Dear stylist,

Here's a tip, and it's worth a lot more than 20% of the total. Actually, there are a few so you better take notes (I know how you 12 year olds only half-listen).

1. Please don't tell me that I went to high school with YOUR MOM (because even though she graduated 3 years before me, it still makes me feel old especially when you complain about how she's out of touch with the times).
2. Don't "really recommend" some color so "no one will even be able to tell you have a few gray hairs, and they will guess you to be much, much younger than you actually are." (side note I am only 34 so if I look "much, much younger" I will look too young to be a teacher, and my DH will be mistaken for a pervert)
3. Please don't feel you have to talk about books that were made into movies (I watch TMZ almost every night, so I am familiar with what the kids are up to these days, although I do appreciate the effort to bridge the generational gap).

I might sound a little like your mom, but we are about the same age (as you so kindly pointed out). The cut did turn out nicely, and I thank you for that.

Sincerely,
Frau M.

Free Friday

Summer edition :)

Pantene is offering a sample of their "differentiated" hair products through Dollar General...just click here.

Bic Soleil is having a contest and they are giving away a car, cameras, ipods and laptops (I really want that Mazda Miata, even though a two seater is totally impractical for my family). Just head over here and sign up.

School's out for summer!

YAY!!!!!! I have exactly ten weeks to get my head back in the game. Because let me tell you, it just wasn't there for the last two weeks. I have taken home with me some reading to do and plan to completely overhaul the way my classroom runs. This was my first year at this grade level, and I was just figuring it out. Now, I know what to expect, and can revamp and fix the things that didn't work for me. But, it won't be today, tomorrow, or even in the month of June. It's also quite possible that I won't give it a real thought until the beginning of August. But, that's ok because we all did enough work this year to not feel guilty about taking care of ourselves.

I don't get it

the fascination with all things bodily function related, that is. I tell my students from the beginning there are three things that I don't do: vomit, loose teeth, and blood. Of course that is because I am an adult, and I don't care for the wiggle of teeth (or seeing them covered in blood in the palm of your hand), any injury really, nor the spill of one's previously eaten meal into my trashcan or on my floor. Yuck to the O.

However, it has been my experience that the young are drawn to these gross-out things like moths to a flame. Just today a little friend spilled his lunch and everyone, EVERYONE looked to see it on the floor. Why? I don't know.

The best story I have about this comes from my class several years ago. It was a warm spring day and one of my little friends came in looking green, and not with envy. I asked said student if he was ok, and soon as he began to answer with what would have probably been a "no," he spilled his breakfast all over the floor. There was not time to make it to the trash. The next thing I knew, as I was shuffling him to the door with a trustworthy friend, another little boy said, "Guess pancakes didn't go so good." IIRRRRRRRRK. Ok, not only did this friend look at the vomit on the floor, but he also analyzed what it was. And they ALL do it.

As for me, no thanks. I don't care to look. I will pat your back and turn the other way or help you to the nurse. But, if there is a quiz about what you ate before the illness, I am glad to say I will flunk.