Words

There are some things that can't quite be described with words, so I won't try.

Instead, I will talk about other things.

The students have prepared a mock trial in their history class. Hernando Cortes vs. The American Peoples of the 16th Century. Students prepared their pieces as the prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, witnesses, Cortes, King Charles, and locals. The attorneys were allowed to dress in business wear, and they looked like tiny little interviewees (some not so tiny). They argued the finer points of colonialism, including the innocent bystander argument, "Just following orders", and taking liberties beyond royal orders. They had also been trained in courtroom procedure, with the attorneys throwing out objections and bringing up historical details. It looked just like Law and Order, but with slightly smaller people (and a different racial makeup). I was so impressed with my kids. Some of the quieter kids really stood up and made their points, and some of the louder kids knew how to efficiently end the argument by proving their point.

I got to work with a boatload, an ever-growing tower, of work to catch up on. I ended the day with about 90% of it done, having worked efficiently all day. So, I'm only 10% behind, which might be better than many teachers, but not acceptable for me. I hope to make it up tomorrow.

And then there's that first run outside after a week stuck on the treadmill. It was wonderful. Challenging on my calves, but good for the soul. 3 miles in 33 minutes, including waiting at some intersections. Not thrilling, but good. If I throw in a fast (~10 min/mi) 2 miles on Thursday, I'll feel confident about FINALLY breaking 30 minutes in a 5K this Sunday.

And then, a toasted pumpernickel bagel with summer tuna salad (apples and craisins - crunch and sweet) and muenster cheese, broiled just enough to melt the cheese but keep the tuna cold. That, and a glass of nice single malt scotch, and I'm relaxing tonight on the couch.

One day at a time.

Reflections

After a couple of days back, I think I'm doing a fair job at beginning my New Years' Resolutions. Some of them, anyway.

I wasn't quite motivated enough on Monday or Tuesday, but ended up with really good classes. I got some positive feedback from both my IL and the principal.

There were obstacles, though. Last weekend, my boyfriend's grandmother died. I have difficulty with other people's sadness. Sometimes it seems like my feelings are nothing compared to how I feel for others. It's a little frustrating, especially when I see someone near me hurting and I can't do anything about it.

That gave me a couple of days of really unmotivated and not-well-rested teaching, but I did a good job anyway. The hardest part was trying to get work done in the mean time, when I really wanted to put my head down and sleep.

Today was the funeral, and I was suitably impressed at the quality of big, loving, family, that turned out. Not to detract from my own family, and a warm, loving, meaningful funeral this summer, but today I was included in a new family. I have two, now. It was also my first Catholic Mass, which was interesting, but a little confusing. It's also strange hearing the prayer in English. Sometimes I don't really want to know exactly what is being said, so I prefer stick to the traditional Jewish service. It's nice music and community without the specific uncomfortable religious specifics.

And after the burial, there was a luncheon with an open bar. It was filled with stories and laughter and tears and an open bar. It was nice, and I played designated driver.

This, however, has not helped my weight loss resolution. There have been too many family meals, family meal leftovers (Italian family, mind you), and cheer-up dinners. Diet starts next week.