It's Homecoming week

Well, it's Homecoming Week -- it's very telling that my first year of teaching at North, I was completely awed with Homecoming Week; everyone was spirited, the entire hall got decorated, the air was crisp. Now, seven years in, I'm more than a bit disillusioned. The weather is too damn hot to be October, only the doorways get decorated and fewer than half of my students participated in spirit day today...and all they had to do was wear sweats....seriously? Another factor, of course is junior-senior wars. I've heard a few too many kids mention a few too many times that my house is going to get 'hit' and I really, REALLY don't want to deal with it. So, now I have to be the 'mean' one and I definitely already called the police to do extra patrols on my street. Hopefully that'll act as a deterrant....guess we'll see.

The presidential election is fewer than four weeks away and I am EXCITED! Obama is pulling ahead in some of the polls and I continue to do research to solidify my decision. I'd love to be more supportive but I can't say/do anything at school, can't have yard signs and don't have time to volunteer. I have done more during this campaign than ever before, however, and proudly display my bumper sticker and have gotten many compliments (and hostile stares) wearing my tshirt. I did some research today with my students, comparing McCain and Obama and while I was pleased that the more I read, the more I was confident in my decision, I also became increasingly afraid of the alternative outcome. I don't want to preach politics on here but I will say this: how can any self aware, realistic American support McCain's policies regarding guns. Granted, I think that about his position on most issues but he honestly supports a LACK of restrictions and control over assault weapons and armor piercing ammunition -- now what in heaven's name could those possibly be for if not to kill people....because the last time I checked, DEER AREN'T WEARING KEVLAR!

Second semester I'll be teaching 6 hours a day...I'll admit, I find this a bit daunting, especially since, after last year, I said I'd NEVER do it again. However, in exchange for doing that, I'm NOT working next summer. It'll be my first summer off in ten years! I can't wait!

My 'little' brother turns 25 tomorrow....makes me a feel a bit old....okay, more than a bit. Aside from being fond of his girlfriend, I am a huge fan because I've seen him become a better person while dating her. It's very cool that he and I can actually carry on a conversation now and that they so rarely contain demeaning explitives aimed at each other.

Well, I guess that's enough of my procrastination. Time to go put together an outfit for "Crazy" Day!