In five or six days it will be October, can't believe it. Last week was the last day of Summer. Well, whoever made up that silly date was not a person in Mississippi. The weather seems even hotter than it did in July here.
I mowed the lawn and it too almost two hours. The grass was as thick as hay. The rain really did a number on my ability to mow this week. Went for a walk with Jeff around the golf course this morning and was so sweaty by the first hole, had to take my sweatshirt off and wipe all the sweat away. The leaves are still green and the grass is still green. Sure seems like summer to me.
I watched some football this morning, in that I mean about ten minutes into it I fell asleep and woke up three hours later to the end of the game. I love doing this. I did not sleep well last night with the humidity up and an ear ache.
I have decided that fall means, hot food, spiced cookies , sweaters and lots of hot tea. Here in MS it means, iced tea, shorts, salads and spiced cookies. Robyn made the best cookies yesterday.
I need to go up north to see the leaves changing and Jeff said that we could do just that for my fall break. I am so excited. Tenn. here we come. Jeff looking at civil war sites, me looking at the leaves changing and the cooler weather makes for a perfect get away.
Love to all for the start of Fall.
Jeff and I
Twenty-Eight Years
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Reading
I am teaching reading. I love to read and I am trying to get that across to my students. Here in lies the deep question. Why do I feel like I am talking all day? I need to get these kids to read, but in order to meet all the standards, I am having to show them all the stategies, methods, and ways to read. I am considering having one day a week for just reading. I know this sounds like a cop out of teaching for the day, but bear with me for a minute.
If Brett Farve was to just run plays, do drills and learn his teams calls, would he be as good of a player if he never got to actually play the game? We all need to practice the skills daily and I am thinking that if I could watch how some of the children read, maybe this would give me more insight into what the stumbling blocks are for the children. Weigh in on this big questions please.
If Brett Farve was to just run plays, do drills and learn his teams calls, would he be as good of a player if he never got to actually play the game? We all need to practice the skills daily and I am thinking that if I could watch how some of the children read, maybe this would give me more insight into what the stumbling blocks are for the children. Weigh in on this big questions please.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Need for Rest
I rest more than my family. I think that some people need more rest than others in order to be nice. I really am not very nice if I am tired or run down. All I have wanted the past two weeks is some much needed rest. All I have gotten is: a freak storm, that woke me from my sleep and I have learned since is not that freaky in Mississippi and I can expect more and greater. Great!
A dog that for some reason goes through spirts when she can not rest and continues to get into everything and anything. Barking at the moon, chewing a hole in my down comforter again, and now there are feathers or fluff and I call it all over my bedroom. Really!!!!
The sound of mowers in the neighborhood at 6 am on a Sat. cause it is too damn hot any other time to mow here in the south.
All I really wanted was to sleep and feel rested. This is not the case. I have a head cold, stuffed up to the very top of my head, the house needs cleaning and my throat is sore from breathing in fluff all night. Oh, yeah, also I must have had a great night of snoring with all this cause Jeff hit me twice with his elbow . Some days it may just pay to get in the car with the family and drive, I do not care how far or how long cause in about five minutes I will be asleep and it will be the best sleep I have gotten in a week. Jeff, do you want to listen to your xm? Lets go for a drive.
A dog that for some reason goes through spirts when she can not rest and continues to get into everything and anything. Barking at the moon, chewing a hole in my down comforter again, and now there are feathers or fluff and I call it all over my bedroom. Really!!!!
The sound of mowers in the neighborhood at 6 am on a Sat. cause it is too damn hot any other time to mow here in the south.
All I really wanted was to sleep and feel rested. This is not the case. I have a head cold, stuffed up to the very top of my head, the house needs cleaning and my throat is sore from breathing in fluff all night. Oh, yeah, also I must have had a great night of snoring with all this cause Jeff hit me twice with his elbow . Some days it may just pay to get in the car with the family and drive, I do not care how far or how long cause in about five minutes I will be asleep and it will be the best sleep I have gotten in a week. Jeff, do you want to listen to your xm? Lets go for a drive.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
New Friends
It seems funny that at age 46 I am making new friends. This move has been very difficult. I believe mainly due to the fact that I no longer have school age children to help me make friends. I know, silly miss use of my children. It is difficult to work and have a career and come home to keep house and have time to make friends.
It has been the case that most of my friends have been from work. The last year, this was not the case. I felt left out, different and very shy for the first time in my life. I did not really want to make friends, and I do not know why. I needed to be able to come home and figure out what I was doing in Mississippi.
A girl from Montana that really dislikes all the strange veggies they eat down here, does not eat to the bone on her chicken and would really like it if there was a Mountain with in a few miles was having a very difficult time being a friend as well as finding a friend.
I made friends with my neighbor, she is sweet loving and just turned 75. I made friends with a girl that is still a young girl at 30 and not married and no kids, but something was missing.
I needed someone to talk to about my girls, to understand what it is to be married going on 26 years and to know that when I have to go to the bathroom, move out of my way.
I needed someone to laugh with, cry, and to just scream with to relieve all this pent up emotion of finding a house, new jobs, new life and the nasty veggies that they have down here. Really, why eat the greens if you have the good part, the carrot at the end. Really!!!!!!!
I found some. Really I have found three. They are real, normal women. They laugh, sing, dance and talk about the stupid shows that the husbands make us watch. Hillbilly Fishing, give me a break.
They are wonderful. I am blessed and they will never know how much they have made me feel apart of my new school.
Thank you so much........R K The singing and dancing twins and C you make me laugh and that is so welcome.
It has been the case that most of my friends have been from work. The last year, this was not the case. I felt left out, different and very shy for the first time in my life. I did not really want to make friends, and I do not know why. I needed to be able to come home and figure out what I was doing in Mississippi.
A girl from Montana that really dislikes all the strange veggies they eat down here, does not eat to the bone on her chicken and would really like it if there was a Mountain with in a few miles was having a very difficult time being a friend as well as finding a friend.
I made friends with my neighbor, she is sweet loving and just turned 75. I made friends with a girl that is still a young girl at 30 and not married and no kids, but something was missing.
I needed someone to talk to about my girls, to understand what it is to be married going on 26 years and to know that when I have to go to the bathroom, move out of my way.
I needed someone to laugh with, cry, and to just scream with to relieve all this pent up emotion of finding a house, new jobs, new life and the nasty veggies that they have down here. Really, why eat the greens if you have the good part, the carrot at the end. Really!!!!!!!
I found some. Really I have found three. They are real, normal women. They laugh, sing, dance and talk about the stupid shows that the husbands make us watch. Hillbilly Fishing, give me a break.
They are wonderful. I am blessed and they will never know how much they have made me feel apart of my new school.
Thank you so much........R K The singing and dancing twins and C you make me laugh and that is so welcome.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Table
We went and bought a new table yesterday. I know not a big deal for most people. For us, yes, it takes us years to make decisions on large items. This was a decision made in about 15 minutes.
There is an outlet store in Slidell, LA that we went to due to a nice 20% discount in addition to the already 50% off. In other words, our kind of place.
So we got up early, drove the 60 miles and went in looking for a king size bed frame and a couch. Came home with a chair and a table and 4 chairs.
I am as shocked at you all are.
We had decided that the formal dining area really had no need in our home of three. We were going to use it for a sitting area, to bask in the morning sun and read and relax.
Reality finally hit at the store. We will never have a sitting room. We are a family that likes the TV whether we are watching it or not. It offers comfort if I am the only one home and it is just background noise. Jeff loves to watch sports and history etc.
Robyn is loving the back to the 90's shows on Nick at the moment. We do all sit, it is just in front of the tv.
So as we walked around this huge warehouse, Jeff finally realized that what we needed was another table in the kitchen and we needed to move Grandma's table to the dining room. We also found a lonely hidden gem in the corner, a brown leather chair that lost its ottoman. No problem as about three years ago, Jeff bought three ottomans for 20 dollars each as they had lots their chairs. Have to say they have been a great purchase, dog bed, extra seating etc.
So we drove home, only to eat and have Jeff and our friend Scott drive back to get the items. They returned and I thanked the Lord for our French Doors in this new house and we grilled and ate at the new table.
The old table now has its rightful place of honor. The Official Dining Room. This is my grandmother's grandmother's table. It came to us by way of a long forgotten mini van, has seen many a double sol match, artistic endeavors by myself and my children. It has 7 leaves that are a variety of colors due to use or lack there of, it is loved and loved again.
I love this table, it is special to me and my family. Jeff has learned how to put it back together after each move, not quite as well as mom does though, speaking of which next visit will need some adjustments mom.
This table means "home". I hope that the new triangular table finds the same feelings as the tried and true one, but if it does not, that is okay cause we got it for 70% off and that means we are all super cheap and happy.
Off to my table to do work for my class and start the week of with a plan.
Sit at a table today and think, boy am I grateful to have one, but more than that boy am I grateful for what is on my table daily, food, art, papers, love.
Happy Week to All
There is an outlet store in Slidell, LA that we went to due to a nice 20% discount in addition to the already 50% off. In other words, our kind of place.
So we got up early, drove the 60 miles and went in looking for a king size bed frame and a couch. Came home with a chair and a table and 4 chairs.
I am as shocked at you all are.
We had decided that the formal dining area really had no need in our home of three. We were going to use it for a sitting area, to bask in the morning sun and read and relax.
Reality finally hit at the store. We will never have a sitting room. We are a family that likes the TV whether we are watching it or not. It offers comfort if I am the only one home and it is just background noise. Jeff loves to watch sports and history etc.
Robyn is loving the back to the 90's shows on Nick at the moment. We do all sit, it is just in front of the tv.
So as we walked around this huge warehouse, Jeff finally realized that what we needed was another table in the kitchen and we needed to move Grandma's table to the dining room. We also found a lonely hidden gem in the corner, a brown leather chair that lost its ottoman. No problem as about three years ago, Jeff bought three ottomans for 20 dollars each as they had lots their chairs. Have to say they have been a great purchase, dog bed, extra seating etc.
So we drove home, only to eat and have Jeff and our friend Scott drive back to get the items. They returned and I thanked the Lord for our French Doors in this new house and we grilled and ate at the new table.
The old table now has its rightful place of honor. The Official Dining Room. This is my grandmother's grandmother's table. It came to us by way of a long forgotten mini van, has seen many a double sol match, artistic endeavors by myself and my children. It has 7 leaves that are a variety of colors due to use or lack there of, it is loved and loved again.
I love this table, it is special to me and my family. Jeff has learned how to put it back together after each move, not quite as well as mom does though, speaking of which next visit will need some adjustments mom.
This table means "home". I hope that the new triangular table finds the same feelings as the tried and true one, but if it does not, that is okay cause we got it for 70% off and that means we are all super cheap and happy.
Off to my table to do work for my class and start the week of with a plan.
Sit at a table today and think, boy am I grateful to have one, but more than that boy am I grateful for what is on my table daily, food, art, papers, love.
Happy Week to All
Monday, August 1, 2011
Technology Training
So today, my first day on my new job and the afternoon was devoted to technology training. This is a sore spot for me in that Jeff has told me for years to get some training. Well, I haven't and I really am stuck in my old ways and it is completely frustrating to me.
I really do not want to down load a video from You Tube to show to my class. At least that is what I say today.
I am learning lots and trying not to fight the urge to just get out my pencil and paper and jot down notes.
The teacher is wonderful and has given everyone cheat sheets to refer to cause she can tell we are all like deer in the headlights.
I am sure even the three girls right out of college could be heard, saying, really my brain is so full.
I get to go back tomorrow and learn again. That is what counts and by this time next week, I will be having nightmares about over sleeping on the first day of school. Happy Monday everyone.
I really do not want to down load a video from You Tube to show to my class. At least that is what I say today.
I am learning lots and trying not to fight the urge to just get out my pencil and paper and jot down notes.
The teacher is wonderful and has given everyone cheat sheets to refer to cause she can tell we are all like deer in the headlights.
I am sure even the three girls right out of college could be heard, saying, really my brain is so full.
I get to go back tomorrow and learn again. That is what counts and by this time next week, I will be having nightmares about over sleeping on the first day of school. Happy Monday everyone.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Leap of Faith
So now for the news we have all been waiting for.......
I got a job. Yes, I am taking a major leap of faith and going to try my hand at teaching, Ready, Wait for this.....
Sixth Grade Reading
Okay, now I do not want to hear what boogers these kids can be, or how rude they are, or any of that, cause I am already having nightmares about all that stuff.
I am excited. I really do not know what it will be like but it will be better than sitting at home and filling my face with whatever and watching the garbage that is on television during the day.
I have come to realize that my mind needs to be focused and working. I love teaching and when I went to this interview the original job was to teach grammar.
This scared me to no end. Yes, I could do that job but would it be boring, would I be boring etc.
So the principal and vice principal both said: Your love is Reading !!! Yes, it is and I love teaching reading,
so I thought about this comment a great deal.
When I got the job I went up to the school and got all the teaching materials, and drove home. About an hour later I get a call. Mrs. Comer would you be willing to teach Reading rather than Grammar??? What is this a dream? Yes, of course.
Seems that the other girl had really wanted to teach Grammar and just let them know. I think I love her.
So I start tomorrow and have cleaned out my school stuff to decide what I need to take and have really no idea where to start but that is okay cause I will get up, look good and just start. I may not look that good, I have to get up like at 5:30 omg, what was I thinking, maybe Oprah and Jerseylishius aren't that bad.
I got a job. Yes, I am taking a major leap of faith and going to try my hand at teaching, Ready, Wait for this.....
Sixth Grade Reading
Okay, now I do not want to hear what boogers these kids can be, or how rude they are, or any of that, cause I am already having nightmares about all that stuff.
I am excited. I really do not know what it will be like but it will be better than sitting at home and filling my face with whatever and watching the garbage that is on television during the day.
I have come to realize that my mind needs to be focused and working. I love teaching and when I went to this interview the original job was to teach grammar.
This scared me to no end. Yes, I could do that job but would it be boring, would I be boring etc.
So the principal and vice principal both said: Your love is Reading !!! Yes, it is and I love teaching reading,
so I thought about this comment a great deal.
When I got the job I went up to the school and got all the teaching materials, and drove home. About an hour later I get a call. Mrs. Comer would you be willing to teach Reading rather than Grammar??? What is this a dream? Yes, of course.
Seems that the other girl had really wanted to teach Grammar and just let them know. I think I love her.
So I start tomorrow and have cleaned out my school stuff to decide what I need to take and have really no idea where to start but that is okay cause I will get up, look good and just start. I may not look that good, I have to get up like at 5:30 omg, what was I thinking, maybe Oprah and Jerseylishius aren't that bad.
The dark days
I have relied a great deal on God this past few weeks. We had deaths in the family that were expected, two great uncles, unexpected my Uncle Jim, tragic my mom's friends sister, and then just deaths of friends parents, family members and unexpected bad news. I got to the point where I did not want to answer the phone or read my facebook.
During such times, it is almost like a shock to ones system the grieving process. I remember it vividly with the death of our granddaughter. During this time I talked to God late at night, early in the morning and just about constantly quietly in my head. I do not remember things that I said, where I put items or even phone calls from friends. This I think is our coping mechanism. We have to deal with the present and that is all our brain can handle at the point that grief is taking over.
Anyways, I went to this point again this past few weeks. We were lucky to have Ally and Brody come for a visit and during this time I reverted back to the need to know where everyone was all of the time. This happened when Jaidyn died. We were calling each other all the time. I was calling my mom and checking on her, leaving messages for Jeff and then when the kids came, I was able to just be. It was so nice to have all my chicks here in the hen house. I did not need to call them for they were here. They were laughing and carrying on like twenty year olds do. I was happy, they were happy and the world seemed alright again.
My angels in heaven are watching over all of us and it is good to know this. They guide me and help me in times of trouble but more than that they understand all the fear, grief, and sadness.
All of them are missed daily and I look to them for guidance.
During such times, it is almost like a shock to ones system the grieving process. I remember it vividly with the death of our granddaughter. During this time I talked to God late at night, early in the morning and just about constantly quietly in my head. I do not remember things that I said, where I put items or even phone calls from friends. This I think is our coping mechanism. We have to deal with the present and that is all our brain can handle at the point that grief is taking over.
Anyways, I went to this point again this past few weeks. We were lucky to have Ally and Brody come for a visit and during this time I reverted back to the need to know where everyone was all of the time. This happened when Jaidyn died. We were calling each other all the time. I was calling my mom and checking on her, leaving messages for Jeff and then when the kids came, I was able to just be. It was so nice to have all my chicks here in the hen house. I did not need to call them for they were here. They were laughing and carrying on like twenty year olds do. I was happy, they were happy and the world seemed alright again.
My angels in heaven are watching over all of us and it is good to know this. They guide me and help me in times of trouble but more than that they understand all the fear, grief, and sadness.
All of them are missed daily and I look to them for guidance.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
New Nook
My wonderful husband was given a choice for an award for a million hours worked without an accident. I think, anyway the choices were a tool, no not at the Osha accident a day wife house, a tent for camping, no not at the house where the wife considers the Holiday Inn camping and if there is a bug there, we are going home, or a nook. So the smart man that he is took the nook.
Problem is the wife is not taking to this nook very easily.
I love holding magazines in my hand, folding over the corners of the pages I want to look at at another time. I love touching a book and seeing if it speaks to me. Should I buy you are there important details in here that I must learn. Are the pictures worth a thousand words. You know all that stuff us nerds find amazing at the bookstore.
So far Robyn has set up the nook for me and I have downloaded one book. It was a free on last friday and I am on chapter two and completely bored.
The one thing that is working for me on the nook is the games, I love the suduku game. I was showing Robyn how to play it two nights ago and she was thrilled. We beat our score twice. The nook times you to let you know if you are improving.
One thing it does not do is add time if you ask for a hint if you get stuck. This is a good thing, cause I was working with out the glasses and kept touching the wrong square to add the numbers. It also posts the numbers in red if you have a mistake. This is totally against best practices as a teacher, red is so not politically correct, but the function is good and it is easy to see your mistakes.
So I played three times this morning and my top easy score is nine minutes. Not telling how many hints I needed.
Robyn is at a Phi Mu Workshop and spent the night at the house. Hope she had a great time. The weather is cloudy and humid beyond anything we have seen lately and Jeff is outside working.
I am looking for areas to go shopping before a trip to a minor league game. Love that baseball.
Oh, still unemployed and feeling better about this. My neighbors have the southerner thing going on, no work and house keepers. Jealous, not at all, just realizing I am not unemployed in reality: 5 loads of clothes to do, vacuuming to do cause ran out of bags, bathrooms always need cleaning and Jeff was putting dirty glasses back in the cupboad this am. What are you doing honey, if it is dirty from the dish washer, put it in the sink not the cupboard, but I knew you would find it and fix it. Job security........
Problem is the wife is not taking to this nook very easily.
I love holding magazines in my hand, folding over the corners of the pages I want to look at at another time. I love touching a book and seeing if it speaks to me. Should I buy you are there important details in here that I must learn. Are the pictures worth a thousand words. You know all that stuff us nerds find amazing at the bookstore.
So far Robyn has set up the nook for me and I have downloaded one book. It was a free on last friday and I am on chapter two and completely bored.
The one thing that is working for me on the nook is the games, I love the suduku game. I was showing Robyn how to play it two nights ago and she was thrilled. We beat our score twice. The nook times you to let you know if you are improving.
One thing it does not do is add time if you ask for a hint if you get stuck. This is a good thing, cause I was working with out the glasses and kept touching the wrong square to add the numbers. It also posts the numbers in red if you have a mistake. This is totally against best practices as a teacher, red is so not politically correct, but the function is good and it is easy to see your mistakes.
So I played three times this morning and my top easy score is nine minutes. Not telling how many hints I needed.
Robyn is at a Phi Mu Workshop and spent the night at the house. Hope she had a great time. The weather is cloudy and humid beyond anything we have seen lately and Jeff is outside working.
I am looking for areas to go shopping before a trip to a minor league game. Love that baseball.
Oh, still unemployed and feeling better about this. My neighbors have the southerner thing going on, no work and house keepers. Jealous, not at all, just realizing I am not unemployed in reality: 5 loads of clothes to do, vacuuming to do cause ran out of bags, bathrooms always need cleaning and Jeff was putting dirty glasses back in the cupboad this am. What are you doing honey, if it is dirty from the dish washer, put it in the sink not the cupboard, but I knew you would find it and fix it. Job security........
Friday, July 15, 2011
Some Days
Ever have those days when you wonder why you even attempted to get out of bed? Well, seems like this week has been 7 of those days.
Our family has lost two great uncles, one amazing uncle and a friend's father in about 7 days. This is way more than a person expects let alone can handle.
The losses have put us all in very strange moods. Some of us want to be left alone, some of us feel the need to talk to old friends, some of us feel the need to exercise more and eat right. Well, try on both accounts anyway.
So I am the one that wanted to get healthy. Went to the gym, did great and came home to find that when I showered an hour later, had to do laundry etc. My ankle that I hurt in January was now black and blue again and in pain. Man, derailed after one day.
Also in this bathtub experience of looking at my legs I found that my other shin was completely black and blue up and down the entire thing. This I attribute to the moving of beds for the eldest daughter and her husbands arrival next week. I know why did we not wait for help. Cause, as any woman knows that does not help when we wait and then the husbands, say why are we doing this etc. So just easier to be black and blue for a while.
Job hunting is not going well, I take that back, I have learned a great deal about what I want in a job and I am just not finding it at the moment. I am good at interviewing and got offered the job, that once I saw the reality and not the paper form of the job, I knew someone else was better suited for this particular job. Not into babysitting unless it is for my own family. One day I will be busy grandparenting and then when my daily trips to target come arounds they better watch out.
Actually trying not to leave the house cause that ends up in stuff making its way into the house and not by necessity.
So my thoughts are do not take today or any day for granted, if it is a stay in bed day then make it a great one and watch the price is right, the food network and enjoy it with y our favorite dog to keep you warm.
Unless in Mississippi take to a pool and chill out. Love to all
Our family has lost two great uncles, one amazing uncle and a friend's father in about 7 days. This is way more than a person expects let alone can handle.
The losses have put us all in very strange moods. Some of us want to be left alone, some of us feel the need to talk to old friends, some of us feel the need to exercise more and eat right. Well, try on both accounts anyway.
So I am the one that wanted to get healthy. Went to the gym, did great and came home to find that when I showered an hour later, had to do laundry etc. My ankle that I hurt in January was now black and blue again and in pain. Man, derailed after one day.
Also in this bathtub experience of looking at my legs I found that my other shin was completely black and blue up and down the entire thing. This I attribute to the moving of beds for the eldest daughter and her husbands arrival next week. I know why did we not wait for help. Cause, as any woman knows that does not help when we wait and then the husbands, say why are we doing this etc. So just easier to be black and blue for a while.
Job hunting is not going well, I take that back, I have learned a great deal about what I want in a job and I am just not finding it at the moment. I am good at interviewing and got offered the job, that once I saw the reality and not the paper form of the job, I knew someone else was better suited for this particular job. Not into babysitting unless it is for my own family. One day I will be busy grandparenting and then when my daily trips to target come arounds they better watch out.
Actually trying not to leave the house cause that ends up in stuff making its way into the house and not by necessity.
So my thoughts are do not take today or any day for granted, if it is a stay in bed day then make it a great one and watch the price is right, the food network and enjoy it with y our favorite dog to keep you warm.
Unless in Mississippi take to a pool and chill out. Love to all
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Really?????
I am sure all of you have heard the news by now that Casey Anthony has been found innocent except for lying to the police. On the social networks everyone is a buzz about the injustice, the terrible jury, the unacceptability of the decision.
Really????
One, our country is founded on the fact that a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two, did we not learn anything from the O.J. Simpson trial and bomb shell this week that he finally confessed.
Television would not be television without all this sensationalism and the outcry.
Let's try this:
Let's remember the little girl that is at the center of this trial. The two year old that is with God now.
Rather than scream and shout and feel like we have lost something, why not go out and help a child in need?
This summer there have been more devastating tornadoes, floods and fires than in many years past.
There have been people in our country cleaning up for weeks, living in shelters, trying to get by on what they have saved from the devastation and not one of them has been on television whining or crying.
They like most Americans have picked themselves up by the boot straps and have carried on. Life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Let us all go out and do something positive and productive with our feelings. Don't sit at home and use your computer to express your outrage, go to the store and buy some need child some new school clothes, donate some books to re shelve a damaged library. Show your children how to be kind this summer, take them to a food bank with boxes of canned goods. Help habitat for humanity build a new house, something , anything other than sit here and do nothing.
There are so many children this summer that are not being fed in our own backyards. When school is out that means these children are not eating regularly. We need to take back our country and help ourselves.
We lost a precious granddaughter and maybe that is where this is coming from, I do not know but we must not give the negative time, focus on the positive, find a way to make things better, do not just text, and type about the shame of it all, go out and make a difference.
Really????
One, our country is founded on the fact that a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two, did we not learn anything from the O.J. Simpson trial and bomb shell this week that he finally confessed.
Television would not be television without all this sensationalism and the outcry.
Let's try this:
Let's remember the little girl that is at the center of this trial. The two year old that is with God now.
Rather than scream and shout and feel like we have lost something, why not go out and help a child in need?
This summer there have been more devastating tornadoes, floods and fires than in many years past.
There have been people in our country cleaning up for weeks, living in shelters, trying to get by on what they have saved from the devastation and not one of them has been on television whining or crying.
They like most Americans have picked themselves up by the boot straps and have carried on. Life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Let us all go out and do something positive and productive with our feelings. Don't sit at home and use your computer to express your outrage, go to the store and buy some need child some new school clothes, donate some books to re shelve a damaged library. Show your children how to be kind this summer, take them to a food bank with boxes of canned goods. Help habitat for humanity build a new house, something , anything other than sit here and do nothing.
There are so many children this summer that are not being fed in our own backyards. When school is out that means these children are not eating regularly. We need to take back our country and help ourselves.
We lost a precious granddaughter and maybe that is where this is coming from, I do not know but we must not give the negative time, focus on the positive, find a way to make things better, do not just text, and type about the shame of it all, go out and make a difference.
Friday, July 1, 2011
mom and dad
Dear Mom and Dad,
I have come to the conclusion that my blog is really just a letter to you two. I suspect no one else reads my blog and that no one else really cares what I write. Robyn will ask me crazy questions and then want an answer like which daughter do you love the most and I reply you of course, and she always says " YOU have to say that cause you are my mother".
That is how I am feeling about my writing, you always comment and make my day, but then you have to cause you are my parents.
It is hot here and I have little motivation. I did mow the lawn and the neighbor Gladys saw me and scolded me for being out when it was too hot.
I love to mow the lawn and have learned that I can only go 7 days for most of the lawn. There are sections that I do not do each week, for they are not growing as well, but for the majority if I even wait that 8th day, the lawn mower chuggs a bit more as do I.
I think while I mow and wonder if dad would like I how I cut off a chunk, change the direction that I mow weekly, read this in a gardening magazine, helps the grass, and if he would like how I mow and leave the trimming to Jeff. This is due to the fact that the weed eater scares me and Jeff says I am an osha accident waiting to happen most times.
Mom, for you I hand cut, hand sewed and finished a messanger bag for Robyn last night. I was too lazy to look for the sewing machine. Still in a box, and I wanted something to do with my hands watching tv other than stuff popcorn in my mouth. It is cute. I will have Robyn upload a photo. Not bad for hand stitching.
As for popcorn, Dad and Mom, Robyn now puts paper towels under her popcorn cause Grandpa told her too. Works for me. Also there is a new scrabble app on her phone that I am addicted too. I can't wait for the person (out is space ) that she is playing with the play so I can help her. We want you to play with us. Look into if you can add this app. She say to me" Wow mom you are really good at this, I bet the other people are using dictionaries right by them and you can just do it out of your head". Nice compliment.
Love you my two blog readers...
I have come to the conclusion that my blog is really just a letter to you two. I suspect no one else reads my blog and that no one else really cares what I write. Robyn will ask me crazy questions and then want an answer like which daughter do you love the most and I reply you of course, and she always says " YOU have to say that cause you are my mother".
That is how I am feeling about my writing, you always comment and make my day, but then you have to cause you are my parents.
It is hot here and I have little motivation. I did mow the lawn and the neighbor Gladys saw me and scolded me for being out when it was too hot.
I love to mow the lawn and have learned that I can only go 7 days for most of the lawn. There are sections that I do not do each week, for they are not growing as well, but for the majority if I even wait that 8th day, the lawn mower chuggs a bit more as do I.
I think while I mow and wonder if dad would like I how I cut off a chunk, change the direction that I mow weekly, read this in a gardening magazine, helps the grass, and if he would like how I mow and leave the trimming to Jeff. This is due to the fact that the weed eater scares me and Jeff says I am an osha accident waiting to happen most times.
Mom, for you I hand cut, hand sewed and finished a messanger bag for Robyn last night. I was too lazy to look for the sewing machine. Still in a box, and I wanted something to do with my hands watching tv other than stuff popcorn in my mouth. It is cute. I will have Robyn upload a photo. Not bad for hand stitching.
As for popcorn, Dad and Mom, Robyn now puts paper towels under her popcorn cause Grandpa told her too. Works for me. Also there is a new scrabble app on her phone that I am addicted too. I can't wait for the person (out is space ) that she is playing with the play so I can help her. We want you to play with us. Look into if you can add this app. She say to me" Wow mom you are really good at this, I bet the other people are using dictionaries right by them and you can just do it out of your head". Nice compliment.
Love you my two blog readers...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hot
Hot !!!
That is all there is to be said of this weather lately. Hot. It is in the upper 90's to the low 100's and it is hot.
One can shower but in a matter of walking to the mailbox, one is soaking wet again it really is quite useless.
The water at the pool is nice and warm. Yes, I said warm. The pool feels like bathwater. We went yesterday and I tried this new spray sun screen on Jeff and missed an entire patch on his left arm. Nice red sunburn on that arm now. Sorry Honey.
The need to get things done, is there but the ability in the heat is limited. I really need to organize the garage, but the only way I can even do any work is to bring the items in the house to organize them and then take them back outside.
I feel the need to wear as little clothing as possible and have the shades drawn so no whale spottings are reported.
I wonder why all these women that I see when I do go out look so put together and make up is perfect. I gave up the makeup at 70 degrees. Who wants to see makeup dripping off a face at the speed of light.
I have figured out that the women around here are not out in their yards much and that the men that do the yard work wear major head gear and sweat almost as much as I do.
The bugs have started to come out at dusk now so we are avoiding the deck at that time due to the 30 bites Robyn got the other night.
I do not want anyone to think that I am whining, yes, I have lived for 6 years in snow snow and more snow. My parents have only seen the sun for a week now and my sister says rain is all that they have gotten so I am not complaining. I am only observing and hoping to share some of the heat with others. Let's say I take the 70 degrees and sun and the extra 30 degrees can be shared with others.
There is hot and then there is too hot. When a day at the pool involves blisters on the feet to get to the pool it is tooo HOT.......
That is all there is to be said of this weather lately. Hot. It is in the upper 90's to the low 100's and it is hot.
One can shower but in a matter of walking to the mailbox, one is soaking wet again it really is quite useless.
The water at the pool is nice and warm. Yes, I said warm. The pool feels like bathwater. We went yesterday and I tried this new spray sun screen on Jeff and missed an entire patch on his left arm. Nice red sunburn on that arm now. Sorry Honey.
The need to get things done, is there but the ability in the heat is limited. I really need to organize the garage, but the only way I can even do any work is to bring the items in the house to organize them and then take them back outside.
I feel the need to wear as little clothing as possible and have the shades drawn so no whale spottings are reported.
I wonder why all these women that I see when I do go out look so put together and make up is perfect. I gave up the makeup at 70 degrees. Who wants to see makeup dripping off a face at the speed of light.
I have figured out that the women around here are not out in their yards much and that the men that do the yard work wear major head gear and sweat almost as much as I do.
The bugs have started to come out at dusk now so we are avoiding the deck at that time due to the 30 bites Robyn got the other night.
I do not want anyone to think that I am whining, yes, I have lived for 6 years in snow snow and more snow. My parents have only seen the sun for a week now and my sister says rain is all that they have gotten so I am not complaining. I am only observing and hoping to share some of the heat with others. Let's say I take the 70 degrees and sun and the extra 30 degrees can be shared with others.
There is hot and then there is too hot. When a day at the pool involves blisters on the feet to get to the pool it is tooo HOT.......
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Strange
So we went golfing today. It was strange to be back on a golf course after so many years. I now live on a golf course, but I used to "live on a golf course". In high school I was the only girl on the golf team until my senior year when my sister was a freshman and she also played.
My parents loved golf. My father was very good and I remember many days spent at the golf course watching him play. My mother was also very good and I remember her trophies that she won in league play.
At nine I learned to golf and from then on I loved the game.
I enjoyed the smell of the freshly cut grass, the time to be outside and the time to think about things other than homework.
I enjoyed playing with the boys, they played quickly and they did not argue, or worry about what they were wearing in order to play.
When I was a junior I got twelfth in the state of Montana in the girls state tournament. My only real great golfing accomplishment. My grandfather and my parents cut out all the newspaper clippings of how I did each tournament, and came to all of the ones that they could. It was wonderful to feel so loved and really I never did play very well. I never really cared if I won. Not that I wanted to lose, I just did not have to win to have a good day.
I got my clubs out last night and cleaned them off. The zipper on my bag had melted together and would not unzip with out wd 40, this will tell you how long it had been since I played. I looked at all the clubs, still very useful and went to bed.
This morning we woke up early, got dressed and hit the club house, like a block down the road. Yes we got to play our own course that we live on.
My main goal today was to see the course and get to know where my house is in relationship to the course. It was hot at 7 am. Like 85 and humid. I took 5 practice swings at the driving range and said okay that is it, too hot to practice.
Well, here is the result:
We started on 18 and I did fine. I had some good shots, I had some bad shots, I had a few great chips, I had some bad chips, I had some good putts and I had some bad putts.
I was drenched in sweat by the third hole. The men were still looking pretty good sweat wise but I was a mess. If there was water in front of my I went into it. GLUB GLUB GLUB!!!!
My club grips were sticky and my five wood grip came off. I think my clubs may have seen their last course.
My wonderful husband did great and had the longest putt of the day easilly over 25 feet.
The son and his father we played with were wonderful and they had big bertha drivers that we loved to hear them hit.
Robyn came out and gave us all water and ice in cups on the 11 that is where we live and mocha barked at me to say hello.
Our team ended at 2 under and I was thrilled. The winners tied at 10 under, show offs.
The experience was wonderful and fun, but strange in that the mill people got their prizes and left, did not really socialize much and I think some were upset that us once a year golfers took home a prize.
The seriousness that some take in the game is still something that I do not like. I loved our group cause they cheered for all of us. It took all of us to get the 2 under. WE all had good and bad shots.
That was what was fun.
I truly do not need to be the best at anything in order to enjoy it. Strange I think. Others have to be the best all of the time, I don't, I can be ordinary and that is fine. I do not need to impress anyone, and I can still hit a really good 3 iron. Now the woods, yeah, that sucks.
Between Jeff and I we contributed at least 10 balls into the water and woods, no problem they came from the supply of balls that we find in our yard everyday. So we are down to about a 100 now.
All in all a fun, enjoyable day. Now I need a bath, some bengay and a nice cozy book.
My parents loved golf. My father was very good and I remember many days spent at the golf course watching him play. My mother was also very good and I remember her trophies that she won in league play.
At nine I learned to golf and from then on I loved the game.
I enjoyed the smell of the freshly cut grass, the time to be outside and the time to think about things other than homework.
I enjoyed playing with the boys, they played quickly and they did not argue, or worry about what they were wearing in order to play.
When I was a junior I got twelfth in the state of Montana in the girls state tournament. My only real great golfing accomplishment. My grandfather and my parents cut out all the newspaper clippings of how I did each tournament, and came to all of the ones that they could. It was wonderful to feel so loved and really I never did play very well. I never really cared if I won. Not that I wanted to lose, I just did not have to win to have a good day.
I got my clubs out last night and cleaned them off. The zipper on my bag had melted together and would not unzip with out wd 40, this will tell you how long it had been since I played. I looked at all the clubs, still very useful and went to bed.
This morning we woke up early, got dressed and hit the club house, like a block down the road. Yes we got to play our own course that we live on.
My main goal today was to see the course and get to know where my house is in relationship to the course. It was hot at 7 am. Like 85 and humid. I took 5 practice swings at the driving range and said okay that is it, too hot to practice.
Well, here is the result:
We started on 18 and I did fine. I had some good shots, I had some bad shots, I had a few great chips, I had some bad chips, I had some good putts and I had some bad putts.
I was drenched in sweat by the third hole. The men were still looking pretty good sweat wise but I was a mess. If there was water in front of my I went into it. GLUB GLUB GLUB!!!!
My club grips were sticky and my five wood grip came off. I think my clubs may have seen their last course.
My wonderful husband did great and had the longest putt of the day easilly over 25 feet.
The son and his father we played with were wonderful and they had big bertha drivers that we loved to hear them hit.
Robyn came out and gave us all water and ice in cups on the 11 that is where we live and mocha barked at me to say hello.
Our team ended at 2 under and I was thrilled. The winners tied at 10 under, show offs.
The experience was wonderful and fun, but strange in that the mill people got their prizes and left, did not really socialize much and I think some were upset that us once a year golfers took home a prize.
The seriousness that some take in the game is still something that I do not like. I loved our group cause they cheered for all of us. It took all of us to get the 2 under. WE all had good and bad shots.
That was what was fun.
I truly do not need to be the best at anything in order to enjoy it. Strange I think. Others have to be the best all of the time, I don't, I can be ordinary and that is fine. I do not need to impress anyone, and I can still hit a really good 3 iron. Now the woods, yeah, that sucks.
Between Jeff and I we contributed at least 10 balls into the water and woods, no problem they came from the supply of balls that we find in our yard everyday. So we are down to about a 100 now.
All in all a fun, enjoyable day. Now I need a bath, some bengay and a nice cozy book.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Waiting
I have been waiting to hear back on a job for about three weeks now. I am not very good at this waiting game. I waited about two months last summer and did not hear until the end of August and did not start until the end of September.
I even dream I hear the phone ringing. This has got to stop. I love to teach and I like to work but I am so tired of waiting.
I decided today to go through all the boxes of books in the garage and reorganize them. I know boring.....
No really they were in boxes labelled by AR reading levels and then when we moved the movers put everything in to fill the boxes that were not full and moved the books around. That is why they are packers and not teachers.
So I decided to use my time to organize my books and write down all the titles so that I 1. know what books I have and 2. I know if I have multiple copies and 3. I will know what levels I am overflowing in books and which ones I am low in. Was a great idea until I am on box 10 and the floor is covered in books. There are still about 8 boxes in the garage left to go through. I know as in the last post I have an addiction.
Did you know that some of the best books are really at a level that you would not think. Like Cat in the Hat is a 2nd grade level book. Parents are always trying to get their kids to read that book first.
Did you know that the levels of the books are on the back of the books cover or you can go to a website on line and level them yourself.
Did you even care about any of this? Probably not. I know boring just like waiting.
I even dream I hear the phone ringing. This has got to stop. I love to teach and I like to work but I am so tired of waiting.
I decided today to go through all the boxes of books in the garage and reorganize them. I know boring.....
No really they were in boxes labelled by AR reading levels and then when we moved the movers put everything in to fill the boxes that were not full and moved the books around. That is why they are packers and not teachers.
So I decided to use my time to organize my books and write down all the titles so that I 1. know what books I have and 2. I know if I have multiple copies and 3. I will know what levels I am overflowing in books and which ones I am low in. Was a great idea until I am on box 10 and the floor is covered in books. There are still about 8 boxes in the garage left to go through. I know as in the last post I have an addiction.
Did you know that some of the best books are really at a level that you would not think. Like Cat in the Hat is a 2nd grade level book. Parents are always trying to get their kids to read that book first.
Did you know that the levels of the books are on the back of the books cover or you can go to a website on line and level them yourself.
Did you even care about any of this? Probably not. I know boring just like waiting.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
books
I am addicted!!!!! I need a 12 step program and I need it now.
I have a problem. I love books and I love to read. I have finished in the last 3 weeks four books. I had two going at once. Now that is an accomplishment for me.
I read: High Heels and Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond
Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson
Cupcake mystery
The first six weeks of school.
Numerous magazines and looking forward to three new books on the horizon.
I have twenty five boxes of books in the garage. These are my classroom books in boxes by accellerated reader levels, themes, topics etc.
I have three book shelves in my back room filled with teacher books. Jeff says it is a sickness.
I could be dropped off in the middle of Barnes and Nobel and not found for days and I would be in Heaven.
I was hoping to be offered a job by the time we leave for Ohio tomorrow so that I would have an excuse to go to my favorite teacher store. Bummed now need to think of a way to get in there.
I have also come to the amazing conclusion that books need to be stacked on shelves horizontally not vertically. My neck and millions of others necks have kinks in them from looking sideways at the titles. Stack them from floor to ceiling and this would help so much.
Also just so you know I have read all the books in the garage, some like a hundred times, The Foot Book.
Well, Jeff told me today that for a reward he got to choose a gift. He chose a NOOK. Now I excited and aprehensive at the same time. I love to touch my books. I love to turn over the corner and mark my spot. I know there is a commercial out there like that but I really do love to feel my books. So not so sure what this new gift will be like.
I know that it will be lighter than the ten books I am taking on the plane, but come on I count that as my weight lifting. I also like to mark in my books. I know so tabot for a teacher to admit that. But I have highlighted, post its and just plain ripped paper to mark my books. They are my babies. I can't imagine not having them.
I can read some books and send them on their way to others. This has to be a good first move on my part right? But the true good books, they are on my shelves and here for reading and rereading.
So I may need a twelve step program but I would rather have retail therapy and go to the bookstore.
See you there.
I have a problem. I love books and I love to read. I have finished in the last 3 weeks four books. I had two going at once. Now that is an accomplishment for me.
I read: High Heels and Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond
Crunch Time by Diane Mott Davidson
Cupcake mystery
The first six weeks of school.
Numerous magazines and looking forward to three new books on the horizon.
I have twenty five boxes of books in the garage. These are my classroom books in boxes by accellerated reader levels, themes, topics etc.
I have three book shelves in my back room filled with teacher books. Jeff says it is a sickness.
I could be dropped off in the middle of Barnes and Nobel and not found for days and I would be in Heaven.
I was hoping to be offered a job by the time we leave for Ohio tomorrow so that I would have an excuse to go to my favorite teacher store. Bummed now need to think of a way to get in there.
I have also come to the amazing conclusion that books need to be stacked on shelves horizontally not vertically. My neck and millions of others necks have kinks in them from looking sideways at the titles. Stack them from floor to ceiling and this would help so much.
Also just so you know I have read all the books in the garage, some like a hundred times, The Foot Book.
Well, Jeff told me today that for a reward he got to choose a gift. He chose a NOOK. Now I excited and aprehensive at the same time. I love to touch my books. I love to turn over the corner and mark my spot. I know there is a commercial out there like that but I really do love to feel my books. So not so sure what this new gift will be like.
I know that it will be lighter than the ten books I am taking on the plane, but come on I count that as my weight lifting. I also like to mark in my books. I know so tabot for a teacher to admit that. But I have highlighted, post its and just plain ripped paper to mark my books. They are my babies. I can't imagine not having them.
I can read some books and send them on their way to others. This has to be a good first move on my part right? But the true good books, they are on my shelves and here for reading and rereading.
So I may need a twelve step program but I would rather have retail therapy and go to the bookstore.
See you there.
Blog Number 100
So I know it has been awhile. Well, let's see, I have finished a year of teaching, got a new crown on a tooth that broke, went to the dr. ( was dreading this) blood test came out fine. And have spent the last few weeks interviewing for a new job.
I am getting to be awesome at interviewing. It helps that my husband is an HR manager and has coached me, helped me with my resume and my stategies. He has even told me how certain interviews were going to go and low and be hold he was spot on. He is an amazing husband and father and coach. I have learned so much in this process after the last two years.
I am interviewing the schools just as much as they are interviewing me. I know what I am looking for and have made up my mind that they will be lucky to get me. How is that for self confidence and an attitude.
I also had my wonderful Robyn dye my hair back to its beautiful brown color. I needed to change something and it was the easiest and actually the cheapest. New carpet, new chairs, painting the walls, yeah, too much at the moment. So the hair won. I love it. I had comments all day about how young I looked. Wow who knew. Anyway it did get a bit more expensive as I went and got it cut today as well. I still had this heavy feeling and I knew it was time. I have not had it cut in over a year. The girl was great and said that it was super healthy for having been that long. Yeah, I know she just wanted a tip.
I was going to make my 100th blog this big deal and thought about all the things that were important enough to go on my hundredth blog and then there it was. Nothing!!!!
I am a teacher I teach about reading 100 books, learning our numbers to 100 , we celebrate 100 day and I just could not come up with anything. So as I looked at the ceiling for 4 hours last night going over in my head what interview questions the team would have how the other interviews have gone, it came to me. Just write something stupid and move on. So here it is something stupid and moving on.
I am getting to be awesome at interviewing. It helps that my husband is an HR manager and has coached me, helped me with my resume and my stategies. He has even told me how certain interviews were going to go and low and be hold he was spot on. He is an amazing husband and father and coach. I have learned so much in this process after the last two years.
I am interviewing the schools just as much as they are interviewing me. I know what I am looking for and have made up my mind that they will be lucky to get me. How is that for self confidence and an attitude.
I also had my wonderful Robyn dye my hair back to its beautiful brown color. I needed to change something and it was the easiest and actually the cheapest. New carpet, new chairs, painting the walls, yeah, too much at the moment. So the hair won. I love it. I had comments all day about how young I looked. Wow who knew. Anyway it did get a bit more expensive as I went and got it cut today as well. I still had this heavy feeling and I knew it was time. I have not had it cut in over a year. The girl was great and said that it was super healthy for having been that long. Yeah, I know she just wanted a tip.
I was going to make my 100th blog this big deal and thought about all the things that were important enough to go on my hundredth blog and then there it was. Nothing!!!!
I am a teacher I teach about reading 100 books, learning our numbers to 100 , we celebrate 100 day and I just could not come up with anything. So as I looked at the ceiling for 4 hours last night going over in my head what interview questions the team would have how the other interviews have gone, it came to me. Just write something stupid and move on. So here it is something stupid and moving on.
Friday, April 29, 2011
kids
For those of you who are not teachers, this will probably be boring post. My kiddos say and do some of the funniest things.
These are random and on a day like today I thought they were needed to remind me why I teach.
One little girl today said the following when she saw a guardsman for the princess at the wedding on the computer: Do they make all the men there wear dresses? Do they not have any man clothes in that country?
My adoreable loveable little boy said: She is my girlfriend, speaking about our music teacher, Oh I said I thought I was your girl friend. No she is my girlfriend you are my wife at home.
Nice
I also was asked by three kids today at lunch" how many more bites do I have to have before I can eat my ice cream . So I am the wife at home and the bite counter now.
I am continually amazed at how my kiddos view me as their mom. They are so funny and so innocent most of the time.
Also one of my kids was so proud of himself this week that he could spell two four letter words correctly. Man too bad they were not his spelling words. Why can they spell the bad words and be so proud but then ask ten times how to spell our or of or from or your .......
After our makesift parade for the testing week and pep rally this teacher needs some r and r.
Heres to all of you and hoping that you are not the wife at home......
These are random and on a day like today I thought they were needed to remind me why I teach.
One little girl today said the following when she saw a guardsman for the princess at the wedding on the computer: Do they make all the men there wear dresses? Do they not have any man clothes in that country?
My adoreable loveable little boy said: She is my girlfriend, speaking about our music teacher, Oh I said I thought I was your girl friend. No she is my girlfriend you are my wife at home.
Nice
I also was asked by three kids today at lunch" how many more bites do I have to have before I can eat my ice cream . So I am the wife at home and the bite counter now.
I am continually amazed at how my kiddos view me as their mom. They are so funny and so innocent most of the time.
Also one of my kids was so proud of himself this week that he could spell two four letter words correctly. Man too bad they were not his spelling words. Why can they spell the bad words and be so proud but then ask ten times how to spell our or of or from or your .......
After our makesift parade for the testing week and pep rally this teacher needs some r and r.
Heres to all of you and hoping that you are not the wife at home......
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Rough Week
I hate to blog about rough times, it seems so whinny and selfish. But this week I really need to get my thoughts out and over with.
Monday started out just fine until the principal called me in and gave me my pink slip. Again out of a job in May. Education in this country sucks. Where else do you let people go that are more than qualified and eagar to help our children because the goverment can't sign a budget and they think cutting funding for education is the answer. I say cut some of the politicians and keep some teachers.
Then came Thursday and Jeff had his first colonoscopy. Long day before and night and then he went in and they said it was all good but they could not get him to wake up. Robyn and I went back and started talking to him and took him home to sleep. He wants some of that medicine he says. I was really worried but he doesn't remember a thing.
Friday would have been our grand daughter Jaidyn's third birthday. She was a sweet baby and the light of our lives for 24 days. We all miss her terribly. W e are all praying for more babies in our future. This is what I call a sad week. So I am very blessed as my trouble are very few just heavy heart. I know that god is good and will allow more children to bless our family. I know god is good and helping us to all live healthier lives on a daily basis. Fiber Fiber Fiber people. And I know that I am a great teacher and some school irregardless of the funding is in need of my services. So this Easter I hope that all of you know what blessings you have in your lives and that you try to bless others. Happy Easter to one and all.
Angela
Monday started out just fine until the principal called me in and gave me my pink slip. Again out of a job in May. Education in this country sucks. Where else do you let people go that are more than qualified and eagar to help our children because the goverment can't sign a budget and they think cutting funding for education is the answer. I say cut some of the politicians and keep some teachers.
Then came Thursday and Jeff had his first colonoscopy. Long day before and night and then he went in and they said it was all good but they could not get him to wake up. Robyn and I went back and started talking to him and took him home to sleep. He wants some of that medicine he says. I was really worried but he doesn't remember a thing.
Friday would have been our grand daughter Jaidyn's third birthday. She was a sweet baby and the light of our lives for 24 days. We all miss her terribly. W e are all praying for more babies in our future. This is what I call a sad week. So I am very blessed as my trouble are very few just heavy heart. I know that god is good and will allow more children to bless our family. I know god is good and helping us to all live healthier lives on a daily basis. Fiber Fiber Fiber people. And I know that I am a great teacher and some school irregardless of the funding is in need of my services. So this Easter I hope that all of you know what blessings you have in your lives and that you try to bless others. Happy Easter to one and all.
Angela
Monday, March 28, 2011
Signs of Spring
I am so sorry to post this for all of my winter ridden family and friends but bear with me.
1. We have mowed the lawn three times with our new lawn mower.
2. I have flowers coming out all over the yard. Pictures to be added as soon as Robyn gets home.
3. The birds are eating us out of house and bird seed.
4. The golf balls are plentiful as the course is busy non stop.
5. I laid by the pool for an hour and a half yesterday.
6. The cars are covered in a pretty yellow-green hue.
7. The students have about had their fill of school.
8. The teacher is resorting to promises of popsicles if they behave.
9. The teacher can't be outside more than two seconds and the eyes are watery and red and itchy.
10. Reeses peanut butter eggs are in the stores. And more importantly in my cart. Oh, Robyn and Ally say that they love the bubble gum eggs if anyone is buying and sending them their way.
Happy Spring to one and all and leave me a comment or two......
1. We have mowed the lawn three times with our new lawn mower.
2. I have flowers coming out all over the yard. Pictures to be added as soon as Robyn gets home.
3. The birds are eating us out of house and bird seed.
4. The golf balls are plentiful as the course is busy non stop.
5. I laid by the pool for an hour and a half yesterday.
6. The cars are covered in a pretty yellow-green hue.
7. The students have about had their fill of school.
8. The teacher is resorting to promises of popsicles if they behave.
9. The teacher can't be outside more than two seconds and the eyes are watery and red and itchy.
10. Reeses peanut butter eggs are in the stores. And more importantly in my cart. Oh, Robyn and Ally say that they love the bubble gum eggs if anyone is buying and sending them their way.
Happy Spring to one and all and leave me a comment or two......
Monday, March 21, 2011
Light bulbs
I know you all think I am crazy for what I blog about and your probably think that I am going to go on and on about the new energy saving light bulbs that cost 20.00 but only cost .97 a year and last 10 years.
Not!!!!!
My students have light bulbs turning on at a rapid pace.
I had told my assistant that the light bulbs will start to go off but he did not really believe me. I knew it would happen. It usually happens after Christmas Break but with this group it happened after Spring Break.
The children entered this morning looking clean, dapper with new shoes and new haircuts and a sparkle in their eyes. My assistant began to exclaim, "what is it, They are different". I said just wait.
It happened after lunch.
I was starting our new math calendar time and asked if someone could volunteer to come to the permethian board and solve out word problem. I chose two digit numbers in the problem to introduce our new standard of adding two digit numbers without regrouping. Well, a normally quiet reserved girl volunteered to come up. I gave her the pen and asked her how she was going to go about solving the problem. Her response was to make twenty five marks and cross out 14 and it would give her the correct answer. My assistant's mouth dropped open. Wow came out and I said just wait.
The next problem was one with 17 coins and involved me writing them on the board. As I did this I heard another little girl in the back ground begin to add them up. As she got close she stopped and I turned around and asked her if she had it figured out. She ran up took the pen and said Yes, but it is different. I said okay show us. She counted as we had learned by fives and then she looked puzzled for a minute. She had gotten to 100 and was thinking, you could see the wheels turning. She continued and said the answer is 126 and I said but this is money and she said oh, yeah that is it, it is a dollar and left over cents. Another mouth drop from the assistant.
As the afternoon progressed, a boy that I am sure is autistic, and very seldom makes major break throughs, asked if he could read a book out of the book bin. My assistant said "No that is too hard" He said no it isn't I will show you. The story was about magnets and he began to read fluently and used words like refrigerator, metal and pipes with out hesitation. Once again the assistant dropped his lower jaw and this time exclaimed" What just happened in the last 7 days"
I said remember that light bulb. He called his sister and said I can't believe what these kids know, she said you just missed them. No they really are learning!!!!!
He asked me if I had any more tricks up my sleeve. I said just wait until I show you the ones with the new LED lightbulbs........
Am I good or what.
Not!!!!!
My students have light bulbs turning on at a rapid pace.
I had told my assistant that the light bulbs will start to go off but he did not really believe me. I knew it would happen. It usually happens after Christmas Break but with this group it happened after Spring Break.
The children entered this morning looking clean, dapper with new shoes and new haircuts and a sparkle in their eyes. My assistant began to exclaim, "what is it, They are different". I said just wait.
It happened after lunch.
I was starting our new math calendar time and asked if someone could volunteer to come to the permethian board and solve out word problem. I chose two digit numbers in the problem to introduce our new standard of adding two digit numbers without regrouping. Well, a normally quiet reserved girl volunteered to come up. I gave her the pen and asked her how she was going to go about solving the problem. Her response was to make twenty five marks and cross out 14 and it would give her the correct answer. My assistant's mouth dropped open. Wow came out and I said just wait.
The next problem was one with 17 coins and involved me writing them on the board. As I did this I heard another little girl in the back ground begin to add them up. As she got close she stopped and I turned around and asked her if she had it figured out. She ran up took the pen and said Yes, but it is different. I said okay show us. She counted as we had learned by fives and then she looked puzzled for a minute. She had gotten to 100 and was thinking, you could see the wheels turning. She continued and said the answer is 126 and I said but this is money and she said oh, yeah that is it, it is a dollar and left over cents. Another mouth drop from the assistant.
As the afternoon progressed, a boy that I am sure is autistic, and very seldom makes major break throughs, asked if he could read a book out of the book bin. My assistant said "No that is too hard" He said no it isn't I will show you. The story was about magnets and he began to read fluently and used words like refrigerator, metal and pipes with out hesitation. Once again the assistant dropped his lower jaw and this time exclaimed" What just happened in the last 7 days"
I said remember that light bulb. He called his sister and said I can't believe what these kids know, she said you just missed them. No they really are learning!!!!!
He asked me if I had any more tricks up my sleeve. I said just wait until I show you the ones with the new LED lightbulbs........
Am I good or what.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Loved
I am loved. I went back to my old stomping grounds of Whipple Ranch Elementary. I walked in and surprised everyone. The kids came running and the hugs were amazing. I think one little girl even cried. I need nothing else. The children love me. I do not care about paper work, lesson plans, anything. I go to work every day for the kiddos. I told these children that I have 13new kiddos that need me. When they all begged me to stay, I had to go. They are in great hands......
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lack of inspiration
Recently I have felt this total lack of inspiration. I have been frustrated at the class and unable to see any progress. I have been frustrated by the fact that I was on crutches for weeks and could not exercise. I have been frustrated with the weather changing everyday from hot to cold. I have been frustrated by the fact that I am sneezing constantly and having trouble breathing and this is with allergy meds.
I have been searching for ideas, I look on blogs everyday and wonder what I can do to spark my kiddos, spark my sense of learning and Get these kiddos reading.
This week was our third nine weeks testing.
I hate this week. I have to test each child individually on many areas and I have to give them a test that is not developmentally accurate. I watched the children get more and more frustrated and the teachers about crack up. We had teachers in tears with their scores. The students were overly stimulated and then we had two days of really bad weather on top of this. In other words we were all ready for 3:30 today. Spring Break.
The kiddos in my class had done very good on their 2nd nine weeks so I was afraid that we could not do that again. I was so wrong....
I am so inspired today. My kids could not have done any better. Last time I had the highest math scores in the entire district and fourth highest in Reading. There was a three way tie for first. So I really got second.
Anyhow, I was really fearful that it was a fluk. I mean, me the constant negative nelly, the one that wants constant reinforcement that I am doing a good job, just knew that it was a mirage, that I was dreaming and they really did not do that well. Well, they did and they did better this time. I mean I almost fell over today.
My kids seemed to understand all the items but some made some silly mistakes, I cringe and they go on. But the way the test is scored, they aced the math, I mean all made advanced and all but one made advanced in reading. I am leaving for AZ with the mind set that I am a great teacher and it does not matter that my class is a bit noisier than the others, or that we do things a little different than the other two first grade classes. I mean we are all reading and we are all writing. The children love to come to class, I have had perfect attendance for two months and they did not want to leave for break today. I am inspired to be even better after a week off at the ball park and time to actually breathe.
Happy Spring Break to one and all. Leave a comment so I know you are all still reading my writings will you.....
I have been searching for ideas, I look on blogs everyday and wonder what I can do to spark my kiddos, spark my sense of learning and Get these kiddos reading.
This week was our third nine weeks testing.
I hate this week. I have to test each child individually on many areas and I have to give them a test that is not developmentally accurate. I watched the children get more and more frustrated and the teachers about crack up. We had teachers in tears with their scores. The students were overly stimulated and then we had two days of really bad weather on top of this. In other words we were all ready for 3:30 today. Spring Break.
The kiddos in my class had done very good on their 2nd nine weeks so I was afraid that we could not do that again. I was so wrong....
I am so inspired today. My kids could not have done any better. Last time I had the highest math scores in the entire district and fourth highest in Reading. There was a three way tie for first. So I really got second.
Anyhow, I was really fearful that it was a fluk. I mean, me the constant negative nelly, the one that wants constant reinforcement that I am doing a good job, just knew that it was a mirage, that I was dreaming and they really did not do that well. Well, they did and they did better this time. I mean I almost fell over today.
My kids seemed to understand all the items but some made some silly mistakes, I cringe and they go on. But the way the test is scored, they aced the math, I mean all made advanced and all but one made advanced in reading. I am leaving for AZ with the mind set that I am a great teacher and it does not matter that my class is a bit noisier than the others, or that we do things a little different than the other two first grade classes. I mean we are all reading and we are all writing. The children love to come to class, I have had perfect attendance for two months and they did not want to leave for break today. I am inspired to be even better after a week off at the ball park and time to actually breathe.
Happy Spring Break to one and all. Leave a comment so I know you are all still reading my writings will you.....
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Grocery Shopping
I have a confession to make. I have not been grocery shopping since about October. I also have to admit that I do not miss it. Jeff loves to shop and has taken on this task. I have not argued and have actually liked the fact that I do not have to face all the people. You see here in Hattiesburg we do not have a grocery store. We have Walmart and Sams. There is a store called Corner Market, up the road about three miles, but it is small and very expensive. I have been used to a Safeway, lots of deals, a starbucks and open on my way to work or home.
So as of October when we moved into the new house, Jeff has taken to going to Walmart and Sam's each Saturday after he works out about 7am. This is too early for me on a Saturday, and he has already been to work out. I know insane, he gets up at 4:30 everyday. That is a whole nother blog.
I love that he goes, gets our weekly food, and stocks up on all of the essentials. I never have to worry. Except I would like to have some junk every now and then. He refuses to buy junk food, and forget about my beloved "sugar water" as he calls my coke. I am just at a point now that I am bored. I think we are in a rut and I need to give him some new ideas on what to get for summer. I like to cook, just that after a day with all the little ones I am beat. I have to plan my dinner in the am if we are going to be very creative. Then there are the days when I get out of the school see the sun for the first time that day, as I have no windows in my room and think that the pizza is the best option. I do this we come home and eat it and we all do not really feel full or satisfied. I used to make homemade pizza all the time. I did make an apple pie from scratch the other day, but now it is like 80 degrees and the oven turning on seems to be a poor idea.
So we went to see about a new grill this weekend. Let's say that was a surprise. The grills out there now are live full size kitchens. I just want a small grill, easy to operate and cook enough for about 5 as I need left overs for lunches. Propane is another issue. You buy the 200.00 grill and then the propane tank is 30.00 empty. So here is the rub. Is it still cheaper to cook at home, face the crowds at Walmart or to go out to eat. That is the question........
So as of October when we moved into the new house, Jeff has taken to going to Walmart and Sam's each Saturday after he works out about 7am. This is too early for me on a Saturday, and he has already been to work out. I know insane, he gets up at 4:30 everyday. That is a whole nother blog.
I love that he goes, gets our weekly food, and stocks up on all of the essentials. I never have to worry. Except I would like to have some junk every now and then. He refuses to buy junk food, and forget about my beloved "sugar water" as he calls my coke. I am just at a point now that I am bored. I think we are in a rut and I need to give him some new ideas on what to get for summer. I like to cook, just that after a day with all the little ones I am beat. I have to plan my dinner in the am if we are going to be very creative. Then there are the days when I get out of the school see the sun for the first time that day, as I have no windows in my room and think that the pizza is the best option. I do this we come home and eat it and we all do not really feel full or satisfied. I used to make homemade pizza all the time. I did make an apple pie from scratch the other day, but now it is like 80 degrees and the oven turning on seems to be a poor idea.
So we went to see about a new grill this weekend. Let's say that was a surprise. The grills out there now are live full size kitchens. I just want a small grill, easy to operate and cook enough for about 5 as I need left overs for lunches. Propane is another issue. You buy the 200.00 grill and then the propane tank is 30.00 empty. So here is the rub. Is it still cheaper to cook at home, face the crowds at Walmart or to go out to eat. That is the question........
Monday, February 21, 2011
Cleaning?????
All I wanted to do was clean my computer and take a nice hot bath.
After a long day at school in meetings, sitting on hard cafeteria benches, all I wanted was to run into Target and get some spray to clean up my computer and bath product to take a relaxing bath.
What I got was the third degree and having to show my driver's license to purchase the air spray and bath salts.
I am a forty six year old woman and if I wanted to do something illegal I would not buy the paraphernalia at Target.
I wish that the people that are doing this sort of thing would quit not only would it make taking a simple bubble bath easier, but my job as a teacher would become much easier . So word of the day. This teacher wants a hot bubble bath and the ability to clean her computer with out being hassled.
Enough said......
After a long day at school in meetings, sitting on hard cafeteria benches, all I wanted was to run into Target and get some spray to clean up my computer and bath product to take a relaxing bath.
What I got was the third degree and having to show my driver's license to purchase the air spray and bath salts.
I am a forty six year old woman and if I wanted to do something illegal I would not buy the paraphernalia at Target.
I wish that the people that are doing this sort of thing would quit not only would it make taking a simple bubble bath easier, but my job as a teacher would become much easier . So word of the day. This teacher wants a hot bubble bath and the ability to clean her computer with out being hassled.
Enough said......
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Day
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Let's all remember to tell all that we love that we love them. Life is short and there are no promises of tomorrow.
To all of you out there.... I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life. Each and everyone of you make me a better me.
To all of you out there.... I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life. Each and everyone of you make me a better me.
Monday, January 31, 2011
I have fallen and I can't get up!!!!!
So I fell on my way into work today. I am now in an air cast and on crutches. This is not fun and I hope that I feel better tomorrow.
What I have learned today:
It is silly to take home so much work that you have to drop your work off at a closer door. This would be the steps that I fell on.
I have no coordination and the crutches are hard... I have fallen with them twice.
The ability to get from one place to the other with no help and two legs is way under rated.
Going to the bathroom with one bad leg sucks.....
I am so right handed and right footed it is scary... note to self, try to use my left side of my body more..
My left knee is scraped up just like when I was a kid and fell off my bike.
My family is the best. Jeff left work to take me to the dr. Robyn helped with my bathroom issues and asked her sorority to say prayers for me. Allison and Brody called and my mom let me know that I will be okay soon. You are all the best. Dad, I know how hard it is now to let people try to help you.
I get to go back to work tomorrow and it will be interesting as to how this will go... A rolly chair and I will be good. I missed my class today and I will not be wearing heeled shoes for a while.... Flats rock.
What I have learned today:
It is silly to take home so much work that you have to drop your work off at a closer door. This would be the steps that I fell on.
I have no coordination and the crutches are hard... I have fallen with them twice.
The ability to get from one place to the other with no help and two legs is way under rated.
Going to the bathroom with one bad leg sucks.....
I am so right handed and right footed it is scary... note to self, try to use my left side of my body more..
My left knee is scraped up just like when I was a kid and fell off my bike.
My family is the best. Jeff left work to take me to the dr. Robyn helped with my bathroom issues and asked her sorority to say prayers for me. Allison and Brody called and my mom let me know that I will be okay soon. You are all the best. Dad, I know how hard it is now to let people try to help you.
I get to go back to work tomorrow and it will be interesting as to how this will go... A rolly chair and I will be good. I missed my class today and I will not be wearing heeled shoes for a while.... Flats rock.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Everyday is so daily
I know what you are thinking, this lady writes about the strangest things. Must be my brain. I am home today after my cute little kiddos gave me the gift that keeps on giving. The stomach bug.
After sleeping all day, I am finally upright and feeling better, just do not mention food.
Anyhow, on to the blog.
As a first grade teacher, I seem to forget how everyday is so daily. We do the calendar, we count to 100 we talk about the first word of a sentence starts with a capital.etc. Everyday. And yet, some still do not process this. As I beat my head against the wall, it comes to me that, it has taken me 46 years to feel comfortable with writing and I still make mistakes in grammar so what am I so frustrated about. These kiddos go home to no food, water or heat and I am upset cause they can't write a sentence correctly. Relax...
Being home today, I looked at the buckets of laundry that are still awaiting my attention, the floor that needs to be vacuumed and the dishes in the sink, on a daily basis all is not complete, it is a work in progress. So I am going to view my class as the next great master piece, but the unfinished kind...... A work in progress
After sleeping all day, I am finally upright and feeling better, just do not mention food.
Anyhow, on to the blog.
As a first grade teacher, I seem to forget how everyday is so daily. We do the calendar, we count to 100 we talk about the first word of a sentence starts with a capital.etc. Everyday. And yet, some still do not process this. As I beat my head against the wall, it comes to me that, it has taken me 46 years to feel comfortable with writing and I still make mistakes in grammar so what am I so frustrated about. These kiddos go home to no food, water or heat and I am upset cause they can't write a sentence correctly. Relax...
Being home today, I looked at the buckets of laundry that are still awaiting my attention, the floor that needs to be vacuumed and the dishes in the sink, on a daily basis all is not complete, it is a work in progress. So I am going to view my class as the next great master piece, but the unfinished kind...... A work in progress
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Our World
When I was a child I remember riding my bike to the local circle K and it was not just down the street. I remember going around the neighborhood trick or treating and knocking on doors of people that I did not know. I remember selling girl scout cookies to the neighbors. I remember knowing my neighbors.
Our World has changed and not for the better.
Yesterday dozens of people were injured or killed because they were at the grocery store in AZ and listening to a congresswoman who was supposed to be listening to them. I am sick. This is a crazy world.
I teach children that go home to houses with no heat, no water, no lights, and crack and other drugs on the tables. I teach children that know where to go to get beer, and lord knows what else, but can't make me a list of restaurants, cause they never eat out.
I teach kids that know who lives in the projects and who needs to go to get locked up and where to go to get money to get people out of jail. I do not even know that.
Poverty is here in our country. Poverty is breeding these awful situations. We are not holding people accountable for their lives.
Let's not give the homeless guy with a great voice the celebrity time. Let us see that he has not been the best of people and make him work for the money. There are some ten of his offspring that are owed some child support. Or should I say the women in his life have taken care of his children.'
Let's make our world one we are proud of. I am always reminded of the story in the bible of the fish. If you give a man the fish he will eat for a day. If your teach him to fish he will eat for a lifetime.
Let's Teach..........
Peace
Our World has changed and not for the better.
Yesterday dozens of people were injured or killed because they were at the grocery store in AZ and listening to a congresswoman who was supposed to be listening to them. I am sick. This is a crazy world.
I teach children that go home to houses with no heat, no water, no lights, and crack and other drugs on the tables. I teach children that know where to go to get beer, and lord knows what else, but can't make me a list of restaurants, cause they never eat out.
I teach kids that know who lives in the projects and who needs to go to get locked up and where to go to get money to get people out of jail. I do not even know that.
Poverty is here in our country. Poverty is breeding these awful situations. We are not holding people accountable for their lives.
Let's not give the homeless guy with a great voice the celebrity time. Let us see that he has not been the best of people and make him work for the money. There are some ten of his offspring that are owed some child support. Or should I say the women in his life have taken care of his children.'
Let's make our world one we are proud of. I am always reminded of the story in the bible of the fish. If you give a man the fish he will eat for a day. If your teach him to fish he will eat for a lifetime.
Let's Teach..........
Peace
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year New Me Yeah, right
So I started my new year with a brisk walk this morning with my dog. We came home from Christmas and the dog seems to have gained a few pounds. I have too but that is not the issue. She is noticably heavier and so I decided that we should explore our new neighborhood. Our walk down the 11th hole behind our house gave me some new insight: there is a sand trap on the left side just down from the house next door. No wonder all the people that tee off try to come to the right and land in my backyard. Oh, found 2 golf balls on the way to the garage from the backyard.
So feeling refreshed "it was chilly". I decided to tackle the on line lesson plans. This is at about 9am. At about 2pm I finally had everything done to a level of competency that I could submit. This is only due to the fact that Jeff came in and helped me like 40 times. His comment was I should take a windows class. My comment was, I spent 4 hours the other day writing all these plans down and not once did I get frustrated with my pencil....... Now I have to retype them all again and it has taken 4 hour to figure out how to put Monday in vertically on the page.
I want to be a new me, I want to move to the computer age, I want to be a size 2 but I really do not think that any of this will happen.
Perspective: I like doing my work on paper with a pencil and that is that.
I will have to save what we did today so I can copy it for the next 19 weeks.
Perspective: The walk was good. I will continue this and hope to see a reduction in my size and mocha's.
Not a size 2 but a healthier body and one that fits into all the current clothes in my closet.
Off to work tomorrow. Love to all
So feeling refreshed "it was chilly". I decided to tackle the on line lesson plans. This is at about 9am. At about 2pm I finally had everything done to a level of competency that I could submit. This is only due to the fact that Jeff came in and helped me like 40 times. His comment was I should take a windows class. My comment was, I spent 4 hours the other day writing all these plans down and not once did I get frustrated with my pencil....... Now I have to retype them all again and it has taken 4 hour to figure out how to put Monday in vertically on the page.
I want to be a new me, I want to move to the computer age, I want to be a size 2 but I really do not think that any of this will happen.
Perspective: I like doing my work on paper with a pencil and that is that.
I will have to save what we did today so I can copy it for the next 19 weeks.
Perspective: The walk was good. I will continue this and hope to see a reduction in my size and mocha's.
Not a size 2 but a healthier body and one that fits into all the current clothes in my closet.
Off to work tomorrow. Love to all
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