Monday, January 22, 2007

Journal of an Accident Prone History Teacher

Well many of you have heard many of my unfortunate accidents in my teaching adventure, but I thought I would journal them here for the sake of a good laugh.

"Teacher Down" (Spring 2005)

I stood in front of the class, keeping their full attention as we discussed the plan for the day. I did this while I leaned on the rolling cart, holding it with both hand. I was standing one-footed with my heel tucked behind the other leg (think flamingo). Unbeknownst to me, my sandal heel had gotten caught in the cuff of my capris. Soon after I lost my balance a bit, but was unable to free my foot. The rolling cart slid further and further from my feet as I grasped it for dear life. In what seemed like super-slow motion, I collapsed to the floor, while I still clung to the cart. At this point, all of my student's jaws were on the floor... shocked and afraid to laugh. I wanted to laugh but I was still stuck on the floor, trying to free my foot. It finally made it's escape, and I was able to stand and give my class the go ahead to laugh their asses off!

"Wardrobe Malfunction #1" (October 2006)

This morning I dressed in one of my favorite fall skirts that I hadn't worn since the previous year. I dressed quickly and headed off to work. Once I reached school I threw on my computer bag and walked to class passing many students along the way. Reaching my classroom I gathered the material that need to be copied and was about to head for the teacher's workroom. Just before I left I did a momentary wardrobe check, straightening my skirt, and dusting off any extra lint. As I quickly ran my hand down the back of my skirt my finger quickly caught in an opening along the seam. The seam had come undone on the spot right over my butt, revealing much of my backside to anyone behind me. I called for a sub for my first period class, rushed home, and changed.

"Wardrobe Malfunction #2" (January 2007)

This was less of a malfunction and more of a misjudgment, but nevertheless something only I would do. I was very excited to wear a new brown sweater dress that I had gotten for Christmas this year, but I needed tights to wear with it. Got a cute pair in a beige shade, and I thought seeing as it is winter I should also wear boots with it instead of heels. Honestly, that was my thought process. So rushed as always, I threw on my clothes and was off to school. Walking to class again from my car, passing students along the way, I felt as if I was attracting an unusual amount of attention. Reaching my class I reinspected my outfit. Taking off my coat, sun shining through the window, my entire outline was illuminated through the dress. SEE THROUGH!!!! On top of that, the beige tights were no longer beige in the sunlight. They were now shimmering gold! I was stuck wearing my coat all day, even though I was sweating bullets. And despite this, there were apparently still comments flying amongst the boys. Not because of the see-through dress, but because of the way the boots, tights and just above the knee dress looked. SO THE INAPPROPRIATE TEACHER!!!

"Spilt Milk" (Today)

So this morning I was enjoying a Starbucks latte while my 2nd period AP class reviewed for their test. As I was just about to have them put their notes away to begin the test, I took another sip of my drink. Unfortunately as I brought the cup to my mouth the lid slipped loose and latte splashed down my chest and all over the floor. The class had all looked up at this point, watching it all. I stood there in a puddle with the coffee dripping off my face, soaking my red sweater. We laughed hysterically and it actually cleaned up pretty well. You could hardly tell I spilled on myself.

This concludes this edition of my Accident Prone Journal, however I am sure there will be many more to come. Love to hear some of your embarrassing moments too!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Tired of My Scary Face

So I really don't have much to say, but I wanted to post something to replace my scary picture.

Little update...

Computer is still fantastic. Have had a few momentary feelings of buyers remorse, but I know it was a necessary, quality purchase. AND, my AP nerds were drooling over it today. Hilarious!

Teaching is going well. Finally feel like I am capable of coming up with solid lessons without having to spend 4 hours on them.

Little Shop of Horrors could be stressful, but I am refusing to let it get to me. Interesting how other places do things. I was so spoiled in the Clovis system where there is a pleathora of funding and support from faculty to make a production go off without a hitch. With us, people are working hard but without the esablished team it is much more difficult. The good news... most of our principles are really talented, so I think there is a chance that the show might be decent. However I will let you know as the performance dates grow closer.

Grey's Anatomy has my heart again after their month and a half hiatus. Seriously cried at tonights episode.

Best year ever... right on track. It's amazing what the power of positive thinking can do. A little confidence in a silly superstition and my entire outlook is changed.

Woo hoo for Friday!! Weekend's almost here!

Monday, January 15, 2007

New Toy!

My computer had been giving me problems for the last few months. It became particularly annoying when the power plug grew looser and looser. It had gotten to the point this weekend that holding it into the socket firmly still wasn't enough to charge the battery. So today I went into CompUSA to see if there was anything they could do to fix it. The technician explained that for $200 they would tell me if there was a part that could be replaced for lots more money or that it was irreparable. He went on to say that usually the diagnosis is the later. So impulsive as always... I bought a new computer. Even more exciting... It's a Mac!

As a former PC user, I am very pleased to be introduced into this great new cyber world! My computer does so many cool things. The most important new tool is not all the great iWork. Nor is it iMovies. The most important new tool... drum roll please...."photo booth." It is a camera on my screen that takes pictures and can manipulate them in many entertaining ways. Here are some amusing examples.









Saturday, January 13, 2007

Balance

I'm back... For now. We'll see how long this lasts. We'll see if I even finish this post. I will admit that during my last four month blogging hiatus I have definitely felt out of the loop. So, I'm back... Attempting to get re-looped.

So call it crazy superstition or the power of positive thinking, but I believe it is going to be the best year ever. Now, it all started with the fact that my lucky number (since I don't know when and I really don't remember why) is 27. Seeing as we are now in the year 2007 and I will be 27 this year, I have decided that this is my year! Thus far it has been a pretty exciting, fun, and promising new year... Not perfect, but nothing that I can't handle. I really think it is just a good change in focus. I don't believe in new year's resolutions, but I do think positive change is good. And after last fall I was in need of change. So along with my hope of having the best year ever, balance is the new plan in my life. No doubt I will still have to work my butt off, but I also now refuse to let that dominate my life!

Therefore, the purpose of this post is twofold. One, I am beginning my blog again for the sake of balance. And two, so that those of you that are reading can hold me to my plan.

Well, would you look at that. I did it. Finito!