Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Actually Going Crazy

When I'm stressed out, sometimes I can't really tell until Things start to happen.

Like losing my checkbook.

Then losing my wallet.

Then trying to put my contacts in this morning, only to discover the case was empty. I distinctly remember rinsing off the contacts last night - where did I put them? It took a few minutes, but I found them curled up dead in the corner of the sink. I rinsed them off thoroughly and dropped them both in the sink, recapping my contact case and putting it away empty.

I have since found my checkbook and wallet.

On a funny side, I yelled at 4th period today. It's a good idea to pretend to get mad before I actually feel angry. Then I can still speak sensibly and firmly without a) crying or b) losing my temper and hitting someone. Afterspeaking stern words for a couple minutes, I ended up saying something like this: "And if I hear one more snide remark or unkind comment about a classmate, I'll start writing down names and call home. If I have to, I will call each and every one of your parents tonight." That was a bluff. I didn't have time to call anyone. But they were the Best, Quietest, and Hardest Working I have seen them all year.

Monday, March 26, 2007

I saw a daffodil today.

Dispelling a Rumor

Contrary to popular opinion, I am not engaged. Last week, a couple people asked if I were. This week, no less than three people asked me at church if I had gotten engaged - they heard the rumor.

Happily dating, not engaged. Tell your friends. Sheesh, guys, I'd let you know.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

more thicker than forget

In planning my poetry unit, I find myself running accross one big problem: planning progresses at a snail's pace because I enjoy reading the poetry so much. I lose track of time just reading and reading and reading.

Good poetry delights me. Here's the gem of the day:

love is more thicker than forget
e. e. cummings

love is more thicker than forget
more thinner than recall
more seldom than a wave is wet
more frequent than to fail

it is most mad and moonly
and less it shall unbe
than all the sea which only
is deeper than the sea

love is less always than to win
less never than alive
less bigger than the least begin
less littler than forgive

it is most sane and sunly
and more it cannot die
than all the sky which only
is higher than the sky

picture on my desktop:

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Now that my school rant's over...

Best quote of the day: "Why can't you grade on effort?" - a student who has not turned ANYTHING in this semester. What Effort?

Saddest part of the day: Leaving the airport sans boyfriend who is going to Europe for 2 weeks

Best part of the day: Coffee and muffins at 4 a.m.

Most unsettling: killing a spider In My Bed.

On the to do list: lesson plan for Spanish, find music for my Brief History of American Poetry lesson, write a letter to Amy (see links), wrap Ellyn's birthday present

How to Not Piss Off Your English Teacher While She Reads Your Essay: 10 Easy Steps

1. Spell the protagonist's name correctly.
2. Capitalize the protagonist's name, and indeed ALL names. You are JUNIORS. This is a 2nd grade skill.
3. Write in complete sentences. While fragments can be artistic.
4. If your teacher tells you to Avoid First Person At All Cost, please do so.
5. If your teacher tells you to have a thesis, spends an entire day teaching you how to write one and gives you time in class to write one, include it in your essay. It was not for fun.
6. If you teacher tells you in No Circumstance Whatever to use the phrase "In conclusion," avoid it. Please.
7. Turn it in on time. Or, if you turn it in late, whine thee not about the aforewarned late fee.
8. Turn it in at all. Really.
9. Avoid treating it like a book review. I don't care if you liked the book. I don't care if you'd recommend it to all your friends. Analyze the beast.
10. Two sentences do not constitute a paragraph. I said 8-10, children. I mean 8-10.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Victories and Fails

Victory: Jorge turned in an essay today

Fail: Only 13 of my 50 students turned in essays

Victory: I had a successful observation today. My supervisor told me I was splendid, blah, blah blah. But he wouldn't tell me what I can improve. I KNOW there's stuff. Why won't he tell me?

Fail: At least my mentor teacher makes up for my supervisor's positive oozings. I feel, hear, and see her disapproval daily. While she does find time to criticize, unfortunately, she can't help me with my lessons.

Fail: I tried to buy a dress in my size today, but the store was out.

Victory: The store employee made me try on a size teensy, and it fit. AND it was on clearance.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

spring in sight

Why hadn't I noticed the crocuses start to come out?

They are in full bloom today.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Where My Girls At

All of you who want a new copy of our Good Times Keola Girls Mix, let me know soon!

I'm burning copies.

You may need to email me your address.

NOTE: This Girls Mix is perhaps the most eclectic and danceable mix I've ever heard. Kar - you're welcome to borrow it. It's got some classics, some suprises, and a couple giggle songs.

much better

I did feel better after Wednesday night.

Thursday I was still a little teary (NEVER in front of class - only during lunch and after school), but there's no 4th period on Thursdays, so it was better. AND I went on a DATE on Thursday, which made me feel like a real person again. And Friday we started poetry, and it was a big hit.

This morning I managed a jog; a glass of pineapple, apple, pear, wheatgrass, and spirulina juice; and a walk home. I'm feeling ready to get started.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

midweek blues

last week was a busy week, what with student teaching, birthday, old friends in town, and a mom visit. yay for mom visits!

this week i feel like miss mcsucky. i want to quit.

four of twenty-five students turned in their rough drafts today. i called home on a student i sent to the counselor today, only to talk to HIM pretending to be his father (98% sure). my mentor teacher reprimanded me for a)not having my next unit finished and b) not having enough control over the classroom. i'm not going to get a job.

i came home and cuddled up with my murder mystery and a glass of wine to unwind and destress, but i don't think it's worked as i'm still crying.

this game sucks.