If You Can't Laugh at Yourself, Who Can You Laugh At?

As I am never one to turn away some self-deprecating humor, I have added a very apropos clip to my MySpace. For a good laugh, go check it out.

My Cup Runneth Over... No, My Plate is Too Full... You Get the Picture

This year in general has been pretty hectic and stressful for me, but it's all really hitting the fan now! I am trying to take it one day at a time, keeping things in perspective... but all of my looming deadlines are growing too near too soon. (So rather than chipping away at my workload, I am going to blog about it instead). Lets see... Next week, STAR testing that my students are nearly prepared for, but we have had no time for review. And really, when I say prepared I mean, I have taught the standard, this does not however mean that they have learned it. Next week, I am in the school play "Grease." Why I agreed to do this, I have no idea... And now finding time to get to a rehearsal that is extremely poorly executed is seeming a huge waste of time. Two weeks, AP Econ test... Once again students are nearly prepared, but we have hit major senioritous and making class as productive as it needs to be is becoming more difficult than I am prepared to handle. Lets not forget BTSA! Have to finish all of my events in the next two weeks... When this is going to happen I have no idea. But somehow it will, and then I will be done. Oh wait, no. I still have to finish my portfolio for BTSA by June 2nd or else I can never get my cleared credential... And there is much to be done. To top it off, my cats have stomach problems and are throwing up throughout the day and I have to take them to the vet tomorrow. Oh yes, and I am still in the midst of a lawsuit against the insurance company of the girl that caused my car accident a year and a half ago, in order to cover the basic expenses it brought into my life.

With that, I am actually doing alright, and I know that this wouldn't be before me if I couldn't handle it. However I did need a little venting session, and also to forewarn you as to why I may be cross-eyed and delirious the next time I see you. Thanks for the ear.

Happy Easter!

I know it's not the reason for the season, but I thought it was cute!

Moving to Tower...

Just to let you all know, I am now planning on moving down to Tower at some point over the summer. I am going to talk to Harp about her place, when she and Joe'l move, because that apartment is ideal, but I am not limited to that spot. Let me know if you see, hear, or know of any other available places! YAY! I am soooo excited!

Cat Breeds

I am trying to figure out if there is anyway to know what kind of cats I have. Now I am sure they are "muts" or whatever you call cats with mixed backgrounds. Yet, they do have fairly distinctive looks, especially Sophia, and have absolutely polar personalities. Do you guys know of a site that helps recognize cat breeds, even if they aren't pure breeds?

Just a Little Dreaming...

This morning I was watching the Travel Channel (one of my favorites) and they had a special show about this ship called the Residensea. It is a gigantic ship that holds about 110 luxury apartments and just about every other amenity the wealthy could possibly ask for. Now I wouldn't turn down the life of luxury, but it is not something that I long for. I am however jealous of what comes along with living aboard this ship. The Residensea cruises the world, so every morning you wake up at another port of call, visiting the entire world! Being able to travel so freely (or expensively, whatever) would be so amazing!

It is nuts to think of how some people are able to live. Now this raises questions of true necessity or just pure indulgence, but to have the world at your fingertips as these people do, leaves me a bit envious.

Soul 2 Soul Anyone?

Just wanted to see if anyone was interested in going to the Soul 2 Soul concert on August 14th at the Save Mart Center. It is a ways off, but the tickets go on sale this weekend. Let me know, and we can coordinate the ticket purchasing.

Oh, in case you were confused... It is Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Miss You Sweet Boy

As I got home from church tonight, my parents seemed angry, or at least not their pleasant usual selves. After asking if they were mad, they said "We have some sad news." I knew immediately. Our 14 year old family dog, Jordan, passed away. He had been going down hill very quickly these last few weeks, and today he appeared to be suffering more than normal. Our prayers were answered, as he was released from his pain. At hearing the news I was saddened but grateful. This fantastic friend would no longer be hurting, but he will certainly be missed.

Jordan joined our family when I was only 11. He was my brother's 9th birthday present, and was named Jordan because Michael Jordan was my brother's hero, and his tongue always hung out. He was the sweetest dog that just wanted to be near us and love us... and he did. In his 14 long years, he survived two major attacks from the dogs next door, where he suffered the loss of his tail and major facial damage. He also out lived our two younger dogs, Shaq and Mugsey. But now the boys are together again. He was a wonderful member of our family and will certainly be missed.

What Makes a Legend?

I am lying in bed watching "Walk the Line" for the second time, and I got to thinking... What makes a Legend? After having watched this movie for the first time I was hooked. I went immediately to iTunes and began downloading Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash songs. Prior to having watched this movie, I had no idea what made Johnny Cash the icon that he was. Now I adore him and his music. I figured that the movie would stimulate his popularity but I had no idea to what degree. In my AP Econ class a few weeks ago the kids were working and asked if I would play some music. So I jokingly suggested my Johnny Cash playlist, because some friends find this music humorous. Instead of the laughs I expected the kids unanimously supported the choice of the Johnny Cash list. They too love him!

Now to my question. Is Johnny Cash a legend because Joaquin Phoenix portrayed him so well, or is his life and sound so unique that it transcends time and can become popular time and again? Would a movie popularize any artist or does it require a special story and talent?

Blogging Nerd

So as Becky would say, I am in Blogger Nerd Heaven. I started a blog for my Economics class for them to ask questions and discuss topics. They are doing so well with it! Now, I did have to erase a few lamo posts, but what can you expect from 17 year old boys (nothing inappropriate just goofy). The students have been talking about it today how they really like it, and now they are thinking about the content without having to do our stupid worksheets. I don't know what it is about the Internet, but it really does make any subject more interesting. They now want to talk about it because it's posted on the World Wide Web for all to see. SO, if you have any interest in seeing what my AP students are up to check out my link to Apache Economics.

Patience and Compassion

Today I have been reflecting on the relationships that I have fostered with my students, particularly my AP seniors. This morning as I arrived in the parking lot two of my seniors (boyfriend and girlfriend) ran over to me and asked where I had been because they came early to give me their formal picture. On the back of the picture they had written "Thanks for being so great to us. We love you. Sorry for being such a bother sometimes. We will miss you."

Reading this little note has really gotten me thinking. Throughout this year I have questioned myself on how I run my AP class. Due to the fact that I have no prior experience with the material I have had to adapt how I typically interact with my students. Rather than being a pool of knowledge that runs class in a fairly regemented way, I have allowed for my AP students to have more freedom in seeking the knowledge and learning the material. Now, I still instruct the class and maintain certain expectations of the class but it is a more relaxed atmosphere.

With that... The girl that brought me the picture has been getting frustrated with her struggles in the class recently, to the point of tears on occassion. On the last test day she came in and lashed out at me with a statement about the difficulty of the test that they were about to take. Instead of responding in anger to the comment, I forced her to see the situation rationally and then calmed her down and supported her through it. That day I went back and forth wondering if I should have responded more severely. I now think that I handled this particular situation in the appropriate manner because she knows her behavior was uncalled for and she also knows that all of my actions in that class are done because I care. I am seeing more and more that students respond best to patience and compassion as opposed to oppressive discipline and teaching strategies.

Emotional Exhaustion

The last two days have ended with me feeling completely wiped out. I couldn't figure out why. I haven't done anything out of the ordinary as far as the lesson execution goes... They have been good lessons but not exhausting as far I as I could tell. Well today concluded and I couldn't figure it out. Couldn't talk, couldn't think... What was going on?

Then I started to talk to a colleague about comments made by some of my World History students today. I had two girls, in isolated situations, tell me that they have been having nightmares about my class. Let me clarify... It's not that being in my class is traumatizing, but rather that the content that we are studying is getting to them so much that they are even dreaming about it. At first I felt guilty that I was causing them emotional distress, but then I realized... They were thinking about the content so much and caring about it to the degree that they were dreaming it... A TEACHER'S dream! So as I was discussing this with the teacher and telling him about the Holocaust activity and video that we watched today, it dawned on me. I, too, am wiped out from the emotional content that I am teaching. Part of me hopes as I gain more experience teaching this material it will become easier, but another part of me hopes I never become desensitized to it. Only time will tell I suppose, but for tonight a trip to Starbucks has prepared me to get working on more lesson planning for the next few days... Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Yikes!

One thing I promised my kids and myself... After the STAR test (the test given at the end of the year to assess student's comprehension of the state standards- for you non-teachers) I am going to design lessons that lead the students to look for positive solutions for the future, and lead them to find ways to contribute to society in a constructive way!

Just Call Me Miss Piggy!

Ahhh man! I am such a pig! But food is sooooo yummy! HAHAHAHA! Sadly, the whole time I was taking the quiz I knew I was going to be a glutton.

Which Deadly Sin Is Yours? Gluttony For you, it's all about the excess. It may be food or something else but the more the better. Find out your Deadly Sin at Quizopolis.com

It's Official!

It's official and I couldn't be happier. I was just informed yesterday that I will be teaching AP European History next year, and for years to come. This class is the ideal... It is the closest I could get to the content and level of depth that I want to teach without actually teaching at the college level. Along with this fantastic news, I am loving teaching again, and am absolutely certain that my decision to stay is the right one. Thanks to all of you for your constant support!

A Sexist Childhood Favorite

Ok, I have been a posting fool the last two days, but I am under the weather... so what else is there to do?

Anyway, I am sitting here watching one of my childhood favorites, "The Swiss Family Robinson." I loved the adventure of it. All of the nature and I think I used to like the sons too. Well it just got to the scene where they help Robert, the "boy" with his head wrapped, and they all start to argue. Amidst the argument the head wrap falls off, revealing short red hair... and it suddenly is so apparent that Robert is actually Roberta. Now it's not the cheesiness of the uncovered short hair making it obvious that he was actually a she that bothers me. It is the immediate "chivalry" displayed by Fritz and Ernst. And the immediate teary helplessness demonstrated by Roberta...oh thank goodness I don't have to put on this charade any longer, now I can cry and be weak like a girl! And they treat her as if she is a weak child, despite the fact that she had just been surviving bravely as a boy. Bleh!

I don't really know what my point is... only I never realized the gender stereotyping that was so blatant when I was little, which suprises me because even as a kid I was pretty sensitive to this, or so I thought.

Man We are a Handsome Group of Friends

Our "special" friend, Woody.
Nick... it's not that bad, but all I had.
And, Tim. Looks like PA is treating him well! Yikes!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Sara, as we've never seen her before. Although the lipstick is still going strong! :)
CHHHHHHEEESSSSSEEEE!
The look of sheer joy.
Bitter beer face.

 

Ahh to be a Kid Again!

So I found this posted on my friends MySpace, and I thought it was hilarious after last Saturday's dinner and post-meal conversations. Ed, these might be after your time (wink, wink). Actually, I have to admit, some of them are past my time... not so much a Power Rangers fan. Anyhoo, enjoy and feel free to add to the list of nostalgia!

You know you're a 90's kid if...

• You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air"
• You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey from "Blossom" and that "How Rude!" comes from Stephanie from "Full House"
• You remember when it was actually worth getting up earlyon a Saturday to watch cartoons.
• You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
• You remember reading "Goosebumps"
• You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off"
• You remember the craze then the banning of slap bracelets and slam books.
• You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost) every sentence...Not...
• You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the green Ranger were meant to be together.
• You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
• You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates
• You ever got injured on a Slip 'n' Slide
• You wore socks over leggings scrunched down"
• Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, all dressed in black, black, black, with silver buttons, buttons, buttons, all down her back, back, back" SHE ASKED HER MOTHER MOTHER MOTHER FOR FIFTY CENTS CENTS CENTS TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS ELEPHANTS JUMP OVER THE FENCE THE FENCE THE FENCE"he jumped so high high high he touched the sky sky sky and he didnt come back back back til the forth of july ly ly he jumped so low ow ow he stumbed he's toe oe oe and thats the end end end of the elephants show ow ow
• You remember boom boxes vs. cd players
• You knew what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare"
• You remember Alf, the little brown alien from Melmac and Vicki the Robot from "MY Little Wonder"
• You remember New Kids on The Block when they were cool
• You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell"
• You played and or collected "Pogs"
• You used to pretend to be a MIGHTY MORPHIN Power Ranger
• You owned a Skip It
• You had at least one GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere
• You watched the original Care Bears, and Ninja Turtles
• Yikes pencils and erasers were IT.
• You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out.
• You remember a time before the WB.
• You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"
• You thought it would be so cool to be Alex Mack.
• You know the Macarena by heart.. LOL"
• Talk to the hand" ... enough said
• TGIF was the thing to watch!
• You thought Brain woud finally take over the world
• You always said, "Then why don't you marry it!""
• You were the KING of the Tether ball Court"
• Ren and Stimpy Were Awesome
• Collected Polly Pockets!!
• Can't wait to hear about all of the trends and "fads" of this century

"Let (Me) Eat Cake"

Well, after some major opportunities presenting themselves, research and in depth consideration, I have decided to not follow through with applying to the Peace Corps. I have been offered the AP European History class, promised I will never have to teach AP Econ, and I will keep my beloved World History classes. This was a huge offer as European History is my passion. This has been weighing on my heart for a while now because I want to volunteer abroad but I am really finding my niche with teaching. This morning my mom discovered summer opportunities worldwide for volunteering! Eureka! (Yeah I said it.) I can have my cake and eat it too! So, I will still be looking to travel the world, experience new cultures and help out, but not for such an extended period of time.

Hooray for Fresno!

GOP, Hide Your Children

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