31 January 2006
In response to the State of the Union address
O Canada, how I miss thee and thy television stations. And Tim's. (double-double?)
30 January 2006
Reasons why I would not make it on 'The Bachelor'
- I don't get catty. Bitchy, sure, but not catty.
- I think it's obnoxious to have people prying into my motivations every single step of the way.
- I can't toss my hair.
- It would require far too much effort, appearance-wise.
- You cannot get to know me in 15 minutes or less.
- I can't walk in high heels.
- I don't get all squealy.
- I can't play dumb. I can be rather dense, but that's not nearly as attractive, apparently.
- I can't be two-faced. If I'm lying, you can tell pretty quickly.
- The whole premise turns me off. Twenty-five women fighting for one guy? Seriously.
I'm just watching for the scenery from Paris, the French Riviera, etc. ;)
Oh snap!
Inspiration for today's post: 'Oh snap!' actually heard on TV. Moose, you've started a trend; better find a new catch phrase.
Today was the best day ever. Only seven kids this morning, and three adults in the room! And nine in the afternoon, again with three adults! It was amazing, everyone had some one-on-one time, and it was just so calm. Yay for watching kids at work and learning.
Incidentally, we've started on a Karneval theme, so if anyone has any brilliant ideas on learning center-type actvities that have to do with Karneval and/or Mardi Gras and/or Germany, send them along.
Here is a glowing article written about the school, a.k.a. 'free advertising'.
Randomly, I'm having a semi-career crisis. (or would that be a career semi-crisis?) Is it a bad thing that I have no 5-year goals I can verbalize, besides getting a master's? I've gotten asked this question twice in the past three days, and I'm getting the feeling that I'm not doing the right thing, that I could/should be doing grander things than this. What those grander things might be, I have no idea. I seem to be having a hard enough time getting through each week, let alone thinking about what I should be doing five years from now. And I'm still getting pressure from my parents: 'Okay, so you're going to stay another year, that's fine. It'll help you decide what you want to do next.' Two points come to mind: (1) ...Like what?? (2) ...Because those two years in Germany were so helpful in deciding what I wanted to do with my life.
Never mind. I'll just work on surviving Karneval, I suppose.
Today was the best day ever. Only seven kids this morning, and three adults in the room! And nine in the afternoon, again with three adults! It was amazing, everyone had some one-on-one time, and it was just so calm. Yay for watching kids at work and learning.
Incidentally, we've started on a Karneval theme, so if anyone has any brilliant ideas on learning center-type actvities that have to do with Karneval and/or Mardi Gras and/or Germany, send them along.
Here is a glowing article written about the school, a.k.a. 'free advertising'.
Randomly, I'm having a semi-career crisis. (or would that be a career semi-crisis?) Is it a bad thing that I have no 5-year goals I can verbalize, besides getting a master's? I've gotten asked this question twice in the past three days, and I'm getting the feeling that I'm not doing the right thing, that I could/should be doing grander things than this. What those grander things might be, I have no idea. I seem to be having a hard enough time getting through each week, let alone thinking about what I should be doing five years from now. And I'm still getting pressure from my parents: 'Okay, so you're going to stay another year, that's fine. It'll help you decide what you want to do next.' Two points come to mind: (1) ...Like what?? (2) ...Because those two years in Germany were so helpful in deciding what I wanted to do with my life.
Never mind. I'll just work on surviving Karneval, I suppose.
29 January 2006
Admit it, you knew there was something wrong with me all this time
Personality Disorder Test Results
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personality tests by similarminds.com
26 January 2006
Question of the day:
Why am I socially inept? More specifically, why can't I work up the nerve to say what I want to say? Lots of head-smacking going on this evening...
Also, I finished up my application to the summer program in Wittenberg! We'll see if they'll accept me, but it looks promising; they've already extended the deadline for me. =) Clear the guest room, Jess, I might be coming over!
Lastly, this is the best hot chocolate mix EVER. So good. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to the powdered stuff.
Must...stop...procrastinating...
Also, I finished up my application to the summer program in Wittenberg! We'll see if they'll accept me, but it looks promising; they've already extended the deadline for me. =) Clear the guest room, Jess, I might be coming over!
Lastly, this is the best hot chocolate mix EVER. So good. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to the powdered stuff.
Must...stop...procrastinating...
23 January 2006
No way! Way!
So this is the day's highlight in my exciting life: Spinach lasagna. The highlight is that I actually made it myself (got out of school today at 4, so I had time to cook!), without a recipe, and it tastes pretty good! Hooray for small victories. It's only one small step from here to filet mignon.
In other news: The new classroom assistant started today in kindergarten, and it was so nice not to have to run after certain kids all of the time! And to eat lunch with someone! And to bounce ideas off of another person! Clearly, as demonstrated by the overabundance of exclamation points, I've been alone in that class for far too long. But I think the learning center system is finally starting to work; the kids have the routine down and basically know what is expected of them. I have to work a little harder to come up with more interesting activities, so there's the next goal. Right after writing the play, somehow getting the kids to memorize it, and pulling it off...in less than three weeks. Woo!
But now it's 7.20 and I have some FREE TIME (sure sign of the apocalypse), so it's time to watch some TV and perhaps 'Wayne's World.' Again. Excellent!
In other news: The new classroom assistant started today in kindergarten, and it was so nice not to have to run after certain kids all of the time! And to eat lunch with someone! And to bounce ideas off of another person! Clearly, as demonstrated by the overabundance of exclamation points, I've been alone in that class for far too long. But I think the learning center system is finally starting to work; the kids have the routine down and basically know what is expected of them. I have to work a little harder to come up with more interesting activities, so there's the next goal. Right after writing the play, somehow getting the kids to memorize it, and pulling it off...in less than three weeks. Woo!
But now it's 7.20 and I have some FREE TIME (sure sign of the apocalypse), so it's time to watch some TV and perhaps 'Wayne's World.' Again. Excellent!
19 January 2006
Small world alert
I was driving in to school with one of the school directors this morning, like we do every morning, because I lack a car. She turned to me and said that she needed to reassure me about the school having a future, i.e., it will be around next year. Apparently the other director had a meeting with the curriculum committee last night, and one member of the committee said that I was worried about the continued existence of the school. I drew a major blank, and then it hit me: One of the people on the committee is the person who came in to sub for me on Friday, and as I was writing up and giving her the plans on Thursday after school, I made a passing comment about how I hope the school will still be around next year because I'll have finally gotten used to everything. (I was not feeling well and apparently not thinking straight. And unable to censor my comments. Option #2: I've been in Germany for too long and can't do the diplomatic American habit of saying one thing with a smile and thinking something else.)
So apparently the word got out to the committee which then traveled to one school director which then got around to the other school director. Who knows how much farther this will go. And it's not that I'm losing sleep over the fate of the school; I think about it occasionally, but I generally just keep my head down and do the best that I can with the kids that I have.
Moral of the story: Say nothing that you aren't prepared to have repeated to everyone else.
So apparently the word got out to the committee which then traveled to one school director which then got around to the other school director. Who knows how much farther this will go. And it's not that I'm losing sleep over the fate of the school; I think about it occasionally, but I generally just keep my head down and do the best that I can with the kids that I have.
Moral of the story: Say nothing that you aren't prepared to have repeated to everyone else.
18 January 2006
Two short notes
I have got to go finish preparing stuff for tomorrow (just got home), but I just wanted to share two observations with the world at large:
(1) Report cards suck. 20 minutes per kid X 22 kids = WAY TOO FREAKING LONG.
(2) Ritalin is a wonder drug. Seriously.
That is all.
(1) Report cards suck. 20 minutes per kid X 22 kids = WAY TOO FREAKING LONG.
(2) Ritalin is a wonder drug. Seriously.
That is all.
15 January 2006
If you don't like cookies, you're a communist
...and other topics discussed during a 45-minute conversation with moose:
- Googling "witch + Timmy"
- spinoff of a popular Fox drama with brooding teenagers set in Canada: "The BC"
- *gobbling turkeys*
- stalkeresque = nailing a dead woodchuck to someone's door
- would a cross between a gerbil and a hamster be called a gerbster or a germster?
- is Canada a joke?
- pirates
- scurvy
- children's television programming
- there's a new frat on campus: Phi Beta Omicron = Piss Brendan Off
- *Michael Jackson imitations*
- laughtracks
The real challenge is to figure out who brought up which subjects. Cookies to anyone who wants to try...unless, of course, you're a communist.
12 January 2006
Small children: one day, you love them; the next day, they'll give you the plague
**edited due to random company spam -- that's right, this blog merits spam comments from a company. I've really hit the big time now. **
Perhaps 'the plague' is a slight exaggeration, but it sure doesn't feel like one. I've got the sore throat from hell and half a voice. So deep, in fact, that when someone called earlier, she asked if she could speak to me. I thought about making some crack about a secret boyfriend/male secretary but couldn't think fast enough.
So after teaching for the entire day today (because both directors were going to be gone and what kind of sub am I supposed to get), I have finally got tomorrow off. And for those of you who are somewhat familiar with my work ethic (damn Puritans), you know it's got to be pretty bad if I'm taking off work.
But first: sleep. Lots and lots of tea and sleep. Good night.
Perhaps 'the plague' is a slight exaggeration, but it sure doesn't feel like one. I've got the sore throat from hell and half a voice. So deep, in fact, that when someone called earlier, she asked if she could speak to me. I thought about making some crack about a secret boyfriend/male secretary but couldn't think fast enough.
So after teaching for the entire day today (because both directors were going to be gone and what kind of sub am I supposed to get), I have finally got tomorrow off. And for those of you who are somewhat familiar with my work ethic (damn Puritans), you know it's got to be pretty bad if I'm taking off work.
But first: sleep. Lots and lots of tea and sleep. Good night.
11 January 2006
Jamie and Heather are now amused
You scored as English. You should be an English major! Your passion lies in writing and expressing yourself creatively, and you hate it when you are inhibited from doing so. Pursue that interest of yours!
What is your Perfect Major? created with QuizFarm.com |
Not sure I agree with that (Linguistics = only 50%??), but interesting nonetheless. Take that, Finucane.
Future movie stars/writers/producers/directors
Craziness in kindergarten today. It's funny how you can spend ages and ages trying to beat an idea into their heads (i.e., how to walk in the hallways), but something innocent can just balloon into this gigantic activity.
Case in point: I've been introducing costumes, one by one, to both classes. They love them and are always so excited to see the next one. Today's costumes were two knight helmets (Ritter; R is the letter of the week) and three princess dresses. Gender-biased, I know, but the parents brought them in; I better use them. Anyway, the kids think these are the coolest things ever, and then someone wants to put on a play with them. Suddenly all eleven kids want to put on a play; one is 'practicing' in costume, three are rehearsing for a battle among knights, two are making a list (with a little prompting from the teacher) of stuff they want to bring from home, one is drawing the costumes, two are pretending to be seamstresses, and two are discussing what kind of background to have on stage. One of the kids gets the idea in his head that we're going to do this on a weekend and all the parents are going to come, and it'll be great.
And then I think: The school is putting on a Karneval on February, and we said there'd be student performances... So I run this by the kids, and they're all for it. We now have four weeks, and a plot and characters to hack out, scripts to write and learn (in German, of course), a backdrop to make, and costumes and props to figure out.
But the best part is that this is all student-generated. Zero of it is my idea. Pretty amazing.
As for PM kindergarten: They were great during a tour of prospective parents that came by; they were engaged and on-task and everything! Who knew that this Werkstatt system could actually work?
Case in point: I've been introducing costumes, one by one, to both classes. They love them and are always so excited to see the next one. Today's costumes were two knight helmets (Ritter; R is the letter of the week) and three princess dresses. Gender-biased, I know, but the parents brought them in; I better use them. Anyway, the kids think these are the coolest things ever, and then someone wants to put on a play with them. Suddenly all eleven kids want to put on a play; one is 'practicing' in costume, three are rehearsing for a battle among knights, two are making a list (with a little prompting from the teacher) of stuff they want to bring from home, one is drawing the costumes, two are pretending to be seamstresses, and two are discussing what kind of background to have on stage. One of the kids gets the idea in his head that we're going to do this on a weekend and all the parents are going to come, and it'll be great.
And then I think: The school is putting on a Karneval on February, and we said there'd be student performances... So I run this by the kids, and they're all for it. We now have four weeks, and a plot and characters to hack out, scripts to write and learn (in German, of course), a backdrop to make, and costumes and props to figure out.
But the best part is that this is all student-generated. Zero of it is my idea. Pretty amazing.
As for PM kindergarten: They were great during a tour of prospective parents that came by; they were engaged and on-task and everything! Who knew that this Werkstatt system could actually work?
08 January 2006
Irish dancing is a contact sport
...with the floor. I've got to finalize some lesson plans but have to share quickly about my triumphant return to Irish dance! I had my first class today in about 6 years and it was a bit frightening to see how much I've degenerated. (endurance = nil) However, it was also encouraging to see I haven't lost it all.
Anyway, story: We do some warm-ups and then start working on the actual steps. The teacher wants me to show her what/how much I can do, so I cross my fingers, hope I can remember what I learned ages ago, and start off...to end up 10 seconds later on the floor. That's right, I wipe out less than four bars into the reel.
What an auspicious start to my revived Irish dancing career.
Anyway, story: We do some warm-ups and then start working on the actual steps. The teacher wants me to show her what/how much I can do, so I cross my fingers, hope I can remember what I learned ages ago, and start off...to end up 10 seconds later on the floor. That's right, I wipe out less than four bars into the reel.
What an auspicious start to my revived Irish dancing career.
05 January 2006
Just FYI
Never ever wear the same contacts for over 4 months.
Because now (ow ow OW) my left eyeball is approximately the color of a tomato and about to fall out of my head.
Just thought I'd let you know. Please return to your scheduled Internet surfing.
PS- But apparently some people like my glasses. :)
Because now (ow ow OW) my left eyeball is approximately the color of a tomato and about to fall out of my head.
Just thought I'd let you know. Please return to your scheduled Internet surfing.
PS- But apparently some people like my glasses. :)
03 January 2006
Sudden paranoia
So another teacher at school was giving me a ride home today after the staff meeting, and somehow in the midst of talking about problem kids (because this is what teachers do) we landed on the topic of the fragility of the school. We've been and still are under pressure to up the enrollment for next year; in effect, if we don't fill all the classes we need to fill, the school is done.
Other Teacher: 'So, what will you do if the school goes under?'
Me: 'Uh, good question.'
OT: 'Would you stay here or go back to New York?'
M: 'I have no idea. That would really suck.'
And it would. I'll have had one year of experience in a situation that's not exactly marketable (honestly, how many schools of this type are there?), six months left on a lease, unending student loan payments, and quite possibly a car. Not to mention all the effort it takes me to get out of my shell and get to know people. As well as the fact that I like it here, more than I ever thought I would.
So the pressure's on to enroll 30 more kindergarteners and 20 more first-graders for next year, by March 1st. I don't generally go in for putting up posters and advertising all over town, but hi, I need a job for next year. Looks like I'll be asking various businesses if they have bulletin boards.
On a related note, I found out today that one of my kids may not be back for the second semester. This would make my life so much easier in so many ways, but this makes the fourth kindergartener who'd have dropped out. Four out of 27...that's a fairly large percent. No one from first grade has left. I realize that each one of these four kids has his/her own personal, compelling reasons which are all very valid...but I can't shake the feeling that I can't hang onto the students. What am I doing or not doing?
Other Teacher: 'So, what will you do if the school goes under?'
Me: 'Uh, good question.'
OT: 'Would you stay here or go back to New York?'
M: 'I have no idea. That would really suck.'
And it would. I'll have had one year of experience in a situation that's not exactly marketable (honestly, how many schools of this type are there?), six months left on a lease, unending student loan payments, and quite possibly a car. Not to mention all the effort it takes me to get out of my shell and get to know people. As well as the fact that I like it here, more than I ever thought I would.
So the pressure's on to enroll 30 more kindergarteners and 20 more first-graders for next year, by March 1st. I don't generally go in for putting up posters and advertising all over town, but hi, I need a job for next year. Looks like I'll be asking various businesses if they have bulletin boards.
On a related note, I found out today that one of my kids may not be back for the second semester. This would make my life so much easier in so many ways, but this makes the fourth kindergartener who'd have dropped out. Four out of 27...that's a fairly large percent. No one from first grade has left. I realize that each one of these four kids has his/her own personal, compelling reasons which are all very valid...but I can't shake the feeling that I can't hang onto the students. What am I doing or not doing?
01 January 2006
Christmas=love=bacon
The above pearl of wisdom is brought to you by moose (who else?). The kid needs to write a book...or create a t-shirt design company, I'm not sure which.
And now: Things I Have (Not) Brought Back From Home!
I've returned with:
And now: Things I Have (Not) Brought Back From Home!
I've returned with:
- an iDog
- fleece
- a sweater
- a tool kit
- Italian shoes! (originally $200, marked down to $30! completely impractical, but who could turn them down?)
- The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt
- boots and snow pants for playing with the kiddies... I mean, taking them on educational outdoor field trips
- a George Foreman grill
- stubs from 'King Kong'
- sponge candy
- Christmas cookies
- frozen hors d'oevres in a lunchbox + Party In A Box = instant New Year's Eve party!
- maple sugar
- a newfound knowledge of knitting
- scrapbooking supplies
- a haircut
- ant traps for my ant-infested kitchen
- frustration with a certain airline, which will remain nameless
I do not/no longer have:
- Christmas cards
- gifts for people
- an account at Key
- the new GBS CD -- blast you, Borders
- purple circles under my eyes
- lesson plans
I heart vacations.
24 December 2005
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go
'Cause I'm leeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaviiiiiiing on a jet plane...
I'm taking off for the airport in about an hour, and may or may not post anything next week. It all depends on how exciting life at home is. So have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festivus (don't forget that aluminum pole!), or whatever it is that you celebrate.
Und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr...because that sounds much better than simply 'Happy New Year'. :) See you in 2006!
I'm taking off for the airport in about an hour, and may or may not post anything next week. It all depends on how exciting life at home is. So have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festivus (don't forget that aluminum pole!), or whatever it is that you celebrate.
Und einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr...because that sounds much better than simply 'Happy New Year'. :) See you in 2006!
22 December 2005
Map of European Countries I Have Visited (And Not Just Driven Through)
Because I miss traveling...
create your personalized map of europe
Randomly, I'm going out tonight with a classroom assistant (and recent college grad) and his friends. I feel like I should somehow be too old for this, but we'll see how it goes.
PS- I'm on vacation!!
create your personalized map of europe
Randomly, I'm going out tonight with a classroom assistant (and recent college grad) and his friends. I feel like I should somehow be too old for this, but we'll see how it goes.
PS- I'm on vacation!!
21 December 2005
Back after (forced) hiatus!
Guess what? I now have Internet at home! Wireless! Here's the story: I finally got around to sending a note to other people in the building, semi-introducing myself but more asking if anyone had wifi they'd be willing to share. Of course, I offered to pay half the monthly fee and mentioned that it would be very useful for lesson planning for this overworked, underpaid first-year teacher. I got a note today under my door, including the following: "Because you are a teacher, you can jump on my wireless network. ... PS- No charge!" That's right, my wonderful neighbor is letting me use his wireless Internet access for free! Minnesotans rock, seriously.
In other news: Tomorrow is the last day of school for the semester...and I don't have anything to plan! It's like Christmas has come early this year!
And I'm flying home in 3 days. Life is good.
More frequent updates in the future, now that I have wireless Internet. :)
In other news: Tomorrow is the last day of school for the semester...and I don't have anything to plan! It's like Christmas has come early this year!
And I'm flying home in 3 days. Life is good.
More frequent updates in the future, now that I have wireless Internet. :)
17 November 2005
To quote Heather:
Shoot me in the face. Seriously. I am going to snap at those kids one day and scar them all for life.
By the way, in case I haven't mentioned this before, the morning and afternoon kids have now switched places in my esteem: Afternoon is generally great and morning is rough. But today, they were both a bunch of winners. At the end of AM kindergarten, we sat there for literally 8 minutes waiting for the kids to shut up. I usually just wait for them and other kids will tell the ones who are talking to be quiet or else we can't go home. But seriously, eight minutes. Doesn't sound terribly long, but when you are waiting for them to STOP THE HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER AND SHUT THE HELL UP, it's rather a long time. And they would have gone on longer, except that it was then really time to go, so we had to rush out of there. I yelled at them in English, gave them the whole 'I am very disappointed in you and I hope this never happens again' speech. I literally was like, go home, I can't deal with you guys anymore today. Argh.
And then came Round Two. Including the three Kids Who Don't Listen To A Word I Say. They get 'breaks' (or 'time-outs' or whatever you want to call it) and they continue to talk. And hide under the table. And get up and just walk out of the classroom. And then there were kids who just wanted to take a break just for fun. At one point, there were only three or four kids doing what they were supposed to. Seriously, I am going to just start sending kids down to the office after one warning. There are very few things that really tick me off, but not listening (when I know for a fact that they understand) is one of them. (two of the others are intolerance and people who need to search through their entire car for change at the toll booth)
And then we hear at the staff meeting that some parents are complaining that their little darlings aren't making it out of the building as soon as the clock hits 3.45. Well, maybe they can come in next time and help, since there's only one of me and thirteen 5-year-olds putting their papers, lunchboxes and water bottles in their backpacks, changing into snow boots, and putting on snow pants, jackets, oh wait where's my [fill in the blank] I forgot it upstairs, gloves and hats, and zip this (no please) I can't do it with mittens on, and I swear I didn't come to school with a coat today even though it's ten degrees outside.
Thank God tomorrow's Friday. And next week has only two days! Yaaaaay Turkey Day!
PS- Mad props (ha!) go to moose, who performed four solo cello pieces at his concert on Tuesday. And he had a matching hat for each piece. You rock, o my brother.
By the way, in case I haven't mentioned this before, the morning and afternoon kids have now switched places in my esteem: Afternoon is generally great and morning is rough. But today, they were both a bunch of winners. At the end of AM kindergarten, we sat there for literally 8 minutes waiting for the kids to shut up. I usually just wait for them and other kids will tell the ones who are talking to be quiet or else we can't go home. But seriously, eight minutes. Doesn't sound terribly long, but when you are waiting for them to STOP THE HYSTERICAL LAUGHTER AND SHUT THE HELL UP, it's rather a long time. And they would have gone on longer, except that it was then really time to go, so we had to rush out of there. I yelled at them in English, gave them the whole 'I am very disappointed in you and I hope this never happens again' speech. I literally was like, go home, I can't deal with you guys anymore today. Argh.
And then came Round Two. Including the three Kids Who Don't Listen To A Word I Say. They get 'breaks' (or 'time-outs' or whatever you want to call it) and they continue to talk. And hide under the table. And get up and just walk out of the classroom. And then there were kids who just wanted to take a break just for fun. At one point, there were only three or four kids doing what they were supposed to. Seriously, I am going to just start sending kids down to the office after one warning. There are very few things that really tick me off, but not listening (when I know for a fact that they understand) is one of them. (two of the others are intolerance and people who need to search through their entire car for change at the toll booth)
And then we hear at the staff meeting that some parents are complaining that their little darlings aren't making it out of the building as soon as the clock hits 3.45. Well, maybe they can come in next time and help, since there's only one of me and thirteen 5-year-olds putting their papers, lunchboxes and water bottles in their backpacks, changing into snow boots, and putting on snow pants, jackets, oh wait where's my [fill in the blank] I forgot it upstairs, gloves and hats, and zip this (no please) I can't do it with mittens on, and I swear I didn't come to school with a coat today even though it's ten degrees outside.
Thank God tomorrow's Friday. And next week has only two days! Yaaaaay Turkey Day!
PS- Mad props (ha!) go to moose, who performed four solo cello pieces at his concert on Tuesday. And he had a matching hat for each piece. You rock, o my brother.
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