So it Goes; let's be kind to one another: Blog Carnival #1 (6th)

Dear Sam, Stefan, Michelle, and Karina,

Sam and Stefan, you both wrote about So it Goes. For Stefan it captures how he has dealt with a personal loss. And Stefan, your story helps to illustrate why it's so important to treasure our time and make the most of it, as Sam has now figured out.

Michelle and Karina--you both wrote about dogs. Michelle volunteers every weekend to help take care of the dogs at the Humane Society. And Karina's story about how she lost her dog, Princess, is heartbreaking.

All of these posts remind us that we need more kindness in our world, as you say, Michelle.

Thank you, all four of you, for your stories and for making meaningful connections to Slaughterhouse Five. You've provided some thoughtful things for us to think about today in this first Blog Carnival.

Most sincerely,

Doc Z

Along The Road, good guys/bad guys, love, fear, happiness, and sharing your leftovers: Blog Carnival #1 (1st Hour)

The Road is getting you all to some very interesting thinking about your research.

Let me explain. Sophie wonders, is it easier to be a good guy or a bad guy? For Tatiana, fear and love work together--and fear of losing someone she loves crippled her once. Read her post for the story. Izzy G writes of her grandfather, and the powerful example he was to her of unconditional love. Ginger's post will make you wonder about what you would do if a homeless person asked you for your Cheesecake Factory leftovers. Would you share? If not, why not? Niraj makes the point that sometimes the best option is NOT going out with your friends. He chooses to stay in some times, but he doesn't worry about missing out. He has good reasons. Happiness might be the ultimate thing that drives us, according to Izze B. Kyle's post reveals the lengths he goes to for love. Would you give up your morals because of fear? Read Tony's post to ponder that. Sienna is trying to figure out what it's all about--life, that is. I bet some of you are on a similar path. Emma ponders fear of strangers.

What does this all of to do with The Road? A lot. I guess you'll have to read to see how. Don't forget to leave comments to respond--share your own stories, ask questions, explain where you connect with your classmates' ideas. Have fun at your first blog carnival!

Strength, water, fears, kindness, Star Wars, and staying alive on the Road: Blog Carnival #1 (3rd hour)

(a host post poem)

Being alive
is the most difficult challenge
we all face (Haley).

Do you agree?

Or do you fear
being average? (Reci).

What's inside of the VCR-- (Collin)
Cars, airplanes, Eqypt, or Star Wars
perhaps.

You have the strength
to survive zombies. (Mitch)

But maybe not
if you don't have water. (Josh B)

Kindness is weakness? (Karen)

All things to ponder along The Road.

(and Molly's)

I Heart Mini Habits

So I read this blog post over break.

And I learned about the power of the mini habit.

You should read the blog post so you get the guy's story about how this all came about, but the idea is that instead of putting before yourself these huge goals that feel unachievable sometimes and that make you feel bad when you don't succeed with them, set smaller, more achievable goals.

Mini ones.

Here are my current mini habits:

• Write ONE sentence each day toward my book project.
• Read ONE paragraph each day during my morning oatmeal from a professional book about teaching.
• Choose not to go to Facebook ONCE per day.
• Read ONE paragraph is a book for me each day.

These little teeny tiny goals are easy for me to achieve each day. And when I achieve them, I feel successful. Feeling success breeds more success. 

On most days, I end up doing more than the mini goal. I'll write several paragraphs, or read several pages, or save lots of time I would have previously wasted in Facebook land. 

But doing more is not the goal. The goal is doing the mini habit, every day. 

I'm a believer. You should try this too!