Is It Friday Yet?

I find myself very tired this afternoon. Yesterday morning I set my alarm for 4:30, planning to get up and do a preliminary writeup for a journal entry due Friday for my Gifted and Talented certification class. I woke up at 3:30, stayed in bed till the alarm went off. Got up, and realized I'd left my articles I was supposed to reflect on, at work the previous day. So I stayed up, went to work.

Yesterday evening was our first PTA meeting. It went fine, the principal introduced us. I did see some things however, in a couple parents' reactions, that came across to me as well... catty. Remarks they'd made back and forth. Parents that usually I considered pretty level headed. Seeing this made me realize I should take a step back. I try to avoid people that are always talking negatively about other people or children. I want to surround myself with positiveness.

Anyhoo... I got home from that about 8pm, and was back up and at school at 7am this morning. At our faculty meeting today, we found out that the state of GA has changed the Student Support Team process. It has added a ton of documentation, implementation of strategies BEFORE a child can "be in" the SST process. Last year the procedure was for the strategies to be part of the process. Also, the new techniques we try now has to be for at least 12 weeks instead of 6. The upswing of all this is that fewer kids will get referred simply because of the amount of paperwork and data collection and time involved. BUT.... as a kindergarten teacher, if I think there's any smidgeon of a chance that a child might be recommended to be "rehoused" (the PC term for repeating kindergarten), then I have to start my documenting TODAY. A mere 3 weeks into the school year. Parents are notified of the possibility of rehousing a child in February. In order to be notified, the child already has to be in SST. Hence me starting now.

Some might say it's impossible to tell so early on, but I can tell the ones I'm already concerned about. Students who lack the basics taught in a Pre-K or with an involved parent, students who seem very very young developmentally.

Kindergarten is not like when I was in it. The only thing that stays the same is change.


oh, and paperwork.

Ratatouille Recipe

Mmmm mm good. This recipe for Ratatouille is actually what we saw being made in the Pixar movie.

I made my own version of the above today, with garlic, olive oil, salt, onions, tomato, spoonful tomato paste, zucchini and yellow squash, and chinese eggplant. WOW! Talk about good. It was like eating a really good spaghetti sauce without the pasta. The above link has it with couscous and goat cheese. I think that would be yummy, but I'm going to try my leftovers with Parmesian couscous and see how that fairs.

Sunday seems to be my day to cook and shop. It fulfills a creative need in me, something just for my spirit, that doesn't have to do with work. Work which, will come all too soon tomorrow.

Next up, is making dill pickles with a recipe from a friend. No vinegar, but lemon juice instead. The ones she had were delicious. I can't wait to try it out myself. Only thing I lack is a jar. I couldn't see paying $8 for canning jars when I could conceivable re-use glass jars from other things. I just don't think I have any at the moment.

I Love Henna

I just got back from doing a 2 hour gig at a restaurant and lounge for a lady's birthday. I love being able to use my creativity and walk away after 2 hours with $120 in cash, plus the $40 deposit sent earlier.

Code Monkey

I love it :) Sweet song, and oh so true...

BEST E-Bay Story.... EVAH!

Pokemon Mom

And here's her blog: Because I Said So

The Longest Day

I had the most... overwhelming day of work yet.

This morning I knew something was bothering our assistant principal. All day when I said something to her, there was no smile, no warmth. I dressed a little more casual today than normal, seeing as how I wanted to get there at 630 instead of 7 to get some extra work done. The beginning of the year always seems to be that way. Lots of organizational stuff to set up and make. Well, it was fine till noon. Our normal "planning" half hour. Usually the most of the other teachers use it as a time to eat, preferring to be in the cafeteria when the kids are there at 10:40ish.

I'd forgotten we'd had a meeting with our assist. principal at noon. She didn't like the lesson plans we'd put up. Or rather, I'd put up. One- they were skimpy. It just listed the activities, not long drawn out sentences about what the kids were doing for each activity while we assessed. Two, the ditto sheets we had, I had listed as ditto sheets. Granted, my team said it was their decision too when I tried to take all the blame, but she didn't like "ditto" being on the lesson plans. And I can't fault her, to be honest. For too long I've been exasperated at the ditto sheet mentality of the teacher that plans our math. But it's either adjust the assignment slightly, or put up with it, or offend her and end up planning it all myself- no thanks. Also in the meeting we segued from that into the new lesson plan templates to use in all the subject areas. Great. Joy.

I don't know what it is about my brain, but I notice it balks at trying to do organized written work. I can do a hundred creative or cute activities, communication folders, letters, spreadsheets to track assessment scores, and even problem solve why the mouse I lent a teacher isn't working and then load up drivers for it - but when it comes down to forming cohesive sentences about a topic, I freeze up. Even in elementary school when I had to start writing research reports in 6th grade. I think I feel like whatever I have to put down on the template must be perfect, exactly what they're looking for. And without a completed one (which we got to view from a 4th grade lesson) I feel at a loss for words in knowing where to plug in what for activities and curriculum goals.

Tomorrow is our grade level meeting, where we bring to each other the plans for next week. I'm in charge of Science. We're starting a unit on our 5 senses. If all I had to do was close the door and teach, no problem. But somehow I'm stifled looking at that template. So... I'm starting by scribbling ideas down on paper, looking through the resources, the pre-made unit plan, and hope I'll have something cohesive by tomorrow afternoon.

pause. deep breath.

After school today we had a faculty meeting. One of the things that came up is that overall, our numbers are low. We have about 20 less children than we are currently staffed for as a school. IF we don't increase by Labor Day, then we have to lose a teacher. Now, I know exactly how this works, because it happened to me several years ago. I started the year teaching kindergarten at another school, and our numbers didn't go up. The principal came to me on a Monday, and told me I was the last hired so I had to leave. Displaced, it's called. Now, the music teacher was hired same day as I was. But she was protected because of her specialty. I was given the rest of the day to work in an office, call my now ex husband, and email Human Resources to tell them my grade level and area preferences of my county. By 2pm I got email with 2 choices of schools that needed a teacher. One was K at my present school, one was 4th grade further away. I was instructed to leave and go meet my new principal to be. Tuesday I had to teach and explain to my class why I was leaving (we were sharing me with a school that needed a teacher). Tuesday afterschool all the teachers pitched in to pack up my room. There was a 5 car caravan to my new school. Wednesday I started.

So to get to our immediate problem... all the teachers hired this year are specialists. The last hired is our 3rd kindergarten teacher. I went up after the meeting and asked the principal if we were in danger of losing her if our numbers didn't go up. He said he wasn't ready to name her specifically. (My first reaction was that he was treating me like someone that wasn't smart, but I think he's trying to avoid causing drama in the school) but on telling him I knew the process, he said it's either last hired, or a volunteer. So yeah.... Our dilemma is that right now, kindergarten NEEDS 3 teachers. 2nd grade, however, has 3 classes with 13 in each. I can imagine our coworker leaving, and one of them having to move down to teach kindergarten. ARRRRGGGGGGG

Ok, time to get back to lesson plans.

The Hermit

Damn I like this guy. Not only is he smart and articulate, he's kinda cute to boot.

Davis Fleetwood, aka "The Hermit"


http://nocureforthat.wordpress.com/

Sunday Sunday

What a rollercoaster day it's been. I stayed last night up with Allie, did henna on her foot. This morning after coffee and bagel, drove down to change for church.

"Self-improvement is not about bettering the social image or gaining the approval of others. It is getting rid of what is inhibiting us from becoming what we want to be- a reflection of our True Self"

- Earth Medicine, by Kenneth Meadows

Last night, as I was going to bed, I had a thought. So much of what we bring into our lives is from thought. Reiterated thought especially. What am I spending energy thinking about? This summer it has been dating sites. Have I had thoughts of all the wonderful men that are out there coming into the life of a super-cute hotty like me? No, of course not. Every blank moment when I haven't been distracted by food, or entertainment, or getting rid of my cough, I've been checking the dating sites to "see if there's anything new". And you know... most of the time, there isn't. Most of the time, checking these sites sucks my energy and makes me feel depressed that there isn't someone new, that the X person I've been chatting with didn't write, etc etc. And concentrating on how NOT great the things are, well, brings more not-great things into my life.

So in a bold move, I cancelled my accounts. The free one is deleted, and the other pay one will end when this subscription term runs out. I'm done, I'm free, enough. Back to focus on me.


I went to church today totally psyched. I'm excited knowing that soon I'll be officially joining this church. (Even though it means a letter to Mom, and not looking forward to everything that will bring up)

After church our group went to lunch. I had a bit of trouble finding the place, was finally on the right road, and turned around in a drive way. I was about 2 blocks from the restaurant when I realize I'm hearing a noise. Like a vibration that wasn't there before. Since I'm right next to the Marta tracks, I think it's a train... although none go by. I stop at the restaurant and park, and look at my tires. Sure enough, the rear passenger one is flat.

Now something I didn't tell you, gentle reader, is that on Tuesday morning someone came by my class asking me about my car. Turns out I had a big ol' roofing nail in the right passenger tire. A call to AAA and 2 hours later, my spare is on. After work drive to a place nearby to have the hole plugged.

Today I considered myself very lucky to be with my friends when this happened again, with the same tire. Of course, it wasn't really luck, it was the way it was supposed to be. A couple of kind and smart gentlemen offered to help me change it after lunch. Lunchtime discussion included tires, makes of cars, and the fact that yeah... after 57k miles on it... tires should have been changed quite some time ago. My front ones were changed about 3 years ago.

After lunch, tire changing is done, and I look at the old one. Wasn't the plug that gave, it was where the tread and sidewall meet. Apparently too much stress when I'd turned around and backed-up in the driveway. Big gash in it. I come home, and look up some places that friends had recommended, and decide on NTB. I got very good service, and feel good about the tires I was able to get for $72.99 apiece after coupon. Well, as good as anyone can feel with the knowledge that I'm $200 (after fees and taxes) more in debt than before. But it's done, my car is safe once again.

I come home and pool all my mail together. I see the SASE I sent to a juried entry for an arts festival and think- ah, I didn't get in. I start paying my bills and notice the SASE contained my letter of acceptance!! So now I get to work the Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival in October :)

All this ... and I haven't had the energy to clean the dirty dishes in my sink. Looks like I'll try to clean a couple of them, at least lower the pile some tonight.

What a day.

TGI the Weekend

I've had a very good first week, by all accounts. Right now I'm holding steady at 21 students. After initial assessments, it looks like only 1 child lacks much capital and lowercase letter knowledge. I have a couple of students that are having a time with not following directions. One of which I need to be more strict with next week and start contacting the parent about.

Friday after work I went to the DeKalb Farmer's Market. I was going to go to the Braves game, but decided that with the heat I'd be better off in the AC. While at the market, I got the whim to make crab cakes, and bought a pound of VA crabmeat. I pulled up a recipe online, and they're quite good, if I do say so myself. The only thing is of course it made a LOT of crabcakes, and I think there are still about 6 now in the fridge. Too bad I don't have someone to give them to. This is the down side of being single, living alone, and liking to cook.

Today I went to a class at UUCA about Unitarian-Universalism, and the church in particular. About exploring membership. I've been visiting UUCA for over a year now, and realized I consider it my "home" church. I want to become a member to officially recognize this, and pledge some financial support as well. The class today just confirmed for me that this is where I belong.

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school for me. Wow! Did it ever go by fast! I started the day with 22 students on my roll, and ended the day with 22 students, albeit some were different :P I got 2 new students while finding out that a different 2 were either at another school, or in a different grade! (Yes, bring your child's kindergarten records when you register in from out of state- otherwise they'll list him/her in K again)

Overall I think it was a good day. Maybe a great day considering that no one cried, puked, or peed on themselves.

Day 2 coming up :) Hopefully I'll get a chance to learn more about them.

Stephen King-The Last Word on Harry Potter

If you're a fan of the written word like I am, then you'll probably enjoy this review of Harry Potter by Stephen King. Warning- if you don't want spoilers, haven't finished the last book, don't read.

It Never Fails

It never fails.... I stress out, and somehow, some way.... I get sick. I woke up with chest congestion today.

I was fine all summer, when I didn't have a care in the world. I start back to school though, (and exercising too) and BAM! congestion.

To be fair, I think I jumped into the deep end of working out without working into it gradually. I blame a lot of this on my body being taxed of resources. So much so that Friday night I slept straight through from 6pm till about 330am, then again till 9am.

Yesterday I made dad's wonderful tomato soup, from scratch. today I think I'll concentrate on chicken broth and rest. Tomorrow is the first day of school, and I'm not missin' it!

O M G

Ok people, enough with the heat and humidity already. I used to think people from other parts that complained about it just weren't used to it, but enough!

It should not be frickin' 80 degrees at 5:47am!!! I do not live on the planet Venus. I don't know what the humidity was, but I sure as heck swam through it to get home from the Y.

Back to the Grind

This week I've started back to work officially. I went in Friday and started moving some furniture around, but yesterday my assistant and I got a TON of work done. She also brought her daughter and niece, and they were extremely helpful.

People have asked me if I'm ready to go back. Yes, yes I am. While I may miss the freedom to sleep in as late as I want, and stay up as late as I want, there's a certain joy in having a purpose. I got to see a couple of students yesterday, and it was great to feel known and loved.

Today we have to dress up, and attend a "system wide" faculty meeting. It's being held at a Missionary Baptist Church. WTF? For one thing... what is this going to be that can't be done through a video at my own school? For another.... is it OK to have a publicly funded meeting in a baptist church? It's too easy for me to get cynical and think "ok, someone high up who attends here got us here" Would it be ok with the same faculty if we were meeting at an ashram, or mosque?? Just a small thing that doesn't deserve getting worked up over, but I feel like I'm the only person that sees this and thinks of these things.

On a different note, I've started back at the Y in the mornings. Yesterday and today I did my mile walk, and did a weight circuit as well. My short term goal is to go every day this week.

Wow

From about 10pm last night till 7:30 this morning, I had the best first date I've ever been on. He's smart, funny, handsome, a wiseass, and (surprise!) older than me by 8 years. Dunno where it'll head, but I'm not going to project, and instead just enjoy :)

Home Again Home Again

I'm doing good :) I was visiting family in Florida over the weekend. My dad had his 67th birthday. I got home to Atlanta safe and sound today. Took 8 hours to drive from Florida, but I didn't stop for lunch. I just reallllly wanted to be in my own apartment, and get off the road.

The visit there was really good. More than anything I think, I saw my father's gratitude that I'd driven all that way to be with him for his birthday. Mom told me also, something she hadn't before. That when dad had his operation in December, at one point his heart stopped, and they had to pound on it to bring him back. Could have been a very different Christmas. Makes me all the more grateful for the remaining time. Dad says if he continues to improve at his current rate, he may be able to go back to work mid-September. That'd be about 10 months since he'd been working. What's he do? Hehe. He repairs arrays and gyros on the space shuttle.

I picked up a good book while I was in FL. Allie's been recommending it to me for awhile now. It's called "He's Just Not That Into You" and is written by both a guy and a gal. It's helped me see my past relationships in quite a new (and relieving) light :) I could have saved myself a LOT of heartache over Mr. Tattoos if I'd read this previously.

I get to go by the school tomorrow and pick up my $100 tax free spendable card for classroom supplies. Have to spend it before Sunday or it disappears, but hey, it's something at least. We got one last year, but not the year before. Let's see if the trend continues.

Oh, and Friday I get to visit with Mr. Poet again. Sigh, last free weekday till next June :) Great way to end summer.