Resurrecting the Blog for Lent (no pun intended)

It's been a while and it's been far too long. I haven't written in this thing since summer, and I used to write here all the time. Sigh. Like a lot of people, I got caught up in getting my early 20s life together and unfortunately, this blog fell by the wayside.

But, faithful readers (and by faithful readers I mean Laura and my mom), I was struck by blind inspiration while at Borders today and decided that my Lenten promise will be to write in this blog every day for 40 days. I mean, I'm practically like Josh Hartnett in '40 Days and 40 Nights' except I'm not giving up sex and I'm a girl. So in other words, not at all, but it's the only pop culture Lent reference I can make, so go with it.

So, we must set up some rules for this thing, as with all blog challenges. The first and most obvious is I must post an entry every single day, including Sundays. Taking Sundays off is for the weak. Also, the blog entries must be about 300 words long unless it's a list entry, like '10 Things' in which all the lists must include 10 things (obviously). If I miss a day (heaven forbid) then my faithful readers can challenge me to do something (within reason).

Alright, so what should you all expect to see? Well, I'll be bringing back the '10 Things' as well as my Secret Shames. Maybe I'll even come up with a new segment.

I also understand that some people reading this may have never come across my blog before. Well, if you look to your right there is the archives as well as the tagged subjects (and there are some handy links above as well). Take a moment to familiarize yourself if you would like. Also, feel free to comment! I like to hear from people. Though, now that I've asked you to, I'll probably get one comment during the 40 days of Lent.

Alright everyone, t-minus five days until we go 40 in a row. Ready?

Some FAQs about this blog

I have been asked a couple of questions lately about this blog and I thought I would answer them here. Any more questions? Leave a comment or formspring.me.

Q: Where did you get your name for your blog?
A: From the song "Underdog" by Kasabian. The line is "Kill me if you dare/hold my head up everywhere/keep myself riding on this train/I'm the underdog/live my life on a lullaby/keep mysel riding on this train." I kinda like it so I used it.

Q: Where the *#&! are you?
A: The westside of Cincinnati, OH. Also known as 1999.

Q: You are such a vain little bitch. Why do you have a blog? You're not important, no one cares what you think.
A: Why are you reading this then?

Q: How old are you?
A: Old enough to know better, too young to care

Q: Why do you blog?
A: I like to write and I need an outlet for it.

Q: Is there a format to this thing?
A: Not really. I mean, I have secret shames, quotes from my students and 10 things that I like, but that's about it. Other than that, anything goes.

Q: Do people read this?
A: Yes, according to Google Analytics (which is awesome).

Growing like a fungus

Omaha, Nebraska. It's not the most thrilling city in the world, but they had Fat Tire. Clearly I was excited.

The wedding was nice, though very small, and enjoyed spending some time with my cousins, away from the ridiculousness of our real lives. I talked to Maggie and Leah more this weekend than I have in my entire life...except when Maggie and I were little and played together.

My little break was nice, but now it's time to go back to the real world which consists of obnoxious 7th graders, dreadful weather, attempting to shade the obnoxious 'Red Horse' pounds (my name for the annoying weight I gained when I thought I didn't have to impress anybody). I guess the fact that I just mentioned I am trying to lose weight is a whole blog-tastic exploration of society/self-esteem/health, but I'm not in the mood.

I'm also trying to get into the habit of doing things that are productive. Watching 3 straight hours of Conan= not productive. Exercising, then writing and/or editing for an afternoon=very productive. I would like to come home from teaching and do a few productive things so I can be a vegetable in peace.

Speaking of vegetables, I really enjoy mushrooms lately. Me! Liking a vegetable that's not a potato! I am growing.

And speaking of fungi, I am about to begin the book I have never wanted to read, "Twilight." I figure though that if I'm going to dislike a series with a firey passion, I should at least read it so I can back up what I say. So...now it's time to form an educated opinion. Again, I am growing. So I think there will definitely be a post or two on this series. I promised my 8th graders I would do this. Hopefully I'm not continually kicking myself for this act of pure kindness.

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

"The first hole is always the hardest."

Well, as aptly titled in the subject, this is the first of what will (hopefully) be many blogposts to chronicle my journey as a new teacher and a new resident of the "real world"...whatever THAT is.

Starting a blog can be very vain (and let's face it, a little vanity goes a long way these days), but I swear I have slightly normal reasons. I currently live in Cincinnati and I have family in Colorado and Texas, as well as friends all over the country in places like New York City, Philly, Chicago, Vegas, Omaha, D.C., Denver, Baltimore, Boston, St. Louis and Wisconsin. And I would like to give them a way to legitemately keep tabs on me and see what I am up to (which now, isn't much, but hopefully will be soon!). Also, all these people moved away from me and I now have enough spare time to devote to crap like this.

Now, you may be asking yourself, what can I expect to see in this blog? Well, the answers is: lots of things. Hah.

But in all seriousness, expect this blog to contain musings, tirades and general bursts of excitement. It's opinonated, of course, but hopefully entertaining for those who know me (and if you don't know me...I find it kinda creepy that you are reading a stranger's blog!).

Okay, that's it...for now. More to come I am sure.