obsessed

 My dog Sunny is obsessed with playing ball. I have one of those Chuck It thingies that I use to toss a ball, but we don't play all the time (like, all winter!) There's one park we go to lots and now are part of the Puppy Patrol text thread - probably like 6 or 8 dogs and their parents who coordinate playdates.

When we are being social, I don't get the ball out, because once that comes out, she will just obsess over it and ignore all the playtime she could have.

So when another dog is playing ball, it's especially problematic. If Sunny gets the other dogs' ball, I may as well just forget it. She loves the game of me chasing her all over (and never being able to catch her).

So as soon as another ball comes out, I have to catch her and put her on a 10 foot leash. She's pretty smart and she knows she has no choice but to listen when she's on lock down!

sweet spot

Sunny is my first small dog. Growing up, we always had labs and retrievers, which I love, but just me in a small apartment - that wouldn't work. Sunny is 15 pounds - she's not tiny, but she's no big dog by any means.

Sunny and I live alone so she pretty much gets everything she wants, including sleeping with me. She doesn't take up much space so it works for now. My favorite is falling asleep with her in the little spot she always goes to.

I'm typically laying on my left side, kinda fetal position but not quite, pillow under my head and one just in front of me. She'll come in and get right in the little nook, laying her head over my side body.

We don't stay like this all night but I usually fall asleep this way. When I wake up she's  elsewhere, but still close by.

Anyone else with small dogs? Same for you? Maybe I'm the weird one.

You want a nana?

I am a creature of habit. Every morning for breakfast I have a protein shake and for the last six months it has been chai banana. Just a half of banana but every day, I always call out to Sunny since she is usually in the other room, "Sunny, you want a nana?" She comes running over and then as long as it's a thin slice, she's happy to enjoy this little treat. 

These rituals I find in every day small moments, even with my dog, make me so happy.

Oh, she'll let you know

I've had a hectic schedule the past two days, and my dog, and consequently, myself, are feeling the effects. My pup Sunny is a Micro Mini Golden Doodle and she's almost two, so she's got a ton of energy. In Chicago, it's been cold still, and the last two days I've had meetings after school, putting me home later than expected. What this means for Sunny is that she got quick walks from the downstairs neighbors and then a tired mama at home who tries to give her attention but is often lacking the energy to do so.

But Sunny is speaking to me.

Specifically, at midnight.

When she woke me up last night.

Trying to play with me.

In bed.

So today we will be going to the park and meeting her bff Zion for at least an hour of running. Hopefully more, depending on sunset. Will be our first time at our fave park since last fall... send good vibes that the sun stays out on a warm Chicago day!

Sunny is the black one :-)

letters

Dear teachers,

I know there is just too much right now. Remote teaching is a lot. We are mourning the loss of children before us and some of us are even teaching to blank screens on zoom. There's grading and lesson planning and report cards and paperwork and it's all online and it is a lot. As an instructional coach, you have my commitment that I'm reconsidering what it means to coach a time like this. I'm here to listen, I'm here with snacks, I'm here to cheer you on or offer a joke if you need it, and I'm here to troubleshoot zoom or plan a lesson or problem solve. Or, we can scream into pillows. Just let me know what support for you looks like at this time and I'll deliver.

Love, your friend

Dear ELA Teams,

Thank you for your thoughtful reflections this week around our norms and the Clear is Kind article. I know it's hard to be super transparent and direct, and I appreciate your openness to the ideas. Like yoga and meditation, I believe vulnerability is a practice, and the more we engage with it, the easier it becomes, so cheers to your open hearts and minds as we co-create teams that keep student learning at the heart of all we do.

Love, Brezek

Dear LO,

Thank you for sharing the closing remarks from Lucy Calkins and the call to action to show up for one another and spread kindness. It's because of you I did so, and it filled my heart with such warmth to pass along something to someone else.

Love, Michelle

Dear Holls, Nicki, and Sierra,

Thanks for a super fun weekend hiking and adventures at Carol's place. And for letting me bring Sunny and loving her just the same as me, and for the birthday celebrations. Let's not wait three years to do that again!

Love, Shel

Dear Sunny,

Thank you for being a good dog and not running away from the horseback riding session when you were following along off leash and I was separated from you. If you had chased a squirrel or bunny away, heartbroken would be not near enough way to describe the loss I would have felt. I'm so happy you're such a good listener!

ily SBS!
Love, Mama

Dear Brené Brown,

Thank you for the way you coach us on leadership through your work studying it, including your most recent podcast. It was such a blessing to hear more about Joe Biden and his personal story, and the ways in which he wants to lead our country with courage and empathy.

Sincerely, your #1 fan, Michelle

Dear Social Justice Book Club,

I will not be ready for How to be an Anti-Racist on Sunday. Where is everyone else at? Can we postpone? It was so much easier in the summer.

Sincerest apologies, Michelle

Dear fellow Americans,

As if you haven't been reminded enough, let's get out to vote. 

Sincerely, a hopeful neighbor

Dear AB & MH,

Thank you for listening and leading with such a loving calmness about you. I appreciate all your attention to detail and the work you do behind the scenes for all of us. Also, thanks for teaching me how to be a better leader in the structures and routines you execute with us at school. Appreciate you so so much.

Love, Brezek

Dear Coffee,

There's a new method on the way. I have learned all about the French Press and can't wait till the one I ordered gets here.

Excited! Michelle

Dear RB,

You were meant to teach Stamped to eighth graders. Your energy, love, and exuberance is contagious and I'm so thankful I've been able to drop in some of your discussions. Fave moments were when Julian put his eye to the camera, like, "Wut?!" or "Yep, I agree." Looking forward to see what the kids create, and happy to be on that journey with you.

Hugs, Brezek

Dear Cousin,

Such a good chat this week catching up with you. I'm so proud of you for prioritizing your happiness and think you are wise beyond your 23 years. Keep it up girl, you're inspiring all those around you!

Love, Michelle

Dear 30's,

We have about one week left together, and to you, I'm thankful for all the ways I've grown. I have learned so much about health, including emotional and mental health as I've negotiated relationships with others. I can say that I did not expect to be on the verge of 40 still single, but unlike a decade ago, I will say that I find value in all the areas of my life that are flourishing. Thank you for molding me into a confident woman after all the insecurities of my late 20's and early 30's.

Love, Michelle

Dear HW,

I can't wait to see you!

xo, your bff