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| For the record, word #3 was RAPID |
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| The hell?! |
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Friday, October 24, 2014
Spelling WHOAS!
And this is why my first year teaching 3rd grade Language Arts is kicking my ass:
#imissteachingsocialstudies
#maybenot
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, But Feels Like Monday...
 |
| My little Easter Bunny |
Luckily the weekend was much more productive than today! We got some flowers planted and mulch down out front--
Friday night Maddie stayed with Aunt Lacy, so the hubby and I had a late-night-date-night... we went to a local bar when hubby got off work, then an extra late dinner at Waffle House. It was SO good! I haven't been there in ages! Man do I love a double order of hasbrowns covered!
Saturday I did some baking for dinner that night. Then I got Maddie and we headed to her first Easter egg hunt at Aunt Lacy's church. Needless to say she had no idea what was going on, and looked at us all as though we were crazy... but she did rack up some candy!
So this is yet another short week... funny how those always seem longer some how... Oh well, 17.5 days left of school! WOO YEAH!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Home Sweet Home
Hubby and I had a great trip to Vegas with Justy & Matt-- but boy was I glad to get home! (Of course, I ESPECIALLY missed Miss Maddie!)
That said, man did I need a vacation! I didn't even realize just how much! Although this has been a short week for me-- since I came back Tuesday, I only worked Weds-Fri, I feel like I have actually TAUGHT for the first time in I don't know when!
We are now 2 weeks away from the "all important" standardized tests... Since I took 6 weeks off at the beginning of the year, I feel like I am 6 weeks behind. We are zipping through decades in Social Studies, racing through various concepts in Science, and frantically reviewing in math & language arts. And while I have been EXHAUSTED (from my vacation ironically), I feel like we have really worked hard and been successful this week.
WOO!!!
Enjoyed a nice HH outing this evening. Maddie was fantastic-- but really tired at the end. She crashed on the way home
Fingers crossed for a productive weekend!
That said, man did I need a vacation! I didn't even realize just how much! Although this has been a short week for me-- since I came back Tuesday, I only worked Weds-Fri, I feel like I have actually TAUGHT for the first time in I don't know when!
We are now 2 weeks away from the "all important" standardized tests... Since I took 6 weeks off at the beginning of the year, I feel like I am 6 weeks behind. We are zipping through decades in Social Studies, racing through various concepts in Science, and frantically reviewing in math & language arts. And while I have been EXHAUSTED (from my vacation ironically), I feel like we have really worked hard and been successful this week.
WOO!!!
Enjoyed a nice HH outing this evening. Maddie was fantastic-- but really tired at the end. She crashed on the way home
Fingers crossed for a productive weekend!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Hanging On....
(Said in my best teacher voice):
4 DAYS 'TIL SPRING BREAK!
I am BEYOND ready for a break! My brain is mush. My body is tired. And my heart just isn't in it right now. The school system took our 2 days (one was a holiday, one was a professional development day-- both involved NO STUDENTS) because of snow days. We still have some snow days left, but they were worried b/c we have used so many before standardized tests. If we don't use these days, we are supposed to get them back at the end of the year. That's all fine and well-- but I really could have used those 2 days for my sanity in February.
Once we return after spring break, we only have 2 weeks till the dreaded tests. EEK! Pretty sure I have 8 decades to get through in SS. (I am doing 2 decades this week-- HOLD ON!)
But after tests, it's pretty much all down hill-- only 6 weeks left... BRING IT!
In the meantime, this keeps me smiling--
4 DAYS 'TIL SPRING BREAK!
I am BEYOND ready for a break! My brain is mush. My body is tired. And my heart just isn't in it right now. The school system took our 2 days (one was a holiday, one was a professional development day-- both involved NO STUDENTS) because of snow days. We still have some snow days left, but they were worried b/c we have used so many before standardized tests. If we don't use these days, we are supposed to get them back at the end of the year. That's all fine and well-- but I really could have used those 2 days for my sanity in February.
Once we return after spring break, we only have 2 weeks till the dreaded tests. EEK! Pretty sure I have 8 decades to get through in SS. (I am doing 2 decades this week-- HOLD ON!)
But after tests, it's pretty much all down hill-- only 6 weeks left... BRING IT!
In the meantime, this keeps me smiling--
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This is My Life...
One of our spelling words this week is "insects"
One answer on today's practice test-- "incests"
(sigh)
---
Background: I have been grading last week's reading quiz. We read a story called The Silent Lobby about a group of black people that went to DC to lobby b/c their votes had not been counted in the recent election. This takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, so of course, they had to do various things in order to even be allowed to vote. In this case, the people had to pass a literacy test, pay a poll tax, and interpret the state constitution.
Question #3: What 3 things did the narrator's dad have to do in order to vote?
Answer: He had to write, read, and poot the constintushin in his own words.
One answer on today's practice test-- "incests"
(sigh)
---
Background: I have been grading last week's reading quiz. We read a story called The Silent Lobby about a group of black people that went to DC to lobby b/c their votes had not been counted in the recent election. This takes place during the Civil Rights Movement, so of course, they had to do various things in order to even be allowed to vote. In this case, the people had to pass a literacy test, pay a poll tax, and interpret the state constitution.
Question #3: What 3 things did the narrator's dad have to do in order to vote?
Answer: He had to write, read, and poot the constintushin in his own words.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monkey Business
I admit, I was NOT looking forward to today. Not. At. All.
Today is the first day back at school with the kids here. I'm seriously ready to retire. (sigh)
A fellow teacher and good friend of mine stopped me in the hall this morning, and what she had to say TOTALLY turned my day around. This friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher-- something I could NEVER do. This year she has a blind student in her classroom-- talk about adding an EXTRA challenge to an already tough job! (UTMOST respect I have for her!)
Another student in her class came in today with a Build-A-Bear box. Inside was an ADORABLE monkey that he had made at the Build-A-Bear store over the break. But unlike the typical 5 yr old kid, this boy had made the monkey for his friend, the blind student. When squeezed, the monkey plays the message, "Hello _________. I really hope you like this monkey from your best friend _________."
I admit, tough old, cranky me MELTED! I was SO impressed with this kid's generosity and caring! I even wrote him a card telling him what an awesome kid I think he is.
I get so bogged down day to day with the irritating shenanigans of the kids, that I often forget about the sweethearts that we DO have.
I sincerely hope my daughter grows up to be like this kid!
Today is the first day back at school with the kids here. I'm seriously ready to retire. (sigh)
A fellow teacher and good friend of mine stopped me in the hall this morning, and what she had to say TOTALLY turned my day around. This friend of mine is a kindergarten teacher-- something I could NEVER do. This year she has a blind student in her classroom-- talk about adding an EXTRA challenge to an already tough job! (UTMOST respect I have for her!)
Another student in her class came in today with a Build-A-Bear box. Inside was an ADORABLE monkey that he had made at the Build-A-Bear store over the break. But unlike the typical 5 yr old kid, this boy had made the monkey for his friend, the blind student. When squeezed, the monkey plays the message, "Hello _________. I really hope you like this monkey from your best friend _________."
I admit, tough old, cranky me MELTED! I was SO impressed with this kid's generosity and caring! I even wrote him a card telling him what an awesome kid I think he is.
I get so bogged down day to day with the irritating shenanigans of the kids, that I often forget about the sweethearts that we DO have.
I sincerely hope my daughter grows up to be like this kid!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday Five
The instructions--
Today's the day where we (those of us that want to) post 5 things that have made us
Joyful
Giddy
Excited
Thankful
Jubuliant
or
Just plain ol' happy this week!
1. BP was back down at my Dr. appt on Monday! YAY! I have to go twice a week now for non-stress tests-- they monitor the baby's heartbeat, and take my BP. Miss Priss has been great everytime they have monitored her-- once she calms down and stays in one place long enough to get a reading.
2. Bed Rest-- I am somewhat ashamed to say that I am SO glad to miss this last week of school! It is always crazy and hectic-- but this year I am sure would have been worse. I am completely ready to have this year far, FAR behind me! And Lord knows I needed some rest! I have enjoyed reading and catching up on my "stories." Sure it is hard for me to sit still and to rely on others so much, but I think I will manage!
3. Hope that Hubby will be here SOON! (Hopefully more info on THIS later!)
4. Friends and Family-- As I said above, I am having to rely more on others lately. This is hard as I have always been an independent person. THANKS to everyone that has helped-- grocery shopping, bringing me things from school I needed to finish grades, taken me to dinner, emailed, texted, etc...
5. All the baby things! Seeing this sea of pastels and pinks, diapers and bibs, teddy bears and onesies... It is really becoming REAL! Miss Priss will be here SOON! It's just hard to imagine!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Quote of the Day and Other News...
I was purusing through some blogs and sites today and came across this quote--
I say, "AMEN!"
Things on the immigration front are moving more now, and really we are down to the final step... but I just want it DONE! And I want it done NOW! Is that too much to ask?
One thing I don't have to wait any longer for is the end of the school year. There is still one week left-- but yours truly will NOT be participating in the end of year madness. (Trust me, NO TEARS here!)
Last week I went to the Dr. and my BP was still high, so I have been placed on a modified bed rest. You won't hear me complaining! Lord knows I needed some rest!
All I need now is a good book to read!
Patience may be a virtue, but I really don't know how much longer I'll be able to stand the wait.
I say, "AMEN!"
Things on the immigration front are moving more now, and really we are down to the final step... but I just want it DONE! And I want it done NOW! Is that too much to ask?
One thing I don't have to wait any longer for is the end of the school year. There is still one week left-- but yours truly will NOT be participating in the end of year madness. (Trust me, NO TEARS here!)
Last week I went to the Dr. and my BP was still high, so I have been placed on a modified bed rest. You won't hear me complaining! Lord knows I needed some rest!
All I need now is a good book to read!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
I've Been Out of Control & Missing in Action...
Sorry to have been MIA all week on here... It's been a doozie!
I admit, I like to have control of most situations. Sure, there are times when I can go with the flow and just see what happens, but for the most part I don't like the out of control feeling. It's like riding the tea-cup ride at Disney World... I feel like at any moment I will be slung off into the universe.
Maybe that is why this whole immigration thing is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I have NO control over any aspect of it now. I have done my part, filled out stacks of paperwork, written several checks, copied and mailed all important documents and "evidence." Right now we are waiting on, perhaps RELYING on is a better phrase, Matt's Dr. to send a report to the embassy Dr. All the Embassy Dr. wants is 3 details-- it's really NOT hard. But for some reason, this is over the other Dr.'s head. Really?! You went to school for how long? People's lives rest in your hands daily, and yet you can't seem to get one simple letter written correctly? Furthermore, it's not like he writes it anyway, the secretary does. All he has to do is get her the info. Hell, I can write the stupid thing and get it to the Dr. in London (FROM THE US, no less) faster than this guy seems able to.
Needless to say, Matt will not give me the Dr.'s # so that I may call and, ahem, explain the urgency of the situation a little clearer. Apparently Matt is concerned that I will offend the man. PSHAW! I love that Americans have a reputation for abrasiveness... Whatever, we get things done! No stopping for a cup of tea for us!
School has been another out of control issue. This has been a challenging year. I am constantly shocked and saddened by some of the issues that kids in elementary school face. I think back to those years-- fun, carefree... I certainly wasn't worried about taking care of younger siblings, or my parents! I was not neglected-- I had food, clean clothes, I was bathed... My parents cared about my education, made sure I did my work, instilled in me the VALUE of a good education. So what has happened?
If I spoke to adults, or acted the way some students today act... even now in my 30's-- my dad would STILL yank me up. And for some it is a game-- they know there are no consequences at home, and consequences they care anything about at school. Take my recess? Fine. Suspend me? Even better! I'll play video games all day! Kids like this go out of their way to drive teachers crazy for fun! And they win EVERYDAY!
Not only are my nerves frazzled, my blood pressure high, and my head throbbing... but now I feel like a failure because I can't get control over an 11 yr old! The thing is, NO ONE can... No teacher they have ever had... not their parents... no one! So what happens to these kids. If they act like this, and are this apathetic at 11... think what they will be like in high school... when they are 20... 30...
Here are some interesting recent articles from England:
Beaten boy was 'leading light of class trouble'
and the follow up:
Teacher Cleared Of Attempting To Murder Pupil
Now, I am not saying teachers should beat down unruly students. But teachers are human beings- and I am glad, for once, that a jury listened to the teacher. And what about the students' behavior? It will probably go unpunished (aside from a cracked skull)... but maybe other students will think twice before tormenting a teacher.
Thursday was one of the worst days. I had been out Wednesday... Two of my darlings had been in trouble with the sub-- so they were sent to other rooms for the day. That's how our "inschool suspension" works. Thursday, same two in trouble again. It's not always THESE two... but there is never a day that at least one of about 5 don't stir something up. I have not had one uninterupted day. And the school system wonders why test scores go down? It's not all books and learning-- there has to be some discipline-- and that discipline has to start, and carry on AT HOME.
Teachers get blamed for everything-- if a child has low grades, it's our fault-- never mind the kid probably had no food at home for breakfast, is coming in dirty clothes, with dirty hair, face, and hands... Chances are the kid got themself (and sometimes siblings AND parents) up that morning... No one makes them follow directions at home, so why should they at school? Kids that see nothing but anger and fighting at home-- that is the norm-- so why not yell and fight everyone at school? "Multiplication? Who needs that? My daddy says that's a waste of time!"
OK, soapbox over... It's just that is what we are dealing with day after day... then we are told we can lose our jobs if scores don't go up. Parents come in and complain about ME if their child isn't doing their work. Well, newsflash: I have my OWN life. I cannot possibly go home with every student and sit with them until they do their work each night. I give my class LOTS of time IN CLASS... if they CHOOSE to use their time poorly-- well, that my friends is a life lesson. I'm a teacher, not Superwoman.
So on top of THAT stress on Thursday, my Dr.'s office calls to inform me that I have failed the 2nd glucose test. This was the 3 hr long one where blood was drawn 4 times. (I was technically poked 5 times if you could the last one when she couldn't get a vein in one arm). Great. Gestational Diabetes. And yes, I am aware that this is quite common. But it is ONE MORE thing, on top of all the other crap I am dealing with. Add this worry to all my worries about immigration, school, family, stuff at home, etc...
And did I mention I LOVE bread and all things carbs? I am already miserable. All I want this AM is some cereal... Nope, sorry... No can do... I can have an egg. Ever mention I really do NOT like eggs at all? I don't like the smell, the taste. the texture. Oh well.
I will go now, and fix an egg for breakfast, before I get too whiney...
I admit, I like to have control of most situations. Sure, there are times when I can go with the flow and just see what happens, but for the most part I don't like the out of control feeling. It's like riding the tea-cup ride at Disney World... I feel like at any moment I will be slung off into the universe.
Maybe that is why this whole immigration thing is so frustrating and uncomfortable. I have NO control over any aspect of it now. I have done my part, filled out stacks of paperwork, written several checks, copied and mailed all important documents and "evidence." Right now we are waiting on, perhaps RELYING on is a better phrase, Matt's Dr. to send a report to the embassy Dr. All the Embassy Dr. wants is 3 details-- it's really NOT hard. But for some reason, this is over the other Dr.'s head. Really?! You went to school for how long? People's lives rest in your hands daily, and yet you can't seem to get one simple letter written correctly? Furthermore, it's not like he writes it anyway, the secretary does. All he has to do is get her the info. Hell, I can write the stupid thing and get it to the Dr. in London (FROM THE US, no less) faster than this guy seems able to.
Needless to say, Matt will not give me the Dr.'s # so that I may call and, ahem, explain the urgency of the situation a little clearer. Apparently Matt is concerned that I will offend the man. PSHAW! I love that Americans have a reputation for abrasiveness... Whatever, we get things done! No stopping for a cup of tea for us!
School has been another out of control issue. This has been a challenging year. I am constantly shocked and saddened by some of the issues that kids in elementary school face. I think back to those years-- fun, carefree... I certainly wasn't worried about taking care of younger siblings, or my parents! I was not neglected-- I had food, clean clothes, I was bathed... My parents cared about my education, made sure I did my work, instilled in me the VALUE of a good education. So what has happened?
If I spoke to adults, or acted the way some students today act... even now in my 30's-- my dad would STILL yank me up. And for some it is a game-- they know there are no consequences at home, and consequences they care anything about at school. Take my recess? Fine. Suspend me? Even better! I'll play video games all day! Kids like this go out of their way to drive teachers crazy for fun! And they win EVERYDAY!
Not only are my nerves frazzled, my blood pressure high, and my head throbbing... but now I feel like a failure because I can't get control over an 11 yr old! The thing is, NO ONE can... No teacher they have ever had... not their parents... no one! So what happens to these kids. If they act like this, and are this apathetic at 11... think what they will be like in high school... when they are 20... 30...
Here are some interesting recent articles from England:
Beaten boy was 'leading light of class trouble'
and the follow up:
Teacher Cleared Of Attempting To Murder Pupil
Now, I am not saying teachers should beat down unruly students. But teachers are human beings- and I am glad, for once, that a jury listened to the teacher. And what about the students' behavior? It will probably go unpunished (aside from a cracked skull)... but maybe other students will think twice before tormenting a teacher.
Thursday was one of the worst days. I had been out Wednesday... Two of my darlings had been in trouble with the sub-- so they were sent to other rooms for the day. That's how our "inschool suspension" works. Thursday, same two in trouble again. It's not always THESE two... but there is never a day that at least one of about 5 don't stir something up. I have not had one uninterupted day. And the school system wonders why test scores go down? It's not all books and learning-- there has to be some discipline-- and that discipline has to start, and carry on AT HOME.
Teachers get blamed for everything-- if a child has low grades, it's our fault-- never mind the kid probably had no food at home for breakfast, is coming in dirty clothes, with dirty hair, face, and hands... Chances are the kid got themself (and sometimes siblings AND parents) up that morning... No one makes them follow directions at home, so why should they at school? Kids that see nothing but anger and fighting at home-- that is the norm-- so why not yell and fight everyone at school? "Multiplication? Who needs that? My daddy says that's a waste of time!"
OK, soapbox over... It's just that is what we are dealing with day after day... then we are told we can lose our jobs if scores don't go up. Parents come in and complain about ME if their child isn't doing their work. Well, newsflash: I have my OWN life. I cannot possibly go home with every student and sit with them until they do their work each night. I give my class LOTS of time IN CLASS... if they CHOOSE to use their time poorly-- well, that my friends is a life lesson. I'm a teacher, not Superwoman.
So on top of THAT stress on Thursday, my Dr.'s office calls to inform me that I have failed the 2nd glucose test. This was the 3 hr long one where blood was drawn 4 times. (I was technically poked 5 times if you could the last one when she couldn't get a vein in one arm). Great. Gestational Diabetes. And yes, I am aware that this is quite common. But it is ONE MORE thing, on top of all the other crap I am dealing with. Add this worry to all my worries about immigration, school, family, stuff at home, etc...
And did I mention I LOVE bread and all things carbs? I am already miserable. All I want this AM is some cereal... Nope, sorry... No can do... I can have an egg. Ever mention I really do NOT like eggs at all? I don't like the smell, the taste. the texture. Oh well.
I will go now, and fix an egg for breakfast, before I get too whiney...
Friday, April 16, 2010
FINALLY Friday!!
I am SOOOOOOOOO glad that it is finally the weekend. This week at school hasn't been TOO bad-- we are taking state tests, so I am able to sit down and rest my swollen feet more. One more test to go (Monday), then back to life as usual in 5th grade. Only 5 more weeks!!Friday, April 9, 2010
TGIF!
I don't know why it is-- but SHORT school weeks always seem LONGER! I am so glad today is Friday-- though most of the day I was convinced it was only Thursday. Luckily we are preparing for state tests next week-- so must of the day was spent doing practice tests and reviewing that material. This was extra nice for me as I was able to sit more, and get off my swollen-elephantesque feet!
Had a great Dr. appt yesterday... BP is perfect, baby's heartbeat was great-- once they were able to get it, as she was quite the mover & groover yesterday! Now if we can just get the immigration people to let Daddy get here! UGH... that's a whole other stress, and a whole other post! One day-- when I don't find it exhausting!
Trying something new today-- Someone sent me a link to a blog with a Friday Follow/ Blog Hop link... seems fun! I am always looking for new and interesting blogs to read...
Trying something new today-- Someone sent me a link to a blog with a Friday Follow/ Blog Hop link... seems fun! I am always looking for new and interesting blogs to read...
No big plans for the weekend-- which is nice! I plan to get some paint for my nursery-painter volunteers... and other than that I plan to just, as my grandma says, "Do around the house"... and of course spend some time with my feet up, RELAXING!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday's Treat
As this Thursday is our Friday (since we are off for Good Friday), I figured my fellow educators could use a treat... so I made an orange cake... although, it is more lemon than orange... Here is the recipe:
Preheat oven to 325
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. lemon pudding mix
3/4 C. orange juice
1/2 C. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 t. lemon extract
1/3 C. orange juice
2/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. butter
Mix cake mix, pudding mix, 3/4 c. OJ, oil, eggs, and lemon extract. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 mins. (I baked mine 50 mins.) Let cool.
In a saucepan, cook 1/3 c. OJ, sugar, and butter for 2 minutes. Drizzle over cake. (I punched holes first using a toothpick)
Preheat oven to 325
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 pkg. lemon pudding mix
3/4 C. orange juice
1/2 C. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 t. lemon extract
1/3 C. orange juice
2/3 C. sugar
1/4 C. butter
Mix cake mix, pudding mix, 3/4 c. OJ, oil, eggs, and lemon extract. Pour into a greased bundt pan. Bake for 50-60 mins. (I baked mine 50 mins.) Let cool.
In a saucepan, cook 1/3 c. OJ, sugar, and butter for 2 minutes. Drizzle over cake. (I punched holes first using a toothpick)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
First of all, I am so frustrated with the whole immigration process for the hubby. I won't bore you with the ugly details, but SERIOUSLY! Something's got to give! The process is long and tedious on it's own... throw in hormones, stress, and good ol' fashioned impatience-- and it's a NIGHTMARE! I need him here! I can't do all this on my own much longer! And it seems it has been one obstacle after another. I'm not an overly political person-- but YES, there needs to be some immigration reform-- and SOON!
Next, school is on my last nerve. I have some FANTASTIC students-- a few. But overall this year has been a headache. I have never been around this much apathy in my life. And yes I know, they're just children. But even children should have some dreams... a goal... a desire to succeed. (sigh) Sometimes I feel like I am Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day.... It's the same crap everyday-- nothing changes, no one remembers details from one day to the next, and no one cares. I am just ready for this group to move on.
Is it too late for a new career? Guess this really isn't the time to look into that seriously...
And the weather! Honestly-- just pick one! Hot or cold... this back and forth is killing me. It's passed the point of hoping for snow days-- not that many of those worked out for us this year anyway! So let's just get warm and stay warm already! Besides, my feet are starting to swell-- it'd be awesome, and MUCH more comfy, to just wear flip flops!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
HMMMmmmm...
Something I have noticed, and recently pondered-- why do so many children's books, especially those geared to kids ages 10-15, deal with orphans and/ or foster kids? I mean yes, there are many (too many) kids that fit this criteria. But more kids are in normal (whatever that is) family situations.
Is this because all kids dream of one day running away? Are authors trying to make kids living with their parents-- harrassed by the everyday chores, demands to do homework, and other petty arguments-- feel better? "See kids, you don't REALLY have it so bad..."
Are they actually targeted to orphans and foster kids-- "See! You can overcome this setback in life!" or "This character too has a harsh foster situation, and they survived-- YOU CAN DO IT!"
Just strange... from Charles Dickens' novels... to Harry Potter... to more recent books like Bud, Not Buddy... Just a trend I have noticed...
Thoughts??
Is this because all kids dream of one day running away? Are authors trying to make kids living with their parents-- harrassed by the everyday chores, demands to do homework, and other petty arguments-- feel better? "See kids, you don't REALLY have it so bad..."
Are they actually targeted to orphans and foster kids-- "See! You can overcome this setback in life!" or "This character too has a harsh foster situation, and they survived-- YOU CAN DO IT!"
Just strange... from Charles Dickens' novels... to Harry Potter... to more recent books like Bud, Not Buddy... Just a trend I have noticed...
Thoughts??
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Latest Tap Performance
Lacy and I revise our Talent Show performance to pay tribute to a retiring Talbott...
Friday, March 13, 2009
Book Worm
Read So Far in 2009:
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Currently I'm reading:
The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall (STILL!)
Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Yes, some of these are at school... I keep getting into other books and neglecting The Anglo-Files... Thanks to Jana for giving me the House of Night Series... Wasn't sure I would like them @ first-- but it grew on me for sure!
1. James & the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Yes, this is a school selection)
2. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (audiobook)
3. He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
4. The Treasures of Weatherby by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (school)
5. Unnatural Causes by P.D. James
6. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
7. Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader
8. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Currently I'm reading:
The Anglo-Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall (STILL!)
Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Yes, some of these are at school... I keep getting into other books and neglecting The Anglo-Files... Thanks to Jana for giving me the House of Night Series... Wasn't sure I would like them @ first-- but it grew on me for sure!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Funnies: Journals
OK, this cracked me up...
I am reading journal entries the kids have written since being back @ school... one is about Xmas...
Something about that sentence makes me laugh... we are working on descriptive writing-- so perhaps it is the image it puts in my head of this girl and her family... hahahahaha... Had to share...
Here is another classic sentence that I have to share-- so you can understand what I am dealing with... I always joke with you all and say, "OK Walland!" Well-- here you go:
I am reading journal entries the kids have written since being back @ school... one is about Xmas...
At dinnertime we all said grace. Then we chowed down on some ham!
Something about that sentence makes me laugh... we are working on descriptive writing-- so perhaps it is the image it puts in my head of this girl and her family... hahahahaha... Had to share...
Here is another classic sentence that I have to share-- so you can understand what I am dealing with... I always joke with you all and say, "OK Walland!" Well-- here you go:
I think we was off because the creeks was getting high and the dam was
overflowing, and the campers were even in it.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Advent Blog: Day 4~ Spunk
One of our vocabulary words @ school this week is spunk. I have noticed that the word keeps coming up in other places.
Case in point-- @ the basketball game tonight-- I have always described one of our stronger players as "spunky." She has serious hustle. I am not a basketball fan at all-- but I really get into the sport at the elementary school level. Crazy, I know.
Back in the day when I was a colorguard instructor @ Powell, we used to use the word "spunky" a lot. I can't really remember how it all started-- I used to act a-fool, especially on the bus, to amuse the guard members. I used to re-enact the "Da Bears" skit from SNL... And do a really bad Rocky & Bullwinkle impression-- which somehow evolved into me saying "I'm a spunky moose!" I have group pictures of the entire guard doing the spunky moose pose.
By definition, "spunk" means spirit.
I tend to like people that have spunk, or a spirit about them. They are fiesty, playful, and usually a lot of fun. So during this holiday season let's all try to be a little more spunky!
As an aside, I don't advise replacing the word "spirit" with the word "spunk." During this time of year-- you see the word "spirit" a lot.... However, holiday phrases such as "Catch the Spirit" and "Christmas Spirit" just don't seem as festive as "Catch the Spunk" or "Christmas Spunk"
And yes, I am aware that there is a slang definition for "spunk"
:)
Case in point-- @ the basketball game tonight-- I have always described one of our stronger players as "spunky." She has serious hustle. I am not a basketball fan at all-- but I really get into the sport at the elementary school level. Crazy, I know.
Back in the day when I was a colorguard instructor @ Powell, we used to use the word "spunky" a lot. I can't really remember how it all started-- I used to act a-fool, especially on the bus, to amuse the guard members. I used to re-enact the "Da Bears" skit from SNL... And do a really bad Rocky & Bullwinkle impression-- which somehow evolved into me saying "I'm a spunky moose!" I have group pictures of the entire guard doing the spunky moose pose.
By definition, "spunk" means spirit.
I tend to like people that have spunk, or a spirit about them. They are fiesty, playful, and usually a lot of fun. So during this holiday season let's all try to be a little more spunky!
As an aside, I don't advise replacing the word "spirit" with the word "spunk." During this time of year-- you see the word "spirit" a lot.... However, holiday phrases such as "Catch the Spirit" and "Christmas Spirit" just don't seem as festive as "Catch the Spunk" or "Christmas Spunk"
And yes, I am aware that there is a slang definition for "spunk"
:)
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