And you with no heat! Snuggle up, you. And think warm!

I know! I'm complaining about it everywhere I can. I have no shame about needing the pity today! (actually i'm pretty warm here under 3 blankets, one giant cat, and my laptop)

Thanks -- my fingers are crossed. It's a little bizzare to me how this bit of weather shut down the whole city. I've still got a little Buffalo in me, I think.

eta: lisah, I meant to ask where you are in Baltimore. I have a cousin who lives in Fell's Point that I should be visiting often.

Fingers crossed for Parisian flight, Sparky! You deserve it.

Valentine's Day links to cutie neicephew VDay poses:

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No! Well... not unless it really is like this all the time. But everyone tells me it isn't. Just, if I'm so bad that kids are actually better served having any other teacher, then I should go find something that I'm either good at or is at least easier than this!

Emily, I believe--without reservation--that you shouldn't go back to this job. I also believe--without reservation--that you shouldn't give up on teaching. You are in an inner-city middle school, right? Some people are cut out for that challenge and some aren't. I am one of the ones who would sink like a stone even after ten years in the classroom; I can't even imagine doing it my first year. If you are so miserable that it is affecting your ability to be a good teacher, then a change of scenery is called for.

Look for a position in a high school that has fewer challenges. Apply through CalWest to independent schools where you can teach 80 students instead of 150 or look into some of the better public schools. There is no reason to believe that your teaching during this incredibly difficult year in any way reflects the teacher you can be when you find your niche. Too many teachers martyr themselves. I truly believe that you can be a good (and happy) teacher, but you have to first find a place that is good for you. (Hell, it took my three schools to find my OTS!) Hang in there, and email or call me if you want to talk.

In meme news, I am home sick with a headcold. Feh. Double feh that I gave blood yesterday and now have to call the blood bank to tell them I'm sick, which means the blood will go to waste.

Sorry you're sick, Kristin. Kudos for giving blood, though. I can never understand why more people don't do it.

Oh, Sparky! I hope you're able to get out! Have a great trip.

Nora, they are such cutie pies!

Poor Kristin! Hope you feel better soon.

In memememe whining, I have puked three times since 8:30 a.m. Blech. Hope this passes quickly.

Oh and Sparky, flight-ma to you! Yay Paris!

VW, hang in there. Poor thing.

Yay for big damn heroes! Boo for bad days for my Emily.

This.

Sparky, I hope you get to go to gay Paree!

{{{vw}}} Hope your tummy settles down soon.

Cutie-head niecephew pics!

lisah, I meant to ask where you are in Baltimore. I have a cousin who lives in Fell's Point that I should be visiting often.

I'm in Hampden. But Baltimore is really a pretty small town. Fells Point is only 15 minutes away. I'd love to get together sometime when you've settled in! And, hopefully, my band will be playing DC sometime soon and I'll let everyone now about that if it comes to pass.

Clear runway wishes for Sparky!

Settled tummy wishes for vw.

Yay for cutiehead pics!

I knew Kristin would come along with the smart experienced advice for Emily. Wish I could make it easier. I don't know how the teachers put up with my kids, much less the far worse ones.

There was something else, but now gone.