Don't respond with hate

Normally I keep my political discussions between Cody and me. However, this is an instance where I want everyone to know that I don't believe in hate. Just because some people made a horrible, horrible decision, doesn't mean that I think that all Libyans, all Muslims, all Arabs are bad people. In fact, I believe most of them are all good, faithful, peaceful people, just like most Americans, just like most of the world.

Usually the news stations only focus on the negative: the American Ambassador in Libya was killed by some angry Libyans in response to an anti-Muslim movie made by an amateur California filmmaker.

However, the news probably won't show this and I think that this aspect is equally as important to know about.

Hate as a reaction to hate doesn't change anything, more people are hurt and nothing gets solved or fixed as a result of responding that way.  Don't check your religion at the door about this or other acts of hate.

In full swing

School has been in full swing for the past 3 1/2 weeks.  It's crazy to think about that sometimes.  I've been enjoying it a lot so far and have found it amazing how different classes and groups of kids can be from year to year.  I loved my class last year, but I think that this class will also have a special place in my part.

I've started my job as the PR person at my school, I wrote and posted two articles today. I was able to benchmarks yesterday and see where all my students are at reading-wise at the beginning of the school year.  I should be starting some reading groups next week to start helping them become more successful readers.

I've also been running for 4 1/2 weeks now.  I ran 5 miles on Saturday, the first time I've done that since my freak run back in April and before that I think it was a year, maybe longer.  I'm scheduled to run 6 miles this Saturday.  I should be able to keep on at this pace and run 10 miles by the second week of October. It's really exciting to be adding those miles up and I've found it helping to reduce stress.

When Cody and I went grocery shopping last week, we also bought a bag of Cheetos. They've been tempting me for the past three or four weeks and I finally gave in. This week was the best week to give in because of all the meetings I have.  Not only do I have running to reduce stress but I have Cheetos to make my soul happy.