Could You Pass Eighth Grade Science?

Well, duh! If I scored anything less I'd be hanging my head in shame. Now go and see how you do.

What Does Your Art Say About You? - Drawing Personality Test

I am taking a break from grading (yes, I'm STILL at it) to share this little bit of really bad artwork with you. Take the drawing personality test and find out what your art says about you. Keep in mind that drawing with a mouse is really hard, but the analysis of the work is fascinating. Here's my picture.

The results of my analysis say:

• You tend to pursue many different activities simultaneously. When misfortune does happen, it doesn't actually dishearten you all that much.
• You are a direct and forthright person. You like to get to the core of the issue right away, with few signs of hesitation.
• You are creative, mentally active and industrious.
• You have a sunny, cheerful disposition.

In many ways, this describes a great number of the elementary classroom teachers I know, and really, it's not a bad description of me. Go on, take the test, and find out what your drawing says about YOU.

Writer's Exam

Alright, I'll admit it. I've wanted to be a writer for years (haven't we all?), but that desire always came in a distant second behind wanting to teach. As I get older, however, that desire to write keeps creeping closer and closer to the surface. Perhaps one day it will manifest itself in some interesting ways.

In the meantime, I quietly read author and illustrator blogs, occasionally stop by and see what editors and literary agents have to say (even the snarky ones!), and try to make time to write. I would have more time for this endeavor if I didn't spend the first hour (gulp! or two) of each day catching up on e-mail and reading through my blogroll in Google Reader. Which, by the way, prompts me to ask the question, when is Kelly going to get an RSS feed?

Anyway, in my web travels this morning I came across this very funny Fantasy Novelist's Exam. No, I don't have any fantasy novels in my head just waiting to be poured out onto paper, but I truly do love to read them! The Hobbit? Absolutely! LOTR? Did it once, but never again!

(Thanks to Miss Snark for the link.)

The Visual Me

In the last four days I have had tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid shots, been smushed and pushed, had a yearly exam, an eye exam, taken my husband for emergency medical treatment for chest pains and difficulty breathing (just some badly bruised ribs), and spent more than 180 collective minutes on hold trying to find out why my passport STILL hasn't arrived. (Yes, I'm leaving in 20 days and in addition to my passport, I need a Chinese visa.)

Pause. Deep breath. This is where I tell you I need a bit of silliness in my life. So, today on my lunch break while eating in front of my computer, I followed the kidlit crowd (Kelly, Michelle and Libby to name a few) and got my VisualDNA. Have a look!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

In Honor of Lisa Yee - Check Out the Peeps!

For those of you who haven't heard, Lisa Yee has been named the 2007 Thurber House Children's Writer-in-Residence. Congratulations, Lisa!

Since this post is for Lisa, I am going to direct you to two sites that I know would hold a special place in her heart. Anyone who reads Lisa Yee's blog knows that she is a total freak for Peeps. Yes, those disgusting marshmallow chicks and bunnies that pop-up during this time of year. In her honor, I recommend that you run, don't walk, to the Brotherhood 2.0 site (What? You haven't been there?!) to see John Green's brother Hank take on the challenge of eating as many Peeps as possible in 6 minutes.

Once you've seen the vlog entry for March 6 (perhaps March 5 as well so you can understand the punishment that was established), head on over to the Washington Post to learn about the Peeps diorama contest. No, really, this article is not a joke.

Lisa Yee, wherever you are, enjoy the Peeps and again, congratulations!

Saturday Morning Silliness

Thanks to CynJay for the link to Planet M&M.
Here's my M&M alter-ego. Darn cool!