Whack!

I am still in awe of the fact that I am allowed to not only supervise children, but influence them.  I often feel very unqualified.  I didn't go through a traditional teacher education program, so sometimes I feel like I missed out on some of the rules.  Most of the time I just hope that I'm not totally screwing them up. 

 

A few weeks ago, while in our fruit unit, we had a "weird fruit" day.  I went to Whole Foods and bought the weirdest fruit I could find. 

 

FYI, the selection of weird fruit available in Kansas in October is sad.  But middle school kids think a kiwi is weird.  So pomegranates, star fruit, plantains, and coconut really blew their mind.

 

I was totally unaware of the process that is required for cracking into a whole coconut.  I had to Google it, then head over to the Wood Shop room to borrow a hammer and nails.  

 

Fortunately for you, I have it on tape.  I asked one of my students to snap a photo (for the blog of course) and she suggested a video. 

 

Brilliant. 

 

My students are brilliant.

 

Unfortunately for me, this was one of those instances when my vocabulary was inappropriate for middle school.  I didn't even realize it.  Drew watched the video and pointed out that you can't say, "whack it" to 12-year-olds. 

 

See for yourself:

 

 

Not so bad, right?  I'm sure it isn't the worst thing I've said in front of them. 

Thank you for continuing on with this ridiculous and random post.

Life Begins at 30

30, eh?  I'm having mixed emotions about this one.  My initial and overwhelming reaction is to deny it and go on pretending that I'm 26.  The wiser* side of me feels I should embrace my 30's and forget all the worries about growing older.  I mean, it's gonna happen, right?  Why not just quit fighting it? 

Because it's scary, that's why.

Anyways, I sort of forgot to jump on the bandwagon of the whole "30 Before 30" list.  I totally wanted to and think it's an awesome idea, but alas, my procrastination got the best of me... again.  So I've decided to start a new #trend.

30 AFTER 30!!!

I figure I've got a lot of living to do and this time allotment gives me plenty of time to get things done**.  So, no feeling guilty if I don't get to something right away.  Here's what I've got.

1. Qualify for the Boston Marathon.
2. Run a marathon in all 50 states.
3. Take a cooking class, like a real cooking class.
4. Re-learn Spanish and go back to Spain {Jess, I'll need your help on this one!}.
5. Take a wine-tasting class.
6. Finally figure out how to keep my home clean & tidy {HELP ME!!!}.
7. Stop buying all my clothes at Target.
8. Run an ultra-marathon
9. Go on a mission trip.
10. Write a book.
11. Become a certified yoga instructor.
12. Sew a t-shirt quilt out of all my race shirts.
13. Have family photos taken.
14. Go Skydiving {WHAT?!?!?}
15. Go to the Olympics.
16. Host a really fancy {vegetarian} dinner party.
17. Eat pizza in Italy.
18. Drink wine in Sonoma/Napa Valley.
19. Drink beer in Ireland.
20. Eat paella in Spain.
21. Hike through Switzerland.
22. Run through Central Park.
23. Read all the classic books I was supposed to read in high school but didn't.
24. Go to a KSU Bowl Game.
25. Find a Bible Study I love.
26. Volunteer.
27. Plan a surprise trip for Drew (without his help).
28. Find a really great pair of jeans.
29. Cut my hair really short.
30. Read the Bible cover to cover.

So many things happened in my 20's.  So much good stuff!  I am optimistic that my 30's will carry on with this trend.  I've been blessed with amazing family, friends, and opportunities.  I am truly grateful for each day and every year... even if they do start with a 3.

*I'm told that comes with age.
**Assuming I don't kick the bucket anytime soon.

I Have a Confession

Today in class we were doing an activity that required students to read a nutrition label and try to decipher what food product it belonged to.  Then we talked about what different ingredients are and what they do and yada yada yada.

I revealed that one of our food products was Pop Tarts and we looked at the packaging that makes claims of containing "whole grains!" and "8 vitamins & minerals!" and how that is misleading.  We all agreed that we know Pop Tarts are definitely not a healthy choice.

In the midst of all this, a kid raised his hand and said, "I have a confession!".

He then went on to tell me and the class that he had walked into school last week, carrying a Pop Tart for his breakfast.  When he walked into the main hall he saw me standing there and he immediately hid his Pop Tart in his side pocket because he felt so ashamed.  He didn't want me to see his sugary treat.

Another student raised her hand and said that every time she eats a Pop Tart at home she yells, "I'M SORRY MRS. GIBSON!!!!".

I was trying to educate them about making healthy choices, but it turns out I've just shamed them into it.  Hey, whatever works.

Or is it possible... I've created a group of closet-eaters?