Chuck, What a strange name to linger on as a legend. I know some pretty cool Chucks though from my past lives (AKA my childhood and high school years, so it is isn't that surprising to again be presented with a pretty cool Chuck. The problem with this is that presentation of Chuck has not been fully revealed to me.
Chuck was a teacher here at my school for many many many many years. One of the teachers here said that she taught with Chuck for more than 15 years, and Chuck was around before she was. Chuck taught fourth and fifth grade, and his legend lives on.
The teacher's lounge here at school is affectionately called Chuck's lounge, because Chuck spent so much of his "extra time" there. E-mails go out that say, "birthdays are posted on the fridge in Chuck's Lounge." I feel cheated because I have not met this glorious Chuck, and I fear I never will.
Chuck lives right close to the school, so some times they announce things to him. (Our P.A. system is heard clearly even if you are about a block away from the school.) Teachers meetings begin with, "All teacher's please come to the library for staff meeting. Chuck, you can come on over if you would like."
I have even seen this legendary Chuck in the hallway. He passed me by one day while stating that he was here to eat lunch with his 15+ year teaching partner, but I didn't have the guts to say, "Wow, you are the legendary Chuck...I expected you to be taller."
It just goes to show how one person can make an impact on so many people. Even on people like me who have never met Chuck, and even on people driving by the school at 7:30am with their windows down.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades don't roll at all
This morning I had someone ask me how my days went. I started to think about it, and my school days literally roll with the weather.
If you have ever been in the kid business, you will know that Kids are like little barometers - their moods change with the shape of the atmosphere. If a front rolls through, and doesn't matter what kind of front, the kids change their behavior in a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde way. For example yesterday was a cloudy and stormy Wednesday. The children who I teach on this morning of the week have a pretty good track record, and the students who I teach in the afternoon are known for giving me small ulcers. Well yesterday, I hung up my hat after my morning classes went poorly. (Ha, who am I kidding, they were full of threats of no behavior note, and missed recess time.) Yet, the afternoon classes all got their behavior notes. (A reward that the students get for good behavior and class participation.)
Today the weather is nice and bright. After I post I am going to check up on the front forecast to see if I will have to plan any back up lessons.
NEXT STORY
A couple of nights ago, Chris and I got inspired to go rollerblading. Both of us had loved it in our youth. Chris even used to go to a park in W and Rollerblade a lot. Well, we both got our skates and headed for the park. After we parked the car and pulled on our stellar (child of the 90's) skates, we set off. I will admit that I was a little perturbed that Chris was better than me, and seemingly more in shape. If you don't know, I have been exercising more than I ever have in my entire life as of late. I have been running, jogging, elliptical, biking, and walking a lot. I didn't get why I was the one breathing hard and trying to keep up.
I deduced, My Skates Don't Work!
I complained to Christopher...
"These skates don't work! They Stink! This is hard! SLOW DOWN! No, I do not know how to put all of my weight on one blade and push off with the other one! SHUT UP!!!"
I was not kind... I was um... a brat.
So Finally, after pushing me for a while, Chris conceded that the barrings in my wheels were shot. I finally agreed with him on something.
I decided to persevere for just a little while longer, when I looked down and saw that the front wheel on my right skate had CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER AND WAS FALLING AWAY IN CHUNKS!!!
To end a long and painful story, I ran while he bladed. Then I huffed back to his apartment where we both drank a gallon of water, and then I went home to bed.
Like I said, My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades will NEVER ROLL AGAIN!
If you have ever been in the kid business, you will know that Kids are like little barometers - their moods change with the shape of the atmosphere. If a front rolls through, and doesn't matter what kind of front, the kids change their behavior in a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde way. For example yesterday was a cloudy and stormy Wednesday. The children who I teach on this morning of the week have a pretty good track record, and the students who I teach in the afternoon are known for giving me small ulcers. Well yesterday, I hung up my hat after my morning classes went poorly. (Ha, who am I kidding, they were full of threats of no behavior note, and missed recess time.) Yet, the afternoon classes all got their behavior notes. (A reward that the students get for good behavior and class participation.)
Today the weather is nice and bright. After I post I am going to check up on the front forecast to see if I will have to plan any back up lessons.
NEXT STORY
A couple of nights ago, Chris and I got inspired to go rollerblading. Both of us had loved it in our youth. Chris even used to go to a park in W and Rollerblade a lot. Well, we both got our skates and headed for the park. After we parked the car and pulled on our stellar (child of the 90's) skates, we set off. I will admit that I was a little perturbed that Chris was better than me, and seemingly more in shape. If you don't know, I have been exercising more than I ever have in my entire life as of late. I have been running, jogging, elliptical, biking, and walking a lot. I didn't get why I was the one breathing hard and trying to keep up.
I deduced, My Skates Don't Work!
I complained to Christopher...
"These skates don't work! They Stink! This is hard! SLOW DOWN! No, I do not know how to put all of my weight on one blade and push off with the other one! SHUT UP!!!"
I was not kind... I was um... a brat.
So Finally, after pushing me for a while, Chris conceded that the barrings in my wheels were shot. I finally agreed with him on something.
I decided to persevere for just a little while longer, when I looked down and saw that the front wheel on my right skate had CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER AND WAS FALLING AWAY IN CHUNKS!!!
To end a long and painful story, I ran while he bladed. Then I huffed back to his apartment where we both drank a gallon of water, and then I went home to bed.
Like I said, My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades will NEVER ROLL AGAIN!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
MISS MUSIC ABANDONS SHIP / KINDERGARTEN BOREDOM
I can earnestly say that I have abandoned ship.
I have recently been trying to figure out the inner-workings of the average kindergarten student's mind. Let me tell you, It has been no picnic.
I knew that kindergartners could get bored, but I never knew that they had their own language of communicating this boredom.
The first surprising sign of boredom is the "Scab Pick." This strong cry of self mutalation surprised me as a sign of simple boredom, but even more surprising is the fact that this symptom or sign can follow a child until he or she reaches third and in some extreme cases even fourth grade. As evidence to this symptom, I offer the fact that I have been through 15 band aids in the first two weeks of school in the primary grades alone. (Kindergarten-Second)
The second symptom of boredom is the "Excuse Me" accompanied by the ever wiggling raised hand. This is the "Excuse Me" that begins with "One Time + a sibling = blood, guts, and pain." It ends with me saying, "That was not a question, that was a statement. A question would be you asking me something, and not telling me a story."
The third sign of kindergarten boredom is the worried hand to the mouth accompanied by an "I'm going to be sick face." I have affectionately named this one the "I'm gonna frow up, or the I frew up." Now this one can not be taken lightly. This needs to be met with a bio hazard bucket, which will be spit in, and taken to the bio hazard dump (aka the maintenance room).
(perfectly good waste of a bio hazard bag)
The first three symptoms of boredom are quick recovery symptoms. They can be dealt with and brushed away. The next two are worse to deal with because they could sink your ship and cause you to abandon your lesson.
The fourth and ever threatening sign of boredom has a lot to do with the third, but this demonstrates the true power of suggestion. When a child claims the: "I don't feel good" what they really mean is: "you are not interesting enough for me to pretend to be interested, so instead I will pretend to be sick so that I can sit and watch you try to entertain the rest of these suckers." If this statement is allowed to sink into the rest of the minds in the classroom, you will immediately deal with 35% to 45% of your students who have the "I don't feel goods," or the "I feel sicks." AKA ABANDON SHIP!!!
The fifth and final symptom of kindergarten boredom is the most deathly to a well planned lesson. I call it the "Miss Music? I have to go to the bafroom." I have just two words for you, GAME OVER! That's it, Pack up your bag O' tricks and go home!
So that's what I did, I packed up my bag of tricks, but I didn't go home. Instead of going home, I went back to the tricks that I knew would work.
We can sing eight variations of Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes till the cows come home as long as I never have to hear, "Miss Music, I have to go to the bafroom!"
I have recently been trying to figure out the inner-workings of the average kindergarten student's mind. Let me tell you, It has been no picnic.
I knew that kindergartners could get bored, but I never knew that they had their own language of communicating this boredom.
The first surprising sign of boredom is the "Scab Pick." This strong cry of self mutalation surprised me as a sign of simple boredom, but even more surprising is the fact that this symptom or sign can follow a child until he or she reaches third and in some extreme cases even fourth grade. As evidence to this symptom, I offer the fact that I have been through 15 band aids in the first two weeks of school in the primary grades alone. (Kindergarten-Second)
The second symptom of boredom is the "Excuse Me" accompanied by the ever wiggling raised hand. This is the "Excuse Me" that begins with "One Time + a sibling = blood, guts, and pain." It ends with me saying, "That was not a question, that was a statement. A question would be you asking me something, and not telling me a story."
The third sign of kindergarten boredom is the worried hand to the mouth accompanied by an "I'm going to be sick face." I have affectionately named this one the "I'm gonna frow up, or the I frew up." Now this one can not be taken lightly. This needs to be met with a bio hazard bucket, which will be spit in, and taken to the bio hazard dump (aka the maintenance room).
(perfectly good waste of a bio hazard bag)
The first three symptoms of boredom are quick recovery symptoms. They can be dealt with and brushed away. The next two are worse to deal with because they could sink your ship and cause you to abandon your lesson.
The fourth and ever threatening sign of boredom has a lot to do with the third, but this demonstrates the true power of suggestion. When a child claims the: "I don't feel good" what they really mean is: "you are not interesting enough for me to pretend to be interested, so instead I will pretend to be sick so that I can sit and watch you try to entertain the rest of these suckers." If this statement is allowed to sink into the rest of the minds in the classroom, you will immediately deal with 35% to 45% of your students who have the "I don't feel goods," or the "I feel sicks." AKA ABANDON SHIP!!!
The fifth and final symptom of kindergarten boredom is the most deathly to a well planned lesson. I call it the "Miss Music? I have to go to the bafroom." I have just two words for you, GAME OVER! That's it, Pack up your bag O' tricks and go home!
So that's what I did, I packed up my bag of tricks, but I didn't go home. Instead of going home, I went back to the tricks that I knew would work.
We can sing eight variations of Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes till the cows come home as long as I never have to hear, "Miss Music, I have to go to the bafroom!"
Friday, August 24, 2007
Why can't I sew a circle to a square and have it come out right?
Last night I was AGAIN stuffing and sewing pillows for Christopher's new place. This wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't had the brilliant idea of making cylindrical pillows for the chairs. "Come on," I said, "They will look so cool!"
Well, they didn't start off bad. One seam and I had a cylinder. Next I took a circle. I pinned, I sewed, I ripped, I pinned, I sewed, I ripped. I pinned, I substitute cursed*, I ripped. Finally I came up with a plan. "sew the dumb thing on and fix it once it is connected." This was not the best idea in the world, but in the end it turned out OK.
The point being, If you are ever in the vicinity of Chris' living room and happen to see a couple of lumpy dumpy cylendars... do not complain to me... I fought the cloth and the cloth won.
*A substitute curse is a word that makes no sense. I throw this word into my vocabulary instead of a real curse word. Most of these words sound like the German word for Eating House. (don't ask why)
Well, they didn't start off bad. One seam and I had a cylinder. Next I took a circle. I pinned, I sewed, I ripped, I pinned, I sewed, I ripped. I pinned, I substitute cursed*, I ripped. Finally I came up with a plan. "sew the dumb thing on and fix it once it is connected." This was not the best idea in the world, but in the end it turned out OK.
The point being, If you are ever in the vicinity of Chris' living room and happen to see a couple of lumpy dumpy cylendars... do not complain to me... I fought the cloth and the cloth won.
*A substitute curse is a word that makes no sense. I throw this word into my vocabulary instead of a real curse word. Most of these words sound like the German word for Eating House. (don't ask why)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
87 million new passwords
So,
As a part of being a teacher, I have to know a lot of passwords. My network log-in and password, my e-mail log-in and password, my grade book log-in and password, my phone log-in and yes... password, as well as many others that I can't remember right now. I started thinking about this Log-in and password system. It is great in theory, but the fact that some of the log-in and passwords change every 75 days, and others change every 45 days is beginning to seem daunting. That plus the rule that your new log-in and password must not be the same or similar as the last 12 passwords that I have chosen. In some cases that means that I can not use any of the same Log-in and passwords for the next three years.
For some people, this would be no problem. Yet, I am not some people. In fact, I am not most people. I have had the same or similar log-in and password for the past 5 years, and I am a creature of Habit. When 75 days roll around, I fear that I will freeze up and go into something similar to diabetic shock. Why oh why can't this system be like the system in the burro. One log-in, One password, Every year the same. I am ceremoniously sticking my tongue out at my cruddy compy. (PC for you techies out there)
Random Thought: If you really want to throw someone off in a durring a task that should be mindless and uneducational, Press the Spanish button in the self check out at the grocery store for them. It is amazing how much more we have to stop and think about what we should do next.
As a part of being a teacher, I have to know a lot of passwords. My network log-in and password, my e-mail log-in and password, my grade book log-in and password, my phone log-in and yes... password, as well as many others that I can't remember right now. I started thinking about this Log-in and password system. It is great in theory, but the fact that some of the log-in and passwords change every 75 days, and others change every 45 days is beginning to seem daunting. That plus the rule that your new log-in and password must not be the same or similar as the last 12 passwords that I have chosen. In some cases that means that I can not use any of the same Log-in and passwords for the next three years.
For some people, this would be no problem. Yet, I am not some people. In fact, I am not most people. I have had the same or similar log-in and password for the past 5 years, and I am a creature of Habit. When 75 days roll around, I fear that I will freeze up and go into something similar to diabetic shock. Why oh why can't this system be like the system in the burro. One log-in, One password, Every year the same. I am ceremoniously sticking my tongue out at my cruddy compy. (PC for you techies out there)
Random Thought: If you really want to throw someone off in a durring a task that should be mindless and uneducational, Press the Spanish button in the self check out at the grocery store for them. It is amazing how much more we have to stop and think about what we should do next.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Week one down, Week two in progress
Well,
I am successfully done with my first week of being a real teacher. It is an unusual experience to have a classroom and get to do whatever one wants (within reason). I am learning a lot about the developmental abilities of elementary students. Just when I think I might have second grade figured out, they pull a fast one on me and I am back at square one. All that I have to say is that the only lesson that I think went amazingly wonderful with my second graders involved me singing and dancing to a song called Zudio for about an hour. I did not go to the YMCA that day. I already had cardio jumping around with those kids.
I also have made a wonderful discovery about the wonders of exercise. Just when you think that you have given it your all, you should try pushing yourself physically to the next level. It will do wonders for your relaxation ability. (burning 400-500 calories doesn't hurt either). I have already told Amy that I am going to become a Y rat, and I am well on my way. The only draw back to the y rat-ness is the fact that there are other more fit and physically gorgeous Y rats who make me feel like a Y possum rather than a Y rat. My goal is to become a Y prairie dog. That way I won't feel so intimidating or as intimidated as a true Y rat.
(if you understood the last paragraph, you need mental assistance.)
Another new event in my life is the fact that Chris finally has a job in the same town as me. It is a wonderful feeling that he is just minutes away working hard at a new thing just like I am. Yesterday we tackled getting him settled in his new little duplex. I am not kidding when I said it was little. It works Great for him, but the closet system in the place leaves something to be desired. Thank goodness that there is a wonderful second hand furniture shop in which he bought a beautiful cedar lined wardrobe for less bucks than big bucks. Tonight after group conferences we will probably again tackle getting him settled, and hopefully the fiber fill from stuffing chair cushions will someday dislodge itself from every crevice of my living room floor.
Well, I fear that I have rambled on long enough. I guess that this is enough information for you to sink your teeth into for a while. If you want to know what I did on the weekend, the answer is simple: I did what I have done every weekend since I moved north.
Spent Friday night at my parents house. Saw my friend Sabrah from CA. Talked in my sleep to my sister, which included saying "boom" when she dropped her boot while putting it away, as well as telling her "make sure you put the books on the shelf, like the doctor did." Spent Saturday with Justin and Elise, Spent Saturday night at Rachel's, Spent Sunday in the burro, and came back north on Sunday afternoon.
Off to great adventure and molding young minds!
Lots back to being gone!!!
I am successfully done with my first week of being a real teacher. It is an unusual experience to have a classroom and get to do whatever one wants (within reason). I am learning a lot about the developmental abilities of elementary students. Just when I think I might have second grade figured out, they pull a fast one on me and I am back at square one. All that I have to say is that the only lesson that I think went amazingly wonderful with my second graders involved me singing and dancing to a song called Zudio for about an hour. I did not go to the YMCA that day. I already had cardio jumping around with those kids.
I also have made a wonderful discovery about the wonders of exercise. Just when you think that you have given it your all, you should try pushing yourself physically to the next level. It will do wonders for your relaxation ability. (burning 400-500 calories doesn't hurt either). I have already told Amy that I am going to become a Y rat, and I am well on my way. The only draw back to the y rat-ness is the fact that there are other more fit and physically gorgeous Y rats who make me feel like a Y possum rather than a Y rat. My goal is to become a Y prairie dog. That way I won't feel so intimidating or as intimidated as a true Y rat.
(if you understood the last paragraph, you need mental assistance.)
Another new event in my life is the fact that Chris finally has a job in the same town as me. It is a wonderful feeling that he is just minutes away working hard at a new thing just like I am. Yesterday we tackled getting him settled in his new little duplex. I am not kidding when I said it was little. It works Great for him, but the closet system in the place leaves something to be desired. Thank goodness that there is a wonderful second hand furniture shop in which he bought a beautiful cedar lined wardrobe for less bucks than big bucks. Tonight after group conferences we will probably again tackle getting him settled, and hopefully the fiber fill from stuffing chair cushions will someday dislodge itself from every crevice of my living room floor.
Well, I fear that I have rambled on long enough. I guess that this is enough information for you to sink your teeth into for a while. If you want to know what I did on the weekend, the answer is simple: I did what I have done every weekend since I moved north.
Spent Friday night at my parents house. Saw my friend Sabrah from CA. Talked in my sleep to my sister, which included saying "boom" when she dropped her boot while putting it away, as well as telling her "make sure you put the books on the shelf, like the doctor did." Spent Saturday with Justin and Elise, Spent Saturday night at Rachel's, Spent Sunday in the burro, and came back north on Sunday afternoon.
Off to great adventure and molding young minds!
Lots back to being gone!!!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
57 hours
Last week I worked 57 hours in my classroom. I am still tired.
Anyway...
The kids come tomorrow. I am nervous. I am in Mac town with my family for my mother's birthday. I don't want to go back up north to work because of my nerves. Da' Gum...
I know that once I start, It will be better, but man... If it doesn't start I might run scared.
Here are some interesting facts about starting my job.
1. I will be on evaluation for the next three years.
2. It will take three years to become a tenured teacher.
3. It will take two years to get my complete teaching certification.
4. It will take me a lifetime of teaching to actually reach the best I will ever be, and then I will retire because the life of a teacher is constant improvement.
5. Changing school districts is a pain in the butt.
Although these things sound discouraging, It is all part of the great governmental plot to try to inspire teachers to be lifetime learners. I believe that they have some of their screws loose.
Anyway...
The kids come tomorrow. I am nervous. I am in Mac town with my family for my mother's birthday. I don't want to go back up north to work because of my nerves. Da' Gum...
I know that once I start, It will be better, but man... If it doesn't start I might run scared.
Here are some interesting facts about starting my job.
1. I will be on evaluation for the next three years.
2. It will take three years to become a tenured teacher.
3. It will take two years to get my complete teaching certification.
4. It will take me a lifetime of teaching to actually reach the best I will ever be, and then I will retire because the life of a teacher is constant improvement.
5. Changing school districts is a pain in the butt.
Although these things sound discouraging, It is all part of the great governmental plot to try to inspire teachers to be lifetime learners. I believe that they have some of their screws loose.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
New Things
I have not posted in a while. I will attribute that to the exceedingly long days I have been working in preparation for the school year. Yesterday in fact I worked a 13 and 1/2 hour day. Yes, From 7:00 am to 8:00pm I was either in meetings or working to get my classroom in order. Which is why I am not going to let this post linger on.
All that I have to say about being a new teacher so far is that getting used to a new school system is a bigger job than I thought that it would be. I also miss Sharon and Patti over at the burro M.S.
This afternoon calls for a Pride and Prejudice sound track and a cup of iced tea. Too bad I only get one of those things.
Well, I am going to plan some seriously awesome first week of school lessons. Ta ta for now.
All that I have to say about being a new teacher so far is that getting used to a new school system is a bigger job than I thought that it would be. I also miss Sharon and Patti over at the burro M.S.
This afternoon calls for a Pride and Prejudice sound track and a cup of iced tea. Too bad I only get one of those things.
Well, I am going to plan some seriously awesome first week of school lessons. Ta ta for now.
Monday, July 30, 2007
My New Neighbors: For ages 16 and older
Sometimes there are things that I would like to write on this blog, but I choose not to write them because of the adult nature of the subject matter. I don't know who reads this, but I certainly want to keep it to G rated material.
Yet, sometimes life gives us Neighbors who bring incidents that are not G rated into our lives. This was my case last week. The entire situation brought me to tears in laughter.
So, I will for one post diverge from my normal G ratedness.
I recently moved into my first apartment complex. It is not a large complex, and it is in a nice part of town. My neighbors are not frightening in the least. For the most part they are quiet and respectful of the other occupants.
Except for my upstairs neighbor who takes a shower every night at 1:00 a.m. or later, and insists on throwing up loudly on Monday mornings for at least an hour. The first time I heard it, I kind of wanted to call 911 because it sounded like he was DYING. At least now I know the full effects of a full weekend hangover.
Here is the part of the story when apartment life truly turned over a new leaf.
New Roommate and I were enjoying a nice Italian Chicken meal when we heard a knock at the door "knock,knock,knock." We immediately thought, "No one knocks on our door, It must be the neighbor's door. A short time later and there was another, "knock knock knock." we got up an answered the door and it was our neighbor. She had come by to see if we wanted her business cards. She told us that she does slumber parties. We excitedly answered "Slumber parties, that's fun." (thinking cookies, and movies, and late night girl talk) Little did we know that "Slumber Parties" is a company that sells bedroom unmentionables, edible body butters, and other adult toys. "Gasp" Our neighbor sells sex toys, and we said "Slumber parties, that's fun!"
On the up side of things, we invited her in and she stayed while we made and ate cheese cake. We talked about a lot of things and were open about our faith, our relationships, our views on drinking and other serious issues. At the end of the evening she asked us if we wanted to go walking some time. I was so glad that she was still comfortable around us after we had shared so openly. Hopefully we will keep getting chances to share our lives with her.
One thing that New Roommate and I are nervous about is the fact that someday our neighbor will want to give a slumber party hosted by us. We decided that we would have to make it the first ever three person "Slumber Parties" party, and hope that she won't mind that we don't buy anything.
Yet, sometimes life gives us Neighbors who bring incidents that are not G rated into our lives. This was my case last week. The entire situation brought me to tears in laughter.
So, I will for one post diverge from my normal G ratedness.
I recently moved into my first apartment complex. It is not a large complex, and it is in a nice part of town. My neighbors are not frightening in the least. For the most part they are quiet and respectful of the other occupants.
Except for my upstairs neighbor who takes a shower every night at 1:00 a.m. or later, and insists on throwing up loudly on Monday mornings for at least an hour. The first time I heard it, I kind of wanted to call 911 because it sounded like he was DYING. At least now I know the full effects of a full weekend hangover.
Here is the part of the story when apartment life truly turned over a new leaf.
New Roommate and I were enjoying a nice Italian Chicken meal when we heard a knock at the door "knock,knock,knock." We immediately thought, "No one knocks on our door, It must be the neighbor's door. A short time later and there was another, "knock knock knock." we got up an answered the door and it was our neighbor. She had come by to see if we wanted her business cards. She told us that she does slumber parties. We excitedly answered "Slumber parties, that's fun." (thinking cookies, and movies, and late night girl talk) Little did we know that "Slumber Parties" is a company that sells bedroom unmentionables, edible body butters, and other adult toys. "Gasp" Our neighbor sells sex toys, and we said "Slumber parties, that's fun!"
On the up side of things, we invited her in and she stayed while we made and ate cheese cake. We talked about a lot of things and were open about our faith, our relationships, our views on drinking and other serious issues. At the end of the evening she asked us if we wanted to go walking some time. I was so glad that she was still comfortable around us after we had shared so openly. Hopefully we will keep getting chances to share our lives with her.
One thing that New Roommate and I are nervous about is the fact that someday our neighbor will want to give a slumber party hosted by us. We decided that we would have to make it the first ever three person "Slumber Parties" party, and hope that she won't mind that we don't buy anything.
Sad Strainge Little Car: part 27
So,
Throughout the entire month of June, I had the predicament of deciding whether I wanted to fix my car or not. I opted to not make payments on a new car, and instead fixed my car. I had to get an entire new air compressor for the circulation system in my car. It takes care of: Drying, Cooling, Air conditioner, Heater, Defrost, and many other helpful things
On the way back from my new home a couple of days ago, I realized something. I couldn't get the car to cool. The air conditioner was like a hand dryer blowing directly in my face. I tried every method I could think of to fix it. I tried circulating from the outside, inside, on max, not on max, from the vent, with no cooling power on, and with cooling power on. NOTHING.
Today, I am stranded at my parents house. My dad had meetings in the burro, so he took my car to see if they could FIX IT. Hopefully it will be fixed for free and in one day.
I am not keeping my fingers crossed.
Throughout the entire month of June, I had the predicament of deciding whether I wanted to fix my car or not. I opted to not make payments on a new car, and instead fixed my car. I had to get an entire new air compressor for the circulation system in my car. It takes care of: Drying, Cooling, Air conditioner, Heater, Defrost, and many other helpful things
On the way back from my new home a couple of days ago, I realized something. I couldn't get the car to cool. The air conditioner was like a hand dryer blowing directly in my face. I tried every method I could think of to fix it. I tried circulating from the outside, inside, on max, not on max, from the vent, with no cooling power on, and with cooling power on. NOTHING.
Today, I am stranded at my parents house. My dad had meetings in the burro, so he took my car to see if they could FIX IT. Hopefully it will be fixed for free and in one day.
I am not keeping my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Ha, I can post!!!
For all of those people who have written me on facebook, who also read this blog, I am sorry that I can't reply to you. The computer won't let me.
Anyway...
So this past week and weekend was great. I spent wonderful times with my family. We went to Cottonwood Falls to eat catfish and listen to a town blue-grass get together. It was a truly good experience. We also went out to the bestest Mexican place ever and ate the bestest enchiladas ever! Good food, good times, good company.
I was kind of bummed on Tuesday. I was back up in my northern apartment and had just read my devotions about the pharasees giving Jesus a hard time about his life (a common occurance), when there was a "nock at my chamber door" (common quote by Jenna). I opened my door expecting to see Chris' family, but instead of them it was CHRIS, 100% in the flesh. I was so surprised. I was also so broken up about him surprising me that I immediately started crying and almost shut the door in his face.
We had a wonderful day. ate little burgers for lunch. drove around and got aquainted with this town. ate Italian for super and all in all had a fulfilling day of rest and good conversation.
God knew exactly what I needed. He isn't just talking big when He says that He will suply all of our needs. I didn't understand His timing on this ocasion until after the visit, because I thought that my needs were more urgent than He did, but He waited until I was receptive to His will and then He gifted me with the company I had longed for.
Anyway...
So this past week and weekend was great. I spent wonderful times with my family. We went to Cottonwood Falls to eat catfish and listen to a town blue-grass get together. It was a truly good experience. We also went out to the bestest Mexican place ever and ate the bestest enchiladas ever! Good food, good times, good company.
I was kind of bummed on Tuesday. I was back up in my northern apartment and had just read my devotions about the pharasees giving Jesus a hard time about his life (a common occurance), when there was a "nock at my chamber door" (common quote by Jenna). I opened my door expecting to see Chris' family, but instead of them it was CHRIS, 100% in the flesh. I was so surprised. I was also so broken up about him surprising me that I immediately started crying and almost shut the door in his face.
We had a wonderful day. ate little burgers for lunch. drove around and got aquainted with this town. ate Italian for super and all in all had a fulfilling day of rest and good conversation.
God knew exactly what I needed. He isn't just talking big when He says that He will suply all of our needs. I didn't understand His timing on this ocasion until after the visit, because I thought that my needs were more urgent than He did, but He waited until I was receptive to His will and then He gifted me with the company I had longed for.
testing, testing, one two three
This is a test of the wireless internet not working right broadcast system. This is only a test to see if this works. If it works, there will be more to follow.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Not much
I am sure that I have a lot to say, but right now I don't really feel like talking about it right now.
I am with my family this week. It has been good. I haven't slept much. The first couple of nights because of a girl movie marathon. The no sleep the next couple of nights has been due to the fact that my sister has moved into my room and insists on keeping that TV on into the wee hours of the night. I have listened to more partial episodes of COPS than I have since my freshmen year of college.
I think I may go nap now. Or read. I only have 200 more pages left in my 840 page book.
ttfn
I am with my family this week. It has been good. I haven't slept much. The first couple of nights because of a girl movie marathon. The no sleep the next couple of nights has been due to the fact that my sister has moved into my room and insists on keeping that TV on into the wee hours of the night. I have listened to more partial episodes of COPS than I have since my freshmen year of college.
I think I may go nap now. Or read. I only have 200 more pages left in my 840 page book.
ttfn
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Oh the places you'll go
So every year at highschool graduation one of the english teachers reads a Dr Seuss book that reminds her of the graduating class. Seuss has a book called "Oh the places you'll go," I believe that he could have also written a book entitled "Oh the people you'll meet." I have been in my new town for a week now, and I believe that I have met more new people than have been new places.
There was the young boy at the D.A.V. who thought that they had forgotten to pay their electricity bill when they turned their lights out as the store closed.
Or the clerk at the D.A.V. who exclamed with her head bobbing like a valley girl, "I expect to see you back now that you know the HOT PLACE TO SHOP!" (punctuating each bold word with a jirk of the head)
There was the Drafting teacher who I met at my teachers meeting. He was nervous about working in such a large school. I (along with english teacher guy) assured him that because he can grow a five o' clock shadow by three that he will have no problem holding classroom authority.
There was the little asian woman at lap swimming who exclamed to me, "Is hot! You hot too? Here's what you need to do, just dip your head back. Dip it back, dip it, DIP IT BACK! Now you see. Much cooler, yes?"
So you see, Even though I am just in one new place, I have met a handfull of delightful people. I hope to get to lap swim with Asian woman again. She cracked me up.
Other than that I am just trying to get through the rest of this summer without getting too nervouse about the upcomming school year. Pray for me as you think of it.
There was the young boy at the D.A.V. who thought that they had forgotten to pay their electricity bill when they turned their lights out as the store closed.
Or the clerk at the D.A.V. who exclamed with her head bobbing like a valley girl, "I expect to see you back now that you know the HOT PLACE TO SHOP!" (punctuating each bold word with a jirk of the head)
There was the Drafting teacher who I met at my teachers meeting. He was nervous about working in such a large school. I (along with english teacher guy) assured him that because he can grow a five o' clock shadow by three that he will have no problem holding classroom authority.
There was the little asian woman at lap swimming who exclamed to me, "Is hot! You hot too? Here's what you need to do, just dip your head back. Dip it back, dip it, DIP IT BACK! Now you see. Much cooler, yes?"
So you see, Even though I am just in one new place, I have met a handfull of delightful people. I hope to get to lap swim with Asian woman again. She cracked me up.
Other than that I am just trying to get through the rest of this summer without getting too nervouse about the upcomming school year. Pray for me as you think of it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Update
Well,
I have officially moved. I have only been there for one night though. I am currently at my parents house though. I am excited to start feeling at home in my apartment, but it is just so different from the burro. I guess that I need to get out into the community and start establishing some familiar places. I think that I have been in the same small town for too long because I kind of like knowing all of the checkers at all of the two grocery stores in town.
Last Sunday I went to a spiritual DNA class. Among other things, I found out that I am energized by people, but I am structure oriented. Basically that means that I like to be with people and they are more important than the task that we may be working on, but if we don't have some structure in our day or activity I get tired and shut down. (Honestly, I don't know how I have made it thus far considering that my group of friends and family don't do the structure thing that well.)
Tonight I am going to see Josh in By By Birdie. I am excited to hang out with the girls. It will also get me up north enough to actually stay in my apartment for the next couple of days.
On Thursday I have a new teacher's meeting. I get to have a drug test! (Just as a side bar, I hate lab testing of any kind.) I also get to turn in my employers copy of my teaching license. I have a teaching license. I have that little slip of paper for which I worked ridiculously hard. Huzzah!
I have also officially resigned myself to no trip this summer. I am probably not going to get to go anywhere out of the tri-state area. This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but you must understand my love of travel. I like it so much I even added the feature "Where I have been" on facebook. It is the one new application which I will accept. Maybe I will go to the Library and get some travel videos. I think I will photo shop my picture into some photos of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, South East Asia, India, or North East United States.
I have officially moved. I have only been there for one night though. I am currently at my parents house though. I am excited to start feeling at home in my apartment, but it is just so different from the burro. I guess that I need to get out into the community and start establishing some familiar places. I think that I have been in the same small town for too long because I kind of like knowing all of the checkers at all of the two grocery stores in town.
Last Sunday I went to a spiritual DNA class. Among other things, I found out that I am energized by people, but I am structure oriented. Basically that means that I like to be with people and they are more important than the task that we may be working on, but if we don't have some structure in our day or activity I get tired and shut down. (Honestly, I don't know how I have made it thus far considering that my group of friends and family don't do the structure thing that well.)
Tonight I am going to see Josh in By By Birdie. I am excited to hang out with the girls. It will also get me up north enough to actually stay in my apartment for the next couple of days.
On Thursday I have a new teacher's meeting. I get to have a drug test! (Just as a side bar, I hate lab testing of any kind.) I also get to turn in my employers copy of my teaching license. I have a teaching license. I have that little slip of paper for which I worked ridiculously hard. Huzzah!
I have also officially resigned myself to no trip this summer. I am probably not going to get to go anywhere out of the tri-state area. This may not seem like a big deal to some people, but you must understand my love of travel. I like it so much I even added the feature "Where I have been" on facebook. It is the one new application which I will accept. Maybe I will go to the Library and get some travel videos. I think I will photo shop my picture into some photos of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, South East Asia, India, or North East United States.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Last "Last Week"
Do you remember the feeling that all of us got during finals week, when everyone was busy taking their room apart? People would move out their old beds and bring in the bulky college beast beds. They would take out their decorations. The rooms would echo more. The hall was loud. The air conditioner would compete with the opening and closing of doors. People would slowly announce their departure. "Alright, I'm going now," or the high pitched voice that was so popular freshmen year, "By Guys!" We would hug, and say "See you next year." We didn't acknowledge that each of these last weeks would lead us to the very last week we would ever move away from Tabor College.
The problem for me is that "last last week" didn't ever happen. Graduation weekend was so much of a crazy rush that I didn't have time to let the thought of leaving sink in. Then I student taught in the fall, and it felt like I had a job on campus. In the spring, I got a job on campus. Hillsboro got under my skin, and I got into Hillsboro.
I finally feel that "Last week" feeling again, but now I am in my office. I am leaving this week. Steve is leaving this week. Clint is leaving this week. The back four offices in our building are cleaning out. The air conditioner is fighting the opening and closing of doors. The rooms echo more. The hallway is loud. Steve announced his departure, "I'm Out! I'm Gone!" and on his way out Clint and Leda told him, "See you around campus."
I am leaving. I will come back to visit. For five years I have been home in this little town in the middle of the middle of the US. No longer will I walk across campus to visit the friends who I have met. No longer will I skip out on obligations to watch Soccer in the fall. No longer will I have late night play practices. No longer will I call people for the phonathon. No longer will I change addresses and update databases.
This is it. This is the break. This is the feeling that I have been waiting for since graduation last year.
Now I can embrace the memories. Now I can come back for reunions and home comings and feel like I am visiting with old friends. Now I can touch a new group of people, and tell them the stories that my Tabor friends already know because they were there when the stories began....
The problem for me is that "last last week" didn't ever happen. Graduation weekend was so much of a crazy rush that I didn't have time to let the thought of leaving sink in. Then I student taught in the fall, and it felt like I had a job on campus. In the spring, I got a job on campus. Hillsboro got under my skin, and I got into Hillsboro.
I finally feel that "Last week" feeling again, but now I am in my office. I am leaving this week. Steve is leaving this week. Clint is leaving this week. The back four offices in our building are cleaning out. The air conditioner is fighting the opening and closing of doors. The rooms echo more. The hallway is loud. Steve announced his departure, "I'm Out! I'm Gone!" and on his way out Clint and Leda told him, "See you around campus."
I am leaving. I will come back to visit. For five years I have been home in this little town in the middle of the middle of the US. No longer will I walk across campus to visit the friends who I have met. No longer will I skip out on obligations to watch Soccer in the fall. No longer will I have late night play practices. No longer will I call people for the phonathon. No longer will I change addresses and update databases.
This is it. This is the break. This is the feeling that I have been waiting for since graduation last year.
Now I can embrace the memories. Now I can come back for reunions and home comings and feel like I am visiting with old friends. Now I can touch a new group of people, and tell them the stories that my Tabor friends already know because they were there when the stories began....
Monday, June 25, 2007
moving
College promotes moving. New jobs promote moving. Living as a twenty something in the 2000's promotes moving.
I am not only moving out of my apartment to a different apartment,
I am moving out of my office into another office at tabor, and then moving into another office when I get the keys to my new job.
I am also moving my sister from her apartment to my parents house and a storage building four or so days before I move myself.
I have been talking about scheduling a message for a long time. I might just have to actually make good on that promise to myself.
I am not only moving out of my apartment to a different apartment,
I am moving out of my office into another office at tabor, and then moving into another office when I get the keys to my new job.
I am also moving my sister from her apartment to my parents house and a storage building four or so days before I move myself.
I have been talking about scheduling a message for a long time. I might just have to actually make good on that promise to myself.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Girls in the summer......... (and one boy)
Yesterday was a Girls day in the summer. I took off of work an hour early, and went to Amy and Rachel's. We took care of the cat (I am cat sitting again), and took off south to N.
We ate Chinese food down town. It was so good. They had a wonderful crab salad, coconut shrimp, chicken and broccoli, and scallion beef. I tried the Vegetarian Loe Mein, but it had much too much peanut oil in it. Amy and I split this thing that was labeled butterfly shrimp, but the more I think about it the more I think that it must have been something else. It was like sausage wrapped in rice noodle paper and boiled. (like a dumpling) Not so grand.
After lovely Chinese, we hung out at 10 Thousand Villages. I found so many things that I would have liked to buy, but I restrained myself. Someday I am going back and buying some of the cd's that they had.
We went next door to the etcetera shop, and the buying began. I got a scarf, a large basket, and a corduroy blanket from the 70's. I might make a rug out of the blanket. It is pretty cool.
After that we drove down to an antique store/flea market. Amy picked up these dinosaur toys and started quoting "Firefly." (origionally I wrote The Land Before Time in the quotes.) I was shocked at how many word for word lines she pulled out. I still laugh when I think about it. Amy also found a chair for her parents re-enacting, Rachel found a cup for Laura and Muppet's Treasure Island, and I purchased two ginormous wind chimes. They are beautiful.
I can't imagine that there are people who have never shopped at a garage sale, thrift store, flea market, second hand store, or auction. It is so much fun going out in search of hidden spoils. I think if the average person went in search of this kind of Booty (pirates treasure) instead of the other kind of booty the world would be a much different place. (Unnecessary Wal-Mart shopping would also be cut down considerably.)
After scavenging we went to Josh's house and took naps. (Group nap time is a beautiful thing) When we woke up, Amy and I drove Laura's truck back to Hillsboro, Rachel Drove her car to Taiquando, and Josh and Laura drove out into the country and GOT ENGAGED!!!
Amy and I ate Hamburgers and then went to Justin and Elise's to watch Gilmore Girls and eat Nacho Cheese Doritos and Chunky Chips Ahoy. (Which I decided to forever call Chunky Chips OF HOY)
It was a wonderful day of Girls in the summer.
We ate Chinese food down town. It was so good. They had a wonderful crab salad, coconut shrimp, chicken and broccoli, and scallion beef. I tried the Vegetarian Loe Mein, but it had much too much peanut oil in it. Amy and I split this thing that was labeled butterfly shrimp, but the more I think about it the more I think that it must have been something else. It was like sausage wrapped in rice noodle paper and boiled. (like a dumpling) Not so grand.
After lovely Chinese, we hung out at 10 Thousand Villages. I found so many things that I would have liked to buy, but I restrained myself. Someday I am going back and buying some of the cd's that they had.
We went next door to the etcetera shop, and the buying began. I got a scarf, a large basket, and a corduroy blanket from the 70's. I might make a rug out of the blanket. It is pretty cool.
After that we drove down to an antique store/flea market. Amy picked up these dinosaur toys and started quoting "Firefly." (origionally I wrote The Land Before Time in the quotes.) I was shocked at how many word for word lines she pulled out. I still laugh when I think about it. Amy also found a chair for her parents re-enacting, Rachel found a cup for Laura and Muppet's Treasure Island, and I purchased two ginormous wind chimes. They are beautiful.
I can't imagine that there are people who have never shopped at a garage sale, thrift store, flea market, second hand store, or auction. It is so much fun going out in search of hidden spoils. I think if the average person went in search of this kind of Booty (pirates treasure) instead of the other kind of booty the world would be a much different place. (Unnecessary Wal-Mart shopping would also be cut down considerably.)
After scavenging we went to Josh's house and took naps. (Group nap time is a beautiful thing) When we woke up, Amy and I drove Laura's truck back to Hillsboro, Rachel Drove her car to Taiquando, and Josh and Laura drove out into the country and GOT ENGAGED!!!
Amy and I ate Hamburgers and then went to Justin and Elise's to watch Gilmore Girls and eat Nacho Cheese Doritos and Chunky Chips Ahoy. (Which I decided to forever call Chunky Chips OF HOY)
It was a wonderful day of Girls in the summer.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Lost Dog
For the past week there has been a great dog just wandering around Tabor's campus. The dog is male, medium sized, and speckled in brown and white. It looks like the kind of dog that people use for bird hunting. He is nice, does not bark, follows people around, but does not appear aggressive at all.
So, I want this dog to get back to its origional owner. I don't really know what to do. I don't want to call the police, because I don't want the poor dog to sit in the pound. I can't take it in either because I don't think that Fern would appreciate a dog in the house or even in the yard for that matter. So, I found a sight for lost and found pets as a link on kiddlive.com.
The link is:
http://www.petfinder.com/
I looked to see if his owner had posted an add about the dog, but they hadn't. The thing is that I don't feel like I can post an add about it, because I can't be sure that I could find the dog to return him at any given time. He hangs out around the college in the mornings, but I have no guarantee that I can find him when I need to.
For now, I will try to keep tabs on his comming and going. Hopefully someone with their own back yard will have a heart to help him out.
So, I want this dog to get back to its origional owner. I don't really know what to do. I don't want to call the police, because I don't want the poor dog to sit in the pound. I can't take it in either because I don't think that Fern would appreciate a dog in the house or even in the yard for that matter. So, I found a sight for lost and found pets as a link on kiddlive.com.
The link is:
http://www.petfinder.com/
I looked to see if his owner had posted an add about the dog, but they hadn't. The thing is that I don't feel like I can post an add about it, because I can't be sure that I could find the dog to return him at any given time. He hangs out around the college in the mornings, but I have no guarantee that I can find him when I need to.
For now, I will try to keep tabs on his comming and going. Hopefully someone with their own back yard will have a heart to help him out.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tie up loose ends
A couple of weeks ago a lot of things in my life went nuts. Well, some of them are righting themselves.
First of all: We found an apartment! It is larger than the one that we had before. The entryway is kind of sketchy, but the actual apartment is really nice. We are renting from Lenky (my fond entitlement of my new land lord). He is the guy who we were going to rent from the first time. He felt bad about not renting the original apartment to us, and so he told us that he would discount the rent $50 a month plus throw in a washer and dryer for $15 a month. I am glad that we will get our own washer and dryer. I don't want my clothes to smell like someone else's clothes.
Second: I am down to the last straw with my car. My dad told me to fix it and if I find something else that I want, he will drive my old car. I only have one more possibility. I am closing the doors after that. It may not work out anyway because of the length of the time that it will take for the deal to come through. But all in all, I will have a car sooner than later.
Third: I have actually made some definite headway in my packing efforts. I have reached a level where if I pack more, I may not have the things I need to function in my house for the last couple of weeks that I am here. I want to continue in my quest, but I need to get some of these boxes out of my apartment before I can actually see to pack anything else. Why do I have so much stuff? Where did it come from? Where will I put it?
All that I know is that I am not allowed to buy lotion until I use all of the stuff that I have right now.
First of all: We found an apartment! It is larger than the one that we had before. The entryway is kind of sketchy, but the actual apartment is really nice. We are renting from Lenky (my fond entitlement of my new land lord). He is the guy who we were going to rent from the first time. He felt bad about not renting the original apartment to us, and so he told us that he would discount the rent $50 a month plus throw in a washer and dryer for $15 a month. I am glad that we will get our own washer and dryer. I don't want my clothes to smell like someone else's clothes.
Second: I am down to the last straw with my car. My dad told me to fix it and if I find something else that I want, he will drive my old car. I only have one more possibility. I am closing the doors after that. It may not work out anyway because of the length of the time that it will take for the deal to come through. But all in all, I will have a car sooner than later.
Third: I have actually made some definite headway in my packing efforts. I have reached a level where if I pack more, I may not have the things I need to function in my house for the last couple of weeks that I am here. I want to continue in my quest, but I need to get some of these boxes out of my apartment before I can actually see to pack anything else. Why do I have so much stuff? Where did it come from? Where will I put it?
All that I know is that I am not allowed to buy lotion until I use all of the stuff that I have right now.
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