A LIttle Kiki with the Family Circus

I use to love reading the Sunday comics when I was a kid.  Some of my favorites were Peanuts, BC, Garfield and Family Circus. 

Marcos Makes Another Visit

Yesterday, on Linda's porch, we talked about Marcos. It was his birthday. I said to her, "He will always be a part of me." Linda said, "Yes, that's true. Look! He just touched me!" Linda shows me her forearm. "I have goosebumps! He is with us now!" Wow! How you continue to show up whenever I need you.

BTW, papito I still preach the three lessons you taught me:

1. Get rid of your colonial mentality
2. Read more
3. When people reveal who they are, believe it.

Titi Maria's Turn at Metamorphosis

I lit a gardenia scented candle for Titi Maria in front of my altar last night. I said prayers and expressed my sincere appreciation for my Titi being a significant and essential part of my life. I was blessed to have her.

She then gently sent images to my mind that showed how she worked her beauty through out the years. She was fine, fashionable and about family. I will endeavor to carry her torch.

Btw, I recently made me spaghetti and Spam for dinner. This dish was one of her go to dishes when money was tight. Back in the day money was often tight. Titi Maria taught me the importance of making a dollar stretch in order to feed your family and take care of business.

When I eat this dish I am reminded about how Titi's creativity was used to take care of the people she loved. She always worked her knowledge, talent and spirit in order to take care of all of us. She done taught me well.

Bien hecho Titi. Muchas Gracias.

I now have a grade A, top-notch, Wonder Woman of a guardian angel on the other side that has joined Marcos, James, Joselito, Willi Ninja, and others that I loved; that will guide me as I continue my journey.

Frankie's Turn at Metamorphosis

Go on Frankie! Thank you for giving my tribe the "church" we needed when we strutted into the Paradise Garage. Sometimes,  I turn to the sonic medicine you gave this lost queer boy, whenever I need healing.

All of my senses are re-activated when I remember the first time I walked into the Garage, while you played the House Music all night long.

I found my place in the GLBT world on Christopher St. and you gave us our soundtrack. I stomped to the beats because this baby wanted to ride.

I also remember meeting you at the Roxy one night. Willi Ninja and I went to the DJ booth to give you some love. I was so impressed that you were kind to us.

You then focused on giving the crowd the music they needed to feel connected while feeling fab and free.

Your work saved many lives, which in my mind makes your work divine. Now, papito go onto the divine and learn about how you mattered in this mortal coil.

I love you. I thank you. I have your music to sustain me.

With gratitude,
Allan

Haiiiikuuus! God Bless You

four seasons - spring

Spring-a-ling-a-ling!
Scent of la primavera
summons the robins.

backstabber

Tried to hide your lies
by stabbing me in my back.
My armor is truth!

cooking for others

As I united
the sweet and the savory;
my love stirred the pots.

homophobia's true root system - one

Gays going mainstream!
My skin shivers from the fear;
my child might turn.

Shirley Temple's Turn At Metamorphosis

Like so many others, I adored Shirley Temple films when I was a kid. She was a little living doll. Watching her act, sing and dance made me smile!

I give her props for transitioning into adulthood with a new found purpose after being such a mega-star in her youth.

Thank you Curly Top you were Our Little Girl for many Americans, with your Dimples and Bright Eyes that made many people Stand Up and Cheer! Baby Take a Bow, you will be remembered Now and Forever as The Little Princess.


 

A Perfect Visual Metaphor

So good people, the fifth ring failed to open during the opening ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Sochi. 

It was a perfect visual metaphor for the current condition the LGBT community is living under in Russia. Click here to learn more about Russia's anti-gay law.

This little ring was not able to fully open up and become it's perfect rounded-self. No, not this ring. It had to stay small and live in the closet 

Putin must have spit nails with this epic fail.

Random Thoughts On A Snow Day

On this first snow day in the new year, I have time to kick back and write down some random thoughts:

• While I do have wonderful family and friends that have had my back on many occasions, at times the best persons I can rely on is me, myself and I. 

• I saw drag queens from Kinky Boots perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a gay couple get married at the Tournament of Roses Parade. Who would've thunk it! 

• I have yet to know anyone that watches Duck Dynasty. Moreover, all of the Duck Dynasty crap being sold at Kohl's and Walmart, in my neck of the woods, is just collecting dust on the shelves.

• A&E compromised its commitment to "being strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community" for a show that will have a short shelf-life. If you gonna support the LGBT community you gotta be able to deal with the heat.

• I feel so frustrated because one of my former students is living in a homeless shelter with her younger sister and mother. I don't know what to do. I see the mother almost everyday. How can I assist them in this difficult time?  I feel so awkward about approaching this mom that is trying her best. She is a proud woman that has always impressed me.  I feel if I discuss her situation she will feel embarrassed. Good people please offer suggestions.

• I am so grateful that my 23 year-old nephew decided, on his own, to visit my mom, brother, and 3 year-old nephew in Florida for the holidays. He offers me a new optimism about how a very dysfunctional family can move forward with each new generation of yungins. BTW, he had a great time and wants to revisit in the June. My sister did a good job raising him.

• I will have 46 years on this planet in March. I see, contemplate and react so much better than my earlier years. Some of us alien spirits need that amount of time. 

The Domestic-Do

Did you ever notice Miss. O'Brien and Alice both rocked a curled banged?

World AIDS Day 2013

Thank you to those that have made my ongoing journey fierce and fab! Your uniqueness left an imprint on me. Well, you know this since your essence is part of the ether, and you see all.

I continue to share the lessons you taught me with others. And, when I feel down and out, the love and/or kikis we shared lifts my spirit.

With love and appreciation I type the names:

Willi Ninja
Sandy Ninja

Angie Extravaganza

Danny Extravaganza

Evelyn

Brother Ralph

Memo

May we do better when the next pandemic comes. 

My Halloween Ritual

On the night when the veil between this world and the one we pass onto for metamorphosis is at its thinnest, I lit my candle and worked my altar for the spirits of my loved ones on the other side.

I told them how I appreciated what they brought to my life and wished them peace.

Recently, my Tio Edwin and Nereida (aka Blondie), a long-time family friend, made their transition. Marcos, James and Willi, please look for them and help to guide them.

Get Into It or Step Aside

Rick Owens had a fierce show for his Spring 2014 collection. Get into this army of warrior women stepping in high fashion.

This kind of shout-out to African-American culture has never happened in a fashion show in the U.S.A.

Cher Is So Not Feeling It

"Cher was offered a gig to perform at the opening ceremony of the [Winter] Olympics and said "No." straight-up, full stop. "I immediately said no," Cher told Canadian magazine Maclean's. "I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there."  -- source: Out.com

As you know, folks are not digging Russia's new antigay laws.  I give two-snaps for Cher standing in solidarity with the other folks expressing their dislike of these laws that oppress a group of human beings.

Yet, secretly I wish Cher would have showed up and flame out with a bunch of queens in a spectacular extravaganza that only Cher could serve to the masses.

Feeding My Brain

Hey Good People, I have some good news to share. I was a awarded a full-scholarship for a Masters in TESOL!  The acronym stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

I started my class this week and I am very excited to have this opportunity to learn new ideas and theories that will take my teaching to another level.

I am also grateful that there are three teachers from my school that are part of the cohort! Oh, and we all  really get along with each other.  It is awesome to have a built-in support group along for the journey.

So, here I go again!

Random Thoughts

This post consists of my thoughts from the self-absorbed, to the serious, to the observant and then ending with a daily mantra that continues to sustain me.

• I am now totally free of credit card debt! I just paid off my final card and feel very fortunate to be able do so.  I had to turn to my cards when I was laid-off for a few months awhile back. It took some time to pay them off, but I got it done.

• Zimmerman was found innocent in a court of law, but guilty in the court of public opinion. Zimmerman disregarded his training and the words from the dispatcher when he was told told not to pursue Trayvon. Trayvon had the right to stand his ground. Oh, and the lawyers on the prosecution side should be fired for doing such a shitty job. Phew! I got that off my chest. 

• I see you yungins. I see how what came before you influences you, then you put your spin on it in order to make it your own. I now ask you to respect the elders that gave you those influences by asking questions. The answers to those question will take what you do to another level. 

• I still continue to say 95% of my mornings, "God thank you for another day. I know I am blessed. And, miracles happen every day. 

F-Off I Am Going To Do Me

If Huma Abedin is half as powerful as the women that I know, she is contemplating a way out from her hot mess of a husband. Her husband Weiner has already showed he is looking to become a freak later in life.

I think her hesitation is due to considering if Weiner will be able to pay the monthly bill for raising the offspring while keeping her comfortable and provide her status.  A classic trap.

In my opinion she would do better by telling Anthony to go fuck himself, and rely on her own gifts to pave a liberated way for her to move forward with her children by her side.

Go here for the bochinche.

When The "Other" Inspires

While looking at this piece created by artist Mickalene Thomas (click here for more), I was reminded of erotic Japanese prints of Geishas. 

This memory then brought me back to when I heard A Taste of Honey cover the Japanese love song Sukiyaki. A Taste of Honey was a R&B/Disco band that had their first major hit with Boogie Oggie Oggie, which still turns it out to this day. 

I remember as a 12 year-old boy hearing, the Puerto Rican and African-American girls at I.S. 383, in Brooklyn, singing this song during lunch. Oh how they loved singing the final verse "sayonara."

I love it when we see beauty in other cultures and it becomes an introduction to appreciating what "other" cultures have to offer to us. 

In Very Old New York

While looking at Alice Austen's photography circa late 1800s, I came across this image. It is titled The Darned Club. I bet their spirits having been jumping for joy with the recent SCOTUS activities.

"The Darned Club," named by disrespectful Staten Island men, strikes a pose of girlish friendship on the Austen House's lawn overlooking the Narrows.  Alice (left) and her three friends, Trudy Eccleston, Julia Marsh, and Sue Ripley went to school together for years, and later spent most of their time at each other's home

"The Darned Club" and its four members -- Alice, Trude Ecoleston, Julia Marah and Sue Ripley. How did it get its name? "I guess that's what the boys called it." says Alice. October 29, 1891.

click here for more. 

In Old New York

While reading one of my recent blog obsessions Jeremiah's Vanishing New York, I was turned onto photographer Saul Leiter. I am digging his work. Here are Saul's images of New York in the winter on this first day of summer.

Click here for more.

Musto's New Home

Michael Musto is back online at Out magazine. I'm glad to see this old queen has a new home where she can do her thing. I hope Musto plans on still doing the blind items that have become legend.

I wonder what his take will be on the Tony Awards tomorrow.

Click here for more.

The Ying and Yang of Teaching 12

So, as you know I am a Special Education Teacher that provides services to mainstream and bilingual students. 

Well, at my school a fellow teacher and I are at odds about how to proceed with planning a program for one of my bilingual students.

She wants to keep him in a bilingual class, and I am suggesting he goes to a mainstream class. Let me also mention, I worked with this student for two years and she has known him for only three months.

The student in question has had four years of bilingual education. Please note the majority of students in the district only get three years of bilingual education. 

We gave my little buddy and extra year to see if it would make a difference. The result is the child is illeterate in Spanish yet shows emergent reading and writing skills in English.

She mentions theories that support strengthening a student's ability to read and write in their first language, so that they can transfer certain literacy skills over when they learn how to read and write in their second language. 

Some people in bilingual education believe this approach will make it easier for a student to acquire their second language. Other folks in education say this approach is the latest trend that is fueled by politics. 

I don't really have a horse in that race. Yet, I have my own insights based on coming from a bilingual environment. In my world second language acquisition was essential for survival. 

My colleague is a middle-class white woman, that speaks flawless Spanish as a result of her four years of studying it in college. In her world second language acquisition was an enhancement. 

I asked her if these studies, she is using as a rationale for her recommendation, included students with special needs. She responded immediately with a "yes." She has yet to provide me with the studies and/or names of the authors.

I then looked for some of these studies and the disabilities that were included are often limited to Learning Disabled and/or Speech and Language Impaired. 

Moreover, the studies I've read did not provide information regarding to what degree the students have their disabilities. 

Also, what other services and number of special ed hours these children were given in order to succeed in a bilingual program that focused on "strengthening" their first language. 

Keep in mind these studies are centered around students that have spanish as their first language. If you speak Arabic, Swahili, or Mandarin, the child gets TESOL or ESL support in a mainstream class. I wonder how those children are doing. 

Now, back to the issue at hand. The challenge we have in putting together a program for this student is that he engages in selective mutism, at school, in order to deal with his anxiety. 

According to his Speech Path therapist, this selective mute behavior compromises his higher-level thinking skills, as well as, the acquisition and use of both languages due to lack of practice. 

When she and I first started to discuss this student, I went to her with data to support my recommendation. 

The data was essential is giving me tangible evidence regarding where this student is at in English, so that the PPT team could use it to design a program that is informed by academic and anecdotal data.

She took the papers, glanced at them, and put them to the side. She then went on about the theories, and used statements that started with "I think" and "I feel."

Is she fucking kidding?

Go To The Light Mark

Mark Carson, I offer my prayers on behalf of your spirit. Journey on Mark, to that divine place where all of us will have our turn at metamorphosis.

Darling Mark, do not focus on being sent to transition so violently, instead, embrace the truth that there is only love on the other side.

Marcos, you are being sent Mark, please look for him and take him on a tour.

On The Bus

It's been awhile since I shared stories about the scandalous behaviors I see on the bus. Here is an interesting moments:

Four young dudes with long greasy hair and skin tight jeans get on the bus with me. Somehow we all end up sitting in the back.

I sit on the window seat, and have three young dudes to my right, and one young dude sitting in front of me.

Dude To My Right: So she  said they're gonna be there?

Dude In Front of Me: Yeah man! Stop asking me.

Dude In Front of Me then takes out a pack of Newport cigarettes and in there are two small bags of pot.

Dude To My Right: You should let me blow you for that.

Dude In Front of Me: (turns to me) Sorry for this exhibition.

Me: You shouldn't keep that in there. What if you offer someone a cigarette and forget you stashed it in there. You either going to get busted or have to share.

All the dudes chuckle. Dude In Front of Me puts the bags in his pocket.

I then wondered whether these guys get high and blow each other when the girls aren't around. 

All Air, No Net for Jason

Reading about Jason Collins coming out of the closet has brought tears to my eyes. I really digged what he wrote in Sports Illustrated.

Jason's words seem to come from a very honest, thoughtful and brave place. That article will change the lives of many young athletes in all sports. Click here for the full article.

Don't Call It A Comeback

John Galliano is slowly returning from being exiled from the fashion-world due to the horrid anti-Semitic remarks he made while drowning his pain in booze.

Back in February, Johnny teamed up with Oscar de la Renta and added the Galliano touch to Oscar's fall 2013 collection.

And, Johnny is going to share his talents and experience in a master class being offered at Parsons.

May he stay the course and return back to a world focused on beauty, rather than engaging in habits that will summon the ugly.

Annette's Turn At Metamorphosis

When I was a young kid, around the age of 7 or 8, the local TV station showed old episodes of the Mickey Mouse Club from the 1950s.

It was during these broadcasts that I was introduced to Annette Funicello. I so wanted to hangout with Annette, hey all the other Mouseketeers seemed to hover around. Oh, I considered myself a Mouseketter at that time.

She could sing, act and dance en pointe! Yet, Annette was the beautiful and talented girl that was still humilde.

I even digged some of her beach movies. It helped that she had that cutie Frankie Avalon hanging with her. Yeah, Annette's world was not only filled with music and dance, but also cuteness.

She was another of those performers that helped me escape, a harsh childhood, and spend some time in a fantasy world.

She is now free from a body that was afflicted with MS, and can now transition to a new reality.

Ciao darling! Thank you.

Spring Has Sprung

Today, I tended to my altar in observance of the spring equinox. I cleaned it thoroughly, replenished the water, washed the stones, placed fresh flowers, served a libation, and lit a candle.

I then did my prayers and sent my love to the family and friends that have transitioned to the other side.

I also put in a request for a little miracle that will help me transition to the next chapter of my life on this plane.

Good people, may the spring rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Why Gentrification Sucks: Reason 242

Get into this interview that is linked below. In the interview you will learn yet another reason why gentrification sucks. Moreover, why this native NYer is often sad to see NYC's uniqueness disappear.

We are decades into seeing NYC being rebuilt for tourist and transplants, that want this city to conform, in order eliminate the unknown.

If you don't want to challenge yourself, then why travel? If you are escaping suburbia and the mall, then you shouldn't support the recreation of it in NYC. 

Ya feel me?

Click here to get into it. 

Now

Then

Blizzard of 2013

Yes, that is snowdrift covering two-thirds of my front door. Yes, that is snow almost up to my waist. Yes, I am sore from all the digging and plowing that went on today. Oh and yes, I am ready for spring to arrive.

A Young Ball Queen Is Living For...

Trust me when I say, a young queen in the ball scene is going to snatch up these Adidas poodle sneakers. She will either vogue for points in them, or walk a Lady Gaga vs. Niki Minaj category.  Click here for more info.

Thank you Musto for the kiki.

For Christopher

Hey good people! So, a few days ago I went across the street to visit Christopher. Do ya remember Christopher? I posted about Chris sometime ago.

Christopher is a member of my family of choice.  I've known his mother, Mitchell, for over 20 years. I first met her when she was a young girl of twelve and consider her a niece the Universe sent to me.

Well, when I went for this visit, Christopher showed me this cool construction kit his mother bought from The Discovery Store.  I immediately went to work and created an igloo for Chris.

I wrote the captions with Chris in mind. I want him to practice his sight words and short /i/ sound.

Christopher is in front of his igloo.

Christopher is in his little igloo.

Christopher is reading a new book.

Christopher and his father are in the igloo. They are very happy.

Behind The Scenes of the Recent Accomplishments

I felt weird after re-reading my post about the recent accomplishments I've made in the beginning of this year.

I left a few significant things out.  The first being that it has taken me two years to begin to make peace with the reality of moving forward without Marcos in my life.

There has been a lot of tears, anger, introspection and fear. I've actually fantasized that his passing was all a bad dream.

In order to deal with this reality I started therapy back in April of last year. I have tremendous gratitude for doing the work that I need to do, so that I can move forward.

I have been working to wrap my brain around losing Marcos. I had to learn how to understand dealing with the loss, the survivor guilt, and the fear about what comes next.

I am using my therapy sessions to understand my feelings, and to hold myself accountable for my choices.

I am also feeling blessed during those moments when Marcos' spirit comes behind me, gently hugs me, and reminds me to get on with it.

The Year for Change - 2013

So, during this first few weeks of the 2013, I have had some incredibly productive days.

I have been able to get major tasks done that have been on my "to do" list for the past two years.

Among these tasks have been:

• Donating all of Marcos' clothes to the local Goodwill. I cheated here a bit and had a friend actually clear out those closets and fold everything up into bags. I was then able to get to Goodwill and let the clothes go. 
• Beginning the process of clearing out the house. I dumped out about 20 bags of stuff! I am saving the good stuff for a possible yard sale.
• Selling the car that belong to Marcos. I didn't want it and was frustrated with it sitting inside the garage for two years. 

Good people, what you need to understand is that these tasks have been weighing on my mind for quite sometime. I had false starts here and there, and at times wonder if I would ever get them done. Now, within weeks of the new year - I got it done!

I am feeling 2013 is going to be a year of major wonderful changes for me. Well, that is what I am putting out into the universe and working with in my head and heart.

Jodie Foster Turned It OUT: Addendum

I cried and choked up tonight. Jodie Foster spoke from a place that is truly honest and divine. She let the world know the truth about living, loving, learning, and earning a living. 

I will stop here because I need to take in seeing my childhood idol come out. I will say more later.

Addendum:

Okay, so I pulled it together and this is what I have to say since Jodie's speech:

• It is hysterical that people are fussing about whether it was a real coming out speech. If you needed to hear gay or lesbian, think about how greater the impact of Jodie talking about her ex and their "modern family."
• Her coming out was just like mine. I started to come out first to family, then friends, and eventually co-workers. Yes, I came out to people that actually knew me.
• For those that say she is a public figure and her coming out would have helped the GLBTQ community. Yeah, maybe, or maybe not. She explained her reason for not being "out and loud." 
• We have to give her props for never creating a false public life that sold her as straight. 
• Those two young boys raised by one parent that is a world-famous, looked so sweet, connected, and happy. Bravo, Jodie and Cydney, ya did some fierce parenting. 

What I see in the future, from Jodie, is a gradually loudness about who she is, but done in true Jodie style. Also, some projects that have queer characters or stories about the GLBTQ community. 

She is embracing change, and is 50 dammit! Watch out world! Jodie is going to take her work to another level. 

I wish her all the best. 

Yes! The Conflama Continues

I am so ready for season 3 of Downton Abbey! Bring on the drama, intrigue, scandal and shade.

A Kiki from New Zealand

These Maori men done turned it out. The fellas werked the crowd by living it up with no shame in their game.

BTW, youtube Vogue Dance Crew and see what a group of young queens in New Zealand is serving to the masses.

I posted this because it just made me happy.

Getting On With It

I got bit by the cleaning bug today. It felt so good to make some progress in tending to things around here. Tomorrow, I will continue with the flow. I am feeling good energy.

I also put up two calendars for 2013. I am looking forward good people. I worked really hard this year to make peace with the changes in my life.

What helps me be at peace is feeling the spirits of my dearly departed looking out for me. Basically, they all have said in their own way for me to get on with it.

I have also been very inspired by family and friends around me that continue to move forward, despite the challenges in their lives.

Back to thriving and not just surviving good people.

For the Newtown School District and Community

Transformers! More Than Meets the Eye

"The meteroric rise of the workshop of Abraham Roentgen (1711-1793) and his son David (1743-1807) blazed across eighteenth century continental Europe." source: The Met Museum

Here are some extravagantly ornate, yet extremely functional examples of the Roentgens' amazing creations.

I smiled while fantasizing about the conversations, cocktails, and competition I would have around this table. Who is up for a game of Spades?



It's all very go go gadget. I wonder what secrets were kept in the hidden compartments.



Just an exquisite piece. There is a place for everything. It must have been divine to tend to daily tasks, both business and pleasure, on this piece of furniture. Gag on the desk's final transformation and function which helped its owner put everything in perspective.

Click here for the video.

My Daily Dose of Attitude Adjustment

99.9% of the time as I head into the day or wind down from my daily adventures. I speak words of gratitude and hope.

It goes like this.

"God thank you for another day. I know I am blessed and miracles happen everyday."

I said it tonight as I walked Gino. Once I finished speaking, the patch of night sky I was looking at gave me a star flickering into view. How cool!

Not bad for the closing of 12/12/12.

Julius': Libations and Liberation

Gay patron being denied service at Julius' in 1966. Oh, it's on now!

Ya remember when I said I was falling short of living up to my big-sister duties, when it came to Princess Rei Rei?

Well, yesterday I took her to Julius'. It was important for her to be in this space and know about Julius' role in GLBT history. I also wanted to share my personal history with this space.

For ya that don't know your GLBT history, Julius' is a tavern that played a significant role in GLBT civil rights movement.

Located in the West Village of NYC, this bar was the scene for the Mattachine Society's "Sip-In" in 1966. Click on Mattachine for the details.

My Julius' story took place back in 1984. I was taken to the tavern by a handsome man named Tolson. We stopped there for what would be my first Bloody Mary. We then went to his place for what would be my first time having sex with a man!

Tolson was very sweet to me, and I was so excited about finally acting on these feelings I had for men. I remember going home feeling liberated and empowered.

Princess Rei Rei and I enjoyed our time at a table in the back sharing some fries, while I ate one of their  cheeseburgers. Julius' takes pride in their burgers.

We went on to talk about tenacity and wondered what else made us want more in life, despite the obstacles that where in our way.

We both agreed that what made a big difference in our lives was we excelled in school during our elementary years. We were able to acquire the fundamentals in the three Rs. These skills then gave us access to experiences that helped us grow, thereby, expanding our options that we could pursue regarding career and life.

I would also add that we developed a sense of pride in being ourselves, because we came of age within a fierce GLBT community that taught us to be out, loud, and proud.

And, this pride and community was slowly built by fearless men and women, that came together in places like Julius'.

The Ying and Yang of Teaching 11

Here are some of the highlights from the past few weeks:

• I had to tell two eighth-graders to stop throwing snowballs. It resulted in one of them calling me a cabron to my back. One of my fourth-grades ratted him out. I then called the principal and we approached the student. Let's just say this kid has major issues, and at one point he got angry for getting caught and got all banji and started punching his palms. It could have gotten ugly. 
• Last week, while cleaning up my room after my class party,  I gave a group of fourth-grade girls the last few bags of Doritos snack-size bags, as they passed my room. It was a random act of generosity. Today, one of the girls saw me coming in and she yelled, "You gave me a bag of Doritos! You rock!" I laughed and smiled most of the morning.
• Yesterday, one of my students told me he and his sister need coats for the winter weather, but their mother doesn't have the money to buy them. They have both been wearing hoodies during these chilly weeks. My amazing school keeps a supply of coats for students in this predicament. I got both students this morning, took them to the storage room and they walked away smiling with their new coats, gloves and hats. 
• I am seeing progress with comprehension in my reading groups when I preload comprehension questions, so that the students read with purpose, while emphasizing "pause and reflect" while we read together. 

Random Thoughts

• I have made some choices with my coins this month that has left me in a financial bind! I need to stop being lazy and focus on my bottom line. There was no need for me to be so broke that it choked. I am forgiving myself, applying the lesson learned and moving forward.
• Hey Mitt! Dude, mama bear Barbara Bush said, "People spoke. Move on, get on with it. I want to do other things and not to be ugly." Learn it and live it. 
• I am going back and forth on choosing country sausage or sweet Italian sausage, for my stuffing this year. Ahhh fuck! Now, chorizo came to mind. 
• I am thankful for RuPaul's Drag Race on Mondays. Drag Queens are proof that God wants us to be happy. 
• Any action and every thought that had fear, apathy, greed and/or dishonesty as its soil, will bear bitter fruit.