What are Marijuana Tablets?

What if, as a teacher, I took a strange liking to one of my students?

What if he was underage and I was a weirdo 40-something?

What if I followed him on Twitter?

What if I, after weirdly stalking his Twitter feed, noticed he had a party at his house over the weekend and one of his sketchy friends tweeted about having ecstasy at said party?

Would I ask the sketchy kid who tweeted about it? Would I ask the student who had the party, who is my student and and I respect?

Would I submit a concern to the administration, the people who's job is to deal with student discipline?

Or would I decide to announce to not one, but ALL of my classes the next day about the "ecstasy party" and the bad high school kids who would throw such a party, based solely on a tweet I saw while STALKING a TEENAGE BOY'S twitter feed?

No. The answer is - I wouldn't.

Because I'm not a psycho who follows her teenage male students on Twitter.

Because I have half a brain and understand that MAYBE a teenage boy can tweet something that isn't true simply for the comedic value. Call me crazy.

Because I would ask the real person who tweeted about ecstasy, not the respectable, stand-up young man who works so hard in my AP class and has never done anything remotely delinquent.

Because if I were concerned, I would address that stand-up young man personally, privately to ascertain the truth.

Because sharing that a kid who had a party last weekend (everyone knew about the party AND who threw it) was a bad kid and had drugs and alcohol at his party MIGHT be considered slander and is a generally terrible thing to share even if it WERE true. Which it isn't.

Because what would happen if that untrue information started being spread around town by people who don't know the stand-up young gentleman and might believe it?

Because I'm not only a normal human being, but I understand that as an educator I have a reasonable duty to be a positive influence and have a shred of integrity.

There is someone at Maple Mountain High School who does not share these values (also called common sense).

It's a good thing my little brother is the amazing kid that he is.

It's a good thing he has built such a good, honest, strong reputation that most people know he would never have ECSTASY at a party, or even be anywhere near it.

It's a good thing he's so mellow and such a good sport, which has enabled him to roll with this.

It's a good thing it wasn't me. Because she'd be sitting in front of the Board of Education explaining why she did all the aforementioned things.

My brother is the best kid I know, a worthy priesthood holder and a total drug-free rock star. And no, there was not ecstasy at his very clean, very Mormon party.

So the next time you want to make up some crap about a student and spread that around the school like a 13 year old girl, you better pick a different target than Mitchell Jeffrey Budge. 

Because no one messes with my family and gets away with it. You think this is bad? I get all my feisty from my momma. And you haven't even had to deal with her yet. Be afraid. Be very afraid. 

Sometimes, Always, Never - Transitional Clothing

What?! A "Sometimes, Always, Never"!!!!!! I've been patiently waiting, hoping and praying that Danica will post another entry in the mean, elitist, judgy series!

You wish is my command.

This week I have been turning over my closet from warm to cold. Shorts have been folded neatly. Open toe wedges are walking their way to the back room. Florals are awaiting decision. It's been on my mind for over a week, and it's still not done.

So without further ado, our Sometimes, Always, Never:

SOMETIMES

Florals need to be handled on a case-by-case basis. Ask yourself a few questions

1. Are the colors dark or moody overall? (Think black, blue, dark reds or greens, grays and other neutrals. See right) If they are, that's easy to wear all winter. Pair with dark tights, sweaters and boots. Yahtzee. 
2. Is the fabric thin or heavy? If it's a thin, lightweight fabric, be careful. If you can tell it's supposed to be worn on it's own on a warm summer picnic day - stash it. If it's a blouse or thicker fabric, again, pair with a sweater, scarf or tights. 
3. What is the style of the garment? If it's both floral and a tank top, sorry. It's screaming SUMMERTIME. Stash. **For example** I have a black floral maxi. It's dark, but since it's both floral and a maxi (designed for beachy summertime) I stash it until spring. Other maxis are great for winter... but they are dark solids paired with sweaters and scarves. Kapish? (see below)

 Everyone knows the whites-after-labor-day rule has been thrown out. Still, be wary. A white-on-white ensemble makes you look a LITTLE bit like the Queen of Narnia. Pair multiple whites with neutrals. I'm loving this white/camel from A Piece of Toast this week. Super fresh, right? But take it easy with the circus tent cardigans... ok?

ALWAYS

Skirts and dresses don't have to move to the storage closet just because they are short. Pair them with a richly colored legging or tight - try oxblood, gray or mustard for some punch. 

Bright colors seem destined for sunny days and outdoor events, but don't rule them out. I posted this picture for Anti-Bully Day (we all wore orange) with my bright shift, cardi and loafers, but it's one of my fave outfits for winter paired with black tights and flat black boots. (See the photo below mine for a less sleepy, more glamorous outfit.) Pare down the bright colors with neutrals. It makes those snowy days less depressing. 

NEVER

Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric meant for heat. We're all looking at your wind-vulnerable linen pants and laughing. 

How about we just stash ALL of those booty shorts until April? That way there's absolutely NO CHANCE you'll end up pairing them with Ugg boots even by mistake. 

In Utah, you simply cannot walk around with bare legs in winter. Tights are necessary. Seeing your tight-seam and your un-pedicured toes because you are wearing open-toed shoes is 100% ATROCIOUS. 

Mid-calf boots make everyone look disgusting. Just because a 90 lb model wears one does NOT, I repeat, DOES NOT mean it's going to look good on you. Sorry. It hits at the widest part of your calf. It's just common sense, ladies. 

Go for ankle, just below or just above the knee. Please. 

So there you have it! Good luck turning over your closets and may the fashion force be with you. 

Falling for Fall Break

Oh the short weekend. When freedom isn't so far away, and Monday is simply a Wednesday. I love short weeks. If I could work 4 10-hour days and always have a 3 day weekend I'd do it in a heartbeat. Man. I love a short week.

Fall Break is this week for me. Unfortunately it didn't line up with my family's fall breaks, which were the previous week, but I still get two days off so I'm not complaining. 

I'm in love with fall, like everyone else. {Oh, you weren't sure because I didn't post 1,000 pictures of sweaters & leaves (see below), obsess over pumpkin spiced EVERYTHING and tweet my pure love for the season every 20 minutes? Well let this reassure you.}

Seeing how it's been 80 DEGREES FARENHEIT up until last week.... I thought it was prudent to lay off the fall traditions. You know, like we used to before Pinterest existed. I'm looking at you, girls wearing boots and coats in September. You're gross. 

Well now we have finally arrived.

The leaves are an ever-changing tapestry. 

The air has that crisp bite like the carbonation of a fresh can of soda. 

Goosebumps spread rapidly over my bare legs, screaming for tights. 

The ubiquitous pumpkin spices our views and desserts.

Glen's new favorite activity is attacking the dying flower bushes around our stair entry. 

Slutty Halloween costumes flood the front aisles of Wal-Mart.

It truly is magic. 

Without further ado, I submit my Fall Break to-do list, open for suggestions, corrections, additions or your attendance!

• Canyon hike/walk with my favorite Derrick girls
• CDP (Classy Dinner Party) with the Findeis'
• Making this delicious pumpkin treat
• Zombie movie/Walking Dead marathon
• Reading a new book (I just finished Water for Elephants, looking for something not about animals being abused, thanks....)
• Yoga
• Temple trip (If you knew how rarely we go, living 1/2 mile away, you'd judge us so hard)
• Sweats. Always. 
• Taking Glen Coco to the park, all bundled up obvs
• Figuring out a good Halloween costume. The Beard is working late Halloween, and I can't be Leslie Knope without my Ron Swanson. I also can't be Hermione for the 3rd year in a row...
• Spa Day - basically I just use every possible beauty product in my house: face mask, deep conditioning treatment for my hair, mani/pedi, etc. 
• Make my favorite drink - Hot Vanilla. It will change your life. 

How am I going to fit this all into a 4 day weekend, you ask? Autumn is magic, remember?

Marching to the Beat of My Own Metaphorical Drumline

I've always loved marching bands. Seriously. I know it's kind of nerdy.

When I was probably 8 years old I told my mom that I wanted to learn to play the drums. She (wisely) suggested that I learn to play the piano first. I begrudgingly conceded. I played piano for 5 or 6 years until it became intolerable. I wanted to be slide tackling and scoring goals, not practicing sight-reading like a CHUMP. I played by ear and never wanted to sight-read, so my teachers hated me. I'm certain it didn't have anything to do with me being a smart-ass my entire life. [In retrospect I'm super sad I didn't stick with it.]

I played on drum sets wherever I could find them, and Rock Band was a total godsend. I still wish I could be Meg White.

Obvs I like the movie Drumline, in spite of Nick Cannon.

So it should be no surprise to you guys that this video made my WEEK. Enjoy.

Bullies

I never thought much about bullies. To me, they were oversized kids who punched you and took your lunch money (i.e. cartoons). No one talked much about bullying when I was growing up. We didn't even talk about it that much at Mapleton Junior High.

Sunset Ridge is much more serious about bullying. They have a bully committee, bully text line, the Student Ambassadors and an entire mandatory assembly about cyberbullying.

I posted about this on Facebook/Instagram, but it's still just so heartwarming. A younger new student found a post-it note on her back at the end of the day labeled "Caution: Oversized Load." She was so upset. Just beside herself. She missed her bus and went into the office to call for a ride, when one of the counselors noticed her emotional state and talked to her. She alerted the Student Ambassadors of the situation and they hit the ground running. They began a viral Facebook/text chain alerting students of the story and encouraging them to make a stand.

The next day nearly all the students walked around with post-it notes on their backs labeled "Not in Our School. Stop the Hate." Isn't that just amazing? I was so proud of them.

Also in the news, I'm sure you've seen the story about the girl who was nominated for Homecoming Royalty as a joke (messed up) and instead of dropping out or refusing to participate, she took a stand. She decided to hold her head high and go for it. Local businesses paid for her hair, clothes, shoes, dinner, flowers, etc. People made posters and t-shirts. Fans came from all around to support her. I bawled my eyes out reading that article! I was so touched and proud that people would do the right thing and show this girl how important she was, even just as one simple, unknown girl.



When the post-it note revolution happened at my school, one thing I thought and others also commented was something along the lines of "I hope the kid that put the post-it note on her back feels so stupid and so small." I imagined the bitchy girl who submitted Whitney's name for Homecoming Court as a joke, standing in the bleachers with the sickest feeling in her stomach as she watched the beautiful girl beam to the applause.

It's wrong of me to think that way. While I do hope they recognize their mistakes, it's just reversing the bullying back to the bully. The truth about bullies is that they are bullied, usually by their parents. I can't think of anything more sad than that. Peers are mean, but they are temporary. Parents and families, bad home situations that cause bullies - are forever. So many of my students act out in class because they just need attention. They need it so badly they don't even care if it's negative. It's so sad! So sad. I have shed tears over specific students and will probably continue to do so.

The focus we should have is not necessarily scaring or shaming bullies, but helping them feel loved and welcome as well. They should see all those people rallying around the bullied Homecoming Royalty and think "Wow. They care that much about one person. I bet they'd care for me too."

My brother Mitch has been a great example and has posted his dedication to Rachel's Challenge - stemming from one of the girls who died in Columbine (read more here).

These commitments are awesome, and I am accepting the challenge. This has been on my mind a lot and I know it's a good example I can set for these amazing kids.