Baby It's Cold Inside

I learned in a conversation with friends that their apartments are freezing. Not "I should put a sweater on" cold. The "buy a space heater, leave the oven on and open for heat" kind of cold. NYC has experienced temps that dip below zero. I know that doesn't approach the life some people live November through March but we're feeling it. My nose is perpetually icy!

My poor friends. The injustice! I was relieved that they had voiced their concerns and outed their landlords to 3-1-1 and shuddered at the image of their little families huddled together under the covers...with fresh baked potatoes to give off heat. And, in a moment of selfishness, I thought, "Glad our place is warm."

Then last night it hit me as I debated whether or not to shower--would the water maintain a steady, warm temperature? Then as I set a record for changing into my pajamas, assuring myself I'd feel better soon. As I pulled on my second pair of socks and counted my layers (full thermal suit, long sleeved t-shirt, Jason's sweatshirt-hood up, sweatpants, ski socks, white sport socks). My apartment is NOT warm! I'm over compensating and (maybe?) delusional from the chill.

Come on spring! Come on! Unthaw my nose...please!

The Voice

There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
"I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong."
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What's right for you--just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.

by Shel Silverstein

(this is my class poem of the week and i thought it was worth sharing. when i asked the kids what their "voice" tells them, the first response was "to not hit or bite people." that pretty much sums up year thus far! i may abandon reason and philosophy and go with what my mom finally resorted to when noelle would not stop biting--the old "bite her back" method.)

Welcome President Obama

School administration arranged for the lower school students to watch the inauguration live on Tuesday. They made it clear that "it wss a non-partisan decision made to allow our students to witness the unique historic moment when our country's leadership is laid for the first time on the shoulders of a person of color." Yes, he is a person of color but he is also a man of hope (which we all need) and a lefty. Tuesday was inspiring. Even the kindergartners "got it." As one wrote in his journal, "It is January 20th, 2009. I am woching the inunawgurasin at the Dalton School. Its a big dil. A welly big deal." I was taken with Aretha's snappy hat and of course, Barack's speech. (I'm also glad that, for good measure, he re-took the oath--just to be sure it's official.)


(I think I saw these word clouds at the MOMA once. You enter text at Wordle.net and the words that appear frequently are more prominent in the cloud--very cool. BTW, I didn't create this. As soon I dig up my source's source, I'll give credit.)

Currently I'm...

1. debating summer employment.
2. waiting for the laundry to be delivered.
3. mentally drafting tomorrow's class newsletter (I should post one--I think you'd be impressed).
4. looking online for the millionth time at a 950 square ft. apartment with a real "homey" layout and wondering I could stand to move off the block, even if it is only 1/2 mile away.
5. remembering when I thought I'd rush home to make Jason dinner every night (also see #2).

'Twas The Week Before Christmas

We engaged in all out war over kitchen cabinet rights, and although we eventually emerged victorious, we aren't sure we had the "last laugh" as the only casualty had to be shaken out of Jason's shoe...after he tried to put it on.