Heartbroken

My favorite PS22 song

If you haven't heard them yet, you're missing out!! Awesome. And the boy with the solo...just precious!!


Click here--Don't Stop Believin

Hold me close I'm tiny dancin'

Ok. My brother and I just got into an argument about Elton John's "Tiny Dancer". I don't want to point any fingers or say "I told you so!", but I am a genius. After a simple google search, I came up with not only the answer to our question, but also what may be one of the best sites out there. Please check it out!

amiright

I highly recommend you find one of your favorite songs, find anyone who'll listen to you and go through the list and sing them aloud. It rocks! Poor Cody.

Ciao Chaya!

Today Chaya moved to Florida to visit with her family before she heads off to start a new adventure in Paraguay.

Girl, I can't even tell you how much you'll be missed! Please let me know asap when I can come visit. K?

Te quiero!!

It's official!

I'm on vacay.

Feel the love

So I just got home from the 5th grade graduation. My former 4th graders at my former school graduated tonight and are off to 6th grade next year! I have to say that I didn't really know what to expect. I mean, I left the school. Kind of thought that the kids would forget about me. Needless to say they were all as sweet as I remembered and welcomed me back with open arms. Didn't realize how much I missed them! They are all so grown up and taller than me! I also saw a student from my very first class of Monkeys. She's going into 8th grade. Makes me feel old! Now I know what people mean by that. Like I'm not aging at all, but everyone around me seems to be getting older! Anyway. Just wanted to give a little shout out (not really, I'm hoping none of them read this blog!!) to the Monkeys from last year. Good luck next year!

Six more days...

with the precious little 3rd graders. By this point in the year we are like family. And you know how family can sometimes get on your nerves? Yeah. That's what's happening now. We still love each other, but if I have to hear one more "...he's looking at me!" or "I was just..." and "...it's not mine!"--to which I reply "I don't care whose it is, just somebody pick it up!" I am going to scream. Today their homework was: Go home tonight and grow up. No more baby talk or whining at school tomorrow. It might sound mean, but they know I love 'em and they get my humor.

PS--Much better year than last year! I remembered why I wanted to teach. I love these kids with my whole heart. Each and every one. And you know who else rocks? The Monkeys.

The old college try

Well, after our first win of 20 to 1, we thought the outcome of our district softball tournament would be brighter. "The Bandidos", that's what they call us (because that's our name) would not be in the winner's bracket for long. The first game even ended in an exciting double play from 2nd to 1st base (with me on first!). But alas, we lost our second and third games. I'd like to blame it on the heat. The third game was much closer than the second, and we thought we had it! In the end they were just better. We did conduct ourselves respectfully and were good sports. Even though we were robbed.

La vida loca

Happy (early) cinco de mayo everyone!

Ok, so it's still April (happy b-day amber!), but I wanted to post!

Tomorrow we are off to go camping. We are hoping for good weather, strong drinks, comfortable chairs, and lots of relaxation. And perhaps some dancing. I am also thinking that hilarity will ensue.

Since it will be our second annual cinco de mayo camping trip, Chaya and I have prepared another little surprise for Anne Marie and Amy. Let's just say our last surprise included travel sized bottles of (adult) beverages, candy, and glow sticks all in the form of a donkey pinata. We were a big hit at the camp site. And donkey later turned up hanging in our tent. An apparent suicide.

Stay tuned to check out the surprise. Know you can't wait...

And I totally teach the writing process...

I am proud to say that the website FatPassport.com is up and running! I wrote a few articles for the site on travelling to Peru and Mexico as well as some other places in the US. Check it out! In case you want to learn all about me-click the link on the bottom of the page that says "Our Travel Experts" and I'm about halfway down the page.
FatPassport

England photos...finally!!

Double decker tour bus

Buckingham
Palace

Windsor Castle--the Queen was there! God save the Queen





Stonehenge



Tower of London



Roman baths in Bath

Happy B-day Cody!

Ireland photos

Dublin Castle


St. Patrick's Cathedral


windows inside cathedral



Drinking our pints at the Guinness Brewery


Paddy's Day-waiting for the parade to begin.


Parade craziness!


Beautiful scenery

Toilets

Americans...do not take your public toilets for granted. Note: I will be using the word "toilets" here as the word "restroom" that most of you may know. Not sure why they're so serious about not letting people use the toilets here, but they don't mess around. They actually have guards that are standing at the toilets making sure you are a customer/hotel guest/patron of whatever company it is. McDonald's actually hires some guy to stand outside the restrooms and make sure you are actually paying for something at McDonald's. Totally ridiculous and strange.

On another note, St. Paddy's day was fun. Went to the parade and drank in the pubs. Paying for it today, though. Took a tour of the Irish countryside today-beautiful. Hard to believe we'll be back in Amerrrica tomorrow. Cheers!

Pardon?

Okay. So I know they speak English in England and Ireland. I still can't seem to understand what the hell they're saying! I'm all "uh huh" and "oooh" and asking Chaya if she caught that last bit. Sometimes she does. And sometimes I'll get it. Then we put the pieces we understand together like a jigsaw. A UK jigsaw. It's funny. Takes some getting used to that's for sure.

On another note, had a great tour of Dublin city today. Got to see almost the whole city and walk around some. Even bought some super touristy regalia for the St. Patrick's Day celebration tomorrow. One word-ridiculous! Just wait for the pics. Had a Guinness, but not so sure I'll have another. Not my style. More to come tomorrow!

Allo from jolly old England!

Just sitting down to recap. The last two/three days we have spent in England. Our first day was spent recovering from jet lag. After our 8 hour flight (where we of course couldn't sleep), we sprang forward 6 hours into England time and it put us on our arses. Yesterday we toured London city. It was awesome. Except the part about getting lost at night. But we finally made it to our home here safely. Today we went to Windsor Castle (whilst the Queen was in residence!), Stonehenge, and Bath. Lots of awesome pictures and memories. So tomorrow it's off to Dublin. Can't wait to drink in a real Irish pub.

Be back soon to update on our European vacation!

Packing...not my forte

So it's time to start packing for Europe. Usually I'm an early packer. Like I'm an early gift giver. As soon as I buy a gift for someone, I want to give it to them. So usually when I plan a trip, I start packing as soon as I buy the plane ticket. At least in my mind. So when people started asking "Are you packed yet?" I panicked a little. I can usually answer, "Yes, I've been packed for a week. Think my clothes will be wrinkled?"

This time is different. I have put it off. Not sure why. Maybe it's because the weather is going to be different? Or because I needed closed toe shoes and can't wear flip flops (what else do people wear?)? So, here I go starting tonight. Wish me luck! Apparently it's not once-an-overpacker-always-an0overpacker. I keep reminding myself of the Peru incident. I've morphed into a minimalist packer that severely needed more pants in the rainforest. And if there's one thing you don't want in the rainforest, it's to be saying "I need more pants man!"

I'm baaaaaack!

So, it's been awhile since I last posted. Three years to be exact. I was inspired by Chaya's recent blog to get back on and update my life blog style. I am currently teaching 3rd grade and love it! I have a great class that I'm in love with. They are really sweet and caring. I actually enjoy going to work.

On another note, I am getting ready to go to Europe. Super excited to visit and can't wait to experience life on the other side of the pond. Will post some pics and hopefully great stories after my return. I'm also looking to volunteer abroad this summer helping out wild life. Looking into Africa, Australia, Galapagos Islands or anywhere else that I find interesting and affordable.

Holla!

Happy tears

As I sit here and count down the days until summer (7 days), I can't help but cry. It's hard to see through all of the end of the year crap. Yes there is a lot of crap and it's not, in the words of a friend, "all water balloon fights and fun". Anyways, it's hard to see through that and realize that I only have 7 days left with these kids. I really didn't think I would be so attached, but I am. These kids have been with me for 6 hours a day for 180 days. They are all so special in their own way. They are so sweet to me and each other. They are smart. They are respectful. They are creative. They are fun. They are silly. They are my Monkeys. I'm sad and glad at the same time. Teaching really is hard work.

I forgot one thing...

I'm going to have to add "update blog template" to my summer to-do list. I'm totally old school and I really should apologize. This is unacceptable.

It's the little things

You know what's good about teaching?

All of the hugs I get all day long. Seriously-all day long. It's really good for my self esteem. Those kids are the most preciousest preciouses I've ever seen.

14 days until summer vacation. My plans for the summer? Sleep late, fix up the backyard so it doesn't look like a frat party, go to some trainings, visit Portland, watch daytime t.v., visit Florida, sleep late, learn to play the guitar and fiddle, go to the dentist, spend time with my mom and grandma, learn publisher, sleep late, enjoy the skin-melting-off-your-face heat, drink Dos XX in my new hammock I'm going to buy for the backyard, and read lots of books that aren't related to teaching in any way. Yup.

So, we step out of the car...

and there's all this cow shit. This was our first experience with the Snook Chilifest 2006.

Then we find out we have to walk a mile to get to the grounds. Ok, no big deal-you think. Until you try to roll your cooler over cowshit, puddles, mud, and rocks. In the dark. Angela and I each drank 4 beers in a feeble attempt to lighten the load. We had to gauge our parking spot by the number of parking lots we passed. One parking lot then a creek. Two parking lots then a pond. Three parking lots. You get the idea. I am so sore from carrying that damn cooler. The kind of sore that hurts even when you're using your foot for the accelerator while driving. So, this is Friday night. Once in the grounds, we posted up our shit, drank a few more and listened to some good music. Then, we trekked another mile back to the car.

Saturday was another story. We were on easy street. No cooler. No walking in the dark. No cow shit. And then there was great music.

If you can get past the cow shit, drunks batting beer cans into the crowd, port-a-potties, and college kids, it really is a good time.



Oh yeah, 35 days till summer. You can't see it, but I'm smilin'.

Done

I really don't want this blog to be all about teaching. But, damnit, it consumes me. Today I felt so hopeless. I can't help but feel like that sometimes. I am not the teacher I want to be. I'm trying. It is so draining that I really cannot give it anything else. This job is such a rollercoaster and I'm wondering if I'm strong enough to do it. Part of the time I think that maybe I'm not meant to do this, and then there are days that I think I am "Teacher of the Year" material. Not really, but you get the idea. It is so hard to be THE decisive element in the classroom. Sometimes I just want to sit at my big teacher's desk and put my head down. I guess I need more yoga.

I really am growing up

All it takes is one night of binge drinking to regress back to my teenage years.

Rodeo, $5 rum and cokes and asshole cowboys does not a party make. It was not pretty. I hadn't had one of those, "I'm never drinking again, I swear!" nights in a long time. Good riddance to that shit.

Night and day

It's funny. February has come and gone, and I forgot to celebrate the 1st year anniversary of getting laid off from my previous job (you know, the one working for the man and not the children). It's funny how time can slip away from you. I know it's so cliche, but I couldn't have imagined all this would have happened.

I'd like to take a few moments to compare/contrast the two jobs. If I could, I would totally use a Venn diagram to get my point across, but I'm not sure how to drag it into blogger. Yeah, it's like a Reading lesson up in here.

Similarities

-At my old job, I was the low man on the totem pole. Now I teach about totem poles.
-Politics.
-Miscommunications. This is a biggie. I’m sure we can all agree that there are people who just lack the skills to effectively communicate.
-Supplies-although the school does have a better assortment. We’re talking crayons and pencils galore!
-Meetings! My schedule is one big list of people to meet/talk/discuss/plan/collaborate/ with.


Differences

-Executive lunches. Now I’m lucky if I get to scarf my food and plan my Science lesson in 10 minutes.
-Lice. Nuff said.
-The hours. I do miss that hourly schedule. Now it’s to do lists and late nights.
-My kids. I do love them.
-Parents-they sure do have a lot of trust in me!
-Everyday is an adventure in my classroom. Seriously, you never know from day to day what the hell will happen.
-Men. There just aren’t any.
-R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y
-No lawyers.
-School psychologists.
-Behavior plans.
-Career Day.
-Field trips.
-Smoke breaks.
-My views on public education. I'm not going to get into all that, but there's some real shit out there.
-Lunch for $2.50. But somehow I still manage to rack up a $70 tab.



Just a few interesting tidbits.
Happy Laid Off Anniversary to me.

In other news:
-I have been reintroduced to my treadmill. Mucho gusto!
-I have also joined a Yoga class. Om.
-I have also joined a sand volleyball team. Go Sand Fleas!
-I am getting a hefty tax refund.
-Since I am getting a hefty return, I shall be saying goodbye to one of my Chase card accounts. So long sucka!

I woke up today and shook my fist in anger.

My 2 week "Winter Vacation" (formerly Christmas Break) is officially over. I must say that I've thoroughly enjoyed myself. I feel like I'm back to my old self. All the sleeping late and drinking has done me good. I got to do so many things on my break, but there were so many things left undone. Like laundry. And watching "The Aviator". And the computer room at my parents' house. Oh well, there's always summer.

This 2 week break is definitely more for the teachers than the students. Especially the rookies. I might have quit if it weren't for this break. Yes, it is that stressful. Or at least it is for me. But, alas, I am refreshed and ready to go. Especially since I don't have a full week of work for the next 5 weeks. Really. I have at least 1 day off during the next 5 weeks (now some of these days are training, but still!). Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Today was a good day.

Today I am 27. My birthday was spectacular. The day was filled with my wonderful family, friends and students. And a little "surprise party" that my students planned that I pretended to have no idea about. Actually it turned out to be a pretty big party that took up our whole afternoon. They had been planning it for months. One word--precious. I've really got to hand it to the 4th graders. They can be so sweet and thoughtful.

All of my immediate family visited me today at school. It was hilarious. Today's festivities included: a cake with monkeys, trick candles, tons of food, gifts, cards and phone calls from my homies, streamers, a new foot massager, a parcel from Portland, and lots of hugs. I loved every minute of today. Thanks to everyone who made my day so special!!

Post Thanksgiving Recap

Well, it really is hard to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone. Especially when it's 80 freakin' degress outside.

It was a good one. Very laid back. Except for my brother getting stung by a wasp that flew in his beer. Yup. He couldn't eat his HEB pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinner until about 8 p.m. Poor thing.

On another note, I am antsy. I have been off since Wednesday and I really don't know what to do. I might have Adult ADD. Which would be AADD. I'm not sure. I guess I am so used to having no time that it's hard for me to just sit and be. Although this is what I've wished for, it's weird. It's not that I really want to go back to work either. I spent 6 hours up at school yesterday and cried about it. I just don't know how to manage my time. I spent 6 hours on 1 week's lesson plan and entering grades!? WHAAAA! Who AM I??

That's all for now. Good day.

Get out your Writing Journal

Reflection is a powerful tool. As I get home at 5:30 on a Wednesday night (I totally thought I’d be home by 4:00 for Oprah each day), I'm forced to think about where I am right now and where I've been. My job is fulfilling. It is also a ton of work. It is worth it when I hear my kids talk about something that they have learned or when I see them be so sweet to each other. Last year around this time I was filing papers and updating resumes online. Oh a whim (sort of) I decided to get my Teaching Certificate. My, my how I’ve come a long way. The work that I’m doing now actually impacts somebody and I am seriously earning every cent of my salary. I only hope that some of the stuff we’re doing in 4th grade actually sticks. This job has given me a whole new perspective. Some people just shouldn’t have kids. If you can’t give them a loving, supportive home life, just don’t have kids. It’s so sad and I want to take them home with me.

Sometimes I feel like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be and sometimes I feel like I’m a huge fraud. I’m actually learning in 4th grade too. It’s amazing how much I’ve forgotten-or maybe I never learned it. A favorite phrase of mine is, “What do you think?” This is code for, “I really don’t know, don’t ask me.” I am happy and amazed and tired and stressed and overwhelmed all at the same time. It’s a good feeling. It’s been awhile, so I almost didn’t recognize the happiness sneaking in there. But I’m glad it’s here and I hope it stays awhile.

I love my job, it’s my favorite time of year, and I bought a brand-new-fancy-pants mattress. Life is goooooood.

Here we go...

I. Am. Exhausted.

Most days I put in from 10-12 hours. There is so much planning, paperwork, grading, organizing, thinking, analyzing, modifying, reorganizing, and preparation that it is easy to lose sight of why I'm really doing this-summers off. No really, this teaching gig is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

My 4th graders are hilarious, though. It is really worth it. They think it's hilarious when I speak what little Spanish I know and they love it even more when I read in Spanish (my class is filled with Spanish speakers). They are fascinated about my life outside of school. They invite me to their games, birthday parties and such. They suggested that I go on eHarmony when they found out I wasn't married. They are PRECIOUS!

I just hope that through all the chaos that is my teaching, they're actually learning. You should have seen me trying to teach division. Good laaaawwwd! I think they finally got it. Maybe. Only the standardized tests will be the judge of that. :(

I'm limiting my nervous breakdowns to once a week. Seriously. But never in front of the kids. My team leader shared a story that she totally broke down in front of her kids during her first year of teaching. I haven't done that...yet.
Self discovery is a bitch. I'm learning that I totally don't deal with stress effectively. I'm trying.



In other news...

There is $100/month cable installed in the duplex that I'm not living in yet.

I bought a big girl bed. A pretty one.

I also bought a laundry sorter. You know, the kind that has 3 compartments. If you don't already have one, I highly suggest you pick one up. It has cut down on my laundry time considerably.

We have 2 new baby goats. Yesterday when I came home, they were both hollering. I thought that was odd, since they really only cried the first day they came to the house. I went out to check on them and one was caught in the fence with his little head on the other side where our 2 emus live. I didn't panic, being the country girl that I am. I quickly tried to get his little head and horns through the fence. He wasn't really cooperating. While I'm trying to free him, the male emu has suddenly taken an interest in what is going on (he didn't really care about the goat-just me). So, I'm trying to free the goat and the emu is sort of pushing up against the fence that is between us with his feet/claws right by goat's face. So, I'm a little worried that he is going to claw his little eyes out or something accidentally. So, I'm trying to get the goat out while pushing the emu back. Then, through the fence, he starts to peck at my head. And now I am getting pissed. I am cussing at this emu and pushing him away. At one point I was tapping on his beak with a rock and clapping to get him to leave me alone. He wouldn't quit. So, I decided to feed him and he finally left us for all of the two minutes it took me to free the goat. So, I get the goat free and the emu isn't hungry anymore and all is good. So, I get some treats to feed the llamas that have sort of freaked out during all the hoopla. They each get two treats. So, they've had their two treats and I'm going to walk away and..BAM! The fucking llama spit on me.

5th week update

It's the 5th week of school!!! I can't believe it. So much has happened. Next week I'll be finishing up testing my kids for their reading levels and entering grades and pulling my eyelashes out one at a time. Oh my god. I'm the teacher.

I had my first parent conference and I think it was a success? It was with one of my "behaviorally challenged" kids. I was positive. The mom was receptive. Her child sits away from the other groups facing my desk. Yeah-it's that serious.

Sometimes I can't take myself seriously. So much of my day is spent trying to outsmart 4th graders. We have a Voice Volume Chart. The other day I totally said, "Um, you're at a 10 and I'm going to need you at a 4." Who the hell really says that? Me, apparently.

Today we had a fire drill. I didn't have my class in my room at the time. I had another teacher's class that I teach Math. I didn't tell them that we were having a drill. You should have seen their faces. They did well.

I'm glad to say that Shark Bait has made a full recovery. It was touch-and-go for awhile there. Actually, I think he was dying. He was alive, but he was totally floating. He's a fighter. He just kept swimming down to the bottom of his bowl. His little fins were going so fast! I had to have the talk with the kids since I was afraid he wouldn't make it through the night. They were precious. They wanted to pray for him and have a "proper burial" if he died. One kid did say that it was just a fish and oh well if he dies. Little stinker! Anyway, I changed his water and cleaned his bowl and alas is alive!!

That's about all for now.

PS-If my life seems a little juvenile, that's because it is.

Anything but normal

Yup. That's it. My life has taken a drastic turn. A good turn, as far as I can tell.

Today was a great day (there have been many questionable days). I like my kids. I'm really starting to get to know them as people. It's great-they are so funny sometimes. Like little adults.

The beginning of the week is so smooth. Fridays are another story. I'm trying to get into the groove. It's been so tough. There have been tears. There has been laughter. There has been sleep apnea. There have been trainings out the ass. I'm doing the best I can, but half the time I feel like I'm in way over my head here.

On another note, the duplex is almost done and ready for us to move in. We have carpet. We have furniture (not without a confrontation with both The Roomstore and Lacks). Blinds are up...sort of. Now I have to find some time to pack-yeah right.

Things are good. I didn't feel that way the other day, but things are looking up. Cheers!

I survived!

Oh. My. God. The first day of school is hectic!!! But it was fun. I still feel like-this is my job?? Are you kidding me?

It was quite a funny day. I was so organized...then I was so unorganized. I learned many lessons today, even if my students didn't. Tomorrow should go a little better-at least that's what I've heard. It's so funny to hear my name-I almost didn't answer to it several times because it is so weird. I didn't lose any children, none of them cried, they seemed to have fun and they learned a few of our routines. I consider that a success.

PS-Our fish is named "Shark Bait".

I'm the teacher!?!?!

Since my new job (and I'm thankful everyday that I have it) is taking up most of my life (ok-all of it), I thought I'd post on my progress and my thoughts. Here it goes in list format:

1. My classroom is almost set up. I had no idea how tough this was. And time consuming. But hopefully it's a nice place they can come into and feel safe.
2. I have 'Meet the Teacher Night' in 2 days. And I'm the teacher. Oh my god.
3. I have really found out what stress can do to a body. I've never been so stressed in my life-or overwhelmed.
4. I haven't talked to my friends in awhile. That makes me sad.
5. I feel so lucky to have this job!
6. We're getting carpet in the duplex, so that means I don't have to work on staining the concrete floors. Hallelujah!!
7. I have met some wonderful people, most of which I'll be seeing everyday. Again-lucky.
8. I have my class list, along with records on them with their little pookie pictures on them. Adorable.
9. We will have a class pet. A fish. I'm going to let my students decide on the name.
10. I'm going to join our 'Improve the Planet' student organization. Should be fun.
11. Our class theme is a Jungle focusing on Monkeys.
12. As of last Friday, our school doesn't have a principal. What the shit?
13. I'm so excited and so nervous at the same time.
14. I know a handful of my students and they are AWESOME!
15. I'm scared of a bunch of 4th graders.

OVERWHELMED

That's all I have to say.

Am I alone on this?

It seems that I always have a tune in my head. There's always a song in the back of my mind. It just pops up. It may be one I heard earlier, or something that something else reminded me of, or some random song I can't make any relation to. Today's song was some song by Alan Jackson. Does anyone else have this problem?

Crazy busy

Lots of things happening around here. We're in the middle of an extreme home makeover on my grandmother's duplex so that my brother and I can move in. It's a major job. I'm also busy with school stuff trying to figure out what the hell I'm doing. I've started having nightmares about my class and how they are totally running wild and not listening to me. I'm also having nightmares about how I'm a cast member in the Real World Austin house. I only have a few more classes until I'm off in August and then I'll only go 3 times a month instead of 3 times a week. Things are hectic, but good. It's good to be alive in Austin, Texas.

PS-I won $500 at the bar last night. Can you believe it?
Have a safe trip Angela!

Winding down

Tomorrow is my last day of student teaching. Honestly, last week I thought I would welcome this day with open arms and celebrate (last week was rough-on top of being completely exhausted and confused, I had a horrible ear infection and felt like shit for most of the week). This week-whole other story. I've really grown attached to my students and am finally getting the hang of behavior management and teaching my lessons. I can now say with certainty that teaching is it for me. I have had a great class of 4th graders and it was such a wonderful experience. It's amazing how much you can learn in such a short amount of time when you're just thrown into a classroom. That's really the only way to learn this stuff. Tomorrow will be sad for me. But, next year I'll have my own class for the whole year. Oh, the things I will learn next year!

PS-Spurs-please bring your A game.

Guess what?

I got a job!
I got a job!
I got a job!

I'll be teaching 4th grade come August. It just sort of happened yesterday at summer school. PLUS-I'll be working at Chaya's school in her hallway and I'll have some of her kids! And, I know the whole 3rd grade team-so I'll have lots of friends and support my first year. I'm going shopping today for teacher stuff. A huge weight has been lifted off of me, but I can't help but feel nervous too. I am really looking forward to next year and I look forward to waking up not dreading my job.

A little update

Today was my second day of student teaching. I am exhausted. I have worked more on my one lesson plan than I worked at my old job during one whole week. Throughout the day there is no down time. That's the hard part. It's constant. There is no sitting at my desk writing on my blog. No, no. Today I was responsible for picking up my 4th graders and dropping them off throughout the day. I didn't lose any of them and they didn't kill each other. It was a success. Although one boy did ask me if I was deaf. I was all "Excuuuuuuse me!(in my best teacher voice) That's inappropriate". Behavior management is definitely tough. Tomorrow I'm teaching my first lesson and I will be observed. It's on cause and effect-so if anyone is having trouble with this, I'm your girl.

I'm back in the game

I had my first interview today. For 4th grade. They asked all the questions I was told they would. I had all my answers ready. I should hear in the next few days if I got it or not. I think it went well. If I don't happen to get it, at least I've had the chance to interview and I'll do even better on the next one. But let's just hope this one sticks.

At least we're not going to Game 7

Damn, Spurs! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Well done, though. You definitely worked hard for the money last night.

A few things...

1. It seems like when I had a job, I had more time to post. Now that's ironic.
2. Looking for a job is a job.
3. In order to get my teaching certificate, I had to order a fingerprint kit to make sure I don't have the crazies. Doesn't that make you feel better about public schools?
4. Went to San Antonio last night to see Kenny Chesney. No, we didn't see Renee. He didn't even talk about it, just kind of jokingly pointed to his wedding band during one song about marriage. He did put on a good show and he really is hot. Cracker Ass Cracker (Uncle Kracker) and Gretchen Wilson opened for him. They were pretty good too. She can sing. It rained. We had seats on the lawn.
5. Saw one of my childhood friends get married on Saturday. It was bittersweet. We're really not friends anymore, we haven't been since middle school. Our families were so close back in the day that of course we were all invited. The actual ceremony was 20 minutes. Now that's what I'm talking about.
6. I'm starting to get nervous about teaching.
7. I think I need a new workout regime. This shit isn't working.

Proofreading

SONUVABITCH. Boys and girls, I have learned a valuable lesson on proofreading. DO IT! DO IT A LOT! HAVE OTHER PEOPLE DO IT ALOT! Especially when you're sending out bulk resumes. I kept changing the wording on my cover letter, and I kept reading it over and over. I missed something. I had one minor little typo. BIG no-no. I know this. But it's especially bad when you're trying to get a teaching job. I think I only sent out about 4-8 resumes like this and I'm sending out 18 tomorrow-so I'm glad I caught it. But FUCK!

Happy Birthday Amber!

I hope you have a great time at the beeeeaaaach!

Maybe I need to tone it down a bit

Is it totally inappropriate that I referenced crack use in a skit about human growth and development in my class tonight? It did get a reaction.

What will they think of next?

This is the craziest thing I've heard in a long time. A friend of mine is pregnant and was doing some research. She came across the option of saving the baby's umbilical cord blood for the stem cells. The stem cells can be used to treat all kinds of things from cancer to blood discorders. It's highly likely that the stem cells will match with a family member, should they ever need them. Crazy huh?

Viacord

Urban sprawl is a beeeaaaaach.

I haven't really posted on this topic because I think everyone knows where I stand on this. My friends and family have to hear it all the time. How I'm boycotting Wal-Mart, what about our land and wildlife?, and the many expletives that fly out when I talk about all of the building going on around me. But, fuck!!!!!! I really can't go anywhere anymore without being in some sort of construction traffic where I'm forced to look at all of the beautiful land they've ruined because God knows we don't have enough Wal-Marts. If I shopped at Wal-Mart, I would be willing to drive a little farther, we don't need one on every corner. And that mall they're building on the land where my brother and I used to play ball? Yeah, I don't want that either. That's the whole point of living in the suburbs. You don't have to deal with the in-the-city bullshit. It's not just about that. I don't think that these big companies realize that once the land is gone, it's gone. Need I remind them that it is limited resource? Maybe I should write them? (I like to write letters to people expressing my concerns. I get this from my mom.) Not their problem, I guess. I know, it's all about money and convenience-I get it. I'm just not very happy about it. When all of it started, I tried to devise a plan that would prevent them from building on the land. For example, Barton Springs has the endangered salamanders. I wanted to transplant some kind of endangered species. That really didn't pan out. And Bush wanted to drill for oil in Alaska? Here's a plan: let's not be do dependent on oil. Okay, I'm off the topic. I'm not preaching because I consume just as much as anybody. I don't drive a hybrid, I don't always buy recycled products, and I let the water run while I'm brushing my teeth. But I'm trying to be better. And I'm not a lipstick liberal that wants all of this shit built, but just not in my neighborhood. I don't want it built at all. I know that's never going to happen and growth is inevitable. I'm just really disappointed in our government, more specifically our president. Now there's the understatement of the year.

Got any good pesticide?

Enough with the freakin worms. Driving my car has now become a full blown war. They are everywhere. They're hanging from the trees when I'm walking to the car. They are hanging on the outside of the window slowly crawling up. They are on the inside of the windows taunting me. They are hanging on their webs by my head. Needless to say, it's hard to drive when you're fighting off worms.

This weekend we went to the Poteet Strawberry Festival. There were no worms there. But, oh my god, the people. It was crazy. We did get to listen to some Roger Creager without fighting a huge mob and the beer and bathroom lines were short. That's really all I ask for. We had so much fun. We also consumed everything strawberry. Strawberry shortcake, strawberry wine, strawberry ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries, and some Bud Light (not strawberry). I had to hit the treadmill pretty hard this morning. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

My experience with the Unemployment Office

Apparently I was selected to receive "priority assistance in my job search". What they really mean is you have to come to this meeting or we won't send you your unemployment check. I went to this meeting this morning. I didn't have any idea of what to expect. In the parking lot, a girl flags me down and asks if I'm going to the class and asks if we can walk in together. I'm like-ok. Come to find out, my new friend (Yolanda is her name) was convicted of assault and is having a hard time finding a new job. She was really nice. She was hired for a new job in her field and quit her old job. After her new job found out about her record, they told her they couldn't employ her. And there she was-no job. I told her how my services were no longer needed at the law firm and how I was in a program to teach. We laughed and cried together. Just kidding. In our meeting they encouraged us to use all of their services that they provide at no cost to us. They also encouraged us to apply for food stamps. I think I'm going to leave the food stamps to the people that really need it, but thanks for the offer. We also watched a video on a motivational speaker who told us to go out and get our dream job. He told us to let go of our anger for our previous employer. Ha! The whole experience was funny. It was a crazy mix of people. There were teenage, tough looking boys and girls, older people, and Yolanda and I. If I don't post for a while, I'm looking for my dream job-ok?

PS-If anyone knows of a Medical Assistant position-Yolanda would really appreciate a good lead.

Does anyone else's food taste like metal?

Let me tell you what really sucks about not having a job. Not being able to shop. Sure, I can fill my days until normal people get off work. Sure, I can pay the bills from the unemployment checks. Sure, I get to concentrate on school. But I don't get to buy things that I don't necessarily need. Shopping makes me happy. A lot of other things make me happy, too. But I really didn't realize how much shit I bought until I had to seriously analyze each and every purchase. New shirt? Nope, can't get it. Don't know when my next check is coming in. New DVD? (Season 1 of Las Vegas, perhaps?) Nope, don't need it. Jeans? (Since every day is jeans day for me, this would actually be a sensible purchase) Nope. Jeans can wait. I just might have a problem and losing my job has made me realize that I definitely need to marry up.

On yet another note, I'm on some medication that seriously tastes like poison. I've never tasted poison, but I'm pretty sure that it tastes like the pills that I have to take 3x a day for 7 days. It should have one of those green, yucky stickers on it we got in health class in elementary school. Also, there's no drinking on this medication. Not the "we suggest you don't drink on these meds" but the "you absolutely can't drink while taking this or you'll get violently sick". They obviously weren't there for my 21st birthday. Now that was violently sick. One side effect of this medicine-a metallic taste. So help me God, after I read that, I started tasting metal. "If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor." Um, yeah. I'm pretty sure that a metallic taste is bothersome.

Whoa

I have been having some seriously weird dreams lately. I think it's because I'm eating dinner so late. I must stop that. Today I woke up feeling a little off. I can't remember my dream, but I remember that it was disturbing. The night before that, I had some Dawn of the Dead dream where there were zombies everywhere and I was surprisingly calm about it. I kicked some zombie ass. But all these dreams have left me feeling upset in the morning. I'm eating dinner at 5 p.m. today.

Spring Break '05

Since I have an abundance of free time, and since I have friends that are teachers, I have done so much this past week. And it didn't involve shots and random boys. No, no. This week, I got to: hike the greenbelt, see lots of movies, go to the SA Zoo, work out, see the Wranglers play, lay out, and look for a job. It's been fun. I really don't know how I used to work a full time job and get everything else done. It's nice to have the time to do all of the things I want to do. However, tomorrow everyone is going back to work except me. It will just be me and daytime tv again.

love

I saw this boy (watch out-there's sound) on Letterman. I'm in love.

Loving the weather

Finally some sunshine! It's fantastic. It is great to live in Texas. You can have 80-degree weather with 40's at night. My poor plants really need some sun. Today, I am wearing flip-flops and drinking a beer. When I was looking for the ones I wanted to wear, I discovered that I just might own more flip-flops than anyone else in the world. Really. I probably have like 20 pairs. Maybe more. Isn't this a little ridiculous? I mean, there are two in my regular rotation. They are the best flip-flops in the whole world-my brown and black reefs. There are some in my closet that I've never even worn before. I think I found out where all of my money goes. Flip flops and purses. That's it.

I hope everyone has a great sunshiny weekend!

Laid off. With my mind on my money and my money on my mind.

It’s been almost a week since I’ve had a job. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little worthless. I’m trying to suppress those feelings. I have been busy, though. School starts Tuesday and it’s going to be pretty intense. I don’t necessarily want to start a brand new job at the beginning of school, so I’m not trying really hard to find a new job. Soon I’ll be collecting unemployment. I figured that the state could pay me for a change. I plan to ride that pony till it kicks me off. The good thing is that I have lots of time on my hands. I have plenty of time to work out and concentrate on my school. I should be one skinny, smart bitch.

Last Thursday, I visited Chaya’s school and my mom’s school on Friday. Whoa. Let’s just say that on Friday night, I slept for approximately 12 hours. Teaching is hard work. I was just observing and I was exhausted. It’s very draining. Everyone that I observed did such a great job. I hope that I can handle it. It scared me a little bit. Kids are funny, though. And sweet. I’m also starting to get excited about teaching. I just hope I’m good at it. Ok, enough self-doubt.

A week from tomorrow my brother is going to Hawaii. Hawaii. My little brother. His own vacation. Whaaa??? He’s turning 23. I’m very excited for him. I expect some badass souvenirs.

Damn

I think I spoke too soon. An hour after my last post-I WAS LET GO. That's what they called it. I cried, packed up my shit, then went out and had a few beers for lunch.

Downsizing

There have been some changes around work. Many employees have left and some have been told to leave. I thought for sure on Friday I was going to be called into an office where they would begin to explain why I was expendable. But they didn't. I'll admit, I was a little surprised. After all, they now know I'm leaving to teach in the fall, so (to them) I'm basically giving them a reason to let me go. After all the hoopla, Friday night I had a dream that I was let go. And the person who let me go isn't even in HR, so there's no reason why she would tell me this. And, while letting me go, she proceeds to tell me how I'm an hour short everyday on my timesheet. We have to clock in/out on our computers, so that's really not possible. And I'm all-"nuh-uh, no I'm not." That's all I could come up with in my dream. That's where it ended.

So, when I got to work this morning and the whole HR Department is here before 8 a.m., I got a little nervous. I also saw the woman who fired me in my dream in the break room. I'm still a little pissed at her. How dare she accuse me of timesheet fraud. Anyways, I know I talk a lot of shit about this job, but it is what it is. A job. With benefits. With a few co-workers I like. Thanks for letting me keep my job. And no, I didn't post this at work.

Homework sucks. Suck. Suck. Suck.

I am totally half-assing my homework. Social Studies. Next week I'll be half-assing Math (which I am really good at by the way, especially elementary school math). I'm just tired of it! I've never been a really good student. I'm a slacker of sorts.

Raise your hand if you want me to teach your children.

Are you kidding me?

I seem to have misplaced my coin purse. Again. This coin purse holds my license, credit cards, insurance cards, Regal card, and $5. If you have seen it, please call me.

(I lost it once before, or thought it was stolen. Only after I had canceled by credit cards and got another license, I found it. Under the bathroom sink. I have a problem.)

Again with the losing of the coin purse? Get a grip! Damn puta coin purse!

Colorado pictures

I hope someone out there enjoys them, because I'm retarded and it took me forever to load them.

Our 1st day. 

Night skiing. 

View from the gondy 

It was damn cold.  

We were ready. 

Woo hoo! No falling off the lift. 

I think this is me?  

The drive. 

The Rocky Mountains. I believe this is where we almost died... 

...mountains... 

...more mountains. 

Angela is bad ass. 

So is Elizabeth. 

This is the baby hill I practiced on the first night. It didn't even have a lift. Just an escalator. 

Pretty. 

bye bye