All children lie.

Eric said something to me the other day that has literally changed my life.

"All kids lie. It's like breathing."

At first I scoffed at the idea and thought he was a horrible human being for even suggesting the idea. But then I began to watch my students and listen to what they say. I quickly came to the realization that he is absolutely, 100% correct. Children lie.
All kids lie.
About everything.
They lie about not seeing me in the hallway when their shirt is untucked, they lie about having gum in their mouth, they lie about why their not doing what they're supposed to be doing, they lie about getting their work done, they lie about who they were talking to, they lie about why they didn't show up for detention, they lie about everything. The amazing thing is that if you are, as an adult, prepared for this reality, you are able to handle the lies with much greater ease than previously. This also greatly aids in your ability to actually get the truth out of students (even though this may take a little coaxing).

Now I don't want to seem like a pessimist, more a realist. In all honesty, I really cannot believe how much this has changed my outlook on everything.

Problems #1 and #2

Such an odd turn of events. Since we went hiking in the Canyon I have left all my training behind. Between that, the holidays, classes and now tutoring after school, I simply cannot muster the energy to begin again. I am beginning to notice a change, though, mostly in the minor "aches and pains." I miss hiking and I know this is where I must begin. It calms me, it soothes me, it relaxes me. Problem #1.

Problem #2. I miss normality. I miss my sisters. I miss my friends. I miss a life of no drama. I miss my girlfriends and wine nights and movie nights and nights at The Gathering Place and Sunday morning breakfasts. I miss not worrying about bills and money and the future. I would give anything for a year of nothingness. Of no stress and no idiocy. Maybe I will move away to a city in South America and learn Spanish. Just to hide. Forever.