January 12, 2016

• Three gratitudes: 1.—Mom’s pasta sauce and meatball recipe; 2.—the Chicago Writers Association; 3—Students who make me laugh
• Exercise: :(
• Meditation: Prayed a rosary with special intentions for many illnesses, deaths, and those who suffer from depression
  
• Random Act of Kindness email: A message
• Journal about one positive experience in the past 24 hours:

A positive experience today was a simple teaching moment.  It happened during the last two periods of the day.  I'm most satisfied with a lesson when I witness students engaged and productive without trying, without noticing what's been accomplished.  After much practice, modeling, discussing, peer critiquing, editing, and rewriting, today's small groups were actually producing what I expected!  With no more than a day to spare, I'm confident that EVERY student is prepared for the writing segment of the final exam.  Whew!