new things

I realized I haven't posted since December. I've been really busy. Here is a list of everything that is new:

• Student teacher is now full-time. She starts teaching Eng 9 next week and Eng 10 in about 2 weeks. Yikes! I'm hoping the full-on teaching experience will help her improve in the areas we've identified. Some of them need to be improved, otherwise... I will be put in an awkward position. She is getting more comfortable in the classroom, which is a step in the right direction. The whole thing has been an interesting experience, one I'm not yet sure if I would do again. 
• I am taking two grad classes this semester: School Law (interesting, but the classmates are... slightly irritating.) and Improving School Programs and Performance (this one has 4 people total and is a hybrid course--we only meet every other week, the other weeks are online discussions. We've had really great discussions and I LOVE the professor, she is absolutely fantastic!)
• New semester started. I miss my old English 9 and 10 classes, my new classes are definitely different and the ST and I have had a lot of conversations about how unique my first semester classes were in terms of motivation and skills. Our English 9 class is 20 boys, 5 girls. That's been interesting. They're warming up though. My two English 10 classes are very different, but fun in their own ways. I swear, something about the 4x4 schedule makes these kids act better in class. I haven't had as many behavioral problems this year as previous years. 
• There's a good chance I will be teaching creative writing next year! That's so exciting!
• I am pregnant. Due in mid-September. It is exciting and terrifying.
• My students are really cute when they find out that piece of news. My 10th grade classes both know (and their reactions were ADORABLE), my 9th grade class doesn't know as a whole (a few of them have figured it out or other kids told them). I announced it yesterday on my student facebook, mostly for my older students or students I don't see often. Since I'm already showing, students that know me have figured it out, but students that don't know me probably just think I'm a little chunky, haha! 
• Being due in mid-September is good. It'll give us the whole summer to prepare, to find a long-term sub, and I might even be able to meet my new classes at least once before going on leave

That's about it. This is a busy semester. Classes on Monday and Tuesday, Literary Magazine meetings on Wednesday, mentoring a student teacher and my own personal life changes... whew. I'll try to keep this updated, but who knows? I always forget because I find other things to do.

If you are a teacher (or really good at lying)

One of the perks of being a teacher is the conversations you have with people you just met about what's it like to be a teacher and their thoughts about teaching/schools AND the discounts those people sometimes give you. It's a nice perk, especially if those people really appreciate all the hard work you do.
This summer, the school let us keep our ID badges so we could save money buying from certain businesses that will give discounts with proof of school employment. That was very nice of them to do, but I've found that just mentioning the fact that you're a teacher will sometimes get you freebies, extras, and discounts. For example: I had to go get the first oil change for our new car, typed in my information and the mechanic mentioned that I type really fast. I replied that I was a teacher, so I type a lot throughout the day. We then had a 5 minute discussion where he told me that teachers had the most difficult and most important job in the world and he knew this because he was originally from Liberia and saw how much they did there and here. He said he was a product of the Peace Corps and missionaries there, who taught him the importance of teachers. It was actually one of my most interesting conversations with someone about teaching. Then he gave me $15 in coupons to use. Awesome, right?
I don't usually drop the fact that I'm a teacher into conversation, but when I have, it's usually been a positive experience. I once got a free gallon of sweet tea as well as a percentage off of the cost of food from Hardee's when I was celebrating with my students who passed their English 11 SOLs. Kazoo Books in Kalamazoo has usually given me anywhere from 10-20% off when I buy books that are going to be used in my classroom. Office Max has one of the best programs for teachers where you earn rewards based off of the amount you spend. A lot of people will go out of their way to help you, either through discounts or freebies or helping you find the best quality for the least amount of money. I love when these things happen because it helps me feel supported as a teacher and recognized for doing such a demanding job.

In other news:

• Summer school is happening (sort of?). Nine students signed up for English courses, so I guess they're letting that happen with one less than the requirement for a class. Here's the challenge: it will be three different levels in one class. English 9=4, English 10=3, English 11=2. English 9 and 10 are pretty easy to combine. English 11? Not so much. At least it'll prepare me for teaching English 11 at this new school the first semester (they use a different textbook than the one at GHS, where I taught Eng 11 before). It'll be interesting and enough money to pay my tuition to VCU for two semesters.
• My parents just came for a visit and Virginia gave them a wonderful gift: hot, dry days with temperatures up to 100° and above! I think they had a nice time anyway.
• David's parents are heading down this week and it's still hot out, so they get to enjoy it, too!
• My classes this summer are going along. I'm not procrastinating and turning everything in on time. My group in one of the classes presenting a pretty awesome logic model that we barely have to revise for the second presentation. Also: I was barely nervous presenting. Such a difference from before I taught full time. 
• I'm looking for good book suggestions to read the rest of the summer. Please suggest some!

last day

Today was the last day I had to report to school.

Here's a whole bunch of stuff in a list because I'm lazy and do not want to put it in paragraphs right now:

• I sold my moped this week.. difficult. but at the same time, I know the guy we sold it to was SO EXCITED for it and LOVED it the moment he saw it, so I have faith that he will love it as much as I did.
• I'm 27? Really? Already? Wow.
• Next year will be my 5th year teaching! FIVE! How? What? Who? Feels like just yesterday...
• Two weeks in our new place and I LOVE IT. LOVE!
• My parents will be here on Tuesday!!
• This school year was better than I could have expected
• The last two days of school were way too dramatic.
• I still don't know if I'm in the right grad program
• I got a beautiful painted martini glass from a parent (who thanked me in the main office for the note I wrote her daughter) and student as a birthday gift! it was so sweet!
• I also received two emails from parents thanking me for a wonderful job and writing my nice end of the year notes to my students. That's the first time that happened! It was really nice!
• my students wrote so many nice notes on my board and all yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY at me at various times on Wednesday
• Got an email from one of the first students I ever taught at GHS (seriously, he was in my first class as a teacher). He told me about his first year at ODU (did pretty well) and how he was really getting into literature (YAY!). I love that I get yearly/semester updates from my former students!
• I loved teaching 9th graders this year! LOVED!
• I am teaching 9, 10 and 11 next year. I'm excited to see a lot of my students from this year again next year. Seriously! I loved them!
• I love my department and the teachers in them. They are amazing.
• I might have a student teacher next year.
• Had to say goodbye to a really amazing special ed teacher who was laid off. As the principal talked about how much they appreciated her, I almost cried along with 3/4 of the faculty present. This woman was absolutely amazing but unfortunately was the last one hired, therefore, laid off due to budget problems. Heartbreaking.
• Have I told you I love living in Richmond? 'Cause I do. It's beautiful.
• I might have to do summer school this summer, but it's uncertain right now. Pros of doing summer school: Money to pay for my summer classes and a new laptop. Pros of NOT doing summer school: Free time, more time to visit friends & family, etc. Either way, I win.

Not sure what this summer will bring and I'm not sure what the first semester of school will bring (we're switching from an every-other-day block schedule to a 4x4 schedule). All I know is that I am determined to ace my two summer classes and return next year ready to take on the 4x4 schedule change. The first semester will be rough, but I know that I have other teachers to rely on to help as well as a principal who is very supportive and understanding. No matter what, my fifth year of teaching will be exciting! :)

goodbye January! goodbye first semester!

I kept meaning to get around to updating this, but it never happened. I've debated just giving up, but a lot of this is to remind me of the good times I have being a teacher, so I don't think that'll happen.

Highlights of the last week or so:

• While students were working on their exam review, someone asked me if I read Watership Down. This led to a conversation where we bonded over the book about bunnies and how sad and boring it was. We all didn't like it for various reasons. I was surprised that they still had kids in 6th grade read it. It's funny that most of the kids didn't really remember the title of it, but once you mentioned it was the book with the bunnies, they knew exactly which one it was and all had the same basic reaction: "Ohh, the book with the bunnies--I hated that book!"
• My grandma on my mom's side passed away--the same day we got the car fixed, of course--and a few students found out when they noticed I wasn't my normal self. A few stopped by the classroom to give me hugs and tried to cheer me up.
• We got a new car and have a possible buyer for the Jetta. Nice.
• I'm getting ready to teach A Midsummer Night's Dream again and Romeo & Juliet for the first time. I'm looking forward to both, but I am a little nervous. Anyone that's ever taught Shakespeare and had to deal with the difficulty of students who just don't get it would understand. I'm hoping that everyone comes through in one piece and actually understands the play in the end. Oh, and it would be great if the amount of whining about how Shakespeare writes was at a minimum, but that never happens.
• I've been carpooling with another teacher and it's been awesome!
• Last Monday, we had an event for freshmen that helped them study for their exams. They had snacks, lemonade, and hot chocolate as well as teachers wandering around to help them out if they were stuck. I didn't go to last year's, but I went this year. It was great seeing all those kids hanging out and studying. It's a good habit to introduce them to and I hope it sticks.
• It snowed again this weekend. I was supposed to be in school today for a teacher work day since the first semester ended on Friday, but that didn't happen. I'm not even sure if we'll have school tomorrow since the snow is sticking around and there's another storm possibly coming in tomorrow with more snow. What state do I live in again??

That time of year

I keep feeling like I catch up only to fall behind again. My to do list never seems to end! Every day there seems to be more things to do and I find more reasons not to finish things and, instead, go home early. My initial motivation and initiative is kinda gone. This usually happens around this year, where I don't have to rush so much and find some sort of balance. Unfortunately, this usually leads me to laziness and procrastination. This is why I'm posting: a little reminder to myself to get my as back in gear.

Here are some highlights:

-40 kids showed interest in the literary magazine. Whoa. We'll see how that goes.

-They keep interrupting English classes again and again for just about everything. Just because English 9 and 10 do not have an SOL doesn't mean we don't have stuff to do.

-We bought Wii Fit. I love all the games in it.

-Something I've been thinking about: Do you ever find yourself thinking about the same people around the same time? For example, I usually find myself thinking about my grandpa or grandma Pushie around 3:30 (my drive home from school). It's usually my family and wondering what they're doing around 6 or 7. I just noticed that I do this most days, and I find it very interesting. Do I connect these people with these times for some reason?

-Have you see Glee or Modern Family? Awesome! New seasons of Mad Men and Dexter? Love them! Although I haven't really liked the new season of the Office as much as I expected, I loved the Jim/Pam wedding!

-We went to see Zombieland and it was AWESOME. I can't wait to see Where the Wild Things Are this weekend!

-Pictures of National Equality March should be up soon on flickr and I'll prob. post a bit on here as well.

It's October already?!

Holy moly. It's October. Already.

I have a lot I could post about, but right now all I want to do is breath & relax for a second. We had a pretty busy weekend, we have another sort of busy one coming up, and I've already taught 4 classes, graded, made dinner, and run errands (and while running errands: avoided buying up all the cute Halloween stuff I found, haha) all before 5. Whew.

Then again, I promised myself I'd blog more. Here's a compromise:

• This year is waaaaaaaaaay better than last.
• I love my principal, Math Teacher next door, new AP (assistant principal, for those who don't eduspeak), and other snarky English teachers.
• I love my little English 9 kiddos! I did NOT expect to ever say that. They are crazy (in a good way), hilarious, creative, pretty well-behaved, enthusiastic, and have tons of personality.
• My throat is so horribly dry today (and yesterday) that I could only talk at a normal tone. There was no Teacher Voice today. Thankfully, the kids were very supportive (even talkative 7th period!)
• I've been having a lot more success with correcting students behavior using a hand on the shoulder and conversational tone. This only works during independent work time or when my co-teacher is in the room and I'm circulating, but it's amazing how this works on kids who were seen as "bad kids" to other teachers.
• Yesterday I hung out with other teachers outside of school for the first time. Okay, it was a baby shower for another English teacher, but it was something! I went. I laughed. I played games. It was fun. Oh! And I wore my "There Their They're" shirt from Threadless and they all commented on it!

And a big announcement:

I am now the sponsor of the new literary magazine. New School hasn't had one for years, but they desperately need one because those artsy, nerdy kids are getting no love or recognition from our school. I stepped up to do it even though I honestly have no clue what I'm doing. I already have about 25 kids who came in to say they're interested. There are flyers all around the school. Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will have something to show for our effort.

Things That Make Me Glad I Teach

There were a lot of reminders today about why I'm glad I teach. Here's a list of 5 things:

1. Hugs

I have my own personal bubble that I don't like kids to enter most of the time, but there are times where student hugs are nice. A majority of the hugs I get are from former students. Most of the former male students I have usually make a big show of it, yelling, waving (flailing) arms and then squeezing all the air out of me. I still appreciate it, though.

2. Emails

Every now and then, I get emails and facebook or myspace messages from former students. Most are like one facebook request (I have a separate facebook just for students) I got today from an Old School student that went something like "Mrs. P!!! I MISS YOU! I LOVE COLLEGE!"

But this is one email I got today:

Hey Mrs. P i just finished watching Finding Forrester starring Sean Connery. It got me thinking about my writing and how you helped influence me. My creative juices started flowing after I got into the movie and the plot thiccened. I really could relate to the main character Jamal Wallace in the movie because he grew up in the Bronx surrounded by the hardships of life and growing up without his father. Another good movie that got to me is The Hurricane starring Denzel Washington. It's based on a true story about Middleweight boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and his wrongful imprisonment for 20 years. I never tell people this but my favorite book is The Phantom Tollbooth written by Norton Juster. It's crazy because I dont remember how i got the book or how I began to read it. Once I got through the first chapter I was hooked lol. That book alone had a strong part in molding my imagination. Many important aspects of my life play a part in my writing. For instance, growing up without a father, me being a Crip because of me not having a fatherly figure, the death of my uncle when i was 8, losing my my cousin to the pen, all the drama and bull around me, and so on and so forth. I started with music to escape but when I combined that with my writing I really began to blocc out the madness around me. These were just some thoughts on my mind. Love to hear from you soon. Sincerely, [name removed] Lil Malcolm X He also emailed me again when he realized he wanted to tell me that he decided to reread Catcher in the Rye and see if he liked it more the second time. I told him that I brag a little about how brilliant he was, how great his writing was and how proud I am of him. He was supposed to go to school after graduating in June, but money issues got in the way. I know he'll get there one day and I know he'll love college. BTW, he signs all his emails with his name and 3. Stopping by Slowly, but surely, former students have been stopping by my room--in the morning, at lunch, and after school. Usually, they just stop in to say hi, but there have already been times where we've had deep conversations and laughed so hard we almost cried. It boggles my mind that they want to spend that much time with me because I'm always thinking, "Why aren't you out there, in the hallways, like everyone else?!". 4. "I miss your class" From a high school student, this is almost as great of a compliment as "You look nice today!". Most HS students are so busy being bored, they forget to enjoy class. It's always great to hear them admit that they miss a class, which leads to #5... 5. When they remember things It's great to hear them say they miss my class, but even better when they remember something we read. I love when students remember small things we read or wrote about and how it affected their life because I never expect it. What I hear while teaching is "Ugh, I hate this. This is so boring," and what I hear later is "Remember when we read that? Hilarious! Remember when we wrote that? I loved that assignment!". Who are you and what have you done with that other kid I taught? I hope to remember these things when I hit those rough days that happen throughout the school year. Those days are when you need reminders of why you do this the most.

Whoops

I totally just remembered that I've been meaning to update this, but never actually did it. Oops.

School year ended today for me. Here's what I'll get around to after I get the required few hours of doing whatever the flip I want:

-Why I'm teaching 9th grade next year. 

-Review/reflection on my year at New School

-My birthday & graduation at Old School (it happened on the same day, so they are intertwined)

-Pictures of 2008-2009 hooligans

-Ideas for next year

That's about it, I think. Let me add this to my to do list on my fancy new phone... 

...which reminds me to also put here that I have a new phone number. If you don't have it and you want/need it, please email me (alikay@gmail.com) and ask for it.

did he just say "pshew pshew"?

Uhh, it's been a while. 

It's been one of those times were I've had a lot happen that I could talk about, I've been busy (mostly with school), but then again, when I take a step back from it all, I realize that wow--that is really boring. Who wants to hear about how much grading I've had to do? About me getting ahead in planning? Those of you that are teachers understand and live (or lived) it every day, those of you that aren't teachers probably don't really need to know that (or want to know that), you just want the stories, right? :) It's okay, I understand.

Okay, so. Stories. 

• Today I had two boys jump up and start doing the "Jump On It" dance. I don't know if there's a name for it, but they did it perfectly in sync with each other and the song, the kids were going crazy for it. Then they sat down and continued their work like nothing happened.
  
• My 5th period is the best with listening to music and not being afraid to sing along and/or dance. Today was Michael Jackson radio station day on Pandora. There were a few kids dancing to "Thriller" and other classics.
  
• I have one student, JM, who cracks me up constantly. He'll ask me a question, I'll respond, and he'll go "THAT'S why I love you!" (in a very appropriate student-teacher manner)
• Had to give my first serious talking to to a girl who barely does anything in class. She had a 30%. Passing is 69.5%. Last Friday was the end of the 3rd nine weeks and she asks me on Tuesday, "How can I pass? I want to pass." On Friday, she had brought herself up to a 66% by finally coughing up some assignments she had partially completed and finally passing a test. She asks me, "Can you just give me the 3%?" and I snapped. Seriously. I didn't yell, but I was the most serious I've been all year in talking to a student.
• I have one kid that is seriously losing it. He's a great kid, but he's going through some troubles. It's not cool. When it's all over with, I might be able to write more about it.
• Most of my study hall kids have seen Kevin Hart's "I'm a Grown Little Man". It is hilarious and is now quoted all the time throughout their time in my classroom. Seriously, look this dude up, especially if you are a teacher and have ever witnessed a girl fight.

Enough teaching stories. You want to know about the non-teaching me, right? 

...right?

• Only a few more days until spring break! I'm looking forward to seeing my parents! When it's not 90 degrees outside! And in Richmond instead of Williamsburg! AHH!
  
• Spring break also means being able to read my own books!
• David quit smoking!
• The weather is finally staying consistently warm! This means two things: Planting and riding. We planted a few different things outside and I hope they all survive. It's been a while since I've planted/grown any sort of garden, so this is kind of experimental. As for riding, I'm getting new wheels for my Varsity so I can actually ride it. I need to fix up my moped soon so I can start riding that again, too. 
• We are going to see Mates of State tomorrow night! We were supposed to go see Matt & Kim on Friday night, but it was postponed/canceled. Bummer.
• I am going to San Francisco and Eugene this summer! I'm excited, but I kinda hate planning things so far in advance cause then I'm all excited NOW to go, so I want to go NOW instead of months from now, you know what I mean? But anyway, I'm excited to see friends, meet new additions to their lives, to see Oregon for the first time, and to see SF! It's nice to have a vacation to look forward to during the long stretch of summer. 
• I registered for the GRE. I'm still not sure what I want to do though.
• I've been listening to some new music and realized this always seems to happen during the spring. Strange.

Wow. That was more than I planned to write when I remembered I had a blog. Anyway, it's almost time for Lost. I actually stay awake during most Lost episodes now since it's finally gone back to being interesting enough to keep up with.

If you feel up to it, leave me some suggestions:

1. Something funny I should watch/listen to

2. A book to read

3. A band to listen to

4. Something to take a picture of

5. Have you read Lord of the Flies before? If so, suggest some activities that would be fun for my 10th graders (I have from April 20th to the beginning of June to teach the novel. I've got time.)

Oops

I keep forgetting to update this.
The holidays were good. Flickr is updated with pictures from the two week vacation. Speaking of having two weeks off instead of one, it is AMAZING how different it is. I figured it'd be about the same-- I was wrong! It's a lot more relaxing having two weeks off instead of just one. I am dreading tomorrow, though. It's going to be tough going to bed on time tonight and getting up tomorrow. Oh well.

New Years Resolutions?
1. Update this blog more.
2. Ride my bike and moped more when it gets warmer.
3. Try more stuff in Richmond.
4. Become a regular somewhere.
5. Take the GRE and apply to grad school.

My guess? I complete #3-5.

I tried the 50 book challenge again this year. I think I actually did it, if my Good Reads account is right. Here they are, not quite in chronological order, but close:
1. The Great Gatsby: F. Scott Fitzgerald
2. East of Eden: John Steinbeck
3. Jane Eyre: Charlotte Bronte
4. Fences: August Wilson
5. Their Eyes Were Watching God: Zora Neale Hurston
6. A Raisin in the Sun: Lorraine Hansberry
7. Teacher Man: Frank McCourt
8. The Scarlet Letter: Nathaniel Hawthorne
9. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha: Roddy Doyle
10. Wide Sargasso Sea: Jean Rhys
11. Atonement: Ian McEwan
12. "Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?": A Psychologist Explains the Development of Racial Identity: Beverly Daniel Tatum
13. Song of Solomon: Toni Morrison
14. Wild Iris: Louise Gluck
15. Praise: Robert Hass
16. The Awakening: Kate Chopin
17. The Magician's Nephew: C.S. Lewis
18. The Satanic Verses: Salman Rushdie
19. The Piano Lesson: August Wilson
20. Thunderstruck: Erik Larson
21. The Audacity of Hope: Barack Obama
22. The Painted Veil: W. Somerset Maugham
23. The Crucible: Arthur Miller
24. The Abstinence Teacher: Tim Perrotta
25. What is the What: Dave Eggers
26. No One Belongs Here More Than You: Stories: Miranda July
27. The Road: Cormac McCarthy
28. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardobe: C.S. Lewis
29. Travels with Charley: In Search of America: John Steinbeck
30. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: Michael Chabon
31. The Best American Short Stories of 2003
32. Invisible Monsters: Chuck Palahniuk
33. The Pillars of the Earth: Ken Follett
34. Dandelion Wine: Ray Bradbury
35. An Atlas of a Difficult World: Adrienne Rich
36. A Streetcar Named Desire: Tennessee Williams
37. The History of Love: Nicole Krauss
38. Unaccustomed Earth: Jhumpa Lahiri
39. The Complete Persepolis: Marjane Satrapi
40. Choke: Chuck Palahniuk
41. Something Wicked This Way Comes: Ray Bradbury
42. The Canterbury Tales: Geoffrey Chaucer
43. No Country for Old Men: Cormac McCarthy
44. Water for Elephants: Sara Gruen
45. The Glass Castle: Jeannette Walls
46. The Reader: Bernhard Schlink
47. Macbeth: Shakespeare
48. Our Lady of the Forest: David Guterson
49. That Night: Alice McDermott
50. Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife: Mary Roach
51. A Thousand Splendid Suns: Khaled Hosseini

Wow.

6 quirky things

Kate has tagged me to list six personal quirks. I don't know if these count, but this is what I could think of.

1. I, like Kate, used to count steps in sidewalk blocks. I only do this when I'm alone and especially when I'm trying not to think about how cold, rainy, etc. the weather is.

2. I have to check the doors at night about 2 or 3 times. Just to make sure they're all locked, even though I know they are.

3. My desk at school has only a few places where things can go. There must be piles of similar things in the same area, otherwise, I lose my head. My former students used to laugh about this.

4. I am totally one of those people who straights cards in a game ALL THE TIME. I'll also randomly straighten up books, piles of random junk on your desk, anything in a pile that isn't even or straight. (It's super awkward when I do that in front of people)

5. If the cushions on our couch are even the tiniest bit off or have slid a little bit from the back of the couch, I must fix it immediately. I hate it when I sit on the couch and and I can feel the cushion leaning over the edge.

6. I can't leave our cats alone. If I see one sleeping, I have to mess with it. This is probably why they normally hide somewhere if they actually want to sleep.

I tag Megan, Leanne, and Diana to do this.

I need to take more pictures!

Look at that face!

What have I been doing?
Besides answering questions about evolution, I've been getting to know the adorable kitty above. That's Vincent Gallo, Shannon and Dan's new kitten. He is adorable, but incredibly hard to photograph cause he hates cameras. Also: I tried sushi for the first time and ate tater tots with chopsticks. I sent the best birthday present I've ever put together to Megan for her 21st birthday. I had a headache that lasted about 2 1/2 days, which was a new experience for me. I've made plans for Halloween/Autumn-related activities, Christmas break, and NYE. I've found a balance between work and fun. I've gotten to know my students better and my classes are falling into more of a routine. I've emailed back and forth with old students and each has been the same: they say: I miss you! We talk about you every day! We are jealous of your new students! and I say: I miss you! I brag about you every day! It makes me feel amazing to hear they still remember me and look forward to seeing me again (because I look forward to watching them graduate). I got my Richmond Public Library card. I'm grateful I work in a pretty stable industry. David and I (sort of) celebrated being together for 5 years. I've started to really focus on what I want to accomplish with my career and what I should chose to do for my master's. I watched most of the debates and I've laughed really hard at Tina Fey's Sarah Palin sketches. I'm looking forward to a lot of things.

so you wanna know about the new job, eh?

Pros:
-Barely any kids in the hallway
-No workrooms (because it means all my stuff is in one place instead of 2 or more)
-Not one, but two cabinets in the room
-Not one, but two bookshelves in the room
-New high school! Whoa!
-Kids are super friendly
-95% of them do their work without me begging and pleading with them.
-They have their own supplies
-No tardies. Well, no unexcused tardies. When they come in late, they freak out and apologize a thousand times and have a note.
-Principal and APs are cool, and ALL the office workers are nice (those of you that do not work in schools and can't remember those that worked in the office: THIS NEVER HAPPENS! I swear, there always has to be ONE that always looks pissed off.)
-The Promethean Board. I can't really explain it for those of you that don't know what Smart boards or PBoards are like, but I am totally in love with this thing.


Cons:
-Sometimes, I feel useless because they all just sit and do their work.
-No workrooms (because it means I don't know any of the other teachers since we all have our own rooms)
-Classrooms next to me are empty or a computer lab that no one uses, and across the hall from me is a wall. So, it kinda feels like I'm all alone over there. (pro of that is: it's quiet?)
-I don't know the kids and everyone else knows everyone.
-They say "that's gay" and "fag" a lot more. And wear more confederate flags.
-I miss bonding with the kid that borrowed pencils every day. And the kids that always strolled in late every class.
-Lots of forms to fill out.
-A teacher told mesome students chew tobacco in class (ew) and some bring their guns or crossbows to school during hunting season. Uh...

Pictures are on flickr. I was going to put some here, but I'm tired and I have a lot of letters to grade and other stuff to take care of before Back to School night tomorrow night.


My 12th graders are cool, though. Super cool, for the most part (minus a few that sit in the back corner, never shut up and are really stuck up). My 10th graders are... strange. My 7th period is hilarious, 5th period's okay, 2nd period is sleepy. One of the science teachers I met today said, "Oh, you're the new English teacher! I'm _____, we both teach 10th grade." So I made a joke about how fun they can be and she said "Yeah, the 10th graders this year are a little undercooked". That was hilarious, and also very true. I think it was just a bad year for kids, cause the kids in the same class at The Old School are "undercooked" as well. It happens sometimes.
I think it'll be okay and I know I'll get used to it. It's a little hard right now because at the end of the school day, I just sigh and think "I miss Granby". Obama was there this week and I had excited messages from former students and Tye. It made me miss them a lot and wish I could share that excitement with them. I know it'll get easier and I'll start feeling more a part of this new school, but right now, I just feel confused, slightly overwhelmed, lost and like an outsider. Part of that is because I started late, another is because it's a lot smaller and a third is that I am an outsider. A lot of the people I'm working with and a lot of the students have all known each other for years and years already. But, like I said, it'll get better. Even if it doesn't, I'll make it work because most of me is just happy to be teaching again.
Oh yeah, and one of the Assistant Principals is like Dan W-K's redheaded twin. It is freaky how alike they are. I also have a student that looks almost exactly like a student I had last year. This morning, I saw her in the hallway and almost called her Stephanie instead of her real name.

completely & totally not dead

It's weird being in a city again. I keep remembering there's lots of stuff to do!

What we've done so far:

• Unpacked, cleaned, and went to Ikea to get some important things (like a sofa, chair and wardrobe)
• Figured out how to function in a smaller apartment
• Remembered what it was like to live in an apartment with no central air and no dishwasher again (that wasn't too difficult, it was only 2 years that we lived with those luxuries)
• Celebrated our 2 year anniversary by walking over to a wonderful restaurant called Kuba Kuba
• Many walks. One of those walks was to Plan 9, which I knew was a bad idea to begin with because I saw their vinyl collection when I was there with the family, and ended up finding a few good things.
• Got my moped running!!
  
• Got David a Schwinn Varsity for $50. Considering we spent about $200 on my female Varsity, his was a steal. It's a pretty green one that
  
• Went to see The Dark Knight with two lovely ladies. It was awesome, even though I was hungry and had to pee really bad by the end of it (TMI? I'm sorry).
• Met most of the people in the building.

Not much, but I've been trying to not spend too much since I still don't have a job. I know I'll probably have one by the time school starts, but I really don't want to chance our finally-somewhat-stable financial situation just in case I don't hear from anybody or get an offer.
But that's enough of that. Thinking about that just makes me anxious.
Plus, it's my summer vacation. I'm not going to worry about finding a back up job (positive thinking: because I won't need one) until school starts, so I've been enjoying that thing called sleeping in. I've also been trying to read The Pillars of the Earth--that thing is a beast! Since I don't teach during the summer, and my day to day activities of sleep in-read a little-check email-slide on the wood floors to Bikini Kill because I just moved to this lovely city and lack friends, places to go, a job, etc. isn't really interesting to anyone but me, I've been thinking about all the things I've been meaning to sit down and write all year. Being a second year teacher actually gave me a second or two to remember: oh yeah, I actually had other stuff that I did before I was swamped with planning, grading, giving a crap, etc. So, I'll try and get some of that down and hopefully some of it will be interesting.

it's impossible to be unhappy in a poncho

So, Mom, Dad, Megan, Katy, Mike, and AJ were all here sometime between the 15th and the 21st. Whew!

What we did:
-Ate at Retro's, Blue Talon, the Cheese Shop, Chik-Fil-A (there are none in Michigan), California Pizza Kitchen... I can't remember where else. LOTS of good food.
-Gave dad his Father's Day gift (Tiger Woods Golf for Wii--he loved it)
-Went to the Sunday night movie on Price George St.
-Went to Macarthur Center for Body Shop and H&M goodness (oh my, do I love H&M--that was my bday present from my parents)
-Played mini golf while mom got her Mother's Day massage (she said it was the best ever)
-Went to Jamestown
-Went to Richmond
-Went to Busch Gardens (David and I now have a Fun Pass and we're looking forward to going back again and again and again... and again...), but sadly, the rides were shut down about an hour and a half early due to a storm, so we left.
-Tried out new recipes, made by master chefs Megan and Ruth (mom).
-Drank St Julian wine and lots of good beer. Also, had a pomegranate margarita. Deeelicious.
-Played Things (Dad wanted to know what the Canadians sent me for Xmas-- looove it) and introduced AJ to Apples to Apples
-Played Wii!! OMG. They brought down everything, including Mario Kart and Wii Fit, as well as this other game full of carnival games (difficult, but addicting). David and I have been thinking more and more seriously about getting a Wii, mostly for Mario and Wii Fit.
-Went swimming, scared Megan by floating up beside her in the pool.
-Made lots of Mighty Boosh references and sang many of the songs.
-Laughed until our stomachs and cheeks ached over the Creepy Traveler.
-Counted quilted bags and the amount quilted bag conventions (when 2 or more women in a group of women have a quilted bag).
-Saw The Happening-- HORRIBLE! What the hell M. Night Shamalan?!

Did I forget something? Probably. I think I got it all though.

My birthday was absolutely wonderful because they were here, there was lots of good food, lots of laughter and lots of new clothes.

beware the busy month of March!

I don't have much time or much to say. I feel like I've been making constant to do lists and time has been going way too fast.

This week:
-10th graders started Julius Caesar (both a yay and an ugh)
-11th graders took first SOLs and claimed they were easy (we'll see how 'easy' they end up being when those scores come back)
-Laughed quite a bit with students, about a variety of topics.
Including the NEW Funniest Moment Ever, from the always-hilarious Bryan:
11th graders in 5th bell: Cory finished his writing prompt in 5 minutes! He probably wrote 3 sentences and then dipped!
Me: Didn't you know? Cory can do and does everything in 10 seconds. He probably wrote about 5 pages, and you didn't even realize. He's like the Flash!
(once I said this, I knew Bryan-if he was listening-would say something)
Bryan: That's what his girlfriend said, too!

I shared this moment with the teachers at lunch (most of them know Bryan pretty well) and we were still laughing about it today. I totally set myself up for that.


Coming up is the busy month of March:
-Teaching two pieces of literature that are difficult due to dialect/language: Julius Caesar and Their Eyes Were Watching God.
-Going to Richmond for Abigail's birthday this weekend
-Natalie coming to visit next weekend (!!!)
-Going to Philadelphia/Amanda the weekend after, my first weekend of spring break.
-Possibly going to the Richmond rally the last weekend of March

That's a lot. Good thing I've taught Julius Caesar before. I just need to make sure I know what I'm doing with Their Eyes Were Watching God. I've read it-- I'm just not sure what to do with it.

thanksgiving brings lists

Thanksgiving always brings the question: What are you grateful for? So, here is my list.

I'm grateful for...
-My parents
-Megan and getting to spend the whole summer with her
-David
-David's parents & Glenn
-Grandma Pushie
-Natalie
-Amanda and that amazing laugh
-Katy
-Cherie and Chris and how they always teach me something new, give me great ideas/things to try and make me laugh very, very hard.
-Jen and her brilliant teaching skills
-Kate
-Erin M and her ability to make me laugh and to find humor in the face of hardships. (I'm wishing you lots of good luck and sending good ~~vibes~~ your way, lady)
-Joey and his Scrabble skills
-Petro and his.... petroness.
-Ryan and his music/book/movie suggestions and his motivation to change the wrongs in the world (very inspiring!).
-Julia and her wonderful writing and keeping in touch skills.
-My Williamsburg Ladies. I am so glad we got to know each other. And I agree with Abigail: it may seem like we are all so very different, but we all bring something unique, useful, and interesting to the table. You deserve more than just a bullet point, because I could say something wonderful about each of you, but that's another post all together.
-My school "family": "sister" Tye, "mom" Chandra and my many "grandmas". Also, my dept. chair, Rebecca, my co-teacher, Portia, Laura, Hunt, Susan, Eddie, Roe, Joann, Jerilyn, Rachel (x2), the list goes on... just about everyone I see on a daily basis at school is brilliant, intelligent and hilarious.
-My curious, crazy, creative and enthusiastic 11th graders.
-My kind, motivated, and cheerful 10th graders
-Being a second year teacher! Yes!!!

I might add on to this later because I probably forgot some people and some tings I'm grateful for.
What are you grateful for?

list it out

What have I done recently?
-Decorated a Christmas tree that is very tiny.
-Remembered how chilly 20 degrees could be.
-Remembered how much I liked 50-60 degrees.
-Laughed at people from the South who complained about 35 degree mornings. It's not that cold. C'mon!
-Started to get my zine together.
-Got excited about giving two people the perfect things. Oh yes.
-Got excited about going back to Michigan in a little while.
-Put on my Canada Olympic team vest. Missed grandpa.
-Found myself hating Virginia a slight bit, but only because I'm frustrated by other things.
-Sang and danced and looked forward to being able to listen to something other than the radio in my car soon.
-Stressed about money. Bah humbug.
-Looked into programs for my master's. Got excited about what I found. I think I found exactly what I'm looking for.
-Wondered if teaching was really what I should be doing. I suck, man.
-Felt frustrated with teaching, the "system", "The Man", students, etc.
-Was disappointed by students being one day behind where they were supposed to be. The whole students not taking responsibility for what they were supposed to do and, instead, deciding to whine has really gotten old. (Then I remember that there are "adults" who do the same thing in college and beyond. Is that more or less depressing? I can't figure it out.)
-Decided to take a day off to avoid mental breakdown and maybe even choking a child or two. I am looking forward to tomorrow. Mental health days, man. That's where it's at.