sensory overload

February's the month of love, you know. But instead of discussing red hearts, cupids, and exes we can't quite get over (or ones that we're SO over), let's share some of our other loves. Your task for February's extra credit (due 2/28) is to share one of your favorite things for each of the five senses. Feel free to elaborate/explain as much as you'd like and comment on each other's choices. I'll break the ice...

Some of Stefani's beloved sensory things:
SIGHT: The moment when hundreds of graduation caps are thrown in the air.
SOUND: Crickets on a summer night, hands down. Also the sound of a football team's cleats on asphalt.
SMELL: Homegrown roses. I don't care if there are little bugs inside; I'll stick my face in and snort.
TASTE: Ripe peaches--the kind you can't eat on a first date because you end up slurping and getting juice all over your chin and hands and you don't even care.
TOUCH: A baby's bottom. Yes, the cliche about it being the world's softest surface is true. (And no, I won't let you rub my newborn's butt to confirm; go find your own baby.)

word, yo

It's a new year! For those of us who are human, that means we have improvements (perhaps major, but maybe just some fine-tuning) that we could make about ourselves and our lives. I'm curious about your resolutions, but I'm picky about the format: come up with a New Year's resolution and condense it to just ONE WORD that you'll remember. Then, give a detailed explanation why you selected that word to represent what you want to work on in 2014.

Sign your post with your first name, last initial, and period #. Deadline for this post (because of semester's end) is Jan. 24 at midnight.

Here's mine as an example:
Stride--I'm choosing "stride" this year to remind me to take whatever comes in stride. This applies to a few areas of my life, but most of it's centered around having another baby. I know that will drastically change our lives, our space, and our schedules at home, but I also know it's doable--so I need to take it in stride. The next four months at work will be very stressful given several changes I'll have to institute in my planning, teaching, and assessment; in addition, I'll be preparing materials for a substitute, which is a huge amount of work. Taking these challenges in stride means not letting stress rule over my attitude or my health; instead, I'll focus on small pieces that I can accomplish and perhaps ask for some help with the rest.

give it up

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."

-Winston Churchill

I would give to Heifer International.

Spread some generous ideas around this holiday season by telling us who you would donate your money or time to if you could (or perhaps you already do)!

[1] Name an organization,

[2] include a web address,

[3] tell us who they are/what they do, and 

[4] explain why their cause is significant to you.

[5] Finally, if you want extra credit, choose an organization that has not already been posted by another student. That's right: you will need to read what your peers wrote, and the earlier you post, the easier your task.

If your ideal organization has been "claimed," check out some Nonprofit Organizations or this Charity Navigator for ideas. Oh--and if you've got a little to spare this season, consider following through on your recommendation or making a donation in a loved one's name as a gift!