things to do

I am packing in preparation for a big family wedding this weekend in the booming metropolis that is Omaha, Nebraska. Even though the location leaves a lot to be desired, I still think it will be fun. Plus I'll be getting to spend some time with old friends from high school.

Looking at this blog right now makes my eyes hurt. I wish I had time tonight to explore some of the things that will make it less lame and more Emily-esque. Once the design is taken care of, all I will have to worry about is providing content that is interesting enough.

The past two days at school were kind of rough as far as discipline goes. I had to hand out a detention to a kid I really like and then I had to discipline another kid who I just feel bad for. He is one of those kids that is his own worst enemy.

I must say though, teaching at this school has introduced me to a whole cast of silly characters. One of my 7th graders, Evan, is obsessed with Brad Pitt and references either him or his movies a lot. I've got another 7th grade girl who is the biggest germophobe I have ever seen. One of my 5th graders, when I asked them what they are enthusiastic about (enthusiastic was a vocab word) he simply replied "Nazi zombies."

Here are some other pretty priceless quotes from some of my students:

"Some people in the town liked Abraham Lincoln because he made hard decisions during a difficult time. Other people just thought he was a putz." -Matt, Grade 8, from his essay on Abraham Lincoln in "Across Five Aprils"

While learning a new vocab word ornery. "No offense Joseph, but you can be really ornery sometimes." -Stephen, Grade 5

While talking about orphans:
Mitch: "Please sir, I want some more!"
Me: Good Mitch, do you know which famous orphan said that?
Mitch: Wishbone

"Look at him. You can tell he is irritated. Just watch the puff. "-Mitch, in response to me telling him, "Mitch, I think you are really irritating Joseph."

"Can we please just read this? My clothes are goin out of style." -Mitch, again

"Lil Wayne never tells you to stay gold the way Johnny does." -Jeff, grade 7 when talking about Johnny in 'The Outsiders'

I'm sure there are more, these are just the really classic ones