What's yours?

I am always telling my students that the best way to be a better reader is to read, read, read, read, and then read some more. The question is, if you don't like to read, how to you read enough to get good at it? I have come to the conclusion that the key is to find something that grabs you. That author, series, genre, or topic that you can't get enough of. The thing that keeps you reading and reading and reading. That's when you read enough to get good at it and once you're good it becomes enjoyable. For everyone it's different. For me it was Beverly Cleary's Ramona books. For many of my students it's Dan Gutman's Weird School series or the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I find it fascinating how many different answers I get when I ask this question. I've heard anything from The Boxcar Children to Diary of Anne Frank.

So here's my question...

What's yours?

Lesson Learned

So you know how I spent spring break sick and spring break was a month ago? Yeah, I'm still sick. I will start getting better now for sure. Why you ask? Well I finally quit being stubborn and went to the doctor. In the future I will try to do that a little sooner. I just kept thinking it was a nasty virus but I was getting better. Well, clearly I was thinking incorrectly.

I went to InstaCare on Saturday and had a positive strep test. The trouble is that my sore throat was a month ago...so have I had strep this whole time?? Probably. Yeah, that'll cause heart damage (which brought a scary moment being as coughs don't accompany strep but a cough is a symptom of heart failure). Like I said, lesson learned...I'll go earlier next time. I'd like to say that I think it's quite the miracle that I've not infected my entire class, half my coworkers, and my family. This could make a commercial for frequent washing, hand sanitizer, and coughing in your sleeve! I can't get too excited though, I did infect two of my friends that I spent time with at the tail end of my spring break. Sorry guys! For some weird reason these two get everything I have. Anyway, I came home with a killer awesome antibiotic, a cough suppressant that works like you wouldn't believe, and an inhaler. Today I headed to my primary care physician (he is seriously the coolest doctor ever). My heart seems fine and hopefully the cough will clear up with the medications. If not, my doctor has another plan of action (again, he's awesome).

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty hopeful that I'm ACTUALLY on the mend this time...not just fake on the mend. And if not, I'm sure my doctor will fix it. Why did I wait so long anyway?

Birthday Moment...

My oldest nephew turns 10 today. Time flies, that's for sure. He's smart, handsome, and really fun to be around. I love you and hope you have a really cool birthday!

Birthday Moment...

My nephew turns 1 today! He has the cutest head of blonde, curly hair. He's got a great sense of humor already. I love you, buddy. Happy Birthday!

Birthday Moment...

My niece is 6 today! She is such a sweetheart! She is one of those people that you love the minute you meet her. Of course she's beautiful too. I love you and hope you're birthday is amazing!

Two's company?

I'm considering getting another dog. I don't know if it'd be a good idea or not. Would Daisy be jealous or would she be glad to have someone to play with? I found a dog that will be ready to go to it's new home just in time for my birthday.

Meet Chloe...

She's a Shorkie (Yorkie Terrier/Shih Tzu mix) so she'd be a lot like Daisy, only smaller (Daisy is Weshi which is a Westie Terrier/Shih Tzu mix). She actually looks JUST LIKE Daisy when she was a little puppy. :) Seriously, they could be twins. But Daisy is 16 pounds and this little one should grow to be between 5 and 7 pounds.

Anyway, I haven't decided...nor have I convinced my parents (since I live at their house and all). Truly, at the moment I'm leaning towards "no", but I guess we'll see. I'm just thinking about it. I have to do that periodically with dogs, houses, and new cars. Perhaps I crave change?

Sick Break

Spring break was a few weeks back. It wasn't all that spring like, but that's okay. My mom, Daisy, and I decided to get out of town and head to one of our favorite spots, the Oregon Coast. It was really really rainy and rather cold, but hey, it was snowing at home so I won't complain!

One night the wind was blowing so badly that it blew the rain and ocean water (I know there was ocean water too because it tasted salty when it blew in my face on the way into the hotel after our ice cream run) in sheets onto the patio of our hotel. It was crazy! We just turned on the fireplace (remember back in the day when we lit fires in fireplaces rather than flipping a switch to turn them on? we're crazy spoiled) and hunkered down for the night.

We mostly hung out in our hotel room and watched a lot of movies because I was ridiculously sick. I suppose if you are going to be sick in bed it might as well be a bed on the beach with a fabulous ocean view huh? We ventured out to hit our favorite spots. We went to Mo's, Pig N' Pancake, the outlet mall (I slept in the car with Daisy while my mom shopped), and of course Puppy Love By The Sea. Daisy and I were able to go for a walk and play on the beach a couple times. It wasn't the several times a day like we prefer, but we'll take what we can get.

Well, my strange illness didn't end after spring break, I've been sick ever since. I think I'm finally getting better now, slowly but surely...at least I hope so. I honestly can't remember ever being so sick in all my life and for so long (pancreatitis and cholecystitis aside of course). My students have been really patient with my lack of voice for the past month. They are the best ever!

Anyway, that's pretty much what's been going on for me these days. Hopefully as I get feeling better and with spring finally being here, my life will pick up and be a little more fun.

Birthday Moment...

My niece turns 8 today. She is so pretty and literally one of the kindest people I know. I love you and hope you have an awesome birthday!

Birthday Moment...

Happy Birthday to my brother! I think he's turning 22 or something young like that. ;) You're a great brother, I love you, and I hope you have a FABULOUS birthday!!