My Christmas list

So, I love Christmas. One of my favorite things is giving gifts to everyone I know. Unfortunately, this year I am not in the financial position to give any a gift. Except, maybe a plate of cookies.

While I love giving at Christmas, I really suck at receiving gifts. I always feel greedy and icky when people ask me what I want.

In my family, there are a lot of us. I have lots and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. It used to be a tradition to draw names and do a gift exchange/secret santa because buying for all would be impossible to afford. In this secret santa, one person was always in charge of organizing everything. That person knew who had who and also compiled the lists. The list was my favorite part to get in the mail. Everyone in the family would write down everything they wanted and send it to the gift exchange organizer. The organizer would then compile them all and copy them to send out to each family. That way you had a good idea of what your person wanted.
So this year, I thought I would compile my list. This is partly for me. When I actually sit down and write what I want/need, I see how much I do have and how much I really don't need. Remember, this is a wish list, not a list of things I expect to ever get.

Here goes:
1. A new silicone spatula (my favorite one broke last weekend)
2. more pairs of SmartWool socks (they keep my frozen toes warm)
3. A Honeymoon
4. new toys for Charlotte
5. A new car

Crazy Dog Lady

I am a crazy dog lady. My dog is my child. I realized the extent of my psychosis today when I spent a half hour going through holiday collars for Charlotte. Good thing we got Charlotte a pig ear to make up for all the stuff we do with/to her. She has since hoarded it under her pillows next to the couch. Yes, her pillows. They are so she is not on the couch. But, she really only sleeps on them when I am taking up the whole couch. Right now Charlotte is sleeping on my lap. Can you really argue with the droopy face of a bulldog? Same thing with the poodles. Genevieve, the poodle at my parent's house might be one of the world's most spoiled dogs. But we love them sooo much.



On the other side of my life, I have now made a whole heap of hats. anyone need a hat? I will sell them for cheap.

Post Turkey Day Haze

I love Thanksgiving. Everything about it. I love the food, family, and general thankful attitude. I love Thanksgiving because it is one day that reminds us to look at the things in life that are good and to remind us of the good. Because of this, I decided that I would lift some of the things I am thankful for this year. Especially since I have been so grumpy and unthankful lately.

Things I am thankful for this year.
1. Kyle and our marriage
2. Charlotte
3. My parents, grandparents, and sibling and their constant support
4. Close friends who listen
5. Having a job that I enjoy

Please don't be nice to me right now

Ever get to the point where you are so overwhelmed by something going on in your life that you have inappropriate emotional responses? I am there right now. I am stressed. Very stressed. Lots of things contribute to this. I also am not the best at dealing with stress. Never have been.

So in the middle of my meeting with my principal I nearly lost it. This was not about something bad. Actually, it was the principal telling me how wonderful I am doing. I almost could not handle nice comments.

I have been reduced to tears when family members express concern about me or ask how I am.

so, while I don't think I can handle someone being mean, nice is not working either. I need neutral. Or maybe a lobotomy. Or a vacation.

want a cookie?

So I am in a baking mood. But, I can't possibly eat all the things I bake. Anyone want something? I will send cookies, cupcakes, etc. if you send postage with the return of the container.

Please Comment

So, I have recently installed a counter here and noticed a huge amount of hits in the last week. This makes we wonder who is reading this blog. I am just curious to if it is friends or my boss who are reading my thoughts.
Schmanks!

report card time is a happy time

I love getting angry parent emails. Especially the ones that keep emailing me about my inability to be a good teacher. I now think they are pretty funny. Granted, there have been ones that have gotten me very upset. I guess it also helps that i usually get much more positive feedback than angry emails. Last year, I had an ongoing train of email from a parent who did not understand why I could not take time out of my class to have their child sing me solos and then give private lessons and coaching. Even after pointing out the district policy on tutoring. (I can't tutor students from my building.)

I guess if I ever have children I might change the way I think about lots of things. But, I really don't think I will ever go after a teacher for giving a grade that is less than favorable. Especially if the teacher gives a detailed response and data to back up the student's work.

cookie for your vote?

I think that chocolate chip cookies could save the world. If I made them for the US congress would the debating be more civil? They probably would not accept them due to possible terrorist threats. But really, who would try to hurt another person with a chocolate chip cookie? That is like cookie betrayal. If I gave the republican party a big tray of chocolate chip cookies would they see some humanism in those who they write laws for? Or would they prefer snickerdoodles and oatmeal scotchies? Maybe a chocolate mint cookie?
I also could send over a plate of cupcakes. Cupcakes brighten anyone's day.
Pumpkin Roll?
I think a gigantic tray of baked things and a picture of Charlotte with a note to the congressmen/women supporting healthcare and education is in order. I bet they would appreciate it. Now, how to get that through security.......

WARNING!!! Educator Rant

Once again report can time has come and I have gone through all of my 575 students carefully and thoughtfully and assessed them and tabulated the numbers and put together their grades. According to my school district, I must grade them on the Skills/Concepts of music, their behavior, and their participation. Remember, 575 children. Most people have a hard time remembering what name to call their kids when they have 3+. I care immensely about my students and I want every one of them to be successful. There is no child who I want to give bad grades to. Hey, if every kid learned at the same pace my job would be a 574 times simpler. But, we believe in differentiated instruction or an individual education for every student. I am not complaining, just stating the reality of being a teacher in the world today.

So, when I get scathing emails and phone calls about how I am unfairly grading your student and how they enjoy my subject so, they must be good at it it is upsetting.

I will answer questions at any time, explain what we are doing, call/email home weekly if I need to. I do not consider myself to be an unfair teacher or one who expects too much from her first graders.
Nearly every parent believes their kid is gifted. Get over yourself people, your kid has an attitude problem and is not an angel. Your kid is average in my class. Not a bad thing. I am not going to change the grade on your first grader's report card because you apparently think he/she is good at my class. You have never come to visit, asked what we are doing, or even put your name on my parent volunteer list for tasks that we send home with the kids to have you complete. Just because your kid enjoys music does not make them talented. I am also not asking them to be the next big thing. What I am asking is that if we are singing your child sings. When their just look at you. We are not meeting standards. When you ask them to sing their name to you 7 times and they just say it with a speaking voice, we are not meeting our goals. When your child cannot perform on an instrument appropriately and most other kids can, we are not meeting goals.

My favorite part about this parent is that I was on the phone with them about another one of their children nearly every two weeks last year. They just don't remember because I got married and changed my name.

I really do think that there are way too many people who do not understand what goes into teaching small children. I get comments about how cute my job is or how teaching small kids who are adorable must be so easy because little kids like music. Yes, they are usually adorable and cute but, I am a professional with extensive amounts of time spent learning my craft and learning the development stages of a child. I spend countless hours creating age appropriate lessons that teach a concept but in a way that is fun and engaging to your student. Yes, your student is smart, but that does not change that they are 6,7, and 8 years old and still need a lot of guidance, assistance, and comfort. I love my job, but it takes a lot of effort to be an emotional sounding board to that many children and address all of their needs. If someone is crying in my classroom, I not only have to take care of them but the other 20 some kids in the room who are concerned about so and so, misbehaving, making fun of so and so, or just plain clueless about what is going on.

In conclusion, trust that your teachers care about your kids and want the best for them and don't assume that working with small kids is easier than your job, whatever it may be.

good day

Sitting on the couch, watching tv, snoring bulldog by my side. The world is a good place.
I take my cue from Charlie Brown, "Happiness is a warm Puppy."
No matter what the money situation is like, no matter how tense the situation at work is, a cuddly puppy is a good thing.

Life is stressful right now and I really don't want to complain or ask for help. I guess that is why I don't blog so much.

So, here is the recap, not a complaint list.
-Due to economical situations in the world, public education has less to work with and my school district is looking at ways to save money/cut things not mandated by the state/Country.
-The threat of cuts makes work a stressful place.
-Kyle has found a part time job at Office Max. Not a teaching position but it is steadier than subbing.
-The dog is proving more difficult to train than expected. I think I need some better strategies.
-I need to find a way to practice my craft. I have not sung or played seriously for too long.
-I am becoming quite good at crocheting and I may need to start selling things to get the pile of done things out of the house.
-Anyone want cookies or cupcakes? I will bake them for you.

Recap of recent

Well this has been forever since my last post but that is ok. Anyone who reads this probably already knows what is going on in my life. But in case you don't, here is the recap.
-Got married in July
-Teaching in my position for the second year and generally in love with my job. I love the job, hate the adults who try to change it.
-Have a puppy dog as of Labor Day. 5 year old english bulldog named Charlotte.
-Life is difficult and wonderful I don't remind myself enough about the second part when the first part is happening.
-the end, nothing else to really report on.


What I know so far:
Marriage
There are things that people try to tell you about marriage and you never believe them. Believe them.
No matter how long you date someone, marriage will still make you surprised. Good and bad. Remember that you agreed to both.
You can't always know your personal view on something until you are married to someone and have to share those views and opinions.
Marriage is wonderful.
Dogs
Poodles are much less smelly than bulldogs.
Poodles are prissy.
Poodles don't cuddle, they claim you as theirs.
Bulldogs fart, a lot, and it smells bad
Bulldogs are cuddly and will never leave your side unless there is someone close by who looks like they cuddle better than you.
Bulldogs are stubborn
Use a harness when walking your dog. It helps bad behavior. (experience with poodles and bulldogs)
Dogs are wonderful.
Teaching Elementary school
Kids are funny
Adults who don't work with little kids every day don't get them
Adults who teach older kids don't realize how much little kids need you
People in administrative roles may have forgotten things that should be most important in elementary education
You can't teach a 6 year old in the same way as a 13 year old
You can have the same schedule every day with the same kids and it will never be the same and always unpredictable.
There are times you are wanting to do something important and someone needs you so much that you have to do that instead.
Kids want you to approve of them.
Kids love music and no matter how talented or not they are, they still love it and will try it. Adults love music and wont try it.
Teaching music to children is wonderful.

So, I have seriously fallen off the exercise wagon. I don't like this. First of all, I generally like to exercise. But, when it is summer vacation and your husband is not a regular exerciser and you start changing your diet because you are trying to fuse both of you eating styles, things happen and you get sedentary. This has happened before to me. Not the married part, but the getting apathetic and just stopping my usual routine.
My biggest problem is just the same with everything else I do, I do it full on and totally focused or not at all.
So, lets get back on the wagon! I know what happens when I get a few months into being off the wagon. Not a good thing.

Electronic drugs

My husband got a blackberry today. This does not mean good things for me. Also, I want one too.

Wooo olde tymes

Went to the renfaire today. Lots of fun and crazies running around wearing things from way back when. Really gotta love the jousting and men in the mud pit saying raunchy things. I think that I need to be a part of this next summer.

50th birthdays

So my dad turned 50 yesterday so I made him chocolate chip cookies. That was my relax for the day. We also went to see his concert in Millennium park. It was pretty neat because they had a dance troupe in front of the orchestra. The Luna Negra dance company. I would not mind seeing them again.

Day 2 of relaxing

Today's project was banana chocolate chip ice cream. It is truly delicious.

attempt to relax and get things done

So far I have made several think you notes to send out. Now I have to write the notes. I do have to say the cards I made are pretty cute. But I wont post a picture because they are being sent out.

Serenity now!

Summer Break

Ok, so I am a teacher. I get the summers off. But, every other year I have had a part time job at a local garden center to keep me busy and able to survive. This is the first year ever of not working. As I have a full time teaching position and chose the all year option of paychecks I am able to live comfortably and not work. This also allowed me to plan my wedding. (Note: I had been working the part time job until just before the wedding when things got chaotic with the end of the school year and work) So, we had the wedding, things are pretty blissful and then now. It is like I have had some sort of let down because I feel like I have nothing to do. do I really? NO. I have a million thank you notes and could bake and thousands of other things. So why do I feel like there is nothing to do? Easy, I don't have a job. I have conditioned myself to work all the time and to never take a break. I don't know if I ever really learned to relax. So I think this will be my challenge until I start setting up my classroom for the year and get back into my usual chaotic happy place. I will do my absolute best to learn to relax, get things done around the house without pouting, and see how well I can do this without going to the day spa or getting a pedicure (my usual today was crappy and I need a fix.)

Happy relaxing!

So, I have not posted in a LONG while but I figured it could be good to start again.
Last Saturday Kyle and I got married and it was the most beautiful and wonderful wedding. I could not have asked for a better anything.
I will have to find a way to express to everyone who helped, how much I appreciate all that they did for us.
Now, The big tasks are to find Kyle a new job and find us an affordable honeymoon. Everyone keeps asking why we are not on one yet but, they fail to realize how much a wedding costs and when you also have two people who just finished their first year teaching, you get a smaller budget for everything.
So, I am taking suggestions for honeymoons. All are accepted.

so wow time flies

Ok, just finishing spring break and I can't believe that we are this far in the school year. Only so much time left until my first year of teaching is done and I will have survived it! I think the end should be tough but I am up for the challenge. Also, whoo third grade concert is coming up fast.

Also, 100 days until Kyle and I get married!

Oh man second grade

My second graders are putting on their concerts tomorrow and Tuesday. I am a bundle of nerves. Somebody always pukes at elementary concerts and that person might just be me. Here we go...

February

I have always hated February. Bad things always happen in February. Last year took the cake. All the hard parts of last year happened in that one month.

My dog died today. He was 12. Rory was like a child to me and we were inseparable. My other dog is confused and wants to know where her friend went to. They did everything together and were such a pair.

I am sad and I hate February.

whoops

Ok, I said I would update this more but I got busy, overwhelmed, and figured that no one really reads this so no biggie.
Right now, my partner teacher and I are putting things together for our very first concert with our second graders. Hopefully all will go as anticipated and prepared for. But, there have been quite a few hurdles lately so we will be getting their by the skin on our teeth.
Because of the super freezing temperatures here in IL we had school canceled yesterday and today was an inservice then, MLK day is Monday so, the students will have 5 days off before they come back. I love my students but, when we have a few too many days off, some forget how school works.
So, we are putting on a program called "Goin' on a Road Trip Across America" and we have our students singing and dancing to songs that either are from or describe a different place in the US. They seem to be loving it so far and the songs are only sort of stuck in my head.
34 days left until the performance!