i'm awake though it is late. reluctant to summarize the past weeks. making big decisions and feeling excited about the new year. it is time to move along this path, and i can see in my hands that i am closer to thirty. my skin is changing, although how so, i'm not sure i could explain.

i felt dizzy in sculpting class at the gym, laughed at children striking poses at the orff concert, breathed deeply for over an hour at the circuit city customer service desk, and wrapped presents with anticipation.

i spent almost a whole day this week learning excel and writing report cards for my jewish school. it was, ironicaaly, my first report card experience after 5 years of teaching, and i am thrilled that my time with students at this school is considered assessment worthy. this form of accountability... it changed me, the way i think about each child who comes through my classroom. they are unique, each one, and belong to families that will read my comments carefully, parents who will hope for the best for their small ones. i am encouraged to respect these little persons more sincerely. i am more hopeful when they fidget in their kindergarten bodies and forget to raise their hands. i want more deeply to encourage the spirit they bring and spin the wind underneath their potential.


i get chanukah presents and love notes and birthday songs from my students.

the following is my favorite.... written and sung by vianny.


be proud of who you are.
com on and be proud.
stand up an shoat.
itis your life.
no body can jude you.
this is ahy im teeling you to be proud.
stand up and shoat.
shot your name say hury.
feel the love thraw your hert.
this is your gift to be proud.
can you feel the prodness threw your hert.