Kendra asked for an update

And I like Kendra, so here's her update.

Kids are a little more antsy this time of year. I suppose this blog wouldn't be an accurate reflection of the Underground if I only shared the highlights so I'll be honest and admit this past week has been pretty brutal. I think the back and forth weather (it's cold, then it's spring, then it snows, then it's spring) combined with their tests (ITEDS? Iowa Basic Skills is what we called them) makes everyone a little more jumpy.

And I speak in generalizations and I want to write this with love but I have to admit, sometimes it's a struggle to constantly be the bad cop. I have been limiting my foosball games with the kids and I know that sounds minor, but it's one of the best ways to connect with kids. They talk more, they laugh, we play... it's relationship building. But I haven't been able to as much because it seems like just as a game gets going, one of the youth will do something worthy of a time out.

Man, the time out thing is genius. Sometimes I wonder if it makes the youth feel like little kids. I would ditch it in a heartbeat if I could find anything half as effective. I almost put myself in one on Thursday because really, don't we all just need some away, alone chill time sometimes? Instead I got yelly. Okay, honestly... I was cranky most of the week. Some of it was justified, the rest was inexcusable. If you're one of the people I was yelly with, I apologize.

I was inspired, however, when I read a post from a teacher friend of mine on her facebook page. She mentioned having a meeting with one student in particular who was acting up a bit. She said after talking, she promised him a fresh start. They shook hands and he's been better since.

I guess that's my hope for this new week. I know I'm in need of a fresh start and I bet some of these youth are, too. The stretch between Christmas and Spring Break is a long one. Looking at the weather forecast, it seems bright and optimistic. Maybe this week will be better than the last.

(So there's your update, Kendra. I hope that confession time about me being yelly and cranky with youth explains why I didn't blog as much last week. And if you're not Kendra and you're reading this, you'll find her blog on the side now in the links menu.)