There is nothing like rescuing a cat that becomes a life companion. When they pass away as all things must, it feels like losing a close friend. Dewey Readmore Books, a library cat in Spencer, Iowa, encouraged children to do exactly as his name implies for 19 years. He died this Wednesday in the arms of his librarian. I hope all my giving & literary friends will consider adopting a rescue cat this holiday season.

Well, I had my first experience being observed teaching a class today. We did a graphical character analysis of The Crucible, and I think it went fairly well. My observer said I was very natural and had good rapport with the students. I was worried because the lesson ran long and we didn't have time to get to the concluding points, but we will cover them tomorrow. The students were so good -- participating actively & really thinking about the questions -- that we're going to bring in pizza for a little party, which should be fun.

Somedays, when things are going right, I just feel so at peace with my life. It is a good feeling to know what you were meant to do with your life, and to believe that you might actually be decent at it, too. I can't wait to be teaching "for real." I'll have to try and hold on to this feeling for the rest of the week as I'm tearing my hair out trying to get all my coursework done . . .

Actually, forget the tearing, my hair is already falling out from the stress of school, working, and family. No joke, I actually have spots on my scalp that have thinned out in the last week, and everytime I touch my hair, I come away from it with a handful. Thank God there is only two and a half weeks left until I only have work & the holidays to contend with . . .