I can tell that my vacation has kicked in when
*cooking is a joy, rather than a chore
*I start to wonder why I ever thought doing the dishes was a hassle
*I stop reading, not because I have to, but because I need a break
*the number 12:03 doesn't cause a panic in my chest as I turn out the light
*the average number of paragraphs per post goes up dramatically
*I ask the cats to go out to the yard with me, rather than the other way around
What signals the true beginning of YOUR vacation?
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Double Yummmm
The other night, Mikey and I ate a delicious ear of corn and a plateful of green beans. Both straight out of our little garden. Superb.
Transitions
I hate them. I never transition well, no matter what the occasion. Even change for the better throws me off my balance for awhile. This summer is no exception.
Summer is always a transition period for teachers. We are done with our former class and are yet to meet our future class. We are cleaning up the mess left by last year in order to present a fresh start for next year. Summer is a time of limbo.
To make the transition even more unbalancing, I am moving rooms. I have packed up all my belongings (that I barely had time to unpack!) and moved them all to a new room. Just today, I moved that final box that is filled with miscellaneous junk that somehow missed being packed in the appropriate boxes. I took one last look around, turned out the lights, and closed the door to room 6 - my home away from home for the last 10 months. Then, I went into room 9 (Notice how my new room is like my old room, only upside down? Somehow that is comforting to me!) to take one last glance at my possessions, all stacked out of the way of the cleaning crew slated to arrive next week, before closing that door as well. Part one of the transition over.
Part two of the transition will be more difficult, I think. And I can't do anything about it until late August, when the children arrive for their first day - all rested and dressed-ed up. I will have to finally let go of my old students. I will no longer be able to call them mine, and they will no longer consider me theirs. I will have a new set of challenges to meet, a new set of needs to fulfill. As much as I look forward to this, I dread it too. Proof of this came to me in my dreams last night. I was standing in front of my new class and I was feeling angry at them. I was mad that they had different names that I would have to learn. I was upset that they had different faces to go with those strange names. I was irritated that they didn't know my rules and my expectations and my quirks. I wanted them to be where I had left off the year before, and there we were, as if the whole last year hadn't taken place. I had struggled every day for 180 days to make baby steps with my class, and here I was back at day 1 again. Argh.
Of course, when I woke up, it all seemed quite silly. After all, that is what being a teacher is all about. Taking a group of kids as far as you can and then sending them off to give the next teacher a chance with them. But, you see, I have not had to do that before. At the end of my first year of teaching (3rd grade) I was moved up a grade. So when my students started 4th grade, so did I. When I got my students this year, we were all on the same page (or at least somewhere in the same book!). I guess, in my subconscience, I am concerned that I won't be able to go back to the right place, that I will start on a different chapter than they are.
I'm sure it will be fine - it always is. It's just another transition - a good one at that - and I will manage fine, once the transitioning part is done.
Summer is always a transition period for teachers. We are done with our former class and are yet to meet our future class. We are cleaning up the mess left by last year in order to present a fresh start for next year. Summer is a time of limbo.
To make the transition even more unbalancing, I am moving rooms. I have packed up all my belongings (that I barely had time to unpack!) and moved them all to a new room. Just today, I moved that final box that is filled with miscellaneous junk that somehow missed being packed in the appropriate boxes. I took one last look around, turned out the lights, and closed the door to room 6 - my home away from home for the last 10 months. Then, I went into room 9 (Notice how my new room is like my old room, only upside down? Somehow that is comforting to me!) to take one last glance at my possessions, all stacked out of the way of the cleaning crew slated to arrive next week, before closing that door as well. Part one of the transition over.
Part two of the transition will be more difficult, I think. And I can't do anything about it until late August, when the children arrive for their first day - all rested and dressed-ed up. I will have to finally let go of my old students. I will no longer be able to call them mine, and they will no longer consider me theirs. I will have a new set of challenges to meet, a new set of needs to fulfill. As much as I look forward to this, I dread it too. Proof of this came to me in my dreams last night. I was standing in front of my new class and I was feeling angry at them. I was mad that they had different names that I would have to learn. I was upset that they had different faces to go with those strange names. I was irritated that they didn't know my rules and my expectations and my quirks. I wanted them to be where I had left off the year before, and there we were, as if the whole last year hadn't taken place. I had struggled every day for 180 days to make baby steps with my class, and here I was back at day 1 again. Argh.
Of course, when I woke up, it all seemed quite silly. After all, that is what being a teacher is all about. Taking a group of kids as far as you can and then sending them off to give the next teacher a chance with them. But, you see, I have not had to do that before. At the end of my first year of teaching (3rd grade) I was moved up a grade. So when my students started 4th grade, so did I. When I got my students this year, we were all on the same page (or at least somewhere in the same book!). I guess, in my subconscience, I am concerned that I won't be able to go back to the right place, that I will start on a different chapter than they are.
I'm sure it will be fine - it always is. It's just another transition - a good one at that - and I will manage fine, once the transitioning part is done.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Responding to a Comment
I was going to post this in the comment section of Kara's blog, The Caffeinated Ramblings of a Coffee Achiever, but it got long so I decided to post it here. Follow the link if you wish to read the original post and/or other comments.
Ken - I am sure that your numbers all come from highly reliable sources that discuss the "required" teacher hours. But I have to ask - do you know any teachers personally? Have you ever noticed how much time they really spend on the job?
Yes, I am required to be at school 180 days out of the year, from 8:30 - 3:30. Take out my lunch break and you would think that I work only 1,170 hours a year. However, if you take into account that I usually get there at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 (often because of meetings/programs/etc. that are scheduled before or after hours) you see that I am actually working 10 hour days. Technically, I don't have to do this, but anyone who has ever worked in a classroom will know that the better prepared you are, the smoother things will go. The smoother I can make things, the better the education I am providing for your children.
You must also realize that during the school year, I spend my Saturdays grading, recording, and planning - effectively making my work week 6 days long. Calculated out, I actually "work" more like 250 days a year. So for my 2,500 hours of work I get paid $37,000/year. (I'm a new teacher, but I live in CA, so I get paid more than comparable teachers in other states.) This breaks down to $14.80 an hour. Using your numbers that would be like getting paid $31,000/year at a "regular" job. How many people do you know who would be willing to work for that? Check out this site by the US Dept. of Labor to see what people ARE willing to work for.
I am not complaining - as I said before, it makes my life easier to work those extra hours. I don't usually sit around comparing how much money I have to how much money other people have. (Although it does un-nerve me to realize just how much more they make in the entertainment industry compared to ANY WORTHWILE JOB.) It just really rubs me the wrong way to hear people talking about how well paid I am for the number of hours I work. I don't really care about the money. As long as I can make enough to pay off my mortgage each month and provide the bare necessities for my family, I am happy. I teach because it is my calling, my purpose in life. I just wish that people outside my field didn't look at us as lazy. There is nothing easy about being a GOOD teacher.
Ken - I am sure that reality is somewhere between your numbers and mine. I know that teachers, especially those upper-middle class neighborhoods like mine, are not suffering. However, given the importance of this job, I still don't think it is anywhere near adequately compensated. What we are doing in our classrooms is nothing short of saving the world, one child at a time. That is just my own humble opinion, however! :)
PS - I would love to discuss Ken's other point regarding teacher competency and testing, but that is another ramble for another time.
Ken - I am sure that your numbers all come from highly reliable sources that discuss the "required" teacher hours. But I have to ask - do you know any teachers personally? Have you ever noticed how much time they really spend on the job?
Yes, I am required to be at school 180 days out of the year, from 8:30 - 3:30. Take out my lunch break and you would think that I work only 1,170 hours a year. However, if you take into account that I usually get there at 7:30 and don't leave until 5:30 (often because of meetings/programs/etc. that are scheduled before or after hours) you see that I am actually working 10 hour days. Technically, I don't have to do this, but anyone who has ever worked in a classroom will know that the better prepared you are, the smoother things will go. The smoother I can make things, the better the education I am providing for your children.
You must also realize that during the school year, I spend my Saturdays grading, recording, and planning - effectively making my work week 6 days long. Calculated out, I actually "work" more like 250 days a year. So for my 2,500 hours of work I get paid $37,000/year. (I'm a new teacher, but I live in CA, so I get paid more than comparable teachers in other states.) This breaks down to $14.80 an hour. Using your numbers that would be like getting paid $31,000/year at a "regular" job. How many people do you know who would be willing to work for that? Check out this site by the US Dept. of Labor to see what people ARE willing to work for.
I am not complaining - as I said before, it makes my life easier to work those extra hours. I don't usually sit around comparing how much money I have to how much money other people have. (Although it does un-nerve me to realize just how much more they make in the entertainment industry compared to ANY WORTHWILE JOB.) It just really rubs me the wrong way to hear people talking about how well paid I am for the number of hours I work. I don't really care about the money. As long as I can make enough to pay off my mortgage each month and provide the bare necessities for my family, I am happy. I teach because it is my calling, my purpose in life. I just wish that people outside my field didn't look at us as lazy. There is nothing easy about being a GOOD teacher.
Ken - I am sure that reality is somewhere between your numbers and mine. I know that teachers, especially those upper-middle class neighborhoods like mine, are not suffering. However, given the importance of this job, I still don't think it is anywhere near adequately compensated. What we are doing in our classrooms is nothing short of saving the world, one child at a time. That is just my own humble opinion, however! :)
PS - I would love to discuss Ken's other point regarding teacher competency and testing, but that is another ramble for another time.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Good Luck
Iraq has taken over leadership of itself as of today. I wish I could be happy for them, but there are things that cause me to hesitate...
1. I know that this changes nothing for our young men and women over there. They will still be there and they will still be in danger.
2. I know that it is easier to SAY you are giving someone autonomy than to DO it. We will really be handing over leadership when we allow them to make their own decisions and make their own mistakes. This is not something I see happening anytime soon.
3. I know this will change nothing for the individuals living in Iraq. No matter what their household politics/affiliations they will continue to pay hugely for some basics and simply do without others. They will still risk their lives going outside for everyday errands.
Despite all of this, I truly do wish them all the best of luck with this new endeavor. I mostly hope that we have the sense to stay out of things that aren't our business, the backbone to continue to provide the support that we have promised and the wisdom to know which is appropriate and when.
1. I know that this changes nothing for our young men and women over there. They will still be there and they will still be in danger.
2. I know that it is easier to SAY you are giving someone autonomy than to DO it. We will really be handing over leadership when we allow them to make their own decisions and make their own mistakes. This is not something I see happening anytime soon.
3. I know this will change nothing for the individuals living in Iraq. No matter what their household politics/affiliations they will continue to pay hugely for some basics and simply do without others. They will still risk their lives going outside for everyday errands.
Despite all of this, I truly do wish them all the best of luck with this new endeavor. I mostly hope that we have the sense to stay out of things that aren't our business, the backbone to continue to provide the support that we have promised and the wisdom to know which is appropriate and when.
Wha..?
"Attention All Staff - the office will be closing at 4 PM. If you intend to stay past 4 PM, please sign in now, as we will be setting the alarm otherwise. Thank you."
Hearing this on the PA system, I checked the clock and estimated that I could just finish the project I was working on, haul one last load to the new classroom, and lock up just in time to leave at 4 PM. And I was right. At exactly 4 PM, I walked toward the front door. Passing the office, I saw some of the staff watching me, obviously waiting for everyone to leave so they could lock up and end their day. I got the feeling that they were holding me responsible (and rightly so, I suppose) for the fact that their evenings hadn't begun already.
I wish I could say that I have a close, friendly relationship with these two. Because I like to have close, friendly relationships with people. It is so much easier than the alternatives - always phrasing your words carefully to avoid offense, walking on eggshells when asking for help. I have a policy of doing for myself things that they technically should be helping with. It is just easier and infinitely more pleasant.
Gruffly, he asked, "Do you know who that Volkswagon belongs to?"
"No idea, sorry." I said, shaking my head and heading for the door.
"'Cause it's parked right next to you." He accused. "It's a white Volkswagon. I thought they came with you."
Hmm. I am not sure why he didn't believe me the first time, but I looked him in the eye, smiled and said, "Nope. I came alone." I wasn't about to admit that I had the body of the owner of that lonely white Volkswagon hidden in my newly emptied cupboards. And that it would be a long time before they could lock up and go home. I wished them both a good night and walked out to my own car.
Hearing this on the PA system, I checked the clock and estimated that I could just finish the project I was working on, haul one last load to the new classroom, and lock up just in time to leave at 4 PM. And I was right. At exactly 4 PM, I walked toward the front door. Passing the office, I saw some of the staff watching me, obviously waiting for everyone to leave so they could lock up and end their day. I got the feeling that they were holding me responsible (and rightly so, I suppose) for the fact that their evenings hadn't begun already.
I wish I could say that I have a close, friendly relationship with these two. Because I like to have close, friendly relationships with people. It is so much easier than the alternatives - always phrasing your words carefully to avoid offense, walking on eggshells when asking for help. I have a policy of doing for myself things that they technically should be helping with. It is just easier and infinitely more pleasant.
Gruffly, he asked, "Do you know who that Volkswagon belongs to?"
"No idea, sorry." I said, shaking my head and heading for the door.
"'Cause it's parked right next to you." He accused. "It's a white Volkswagon. I thought they came with you."
Hmm. I am not sure why he didn't believe me the first time, but I looked him in the eye, smiled and said, "Nope. I came alone." I wasn't about to admit that I had the body of the owner of that lonely white Volkswagon hidden in my newly emptied cupboards. And that it would be a long time before they could lock up and go home. I wished them both a good night and walked out to my own car.
Some Vacation!
Our office staff is going on vacation starting the 1st of July, so it is imperative that I finish packing and moving before then. Not so much because I am not allowed to be at the school (I am), and not so much because it isn't nice being there alone (It is), but because I would have to mess with the alarm system any time I wanted to go, and that is a pain. So, today I spent the afternoon packing and cleaning and hauling and moving and lifting and organizing. I am feeling very good with how things are going, especially since I took care in packing to make things easy to unpack in the fall. Once the previous occupant is completely out and the cleaning crew finishes their tasks, I will be able to begin setting things up to my liking. And to be honest with you - setting things up ROCKS! There is nothing quite like a clean, organized room just bursting with potential. Except maybe a messy, chaotic room in the midst of learning.
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Yep. I'm easily amused.
Yesterday, as we were wandering through The Alley in search of a knife block, we found a very shower squee-gee thing with a very serious woman on the package. She looked as though she were thinking deeply about very meaningful things. Mikey turned to me and said, in a thick French accent,
"Eez mah shower dirty? Or eez it mah soul?"
I nearly fell on the ground I was laughing so hard. It sounded like something straight out of one of those uber-pretentious movies that end with the word "FIN" on a black screen. It was a good trip. Plus we found the perfect knife block to store our new knives.
"Eez mah shower dirty? Or eez it mah soul?"
I nearly fell on the ground I was laughing so hard. It sounded like something straight out of one of those uber-pretentious movies that end with the word "FIN" on a black screen. It was a good trip. Plus we found the perfect knife block to store our new knives.
NPR
I now have an NPR stream up and ready to go on my computer at all times. This is my effort to keep myself informed on the events of the world, without being sucked into the travesty that is television news media these days. We'll see how it works out.
Interested? Click the "NPR Program Stream" link in the middle of this page. (If you don't have the needed media players, you can download them from that link as well.)
Interested? Click the "NPR Program Stream" link in the middle of this page. (If you don't have the needed media players, you can download them from that link as well.)
Friday, June 25, 2004
blather
*Sum of All Fears was a very action-packed movie. It was also full of BS. When that bomb goes off, those people would all have been dead. DEAD. There would have been no heroic rescue, no agonizing over when/where/how to retaliate, no "just-in-time" revelation of important details. It would have been over in that one blast. Watch it and see if you don't agree.
*I have begun to miss my students. It didn't take long, did it?
*I don't think that the US is quite ready for Graham Norton. I laugh myself silly watching him, but I doubt that the religious rightwingers who are currently holding our country in a stranglehold find him quite so funny.
*My chest muscles are SERIOUSLY rebelling against the exercise I have done lately. Or perhaps it was raking the lawn that did it. Whatever it was, I have had several quite painful muscle spasms this evening and I will be glad when they stop.
*Mikey cut his hair quite short today. That is what we get for going to a barber that is straight out of the 1950's I guess. Actually, it is pretty cute - and fuzzy.
*I have begun to miss my students. It didn't take long, did it?
*I don't think that the US is quite ready for Graham Norton. I laugh myself silly watching him, but I doubt that the religious rightwingers who are currently holding our country in a stranglehold find him quite so funny.
*My chest muscles are SERIOUSLY rebelling against the exercise I have done lately. Or perhaps it was raking the lawn that did it. Whatever it was, I have had several quite painful muscle spasms this evening and I will be glad when they stop.
*Mikey cut his hair quite short today. That is what we get for going to a barber that is straight out of the 1950's I guess. Actually, it is pretty cute - and fuzzy.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
"Cause We Are the Aqua Teens"
Hee hee hee. Frylock, Master Shake and Meatwad provide massive amounts of entertainment to me. They are silly and silly is good.
I am Frylock from Aqua Teen Hunger Force!!
Which Aqua Teen Hunger Force character are you??
I am Frylock from Aqua Teen Hunger Force!!
Which Aqua Teen Hunger Force character are you??
Piggy Cat
Our new baby is eternally hungry. Unlike our other cats, who will sniff people food, but not stoop so low as to eat it, Bonsai will eat EVERYTHING. He follows me frantically as I eat my morning cereal. He will climb anything in the house to get to ice cream, popcorn, or a grape. I have seen him sniffing around the edge of the kitchen, licking up bread crumbs and lint. Not to mention the millions of times we have to chase him out of Zah and Zazzy's bowls. You would think that we never fed him, but in reality he has a continuously full bowl of IAMS Kitten Food - the only thing in the house he ISN'T interested in eating.
In other news, Bonsai is also obsessed with napping, climbing screens, and staring at the ceiling. He continues to terrorize the big kitties (and Mikey), while he charms me with adoring "mearps" and "meorws". Our nights still end sometime around 5:14 AM with one of two things happening: 1)We have to get up to separate the baby from the big kitties because of the hissing, or 2)We have to save our legs from the whirling dervish that is Demonikos, as he chases his own tail between the quilt and the top sheet. We spend the rest of the day trying to wear the little beast out so he will leave us alone for awhile.
In other news, Bonsai is also obsessed with napping, climbing screens, and staring at the ceiling. He continues to terrorize the big kitties (and Mikey), while he charms me with adoring "mearps" and "meorws". Our nights still end sometime around 5:14 AM with one of two things happening: 1)We have to get up to separate the baby from the big kitties because of the hissing, or 2)We have to save our legs from the whirling dervish that is Demonikos, as he chases his own tail between the quilt and the top sheet. We spend the rest of the day trying to wear the little beast out so he will leave us alone for awhile.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
More Politics
If you are interested in reading something political but with a high-larious twist that will keep you actually INTERESTED, you should check out Al Franken's Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. The chapter tearing Bill O'Reilly a new one is worth the $25.00 all by itself. I haven't had political blather explained more rationally by anyone other than Jon Stewart. Look into it.
South Park Rules!
"I don't know how they do things down in that Dog and Pony Show they call "the 4th grade", but here we have rules!"
Book Reviews
A brief word on some books I have been reading lately...
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli - 229 pages - In Palmer's town, boys spend their whole life eagerly awaiting their 10th birthday and their chance to be a wringer at the annual pigeon shoot. Can Palmer keep his newly earned popularity AND his carefully hidden secret? Or will he have to choose between his beliefs and those of everyone around him? This Newberry Award winning book spotlights one child's courage and independence against a violent and bloody tradition.
I really liked this story, especially the reality with which Palmer is portrayed. It could be a great starting point for a discussion about being yourself and making your own decisions. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French - Alternating between a rainy bus stop in present day Australia and an isolated farmhouse in 1940's Germany, a young girl entertains her friends with a tale. Although the story inspires Mark to ask many important questions about family and conscience, he knows that it is all just made up. Right?
Although I found the writing to be uninspired, I was unable to put it down. Mark's questions ("Why did Hitler hate the Jews so much?" "Dad, what would you do if I was a chainsaw murderer?" "What if everyone thought the really bad person was right?") were MY questions. Even if this book doesn't give all the answers, it does provide a vehicle for talking about it. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Soldier Mom by Alice Mead - Twelve year old Jasmyn is shocked to find out that her mom, a member of the United States Reserves, has been called up for duty. With only her mom's boyfriend to help her look after her little brother, Jasmyn struggles to balance chores, basketball and friends, all the time wondering how her mom could leave them.
I particularly like this as a tool for children with parents currently overseas. Many children have parents in this situation, and reading this book will show them that they are not alone. And for kids, that is the most important thing. I also liked how it dealt with the conflict between Jasmyn and the mother's boyfriend. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli - 229 pages - In Palmer's town, boys spend their whole life eagerly awaiting their 10th birthday and their chance to be a wringer at the annual pigeon shoot. Can Palmer keep his newly earned popularity AND his carefully hidden secret? Or will he have to choose between his beliefs and those of everyone around him? This Newberry Award winning book spotlights one child's courage and independence against a violent and bloody tradition.
I really liked this story, especially the reality with which Palmer is portrayed. It could be a great starting point for a discussion about being yourself and making your own decisions. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Hitler's Daughter by Jackie French - Alternating between a rainy bus stop in present day Australia and an isolated farmhouse in 1940's Germany, a young girl entertains her friends with a tale. Although the story inspires Mark to ask many important questions about family and conscience, he knows that it is all just made up. Right?
Although I found the writing to be uninspired, I was unable to put it down. Mark's questions ("Why did Hitler hate the Jews so much?" "Dad, what would you do if I was a chainsaw murderer?" "What if everyone thought the really bad person was right?") were MY questions. Even if this book doesn't give all the answers, it does provide a vehicle for talking about it. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Soldier Mom by Alice Mead - Twelve year old Jasmyn is shocked to find out that her mom, a member of the United States Reserves, has been called up for duty. With only her mom's boyfriend to help her look after her little brother, Jasmyn struggles to balance chores, basketball and friends, all the time wondering how her mom could leave them.
I particularly like this as a tool for children with parents currently overseas. Many children have parents in this situation, and reading this book will show them that they are not alone. And for kids, that is the most important thing. I also liked how it dealt with the conflict between Jasmyn and the mother's boyfriend. Recommended for Ages 9-12 Read more reviews here.
Oh, and one more thing...
Hamumu Software has finished packaging their latest release Eddie Galaxy (actually a re-release of a game Mikey made many years ago) and it is now for sale. I would say that you should rush to be the first to buy it from us, but that honor has already been taken, within minutes of the newsletter going out! You should still hurry though, the longer it takes you to order, the longer it will be until you are saving planets from dreadful alien invasions.
My husband ROCKS
There are so many reasons why I love my Mikey...his kindness, his intelligence, his caring...I could go on for days. But today I want to comment on just one thing - one very big, very important thing. I love my Mikey because he knows me SO WELL. He knows what I like, what I dislike, what I am afraid of, what I need, what I hope and dream. He knows the real me more than anyone else in this whole entire existence. And every once in a while, he will do some little thing - some gesture or off-hand remark - that makes my heart ache with pleasure. Because to be known, and loved, like that is the foundation of life itself.
In today's mail, I received a package. It contained several stickers that I know have to decide where to place. Some will go to school ("education is everywhere", "don't stop believing", "eat more veggies"), some will end up on my car ("you can't kill for peace", "don't lie to kids"), and others will no doubt find their way to appropriate places around the house ("quit being passive" on the TV, for example). The variety and message of these stickers tells me that my Mikey knows me and cares for me just the way I am. He encourages me to be a little bit nutty, a little bit off-the-wall, a little bit louder than I need to be. In fact, his support and acceptance allow me to reach beyond my own comfort zone into the place I wish I could be, out there with the other people who aren't afraid to be different and speak their mind.
If you want to speak your mind, but haven't found the sticker or button that says quite the right thing, you need to check out the place Mikey got my stickers - Unamerican.com. (They are unamerican in the way that disagreeing with your president or opposing a war are.) And if they don't have what you want, they are always open to suggestions. You might also want to check out the blog of the Unamerican.com owner and operator, Srini.
And remember:
"Do not buy anything from any bake sale the air force may hold to buy a bomber because those bombs will kill people." ~Unamerican.com sticker
In today's mail, I received a package. It contained several stickers that I know have to decide where to place. Some will go to school ("education is everywhere", "don't stop believing", "eat more veggies"), some will end up on my car ("you can't kill for peace", "don't lie to kids"), and others will no doubt find their way to appropriate places around the house ("quit being passive" on the TV, for example). The variety and message of these stickers tells me that my Mikey knows me and cares for me just the way I am. He encourages me to be a little bit nutty, a little bit off-the-wall, a little bit louder than I need to be. In fact, his support and acceptance allow me to reach beyond my own comfort zone into the place I wish I could be, out there with the other people who aren't afraid to be different and speak their mind.
If you want to speak your mind, but haven't found the sticker or button that says quite the right thing, you need to check out the place Mikey got my stickers - Unamerican.com. (They are unamerican in the way that disagreeing with your president or opposing a war are.) And if they don't have what you want, they are always open to suggestions. You might also want to check out the blog of the Unamerican.com owner and operator, Srini.
And remember:
"Do not buy anything from any bake sale the air force may hold to buy a bomber because those bombs will kill people." ~Unamerican.com sticker
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Swing Away Golf: another review
Hehe...now THIS is a fun game.
Although it is frustrating to slice the ball off into the woods every time I get to hole 6, it is wonderfully satisfying to get that "ching" "ching" sound that means you are going to rocket the ball several hundred yards down the fairway. The controls are not too complicated and actions make logical, intuitive sense. If the ball is going to drift that much to the left when you are putting, then you should aim that much to the right. If you are rolling uphill this much, then you need to swing this much harder.
Although the computer controlled characters are irritating (aren't they always?), they are not totally incompetent, nor are they impossible to beat. I come away from a game feeling appropriately challenged. This is probably why I have spent many hours on this game since it arrived the other day.
Although it is frustrating to slice the ball off into the woods every time I get to hole 6, it is wonderfully satisfying to get that "ching" "ching" sound that means you are going to rocket the ball several hundred yards down the fairway. The controls are not too complicated and actions make logical, intuitive sense. If the ball is going to drift that much to the left when you are putting, then you should aim that much to the right. If you are rolling uphill this much, then you need to swing this much harder.
Although the computer controlled characters are irritating (aren't they always?), they are not totally incompetent, nor are they impossible to beat. I come away from a game feeling appropriately challenged. This is probably why I have spent many hours on this game since it arrived the other day.
Mall Tycoon II: a review
Blech.
I don't like the controls. I fail to enjoy losing, which all I seem to be able to do. My ability to guess what the creators of this game were thinking (in order to be able to make the right combinations of things - thusly winning for once), is impaired by the garish color combinations.
All in all, I am not impressed.
I don't like the controls. I fail to enjoy losing, which all I seem to be able to do. My ability to guess what the creators of this game were thinking (in order to be able to make the right combinations of things - thusly winning for once), is impaired by the garish color combinations.
All in all, I am not impressed.
Hooray!
My little grey darling has forgiven me for introducing "that orange devil" into our household. She is currently curled up on my lap just like the old days. I missed my daily doses of Zazzy love while she was busy hiding from the terror that is Bonsai.
Work-a-holic
I spent many, many hours at school yesterday. There were some things - filing, paperwork, hoop jumping - that I HAD to do, but many of them - cleaning, organizing, cataloging - were things I just wanted to do. Apparently one weekend and the knowledge that I don't have to entertain anyone enables me to return to work. I adore working with children and I would be miserable if my job were like this all the time, but for now I am happy to shut my door, crank up my music and input data on the computer (I am making a comprehensive list of all the books in my classroom library for next year). Sometimes it is nice to spend some time ALONE.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Cost of War
If you click on the link below the counter to the right, you will reach a page that takes the current total we have spent on the war in Iraq and translates it into other things we could have paid for...like education...or taking care of world hunger.
Check it out.
Check it out.
Whoo Hoo!
I'm done, done, done, done, done!!!
I have survived the year. Despite their best efforts, I managed to finish the year with at least a little of my sanity intact. It will take the whole summer for me to recover, though.
I have survived the year. Despite their best efforts, I managed to finish the year with at least a little of my sanity intact. It will take the whole summer for me to recover, though.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
brief
*Gold RUsh day went very smoothly
*my kids did a great job of helping me clean my room up
*Huzzah still doesn't like going to the vet
*Collateral Damage was not a great movie, even if our (future) governor WAS the star
*tomorrow we have a pizza party and an auction and I have NO IDEA how either is going to go
*don't let me forget to pick up a few 2 liter bottles of something that will give my kids a sugar high on my way to work in the morning
*I have report cards half-way finished
*after the numerous inside jokes that I have shared with my coworkers, I will never see another pickle (or pickle-derived product) without laughing myself sick
*I am gonna miss these kids no matter how crazy they make me
*sometimes having a parent come in to "help" is not the most enjoyable experience
*it is past my bedtime
*my kids did a great job of helping me clean my room up
*Huzzah still doesn't like going to the vet
*Collateral Damage was not a great movie, even if our (future) governor WAS the star
*tomorrow we have a pizza party and an auction and I have NO IDEA how either is going to go
*don't let me forget to pick up a few 2 liter bottles of something that will give my kids a sugar high on my way to work in the morning
*I have report cards half-way finished
*after the numerous inside jokes that I have shared with my coworkers, I will never see another pickle (or pickle-derived product) without laughing myself sick
*I am gonna miss these kids no matter how crazy they make me
*sometimes having a parent come in to "help" is not the most enjoyable experience
*it is past my bedtime
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
A Little Egg on My...Hair?
We had a great time at school this morning. From 9:30 - 11:00, all of the 3rd - 5th grade students were out on the field, demonstrating their ability to roll tires, race in sacks, toss water balloons, and scream louder than anything I have ever heard in my life. I made a flag for my class, which we waved proudly throughout the competitions. We shouted encouragement and praise as loudly as we could. "Be strong. Be pumped. Be good sports." Although we didn't win many competitions, we did have fun. The part my students liked best was during the "surprise" egg toss. This is a teacher/student event, so I was part of it. Things were going along very well until a neighboring teacher broke her egg. Directly above my head. I still managed to catch our egg as I was shuddering at the feel of raw egg dripping down my neck. Ugh. In fact, I am going to go shower right now to get the last remaining egg out. At least I've heard that egg is a good conditioner.
Stand Up for Your Rights
The teachers in my district are currently up in arms over a disasterous change in our health care plan. Due to mismanagement and poor planning we are carrying a deficit with our insurance provider. In it's infinite wisdom, the district has decided that this cost should be solely carried by the classified and certificated staff. Along with yearly classroom budget cuts and increasing classroom size, we are now supposed to just hand over the one real perk we have. Teachers by nature are people who are willing to deal with whatever comes their way, especially when it comes to protecting the children. However, I think the district will be surprised when they realize that we are not going to take this lying down. We are ready and willing to fight.
If you should happen to be having a situation like this in your area, please be sure to make yourself aware of the reality of the situation. Give your teachers some support and let your school board and administration know that you are doing so. Speak up to protect your teachers. Because without teacher, who is going to be there to speak up to protect your children?
If you should happen to be having a situation like this in your area, please be sure to make yourself aware of the reality of the situation. Give your teachers some support and let your school board and administration know that you are doing so. Speak up to protect your teachers. Because without teacher, who is going to be there to speak up to protect your children?
Monday, June 14, 2004
!#*%*#$(@
Kittens have sharp claws. Kittens tend to think they can jump higher than they really can. Having your kitten hang from your bare leg with all of his front claws buried in your skin is excruciating.
My poor little baby just heard a string of words his innocent ears shouldn't be exposed to.
OUCH.
My poor little baby just heard a string of words his innocent ears shouldn't be exposed to.
OUCH.
Summer Reading
I have been totally caught up in the world of David Eddings these days. The Belgariad series was one of my favorites when I was a teenager. I enjoyed that world so much that I would reach the end ready to start all over again. As an adult, I have read his Elenium trilogy twice, and I am currently enjoying his Tamuli trilogy. He describes the environment, characters, and situations so clearly that I feel I am a part of Sparhawk's inner circle. The politics of the story are well explained and entertaining. I still have one book of this trilogy to read, but I am already mourning the end.
Booyah!
A good day is when you pass the principal in the hall while your class is walking quietly (for once!) and she says, "Oh! I heard a nice compliment from a parent about you today."
Saturday, June 12, 2004
More Baby Pics
I can't help it. I have to share pictures of my kids...
The baby has been doing lots of exploring this week. He is a complicated creature who can't do anything the easy way.
We are already having to monitor his television time. We found he was picking up some bad habits.
We are learning that we definitely should not become parents anytime soon.
He continues to amaze me with his adorableness.
Huzzah is still giving him the cold shoulder most of the time,
while Zazzy will put up with him as long as he doesn't touch her.
I have hope that they will all get along soon, though.
The baby has been doing lots of exploring this week. He is a complicated creature who can't do anything the easy way.
We are already having to monitor his television time. We found he was picking up some bad habits.
We are learning that we definitely should not become parents anytime soon.
He continues to amaze me with his adorableness.
Huzzah is still giving him the cold shoulder most of the time,
while Zazzy will put up with him as long as he doesn't touch her.
I have hope that they will all get along soon, though.
Ask, and they will answer...
Thanks to Kathy, Mikey and Daddy for their responses to my question about political awareness. It was great to hear your stories. I guess I will have to be asking more questions!
Things have been quite busy around here. With the end of the year approaching (much faster than the unchanging countdown to the right might suggest), I have been frantically getting final grades, finishing assessments, struggling with spring fever induced madness, and generally getting things done. I have too late and too tired to even turn on my computer for the last three days.
Our kitten is doing well. He is still driving the big kitties crazy, but no one is getting hurt. Our sleep has suffered some (except for the night right after his shots - he was out like a light!) and the couch is being sorely mistreated, but we seem to be settling in. The big kitties are not on speaking terms with us right now, as we just recently returned from a trip to the vet. He is the nicest guy, but they just don't like visiting him.
My brother is once again having problems. I haven't been able to come up with a solution or really help much at all. I hope things are going well, as I haven't heard anything for several days. To sum up my feelings in a sentence: He needs to get a good, hard dose of reality and get used to taking care of himself. That means he needs to get a job and start paying his own bills. Nothing encourages you to get a good night's sleep quite like having to get up early for work. And nothing encourages you to get up early for work quite like having to pay your bills or starve. He's a good boy, just a little wrapped up in himself these days. It is time for him to grow up.
That is about it. I still have tons of school stuff to take care of, so I don't know how often I will be online this week. But rest assured that as of next Monday, I will be here more than you can possible stand. You won't be able to keep up with all the bored drivel I will be posting. Doesn't that sound nice? :)
Things have been quite busy around here. With the end of the year approaching (much faster than the unchanging countdown to the right might suggest), I have been frantically getting final grades, finishing assessments, struggling with spring fever induced madness, and generally getting things done. I have too late and too tired to even turn on my computer for the last three days.
Our kitten is doing well. He is still driving the big kitties crazy, but no one is getting hurt. Our sleep has suffered some (except for the night right after his shots - he was out like a light!) and the couch is being sorely mistreated, but we seem to be settling in. The big kitties are not on speaking terms with us right now, as we just recently returned from a trip to the vet. He is the nicest guy, but they just don't like visiting him.
My brother is once again having problems. I haven't been able to come up with a solution or really help much at all. I hope things are going well, as I haven't heard anything for several days. To sum up my feelings in a sentence: He needs to get a good, hard dose of reality and get used to taking care of himself. That means he needs to get a job and start paying his own bills. Nothing encourages you to get a good night's sleep quite like having to get up early for work. And nothing encourages you to get up early for work quite like having to pay your bills or starve. He's a good boy, just a little wrapped up in himself these days. It is time for him to grow up.
That is about it. I still have tons of school stuff to take care of, so I don't know how often I will be online this week. But rest assured that as of next Monday, I will be here more than you can possible stand. You won't be able to keep up with all the bored drivel I will be posting. Doesn't that sound nice? :)
Monday, June 07, 2004
Can you relate?
My students and I discussed the death of former president Reagan this morning, as I am sure many teachers did. This is a teachable moment not to be passed up. I found it particularly important because of the connections I was making in my own head.
You see, I was in 4th grade when Reagan was president. He was the very first president that I was aware of. Before Reagan politics were something that happened to adults. I didn't know who was running the country, I didn't understand that I was part of a country that needed running and I didn't care in the least. I had June-berries to eat and sandy hills to play on, man. I was busy.
Then Reagan came into the picture. His political agenda, particularly his stance on nuclear weapons, was something that got my parents quite riled up. There were many dinner table discussions about the Cold War, nuclear disarmament, and the Star Wars program. I started to absorb some of the importance of this man called Reagan. (Or as he was called in my house - Ronnie Ray-Guns.) To really add to my understanding I happened to choose Reagan's name out of a hat when it came time to write our 4th grade report on a president (this even after I crossed fingers on both hands and chanted "anyone but Reagan" several dozen times).
I don't know much about Reagan, and I will be the first to admit that most of what I DO know is quite biased. However, he is eternally etched into my brain as "the president of the United States". He is a major part of my political awareness and my political development.
So today, I told my students about the report I did on Reagan (I didn't tell them the crossed fingers part), and I explained to them how it felt to suddenly realize that the president was an important man. I had them think about how George W. Bush is the first president that most of them will remember as they grow up. I had them think back to when he was elected. They were in 1st grade at the time and most had no recollection. I truly enjoyed seeing them all think about politics and elections and presidents. Some of them might even remember this conversation when they are older, mourning the passing of G.W. with their children.
How did you first become aware of politics? Who were the big players?
You see, I was in 4th grade when Reagan was president. He was the very first president that I was aware of. Before Reagan politics were something that happened to adults. I didn't know who was running the country, I didn't understand that I was part of a country that needed running and I didn't care in the least. I had June-berries to eat and sandy hills to play on, man. I was busy.
Then Reagan came into the picture. His political agenda, particularly his stance on nuclear weapons, was something that got my parents quite riled up. There were many dinner table discussions about the Cold War, nuclear disarmament, and the Star Wars program. I started to absorb some of the importance of this man called Reagan. (Or as he was called in my house - Ronnie Ray-Guns.) To really add to my understanding I happened to choose Reagan's name out of a hat when it came time to write our 4th grade report on a president (this even after I crossed fingers on both hands and chanted "anyone but Reagan" several dozen times).
I don't know much about Reagan, and I will be the first to admit that most of what I DO know is quite biased. However, he is eternally etched into my brain as "the president of the United States". He is a major part of my political awareness and my political development.
So today, I told my students about the report I did on Reagan (I didn't tell them the crossed fingers part), and I explained to them how it felt to suddenly realize that the president was an important man. I had them think about how George W. Bush is the first president that most of them will remember as they grow up. I had them think back to when he was elected. They were in 1st grade at the time and most had no recollection. I truly enjoyed seeing them all think about politics and elections and presidents. Some of them might even remember this conversation when they are older, mourning the passing of G.W. with their children.
How did you first become aware of politics? Who were the big players?
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Party House
Our new kitty has added an element of celebration to our lives. At least I assume that must be what happened, because we are spending a lot of time shouting "Get Down!" lately.
Shades of Summer
Today I have cleaned house, read many pages, napped, surfed the web, and lounged around. It almost feels like summer. Except that I now have to grade papers, plan next week's activities, and write up a parent letter. I'm almost there, though.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Final Wind
I find that I get an extra little burst of energy towards the end of the year. It is as though I can see the end of the tunnel, and so feel capable of the things needed to get there. Sometimes. My poor kids. They have had a teacher with a VERY short fuse these days. I can go from happy to irate in the time it takes to sharpen your pencil eraser. Yes - they actually do that. Or pick the erasers off and throw them at each other. Then they come crying to me when they need to erase something. *sigh* What can you do?
Anyway, although I have a short fuse, it is usually a fairly short trip back to HappyLand again afterwards. Because the light at the end of the tunnel is growing nearer and I can safely say it is NOT a train.
Anyway, although I have a short fuse, it is usually a fairly short trip back to HappyLand again afterwards. Because the light at the end of the tunnel is growing nearer and I can safely say it is NOT a train.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
New
There is now a countdown to the right showing how many days of school left until I am free. Get ready to celebrate with me. I will be more excited than any of the kids on that last day. Bring on the summer!!!
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Big Brother
Random Thought of the Day: How many anti-war posts do I have to write before I get myself on some government watch list? And will my subscription to The Sun magazine get me there sooner? How about being a registered member of the Green Party? Just wondering...
Treace
I have now found myself behind a car with a "Treace: Truth and Peace Together in Action" bumpersticker 3 times in only 2 days. This means something. But I can't seem to find any information on Treace. A little help?
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