# 10 Write a letter to the editor

So I am finally able to cross off another item on my Summer Bucket List! 

#10 Write a letter to the editor my favorite columnist

Ok, ok, so I changed it a little bit.  However, since I am the sole proprietor of this list I reserve the right to alter any entry I wish at any point in time. 

Here is my email that I sent to Craig Wilson after the July 20th edition of his column "The Final Word".

Dear Mr. Wilson, 

Good morning!  I am an avid reader of your column- first turned onto it from a 3 day workshop spent talking and thinking about writing with Katie Wood Ray.  I so enjoy when Wednesday finally rolls around again and I get to delight in your stories!  It is my husband that makes use of the rest of the paper. 

Today, I happened to score a free copy (making this Wednesday EVEN better!) because I am in New Jersey serving on a multi state educator panel for ETS. 

The first thing that popped into my head after picturing your "altercation" with the man in the fancy foreign car was a poster I recently "pinned" to my boards on Pinterest that reads: I'm not bossy.  I just know what you should be doing. 

I am a teacher, a kindergarten teacher, and, when you spend the majority of your time, well, bossing around children all day it can sometimes make for a slightly troubled transition back into society.  Everyone should listen to me, obviously.  I've spent all day requiring 24 five year olds to.  It is hard to fight the urge to not tell others what to do when I am outside the four walls of my classroom. 

So, here's what I'm wondering, Mr. Wilson, what is your excuse? 

Now, don't get me wrong.  I have seen it all before.  The whole scene.  I know people do wrong and get upset when they know it and are being called out on it.  But, I can't help but wonder if some of that anger is based on the fact that YOU, or whoever is doing the calling out, is not the enforcer of the law! 

Because of your previous experience, I can empathize with the fact that you are a bit more sensitive when it comes to crossing the street.  But, I'm just saying I bet the rage filled driver wouldn't have had that reaction had you been in a nice blue uniform with a shiny badge. 

Maybe you were just doing your job as a citizen of D.C., or maybe you were just looking out for this man's safety, or maybe, just maybe, you were channeling your inner teacher and being a little bossy. 

Looking forward to next Wednesday, 

Lauren Alexander Lochel

Kindergarten Teacher

Sugar Creek Elementary School

2010-2011 Fort Mill School District Teacher of the Year

http://pinterest.com/mrslochel/

I was very excited that he not only wrote me back, but also found the humor in my email!  Here is how he responded:

I'll go with my "inner teacher!" Thanks for the laugh, Lauren...All too true...

Summer Bucket List

1.Trip to the beach
2. Read a book, or two, or three
3. Start a new tradition at home
4. Give a heartfelt surprise to someone (purchased said surprise, in search of the receiver)
5. Give a good report to a manager about an employee
6. Extreme Makeover: Kindergarten Closet Edition
7. Begin writing a children's book
8. Clean out all 4 3 closets (one down, three to go!)
9. Try Yoga again (my friend Kristy invited me to go...I have been a slacker, but am still hoping to go soon!)
10. Write a letter to the editor
11. Write a letter to a friend
12. Go on a picnic
13. Start a blog
14. Learn about Guided Math Groups (professional book in hand!)
15. Go to a concert
16. Finally beat my husband at a game of Clue: The Office edition
17. Complete Family Trust Grant (changed from Foundation to Family trust b/c I missed the deadline)
18. Complete and mail in STAR Teacher Application

What I'm Loving Wednesday

What I'm loving on this HOT HOT Wednesday, the 13th of July.........

I'm loving that the sun is shining.  No matter how hot it gets, I am thankful for the daylight and warmth.

I'm loving the support that my town is showing for a fallen soldier and fellow graduate of Fort Mill High.  Members of my town lined the street today for his homecoming in preparation of the funeral service tomorrow. I'm loving that I know God will wrap His gracious arms around TJ's family in their time of loss here on Earth.  I'm loving  that I am allowed to live and walk free because of what soldiers like TJ are fighting for.

This photo is linked to the local newspaper story. 

May God bless TJ and his family. 

I'm loving that my husband got a job offer from The Boy Scouts of America a few weeks ago.  He'll be a District Executive and the only professional scouter in our county.  He is super excited to start with them next week!  I am excited too because the hours will be much more flexible.

I'm loving that I get to have dinner with a friend tonight!  Lisa and I haven't dined in a while, but we are the type that can pick back up wherever we left off....and we always share lots of laughs.  I'm loving that I have sweet friends that I can truly be myself around.  And, we are going to the best place ever to eat........



THE WHITE HORSE



I'm loving that I'm seeing an afternoon thunderstorm roll in!  Maybe it will cool things off.......

I'm loving my Wednesday edition of the USA Today, of course!  If you know me, you know I love me some Craig Wilson and The Final Word.  Today he charms his readers with a tale of grilling out.  I literally laughed out loud reading it to myself, picturing my sweet husband who used to let hot dogs fall through the grates or drop burgers on the ground while trying to transfer them to a plate.  While Mr. Lochel's grilling skills have vastly improved since we said "I do" over 4 year ago, Craig Wilson admits to not even owning a grill and rejoicing that everyone lived after eating his food.

I'm loving that ETS is sending me on a little road trip next week.  Check back to find out what exactly I get to do! 

What are you loving today?

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Link up here for another round of "What I'm Loving Wednesday!"

Here's what I am loving on this first beautiful Wednesday in July.......

I'm loving that I got to start off my day at my school's Lunch and Learn program.  I am only teaching two days this week, but taking full advantage of the opportunity to be patriotic with the children and learn more about our amazing country. 

I'm loving the new slushie flavor at Kangaroo.  It's Pink Lemonade!  I missed my Mountain Dew slushie this morning, but thoroughly enjoyed the Pink Lemonade. 

I'm loving that my husband is on "vacation" this week and is finishing painting our home office today.  He is going to be needing it soon for his new job!  The color is called "Sassy Green"

I'm loving my sweet cat who is patiently waiting for her office to be put back together.  She is the true queen of this castle!

I'm loving the Wednesday edition of USA Today!  If you've never read Craig Wilson, give him a try!  His writing consists of little "slice of life" stories.  Today, his column was called "You can't turn back now..."  He shares a story of being on a narrow mountain trail.  Seeing oncomming trafic and nervous about how to maneuver, another man called out, "You can't turn back now. You've come too far!" We all find ourselves in situations in life when we want to give up and turn back.  Craig shares a quote from author Brian Peterson: "If there's no wanting, chances are there won't be much growing and certainly no arriving."

I'm loving my Kindergarten team!  We got together today to talk about the beginning of the next school year.  I am so lucky to be on a team of teachers that willingly get together over the summer to talk professionally.

I'm loving that I got to take an afternoon nap when I got home from school today.  Funny how we hated those as children and now long for them as adults. 

Until next Wednesday.............

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Link up here and be a part of  "What I'm Loving Wednesday" 

Here is what I'm loving on this last beautiful Wednesday in June........

I'm loving the Wednesday edition of USA Today.  It's my favorite because that's when Craig Wilson's column appears.  Today, "The Final Word" is all about happiness.  Do we choose it or just get caught up in pursuing it? 

I'm loving that I got to go into school today and be a substitute for Camp Invention!  This is the coolest summer camp ever!  The children are there from 9:00-3:30 this week.  The room I subbed in allowed the children to completely take apart an item they brought from home.  With a small group, they will be creating a ball rolling machine from all the parts.  Pretty cool!  I may have to go back at the end of the week just to see how it all turns out.

I'm loving all my favorite new blogs!  And, I'm loving that I started all this in the summertime when I have plenty of time to stalk them!

I'm loving that I just got to talk with Uncle Rob on the phone.  He was down visiting last week, took a trip even further south to Myrtle Beach and called to say that he made it safely back home to PA last night! 

I'm loving that I have the entire afternoon to run errands and hopefully sneak a little "teacher shopping" in there as well! 

I'm loving  that the Moutain Dew slushie machine is back up and running at the Kangaroo Express!  I bought this cup at the beginning of summer for $7 and I get free refils until Labor Day!

What are you loving today?