Surviving 9th Grade

The Way to a Man's Heart...

2007-07-24T15:59:00.000-07:00

As Josh walked in the door, I turned and proudly announced, above the humming of the bread machine, "I'm making strombolis!"

Girls, if you want a man to fall for you just make homemade strombolis. Here's the recipe:

One breadmaker - follow the breadmaker directions for pizza dough
One man - let him roll out the dough and compliment his bulging muscles as he works.
Turkey, ham, pepperonis, and cheese - stuff all of these in and roll up your strombolis.
Pizza stone - these do a lovely job of browning the strombolis.
Butter (or olive oil) and oregano mixture - brush onto the strombolis to achieve the perfect golden-brown color
Oven - Bake at 350 until golden-brown.

As you can see, men adore these tasty treats.

A Little Update

2007-07-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have been just wonderful! As far as I know, the wedding went off without a hitch. It was HOT, but fun. I am a little bitter about the melted silly string on my dash, though. The criminal should be prepared for retaliation!

The honeymoon was great. We had some very friendly construction workers who were willing to give us a wake-up call every morning... how sweet.

When we came home, I found out that I'm not teaching Honors English next year, and I'm okay with that. Instead I'm teaching journalism, creative writing, and the literary magazine. Plus, I'm helping with the yearbook. I love that I have classes that don't include a high-stakes standardized test at the end of the year. The key word for this year is FUN!

Otherwise, married life is wonderful! I absolutely love it! We have most of our apartment organized and as of this week, I think we're finally getting some sleep, though there's a king size bed in our distant future. :)

Only 10 Days... Hooray! :)

2007-06-20T10:30:00.001-07:00

Despite my best intentions I never blog, but here's a piece of what's been going on in my life:

Wedding Planning........... So-so
Moving ............................. Fun
G/T Class.......................... Way Cool
Picking Music.................... AHHHHH!!!
Getting Married in 10 days.................................... YIPPEE!!!! HOORAY!!! (I would do somersaults now, but I don't want to break my neck before the honeymoon)

The Countdown Begins

2007-05-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

As you can see by counter, school is almost out! I can't wait! While I've loved teaching this year, there were lots of things that I can gladly avoid for the next few months:

- sitting in long meetings
- having three meetings scheduled at once
- grading a bazillion papers just to hand them back for revision
- having to check my voicemail
- forgetting to check my voicemail for weeks at a time
- getting in trouble for not checking my voicemail

I'll miss a few things too:

- the way I long for Fridays
- the funny things my kids say (Ms. Smith, I'm going to an Ivy Lake school!)
- the excitement when an underachieving child reaches his/her potential
- knowing that you finally got through to that difficult child
- hanging out with my wonderful colleagues

I won't have to miss it long though! Only a couple months until school starts again (August 20th, to be exact).

And in even better news, I get married in 30 days!!! In fact, I may have to start a new counter next week since I'm a thousand times more excited about June 30th than I am about June 7th.

Pessimism Could Save America

2007-05-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Before I begin, I want to admit that I'm often a blind optimist; Josh often helps me come back to reality. And while blind optimism is a thrilling ride through reality, it just isn't healthy all the time. Working with students has actually removed much of my idealism, however, since no one else will be down to earth with them.

Anyway, after spoiling a meeting the other day by thinking about reality (my colleagues are wonderful people, but several readily admitted wanting to live "in a bubble"), I was happy to find this article on Slate.com this evening.

Now, I've heard of this The Secret book, but I haven't read it. The premises I've heard seem a little too outlandish and "New-Age"-y for me. Wishful thinking will change your life... for the better??? You've got to be kidding; that type of thinking is putting many of my students in danger.

Here was my response that I emailed to Slate:

As a high school teacher, I can tell you that there is one thing that would help my students more than anything else - a healthy dose of reality... for their parents. I hear, "My child would never (fill in the blank)" all the time. While that's really sweet and all, my students are failing out, dropping out, sleeping around, using drugs, abusing alcohol, and joining in a menagerie of other unhealthy activities at an alarming rate while their parents sit blindly by dreaming of the best.

If the parents would be even a bit realistic, it might rub off on their students. You know, the ones with no motivation, because even if they do fail out of high school or score so low on the SAT that they can't get into college on the first try, they believe that everything will be okay. And I have to tell you that teaching a kid with /no /motivation isn't difficult, it's impossible.

Oprah should know that; she's the one who moved her efforts to Africa because kids in America won't take your help even when you give it hand over fist. Oprah, help us out and improve our future - you might be the only one who can save it. Parents listen to you, not the teachers or the kids' friends or even the cops, but their mommas will be watching you religiously every afternoon.

Warmly,

A Concerned Teacher

No More

2007-05-16T18:16:00.001-07:00

Pinkeye.

No time to post for real, but Josh wanted me to fix that.

Ummm, wedding planning is good. busy. you know stuff like that.

blog again by friday... i promise.

Pinkeye :(

2007-04-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

I spent all day today quarantined because I have pinkeye. It stinks! I did get quite a lot of wedding stuff done, though. Anyway, I'm hoping to go back to work tomorrow, but when I mentioned it this morning, the doctor gave me the "there's that wishful thinking again" look. Needless to say, I may spend another day in quarantine. :(

I'm Getting Married!!! :)

2007-04-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am officially marrying the most wonderful man in the world on June 30th! We just got engaged last Thursday, but we've been out of town, and I just haven't had time to write our story properly.

So, here it is, and may I say if you talked to Josh already it's much better than his version that he found a ring on the sidewalk. :)

Well, last week was my Spring Break, and we were supposed to hang out at the beach all day. He canceled on me, though, to go pick up camping stuff from his parents. Now, I know that might seem like an obvious bluff, but we'd been talking about the possibility for ages, and I never realized that this wasn't his real reason for going home.

Anyway, earlier in the week, I had told him that I wanted him to surprise me with a dress and take me out someday, and I even sent him my measurements. On Thursday morning, he called, though, and offered to take me shopping instead since he wasn't sure how the measurements worked.

After he left school, we went shopping, and he bought this cute dress for me! I was a little suspicious at first, but he told me he just wanted to apologize to me for the previous day. He also told me that he needed to go look at a ring in Atlanta next weekend, and after I asked, he said we could even go to Six Flags! Needless to say, I was pretty excited.

After shopping, we had sandwiches at his house and went to his Ultimate Frisbee game. After the game (he played Great!), we went to this fancy restaurant called Carolina's. It was delicious! When I asked why we were going to such a fancy place, he told me that his dad told him that was a great way to get out of the doghouse. He was right!

When we finished eating, he suggested that we go to the Battery and walk around, something we often do when we're downtown. I assured him that he was definitely out of trouble, and we went and sat on the gazebo stairs. We talked and laughed, and then he said something that made me very sad:

Josh: Amber, we're not going to Six Flags next weekend.
Me: What? Why not? But, I want to go!
Josh: Amber, we don't need to go to Atlanta.
Me: What are you talking about? Sure we do.
Josh: Nope.

And then he opened his hand and in it was my beautiful ring! He moved down a step and said, "Will you marry me?" I attacked him, yelling "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Finally, I swiped the ring so we didn't lose it, and then I jumped up and down and was so SO excited!

I am so happy, and I just can't stop smiling! We're getting married on June 30th, and I can't wait! :)

See Me Run

2007-03-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to start running, and I HATE it! I've always hated running, but I know it's good for me. I'm determined to run consistently through the summer months, and I've discovered that although I hate running while I'm doing it, I kind of enjoy that feeling of accomplishment when I'm finished.

In other news, I went to my best friend's wedding last weekend. I had tons of fun, but I worked myself half to death. I was so tired when I finally got home that I could barely stand up. Ahh, the price of weddings. The worst part, though, is that my phone charger is still there. :( So, if I don't call you back, it really has nothing to do with you, I promise.

Anyway, this is a rather boring post, but I'll try to fill you in on some of the funny times from the wedding soon.

Happy Birthday!

2007-03-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

I might be the luckiest girl in the world! I have the greatest boyfriend who makes me laugh all the time and usually even thinks I'm wonderful!

Happy Birthday, Josh!

I'd write more but you're about to catch me writing, so I better post now! :)

Come on, Already...

2007-03-01T19:51:00.000-08:00

You're almost 10th graders now!

Is it too much to ask that you keep up with a handout for more than 24 hours? I swear, if I created it, printed it, copied it, stapled it, and hole-punched it, that page and the information on it is important.

Can you not simply come in before or after school or even during lunch to ask for your make-up work instead of interrupting my class? For heaven's sake, you can even email me!

Why, oh why, are you so darn lazy? I know English isn't your favorite subject, but you may find it helpful in life to be able to compose one semi-decent sentence per page.

Yes, if you keep cutting my class, I am going to write you up. And, no, dropping out of school in the 9th grade is NOT a good idea.

What a Wonderful Day!

2007-02-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

So, everything is so wonderful! We went out to dinner with friends Friday, and I forced Josh to try a bite of sushi - he didn't like it. Oh well, more for me. I have to be in a mood to eat it, though.

Then, on Saturday, I babysat all day and played at the park for a few hours. John got a new motorcycle so he and Josh rode around and picked up girls all day. AND THEN, we ate at Jack's Cosmic Dogs, the world's coolest hot dog stand. It's the coolest little spot that I pass on my way to work every day.

Today was amazing too! I passed my new teacher stuff! YEA!! I'm so excited! I've officially survived most of my first year as a teacher! I think I'm going to go celebrate now! :)

Fun Weekend

2007-02-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a great weekend! I'm kind of sleepy now, so I'll have to give you all the updates later. Goodnight...

Getting the Gossip

2007-02-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day! I stayed late and talked to our department head. I enjoy talking to her because I always find out all the gossip and what's going on at the school. Otherwise, I'm simply relegated to the freshman portion of the school where I only find out about freshman issues.

Anywho, things I learned today included the following:

1) I might get to teach a one-on-one tutoring section of English next year.

2) We may consider letting students test out of units through a pre-test so that they can focus on independent study projects, a.k.a. get rid of the busy work.

3) I found out about high schools in North Carolina that seem to be doing things the right way.

4) Our new State Superintendent is a former teacher. Sounds like it makes sense, right? I think so too, but normally that's not the case. Usually some random businessman becomes the superintendent even though he knows little to nothing about the practical side of education. I anticipate some great changes in the coming years! :)

I love knowing that our school and our leadership are moving in the right direction. We have lots of people committed to helping students and to letting them know that there's more than one way to get from Point A to Point B.

The Joys of Working Ahead

2007-02-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

So, back in the day I posted about my mission to quit procrastinating. Besides a few lapses, I've done pretty well, and now I'm reaping the rewards.

I went in to work yesterday to finish my grades because I was sick last Thursday. I finished all my grades and uploaded them an entire day early, even though it was my day off. I've also planned most of the rest of the year, and I am completely caught up with everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, I need to do.

My car better watch out, because with all this time, I might actually wash and wax it! :)

I love non-procrastination!

The Countdown Begins...

2007-02-15T17:39:00.001-08:00

As I worked last night, I realized that I have 75 school days until SUMMER!!!

And to begin the countdown, I've worked ahead on my school plans and may even have some time for blogging now. I started the celebration by finding this cool new template.

Oh, and happy Valentine's day to my wonderful boyfriend!

The Most Depressing Day of the Year?

2007-01-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. Elrod reminded me this evening that today is the most depressing day of the year, according to a British scientist. Even though I got out of work before dark tonight, today was still an icky day. Maybe that scientist is on to something.

Thinking Clearly

2007-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I was re-reading a favorite book, On Writing Well by William Zinsser, while trying to find a way to teach students to write. I was reminded, though, that their writing, and my writing, is only as good as the thinking behind it. As Zinsser says,

"How can the rest of us [those without the last name Thoreau] achieve such enviable freedom from clutter? The answer is to clear our heads of clutter. Clear thinking becomes clear writing; one can't exist without the other."

Why can't my students write clearly? Because they can't think clearly. Why are my sentences so often muddled? Because I'm being distracted on all sides by teenagers yapping, bells ringing, emails arriving, blogs updating, and phones ringing.

With all those distractions, it's a wonder that Americans can walk straight or sleep at night, much less think clearly. The problem with thinking clearly is that it takes time. Unless I take time to think clearly, I will have muddled thoughts and likely live a rather muddled life (in case you can't tell, I'm really loving the word "muddled" today).

Plus, I'm apparently likely to be less healthy, less wealthy, and less happy, because my problem isn't the lack of time to think. I have plenty of time, as Josh often reminds me. In fact I have all the time in the world. I just procrastinate too much.

My personal mission for this year is simply to discover what I could accomplish if I procrastinated less. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to measure my time procrastinating or my success, but I maybe I won't need to measure in the end - I'll probably find that I'm more healthy, more wealthy, more happy, and, I hope, less muddled.

Offering Feedback, or Forcing Student to Think Critically

2006-12-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm currently avoiding giving more feedback on student papers. I seem to be saying the same things over and over again, and most of them really come back to a lack of self-editing.

Now, I could just hand back their papers and tell them to fix them, but I'm not sure that some of them would even know where to start. They simply don't know how to evaluate their own writing critically. You know, "Did I say what I meant to say?" "Did it make sense?" And, the list goes on.

The cool thing about having students is that you get to shape their minds and habits throughout the year. In this case, it means withholding a grade until they fix the problems, but it also means getting them to adopt habits that they've formerly avoided.

I'm not sure how this whole process will work, but I'm excited to find out. I look forward to seeing them grow as writers as I'm already seeing them mature as young adults. Now, if they can just pass the midterm...

And the Angels Sang...

2006-12-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

From my youngest years, I always knew that a sermon had a point, and most preachers give at least a hint of their point toward the beginning of the talk... but this morning was different. This morning, I discovered the point of the sermon in the last 30 seconds, and it seemed to have little to do with the topic of the lesson.

Let me go back a step and explain the morning's lesson:

First, there was a slide of Mary and Joseph in profile with Mary on a donkey. Of course, they were on their way to Bethlehem. The preacher spent a few minutes guessing as to why Mary went and giving his own opinions.

Then, we went on to the slide "Your Knowledge of the Nativity." All good and well I suppose, but then he spent the next 20 minutes going over five questions that Christians often get wrong.

1. Were there three wise men? Many would say "Yes," but we really don't know.

2-4. Three more questions that had to do with the birth of Jesus but not with any real questions of faith or anything on which I would hang my salvation. I was really stunned by number 5, though.

5. Did the angels sing to the shepherds? My answer: Why does this really matter? The real answer: Apparently they said to the shepherds.

Maybe I'm just ranting, maybe I'm just being hard to please, but really why was this whole lesson important. Sure, I don't remember every detail perfectly, but in this instance did it really matter? I felt like I was in a Lads to Leaders Bible Bowl recalling fairly useless facts.

Now, my faith and salvation may somehow hang in the balance based on whether or not the angels sang or said to the shepherds, but I've spent all day racking my brain and I still can't figure out how that would happen.

All this to say that when it comes down to it, I'd rather spend an hour talking about something that matters or helping someone rather than being quoted a few minute details that I wouldn't even quiz my kids on in English class.

Oh, and the final point of the lesson, you ask? Sometimes we get our information about Jesus from the world.

I agree that this is a problem and concern, but I wish we'd spent more time talking about that and real world examples than a few facts that might be misconstrued by the world or most likely, aren't all that important in the first place.

How to Be a Bad Blogger

2006-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

Just the other day, I was accused of being the world's worst blogger. Apparently, this is my new area of expertise. Steps to being a bad blogger:

1. Blog only every 20 days or so. Who cares that you're busy and stuck at your job until ridiculous hours. Just don't blog and most importantly, don't explain your frequent absences.

2. Don't use lots of pictures. Though I'm starting to get the hang of inserting pictures, I'm certainly not the best at this art.

3. Write about your students. So I'm proud of my students - what can I say? Sometimes they actually prove that they are not lazy bums but brilliant, creative souls. My next post is sure to give you some visuals of their latest achievement.

4. Post only every 20 days or so. I think that covers just about every part of being a bad blogger. If you never post, no one comes to visit, and then everyone thinks you have nothing to say.

Alas, if I'm only an expert in a few things, at least I can pass my infinite wisdom along. To all you bad bloggers out there, keep up the good work! Obviously, you have other more important things to do! :)

Cheers!

Churchy Questions

2006-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

Why does church meet in the morning?

That is question Number 1 on my "Churchy Questions" list. In Greece, we met once on Sunday at 6:00 in the evening, pure bliss if you ask me. At Silver City, we met at noon. Both of these options, particularly the Grecian variety, left me a much happier and much more involved Christian while fellowshipping with the group. Why can't we do that, and why is our preacher constantly chiding the congregation for not showing up on Sunday nights?

Other churchy questions:

2. Why don't we ever spend time as a church helping other people? I mean really helping them, not just donating money to a faceless organization. Couldn't we skip normal services for just one week to help others?

3. Why are Christians always such a rush to get to church that we can't even stop to help change a tire or put a shower back in some guy's truck? I'm definitely guilty of the latter.

4. What's the deal with Sunday school? I have no theological grounds on this one, but I did always start falling asleep in Sunday school as a kid, and as an adult.

5. Should we change what we're doing or try something different? What would it take for us to feel that we could, and should, try a different approach.

Lots of questions, no answers, and a bullet list. That's all I've got for now, but I'm hoping that someday I'll find some answers.

Imagination Drought?

2006-11-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

During my few short months teaching high school, I have noticed one simple challenge blasts me in the face day after day - my students' lack of imagination. Try to convince them that they can create a story from their own heads, and they look at you like you have two heads!

I wondered if anyone else had noticed this trend, and it turns out that lots of people have noticed.

According to the panel that investigated the 9/11 attacks, the disaster was primarily due to a "lack of imagination." Our security directors and others failed to imagine the mind of a terrorist and follow that line of thinking. Learn more here.
Apparently, we are also suffering a "digital decline" thanks to the lack of imagination on the part of our country and policymakers. And considering my experiences with broadband service, I'm inclined to agree with the author of this article.
On top of all that, our bad example seems to be infiltrating other countries, such as Great Britain. According to this blog, students there like those here are being encouraged to focus solely on grades and test scores instead of imagination and learning.
Despite my sadness over my students' lack of creativity, I am also willing to recognize that perhaps this isn't a new problem. I ran across this article from USA Today that points out many serious blunders, each caused by a serious imagination drought.

What are we to do about this imagination drought? How do I get my students out of it? I have no clue, but I am starting by helping them to become more independent thinkers. I encourage them daily to figure out answers instead of using me as a crutch. Little by little, they are beginning to take responsibility for their minds and their learning, and I hope that someday they will take that same responsibility for their decisions and their lives.

And just in case that doesn't work, there's always the Dreamfinder to remind Figment, my students, and the world that "Imagination is our key to unlock the hidden wonders of our world."

2006-10-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

Chasers - Trojan Horse

So, I've been doing a lot of research for our Greece and Odyssey unit at school. I needed to refresh my students on the Trojan War, and it just so happens I ran across this excellent, and telling, video. Although I'm sure I should have bleeped out the bad words, it was too funny not to show - and they learned a cool new word, allusion.

Quote of the Day

2006-10-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

"It could be the last game they ever see."

- University of Maryland physician David Jerrard, on his study that found Maryland men delay trips to the ER in order to finish watching sporting events.

Welcome to my world! Or at least my Saturdays...

2006-10-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ballad of the Dentist's Dream

So, we're about to start The Odyssey in class, so I thought I would start students out on some ballad poetry. I ran across this ballad, and I thought I'd blog about it in Josh's honor. I hope someday your "dentist's dream" comes true! :
)

Broken Toys

2006-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

When I was little, I watched Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys. I always felt sorry for these toys who just didn't fit in. They were broken, and no child wanted a broken toy for Christmas. I hadn't thought of the movie in years, until a few weeks ago, that is.

3:15 is my favorite time of day. Each day if there's any way I can make it to the Rotunda, I walk out for just a moment. Teaching is stressful, but these moments are precious. You see, this is when the kids in self-contained special ed walk out to their buses. They have Downs Syndrome, use walkers, are blind, and have a variety of other problems. These children are broken.

But, they have such joy. They smile and laugh and literally skip through the Rotunda. They are precious, and I walk out there just to remind myself of the joys of life. (After wading through massive piles of paper, I often need the reminder.)

The more I've thought about it, though, maybe that's not the only reason I visit the Rotunda each day. I see these broken children filled with joy, and I realize we're all broken. Most of us walk through life wearing masks to hide our brokeness. Ours is usually internal. We hurt, we pine, we struggle, but we always, always hide.

My broken children remind me that it's okay to be broken. They can't hide their brokenness, and in the end, neither can we. We're a flawed people in a flawed world - do we have another option than to be broken? So, on those days when I'm tired and stressed and broken in so many ways, I am reminded that it's okay. I can admit I'm broken. Until I do, I can't receive grace, and without grace, I can't live whole forever.

Wearing Pajamas to Class...

2006-10-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Homecoming week, and as a teacher, I thought it would drive me crazy. You know, kids going nuts all the time in class, more talking than usual, etc. Turns out, though, that I love it as much as ever. You see, today was Operation Day, and I got to wear scrubs to school - I spent the whole day in pajamas. What a wonderful country we live in where one football game (that we might lose) gives me the permission to spend a day in pjs! I just love it! :)

Return from No Man's Land

2006-10-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a while! Somehow, in my wisdom, I let four projects (yes, I said four) come due at the same time. I can assure you that will NEVER happen again! Anyway, just a few more papers and I'll be finished. I'm working on a couple of blogs, so I'm going to finish and post them tomorrow. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Football Thursday

2006-09-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

After staying home sick all day yesterday (yuk!), I am finally on the mend. And the good news is that I was well for Football Thursday! Not Friday Night Football - Football Thursday. So, here's my day: Make my kids do work, eat dinner, grade papers, go to the Wando B-team game, the JV game, and then head for the Kickin' Chicken to watch USC almost beat Auburn.

My throat is sore and my voice gone, but it has truly been an incredible day. I couldn't be any prouder of all my football players (I'm kind of falling to the USC side these days) if, if... well, ya know, I just couldn't be prouder.

Anyway, I'm beat and we're headed to N.A. tomorrow after a whirlwind day of more Invention Projects at school. I'll write a real post soon, but for now, this girl's got to get some sleep!

Go Gamecocks!!! :)

The MicroFreeze, Waffle Shoes, and the Pool Pill

2006-09-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

After my students bombed their first test, I was worried. Was I just a bad teacher? Was I asking too much of them? To be honest, I'm pretty sure my co-teacher thought (maybe thinks) I was, but today I was so impressed.

My kids lived up to my expectations. When I said jump, they soared. I was tough, they came out strong. I was excited and so were they. Sure there were a few who were unprepared, but for the most part the great invention project day went better than I could have dreamed!

I had posters of the new Microfreeze - You have melting ice cream? Just pop it in the microfreeze for 10 seconds! Or the Waffle Shoes for the busy girl who wants waffles on the go? Or the more practical pool pill that helps keep kids from drowning?

For three blocks, they presented, I graded, they laughed, we laughed, and everyone had fun. My kids soared today, I'm am on top of a mountain. Plus, if they can make these happen, I'll never drown, always have cold food, and eat waffles everywhere I go! :)

Feelin' the Love

2006-09-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves me today! :)

I received kudos from my administrator who watched me teach the other day. My kids did this rockin' Socratic Seminar thing, and I was oh so impressed (a.k.a. relieved)!

I got props from my mentor who watched me teach today, and the lesson was honestly not my favorite. I figure if my ickyish lessons are good, then I must be AMAZING the rest of the time!

And no one insulted me for being a young white girl - last week's major hurdle.

Plus, my kids laughed at my stories today. I'm not a great storyteller, but today, my friends, I did something right! :)

The Secrets We Never Know

2006-09-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

You know how when you grow up, you discover that there are secrets adults never tell you? You know like how the bathtub doesn't actually clean itself and cars don't magically keep running? The adult world isn't nearly as cool as it looks? Or, my favorite, romance in real life is NOTHING like the movies? Well, I had another discovery along those lines.

What could it be, you ask?

It's two things really. One, I never get off work early, and I haven't posted since August because I simply haven't had the time, energy, or motivation to participate in even one extra activity in my life.

No one and I mean NO ONE ever told me that once you start teaching, you can't get it out of your head. My student test scores and their crazy questions and their lapses of good behavior all circle in my head like vultures waiting to pick apart my quickly atrophying brain. Honestly, I feel like one of those moms, old or new, that just can't stop talking about her perfect children all day long.

I have a feeling Josh will kill me for this soon...

SOOOO, if you know how to make it stop, PLEASE let me in on your secret!

Oh, and if you know how to get 9th graders to study for a test so they don't fail miserably, I could use a little help there as well.

Handshakes and Hoorays

2006-08-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

I realize that writing a blog is the trendy thing to do. Whether it's heading to a foreign land or rambling about the latest drama in life, everybody is creating blogs. Well, I feel like I'm heading into a foreign land. Does that count?

As of tomorrow, I will almost officially be the new 9th grade teacher at my local high school. I've already shaken hands on it with the principal. Isn't it a nice world we live in when shaking hands actually still means something significant? I love that about the South.

Anyway, today I'm going to get books and miscellaneous information about the curriculum so that I can actually prepare to teach my students. Although kids come back next Wednesday, I really have a couple of weeks to get everything together since the first week and a half is already planned for me - Hooray!

Well, the shower is calling me, and I have a ton to do.