When I walked into my room filled with the former teacher's stuff, I almost had a panic attack. Everything was nicely organized but there was just so much stuff! There was no where to even put something down without losing it. Clutter and disorder make me anxious. I know you'd never guess that from the state of my house most of the time, but it's true. I left the room completely overwhelmed.
I checked in at school one day when she had come to move stuff. The principal suggested I go up and talk to her, so I did. Yeah. I don't think moving was her idea. Long story short, I didn't get a very friendly vibe from her, so I vacated post haste. I waited until she was done and then went back to see the room.
Everything was gone. Part of me was annoyed that she'd taken everything. However, like Carrie said, she probably bought a lot of it herself. I can understand. Heck, I would be doing the same thing.
That being said, taking the chalkboard erasers seems a little petty to me. The stuff she did leave in the room isn't all that helpful. The textbooks are in a pile on the counter. Not in nice, neat piles - just tossed on the counter. Along with the teaching manuals and whatever manipulatives come with the set. The computers are tossed on a card with cords strewn all over - no idea what cord goes to what computer or where they go. Figuring that out ought to be fun.
The one thing that makes me smile is thinking of the room that this teacher moved to. It's half the size of mine. Her new room is packed to the gills with stuff and she hasn't even gotten desks for the kids in there. Karma is a boomerang.
However, I have quite a bit of stuff myself. Not only do I have the things I've collected over the years while I was wishing for my own room, I've got stuff from teacher's I've worked with, and anything I wanted from my mom's room when she retired. Stuff, I got!
I just didn't know I should have gotten her erasers!
Silly me.
More pictures on Flickr.
On a scale of 1-10, (1 being "Whatever" and 10 being "I want to jab an ice pick in someone's eye I'm so pissed") how annoyed would you be if the teacher whose room you were moving into looked like this:
Considering said teacher waited 3 weeks to come clean it out when she was moving and then took everything.
Seriously. She even took the chalkboard erasers!
My opinion to follow.
Folks are still here. Both of them fell (at different times) within 24 hours of arriving. I guess I didn't stress the "our floors are super slippery" enough. Oy vey.
And yes, it does taste better fresh.
Mmm, mmm good.
They're coming! My mommy and daddy are coming! It will be their first visit since we moved. I am hoping to be super busy showing them around and keeping them entertained. We're hoping to make a trip here sometime this week. (Even though Mom said she didn't see a reason to go to the amusement park or the museum - uh, Mom, why go?) So, I might be scarce around here for a week or so.
They're also bringing a bunch of my school stuff. Hooray! Now...to get that woman out of my classroom. LMK also starts summer school this week, so he'll be gone from 8 to 5 at least every day and half a day on Saturdays.
Also, a classroom blog where the kids post weekly. 'Blogger' will be one of the classroom jobs.
Thoughts?
Since I haven't gotten my curriculum guides, teacher's editions, staff handbook, etc. I'm pretty much flying blind. I still want to be thinking about what I will do next year so I've been making lists. Here are some things I'm thinking about (I'll add to it as I think of more). Feel free to add suggestions! I'd love more ideas.
- I definitely want to institute some sort of classroom economy behavior system. Pigs has been gracious enough to send me what she did and it's given me lots of ideas. The scale of the system will depend if the other teachers take part or not. I'm perfectly fine having my own system and having a school store with school supplies and privilege purchases (i.e. extra computer time, homework passes, lunch with the teacher, etc.).
- I'm thinking of creating some sort of attendance incentive. One teacher I used to work for had a pizza cut into eight pieces displayed in his room. If everyone in the class was in school (no tardies and no early dismissals) he gave them a slice of pizza. When they earned the whole pizza they got a pizza party. That sounds do-able.
- I've been perusing the state standards and math ought to prove interesting. One word. Fractions. Luckily, I live with a math teacher than can explain any concepts I've forgotten. It sounds like I'll be teaching either social studies or science. I don't know which I'll have. Science seems interesting - electricity, plants and life processes, ecosystems, adaption, weather, etc. Social Studies isn't as clear. I think it's Virginia studies which could prove challenging for a non-Virginia native.
- The first day of school, I think I will introduce myself with "Me in a Bag." Then I'll give the kids a paper bag to create their own Me in a Bag. I'm thinking I will give the kids lunch size bags, that way there is less of a chance they can bring in inappropriate things. Still thinking on this one.
- My classroom website is already being created. I've put some basic things up but I'm open to suggestions on pages I should definitely include. I figured a homework page would be good. That way kids have less of an excuse about not knowing what the homework was if they're out of class or go home early.
After a lot of nagging (a LOT!), Molly, who just moved to Missouri, finally got a blog. Woohoo!
The girl needed a blog. She's a wonderful writer, takes great photographs, just moved away from home, and has to live with some of my extended family. She's in the running for sainthood in my book.
Now, to help her beautify her blog. I'm already planning to "show" her how to get a flickr badge, Haloscan comments, and a better template.
So please, swing by, oogle her furbabies and welcome her to blogging.
It's looking like LMK and I will officially be going to Chicago in August (the week before my birthday, coincidentally).
He's been invited to a coaching symposium (*yawn*) and I've always wanted to visit Chicago. From what I can remember of what he's told me, the US Women's National Team is putting on the symposium. Head Coach went to the one the US Men's National Team did in Cleveland last year. LMK has been jealous ever since.
The best news? Twin might be able to come, too. Correction, she wants to come, she just needs to make sure she can get the time off of work. If Twin comes, this trip will be lots of fun. Just like our trip to Jamestown...We Love Soccer, not We Love Lucy. I'll have someone to play with while LMK is at his soccer stuff. We will be able to attend the game with him though. So that will be fun. Twin enjoys soccer like I do. Meaning, we don't care about strategy - we're there for the cards! What should Twin and I do for the day and a half we'll have to occupy ourselves?
Should I be worried that he all but giggled like a schoolgirl when he found out he'd be attending not only the game against New Zealand but also a practice? It's nice to see him so excited. Evidently some big coach is going to be there too. I believe he called him the goalkeeping coach God.
Boys...they get excited over the silliest things.
Now, I must go play with my iPod.
the kids I subbed for in April will be in 4th grade next year. That means I'll have some of them.
Oh boy! Some of them were really neat kids. I'm already looking forward to it!
I think I may love her a teeny, tiny bit more than LMK right now.
He's handling it well.
I'm entertaining suggestions for names. LMK suggested Tallulah, but I don't know. It just doesn't sound right.
We all know what I'll be doing this weekend.
As most of you have guessed from my previous entry, I got the job! Hooray! Cue happy dance.
Tuesday afternoon, I went to my interview. I didn't have a lot of expectations because I'd interviewed before, but hadn't gotten the job. I did however, have lots of people "pulling" for me. Family, friends, LMK's work friends, people from my school in Ohio, people on one of the message boards I frequent. I'd gotten tips from my aunt's sister who interviews people ALL the time. There was good karma on my side. I was ready.
The interview went very much like last time. It was for a 4th grade job. They have 13 standard questions they ask everyone. I answered those pretty similarly to how I answered them before, or I think I did. I even got a few laughs - very much my personality. Then they asked me additional questions like how I would handle a disgruntled parent. I asked the teachers what their favorite thing about working at the school was (go me thinking up a question on the spur of a moment). Someone mentioned an after school program which sounds like a lot of fun. One of the teachers on the committee then asked if I was willing to stay after school. Well, definitely! I've done it before with tutoring in Ohio. The interview ended with a quick tour of the 4th grade hall, which was fun. I gathered my things, thanked everyone, and left.
After I left I ran to get thank you notes. I had some from the last interview, but I didn't have enough for everyone. I picked up the cards and a drink and went to LMK's classroom. I decided then and there to just fill them out and we'd drop them off on our way home.
We pulled into the school's parking lot about a half hour after the last meeting was to start. I took my thank you cards into the office and gave them to the secretary to hand out. The committee was still in the office meeting. As I was leaving, the principal called me into the room. The secretary gave me back the cards and I proceeded to distribute them. The principal commented on how I was quick on the turn around. Then she said, "Well, we're glad you came back. We've been talking and we've decided to offer you the job."
I swear to you, I forgot my own name at that moment. I blurted out an, "Okay!" I sat down and discussed some job details (including being offered the biggest classroom in the school - sweet!). I didn't linger. I thanked everyone again and told them I would be speaking with them soon. As I was leaving I spoke with the secretaries, who have always been really nice. One told me how the 3rd grade teachers raved about me after I subbed there. I honestly believe that they're a large part of the reason I got this job.
As I left the office, I couldn't stop smiling. I even got a little case of the sniffles. Luckily, I got myself together and put on a somber face for LMK. I got in the car and apologized for taking so long. "There were people talking and I didn't want to interrupt," I told him. I started the car, rolled up the windows, and started backing out of my parking space.
Me: "So...are you still planning on going to Large City this weekend?"
LMK: "Yeah. Why?"
Me: "Well...I just wondered, since I'm in the market for an iPod."
LMK (momentarily puzzled): "You're...oh my God! You got the job!"
Me (grinning like the goober I am): "Yup."
There was much whooping and hollering going on in that car. As we were leaving we got out to call people. I made him call my mother first who promptly burst into tears. Gotta love her. "I told your dad we had to go to church this week," she said. Heh. Thanks, God. :o)
Repeat that reaction about 10 times and you have the reactions of my family and friends. Twin said she had to call her mom who had been worrying about me. I love my family and friends.
I am waiting on an official call from the HR guy next week, but it looks like I will be a 4th grade teacher next year. I'm already making lists. Lists of lists of lists!
I have so much time and so little to do! Strike that, reverse it. (bonus points for the reference)
Thanks everyone for your well wishes.
I am officially in the market for an iPod.
That is all.
Have I mentioned I have a job interview tomorrow? At the same school where I didn't get the job last time?
Trying not to get my hopes up. Hopefully, I will soon be in the market for an iPod.
The kids are all leaving by Friday. The Stalkers will leave then. One will not be returning. LMK and I were saying today how much we're going to miss her. It doesn't help that they've decided that we're going to adopt them. They both have pretty absent fathers, so I'm not surprised they've attached themselves to LMK. An adult male that respects them, thinks they're wonderful, and isn't afraid to put his foot down when he feels they need it. Nope, they're not crying out for a father figure.
They're good kids. They wrote the nicest stuff in LMK's yearbook (he gets a yearbook, interesting). I love this time of year, yet, I dread this time of year. Change is constant; boy, do I hate that.
Oh, we got notice last night that LMK got his first student gift. He's excited...but hiding it well.
LMK is attending graduation today. It started at 10 o'clock. Anyone willing to be on exactly how long he's gone? Did I mention the location they're having graduation is indoors and un-airconditioned? And that it's supposed to be about 90 today? And that he's wearing long pants, dress shirt, tie, blazer, and graduation robes? Ohhhh, I do not envy him.
Of course, he's probably enjoying being away from me. As he should be. I've been in a really crappy mood since I got back from Ohio. It's nothing he's done, but he's getting punished. You'd think that would make me act right, it doesn't. As stuff comes out of my mouth, I realize how stupid I'm being. I'm sleeping way too much (12+ hours a night usually). Saying one thing, then saying the exact opposite. I swear, it's like I'm not myself anymore. Hopefully next week, I'll get my act together.
Molly left for Missouri today. She's the one that I'll really miss. Molly's getting the raw end of the deal anyway. Moving away from her friends, her family, her job and not getting a whole lot in return. I just hope she'll be happy there. Even though I want her back in Ohio with her family and near my mom. People who worry about her and put her needs at the top of the list. I'm not sure she'll get that where she's going now.
I must sound awful, but I know this is upsetting my uncle. My mother, well, she's a mess about it too. And if my grandfather were alive, he would be upset too - as it is, I'm sure he's churning in his grave. Molly's upset too. I hate when the people I love are upset and what's worse the ones doing it don't even seem to care. LMK and I might have moved, but we didn't sell the farm that's been in the family for over 100 years. Hell, we didn't even sell the house that's been in the family for 50 years. We just moved.
They're all gone. I miss them already and I'm not even there! My cousin, Mo Mom, requested a video of the farm. I've been against it for over a year. THEY wanted to move, THEY can deal with it. Don't get me wrong, I still feel that way, but I've got it just about finished. I'm waiting on pictures from the going away party from my brother. Honestly, the video doesn't make me sad, it still seems surreal. Ok, if I can make it through the first 25 seconds, I'm ok. If the video was something I wanted to do, I would go through and scan older pictures of the farm, but I honestly don't want to do that.
I uploaded a severely edited version of the video. You can watch it here. I don't particularly care for the song, but it's what Mo Mom requested. Names eliminated and people removed to protect the guilty.
Yes, that G.wen S.tefani song has been running through my head ever since I saw a woman on Ellen hum it horribly.
Today was a day when I wonder if insurance is really worth it. I am running out of my meds for high blood pressure. I've been on this medicine for over a year and it works great. Our insurance company however won't cover it unless 1.) I try several other generics first or 2.) My doctor sends his chart notes stating how I've been on this med for a year and blah, blah, blah!
My doctor won't change my medication unless I go see him. He's booked through June. I've been trying to get ahold of him for 2 weeks, I have 3 pills left. So I'll have to spend $15 for one of the residents to prescribe a new medicine for me. Stoooooooooooopid.
Socks meanwhile is being dramatic. When he knows I'm looking he won't open one eye. When someone new is here or he thinks food is involved, he opens both eyes. Typically it's Ollie with the eye infections. Argh!
This afternoon was the all sports banquet (all of the sports at the school recognized at once). LMK got a notice a few weeks ago telling him if he didn't join the booster's club, he could only attend the banquet if he paid $25. Joining the booster's costs $25.
They pay the coaches but it's nothing earth shattering, but my husband donates his time to coaching. LMK would do it for free (but don't tell them that). He loves coaching. Coaching, just like teaching, involves a lot of "weird" hours. Like the night we spent in ER because one of his players was hurt. Was it required? No. Would LMK have considered not going? Hell no, one of "his girls" was hurt. You'd have to fight the man off with a stick if something was wrong with one of his players. But I digress.
Am I the only one who finds it really tacky for the boosters to require coaches to become members? Yes, it's required. Another teacher who didn't join was told he couldn't present the awards for his sports to his players if he didn't join. The "banquet" wasn't all that great. The food...eh. I hope it wasn't catered, because it was NOT good. The speakers, too long. The seating, uncomfortable and crowded.
For your listening pleasure (i.e. so it can get stuck in your head too):
90% of the time, I love LMK's kids. They've got good manners and they are good kids. However, 10% of the time, they're typical teenagers.
Case in point, last night, LMK is grading the senior's exams. LMK is pretty leinient. He allows students pages of "cheat sheets" on regular tests, but he made the one for the final. Every formula they needed is on that sheet. He did not, however, put example problems so all they had to do was change the numbers around. They had to study. God forbid.
One little angel, obviously didn't prepare. This little angel is also one that is up at his desk during tests asking for help. When Mr. LMK wasn't around to help her, well, she was sadly unprepared.
On her test the following notes are written:
Dear Mr., I remember doing this problem and it taking three hours. I don't think this one should count.
Or this one.
Dear Mr., There is nothing about conics on the note sheet. I don't think this problem should count.
Dear Mr., Your note sheet is not helpful. I like making my own cheat sheet because I can put examples and I know what I'm talking about. Oh, there is a typo on your note sheet.
Dear Mr., This test is unfair. I'm going to have to give up and FAIL.
God help this little angel next year in college. Am I the only one that would have died before speaking to a teacher like that in high school? Ungrateful little brat.
Well, I'm home after my trip to Ohio. It was a good week. I was able to help my mother get ready for the going away party for my aunt, uncle, and cousins. We made cookies, upon cookies, upon cookies. If I never see another peanut butter cookie, it will be too soon!
I saw family (including my 94 year old great uncle and my 95 year old grandfather's wife/my adopted grandmother). I met Maggie, the new puppy. She's evil but adorable. I also saw people at my mom's old school including the teacher that partially convinced me to make a move. After feeling like I'll never get a job, it's nice to be around family and friends who believe in you. LMK has always believed in me, but he's biased. So are they, come to think of it, but I'm letting it slide.
In typical Ohio news, while I was away, I got a phone call about a job! Over Spring Break, I got word that the school down the hill was interviewing. As I've stated, I was eventually turned down for that job. However, Friday morning, I received an email about a NEW job at the same school. I called the school and talked to the principal again. It sounds like either a 5th grade position or a 4th grade position (she's not sure if she's going to move someone or just fill the position). The assistant principal was out of the building that day, so I'm planning to call tomorrow and let them know I'm back in town. I should know if I have a job offer or another interview then. At this point, I'll take either.
What got me the "second chance"? The 3rd grade teachers were impressed with me the day I subbed and the principal felt they might not have given me a fair chance.
Hooray for subbing!
Molly held another garage sale this weekend. I ended up being the big seller. Yay me!
Anyway, her dad came to keep her company on Saturday. He brought his german shepard/wolf mix dog, Matuk. Tookie is a big love bug. He's one BIG dog that I'm not terrified of petting. In fact, he climbed up beside me on the couch I was sitting on and put his head on my leg so I could pet his ears. He's just a sweetie. He loves stuffed toys. Guess who "purchased" all my stuffed toys? He kept stealing them from the garage and putting them in the yard.
He LOVED my Furbies. Interactive toys! He took one home and when Molly's dad went outside that evening he heard "Wahhhhh, wahhhhh, I LOVE YOU!" Matuk looked at Molly's dad then he looked at his Furby, then back at Molly's dad. She said it was almost like he was saying, "Yeah, my toy talks to me while you're gone."
Greetings internet, it tis I, the great and powerful Socks.
My mom and Dad are currently sawing logs. Well, Dad is doing his velociraptor imitation and Mom is watching all her reality tv shows. Sheesh, mothers, whatcha gonna do?
Anyway, Mom says that she's talked about my escapes here and I just wanted to set the record straight. First of all, it's tough being a "garage cat". I mean, sometimes, that food bowl in the kitchen is empty for a few hours. What's a growing kitty to do? I'm an adopted barn cat, so I know how to forage for my food. Mom says I'm a little vacuum cleaner. I've decided it's a compliment.
Speaking of Mom, people, we need to get her a job (isn't this picture evidence enough - oh the shame). She seriously is losing her mind. She runs that loud thing that sucks up all my toys incessantly. The noise is defening. It hurts my ears and well, I must admit to a slight character flaw. If it scares me, I'm going to hiss at it. Unfortunately, hissing doesn't seem to phase the beast. So I run. Hey, Mama didn't raise no fool!
Oh yes, I was talking about my wild adventures. The other day, I wandered into the kitchen to get some post lunch brunch and I noticed that the door wasn't locked with the key. Silly, silly Mommy. I love to jiggle doors until they pop open for me. It's a gift. I did a quick check and Mom was upstairs talking to Molly on the computer. I have to admit, that ticked me off. I miss Molly terribly and Mom sits and talks to her EVERY DAY! So, I waddled hightailed it down to my door and FREEDOM.
That door really isn't a challenge. They should get a better door for me to open. That one is sissy stuff. It popped open without a problem. After a few tentative sniffs, I tiptoed bound out onto the porch. I am kitty, hear me roar! I explored the driveway (boring) and then the yard. Suddenly, I noticed a huge fort. As I made my way inside, I noticed that Ollie, the sissy, had followed me outside. Sucker! I figured we'd play hide and seek. I tiptoed to the furthest corner of the porch and perched on a cement block. He'll never find me now. I thought.
Next thing I know, I hear naughty words coming from the house. Uh oh...Mom's spotted the door. I see Ollie rush back toward the door. Mama's boy. Not me buddy, I'm staying outside. Outside is great! Then I see feet walking across the lawn. I stay really still and hope she can't see me. After all, a good hider never reveals their hiding spot.
Unfortunately, I think Mom has played this game before because before long she looks into the fort and spies me. Then she's all, "Here kitty, kitty. C'mere baby." Let me tell you, I know my ass is grass. There is no way I am coming to that woman. She's high if she thinks I'll come to her. HIGH. I slowly squeeze through the hole in my fort and commence with grass sniffing. Have you smelled this stuff? It's awesome! I'm in mid-sniff when suddenly I grabbed round my somewhat large midsection and hoisted into the air. Damnit! She's got me in the kitty time-out hold and I can't even move. Curses!
Why can't Moms understand we men need our freedom?
I've just about had it with our continuing basement problems.
Last month, maintenance came out and once again snaked the drain. They went as far as they could but the drain is still blocked. They have no idea with what since as far as the drained it should be well into the main sewer line. They put in a call to the city and that's the last we've heard from anyone.
Here's the situation as it stands today:
- Our basement still has water flood in from somewhere at least a few times a month.
- We have drain flies everywhere - despite pouring bleach down every drain in the house several times.
- The basement STINKS - it makes me gag just going down there. I'm lucky if I can get a load of laundry started without getting sick.
- The only place I have to dry clothes is in the basement, thus I am terrified our clothes are going to smell as bad as the basement.
- With the flied in the basement, I want to spray something to kill them all, but I'm worried about hurting the cats.
- Our automatic garage door has not been fixed. We asked for it to be fixed in March.
I refuse to live in squalor anymore. We're paying a significant amount of rent each month and I don't think we should have to live with this crap. Literally.
P.S. Socks escaped again this weekend. Luckily, LMK was home to help find him.