1. I had an IEP meeting for one of my students where I heard the father refer to his son as "dude". While I am not a parent, I'll say that it just doesn't seem right to call your son "dude". The father was trying to encourage his son to complete his homework. It was like I was on the blacktop listening to two tweens talk, except if one tween was telling the other tween to do his homework, he would probably do his homework. Mental note: don't call my children "dude".
2. I watched today's Oprah about donating organs. I was moved to tears (as usual when I watch Oprah). The first thing I did was double check my license to make sure it had the little donor sticker. I was so moved by this story because we have a good friend who is in need of a new heart. He is on the list, but it could take years, and he has already waited years. Bottom line: I applaud you if you have already made the decision to donate your organs if, God forbid, something tragic were to happen. If you are on the fence, I kindly ask you to reconsider and ask yourself, what else would you do with your organs?
Okay, now for my pictoral recap from the last couple of weeks. I have been really busy, but have managed to squeeze in some fun social activities. First, the blogger brunch was a blast, despite missing Jolene and Kay. Similar to the last brunch, it was odd hearing everyone talk and realizing they actually have a voice. It was so much fun to see everyone for the first and second time time, yet already knowing so much about them. The Internet is so weird!
Back row from left to right: Trish, R, Lan, Ricci, Winnie, Kate, SandSsquared, Claire, Leslie, BallinaxehammerMiddle row: WeeMo, me, Ashley
Front row: Aline, Wan, Nanette, Lilcee
We also recently met up with our friends, Catharine and her hubby Zuri. I went to high school with Catharine (and evidentally SandSsquared's husband too, something new I learned at the brunch) and we've been friends ever since German class in the 10th grade when I was Heidi and she was Katrin. Catharine is a dancer with Ballet San Jose and Zuri, a retired ballet dancer, is now an aspiring actor in Hollywood. They are the true definition of a commuter couple.
For the last 6 years, I've been a mentor to Natalie. We met when she was in 7th grade and in June she is graduating from high school. Crazy! She just turned 18 and to celebrate, Rob and I took her to her favorite restaurant, Cheesecake Factory.
Several weeks ago during holiday break, I took Natalie to an empty parking lot where I let her "drive" my precious Charlotte. She's hoping to get her license soon and I volunteered to teach her how to drive a manual, which was a total joke, but in the end she did an excellent job considering her terrible teacher. We cracked up the entire time. Can't wait until our next "lesson".
For Natalie's birthday, a relative gave her tickets to Stars on Ice. I was honored when she asked me to go with her. I'm ecstatic! I'm a total ice skating nerd, and so is Natalie. Except she's actually pretty good and takes lessons. I just admire ice skating from the warmth of my couch. Our ice skating date is next Wednesday.Over the last couple of weeks:
- We met up with one of Rob's former colleagues who was in LA visiting from London (although he's moving to LA soon) for brunch and saw The Bucket List
- I had a spa day with Liv and her girlfriends
- Dick and Crystal took us out to a fancy dinner at Frenchy's for our upcoming first wedding anniversary
- I've been to Paper-Source twice with two different friends to help them with invitations/announcements (I'm seriously in love with this place)
- I started taking a class at CSULB for my special education credential (blah)
- I started taking classes to clear my multiple subject credential through LBUSD (double blah)
Phew, updates become super lengthy when it's been a while. Thanks for reading!! Until next time...
