Thursday, April 26, 2012

Thirty-One Thrills

I would like to highlight my favorite moment for each one if you.  See if you can figure out which moment applies to you!

1.        I loved the look on your face the first time you got a sticker on one of your papers.
2.       I loved the moment when you realized that I find you quite humorous.
3.       I loved every time you shook your head in disagreement when I would say that my students hate me.
4.       I loved the moment when you finally got a 9 on a paper, but acted completely cool about it.
5.       I loved the moment when you looked at me during discussion because we both wanted to make fun of the person currently speaking.
6.       I loved when you could finally look at me and smile as we passed in the hallway, instead of pretending that you never saw me.
7.       I loved the moment when you read one of the poems you wrote and felt so proud of yourself.
8.       I loved when you confidently shared your beliefs, and all of us became better people because of you.
9.       I loved the moment when you told me that you remembered that you always wanted to become a writer.
10.    I loved the moment when you gracefully accepted your position as lackey.
11.      I loved the moment when I realized how much you actually appreciate all of the people in your class for what they have added to your life.
12.     I loved the moment when you told me that you now love writing, and you want to keep writing after high school.
13.     I loved the class period when you made everyone laugh repeatedly because of your funny voices.
14.    I loved when you realized you could withstand my harassment and become a stronger person for it.
15.     I loved the moments when you said, “Thank you! Have a nice day!” every time you left my room.
16.     I loved the moments when you would speak, but everyone would look at me since none of them could hear you.
17.     I loved when you tripped in the center of the room, and you laughed along with me.
18.     I loved when you told me that you love my sweater dress; I admire your fashion sense.
19.    I loved your funny e-mails from all of your fabulous trips.
20.   I loved the moment when I saw you switch from healthy snacks to a candy extravaganza.
21.     I loved when you put your beard on during an in-class writing, and nobody seemed to notice but me and your startled writing partner.
22.    I loved that you always find the energy to fix the circle and to pass out the journals when no one else will.
23.    I loved the moment when I passed you in the hallway, and sensing my disgruntled state, you said something funny to make me laugh.
24.   I loved the moment when you realized you could actually assert yourself without seeming rude.
25.    I loved when you said to me, “I feel like I have really starting loving this class!”
26.    I loved that you would always laugh at my jokes when everyone else just stared at me.
27.    I loved the moment when you sweated profusely, but still kept the costume on for the sake of your grade.
28.    I loved the moment when I sat in a desk behind you, and neither one of us could stop giggling about the people reading their poems.
29.   I loved the moments when you would come in to school early so that we could chat.
30.   I loved how much you loved all of your writing partners.
31.     I loved how excited you got whenever people brought food and candy to share with the class.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Dangerously Cool in the Safest Way Possible

What if I started a motorcycle club?  Note: I use “club” as a code word for “gang.”  Even though I use the mantra, “Safety first!” in my role as Aunt Bobbie, and, truthfully, in every other role in my life, I have a profound desire to lead a motorcycle club.  However, I would only agree to function as the leader.  I would not want to involve myself in illegal activities or fast-paced street racing.  I would not want to engage in any turf wars, gun fights, or hand-to-hand combat.  Mainly, I want to adorn myself in the gang’s vest and drive a shiny, deep red trike with a sidecar for the Vice President, all of which would signify my role as The President of the club. No one could match my coolness! … Except perhaps the cast of Sons of Anarchy, a show I love.

I need ideas, though.  What should I use as my gang’s name?  What would the members of the gang use as my nickname?  The first five people to offer suggestions for both in the comments section of this blog entry will receive bonus points on their blog grade for this quarter. 

My new ride!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Bobbie Can Bake.

Ahhh, food.  My friend.  And my nemesis.  While I do love food in such a way, I even more so enjoy making food for others.  I believe that this stems from the fact that I tire from cooking only for myself, as too many leftovers remain, and, quite frankly, even I have a limit of how much I can compliment myself on a job well done.

Spring Break gave me the perfect opportunity to cook for my best friend in Charlotte, who graciously welcomed me into her home for a week.  Truthfully, she really got the sweet end of the bargain:  my days relaxing while she worked also included me tending to the daily chores and cooking dinners and treats.  Pretty much, for a week she had a personal handmaiden/chef.

While this may not define your idea of a relaxing Spring Break, I loved it!  I got to try out some new recipes in a stress-free environment and then serve them to my friends.  As a special treat to all of you, I will share the best recipe that I tested out over Spring Break:  Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Enjoy!  And you can thank me later by giving me a cookie from the batch you make!

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie
Chocolate Chip cookie with a Rolo in the middle..so very sinfully good.

Ingredients

Ingredients
cups unsalted butter; softened
1cup granulated sugar
1cup packed brown sugar
1tablespoon vanilla
2eggs
cup all-purpose flour
2teaspoons baking soda
1teaspoon kosher salt
2cups semisweet chocolate chips
¾cup chopped pecans, optional
50Rolos; frozen at least 2 hours

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed or with spoon until light and fluffy. Mix in flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in chocolate chips and pecans.
2. Measure dough using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons). Roll into a ball and then flatten in the palm of your hands.
3. Place a frozen Rolo in the centers of the flattened dough balls and form dough back into a ball around the Rolo.
4. Place Rolo stuffed dough balls into the freezer for 15-20 minutes before baking.
5. On cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, place dough balls 2 inches apart.
6. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.