Dawson wrote out algebraic equations for hours with the same pencil, and never once did he bother to get up and sharpen it. Eventually, it was so dull I think he was writing with the yellow paint on the side of the pencil. Honestly, I was going crazy. Witnessing such flagrant disregard for neatness and for a clean and precise paper was more than disturbing. It was torturous. That's when I realized I'm OCD when it comes to sharp pencils. I always have at least 3 razor sharp #2's close by at all times. I start the day in the classroom sharpening pencils.
I grabbed Dawson's pencil, ran it back into the kitchen, and slammed it into my automatic pencil sharpener. The relief was immediate. When I gave it back to him, he said simply, "Oh, thanks mom. It wasn't really that bad." I wish that was the end of it, but I of course went into a lecture about the difference between "A" work and "C" work and how it all starts with a sharp pencil.
He appeared to be listening, but I doubt he heard me. 6th grader and all - who knows? Any-hoo, I decided I needed a quick break from cooking dinner. And writing with a perfectly pointed #2 was just what I needed. I grabbed a post-it note and decided to list my 10 favorite material things. I wanted it to be quick and spontaneous - a stream of thought. Well really, I only had about one minute until the buzzer went off for the blueberry muffins.
This is what I came up with:
1. Sharp pencils (of course)
2. Red licorice (not really a material item, as once it's eaten it's gone - but who cares)
3. Books and Nook
4. Ipod ( A necessity when walking)
5. Pillow (I can't go on a trip without it)
6. Crock Pot (Crazy, I know. But it so simplifies my life)
7. Yoga pants (I live in them)
8. My computer (where I write, research, and chat with friends)
9. My green glassware (Depression glass collection started for me by my mother-in-law)
10. Android (sad but true, I love my phone. I don't even text or have voice mail - but I love it)
Okay that's it - my quick list of 10 Favorite things. Try it and see what you get. It's rather interesting and rather revealing to say the least. I enjoyed listening to the kids answers on that one. I'll have to try it in the classroom. Wonder how many kids will list their Kinect and their DS's?
