I just got home, put on my night gown and sat down at the computer. I started checking blogs and then read PW. Say it isn't so!!! One day at a classmate's house she picks up the coffee table photo album and there finds professionally done nude photos of the girl's mom! (in a field of daisies)
For some reason this hit me as hilarious. Now you know I venture on the wild side and my favorite photographers have done some risky photo shots. I could picture us in a field of daisies and Monkey saying, "Julie bigger daisies, and we need a lot more!" The sad thing is 25 years ago (when I was 1/2 the woman I am today) we might have done this!!!!
Can you picture the boys bringing friends over..."what is this?"
"Oh, just some nude photos my mom did for my Dad. We like to keep it on the coffee table to scare off burglers!"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
A Dirty Shame
I knew when I got up this morning today was going to be "a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day", and I was right!
I have not had a period in 6 months! I've paid massive amounts of co-pays to be assured that I am in the midst of menopause. I embraced it. I loved the thought. I relished every month that it was over. I've secretly been planning my step into Bohemian Woman. Letting my hair go gray, wear comfortable clothes. Then came this morning and like a bad dream it was back!
It was unfair! G and I barely got to the bus stop on time this morning. I needed comfort music (check list on the right)! I get to school and have to print progress reports. I get started and here comes an adult to tell me that three of my girls have been rude coming down the hall from breakfast. They have managed to tell one adult to "shut up" when corrected and another to "shut her pie hole". I definately DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COFFEE! So I tell the AP, (who finally at 2:30 comes and tells them not to talk to adults that way). Like I hadn't already explained that fact!
Next, we are going to lunch and I remind a student they need to give me some time on the fence for backtalking. He looks at me and says, "I'm not standing on the fence and you can't make me." Right then every cell in my body turned into Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry as I thought "Make my day!" He did give me time on the fence!
We get back to the room (after recess where IBee had nearly killed another jumping off the slide) and he had been a sweetheart ALL DAY, when he suddenly throws his notebook across the room. I asked someone to put it on his desk and he says, "AND I'LL THROW IT BACK DOWN ON THE GROUND!" By then I've had enough of the insolent behavior. I'm ready to get a stick. At which point the resident Juvenial Deliquent gets all upitty and wants to stir the pot. Jesus Save Me!!!!! And I've got to tutor! I send JD to his new special afternoon class, notebook thrower to another room, and mouthy boy goes to sleep. Okay!
I keep the door shut and press on. When tutoring arrives I find out my little girl has not one project due next week, but two! It was more than a girl can take. I couldn't understand how any teachers could do this. She is from a single parent home. Mom works 12 hour days, so there is no way. We are suppose to start a business with $1,000, 000. You have to list everything you've got to buy and spend the whole amount of money. This was difficult for her. Yet, I could see her interest was peaked. I am limited at how much of this type of thing I can do with her at school because our computers are blocked. The other project is about your career, which has nothing to do with her make-believe business. WHOA IS ME!!!!
I get home and my feet are swelled beyond belief, my head hurts, and I am ill as a hornet. So I remembered... "In the past, menstruation was often viewed as a sign of uncleanliness or shame. In some cultures, women have been banished to huts or forbidden to cook during their periods."
Can someone please banish me to my hut????
Oh way, I have 4 IEP's tomorrow and a text book committee meeting.
I have not had a period in 6 months! I've paid massive amounts of co-pays to be assured that I am in the midst of menopause. I embraced it. I loved the thought. I relished every month that it was over. I've secretly been planning my step into Bohemian Woman. Letting my hair go gray, wear comfortable clothes. Then came this morning and like a bad dream it was back!
It was unfair! G and I barely got to the bus stop on time this morning. I needed comfort music (check list on the right)! I get to school and have to print progress reports. I get started and here comes an adult to tell me that three of my girls have been rude coming down the hall from breakfast. They have managed to tell one adult to "shut up" when corrected and another to "shut her pie hole". I definately DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH COFFEE! So I tell the AP, (who finally at 2:30 comes and tells them not to talk to adults that way). Like I hadn't already explained that fact!
Next, we are going to lunch and I remind a student they need to give me some time on the fence for backtalking. He looks at me and says, "I'm not standing on the fence and you can't make me." Right then every cell in my body turned into Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry as I thought "Make my day!" He did give me time on the fence!
We get back to the room (after recess where IBee had nearly killed another jumping off the slide) and he had been a sweetheart ALL DAY, when he suddenly throws his notebook across the room. I asked someone to put it on his desk and he says, "AND I'LL THROW IT BACK DOWN ON THE GROUND!" By then I've had enough of the insolent behavior. I'm ready to get a stick. At which point the resident Juvenial Deliquent gets all upitty and wants to stir the pot. Jesus Save Me!!!!! And I've got to tutor! I send JD to his new special afternoon class, notebook thrower to another room, and mouthy boy goes to sleep. Okay!
I keep the door shut and press on. When tutoring arrives I find out my little girl has not one project due next week, but two! It was more than a girl can take. I couldn't understand how any teachers could do this. She is from a single parent home. Mom works 12 hour days, so there is no way. We are suppose to start a business with $1,000, 000. You have to list everything you've got to buy and spend the whole amount of money. This was difficult for her. Yet, I could see her interest was peaked. I am limited at how much of this type of thing I can do with her at school because our computers are blocked. The other project is about your career, which has nothing to do with her make-believe business. WHOA IS ME!!!!
I get home and my feet are swelled beyond belief, my head hurts, and I am ill as a hornet. So I remembered... "In the past, menstruation was often viewed as a sign of uncleanliness or shame. In some cultures, women have been banished to huts or forbidden to cook during their periods."
Can someone please banish me to my hut????
Oh way, I have 4 IEP's tomorrow and a text book committee meeting.
Monday, April 27, 2009
23 Days
Twenty three days that is all I have left with my precious class. (Stop that snickering.) Everyone knows that with the exception of some EBD children that press every button I have, this has been a dream class.
You know what I love about teaching...the discussions. We are doing our WWII unit and today they asked me how could people follow someone like Hitler? Did I think he asked God for forgiveness before he died? Why did people hate Jews? Why did they let him kill so many people? Couldn't they understand? It is at those moments that I am so small, I don't know all the answers to their questions. Other than we should never be so consumed with hate for anyone because of the color of their skin or their religious beliefs. But today that wasn't enough. They wanted to know more.
I long to tell them of Dietrich Bonhoffer, who stood firm against Hitler's take over of the church, was smuggled out of Germany to America, was safe but returned to stand as a light in the darkness only to be executed. About Corrie Ten Boom and others who hid Jews and helped them escape from Hitler. My administrator says we must not mention God; therefore, I can't show videos. How can you not?
I have tried to contact the Jewish History Museum in ATL, but haven't heard back a response. They have a list of Holocaust survivors who will travel in the Metro area to do school programs. I'm hoping maybe 45 miles is doable. They also have a PLU for one week this summer. Cost is high, but what a joy to learn more of this important part of history. I tell my students we learn history so we won't repeat history. I hope they learn.
Twenty-three days, not very long to impart all I think they need to know before they spread their wings and fly away.
You know what I love about teaching...the discussions. We are doing our WWII unit and today they asked me how could people follow someone like Hitler? Did I think he asked God for forgiveness before he died? Why did people hate Jews? Why did they let him kill so many people? Couldn't they understand? It is at those moments that I am so small, I don't know all the answers to their questions. Other than we should never be so consumed with hate for anyone because of the color of their skin or their religious beliefs. But today that wasn't enough. They wanted to know more.
I long to tell them of Dietrich Bonhoffer, who stood firm against Hitler's take over of the church, was smuggled out of Germany to America, was safe but returned to stand as a light in the darkness only to be executed. About Corrie Ten Boom and others who hid Jews and helped them escape from Hitler. My administrator says we must not mention God; therefore, I can't show videos. How can you not?
I have tried to contact the Jewish History Museum in ATL, but haven't heard back a response. They have a list of Holocaust survivors who will travel in the Metro area to do school programs. I'm hoping maybe 45 miles is doable. They also have a PLU for one week this summer. Cost is high, but what a joy to learn more of this important part of history. I tell my students we learn history so we won't repeat history. I hope they learn.
Twenty-three days, not very long to impart all I think they need to know before they spread their wings and fly away.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
This School Year
This school year my body has been tired, many days it has taken all I have just to put one foot in front of the other. To start the year I had a student teacher and he had NO personality. For nine long weeks we trudged on, with me trying to encourage him and show ways he could improve. I dealt with a parapro (someone I'd always loved) who was going behind my back saying things and yelling at children when she was in the room. (She retired in December.) Dan closed a business and went without employment for 5 months. Our middle son went to college. While all this personal stuff raged on I had to teach 2 inclusion classes, with a total of 15 special ed students and 1 juvenile delinquent (who in January did a 6 week stint at the YDC). My homeroom class had 3 students who were EBD. I tend to be a patient person, but it has been difficult.
I have taught. I taught hard. I gave it my all, leaving very little for the one child still at home. Yet, when the state writing scores came back...13 of my 50 students didn't pass (of that 13, 8 were special ed, 1 had a mother dying, and another was pulled out for 3 weeks and then put back in). Overall the 5th grade only had 73% pass, and administration is very unhappy. The kind where they refuse to talk to you. Now state test puzzle me, students who have not written anything of quality all year long scored higher than I thought possible and those who have done okay, didn't even meet the standard.
So what do you do? You hear all the gossip, because everyone has heard a word from the boss but me. I think you get up dust yourself off and move forward. I'll make new, more detailed plans for next year and move on. Trying again to meet the expectations of those around me. However, we've been told that the next group has far more problems than previous groups both educationally and behavior.
So my question today is how much does the lack of discipline in a school (we have minimal) really effect/affect student performance?
I have taught. I taught hard. I gave it my all, leaving very little for the one child still at home. Yet, when the state writing scores came back...13 of my 50 students didn't pass (of that 13, 8 were special ed, 1 had a mother dying, and another was pulled out for 3 weeks and then put back in). Overall the 5th grade only had 73% pass, and administration is very unhappy. The kind where they refuse to talk to you. Now state test puzzle me, students who have not written anything of quality all year long scored higher than I thought possible and those who have done okay, didn't even meet the standard.
So what do you do? You hear all the gossip, because everyone has heard a word from the boss but me. I think you get up dust yourself off and move forward. I'll make new, more detailed plans for next year and move on. Trying again to meet the expectations of those around me. However, we've been told that the next group has far more problems than previous groups both educationally and behavior.
So my question today is how much does the lack of discipline in a school (we have minimal) really effect/affect student performance?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Life
Today I just was off my game all day. I wasn't a happy camper. I knew it was bad, when F was all perky this morning and I was like bite the head off a bat. It was a funk that grew as the day progressed. When I got home and checked my emails I now know why Edie Wright died today.
Edie Wright was a precious older member of our church. I taught her youngest granddaughter in 4th and 5th grade. Edie was special. They found out Edie had cancer at the same time they were doing a biopsy on a place I had show up. We knew each other from church, but we met that day in hospital gowns waiting for another mamogram. Things didn't look well for Edie, the doctor was talking of a double masectomy. She sat there with her husband and I vividly remember the looks on there faces. They tried to be optimistic, but they had that look of dread and fear that mix together in only the way the word cancer can do. That was 5 years ago.
Since then Edie has fought a brave fight. The cancer kept coming back and she kept plugging along, determined to live. God had other plans today. Haley loved her grandmother dearly, it was her favorite place to be. She is in the 8th grade now. I know that it will be extremely hard on her.
I pass her house everyday on my way to work. Her house has looked lonely here lately. I know a lot of people don't know Edie, but I will always remember a bond that was formed between us one day in hospital gowns waiting for news.
Edie Wright was a precious older member of our church. I taught her youngest granddaughter in 4th and 5th grade. Edie was special. They found out Edie had cancer at the same time they were doing a biopsy on a place I had show up. We knew each other from church, but we met that day in hospital gowns waiting for another mamogram. Things didn't look well for Edie, the doctor was talking of a double masectomy. She sat there with her husband and I vividly remember the looks on there faces. They tried to be optimistic, but they had that look of dread and fear that mix together in only the way the word cancer can do. That was 5 years ago.
Since then Edie has fought a brave fight. The cancer kept coming back and she kept plugging along, determined to live. God had other plans today. Haley loved her grandmother dearly, it was her favorite place to be. She is in the 8th grade now. I know that it will be extremely hard on her.
I pass her house everyday on my way to work. Her house has looked lonely here lately. I know a lot of people don't know Edie, but I will always remember a bond that was formed between us one day in hospital gowns waiting for news.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tornados
I grew up in Oklahoma, so I've had a lot of experience with tornados. When I was growing up we had a cellar that was carved into the earth. It was damp and musty smelling. You had to go down a pig path to get there, my Granddaddy always kept the weeds cut back so the path was easy for my Grandma to travel. We would go there as long as my Granddaddy was alive, but after he died my Grandmother wouldn't go anymore. She said there could be snakes down there. Well that was all I needed to hear and there was no chance I'd ever darken the cellar again! And to this day I'd rather take my chances with a tornado instead of a snake.
But my Grandmother was tough so we just waited out the tornado warnings. She'd say stay away from the windows, but other than that she showed no fear. With every bolt of lightening and clap of thunder my Grandmother would tell me not to worry "Granddaddy just turned over the tater wagon." For some reason I found comfort in that, and tornado warnings (we didn't have sirens in those days) no longer made me fearful.
The other night as a storm blew in Dan and I sat in the screened in porch watching it rain. It was peaceful. We were totally relaxed. Unfortunately, my youngest child doesn't find storms to be calming. On Friday night the sirens went off three times and I thought he might have a heart attack. He wants to know the plan. I tried to be patient and retell him that we can go in the bathroom, which is in the center of the house. He is looks at me like I've lost my mind. He kept wondering where his Daddy was, I said asleep. This did not bring him comfort. "How can Daddy sleep through this?" I've tried to tell Dan he needs to be up looking around so Gabe will feel more secure, but Dan kept snoring! I'm not as reassuring as my Grandmother was.
So while I love storms and have many memories of near misses, I'm afraid Gabe will never be comfortable during a storm. I hope he has a cellar.
But my Grandmother was tough so we just waited out the tornado warnings. She'd say stay away from the windows, but other than that she showed no fear. With every bolt of lightening and clap of thunder my Grandmother would tell me not to worry "Granddaddy just turned over the tater wagon." For some reason I found comfort in that, and tornado warnings (we didn't have sirens in those days) no longer made me fearful.
The other night as a storm blew in Dan and I sat in the screened in porch watching it rain. It was peaceful. We were totally relaxed. Unfortunately, my youngest child doesn't find storms to be calming. On Friday night the sirens went off three times and I thought he might have a heart attack. He wants to know the plan. I tried to be patient and retell him that we can go in the bathroom, which is in the center of the house. He is looks at me like I've lost my mind. He kept wondering where his Daddy was, I said asleep. This did not bring him comfort. "How can Daddy sleep through this?" I've tried to tell Dan he needs to be up looking around so Gabe will feel more secure, but Dan kept snoring! I'm not as reassuring as my Grandmother was.
So while I love storms and have many memories of near misses, I'm afraid Gabe will never be comfortable during a storm. I hope he has a cellar.
Friday, April 10, 2009
When I Grow Up I Want to Be an Old Woman
Last night Kaiser aired a new commercial showing old women having fun. The commercial was a promo for mammograms. I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Being the daughter of a mother who died way to young (34), many times I've thought my mortality was limited. I heard the song last night and said, "I want that put on my phone as my ring tone." Folks, I meant it! I can't think of anything better than growing up to be an old woman. Check it out!
Then yesterday in my Don Francisco internet browsings I found out that in 1995 he remarried a woman who also sings. She had a daughter named Annie Brooks. Google her, the music is great.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Gifts
Recently when we had a day off for a big meeting, NH made the comment about what a wonderful life I had lived. I've always thought I missed too many things, but since NH comment I'm looking at life a little different. For instance, last night during choir practice my mind couldn't help but travel back to when we lived in Colorado. Don Fransisco was a neighbor (a mere 5 miles away) and one time he planned a huge concert in Crested Butte. Terry Clark was coming in and they both were well known contemporary Christian musicians. It was going to be a big night, until a blizzard hit! That's right it was the worse weather we got out of the whole 5 years we lived there. Thirty-six inches in 12 hours. They decided to go ahead with the concert. Terry Clark's plane had to land in Montrose a good 60-70 miles away, and then he drove to Crested Butte. There were only about 15 people in the auditorium, and it was a wonderful evening.
So last night during choir practice my mind raced back. I heard the music again. I left choir practice wanting to hear "High Praise" by Don Fransisco and any Terry Clark music. I left choir thankful that I had that experience. That it was a gift, but most importantly I left knowing that I have had a wonderful life and all these years I just didn't know.
Thanks NH for a few words that might not have meant much when you said them, but they've changed my whole outlook. I've always thought a joyful life alluded me, but it was right there all along. I just had to open my heart and mind to it.
So last night during choir practice my mind raced back. I heard the music again. I left choir practice wanting to hear "High Praise" by Don Fransisco and any Terry Clark music. I left choir thankful that I had that experience. That it was a gift, but most importantly I left knowing that I have had a wonderful life and all these years I just didn't know.
Thanks NH for a few words that might not have meant much when you said them, but they've changed my whole outlook. I've always thought a joyful life alluded me, but it was right there all along. I just had to open my heart and mind to it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Aspertame Update
Okay I am now at Day 5 of the experiement. My legs continue to show improve both with swelling and veins. This morning I noticed something new that I hope is a BLESSED thing, my hips did not hurt as bad last night. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain at night is a 10; last night I'd give it a 7! I've gone to numerous doctors, had shots, pills, and all kinds of stuff, nothing has helped. So in my mind if getting off the aspertame has helped my back and hips I'm ECSTATIC!
Be sure and check out the links that MG left on my last post. They are very insightful. Is it true or a hoax? I don't know, hence the need to experiment. However, if I continue to feel better I'm going to assume the aspertame had something to do with it.
Now for my failures. We are at Day 5 of a 9 day break and I haven't read anything or written on Chapter 2. Writing for me is a tough thing. There has to be NO distractions and there are always distractions. The house isn't clean. There is laundry to do. Horseshow business. Children Issues. School Work not finished. All of these are constantly on my mind, but I'm going to try and knock things out.
Yesterday I did pick up a new pair of glasses. I kinda felt like when "Auther Got Glassess", so this is what words look like to other folks.
Be sure and check out the links that MG left on my last post. They are very insightful. Is it true or a hoax? I don't know, hence the need to experiment. However, if I continue to feel better I'm going to assume the aspertame had something to do with it.
Now for my failures. We are at Day 5 of a 9 day break and I haven't read anything or written on Chapter 2. Writing for me is a tough thing. There has to be NO distractions and there are always distractions. The house isn't clean. There is laundry to do. Horseshow business. Children Issues. School Work not finished. All of these are constantly on my mind, but I'm going to try and knock things out.
Yesterday I did pick up a new pair of glasses. I kinda felt like when "Auther Got Glassess", so this is what words look like to other folks.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Aspertame
Aspertame is it safe or not? I'm on the fourth day of an experiment of no diet sodas. It isn't easy! Right now I woke up woosy, but after eating I feel a little better. The fluid retention in my legs has gone down considerably. I did visit the chiropractor yesterday to get my spine aligned, so it is still painful in my hip joint area.
I'm concentrating this week on giving up the sodas. I did check out Snoopes.com and they belief most of the stuff we hear about aspertame being harmful is false. I realize that many of my physical symptoms could be tied to a life of stress, but I feel the need to double check the aspertame thing. I did notice that after heavy Pepsi Max drinking for a month (that bit of ginsing helped), I was starting to feel worse, especially with the swelling.
Anyway on day 4 the biggest difference is my legs aren't as swollen and the veins are looking better.
I'm concentrating this week on giving up the sodas. I did check out Snoopes.com and they belief most of the stuff we hear about aspertame being harmful is false. I realize that many of my physical symptoms could be tied to a life of stress, but I feel the need to double check the aspertame thing. I did notice that after heavy Pepsi Max drinking for a month (that bit of ginsing helped), I was starting to feel worse, especially with the swelling.
Anyway on day 4 the biggest difference is my legs aren't as swollen and the veins are looking better.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Weekend
Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day! I got up (always a good start), mailed some letters at the little country post office (two people is a crowd), picked up a shirt, got my toes done, and went to a wedding.
Nanci was there. She is the special ed person who teaches with F and I. But more than that she is our friend. (I'm really not sure about this hair do of mine.)
I know you can't tell much from the picture, but the wedding took place on beautiful grounds (no one when in the house). The bride was glowing and we had a great time! The backyard around the pool area was set up with tents and lots of food. They served some wonderful barbque shrimp and some type of crab casserole I really liked. Of course there were stuffed mushrooms, YUMMO!
F and I were in the same color, I had called and asked about the jacket. I had a great time sitting outside visiting with friends, the only downside was Dan wasn't there.
Nanci was there. She is the special ed person who teaches with F and I. But more than that she is our friend. (I'm really not sure about this hair do of mine.)It was as we were leaving that I realized I really do have a great life!
I've started this weekend weanning myself off of diet sodas. I attempted regular soda and now both times it has made me sick. Yuck! I already notice a difference in my legs and the veins in my legs! This will be interesting.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Officially in Spring Break Mode
I am now officially in spring break mode. We had students till 11:30am, we were allowed a 30 minute in room lunch (which was okay), and then I worked in my room. I didn't get everything done, but I did do something. On leaving school I got a free 15 minute massage (which was heavenly) and set up a chiropractor appointment for Monday.
When school got out our little one horse town was a traffic nightmare. Seems they are repaving the major road and then there are those pesky trains. I had several things I was going to do, but could NOT just because you could not get from point A to point B. So I gave up and decided we would go eat an early supper at the Mexican Restaurant.
We got home and got Dan off to Alabama to judge a horse show. I hope all goes well, it has been a rough week here. We have had to get used to Dan going back to work. I have managed to get to work on time every day this week!
Tomorrow there is the wedding of a church member. We are all lucky it stopped raining since the wedding is outside. Matt said last night that this was not the cute rain like they had a Drew's wedding, this has been ugly rain.
I'm off to rest I've been "Doin' the Stanky Leg" with my kiddos all day.
When school got out our little one horse town was a traffic nightmare. Seems they are repaving the major road and then there are those pesky trains. I had several things I was going to do, but could NOT just because you could not get from point A to point B. So I gave up and decided we would go eat an early supper at the Mexican Restaurant.
We got home and got Dan off to Alabama to judge a horse show. I hope all goes well, it has been a rough week here. We have had to get used to Dan going back to work. I have managed to get to work on time every day this week!
Tomorrow there is the wedding of a church member. We are all lucky it stopped raining since the wedding is outside. Matt said last night that this was not the cute rain like they had a Drew's wedding, this has been ugly rain.
I'm off to rest I've been "Doin' the Stanky Leg" with my kiddos all day.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Books Are Here
I've been waiting to get some books and here's what came in the mail.
Next, I plan to spend some quality time with each of these books:
Sunday after church this will be my first read over the Spring Break.
Next, I plan to spend some quality time with each of these books:
I'm hoping that Chapter 2 becomes inspired and ready to go. I've got a bunch of stuff to do next week while I'm on spring break.
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