'Twas the night before school started and all through Big Red, not a creature was stirring, not even the rabbit in the shed. The backpacks were hung in the closet without care, in hopes that syllabus week soon would be there. The three girls were nestled all snug in one bed, while visions of the Pentacrest danced in their heads. And Mary in her kerchief and I in my robe, had just settled in to our humble abode. When out on the porch there arose such a clatter, I ran to the living room to see what was the matter. Away to the front door I flew like a flash, I tripped on the rug and fell on my ass(h). A crack on the floor of the newly grey porch, gave way to another fall adding fire to my temper like a torch. When what to my wandering eyes did appear, but a miniature girl carrying a backpack with cheer. With a case full of pencils and a face like a dolly, I knew in a moment she must be my friend, Molly. More rapid than IC traffic the exclamations came, she whistled and shouted and called each three by name. "Come Clancy, come Morgan, come Mary to me! Let's grab some Tostitos and watch some TV! Get out the face masks, the hair cream, and nail polish, we've got some blackheads we need to abolish!" As leaves that might not yet begin to change, soon there will be tailgates quickly arranged. So into the closets all the girls flew, with hands full of jerseys and black and gold bibs too. And then all of a sudden, I heard in the next room, "Cheerleader" playing loudly, loud creaks and a boom. As I opened the door and swiveled my head, there was dear Clancy, dancing on the bed. She was dancing and singing and having a jolly time, for us not to join in would be a great crime! A bundle of girls all screaming and laughing, we could barely notice the whole house cracking. Their eyes, how they twinkled, their singing voices-so scary! Their moves were like Beyoncé's, their faces so merry! Their recently washed hair was drawn up knots, they were dancing so much they were starting to sweat lots. They crashed to the floor in complete defeat, they can't be back-up dancers, they have to compete. They all had red faces and little round bellies that shook when they laughed like a bowl full of jelly. They were excited to start this brand new school year, but looked at each other with a face full of fear. With a wink of an eye and twist of a head, the whole house was instantly clean and they had nothing to dread. They spoke not a word but went straight to their hair, before the heat came and they needed some prayers. And laying their clothes out beside their bed, they brushed their teeth and looked forward to the day ahead. They yelled out "I love you!" before their doors shut, and with one last glance, Clancy fell on her butt. But I heard her exclaim, ere she was closed out of sight- "Good luck during syllabus week to all and to all a good night!"
I unfortunately used all of my creative energy on that poem above so I suppose I will leave you all with photos of my latest cuisine creations:
Shrimp campanelle: The shrimp was baked in a paste formed from garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. After combined with the cooked noodles, we added feta and basil. This was so delicious I want to make this every day, wow yum.
Salmon with quinoa, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and mixed fruit. I used olive oil and seasoned salt and threw it on the George Foreman (of course, right?). It was a great and easy meal and apparently, "the healthiest meal I've ever eaten" in Corbin's words.
Also, speaking of food, I experienced my first DP Dough calzone and, wow. I almost wish I hadn't because there is no way that is any kind of good for you but it changed my perspective on the world.
I'm excited for school tomorrow! It really hasn't hit me yet that I'm actually going to school here and going to be sitting in a classroom tomorrow as a student. That's life! Goodnight to all and happy first day of school to all the Iowa students and many others:)
No comments