then he remembered that he’d recorded his score on the Students in the Drivers Seat of Their Learning sheet I’d been using all year…the one where I had students reflect on their FCAT and fluency scores, as well as their progress monitoring scores throughout the year.

He pulled that paper out, and we discussed it.

The second breakthrough came when he had his AHA moment…when he realized why he hadn’t passed FCAT last year…when he acknowledged that my class was actually teaching him skills that he can use on the State reading exam he will take in April.

This was huge.

Students are so often resentful of being placed in remedial reading classes.  They don’t think they need the help.  When a student understands the why, they find purpose and take ownership of their learning.

He and I discussed this when school was dismissed, and I told him how proud I was of him.  He smiled shyly (he’s definitely not shy most of the time) and walked out.

He needed that verbal affirmation.

I needed the reminder that the work I’m doing isn’t for naught.

I’ll tell you one more quick but significant breakthrough from that class period.

A young lady had made up a Text Structure unit test (compare/contrast, sequence, description, cause/effect, problem/solution) the day before.  It is one of the most challenging units I cover all year, and the test is extremely difficult.  The test was fourteen pages long (twenty questions), and she was afraid she’d done poorly.

I told her that I’d posted the grade (I’ll give tests back after the last person has made it up), and during our break, she checked our online gradebook.

She’d only missed one question and she returned to class beaming with pride.  She’d been positive that she hadn’t done well.

I asked what made the difference with the test, and she told me that she had looked for SIGNAL WORDS in the questions and looked for those signal words in the text above!!!!

I had stressed signal words when I’d taught the unit and had students write a paragraph for each structure, requiring students to incorporate signal words into their paragraphs.

I am still so humbled when I see students use things I’ve taught them to achieve success.

I want to tell you a secret though.

Despite the breakthroughs my students had on Tuesday, I went home in a funk, really down about how my day had started…mulling over my options.

I’d talked to my mentor on my way out, and she provided helpful suggestions, but at the end of the day, it was on me to decide how to proceed.

I got home, cooked dinner, and cleaned up.

Then, I had an epiphany.

Why in the world was I focusing on the negative part of my day when, in reality, it really was only a small part of my day?

The Lord had provided me with much more encouraging experiences, yet I continued to roll around in the muck of unhappiness.

Honestly, I think it was Satan trying to keep me down.

He’s evil.  He knows I’m hard on myself.  He used the failings of the day to hold me down.

Shame on me for not throwing off those shackles sooner.

It’s a constant battle…especially when you teach…to stay positive when you’re pulled in a hundred different directions during the course of one class period.

Tuesday was a reminder that I need to keep my eyes focused on the good things…the steps forward…that my students make.

I’ll make forward progress as well when I reflect and then let go of the incidents from each day.

Points to ponder…

Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

Mardi Gras Hodgepodge

Posted on March 5, 2014 by auburnchick

Looks like Joyce might have partying on her mind!  Me thinks she ought to be down in Louisiana enjoying some warm weather along with the holiday, eh?  Poor dear has had bucket loads of snow for, like, forever.  I love her explanation of how she comes up with questions for this weekly bit of fun we partake of, don’t you?  Thanks again, Joyce, for hosting each week!

1.  The expression ‘mad as a March hare’ originated with a fictional character who is distracted and frantic. When were you last ‘mad as a March hare’ and what was it that made you that way?

Although I get annoyed with my students, I’m usually not angry with them.  I guess I’d have to say that the last time I got mad as a March hare was last June as school was ending.  You might remember that I blogged about an incident that both hurt and angered me…to the point where I had to have someone come into my classroom so I could step outside and take a breather.  I spent the rest of the summer putting my head and heart back together after that, but God was merciful…the great healer…and He showed me things in my life that He needed to change through that experience.

2.  Mardi Gras this year falls on Tuesday, March 4th. Have you ever been to Mardi Gras, and if so what did you think? If not, do you have any interest in going?  Purple, green, and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras. Which one is most prevalent in your wardrobe? How about in your home?

I have never been to Mardi Gras, although I have been to New Orleans a few times for soccer-related events.  New Orleans has a lovely yarn store, if you’re interested in something besides women who bear their boobs for a bunch of beaded necklaces.  heehee

Of the three Mardi Gras colors listed, I think I’d have to say that green is the most prevalent in my closet.  I love army green shirts and wear them with my khaki pants a lot.  My home is a hodgepodge in and of itself.  I don’t have a color scheme.

3.  Are you old fashioned?

Yes, yes, yes!  I am proud of it too!!!!

4.  Do you carefully plan your vacations, or do you prefer the days to be more spontaneous?

We don’t go on vacations much.  The last one we went on was an Alaskan cruise with the in-laws.  They did all of the planning.  I was trying to finish my alternative teacher certification program and turned in my last assignment a couple of days before we left.  Planning is just not my forte after having to do it for work.  Every.  Single.  Day.

5.  March is National Sauce Month…what’s your favorite sauce, and what do you most often top with this sauce?

My favorite sauce is hot sauce.  I will eat it on just about anything.  I craved it when I was pregnant with Chicky and have loved it ever since.

6.  What’s something that easily brings a tear to your eye?

Every time I think of Aubie, my sweet girl who passed away early last May, I tear up.  Her picture pops up on my computer wallpaper at work, and I tear up.  Students who had me as a teacher last year and are in my class again this year mention her, and I tear up.  They saw me the day after she passed away and know how much it traumatized me.  I’m tearing up as I type this.  She was the most amazing fur baby a human could ever ask for, and I doubt I’ll ever fully get over her loss.

The final picture I took of her the day she passed away. My heart still grieves.

7.  If you could own any sports team, which one would it be and why?

You mean I get to be wealthy enough to own a sports team?  Woo hoo!  I think I’d own the Jeff Gordon/Jimmy Johnson NASCAR teams (they come as a pair…sort-of).  If I owned this company, I’d be able to go to all of the NASCAR races, be track side, and rub elbows with the people I currently have to watch from home.

8.  My Random Thought

I sure would appreciate your prayers today.  My principal is coming into my room for my second observation of the year…the last one.  He has assured me that he has confidence in me and isn’t worried.  That’s easy for him to say because all he has to do is watch and record his thoughts.

I have such wonderful students who are intelligent and have sweet souls.  I want to showcase their abilities, not mine.  I want my principal to hear them talk in a way that reflects the higher-order thinking skills I’ve been teaching them all year.

It’s a nerve-racking time for all teachers in my district as we begin fitting together the final pieces of the evaluation puzzle.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: | 5 Comments »

“I Finally Get It”

Posted on March 4, 2014 by auburnchick

On Sunday, Rooster and I were returning home from eating out with friends after church.

We stopped at Burger King’s drive-thru window and picked up a couple of hamburgers for the Mr., who had not gone to church because he wasn’t feeling well.

When I pulled up to the window, the employee, a younger girl, told me that she liked my nails…

I’d gotten them done on Thursday.  In fact, that’s my biweekly splurge.

You’ve seen many pictures of my nails over the last few years.

Here’s what I had done for the Olympics…

I’d also noticed that the young lady’s nails were done nicely…a French manicure, to be exact.

As we pulled away, Rooster said, “Now, I finally get it.”

“Huh?” I asked.

He continued, “I always wondered what’s the point in getting your nails done…wasting all of that money.  Guys don’t notice that stuff.  Girls do, though, just like that girl at Burger King did.”

The funny thing is that he’s seen this happen quite a few times.

Pretty much anywhere I go, I get compliments on my nails, and I will compliment other women on theirs.

My students at school are constantly asking me to show them my nails when I get them filled and re-polished.

There’s a young lady who works at the Publix I frequent, and she always asks to see my nails when I walk in.  Of course, I always admire hers as well.

In Rooster’s words, “It’s a girl thing.”

I had to chuckle.

He’d had an “Aha” moment.

I finished our discussion by telling him how much I enjoy having my nails done nicely…how finished off they look…how pretty I feel because my hands look good.

That might sound vain, but it’s my life.  Don’t judge.

😀

Regardless, it was an interesting conversation…one I enjoyed a lot.

Filed under: children | 1 Comment »

Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block

Posted on March 3, 2014 by auburnchick

Last week, I finished a quick little project for my Harry Potter fiber community.

This is the Lucky 4-Leaf Afghan Block, a free pattern you can find on Ravelry…

The class prompt required students to choose one of the flags of a country participating in the Olympics and knit a project with all of that flag’s colors in it.

I selected Canada’s flag because I was, after all, born in Newfoundland and am a naturalized American citizen.

I used red and white Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn on size 5 needles.  It only took me an evening and a half to knit this.  I could have done it in one sitting, but by the time I started one night, it was already late.

I love this pattern because it’s knit from the center outward…in the round.  It was much more interesting than knitting flat.  If you’re a knitter or crocheter, you’ll understand what I mean.

I’m going to donate this block to charity because it’s nearly 12″ square, and I can’t see using it as a dishcloth.  It would be lovely, if put together with a number of similar squares, as a blanket.

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: | 2 Comments »

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