What do Teachers Make?

Got this in an email from my friend in New York City. (Yes, I have a friend in New York!)

Subject: What do teachers make?


The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.
He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do.. Those who can't, teach.'
To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
I make kids wonder. I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.
Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow t heir hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)
'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Most days I don't see that I make any difference! The CRCT does not measure kindness and consideration of others. The increasing demands of NCLB is putting more pressure than ever on students and teachers alike to perform. Add that to the fact that we no longer retain students because of immaturity (fifth grade test will catch them) and you have a recipe for disaster. I need to remember I'm making a difference!

Thoughts

Crusing around tonight I finally found Nat's blog. Loved her pictures, she has really developed as an artist.

Then went to a link Monkey has for Funky Finds. Then I clicked on a link that she had, you've got to check this out. http://www.barijonline.com/ Somedays I believe I was meant to be a hippy! If only I had $154 to spend on a purse. I've never spent that on anything in the last 25 years.

Made a huge pot of the chili from last weekend today. Matt and Dan like it too.

Went to school, worked, and read papers from my kiddos. They are getting better. They know what is going on, if only they will produce on that day. Big Dogs want to do a mock writing test, I didn't want to bust their bubble, so I said nothing that I already had planned it.

The kids love Letters From Rifka. I would love the ability for them to go to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and so many more places. In the book it talks about how she misses Momma's yeasty smell. We spent several minutes discussing the meaning of this phrase. Sadly, only about 6 out of 52 had ever smelled bread baking. Next year, I will add this into the lesson plans.

SBB's booklist has added Anna Karina. I will never forget the summer I decided I could not leave this earth without reading the great Russian writers. I read several the summer Gabe was a baby. However, The Brothers Karamatza (sp) was too much for me. (Maybe one day)

On Nat's blog, I noticed that she had mentioned a quiz to determine your presidential candidate. I took the quiz and it is a toss up between Mike Huckabee and John McCain. I'm not sure what that means.

Matt's best friend Nick's brother was severally burned on the face and hands this weekend. He has been moved to a burn center in Raliegh. It brought back many memories of when Drew had the third degree burns as a three year old. Young Moms out there be sure that you do NOT let your babies around hot coffee. That was how Drew's happened. Ben's was a brush fire. Pray for him and his family as they go through the debris process.

John Grisham's new book comes out Wednesday. I can't wait to get it and have a chance to sit and read it over the February break!!!!

In closing may payday come soon.

Five places I want to go back to

Okay here goes.

1. Crested Butte, Colorado in the winter (and stay all winter with money to burn!)
2. Savannah, Georgia (I will never get tired of that city)
3. Fort Worth, Texas (We had our first real date at the Stockyards and it will always be special! One day I must watch all the Dallas reruns!)
4. Oklahoma City, OK (I would like to take my children to see the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the memorial downtown, and the stockyards.)
5. Ardmore, Oklahoma (There's no place like home--when I go there I have a beginning and a lifetime of memories, Brenda who knows my past, and a cemetary that holds my past. We are the only two who can share memories of our mothers. I'll never forget when Brenda's Dad died she called and said, "I never understood before what you went through, till now"...we were forever bonded. Brenda's mom died a couple of years later. Her mother taught me to sew and she made the best banana cream pie you've ever tasted. ) [Brenda called this week, she is going to be a granny.]

Two Places I don't particularly ever want to go again on purpose are:
1. Pittsburgh, PA (While some things were interesting others were not!)
2. Houston, TX (I will go if anyone I love needs me too, but I've spent way to many cancer filled hours in that town.)

Busyness not to be confused with business

Busyness...that is what I am full of these days. To the point, I'm not even sleeping good right now. My mind is full of all the things I must do. I find it sad that I do not even have time during the day except for a few brief moments in the morning to talk to Monkey. (This morning I don't know that we even spoke other than hey. I had a parent, then a writing consultant show up.) Then there is the playful boy behavior in the bathroom that take up too much of my time!

To top it off, I gained weight this week. If I had really eaten food that would have done it, that would have been different. Unfortunately, it is problably water weight and the fact that I'm drinking way too many diet Dr. Pepper!

What to do on a day off!

1. Immediately get on the phone and try to stop the hackers in your email account. (I really feel violated!)
2. Fix children breakfast
3. Begin work on 1099's for horse people who actually won over $600 last year.
4. Realize you are short 8 1099 forms and leave for trip to Staples.
5. Go in and get what I need and leave.
6. Spend 30 minutes trying to get out of parking lot.
7. Gather up all the change and go to Starbucks. Then realize you have a gift card. Coffee never tasted so good.
8. Check on F who is undergoing nuclear testing
9. Go get Nyquil and liquids for Matt
10. Heat up soup from Saturday
11. Finish 1099's
12. Denise and Shelby drop in
13. Fold socks (I hate to fold socks)
14. Hang up laundry (another thing that isn't my favorite thing to do)
15. Work with tutor on this weeks assignments
16. Wonder what would happen if I actually had a day to rest

HELP!!!!!!!

I am in email hell! Some Spam company has taken over my email address. So far I've received over 4000 emails in the last 12 hours of Mail System Error Messages. Apparently, the Asian Market Exchange Company has taken over my email. How does this happen? I've been on the chat line with Charter twice today; apparently this can't be fixed until Tuesday. I've put a block on my email address. I don't know how to stop these people. They have literally changed the settings on my email. I went in and changed them back, but as long as they continue to use it they will continue to generate emails.

Please check your spam blockers today! Run a spyware check! You know I depend on my computer for everything. I am so unsure what to do! It is a joke to think I can get on the phone with anyone during the work week!

A New Chili Recipe!

While cruising the web tonight I found this recipe on SouthernLiving.com It is wonderful! I had to cut out one can of tomatoes (you know I can't stand the chunks!). I can't wait to have it tomorrow on a snowy day with crackers....I hope we have crackers.

Chunky Beef 'n' Tomato Chili
Prep: 20 min.; Cook: 1 hr., 25 min.

1 pound ground round
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green peppers and onions
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with zesty mild green chiles
1 (10-ounce) can condensed beef broth
2 garlic cloves, pressed
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (15-ounce) can light kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can dark kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Cook beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally into large chunks, 10 minutes or until no longer pink. (Do not stir beef into crumbles.) Drain and return beef to Dutch oven.

Stir both cans of diced tomatoes and next 7 ingredients into browned beef; reduce heat to medium low, and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 hour. Stir in beans, and simmer 15 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.

Yield: Makes about 6 servings (serving size: 1 2/3 cups)

Back when I was little, growing up in OKLAHOMA, in the winter the butcher would grind the hamburger meat at a thicker texture. That is what this recipe needs, however, I've tried to explain this to various Georgia butchers and they look at me like I have two heads. Anyway it is a keeper. Enjoy!

5 Places I'd like to visit

Okay, better late than never on this one. I've thought it through and here goes.

1. New York City
2. The Grand Canyon
3. Niagra Falls (I'd fit that in with #1)
4. New Orleans (went the year my dad divorced my mom, I'd like to go back and be happy)
5. Charleston, SC

I would have been just as happy with front roll seats to see George Strait tonight, but I am so practical and broke I'd be scalping them!

1/20/2008
Dan and I were discussing this today. Dan brought up Alaska, then I remembered Washington DC. So new list:

1. New York City, then on to Niagra Falls
2. Washington DC
3. Alaska
4. The Grand Canyon
5. New Orleans (I think a week of eating Cajun food would do my soul good.)

Moments in Time

Last week I went for my annual mammogram, that was a tad bit past annual. Anyway, there is always a lot of emotion that I go through when this time of year rolls around. They ask you all these questions and then when you say your mother died of breast cancer at 34; all the whistles and bells go off in the office.

Well Tuesday I got the results. I was suddenly struck as I pulled the envelope out of the mailbox that how can something so small carry such a life changing information. I sat for awhile in the car and looked at it. Then I put the cell phone beside me and opened it. For that brief moment in time you know that your life could change forever! Then there is that rush of relief that your life will be the same for another year at least. I had to say a prayer for all those women who opened that letter on Tuesday and it wasn't good news and thank God at the same time that mine was okay.

Another good thing is I lost another 1.6 pounds. This puts it at 28 pounds total. Almost 30....I'm feeling it!!!!

What a MONTH!

January...today I thought of those beautiful days in Crested Butte (I was way too stupid to realize how idealic those days were). The snow fall, the skiing, the quaint restaurants...aahh...for a moment I am transported to another place and time. I wish I had enjoyed it more.

So that is what I want for my life. To stop worrying and fretting and start enjoying it. I said yesterday in class, someone asked about my new watch, and I was explaining how I don't think I have a lot of joy in my life. They were stunned. They said I was the happiest person they knew. Then I felt sad for them, because they must be surrounded by people more "joyless" than me!

So today as the snow falls (and doesn't stick, but may the temp is dropping), I want to remember joy and happiness. When the afterschool kids saw the snow, they just screamed in glee! I want to scream in glee and be happy!!

Want to join me!

Sunday

I need coffee creamer. There are somethings in the world that I couldn't do without. Milk doesn't get it, I need the chemicals found in Coffeemate! What a nasty little secret to know about me! Also, I need Verona coffee. It is true, I am the only adult here who can manage to work, go to school, and grocery shop. I suppose Dan and Matt could go if they ever stayed home. The Cowboy call is too strong!

Well I think I'm going to the doctor! (To get the coffee creamer on the way home) I've changed my mind on that one! I don't know what the doctor can do, but run useless test. The throat is still swelled, but I can talk. It won't be strep, but it will be tonsillitis. So we shall see. I feel a little better, my stomach seems normal today. Drinking hot liquids helps. Hot Toddies really help!! I did read that the combination of lemon juice and honey has some miracle effects.

I've had a hitch in the world of academia. Apparently, I missed a valuable email! Seems that I should have already sent in my prospectus. Of course the one thing I'm finding about research is that it is ever changing. The more you know, the more your questions evolve. Anyway, I've emailed my prospectus everywhere. Then someone sent an email that said don't mail it yet. So we shall see.

Finally, got in the wedding pictures I ordered! They are so sweet. Young love is grand! I haven't got Nicole's B-Day gift over to her yet (it was the 8th), but I did call.

I will try and check in on Linda today after she gets home from church. I think if all is going well I might try and Oklahoma trip in April. Also, worked on my calender and I have scheduled a horse show on Matt's graduation. So, I may have to hire a standin. I do that for others often, so no problem.

No Voice!

I am up, I've drank, and I've had toast. All is well so far, except I have no voice! I do think God made our bodies so that when we do not rest, the body forces us to rest. I really have way to much to do and if I feel better today, I will have to get a few groceries. But, we shall see.

Question: Why do I feel guilty even thinking about crawling in bed and reading all day?

Mission Aborted

Well my attempt to go to work today was met with disastrous effects. Around 10:30 my stomach started cramping uncontrollably. I thought this was it, I was going to blow. So I ran to the bathroom and only had dry heaves...of course nothing was on my stomach. So, I stagger back to Dianne's room...did she have anything. She gives me liquid stomach medicine. Well here is a little known fact about me...I don't do liquids, but I tried. Stomach cramps are worse, the room is spinning...I had to leave before the kids had a horrible picture of their teacher forever embedded in their minds!

Hours have passed and the stomach cramps continue. I've eaten some toast and tried to drink a little...both are extremely difficult.

You might be crazy...

You might be certifiable crazy if after a horrible night and day of being sick...you feel the need to go to school tomorrow and work. Even though you still can't swallow well! I did drink a few sips of Diet Dr. Pepper and eat some toast. I have made out lesson plans that HAD to be mailed by this afternoon. I am behind in my college work and that is upsetting to me.

January is proving to be a very depressing month.

FLU!?!

I can't believe it! I feel like H---. The fever continues to go up, even after more medicines. I'm achy and nausiated. Especially after Matt burned something on the stove. I finally called Brenda and said I am a no show for tomorrow. I don't recall doing that before. I've written out the plans for tomorrow and for next week. Good Luck and Good Night!

100 pound thigh tired!

I am tired tonight! Too much cooking, cleaning, and going. My mind is tired and it needs to be fresh! I've got work to do doesn't it understand! I want to try and think about Monkey's 5 top best restaurants challenge, but there are dishes to do and NO diet Dr. Pepper. There is football to view and pondering is Roger Clemens guilty of anything! No I must focus back on the school aspect of life....my mind must not wonder...forget the two nights ago I was having a private dinner with a very wealthy family over looking the beach.

Coveting!

As you know I want a new rug for under the dining room table. I look everyday at overstock.com, this is what I want only it needs to be bigger

So for now I will dream....cause this rug would look great with the new couch I'm getting someday!

Today appears to be busy and all I want to do is rest. I've had a headache for days, last night I started have sharp chest pains on the left side (I'm making the doctors appointment as soon as they open this morning). Then Dan wants to go to Hilton Head (when he gets back from Pelzer, SC) and see a man about some horses. So I think we will stay over night.

Of course there is this little problem in my life of school work that must be done. I got an email yesterday that they are fixing to assign my doctorial committee. I am very scared about this. Perhaps that was when the pain started....

More later.

Check this out 3

Check out the family Christmas Card on this page:

http://justjanetblogs.blogspot.com/

Monkey, you and NS need to explore this as a new business! I know I would be interested!

Weight Loss Update 4

Okay, I know it is hard to believe. I think that cooking must be activity points, because I lost 2 pounds over the break. This brings me down a total of 27 pounds! YEAH!!!! Still LOTS of work to go.

Lots going on this weekend, may even take a mini trip!

Wasted hours or not?

I've spent many hours going surfing the blog world and came up on a couple of sites by women with sick kids. We have been so blessed! Our brood is big and healthy. (I probably should emphasis BIG). So forget the money...forget the stress....we really don't know stress like you have when a major illness takes over your life.

Today my mother would have been 62 years old. She died when she was 34...way to young. I have lived my entire adult life without the benefit of a mother's wisdom or a grandmother's love for my boys....The key word is I've lived....I survived all the hardships and heartaches....mainly because I remembered my mother's courage. And that is as deep as I will ever get with anyone on this subject!

Check this out

I was surfing the blog world the other day and came across this spot

http://reddirtramblings.com/

The woman takes great pictures, be sure and scroll down till you find the snow angel picture. I love it. I'm not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but she does take great pictures.

Which brings me to my next point. You've got to check out a Caldecott award winning book called, Snowflake Bentley. I'm in love with this book. It is a must have!

Today we went over figurative language words that they will be required to know. Then I introduced an upcoming project, "A Multi-genre Writing Project", one of the kids looks at me and says are we learning French this year? (Sarah, is genre a French word?)

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

If for some reason you haven't seen this movie, you need to. I've seen it twice now. I am amazed at the woman's patience and perserverence. I also am reminded that as women we've come along way since the 1960's.

Favorite line - after another incident with hubby that has sent her to the hospital, husband says, "I only want you to be happy." The main character played by Juliette Moore says, "I don't need you to make me happy. Just leave me alone when I am happy."

Happy New Year!

Well it is hard to believe that we are looking at 2008! I hope everyone has your blackeyed peas and collards going. We will all need all the luck we can get this year.

Gabe and Ryan kept the road hot last night between houses as they rang in the new year. I even had sparkling lemonade for them. They got out the wine classes and danced right into 2008!

Matt opted out on going to a party this year. Since last year he got in trouble for not being home on time.

I'm making some resolutions (Let's see how this works):

1. Spend more time Enjoying Life
2. Spend less time worrying about things I can't change

I think if I can do these two things it will be a big year around here!

I slept like a log last night on my NEW pillows. I will not EVEN take a picture of the ones going out to the trash today! Why do we wait so long to buy something so nifty?

I have another big day of cooking going on. I'll report more on that later.