kid thoughts:

1. kids have a very funny sense of loyalty. very fierce and entirely unselective. it doesn't matter who's done it; they won't say who it is. it's like a kid code. as one kid put it: "to snitch is lower than low." really, what is the difference between telling the truth and snitching? all i know is ... i'm not IN the club. i am The Man. and they are sticking it to me.

2. this other kid has been throwing a silent tantrum at me for THREE DAYS. i made him stay after one day for like 30 seconds to write down all the hw he missed from last week (b/c he CUT my class all last week) and he's been so bratty. truly unbelievable. i promise you ... he actually pouts. whiney baby.

3. we're doing a battle simulation for our world war one unit. it's pretty serious. everyone has roles (general to private, medics, journalists, etc.) and they have to plan all their own maneuvers (british vs. german.) if you want to come see it and help out -- MAY 24. HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL, SAN MATEO. 6 AM. SEE YOU THERE! but it's pretty incredible how into it they are. the generals are planning how to attack the other side, develop long range artillery (water balloon launchers), etc ... nuts. the commanding officers are starting to get a little tetch-tetchy that the the privates won't do what they're asking them to (ie, salute me, dude! i'm your officer!) to which i reply: WELCOME TO MY WORLD.

4. friends -- PRAY FOR US. we're going camping this weekend! i'm taking my babies to some place near san rafael for the weekend. me and my support staff. TEN GOLD STARS TO AMY CHENG. she is braving the babies. but they're really cute. sample comments:

- "miss chiu! i took my tent out last night and tested it! it works!"
- "miss chiu! we're going caaaaaaaaaaaaaamping tomorrow!"
- "miss chiu! i promise to be the BEST STUDENT EVER!"
- "miss chiu! what if i get kidnapped by smokey the bear??"
- "miss chiu! can we glue you into your tent?"
- "miss chiu! are you still testing your pulse?"

i think we'll be fine ... but some prayer cover would be HUGELY appreciated. some of my "shining stars" (janice--the most-baked) are coming ... and i want them to, but if they put a toe out of line and smokey the bear comes by ...

we'll be fine. no eyeball flicking necessary.