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.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
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!!
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!!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
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!
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!
Monday, August 15, 2005
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".
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".
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
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?
Thursday, July 14, 2005
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!
PS-I won $500 at the bar last night. Can you believe it?
Have a safe trip Angela!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
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.
PS-Spurs-please bring your A game.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
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.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
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.
Friday, May 20, 2005
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.
Monday, May 16, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
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!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
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