Two posts in one day is a little too ambitious for me. It could be said that I'm bored. I thought I would share the most quoted SNL skit of the Croft family Christmas. It's not even that funny, but it seemed to be at the time.
**Note: BonQuiQui has not lost her place in our hearts. She was the second most quoted on Christmas.
12.25.2008
SportsMEN of the Year
Can you guess who that might be? The pic is of some of my favorites this year: Derrick Rose, Antonio Anderson, Joey Dorsey, Robert Dozier, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Now, given, they were chosen as Sportsmen of the Year by the Memphis newspaper--but that doesn't make them any less to me. The article in the Commercial Appeal really explains how important they were to the city. You can read it here.
12.23.2008
12.18.2008
Ho, ho, ho?
Today I actually witnessed 6th graders vigorously debating the reality of Santa Claus. I didn't think kids would seriously fight about these kinds of things, but they certainly do.
12.15.2008
Don't tease me like that.
Long time, no post! Sorry for the lack of updates....I have no excuses. However, I do have a complaint (no surprise).
We had a SNOW DAY on Friday. Needless to say, this qualified for "BestDayEver" status in my book, especially since I had prepared by bringing home all of my papers to be graded. Tonight, there appears to be an even better chance of ice, snow, and general winter nastiness in the Nashville area. They even canceled all of the after-school activities today. However, they haven't made a decision about school tomorrow. So every child, teacher, and parent in the mid-state area is anxiously sitting by the phone awaiting a call from the board.
Such a call just came!! I ran to the phone with excitement not seen since Vanderbilt beat UT. I answered it with my heart beating as if Memphis were about to win the NCAA Tourney. You know what she said?
"Please come to a recpetion we are hosting for the Superintendent candidates."
Can I put my name on the "Do Not Call" list for my employer?
We had a SNOW DAY on Friday. Needless to say, this qualified for "BestDayEver" status in my book, especially since I had prepared by bringing home all of my papers to be graded. Tonight, there appears to be an even better chance of ice, snow, and general winter nastiness in the Nashville area. They even canceled all of the after-school activities today. However, they haven't made a decision about school tomorrow. So every child, teacher, and parent in the mid-state area is anxiously sitting by the phone awaiting a call from the board.
Such a call just came!! I ran to the phone with excitement not seen since Vanderbilt beat UT. I answered it with my heart beating as if Memphis were about to win the NCAA Tourney. You know what she said?
"Please come to a recpetion we are hosting for the Superintendent candidates."
Can I put my name on the "Do Not Call" list for my employer?
11.26.2008
11.23.2008
11.19.2008
Inspiration
I've recently realized how much I rely on words for inspiration. Song lyrics, books, poetry, and conversation are all places that I find inspiring words to keep me going. There are so many people demanding my time, support, and work--bill companies, 75 students, parents, bosses, mechanics, friends...oh, and me! I say "demanding" not because these are bad things, but because they are things that must be addressed. Here's a famous Langston Hughes poem that is especially important to me:
Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
Dream Deferred
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
11.17.2008
I taught you better...
Today, a student stole my iPod. Yup. I play music for them during their reading time to help them focus, and I didn't put it away after the reading class. I went to play some jams after school, and discovered it missing. I'm depending on a tattle note in my mailbox tomorrow and will promptly make the thief's live miserable. Is that vindictive?
11.09.2008
I'm in love with these kids
every last one of them.
Thanks to Lauryn and Betsy for showing me this video :-)
Thanks to Lauryn and Betsy for showing me this video :-)
11.03.2008
Stress Situation to the Max
I was reading a book about classroom management and found this amazingly insightful bit about what teachers do. If you're ever wondering why I'm stressed, just refer here.
"The Litany" by Carolyn Warner
Give specialized instruction for the hard of hearing, the blind, the developmentally disabled, the mentally challenged, and the gifted (and be politically correct while doing so); develop special programs for at-risk students; build respect for the worth and dignity of the individual; do eye testing; schedule inoculations; assist bladder control; maintain health records and age certification data; attend faculty department/grade meetings; attend professional workshops; work on an advanced degree; volunteer to supervise extra-curricula activities; participate in fund-raising; collect money to rebuild the Statue of Liberty; stress the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse; promote physical fitness and good nutrition habits; eradicate head lice, scabies and other diseases; inculcate morals, ethics and values; maintain order and teach self-control; provide pregnancy counseling; monitor restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, parking lots, and the cafeteria; discourage food fights; break up fist fights; pray that there are no knife fights; develop individual and civic responsibility; eliminate gender bias and sex discrimination; promote ethnic and racial tolerance; develop an appreciation of other people and other cultures; protect civil rights; help develop political know-how; teach sex education and AIDS prevention; provide suicide counseling; give First Aid instruction; train students in pulmonary-coronary resuscitation; teach the principles of free enterprise; teach management of money, property, and resources; assist in career planning; develop skills for entry into a specific field; teach etiquette and telephone manners; do job placement; serve hot breakfasts and lunches; dispense surplus milk; teach driver training; stress bicycle, automobile, and pedestrian safety; keep up with the latest educational trends and be ready to implement them; know the latest education “buzz” words; assist with bilingual language development; instruct in speed reading; encourage metric education; promote computer literacy; purchase enrichment materials with your own money; counsel students with small problems; counsel students with major problems; protect student privacy; communicate with parents; detect and report child abuse; follow due process procedures; unteach the 4 food groups; teach the pyramid and that broccoli is good; build patriotism and loyalty to the ideals of democracy;instill an understanding of our country’s rich heritage; develop the ability to reason; encourage curiosity and a thirst for life-long heritage; develop the ability to reason; encourage curiosity and a thirst for life-long learning; develop skills in the use of leisure time; promote a feeling of self-worth; teach pride in work; avoid religion; and teach reading, writing, and arithmetic.
"The Litany" by Carolyn Warner
Give specialized instruction for the hard of hearing, the blind, the developmentally disabled, the mentally challenged, and the gifted (and be politically correct while doing so); develop special programs for at-risk students; build respect for the worth and dignity of the individual; do eye testing; schedule inoculations; assist bladder control; maintain health records and age certification data; attend faculty department/grade meetings; attend professional workshops; work on an advanced degree; volunteer to supervise extra-curricula activities; participate in fund-raising; collect money to rebuild the Statue of Liberty; stress the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse; promote physical fitness and good nutrition habits; eradicate head lice, scabies and other diseases; inculcate morals, ethics and values; maintain order and teach self-control; provide pregnancy counseling; monitor restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, parking lots, and the cafeteria; discourage food fights; break up fist fights; pray that there are no knife fights; develop individual and civic responsibility; eliminate gender bias and sex discrimination; promote ethnic and racial tolerance; develop an appreciation of other people and other cultures; protect civil rights; help develop political know-how; teach sex education and AIDS prevention; provide suicide counseling; give First Aid instruction; train students in pulmonary-coronary resuscitation; teach the principles of free enterprise; teach management of money, property, and resources; assist in career planning; develop skills for entry into a specific field; teach etiquette and telephone manners; do job placement; serve hot breakfasts and lunches; dispense surplus milk; teach driver training; stress bicycle, automobile, and pedestrian safety; keep up with the latest educational trends and be ready to implement them; know the latest education “buzz” words; assist with bilingual language development; instruct in speed reading; encourage metric education; promote computer literacy; purchase enrichment materials with your own money; counsel students with small problems; counsel students with major problems; protect student privacy; communicate with parents; detect and report child abuse; follow due process procedures; unteach the 4 food groups; teach the pyramid and that broccoli is good; build patriotism and loyalty to the ideals of democracy;instill an understanding of our country’s rich heritage; develop the ability to reason; encourage curiosity and a thirst for life-long heritage; develop the ability to reason; encourage curiosity and a thirst for life-long learning; develop skills in the use of leisure time; promote a feeling of self-worth; teach pride in work; avoid religion; and teach reading, writing, and arithmetic.
10.27.2008
Delish
I can only really manage to cook about once a week, on Sunday nights when I have enough time during the day to get everything else done (and I'm not completely tired beyond belief from work). Last week, I made these Chicken-Filled Bundles, and they are amazing! Here's the recipe for any inquiring souls:
Chicken-Filled Bundles
1 pkg. crescent rolls
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 c. cubed cooked chicken (about 2 breasts)
3 tbsp. chopped pimento
3 tbsp. chopped green onion
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 c. crushed seasoned croutons
1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ.
2. Divide crescent rolls into 4 rectangles, pinching the diagonal seam together.
3. Slightly flatten rectangles.
4. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and softened butter.
5. Stir in cooked chicken, pimento, and green onion.
6. Place 1/4 mixture in center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners together and pinch to seal.
7. Brush bundles with melted butter and top with crushed croutons.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
**The best part of these is that you can FREEZE THEM! Perfect for people like me who can't consume 4 of them in one night....just put one of them in the refrigerator the night/morning before you plan to eat it. Then just bake it up!
Chicken-Filled Bundles
1 pkg. crescent rolls
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. butter, softened
2 c. cubed cooked chicken (about 2 breasts)
3 tbsp. chopped pimento
3 tbsp. chopped green onion
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 c. crushed seasoned croutons
1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ.
2. Divide crescent rolls into 4 rectangles, pinching the diagonal seam together.
3. Slightly flatten rectangles.
4. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and softened butter.
5. Stir in cooked chicken, pimento, and green onion.
6. Place 1/4 mixture in center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners together and pinch to seal.
7. Brush bundles with melted butter and top with crushed croutons.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
**The best part of these is that you can FREEZE THEM! Perfect for people like me who can't consume 4 of them in one night....just put one of them in the refrigerator the night/morning before you plan to eat it. Then just bake it up!
10.22.2008
Alternatives
After quite the rough couple of days at work, I have decided to brainstorm new career plans. Here's what I could come up with:
1. Cruise ship bartender
2. Flight attendant
3. Bank teller
4. Pre-school teacher
5. Professional organizer
6. Long-haul truck driver
7. Retail salesperson
8. Bum on the street
Believe it or not, any or all of these career choices sound better that "6th grade science teacher" right about now. If you are one of the people I've told over the past couple of weeks that things were looking up, I retract that statement.
1. Cruise ship bartender
2. Flight attendant
3. Bank teller
4. Pre-school teacher
5. Professional organizer
6. Long-haul truck driver
7. Retail salesperson
8. Bum on the street
Believe it or not, any or all of these career choices sound better that "6th grade science teacher" right about now. If you are one of the people I've told over the past couple of weeks that things were looking up, I retract that statement.
10.19.2008
"So what if he is?"
This morning on Meet the Press, Colin Powell delivered an inspirational endorsement of Barack Obama. I wasn't awake to watch Meet the Press (surprise, surprise), but did watch his endorsement online later. The part that really struck me was Colin Powell addressing the constant references to Obama "being a Muslim" (and, therefore, being associated with terrorists). This is what Powell said:
"I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, "What if he is?" Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with a seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards--Purple Heart, Bronze Star--showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old. And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn't have a Christian cross, it didn't have the Star of David, it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life. Now, we have got to stop polarizing ourselves in this way."
Just a little food for thought.
"I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, "What if he is?" Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with a seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards--Purple Heart, Bronze Star--showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old. And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn't have a Christian cross, it didn't have the Star of David, it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life. Now, we have got to stop polarizing ourselves in this way."
Just a little food for thought.
10.11.2008
Things I'm ashamed to love
This morning, I woke up quite early and wasn't able to sleep. When unable to sleep, what should one do? Read sports articles online, of course! During this epic early-morning time waster, I ran across a Q&A article on ESPN.com's Page 2. (they typically have off-the-wall sports humor articles, for those of you unfamiliar with the ESPN.com setup) This is my favorite entry in said article:
Q: In your recent Manny article, you are very harsh on Scott Boras. Although he might be a conniving two-face, does that really mean he's a bad person? Sure, he will purposely manipulate a person like Manny to earn more money, but that's all it is, earning money. He doesn't steal. He is just good at what he does. Don't change your views on him (because you write about this with so much passion), just next time you write about him think of how he goes home to his kids, just like you, at night.
-- Jack E., Swarthmore, Pa.
SG: The only difference is that he goes back to his kids and probably drinks their blood in a wine glass to keep himself young. You're not getting me to feel bad for Boras. He's the most brilliant agent alive, but he doesn't care about people like you and me, and as he proved with the Pedro Alvarez-Pittsburgh saga, it's difficult to tell if he even cares about the welfare of his clients. I don't think he's any different than the greedy jerks who just brought down our economy; Boras does what's best for himself and his client and everyone else be damned. He's like Jerry Maguire crossed with Spencer Pratt. You know who else bent a few rules for the betterment of their families? All the guys who just brought down Wall Street. I'll get off my high horse now.
Okay, if you don't know anything about sports, then this probably isn't for you. I could try to explain, but that would only water down the amazingness. The answer includes a shout-out to former Vandy player, Pedro Alvarez, a Jerry Maguire AND The Hills reference, along with a solid ripping of Scott Boras. What could be better?!?!
If that wasn't really your cup of tea, let me share with you my slogan for my future political campaign: "If badass wore cardigans." Good, huh? It was coined by the one and only Christine K., future political speech writer extraordinaire.
Q: In your recent Manny article, you are very harsh on Scott Boras. Although he might be a conniving two-face, does that really mean he's a bad person? Sure, he will purposely manipulate a person like Manny to earn more money, but that's all it is, earning money. He doesn't steal. He is just good at what he does. Don't change your views on him (because you write about this with so much passion), just next time you write about him think of how he goes home to his kids, just like you, at night.
-- Jack E., Swarthmore, Pa.
SG: The only difference is that he goes back to his kids and probably drinks their blood in a wine glass to keep himself young. You're not getting me to feel bad for Boras. He's the most brilliant agent alive, but he doesn't care about people like you and me, and as he proved with the Pedro Alvarez-Pittsburgh saga, it's difficult to tell if he even cares about the welfare of his clients. I don't think he's any different than the greedy jerks who just brought down our economy; Boras does what's best for himself and his client and everyone else be damned. He's like Jerry Maguire crossed with Spencer Pratt. You know who else bent a few rules for the betterment of their families? All the guys who just brought down Wall Street. I'll get off my high horse now.
Okay, if you don't know anything about sports, then this probably isn't for you. I could try to explain, but that would only water down the amazingness. The answer includes a shout-out to former Vandy player, Pedro Alvarez, a Jerry Maguire AND The Hills reference, along with a solid ripping of Scott Boras. What could be better?!?!
If that wasn't really your cup of tea, let me share with you my slogan for my future political campaign: "If badass wore cardigans." Good, huh? It was coined by the one and only Christine K., future political speech writer extraordinaire.
9.30.2008
Breakthrough?
About two weeks ago, I got a new student. The day the guidance counselor dropped him off in my room, he warned me that this kid had just moved to Nashville because of Hurricane Gustav. In New Orleans, this boy was in the 4th grade at an alternative school. At the time, I was scared of him and what he might do in my classroom. We had no indication of why exactly he was at this special school, but you don't get sent to an alternative school for being a regular angel...
Over the past couple of weeks, I have really not experienced any major problems with this student. Other teachers have had numerous issues--the kid got written up on his second day at our school. Yesterday, they decided to move him to the other team on my hallway. The hope was that he would succeed in a new environment with some more support. About 20 minutes after he switched, the kid waltzed back into my room. Turns out that he told the principal he changed his mind and wanted to stay on our team. I was baffled because some of the other teachers will never give him a chance. He told the principal that he wanted to stay where he was because he had made some friends and because of me. Apparently "I listen to him" and he appreciates this!
Even though I was scared to death of him that first week (did I mention that he's bigger than me?), I know that he won't ever hurt me. Maybe this can just be the year that he gets everything back on track...
Over the past couple of weeks, I have really not experienced any major problems with this student. Other teachers have had numerous issues--the kid got written up on his second day at our school. Yesterday, they decided to move him to the other team on my hallway. The hope was that he would succeed in a new environment with some more support. About 20 minutes after he switched, the kid waltzed back into my room. Turns out that he told the principal he changed his mind and wanted to stay on our team. I was baffled because some of the other teachers will never give him a chance. He told the principal that he wanted to stay where he was because he had made some friends and because of me. Apparently "I listen to him" and he appreciates this!
Even though I was scared to death of him that first week (did I mention that he's bigger than me?), I know that he won't ever hurt me. Maybe this can just be the year that he gets everything back on track...
9.24.2008
Shut. Up.
Y'all know I love my Mets. And Wednesday Night Baseball. And Sunday Night Baseball. And most of all, Fox Saturday Baseball. I know they play every day of the week, but somehow these telecasts are special. Tonight, my beloved Mets played an EXTREMELY important game on Wednesday Night Baseball. However, I had to watch the whole thing on mute because Rick Sutcliffe makes me so mad. Here is my letter to him:
Dear Mr. Sutcliffe,
I know that you won a Cy Young Award when you played for the Cubs. However, that does NOT make it okay to blatantly pull for them while you do the color analysis for ESPN. Shut up. People are interested in your ANALYSIS, not your OPINIONS. Don't break down my team while they're losing. It makes me even more unhappy than I was when they were only losing.
Respectfully,
AMC
This guy drives me crazy. Thanks for ruining my Wednesday Night Baseball experience. I could have stayed at school and graded papers....
Dear Mr. Sutcliffe,
I know that you won a Cy Young Award when you played for the Cubs. However, that does NOT make it okay to blatantly pull for them while you do the color analysis for ESPN. Shut up. People are interested in your ANALYSIS, not your OPINIONS. Don't break down my team while they're losing. It makes me even more unhappy than I was when they were only losing.
Respectfully,
AMC
This guy drives me crazy. Thanks for ruining my Wednesday Night Baseball experience. I could have stayed at school and graded papers....
9.21.2008
How to be as cool as Soulja Boy
I recently went on the Rock the Vote website to help me figure out how to change my voter registration so I can vote in Nashville. Imagine how excited I was when I ran across this video. We all know how much I love Soulja Boy...if he says to vote, you should do it!
That being said, I hope you are all more educated than him about what you're voting for. Didn't he have that song about "I just got my report card, throw some D's on that b*tch"?
Anyways, here's the link to register for any state. In Tennessee, you must be registered 30 days prior to the election (by October 4). This is a big one!
That being said, I hope you are all more educated than him about what you're voting for. Didn't he have that song about "I just got my report card, throw some D's on that b*tch"?
Anyways, here's the link to register for any state. In Tennessee, you must be registered 30 days prior to the election (by October 4). This is a big one!
9.09.2008
Changes!
Okay, not very many changes, but I did get a new computer. It wasn't exactly in the budgeting plan, but became necessary when my trusty-ole iBook died. Unfortunately, it died along with all of its data as well. I'll be working as much as I can to restore what I lost, but AAAALLLLLLL of my pictures are gone!
That's why I haven't posted in a while. The computer has been on the fritz. I'm loving being in Nashville. I was able to see Vandy upset USC at home, and that was amazing! My first game as a non-band-kid in almost 10 years! Loved it. It was more than a little tough to wake up for school the next morning, but so worth it.
For now, I'm off to bed. I know it's 9:30 at night, but that's feeling reeeeeeaaaal late right about now!
That's why I haven't posted in a while. The computer has been on the fritz. I'm loving being in Nashville. I was able to see Vandy upset USC at home, and that was amazing! My first game as a non-band-kid in almost 10 years! Loved it. It was more than a little tough to wake up for school the next morning, but so worth it.
For now, I'm off to bed. I know it's 9:30 at night, but that's feeling reeeeeeaaaal late right about now!
8.21.2008
Mama said there'll be days like this
Wanna hear about the craziest day of my young teaching career (or the most ridiculous of my life)? Here's how it went down:
1. No planning period--parent conferences and people trying to help consumed this precious time
2. Short lunch--people trying to help, again
3. Got the info. to FINALLY log on to my school computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. I tried the login info, only to find that my computer is inoperable. They "hope to have someone out next week" (it's a huge freakin deal to not have a computer).
5. Not logging on caused me to have a crying breakdown in the principal's office. He wasn't in there, but another teacher was. She was nice and helped me.
6. I jammed the laminating machine and must go confess first thing in the morning.
7. While I was jamming the laminator, the air conditioner in my room broke (we have no central air--only the loudest window units you've ever heard). It no longer blows ANY air---hot or cold. I'll bring that news to the office along with the laminator info. They're gonna love me.
8. To recover lost time from the numerous catastrophes of the day, I stayed until 8:00 at school. Boooooo.
9. I was PUMPED about cooking some ground beef I have to make nachos. However, I arrived at home to find a notes posted everywhere (in and out of my apartment) saying not to use my kitchen sink or dishwasher. Couldn't cook that meat (that expires tomorrow). Crap.
10. I went to Burger King to get dinner (at 9:00pm). They messed up my order. At least it didn't involve mustard or pickles. Not really that significant, but really a fitting end to my day.
After all of that ridiculousness, I am now sitting here in my dark, dishwasher-less apartment eating Oreos and watching the Dundee Office episode....my fave. I will go to bed ASAP, because I have simply given up on today. Not to mention I'm afraid that something else catastrophic might happen.
nite.
1. No planning period--parent conferences and people trying to help consumed this precious time
2. Short lunch--people trying to help, again
3. Got the info. to FINALLY log on to my school computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4. I tried the login info, only to find that my computer is inoperable. They "hope to have someone out next week" (it's a huge freakin deal to not have a computer).
5. Not logging on caused me to have a crying breakdown in the principal's office. He wasn't in there, but another teacher was. She was nice and helped me.
6. I jammed the laminating machine and must go confess first thing in the morning.
7. While I was jamming the laminator, the air conditioner in my room broke (we have no central air--only the loudest window units you've ever heard). It no longer blows ANY air---hot or cold. I'll bring that news to the office along with the laminator info. They're gonna love me.
8. To recover lost time from the numerous catastrophes of the day, I stayed until 8:00 at school. Boooooo.
9. I was PUMPED about cooking some ground beef I have to make nachos. However, I arrived at home to find a notes posted everywhere (in and out of my apartment) saying not to use my kitchen sink or dishwasher. Couldn't cook that meat (that expires tomorrow). Crap.
10. I went to Burger King to get dinner (at 9:00pm). They messed up my order. At least it didn't involve mustard or pickles. Not really that significant, but really a fitting end to my day.
After all of that ridiculousness, I am now sitting here in my dark, dishwasher-less apartment eating Oreos and watching the Dundee Office episode....my fave. I will go to bed ASAP, because I have simply given up on today. Not to mention I'm afraid that something else catastrophic might happen.
nite.
8.18.2008
Welcome to Ms. Croft's Class
We all have to wear ID badges, and mine is on a Vanderbilt lanyard. Today, one of my students was also wearing a VU lanyard. I walked up to him and showed him my lanyard. He was unimpressed.
My return to 6th grade has resulted in no greater acceptance than I experienced my first time around. Bummer.
My return to 6th grade has resulted in no greater acceptance than I experienced my first time around. Bummer.
8.03.2008
Life Update
I've been absolutely TERRIBLE about updating lately, so I apologize for that. In the past week, I've been all over the place (literally and figuratively). Here are some highlights, in chronological order:
NEW YORK!!!
I left last Friday to go visit Audra in New York. It was amazing on so many levels. On Friday, we at smores inside, saw Hairspray on Broadway, and had a non-stressful walk through Time Square before passing out from tiredness. On Saturday, we ate a delicious breakfast (potatoes in an omlette?!) and then headed off to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The museum at Ellis Island was really, really cool. The Statue of Liberty is big from up close, but looks teensy from far away. Then, we made our way through Central Park. Having a huge park like that in the middle of the city is amazing. After that, we headed out to the METS GAME, which I, obviously, was pumped about. I sure am glad we were able to get tickets again after my mom threw them away. After a dramatic, bottom of the 9th, game-tying home run, the game ended up going 14 innings, so I think we got our money's worth...even though I did pay for tickets twice. We got home at like 1:30 and then had to get up early to try and get tickets to tour Yankee Stadium, which we did NOT get. Bummer? I didn't actually want to give them my money anyway. I got a great tour of the Bronx, which Audra accompanied by singing "Jenny from the Block". We headed to see Columbia Teachers College, which I am SO sold on. Then it was off to see some more of the tourist things in NYC.
That's when Delta called and told me my flight was canceled. Not just delayed. CANCELED. And...they had rescheduled me for the "earliest available flight", which was-you guessed it-the next day. So, forget the three interviews I was supposed to have in Nashville. I spent quite a long time on the phone with Delta trying to figure out what they were going to do for me, only to find out that ALL flights out of New York had been canceled because of some huge "storm". Too bad it never really rained where we were. So, I got to eat yummy pizza, delicious cupcakes, and hang out with Audra and Hilary for another night!
The Trek to Nashville
So, on Monday morning, I got up at 4am NYC time to try to make my 6:50am flight to Memphis. I managed to make it there, only to find LaGuardia absolutely PACKED with businessmen and Asian tourists. Because everyone's flight had been canceled, it was crazy there. When I checked in, I discovered that they had booked me on an overbooked flight from Atlanta to Memphis, and couldn't actually assign me a seat. Let's think about how furious I would have been if they didn't give me a seat on that flight. For my first flight, I managed to find a lesser-known security line and made it through (otherwise I would have missed my flight by a couple of hours).
I made it to Memphis at 11:00 on Monday. Thankfully, the principals I was meeting were great and rescheduled two of the interviews with me. My dad was great because he took my lesson plans into work that I was missing, and arranged for my car to be at the airport for me to leave straight for Nashville. That's what I did...and I even made it to my interview 15 minutes early! I finished interviewing on Tuesday.
Ashley Gets a Job
After my last interview on Tuesday, I headed to Burger King for some lunch. Then, the asst. principal from that school called me and offered me the job! I was WAY excited and overwhelmed. So, I stayed longer in Nashville than I had planned to look at apartments and figure out what to do next. I didn't really find any apartments then, but had a better idea of where I wanted to live.
I had to go back to work and finish out the week, which was tough. I was a work all day, and then apartment searching all night. Yesterday, we went up to Nashville and looked at some apartments. I really liked the first one I saw, but ended up finding something a little bit nicer for not much more. It was the last one we looked at, but I loved it!
What's next
I am moving to Nashville and my new apartment tomorrow. Teacher In-Service starts on Wednesday and the first day of school is a week from tomorrow. I'll be teaching 6th grade science, math, and reading. Not really my loves, but I think it will be good for me!
I guess that's it for now!
NEW YORK!!!
I left last Friday to go visit Audra in New York. It was amazing on so many levels. On Friday, we at smores inside, saw Hairspray on Broadway, and had a non-stressful walk through Time Square before passing out from tiredness. On Saturday, we ate a delicious breakfast (potatoes in an omlette?!) and then headed off to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The museum at Ellis Island was really, really cool. The Statue of Liberty is big from up close, but looks teensy from far away. Then, we made our way through Central Park. Having a huge park like that in the middle of the city is amazing. After that, we headed out to the METS GAME, which I, obviously, was pumped about. I sure am glad we were able to get tickets again after my mom threw them away. After a dramatic, bottom of the 9th, game-tying home run, the game ended up going 14 innings, so I think we got our money's worth...even though I did pay for tickets twice. We got home at like 1:30 and then had to get up early to try and get tickets to tour Yankee Stadium, which we did NOT get. Bummer? I didn't actually want to give them my money anyway. I got a great tour of the Bronx, which Audra accompanied by singing "Jenny from the Block". We headed to see Columbia Teachers College, which I am SO sold on. Then it was off to see some more of the tourist things in NYC.
That's when Delta called and told me my flight was canceled. Not just delayed. CANCELED. And...they had rescheduled me for the "earliest available flight", which was-you guessed it-the next day. So, forget the three interviews I was supposed to have in Nashville. I spent quite a long time on the phone with Delta trying to figure out what they were going to do for me, only to find out that ALL flights out of New York had been canceled because of some huge "storm". Too bad it never really rained where we were. So, I got to eat yummy pizza, delicious cupcakes, and hang out with Audra and Hilary for another night!
The Trek to Nashville
So, on Monday morning, I got up at 4am NYC time to try to make my 6:50am flight to Memphis. I managed to make it there, only to find LaGuardia absolutely PACKED with businessmen and Asian tourists. Because everyone's flight had been canceled, it was crazy there. When I checked in, I discovered that they had booked me on an overbooked flight from Atlanta to Memphis, and couldn't actually assign me a seat. Let's think about how furious I would have been if they didn't give me a seat on that flight. For my first flight, I managed to find a lesser-known security line and made it through (otherwise I would have missed my flight by a couple of hours).
I made it to Memphis at 11:00 on Monday. Thankfully, the principals I was meeting were great and rescheduled two of the interviews with me. My dad was great because he took my lesson plans into work that I was missing, and arranged for my car to be at the airport for me to leave straight for Nashville. That's what I did...and I even made it to my interview 15 minutes early! I finished interviewing on Tuesday.
Ashley Gets a Job
After my last interview on Tuesday, I headed to Burger King for some lunch. Then, the asst. principal from that school called me and offered me the job! I was WAY excited and overwhelmed. So, I stayed longer in Nashville than I had planned to look at apartments and figure out what to do next. I didn't really find any apartments then, but had a better idea of where I wanted to live.
I had to go back to work and finish out the week, which was tough. I was a work all day, and then apartment searching all night. Yesterday, we went up to Nashville and looked at some apartments. I really liked the first one I saw, but ended up finding something a little bit nicer for not much more. It was the last one we looked at, but I loved it!
What's next
I am moving to Nashville and my new apartment tomorrow. Teacher In-Service starts on Wednesday and the first day of school is a week from tomorrow. I'll be teaching 6th grade science, math, and reading. Not really my loves, but I think it will be good for me!
I guess that's it for now!
7.23.2008
Thanks, SOG
Today, I was browsing the home furnishings in Marshalls, when I hear.....Dynamite! Oh buddy, was I excited! I knew that a small child was playing with a toy nearby and was sure surprised to hear the Vandy fight song. However, just as I began to make my way to the toy department to purchase said toy, I hear a rousing "Yes we can!". Yup, it was a Bob the Builder music box. In case you've never noticed, the first three notes of the Bob the Builder melody are precisely the same (at least to my only mildly-trained ear) as the beginning to Dynamite. Imagine my disappointment. If you don't believe me check it out.
7.21.2008
7.15.2008
Hate the Play, Love the Event
Right now, baseball is on the All-Star Break. This means there are no games Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to make it possible for the All-Stars to get together and play. Monday night is the Home Run Derby and I just think it's a terrible idea. I hate the focus that fans put on the home run, causing a reliance on steroids for many players. To me, this practice prevents the "good guys" from performing up to the standards that fans develop. Who wants to watch a game where the bad guys always win? Not me.
All that to say, the Home Run Derby is pretty much my favorite thing ever. The players all just chill out on the field in foul ground and watch some guys hit. Their children sit in their laps and you see the stars of the game reduced to mere fans (camcorder in hand). Something about that is magical to me. The story becomes even better when the 27 year-old recovered drug addict turned All-Star hits a record 28 (yeah, 28) home runs. For hating the home run, I sure do love the Derby.
Tonight is the actual All-Star game, and I'm rooting for the National League, as always (fewer steroids...theoretically). We'll see how that goes. It's in Yankee Stadium this year, which is absolutely incredible. Somehow the opening ceremony always has a way of moving me to tears. This year, I managed to not cry--perhaps it's my hatred for Yankee owner George Steinbrenner (who "delivered" the game balls for first pitch). However, it was still incredible. All of those Hall of Famers on one field was amazing. Some people are moved to tears by art, poetry, or nature. For me it's just baseball. Maybe I'm shallow, but it's great.
All that to say, the Home Run Derby is pretty much my favorite thing ever. The players all just chill out on the field in foul ground and watch some guys hit. Their children sit in their laps and you see the stars of the game reduced to mere fans (camcorder in hand). Something about that is magical to me. The story becomes even better when the 27 year-old recovered drug addict turned All-Star hits a record 28 (yeah, 28) home runs. For hating the home run, I sure do love the Derby.
Tonight is the actual All-Star game, and I'm rooting for the National League, as always (fewer steroids...theoretically). We'll see how that goes. It's in Yankee Stadium this year, which is absolutely incredible. Somehow the opening ceremony always has a way of moving me to tears. This year, I managed to not cry--perhaps it's my hatred for Yankee owner George Steinbrenner (who "delivered" the game balls for first pitch). However, it was still incredible. All of those Hall of Famers on one field was amazing. Some people are moved to tears by art, poetry, or nature. For me it's just baseball. Maybe I'm shallow, but it's great.
7.10.2008
Call me impatient
The Office is putting up new webisodes on their website each Thursday in July!! Bestthingever. I will give you the link, but only after a life lesson from Dwight:
"Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do NOT do that thing."
Take that decision making advice to heart, my dear friends.
Okay, here's the link.
"Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do NOT do that thing."
Take that decision making advice to heart, my dear friends.
Okay, here's the link.
7.09.2008
Make Me Happy
I love the MLB All-Star game with all my heart. I look forward to it (almost) as much as I look forward to the http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifWorld Series or March Madness. Therefore, I would be quite the heartbroken baseball fan if my David Wright wasn't even playing. He deserves it more than any of those other lame-o nominees. It's safe to say that many of you aren't baseball fans and that you might have no idea what this "All-Star Game" concept is. However, if you would just visit this website, enter your email, and click on "David Wright, NYM", I would be a very, very happy girl.
7.07.2008
Modified Dreams
My dream has always been to teach in Chicago and help at-risk children become college graduates. However, the school system in Chicago makes it near impossible for a first-year teacher from out of state to find a teaching job. So I have decided to go ahead and put in applications in the Nashville area. At this point, it's pretty late in the game for schools around here, but I am hoping to find a position -- any position -- for next year.
I decided to do this while I was sick this weekend, and I really think it will be best for me. If you know me at all, I have never been one to live without a plan. I might procrastinate the plans, but they are there. So I just consider this to be a contingency plan for next year. I haven't given up on Chicago, it will happen eventually. I'm applying in Metro Nashville schools, as well as in Sumner County, so we shall see what happens. Worst case scenario = another year in Nashville (which I love) with lots of friends around!
I decided to do this while I was sick this weekend, and I really think it will be best for me. If you know me at all, I have never been one to live without a plan. I might procrastinate the plans, but they are there. So I just consider this to be a contingency plan for next year. I haven't given up on Chicago, it will happen eventually. I'm applying in Metro Nashville schools, as well as in Sumner County, so we shall see what happens. Worst case scenario = another year in Nashville (which I love) with lots of friends around!
7.05.2008
She's Just Being Miley
My dad is ob-sessed with theonion.com. Though most of the videos aren't remotely funny (some of them are kind of offensive), this one is absolutely hilarious. I do love me some Miley. Watch it all the way through, to the tease at the end...
Entertainment Scientists Warn Miley Cyrus Will Be Depleted by 2013
Entertainment Scientists Warn Miley Cyrus Will Be Depleted by 2013
I love the 4th!!
Who doesn't love fireworks, cookouts, friends, days off work, and patriotism? Last year when I was in England for this holiday, I realized that it is quite possibly my favorite holiday of the year. Christmas is cool, too, but not like good ol' Independence Day. The 4th has much less associated stress.
So, with all of that excitement, the bummer of it all. I have the flu and a sinus/upper respiratory infection. It's NO FUN. My kids carry all kinds of cooties, and usually my immune system is strong enough to ward them off. Apparently not this time. So, I stayed home last night coughing up a lung and listening to other people's fireworks going off. Didn't get to see any of them. Maybe next year?
So, with all of that excitement, the bummer of it all. I have the flu and a sinus/upper respiratory infection. It's NO FUN. My kids carry all kinds of cooties, and usually my immune system is strong enough to ward them off. Apparently not this time. So, I stayed home last night coughing up a lung and listening to other people's fireworks going off. Didn't get to see any of them. Maybe next year?
7.02.2008
Only in the South
Here's another daycare story for you. Unfortunately, it's the only remotely exciting thing in my life, so that's where the stories come from. Here's the convo:
Kids: "Ms. Ashley, we thought you were at the doctor!" (I was at lunch)
Me: "Nope, but I need to go to the doctor." (I'm kind of really sick)
Kids: "Why?"
Me: "Because I am feeling sick."
One little girl: "This one time, I got sick. I drank out of Todd's spit cup and then I threw up all over the floor."
Yup. Gross. Me. Out.
This is comparable to the "Peyton Manning's the FIRST Peyton" story, not in grossness, but in the Only in Tennessee factor.
Kids: "Ms. Ashley, we thought you were at the doctor!" (I was at lunch)
Me: "Nope, but I need to go to the doctor." (I'm kind of really sick)
Kids: "Why?"
Me: "Because I am feeling sick."
One little girl: "This one time, I got sick. I drank out of Todd's spit cup and then I threw up all over the floor."
Yup. Gross. Me. Out.
This is comparable to the "Peyton Manning's the FIRST Peyton" story, not in grossness, but in the Only in Tennessee factor.
6.29.2008
I bought a Mr. Potato Head
Remember these! They're amazing. I haven't taken it into my class yet, so we'll see how it goes over. Something tells me that at least one or two of my kids will be scared of it. I'll let you know...
6.26.2008
This sums it up...
i woke up early this morning
and i'm already runnin' late
there's a list of things as long as my arm
that won't get done today
is it Tuesday is it Wednesday?
they're running into each other
somebody tell me when it's my day
man, this life sure has been trouble
so, tomorrow i'm takin me fishin
hang a sign on the door of my life
tell the world that i've gone missin
and i won't be back for awhile
i'm so tired of only wishin
i could leave my trouble behind
i want to be front porch rockin' with a big sun droppin'
and a blue sky
kick back and get high
livin part of life
--Eric Church "Livin' Part of Life"
I don't even like fishing, but it's stated so well.
and i'm already runnin' late
there's a list of things as long as my arm
that won't get done today
is it Tuesday is it Wednesday?
they're running into each other
somebody tell me when it's my day
man, this life sure has been trouble
so, tomorrow i'm takin me fishin
hang a sign on the door of my life
tell the world that i've gone missin
and i won't be back for awhile
i'm so tired of only wishin
i could leave my trouble behind
i want to be front porch rockin' with a big sun droppin'
and a blue sky
kick back and get high
livin part of life
--Eric Church "Livin' Part of Life"
I don't even like fishing, but it's stated so well.
6.22.2008
Clarifications
From talking to a few people over the past couple of weeks, it sounds like I just might need to be a little more clear about what's happening in my life! As of now, I'm living in Memphis at my parent's house. I was able to go back to the job that I have worked for the past couple of summers, but this time in my own classroom. This sounded really great at first, until I realized that it would consume every second of free time I have at home and I don't get paid any more than I did before. In case you're wondering, child care workers make only slightly more than minimum wage. I could make more working at the gas station down the street, working at Target, or maybe even asking "Would you like fries with that?" To me, it's a sad commentary on American society and our priorities. Another story for another time, though.
I heard back from a school last week and am hoping to hear from some this coming week. Several said that I could expect to hear from them around/before the end of June. Which is....now. I have at least one interview set up for sometime within the next couple of weeks, so hopefully there are more to come! I'll keep you updated. It's going to be rough traveling back and forth, so I want to get in as many interviews I can and make it worth the travel! Wish me luck!!
I heard back from a school last week and am hoping to hear from some this coming week. Several said that I could expect to hear from them around/before the end of June. Which is....now. I have at least one interview set up for sometime within the next couple of weeks, so hopefully there are more to come! I'll keep you updated. It's going to be rough traveling back and forth, so I want to get in as many interviews I can and make it worth the travel! Wish me luck!!
6.17.2008
Thank you, Weather Girls
Terrible special effects (it was the 80's after all), but just love the song! Priceless.
6.12.2008
Okay, B**ch!
That's what one of my three year-olds said to me yesterday.
I think my last post was in error. Three is the new fourteen.
I think my last post was in error. Three is the new fourteen.
6.10.2008
Three is the new Two
Haven't you heard? The Terrible Twos are now the Terrible Threes (not the same alliteration effect, but still...). And I have a class of three year-olds. Given, they are about to turn four, but it really doesn't matter. Today, there were two girls screaming (and I do mean SCREAMING) and crying about something simultaneously. When you only have eight kids and about 150 square feet, this gets loud and old really fast. One of the girls cried and screamed for a solid hour and a half. I thought she was going to make herself sick.
To get through the craziness, I set small goals for myself. Like "make it to snack" (which is 30 minutes away). If I make it there without going crazy, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I didn't make it to my lunch goal today, though. Went crazy before that. One kid has very selective hearing (I admire his impeccable skill with this), one throws an average of three tantrums a day, one refuses to play with any children (just hangs off my legs, literally), one NEVER stops talking (even when I'm talking to him), one refuses to keep his shoes on, one is that kid that can make trouble with any object within reach, and then two are precious. The only time I stop moving all day is when they are all asleep for about five minutes (then I have to wake up one because his mother doesn't want him taking a nap for more than an hour). My days are ridiculous. Just give me 3rd graders already.
To get through the craziness, I set small goals for myself. Like "make it to snack" (which is 30 minutes away). If I make it there without going crazy, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I didn't make it to my lunch goal today, though. Went crazy before that. One kid has very selective hearing (I admire his impeccable skill with this), one throws an average of three tantrums a day, one refuses to play with any children (just hangs off my legs, literally), one NEVER stops talking (even when I'm talking to him), one refuses to keep his shoes on, one is that kid that can make trouble with any object within reach, and then two are precious. The only time I stop moving all day is when they are all asleep for about five minutes (then I have to wake up one because his mother doesn't want him taking a nap for more than an hour). My days are ridiculous. Just give me 3rd graders already.
6.04.2008
This is rough
I've started working in my new classroom, and it's rough to say the least. The teacher who was there prior to me had few (if any) routines or guidelines for the children to follow. Things as simple as washing hands with SOAP and water after pottying weren't being done. Gross you out? Yeah, me too. So I get there at 8:00 everyday, get an hour for lunch in the middle (where I can't go home because it's too far and gas is too high), and get to "leave" at 5:00. Although, I have yet to actually leave at 5:00 because I have to stay and do things in my classroom that I couldn't do with children there. So I usually get home around 6:00, completely exhausted. Most days I could just go to sleep right then. But no.
Then, I have been writing thank you notes, doing school research, looking for apartments, working on this middle school band thing I'm doing, etc. Somebody just give me a decent job already. Originally, I had thought that I can just stay at the job I have for the summer if nothing works out in Chicago. Then I got paid today and realized that I only make $7.00/hour. I make less than a gas station attendant and I have a college degree. LAME. So, can't do this for longer than like 2 months. Some people live on that salary and I just don't know how. That means I absolutely must must must must get a teaching job for the fall. Ugh. If you have any leads, let me know. I just want the job fairy to visit after I go to sleep tonight and lay a contract under my pillow. Can you arrange for that? K, thanks.
Then, I have been writing thank you notes, doing school research, looking for apartments, working on this middle school band thing I'm doing, etc. Somebody just give me a decent job already. Originally, I had thought that I can just stay at the job I have for the summer if nothing works out in Chicago. Then I got paid today and realized that I only make $7.00/hour. I make less than a gas station attendant and I have a college degree. LAME. So, can't do this for longer than like 2 months. Some people live on that salary and I just don't know how. That means I absolutely must must must must get a teaching job for the fall. Ugh. If you have any leads, let me know. I just want the job fairy to visit after I go to sleep tonight and lay a contract under my pillow. Can you arrange for that? K, thanks.
5.28.2008
I did it, all by myself!
Right now I'm sitting in the hostel in Chicago I'm staying at while I do this 3 day bus tour of Chicago Public schools. I just want everyone to know that I'm QUITE proud of myself at the moment. No, I haven't gotten a job (but that's the next mountain to climb). However, I did manage to make the entire trip here all by myself! This included the 3 hour drive to Nashville (next time you try to fly to Memphis, fly into Nashville and save yourself $300), flight to Chicago, subway train ride, and walk to the hostel. Despite a close call on almost missing my flight, I made it! Now, on to finding a job....
Speaking of which, I have a great one for the summer! The daycare I have worked at for the past two summers hired me again, but this time, I'm a full day teacher! Before, I was an assistant/floater/substitute that they used whenever they needed me. This summer, I have eight 3.5 year olds to singlehandedly conquer and teach. I also get my own classroom to decorate! While this is all really nice and great, it's been more than a little stressful trying to get everything ready for that classroom, while still preparing to come to Chicago and kick butt at this Teacher Fair business. Oh, yeah, and then I'm supposed to sleep. The long weekend sure came in handy. On Sunday, my mom and sister came to help me at school and we spent 6 hours cleaning (mom's job), decorating (Marissa's job), and organizing (my job). BUT, it looks fantastic! Like kids could really learn there and I could be okay there everyday. The dirtiness that it was made me really, really unhappy. Good thing we fixed that.
So, tomorrow, we're going to some schools on the South side of Chicago...we'll see if it's really as bad as everyone says. This is all very exciting, but so overwhelming, too!
Speaking of which, I have a great one for the summer! The daycare I have worked at for the past two summers hired me again, but this time, I'm a full day teacher! Before, I was an assistant/floater/substitute that they used whenever they needed me. This summer, I have eight 3.5 year olds to singlehandedly conquer and teach. I also get my own classroom to decorate! While this is all really nice and great, it's been more than a little stressful trying to get everything ready for that classroom, while still preparing to come to Chicago and kick butt at this Teacher Fair business. Oh, yeah, and then I'm supposed to sleep. The long weekend sure came in handy. On Sunday, my mom and sister came to help me at school and we spent 6 hours cleaning (mom's job), decorating (Marissa's job), and organizing (my job). BUT, it looks fantastic! Like kids could really learn there and I could be okay there everyday. The dirtiness that it was made me really, really unhappy. Good thing we fixed that.
So, tomorrow, we're going to some schools on the South side of Chicago...we'll see if it's really as bad as everyone says. This is all very exciting, but so overwhelming, too!
5.21.2008
Maybe I'm the Mermaid
Today, I told the kids to clean up so we could change centers. One of the children didn't want to clean up, and I explained to her that she had to change centers. Her response: "All I wanna do is be a dog." (she was attached to a leash-sort-of object and was quite enjoying herself). This reminded me of this great anecdote:
Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs was the game to play. Being left in charge of about eighty children seven to ten years old, while their parents were off doing parenty things, I mustered my troops in the church social hall and explained the game. It's a large-scale version of Rock, Paper and Scissors, and involves some intellectual decision making. But the real purpose of the game is to make a lot of noise and run around chasing people until nobody knows which side you are on or who won.
Organising a roomful of wired-up gradeschoolers into two teams, explaining the rudiments of the game, achieving consensus on group identity - all this is no mean accomplishment, but we did it with a right good will and were
ready to go.
The excitement of the chase had reached a critical mass. I yelled out: "You have to decide now which you are - a GIANT, a WIZARD, or a DWARF!"
While the groups huddled in frenzied, whispered consultation, a tug came at my pants leg. A small child stands there looking up, and asks in a small, concerned voice,
"Where do the Mermaids stand?"
Where do the Mermaids stand?
A long pause.
A very long pause.
"Where do the Mermaids stand?" says I.
"Yes. You see, I am a Mermaid."
"There are no such things as Mermaids."
"Oh, yes, I am one!"
She did not relate to being a Giant, a Wizard, or a Dwarf. She knew her category: Mermaid. And was not about to leave the game and go over and stand against a wall where a loser would stand. She intended to participate, wherever Mermaids fit into the scheme of things. Without giving up dignity or identity. She took it for granted that there was a place for Mermaids and that I would know just where.
Well, where DO the Mermaids stand? All the "Mermaids" - all those who are different, who do not fit the norm and who do not accept the available boxes and pigeonholes?
Answer that question, and you can build a school, a nation, or a world on it.
What was my answer at the moment? Every once in a while I say the right thing. "The Mermaid stands right here by the King of the Sea!" says I.
(Yes, right here by the King's Fool, I thought to myself.)
So we stood there hand in hand, reviewing the troops of Wizards, and Giants and Dwarfs as they roiled by in wild disarray.
It is not true, by the way, that Mermaids do not exist. I know at least one personally. I have held her hand.
----Robert Fulghum, taken from All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten -Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs was the game to play. Being left in charge of about eighty children seven to ten years old, while their parents were off doing parenty things, I mustered my troops in the church social hall and explained the game. It's a large-scale version of Rock, Paper and Scissors, and involves some intellectual decision making. But the real purpose of the game is to make a lot of noise and run around chasing people until nobody knows which side you are on or who won.
Organising a roomful of wired-up gradeschoolers into two teams, explaining the rudiments of the game, achieving consensus on group identity - all this is no mean accomplishment, but we did it with a right good will and were
ready to go.
The excitement of the chase had reached a critical mass. I yelled out: "You have to decide now which you are - a GIANT, a WIZARD, or a DWARF!"
While the groups huddled in frenzied, whispered consultation, a tug came at my pants leg. A small child stands there looking up, and asks in a small, concerned voice,
"Where do the Mermaids stand?"
Where do the Mermaids stand?
A long pause.
A very long pause.
"Where do the Mermaids stand?" says I.
"Yes. You see, I am a Mermaid."
"There are no such things as Mermaids."
"Oh, yes, I am one!"
She did not relate to being a Giant, a Wizard, or a Dwarf. She knew her category: Mermaid. And was not about to leave the game and go over and stand against a wall where a loser would stand. She intended to participate, wherever Mermaids fit into the scheme of things. Without giving up dignity or identity. She took it for granted that there was a place for Mermaids and that I would know just where.
Well, where DO the Mermaids stand? All the "Mermaids" - all those who are different, who do not fit the norm and who do not accept the available boxes and pigeonholes?
Answer that question, and you can build a school, a nation, or a world on it.
What was my answer at the moment? Every once in a while I say the right thing. "The Mermaid stands right here by the King of the Sea!" says I.
(Yes, right here by the King's Fool, I thought to myself.)
So we stood there hand in hand, reviewing the troops of Wizards, and Giants and Dwarfs as they roiled by in wild disarray.
It is not true, by the way, that Mermaids do not exist. I know at least one personally. I have held her hand.
----Robert Fulghum, taken from All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten -Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things
5.19.2008
What Baseball's All About
With the constant barrage of steroid updates, this story really is what it's all about. Read it (regardless of your baseball knowledge), but not if you're feeling the lease bit emotional.
Jon Lester pitches no-hitter (Sports Illustrated)
Jon Lester pitches no-hitter (Sports Illustrated)
5.14.2008
Prepare Yourselves
It's no secret that I hate talking on the phone. I would so much rather write to people or, better yet, see them in person. However, after only about 4 days away from everyone at Vandy, I've decided that I will have to get over this. I miss everyone. Alot. So, expect a call...everyone. I'm making that my new goal. To use the phone. I think I can do it.
5.12.2008
Courtesy
I just got back from a (quite successful) shopping adventure with my mom and sister. While we were in Gap, somehow my sister managed to tell the salesperson that I was planning to move to Chicago and be a teacher. The girl-who was probably a year or so younger than me-then proceeded to come into my dressing room (the door was open, but still) and tell me "You are gonna be so poor." That is an exact quote. Earlier today, my mom told me a story about how someone she worked with told her, "You know you don't make much teaching." All of this prompted me to just let everyone know that these things are inappropriate. I've had people say all kinds of things to me, including:
- Teaching is really the best job for raising a family.
- You'll need to make sure you marry a rich man.
- I can't believe you want to teach inner-city kids.
- When you get summers off, you shouldn't get paid very much.
Now, my friends know that I joke about not making much money in my career. However, if you don't know me at all (or even if you do), it's NOT OKAY to say things like this. Be happy for me. Say that you are glad I'm planning to help others. Tell me that you wish me well. Those things are okay, but any of the things listed above aren't. I've come to a point where I'm gracious enough to just smile and go along with people when they say offensive things....I know that they won't understand that this has been my dream since I was a little girl. But just because I smile and listen to what they're saying doesn't mean it doesn't make me angry. Just putting that out there.
- Teaching is really the best job for raising a family.
- You'll need to make sure you marry a rich man.
- I can't believe you want to teach inner-city kids.
- When you get summers off, you shouldn't get paid very much.
Now, my friends know that I joke about not making much money in my career. However, if you don't know me at all (or even if you do), it's NOT OKAY to say things like this. Be happy for me. Say that you are glad I'm planning to help others. Tell me that you wish me well. Those things are okay, but any of the things listed above aren't. I've come to a point where I'm gracious enough to just smile and go along with people when they say offensive things....I know that they won't understand that this has been my dream since I was a little girl. But just because I smile and listen to what they're saying doesn't mean it doesn't make me angry. Just putting that out there.
5.11.2008
Honeysuckle
Last year around this time, I was preparing to head off to England. I remember posting about how the honeysuckle in Germantown takes over and the whole town smells like it. I had forgotten about that until I got out of the car last night. After many, many (many) tears, I headed out of Nashville around 2:00 yesterday. That should have put me home around 5:00......except for the HUGE wreck about 60 miles outside Nashville. I sat in that traffic for an hour and a half. It took me 5 hours to make a 3 hour trip...that was not fun. When I got home, though, it smelled like honeysuckle, and that made it all okay.
5.08.2008
Is this really happening?
This morning is our Senior Day speaker, and the beginning of the formal graduation ceremonies. Last night, we had The Party, where The Commodores (yeah, Brick House) performed. That was okay, it was neat with all of the lights and such on the Peabody Lawn. I don't actually know who the speaker guy is for today, but it is something that I can't get over because going to this thing means that graduation is really happening.
I've come to the conclusion that I'm having so much trouble with this because I don't really have all that much to look forward to in the immediate future. Going home for the summer is going to be great....but it's exactly what I have done for the past three years. I'm working at the same job and living with my family again. I feel like I should be moving to where I am going to be living, like everyone else. Not having a job yet is also not exciting. Boooo! I guess it's time for a reality check and for me to realize that this is my last chance to hang out with my sister and parents for an extended period of time, so I should enjoy this while it lasts.
I'm not ready to leave everybody at Vandy, but I don't think I ever will be. My time is up here, so......I guess, bring on graduation?
I've come to the conclusion that I'm having so much trouble with this because I don't really have all that much to look forward to in the immediate future. Going home for the summer is going to be great....but it's exactly what I have done for the past three years. I'm working at the same job and living with my family again. I feel like I should be moving to where I am going to be living, like everyone else. Not having a job yet is also not exciting. Boooo! I guess it's time for a reality check and for me to realize that this is my last chance to hang out with my sister and parents for an extended period of time, so I should enjoy this while it lasts.
I'm not ready to leave everybody at Vandy, but I don't think I ever will be. My time is up here, so......I guess, bring on graduation?
5.05.2008
Ouch!
This week at Vandy is known as "Beach Week" and a lot of the seniors go down to Destin for a few days for one last hurrah. We have a week break between finals and graduation, so it's perfect for this. Unfortunately, I couldn't go because of having to work and it being a tad expensive. So, I'm here at Vandy with everyone (literally everyone) I live with gone to the beach. It's kind of sad. When I'm sad, I like sports, so decided that driving up to UT to watch Vandy play them would be really fun. And it was! We ended up sweeping the series from them (they might be a football school, but we're a baseball school with smart kids, we like to say). The only downer was that I ended up with one of the more severe sunburns of my life. It's the kind where only the tops of your thighs get burnt because the rest of you wasn't as exposed to the sun. My arms are also quite burnt in an awkward sort of way. For now, I'm on a steady diet of Tylenol and aloe spray gel to make the pain stop. Hopefully the strange redness disappears before all of those pictures are taken on graduation day.....
4.28.2008
A Blessing and a Curse
I'm graduating in 12 days. That's how long I have left to enjoy this with the people I love at Vandy. Kind of crazy. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and realized that coming here for school has been a blessing in so many ways. Vandy has given me an amazing education, opportunities I never would have had, best friends, the best days of my life (really), and a chance to meet people from all over. I really couldn't have asked for more. At the same time, though, it's different than if I had chosen to go to a more regional school with more people from around one place. People would all be staying in the same area and I could have "friends from college" that I hung out with for years to come. However, coming to Vandy has meant meeting people from all over the country who will leave and go all over the country. That's the curse part of it...the people are great and you become so close. And then everyone goes in a million different directions. I will always have the memories of fun times, and at the same time, I don't think the memories are enough. I want to keep living the amazing times.
Guess I'll just have to create a "travel fund" so I can go around and visit everyone. That's what's been on my mind a lot lately--leaving the people here.
That's my bit of insight. In case you're wondering, I haven't cried about this yet, but my ability to hold it in is waning very, very quickly.
Guess I'll just have to create a "travel fund" so I can go around and visit everyone. That's what's been on my mind a lot lately--leaving the people here.
That's my bit of insight. In case you're wondering, I haven't cried about this yet, but my ability to hold it in is waning very, very quickly.
4.20.2008
Groove is in the Heart
When I was in the fourth grade, we did a dance to this song. I remember loving the song...and the video. It's a picture of Early 90s amazingness.
"We're going to dance and have some fun."
"We're going to dance and have some fun."
4.11.2008
Always Blue and Gray
I'm just now getting to the point where I can talk about the game on Monday night. It was rough, but still a proud situation for the city of Memphis. Though none of the players (save the ill-fated Andre Allen) are actually from Memphis, we are so proud of how they represented us during the tournament. If nothing else, I hope that Coach Calipari recognizes that free throw shooting is essential to winning championships. Any Tiger fan can tell you about our C-USA Championship game in 2005. Darius Washington will always be loved by Memphians, despite his missing free throws to win the C-USA Championship and go to the NCAA Tournament that year. So, long story short.....Memphis has lost 2 championships (though one more important than the other) in the past 4 years because of free throws. I'm surprised more people aren't talking about that, but perhaps Coach Cal will realize this and work on those free throws.
Either way, I realized on Monday that the best man may not always win.
Either way, I realized on Monday that the best man may not always win.
4.06.2008
Deep in the Heart of Texas
On a whim on Monday night, Audra convinced me to fly out to San Antonio with her for the Final Four. We're staying at her house in the boonies outside San Antonio and making the 45 minute drive into the city for lots of Final Four festivities. I'll update you on all of the basketball happenings later, but right now, I just need everyone to know the three things I've learned about Texas (okay, San Antonio) thus far.
1. George Strait is God. The radio stations play his songs every hour on the hour.
2. David Robinson of the Spurs is God. Apparently these people are polytheistic.
3. The sky is really bigger here. There, I admitted it.
More updates to come later.
GO TIGERS GO!
1. George Strait is God. The radio stations play his songs every hour on the hour.
2. David Robinson of the Spurs is God. Apparently these people are polytheistic.
3. The sky is really bigger here. There, I admitted it.
More updates to come later.
GO TIGERS GO!
4.01.2008
The Mudville Nine
This poem is one of my all-time favorites...to the point that I decided to memorize it in its entirety when I was in middle school (I got through the first part, but never finished. And, yes, I am in fact, THAT COOL.) There is a really great children's book version illustrated by Patricia Polacco, who is a wonderful writer and illustrator. I read that version to my students one time, and they loved it. Though the words are a bit over their heads, they were mesmerized. You don't have to be a baseball fan or an intellectual-type to understand this story. It's quite fitting, as yesterday was officially opening day!!
Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawerence Thayer
The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.
But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despis-ed, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud;
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.
3.27.2008
Across the country in 8 days
It's crazy where basketball has taken me.....places I would never go otherwise. Atlanta more times than I can count, California, New York City, Little Rock, and now Tampa and Spokane, WA. Last weekend we had a whirlwind trip to Tampa. The team lost in their first game to some random team from upstate New York. They don't know how to play basketball up there!! At least I got to get a tan (well, sort of) and to have my first Chipotle eating experience. It was way warm and sunny and amazing. Well, amazing minus two consecutive days of 5:30am departure times. I'm all about waking up early, but that's just taking it too far. I was also really bummed because we had purchased tickets to the Yankees-Blue Jays spring training game on Saturday. When the team lost, we had to head back to Nashville and we missed the game. That made the second weekend in a row that we lost on a Friday and I paid for tickets to a sporting event I wasn't able to attend. Awesome.
This weekend we are going to Spokane, Washington. If anyone has tips on things we can do there, we would appreciate them. We're having a difficult time figuring out what there is to do in this place. As of now, it looks like we're going to rent a car and drive to Idaho. Woo!! (?) It's going to be quite the long traveling experience....and I'm counting on a two and a half hour layover in the Seattle airport to catch the Memphis game. They'll be dealing with one upset girl if I miss that game. Especially when we were really supposed to leave this morning instead of tomorrow night. I'll update about Washington when we get back, which hopefully won't be until Monday (after the team makes it to the ELITE 8!).
Countdown to Opening Day: 3 days!!
This weekend we are going to Spokane, Washington. If anyone has tips on things we can do there, we would appreciate them. We're having a difficult time figuring out what there is to do in this place. As of now, it looks like we're going to rent a car and drive to Idaho. Woo!! (?) It's going to be quite the long traveling experience....and I'm counting on a two and a half hour layover in the Seattle airport to catch the Memphis game. They'll be dealing with one upset girl if I miss that game. Especially when we were really supposed to leave this morning instead of tomorrow night. I'll update about Washington when we get back, which hopefully won't be until Monday (after the team makes it to the ELITE 8!).
Countdown to Opening Day: 3 days!!
3.23.2008
3.15.2008
Taking March Madness to a whole new level
This weekend, I was in Atlanta for the Men's SEC Tournament. Vandy played on Thursday, beating Auburn. We then advanced to the quarterfinals, where we had to play Arkansas. The game resulted in our second straight quarterfinal loss to Arkansas. I think our team was immensely disturbed by their "Calling those Hogs". That's where I believe our problems lie. It matters, but not as much as it could. We should still have a pretty nice seed in the NCAA Tournament come Selection Sunday.
Having the opportunity to see all of the games was amazing--this tournament has been incredible. If it's possible, though, the weather overshadowed the amazing basketball. After our loss, we stayed the night in Atlanta to come back early Saturday morning. We stayed downtown instead of going back to the hotel to wallow in self-pity. After walking around downtown Atlanta, Meg, Doug, and I went back to the Georgia Dome to see more basketball (mainly with the purpose of watching the Kentucky game against Georgia). I wanted to experience Kentucky basketball at it's finest. After hearing the "C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!" cheer no less than half a dozen times on the street getting to the Dome, I started to get a feeling of what it would be like. We got to the Dome, and there was blue EVERYWHERE. It was crazy.
We found some seats and settled in to watch the end of the Bama/MS State game, which was amazing! They ended up going into overtime on quite the incredible Bama 3-pointer. I didn't have very much invested in the game, but was excited nonetheless. With 2:11 left in the overtime, we heard a really, really loud rumbling sound. At first, we thought there was a helicopter just flying too close to the Dome. The ceiling was rippling and the catwalks/displays were swaying around. That's when stuff started falling from the top of the Dome. My ears were popping and we thought that maybe a hole had been punched in the top of the Dome, which Doug said had happened before. Then, we realized that this wasn't the case.
If you know me, you know how much I dread tornadoes. It was more than a bit traumatic because many of my friends were next door at the CNN Center/Omni Hotel, which was even more damaged. Everyone I know is okay and wasn't physically hurt. Emotionally was another story, though. Here's a pic of the damage to the Georgia Dome from inside:
Not that bad (until the water main burst), but scary! And they canceled the UK/UGA game, so I didn't even get to experience Kentucky basketball! I'm really happy that everyone is okay, and know this is one tournament I won't soon forget.
I'll keep you updated on our NCAA adventures!
Having the opportunity to see all of the games was amazing--this tournament has been incredible. If it's possible, though, the weather overshadowed the amazing basketball. After our loss, we stayed the night in Atlanta to come back early Saturday morning. We stayed downtown instead of going back to the hotel to wallow in self-pity. After walking around downtown Atlanta, Meg, Doug, and I went back to the Georgia Dome to see more basketball (mainly with the purpose of watching the Kentucky game against Georgia). I wanted to experience Kentucky basketball at it's finest. After hearing the "C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!" cheer no less than half a dozen times on the street getting to the Dome, I started to get a feeling of what it would be like. We got to the Dome, and there was blue EVERYWHERE. It was crazy.
We found some seats and settled in to watch the end of the Bama/MS State game, which was amazing! They ended up going into overtime on quite the incredible Bama 3-pointer. I didn't have very much invested in the game, but was excited nonetheless. With 2:11 left in the overtime, we heard a really, really loud rumbling sound. At first, we thought there was a helicopter just flying too close to the Dome. The ceiling was rippling and the catwalks/displays were swaying around. That's when stuff started falling from the top of the Dome. My ears were popping and we thought that maybe a hole had been punched in the top of the Dome, which Doug said had happened before. Then, we realized that this wasn't the case.
If you know me, you know how much I dread tornadoes. It was more than a bit traumatic because many of my friends were next door at the CNN Center/Omni Hotel, which was even more damaged. Everyone I know is okay and wasn't physically hurt. Emotionally was another story, though. Here's a pic of the damage to the Georgia Dome from inside:
Not that bad (until the water main burst), but scary! And they canceled the UK/UGA game, so I didn't even get to experience Kentucky basketball! I'm really happy that everyone is okay, and know this is one tournament I won't soon forget.
I'll keep you updated on our NCAA adventures!
3.10.2008
I love to laugh!
Cute kid story.
Today, they were finishing up maps they made of fairy tale lands. One of the groups had creatively made a lake out of bubble wrap. It had little tiny poofy orange balls on it. I asked the group if the poofy orange balls were meant to be there. This is the conversation that followed:
Girl: "Those are goldfish, Ms. Croft." (very matter-of-fact)
I smile and chuckle--I thought it was imperceptible.
Girl: "Why did you smile?"
Boy: "She just laughs alot."
Pretty much sums up my life. :o)
Today, they were finishing up maps they made of fairy tale lands. One of the groups had creatively made a lake out of bubble wrap. It had little tiny poofy orange balls on it. I asked the group if the poofy orange balls were meant to be there. This is the conversation that followed:
Girl: "Those are goldfish, Ms. Croft." (very matter-of-fact)
I smile and chuckle--I thought it was imperceptible.
Girl: "Why did you smile?"
Boy: "She just laughs alot."
Pretty much sums up my life. :o)
3.09.2008
Positivity
I'm getting really close to my last day of student teaching (it's 3 days away), which means I'm getting really close to what I have been dreading since I was a sophomore: Graduation. In order to keep myself from getting embarrassingly sad about "the day", I just keep thinking about all the great things that will come after I grow up. Here's what I focus on the most:
1. Affordable laundry. Yes, I am writing this as I wait for my load to dry after the dryer ate $1 of mine, and then I had to go get more quarters.
2. Readily accessibly laundry. I know that the machines are just down the elevator, but it's still a pain and prevents me from washing clothes as often as I should.
3. Slightly more counter space. The current 2 square feet in the kitchen are no longer cutting it.
4. Dishwasher. I hate washing dishes almost as much as I hate doing laundry. Despite the impression my dislikes may give off, I do quite enjoy cleanliness.
5. Parking. If you've ever tried to park at Vandy, you know what I mean.
6. Schedules. Student teaching has given me a schedule, but that's all about to go away. I get much more done when I wake up at the same time daily (and have a reason to do so).
7. Oh, yeah. Income.
The only problem with this thinking is that I begin thinking about all the things I will miss about college. It's inevitable. But, for now, I will enjoy what's left and keep thinking about the positives, as sparse as they may be.
Opening day countdown: 21 days
1. Affordable laundry. Yes, I am writing this as I wait for my load to dry after the dryer ate $1 of mine, and then I had to go get more quarters.
2. Readily accessibly laundry. I know that the machines are just down the elevator, but it's still a pain and prevents me from washing clothes as often as I should.
3. Slightly more counter space. The current 2 square feet in the kitchen are no longer cutting it.
4. Dishwasher. I hate washing dishes almost as much as I hate doing laundry. Despite the impression my dislikes may give off, I do quite enjoy cleanliness.
5. Parking. If you've ever tried to park at Vandy, you know what I mean.
6. Schedules. Student teaching has given me a schedule, but that's all about to go away. I get much more done when I wake up at the same time daily (and have a reason to do so).
7. Oh, yeah. Income.
The only problem with this thinking is that I begin thinking about all the things I will miss about college. It's inevitable. But, for now, I will enjoy what's left and keep thinking about the positives, as sparse as they may be.
Opening day countdown: 21 days
2.14.2008
C'mon, Congress
ESPN's top story on Tuesday was about congressional hearings that hadn't even happened yet. Not the fact that pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, or that Livan Hernandez, arguably one of the best pitchers in the game, signed with a new team. Nope. I was about an old pitcher who may or may not have had a couple of injections of steroids several years ago. I'm sad for ESPN that they have to report this crap. They can't focus on the reason the sports network exists--to present and promote sports in America. Instead, they have turned into a type of CourTV (which now is called "TruTV"?!).
While I feel for them, the ones I really worry about are those Congressmen who feel there is nothing better to do with their time than to hunt out sports figures. (Let's not forget about Arlen Specter looking into the New England Patriots and SpyGate.) I have a list of 10 things they would be better served spending time on:
1. No Child Left Behind
2. Economy
3. Homelessness
4. Immmigration
5. Health Care
6. Poverty
7. Global Warming
8. Crime Prevention
9. Unemployment
10. "War on Terror"
You might say that many of these things overlap. That's the point. By addressing one of these things, they could have an effect on many others. By addressing Roger Clemens' supposed use of steroids, they affect........high-end drug use? I'm gonna venture that our crashing economy is a more pressing issue.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think that the Patriots should be able to secretly tape other teams' practices, NOR do I think that steroid use should be tolerated in any setting. I DO, however, think that these things can be handled internally, within the private organizations. Congress can spend its time much more wisely. Even I know that.
While I feel for them, the ones I really worry about are those Congressmen who feel there is nothing better to do with their time than to hunt out sports figures. (Let's not forget about Arlen Specter looking into the New England Patriots and SpyGate.) I have a list of 10 things they would be better served spending time on:
1. No Child Left Behind
2. Economy
3. Homelessness
4. Immmigration
5. Health Care
6. Poverty
7. Global Warming
8. Crime Prevention
9. Unemployment
10. "War on Terror"
You might say that many of these things overlap. That's the point. By addressing one of these things, they could have an effect on many others. By addressing Roger Clemens' supposed use of steroids, they affect........high-end drug use? I'm gonna venture that our crashing economy is a more pressing issue.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think that the Patriots should be able to secretly tape other teams' practices, NOR do I think that steroid use should be tolerated in any setting. I DO, however, think that these things can be handled internally, within the private organizations. Congress can spend its time much more wisely. Even I know that.
2.03.2008
One thing I would like you know about me is...
When I first got to my placement, the teacher had the students write paragraphs to me about themselves. She gave the prompts for the four sentences they had to write ("My name is...", "My favorite color is...", "I like to...", and my favorite, "One thing I would like you to know about me is...").
I thought that you might enjoy reading what my students wanted me to know about them, so here we go....
- One thing i would like you to know about me is you is great.
- One thing I Would like you to Know abut (about) Me is I play with barzs (Bratz).
- One thing I would like you to know about me I am good.
- One Thing I would like you to know about me is i like to dochors (do chores).
- One thing I would like you to know about me is that I am nice.
- One thing would like you to know about me is i am good in school.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I love to play my laptop.
- one thing I like would to you to know about me is I like play in the snow. (yes, that's how he wrote it)
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I like te (to) eat bananas and orange's.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I watah (watch) TV.
- One thing I would like you to know adout (about) me is I have three sister and one brother.
- One thing I would like you to now about me is I watch t.v.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is i love to read.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I play a psp games!!!! (Playstation)
- One thing I would like you to Know about me is I have a bro.
- One thing I would like you to konw (know) about me is I like to ride my bike.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I like to play games.
- On thing I would like you to Know about me is a (I) like to read book.
- One thing I would like you to no (know) about me is you ar (are) prtty (pretty).
- One thing I would I like you to know about me is I woch (watch) tv.
I'm gonna miss them..... :-(
I thought that you might enjoy reading what my students wanted me to know about them, so here we go....
- One thing i would like you to know about me is you is great.
- One thing I Would like you to Know abut (about) Me is I play with barzs (Bratz).
- One thing I would like you to know about me I am good.
- One Thing I would like you to know about me is i like to dochors (do chores).
- One thing I would like you to know about me is that I am nice.
- One thing would like you to know about me is i am good in school.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I love to play my laptop.
- one thing I like would to you to know about me is I like play in the snow. (yes, that's how he wrote it)
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I like te (to) eat bananas and orange's.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I watah (watch) TV.
- One thing I would like you to know adout (about) me is I have three sister and one brother.
- One thing I would like you to now about me is I watch t.v.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is i love to read.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I play a psp games!!!! (Playstation)
- One thing I would like you to Know about me is I have a bro.
- One thing I would like you to konw (know) about me is I like to ride my bike.
- One thing I would like you to know about me is I like to play games.
- On thing I would like you to Know about me is a (I) like to read book.
- One thing I would like you to no (know) about me is you ar (are) prtty (pretty).
- One thing I would I like you to know about me is I woch (watch) tv.
I'm gonna miss them..... :-(
1.28.2008
Cute Kid Story
I've told this story to many people, but just feel like it's too good to keep to myself. We were doing activities for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday last week, specifically talking about dreams and how to achieve them. This particular activity required the students to fill in two blanks. One blank said "My dream is to:" and the other said "I can help my dream come true by:". So, one super cute 7 year old (who I'm technically not supposed to name on the internet) filled his in.
My dream is to: be an NBA basketball player.
I can help my dream come true by: wishing on a wishing star.
Ummmmm....yeah! Okay, he had to ask me how to spell basketball and player and wishing, but this is still one of the most precious stories ev-er! He's even cuter in real life.
My dream is to: be an NBA basketball player.
I can help my dream come true by: wishing on a wishing star.
Ummmmm....yeah! Okay, he had to ask me how to spell basketball and player and wishing, but this is still one of the most precious stories ev-er! He's even cuter in real life.
1.23.2008
Darlin' I love you, but give me Park Avenue
Remember this?! Okay, old times on TV Land, but I seriously love this show.
1.21.2008
1 down, 8 to go
I've successfully completed my first week of student teaching! Sometimes staying awake in the mornings while I just sit there and listen to my mentor teacher teach.... But, I made it. This week, we have today off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (hooray for places celebrating federal holidays!) and tomorrow we are going on a FIELD TRIP! We're going to see Junie B. Jones at the Nashville Children's Theater. I'm pumped. If you've never read any Junie B., I would certainly have to recommend it. They're chapter books that any normally functioning adult could read in about 45 minutes, and are well worth the time. Wednesday-Friday I will be teaching my first lessons on "The Verb 'be'". Yeah. I'm hoping it turns out more exciting than it sounds. I'll keep you updated.
Maybe someday I'll think of something better than life updates to post about, but this is really all I have time for now. I'll keep you updated!
Maybe someday I'll think of something better than life updates to post about, but this is really all I have time for now. I'll keep you updated!
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