Happiness is remaining healthy for a few weeks!!!
I have to admit, I thought the tales of first year teacher illness were exaggerated. Apparently, the illness suffered by a first year teacher is truly the stuff of which legend is made. It is only now that I've felt good for a few days that I realize that I was indeed quite sick for quite some time!
I'm looking forward to a nice break in which I can get caught up on grading. I love teaching and I love my students.... I also can't wait for my immunity to build up. Who knew it would be like this? I didn't! I did not ever get this sick when student teaching. Are 9th graders really that much more germie than 10th-12th? Hmmmmmmm........
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Teaching Rocks
For me, teaching is all about relationships. I teach high school, but I almost don't care what I teach. If I can connect with a student I can help them as a learner. It is so cool to have a job where I am able to make a difference. I realize these kids are GREAT. I realize they have a lot to contribute to this world. How cool is it that I have a job where I can encourage others to grow and make a difference? I consider this the most wonderful part of the job.
Updates:
- Hubby is taking a class this semester - yay!
- Dad is doing okay with radiation for the prostate cancer. He has good and bad days. Cancer is like that.
- Wonder boy is continuing to have issues with sleep, we are working on it.
- Super Girl is still challenging me as a parent in terms of her achieving to her abilities in school. How typical is that?
- I'm a first year teacher so I'm taking a break from my master's program. Can I just say that next year will be SOOOOO much easier when I'm not going through everything for the very first time?
- Why is it acceptable for tees to grind on each other at high school dances? Do we not have standards?
Teaching is amazing... you learn SO much!!
Updates:
- Hubby is taking a class this semester - yay!
- Dad is doing okay with radiation for the prostate cancer. He has good and bad days. Cancer is like that.
- Wonder boy is continuing to have issues with sleep, we are working on it.
- Super Girl is still challenging me as a parent in terms of her achieving to her abilities in school. How typical is that?
- I'm a first year teacher so I'm taking a break from my master's program. Can I just say that next year will be SOOOOO much easier when I'm not going through everything for the very first time?
- Why is it acceptable for tees to grind on each other at high school dances? Do we not have standards?
Teaching is amazing... you learn SO much!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
It is here....
Fall is here! I am so frustrated that I keep walking out my door without my camera! The leaves look painted, the forest is a patchwork, the beauty is in full swing! It especially cheers me on sunny days... "Look at that" and "Wow!" is all you hear me say as we drive down the road. Luckily my family tolerates me though they don't love the colors quite as much as I!I have applied for graduate school. It appears that teaching jobs are still quite hard to come by... the stock market isn't helping any of those pondering retirement... So, my best course of action is to go on and get my masters degree. Hubby is still struggling between career decisions. The job he got this year (after 20 years in construction went down the drain) is not a career gig. It helps pay the bills, but it is not a career. I pray that he will make the decision soon. I know he will be happier when he is working toward a goal.
In the meantime, I am starting back for my masters because it will take two years minimum no matter when I start... so I might as well start NOW. I'm going for the media specialist position -- should I not be able to secure a teaching job I could at least be a librarian.
Old dogs can learn new tricks! Financially it is more than difficult, but if we keep marching forward I have to believe all will be well at some point! In the meantime I will buy a lotto ticket...
Saturday, September 06, 2008
BTS
What amazed me was how the sky glowed well past the sunset.... it was so very pretty! As this past week came to and end, I felt much the same way... the new school year brings so much hope and excitement.... the weather is still warm and our spirits are still free despite the obligations of the everyday school routines. I'm worn out in the afterglow of living the double life this week. I wonder how many other moms feel this way at the start of school.
I bet I'm not the only one who wants to go back to summer... We had such fun on the swings at the beach talking about the year to come... and now I am reminiscent about the summer that was... this past summer was a great one.... may next summer live up to that legacy!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Journey Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (a new one begins!!!!!!!!!!)
I took my last final exam. My last final exam!!! Whoop whoop! Done like dinner! I can not believe it is DONE! I started back in 2001. I had a college degree but wanted to get certified so that I could teach the youth of America. So much has happened since I started back to school.
I was in a terrible car accident the first week of class and was on pain killers for the duration of that semester. I could not believe that I rocked a "A" in both of the classes that I took that semester. How do you make A's when you are basically stoned on pain meds? I would drive to class, take a Vicodin, take notes, have pain pill wear off, drive home.
I was afraid of becoming addicted to pain medicine but I could not carry on at work or home without pain management. My doctor told me to take the medicine and do the physical therapy. It didn't help my pain and I struggled to keep up at work and home. I ended up seeking the help of specialists because I wanted my life back. Apparently, "I want my life back" is a magic phrase that makes doctors want to help you. My boss was understanding and my specialist referred me to a combination program of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management. My mom helped me through this -- she drove me to pick up my kids from daycare after my PT and helped make dinner while I recouped on the couch. I felt like a failure, she told me she admired how I functioned through pain. It was so hard admitting I could not do it all..... (wow, this could take a lot of separate posts to explain).
I went through 3 months of education on dealing with chronic pain. I learned about proper medications (acute pain is medicated differently than chronic pain). I happily gave up the medicine and struggled through to learn how to function despite the pain. Basically it boils down to baby steps and learning your limits. During this time my infrequent migraines became frequent.
Time passed and I kept up the hectic pace of being a student, working mom, pain patient and wife. I tried to keep all the balls in the air with the same flair I had prior to the accident. Needless to say, my blood pressure increased and I ended up having a mini stroke. Apparently I had a congenital heart defect which caused the blood to pool funny in my heart. A clot formed and shot to my hand (hello, ouch!). I had a mini stroke (lost feeling on the right side, vision issues, lost some language but regained it over time). I ended up having minor heart surgery to fix the issue and was good as gold. I continued to take classes throughout these crazy setbacks. Try studying after a stroke! Glad I was taking acting that semester -- needless to say I struggled on the memorization piece!
So the minor heart surgery was a basic miracle in my opinion. It was done out patient! I had a catheter surgery where a device was implanted that served to patch the hole in my heart (there's a hole in the bucket dear Liza dear Liza -- somehow that song goes through my head when I think about the hole in my heart, sorry!). My evil sister deemed the device my "internal jewelry." Clever huh? I had my atrial septal defect corrected. I kept taking classes... one at a time... slow and steady wins the race.
This same year my mother came down with uterine cancer. She had symptoms and sought medical help, but the doctor didn't get the joke and missed the diagnosis. Note to the ladies out there: lower back pain and post menapausal bleeding are issues that NO doctor should dismiss. My mom had medical training -- she didn't assert herself to get a 2nd opinion. PLEASE get a 2nd opinion. She went through radiation and had a radical hysterectomy. She had the best attitude -- she actually convinced us that it was no big deal and that treatment would resolve everything. I kept taking classes.
Next my dad had an aortic aneurysm. It ruptured (slow leak -- thank the Lord!). He lost tons of blood and was VERY lucky that a really smart doctor was lurking in the emergency room that night. He was rushed into surgery and survived! We were told that he beat the odds -- 60% of patient like him do not even make it to the hospital, 50% don't make it through surgery, 50% don't make it through the next 24 hours. It has been 5 years and I'm still blessed to have him! I sat with him in the ICU as doctors came in to see "Superman." They could not believe he had survived. Considering this was 20 years after heart bypass surgery, the man earned some bonus points for this feat -- don't you think? I kept taking classes.
My mother inlaw was in and out of the hospital much of this time. She is a gastric bypass patient gone wrong. (I don't know if the issue was her surgery or her noncompliance). Her suffering and hospitalizations made me a more assertive patient advocate (long stories, maybe I'll expand on this someday...) The sad thing is how much she suffered. The silver lining is that her experiences and my medical training helped me help my mom when the cancer returned. She has gone about 6 months without a hospitalization. Yes, this is a record -- it has been 6 years of madness.
Hubby coached the kids soccer teams for a couple of seasons during this madness. I was his chief assistant and bottle washer -- I learned a ton and had a great time (while working full time and taking classes). I loved it and was sad when he had to give it up due to the family business dying.
My mom's cancer returned and went to the brain in 2005. She was given 6-9 months. We lost her 14 weeks after the vertigo hit. I can not describe the devastation. My world will never be the same. I will always appreciate what I have.... Cancer is cruel. Nobody should suffer a death like that... I miss my mom. I miss her pep talks. I'm not in the fog anymore... but I still miss her every day. If you read any of the last three links you will see that this blog is really my own personal therapy. Who needs counseling when you can purge your feelings onto a blog?
The last 2 years since I lost my mom (and married off my sister!) I took 2-3 classes per semester. It seems that if you accelerate you get done faster! I needed to get done. I need to get teaching and to love my work.
So, since I started back to school my kids went from kindergarten kids to tweens. I lost my mom. I'm lucky my dad is still here. I'm lucky my evil mother inlaw is still here. My Hubby and his father lost our savings on a construction business that was supposed to be passed down to hubby. I've learned to live with chronic pain. I've gained 3 fabulous nieces and an adorable nephew. I've learned to appreciate a beautiful sunset. I can enjoy the now -- I never knew how to do this before....
Since I started back to school (yes, it was fall of 2001), I have come to appreciate how much I have left to learn. I loved taking classes because I always felt I was learning. I LOVED student teaching because I loved my students, the things they taught me, and how rewarding it is to finally teach. I love how I come home from school energized vs. drained. I love how my own kids and I share stories about school. I love teaching and who it makes me become in the classroom and at home. I like the teacher in me. She isn't perfect (far from it!), but she tries really hard and cares a ton.
The journey has been long... I'm so happy that I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life as a teacher. I joked with Hubby today about how I'm now an unemployed teacher! Sure, I work full time, but it is not in my chosen field. I am a teacher! I can't believe I'm finally done. You can tell I don't believe it because even as I reflect back on the journey through this post... I still don't believe I'm DONE! DONE! DONE! Maybe it will sink in this weekend when I'm not writing a paper... or perhaps next week when I'm not driving 40 minutes to class.... I'm relieved.
Life is good. Hubby has a job interview this morning.... may he bring me more good news! Sorry -- this turned out to be a really long post; I just can't believe how much has happened and how much my life has changed since I started back to school.... Yes, there have been challenges, but I'm still standing!
Being done with classes is exciting -- I will force myself to celebrate and savor this moment!
I was in a terrible car accident the first week of class and was on pain killers for the duration of that semester. I could not believe that I rocked a "A" in both of the classes that I took that semester. How do you make A's when you are basically stoned on pain meds? I would drive to class, take a Vicodin, take notes, have pain pill wear off, drive home.
I was afraid of becoming addicted to pain medicine but I could not carry on at work or home without pain management. My doctor told me to take the medicine and do the physical therapy. It didn't help my pain and I struggled to keep up at work and home. I ended up seeking the help of specialists because I wanted my life back. Apparently, "I want my life back" is a magic phrase that makes doctors want to help you. My boss was understanding and my specialist referred me to a combination program of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management. My mom helped me through this -- she drove me to pick up my kids from daycare after my PT and helped make dinner while I recouped on the couch. I felt like a failure, she told me she admired how I functioned through pain. It was so hard admitting I could not do it all..... (wow, this could take a lot of separate posts to explain).
I went through 3 months of education on dealing with chronic pain. I learned about proper medications (acute pain is medicated differently than chronic pain). I happily gave up the medicine and struggled through to learn how to function despite the pain. Basically it boils down to baby steps and learning your limits. During this time my infrequent migraines became frequent.
Time passed and I kept up the hectic pace of being a student, working mom, pain patient and wife. I tried to keep all the balls in the air with the same flair I had prior to the accident. Needless to say, my blood pressure increased and I ended up having a mini stroke. Apparently I had a congenital heart defect which caused the blood to pool funny in my heart. A clot formed and shot to my hand (hello, ouch!). I had a mini stroke (lost feeling on the right side, vision issues, lost some language but regained it over time). I ended up having minor heart surgery to fix the issue and was good as gold. I continued to take classes throughout these crazy setbacks. Try studying after a stroke! Glad I was taking acting that semester -- needless to say I struggled on the memorization piece!
So the minor heart surgery was a basic miracle in my opinion. It was done out patient! I had a catheter surgery where a device was implanted that served to patch the hole in my heart (there's a hole in the bucket dear Liza dear Liza -- somehow that song goes through my head when I think about the hole in my heart, sorry!). My evil sister deemed the device my "internal jewelry." Clever huh? I had my atrial septal defect corrected. I kept taking classes... one at a time... slow and steady wins the race.
This same year my mother came down with uterine cancer. She had symptoms and sought medical help, but the doctor didn't get the joke and missed the diagnosis. Note to the ladies out there: lower back pain and post menapausal bleeding are issues that NO doctor should dismiss. My mom had medical training -- she didn't assert herself to get a 2nd opinion. PLEASE get a 2nd opinion. She went through radiation and had a radical hysterectomy. She had the best attitude -- she actually convinced us that it was no big deal and that treatment would resolve everything. I kept taking classes.
Next my dad had an aortic aneurysm. It ruptured (slow leak -- thank the Lord!). He lost tons of blood and was VERY lucky that a really smart doctor was lurking in the emergency room that night. He was rushed into surgery and survived! We were told that he beat the odds -- 60% of patient like him do not even make it to the hospital, 50% don't make it through surgery, 50% don't make it through the next 24 hours. It has been 5 years and I'm still blessed to have him! I sat with him in the ICU as doctors came in to see "Superman." They could not believe he had survived. Considering this was 20 years after heart bypass surgery, the man earned some bonus points for this feat -- don't you think? I kept taking classes.
My mother inlaw was in and out of the hospital much of this time. She is a gastric bypass patient gone wrong. (I don't know if the issue was her surgery or her noncompliance). Her suffering and hospitalizations made me a more assertive patient advocate (long stories, maybe I'll expand on this someday...) The sad thing is how much she suffered. The silver lining is that her experiences and my medical training helped me help my mom when the cancer returned. She has gone about 6 months without a hospitalization. Yes, this is a record -- it has been 6 years of madness.
Hubby coached the kids soccer teams for a couple of seasons during this madness. I was his chief assistant and bottle washer -- I learned a ton and had a great time (while working full time and taking classes). I loved it and was sad when he had to give it up due to the family business dying.
My mom's cancer returned and went to the brain in 2005. She was given 6-9 months. We lost her 14 weeks after the vertigo hit. I can not describe the devastation. My world will never be the same. I will always appreciate what I have.... Cancer is cruel. Nobody should suffer a death like that... I miss my mom. I miss her pep talks. I'm not in the fog anymore... but I still miss her every day. If you read any of the last three links you will see that this blog is really my own personal therapy. Who needs counseling when you can purge your feelings onto a blog?
The last 2 years since I lost my mom (and married off my sister!) I took 2-3 classes per semester. It seems that if you accelerate you get done faster! I needed to get done. I need to get teaching and to love my work.
So, since I started back to school my kids went from kindergarten kids to tweens. I lost my mom. I'm lucky my dad is still here. I'm lucky my evil mother inlaw is still here. My Hubby and his father lost our savings on a construction business that was supposed to be passed down to hubby. I've learned to live with chronic pain. I've gained 3 fabulous nieces and an adorable nephew. I've learned to appreciate a beautiful sunset. I can enjoy the now -- I never knew how to do this before....
Since I started back to school (yes, it was fall of 2001), I have come to appreciate how much I have left to learn. I loved taking classes because I always felt I was learning. I LOVED student teaching because I loved my students, the things they taught me, and how rewarding it is to finally teach. I love how I come home from school energized vs. drained. I love how my own kids and I share stories about school. I love teaching and who it makes me become in the classroom and at home. I like the teacher in me. She isn't perfect (far from it!), but she tries really hard and cares a ton.
The journey has been long... I'm so happy that I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life as a teacher. I joked with Hubby today about how I'm now an unemployed teacher! Sure, I work full time, but it is not in my chosen field. I am a teacher! I can't believe I'm finally done. You can tell I don't believe it because even as I reflect back on the journey through this post... I still don't believe I'm DONE! DONE! DONE! Maybe it will sink in this weekend when I'm not writing a paper... or perhaps next week when I'm not driving 40 minutes to class.... I'm relieved.
Life is good. Hubby has a job interview this morning.... may he bring me more good news! Sorry -- this turned out to be a really long post; I just can't believe how much has happened and how much my life has changed since I started back to school.... Yes, there have been challenges, but I'm still standing!
Being done with classes is exciting -- I will force myself to celebrate and savor this moment!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Staring at the phone... Silence is Loud
I feel bad for Hubby. Staring at the phone and listening to the loud silence is frustrating. The friend who works at the company where Hubby interviewed says not to worry. They are considering Hubby for a higher level position. I asked Hubby to remind our friend that starting at a lower level and moving up would be just fine! HELLO!!! We are broke here people! I have two kids with birthdays happening and I would love to not be sweating the finances quite this much. I have so much work to do to restore our credit. Late payments hiked one credit card up to 30%!!!! YIKES!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::stares at phone::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So we will keep staring at the quiet phone and hope for a happy ring. I can't wait for the day that the phone sings the song of hope and a new career. Hubby deserves it... he is SUCH a great guy and hard worker.
I am missing my internet connection at home. It has been WEEKS and the issue still is not solved. We have broken down and invited The Geek Squad to rescue us. (The issue could not be replicated when taking the CPU in for a looksee). Can you believe my Dell warranty expired just ONE WEEK before my hardware issues began? Oh the pain! I miss have a place to put my odd pictures.... Next week's appointment will not come soon enough!
It is hard to blog on my lunch hour when I'm on the road more often than not right now due to work. I need my bloggity outlet to stay sane.
Updates & Tidbits:
- My kids turn 11 and 12 this week -- perhaps I should work harder on losing the pregnancy weight? I love thinking back and telling them what it was like the day before, the day of, and the day after their births (come to think of it, I need to blog about Super Girl's wonderful birth -- I covered Wonder Boy's birth here). They get a kick out of knowing who came to visit (though I probably shared too much when I told Wonder Boy how irritating it was when my inlaws would not leave the room for me to place my ice pack. "Moooommm!!!!!!!!"
- I enjoyed dying Hubby's hair recently :-) Funny the things yourself for the job market -- premature gray go away!!
- My brother remarries in March and the baby is due in May. His life is seeming more stable now, I hope so for the sake of his kids and new wife. Stability and security -- may they have them!
- I'm taking my last 2 classes and can not wait to be done! Each step closer brings me utter joy!
- Snow is getting old but still looks pretty when it paints the branches of all the trees.
- 4 wheel drive makes a difference.
- The Hoopty is fixed -- I love my 2001 Escape!!!
- Potholes are bigger than the cars....
- My friend's husband is being prosecuted for violating the Personal Protection Order!!! YIPPEE! Mr. Untouchable may be held accountable -- we pray! I am afraid she will be the next murdered woman. We would all believe it... he is crazy.
- My friend and I took a self defense class -- wow! It was at my kid's martial arts place. Simulations can be scary. I learned a ton. So did she. I hope it helps her when she needs it and that she will be careful to prevent Mr. Untouchable from having opportunity. We are going to have our kids take a radKids class this year -- staying safe by increasing awareness makes as much sense for them as it does for us.
- Obama -- I'm kind of excited for him! My reasons behind my support thus far are listed here. I enjoy following politics in America on the BBC -- check out this guy. I love catching his perspective. I hope he is wrong about "The Baracklash." There is something wonderful about this election in that we are talking about it and excited about it. I hope we can come together and be less partisan. My support of Obama is a step in that direction. Do you have to lean Democrat to be a teacher?
- Pain is worse again, need to go back for acupuncture. I had the flu and missed an appointment... then there was money.... now I'm back to minimum function outside of work and obligations. I need to get back to being myself.
And that is what is happening here at The Grim Reality! Hope all is well with all of you -- so sorry on the lack of visits and comments, I'm blogging on the down low until the internet returns to my home PC. May it be soon!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::stares at phone::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So we will keep staring at the quiet phone and hope for a happy ring. I can't wait for the day that the phone sings the song of hope and a new career. Hubby deserves it... he is SUCH a great guy and hard worker.
I am missing my internet connection at home. It has been WEEKS and the issue still is not solved. We have broken down and invited The Geek Squad to rescue us. (The issue could not be replicated when taking the CPU in for a looksee). Can you believe my Dell warranty expired just ONE WEEK before my hardware issues began? Oh the pain! I miss have a place to put my odd pictures.... Next week's appointment will not come soon enough!
It is hard to blog on my lunch hour when I'm on the road more often than not right now due to work. I need my bloggity outlet to stay sane.
Updates & Tidbits:
- My kids turn 11 and 12 this week -- perhaps I should work harder on losing the pregnancy weight? I love thinking back and telling them what it was like the day before, the day of, and the day after their births (come to think of it, I need to blog about Super Girl's wonderful birth -- I covered Wonder Boy's birth here). They get a kick out of knowing who came to visit (though I probably shared too much when I told Wonder Boy how irritating it was when my inlaws would not leave the room for me to place my ice pack. "Moooommm!!!!!!!!"
- I enjoyed dying Hubby's hair recently :-) Funny the things yourself for the job market -- premature gray go away!!
- My brother remarries in March and the baby is due in May. His life is seeming more stable now, I hope so for the sake of his kids and new wife. Stability and security -- may they have them!
- I'm taking my last 2 classes and can not wait to be done! Each step closer brings me utter joy!
- Snow is getting old but still looks pretty when it paints the branches of all the trees.
- 4 wheel drive makes a difference.
- The Hoopty is fixed -- I love my 2001 Escape!!!
- Potholes are bigger than the cars....
- My friend's husband is being prosecuted for violating the Personal Protection Order!!! YIPPEE! Mr. Untouchable may be held accountable -- we pray! I am afraid she will be the next murdered woman. We would all believe it... he is crazy.
- My friend and I took a self defense class -- wow! It was at my kid's martial arts place. Simulations can be scary. I learned a ton. So did she. I hope it helps her when she needs it and that she will be careful to prevent Mr. Untouchable from having opportunity. We are going to have our kids take a radKids class this year -- staying safe by increasing awareness makes as much sense for them as it does for us.
- Obama -- I'm kind of excited for him! My reasons behind my support thus far are listed here. I enjoy following politics in America on the BBC -- check out this guy. I love catching his perspective. I hope he is wrong about "The Baracklash." There is something wonderful about this election in that we are talking about it and excited about it. I hope we can come together and be less partisan. My support of Obama is a step in that direction. Do you have to lean Democrat to be a teacher?
- Pain is worse again, need to go back for acupuncture. I had the flu and missed an appointment... then there was money.... now I'm back to minimum function outside of work and obligations. I need to get back to being myself.
And that is what is happening here at The Grim Reality! Hope all is well with all of you -- so sorry on the lack of visits and comments, I'm blogging on the down low until the internet returns to my home PC. May it be soon!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Tidbits
I'm losing my mind with my lack of home computer internet. I miss being able to download and upload my photos. I miss blogging at home. I hope to make room in the budget for computer repair this month. For now I'm posting from work - thus I'm posting much less.
Here are some updates on some of the many things I've blogged about -- wish there were time for full posts....
- My best friend (who's breast lump turned out to be benign! YAY!) was scheduled in court today for an emergency custody hearing. Her soon to be Ex-Hubby is insane. His lawyer called and canceled for no reason 15 minutes before the hearing. It amazes me how an evil person can manipulate the justice sister. I am scared of him and he is allowing shady characters around their 4 kids. Pray for them -- they need it. I just wish he'd stop using the kids to get back at her. I wish he would take the high road, but he is staying on the low one. How do you not take your 3 year old to his speech therapy / special education? How is such a basic need disregarded? What is more important than your children? UGH! Please pray for them. He needs help too. Long stories, not enough time.
- Classes: I love my classes this semester. It will be so strange to be DONE at the end of April. Working full time and taking classes at night has been my routine since 2001. Getting teaching certification has taken more than 80 credit hours (I already had a degree too!). Student teaching showed me the effort has been well worth it. I can't wait to be a teacher!
- Pain: It is better than it was. Acupuncture and the chiropractor help -- I never would have believed that either of these "witchcraft" therapies could help. Funny when a skeptic becomes a convert....
- Dental and Optical -- holy cow. Between the two we have dropped $1600 this month. Note to self, do not put this stuff off & DON'T schedule them for the whole family in the same month!!!
- Employment: Hubby is still looking for gainful employment. Overnight work for $9 per hour is not enough to live on. I hope something breaks for him soon -- though I'm afraid to hope with this state's economy.
- Wonder Boy and Super Girl: I love my kids so much. They have a snow day today and I'm wishing I was home with them (poor hubby will not get to sleep much today). They are both in Tae Kwan Do and LOVE it. I'm convinced that any physical activity is good and will eat Macaroni and Cheese for every meal rather than not having room for it in my budget.
Super Girl still needs to finish adjusting to middle school in terms of stepping up academics. She is capable but lazy due to lack of interest. When she cares she is brilliant but she plays dumb. UGH -- why do girls think it is cool to pretend to be dumb in this society? Also -- why does PMS last 24/7 in an 11 year old?
Wonder Boy is in love with Hannah Montana / Miley. He has cut out pictures of all of his favorites and tapes them all over his room. It looks like high school musical threw up in there. He is happy, I am grateful.
Blood Pressure: Can I just say that a low salt diet is exceedingly difficult when you have always considered salty snacks a mainstay food group? Despite eating healthier and drinking less, my weight remains way too high. It needs to warm up so I can add walking to my mix of daily activities. I will keep trying. I am eating more of good things and less of bad. Hopefully things will improve soon. The medication has lowered the blood pressure, but I want to do it without medication if I can.
Money: Financially things are pretty crazy ugly for us... but this too shall pass. We are at negative equity on the home most likely due to
Depression: Mine is improving because Hubby has improved some. Still fighting the good fight.
Inlaws: They have been better behaved lately. I admit to jealousy at the moment as they have left our frozen landscape for their winter vacation in Florida. How is it that they didn't have money to pay my husband and yet they have money to take a Florida winter vacation again this year? It seems to me that his 20 years of labor should allow him some of the profits... but alas, they do not see it this way. As far as they are concerned they owe him nothing. I don't care if there are staying with her brother -- driving across that many states and vacationing in FLA still costs a lot of money. Whatever... I am trying not to be bitter.
Sister's Controlling Hubby: As much as his controlling behavior makes me nervous, nothing has escalated. He still manipulates and guilt trips her, but I think she is recognizing it and standing up for herself more. Maybe this is just part of the settling in of the first few years of marriage. I hope so.
Life is good. I love my family and enjoy my friends. I'm hopeful for the future. I'm grateful for what we have. There are many things going well and I appreciate that.
So, that is the news from Camp Grim Reality. We are happy campers who will play indoors while it rains!
Here are some updates on some of the many things I've blogged about -- wish there were time for full posts....
- My best friend (who's breast lump turned out to be benign! YAY!) was scheduled in court today for an emergency custody hearing. Her soon to be Ex-Hubby is insane. His lawyer called and canceled for no reason 15 minutes before the hearing. It amazes me how an evil person can manipulate the justice sister. I am scared of him and he is allowing shady characters around their 4 kids. Pray for them -- they need it. I just wish he'd stop using the kids to get back at her. I wish he would take the high road, but he is staying on the low one. How do you not take your 3 year old to his speech therapy / special education? How is such a basic need disregarded? What is more important than your children? UGH! Please pray for them. He needs help too. Long stories, not enough time.
- Classes: I love my classes this semester. It will be so strange to be DONE at the end of April. Working full time and taking classes at night has been my routine since 2001. Getting teaching certification has taken more than 80 credit hours (I already had a degree too!). Student teaching showed me the effort has been well worth it. I can't wait to be a teacher!
- Pain: It is better than it was. Acupuncture and the chiropractor help -- I never would have believed that either of these "witchcraft" therapies could help. Funny when a skeptic becomes a convert....
- Dental and Optical -- holy cow. Between the two we have dropped $1600 this month. Note to self, do not put this stuff off & DON'T schedule them for the whole family in the same month!!!
- Employment: Hubby is still looking for gainful employment. Overnight work for $9 per hour is not enough to live on. I hope something breaks for him soon -- though I'm afraid to hope with this state's economy.
- Wonder Boy and Super Girl: I love my kids so much. They have a snow day today and I'm wishing I was home with them (poor hubby will not get to sleep much today). They are both in Tae Kwan Do and LOVE it. I'm convinced that any physical activity is good and will eat Macaroni and Cheese for every meal rather than not having room for it in my budget.
Super Girl still needs to finish adjusting to middle school in terms of stepping up academics. She is capable but lazy due to lack of interest. When she cares she is brilliant but she plays dumb. UGH -- why do girls think it is cool to pretend to be dumb in this society? Also -- why does PMS last 24/7 in an 11 year old?
Wonder Boy is in love with Hannah Montana / Miley. He has cut out pictures of all of his favorites and tapes them all over his room. It looks like high school musical threw up in there. He is happy, I am grateful.
Blood Pressure: Can I just say that a low salt diet is exceedingly difficult when you have always considered salty snacks a mainstay food group? Despite eating healthier and drinking less, my weight remains way too high. It needs to warm up so I can add walking to my mix of daily activities. I will keep trying. I am eating more of good things and less of bad. Hopefully things will improve soon. The medication has lowered the blood pressure, but I want to do it without medication if I can.
Money: Financially things are pretty crazy ugly for us... but this too shall pass. We are at negative equity on the home most likely due to
Depression: Mine is improving because Hubby has improved some. Still fighting the good fight.
Inlaws: They have been better behaved lately. I admit to jealousy at the moment as they have left our frozen landscape for their winter vacation in Florida. How is it that they didn't have money to pay my husband and yet they have money to take a Florida winter vacation again this year? It seems to me that his 20 years of labor should allow him some of the profits... but alas, they do not see it this way. As far as they are concerned they owe him nothing. I don't care if there are staying with her brother -- driving across that many states and vacationing in FLA still costs a lot of money. Whatever... I am trying not to be bitter.
Sister's Controlling Hubby: As much as his controlling behavior makes me nervous, nothing has escalated. He still manipulates and guilt trips her, but I think she is recognizing it and standing up for herself more. Maybe this is just part of the settling in of the first few years of marriage. I hope so.
Life is good. I love my family and enjoy my friends. I'm hopeful for the future. I'm grateful for what we have. There are many things going well and I appreciate that.
So, that is the news from Camp Grim Reality. We are happy campers who will play indoors while it rains!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Student Teaching
Things I will miss about student teaching:
- Connecting with kids who I didn’t realize I could reach!
- Days that fly by!
- Watching a student burst into the room with a story to tell.
- Seeing students grow and improve their skills!
- Laughing all day long.
- Telling students how great they are.
- Working with an awesome staff who truly love kids.
- Having my worst day be a GREAT day!
- Learning every hour of every day.
- Making a difference!
- Learning their names – I feared I couldn’t learn 165+ student names names but I did!
- Telling parents how great their kids are!
- Listening to kids and learning what they think about a piece of literature.
- School spirit – fun to see it!
- Hope for the future – how can you not have hope when you are with the future leaders today?
- Growing with my students
- Learning how to facilitate discussion – helping kids make connections but letting THEM make the connections.
- Learning more about my subject in order to teach it properly.
- Enjoying being with kids every day.
My students gave me so much joy and energy each day. I miss them already. I can’t wait to finish my last few classes so that I can get a job teaching!!!
This is where I am meant to be... I can't wait!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Seriously?
Seriously? I wonder sometimes. Tomorrow my best friend goes to the cancer clinic for a 2nd opinion. Her mother is taking her. I want to take her. I want to hold her hand. I want to question the doctors. I want to be there. Letting go is hard when you are used to jumping in....
Hubby broke his foot. Tae Kwon Do is his new love. Looks like the sidelines for a while now that he has been walking around with a broken foot for two weeks after his first tournament.
I was the teacher at parent teacher conferences this week. I love my students so it was pretty easy gushing about them to their parents. I didn't realize that I had as many special needs kids as I have in my classes. Apparently we hide this in high school?
Whatever... they are wonderful in my eyes.....
Resource room? Really? I had no idea! Learning disability? Really? Not in the records. WOW. His dad died of a heart attack last year? Really? I'm so sorry. He is a wonderful boy. You have done a great job. He is a pleasure to have in my class. I love the smile she brings every day. She is brilliant (and she is!). How wonderful that each of these kids have given me something great to say about them. How wonderful that each of these kids show me something to love about them. There is not one single kids that has not given me a good thing to tell their parents. I love teaching. I love being with my students. I will miss them SO much when this semester ends....
I love teaching.
Hubby broke his foot. Tae Kwon Do is his new love. Looks like the sidelines for a while now that he has been walking around with a broken foot for two weeks after his first tournament.
I was the teacher at parent teacher conferences this week. I love my students so it was pretty easy gushing about them to their parents. I didn't realize that I had as many special needs kids as I have in my classes. Apparently we hide this in high school?
Whatever... they are wonderful in my eyes.....
Resource room? Really? I had no idea! Learning disability? Really? Not in the records. WOW. His dad died of a heart attack last year? Really? I'm so sorry. He is a wonderful boy. You have done a great job. He is a pleasure to have in my class. I love the smile she brings every day. She is brilliant (and she is!). How wonderful that each of these kids have given me something great to say about them. How wonderful that each of these kids show me something to love about them. There is not one single kids that has not given me a good thing to tell their parents. I love teaching. I love being with my students. I will miss them SO much when this semester ends....
I love teaching.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Learning
I am learning SO much during this crazy process called student teaching. WOW! This has been an eye opener for me! Simple things can make a train jump the track. Simple things must be thought through to have the best learning opportunities provided for the students. Students do not listen :-) You can make directions clear as day and they can still be ignored. I care more about my student's grades than they do! But because I care, there are times they start to take interest. I love when a student decides to do it just because they know it will make me happy. This tells me that I'm making good relationships. Sometimes a student will perform just because they respect you and what you are trying to teach them. I am happy when they want to learn for the sake of learning, but realistically that isn't always the case. Having them try because they know their effort will be recognized is HUGE.
I love teaching. I love that I'm learning so much EVERY day. I hate my mistakes but realize that I must make them to be a better teacher. It is strange to have your cooperating teacher watching and allowing you to make a mistake -- she allows it because she knows that is how I will learn. Being a student teacher is humbling. You are standing there naked in front of your cooperating teacher letting all of your flaws show. The great thing is that if you have a good cooperating teacher you will learn to sew your own garments so that you will never be as naked again.
I'm so glad I have a good cooperating teacher! She is a great teacher -- I hope I'm half as good when I get my own classroom permanently!
Now if I could just get excited about grading these essays!
I love teaching. I love that I'm learning so much EVERY day. I hate my mistakes but realize that I must make them to be a better teacher. It is strange to have your cooperating teacher watching and allowing you to make a mistake -- she allows it because she knows that is how I will learn. Being a student teacher is humbling. You are standing there naked in front of your cooperating teacher letting all of your flaws show. The great thing is that if you have a good cooperating teacher you will learn to sew your own garments so that you will never be as naked again.
I'm so glad I have a good cooperating teacher! She is a great teacher -- I hope I'm half as good when I get my own classroom permanently!
Now if I could just get excited about grading these essays!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
SCOHOL
Great day at school today! Things were under control, it felt natural, timing was manageable, students learned and made connections! YIPPEE!!!!!!May tomorrow be such a blessing! I love this school. I hope and pray I can be hired into this District. Oh the bliss it would be! I am so glad I'm becoming a teacher!!!! I hope I have many more days like this!
One month into student teaching and I know this is what I want and where I want to be.... Some days will be great, and some horrible.... but one great day sure can make up for a few bad days!
(Yes, I finally got a fully night's sleep. Yes, I think I don't do well when sleep deprived. Yes, I talked to Hubby and he is trying to be more helpful and supportive. YAY for Hubby! May the two day streak of glory continue!)
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Student Teaching
This past few weeks have been a total blur!! My mentor teacher for student teaching has allowed me to take over the classes starting on day 2! WOW. When I used to think of student teaching I never would have thought I'd be jumping in week one! It has been a good experience. I love the kids. The staff is awesome. My mentor teacher is very supportive... but crazy stuff still happens...
This week I locked my keys in the car so I had to call a cab to get me to school. The cab didn't come. I had to call my sister for a ride and let my mentor teacher know I'd be a tad late. I thought I was going to throw up I was so discombobulated from my morning's rocky start!
During my key crisis my kids just stared at me, and then Super Girl giggled. I restrained myself and asked her to please go take a shower. Who needs their 11 year old laughing at them in the midst of a CRISIS? Talk about feeling foolish early in the morning! I walked into my classroom as the bell rang. I had just enough time to set down my bag before starting attendance. It was completely unnerving! Needless to say, the spare key will no longer be kept with Hubby now that he is working overnights!
I also had and early experience with discipline. 4 of 5 classes will not need a seating chart. My last hour is begging for one... how the heck did all these football players get in here? They know each other way too well and are way too chatty. I hate to separate them, but it appears I may have to... We shall see...
I have had to confront diversity issues three times now in just 2 weeks. How odd. The school population is pretty diverse so it is interesting to me that 10th through 12th graders didn't learn to be more sensitive to this earlier. There are definitely teachable moments going on -- and I take advantage of each one. My mentor teacher says I'm doing fine with this. I'm glad I'm an old lady who has dealt with this in the workplace. I'd hate to be a 23 year old fresh out of college dealing with this!
I will be a happier teacher when I'm a week ahead on lesson plans. Currently I'm barely a day ahead and that does not sit well with me. I like to have my ducks in a row with lots of wiggle room... I will get there, I just would like to be there now! I wish I was more patient with myself and more relaxed. The good thing is that I'm more relaxed in the classroom than I thought I would be.... the kids are great!
Balance is really difficult right now. Super Girl has started middle school and that is a BIG deal. Wonder Boy is a 5th grader starting his last year in elementary school and THAT is a BIG deal. I am student teaching which is a BIG deal. Hubby is searching for a job and that is a BIG deal. So much going on! I am very tired but satisfied. Learning so much every day is a bit draining. Keeping all the balls in the air with schedules is VERY challenging. Hubby is starting to adjust to working overnight, but it is a big adjustment. I am finally adjusting to crazy early mornings at the high school. I could use a week without outside commitments to get caught up... I don't think I'll be that lucky...
Please keep us in your prayers if you think of it! We have lots of changes and adjustments going on and I know how prayers can give you strength!
So as I stress, I think back to the summer and wonderful sunsets. I close my eyes and hear the waves... and I count my blessings! Things are crazy, but it is good here and I am grateful.
This week I locked my keys in the car so I had to call a cab to get me to school. The cab didn't come. I had to call my sister for a ride and let my mentor teacher know I'd be a tad late. I thought I was going to throw up I was so discombobulated from my morning's rocky start!
During my key crisis my kids just stared at me, and then Super Girl giggled. I restrained myself and asked her to please go take a shower. Who needs their 11 year old laughing at them in the midst of a CRISIS? Talk about feeling foolish early in the morning! I walked into my classroom as the bell rang. I had just enough time to set down my bag before starting attendance. It was completely unnerving! Needless to say, the spare key will no longer be kept with Hubby now that he is working overnights!
I also had and early experience with discipline. 4 of 5 classes will not need a seating chart. My last hour is begging for one... how the heck did all these football players get in here? They know each other way too well and are way too chatty. I hate to separate them, but it appears I may have to... We shall see...
I have had to confront diversity issues three times now in just 2 weeks. How odd. The school population is pretty diverse so it is interesting to me that 10th through 12th graders didn't learn to be more sensitive to this earlier. There are definitely teachable moments going on -- and I take advantage of each one. My mentor teacher says I'm doing fine with this. I'm glad I'm an old lady who has dealt with this in the workplace. I'd hate to be a 23 year old fresh out of college dealing with this!
I will be a happier teacher when I'm a week ahead on lesson plans. Currently I'm barely a day ahead and that does not sit well with me. I like to have my ducks in a row with lots of wiggle room... I will get there, I just would like to be there now! I wish I was more patient with myself and more relaxed. The good thing is that I'm more relaxed in the classroom than I thought I would be.... the kids are great!
Balance is really difficult right now. Super Girl has started middle school and that is a BIG deal. Wonder Boy is a 5th grader starting his last year in elementary school and THAT is a BIG deal. I am student teaching which is a BIG deal. Hubby is searching for a job and that is a BIG deal. So much going on! I am very tired but satisfied. Learning so much every day is a bit draining. Keeping all the balls in the air with schedules is VERY challenging. Hubby is starting to adjust to working overnight, but it is a big adjustment. I am finally adjusting to crazy early mornings at the high school. I could use a week without outside commitments to get caught up... I don't think I'll be that lucky...
Please keep us in your prayers if you think of it! We have lots of changes and adjustments going on and I know how prayers can give you strength!
So as I stress, I think back to the summer and wonderful sunsets. I close my eyes and hear the waves... and I count my blessings! Things are crazy, but it is good here and I am grateful.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Crazy Hectic
I have again acquired new respect for teachers. This whole in service / professional development stuff is helpful, but WOW am I tired! This week has been a great experience. I'm already learning a ton and meeting great people. I wish I was more confident on what the heck my teaching will look like, but hopefully once I get rolling it will crystallize more quickly in my mind when I plan. I keep reminding myself that I became comfortable in front of students last year when observing. Hopefully comfortable will come back to me quickly! I am not sleeping much -- the fear of oversleeping and the anxiety of new experiences keeps the slumber time to a minimum. Yay for coffee!
Hubby submitted his paraprofessional applications online. Pray for him! He also got an overnight job restocking at a retailer I love. I am excited about the discount! We can use that percentage off quite nicely! He is taking a class on the weekends but I'm pretty sure he will have to drop for a semester. He is fighting depression, but who wouldn't be with the family business being a bust and having to start at the lowest employment rung after 20 years of working your ass off. Oh well, what can you do?
Life is full and hectic right now. Hubby is taking Wonder Boy to Tae Kwan Do. He ending up joining with him so they are doing some nice bonding. Super Girl wanted to join too -- but she is already doing soccer and joining cross country. We told her she can join when these seasons end. There are limits!!
We have the 3rd baptism this weekend and the wedding shower at the end of the month. My sister turned 40 yesterday. My Dad's colonoscopy went well -- 2 polyps though, biopsy results are expected in a month.
- Flower photo from the summer bike ride. I wonder what kind of bloom it is... I miss biking already!
- The brother inlaw still seems controlling. The baptism is this weekend and I hope all goes well.
- The mother inlaw is well but driving me insane with shower stuff. Ugh.
Yep, it is crazy hectic right now..... The kids start school next week!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Out there....
Sometimes you wonder where the solid ground has gone.... I feel very out there right now. I am desperately trying to wrap up my work so that I can start student teaching next week. I am desperately trying to gather my materials and wits about me to begin student teaching. I meet with my cooperating teacher tomorrow and really need to have my plans together. I am writing the course syllabus for each class tonight. I've started some tentative calendar mapping... I've been combing the Internet for ice breakers that are not the same old, same old.....
It turns out my ear infection isn't an ear infection -- it was the migraine! How about that? Nothing like a stress headache shooting pain out your ear and down into your jaw! Silly me. I went to the chiropractor after seeing my primary care physician -- what a wonderful man he was for improving the status of this headache. YAY for him! I used to think chiropractors were witch doctors. They are not. At least MINE isn't!
I want to rock at student teaching. I wish I was more confident. I feel like I've forgotten all I have learned. It isn't easy remembering all of it when I've been taking these darn classes since 2001. I feel like my split focus (family, work, school) has made it difficult to retain as much as I'd like. I'm betting it will be good once I get going... these first few weeks will be quite a challenge. There is so much information out there on the Internet -- why is so much of it elementary and so little high school focused? Don't high school teachers need ice breakers? Say a prayer for me if you think of it -- prayer always to helps!
Poor Hubby has a final in his class Thursday. He is changing schools (going from radiology technician training to wanting to be a nurse -- Go Hubby!). He has to do some running to get transcripts in and classes registered for this fall.
Tomorrow is schedule pick up for Super Girl at the middle school. It is picture day as well. Hubby also needs to call and get the roof fixed. And he gets to get my car fixed (I'm driving his car to help motivate him on this). We missed the deadline to sign up for religious education yesterday -- he gets to call on that too. He is starting to appreciate what it is to be a mom. I love him and am glad he is trying harder this week to multi task.
I'd help him but I'm traveling for work and meeting with my cooperating teacher at 6pm. Hubby is on his own! I am on my own freak out train this week :-) I will be happy to be done with work on Friday! I can't imagine what it will be like to only have one job -- student teaching. I'm going to keep up on work email and stay informed, but that is nothing compared to the kind of pressure I've been managing.
I am glad for the challenges but look forward to a few weeks from now when I'm acclimated to a high school teaching routine. Isn't it crazy how the fear of the unknown is paralyzing?
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Independance Day!
Happy Independence Day! How appropriate that I am studying both American History and American Government right now. I don't know, it just makes it more fun to cram for tests when you get to enjoy a holiday relating to those tests! I am studying to try and test out of two general education classes that I've somehow missed in my VAST college educational experience. My political science class doesn't count and apparently I've avoided history, so I'm off to cram this in before student teaching. The blessing is that I find both of these topics SO interesting (yes, I'm serious!). The downer is that I have just a week to study. There is nothing like the pressure of a deadline to make me study. I'd planned to study for this throughout the spring semester, but my two literature classes took way too much time. What was I thinking? I didn't have time to blow my nose, let alone read and learn information on top of what I was already reading and learning!
So, now I cram. I will be studying day and night through the weekend into next week. I'm taking Thursday and Friday off and we are headed Up North. Maybe the change of scenery and wonderful sunsets will help me learn this material :-) I can't wait to get away! Maybe this year I can capture photos of fireworks? I plan to ride my bike and walk barefoot on the beach. May you enjoy the holiday as well!
Updates: Here are the tidbits that are not enough to make a full post!
- My trifecta of new nieces are all doing great. Their parents (all first timers!) are starting to get broken in. They all seem calm about things. Maybe being an older parent does that for you? I was not yet 30 when I had mine so perhaps that explains the difference? Maybe I'm just really high strung...
- I got an "A" in both of my spring classes -- YES, grades validate me as a person. I'm not proud of this, but it is true.
- Hubby is doing well with the kids this summer. Hopefully finding a job will be easier than we fear for this fall. With me student teaching we will desperately need him to have a decent income.
- The inlaws: They are still manipulative. They got Hubby to work for free yesterday vs. getting his studying done. Hubby swears it will not happen again. I must support and hold him to this.... I wish his parents were not like this...
- My Brother: Divorce final, made a serious mistake, lost drivers licence for a year, is on probation and riding his bike to work. Maybe he is learning from this? I hope so.
- Controlling brother inlaw: My sister admitted that he needs to lighten up. I gently teased on a few things when she gave me the opening, she complained about his controlling attitude, I agreed with her. This was good. I'm still monitoring the situation. Watching, waiting, supporting. I will hold my tongue and let her come to her own conclusions. Strange how my Hubby and best friend share my feelings of uneasiness about the brother inlaw. It is something you can't put your finger on...
- Weight loss: Yikes. Time to focus on this. Hopefully my weekend will be a great start to moving more and making better food choices. I've been so tired from work and school -- time to get trim & fit! I think I can, I think I can!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Mooning
Tonight was night #2 of my "I want to take a picture of the moon" experiment. As you can see from the above, my first attempt resulted in a blurred moon. This despite my use of a tripod -- wow, that is some pretty advanced photography huh?Then I did a different setting (do I know what setting? No! Who pays attention to such details?) So here is my next attempt to capture that bright sliver in the night sky:
No joke, that is a real picture taken within moments of the first. Different exposure time, different settings. It almost looks like I drew it does it now? The moon against SUCH a black night sky. Reality was neither as bright as picture #1 or as dark as picture #2.
I got an A on last week's paper! YIPPEE!! Two more papers and two more finals and this semester will be done! My sister's baby was due yesterday. No labor yet, but she finally had a REAL contraction take her breath away today.... maybe soon? Pray for her, this is her first. Not having Mom here for this sucks. I know it is killing her.
Hubby and the kids are still Up North. They took a 20 mile bike ride today -- no lie! The trail is marked and all.... Wonder if they will survive their sore rear ends tomorrow? I miss them, but I will admit this is a good week for me to be home alone reading and working -- both work and school are in heavy workload phases right now.
At least the dogs are happy to see me when I come home :-) There is nothing like a wagging tail to say "I missed you today! Welcome home!"
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Does it count?
Yesterday I engaged in a philosophical debate on whether listening to an audio book counts as reading that book. I am taking two literature classes currently. It is spring semester so the pace is accelerated. I was giddy to learn that the local public library offered 3 of my 6 American Literature selections in an audio format unabridged. I thrilled at the joy of multi tasking by getting my reading done during my work commutes (I drive a lot for work).
I discussed this with one of my peers who got all up in my grill over it. "You are not really reading, you are listening" was his big argument. I was all "Well excuse me Mr. Purist, but who retained more information and contributed to class discussion today? Oh, that's right. That would have been ME, the slacker chick who didn't read the book, the slacker chick who listened to the book."
So dear readers... I did read those books, did I not? I missed the foot notes in "The Scarlet Letter" and the illustrations in "Huck Finn," but I did READ them didn't I? Off to look at the pictures for my next class discussion!
I wish my midaevil literature books were on audio..... I like to read and drive. Stop it. You know what I mean!!
I discussed this with one of my peers who got all up in my grill over it. "You are not really reading, you are listening" was his big argument. I was all "Well excuse me Mr. Purist, but who retained more information and contributed to class discussion today? Oh, that's right. That would have been ME, the slacker chick who didn't read the book, the slacker chick who listened to the book."
So dear readers... I did read those books, did I not? I missed the foot notes in "The Scarlet Letter" and the illustrations in "Huck Finn," but I did READ them didn't I? Off to look at the pictures for my next class discussion!
I wish my midaevil literature books were on audio..... I like to read and drive. Stop it. You know what I mean!!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Yippee!!
I am so happy. The semester has ENDED. Finally! Oh the relief! I have next week off of school! This weekend will be my last at the high school this year. I'll help with the musical and soak up the energy of the students. They amaze me. I can't wait to see the final production!
Hubby is still trying to make the break from the family business. Ugh. Difficult stuff. He is watching Super Girl today -- the flu hit hard. Poor thing... Hopefully this leaves quickly and the rest of us don't succumb. She seems to be okay... she will rest today. Wonder Boy revolted about going to school when she was staying home. I can see how he feels.
I am hopeful. I am relieved. I don't even mind the rain. The semester from hell has ended. I start anew in another week. I will be taking 2 spring classes -- both literature. Should be fun! I still don't have the sleep machine. I can't wait to be rested!
Hubby is still trying to make the break from the family business. Ugh. Difficult stuff. He is watching Super Girl today -- the flu hit hard. Poor thing... Hopefully this leaves quickly and the rest of us don't succumb. She seems to be okay... she will rest today. Wonder Boy revolted about going to school when she was staying home. I can see how he feels.
I am hopeful. I am relieved. I don't even mind the rain. The semester from hell has ended. I start anew in another week. I will be taking 2 spring classes -- both literature. Should be fun! I still don't have the sleep machine. I can't wait to be rested!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thrilled!
You can't tell I'm looking forward to summer and sunsets on the lake, can you?I am thrilled to have this semester ending! I did better than I thought on my peer teaching (yay!) and my unit plan ROCKED! I think bragging is unattractive, but I'm bragging a little here because I'm simply thrilled! I worked my butt off on this stuff and it is exhilarating to get recognition. I have some real issues with self confidence when it comes to trying new things and I really needed some positive feedback on these assignments. I want to be an awesome teacher....
Hubby is going to school too. I can't wait for him to finish. He is having those "If only" thoughts. We must not go there. We must focus on where we are going. We must hang on to the fact that good comes to those who try to do good things. We must pray for financial relief (small lottery win?). If only the house and home equity loan were paid off -- this would make the mortgage more manageable. I worry about the pay cut I will take to become a teacher. I worry, but I know that our family will be in a better place when I'm in a rewarding career that has more forgiving work hours (yes, I know how many hours teachers put in... really!).
Ah well..... This too shall pass. We will get there. I am still thrilled that my class work yielded praise. I am still thrilled that my professor thinks I will be a good teacher. We will get through the financial issues. I just pray we somehow will find the money in 7 more years so that Super Girl and Wonder Boy can go to college. All I want for them is a happy life. You don't need money if you have someone you love, a safe home, and good health.
I am learning to live with worry in the background. If I can focus on this moment that I'm in, I can work toward fixing the things that make me worry.... One more week and I'm done with the semester! One week off and then I start the new one. I'll be taking 2 literature classes in an accelerated spring semester. I'm starting to doubt my sanity :-) This too shall pass! Thanks to all for the words of encouragement! Your comments are bright spots in my days!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
God must want me to be a teacher!
I believe that God wants me to be a teacher. There is no other way to explain it.
I took on way too much this semester. Every time I'm about to miss a deadline or fall on my face something has happened to save me by the skin of my teeth. In some cases it was class being canceled due to snow. In another case a professor randomly moved a deadline. In another case, class was canceled for 2 weeks because my teacher's house burned down. No lie, her house burned down. Poor woman.
Today -- I got an email from a professor moving tomorrow's impossible deadline to next week on this huge project that I'm struggling to complete. I was up half the night last night and would have been again tonight... but my wonderful teacher emailed to say we need to discuss some more points in class and that it can be handed in next week.
Thank you God. I was going to try to do the all nighter tonight. I appreciate you letting me off the hook! I will hand in a better product as a result. I am learning a ton right now that will come in handy for me as a teacher. I am grateful beyond words that God wants me to be a teacher. How else can I explain being saved from a deadline again? Thank you God! I will be at church -- I'm sorry I missed the last few weeks. I am so grateful.
I may sound crazy, but if you knew how little sleep I have gotten in the past three weeks you would understand. I'm so grateful to be able to relax for just tonight! YAY!
I took on way too much this semester. Every time I'm about to miss a deadline or fall on my face something has happened to save me by the skin of my teeth. In some cases it was class being canceled due to snow. In another case a professor randomly moved a deadline. In another case, class was canceled for 2 weeks because my teacher's house burned down. No lie, her house burned down. Poor woman.
Today -- I got an email from a professor moving tomorrow's impossible deadline to next week on this huge project that I'm struggling to complete. I was up half the night last night and would have been again tonight... but my wonderful teacher emailed to say we need to discuss some more points in class and that it can be handed in next week.
Thank you God. I was going to try to do the all nighter tonight. I appreciate you letting me off the hook! I will hand in a better product as a result. I am learning a ton right now that will come in handy for me as a teacher. I am grateful beyond words that God wants me to be a teacher. How else can I explain being saved from a deadline again? Thank you God! I will be at church -- I'm sorry I missed the last few weeks. I am so grateful.
I may sound crazy, but if you knew how little sleep I have gotten in the past three weeks you would understand. I'm so grateful to be able to relax for just tonight! YAY!
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