Sometimes I have a hard time believing the things that come out of my very own mouth. For example, this is what you would have overheard had you been in my room last week, just after I hung up from talking with the principal about a boy in my class (4th grade) who had kicked a little girl (1st grade) on the playground and given her a bruise.
We were already having a rough day as it was. I hung up and turned around with my Laser Eyes* already in place. The kids know from previous experience that this is Not Good. I begin:
"You know what I don't like? I don't like getting calls from the vice-principal telling me that kids in my class are beating up on 1st graders." I pause for them to murmur uncomfortably.
"You know what else? I don't like having to repeat myself 4 times just because kids aren't paying attention." I start picking up speed here. Obviously, I am venting some pent up frustrations.
"I don't like having to make kids sit in the hall to finish work because they thought they could sit and talk during worktime. I don't like having to remind kids of rules they have been aware of since the beginning of the year." By now the kids are looking very serious and I can hear that high-pitched, Dear God, This Thing's Gonna Blow quality coming into my voice. When this happens I have to decide what I am going to do with all that tension. Leave it hanging there over their heads (usually while I tell them to think about the problem) or defuse it and move on with the lesson in progress.
"I'm not having a good day today. Mrs. H is NOT happy and you know that is never a good thing. I have a suggestion for you all. For the rest of the day - you better be on your best behavior. Don't cross the line." I'm all set for a very subdued session of silent reading as they all contemplate how bad it is to make the teacher mad, when suddenly my mouth detaches from my brain and runs off on a rampage.
"In fact, it isn't really a line at all. That thing you don't want to cross is a Barbed Wire Fence!" I look around and drop my voice dramatically. "For the rest of the day, there is a barbed wire fence up and anyone who crosses the barbed wire fence is going. To. Get. Hurt." As I finish my sentence, the kids and I both start to laugh at the utter rediculousness of it all. The tension is relieved, the kids are On Their Best (they know that there was an underlying seriousness to what I was saying), and the day goes on as planned. Ever since then, they remind each other not to "cross the barbed wire" if things are getting out of hand.
I'm sure there are those who would be upset by the way I handled things, finding it inappropriate for me to suggest such a thing. I would have to ask if those people had ever tried to maintain their sanity in a room full of 31 (myself included) unique and powerful personalities, all vying for room and attention. Part of what makes teaching fun is that I can bare my emotions for these little people to examine and learn from. And what makes it moving is that those little people trust me enough to return the favor.
*I am a trained professional. Do not attempt to make the Laser Eyes without proper training. They are a powerful and dangerous weapon that should only be used in times of dire need.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
The Rollercoaster
This house selling stuff is exhausting. I keep vacilating between the excitement of getting a bigger, better, built on more land house and the frustration of having to jump financial and escrow related hoops. I could wallpaper my whole house with the papers we have filled out and signed in the last two weeks (the current one, the new one is much roomier and would need a few extra documents). It is rediculous. Especially the way you have to sign or initial every cotton-pickin' page, sometimes multiple times. But it is slowly getting done and each signature brings me a little closer to my home in the hills.
I am also torn between wanting to wait 'til the last minute to pack (I hate having to dig through boxes trying to find "That Thing I Was Sure I Wouldn't Need for the Next Month and Now Can't Live Without") and wanting to get it all done NOW NOW NOW. I have so much nervous/anxious energy built up that it would be nice to have something to do with it all. It's all about a happy medium, I guess.
I am also torn between wanting to wait 'til the last minute to pack (I hate having to dig through boxes trying to find "That Thing I Was Sure I Wouldn't Need for the Next Month and Now Can't Live Without") and wanting to get it all done NOW NOW NOW. I have so much nervous/anxious energy built up that it would be nice to have something to do with it all. It's all about a happy medium, I guess.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Get a Move On
Now that we are in escrow - I did tell you all that we were in escrow, didn't I? - we are starting to get busy with packing. The big ole pile of boxes I had was rapidly used up yesterday as we crated up all the stuff in the guest room along with anything that isn't vitally important from both bathrooms. Most of the books in the house have also been boxed and stored in the garage. My strategy this time is to pack all the little drawers and closets first, as this is the part that always drives me crazy. There is nothing so frustrating as finding a bunch of junk drawers left after the rest of the room has been taken care of. This time, I'm starting with the small stuff and moving up to the big stuff.
The plan is for us to be closing escrow by June 22, if not earlier. You are all very lucky that you are in MN, because if you weren't I would be begging for help moving. You see, given the amount of time that is required for transfering funds and such, we will have about a 24 hour window between when we can move into the new place and when we are expected to be completely out of the old place. Yikes.
The rest of my holiday weekend has been used quite productively. I have made enormous progress on my Geneforge 2 game. My shaper is getting stronger and I am playing smarter. I learned how to create a new helper monster today. And I have found a shirt I should wear while playing.
The plan is for us to be closing escrow by June 22, if not earlier. You are all very lucky that you are in MN, because if you weren't I would be begging for help moving. You see, given the amount of time that is required for transfering funds and such, we will have about a 24 hour window between when we can move into the new place and when we are expected to be completely out of the old place. Yikes.
The rest of my holiday weekend has been used quite productively. I have made enormous progress on my Geneforge 2 game. My shaper is getting stronger and I am playing smarter. I learned how to create a new helper monster today. And I have found a shirt I should wear while playing.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Ah.
Look who just showed up. I kinda like this new setup blogger has. Apparently even if it doesn't get published, it gets saved so you can publish later. Sweet.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Dang.
I posted, but I think it got eaten. Unfortunate because I was waxing philosophical on the event of my birthday. Stupid blogger.
To sum up:
have completed many rotations around the sun
still have same old fears and insecurities
still having fun
nothing changes, nothing stays the same
had a good day
Also - I just realized that I have been blogging regularly for 3 years. May 14, 2002 was my first entry ever. At the time, I didn't think I would keep it up for long. Little did I know.
To sum up:
have completed many rotations around the sun
still have same old fears and insecurities
still having fun
nothing changes, nothing stays the same
had a good day
Also - I just realized that I have been blogging regularly for 3 years. May 14, 2002 was my first entry ever. At the time, I didn't think I would keep it up for long. Little did I know.
Another One Bites the Dust
So, here I am. One more rotation around the sun completed. One more year of experience under my belt. One more candle on the birthday cake of life. Or something like that.
To be honest with you, I don't feel any different than I did when I was 20. I still question everything I do. I still worry that I am not cool enough or smart enough or pretty enough. I still wonder what people are saying about me when I'm not around. The ups are still up and the downs are still down. As they say - it's same as it ever was.
But there is a calmness in knowing that. No matter what happens, the Earth keeps on spinning, the sun keeps on shining, and I keep getting older, day by day. I get over the hurts and fix the mistakes. I forgive the wrongs and remember the joys. Nothing ever changes and nothing ever stays the same. On this, my 27th birthday, I may not know much, but I have learned that simple lesson.
What have I done for my birthday? Well, I had my second annual classroom talent show. It rocked. I went to dinner with my hubby and stayed up late catching a movie (a rare treat indeed). I heard lots of singing on my answering machine and I received some loverly gifts. All in all, a perfect day.
To be honest with you, I don't feel any different than I did when I was 20. I still question everything I do. I still worry that I am not cool enough or smart enough or pretty enough. I still wonder what people are saying about me when I'm not around. The ups are still up and the downs are still down. As they say - it's same as it ever was.
But there is a calmness in knowing that. No matter what happens, the Earth keeps on spinning, the sun keeps on shining, and I keep getting older, day by day. I get over the hurts and fix the mistakes. I forgive the wrongs and remember the joys. Nothing ever changes and nothing ever stays the same. On this, my 27th birthday, I may not know much, but I have learned that simple lesson.
What have I done for my birthday? Well, I had my second annual classroom talent show. It rocked. I went to dinner with my hubby and stayed up late catching a movie (a rare treat indeed). I heard lots of singing on my answering machine and I received some loverly gifts. All in all, a perfect day.
Monday, May 23, 2005
It's all in the timing...
We may be going into escrow tomorrow. Tomorrow is a very good day. I kept telling Mikey that all I wanted for my birthday was a new house. He delivers. Whatta guy.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
What's Happenin'?
The Good
** We have received another offer on the house. We just signed the counter-offer (they thought they could drop the price AND include all the appliances? I think NOT) for our agent to fax back to them. We'll see what happens. Mikey predicted that we would get an offer today. Perhaps some of his mother's psychic ability is genetic? I know not to count my chickens until the bird is in my hand, but this basket seems to be pretty sturdy. Hehe.
** We have entered my favorite part of the whole school year - the post-testing coast. This is the time of year when I get to do fun things with my kids. I can focus on the social/emotional aspects of my room again, as well as spending more time on music/art/creativity. I don't have to feel guilty for reading a book that isn't on the "required" list, so I can share literature that means something to me on a gut level. We are reading a book called Bud, not Buddy right now and I am having a blast talking about things like Jazz, the Great Depression, orphans, politics, and social issues of the early 1900's. Not technically 4th grade curriculum, but boy are my kids eating it up! Interest, attention spans, and comprehension scores are all through the roof in room 6 these days!
** The $20 and 3 hours I spent Rug Doctoring our carpets is paying off. The agent said we could take the $2500 carpet allowance off the listing. Of course, that is only necessary if the current offer falls through.
The Bad
** The weather switch has definitely been switched to "SUMMER!". Normallly, this would be a good thing, but when you are stuck in a room with 30 sweaty pre-pubecents who haven't yet started wearing deoderant, but have recently starting smelling like teenagers, it can be a bad thing. I have the AC in my room cranked up extra high after recess and lunch! Phew!
** I was told by the termite inspector that my garden was preventing him from completing his inspection. He said he would come back after we had removed the part that was up against the house. In other words, the corn (recently tassled), the beans (just starting little beans) and the sunflowers (soon to bloom) have to go, along with the little oregano, basil, and parsley plants. The 1/2 of the garden that is actually doing well! Grrr. Our agent is going to do some investigating to see if there is something we can do to salvage at least part of it.
The Ugly
** My aunt Kate was in and out of Mayo last week and has talked to several doctors, and the news is not improving much. The cancer has been found in several locations, some worse than others, and surgery has been postponed until chemo is shown to be effective. There are still some inquiries out there, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My mind is still boggling at the very thought of what she and her family are going through. I wish I were able to do something besides hoping and praying.
** Our nephew, Trey, is having an MRI in early June because of some funny results from a blood test. I'm trying not to worry too much about this one until after we have more information. I have that luxury because I am just an auntie. I feel horrible for his mother who, I'm sure, is stressed out to the max with having to wait for this test. If I were her, I would be camping out on the doctor's doorstep until he did it. I'm sure that is what she wants to do.
So, there it is...all the news that's fit to print. I have been wanting to call several people for several weeks and things just keep piling up. If you haven't heard from me lately, I hope you know that it isn't because I'm not thinging about you. (Enough negatives in that sentence?) Soon, it will be summer and I will be bugging everyone I know just to keep from tearing my hair out with boredom!
** We have received another offer on the house. We just signed the counter-offer (they thought they could drop the price AND include all the appliances? I think NOT) for our agent to fax back to them. We'll see what happens. Mikey predicted that we would get an offer today. Perhaps some of his mother's psychic ability is genetic? I know not to count my chickens until the bird is in my hand, but this basket seems to be pretty sturdy. Hehe.
** We have entered my favorite part of the whole school year - the post-testing coast. This is the time of year when I get to do fun things with my kids. I can focus on the social/emotional aspects of my room again, as well as spending more time on music/art/creativity. I don't have to feel guilty for reading a book that isn't on the "required" list, so I can share literature that means something to me on a gut level. We are reading a book called Bud, not Buddy right now and I am having a blast talking about things like Jazz, the Great Depression, orphans, politics, and social issues of the early 1900's. Not technically 4th grade curriculum, but boy are my kids eating it up! Interest, attention spans, and comprehension scores are all through the roof in room 6 these days!
** The $20 and 3 hours I spent Rug Doctoring our carpets is paying off. The agent said we could take the $2500 carpet allowance off the listing. Of course, that is only necessary if the current offer falls through.
The Bad
** The weather switch has definitely been switched to "SUMMER!". Normallly, this would be a good thing, but when you are stuck in a room with 30 sweaty pre-pubecents who haven't yet started wearing deoderant, but have recently starting smelling like teenagers, it can be a bad thing. I have the AC in my room cranked up extra high after recess and lunch! Phew!
** I was told by the termite inspector that my garden was preventing him from completing his inspection. He said he would come back after we had removed the part that was up against the house. In other words, the corn (recently tassled), the beans (just starting little beans) and the sunflowers (soon to bloom) have to go, along with the little oregano, basil, and parsley plants. The 1/2 of the garden that is actually doing well! Grrr. Our agent is going to do some investigating to see if there is something we can do to salvage at least part of it.
The Ugly
** My aunt Kate was in and out of Mayo last week and has talked to several doctors, and the news is not improving much. The cancer has been found in several locations, some worse than others, and surgery has been postponed until chemo is shown to be effective. There are still some inquiries out there, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. My mind is still boggling at the very thought of what she and her family are going through. I wish I were able to do something besides hoping and praying.
** Our nephew, Trey, is having an MRI in early June because of some funny results from a blood test. I'm trying not to worry too much about this one until after we have more information. I have that luxury because I am just an auntie. I feel horrible for his mother who, I'm sure, is stressed out to the max with having to wait for this test. If I were her, I would be camping out on the doctor's doorstep until he did it. I'm sure that is what she wants to do.
So, there it is...all the news that's fit to print. I have been wanting to call several people for several weeks and things just keep piling up. If you haven't heard from me lately, I hope you know that it isn't because I'm not thinging about you. (Enough negatives in that sentence?) Soon, it will be summer and I will be bugging everyone I know just to keep from tearing my hair out with boredom!
Poor Babies
It has been nothing but noisy here today. First, I vacuumed the whole house. Then, I Rug Doctored the whole house. Now, Mikey is mowing the front and back yards. By the end of the day, they are all going to be either completely desensitized to loud noises or they are all going to be completely neurotic. Considering that they are CATS, I am putting my money on neurotic.
Ollie is well on his way already. He is lying on my desk, periodically attacking my arm for no reason. In between each nibble, he drapes himself adorably over the edge of the desk and tempts me to pet his belly, only to attack once more!
Ollie is well on his way already. He is lying on my desk, periodically attacking my arm for no reason. In between each nibble, he drapes himself adorably over the edge of the desk and tempts me to pet his belly, only to attack once more!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Relief
I dunno what did it, but I finally slept well for the first time in several weeks last night. Such a relief to wake up feeling as though I had actually recharged the battery a bit. Still can't wait until summer when I can rest as much as needed any time.
Hip Hip HippyDay!
Today was a dress-up day at school. We pretend that this is something we do for the kids, but it is really a great way for us teachers to let off some steam. The theme today was "Decades" and my team and I decided to be the ever-popular and always exciting Sixties! (Duh. What else would I dress up as?)
So, I went to school looking like this:
The kids all thought it was a riot, especially when I told them that they could call me "Moonbeam" for the rest of the day. It was lots of fun.
So, I went to school looking like this:
The kids all thought it was a riot, especially when I told them that they could call me "Moonbeam" for the rest of the day. It was lots of fun.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Tired
I am sorry that it has been so quiet here. I am just not interested in writing anything that I have been thinking lately. I'm so tired all the time - sleeping 9 hours a night and still having to force myself out of bed. It seems like everything that isn't staying just the same is getting a little bit worse. Too many things happening that I have no control over and not enough going the way I want it to. Or perhaps that is just the melancholy talking.
Things will be better soon. Schools almost over and then I can start getting as much sleep as I need. I suspect that my body has been doing some real heavy healing on the inside lately, because aside from the sleepiness, I have also been having some twinges in my tummy muscles. Like nerve endings deciding to finally wake up after the surgery.
Anyway. I'm still alive. And I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
Things will be better soon. Schools almost over and then I can start getting as much sleep as I need. I suspect that my body has been doing some real heavy healing on the inside lately, because aside from the sleepiness, I have also been having some twinges in my tummy muscles. Like nerve endings deciding to finally wake up after the surgery.
Anyway. I'm still alive. And I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
The Return of Big Red
I decided, after several weeks of thought, to continue dying my hair. I like being a redhead!
That is all.
That is all.
Friday, May 13, 2005
FryDay
It was downright warm today. I didn't even mind having morning duty this week, it was so nice out. Of course, this only magnifies the "My Brain is Full, Can I Be Excused" attitude that is so prevalent in my classroom these days. We're all ready to be done thinking. I can't wait for all the testing to be over so we can start doing something FUN to use up the rest of the year. Only 24 days of school left!
Speaking of full brains, my kids continue to work on the state tests. While I have no idea how well they are doing, they are at least making a pretense of taking it seriously. This is a good sign. I think. We have one more day to go and then we're done. For a while. District testing still looms around the corner, but if they know enough to take the state test, they can stomp all over the district one.
I would just like to say a thankful prayer for brothers and good choices and taking the chance on healing. That whole situation just continues to get better.
I would also like to send some healing thoughts to my Aunt Kate who is currently at the Mayo undergoing tests and probes. Hopefully, they will learn what they need to know to take care of this problem and get her back home with her family. Once again my relatives are showing how great they are by banding together to support one of our own. My relatives are some of the best!
Anyway. That pretty much sums up the later half of my week. I'll be back tomorrow, maybe even with something interesting to say.
Speaking of full brains, my kids continue to work on the state tests. While I have no idea how well they are doing, they are at least making a pretense of taking it seriously. This is a good sign. I think. We have one more day to go and then we're done. For a while. District testing still looms around the corner, but if they know enough to take the state test, they can stomp all over the district one.
I would just like to say a thankful prayer for brothers and good choices and taking the chance on healing. That whole situation just continues to get better.
I would also like to send some healing thoughts to my Aunt Kate who is currently at the Mayo undergoing tests and probes. Hopefully, they will learn what they need to know to take care of this problem and get her back home with her family. Once again my relatives are showing how great they are by banding together to support one of our own. My relatives are some of the best!
Anyway. That pretty much sums up the later half of my week. I'll be back tomorrow, maybe even with something interesting to say.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
Started our testing today. Worked really hard to set the tone as follows:
1. It's just a test, don't worry about it. The world won't come crashing to a halt if you don't ace it. In fact, it is designed so that you aren't supposed to ace it. Just do your best.
2. They use these tests to see how we are doing compared to other kids in CA. They want to see how well you learned things and how well I taught them. Let's show them how great we're doing! Do your best!
Funny thing: As I was telling them that the tests show how well I taught things, one of the kids asked, "Will they give you a raise if we do well?" I said, "No", all the while thinking that if Gov. Arnold had his way...
Speaking of Arnie - he had the nerve to mass mail teachers (if the mailing I got is an indicator) telling them that the union was more concerned with politics than educating children. Hello, pot? Meet kettle. Sheesh.
1. It's just a test, don't worry about it. The world won't come crashing to a halt if you don't ace it. In fact, it is designed so that you aren't supposed to ace it. Just do your best.
2. They use these tests to see how we are doing compared to other kids in CA. They want to see how well you learned things and how well I taught them. Let's show them how great we're doing! Do your best!
Funny thing: As I was telling them that the tests show how well I taught things, one of the kids asked, "Will they give you a raise if we do well?" I said, "No", all the while thinking that if Gov. Arnold had his way...
Speaking of Arnie - he had the nerve to mass mail teachers (if the mailing I got is an indicator) telling them that the union was more concerned with politics than educating children. Hello, pot? Meet kettle. Sheesh.
Back to Back
Mikey woke up with back pains this morning and has been icing and hobbling all day. He has been working uber-overtime hours on his latest game and the two seem to go hand in hand. When he's really in the groove, he forgets to take breaks and wander around. Of course, the fact that he is sitting at the computer playing UT might explain it some too.
At the same time, I seem to have tweaked my back a tiny bit. It just aches from time to time, especially when I stretch it the wrong way. Recently, my stomach healed enough for me to start sleeping on it again and I think that has something to do with it. Or perhaps the new feline I have to negotiate around.
We'll both heal, I'm sure, but it always reminds me of what a dear friend once told me. When he heard that Mikey had back problems (this was back when we were just dating), he warned me that he would probably, eventually lose his mind. "That's what happens when you become bed-ridden." He was worried that I was setting myself up for having to take care of a crazy, crippled guy. Hee hee. Still makes me laugh.
At the same time, I seem to have tweaked my back a tiny bit. It just aches from time to time, especially when I stretch it the wrong way. Recently, my stomach healed enough for me to start sleeping on it again and I think that has something to do with it. Or perhaps the new feline I have to negotiate around.
We'll both heal, I'm sure, but it always reminds me of what a dear friend once told me. When he heard that Mikey had back problems (this was back when we were just dating), he warned me that he would probably, eventually lose his mind. "That's what happens when you become bed-ridden." He was worried that I was setting myself up for having to take care of a crazy, crippled guy. Hee hee. Still makes me laugh.
House News
After a brief scare, during which I could be found whining, "But I neeeeeeeeeed it!", we managed to wrangle an extention from the wonderful people from whom we would like to buy. They have given us the next 90 days to find a buyer. Please, please, PLEASE, send us your best house-selling vibes.
You have no idea how much I really, really, really want this house. It is the perfect place for me and I am going to be heartbroken if I don't get it. Yep. Despite all my cool-as-a-cucumber facade ("No problem. If it doesn't work, it wasn't meant to be."), it turns out that I am super attached to this abode. I fall asleep picturing myself living in it, watching the fire in the fireplace, cooking dinner in the beautiful kitchen, taking a bath in that HUGE tub. I am READY to move and I want to move THERE.
Our agent assures us that we will sell soon (of course, that is her job, so she would) and I am really hoping she is right. I'm tired of waitin' around. It's time for this thing to happen. I'm all buckled in for the ride. Let's take off before I need a pit stop! :)
You have no idea how much I really, really, really want this house. It is the perfect place for me and I am going to be heartbroken if I don't get it. Yep. Despite all my cool-as-a-cucumber facade ("No problem. If it doesn't work, it wasn't meant to be."), it turns out that I am super attached to this abode. I fall asleep picturing myself living in it, watching the fire in the fireplace, cooking dinner in the beautiful kitchen, taking a bath in that HUGE tub. I am READY to move and I want to move THERE.
Our agent assures us that we will sell soon (of course, that is her job, so she would) and I am really hoping she is right. I'm tired of waitin' around. It's time for this thing to happen. I'm all buckled in for the ride. Let's take off before I need a pit stop! :)
Monday, May 09, 2005
Monday, Monday
Our house is once again accepting offers, as the one we got last week fell through. We had several people stop in over the last few days and I still have hopes. However, the owners of the other house are planning to rent it out to someone if we can't buy soon. I don't want that to happen! So keep your fingers crossed.
In other news, I had my annual formal evaluation with the AP today. She had many complimentary things to say and rated me in either the "Effective" or "Outstanding" categories across the board, even the places where I thought myself to be only "Developing". Her one suggestion was to have students do more self-reflection on work. She also thought I could use assessments more effectively. I was impressed when she asked me what I thought about assessments (meaning formal, standardized ones) and didn't freak out as I openly declared, "I hate them. They fail to represent the majority of my students accurately and I do a much more thorough job with my informal observations." Nice to know that she trusts me to teach my kids, even if I am doing it outside the District Approved Box.
We start testing on Wednesday, so we are doing lots of review. In order to pass the tests, they need to be able to recognize the vocabulary used when discussing language. Many of them know how to use things like pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, possessives accurately, but freeze up at the terminology. We have gone over these things repeatedly and they still give me the Ten Second Stare when I ask an unexpected question. You can just see their little gears working...
So damn frustrating. If only I could find a way to be 1/2 as facinating as the stupid television shows and brain-sucking video games (no offense, Mikey!) that they play with instead of studying. Tomorrow, we go over it again. Wish me luck.
In other news, I had my annual formal evaluation with the AP today. She had many complimentary things to say and rated me in either the "Effective" or "Outstanding" categories across the board, even the places where I thought myself to be only "Developing". Her one suggestion was to have students do more self-reflection on work. She also thought I could use assessments more effectively. I was impressed when she asked me what I thought about assessments (meaning formal, standardized ones) and didn't freak out as I openly declared, "I hate them. They fail to represent the majority of my students accurately and I do a much more thorough job with my informal observations." Nice to know that she trusts me to teach my kids, even if I am doing it outside the District Approved Box.
We start testing on Wednesday, so we are doing lots of review. In order to pass the tests, they need to be able to recognize the vocabulary used when discussing language. Many of them know how to use things like pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, possessives accurately, but freeze up at the terminology. We have gone over these things repeatedly and they still give me the Ten Second Stare when I ask an unexpected question. You can just see their little gears working...
Um, what did she ask? Oh. The possessive. Um. Pooooosseeeeessiiiiiive. Po-ssess-ive. We were just talking about plurals. Are possessives numbers? Plural is more than one. Possessive is less than one? Hmm...possessive. More. Less. No. What is it? Hey. I know that kid who just walked by. I saw him at recess. I think I'll ask Sara to play tetherball at recess. Or maybe not. She cheats. Look. She's cheating now. She's copying down what's on the overhead. Oh. The overhead. What does it say? Ah. Is THAT what a possessive is? I hope Teacher doesn't call on me. I don't like the way her eyes bug out when I don't know what she's talking about.
So damn frustrating. If only I could find a way to be 1/2 as facinating as the stupid television shows and brain-sucking video games (no offense, Mikey!) that they play with instead of studying. Tomorrow, we go over it again. Wish me luck.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Moms
I just wanted to wish a happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, especially ones who have mommed me over the years. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you, but I can try.
Thank you for the food - so much delicious food.
Thank you for caring enough to listen and/or advise in times of need.
Thank you for the time and money and emotion that have been spent on me.
Thank you for being there.
Thank you for all the things you have taught me.
Thank you for accepting me just the way I am, whether you agree or not.
Thank you for taking care of me when I am ailing.
Thank you for thinking of me though I am far away.
Thank you for including me in the circle of those you love.
To moms and stepmoms and mominlaws and grandmoms, I wouldn't be who I am now without your guidance. I love you all to infinity and beyond! I wish I could be with each of you today. I will have to be satisfied with knowing you were on my mind all day, and every day. Happy Mother's Day.
Thank you for the food - so much delicious food.
Thank you for caring enough to listen and/or advise in times of need.
Thank you for the time and money and emotion that have been spent on me.
Thank you for being there.
Thank you for all the things you have taught me.
Thank you for accepting me just the way I am, whether you agree or not.
Thank you for taking care of me when I am ailing.
Thank you for thinking of me though I am far away.
Thank you for including me in the circle of those you love.
To moms and stepmoms and mominlaws and grandmoms, I wouldn't be who I am now without your guidance. I love you all to infinity and beyond! I wish I could be with each of you today. I will have to be satisfied with knowing you were on my mind all day, and every day. Happy Mother's Day.
The Baby
Oliver doesn't so much get off the chair, as slurp to the floor. He's so very cute!
Yes, his name is Oliver. No, we aren't trying very hard to find his home. He earned his name when he showed up, orphaned and lonely, downed a whole scoop of food, and then demanded more. I usually address him as,
"O-lee-ver, O-lee-ver!"
and then remind him that no one before had ever asked for more. He's a cheeky little orphan, he is.
Yes, his name is Oliver. No, we aren't trying very hard to find his home. He earned his name when he showed up, orphaned and lonely, downed a whole scoop of food, and then demanded more. I usually address him as,
"O-lee-ver, O-lee-ver!"
and then remind him that no one before had ever asked for more. He's a cheeky little orphan, he is.
Gender Roles
This morning I spent 2 hours shopping at Kohl's, courtesy of my wonderful class. They gave me a $75 gift certificate for Teacher Appreciation Week! I loaded my cart up and came home with a pile of new, summery clothes to replace the ones I got rid of when I cleaned out my closet recently. I felt very girly as I tried on outfit after outfit, color coordinating and trying to stretch my dollars as far as they would go. (My cardinal clothing rule: It MUST be wearable with multiple things already found in my closet.)
Then, this afternoon, I spent 4 hours or so repainting the trim, fence, and porch of our house. Our stupid HOA can take a flying leap, because my house is BEAUTIFUL now. And I did it because I wanted to, NOT because they told me to! So there. Anyway, I felt very macho as I ordered the paint at Home Depot and as I stood on the ladder, painting my little heart out. Even more so as I trimmed the hedge and climbing vines afterward.
I had fun balancing the yin and yang of my personalities into a productive, happy human being today.
Then, this afternoon, I spent 4 hours or so repainting the trim, fence, and porch of our house. Our stupid HOA can take a flying leap, because my house is BEAUTIFUL now. And I did it because I wanted to, NOT because they told me to! So there. Anyway, I felt very macho as I ordered the paint at Home Depot and as I stood on the ladder, painting my little heart out. Even more so as I trimmed the hedge and climbing vines afterward.
I had fun balancing the yin and yang of my personalities into a productive, happy human being today.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Two Cents
I was just at a memorial service for the father of a student at my school. For the most part, it was a good service and I was happy to be there showing the family my support during this time of need. The following is in no way a criticism of them or the way they chose to remember their loved one...but instead is a collection of thoughts I had while there.
1. Why is it always someone who starts out saying "I never really knew..." who gets to do the talking? Is it because the people who did know the person are too emotional? Or because it is traditional to have a member of the clergy do the talking? Because if it the tradition thing - it sucks. At my memorial service, I want only people who knew me to be allowed to speak. If they can't, then y'all can just sit around looking at each other and thinking mean thoughts about me. I forbid someone to plug my name and statistics into a formulaic speech.
2. Does anyone else think it is inappropriate for the official of the church to turn a memorial service into a soapbox for "intelligent design" and the denouncement of evolution? If it had been in reference to the individual we were supposed to be honoring it would be one thing - I wouldn't agree, but I would understand. However, this was a complete segway from the purpose of our meeting and it was as though the pastor just got sidetracked ("I just KNOW that we don't come from a cosmic coincidence! I just KNOW IT.") only to remember what he was doing 5 minutes later (Ehm. So...as you are remembering..."). He even ended with an invitation for those who weren't part of his church to come see him afterwards. He turned the eulogy into an INFOMERCIAL!
Anyway. At the beginning of the service, I was actually thinking that I understood the need for church and envied them the emotional support they had during times of need. Who wouldn't like to have a whole roomful of people who know you and care for you? The pastor rapidly reminded me why I would rather rely on the smaller number of very close friends that I have and keep my ability to make decisions for myself. It is just too easy to hand over your ability to think in that kind of setting.
1. Why is it always someone who starts out saying "I never really knew..." who gets to do the talking? Is it because the people who did know the person are too emotional? Or because it is traditional to have a member of the clergy do the talking? Because if it the tradition thing - it sucks. At my memorial service, I want only people who knew me to be allowed to speak. If they can't, then y'all can just sit around looking at each other and thinking mean thoughts about me. I forbid someone to plug my name and statistics into a formulaic speech.
2. Does anyone else think it is inappropriate for the official of the church to turn a memorial service into a soapbox for "intelligent design" and the denouncement of evolution? If it had been in reference to the individual we were supposed to be honoring it would be one thing - I wouldn't agree, but I would understand. However, this was a complete segway from the purpose of our meeting and it was as though the pastor just got sidetracked ("I just KNOW that we don't come from a cosmic coincidence! I just KNOW IT.") only to remember what he was doing 5 minutes later (Ehm. So...as you are remembering..."). He even ended with an invitation for those who weren't part of his church to come see him afterwards. He turned the eulogy into an INFOMERCIAL!
Anyway. At the beginning of the service, I was actually thinking that I understood the need for church and envied them the emotional support they had during times of need. Who wouldn't like to have a whole roomful of people who know you and care for you? The pastor rapidly reminded me why I would rather rely on the smaller number of very close friends that I have and keep my ability to make decisions for myself. It is just too easy to hand over your ability to think in that kind of setting.
Oh. And One More Thing...
This little guy appeared at our back door the other night and refused to leave. Although we have signs up advertising his status as "lost", he is seeming less "lost" and more "found" all the time. He is a brown tabby (really brown, not grey like Zazzy), with white paws and a white chest. He has an adorable spot in the middle of his bib and is of a very snuggly persuasion. He appears to be about 8 months old, not yet full grown, but getting close.
As Mikey said, "This is dangerously close to Crazy Cat Lady territory." It's a good thing we are getting a bigger house! :)
Butts Have Been Kicked
I had a large Coke with my lunch yesterday, and that always makes me a little aggressive. So throughout the day I managed to take care of several irritating problems.
1. The Mayo was asking for my insurance information "just in case" they needed someone to cover the costs of my recent surgery. Since a) my insurance is CRAP and was not consulted in the decision to have elective donor surgery and b) I was assured beforehand that I would NOT be responsible for any of the cost, I was a bit concerned about this. A quick call to my coordinator and all was set right.
2. Our lawn guy has failed to show up 2 weeks in a row. Since we are paying him good money to mow our lawn, this is not acceptable. I left a message to this effect on his voice mail, and I am execting a call back soon.
3. Our Home Owner's Association (a board that gets to tell you what to do with your house) sent us several letters demanding that we a)mow our lawn (see above!), b) paint our trim, and c) paint our fence. Since I don't take well to people I don't know sending me snippy letters telling me to "tow the line", and since I do NOT want to live in a little box made of ticky-tacky (no matter the color!), I called them up. I left a message on their voice mail indicating that I am disturbed by the fact that they spend their time and money regulating the color and maintenence of the trim in our neighborhood, but they have done NOTHING to deal with the hoodlums that are roaming the neighborhood. I recently had my car keyed while it sat in my driveway and I would much prefer my $15/month goes to finding those kids something to do. Hey! Maybe we can catch two birds with one net and have those kids paint my trim and fence? :)
I know. None of that sounds particularly impressive, but I am traditionally the kind of person who stews silently about this stuff, solving nothing and getting stress headaches. Instead, I calmly and firmly took care of business. That makes me happy.
FYI - No butts were actually kicked in the solving of any of these problems. I was a little snippy with the HOA people, but only mildly so.
1. The Mayo was asking for my insurance information "just in case" they needed someone to cover the costs of my recent surgery. Since a) my insurance is CRAP and was not consulted in the decision to have elective donor surgery and b) I was assured beforehand that I would NOT be responsible for any of the cost, I was a bit concerned about this. A quick call to my coordinator and all was set right.
2. Our lawn guy has failed to show up 2 weeks in a row. Since we are paying him good money to mow our lawn, this is not acceptable. I left a message to this effect on his voice mail, and I am execting a call back soon.
3. Our Home Owner's Association (a board that gets to tell you what to do with your house) sent us several letters demanding that we a)mow our lawn (see above!), b) paint our trim, and c) paint our fence. Since I don't take well to people I don't know sending me snippy letters telling me to "tow the line", and since I do NOT want to live in a little box made of ticky-tacky (no matter the color!), I called them up. I left a message on their voice mail indicating that I am disturbed by the fact that they spend their time and money regulating the color and maintenence of the trim in our neighborhood, but they have done NOTHING to deal with the hoodlums that are roaming the neighborhood. I recently had my car keyed while it sat in my driveway and I would much prefer my $15/month goes to finding those kids something to do. Hey! Maybe we can catch two birds with one net and have those kids paint my trim and fence? :)
I know. None of that sounds particularly impressive, but I am traditionally the kind of person who stews silently about this stuff, solving nothing and getting stress headaches. Instead, I calmly and firmly took care of business. That makes me happy.
FYI - No butts were actually kicked in the solving of any of these problems. I was a little snippy with the HOA people, but only mildly so.
Science Fiction and Movies
I have been reading a lot of Sci-Fi collections lately. It is remarkable how the quality differs from one to the next. Sadly, some very best ideas are coupled with some of the worst writing I have ever come across.
We watched a Sci-Fi movie called Primer the other night and my head is still spinning. It is a "time machine" story. I am always intrigued by the idea of time travel, but I can never wrap my head around the time-line of it. Too confusing. But if you like that kind of thing, I would definitely recommend the movie. It was made on a very small budget and I think it was done well. Of course, I couldn't follow most of what was going on...so take my advise with a grain of salt!
We also watched Hitchhiker's Guide recently. I am a HUGE fan of the book, and I was highly amused by the BBC mini-series. The new movie was funny (using lots of quotes right out of the book) and stuck to the original story pretty well, but it wasn't mind-blowing. I would recommend seeing it for a good laugh, but I woudn't recommend paying full theater price for it. See it in second-run theaters, as a matinee, or rent it from NetFlix. But don't go in expecting too much.
We watched a Sci-Fi movie called Primer the other night and my head is still spinning. It is a "time machine" story. I am always intrigued by the idea of time travel, but I can never wrap my head around the time-line of it. Too confusing. But if you like that kind of thing, I would definitely recommend the movie. It was made on a very small budget and I think it was done well. Of course, I couldn't follow most of what was going on...so take my advise with a grain of salt!
We also watched Hitchhiker's Guide recently. I am a HUGE fan of the book, and I was highly amused by the BBC mini-series. The new movie was funny (using lots of quotes right out of the book) and stuck to the original story pretty well, but it wasn't mind-blowing. I would recommend seeing it for a good laugh, but I woudn't recommend paying full theater price for it. See it in second-run theaters, as a matinee, or rent it from NetFlix. But don't go in expecting too much.
Counter Offers Have Been Made
We got an offer on the house Thursday morning. We counter offered that night, and we should hear back about it this morning. I am feeling ambivelent about these people. I will be fine if they accept, but if they don't, I'm not going to panic. I get the feeling there is someone just around the corner who is perfect. It would be nice to have this all done with, though.
Progress Reports were Sent Home
Not only did I manage to get my PR finished and sent home on time, I was done with them a full 48 hours before they were needed. Usually I am still printing and signing and stuffing envelopes right up to the last minute. Now I just have to wait to see how many messages are waiting on my phone on Monday morning.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Hello Lamppost. Whatcha knowin'?
Progress Reports have been sent home.
Counter Offers have been made.
Science fiction has been read and movies have been seen.
Butts have been kicked.
It has been a busy week. More information after the following 16 hour mental shut-down. See you on the other side.
Counter Offers have been made.
Science fiction has been read and movies have been seen.
Butts have been kicked.
It has been a busy week. More information after the following 16 hour mental shut-down. See you on the other side.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Stuff
So, we're still waiting for an offer on the house. Keep the selling mojo coming. I have to admit that having to wash every dish as we use it and vacuuming every day is getting kinda old. I hope something happens soon.
Now that open house has passed, I have moved on to stressing out about progress reports (due Friday) and standardized testing (starting next Wednesday). The progress reports really don't take all that much. And since I sent home an informal report a couple weeks ago, there shouldn't be many surprised parents. I find that is what gets the most complaints - surprises. If you keep them informed, then they aren't nearly so upset to get a poor report. If they think everything is hunky-dory, that's when the proverbial excrement hits the proverbial oscillating wind mover. The tests are stressful for me because I know that they don't really show the progress that some of my kids have made. I am dedicating this week to reviewing the basic skills they cover in an attempt to relax my kids. Most of them would do a lot better if it weren't for all the pressure. I'm spending a lot of time showing them that they already know how to do the things they are being asked to do and that a few simple tricks will make a lot of difference. For example, READING THE DIRECTIONS is a good way to start. If only I could get them all to read the directions, the scores would go up by 5% across the board!
We had a book fair at our school last week. The kids loved being able to bring money to school and spend it on their own. (I'm a big ole meanie and I made them bring notes from home if they wanted to get something that included a toy of any kind.) The hassle of writing recess-time passes and trying to compete with something much cooler than classwork is offset by the loverly fact that teachers get buying credit based on how much was earned by the fair. Today we were told that we had $209 of credit to spend on our classrooms. $209! Free books! I got to leave with a shopping bag FULL of books and I only spent 50 cents. I have a great big Children's Encyclopedia, some great, high-interest non-fiction, and close to 20 fiction books. I made sure to get some high-level books in case I get bumped to 5th grade. I will get to spend the summer working my way through them. It was like Christmas in May. :)
Alright. I have chatted enough. There is no more putting off the inevitable. It is time to go walking and then I have to finish up my grading/recording. Those progress reports aren't going to write themselves, you know?
Now that open house has passed, I have moved on to stressing out about progress reports (due Friday) and standardized testing (starting next Wednesday). The progress reports really don't take all that much. And since I sent home an informal report a couple weeks ago, there shouldn't be many surprised parents. I find that is what gets the most complaints - surprises. If you keep them informed, then they aren't nearly so upset to get a poor report. If they think everything is hunky-dory, that's when the proverbial excrement hits the proverbial oscillating wind mover. The tests are stressful for me because I know that they don't really show the progress that some of my kids have made. I am dedicating this week to reviewing the basic skills they cover in an attempt to relax my kids. Most of them would do a lot better if it weren't for all the pressure. I'm spending a lot of time showing them that they already know how to do the things they are being asked to do and that a few simple tricks will make a lot of difference. For example, READING THE DIRECTIONS is a good way to start. If only I could get them all to read the directions, the scores would go up by 5% across the board!
We had a book fair at our school last week. The kids loved being able to bring money to school and spend it on their own. (I'm a big ole meanie and I made them bring notes from home if they wanted to get something that included a toy of any kind.) The hassle of writing recess-time passes and trying to compete with something much cooler than classwork is offset by the loverly fact that teachers get buying credit based on how much was earned by the fair. Today we were told that we had $209 of credit to spend on our classrooms. $209! Free books! I got to leave with a shopping bag FULL of books and I only spent 50 cents. I have a great big Children's Encyclopedia, some great, high-interest non-fiction, and close to 20 fiction books. I made sure to get some high-level books in case I get bumped to 5th grade. I will get to spend the summer working my way through them. It was like Christmas in May. :)
Alright. I have chatted enough. There is no more putting off the inevitable. It is time to go walking and then I have to finish up my grading/recording. Those progress reports aren't going to write themselves, you know?
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Whaddayaknow...
Our weekend turned out to be quite productive. We had a garage sale that got rid of lots of stuff (and got us a tiny bit of spending money). We had several people look at the house. And we both did lots of reading. I even managed to call my grandma - something I am supposed to do each week but haven't done in quite some time. Not too bad for 48 hours, if you ask me. It's time to tuck myself in for some more reading so I can get to sleep at a reasonable hour.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
