Life, More Fun

This was the Facebook post made by a friend from high school:

If two year olds ran the world, we'd all be naked and running around with oatmeal in our hair 97% of the time.

Please know, I'm not encouraging the running of the world by two year olds, nor incredibly frequent nakedness, nor the oatmeal in the hair (though I did manage to get cream cheese in my hair this morning while eating breakfast - may need to drink coffee before eating breakfast from now on). However, I do think it would make life a good bit more fun and quite less stressful than it is now. Roads would be bumper to bumper with big wheels and those kiddy-sized motorized Jeeps. (This could make 94-mile commutes, like that of Crabby Commuter, a bit more entertaining.) We could wear footsie pjs instead of high heels all day long, and read books with pictures every day. Plus, it's more acceptable to throw food when you don't want to eat it and best of all, nap time could become a law!

Just something to think about as elections are coming up in November.

Who Says Gaming Systems Aren't Designed with Everyone in Mind?

Check out the link my brother sent me. Parents of all types are cracking down on "screen time," or maybe they're becoming just as addicted as their children. You decide.

Second Chances

Each summer I join the ranks of teachers who get second (and third) jobs, one of which is tutoring. This summer I tutored a going-into-5th grader who chose to read Because of Winn Dixie as part of her summer project. I had seen the movie years ago and wasn't very impressed with it. I really didn't see what all the hype was about, so I wasn't particularly looking forward to reading the book.

Wow! Really, that's all I have to say. Apparently I didn't pay much attention when I watched the movie, or the director did a horrible job getting across the message in the film. I was (quite pleasantly) surprised at how wonderful the book is. And what a great way to show the power of second chances and how unusual pairings can create beautiful friendships. On top of all that, it's written in such a way that kids enjoy the book, and can actually have a "book club" discussion on the powerful themes.

If you haven't yet packed away your flip flops and stored your beach bag in the basement for another 9 months, here's a great "it's technically not fall until September 23" summer read.

Go Out and Celebrate!

Grab a book and some treats. It's International Literacy Day! Thank someone who taught you to read and made this day one you could enjoy.

Marking the End of Summer

While I know it's not necessarily the case depending on where you live, here on the east coast Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and the beginning of another school year. That being said, this post goes out to all those who work in schools, regardless of what your position is. You make the biggest difference anyone can make - giving the gift of empowerment. Enjoy the video!

Creative Townfolk

I spent summer traveling as many different time zones as possible. Here are quite possibly the best two signs I've ever read. You have to love the creative townfolk who have a good sense of humor.

If only I knew the Dog Whisperer so he could translate, "Grrrr, bark, woof," for me.

Notice the cigarette butts under the sign. Leave it to the Brits to make you laugh double-time.