I really never thought I'd get this far behind on my blogging. Seeing that it's been so long since I last blogged, don't even really know where to start.
I'm staying busy, busy, busy. There are always lessons to plan, papers to grade, meetings to attend, places to get Zack to, places to get myself to...and somewhere in there, I need to find time to sleep. This past week it seemed to all catch up to me and just felt like I was running on a treadmill. Couldn't quite get to where I needed to get to, but kept running anyway. I overslept THREE days in a row...still made it to school on time, but I'm not a morning person. I don't like to start out in a rush...have to e-a-s-e my way into the day. When that doesn't happen, it seems like I never do get the day in control. Then on top of that, started sneezing Wednesday...felt the lightness in my head, the congestion building in the chest...and sure enough by Thursday had a full out head cold. I probably should have spent Thursday and maybe even Friday in bed...but it's too early in the year to start taking sick days. I like to save them for the spring when I can actually enjoy them. :)
Anyway, all of this is a sign to me that I need to slow down and get caught up. I can't be super teacher...super mom...super church volunteer...I just have to do what I can do and do it well. I came home from school yesterday (after the two hour round trip to drop Zack off at his Dad's)...took some cold medicine and went to bed. I woke up about 3 hours later, had a bowl of soup and went back to bed. I didn't sleep the whole time and must admit to watching "The Biggest Loser" (which I had taped during the week) while eating a 2 lb. bag of M&M's. I am obviously not vying for the BL crown.
So, today and tomorrow are going to be slow down days. I have some lessons to plan...need to do some housework...but whatever doesn't get done isn't going to kill me or anyone else. I have to realize that I'm human (and one that's getting older, and hopefully wiser). I have to learn to set a pace that I can live with.
It's still early...so think I will start out with another cup of coffee and my recording of the first episode of "Ugly Betty".
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Gangsta boy--Part II
We have to move...I think I ended on that note.
This is another opportunity for a miracle. August was full of them (job, financial stuff, etc.) and I claimed more for the rest of the year...but you know, when you don't need a miracle, you tend to forget to look for them. Maybe this is just God's way of reminding me that He's around and He's going to continue taking care of things.
We don't have to be out until January 1st. However, I have NO intention of moving during Christmas break. It takes me a week to get my decorations fully out and where I want them, then another week (or sometimes two because I'm more resistant in taking them down) to un-decorate. I don't want to be doing both and moving...and no way I'm going through Christmas without all of my decorations up and around. So, my plan is to move by December 1st. (sooner, if possible)
Now, that gives us a couple of months, so should be no problem, right? Oh, I wish that were true. But as wise and insightful as I may sound on my blog (ok, that's what I'm usually going for anyway)...my financial life is really a total mess.
I have been broke since a few days after I graduated from college. Ok, maybe not the whole time. But I've never made a lot of money and usually when I've made a good salary, it's been a monthly pay check and by the time the end of the month rolls around, the whole thing goes to pay for what we need and what we owe.
I do have a savings account. I use it to hold my money so that I don't spend it while it's in my physical possession. I struggle to make it last from one pay check to another. I used to spend frivolously. I haven't been able to do that for a while. For the past 5 years, my income has barely covered my out-go.
My point there is to say it's not like I have first month, last month and deposit stuck away somewhere. And before I even need that, I have to pass a credit check. (Ha, with that 5 figured number that I still owe for my Master's Degree.)
So, here's the requirements (or wish list) for my next miracle: (1) house (not apartment, condo or townhouse),(2) pets ok, (can't get rid of Sammi--she's family), (3)no credit check, (4) water, sewage included, (5) close to where we are now (that's Zack's wish since his bff lives within bicycle distance) and (6) CHEAP. If you don't live on the west coast, you don't know just how expensive the cost of living is here. I'm now bringing home about $1800 a month. I'm praying for $900 a month or under for rent...that would be a miracle.
Parts of the miracle have begun already...my ex has volunteered to pay whatever it takes to get us into a place. How nice, you may be saying...and yes, I suppose it is...however, that means no child support payments for a few months because we would be getting it all in one lump sum for that time period. If that's what it takes, we'll manage that.
I'll keep you up to date with all the details. In the meantime...off to school!
This is another opportunity for a miracle. August was full of them (job, financial stuff, etc.) and I claimed more for the rest of the year...but you know, when you don't need a miracle, you tend to forget to look for them. Maybe this is just God's way of reminding me that He's around and He's going to continue taking care of things.
We don't have to be out until January 1st. However, I have NO intention of moving during Christmas break. It takes me a week to get my decorations fully out and where I want them, then another week (or sometimes two because I'm more resistant in taking them down) to un-decorate. I don't want to be doing both and moving...and no way I'm going through Christmas without all of my decorations up and around. So, my plan is to move by December 1st. (sooner, if possible)
Now, that gives us a couple of months, so should be no problem, right? Oh, I wish that were true. But as wise and insightful as I may sound on my blog (ok, that's what I'm usually going for anyway)...my financial life is really a total mess.
I have been broke since a few days after I graduated from college. Ok, maybe not the whole time. But I've never made a lot of money and usually when I've made a good salary, it's been a monthly pay check and by the time the end of the month rolls around, the whole thing goes to pay for what we need and what we owe.
I do have a savings account. I use it to hold my money so that I don't spend it while it's in my physical possession. I struggle to make it last from one pay check to another. I used to spend frivolously. I haven't been able to do that for a while. For the past 5 years, my income has barely covered my out-go.
My point there is to say it's not like I have first month, last month and deposit stuck away somewhere. And before I even need that, I have to pass a credit check. (Ha, with that 5 figured number that I still owe for my Master's Degree.)
So, here's the requirements (or wish list) for my next miracle: (1) house (not apartment, condo or townhouse),(2) pets ok, (can't get rid of Sammi--she's family), (3)no credit check, (4) water, sewage included, (5) close to where we are now (that's Zack's wish since his bff lives within bicycle distance) and (6) CHEAP. If you don't live on the west coast, you don't know just how expensive the cost of living is here. I'm now bringing home about $1800 a month. I'm praying for $900 a month or under for rent...that would be a miracle.
Parts of the miracle have begun already...my ex has volunteered to pay whatever it takes to get us into a place. How nice, you may be saying...and yes, I suppose it is...however, that means no child support payments for a few months because we would be getting it all in one lump sum for that time period. If that's what it takes, we'll manage that.
I'll keep you up to date with all the details. In the meantime...off to school!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Gangsta thief boy
Every morning I spend some time reading from the Bible and then writing in my journal. I don't write anything profound (maybe after I'm dead someone will think so)...just have always been the type of person who needs to talk things out and journaling lets me talk to myself. Anyway, I'm getting off track. A couple of days ago I was noticing that when I'm in "need" I seem to write more. Well, I think my writing is about to increase again.
Room-mate and I found each other on Craigslist. We were both single moms looking for a way to live in a house rather than an apartment. She has 2 boys (7 and 10), while I have Zack (14). She moved to this particular street because this is the street where her boys live with their dad and his 3rd wife and her 2 boys (4 and 6). Her ex is similar to mine in that he is very controlling and likes to wreak havoc whenever possible. The big difference is mine doesn't work and hers is an attorney. I don't know the whole story, but when she left, she was working nights so gave him custody until she could get "on her feet". The plan when she moved to our street was to share them half and half.
OK, enter my very normal 14 year old son. I'm a mom. I think I'm pretty realistic about behavior both good and bad. I know my son has a little of both. (Some days a LOT of one or the other.) But, all in all, he's a very good kid. He rolls his eyes on cue and even gets disrespectful at times...but never to the point of utter defiance. Anyway...that's the set up, here's the situation.
Room-mate's ex has told her that there is "no way in hell" she will get her kids more than once a week and every other weekend as long as that "juvenile delinquent" lives in her home. Now let me back that up with what he's seen.
Strike #1 Q, the then 9 year old son of Roomie, was hanging out playing x-box with Zack and 2 of his teenaged buddies. Someone didn't use their common sense and change the conversation while Q was in the room. Sometime during the game, making out was discussed. I'm sure the teens didn't think a thing about what they were saying...However her X (I will refer to him as X for the purpose of this story) was not impressed when Q explained to X the difference between kissing and making out. (Seems making out involves hands). Zack doesn't even remember having that conversation with his friends...and even if he did, would he admit that to his mom? However, when X asked where he learned that, Q said "Zack".
Strike #2 Zack went down the street to a public bb court which happens to be right across the street from Q and C's house. The boys came out to play bb with Zack. That led to riding their bikes around the house and "jumping" over obstacles in the woody area behind the house. Q said they should move one of the jumpy things to the front yard, but it was too big for him to carry alone. So Zack helped him move it. When they were done jumping Q suggested it should be put in the garage so Zack helped him move it in there. X finds it in the garage and knows it is not from their property, confronts Q and Q says "Zack wanted to bring it in here". Turns out, it belongs to the backyard neighbor. In Zack's defense...there are no fences and he didn't know where the property line was. Anyway, after that incident, Zack was now a sex crazed thief.
Strike #3 Zack had a horrible year in school last year. I think he was trying to show his dad just how low he could go. The big thing was his grades and lack of even trying...plus as all of his teachers stated more than once...he's very social. (In other words, wouldn't shut up long enough to do any work.) Anyway, towards the end of the year, we had a parent/teacher conference and I had a copy of the written comments (written by the highly medicated guidance counselor). All of the teachers had something good to say..."Zack's a great kid", "Zack's got such a winning personality", etc...but all he cared to write down was..."Can't get Zack to stay in his seat" "Zack talks constantly" and my favorite..."Zack is interrupting the educational progress of others" (This from a teacher who NEVER sent him from the room, NEVER gave a detention and called me ONCE to tell me that he was 'frontal hugging' girls). Anyway, this sheet somehow got mixed in Q's school papers. X found the paper, sent it back AFTER making copies for his file, and told room-mate that he questioned her parenting abilities since she felt no fear of having this "evil influence" over her two sons.
She talked to Zack, told him that he had to be on his best...couldn't give X any more fuel for his fire. Turns out Strike #4 happened while we were in the midst of moving. Zack wanted to paint "graffiti" on his bedroom wall, so I bought some spray paint and he and Q were out in the front yard practicing graffiti on some big paper we had. Turns out at that time Zack showed Q how to paint gang signs. Now, I'm going to guess that Zack doesn't know any gang signs...and he has a cool way he writes his name...so probably in trying to be a "big all-knowing man" in front of Q, he made up some. Well, turns out Q went home and decided to teach his younger brothers all about gang signs...That's all she wrote.
Room-mate told me Sunday night (through her 2nd bottle of wine tears) that her purpose in moving here was to get her boys every other week and now X is saying that as long as we live here with her, he is considering cutting out all visitation. He can't believe that even after he warned her, she continues living with and allowing her sons to be influenced by this "sex crazed, gangsta thief". I don't know that that's exactly what was said...but it comes down to this...now that we finally got all of our boxes unpacked...we have to move as soon as we can.
I have to get to work...still more on this story...will finish up tomorrow
Room-mate and I found each other on Craigslist. We were both single moms looking for a way to live in a house rather than an apartment. She has 2 boys (7 and 10), while I have Zack (14). She moved to this particular street because this is the street where her boys live with their dad and his 3rd wife and her 2 boys (4 and 6). Her ex is similar to mine in that he is very controlling and likes to wreak havoc whenever possible. The big difference is mine doesn't work and hers is an attorney. I don't know the whole story, but when she left, she was working nights so gave him custody until she could get "on her feet". The plan when she moved to our street was to share them half and half.
OK, enter my very normal 14 year old son. I'm a mom. I think I'm pretty realistic about behavior both good and bad. I know my son has a little of both. (Some days a LOT of one or the other.) But, all in all, he's a very good kid. He rolls his eyes on cue and even gets disrespectful at times...but never to the point of utter defiance. Anyway...that's the set up, here's the situation.
Room-mate's ex has told her that there is "no way in hell" she will get her kids more than once a week and every other weekend as long as that "juvenile delinquent" lives in her home. Now let me back that up with what he's seen.
Strike #1 Q, the then 9 year old son of Roomie, was hanging out playing x-box with Zack and 2 of his teenaged buddies. Someone didn't use their common sense and change the conversation while Q was in the room. Sometime during the game, making out was discussed. I'm sure the teens didn't think a thing about what they were saying...However her X (I will refer to him as X for the purpose of this story) was not impressed when Q explained to X the difference between kissing and making out. (Seems making out involves hands). Zack doesn't even remember having that conversation with his friends...and even if he did, would he admit that to his mom? However, when X asked where he learned that, Q said "Zack".
Strike #2 Zack went down the street to a public bb court which happens to be right across the street from Q and C's house. The boys came out to play bb with Zack. That led to riding their bikes around the house and "jumping" over obstacles in the woody area behind the house. Q said they should move one of the jumpy things to the front yard, but it was too big for him to carry alone. So Zack helped him move it. When they were done jumping Q suggested it should be put in the garage so Zack helped him move it in there. X finds it in the garage and knows it is not from their property, confronts Q and Q says "Zack wanted to bring it in here". Turns out, it belongs to the backyard neighbor. In Zack's defense...there are no fences and he didn't know where the property line was. Anyway, after that incident, Zack was now a sex crazed thief.
Strike #3 Zack had a horrible year in school last year. I think he was trying to show his dad just how low he could go. The big thing was his grades and lack of even trying...plus as all of his teachers stated more than once...he's very social. (In other words, wouldn't shut up long enough to do any work.) Anyway, towards the end of the year, we had a parent/teacher conference and I had a copy of the written comments (written by the highly medicated guidance counselor). All of the teachers had something good to say..."Zack's a great kid", "Zack's got such a winning personality", etc...but all he cared to write down was..."Can't get Zack to stay in his seat" "Zack talks constantly" and my favorite..."Zack is interrupting the educational progress of others" (This from a teacher who NEVER sent him from the room, NEVER gave a detention and called me ONCE to tell me that he was 'frontal hugging' girls). Anyway, this sheet somehow got mixed in Q's school papers. X found the paper, sent it back AFTER making copies for his file, and told room-mate that he questioned her parenting abilities since she felt no fear of having this "evil influence" over her two sons.
She talked to Zack, told him that he had to be on his best...couldn't give X any more fuel for his fire. Turns out Strike #4 happened while we were in the midst of moving. Zack wanted to paint "graffiti" on his bedroom wall, so I bought some spray paint and he and Q were out in the front yard practicing graffiti on some big paper we had. Turns out at that time Zack showed Q how to paint gang signs. Now, I'm going to guess that Zack doesn't know any gang signs...and he has a cool way he writes his name...so probably in trying to be a "big all-knowing man" in front of Q, he made up some. Well, turns out Q went home and decided to teach his younger brothers all about gang signs...That's all she wrote.
Room-mate told me Sunday night (through her 2nd bottle of wine tears) that her purpose in moving here was to get her boys every other week and now X is saying that as long as we live here with her, he is considering cutting out all visitation. He can't believe that even after he warned her, she continues living with and allowing her sons to be influenced by this "sex crazed, gangsta thief". I don't know that that's exactly what was said...but it comes down to this...now that we finally got all of our boxes unpacked...we have to move as soon as we can.
I have to get to work...still more on this story...will finish up tomorrow
Monday, September 17, 2007
A Teacher's Weekend
When I tell people I'm a teacher one of the most common responses is..."you're so lucky! You get weekends, holidays and summers off!" I wish some of those people could have spent this past weekend with me.
I spent 6 straight hours Saturday and at least 8 hours yesterday working on lesson plans...and those will get me through this week! I'm not complaining...just stating a fact. Granted, this year will contain a lot of those kind of weekends. The good news is, if I continue keeping things organized (if you know me, don't laugh)...all these lesson plans will be good for next year. (as long as I am teaching the same courses) I am saving them all in a notebook with sheet protectors so that I can use most of the same plans when I teach these classes again.
That's just part of being a teacher. You can't just read the history book and then stand in front of the class and tell them what you read. You have to present it in a way that will interest them, entertain them and let them actually have the opportunity to learn. That opportunity comes in the way of creative , hands-on lessons...activities that they can take part in and learn from what they are doing. If I can come up with something fun and entertaining, they don't even know they are learning.
I think that's a good way to explain how God teaches us. He's given us the Bible for guidance, then he gives us people to explain, teach, and share lessons in a creative and (often) entertaining way...but most importantly He gives us life experiences so that we can actually learn. What good would it be if we just heard the facts and they had no experience or activity to really take in the lesson?
I have to admit, there have been some lessons that I would have been happy to just suck into my brain without experiencing...but then I know I wouldn't have really learned the lesson. I've got another big one (life lesson) coming up...but will share the details of that in my next blog. Right now, I'm off to share some of my knowledge with 100 unsuspecting students.
I spent 6 straight hours Saturday and at least 8 hours yesterday working on lesson plans...and those will get me through this week! I'm not complaining...just stating a fact. Granted, this year will contain a lot of those kind of weekends. The good news is, if I continue keeping things organized (if you know me, don't laugh)...all these lesson plans will be good for next year. (as long as I am teaching the same courses) I am saving them all in a notebook with sheet protectors so that I can use most of the same plans when I teach these classes again.
That's just part of being a teacher. You can't just read the history book and then stand in front of the class and tell them what you read. You have to present it in a way that will interest them, entertain them and let them actually have the opportunity to learn. That opportunity comes in the way of creative , hands-on lessons...activities that they can take part in and learn from what they are doing. If I can come up with something fun and entertaining, they don't even know they are learning.
I think that's a good way to explain how God teaches us. He's given us the Bible for guidance, then he gives us people to explain, teach, and share lessons in a creative and (often) entertaining way...but most importantly He gives us life experiences so that we can actually learn. What good would it be if we just heard the facts and they had no experience or activity to really take in the lesson?
I have to admit, there have been some lessons that I would have been happy to just suck into my brain without experiencing...but then I know I wouldn't have really learned the lesson. I've got another big one (life lesson) coming up...but will share the details of that in my next blog. Right now, I'm off to share some of my knowledge with 100 unsuspecting students.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Zack's birthday
How does it happen? It really doesn't seem like that long ago when I was working full time, going to college to get my master's degree full time, all the while raising a child. I was so lucky that my Mom and Dad were there during the hours I wasn't. I would get home in the evening and I would hear a loud squeal as I walked through their door. Zack would come running through the house screaming, "My Mommy's home! My Mommy's home!"
He turned 14 on Saturday. He doesn't run squealing when I come in the door anymore. Mostly, he spends a lot of times rolling his eyes at me and I can almost see him mentally turning off the volume when I begin nagging or lecturing. Our going to school together has been a good thing. I feel like we are communicating more. I also have gotten several compliments from him about being a good teacher. (That's huge coming from the kid who thought he would have to get into fights to defend me if kids said bad things about me...as if he KNEW that would happen.)
I will say...he's definitely a teenager...but he's also a very good kid. I've had several people lately tell me how nice it is to talk to a teenager and actually have him look them in the eye and carry on an actual adult conversation. I can't take all the credit. I have had lots of help along the way, but I have made a point of letting him know just how proud I am of him and how much I love the young man he is becoming.
Of course, watching him grow fills me with dread. Time goes so quickly. If he's actually 14 this quickly...how soon will he be going off to college? or getting married? or having children of his own? I can't think of all that right now...I'm too busy hearing him counting the days...
"Hey Mom, 362 days until I can start drivers ed.!"
AAUGH!!!!
He turned 14 on Saturday. He doesn't run squealing when I come in the door anymore. Mostly, he spends a lot of times rolling his eyes at me and I can almost see him mentally turning off the volume when I begin nagging or lecturing. Our going to school together has been a good thing. I feel like we are communicating more. I also have gotten several compliments from him about being a good teacher. (That's huge coming from the kid who thought he would have to get into fights to defend me if kids said bad things about me...as if he KNEW that would happen.)
I will say...he's definitely a teenager...but he's also a very good kid. I've had several people lately tell me how nice it is to talk to a teenager and actually have him look them in the eye and carry on an actual adult conversation. I can't take all the credit. I have had lots of help along the way, but I have made a point of letting him know just how proud I am of him and how much I love the young man he is becoming.
Of course, watching him grow fills me with dread. Time goes so quickly. If he's actually 14 this quickly...how soon will he be going off to college? or getting married? or having children of his own? I can't think of all that right now...I'm too busy hearing him counting the days...
"Hey Mom, 362 days until I can start drivers ed.!"
AAUGH!!!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
First Week
I can't believe it's been so long since I blogged...time flies when you're having fun!
So, the first week is under my belt and today we begin week two. I am having a BLAST! I love being a teacher. I don't know if it's having a (truly) captive audience, holding all that power in my hot little hands, or just getting paid to talk all day. Just kidding! I love the kids. And I love seeing them get excited and having fun with Social Studies. I love to see them thinking.
I'm teaching a mix of ages. I have everyone but 8th graders in my classes. I must admit, the 7th graders scared me at first...that is my last class of the day and it includes 16 boys and 4 girls. I wouldn't want to teach middle school all the time, but (so far) they have been a lot of fun. My seniors barely fit in the desks and here are the 7th graders with their legs dangling. And turns out they are all drummers! (That's when I could really use a sedative.) They are constantly drumming or pecking something. It really gets maddening at times. I'm trying to quit smoking and by that time of the day the eyes are already starting to roll from the lack of nicotene...add to that 20 kids all drumming different beats...it's not pretty.
Zack is fitting in and has made new friends already. I keep hearing from his other teachers what a great kid he is. It was pretty weird that first day when he entered my classroom and sat down. Neither one of us really knew quite how to act. Every time I made a joke (which is quite often those first couple of days), he would cover his face with his hands. Must admit, that put me a little on edge...I think I'm pretty funny, for the most part. However, he did tell me later that he was covering his face to laugh...he got the jokes and didn't want everyone to think he was on crack. I think that was meant to be a compliment.
Speaking of crack...that's how the ice was broken in his class. I was asking geography trivia questions and one question was about "gauchos". No one knew the answer so I explained to them that gauchos are cowboys from Argentina. Then I added that they were also an 80's fashion that were not meant for short girls with big butts. When a teacher acknowledges that her posterior may be a little on the large side...students never really know how to react...so there were just questioning looks coming my way. Then I read the next question..."Where is the largest crack on earth, so large it can be seen from space?" I don't remember the answer, just know that at that point everyone started laughing out loud....augh, 9th grade humor!
So, the first week is under my belt and today we begin week two. I am having a BLAST! I love being a teacher. I don't know if it's having a (truly) captive audience, holding all that power in my hot little hands, or just getting paid to talk all day. Just kidding! I love the kids. And I love seeing them get excited and having fun with Social Studies. I love to see them thinking.
I'm teaching a mix of ages. I have everyone but 8th graders in my classes. I must admit, the 7th graders scared me at first...that is my last class of the day and it includes 16 boys and 4 girls. I wouldn't want to teach middle school all the time, but (so far) they have been a lot of fun. My seniors barely fit in the desks and here are the 7th graders with their legs dangling. And turns out they are all drummers! (That's when I could really use a sedative.) They are constantly drumming or pecking something. It really gets maddening at times. I'm trying to quit smoking and by that time of the day the eyes are already starting to roll from the lack of nicotene...add to that 20 kids all drumming different beats...it's not pretty.
Zack is fitting in and has made new friends already. I keep hearing from his other teachers what a great kid he is. It was pretty weird that first day when he entered my classroom and sat down. Neither one of us really knew quite how to act. Every time I made a joke (which is quite often those first couple of days), he would cover his face with his hands. Must admit, that put me a little on edge...I think I'm pretty funny, for the most part. However, he did tell me later that he was covering his face to laugh...he got the jokes and didn't want everyone to think he was on crack. I think that was meant to be a compliment.
Speaking of crack...that's how the ice was broken in his class. I was asking geography trivia questions and one question was about "gauchos". No one knew the answer so I explained to them that gauchos are cowboys from Argentina. Then I added that they were also an 80's fashion that were not meant for short girls with big butts. When a teacher acknowledges that her posterior may be a little on the large side...students never really know how to react...so there were just questioning looks coming my way. Then I read the next question..."Where is the largest crack on earth, so large it can be seen from space?" I don't remember the answer, just know that at that point everyone started laughing out loud....augh, 9th grade humor!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Labor Day
Labor Day weekend was just that for me...labor. No, don't get excited, I didn't give birth to a baby. However, guess you could say I "gave birth" to a classroom.
Last week when I stepped into what was going to become my classroom, I was a little overwhelmed. It was a major job, but it got done. All the excess stuff has been moved out and the floors have been swept, desks set up, posters hung, and AV equipment all plugged in and ready to go. Thanks to Tom and Vi, who stopped in Saturday and Monday and spent several hours (both days) helping me out.
The finishing touches will be added today...the students. I'm excited about meeting them and getting to know them over the next few weeks. They probably aren't as excited as I am. They are excited about seeing their friends and making new friends...showing off their new school clothes...talking about their great summer vacations. You know, they are excited about the important stuff.
But, there is another important milestone taking place in my house today. My son is starting high school! I've been so caught up in getting the job and getting the room and lesson plans done, that I really haven't given that a lot of thought.
I remember the first day I got him ready for kindergarten...he was so excited. He had new clothes and a backpack that was almost as big as he was. He never cried, as a matter of fact, he couldn't wait for me to let go of his hand everyday. He would run into the classroom and never look back. I was the one who cried. I cried at kindergarten graduation (they looked SO cute in those little caps and gowns). I cried at 6th grade graduation. I also cried at 7th grade orientation. (jr. high seemed so daunting to me) And, ok, I'll admit it...I'm crying a little as I write this.
My baby is going to high school!
Last week when I stepped into what was going to become my classroom, I was a little overwhelmed. It was a major job, but it got done. All the excess stuff has been moved out and the floors have been swept, desks set up, posters hung, and AV equipment all plugged in and ready to go. Thanks to Tom and Vi, who stopped in Saturday and Monday and spent several hours (both days) helping me out.
The finishing touches will be added today...the students. I'm excited about meeting them and getting to know them over the next few weeks. They probably aren't as excited as I am. They are excited about seeing their friends and making new friends...showing off their new school clothes...talking about their great summer vacations. You know, they are excited about the important stuff.
But, there is another important milestone taking place in my house today. My son is starting high school! I've been so caught up in getting the job and getting the room and lesson plans done, that I really haven't given that a lot of thought.
I remember the first day I got him ready for kindergarten...he was so excited. He had new clothes and a backpack that was almost as big as he was. He never cried, as a matter of fact, he couldn't wait for me to let go of his hand everyday. He would run into the classroom and never look back. I was the one who cried. I cried at kindergarten graduation (they looked SO cute in those little caps and gowns). I cried at 6th grade graduation. I also cried at 7th grade orientation. (jr. high seemed so daunting to me) And, ok, I'll admit it...I'm crying a little as I write this.
My baby is going to high school!
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