This came in my email a couple of days ago. I thought it appropriate at this time of year when most teachers are going the extra 3 miles for kids who need, especially those who can't or are afraid to speak up for themselves. Here at my school we arranged to help 11 families in the community through food drives and staff generosity. Our guidance teacher and SIW (student intervention worker - like a TA but for the "behaviour issues" rather than the academic concerns) delivered boxes of food and toys to 6 of those families today, and found it to be an experience that was equally rewarding and saddening.
I'm getting off the soapbox now. It's just helpful to take a step back from our concerns of lacking whatever we feel we may be lacking, and taking a good look around at what we have, which I have to think for most of us, is an incredible amount. I know I complain and often feel pressure of not enough, be it money, time, whatever, but I also know that I have plenty, and that if I was lacking in anything necessary, I have people who would line up to help me.
This article isn't really as depressing as my lead in! I promise I'll post a cheerier something before Christmas!
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This is a copy of a “Talkback” email read by Terry Seguay on CBC Information Morning on November 30. The title is “...and we teach”.
“My name is Gail Fellows-DeGrace and I teach Kindergarten and Music at Donald Fraser Elementary School in Plaster Rock. I heard the CBC piece about the Salisbury school club organized to help students learn to tie sneakers. Many teachers probably had my reaction, “that’s a great idea”, while other listeners reflected that it’s a sad state when schools have to do so many of the things parents used to. But, it’s all in a day’s work for the elementary teachers that I have had the privilege to meet and work with across our province.
We bandage knees, pull out teeth, go home with vomit stained pants, wipe noses and the occasional rear end, administer antibiotics, carry anaphylactic needles, pick nits, squish live lice, peel diarrhea-stained underwear off kids too sick to take care of themselves, cover them up on a sick bed because there is no sitter ...and we teach.
We make sandwiches for those with empty lunch boxes, drive other people’s children to and from activities, scrounge for countless sneakers ,snowsuits and boots for those without , make sure children in need will have food for this holiday season ...and we teach.
We laugh with children because their innocence is contagious, we shout inside when a child has a long- awaited success; we counsel the fearful, the broken, the angry and the bruised, weep with children for their sorrow and often fear about their tomorrows, we beg social services to step in when we know they cannot; our hearts break many, many times ...and we teach.
Our regular every day school situations often demand that we take on duties of the school nurse, the psychologist, the social worker and the speech therapist; we organize clubs for those who never do homework, coach intramurals to encourage children to be active; introduce the concepts of rules, routines and manners to those who are unruly ...and we teach.
We do whatever the situation demands each day, we do it as well as we can because we care enough to hope we make a difference ...and... we also teach children how to tie their shoelaces.
Gail Fellows-DeGrace, November 30, 2007
Friday, December 21
Wednesday, December 19
only one small child had to be carried off the stage after vomiting.
We had our Christmas concert today. It went pretty well, until the little tiny kindergarten kids in their adorable santa hats went on for performance #2. I don't even know what they were singing, because let's be honest, they're just SO CUTE it doesn't matter. I think they sang something and then read their letters to santa. They were all like "Dear Santa, I love you, bring me presents." Or some variation on that theme. And one poor girl, not, interestingly, the grade 2 girl who had been feeling queasy all afternoon, but another, random girl, vomited on the stage, which caused an impromptu intermission as we searched for a custodian. He said it's the 4th mess (of that kind, I'm sure he's cleaned up lots of other messes this week) that he's had in the last 2 days. love this time of year!
Speaking of vomit...I was super disgustingly sick Thursday night and Friday. I was feeling really gross, and didn't feel up to taking the boy to swimming. I was feeling really bad about that, but as I sat in the bathroom clutching the garbage can later that evening, I felt good about my decision not to go swimming. I was mostly better by the next afternoon, but I did manage to infect first my son, then my parents, bless them, who had come for a visit this past weekend, then my husband. He was feeling pretty cocky about not having been sick, and didn't get it as bad as the rest of us, but he ended up taking the day off yesterday and was all fevery and stuff, so I felt like karma had done its job.
I'm enjoying the writers' strike, because I now get to watch shows that I sort of wanted to watch but didn't, as I already watch too much tv. Now that all my regulars are repeats, I can watch repeats of other shows. See? It's a win win. A lot of shows are promising to be back in January, and I don't know how. Maybe for like, 2 weeks, until they too run out of new stuff, but at least it will be new for then.
Christmas will be over in a week. That's scary. The boy is done, the man gets one more small thing, my parents are done, my sister gets something else small. Not too bad. Not sure when I'll be getting any of those things, but that's for later to worry about.
I have to do dishes and I don't want to. But I must. sigh.
Speaking of vomit...I was super disgustingly sick Thursday night and Friday. I was feeling really gross, and didn't feel up to taking the boy to swimming. I was feeling really bad about that, but as I sat in the bathroom clutching the garbage can later that evening, I felt good about my decision not to go swimming. I was mostly better by the next afternoon, but I did manage to infect first my son, then my parents, bless them, who had come for a visit this past weekend, then my husband. He was feeling pretty cocky about not having been sick, and didn't get it as bad as the rest of us, but he ended up taking the day off yesterday and was all fevery and stuff, so I felt like karma had done its job.
I'm enjoying the writers' strike, because I now get to watch shows that I sort of wanted to watch but didn't, as I already watch too much tv. Now that all my regulars are repeats, I can watch repeats of other shows. See? It's a win win. A lot of shows are promising to be back in January, and I don't know how. Maybe for like, 2 weeks, until they too run out of new stuff, but at least it will be new for then.
Christmas will be over in a week. That's scary. The boy is done, the man gets one more small thing, my parents are done, my sister gets something else small. Not too bad. Not sure when I'll be getting any of those things, but that's for later to worry about.
I have to do dishes and I don't want to. But I must. sigh.
Friday, December 7
it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
and I have to say, I was slightly horrified on Tuesday when I realised that Christmas eve was a mere 3 weeks away. I'm not exactly finished. I'm having a hard time with my family. The man is easy enough I suppose, and the boy is easy, but the family I was born into, not so easy. Not so helpful with the ideas and such. So, they're all going to get something, but I'm not sure yet what it will be. The man is in charge (theoretically) of shopping for his family, so I (supposedly) do not have to worry about that.
We did have a snow day on Tuesday though, as did most of the province, and perhaps some others. I had a terrible sleep though, and not because I was SO EXCITED to have the potential day off, but because the man is away, and I am not really supposed to be shoveling massive amounts of snow in my, you know, delicate condition. I had this fear that the snow would stop overnight, they'd get it all cleaned up, and there would be school. And I'd have to call in, what, pregnant? That would be lame. As it was, I did manage to sweet talk somebody into clearing out most of my driveway, but we're going to have to work out a more reliable solution if the man is going to be away regularly. I didn't go anywhere that day, except outside a few times with the boy, who had a great time walking and falling down and getting stuck in the foot and a half or so of snow and then yelling "Hawp! Hawp mum! Guck!" We also had a good time with him jumping off his sand and water play table that is covered in snow and so now is basically just a table to jump off of. I took some really cute pictures of him airborne and smiling, I'll put them up on his site eventually. We're supposed to go get professional type pictures done tomorrow morning, but apparently the boy got into an altercation with some toys on Wednesday morning and has some scratches on his face. I have to wait and see about that, because Superstore doesn't retouch their photos, and I am not paying money to have photos of my boy all marked up, nor would I be keen to send those photos out to friends and family. A bit annoyed about the whole thing really, not because it happened, because that happens, but because it was not really explained to me fully and now I may have to cancel the picture appointment last minute, which is annoying for me and for them I imagine, and there will be no possibility of rescheduling for before Christmas.
I should really do some work now. Oh, we went to see Enchanted, and it was actually really funny. Much better than I had expected. I do have the song from it in my head though, and that's pretty annoying.
We did have a snow day on Tuesday though, as did most of the province, and perhaps some others. I had a terrible sleep though, and not because I was SO EXCITED to have the potential day off, but because the man is away, and I am not really supposed to be shoveling massive amounts of snow in my, you know, delicate condition. I had this fear that the snow would stop overnight, they'd get it all cleaned up, and there would be school. And I'd have to call in, what, pregnant? That would be lame. As it was, I did manage to sweet talk somebody into clearing out most of my driveway, but we're going to have to work out a more reliable solution if the man is going to be away regularly. I didn't go anywhere that day, except outside a few times with the boy, who had a great time walking and falling down and getting stuck in the foot and a half or so of snow and then yelling "Hawp! Hawp mum! Guck!" We also had a good time with him jumping off his sand and water play table that is covered in snow and so now is basically just a table to jump off of. I took some really cute pictures of him airborne and smiling, I'll put them up on his site eventually. We're supposed to go get professional type pictures done tomorrow morning, but apparently the boy got into an altercation with some toys on Wednesday morning and has some scratches on his face. I have to wait and see about that, because Superstore doesn't retouch their photos, and I am not paying money to have photos of my boy all marked up, nor would I be keen to send those photos out to friends and family. A bit annoyed about the whole thing really, not because it happened, because that happens, but because it was not really explained to me fully and now I may have to cancel the picture appointment last minute, which is annoying for me and for them I imagine, and there will be no possibility of rescheduling for before Christmas.
I should really do some work now. Oh, we went to see Enchanted, and it was actually really funny. Much better than I had expected. I do have the song from it in my head though, and that's pretty annoying.
Tuesday, November 27
mint m&ms? Yes please.
they're frigging tasty, I'll tell you that much. They do NOT come in a resealable bag, which is not going to be a good thing. I've already put a pretty healthy dent in the bag, I think I'll have to put them away now. In my junk / snack drawer. One of my coworkers just found out she's pregnant too, so I told her if she needs some snacks, she can come see me.
I am also only at work 2 days this week, which is pretty fun. Had my ultrasound yesterday (healthy baby girl, they're pretty sure. Pictures up on facebook and the preggo site), and have R&M meetings Thursday, and Parent-Teacher ("student-led conferences") Friday. They were supposed to be last Thursday, but the weather was so terrible in most of the district that they canceled. I told my sister that being a pregnant teacher is the shiz-nit. She's very jealous, as she is now and generally, tired and overworked at her job.
Made it home from Halifax visiting the old folks, my grannie is fine, relatively, has been sent home to wait for a bed so they can do her surgery. My parents and I had a nice weekend of not caring what time it was to be home for any reason, and ate out at a RESTAURANT on Saturday night. A nice one even, the Keg. I had a giant steak, because that's what you do when you go to steak restaurants. We had a hell of a time parking, there was a tree lighting ceremony downtown, so tonnes of cars and families milling around and taking up spots. I ended up parallel parking, which I have to say went really well, no jiggering into place or anything, just backed right in. The person on the other side of the street did not have such luck, sadly. They had their 7 year old out directing them as to where to turn etc, and ended up on an angle, roughly in the middle of the street.
What else. I did actually have some things to tell you, but I can't think of any of them. Also, I want to go pick up the little man, I was a bit late getting there through nobody's fault but mine, so want to get there at a good time today.
I am also only at work 2 days this week, which is pretty fun. Had my ultrasound yesterday (healthy baby girl, they're pretty sure. Pictures up on facebook and the preggo site), and have R&M meetings Thursday, and Parent-Teacher ("student-led conferences") Friday. They were supposed to be last Thursday, but the weather was so terrible in most of the district that they canceled. I told my sister that being a pregnant teacher is the shiz-nit. She's very jealous, as she is now and generally, tired and overworked at her job.
Made it home from Halifax visiting the old folks, my grannie is fine, relatively, has been sent home to wait for a bed so they can do her surgery. My parents and I had a nice weekend of not caring what time it was to be home for any reason, and ate out at a RESTAURANT on Saturday night. A nice one even, the Keg. I had a giant steak, because that's what you do when you go to steak restaurants. We had a hell of a time parking, there was a tree lighting ceremony downtown, so tonnes of cars and families milling around and taking up spots. I ended up parallel parking, which I have to say went really well, no jiggering into place or anything, just backed right in. The person on the other side of the street did not have such luck, sadly. They had their 7 year old out directing them as to where to turn etc, and ended up on an angle, roughly in the middle of the street.
What else. I did actually have some things to tell you, but I can't think of any of them. Also, I want to go pick up the little man, I was a bit late getting there through nobody's fault but mine, so want to get there at a good time today.
Tuesday, November 20
but not the kind you call when you need your car towed.
My grannie has an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also known as triple A. She fainted at a card game earlier (and it wasn't a gambling game, so it wasn't some ploy to win more money or anything), came right around, but her concerned card-mates called 911 just in case. They took her to the hospital, and found that. They said they don't know if that's what caused the fainting, but it's good that she came in. She'll need surgery, but they're not sure when they'll operate. Pretty crazy stuff.
My mom was supposed to go to Florida to visit a friend of hers tomorrow, but won't be going. I had a whole list too, of things for her to get. Ha! Really though. I'll have to see what I can pick up on my side-trip to Houlton when I'm in Woodstock for meetings next Thursday.
I have to go eat something. I am growing a human you know.
My mom was supposed to go to Florida to visit a friend of hers tomorrow, but won't be going. I had a whole list too, of things for her to get. Ha! Really though. I'll have to see what I can pick up on my side-trip to Houlton when I'm in Woodstock for meetings next Thursday.
I have to go eat something. I am growing a human you know.
Monday, November 19
the comment that is not an option on report cards, but really should be.
From a movie I caught part of on the new SUPER CHANNEL. I can't figure out what the purpose of it is, there is a really wide variety of stuff on it, I'm not sure who it's meant to appeal to. Anyway. The movie was called The Great New Wonderful, and has a bunch of people in it. The line is (by a principal, in response to parents saying what a great kid their shitball kid is, who just beat up and racially insulted another kid for no reason):
"He's actually a great kid? He's actually a selfish, incorrigible monster, with a heart made out of shit and splinters."
"He's actually a great kid? He's actually a selfish, incorrigible monster, with a heart made out of shit and splinters."
Wednesday, November 14
mmm, needly
I have to say, I don't *mind* needles, but I don't love them. I got a flu shot today because I don't want to get sick while pregnant. Because I can't take anything for it. You understand. Anyway, it hurt! My arm is sore. Sucky. It was free, which is a small consolation. We were supposed to get them at school on Friday, but the nurse got lost and went to the wrong school and then just went home. Bitch. I wasn't sure when we might get rescheduled for, and I wanted to get the shot before I got the flu, so I made myself an appointment. Just so happens I had an appointment today anyway, so it worked out. Also happens that the nurse was going to try to find her way to our school again today, but I didn't feel the need to take a chance on her again.
I also had my car to the doctor today. It needed its winter tires on. My tires were very sad / unsafe. We had a little storm yesterday and I had to drive about 40 the whole way to work, which combined with my having to drop the boy off to make my normally 20 minute drive an hour long. Sweet. I did make it all the way without incident though, no slippy slidies at all. As soon as I came out of our lane though, somebody else had nosedived off the road, so that gave me a pretty good idea of what kind of road conditions I'd be dealing with. My car also needed a new headlight. Sadly not just the $8 bulb, no. The whole assembly. That thing cost me like $300. Isn't that absurd? Even the guy at Dodge was surprised. He joked that now one looked so much nicer that I'd need to replace the other one. I said that unless they were offering a buy one get one deal, that wasn't going to happen. I also checked, just for shits and giggles, how much new bumper covers would be. From them, about $1000. That might not even cover the paint job. Stupid, right? So that's not going to happen, clearly. Who needs pretty bumpers? Not me. There was a rattle in the front too, which I asked them to check out, but it's gone now. GONE. I guess something wasn't aligned properly with my other tires, and it's all fixed now, and there's no sound, so ... hooray, I guess.
Had a dr. appt today, as mentioned. There is still a baby in there, and its heart is beating about 157 beats per minute. That's pretty fast. Good for fetuses though.
I think that's it. Had pizza for supper, lunch, and supper again yesterday. All pizza'd out for now. The man said he's pretty sure he couldn't get pizza'd out for more than a day.
Have to go watch Private Practice. Lovin it. More than Grey's. And about time tehy showed Taye Diggs with no shirt. Nice that everyone who was supposed to rock on didn't, and the two who really shouldn't have did. Also lovin that Chuck and Pushing Daisies and Life are all still around. You should be watching them.
I also had my car to the doctor today. It needed its winter tires on. My tires were very sad / unsafe. We had a little storm yesterday and I had to drive about 40 the whole way to work, which combined with my having to drop the boy off to make my normally 20 minute drive an hour long. Sweet. I did make it all the way without incident though, no slippy slidies at all. As soon as I came out of our lane though, somebody else had nosedived off the road, so that gave me a pretty good idea of what kind of road conditions I'd be dealing with. My car also needed a new headlight. Sadly not just the $8 bulb, no. The whole assembly. That thing cost me like $300. Isn't that absurd? Even the guy at Dodge was surprised. He joked that now one looked so much nicer that I'd need to replace the other one. I said that unless they were offering a buy one get one deal, that wasn't going to happen. I also checked, just for shits and giggles, how much new bumper covers would be. From them, about $1000. That might not even cover the paint job. Stupid, right? So that's not going to happen, clearly. Who needs pretty bumpers? Not me. There was a rattle in the front too, which I asked them to check out, but it's gone now. GONE. I guess something wasn't aligned properly with my other tires, and it's all fixed now, and there's no sound, so ... hooray, I guess.
Had a dr. appt today, as mentioned. There is still a baby in there, and its heart is beating about 157 beats per minute. That's pretty fast. Good for fetuses though.
I think that's it. Had pizza for supper, lunch, and supper again yesterday. All pizza'd out for now. The man said he's pretty sure he couldn't get pizza'd out for more than a day.
Have to go watch Private Practice. Lovin it. More than Grey's. And about time tehy showed Taye Diggs with no shirt. Nice that everyone who was supposed to rock on didn't, and the two who really shouldn't have did. Also lovin that Chuck and Pushing Daisies and Life are all still around. You should be watching them.
Saturday, November 10
two things
first. Have you ever had a pet with an abscess? It's quite disgusting. Our poor George was a bit gimpy, and we were concerned that the boy had somehow damaged the little kitty. We then found a lump on his chest which was sore (sore enough that George reacted to it being touched, and he's like, the most accommodating, you can do anything to him and he won't say boo cat in the world). I said ok, we'll keep an eye on that and see what we'll do. The next day, it had turned magically into a GAPING CHEST WOUND. SO GROSS. Anyway. So, I opted to pay the one million dollar after hours vet fee rather than waiting and having George leaking god knows what onto everything, and no doubt being uncomfortable. She shaved the spot on his chest, cleaned him up, and put him on antibiotics for 10 days. I love my vet. She's so friendly, and she has a crazy good memory. She also, I think, would adopt George if for some reason we couldn't keep him. She's quite fond of him. Anyway, he's feeling better enough now that he's whining to go out, but I told him one more day of inside. I'm not enjoying it any more than he is, there's a lot more action in the litter box than there has been for the last few months. He still has a hole in his chest, but it doesn't seem to be leaking disgusting crap anymore, and isn't swollen or anything. I'll leave you with that image.
Moving on to something completely unrelated. My sister has introduced me to FreeRice. It's a word / vocabulary game type site, which aims to end world hunger. And as my friend T said, "Sweet! I love word games and ending hunger!" Who doesn't? So go play. You can even cheat if you want and look the words up. Who cares? It's a more productive and karmically good way of wasting your time online.
Moving on to something completely unrelated. My sister has introduced me to FreeRice. It's a word / vocabulary game type site, which aims to end world hunger. And as my friend T said, "Sweet! I love word games and ending hunger!" Who doesn't? So go play. You can even cheat if you want and look the words up. Who cares? It's a more productive and karmically good way of wasting your time online.
But I did find $20, so it wasn't a total loss
I spent a good hour this morning going through the clothes that I have put away because they don't fit. Why? Trying to find my classroom key. I have used it once, and it is missing. It isn't on my dresser or anywhere else really obvious, nor on / in my desk at school. I could only think that it must be in a pocket of pants I had worn to school at some point, one of the three times I actually carried the key around with me. There was no key in any of my pockets. It is also not in my cupboard, or floating loose in one of the bins with the clothes in it.
sigh.
Today I am home with the boy, who is refusing to nap for some reason, so we can't do anything involving leaving the yard. As soon as I put him in the car, he'll fall asleep, ruining my plans of browsing at Superstore or.. wherever. I haven't even gotten to read the flyers. We've been playing, watching movies, avoiding going outside because he won't put clothes on and jammies aren't THAT warm. You know, fun stuff. The Man has gone to visit with some friends and drink some beer and do otherwise manly things.
Hang on. The boy is upstairs calling "where my soother is?", so maybe it's naptime. Cross your fingers for me.
We'll see how long this lasts.
Anyway, so if anybody wants to come over for a hoppin partay tonight, stop on by. The man just called to let me know that I do not need new struts as the car guys told me, but that they should be fine for another year. It pays to have friends who are mechanics. It's just a pain when they do not live in the same city as you do. I do need a new headlight assembly, but will look around at salvage places for that. $248! Imagine. I was quite surprised. The bulbs are only like $7, so I wasn't expecting the holder to be so much. It's cracked, and there's condensation in it, and there was water, so they wouldn't even give me a new blinker bulb. I drilled a hole, a small one, to let the water out, and am planning to get a new bulb Wednesday when I get my winter tires on. They'll probably tell me again to get new struts and a new headlight assembly, and I will tell them no thanks! I like being able to say no thanks to $700 worth of repairs on my car. This bad girl will be paid off in April, just in time for the new arrival, which works out well since mat leave doesn't pay quite as well as working a regular job. Combined with not paying full-time daycare or traveling to work, I might actually not be broke the whole time. Sweet. I will likely try to hand the boy off a day a week or something though, just to have a break and maybe catch the baby movie at Empire. That thing rules.
I think the boy is sleeping. Bout time! He usually goes down about 10-11, so this is late. I'm going to shower and perhaps catch a nap myself. I'm getting a cold, and don't want it to mutate into anything nasty before I can get my flu shot on Wednesday. Was supposed to get it yesterday at work, but the nurse got lost / went to the wrong school, and then just decided to call it a day and will reschedule with us later. Nice. I'm knocked up and so get a free shot at my doctor's office, where I'll be anyway next week. It's a brilliant plan.
sigh.
Today I am home with the boy, who is refusing to nap for some reason, so we can't do anything involving leaving the yard. As soon as I put him in the car, he'll fall asleep, ruining my plans of browsing at Superstore or.. wherever. I haven't even gotten to read the flyers. We've been playing, watching movies, avoiding going outside because he won't put clothes on and jammies aren't THAT warm. You know, fun stuff. The Man has gone to visit with some friends and drink some beer and do otherwise manly things.
Hang on. The boy is upstairs calling "where my soother is?", so maybe it's naptime. Cross your fingers for me.
We'll see how long this lasts.
Anyway, so if anybody wants to come over for a hoppin partay tonight, stop on by. The man just called to let me know that I do not need new struts as the car guys told me, but that they should be fine for another year. It pays to have friends who are mechanics. It's just a pain when they do not live in the same city as you do. I do need a new headlight assembly, but will look around at salvage places for that. $248! Imagine. I was quite surprised. The bulbs are only like $7, so I wasn't expecting the holder to be so much. It's cracked, and there's condensation in it, and there was water, so they wouldn't even give me a new blinker bulb. I drilled a hole, a small one, to let the water out, and am planning to get a new bulb Wednesday when I get my winter tires on. They'll probably tell me again to get new struts and a new headlight assembly, and I will tell them no thanks! I like being able to say no thanks to $700 worth of repairs on my car. This bad girl will be paid off in April, just in time for the new arrival, which works out well since mat leave doesn't pay quite as well as working a regular job. Combined with not paying full-time daycare or traveling to work, I might actually not be broke the whole time. Sweet. I will likely try to hand the boy off a day a week or something though, just to have a break and maybe catch the baby movie at Empire. That thing rules.
I think the boy is sleeping. Bout time! He usually goes down about 10-11, so this is late. I'm going to shower and perhaps catch a nap myself. I'm getting a cold, and don't want it to mutate into anything nasty before I can get my flu shot on Wednesday. Was supposed to get it yesterday at work, but the nurse got lost / went to the wrong school, and then just decided to call it a day and will reschedule with us later. Nice. I'm knocked up and so get a free shot at my doctor's office, where I'll be anyway next week. It's a brilliant plan.
Saturday, October 27
fine, I'll update
but I have nothing going on. Beyond the fact that I'm ginormously pregnant for 3 months, to the point where my doctor has me on a wait list for an "urgent" ultrasound to see what the devil is going on in there. But I promised to keep the preggo stuff confined to the other site, so that leaves me with very little going on.
I did not chaperone a dance the other night, which ended up being shut down (middle school, grades 6-8) due to kids just being crazy bad, sneaking other kids in, being rude and terrible to the chaperone teachers, that kind of thing. A 911 hang up too. Awesome! So sad I missed out. I feel bad for the kids who weren't being a total pain in the ass, because this is the end of fun things for middle school for a while. We were going to have a dress up day on Wednesday for Halloween, but now they're not sure.
My child thinks there are monsters in his room. I have no idea where he got that idea, it's new this week, but it's a right pain for bedtime. I'll try to post again later.
I did not chaperone a dance the other night, which ended up being shut down (middle school, grades 6-8) due to kids just being crazy bad, sneaking other kids in, being rude and terrible to the chaperone teachers, that kind of thing. A 911 hang up too. Awesome! So sad I missed out. I feel bad for the kids who weren't being a total pain in the ass, because this is the end of fun things for middle school for a while. We were going to have a dress up day on Wednesday for Halloween, but now they're not sure.
My child thinks there are monsters in his room. I have no idea where he got that idea, it's new this week, but it's a right pain for bedtime. I'll try to post again later.
Saturday, October 13
no power and no heat make family....something something
Got home at 4:30-ish to no power. It was extra fun, because we were supposed to have people over for dinner. Not gonna happen. Called NB Power, they said they hadn't heard, but they'd send somebody out. They arrived around 7-7:30, and worked for at least 4 hours. I'm not sure if you've really thought about it before, but there's very little you can prepare for supper for yourself or your child that requires no power. Like, cereal, and peanut butter sandwiches. Mmm! So he had that. The man and I were waiting because they said the power would be back on at 7:30, but come 8:30 we were understandably starved and opted for pizza. It was delish. Maybe because we were so hungry. Anyway. I fell asleep, as is bound to happen in a quiet dark house, but we had candles (in jars, but still) burning so the man couldn't fall asleep. We tried not having candles, but when the boy woke up to total darkness, he was unimpressed. So he had a lovely lemon-scented candle in his room, and slept well. We flipped the breaker once we noticed that the work crews had left, but it did nothing. Tried several times. Nothing. Around 4am, tried again, power came on. Lovely. So, we're all a bit tired today. The man had the least sleep, so he's still in bed. The boy had the most, so he was up at 8, which is not bad, really. I had mediocre...I was marginally worried about the candles, but it was Friday, and what with the baby-growing, I'm tired always, so I did get a bit of rest before the power started working again.
That was my adventure last night. We rescheduled our dinner date for Sunday night. The boy and I are going to run some errands this afternoon, and beyond that, my weekend is for doing eff all. I'd like to get some nice fall pics of the boy, but the weather is not cooperating this weekend.
That was my adventure last night. We rescheduled our dinner date for Sunday night. The boy and I are going to run some errands this afternoon, and beyond that, my weekend is for doing eff all. I'd like to get some nice fall pics of the boy, but the weather is not cooperating this weekend.
Wednesday, October 10
mmm, leady
Found a pretty good site for the lead-based recalls.
Lead Toy Recalls
It's really getting silly. I'm to the point where I'm going to buy a test kit and basically have to test all of the boy's toys. 80% of all toys are made in China, and even if you take the time to go to the nicer stores like ThinkPlay in Fredericton, there are still toys there made in China. What are you supposed to do? It's not that I'm super cheap, but it's nice to have options. I guess I'll have to start molding and carving all my own toys for him for Christmas and whatnot.
Annoying.
On a completely unrelated note, you should all be watching Pushing Daisies. It's on Tuesdays at 8 (atlantic) on CTV and Wednesdays on...ABC maybe. Find it, it's great.
Lead Toy Recalls
It's really getting silly. I'm to the point where I'm going to buy a test kit and basically have to test all of the boy's toys. 80% of all toys are made in China, and even if you take the time to go to the nicer stores like ThinkPlay in Fredericton, there are still toys there made in China. What are you supposed to do? It's not that I'm super cheap, but it's nice to have options. I guess I'll have to start molding and carving all my own toys for him for Christmas and whatnot.
Annoying.
On a completely unrelated note, you should all be watching Pushing Daisies. It's on Tuesdays at 8 (atlantic) on CTV and Wednesdays on...ABC maybe. Find it, it's great.
Monday, October 1
one month down...
6 more to go? I figure I've got til the end of March. So, that's not bad. 1/7 down. School / work is actually going pretty well. I'm still learning lots, and really am thinking more and more that there needs to be a manual titled "So you're a resource teacher. Here's what that means." There is so much that they just don't tell you. We did get a great training session on how to create the electronic special education plans (eSEP), but I'm pretty computer savvy anyway, and likely could have gotten that part on my own. What they didn't tell us is like, when, specifically, to create a plan. And which type of plan to create in which circumstances. I had no idea. I thought I knew, but I was wrong. Slightly terrible that I've been doing this for a year and am only now learning what seem to be the basics of the job. I can do all the other aspects, as far as I know, the working with kids in small groups, the finding of resources for teachers, the modifying of lessons and units for kids, the testing and stuff. So, I don't feel like a complete idiot, but I do feel a bit annoyed that I have no way of even knowing what questions to *ask*, and I'm sure there are other things that I don't know I don't know. Fun.
We get to do the Terry Fox run tomorrow. It was supposed to be Friday, but it was raining pretty hard most of the day, and while I would have been fine sending the middle school kids out in the rain to run around, nobody really wants to make the wee kids go out and get all wet. I plan to join the primary group for the "run", since they just have to walk around the school. The older kids have to go on a bit of a trek. It should be interesting. They complained enough when we had to do the evacuation drill and walk about 3 minutes down the road.
I feel gross. I had breakfast for supper, and I think the sausages might have been a mistake. Also, Prison Break is on. I have to fight the man because he wants to watch the new show Chuck, and I don't. I'm not all that impressed by Prison Break thus far, but I want to give it a chance.
We get to do the Terry Fox run tomorrow. It was supposed to be Friday, but it was raining pretty hard most of the day, and while I would have been fine sending the middle school kids out in the rain to run around, nobody really wants to make the wee kids go out and get all wet. I plan to join the primary group for the "run", since they just have to walk around the school. The older kids have to go on a bit of a trek. It should be interesting. They complained enough when we had to do the evacuation drill and walk about 3 minutes down the road.
I feel gross. I had breakfast for supper, and I think the sausages might have been a mistake. Also, Prison Break is on. I have to fight the man because he wants to watch the new show Chuck, and I don't. I'm not all that impressed by Prison Break thus far, but I want to give it a chance.
Monday, September 24
testing
stupid preggo site won't publish, so I'm just checking if this one will, since it's all Bloggerific, and if one works, they both really should. I have no news really, other than that I found out today I will not be getting my permanent contract this year, because in this district, they just advertise the jobs as either D or B, and that's what you get. Straightforward, but it doesn't end up with the most experienced / recommended person getting the permanent contract.
anyway. trying to publish now.
anyway. trying to publish now.
Tuesday, September 18
new cause.
a good one though.
So many things we take for granted eh? Terrible. I won't preach, but I will leave the banner at the bottom of the page, and put a link on the sidebar. Do go check it out.
So many things we take for granted eh? Terrible. I won't preach, but I will leave the banner at the bottom of the page, and put a link on the sidebar. Do go check it out.
Monday, September 17
news
Might as well tell ya, since the man and his mom have told everyone they've made eye contact with, and maybe even some other people...come the end of April, we'll be a bigger family. I'm assuming just one extra, but I'll keep you posted. I'm still really early, just in my 9th week, but I'm feeling like ass, and I like to complain, so now I can. I'm bringing the preggo blog back, but I'm moving it over to the other site, since I'm not really cool about anyone just stumbling upon the more personal details of my life. Well, the names and stuff.
So, it's at www.(me)and(man).com/preggoblog
If you just really like to hear me complain (and I promise, I'll try to keep the preggo crap to that site), then let me know, and I'll gladly give you the address. I just don't need like, everybody over there. You understand.
So, that's my news. I need to go eat something now.
So, it's at www.(me)and(man).com/preggoblog
If you just really like to hear me complain (and I promise, I'll try to keep the preggo crap to that site), then let me know, and I'll gladly give you the address. I just don't need like, everybody over there. You understand.
So, that's my news. I need to go eat something now.
PRISON BREAK
That's right folks, after a long off-season...well, not especially long, but it SEEMS long because we've missed the boys...it's back. Tonight, 8 (9 atlantic) on Fox. And probably Global or something. So...excited. They've got themselves in a right heap of trouble too!
For all your other favourites, see below, or go here and check it out for yourself.
Survivor and Kid Nation premiere this week, with Sunday bringing Simpsons, Family Guy, and King of the Hill.
I'll try not to do any more posts dedicated solely to tv, because it's kind of sad.
For all your other favourites, see below, or go here and check it out for yourself.
Survivor and Kid Nation premiere this week, with Sunday bringing Simpsons, Family Guy, and King of the Hill.
I'll try not to do any more posts dedicated solely to tv, because it's kind of sad.
Saturday, September 8
workie work work
I know, you're all feeling really sad for me that I've had to go back to work. Your sympathy oozes like...oozy stuff. I've been back for 2 weeks, and it's weird. It always takes a bit to get back into the swing of things, but especially this year where it's a new school, more TAs and kids to organise. I'm also doing straight resource, no teaching, which is weird because I don't really know what to do with my whole day if I don't have classes to prep for. I know as I get to know the kids and teachers better, there will be lots to do, but for now all I have is scheduling and updating SEPs, which is fine, but not really interesting stuff.
Our TV broke. Our big, beautiful LCD Christmas present tv. The sound flicked off one day, then came back, then the next day the picture flicked a couple of times, and then the day after that, there was no picture, minimal sound, and a really annoying high pitched whistling sound. So, I called the manufacturer, and they said we could send it back there, or return it to the store if that was easier. I opted for back to the store. I definitely did not still have the original packaging, since the box had its flaps glued, so we had to rip the crap out of it to get the tv out, and it was recycled shortly after that. Driving to Moncton (Costco) was a far better option than buying a giant box and enough packing crap to protect a giant tv. Also, Costco is fun. So, we went, returned the TV with basically no questions asked, got a full refund, and bought a new, better one. Same size, better name. It's actually apparently wider though, because it won't fit on the shelf where the other TV was. Odd. It's sure pretty though. I was in withdrawl for the couple of days we had to watch our little (21") TV. You can hardly read the info on the tv guide thing, it's not cool. So, we have the new TV sitting on the boy's little desk, which works for tonight, but I'm pretty sure he won't be happy tomorrow. I guess we'll have to buy a new stand, which is annoying. And maybe expensive.
I am feeling like a giant pile of crap, but hopefully will start to feel better soon. I started a cold Sunday, before I even came back into contact with the germy kids at school. Not cool. I am tired, and it is late, and the boy gets up at 7, max, so I guess it's bedtime.
Our TV broke. Our big, beautiful LCD Christmas present tv. The sound flicked off one day, then came back, then the next day the picture flicked a couple of times, and then the day after that, there was no picture, minimal sound, and a really annoying high pitched whistling sound. So, I called the manufacturer, and they said we could send it back there, or return it to the store if that was easier. I opted for back to the store. I definitely did not still have the original packaging, since the box had its flaps glued, so we had to rip the crap out of it to get the tv out, and it was recycled shortly after that. Driving to Moncton (Costco) was a far better option than buying a giant box and enough packing crap to protect a giant tv. Also, Costco is fun. So, we went, returned the TV with basically no questions asked, got a full refund, and bought a new, better one. Same size, better name. It's actually apparently wider though, because it won't fit on the shelf where the other TV was. Odd. It's sure pretty though. I was in withdrawl for the couple of days we had to watch our little (21") TV. You can hardly read the info on the tv guide thing, it's not cool. So, we have the new TV sitting on the boy's little desk, which works for tonight, but I'm pretty sure he won't be happy tomorrow. I guess we'll have to buy a new stand, which is annoying. And maybe expensive.
I am feeling like a giant pile of crap, but hopefully will start to feel better soon. I started a cold Sunday, before I even came back into contact with the germy kids at school. Not cool. I am tired, and it is late, and the boy gets up at 7, max, so I guess it's bedtime.
Friday, August 24
why my kid is the coolest
so, I was making some lunch, and I got to thinking, man, it's quiet in this house. I wonder what the boy is up to? I went up to his room, and he's passed out on his bed. All cuddled up with his monkey, sound asleep. Gotta love a kid who puts himself up for a nap.
I went and got a haircut today. I was going to leave the boy with my neighbour, she looks after her granddaughter who's about 6 months older than my guy, so they play all the time. I decided to bring him with me though, since his last haircut experience by someone other than me was a bit of a fiasco. His hair turned out fine, but he screamed bloody murder the whole time. Anyway, he didn't like me getting my hair cut either, but it involved less screaming. He played with the sketchy toys that they always have at places, and was really good until I was done. Didn't take a really long time. The cut is good, the style she did was slightly horrifying. It's just not necessary to use a round brush and blowdryer on short hair, especially my hair. It dries much more nicely on its own. Anyway. I washed the junk out and am letting it dry and it's better now. My hair always takes a day or 2 after it's cut to look quite right though, for some reason.
In other news, I broke my bird feeder the other day while mowing the lawn. I was trying to avoid having to weed whack, so I was ramming the shepherd's hook that holds the feeder, so I could get the grass growing around it. You understand. Anyway, I hit it too hard I guess, and the bottom of the feeder fell off. There's now a pretty respectable pile of seeds on the ground, but the birds haven't all figured that out. They still go to the feeder and act all confused. The chipmunks are lovin it though. It also makes it more entertaining for the cats, since the food (birds and chipmunks) is all on ground level now.
The boy and I were just out playing in the semi-rain, jumping in puddles and stuff. Well, he was jumping, I was saying "ooh, good splash buddy!" and that kind of thing. He fell right on his bum, and then he just sits there until I get over there to pick him up. It took me a second, cause I was taking pictures. But then my battery died anyway, so I helped him up. Trying to foster independence, of course, don't want him to always need me to help him up. Rainy days aren't much fun while it's actually raining. If it doesn't stop soon, we might just have to get all our gear on and play in the rain. There are worse things, we are mostly waterproof I guess. The rain also means the cats are in, which means they're using the litter, which is gross. I'm LOVING them going outside, for that reason. The constant in-out-in-out is pretty annoying, and the "sleeping" rodents / birds is gross, but the not having to change the litter for weeks at a time is freaking great. If any of you are looking to buy me something, one of those sliding door pet doors would be great.
Back to work on Monday, 8am. Sad, I know. Your pity is palpable. New school, but I do know the secretary, she worked at the school I was at last year for a few months, and the computer guru is the same guy at both schools, so that'll be nice. It pays to get in good with those guys, let me tell you. Them, and the custodial staff. Treat everybody well, and those annoying things that can make work less fun have a way of getting fixed. Long weekend after that too, which will do everyone good. There was talk of going away somewhere for a much belated honeymoon / 1st anniversary getaway, but we'll see. The farthest we usually get is Tatamagouche. Nice, but not like, the most exciting / romantic place in the world. And we usually end up there with the boy and my parents.
Anyway. That's enough for now I suppose. I would promise to be back more since we have highspeed at home, but I hate to break a promise, so I won't. Much like when Homer said, "I'm not gonna lie to you Marge." and then walked out the door without another word. I believe it was the beer baron episode.
I went and got a haircut today. I was going to leave the boy with my neighbour, she looks after her granddaughter who's about 6 months older than my guy, so they play all the time. I decided to bring him with me though, since his last haircut experience by someone other than me was a bit of a fiasco. His hair turned out fine, but he screamed bloody murder the whole time. Anyway, he didn't like me getting my hair cut either, but it involved less screaming. He played with the sketchy toys that they always have at places, and was really good until I was done. Didn't take a really long time. The cut is good, the style she did was slightly horrifying. It's just not necessary to use a round brush and blowdryer on short hair, especially my hair. It dries much more nicely on its own. Anyway. I washed the junk out and am letting it dry and it's better now. My hair always takes a day or 2 after it's cut to look quite right though, for some reason.
In other news, I broke my bird feeder the other day while mowing the lawn. I was trying to avoid having to weed whack, so I was ramming the shepherd's hook that holds the feeder, so I could get the grass growing around it. You understand. Anyway, I hit it too hard I guess, and the bottom of the feeder fell off. There's now a pretty respectable pile of seeds on the ground, but the birds haven't all figured that out. They still go to the feeder and act all confused. The chipmunks are lovin it though. It also makes it more entertaining for the cats, since the food (birds and chipmunks) is all on ground level now.
The boy and I were just out playing in the semi-rain, jumping in puddles and stuff. Well, he was jumping, I was saying "ooh, good splash buddy!" and that kind of thing. He fell right on his bum, and then he just sits there until I get over there to pick him up. It took me a second, cause I was taking pictures. But then my battery died anyway, so I helped him up. Trying to foster independence, of course, don't want him to always need me to help him up. Rainy days aren't much fun while it's actually raining. If it doesn't stop soon, we might just have to get all our gear on and play in the rain. There are worse things, we are mostly waterproof I guess. The rain also means the cats are in, which means they're using the litter, which is gross. I'm LOVING them going outside, for that reason. The constant in-out-in-out is pretty annoying, and the "sleeping" rodents / birds is gross, but the not having to change the litter for weeks at a time is freaking great. If any of you are looking to buy me something, one of those sliding door pet doors would be great.
Back to work on Monday, 8am. Sad, I know. Your pity is palpable. New school, but I do know the secretary, she worked at the school I was at last year for a few months, and the computer guru is the same guy at both schools, so that'll be nice. It pays to get in good with those guys, let me tell you. Them, and the custodial staff. Treat everybody well, and those annoying things that can make work less fun have a way of getting fixed. Long weekend after that too, which will do everyone good. There was talk of going away somewhere for a much belated honeymoon / 1st anniversary getaway, but we'll see. The farthest we usually get is Tatamagouche. Nice, but not like, the most exciting / romantic place in the world. And we usually end up there with the boy and my parents.
Anyway. That's enough for now I suppose. I would promise to be back more since we have highspeed at home, but I hate to break a promise, so I won't. Much like when Homer said, "I'm not gonna lie to you Marge." and then walked out the door without another word. I believe it was the beer baron episode.
Wednesday, August 22
I thought that since I'd been away so long, I should have some useful information when I came back
So, courtesy of my dear seester, here you go. The fall season premiere schedule. Some of them premiere in 2008, so I guess we can't technically call them "fall". And as my sister so helpfully pointed out, all times are American.
Monday, September 17
8pm Prison Break (Fox)
Wednesday, September 19
8pm Kid Nation (CBS) (Might be interesting, but can't see getting hooked)
Thursday, September 20
8pm Survivor: China (CBS) (the 15th one!)
Sunday, September 23
8pm The Simpsons (FOX) (early this year, weird)
8:30 King of the Hill (FOX)
9pm Family Guy (FOX)
Monday, September 24
8pm Chuck (NBC)
8:30pm The Big Bang Theory (CBS) (2 geek comedies, I love it)
9pm Heroes (NBC)
10pm CSI: Miami (CBS)
10pm Journeyman (NBC) - new, looks a bit Quantum Leap-y to me, which is a good thing.
Tuesday, September 25
8pm NCIS (CBS)
9pm House (Fox)
Wednesday, September 26 (my birthday!!)
9pm Private Practice (ABC) (Grey's spinoff with Addison)
9pm Criminal Minds (CBS)
9pm Bionic Woman (NBC)
10pm Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
10pm CSI: NY (CBS)
Thursday, September 27
8pm Ugly Betty (ABC)
8:00 - 9:00 pm My Name Is Earl (NBC)
9pm Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
9pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS)
9:00 - 10:00 pm The Office (NBC)
10pm Big Shots (Michael Vartan of Alias, 'nuf said)
10pm ER (NBC)
Friday, September 28
9pm Las Vegas 2-Hour Premiere (NBC)
10pm Numb3rs (CBS)
Sunday, September 30
9pm Desperate Housewives (ABC)
10pm Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Tuesday, October 4
8pm Cavemen (ABC)
Thursday, October 4
8:30pm 30 Rock (NBC)
Friday, October 5
8pm Friday Night Lights (NBC) (never watched it, but my Grannie loves it!)
(sadly, there are no premieres on my sister's birthday, October 8, because it's Thanksgiving, maybe? anyway. she gets the day off, so that's good too.)
Monday, October 15
9:30pm Samantha Who? (ABC) Christina Applegate - supposed to be pretty funny!
Thursday, October 25
9:30pm Scrubs (NBC)
LOST - February 2008
24 - January 2008
If you think I've missed something, go check for yourself.
Monday, September 17
8pm Prison Break (Fox)
Wednesday, September 19
8pm Kid Nation (CBS) (Might be interesting, but can't see getting hooked)
Thursday, September 20
8pm Survivor: China (CBS) (the 15th one!)
Sunday, September 23
8pm The Simpsons (FOX) (early this year, weird)
8:30 King of the Hill (FOX)
9pm Family Guy (FOX)
Monday, September 24
8pm Chuck (NBC)
8:30pm The Big Bang Theory (CBS) (2 geek comedies, I love it)
9pm Heroes (NBC)
10pm CSI: Miami (CBS)
10pm Journeyman (NBC) - new, looks a bit Quantum Leap-y to me, which is a good thing.
Tuesday, September 25
8pm NCIS (CBS)
9pm House (Fox)
Wednesday, September 26 (my birthday!!)
9pm Private Practice (ABC) (Grey's spinoff with Addison)
9pm Criminal Minds (CBS)
9pm Bionic Woman (NBC)
10pm Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
10pm CSI: NY (CBS)
Thursday, September 27
8pm Ugly Betty (ABC)
8:00 - 9:00 pm My Name Is Earl (NBC)
9pm Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
9pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS)
9:00 - 10:00 pm The Office (NBC)
10pm Big Shots (Michael Vartan of Alias, 'nuf said)
10pm ER (NBC)
Friday, September 28
9pm Las Vegas 2-Hour Premiere (NBC)
10pm Numb3rs (CBS)
Sunday, September 30
9pm Desperate Housewives (ABC)
10pm Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Tuesday, October 4
8pm Cavemen (ABC)
Thursday, October 4
8:30pm 30 Rock (NBC)
Friday, October 5
8pm Friday Night Lights (NBC) (never watched it, but my Grannie loves it!)
(sadly, there are no premieres on my sister's birthday, October 8, because it's Thanksgiving, maybe? anyway. she gets the day off, so that's good too.)
Monday, October 15
9:30pm Samantha Who? (ABC) Christina Applegate - supposed to be pretty funny!
Thursday, October 25
9:30pm Scrubs (NBC)
LOST - February 2008
24 - January 2008
If you think I've missed something, go check for yourself.
Wednesday, June 27
it's just that, you know...
Man. I don't want to give up the ghost on this site (thanks to Tiresa for the lovely saying, though applied differently here than in our previous conversation), but I just am ... busy. I am off now, for 2 months, so that should help. My time between today and August 27th will be spent firstly praying that my EI claim is accepted, and then..not doing much else. The fam is all going to be at the cottage for this lovely long Canada day weekend, where we will likely get blown around a bit, and drink a bit, and make ice cream in the old-school type crank ice cream maker. Jury's still out on what flavour we'll do, but the boys chose last time, so I think my sister and I get to pick this time. And mom, I suppose. I'm thinking teddy bear. Do you remember teddy bear? It was just chocolate ice cream with chunks of peanut butter in it. No nuts, no chocolate swirls or crunchy bits, just chocolate and peanut butter. So good. It was around in high school, but has disappeared in the (ten, holy shit) years since then.
I do have a reunion this summer, which I am currently planning to attend, but if something better comes up, I'll probably go to it. Most of the people I liked in high school I still know, so I don't really need to see them. Might be fun to see if anyone has gotten fat or anything though. For sure nobody will have a cuter kid.
We're going to Maine to see my uncle and eat at his restaurant. It's super delish, and if you're ever in the Boothbay area, and need some breakfast or lunch or anything in between, you should totally stop in. Also, I designed the website, and thanks to some tweaking, it's now coming up in top spots when you search "blue moon boothbay" or "blue moon maine". Better hits with boothbay. There are a LOT of things called the Blue Moon out there. They (my uncle and his wife, technically my aunt, yes?) took over from someone else and kept the name. Anyway, so yes, plans are to eat lots there and not spend too much at the Carter's / Children's Place / North Face outlets. Mmm, Freeport.
I am, as mentioned, on vacation. Paid or not, we'll soon see. I will be returning to work, at a new school, but to a very similar position. Resource & Methods. Used to be Methods & Resource, but MR also stands for mentally retarded, and apparently people were getting confused. Regardless. I'll be doing that, which I do enjoy, so that's good. Bigger school, hopefully the staff is as super as the one I'll be leaving. I will know a couple of people, and my tech guy will be the same, which is oddly comforting. I can still talk to my old cronies on MSN (the inter-office / district version) so that should be fun too. I found out about my new position in an odd way though. I had gone to interview, on relatively short notice, for a job that I had indeed applied for, as a 2nd choice, at this school. The interview was at 5:45 on a Friday, and ended up being at 6:10, and it was so hot, and I had some kind of cold / flu, and thought I might die before I made it through the interview. Anyway, that was for a French position, and while my language skills are good, I had never actually taught French, and the person they hired has, so that's fair. Anway. The following Monday I got a call, and it was the HR guy from District office. He said, so, you had mentioned during your French interview that you had applied for the resource postion at the same school. I said, yes indeed. (that was actually my first choice). He said, would you still be interested in it? I said yes (thinking, sweet, I get another interview). He said, ok then, that will be your position next year. Well ok then!
So that was cool. There was no need to interview me really, since it would have just been all the same people, and since I was so clearly awesome.
The man is doing another course towards his masters, so is pretty busy. The boy and I will likely be spending some quality time at the cottage this summer to avoid being a distraction and to work on our tans. WITH SUNSCREEN, of course. The man's birthday is next weekend. For almost 2 months, we'll be the same age. Then I get to be older, wiser, etc, again, at the end of Sept.
The boy is of course wonderful. He's very clever, though refuses to express this verbally in any significant way. He will though use enough words to get his point across. The other night he wanted to get out of bed after having been put to bed about half an hour previously. He's like, "poop." Baby, you need to poop? (we're trying to encourage but not force the potty thing, he's SO NOT interested). He's like, 'yes.' Ok, let's go. No, he's just joking. No poop. Smart boy, got himself some more out of bed time.
We went for his first real haircut a couple of weeks ago. It was horrifying. He screamed and tried to get away the whole time, she did a great job considering but cut it shorter than I would have liked. His hair grows quickly though, so it's pretty much perfect now. It's actually longer than it should be just for heat's sake, but damn, it's so cute. He has the little curly wings and stuff, I can't just give him the like, 'boy' haircut. You know what I mean. We went to the carnival and went on some small child rides (spinning teacup, merry go round etc) and that was very fun. He threw darts at balloons and actually hit 2 of the 3, and won a prize, but didn't want the prize, wanted to throw more darts. That was not, by the way, my idea. The carnie guy suggested it and I was like, sure, let my 2 year old throw darts near you. This should be entertaining!
I've been on the computer a long time now. I should get off. I promise I will be back sooner than a month this time. In the meantime, plan something nice for our first wedding anniversary for me. It's August 5th. You can go look at some pictures to inspire you. The man will be busy with school still, so it can't be like, a romantic weekend or anything. One evening, probably.
wedding pics (sorry to be cryptic, but I don't need creepy strangers going there)
www.(myname)and(man's name).com/wedding
boy pics
www.(myname)and(man's name).com/(boy's name)
later skaters.
Oh, I'm SO excited for the Transformers movie!!! That will likely be the man's bday date. I'm curious who will go see it. Us, clearly, our generation, but what of the younger set? They have no idea who transformers are, but the movie looks awesome, and has Shia LeBoeuf in it, so hey.
I do have a reunion this summer, which I am currently planning to attend, but if something better comes up, I'll probably go to it. Most of the people I liked in high school I still know, so I don't really need to see them. Might be fun to see if anyone has gotten fat or anything though. For sure nobody will have a cuter kid.
We're going to Maine to see my uncle and eat at his restaurant. It's super delish, and if you're ever in the Boothbay area, and need some breakfast or lunch or anything in between, you should totally stop in. Also, I designed the website, and thanks to some tweaking, it's now coming up in top spots when you search "blue moon boothbay" or "blue moon maine". Better hits with boothbay. There are a LOT of things called the Blue Moon out there. They (my uncle and his wife, technically my aunt, yes?) took over from someone else and kept the name. Anyway, so yes, plans are to eat lots there and not spend too much at the Carter's / Children's Place / North Face outlets. Mmm, Freeport.
I am, as mentioned, on vacation. Paid or not, we'll soon see. I will be returning to work, at a new school, but to a very similar position. Resource & Methods. Used to be Methods & Resource, but MR also stands for mentally retarded, and apparently people were getting confused. Regardless. I'll be doing that, which I do enjoy, so that's good. Bigger school, hopefully the staff is as super as the one I'll be leaving. I will know a couple of people, and my tech guy will be the same, which is oddly comforting. I can still talk to my old cronies on MSN (the inter-office / district version) so that should be fun too. I found out about my new position in an odd way though. I had gone to interview, on relatively short notice, for a job that I had indeed applied for, as a 2nd choice, at this school. The interview was at 5:45 on a Friday, and ended up being at 6:10, and it was so hot, and I had some kind of cold / flu, and thought I might die before I made it through the interview. Anyway, that was for a French position, and while my language skills are good, I had never actually taught French, and the person they hired has, so that's fair. Anway. The following Monday I got a call, and it was the HR guy from District office. He said, so, you had mentioned during your French interview that you had applied for the resource postion at the same school. I said, yes indeed. (that was actually my first choice). He said, would you still be interested in it? I said yes (thinking, sweet, I get another interview). He said, ok then, that will be your position next year. Well ok then!
So that was cool. There was no need to interview me really, since it would have just been all the same people, and since I was so clearly awesome.
The man is doing another course towards his masters, so is pretty busy. The boy and I will likely be spending some quality time at the cottage this summer to avoid being a distraction and to work on our tans. WITH SUNSCREEN, of course. The man's birthday is next weekend. For almost 2 months, we'll be the same age. Then I get to be older, wiser, etc, again, at the end of Sept.
The boy is of course wonderful. He's very clever, though refuses to express this verbally in any significant way. He will though use enough words to get his point across. The other night he wanted to get out of bed after having been put to bed about half an hour previously. He's like, "poop." Baby, you need to poop? (we're trying to encourage but not force the potty thing, he's SO NOT interested). He's like, 'yes.' Ok, let's go. No, he's just joking. No poop. Smart boy, got himself some more out of bed time.
We went for his first real haircut a couple of weeks ago. It was horrifying. He screamed and tried to get away the whole time, she did a great job considering but cut it shorter than I would have liked. His hair grows quickly though, so it's pretty much perfect now. It's actually longer than it should be just for heat's sake, but damn, it's so cute. He has the little curly wings and stuff, I can't just give him the like, 'boy' haircut. You know what I mean. We went to the carnival and went on some small child rides (spinning teacup, merry go round etc) and that was very fun. He threw darts at balloons and actually hit 2 of the 3, and won a prize, but didn't want the prize, wanted to throw more darts. That was not, by the way, my idea. The carnie guy suggested it and I was like, sure, let my 2 year old throw darts near you. This should be entertaining!
I've been on the computer a long time now. I should get off. I promise I will be back sooner than a month this time. In the meantime, plan something nice for our first wedding anniversary for me. It's August 5th. You can go look at some pictures to inspire you. The man will be busy with school still, so it can't be like, a romantic weekend or anything. One evening, probably.
wedding pics (sorry to be cryptic, but I don't need creepy strangers going there)
www.(myname)and(man's name).com/wedding
boy pics
www.(myname)and(man's name).com/(boy's name)
later skaters.
Oh, I'm SO excited for the Transformers movie!!! That will likely be the man's bday date. I'm curious who will go see it. Us, clearly, our generation, but what of the younger set? They have no idea who transformers are, but the movie looks awesome, and has Shia LeBoeuf in it, so hey.
Sunday, May 20
stuff
S'been a while. Story of my life. Or at least my site.
In Halifax for the long weekend with my mom and sister. Dad has gone to the cottage, even though it's like, plus 2 and raining all weekend. Hubby and the boy have gone to visit his parents, so it's a weekend off for me. Lovely. We went for a bit of shopping yesterday, but the power went out at Costco while we were there. Very strange. They then kicked us all out, but did let us buy what we had already picked up. I got a book, Wiped, by Rebecca Eckler. She wrote Knocked Up also, which was basically a journal of her finding out she was pregnant right through having the baby. Very, very funny stuff. This one is about life with, you guessed it, the kid. You'd think I wouldn't necessarily want to read about basically my own life, but she puts it in a much funnier way than I do, so it's good.
What else. Not sure what the plans are for today, heading back home tomorrow. Might go visit my cousin, haven't seen her for months and months.
The school year is rapidly winding down. I still have NO IDEA what I'll be doing next year. I had already notified my old district, from which I am technically on leave, that I would not be returning. The guy who I emailed actually called me a couple of days ago to let me know that he needed to know if I was coming back or not. Pretty annoying. So, now I have to call him again, and try not to make him feel like an idiot, even though he is.
I have to go get dressed and stuff. I'll be back.
In Halifax for the long weekend with my mom and sister. Dad has gone to the cottage, even though it's like, plus 2 and raining all weekend. Hubby and the boy have gone to visit his parents, so it's a weekend off for me. Lovely. We went for a bit of shopping yesterday, but the power went out at Costco while we were there. Very strange. They then kicked us all out, but did let us buy what we had already picked up. I got a book, Wiped, by Rebecca Eckler. She wrote Knocked Up also, which was basically a journal of her finding out she was pregnant right through having the baby. Very, very funny stuff. This one is about life with, you guessed it, the kid. You'd think I wouldn't necessarily want to read about basically my own life, but she puts it in a much funnier way than I do, so it's good.
What else. Not sure what the plans are for today, heading back home tomorrow. Might go visit my cousin, haven't seen her for months and months.
The school year is rapidly winding down. I still have NO IDEA what I'll be doing next year. I had already notified my old district, from which I am technically on leave, that I would not be returning. The guy who I emailed actually called me a couple of days ago to let me know that he needed to know if I was coming back or not. Pretty annoying. So, now I have to call him again, and try not to make him feel like an idiot, even though he is.
I have to go get dressed and stuff. I'll be back.
Wednesday, April 25
I'm walking, baby look at me
I have started to wear a pedometer. I check it more than I check facebook. I'm very excited when I pass the 10000 steps mark in the afternoon. It's really amazing how much you walk in the run of the day. If you're me, anyway. If your job doesn't involve running around doing and getting and finding things for everybody, you may not walk so much.
41 days left until students are done, and then 2 more days for us. Still no word on what's to happen next year. My principal has recommended me for a permanent contract, which is fantastic, but who knows where that will be! I've decided though that I will apply for jobs in Woodstock and closer, but no farther afield. I can do that for a year, and then hopefully something will open up. I've also come to realise that although I really like this school, there are going to have to be some big changes in the next few years, which will involve fewer staff memebers, and since I'm last man in, I'd be first out. Not really a comforting thought. The high school is a little better, but all these small towns are going to either have to figure something out or they'll be closed down. Better for sure if they can stay open, but the numbers are declining really alarmingly, so something new has to come up.
Anyway. Fredericton also posted a call for R&M teachers, hopefully there are really some jobs, and they'll really hire someone who's not FROM there already. So silly how some of these places work. They legitimately expect you to give up whatever job you may have already to go supply teach there for anywhere from a few months to a few years, at which point they'll probably give you a job an hour away from home, which you can work for a few more years, at which point you may get your permanent contract, and THEN you can maybe transfer into town. Really fun. We'll see what happens here I guess.
Had the boy's birthday party on the 15th, it went well. He didn't need to nap in the middle this time, which I think his guests appreciated. He did wake up really early, but that worked out because I had to make the cake.
Hilarious, I thought. Worked out pretty well though. I had other plans, one from Martha that involved baking it in a bowl, but I think mine worked out just as well. There were no shaped pans that were monkeys. Some of the bears probably would have worked, but whatev.
Back to work!
41 days left until students are done, and then 2 more days for us. Still no word on what's to happen next year. My principal has recommended me for a permanent contract, which is fantastic, but who knows where that will be! I've decided though that I will apply for jobs in Woodstock and closer, but no farther afield. I can do that for a year, and then hopefully something will open up. I've also come to realise that although I really like this school, there are going to have to be some big changes in the next few years, which will involve fewer staff memebers, and since I'm last man in, I'd be first out. Not really a comforting thought. The high school is a little better, but all these small towns are going to either have to figure something out or they'll be closed down. Better for sure if they can stay open, but the numbers are declining really alarmingly, so something new has to come up.
Anyway. Fredericton also posted a call for R&M teachers, hopefully there are really some jobs, and they'll really hire someone who's not FROM there already. So silly how some of these places work. They legitimately expect you to give up whatever job you may have already to go supply teach there for anywhere from a few months to a few years, at which point they'll probably give you a job an hour away from home, which you can work for a few more years, at which point you may get your permanent contract, and THEN you can maybe transfer into town. Really fun. We'll see what happens here I guess.
Had the boy's birthday party on the 15th, it went well. He didn't need to nap in the middle this time, which I think his guests appreciated. He did wake up really early, but that worked out because I had to make the cake.
Hilarious, I thought. Worked out pretty well though. I had other plans, one from Martha that involved baking it in a bowl, but I think mine worked out just as well. There were no shaped pans that were monkeys. Some of the bears probably would have worked, but whatev.
Back to work!
Wednesday, April 11
wheeeeee e i!
So, it looks like as of right now, I will be able to get EI benefits this summer. This is a pretty huge relief. Although it will be a *slight* cut in pay, it is a whole lot better than nothing coming in for 2 months. I'll look for work, really, tutoring or something. The other possibility is that I'll somehow wind up with a B contract at the end of this year, and get roughly $7 a pay for the summer. Sweet.
Jobs should be coming out soon. District 18 actually has a call out for R&M teachers. I'll apply, but I won't hold my breath until they call me. They're not known for hiring outside the long-term supply list.
I'm supposed to be working, I just wanted to share with you that if you're a teacher, and your contract ends, you CAN still get EI. Good fricking thing.
Jobs should be coming out soon. District 18 actually has a call out for R&M teachers. I'll apply, but I won't hold my breath until they call me. They're not known for hiring outside the long-term supply list.
I'm supposed to be working, I just wanted to share with you that if you're a teacher, and your contract ends, you CAN still get EI. Good fricking thing.
Monday, April 9
I have a 2-year old
How frigging crazy is that? As of two hours and...21 minutes ago (6:24pm), my dear boy is two. And terrible! Ha! No, not really. No moreso than he has been for the last little while anyway. He's big into things being his, and getting what he wants when he wants it, regardless of logical or nutritional barriers to that end. We had a nice day today. We've had a crazy long long weekend, we (the boy and I) had a snowday Thursday, then Friday to Monday off for Easter. Tomorrow we're back to the regular routine, but no students at school, parent-teacher meetings and PD. 2 days of regular school, then I'm off Friday again for the annual NB Learning Disabilities Association conference. I'm going to be so frigging trained up by the end of this that anyone would be FOOLISH not to hire me. Which should come in handy. Anyway. Today was nice, we went to McDonald's for lunch, because that's fun. He had nuggets, apples, and chocolate milk. Relatively healthy, as far as McD's goes. Then we went and got some groceries, and had his picture taken. It was his first non-mom photo session, and it was a bit of a fiasco. He was wailing when we went in, which is never a good sign. I tried to put a nice shirt on him, but no go. He then would absolutely not sit or stand anywhere near where he had to in order to have his picture taken. But then...he found the sports gear props. We had 2 basketballs, one small and one regular size, a mini football, and a mini hockey stick. The 3 pictures I ended up ordering were all with the hockey stick, which wasn't really what i was going for, but whatever. He looks like ME in one of the pictures too, which is really the reason I got it. The good smiles were elicited by him hitting the basketball with the hockey stick, and then me and the photographer lady clapping and cheering madly for his great shot. I was like, his dad will be so proud. We had a little cake and candles (which he knew exactly what to do with, cute enough) but we'll have the big shindig next weekend. We didn't want to interfere with anybody's Easter weekend plans.
What else. Easter bunny brought the man and I a truly ridiculous amount of sugary stuff, despite our repeated requests for that not to happen. We trade amongst ourselves and his brother for the stuff we each like most (eggs - mini, caramilk, creme, whatever, for me), and then the two of us end up bringing most of it to work, where our co-workers curse us while stuffing themselves silly. Good times. He also got new tires, which is sweet, and I got a new complete outfit. I'm debating whether I should wear it tomorrow for PT / PD day, when I will surely impress my co-workers and the 3 parents who come to see me, or the next day, to impress my 11 & 12 year olds. And co-workers.
Alright. Enough dialuppage for me. I'm going to upload some new pics to the boy's site in the next day or so. His birthday party is next Sunday afternoon. Stop in if you're in the neighbourhood!
What else. Easter bunny brought the man and I a truly ridiculous amount of sugary stuff, despite our repeated requests for that not to happen. We trade amongst ourselves and his brother for the stuff we each like most (eggs - mini, caramilk, creme, whatever, for me), and then the two of us end up bringing most of it to work, where our co-workers curse us while stuffing themselves silly. Good times. He also got new tires, which is sweet, and I got a new complete outfit. I'm debating whether I should wear it tomorrow for PT / PD day, when I will surely impress my co-workers and the 3 parents who come to see me, or the next day, to impress my 11 & 12 year olds. And co-workers.
Alright. Enough dialuppage for me. I'm going to upload some new pics to the boy's site in the next day or so. His birthday party is next Sunday afternoon. Stop in if you're in the neighbourhood!
Wednesday, March 21
Pet Food Recall
I know, I'm a bit late, but better now than someone not hearing about it at all. Menu foods, who make just about every kind of pet food imaginable, has issued a large recall on (just the wet, I think) dog and cat food. You can check their website, http://www.menufoods.com/recall , to see if yours is affected. I had a couple of cans I turfed rather than risk it.
anyway, go check that out.
Also, 3 months and one day of teaching left. Pretty sweet.
and a funny to leave you with, since I have to get back to work. Email me lots tomorrow, I'm in meetings and will have wireless.
A woman was shopping at her local supermarket where she selected
A half-gallon of 2% milk,
A carton of eggs,
A quart of orange juice,
A head of romaine lettuce,
A 2 lb. bag of coffee,
And 1 lb. package of bacon.
As she was unloading her items on the conveyor belt to check out, a drunk standing behind her watched as she placed the items in front of the cashier. While the cashier was ringing up her purchases, the drunk calmly stated, "You must be single."
The woman was a bit startled by this proclamation, but she was intrigued by the derelict's intuition, since she was indeed single.
She looked at her six items on the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about her selections that could have tipped off the drunk to her marital status.
Curiosity getting the better of her, she said: "Well, you know what, you're absolutely right. But how on earth did you know that?"
The drunk replied, "'Cause you're ugly."
anyway, go check that out.
Also, 3 months and one day of teaching left. Pretty sweet.
and a funny to leave you with, since I have to get back to work. Email me lots tomorrow, I'm in meetings and will have wireless.
A woman was shopping at her local supermarket where she selected
A half-gallon of 2% milk,
A carton of eggs,
A quart of orange juice,
A head of romaine lettuce,
A 2 lb. bag of coffee,
And 1 lb. package of bacon.
As she was unloading her items on the conveyor belt to check out, a drunk standing behind her watched as she placed the items in front of the cashier. While the cashier was ringing up her purchases, the drunk calmly stated, "You must be single."
The woman was a bit startled by this proclamation, but she was intrigued by the derelict's intuition, since she was indeed single.
She looked at her six items on the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about her selections that could have tipped off the drunk to her marital status.
Curiosity getting the better of her, she said: "Well, you know what, you're absolutely right. But how on earth did you know that?"
The drunk replied, "'Cause you're ugly."
Monday, March 12
linking fun
how do people find my site? apart from the usual suspects over there on the right, if you'll take a gander (and not too many other people click links over to here in the meantime...) you'll see a search - "whee can i find porn at".
makes my heart smile to think I'm helping people, you know?
makes my heart smile to think I'm helping people, you know?
I'm not dead, it appears
Just busy. With limited readership, and limited exciting things going on, it's hard to find much to talk about!
In semi-important news, my 10 year high school reunion is coming up, apparently. It's looking like the last weekend in July will be the date. So, if you, like me, graduated in 1997 from HTHS, there's a group on Yahoo, and Facebook, to join. On a sidenote, how fun is Facebook! I registered on there this week...I can't access it at school, damn firewall security bastards...but I got a fair bit done and connected with lots of people I haven't seen in years. So, if you know me at all, poke me. Remember, I'm married now, so if you get a poke from a Sarah R. and you're like, who the hell? It's me! I was thinking too, there are people I haven't seen since before the baby was born, who I was really good friends with. How / why does that happen? We just get busy, I guess. And then it's like, hmm, it's been 2 years. Do I just say, hey! How's it goin? Sorry I haven't spoken to you in 2 years, nothing personal. Sorry I didn't invite you to the wedding, but that was just a fiasco, and I don't want to talk about it. Ha! Hmm.
I've been keeping pretty busy with work and the boy. The man and I had our 6 month anniversary last month, and we both forgot about it. Not that it's the most important thing in the world, but it's kind of funny. Hopefully we'll do better with the one year.
I saw some really good movies over the break. Music and Lyrics, with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore (every time I see her, I want to totally change my style and grow my hair. I've decided I should start wearing scarves.), was a little predictable but very entertaining. Stranger than Fiction was really really good, and even those of you who harbour a dislike for Will Ferrell based on his Talladega Nights type movies, would love it. Bon Cop, Bad Cop was also much better than I had expected. My one complaint was that while the French was subtitled, beneficial for those of us not fluent in Quebec French, many times the white print was on a light or white background, and literally impossible to read. My French is good, so I got most of it, but it was pretty quick, and there were parts where even the characters admitted to not understanding everything a person said. Employee of the Month was decent, funny, but not worth writing home about, as one would expect from a Jessica Simpson movie. I want to see The Number 23, and the man wants to see 300, so maybe we'll go on a non-date and see different movies at the same time.
I have so much work to do. Which is why, clearly, I'm writing this. I have only 2 full weeks of school before Easter weekend and the boy's birthday. One week I have a day off for R&M meetings (it's called R&M now, not M&R, because MR stands for mentally retarded, and apparently people were getting confused...) so not really a day off, but a day away from school. Another week I have a 2-day training course on how to implement PRIME math teaching at my school, and how to train others to do so. Pretty exciting stuff. Then Easter, 4 day weekend for we government types, then a short week, then a full week, then another R&M meeting for end of term. Lovely. Then, hell, it'll be May, which is almost June, which will fly by and then it will be summer. But then it will be fall, as always happens, and lather, rinse, repeat, and so on.
I really should do some work. In summary, check out the boy's new pictures on his website. Also, if you're from HTHS class of 97, or know someone who is, go sign up at Yahoo or Facebook so you can be kept apprised of new developments on the reunion front.
In semi-important news, my 10 year high school reunion is coming up, apparently. It's looking like the last weekend in July will be the date. So, if you, like me, graduated in 1997 from HTHS, there's a group on Yahoo, and Facebook, to join. On a sidenote, how fun is Facebook! I registered on there this week...I can't access it at school, damn firewall security bastards...but I got a fair bit done and connected with lots of people I haven't seen in years. So, if you know me at all, poke me. Remember, I'm married now, so if you get a poke from a Sarah R. and you're like, who the hell? It's me! I was thinking too, there are people I haven't seen since before the baby was born, who I was really good friends with. How / why does that happen? We just get busy, I guess. And then it's like, hmm, it's been 2 years. Do I just say, hey! How's it goin? Sorry I haven't spoken to you in 2 years, nothing personal. Sorry I didn't invite you to the wedding, but that was just a fiasco, and I don't want to talk about it. Ha! Hmm.
I've been keeping pretty busy with work and the boy. The man and I had our 6 month anniversary last month, and we both forgot about it. Not that it's the most important thing in the world, but it's kind of funny. Hopefully we'll do better with the one year.
I saw some really good movies over the break. Music and Lyrics, with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore (every time I see her, I want to totally change my style and grow my hair. I've decided I should start wearing scarves.), was a little predictable but very entertaining. Stranger than Fiction was really really good, and even those of you who harbour a dislike for Will Ferrell based on his Talladega Nights type movies, would love it. Bon Cop, Bad Cop was also much better than I had expected. My one complaint was that while the French was subtitled, beneficial for those of us not fluent in Quebec French, many times the white print was on a light or white background, and literally impossible to read. My French is good, so I got most of it, but it was pretty quick, and there were parts where even the characters admitted to not understanding everything a person said. Employee of the Month was decent, funny, but not worth writing home about, as one would expect from a Jessica Simpson movie. I want to see The Number 23, and the man wants to see 300, so maybe we'll go on a non-date and see different movies at the same time.
I have so much work to do. Which is why, clearly, I'm writing this. I have only 2 full weeks of school before Easter weekend and the boy's birthday. One week I have a day off for R&M meetings (it's called R&M now, not M&R, because MR stands for mentally retarded, and apparently people were getting confused...) so not really a day off, but a day away from school. Another week I have a 2-day training course on how to implement PRIME math teaching at my school, and how to train others to do so. Pretty exciting stuff. Then Easter, 4 day weekend for we government types, then a short week, then a full week, then another R&M meeting for end of term. Lovely. Then, hell, it'll be May, which is almost June, which will fly by and then it will be summer. But then it will be fall, as always happens, and lather, rinse, repeat, and so on.
I really should do some work. In summary, check out the boy's new pictures on his website. Also, if you're from HTHS class of 97, or know someone who is, go sign up at Yahoo or Facebook so you can be kept apprised of new developments on the reunion front.
Monday, January 15
Basically, never give out any personal information via email. That's just silly!
E-mail Fraud Alert. Seriously. If you get an email from your bank, or from eBay, or whatever, call them to make sure it's legit. And call the number on the official website, or in the phonebook, or whatever. Email scams look really legitimate now, people are clever, so don't get fooled!
In other news, I'm hoping for snow day number 2 tomorrow, but will not be holding my breath as it's only about 10cm overnight. Teaching is great, I love that I can legitimately hope for a day off for weather. I think though, that nobody should have to go to work if it's that treacherous out. Other businesses should have the option to tell their employees to stay home. Some do, malls have been known to close early. I found out also though, that while teachers and students get to stay home, custodial staff, secretaries, and TAs are expected to make it in to put in their hours. Lame!
Back to work.
In other news, I'm hoping for snow day number 2 tomorrow, but will not be holding my breath as it's only about 10cm overnight. Teaching is great, I love that I can legitimately hope for a day off for weather. I think though, that nobody should have to go to work if it's that treacherous out. Other businesses should have the option to tell their employees to stay home. Some do, malls have been known to close early. I found out also though, that while teachers and students get to stay home, custodial staff, secretaries, and TAs are expected to make it in to put in their hours. Lame!
Back to work.
Monday, January 8
first day back? I think not!
You've just got to love it when you wake up at 6:30 to get ready for school, and you catch the weather news, and it's saying 15cm of snow followed by 15cm of freezing rain. And there's no school in pretty much all the districts.
lovely.
If you're a teacher, of course. Otherwise, it's pretty terrible news really, since you still have to get up and make it to work despite the horrible weather. The man is on his way home though, because it's getting worse rather than better. Most of the snow has fallen off our roof, and the cats are having a wonderful time trying to catch it as it falls. It's raining and terrible out now.
The boy and I enjoyed our bonus day together, we went outside and played for a bit, but he was wearing his new, heavier boots, and that combined with the heavy snow to make it un-fun for him to walk around. He wanted me to carry him around outside. He'd point to some random thing, we'd go check it out. Good times. It didn't last very long though. I tried building a snowman, but the destructive little man was having none of that. He'd wait until I got a good base snowball rolled, and then attack it with ferocity, diminishing it to a pile of useless snow chunks. Then he'd say "oh!" and laugh. When the snow turned more to crap rain, we came inside and watched Baby Einstein, the Wiggles, and Little People movies. His favourite is the Einstein one about animals. I'm trying to get it cheap on dvd, because we have it on vhs, and it's not going to last long. He laughs at all the animals, and sometimes calls out to them on the tv with whatever noise they make. His favourite noises are monkey and lion. Good to know that while his comprehension is truly excellent, and he chooses not to speak much English, that his speaking of animal languages is coming along nicely.
I get to start carpooling tomorrow. I'm doing all the driving, but will be getting some gas money, which is nice. Also, it'll give me an excuse to leave at a reasonable hour each day. People stay late there, and I'm not sure why. I get my work done, I usually work through breaks and lunch if I'm not on duty, and then I want to get the hell out of dodge come end of day. Reasonable, I think.
I've come up with what I think is a pretty clever invention idea. I even came up with a catchy name for it. I now have to make this clever invention, and then apply for a patent. It's quite an involved process, many steps. I think I'll also have to trademark the name if I don't want people to steal it. Obviously, I can't tell you what the idea is, or the name, but once I get the process going, I'll fill you in. It is, however, one of those things that if I saw in the store, I would think, man, good idea! Simple! Why didn't I think of that? Then I would buy it. Anyway, assuming this all goes well, I guess I have to then figure out whether to try to make them myself, or who and how to try to sell the idea (or part of the rights, or something) to. Exciting times! I have many projects on the go. I did, briefly, consider opening a daycare, but I kiboshed that idea pretty quickly, because I don't actually want to take care of a bunch of kids, I just want to stay home and take care of mine. Maybe like, 1 or 2 others. Depending on how many I end up with on my own! haha. No, I'm not pregnant. And neither is my sister. So stop asking! Someone I know is. 2 people, actually. But not me. I'll let you know if / when that happens. And revive the preggo blog. Have to move it though, since someone took over the preggoblog.blogspot space, and then linked it to porn. Assholes. But, again, no need to do that any time soon.
Alright. This is respectably long. It's really not nice out. It's nice in my livingroom though, because our new tv is all hooked up, and I hung all my glass balls, and they're right purty. I'm going to lie on the couch and wait for the man to get home. It's quiet, the boy is sleeping. Going to enjoy.
lovely.
If you're a teacher, of course. Otherwise, it's pretty terrible news really, since you still have to get up and make it to work despite the horrible weather. The man is on his way home though, because it's getting worse rather than better. Most of the snow has fallen off our roof, and the cats are having a wonderful time trying to catch it as it falls. It's raining and terrible out now.
The boy and I enjoyed our bonus day together, we went outside and played for a bit, but he was wearing his new, heavier boots, and that combined with the heavy snow to make it un-fun for him to walk around. He wanted me to carry him around outside. He'd point to some random thing, we'd go check it out. Good times. It didn't last very long though. I tried building a snowman, but the destructive little man was having none of that. He'd wait until I got a good base snowball rolled, and then attack it with ferocity, diminishing it to a pile of useless snow chunks. Then he'd say "oh!" and laugh. When the snow turned more to crap rain, we came inside and watched Baby Einstein, the Wiggles, and Little People movies. His favourite is the Einstein one about animals. I'm trying to get it cheap on dvd, because we have it on vhs, and it's not going to last long. He laughs at all the animals, and sometimes calls out to them on the tv with whatever noise they make. His favourite noises are monkey and lion. Good to know that while his comprehension is truly excellent, and he chooses not to speak much English, that his speaking of animal languages is coming along nicely.
I get to start carpooling tomorrow. I'm doing all the driving, but will be getting some gas money, which is nice. Also, it'll give me an excuse to leave at a reasonable hour each day. People stay late there, and I'm not sure why. I get my work done, I usually work through breaks and lunch if I'm not on duty, and then I want to get the hell out of dodge come end of day. Reasonable, I think.
I've come up with what I think is a pretty clever invention idea. I even came up with a catchy name for it. I now have to make this clever invention, and then apply for a patent. It's quite an involved process, many steps. I think I'll also have to trademark the name if I don't want people to steal it. Obviously, I can't tell you what the idea is, or the name, but once I get the process going, I'll fill you in. It is, however, one of those things that if I saw in the store, I would think, man, good idea! Simple! Why didn't I think of that? Then I would buy it. Anyway, assuming this all goes well, I guess I have to then figure out whether to try to make them myself, or who and how to try to sell the idea (or part of the rights, or something) to. Exciting times! I have many projects on the go. I did, briefly, consider opening a daycare, but I kiboshed that idea pretty quickly, because I don't actually want to take care of a bunch of kids, I just want to stay home and take care of mine. Maybe like, 1 or 2 others. Depending on how many I end up with on my own! haha. No, I'm not pregnant. And neither is my sister. So stop asking! Someone I know is. 2 people, actually. But not me. I'll let you know if / when that happens. And revive the preggo blog. Have to move it though, since someone took over the preggoblog.blogspot space, and then linked it to porn. Assholes. But, again, no need to do that any time soon.
Alright. This is respectably long. It's really not nice out. It's nice in my livingroom though, because our new tv is all hooked up, and I hung all my glass balls, and they're right purty. I'm going to lie on the couch and wait for the man to get home. It's quiet, the boy is sleeping. Going to enjoy.