Are Roller Derbies Cooler Than the Hof?

So I did my yoga speech for my classes the last two days. I've done this speech a handful of times. Never had any problems. Until today.

It was raining, so we couldn't do this interactive speech outside. Which meant I had to take my class out into the hall outside my room. So I'm talking about downward dogs and all that stuff, and I'm about to demonstrate when I look up. . .and there's the security camera. Right over me. Probably zooming in on my butt, which was about to be straight up in the air.  And I kinda freeze. And forget what I'm going to say next. And instead of moving on gracefully and showing my kids how you roll with it, I just stop and say, “That camera is totally gonna be on my butt, and I can't even think of what I'm supposed to say next.”

Really nice. Well done. Hope the security people enjoyed it. This butt's for you. . .

So I saw Whip It this weekend. I liked it a lot. I didn't love it above all other movies, but I liked it a lot. Quite a few laugh out loud moments. The previews make you think there will be big conflict between Ellen Page and her wacky mother, but it's not quite like that. The parents in the movie are great. How often do you see that? And as someone who has to create parents with every book/series, my hat is off to that author, Shauna Cross. Having a dysfunctional family is just EASIER to write. Instant conflict and tension. Functional isn't fun. But this author (Whip It was based on a YA book) did a great job. And I really like Marcia Gay Harden, who played the beauty pageant-loving mother. Anybody ever been in a beauty pageant? I get anxiety watching those reality shows with the young kids and the pageant moms. It makes me want to call social services. Five year olds +glue on eyelashes+heels+tanning= WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

Anyway, go see Whip It. I thought it was pretty clever and wished I had read the book.  And the girl who played the BFF Pash (Alia Shawkat) did a FABULOUS job. Some people just make acting look as easy as breathing. This girl's a natural.

And the names in Whip It? That was worth the price of admission alone. Like Smashley Simpson. Babe Ruthless. Ha. I love that. I need to get myself a roller derby name. It seemed to make everyone who had one cooler. That and tons of eyeliner.

Often students will ask me to read their writing. One student, who one day I know I'll see on Saturday Night Live, is good. I mean she's really good. Her writing is super fun to read. She moved to Chicago last year (and trained with Second City improv troupe) and to go from calm little Arkansas schools to Chicago public schools? It was crazy. Here's a favorite line from the memoir she's working on:

So I’m sitting in class, and I’m wondering if maybe I smell bad or something because nobody is sitting within four feet of me on either side. Instead they’ve all like clumped together, discussing the latest drama of the summer. (And by drama I mean the oh-no-you-didn’t-just-steal-my-boyfriend-you-skank kind.)

Part of me is glad I’m not caught up in that, but the other part of me is kinda wishing I had stolen somebody’s boyfriend just so I would have somebody to talk to.

Isn't that awesome? I'm really proud of her. Plus I want her to remember me when she's rich and famous and having dinner with Lorne Michaels and Justin Timberlake.

I forgot to mention that the lovely ladies of TitleTrakk hosted me for an interview about my current projects, such as Just Between You and Me. You can read it HERE.  I don't know what's up with that top picture on that page. I look like I'm a little slow in the brains department. Or completely inebriated. (Note to self: Never use Drunk Girl on Steps picture again)

Have you guys seen this beat boxing flute player?

Now THAT would make a good how-to speech. (hint to students…)

Speaking of good speeches, watch this kid.

Okay, I'm gonna show this video about an elephant and it's best friend, but some of you will hate me for it. If you're incredibly animal sensitive, don't watch. It's not sad really. It has a happy ending, but if you're neurotic like me, you'll think way behind this video and it will ruin your week and totally burden your little heart. Otherwise, watch away. It really is a cool story.

I think I need to wipe my palate clean after that. Watch something really really happy. Like David Hasselhof!! The Hof!!

What special effects! Wow! I'm hooked on a feeling called Please Don't Make Another Music Video, Knight Rider!

I hope you have a fabulous rest of the week!

JEN