The Dream of a Blogger is Alive in Portland

Ok, San Francisco actually.

Making the annual pilgrimage out to Paso Robles, CA for Zin Fest and thought to drop a blog. ( That sounded disgusting...did it read disgusting?)

After lapping up episodes of Portlandia like a hipster sucking down free wifi and booze during SXSW, Chris and I made a list of things people like me "looooooooooooove." and tried to make businesses out of as many aspects as we could.

Things people (specifically people like me) dig and will stand in line/shell out cash to experience:
- locally grown/created anything
- re purposed spaces
- partnerships with other local things
- things with bacon
- any activity not normally done with alcohol...being done with alcohol
- non-al fresco activities made al fresco
- nostalgia for anything
- amped up comfort food that reaches the point of ridiculous ("Chicken-fried bacon mac and cheese made with local organic cheese?!?!?" I am SO IN!")
- merchandise that proves you like/participated in anything above
- supporting animal charities

So now I'm trying my hardest to open:

-An old airplane hanger turned local craft brewery that hosts outdoor tastings & bowling tournaments on the old runway with a new local food truck each week that must feature something with bacon. Shirts and glasses designed by local teen artists feature non licenced representations of Sesame Street characters $1 from each ticket benefits Pubs for Puppies foundation ( which I will also found).

If you open this without me, I will find you...and probably just sign up for the bowling tournament under the team name "Rolling Probable Cause" because I never did get to start that skee ball team.

Go watch Portlandia now.

HK

Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues

Almost seven years ago I hung up my boots, hat, and various brightly colored outfits declaring the end of my dance "career." I'm tired, I said, I need a break, I need free time. Well, free time was given...in spades. Through the next few years I went through on again off again periods of formal and informal classes, pounds gained and lost, flexibility expanded and contracted.

You get to a point where you are either too out of practice to attend classes aimed at you or too old to attend the ones where you can keep up. You’re that weird old girl towering over 8 year-olds and smiling awkwardly at their moms...who are your age. I haven’t been that girl yet, I've always opted to get my butt handed to me in the intermediate class. 

Finally, finally I’ve found a studio where I fit in and have fun without feeling like a creepster! Dance Austin has a wonderful selection of informal classes from Ballet to Zumba, no commitment, and nice staff. I just took Adult Ballet Technique today and it was wonderful.  The instructor was a sub, but she was lovely fun and supportive. The Go-Go Cardio class that followed us was packed, and I can’t wait to try it.  I’ll be trying their Tone Up fitness class on Thursday to see how it stacks up. 

So if you’re in the Austin area, you love to dance, and you have an hour to kill, try them out. It’s worth the $15. 

Also NPH on SYTYCD saying things like "That was DOPE." has only deepened my joy. NPH I love you.

XOXONPH,
HK

Austin Again

Annnnnnd a month later I'm back.

Moving and settling in over the last month has been crazy. I've had family/friends over or I've been out of town just about every weekend. The apartment is coming along nicely and it really feels like home.Thanks to K.O. and Brit for the styling assistance. I love my bedroom the most. I also have these amazing shelved closets with doors where I place the kitty boxes so I can hide them when people come over! Hurrah! With my latest cash influx ( hurray bonus!), I'll be buying the couch, curtains, tv, and maybe a rug. Pictures as soon as I finish it.

I hosted a small dinner party at my place. I probably went overboard, and check out my classy office and camper chairs, but playing hostess was just too much fun. Pictures!

New job is nice too. It's not teaching, things are much...simpler. I miss the kids and the craziness...I also might plan lessons in my head during down time. However the people are great and it is fun learning a new skill. Also working 9-5 is AMAZING. The free time has spurred me to start looking for volunteer and leadership opportunities. I'm looking in to tutoring math at a local middle school and maybe mentoring for lego robotics.

Best part of being back in Austin is the feeling of home. I don't feel in transition anymore, I feel like I've arrived. Mostly due to my amazing friends, however this town just suits me. My new neighborhood is perfect, with a Little Deli, plenty of community stores, and a beautiful place to run.

It's good to be back.
HK

Pack n' Cleanse

3 people, 2 days, 10 + trash bags, 5 donation boxes, and 1 recycling trip later I am packed. It's amazing how you can minimize your life every time you move. Each move makes me less sentimental when I realize these "REALLY IMPORTANT" papers I wrote for college and stuffed animals from every trip to Disney World haven't seen the light of day for 2 years. What was I thinking? I'm going to read my capstone case analysis papers for fun? Trash.

On my last day of work, after sobbing in my car, my hands were slick and I was hungry. So I went to Raising Canes to stuff my arteries with fried comfort. Opening the door to Cane's I dropped my blackberry, delivering the fatal blow to a phone with only a half working screen. None of the buttons worked, then the screen gave out entirely.

I drove to the nearest verizon store, held out my blackberry and said "I want an iphone." So I bought and iphone, and it is crack. Pure crack. My internet will be out until the 16th so it was perfect timing. No, I don't care the iphone 5 is about to drop. I wasn't going to spend money on a temp phone just to wait it out. I lived with a blackberry from 2006 till now, this is a serious upgrade.

I move on Thursday and today is grEIGHT goodbye happy hour and TFA farewell dinner at Fogo de Chao. It'll be a rough but fun afternoon.

XOXO,
HK

Last Day To Feel The FORCE

My heart is breaking.

Yesterday was my last day with kids, and today is my last day as a teacher. I cried multiple times yesterday, but did my best not to do it in front of my kiddos. They signed a frame for me, and I can only read their notes one at a time, or I start to lose it. Saying goodbye to the staff is even worse. I moved to Houston knowing only a handful of people. My school has become like a family to me. I don't even know how to begin to say goodbye.

I know I should finish packing up my room, and checking out. However I've got 2 hours to wait on transferring my itunes, so I figured I'd blog a bit.

This school has changed me in so many positive ways. I'm stronger, more disciplined. I also know how to have a life, and let little things go when they don't really matter. I'm more compassionate, more in tune with how to listen. I can't list all the things I've learned from all of the amazing people here. The family can never be re-created, however I sincerely hope I can find a similar feeling soon.

Yesterday, we has Iron Chef YPG. The secret ingrediant was pineapple. We had $50 and a convection oven and anything we could get from home. Team grEIGHT made:
-pineapple mango salsa
-pineapple crazy dip
- pineapple stuffed jalapeno popper wrapped in bacon ( YUM)
- pineapple teriakyi chicken skewers
- pineapple orange smoothie

With a combination of team work, culinary skill, and presentation we WON! 8,8,8, gooooooo grEIGHT!

I better get back to packing my car and saying goodbye. I don't think I'm going to make it through without some tears.

-HK

67 8th graders, 7 teachers, and 5 days

Look, I run half marathons. I do WDW in the heat of July. I eat babies for breakfast.

And let me tell you none of it prepares you for 8th grade spring trip.

Last year, Ms. Kinkade's Manatees were rock 'em sock 'em robots awesome. Straight lines, very few metro mishaps, and positive attitudes. Kinkade's Kangaroos ( tag line "let's bounce") were lovely...however the exact opposite. They got it together at the end, but not after babysitting sick ones, and preparing for awkward parent phone calls with others. We had a great time, even if I still can't wear my shoes because I'm sure that's some sort of public health hazard. We're talking 7 AM -10:30 PM walking in Houston-like heat and humidity.

All minor complaints aside, our kids were the best behaved there. The nonsense I saw from kids twice their age was just plain sad. I worry about the future of our nation sometimes, hopefully my kids will run everything.

HIGHLIGHTS!

FDR Memorial

 grEIGHT ( minus K Norv)

 Aunt Susan and Uncle Tim

 Sculpture garden

 LION CUBS A THE ZOO!!!! ( I almost switched one of my kids for a cub. No one would ever notice)

 Nationals Game with the Kangaroos

 Impending Doom

 Kangaroos at the Capitol

 Fancy Kangaroos- Let's Bounce

One week till moving day!

XOXO,
HK

What Letting Go Looks Like

I was so fortunate to be invited to one of my student's dance recitals. My parents were in town so I convinced them to come with me. After an hour of tedious ballet ( not hating on ballet, you know I love it), it was time for my student to shine. Dance jargon aside, her number was hands down the BEST. When she was on stage I saw her let go. She is such a smart, funny, quiet, reserved young woman. I rarely see her cut loose and get out of her shell. On stage, I saw her let it all out and give in. I have never been so proud. She was amazing. Through tears, I just couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I was to have this student touch my life.

I miss having that outlet in my life. The time in my week when I could just let go and be part of the music. Running is a good substitute. It is quiet, and intense, and requires mental focus. I just don't feel that abandon, that joy.

My students have taught me so many lessons about life and about myself. I want to think that wonderful student for one more thing she taught me this year...sometimes you need to let go. On the verge of the move, and a new career, and a new life, I can't wait to find a new outlet where I can do that. Thanks kid.

-HK

The Next Chapter

To spare you from a lengthy blog entry about my plans for next year, I drafted a list of things that should reveal what most of you already know.

It's that time of year again, when teachers are asked; "So what's the plan for next year?"

My reply:

1.) I am joining a skeeball league under the name "Rolling Probable Cause" (don't steal it). If you're interested in joining my team, please let me know. Our shirts will be legendary.

2.) Attending my first ACL with a Sunday ticket. Which, OF COURSE, I bought just for Randy Newman, screw the rest, I love you Randy.

3.) Start wearing make-up every day and stop recycling the same 5 outfits every week because it is all I have time to clean. Seriously, if I wear the pink shirt and silver shrug on Tuesdays instead of Thursdays puts my students’ chi in a bad place.

4.) Putting claw caps on my cat that can't resist shredding my couch regardless of how many sprays I buy or scratching things I buy her. Oh, and I'm buying a new couch.

5.) Riding the MetroRail. Shelia is a gas whore.

6.) Wine video conferencing with KO while watching Greys.

7.) Pluckers Trivia. This is one of the only things you can do to profit off of years of obscure music, television, and film I was submitted to at a young age. No seriously, ask me about Zulu. I will school you.


8.) Watching the 101X Summer Cinema Series. Movie #3 is TMNT. I waited in a line around the block in 1990 to see it in theatres as a screaming 5 years old. I will camp out a spot as early as it takes to see it on the big screen again. Also, Leonardo is better than your favorite turtle. There, I said it.
If the list wasn't enough for you, I'm moving back to ATX! I'll be returning to my marketing roots at an AMAZING company. I will miss my school, my kids, and endless personal rewards that come from teaching. It wasn't an easy decision, but as June 10th gets closer, I know more and more it was the right one.

I made the bridge to TFA Alumna at the Alumni Induction last week. It was very clear, my time in the Corps is almost over, but there is a critical part I have to play in supporting the movement and education reform. I plan to do my part telling my student's stories and supporting reform with my vote. I will continue to participate however I can in supporting our students facing a world where quality education is still a privilege, when it should be a right.

XOXO,

HK

Jeans Kill Cancer

I cannot believe it! My school helped me sponsor a "Jean's Day" during cancer awareness week, Students could donate a dollar and staff could donate 5 dollars to wear jeans for a day. In one day our generous students and staff raised $464.91! I was floored by the support and I still believe how much we raised together. Huge shout out to my school directors who had the idea to involve the kids!

Also, check out my fundraising website! I have to mail in the check from the school so those donations aren't up to date.

Race training is going well too. Week 1 under my belt and it looks like a 2:30 is totally possible. I ran 30 minutes at race pace Tuesday,  a timed mile at 9:30 then 25 minutes jogging on Thursday, and a 3 mile run in under 30 minutes on Saturday.

It's nice to see things going so well!
HK

Things are just wonderful...oh and my dad is too!

I may be a bad blogger, but I am living a wonderful life. Things are going so well I can't even begin to explain. However, I WILL highlight this AMAZING Tobin James Petite Sirah I am currently enjoying. My James Gang wine club shipment came in a while ago and I am just over the moon with it. When I returned from my last trip to Paso, I couldn't help but reflect on the wonderful opportunity I have to volunteer at the winery every spring break. The people are amazing and I get to enter this wonderful world of wining and dining for two days. Look the wine is great ( scratch that: amazing), the area is the most beautiful, working the event is so much fun, but being around the people and spending time with my family is what makes it so memorable. I hope to be out there for many years to come.

In other news I decided to take the HUGE leap, and run for a foundation for my  next half marathon. I'll be running the Disneyland Half Marathon in support of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. I'm so excited I could burst! To drive my feet ( and my fundraising) to the finish line, I wanted to pick an inspiration. And I picked...

My Dad! Not only a cancer survivor, but the reason I laced up my shoes for my first half marathon. He was the original reason I started running half marathons and the ONLY reason I finished my first one. So this time, it's all for you  Darth! Can't wait to cross the finish line in Anaheim with you!

Lots of other news to come but wine and my dad kind of go together so let's leave it with that!

XOXO,
HK

Tampa Airport has free wifi

I'm here about 2 hours early for my flight and there is free wifi + an open work station. So sportsfans exciting blogs coming up. They need pictures so I'll hold off on posting them now. They include:

- Christmas at Disney World: How to ride everything and only trample 5 kids

- Drunk on Butterbeer and Power: My illustrated guide to enjoying The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without cursing anyone.

-New Year Resolutions: I have to run how far in February?!?!?!?!

Get excited.

Spending Christmas with the Eggerts was fantastic. I come from a very small family where we don't get together very often. It is the complete opposite with the Eggert crew. Almost everyone lives in Florida and they're able to spend lots of holidays together. It was a very warm welcoming experience and I had an amazing time. I had a bit of a hard time adjusting on Christmas day. The Kinkade Christmas of spending all day in your PJs eating waffles and watching movies is very different from waking to the sounds of children diving head first in to presents before 10am and actually having to get dressed because everyone will soon be there. It was still lots of fun. The little cousins are adorable and SO BIG from the last time I saw them! It was also really nice to just spend time with Russell, Linda, Ita and Chris.

And now onward to my family Christmas/New Years. I'm looking forward to spending some time with the family and getting the warm fuzzies.

This is late but I'm going to copy Ter-Bear

Thanksgivinging was AWESOME. A week off. A WHOLE WEEK. I did...well...almost nothing. I went out maybe one night, went to the spa and spent the rest of the week hiding at my home, sleeping, on playing Call of Duty ( go ahead, mock me) and watching BSG (again, go ahead, mock me.)

Dad has to go back for another cancer screening. Have to make sure it is not back, keep him in your  thoughts please. So he was on a low iodine diet...basically he can't eat anything that isn't made from scratch without iodized salt...so mom had to bake the bread from scratch, make a special pie crust without shortening/butter, etc. IT WAS AMAZING. Not going to lie, it was fan-tastic.

SO a few things I'm thankful for!

FAM ( and my awesome Brother-in-law who isn't in here. Love you!)

Friends + You if you're my friend and I didn't include you in the picture :-)

Co-workers

My BFF

My BTFF

BSG...even if I want to cut the blonde one

 

teh kittehs, even if Izzy just jumped off my lap scratching my leg to bits

MANATEES

Also, THE University of Texas...even if we can't win a reasonable game, wine, running, dancing, bon jovi, call of duty, pie, yogurt, high heels, BGBG, Juicy Couture, Massages, and Chanel lip gloss.

I'm thankful for you because you're reading this and that makes me feel special. YAY!

Sheila

After 8 wonderful years of service, devotion, and hauling large amounts of things that should be in a dumpster, the Buick has retired. Good ol' Chick 455 or K08 MZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, is resting peacefully wherever they take trade-ins that have windows taped up because otherwise they won't stay up, a glove box that won't close, and a cup holder that is broken in half. I had many a good time with/in/sitting on that car. Let's face it, he hit 100,000 miles and fell apart. Not matter how hoss his Bose speakers were, it was time.  And now pause for nostalgia. If you have any good pictures of my beloved buick please send them my way :-)

Saying Goodbye



Remembering high school



Celebrating graduation

 AND NOW FOR SHEILA!!!

I fell in love with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T after Chris bugged me to test drive it. Last time I was in a Hyundai I was in Jen's Elantra which was having electrical fits. I did NOT want a Hyundai. He told me just to give it a chance. I was 100% set with my Mazdaspeed 3 and then I saw her. Bright red and beautiful. This is a car you have to see in person, pictures really do not do her justice ( otherwise I would have been sold by looking a photos).

 I won't bore you with the AMAZING deal I got her for, or all the extras they threw in because she was the showroom model and it was obvious they were ready to move her out the door ( hellllo free window tint). She is wonderful and has everything I wanted including her 210 horsepower turbo charged sexiness, bluetooth in the steering wheel, integrated ipod system, and of course her sexy sexy look. Dad haaaaaates that I bought a red car, but in the sea of tan cars at home it is a nice change of pace.

My favorite Shelia moment so far was a guy at Sonic who stopped and asked me when they started making the Genesis Coupe because when he first saw Shelia from the side he was convinced she was an Infiniti G37 ( my aspirational car). That made my day. Seriously kids, come ride with me and Shelia it is seriously fun!

Enjoy these poor quality pics of my girl.

Sheila on the showroom floor.

All is well and Turkey Trot on Thursday!!! Happy Turkey Day kids.

XOXO,
HK

2 hours and 54 minutes of rocking

2 hours and 54 minutes?! 13.1 miles?!

I mean did that even really happen?

Guess it did because there's photographic evidence. Well, if I WANTED to pay $39.95 for a poster sized picture of myself that says FINISHER I guess that'd be the best way to prove that I finished my first half-marathon. I feel like that's for the person who gets up every morning and talks to themselves in the mirror about how awesome they are and how they're going to tear up today's board meeting like they tore up the course. While I'm at it I might as well put it on a mug too, or why not get wallet sized prints to hand to friends and relatives. I mean who wouldn't want a picture of my exhausted sweaty self to show strangers on the subway? You know you do.

Anyway, I did it! I ran the whole way and finished. I need to write a thank you letter to Bon Jovi for getting me through mile 7 with Livin on  prayer ( get it? oooooo we're half way there....etc).Mile 9 and 10 were pretty awful but I just kept on truckin' waiting for the next band, depressing cheerleading group, cytomax table, or cheering friend on the course. Huge shout out to all my wonderful friends and family for making it out to cheer for me so early in the morning on a really COLD day or congratulate and hang out with me later. It meant a lot. :-)   Dad and I ran together the whole way ( and by that I mean dad had to run painfully slow to not lose me). We finished hand in hand at the line in probably our most memorable moment since Rock Lobster at Jen's wedding.

My mom and Aunt Susan walked the half and finished in 3hr 53 min and 4hr 7min respectively. They were serious troopers. Although, they ran out of medals so mom got a marathon one and Aunt Susan's is being mailed, she borrowed one for the pic below.

You know the best part about marathons. The freaking SWAG. I mean yes I paid $130 to do this, but seriously do you know how many granola bars or GU packages I have? Who eats this much granola? And why do I have Shave Secret? Who knows? Who cares? It's free!! Yay mindless consumption!

Next up I have the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving (4 miles) and then the big one...my first Disney half marathon. Mom and I are doing the Princess Half Marathon at WDW. They even let you register as a mother-daughter team...we're the "Goofy Girls". Goofy is mom's favorite. I can't wait.  Then I'll be doing the Disneyland half marathon with the family over Labor Day which qualifies me for the coast to coast Disney medal. I'll round out the year again in November with the SA Rock N' Roll half marathon. It's going to be a run-tastic year.

Hope you're all doing well. Enjoy not-so-sexy pics ( props to Ter-bear for taking them!).

Everything Tastes So Good

I made both the recipes I posted on my last blog. The Butternut Squash with Spinach was FAN-Tastic, however needed a protein to make it a meal. It calls for you to mush the blue cheese and lemon juice in to a dressing. Which, I might add, was AMAZING and I've adapted with other cheeses to make dressings for my salads.

Have you tried Spaghetti Squash? Seriously stop whatever you're doing RIGHT now. Go buy some, cook it and eat it. It's amazing and totally diet friendly. I'm in love.

I used to really feel like cooking for myself was just a waste of time. Seriously, I get to school at 6:30 every morning, teach from 7:30-4:30, then prep till whenever I get to leave...so that leaves me with about 4 hours to myself before I should be asleep. I never thought spending 30 min to an hour on dinner would be fun, I usually just make chili and be done with it. However, these past few days cooking have been really fun, even after 6 mile runs and really long waits in traffic. There's just something so soothing about treating myself, and my wallet right. The Silver Reserve Cabernet in my wine club shipment helps too. ;-)

My half marathon is this weekend and I am SO excited. I can't believe I went from running 1-2 miles a week to this. I can't wait to cross that finish line.

The cat situation has improved and as soon as I get the title to the Buick my new baby is on its way. Just deciding on the color. I'll post pics and reveal the winner when she is mine!

ps

 I HATE, I mean HATE Teenage Dream. The song makes me want to die. The Glee version, however, was amazing.

Saving Money with a Fall Menu, Movies and Marathons

It is rainy, cold, and Starbucks has winter drinks with Christmas cups. Regardless of my harsh opinion that the day after Thanksgiving is the ONLY appropriate time for Christmas Cheer ( Are you listening retail? I know you're hurting but seriously, Christmas decor BEFORE Halloween, tisk-tisk), I am seriously enjoying this time of year. AND because I'm saving money ( new car of the way you know) I am trying all sorts of ways to get everything I want at home for little cost.

This is a great time for me to save some $$$ by cooking more. Next week we have Butternut Squash with Wilted Spinach and Spaghetti Squash Marinara on the way. I am really excited. I forgot how much I love cooking for fun. Staying in means I get to treat myself to homemade breakfasts and amazing wine and snacks at home. Petite Sirah, yes please. Fall James Gang Wine shipment is on the way and it couldn't come at a better time than when I'm cooking up a storm.

Cheap entertainment means revisiting movies I love, ones I own and can watch multiple times in a row without stopping. Revisiting them makes me go through so many different stages in my life. Hands down top 5 movies I can watch OVER and OVER  are:

1.) Ratatouille
2.) Zombieland
3.) Forgetting Sarah Marshall
4.) Hot Fuzz
5.) Waitress

Plus, thanks to the Alamo Drafthouse I can find plenty of free TV shows and movies I can go, get a pint, and come out with a beer and a show for only $5. The Walking Dead was AMAZING and I'm glad to see such a great adaptation. I know Powers and Chew are also being adapted by the same organization and I'm excited to see more great comic stories come to the small screen.

Other than cleaning, my cheap additional entertainment involves training for my half-marathon! It's two weeks away and I'm so excited. My family is all coming out and I'm really looking forward to running, finishing, and collapsing. Lately, I'm trying to run different routes in my area of Houston. It is a such a great time to be by myself and really just enjoy living.

And kiddos let me tell you...between wine, movies, food, and running...I am sure loving my life.

-HK

Not Sleeping, Stress Mounting and No End in Sight...must be October

I won't lie, even with the blessing of that 3 day weekend, October is BRUTAL. Our second 6-weeks is over, and this week our kids take their Common Assessments ( trimester finals). The novelty of the school year has worn off and the kids are getting a bit burnt out. I let work catch up to me and am no longer planned and printed as early as I am usually.

Waiting For Superman has spurred a lot of great conversations with fellow teachers about our public school system. Of course, I can only speak on it from the prospective of a public charter school teacher. However it has been refreshing to hear comments from the point of view of HISD teachers as well as suburban public school teachers. Something I found interesting (and a bit concerning) was the lack of knowledge of how public charters actually work. Most people I've talked to weren't aware of the lottery system and were surprised charters don't pick the kids by application. There's a lot misinformation out there and the movie doesn't address it all, so of course that causes some strain when discussing it with others. All in all the discussions I've had ended on a positive note.

On to non-school stuff:

- I bought my first Halloween costume in years and I'm super excited.

-  I can't wait for the1/2 marathon is coming up in November. I'm behind in training but I'm having so much fun just running.

-I  am now OBSESSED with SoLa at the Triangle in Austin. I bought the cutest dress of all time and can't wait to pair it with vintage heels and pearls.

- I got a ticket for my expired inspection sticker. Darn license plate lamp.

- I am getting closer and closer to my Mazdaspeed 3 every day. I'm starting to get impatient.

- I think gin cocktails are superior to all others.

-  I loved BBQing and hiking in Bastrop State Park and can't wait to go again.

- I love bullet points because information is way easier to write this way

- I'm excited Chris is coming to visit this weekend in Houston.

- I'm going to bed.

-HK

Waiting For Superman

This week I had the privilege to experience two events that reminded me of why I joined the education reform movement.
1.) Waiting For Superman:

Our School was treated to a free sneak peak of this education documentary before it hit theatres in Houston today. I have to say the experience of viewing a film about the truths you experience every day, surrounded by educational professionals made the experience very memorable. The film brings to the front several issues that impact not just the future of America's schools, but America as a country. It exposes the real life effects of the Achievement Gap as well as the Global Education Gap between our students and their foreign peers.

Hands down the most impactful part of this film was putting faces and names to the children and parents who are stuck in a system plagued by low expectations, red tape, and unfulfilled promises. It reminds us that the problem with education in America is not the kids, it’s the adults. We are in control of their future and our students MUST come first. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members are all part of this fight. We must ALL take responsibility and take action.

Teaching is a profession. Teachers should be held to the highest standards of performance as well as supported and developed to ensure they are set up to help their children succeed. The power of GREAT teachers must be celebrated and harnessed to help other teachers BECOME great.

If the movie is playing in your city, I encourage you to see it. Just remember, that movies don't make a difference, PEOPLE do. If it inspires you, go out and take action.

2.) TFA Benefit Dinner

I had the privilege of attending the dinner as a Corps Member and meeting many of the community members who support educational excellence across Houston. I was blessed to be introduced to the keynote speaker Michelle Rhee, TFA Alumni and Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. I had the great pleasure of meeting her and getting a chance to interact with a person I admire. She was very gracious and her speech was as inspiring and informative as it was entertaining. The highlight of the night was getting the opportunity to speak to so many people about what I get to do every day in my classroom. I love talking about my kids and all the things they've been able to accomplish. I am more honored than ever to be part of this movement.

I'm not sure what my future will be in the education movement. It may be in the classroom providing my kids with a teacher who will never stop working to become better at my craft. It may in the national reform movement ensuring every child has access to a great education. It may be in the private sector keeping companies invested and involved in educating their future workforce. I can only say for now that it will be a significant part of my future and I am so excited to be a part of it.

Let's Do the Numbers

.Perfect Weather. Perfect Weekend.

10 - The number of dollars I lost at Man Bites Dog because I didn't check my change. The hot dog was still amazing and I will be back.

9 - The length of my frozen banana from Bananarchy which was dipped in choco then rolled in cinnomon and coconut. It was sublime.

8 - The number of points we lost by this weekend :-(

7 - Date of the TFA benefit dinner where I get to play hostess. Excited? You bet I am!

6 - Cost of Admission to Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg with Chris and Teri where I delighted in brew, sausage, polka, and potato pancakes. Top moment was a cop approaching Teri and asking ever so sweetly if that was a beer she was drinking, before carding all 3 of us. He was so sure he was going to get to kick out a bunch of kids. Sorry guy.
 

Also the date of when I get to go see an advanced screening of Waiting For Superman with the YP family.

5 - Number of times in an episode of Mad Men I want to smack someone for being awful. However the show is fantastic.

4 - Texts I got from Katherine over the weekend while she was AT the TX-OU game. None were mean.

3 - Hours it takes to get from Houston to Austin. I wish it wasn't so far.

2 - Of the best days I've had in forever

1- Number of kitties almost adopted by Chris. She was so cute.

On being loved...

This weekend was the first weekend I could feel that cool fall breeze come through. Everything glowed and being outside felt like walking through warm silk. I was so blessed again to be surrounded by amazing friends all weekend. Whether it was hitting happy hour with co-workers, trying out the new wine bar with my BTFF,  bonding with my kids over a lackluster event kickoff, chowing down on the bypass burger and limeades at Dry Creek Cafe, watching the WORST game I've ever seen against UCLA, sipping lemonade while watching the boats on the pond at Discovery Green, trying to find pumpkin pie by the slice, or curling up at home...I spent the whole weekend feeling so incredibly loved.

A cool breeze is blowing outside, making a little howling noise, but I am so very warm inside right now.

I love y'all too.

XOXO
HK