Day 31 - Why Slice?

How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.

Henry David Thoreau

I think the most important thing about writing "slices of life" to me is that it is a record that I lived. Growing into adulthood without a mother made me often wish she had left me something...like letters. I wish she could have comprehended the impact her death would have on me and left me her story. I write to leave my boys my story.

I started keeping journals years ago. Then about three years ago I found TwoWritingTeachers. I started small, doing a few Slices and Monday Memoirs. I've also tried to complete the challenge every March, but this was the first year I've finished it. I think that it is moment worth celebrating. 

I've realized through the years of reading Stacey and Ruth's entries that as a writing teacher I must be a writer. I feel like the whole experience has helped me grow as a teacher of young writers. Next year I'd like to include my students in the challenge.

I've enjoyed getting to know each of you and look forward to this digital journey as we continue writing.

Day 30 - Growing Up

This last battle with strep throat has reminded me of growing up. Until I was six, we lived with Mymomma (my grandmother). So she took care of me while my parents would work. I can remember when I'd have a sore throat she would swab my throat. This involved something on the end of a stick, painted on the back of my throat...very unpleasant! We would also have a poultice boiling on the stove. This permeated through the air and was suppose to help me breath better. Finally, a doctor said I needed my tonsils out and my grandmother said, "NO". In our little world that was equivalent to a direct word from God, so I never had my tonsils out. Instead I started seeing old Doc Boyd.

Now to a young child I remember thinking he had to be 102 years old at least. Doc Boyd didn't see patients in an office, you went to his house. I remember the house had wood floors and a normal size living room/waiting room. Doc Boyd's office was in a room similar to a large walk-in pantry. Anyway, I remember going into the office and having him feel my swollen neck glands. Then he would take a bottle of sugar pills and start to make a potion that he would pour over the sugar pills. They came in a small bottle with a cork on the top. Now I have no idea what was in the potion, but it worked. As a child allergic to penicillian, Doc Boyd's potions got me well in record time; therefore, my tonsils were never removed.

This last few days I've thought a lot about Doc Boyd and his magic potion. We lived 10 miles from town and we drove into town for me to see him. I know we had to have passed by other "modern" doctors to get to him. However, the best thing is I know he made me well!!! I miss Doc Boyd, so I Googled him. I wanted to see if there were any historical records of him in Carter County, Oklahoma. Well I found a picture...

Wish I could find out what was in that potion, because I think I need to keep a bottle handy!!! Doc Boyd, I will forever be a faithful testimony to your healing potion!

Day 29 - Time

“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”   Harvey MacKay

We've approximately been in school now for 140 days. However, this year in 5th grade our administrator choose to put us on an A/B schedule, so as of today I've had 10-11-12 year olds basically 70 days. It will be a total of 75 days before we start our high stakes testing. I will not lie, I'm concerned this year. Very concerned!

How can a logical thinking person believe that this was doable. I've never had over 5 children fail the test, and that was the year I taught the inclusion class (they had paperwork that said they couldn't pass). I don't think this year will look that good. I've got the lowest of the low. I've had beautiful little girls sit and look at me and go, "I just don't get it because I'm stupid." I've taught and retaught, but that was only every other day, because they had to rotate.

See one of the screwed up ideas in NCLB was what constituted "highly qualified" teachers. My best friend next door isn't considered "highly qualified," because she has middle school certification in math, science, history, plus a gifted endorsement. The year NCLB came out my best friend was recognized as the best elementary school teacher in the county and her name was put on a plaque hanging in the board office, because she had 100% of her students pass the writing test and the CRCT. Yet, under NCLB she became "Not Highly Qualified". Sucks doesn't it!!!!

Well for years we worked through this because I taught all the ELA/history to her class and mine, she taught all the math/science. We had a great thing going. Then administrator decided it was unfair that ALL students couldn't see us. We were able to take the lowest of the low and keep a 90%+ success rate on that damn test. Problem was we were beating the other teachers scores by a considerable amount. Enter A/B days for 5th graders. We've lost precious time we can never get back, because adult educators couldn't do their job.  And now the test is 10 days away or 5 in our A/B world.

This leads me to today. Here I sit with time ticking nursing strep throat and extremely high blood pressure, not at school with my babies. In my world the answers are simple. If you have teachers who cannot perform take the steps necessary for them to improve or get rid of them. At the very least do not let the teach your critical years. I am NOT for merit pay, but I am for doing your job! I had a fourth grade teacher bring me the content descriptors last week and say, "You mean they are suppose to know this?" Well YES!!!!!!!!!

Are my kids ready? This year I don't think so. The consistancy hasn't been there. They are struggling. They needed time and time was the one thing they weren't given.

If you are a praying person, pray for a struggling class of students in rural Georgia on April 19-23rd. We will be needing a direct intervention from Above.

Day 28 - Every Woman Should Know

I got this the other day from http://www.theletteredcottage.net/ I thought it was great and wanted to share it.


Every Woman Should Have

Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to.

Something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams, wants to see her in an hour.

A youth she's content to leave behind.

A past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.

A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

Every Woman Should Know

One friend who always makes her laugh...

...and one who lets her cry.

A good piece of furniture, not previously owned by anyone else in her family.

Eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.

A feeling of control over her destiny.

How to fall in love without losing herself.

How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

When to try harder...and when to walk away.

That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.

That her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over.

What she would and wouldn't do for love.

How to live alone...even if she doesn't like it.

Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally.

Where to go when her soul needs soothing; be it to her best friend's kitchen table, or a charming Inn in the woods.

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...a year.

There are a couple of things I'm going to work on, but for the most part I've finished the list and life is good.
Now to get well and be able to swallow something. You've got to love teaching and parents who send their kids to school with strep throat.

Day 27 - Was Going to Be Great

For months I've planned today. First, I was going for a pedicure. Then to Catherine's to look at clothes. I was hoping to top off today with a trip to Macon to hear Atlanta Rhythm Section play at the Steet Party to end the Cherry Bloosom Festival.

Instead, I've gone to the doctor AGAIN. To find out that my blood pressure is still up and I have Strep. I can't even swallow spit! So another day in bed. The doctor said I'm to stay here through Monday. Biggest problem I've got today is how to eat something so I can take the medicine!!!

I hope your world is looking much brighter.

Day 26 - Friday

Well what I thought yesterday was exhaustion, turned out to be something a little more! I tried to drag my pitiful self to work, but made it an hour. I've been in bed ever since! Fever, aching, headache, yuck...This was not my plan for the weekend.

I had to leave sweet student teacher with a sub. This made me more than a little uncomfortable, because yesterday was a bad day for her. I hope she perservered!

Hopefully tomorrow I will feel like writing more.

Day 25 - Is it Friday Yet!

I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom....Thomas Carlyle

Okay Thomas, I must be channeling you today. Fourteen hours later I've finally returned home. I'm so tired my eyes hurt! However, like you I will probably die of exhaustion, because I have one of the most exciting jobs in the world.

Lord, please help me stand all the excitement!

Day 24 - Over medication

     Today I had a rare moment with one of our more difficult students. In the classroom full of activity it was just the two of us. He has had a rough time. All year he has been so medicated it is scary. The medications made him more than a little defiant and mean, kind of like a grizzly you didn't want to bother. Last week the doctors decided to take him off his long list of medications. Let's just say I'm not a fan of medicatiing teachers or students, and I will always remember today as a reason why. Anyway, we sat and he talked to me no yelling, no drama. He realized that his flip book looked bad, because (back in his drug induced haze) he had crumbled it up and tore it. He asked if he could make a new one. I said yes, but I didn't know how (student teacher had made it). He assured me he could do it. And he did. Then with me sitting there he proceeded to ask for a help doing the project. We talked about what he could do and he did a great job! (This kid hasn't done anything all year, but break pencils, throw them at people, and refuse to do work. This was while on medication.) While we were working he asked me for some crackers because his stomach hurt. He thinks it is strange that since he quite taking the medicine he has this stomach ache. However, the crackers seem to work. I asked him if I could see his agenda I wanted to write grandma a note and tell her how much he did at school today. He said she is very proud of him. I told him I was too. 

     I think to often we are medicating our little boys to make them fit a certain mold. Perhaps it is because I grew up in the 70's, but somedays I feel like school resembles the Nickelback song "Rockstar"..."everybody's got a drug dealer on speed dial"...(even if it is a pharmacist). This year we have way to many students on long lists of medications. One student literally is on uppers during the day and strong downers at night to put him to sleep. I don't know but this can't be good for anybody, muchless a child of 10 and 11.

   

Day 23 - Spring

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

What is it about spring that makes us think anything is possible? Dogwoods are blooming here in the South and the day is a little longer.

Today coming home from work I thought man...I should start exercising, this might really be the year I could lose weight, I really think I can finish this dissertation...the list is endless.

Every song on the radio makes me remember being younger and feeling like the whole world was ahead of me. I don't know what magic spring sprinkles on us, but it makes me think that just perhaps 128 fifth graders really can pass the CRCT. It is spring...anything could happen.

Day 22 - What Does My Music Say About Me

Yesterday for some reason I started thinking about the music I listen too. Then I started thinking about when I'm dead what would I want them to play. Then I thought they could play my Playlist, but after the first few songs I think folks would be falling out of the pews in shock.

I listen to a wide range of music...country, contemporary Christian, soft rock, R&B, folk...pretty much whatever hits my fancy. However, do they say something about me as a person?

1.  Tiny Dancer by Elton John...one day I am getting out of my car and dancing in the road to that one.

2.  A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procal Harum ... I had to look up what it meant to "skip the light fandango". Here's the meaning "To skip the light fandango is to let loose, let one's hair down and be done with the opinions of the stuffy." Okay I've definately done my share of this. No wonder my skips been broken lately!!!  LOVE IT!!!! (This is my new favorite old song.)

3.  RockStar by Nickleback...I don't know what it is about this song, but I sing it at the top of my lungs and dance in the shower. This could be dangerous, but so far I'm okay.

4.  I'm Gonna Take that Mountain by Reba...This should be the national teacher's theme song. If you haven't heard it you need to youtube it. I play it driving into the parking lot.

5.  Anything Bonnie Raitt...If you live and breath you should listen to Bonnie Raitt...just because. There isn't anyone better.

So I don't think any of my friends will be brave enough to play this list at my funeral, but wonder if I could get F. to play it at the viewing (a very Southern thing)? Oh well until then...you can find me just south of I-20, I'll be in the house with the booming music...who can say it has been a GREAT life.

Day 21 - God Winked

WHAT'S A GODWINK?
A godwink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an experience where you'd say, "Wow, what are the odds of that!"

It was kinda of a weird moment yesterday, so let me explain. You remember me telling earlier of there being "more month than money" at our house this month. Well I had a bit of pressure taken off, but still needed to get college boy back to college, which meant spending money and gas money. I wasn't sure how it was working, but I just kept plugging along. Yesterday when I went and got the mail that was when it happened. GOD WINKED!

I got the mail and in it was a check for $30. It was from the dividends of stock my mother left me when she died 38 years ago. I had some trouble getting them to change the address when we bought the new house a year ago, so the check hadn't been coming. I know $30 seems so piddly, but it meant the world to me. It was like a "if I had been there I would have helped" from my mom.

It was a GODWINK!!! I hope this week you are blessed and unexpectedly God Winks at you!

Day 20 - Growing Old

This year I teach a very unique autistic boy. He is a joy to be around, but 5th grade has really been stressful for him. We've seen a lot more crying and accidents than in the past. I think this comes from him KNOWING that he doesn't get it. Anyway the good out weighs the struggles most days. Yesterday he didn't want to his work, so he started looking for distractions.

Student Teacher was teaching away, when he grabbed her hand, looked at her and said, "I'm so sorry Ms. L. you have really old hands." Student teacher is 53. She regained composure quickly and moved on. I on the other hand had to turn my back and laugh! For some reason it was hilarious. Perhaps because I remembered my great aunt looking at me when I was about 18 and saying, "You have such young hands." Student Teacher maintained composure and replied. "It is okay Mrs. L is trying to grow old gracefully."

Well not to be left out, as the the students were working I started circulating the room and came by his desk. He grabs my hand and says, "Oh No! Your hands are old too, but don't worry I will be here for you." I hugged him and assured him that old hands were a good thing and all was well.

As the day went on I couldn't help thinking about old hands. My mind traveled back to an email poem I got the other day and a line that said...

"Every woman should have a youth she is content to leave behind."

Well that line so fits me. I've lived a very full life. Probably haven't vacationed as much as I'd like to, but all in all its been good. So now I'm more like this line from a poem...

"Grow old with me for the best is yet to be..." or as Brigitte Bardot said, "It is sad to grow old but nice to ripen."

Here's to getting ripe!!!! Have a great Saturday.

Day 19 - Small Town Blessings

I have a confession to make. This has been a tough month. You know the kind more month than money! Well all week I've fretted over a bill that was due and there just wasn't anyway to pay it till next week. I've literally worried myself sick. So today after the kids went home, I was sitting at my desk looking at the bill in my purse. Worry was piling up! I didn't want to be late and wondered if it had a "grace period". You know, it is due now, but if you pay it in 10 days your still okay. However, there is nowhere on this bill that states that. Finally, I gave up and called.

A friendly voice answered the phone. I asked the question trying to remain anonymous. Then she says, "Who am I speaking to?"  UGG!! Confession time. So I told her and told her I'd have the money there next week, but not this week. You know what that friendly voice said, "Don't worry. You are okay."  Relief filled the air.

Why hadn't I called sooner? Pride, I suppose. Once I hung up the phone I thanked God again for life in a small town...where everybody knows your name.

Day 18 - Student Teacher

Whoa Nelly...Thursday has been a busy day. My student teacher has been doing a great lesson for two days on adjectives. The kids have been making using adjectives to make a menu to a make-believe restaurant. The kids have really enjoyed it for the most part. The last two days have been full of activity.

Today Student Teacher's professor came for another evaluation. I'm very impressed with this university and their expectations of their student teachers. Also, I thoroughly have enjoyed the professor's visits. There are a lot of similarities about us. We've all traveled and lived lots of different places. We all have older children (and I've got an eighth grader). We all love teaching and enjoying talking "shop" talk.

Overall I'm enjoying this student teacher experience. She is going to be a great teacher. I feel sorry for her - looking for a job in this economy. I so hope she gets a job. The world will be missing out on a great teacher if she doesn't.

PS. Student Teacher was just named Outstanding Early Childhood Major at her university.

DAy 17 - Life

It is raining AGAIN!!! This was suppose to be a little shower, but it has turned into a steady rain. I really don't mind rain even when 5th graders are restless all day. However, on my way home middle son calls and says, "Hey some of my buddies are in town, can the come over?" My reponse was to eat? Of course he didn't know. Another problem with this is my plan for the evening was to grill out. (Remember we weren't having a big rain.) Oh well...defrost some hot dogs and we'll enjoy. This all passes way too fast.

Day 16 - For the love of Reading

I love books! I married a man who loves books, so together we have rooms full of books. We've been blessed to have 2 out of 3 children who share our love of books. So basically we are a just a bookish type family.

Recently, I read Kelly Gallager's new book, Readicide: How Schools Are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It. The book is chalked-full of statistics that make a teacher cring and a must read for educators. However, the book has raised a lot of questions in my head. How did I develop a love for reading? What did my teachers do? What makes me sad about my own teaching?

As I've thought back I can still remember the year it all clicked. I was in Mrs. Cobb's fourth grade and our room was right beside the library. (We also had a bookmobile from the public library that came every month.) Anyway, Mrs. Cobb valued reading. She gave us time to read. She allowed us to talk about what we were reading and then would ask us to explain why others should read the book. It was in her class that I first read about Czar Nicholas II and became fascinated by the Bolshevic Revolution. I remember reading of far away contentients and marveling at different cultures. I think this was the year I became addicted to history as well.

Perhaps I've been remembering because of a recent incident at school. Last week the media specialist (and I use that term loosely) told one of my students she couldn't read Number the Stars because it would lower her AR reading level. Dear Bessie!!!!! I couldn't take it. I walked over to my book cabinet and pulled it out. I told her to read the first chapter. Then I asked her if she liked the book so far, she said yes. I looked at her and said, "You need to read what interest you." She finished Number the Stars and came back this week wanting another book. I gave her Letters from Rifka.

Heaven help us when we as educators do not encourage our children to read great literature. I know Mrs. Cobb would agree.

"You don't have to burn books to destroy culture. Just get people to stop reading them." Ray Bradbury

Day 15 - Random

I was late for work this morning. Okay it was only 2 minutes, but at our school that is considered 1 strike against you. They don't figure in the hours you spend after school. Nope, they don't matter. All that matters is getting there on time. Luckily it was the first time I've been late this year. I guess the time change isn't working for me.

However, my life wasn't very calm today. My best bud next door is sick. This has all started last week and hasn't gotten any better. I think a big part of it is stress. So Obama is going to losin' up on NCLB, but will it really change our lives. High Stakes testing isn't going away. My best bud is sick because she teaches all 5th grade math and this group of kids could careless. High Stakes testing is only High Stakes to those of us held accountable. Those of us having our test scores flashed in front of the whole school in faculty meetings.

We are all trying to help. I'm taking a math element per week and trying to make sure they get it. However, I'm afraid their reading is going to drop. These are tough days. We've got about 4 weeks before the test and I hope I can find some balance and help my students find some as well.

Day 14 - Rest

Sometimes I sneak over to a place called Zen Habits. Not that I'm into any type Existentialism, but the older I get the more I want to throw off THINGS.  I want a lot less in life now than I did in my 30's and 40's. Plus, with this economy I think we are all going to have to learn to live with a lot less.

Anyway the other day on Zen Habits they had an article about rest. It had me at the first sentence. I was raised believing a day of rest was important. Yet, my life is consumed with activity. I am working 10-12 hours a day, usually bringing work home too. Then there is all the cleaning, laundry, cooking, church...etc. At times REST seems like a four-letter word (not the good kind). When I grew up my family held to a day of rest. There were even Blue Laws when I was growing up (most stores were closed and those open could only sell certain items.)

I listen to my students and friends as they talk about how they are running around doing things all the time. Rec sports, extended church activities, exercise, all kinds of things take up our rest time. No one talks about family meals or peaceful days spent resting.

Bottom line...I've basically lost my way where rest is concerned.

The article gave these ways to reclaim rest:
1. Find contentment in your current life.
2. Plan your rest.
3. Take responsibility for your life.
4. Embrace simplicity.
5. Include your family.
6. Live within your income.
7. Realize the shallow nature of a results-oriented culture.

Ben Franklin once said, "He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities." I'm not there yet, but I'm trying.

Day 13 - Family Time

Middle Son came home from college on Spring Break yesterday, so today we went on a mini road trip. We loaded up and went to the Andy Warhol exhibit in Madison, GA. It was fantastic.

I loved the John Wayne, Annie Oakly, and the Wicked Witch of the West.

After that we went and ate Mexican, followed by a trip on to Lowe's to look at paint samples. I've got some projects in mind. On the way home we took the long way and went by the best Dairy Queen in the world. We don't do many family activity things, but this was a lot of fun.

What Makes A Song Move You

Every time I hear this song I'm transported back in time. Suddenly I'm 18, graduating from high school, looking ahead and seeing only possibility.

One day I'm going to hear this song, get out of the car, and dance in the rain.

Day 12 - Furloughed Again

Today we were furloughed half a day. We literally went to school ate breakfast, did math, went to the bathroom, specials, ate lunch, and went home. All because the GEA said, "If you are going to furlough us and dock our pay, then we are only working 1/2 a day...so we are going home at 11:15am." County Office was shocked that we wouldn't take the 1/2 pay cut and work another hour for free. (Hmmm...how many hours do I already work for free.) All in all it was no biggie.

So I decided to go get this man/boy and take him to lunch.

I also bought him some jeans and then took him to Target to get more of my beloved Method floor cleaner. (Something must be wrong with anybody who calls their floor cleaner beloved, but it is true I can't live without it!!!!!) Soon the man/boy's brother will be home from South Georgia...

So our house will be full for a week. There will be lots of cooking and lots of laundry and lots of remembering that these days pass so fast...

Day 11 - The Waifs

Tonight when I got home one of the hip, young teachers at work texted me. She had just heard a song that was so me. It was "When I Die" by The Waifs. Well I listened to it on itunes and it is a cool song. And she is right I really like them. I can so see me sitting in the screened in porch listening to them on a summer night. So I just might have to get me a cd of this music.

If you don't know them here's you a little taste...

Day 10 - Parent Conferences

This is the week educators in my county are working 12 hour days to fit in parent conferences, so we can be furloughed 1/2 day on Friday. WooHoo another month of my pay being docked. Oh well...Que sera sera...

Because one of our team members is out on maternity leave the rest of us have split her class and now we are doing her conferences as well as her own. This comes on a week when all of us have had to get 128 grades ready too.

I don't mind conferences, but today I had one of those that breaks your heart. The little girl is a spitfire. She's brassy to say the least, but I like her. I knew she lived with Grandma, and today I found out the rest of the story. It seems that life has made this little one tough. She was born to drug addicts (daddy's mom is the gaurdian), and had traces of drugs in her system. She was in and out of foster homes when her Grandma finally found her. It seems that her last foster home and was being abused. Grandmother has had her now four years. Today the little girl got in a fight and will be in big trouble tomorrow. As we talked I found out that Biological Mom was thrown in jail again Saturday. Seems little girl, age 10, is put out with adults...wonder why?

I tried to encourage Grandma. Little Girl is smart, but hurries through her work. She doesn't do anything she doesn't want to, and struggles with adults (teachers) who seem put out with her. Wonder Why? Then I asked myself what wonderful plan God must have for her. Some would say why would God make her suffer, and I see her as someone who can do great things. I'd like them to move her to my room, so that for nine weeks I can love her and help her find her spot in this world.

On another note. Does anyone remember Kenny from last March? His mom died with cancer. Today I found out his grandaddy died. What's to become of Kenny? I don't know. My husband said I needed to be an advocate for children like Little Girl and Kenny. Funny that's all I've ever wanted to be!

Day 9 - My Thoughts Turn Toward Oklahoma

Way down yonder in the Indian Nation...my heart is roaming my Oklahoma Hills tonight. There's a storm brewing in Georgia tonight and is so much like home right now.

My third cousin Richard called to tell me that his father had passed away. Lowell Kenmore has struggled all my life, as far back as I can remember, with muscular dystrophy. At 89 years of age his struggle is over. It was good to hear Richard's voice again, and to remember all those big family reunions. Now our family isn't so big anymore. But somehow I think heaven got a little rowdy last week! (I know those Whitfields)

Then last night I spoke to my step-mom who is suffering from a rare form of cancer. Because of the high cost of out of pocket expenses she has asked to be removed from a clinical trial at MD Anderson. She is in good spirits. They found her a similar trial that is closer to home, so her out of pocket expenses won't be so bad.

My best friend from high school (we've been friends for 45 years) just threw her father-in-law a surprise 75th birthday party. I wish I had been there. I've seen pictures thanks to Facebook. Even after all these years they are my roots.

So for tonight my heart is roaming those Oklahoma Hills where I was born. Tomorrow I'll wake up to a rainy day in Georgia, and I hope it washes my melancholy mood away.

Day 8 - Come Monday

I tried to think of some witty song lyric that would describe today. There isn't one! So I guess it is what it is...Monday.

This week we are starting a marathon week at work. We are having to fit in parent conferences whenever we can, because there will be no special day for them. Budget cuts = furlough day for teachers. Then my precious student teacher is still sick and it is time for her to start her unit. It was tough on her today. (Teaching is hard enough when you feel great!) Plus, I tried to get together a PLU class on Writing for tomorrow.

However, I did sit and have lunch with 7 boys today. We talked about WWII and books. They like reading war stories. They were pretty funny.

I also talked to MeMe who is dealing with a rare form of cancer called "carcinoids". She is doing well and it made me feel connected to hear her voice.

Got home after my 12 hour day and my sweet husband had supper ready for me! Now it is time for House and 24. I might make it to Tuesday.

I hope your Monday was melodious!

Day 7 - Boy Momma

There are a lot of things that make being the mother of all boys very different from my counterparts who have had girls. One of the biggest things at our house comes over the television. I'm a HUGE football fan, so from September to January we are at harmony. It is when we go into that lull period from February through August and we try and watch a television program togetther that things get complicated.

They like to think I choose the program, but nothing could be further from the truth. Stations like Style, Lifetime, Hallmark, Oxygen, LMN, or WE are met with constant comments. They prefer our TV time to be met with LOTS of action or something with a science fiction theme. The more things are blowing up and being shot at the better they like it. In all they are just being boys.

Here at home they have always been allowed to explore, get dirty, read war stories, and watch things blow up. They are allowed to be boys.

There'll be plenty of time for "girly" movies in five years when Gabe goes off to college, but for now I think there is a Die Hard marathon coming on.

Day 6 - A Sunny Lazy Day

If today's post is suppose to be a slice of life then this is a totally lazy day! I got my hair done at 9am this morning. Honestly, I think my beautician is a miracle worker! Color, trim, and then some how she straighten this mass of wavy hair into movie star hair. I only wish I was that good. (I also knocked out a parent conference while there.)

After that I went to the grocery store in our small community. I love our grocery store, everyone is so friendly and shopping is a pleasure. I came home made lunch and then took a REALLY long nap.

We are going to grill out tonight:  steak, potatoes, and salad. It is a perfect day to grill out.

There is only one hitch in my day. I've got to get this house straightened up (YUCK), and to do that I need some Method hardwood floor cleaner that is only sold at Target which is a good 20 miles one way from me. I'm just not sure I can swing it!!!

I hope your Saturday was equally relaxing.

Day 5 - It's FRIDAY!!!

It's been a tough week! I didn't feel good last week, had some flu like symptoms that carried over into this week. This was followed mid-week by the stress of the 5th grade writing assessment. Which could only be topped by getting 128 individual grades ready for report cards, schedule parent conferences, and try fit all those conferences in after hours next week. It was a full week.

And that's why I TRIPLE HEART FRIDAY!!!!!!! WOOHOO.

What will I do??? The sun is suppose to shine this weekend. I don't want to stay inside that's for sure. Tonight my sweetie had supper ready when I got home at 7. How sweet is that?

Tomorrow I've got a 9am hair appointment. Wonder if I can fit in a pedicure???? It is a short drive to beautiful Madison and an Andy Warhol exhibit I've been dying to see. Would it be possible to get groceries and have a little fun?

Right now I'm not sure what the weekend might hold, but it seems like things are looking brighter!!!

Day - 4 Student Teachers

I have a student teacher this semester. She is a wonderful woman in her 50's who has traveled the world and then decided to go back and finish her degree. She is a sweetheart and will make a great teacher. However, she is very soft spoken and fifth grade boys can be a handful. And today they were two handfulls!!

For me the hard part of a student teacher is when to step in and when to allow her to handle it. She has been with me for a month now and today she was really sick. I ended up convincing her to run to the doctor. She did and came back. Unfortunately, the 10 and 11 year old sharks started to circle. Isn't it funny how kids know when you're sick and they'll push every button you've got. Today I let her try and work her way out of it. It didn't go so well.

Tomorrow will be a new day. I hope my student teacher feels better and is ready to start a fresh.

Day 3 - 26 years

Twenty-six years ago today I married the love of my life. When you say 26 years it sounds like a long, long time, but most days I feel like it was yesterday. We've lived through an awful lot in these past 26 years, but we've done it together. I can say that for us our love has grown stronger through the years. My heart still skips a beat when I see his face, and that is the way I want it to always be. He is the place where my heart is anchored.

I think Emily Dickinson must have felt this way as well...

Wild Nights! Wild Nights!
Were I with thee,

Wild Nights should be

Our luxury!

Futile the winds

To a heart in port,

Done with the compass,

Done with the chart!

Rowing in Eden!

Ah! the sea!

Might I but moor

To-night in Thee!

(Who knew Emily was so racy!?)

Day 2 - Snow?

This morning started out a terrible muddy mess. It started to rain around 2am and was really coming down when I got up at 5am. Thankfully, hot coffee was waiting on me! I was able to shower, dress, and make lunch in record time. I even caught a little of the weather and saw some northern schools were closing because of the impending snow.

I persevered and get to work on time. Only to be held captive by the fingerprint machine that is our time clock. For some reason I am its number one target and this morning it took ten minutes to clock in. Still I was determined to make the best of my day. I had a wonderful lesson planned for the day, and it is the day before the writing test. All is good!

So life pretty much perked along till snow starts to fall. We live in Georgia just south of Metro Atlanta and we don't really get a lot of snow. And these were big old flakes coming down, but not sticking. Unfortunately, little southern children are fascinated by snowflakes (whether they are sticking or not), and suddenly I held no magical spell on them. Visions of snowmen, a day out of school, and (if they were lucky) getting to go home early were all they could think about.

Sadly, my grownup self could only think "we've got one day before the writing test."  My students only wanted to look out the window and be 10-11 year old kids. I wanted them to write a persuasive piece and have one more day of practice before tomorrow. Why couldn't they see how important it was to me that they produce a great masterpiece tomorrow? All they could do was look out the window.

It was then that I decided I don't like the pressure of high stakes testing. It is only high stakes to me! Ten and eleven year olds need to get to look out the window and see snow (Something they don't see very often, I've lived here 18 years and this is only the fourth snow I remember.) They need to be children and enjoy life!

So I'm glad the writing test wasn't today, because I think I'd be in trouble with all the non-writing that was going on. If my kiddos are lucky tomorrow we will have snow (but I doubt it), and that would be a good thing!

Day 1 - Destressing

Mondays are always stressful to me. I leave the house before the sun even comes up. However, I had a full cup of coffee and a full moon to light the way. Plus, I was a little early. Life looked pretty okay at 7:00 this morning.

Then I took the walk down the hall and things got stressful. I was meet with F saying, "Come here, I've got something to tell you." And before I knew it the stress was washing over me. My day flew by going from one stressful situation to the next. AAAAGGHH! Why can't I just let things roll off my back. I know that internalizing all this stress is wrecking havoc on my body. (Hence the upcoming trip to the gastrologist.)

Finally, tutoring was over and school was out. I picked up my own 13 year old, six foot child and realized today was my appointment with the reflexologist. I called my super wonderful husband who was able to take six foot man/child with him. Then I was off to my appointment.

I walked into the quiet dark room with candle light flickering and immediately started to breath a little easier. I took in the relaxation music like a sponge. Quickly my shoes and socks were off and my feet were on a cloud of pillows. As Cindy (my wonderful reflexologist) began to go to work. I relished in the quiet atmosphere. I needed this time!

I came home to that wonderful husband and six foot man/child and supper on the stove. I ate and no one expected me to do anything. It is bliss to be home.

Tomorrow again will be hectic. The 5th grade writing test is Wednesday, so my stress level is high. Tonight I am calm and relaxed and ready to face whatever comes my way.