I had a student (sixth grader) named Jihad last year. His family is Christian, and his mom named both her sons strong names with religious meanings. So, meh, I don't really think this is a big deal. Also I was raised Muslim, though I'm not religious now, and I know plenty of Muslims who are named Jihad, who do not…

Spot. On. I love this shit so hard.

The family togetherness bothers me the most, but only because the added stress of the togetherness brings out the kinks in everyone's relationships. It's at this time of year that my parents fight or someone says something about not being able to be in the same room as someone else's new girlfriend or...WHATEVER.…

Does anyone watch "Love and Hip Hop" on VH1? this is absolute pure reality drama trash GOLD!

That was absolutely hypnotic. Like, I wasn't sure what I was watching at times and I forgot to actually listen to the song I was just watching, watching, watching...colors, colors, colors. Obsessed.

I would do this. You are not alone. That is all.

This is one of the most incredible things I've seen in awhile. I love it. If I ever have kids, I want it to be like this. That was absolutely beautiful. I'm used to the experience being portrayed as disgusting, gruesome, and hazy.

omg this is the BEST.

An orca whale trying on a new wig.

These pictures are so. bad.

Doing this tomorrow. This is fantastic.

Shenanigans is an AMAZING word. It is particularly apt for use in the classroom setting, i.e. to another 5th grade teacher,"So and so student brought the SHENANIGANS today."

Mr. MIXED's parents are here, and have been since Wednesday. They're good people, but his mom is INSANELY over sensitive. She started crying in the car earlier when Mr. MIXED told her she talks about facebook to much (she does). All around stressful, constantly walking on eggshells around her hyper-active emotions.…

I have a back of the neck tattoo! It hurt, but it wasn't crazy or unbearable. You'll do great!

My boyfriend acts like he loves my family, knows what to say when I'm crying about something irrational, and grills yummy vegetables. When I got an abortion last month, he came with me and made me laugh while we waited in the clinic. Also, he's tall.

I know what you mean. I'm 22 and just finished my first year teaching after graduating from college. I know I'm not old by any realistic measure, but it is strange to feel like a real adult and to suddenly realize that are people...tons of them, actually...who are way, wayyyy younger than I am. Strange.

EXACTLY!

So! When I studied abroad in Paris a couple years ago, I was in luuurve with my host family's son, who was like, everything you would imagine a hot young French guy to be, except he didn't smoke (plus!). He was working on his PhD and loved the same movies and shows I did and was so witty and European. Sigh. …

Like Beyonce would be getting ready for a wedding on her own.

RIGHT?! Smokin'!