This is what I found abandoned in a conference room this morning.  It is so intriguing to me!  There are so many ways to interpret it, and so many ironies involved!  Instead of considering them, I'll move on...

Yesterday, I went shoe-shopping while buying time (pun intended) before class.  There was no more planning that I could do, and I'm in the market for boots.  Apparently, though, the size of the store I was in did not mean that they sell waterproof, warm, and cute boots- not even minus the cute!  There were tons of stylish boots, but how practical is it to go through a wet winter in fabric that'll get ruined?  It's a good thing I was in that mindset, because I was also enticed by some pretty cute shoes.  but before I puff up my ego more...

a smile can be the simplest and hardest and most rewarding thing to share.

some thought leftovers from yesterday:
*people aren't as alike as I thought!  I often notice things that show the similarities across broad bands- but then there are moments when someone says something I think is bizarre or at least shows a stark contrast to another person.  When the most recent instance of this occured, I initially thought it may be a values issue, and then an interest issue.  Maybe one person likes to hear the nitty-gritty, while the other could care less.  That's not quite it- and other explanations I've come up with also don't fit... so I'm not sure what it is, but people sure are complicated!

*I get grossed out by meat sometimes, especially if I actually think of it as (once being) an animal.  Then, yesterday, I was thoroughly enjoying ribs (while thinking about this).  You would think a rib would be even a bigger trigger for such disgust, but no...  Maybe if I'd grilled or otherwise prepared the ribs myself, I'd feel that way.

*Sometimes people express concern that I short-change myself, but what if I short-change others?  I'm sure that I do.  Maybe that's a name for what I do when I make decisions for others- not giving them an opportunity or maybe even the benefit of the doubt?  that's depressing.  I'll try to be aware of and not do that.

*Europeans have the right idea about walking after dinner (or any large meal).  It's better than it just sitting there, and it's a good way to socialize. 

*It's the start of the closed-toe (shoe) season.  They can be so confining!  The 40- and 50-something weather in the mornings has been great, though.  It's refreshing and may even help bring clarity of mind!

Class was OK last night.  It was really frustrating at some point- as in everyone was talking amongst themselves- not asking me questions or paying attention or 'getting it.'  The students learned something at some point during the class, or at least I hope.  and it ended up fine...  a 'Classroom Management' class would probably be good.  We've all got to start somewhere.

I'm so glad it's Tuesday!  What does that mean?  It's nice having a fresh start every day.  A co-worker said something about the optimism of youth, but I hope to stay optimistic.  There is a pessimist and other characters in me as well, but I don't ever want to let the optimist get suffocated or stifled for too long.