The best of intentions

I know, I know, I promised pictures. But I've been corrupted by the R.uby P.ayne philosophy so you really shouldn't expect me to do homework. Mwahahahaha.

Did I mention I'm taking a graduate course? Yes, I am that stupid. Basically, if we get technology certified then we earn money to be used for equipment in our classrooms. I want need my own SmartBoard so I am killing myself in a college class again. Last night was webpages. I love webpages. I taught myself basic HTML at 17. I have 7 webpages that I can think of off the top of my head. I heart webpages. I don't think I know it all, because there are definitely webpage bells and whistles I want to learn. Java. PHP. Graphic design. Blog Template design. etc.

However, I do understand the basics of webpage creation especially when using a website composing program like Dre.amweaver. So I still believe spending 3 hours making a basic generic webpage was not the best use of my time. I spent most of the class staring into space while listening to the instructor or helping my classmates with their pages. I tried really hard not to be "that person." I hope I hid my boredom.

Anyway, I digress. So those pictures...yeah, they're coming. However, it's icy and cold - so don't expect them today. I did do some excellent google searching (Mo Mom should be proud) and came up with some pictures.

First, Carrie was right. We bought a Prius. A 2008 Prius with 200 miles on it (ok, now 250 because we've been driving it like crazy). It's purdy. I've decided to name her the Silver Bullet. And soon, very soon, I will be able to walk up to my care without whispering "Hello, my precious." Really...soon! I'm working on it.


My favorite features so far include the key fob and push button start. Hello! I don't have to spend 5 frantic minutes searching through my purse for my keys. I zipped the key into a pocket and haven't searched for them once. Plus, how cool is it that I just push a button and the car starts. Of course, I have to make a conscious effort to be sure I actually turn the car off. So far, I've remembered, but I'm sure I'm going to forget soon.

I also love the dashboard. Digital speedometer? Cool! I think our favorite feature is the little lcd screen in the middle of the dash. LMK loves to watch the battery charge or the gas mileage sky rocket. I enjoy coasting and seeing that I'm using no energy or gas, but charging the battery at the same time. It still freaks me out when the car shuts off at a stop light. Normally, that's a bad thing. Now, it's a good thing! It's nerve-racking!


I am also fascinated by the backup camera. I make LMK watch it while I back because otherwise it makes me queasy. I love being able to see behind me as I back up and I'd like to think it will help me drive more carefully.


Now to be honest. Several colleagues at work have accused me of being a "tree-hugger." Here is my confession. I think it's great that my car is good for the environment or BETTER for the environment, but that's not why I bought it.

Gas mileage was a HUGE selling point. I'm getting 45 miles to the gallon people and evidently the gas mileage is worse when it's really cold out. I can't wait to see what it does in the summer. I also liked the affordability (is that a word?) of the Prius. I didn't cost much more than the used 2-3 year old American made cars we were looking at with 20,000 miles on them.

So go explore. Before you know it. You'll want one, too!

Commence Panic

LMK and I bought a car yesterday.

All by ourselves.

It's BRAND new. 202 miles on it.

It's not the kind of car I thought I would ever buy and much more expensive, but the benefits out weigh the costs.

It's our first big, "adult" purchase on our own.

Anyone want to guess make or model?

Pictures coming.

Frackin' snow days

They've officially taken any fun out of snow days. We're now going to school through the 3rd week of June! The 3rd week!! Are you frickin' kiddin' me!?



What do we have today - SNOW DAY.

Oh, I am so pissed.

Meme-riffic

So, Misty posted a challenge that is really up my aisle. For some reason, it fascinates me to look at other people's desktops. That and I'm procrastinating.

How to Play:

• Capture a picture of your computer's desktop.
• Post it on your blog along with a link to who tagged you.
• Tag some people.
• Run and hide from them.

I have about 3 desktops that we rotate between. So I thought I would post them all. Along with a little ditty about when they're used and why.

The first is one I've had up for several months. It's actually a picture taken by Leesa. I love her pictures and this one just cracks me up. It could be Hokie. He loves his paper bags.


The second is one of the desktops on my school computers. It's actually on the "teacher" computer. The one that I use to do email, attendance, grades, etc. The kids love it and everyone comments on it when they see it. Plus, I like seeing my Lula-belle on a day to day basis. It makes me giggle when I'm having a bad day.


The third is the desktop of my Smartboard cart. The kids love this picture and so do I. I caught it on a fluke when were visiting the in-laws. They're kittens are adorable. Tango is on another computer, but I couldn't resist this picture of Jitterbug.


The last one is what our desktop looks like now. As I've been told several times since February began (by the girls, not just LMK), soccer season starts soon. Nine days, if you're counting - which they are. So our desktop is an ode to women's soccer. Such is my life.


I don't tag. If you do it, let me know so I can come see. :o)

Rub.y Pay.ne Hell

I am stuck in Rub.y Pa.yne hell.

I work in one of the poorest counties in NoVA or so I have been told. That's fine with me, poor kids still deserve a good education. Out of all the elementary schools, evidently I work at the poorest. Again, poor kids deserve a good education. I have a wonderful group of children. I can't imagine any "rich kids" being more compassionate, caring, or thoughtful. That being said, some days it pisses me off that we consistently lower our standards for these kids.

According to R.uby Pay.ne (or Ru.by Pay.ne according to my administrators), students should not be expected to complete homework. If in the event you give students homework, it should not be part of their grade and they should be given time in school to complete it.

`Scuse me?

So far, I'm bucking the system on that one, to a degree. My math kids have homework from time to time. They are rewarded for doing it, but not punished. That being said, the kids who have done the two digit by two digit multiplication and long division homework actually understand 2 x 2 multiplication and division. Wonder of wonders!

There are lots of statements I've heard from Rub.y Payn.e that make sense. I've seen it.

For example, in families of "poverty" the priority to make sure your child has a PSP, an iPod, and a cell phone even though you can't pay your bills. My mother taught me you pay your bills first, then you can get non-essentials. Call me crazy!

I just don't see how making excuses for these kids is going to do to help them in life. Nothing is done about chronic absenteeism instead we celebrate those who come to school all the time. Whatever happened court dates for children who miss too much school? People look at me like I'm crazy here. Get your butts to school. Period.

What kills me is all the excuses we make for these kids and then we have a meeting and are basically told, "you can have 12 kids fail" their state test and still make AYP. You have GOT to be kidding me. At least 50% of the 4th grade is below grade level. Most are improving, but I don't see some miraculous pass rate coming in. Why do I have students reading at a 2nd grade level, yet are supposed to pass their state test because they did it in 3rd grade? Something is not right.

When does Ru.by Pay.ne's work stop being an excuse and start to help these kids? Why are we not challenging these kids? Who is failing who around here? I'm not sure it's them that's failing me. I think it's the other way around.

If today's educational system doesn't do some changing we're going to lose some kids. Kids are falling through the cracks and I can't catch all of them.

Literacy

Books. I love books. I love the smell of them. I love the look of a brand new book. I love the excitement of having a book I am dying to read yet saving it for a "special occasion".

Last year, I decided to attempt to read 52 books in a year. I did pretty darn well. By July I had read 37 books. However, when I started my first year of teaching time for reading was nonexistent. From August to December I read one book and it was a required reading for work. How depressing is that?

My current count is at three books. Considering it's only January, I think I am doing well. Anyone have any books that I might want to start looking at for the beach in July? I'd like to get a start on finding them now.

This year's goal:

Actually read 52 books. I'm not making any restrictions on books this year. As long as it has pages and is bound, I'm counting it.

Technical Difficulties

Please excuse the mess. I'm looking to change my template around, but I promised some of LMK's students that I would come watch their basketball game this evening.

In the mean time, uh, Misty, how the heck did you do that? My template doesn't have the areas I evidently need to edit.

Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiix it.

Carry on.

Why I love Virginia

Two words:
Snow. Day.

Two more:
Number 2

Five day weekend, woohoo! LMK got to witness my snow day dance twice this week. Of course, he shared it with his kids but luckily, I like them so I don't mind.

Please remind me of my joy in March when we have no spring break.

I've spent the last day catching up on DVR stuff. Yesterday I watched this:

Today I plan to finally finish this:



Oh yeah, there will be some schoolwork thrown in, but today I just want to relax. Maybe clean my house. It's nice to be able to take a breath and just relax.

That is all. Carry on.

TGIF

Love
Originally uploaded by h0kieerin.

Another student's mother died this week. What a horrible thing to happen to a nine year old. My heart breaks for her.

The other new 4th grade teacher (really gotta come up with a good nickname for her) lost track of the time this afternoon and her entire class missed the bus.

Poor thing. I can picture the look on her face when she walked out the door and saw all the buses leaving.

It could have easily been me.

It's still pretty funny when you think about it.

Weekly howdy-do

Don't have much time math and science assessments are calling. Anyway, my kids did their first podcast today. I'm more than a little excited about it. Click the title of this post and it should download. They did a great job.

I'm spending less and less time teaching and more and more time doing required assessments. Again, that's another rant for another day.

I will leave you with a quote from one of my little darlings this morning. It will be replacing my kids quote post haste.

Wise Beyond His Years: "Mrs. my stomach hurts."
Me: "Oh?"
WBHY: "Yeah, I think I have cramps."
Me: snort

Currently Listening: "Ever, Ever After" Carri.e Un.derwood - Enchanted Soundtrack

(They had me at Disney. Add a princess, a love story, and good music and I didn't stand a chance.)

First Week of a New Year

IMG_0199
Originally uploaded by h0kieerin.

Confession: My kids have me completely hooked on Ha.nnah Mon.tana, the Jo.nas Brothers, and the High School Mu.sical songs. So much so that those are the songs I'm buying with my iTunes Christmas gift cards. What can I say? I'm a Disney girl through and through. If you make it a Disney musical, I'm done. I had no chance of resistance.


The first week of a year is over. I had school for 3 days of it. What a crock. All this V.irginia bull-shit paperwork is really getting on my nerves. I don't know if it's the state as a whole or just my district. The instructional time being wasted is criminal. But this is a rant for another post.

In other news, I actually missed my kiddos. I was shocked, too. They came back Thursday sleepy eyed but smiling. I love it when they're tired. They behave. They're too tired not to. Mwahahaha!

Two of my kids have yet to return to school. One I wouldn't be surprised to hear she moved. She's a nice kid, but her moving will boost my test scores. (How depressing that I've been driven to this type of thinking!) The other we heard from today. Her grandmother died last night. I'm heartbroken. Not only because I think most people can sympathize with losing a grandparent at a young age. I lost my grandmother when I was about this age. It's heartbreaking. What makes it worse is Grandma is more like a mother to this child. She lives with her. Grandma is the stable one in her life. Dad is in jail. Mom is a flake and in and out of jail. I'm watching the paper so I can go to calling hours. Sometimes, especially as a kid, life isn't fair.

Notifications, expectations - whatever

Hello? May I help you?
Originally uploaded by h0kieerin.

A New Year’s meme, swiped from Leesepea.

1. Will you be looking for a new job? I hope not! But if something comes up at LMK's school, I'm going to apply. This b-s paperwork is ridiculous.
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? Sure, new friendships. As for a new hubby, nah. I've spent all this time training this one. Why would I throw it all away now?
3. New house? I wish.
4. What will you do different in 08? Save money. Be adults. Lose weight.
5. New Years resolution? Save money!
6. What will you NOT be doing in 08? Getting any more cats. Drat.
7. Any trips planned? We're going to Myrtle! I'm already excited. LMK's dad was talking about it over break. He's excited too. He promised a whole grocery bag of flyers of stuff to do after their Spring Break trip. I must be entertained!
8. Wedding plans? For Twin, hopefully.
9. Major thing on your calendar? Uhhhhhhh...last day of my first year of teaching?
10. What can’t you wait for? My next school break....which isn't for 3 months, if I'm lucky.
11. What would you like to see happen differently? See money saving and lack there of.
12. What about yourself will you be changing? Hopefully my weight.
13. What happened in ‘07 that you didn’t think would ever happen? I never thought we’d move 5 states away. However, it's been a great thing for both of us.
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about? That would always be a good thing, especially for me.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 07? More professionally. You have to when you're teaching 5 days a week.
17. Will you better your relationship with your family? I wish, but to me, that means living closer.
18. Will you do charity work? Ewww...I really need to do that. Must get on that.
19. Will you go to bars? Nah, I don't much care for drinking.
20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know? I have to be nice. Never can tell who is related to a student, parent, colleague, or boss. Gotta love education.
21. Do you expect ‘08 to be a good year for you? Let's hope so!
22. How much did you change from this time last year til now? Let's see, I'm a Virginian. I'm employed. I'm an adult. I'd say a whole hell of a lot.
23. Will you plan on having a child? Yep.
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? And then some, I hope.
25. Major lifestyle changes? Motherhood would be nice.
26. Will you be moving? God, I hope not. I hate moving.
27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 08 that happened in 07? Again, moving!
28. What are your New Years Eve plans? LMK's surgery. Yeah, that's how we roll.
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight? Yes, AND he can't run away. Mwahahaha!
30. One wish for 2008? Motherhood or on the road to motherhood.

Every Dang Year

Last Thursday, I was starting to get sick when LMK's kids came down to meet my kids. My kids had a ball. I think LMK's kids had a ball. We made snow globes, drank cider, and chatted. After LMK's kids left my kids asked if they could come back tomorrow. So I think my kids were impressed.

However, it never fails. Every year around Christmas, I get sick. One year it was pneumonia. The next it was strep. Another it was the stomach flu. EVERY DANG YEAR PEOPLE!

You guessed it, I'm sick again. I made it three months without getting so much as a sniffle. Through kid's illnesses. Staph infection outbreaks. Everything. And now, I have bronchitis. Of course.

I'm not dumb though...well, by the end of this story, I may have changed my mind about that. I went to the doctor Monday hoping for antibiotics and something for the coughing. My doctor didn't give me any antibiotics (I have some leftover ones that I'm contemplating taking anyway) but she gave me some cough stuff with codeine. Me likey. She also finally switched my blood pressure medicine because my old one made me cough.

I went home, took my meds, and went to sleep. I woke up like this:
LMK assured me that it "wasn't that noticeable". In almost 7 years of marriage the man has learned the appropriate times to lie to me. It didn't really matter anyway as I was going to school. Yesterday was gingerbread house day. If I wasn't there, they didn't get to make their houses and they'd by heartbroken. I knew I was in trouble when everyone I greeted said, "Oh my God, what happened?" As the day got on, it got bigger and bigger. I sent LMK a picture message and he decided we were going to the ER after school. I felt so miserable at that point, I was ok with that.

The ER doc knew exactly what the problem was. Evidently, it is a classic reaction to blood pressure medicine. They pumped me full of steroids and Benadryl (which do NOT make me tired, unfortunately) watched me for an hour. One hundred fifty dollars and a script for prednisone later, off I went.

This morning, my lip still looks puffy, but it's feeling better. I'm not staying home today either. It's movie day! I'm taking my class to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Like hell I'd let a sub take that job. I've been looking forward to this for a month. I'm going to the movie.

And so begins another Christmas season.

Sporting Update

So.

The students got wind of the "let's cut the soccer program" idea. Parents have been calling and complaining. Looks like soccer with remain next year. Ha! It's times like this that I love LMK's school. Rich people threaten to pull money and the administration rolls over. Heh.

LMK and I went to the girl's basketball game this evening. We left after a quarter. I have no problem going and supporting several of his girls who are playing basketball. However, I cannot stand the girl's basketball coach. He's a whiny little bitch. There really is no other way to phrase it.

First, the student fans were shouting "shoot it" to a girl standing outside the key. She was open. She shot the ball and missed. He freaked out. He started screaming at the students. "Hey, you don't coach my team! I coach my team." He looked incredibly stupid and very childish. Me, I just bit my lip. LMK later said he was proud I didn't say anything. I've become a soccer fan. I can harass a coach with the best of them. It took a lot not to say anything.

One of the girl's on the team is also a soccer player. Her parents were there. They made a comment to LMK about how glad they were that he didn't scream at the kids like that. He's nice and calm. That's because he's a good coach. (Don't worry, I didn't inform them of that little fact. I'll let them draw their own conclusions)

But the end of it for me was when they got a technical (whatever that is) because one of the girls had a different number on than the number listed on the roster. He screamed at one of the managers (from another country) because it was her fault. Uh, `scuze me? Who is the head coach? It didn't help that this girl is sweet and wonderful and I love her to death.

It kills me that the administration thinks this guy is a "great coach". He's a prick and whiny bitch.

Bad coaches, just like bad teachers, give everyone a bad name.

Again!?

Twice in one week, you say. There must be extenuating circumstances. You're right! Long live the snow pony! Our first snow day of the school year. Even though I know we'll have to make it up, it's wonderful to be able to bum around the house. Clean the house. Wait for my new clothes (which all fit) and generally relax for a day. And those lesson plans for next week. Finito!

The update list:

• My new clothes arrived. They all fit and I only got one thing that I didn't order and don't want. Hello...me and white pants do NOT mix.

• I spent about $30 on books from Scholastic's Dollar Days sale. I ordered them Saturday and they're still processing. I WANT MY BOOKS!

• I found a cockroach in my room last week. G-R-O-S-S. Luckily, the other new teacher was nice enough to come take care of it for me. Ewewewewewew.

• LMK is having knee surgery on the anniversary of our move to Virginia. Oh how far we've come.

• Am I crazy for making LMK take me to the store this weekend to buy a cheap little doghouse for the stray cats that live under our porch? I'm going to put some wood chips in it for them to stay warm. They're cold and hungry. I'm not totally crazy right? I just cannot stand to see an animal cold or hungry.

• Twin got a promotion at work. She's going to be making more money. I'm so happy for her. She's getting away from the part of the job that is stressful and unappreciated and moving into management. Way to go, Twin!

• LMK is going to Baltimore in January for some soccer conference thing. (I listened, I just heard blah, blah, blah) Who is going to get me up for school? Start my car for me? Start fires to keep me warm and otherwise entertain me? I need entertainment, damnit!

• I was complaining this morning because the cancelled school after I showered. Until I got a call from my colleague who had no idea school was cancelled and was already at school.

• They're trying to cut the soccer program at LMK's school. It's such bullshit. Half of me thinks they'll never be able to do it. The other half of me almost wants them to do it so I can see the parents throw a fit and the administration roll over. True colors are being shown all over. It's all about football. Just like always.

• LMK's kids are coming down next week to meet with my kids. I'm so excited. My kids are so excited. Now, if I can only get enough baby food jars so we can make snow globes. Back up plan. Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

• I have little to no Christmas shopping done. LMK doesn't get paid until the 14th. Looks like we may be charging some gifts this year. I hope we can do it and not go overboard.

Happy snow day everyone!

Reading?

I finally picked up a book yesterday after a 5 month dry spell. It's the longest I've gone without reading since 4th grade. Honestly, I'm so busy and so exhausted most of the time I just can't concentrate on a book. However, I ordered this book as a fluke in my class's November book order. What can I say? The title caught my eye.

I knew the author was familiar (I finally figured out she wrote S.hiloh, which I can't bring myself to read after LMK confessed S.hiloh dies). Well, I read the back cover to see if I could figure out what other books she's written and I read the following exerpt:

"There really is a annual Stawberry Festival in the town of Buckhannon, West Virginia, which serves as the model for Buckman in this series."

Holy hell! LMK is from that town. You better believe I'm making it my goal to get every one of these books now. It's really neat reading about places I've actually been. It's almost as cool as when I found the name of where we're living now in a S.isterhood of the Traveling Pants book.

Back to grading math quizzes. Joy.

A Tale of a Kitty

Actually, it's just a tale of one kitty. Hokie. Hokie tends to get neglected in the picture department because he doesn't generally like to "pose". He's happy sleeping under the covers or on LMK's red blanket and coming to be petted at night as LMK falls asleep. However, he was interested in the new camera, so I was able to get some pictures of him. Click `em to big `em.

Hey, Mom, what is that you have? A new camera? It sure looks pretty!

All right, you can take my picture while I sit in the box it came in - don't tell Socks or Ollie.

This is my happy face.

All right, Mom. A little personal space, please.

MOTHER! Enough!

Thankful

Better late than never.

Things I am thankful for (direct from the activity I did with my students):

• LMK
• My parents - who are here, thus why I am so busy
  
• My brother - who I miss because he's not here. Good luck next week, Little Brother!
  
• My other family
• My friends - who I also miss
  
• My job - even though some days I just want to bang my head against the wall
  
• My colleagues - especially the other new teacher, I'm so glad I have someone who knows how I feel
  
• My students - they make me laugh, they make me smile, they're a good group of kids
  
• Target
• Olive Garden
• My new camera - she's purdy

A Little About Us

Since LMK is still swooning from his trip to the MLS finals yesterday and I'm off to school to worry myself into an ulcer until my meeting with the administration today. I leave you a meme. Stolen from Erin.

A Little About Us
The basic facts:

Who is your significant other? Lawn Mower King

How long have you been together? We met when I was 17 and he was 19. We've been together ever since. I'm 27 now. You do the math.

Dating/Engaged/Married? Married

How old is your S.O.? 29, going for the big 3 - 0 next February

What’s his/her middle name? James

Who eats more? It's usually a toss up. Depends on what day you catch us.

Who says “I love you” first? Him. He says it all the time. I'm very lucky that way.

Who weighs more? Sigh... me

Who sings better? Me!

Who’s older? Him. Ha!

Who’s smarter? Him, definitely. Not feeling too smart lately.

Whose temper is worse? Mine. I rant and rave. He seethes silently until he finally blows.

Who does the laundry? We share those responsibilities most of the time. Lately, him more than me due to busy-ness.

Who does the dishes? Usually me, unless there is a huge pile. Then he usually makes them disappear for me. He will also unload the dishwasher - which I hate.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.

Whose feet are bigger? We wear the same size which means I can wear his shoes and he can wear mine. I'll give you a minute to picture that in your head. Hehehehe.

Whose hair is longer? He works for a military school. Mine.

Who’s better with the computer? Depends on what program you're talking about. Mathmatical/technical - him. Creative/ froufy - Me

Who mows the lawn? He does most of it now. Lawn Mower Queen HATES push mowing.

Who pays the bills? I do. I can work the online banking and Quicken faster. However, when I get really out of sync, he balances the checkbook.

Who cooks dinner? The crockpot! We take turns otherwise. He's a pretty good cook, except for chili powder in the spaghetti sauce. Ick.

Who drives when you are together? Me. I'm a control freak.

Who pays when you go out to dinner? Me, but the money all comes from the same place.

Who’s the most stubborn? Me, hands down.

Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? LMK, even when he doesn't think he's wrong.

Whose parents do you see more? His. In fact, we've seen them more since we moved to VA then we saw them in the 4 years we lived in Ohio. We're the exact same distance away. Things that make you go hmmm.

Who named your dog? Me! The funsucker wouldn't let me name her Ariel Belle (I was going through a Disney phase), but he would agree to Lucy. He also wouldn't let me change Socks' name to Mickey. No fun, I tell you.

Who kisses who first? Me, he's not much for kissing. He's a hugger/cuddler.

Who asked who out? I talked to him first and drove to meet him first, so I guess me?

Who’s more sensitive? That'd be me again.

Who’s taller? He is, by 4 inches. (The way he carries on you'd think it was 4 feet)

Who has more friends? We have a lot of common friends, so I'll say it's a tie.

Who has more siblings? I do...he's an only child. I've got a brother.

Who wears the pants in the relationship? LMK does a great job of letting me think it's me. He generally won't buck the system unless it's something he feels strongly about and then I usually defer to him.

Gotta love the Hokies

Just another reason to love Virginia Tech.


Well, this and they beat the stuffing out of Miami. Mwahahahaha!