31 of 31: I Made It!

At the end of what feels like a really long month, I can look back and proudly say that I succeeded in slicing each and every single day.

That in and of itself is quite an accomplishment.

As I sit and type, I'm actually contemplating continuing the challenge through April. Maybe at least once a week. This is the same declaration I made last year...without much success (I only blogged once in April last year). 

However, maybe this year will be different. Maybe I will tap away slices all spring long. Maybe I'll miss this community of writers so much that I won't be able to stay away.

All I can do is try.

30 of 31: Turkey Dinner...But Not the Kind You're Imagining

This evening I will attend a fundraiser dinner complete with raffle prizes, a silent auction, a live auction (which is my secret downfall), and the better part of my husband's family.

I love giving to a good cause, but I'm not quite sure what to expect this evening. Tonight's donations and charitable contributions are aimed to raise funds for turkeys.

Huh? you ask, well so did I.

You see my husband was raised in a small, rural Midwest town and he is a hunter. Having grown up in "the big city" I was unaccustomed to guns and hunting and apparently fundraising dinners in support of turkey hunters and organizations. In truth, I didn't even know such organizations existed.

So though turkey is not on the menu (probably chicken), and I don't fully know what to expect, I will hold my camo clad husband's hand and support his interests because he lovingly supports mine.

I'll also probably get in a lot of trouble for getting caught up in the frenzy and excitement of the live auction. I just can't keep my hand down.

But it for a good cause, right?

29 of 31: My Mental Shift

Today got off to a bumpy start.

Despite my best intentions, I stood before my fourth hour a bit grumpy. First hour hadn't gone so well.

So there I stood recognizing my own grumpiness and the deepening crease in my brow. I looked to my screen projecting the day's "Do Now" directions to get class started. I had added a fun GIF from giphy.com



So as I looked at this spunky dancer, I had a stroke of inspiration. I asked for a brave volunteer to imitate the dance. At first, the only answer I received was questioning looks and blank stares. Then students started volunteering one another. Soon they cajoled me into my best attempt, which was lackluster to be sure.

Finally, a tall, lanky 8th grader spoke up stating he would do it. So he sauntered up to the front of the room, turned around, and threw his hands up in the air, kicked out his feet and began giving it his all. Hoots and hollers bounced around the room as he repeated the dance. We clapped and I quickly uncapped my Twizzler stash and offered him a treat for his courage and confidence.

And just like that, I felt better.

In that moment, I realized how I could harness attention and engagement by simply taking a moment to be silly. I could alter my own mood by tapping in to all that I love about middle school students.

I turned that proverbial frown upside down and we got on with our lesson, which went much better than in first hour.

Like it says, it's finally Friday!

28 of 31: Slice Slice Baby

I stood in a fellow ELA teacher's classroom before and after school today co-hosting our Slice of Life Story Challenge informational meeting for 7th and 8th graders.

Almost every seat was filled with smiling, eager young writers who have pledged to participate in the SOL challenge in April. So far 47 students have made the official pledge! My esteemed colleague put together an awesome slideshow explaining the challenge entitled "Slice Slice Baby," a Vanilla Ice throwback that makes me smirk every time I say it. She walked students through the process and I worked the crowd as students created their blogs. If there was a problem, yo we'd solve it.

Students filled out signs for their lockers to proudly display their commitment to blogging in April. To the extreme, they hung their signs like vandals. (the good kind of course)

It's always a bit unnerving to try to drum up interest and talk young writers into taking this challenge. With the promise of donuts once a week and some cool swag and prizes at the end, we had our biggest turn out yet! Will it ever stop? Yo I don't know.

I have to offer my sincerest gratitude to my teaching partner for cajoling me into taking this challenge three years ago and for spearheading all the technical troubleshooting for our kids the last three years. She is amazing, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't be typing right now if it weren't for her.  She's quick and nimble.

So slice, slice baby (can you hear the bump bumpa bump bump ba ba that follows?)!!
It's a heck of a concept!

27 of 31: Bugs

Today was the kind of day where you could stand outside after work on your back deck without a coat or even a light jacket. So I did. I was sort of basking in the warmth and thinking about how cold I had been just this morning as I drove to work.

That's when movement caught my eye just above my back deck's wooden railing. The sort of movement that you have to stare at for a second before you can register what was actually moving. And that's when I saw them. A small swarm of tiny, winged insects hovering and diving back and forth around each other as if engaged in a sort of mid-air dance.

Bugs. Usually I'm annoyed by them. They can be quite pesky. And if they draw blood, I will too if I can swat them fast enough. But today, well today I smiled at the sight because it means that spring is finally and truly here.

Thank God.

26 of 31: Postcard Magic

The cardstock mesures five and a half by four and a quarter inches. It's a aqua and gold colored. A record album, or more aptly, half a record album fills its left side. "FOR THE RECORD YOU ARE AWESOME!" is printed in large white letters. It's a postcard I received in the mail.

Seemingly, you might not think much of this postcard, but you soon will. A friend and colleague of mine made it her mission to send a postcard to someone each and every day for a year just to let him/her know that she valued the recipient. To show her gratitude.

Now, I knew about the postcards since a writing retreat I attended quite a while back. I was both awed and inspired by the the unique design she created and by the message she was sending. I was also quickly humbled thinking there would be no way I could send that many postcards. I just didn't know that many people.

Secretly, I pondered the possibility of ever receiving one of these prized postcards.

And there I stood at my mailbox pulling out the weekly advertisements, bills, and credit card offers from its belly when this small card slipped its way out of the pile. I practically squealed in delight. Seriously, I might have even jumped up and down. I quickly flipped it over to read the personalized message on the back. Her handwritten note expressed her gratitude for our paths having crossed and even mentioned that she has enjoyed our slicing challenge.

You know how there are moments when you are so thankful and humbled by the small actions of others? The moments that reaffirm your faith in human beings. Well, this was one such moment, and so my grin is ear to ear. The postcard found a proud and prominent place on the front of my refrigerator. And I had a moment more worthy than most to slice about.

So in the sage words of the sender printed at the bottom of her postcard..."Happiness is contagious. Be a carrier."

25 of 31: Perfect Ending to a Long Day

Today was the first day back to school after a very relaxing and quiet spring break. Needless to say, my system went a bit into shock as hundreds of 8th graders filled the hallways before school. Their chatter and hugs and exuberance at being reunited brought a smile to my face. I loved that they were interacting and talking with one another. On any other morning, half would have in earbuds and eyes glued to screens, but on this morning, they yearned for that personal connection.

By sixth hour, we were all zombies. My throat was a bit sore. I decided to pick back up with our read aloud and probably talked more today than over my entire spring break. They, too, seemed a bit drained, and all that energy from the morning had worn off around 3rd period.

So it was a long day, but a good day, too. I had missed my students and enjoyed hearing about their various adventures over break.

But the best part of my day was without a doubt when my nephew Landon, who is in town on his own spring break, showed up on my doorstep with hanging plant in hand. Aunt Julie drove him two hours so that they could hit the city sites and stay with us for a couple days. She couldn't wait to tell me that as they picked out a hanging plant for my front porch, Landon had commented that it didn't matter which they selected since none were as good as his Aunt Liz. That's me in case you are wondering.

My heart melted.

And just like that, what was a good day became a great one!

24 of 31: Rain

I love witnessing the first few drops of rain quietly announce the arrival of the more thunderous sheets that pour from the sky just a moment later. The rain obscures and blurs things just so they slip slightly out of focus. A streak of lightning jumps across the sky and I count to see just how far away it is based on the delay of thunder's boom. I love the sound of rain when all else is quiet.

I love rain just so long as it stops before it finds its sneaky way into my basement where is winds its way under the baseboards and along the edge of the floor to the drain, but not before being greedily soaked up by drywall. Luckily, today was a lucky day and so far, the basement is dry.

23 of 31: Streaming is My Demise

So I fought the remote's allure all day. I finished a YA book that I found quite compelling, Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman. It brought to light the darker side of humanity in times of crisis. I also managed to wash four loads of laundry and didn't end up with one stray sock. A good omen if ever there was one.

I just finished a little dinner. My husband is out of town, so the house is quiet. I lit a candle with a wooden wick, which is as close to the crackling of a fire I can get without installing a fireplace. I'm cozy in the corner of the couch, propped up with several pillows, laptop in hand.

And that's when I realize the remote is all mine. I can indulge in a guilty pleasure of my own choosing. Sometimes I spend just as long figuring out what I want to watch as actually watching anything. Streaming is like a blessed curse.

I already finished Russian Dolls and I don't want to get to sucked into a show, so I'm looking for a movie because there is always the danger of binge watching a show and staying up way entirely too late. I want to avoid that at all costs. I have much to do on my last day of break.

So The Girl in the Spider's Web it is.

Let's see what kind of trouble Lisbeth can get herself into now.

22 of 31: The Last Day

Today is the last official day of spring break. I know, I know. I still have Saturday and Sunday, but I find myself a bit melancholy today. My list of staycation spring break to-dos still has so many items unchecked, yet I find myself piddling and putting off what I know will make me feel so much better.

1. Clean the house. Yuck.
2. Look up graduate programs to earn my library media specialist degree.
3. Finish another book.
4. Grade 40 readers' notebooks.
5. Practice yoga.
6. Take care of bills. Double Yuck.
7. Grocery shop.
8. Did I mention I need to do laundry???

But instead, I went and had a pedicure. I luxuriated in the warm water. The sparkly lavender polish I selected is way out of my wheelhouse, but it felt like spring. I'm fairly certain it was a Cinderella series color fitting for glass slippers. Silly as it may seem, painted toes means spring and summer are within my reach. The scrub she rubbed onto my legs felt like it sloughed off the doldrums of a wicked winter and the lotion she then massaged into my sore calves (see yesterday's post) with its faint scent of citrus lifted my spirits.

My toes sparkled in the sun as I stepped out of the spa sporting my flip flops. Just wearing flip flops without my toes turning blue was enough to put a little pep in my step.

And now, I'm going to finish my book and start that last book on my list. I want to be able to book talk three books to my students on Monday.

I'll clean and launder tomorrow.

I'll grade and grocery shop on Sunday.

Today, I'm awash the bright sunlight that has been absent for so long on this, my last official day of spring break.

21 of 31: Sore Legs, Taxes, & A Best Friend

I had fully prepared my slice for today. I was going to complain at length about my sore legs. You see, I picked up sticks in my yard for five hours two days ago. I filled four trash bins. I probably did over one hundred squats. Needless to say, I'm walking funny and climbing steps is out of the question.

But then, I did my taxes, or more accurately, my best friend of nearly 30 years did my taxes. Though she is not an accountant by trade and has more on her plate than any human should, she made time for me to come over to her house this afternoon and act as my personal accountant.

This seemingly simple act entailed more than one might imagine. I won't go into detail about all the demands being made of her, but suffice it to say that she went out of her way to continue a tradition we've shared for the better part of the last decade. That is a pittance of what we've shared over the years, and perhaps, she looked forward to the excuse to hang out as much as I did. Either way, it was a powerful reminder of the power and importance of friendship in my life. I am in awe of her and her ability to juggle her own responsibilities and then add mine to the rotation as well.

The icing on the cake. She and I took on her twin sons and husband, 3 on 2, in a game of driveway hockey once we finished filing my returns, and we won. I felt like I had already won since I'll be getting a refund this year, but I won't lie; I gloated in front of her boys...all three of them...for winning the game as well. I had to give myself credit for moving like I did considering the state of my legs.

Yep, we still got it.
BFF and Ever!!!

20 out of 31: Dragons & Bug

So today marks the midway point of my spring break staycation. I had the good fortune to meet my sister and her adorable son, whom I affectionately nicknamed Bug, this morning for our first movie date.

Now Bug, in all his 2 and 3/4 years, had previously been to the movies twice. So this was his third movie theater trip, but my first with him. After discussing grubs the entire car ride to the movie theater, I was happy to arrive as there are only so many ways to describe what a grub looks like. I was quickly depleting my vocabulary to describe small, white bumpy worms in as many different ways as possible.

As we entered the darkened theater, I was a little skeptical that he would sit still the entire time, but as soon as Toothless and the other dragons filled the screen he was mesmerized. He was glued to his mama's lap with small fist moving only between the popcorn and his mouth.

He was a trooper. Though this movie lacked songs and music (which I have scientifically determined definitely helps keep the attention span of toddlers with my other 6 nieces and nephews) he sat fairly still and even remembered to use his whisper voice once or twice. About the time the popcorn ran out, he finally scootched my way as his mom retrieved a sucker. And I enjoyed snuggles throughout the last bit of the movie while avoiding sticky fingers.

The best was when his mama and I were raising our seat backs and lowering the recliners as the credits began to roll and she lowered the armrest, too. Bug threw himself backwards (I blame the sugar from the sucker...it hits a tiny tot's bloodstream fairly quickly) and his head and upper torso disappeared between our seats. Luckily, I had a pretty firm grasp of his legs and his mama pulled him back through the space between our seats before he could complete a full backflip dismount from the reclining loveseat.

Once we got back in the car. Bug humored a few of my questions about the movie. He summed up his approval with a brief declaration and then requested to see pictures of grubs on my phone. Luckily, his mom was driving so I could oblige him in the backseat. He was mesmerized by those chubby little grubs, and I was mesmerized by his focus and wonder.

It was a most excellent start to my day.

19 of 31: Breakfast with the Girls

I have been longing for The Shack, a local breakfast/lunch joint with hilarious menu items such as Love Me Now, Hate Me Later, Starchy & Cluck, Mommy, Where Does Bacon Come From?, and my personal favorite, Make a Grown Man Cry.

Since my husband is underwhelmed by this local eatery, I invited my dear friend Susan and her three daughters to breakfast since we are all on spring break.

As soon as we arrived, her girls (ages 10, 7, and 5) spilled from her minivan chattering all at once. Her oldest couldn't wait to show off her newly pierced ears. A prize for having made it to the double digits. Her middle daughter regaled me with stories of Legoland, and I must admit, I am now plotting a trip with my own niece and nephew just so I can check out the wonder of legos myself. And her youngest took a bit to warm up. The hot chocolate topped with a mountain of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips seemed to help that process right along.

We discussed a myriad of topics including books, skiing, play auditions, and fortnite dances (the girls are not allowed to play the game, yet the youngest showed off the floss and the hype after finishing her hot chocolate).

It was a thoroughly enjoyable breakfast.

Things I realized on the way home:
1. I should have asked for a go box rather than finishing my entire breakfast - I'm stuffed and finding it hard to get motivated to pick up sticks in the yard.
2. Though I didn't get to talk as much as I might have liked with my friend, I found her chatty daughters endearing and energizing. The joy they found in sharing stories with someone who hadn't heard them had them competing for my attention, and I rather enjoyed that.
3. I hope I am lucky enough to share breakfast with the girls every spring break!

Now it's time to work off The Kitchen Sink, my delicious and filling breakfast, by picking up sticks and gumballs. Yay spring!

18 of 31: Headphone Wearing Husband

Today's slice was inspired by a moment I encountered last night, which I am still thinking about and smiling about this morning, so I knew I just had to write about it.

My husband and I met a little later in life. We were thirty-four at the time we met, both having never been married previously, we took our time...7 years in fact, to tie the knot. We teasingly refer to each other as late bloomers...really late bloomers. So though we have been married just under a year and known each other for almost 8, we are still in the discovery mode as evidenced by last night.

You see, my husband is the chef in our family. He enjoys cooking in a way that I just don't. I joked that I managed to fool him for the first three years we were together without lying to him. He thought I couldn't cook, which I never stated and slowly, I would contribute a meal here and there, and when he found them palatable, he would look at me with his big, blue eyes registering shock and say, "Wow. I didn't think you could cook," at which point, I would smile and inform him that I never said I couldn't cook, I just didn't want to deprive him of something he really loved.

That being said, what he is not, is a dancing machine...at least, that is what I thought...while I, on the other hand, very much enjoy dancing.

So back to yesterday evening, my husband donned his earphones so he could listen to music as he cooked and I sat on the couch reading. (I know...he is the most thoughtful and considerate man ever - I acknowledge this regularly.) He was listening to one of our newly discovered bands that we both somehow missed in the 90s called Dispatch and the live version (found on youtube) of their song "Bang Bang." It is an awesomely infectious song.

There I sat on the couch secretly eyeing my pseudo-hippy husband above the cover of my book as he mouthed the words to the song. Slowly, he started to move in a somewhat rhythmic fashion as he flambeed the carrots. Hips swayed, he rotated his shoulders in circles while sort of stepping back and forth. He dances like I cook...rarely. My smile literally stung my cheeks it stretched so wide. He looked over and met my eyes right before pouring the sherry on the carrots; he knows I love to watch the flames rise over the pan. It was the perfect finale to his performance.

He stated a little later that the roast in the crockpot was umami and the carrots would complement it nicely. I stated that he looked like he had a little umami-groove in him as he danced around the kitchen.

We shared a lovely meal, and once again I'm reminding of just how lucky I am.

I'm now headed out to by a 500+ million dollar lottery ticket. If I can win the lottery once by meeting my husband, maybe, just maybe I can win again!

17 of 31: A Limerick in Honor of St. Paddy's Day

A Limerick in honor of moving an 840 pound safe on St. Paddy's Day

There were four strapping lads moving a giant safe;
At 840 pounds, it would never be confused with a waif.
It was dropped on its side
With girth really wide,
Yet they moved it without any skin chafe!

*Actually, my brother-in-law almost lost a finger, but thanks to the luck of the Irish, he walked away with full functionality in all digits!

16 of 31: Long Drive

My six word memoir of the day:

Four hour car ride: no stops.

Yep and that about sums up my day!

15 of 31: Yesterday vs. Today

Today's slice is modeled off of a blog I read last week. Forgive me for not remembering who wrote it, but I really enjoyed the format.

Yesterday I woke to the alarm after hitting the snooze button...twice.

Today I woke earlier than I should to the peaceful silence having turned off the alarm the night before.

Yesterday at this exact moment I was in my classroom listening to meditative music while grading students' thinkbooks (reader/writer notebooks) and mentally preparing for the last day before spring break.

Today I am enjoying coffee in my pajamas as I type this slice.

Yesterday I could only think about surviving the day.

Today I am eagerly anticipating our road trip to Kansas City and the Nelson Museum and shopping on The Plaza.

Yesterday I made a list of all that I wanted to accomplish on my spring break.

Today I get to cross items off that list!

Yesterday was a good day.

Today will be a great one.

14 of 31: Spring Break Eve

The hum of the custodian's vacuum fills my ears. The slightly spicy tinge of teenage sweat still permeates the air. My reserves of energy are dwindling with each tick of the clock above my door.

It's Spring Break Eve. The last day of school before Spring Break officially begins tomorrow. I am still in my classroom at 4:46 when school dismissed an hour and half ago.

I stayed to grade those last minute revisions students made to their poetry anthologies to boost their grade. And then I stayed a little longer to send those last minute parent emails that would both improve and possibly ruin some students' spring breaks. Then I stayed a little longer to read all the emails that I could because my plan is to unplug this Spring Break, which means no school email. Then I stayed a little longer to send our team's weekly update to all our students' parents. Then I stayed to grade thinkbooks (composition notebooks) because I just have two classes left and I don't want to lug them home.

But alas, I'm reserves have run dry, so I'll stay just a little longer to finish this slice, pack up those 40 thinkbooks, my computer and a few personal reading books I just purchased at our school's book fair, before scooting out the door and down the road.

With school in my rearview mirror!

13 of 31: Frustrated

Upon arriving to school and booting up (how about that for throwback) my computer, I promptly checked my email. I noticed a subject line reading "Certified Staff" in my inbox from the lead administrative assistant in our building. I clicked on said email and proceeded to read a brief message requesting all certified staff check their mailboxes.

I surmised that an updated district calendar had been placed in my mailbox since we have to make-up a snow day. As I walked down the deserted hallway I entertained a second hypothesis. Maybe there was chocolate in my mailbox since this afternoon was our second round of parent-teacher conferences. Our super supportive administrators and counselors occasionally leave treats with punny notes meant to boost our morale and sometimes our waistlines. I love them.

Upon entering the office and wishing the ladies bustling about preparing for their day a good morning, I grabbed a rather thick envelope from my mail slot emblazoned with our district's logo.

So much for a sweet treat.

Instead, it was information regarding next year's salary structure.

I have read the enclosed letter three times now, and I'm still not sure I understand exactly what it means. It's frustrating. And then it hit me, this is what my struggling readers must feel like all the time. To sit and struggle and actually read every word without getting to a bigger picture. Reaching for meaning that slips right through their fingers like wisps of smoke. Poof and it's gone.

Unfortunately, so is my raise...I think.

(*note - I will use a strategy I offer my students and talk with someone tomorrow who also read said letter and compare our thinking to clear up any misconceptions, which I bet I have!)

12 of 31: Parent Teacher Conferences

This evening's slice will be brief. I have a 14 minute break before my next parent-teacher conference and I just know I will be too exhausted by the time I get home to slice later.

Two and a half hours remain this evening and then a shorter day of conferences tomorrow due to our early release day. Conferences beckon the end of the year and spring. That for me means smelly, hormonal teenagers who checked out as soon as they completed their freshman year course selections.

Tonight's conferences so far (knock on wood) have been filled with laughter and many thankful parents, which is such a lovely experience. I have said more than once this evening that I will miss So-and-So next year when they leave for high school.

After 19 years, one would think the nerves would subside, but it never fails. They return like clockwork.

Have no fear!
Spring break is so, so near!!!

11 of 31: Technical Difficulty

The only thing worse than waking up after daylight savings time in pitch black darkness, is coming home and spending fifty-seven minutes on the phone with your Internet provider because your home WiFi connection is glitchy when trying to stream Netflix or Prime shows.

Trudging down the stairs, phone to ear, while being directed to stand in front of my modem and stare at the lights awaiting the moment the red light returned flashing angrily until it calmed itself and stayed solid dragged on for what felt like eternity. Then my friendly support provider instructed me to try streaming on my device, which meant trudging back up the stairs and clicking my Amazon Fire Stick remote. Rather dejectedly, I informed her that the streaming was still glitchy and even freezing. She then cheerily told me that she would change the "channel" and we would try again (apparently there are about one hundred possible channels), and the cycle repeated itself for the next forty or so minute to no avail. Think Groundhog Day meets Russian Dolls.

Well, maybe not to no avail; I certainly got in a good workout climbing up and down the stairs.

Finally, after the umpteenth time we tried a new channel, I was....you guessed it...transferred to the fiber optic department. Of course that meant being put on hold for several more minutes. The soft-spoken gentleman who was now in charge of my call informed me that he would again run all the tests and reboot the system though this time, it would take 20 minutes to come back to life. Luckily, I would not have to stay on the phone that entire time. He conveniently sent me a text with a link I could click if that didn't work to schedule a service appointment. I politely refrained from telling him exactly where I thought his link could be conveniently placed!

Luckily, my computer is connected to the Internet and allowing me to post my blog. I'll check streaming just as soon as I post this link.

It's certainly been a Monday!

10 of 31: Family Dinner

I'm standing in my brother's tiny pantry holding my little nephew who turns three in May. It's pitch black. His face is inches from mine, and I can't see a thing. We literally bump noses. All we can hear is the cacophony of voices...Uncle Mikey, Aunt Jennifer, Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Morgan, Uncle Timmy, Trevor, Cadence, Jess, Josh, and Caleb. It sounds like a heck of a party on the other side of the door. The voices mix and the laughter abounds. This is family dinner.

Then we hear his mommy, "Has anyone seen my son?" Wyatt starts to giggle in my arms. He knows we're hiding, and only I can hear the small trace of panic underlying the question. She notes that Aunt Liz is gone too and figures we're together, but she cannot find us. "Where is my tiny human? Anyone seen Wyatt?"

I whisper, "Should we shout out and help Mommy find us?"

"No," he whispers, squirming in my arms and laying his head on my shoulder. It is officially 30 minutes past his bedtime, and he's loving every second of it. And let's be honest, I'm loving the snuggles, too.

Finally, we hear Cadence call out, "They're in the closet."

The door opens and our eyes quickly adjust to the bright light and Wyatt squeals in delight as his momma holds out her arms.

This is family dinner. We get together once a month to break bread, rotating houses. Tonight was Uncle Mikey's turn and we feasted on chicken tetrazzini, salad, garlic cheese bread, and brownies with ice cream for Aunt Fer Fer's 40th birthday.

It takes at least ten minutes to give hugs and say our goodbyes. I'm now home with a full belly and full heart. This is family dinner, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

9 of 31: Float Tank

I took my sister to a float spa today and we enjoyed a 60 minute float. I enjoyed the more restorative nap I've ever had floating in complete darkness. Today I also learned you could plug in your phone and listen to your own music. Hello Van Morrison Pandora Playlist. As I stepped into the tank and pulled the lid closed it was as if I was sealing myself in my own sci-fi cryotank like Ellen Ripley in Alien. 

Once the light went out, I might as well have been in deep space as I stilled my body and focused on my breath. "Into the Mystic" softly played just loud enough so as to soothe and not a distract thanks to the earplugs that kept the 6,000 pounds of Epsom salt keeping me afloat out of my ears. It felt like I had just closed my eyes when the eerie blue light and tank filter kicked on jarring me out of the most wonderful meditative slumber.

As I stepped out of the tank and turned on the rainforest shower, my neck loose, the tension in my back and mind literally washed away, I was reminded of the simple joy and peace found in meditation and relaxation.

If you haven't tried a float spa yet, find one near you and go twice. The first time is just so bizarre like a psychological experiment of sensory deprivation. That second float will definitely be enough to figure out if you enjoy the physical and mental benefits of a good float...and I'm not talking the rootbeer kind!

8 of 31: Anticipation

It's Friday evening and I'm slicing in anticipation of what the rest of the night has in store. My younger sister has traveled over 1,000 miles for a weekend visit. This month marks her 40th birthday and she is coming in town to celebrate with her "out of town" family.

She flew sans husband and children to spend time with her sisters and brothers, and I've been looking forward to her arrival all week. In fact, the last trip we were able to take together without little ones was on her 30th birthday, so this weekend is super special. Literally, it happens once in a decade.

So here I sit, literally minutes before she arrives anticipating our reunion hug and an evening spent reminiscing, laughing, and celebrating her in all her (almost 40) glory. 

Though I cannot yet slice about all that is to come, I'm wearing a big smile just thinking about it!

7 of 31: The Hootenanny

Today I stepped into the role of parent for 31 of my 8th grade students. I escorted them to our district's high school where seven would perform their original poetry in front of a packed audience of high schoolers, actual parents, and their fellow classmates.

The energetic chatter that filled the bus on the way over quickly subsided as we entered the hallowed high school halls. We were greeted by a cheery sophomore who escorted us to a makeshift theater erected in the library.

This is the third year I've taken students to this Hootenanny, which is a just one small part of a week-long literary festival that goes on at our high school. Professional authors, poets, artists, and performers are invited to give seminars and perform all week for high school students. High schoolers also perform their works, create logos, advertise, run the sound, and even baked my jittery students fresh cookies. And we are invited to participate through a voluntary poetry competition.

It never fails. As soon as we sit down and the M.C. takes the stage, I get a little clammy.

I constantly worry that one of the "big" kids will heckle one of my fragile poets.
Never happens - instead they snap and clap so supportively it's like they are wrapping my kids in a big high school hug - the school appropriate kind of course.

I worry someone might trip and fall face first walking up onto the plywood stage.
They're coordination conquered.

I worry that one young poet will lose his/her place and stumble over his/her words.
One student did. Her phone screen went blank and she paused to unlock her screen and continued reading without losing one bit of her composure...I would have been in a puddle on the floor at that age.

I worry that someone will be left out who should have been invited on stage.
Didn't happen.

And then I let that fret fall away as I really begin to listen to these young voices speaking loudly and clearly through the microphone. These voices that will not be silenced as the read their own words on the page (or screen). The spoke of the power of surviving cancer, divorce, bullying, puberty, and they spoke of fighting all the isms, pressures, prejudice and injustice they already see in their world. Their metaphors were moving and their performances were perfection.

By the end I was no longer sweating, I was crying because not only did the 7 poets who were prepared to perform get up and read their work, but 11 more 8th graders spontaneously volunteered when we had extra time and the M.C. asked if anyone else would like to share. They caught that beatnik bug and strode onstage and owned it.

I was that proud "parent" watching all my kids and it this is what will get me through to spring break!

6 of 31: The Drive Thru

This morning, I was able to take my time as I got ready for my day. Due to professional development, my start time was moved back by about an hour and a half. Yet, I am a creature of habit. I fear deviating too far from my very rigid morning routine because I might just omit brushing my teeth. (That actually happened once and I was mortified!)

So here I sit in a conference room an hour before the official start time reflecting on the quiet. And I use that term loosely because this mammoth room is heated and cooled by a gargantuan HVAC system that blows out air so loudly you literally have to raise your voice to be heard. I'm willing to wager it's about as loud as hurricane force winds without the fear of flying debris.

Suddenly, I realize that I could slice early today. My normal routine is to slice in the evenings, but I could use this time, right this very minute to do some writing. The problem is that not much has happened yet in my day that I consider slice-worthy.

And then it hits me...the drive thru. I pulled through the drive thru this morning and was greeted by a chipper voice inquiring, "What brought you in today?"  His friendly baritone actually made me feel a little cheerier this morning. He managed to phrase his question in such a way that I found myself daydreaming of my retirement when I, too, may have the opportunity to man the headphone in a drive thru brightening the mornings of strangers as I pass them hot coffee or tasty treats. I wanted to tuck this phrase in my pocket and save it until I could use it later. Silly, I know, but that is what I pondered as I inched up the through the line snaking around the building.

I mean it's such a convenience. You don't even have to get out of the car. What could be better than that...aside from finishing my slice before 8 AM?

5 of 31: Sub Plans

For those who are able to call out sick or attend a day of professional development (PD), continued education, or training without having to create substitute plans, I envy you.

My husband's car leaked a red fluid yesterday morning and rather than spending hours preparing detailed plans that explain to stranger how to do his job all day, he simply called his boss and let him know that he wouldn't be making it to work. Better yet, his IT department set up the out of office email response for him...that's right, he didn't even have to do that himself!

Me, well I have a professional development day tomorrow that I'm very much looking forward to attending. The entire middle school English department meets with our coordinator for the entire day. Our amazing coordinator will lead our learning throughout the morning, but then we have the gift of time in the afternoon to work as a department.

I admit it. I am a PD nerd. I geek out when I have the chance to attend conferences, and I very much love these PD days. Seriously.

What I don't love is crafting substitute plans. I will go to work with a runny nose, sore throat and the shakes as long as I don't have a temperature, just to avoid writing them. The amount of thought and detail that went into my plans for tomorrow not only hungrily consumed my entire plan period, but devoured an hour and a half of my time after school as well.

I'd think my plans were perfect only to realize I needed to add that special note for the student who has been absent for two days and will have no idea what's going on. Or I would think I had everything I needed to make copies, get all the way to the copy room, only to realize that I forgot something in my classroom.

I won't even tell you about the amount of time I spent "organizing" my desk (a.k.a. hiding things by shoving them in drawers and my closet).

Rest assured. My plans are neatly stacked atop my seating chart on my desk, which is now actually visible, and ready to go for the substitute who will graciously work with my kiddos tomorrow!

All that's left is to cross my fingers and hope for a glowing report!

4 of 31: Email

Checking my email usually involves scrolling through a rather long and tedious list of retailers trying to sell me stuff I do not need with alluring subject lines like: Today Only! Extra 20% Off or Final Hours or What's In Store For You. Such clickbait leaves me feeling annoyed as I simply delete, delete, delete, almost always without even opening them.

However, today during lunch, I found two personal messages nestled in between my daily Bed, Bath & Beyond and Total Wine emails. You can probably learn a lot about a person just based on the emails in their inbox, but that might be a topic for another slice.

I eagerly opened the first from my niece and was instantly smiling. The contents of this email included a picture of a page from the writing notebook I gifted her at Christmas. The women in my family (my three sisters, niece, and mother) always exchange our "favorite things" for Christmas. The challenge is the price cap, which is only $10 per gift. This year, I purchased cute little notebooks and gel pens. I had best intentions of sending weekly emails with prompts and writing ideas starting in January.

As with all New Year's Resolutions and best intentions, it wasn't until I attended a writing retreat a couple weeks ago where I had the time to sit down and craft a list of writing prompts (thank you Pintrest) that would provide inspiration for the next 34 weeks. 

Week One: 6-word Memoirs. I wanted to get those gel pens flowing and thought that by starting small, I could actually convince these amazing women to write. And today I was rewarded. At the end of each week, I suggested that we share our favorite writing with each other. My niece snapped a picture of her entire page listing all the memoirs for the week...my favorite being: "How crazy can one person be?" Thankfully, I hadn't spoken to her that day, so I knew she wasn't referring to me.

My baby sister also responded including her writing for the week. My smile just grew. These brief statements said so much and illuminated small moments from their week. Some I understood and some left me wanting to find out more. 

Though they were the only two personal emails I received today, they brought me more joy than any other BOGO email in my inbox. 

This week's family writing challenge: Gratitude. Write about things you are thankful for, and today, I'm so, so thankful that these smart and savvy ladies took the time to humor me by picking up their pens and writing. 

And they did it without complaint. 

Now, if only I could get my 8th graders to view their writing in the same way!

3 of 31: A Pretty Perfect Sunday Morning

My husband introduced me to CBS Sunday Morning nearly eight years ago. Ever since, it has become our Sunday morning ritual. We enjoy our coffee as we ease our way into Sunday, the final day of our weekend with Jane Pauley though my husband still laments the departure of Charles Osgood.

Today, coffee in hand, we enjoyed segments on documentaries, Julianne Moore, Chang and Eng and their descendents, the first contribution of author, David Sedaris, and cheese. Who doesn't love cheese, whether you are lactose intolerant or not?!?

But sometimes, just sometimes, my favorite part of the show is the few moments between segments when commercials interrupt the show. Remember actual commercials? Having to entertain yourself for the few moments before your show comes back on. The time where you can run to the bathroom or refill your coffee cup. My husband mutes the television and sometimes we sit in silence just thinking about the show or the rest of the day or ruminate about our pending need to take the litany of prescription medications advertised in every single commercial break. Sometimes we discuss what we'll cook later in the day, and by we, I mean he. On today's menu: lamb stew, French bread with Cambozola cheese (a delicious spreadable cross between Brie and blue cheese in this cheese lover's humble opinion). Sometimes we share our thoughts or plan trips based on the segment that just ended.

On this Sunday morning, I find myself staring out the window at the snow falling. It is not the big, fat flakes that I find so mesmerizing and beautiful. It reminds me more of rain, but the raindrops are white and the window has that blurred effect where you can see the bare tree branches in the distance as though staring through a wedding veil. It's almost hypnotic and the perfect compliment to the stew my husband is currently preparing.

It's a rather lovely and cozy way to start the day.

2 of 31: Spoiler Alert

Spoiler alert!
If you are currently binge watching or intend to watch the show Dexter. Stop reading immediately. I cannot promise that I won't ruin it for you.

Here I am sitting on my couch, tissue in hand, gently wiping away the tear or two that I shed for a serial killer, and I had to stop and take stock. I just completed the show's final episode, which means I viewed 8 seasons, which each included 12 episodes, which equates to roughly 96 hours of a television show in just under a month. That is equal to 4 entire days of my life spent rooting for a serial killer to murder other killers and assorted bad guys and chop them up and dump them in the ocean. Is it just a coincidence that this is the Slice of Life Story Challenge and Dexter's boat was named Slice of Life? Should I be worried?

I compacted 8 years worth of blood spatter into a mere pint bag. I must admit, I feel a certain sense of relief. He was a complex and compelling character...oh and there was just something about his voice. But still, despite shedding a tear for old Dexter, I'm quite ready to get my life back.

Netflix and I have a love-to-hate relationship. I love Netflix, but sometimes hate myself for the compulsion I feel to watch just one more episode. Turns out that Dexter's uncontrollable impulses are something I could relate to quite easily. Perhaps my dark passenger is the remote control that I just couldn't put down until I binge watched each and every season.

But, I am now free to pursue other guilty pleasures like reading an actual book and practicing yoga, which will be very important as I recover from a rather sedentary February seeing as how I barely moved more than five feet from my couch and t.v. at any given time.

So thank you Dexter, it's been a wild ride, but it's time to put down the knife...I mean remote.

1 of 31: And It Begins...Again

And it begins....again.

It's almost an hour after the dismissal bell, and I'm still sitting here in my classroom crossing items off my never-ending to-do list:

Parent phone calls. Check.
Read and send emails. Check.
Pack up my weekend bag with planner and resources in case we have another snow day on Monday. Check.

And that is when I remember that today is the first day of March and the kickoff to the Slice of Life blogging challenge.

So I add "blog" to my to-do list.

Check.

This is my 3rd year slicing and I'm so glad I didn't forget to post today!
A special thank you to Mrs. K who emailed me to remind me not to forget.

And now I'm headed home for the weekend!