A List

I have thought about updating for days now, but I’ve been stuck in classic me mode. The mode where I have so many things I want and need to do, but become paralyzed and do nothing. Same thing with this blog, so much to blog about, but I just don’t do it. Maybe I’ll try a list. 

1. Lots of not great things have happened with family, friends, and students. You’d think I’d be in horrible spirits, but I’m not. All the things that are happening hurt, but it just seems like a part of life.
   
2. I attended NCTE in San Antonio last week. It was my first NCTE conference and was a bit over stimulated by the end of it. Naomi Shihab Nye made a special appearance at the Middle School Mosaic. Saw Sid Fleischman, Scott Westerfield, Kelly Gallagher, and got to chat with Jeff Anderson for a bit. Anderson is so tall. He truly is like a God. The coolest thing about the whole conference was seeing the CEO of Sesame Street with a special appearance by Grover.
3. My niece, Joann, was in town, too. I got to hang out with her and her husband. She is leaving for Afghanistan Monday, December 1. I usually have a good feeling about events, but I have no idea about this one. I hope she returns safely from her tour. The best-case scenario is that there would be no involvement in Afghanistan, but I doubt that’s going to happen.
4. I will be presenting at NABE in February. I will also be attending the Middle School Conference, and Tuesday I began my tutoring gig. Seems like things will be getting crazy busy once again. Maybe that’s the key to keeping my sanity.

I suppose I’m going to try to clear off some bookshelf space. Maybe I’ll put up the Christmas stuff…

The Fate of Palin

As I thumbed through this week’s edition of Newsweek, I thought of what will happen to Sarah Palin when this election is over. 

Last night, an interview with Palin was aired on 20/20. In the intro, they said something about 60-something days. It was shocking to me that she’s only been involved in this campaign that few days. The other guys have been going on a year and a half at least. They’ve become a common character in my life. If I want to know what ‘s going on with them, all I have to do is turn on the TV, pick up a magazine or newspaper, or check my e-mail. 

Palin came on the scene and stole the attention like a bratty baby sister. McCain chose a woman for his VP pick! Sarah Palin is hot! She doesn’t know anything! Her daughter is pregnant! $150,000 was spent on her wardrobe! Etc.

Had I not voted already, I may have been more critical. However, since voting, I have been overcome with this overwhelming sense of hope. I did my part and so many people around me have, too and I have nothing to fear anymore. This isn’t ’04. I will not face election night with a knot in my stomach wishing for a fourth-quarter pipe dream.

So this morning, I wonder what will happen to Sarah Palin when she returns to Alaska.