Snowy Day in St Louis

When I was growing up, my sister and I went to private school so a day off school due to weather was a very, very, very rare thing. And, when it did happen, we were inclined to believe that a miracle of great proportions had just occurred. Now I know better. The district where I now teach, a public school district, had also prided itself on very rarely closing for weather. In fact, one crazy snowy slippery day last year we were the only school in St Louis that remained opened. Maybe the super thought that we would win a prize. We didn't. So, imagine my surprise when I got the phone call last night that school was canceled for today. Even Willa, who now goes to private school, got the day off too. I wish that I could say that we packed the day with fun-filled activities but it ended up being a lazy, trying to stay warm kinda day. Which, in my book, is good every now and then. But, by three p.m., I needed to get out. So, I packed up the car with long put off returns from Christmas and headed around town. I made my way to Crestwood, to Sunset Hills, to Brentwood, to Richmond Heights, to Kingshighway & Arsenal, and then back home. A three hour tour. Not exactly fun, but just what I needed. The good news is that I get a chance to do it all again tomorrow. Looks like I get another day off.

Making History

This is a day that we will all remember.

In the last few days, I've listened so many times to Dr King giving his "I Have a Dream" speech. I cannot remember a time when hearing his speech hasn't caused me to tear up. It's one of the most moving speeches in history because of its sentiment, its eloquence, and its power imagery. Naturally, Dr King's speech is even more powerful this year. Especially on this day. Inauguration Day.

I woke up this morning very exciting about what is about to happen today. And the tears came again. I wasn't alive to watch when man walked the moon or when Kennedy was shot or when Civil Rights protesters had food thrown on them at while protesting (peacefully) at lunch counters in Greensboro. But I am alive today to watch this moment and it makes me feel full of energy, full of hope, full of possibilities, and full of pride. It's a moment that somehow I knew I would watch, I just wasn't sure what it would look like or when it might happen. But I knew that it would.

So as emotional and powerful and historical this day has been for me, I started thinking about what it would feel like to be President Obama - Waking up, knowing that you are about to become the President of the United States, the first Black President of the United States. I cannot even image what he felt this morning.

This is a day that we all will remember.

Happy 50th Revolution Anniversary Cubans! Happy 2009 Yanks!

Cubans: Happy 50th Anniversary Revolution! You're still communist, admittedly not as bad ass and scary as you once were under Fidel. But your access to free and decent health care does put some of the rest of us to shame. And, while we're shaming--kudos to your high literacy rate and access to higher education. But, what's with the twenty dollars a month and censorship? I just can't get on board that flotilla. Come on Raul, keep those freedoms and liberties a comin'!

2008. Where to start?

Family: Glad to report that there were very few unhealthy and unhappy moments in 2008. In regard to the nuclear family.....Bill and I celebrated anniversary number eight in March and seem poised to make it, happily, to anniversary number nine. Great guy, great person, grateful everyday that I met him. Willa started the year as a quasi-independent, inquisitive, sweet-natured three year old. Mostly still is. She ended her stint in day care at Kindercare in July (so sad.... especially because Kinderecare had been part of our lives since Willa was seven months old!). Took her first two summer camps at COCA (without knowing anyone) and loved them (*have you ever seen a penguin come to tea, take a look at me, a penguin you will see.....penguins attack! penguins begin* thanks for the quirky summer tune COCA!). And, in August, began her first official year in pre-k at SMOS.

Work: I finished my first full year at my now no-longer-new job. Glad that I survived but wished that I didn't have to go back. Now, I'm glad that I did. May not be the best building admin but I have great colleagues, great kids, and great professional opportunities.

The Rest: Didn't win the lottery but can't say that my life is any less rich. In fact, its pretty decent. I've had fun blogging more this year (even if I'm the only person reading this thing!). Gotten reacquainted with some old lost pals from as far back as elementary school. Have my health (or at least I think so!). Have my sanity (on most days). Can't complain. Well, unless I give it some thought.....