Welcome to the latest addition of Katie's Random Advice Post...
KRAP: On Turning Twenty-four
First of all, a prospective 24-er needs to be aware of these important party facts.
#1. A party is not only suggested, but necessary. It is one thing to throw a bash when you're 22 or 23, but it is another thing entirely to have a 24th year bday party. Aside from being the obvious one year away from the quarter-century landmark, there is absolutely nothing special about turning 24. One could venture to say that I am now in my mid-twenties and therefore am at a "special age," but then, who are they kidding...no one takes you seriously at 24 anymore than they did at 23. That is why it is completely imperative to celebrate the non-occassion with as many well-intentioned friends as possible. This way, the unimportance of 24 is masked behind a veil of fiesta-induced haze of consequence.
#2. Party guests must be much younger and older than the 24-er. With guests ranging in a decade span from 20-30, the birthday boy or girl will be much more apt to accept their new-found status of "older than dirt." Knowing that there are age-challenged younger folk that must still go through the god-forsaken trials of college and the dissollusionment of entering the "real world" does wonders for a person's adjustment to the year 24. As an added bonus, having older guests, especially those who have already hit the 30-something marker, puts the year into perspective as simply...not that old...yet.
#3. There must be as many non-healthy snacks as possible. No where in the smorgasbord of hors d'oeuvres can there be a smidgeon of vitamin/mineral-containing or fat-free/cholesterol-free or not-going-to-rot-your-teeth food. For instance, buy the taco dipping sauce, but forget about the olives, lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Include a tray of cheese, summer sausage, and crackers, but leave out the veggie and fruit trays so popular at potluck dinners. And by all means, do NOT forget to forgo the angelfood cake and fruit toppings, and DO make some double fudge brownies, top them with thick fudge frosting, and have your awesome roommate decorate them with those pure sugar/corn syrup cake decorator letters.
#4. Never greet your guests at the door. Counter to what the Martha Stewart's of the world might say, it is in your best interest and of the highest regard to Not answer the door when your guests arrive. Instead, do your best to be unavailable at the time--perhaps try using the restroom. If avoiding the situation isn't possible, then be sure to remain at the party scene (after all it is your party), by shouting out the window, "The door's open, come on up!" They'll figure out where your apartment is soon enough, won't they?
And last but not least...
#5. Always end the night with 2 shots of tequila and a rousing game of Truth or Dare. I'm sorry, but a night with out shots or the time-honored game of Truth or Dare can hardly be called a "party." It's one thing to have your favorite wine, some beer, and a pleasant mixed drink, but it's another thing entirely to have the official Birthday Tequila Shot. It may not taste like honey, but then, who would do a shot of honey....aside from Chris ;) Besides, how else are we going to get through that 2-year-old bottle of Jose Cuervo? As for the Truth or Dare, I can thank Jenny for reminding me just how important that ridiculous game really is. Honestly, who hasn't pantomimed a shower or laid a gold egg on their birthday?
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Just around the corner...
...looms class and a long term sub job. Eeeek. Monday night I get the distinct privilege of starting my night class of Human Relations. What a load of shit. Thankfully, it's only 12 weeks instead of a whole semester, but it's plenty to keep me busy. I just hope there aren't too many bullshit papers to write; I think I had my fill of them getting my BA. As for the sub job, it could happen anytime in the next two weeks, but it's likely to happen sometime later next week. I could hope the baby pops out of her sooner, but then I'd probably rather have her prepared to leave vs. having her lift off in the middle of something.
She seems like a really cool person, and if I wasn't her sub, I'd likely enjoy working with her while I was at the high school. The rest of the staff seems okay so far, but hopefully they'll still be nice and helpful when I NEED help starting out there. The students seem okay too, though the seniors I'll be teaching have quite the, ah...personalities.
On another note, Chris has his driver's license now, which is pretty kick-ass considering how much time I put into teaching him (with a bit of help from Tricia now and then). But he was a good student, and learned quickly enough. It's too bad his fam wasn't there for him back in high school for him to have gotten it then, but at least now he has an option for when he gets a full time job anywhere around the Twin Cities.
Anyway, that's about all for now. I'll let you know when things get interesting...someday.
...looms class and a long term sub job. Eeeek. Monday night I get the distinct privilege of starting my night class of Human Relations. What a load of shit. Thankfully, it's only 12 weeks instead of a whole semester, but it's plenty to keep me busy. I just hope there aren't too many bullshit papers to write; I think I had my fill of them getting my BA. As for the sub job, it could happen anytime in the next two weeks, but it's likely to happen sometime later next week. I could hope the baby pops out of her sooner, but then I'd probably rather have her prepared to leave vs. having her lift off in the middle of something.
She seems like a really cool person, and if I wasn't her sub, I'd likely enjoy working with her while I was at the high school. The rest of the staff seems okay so far, but hopefully they'll still be nice and helpful when I NEED help starting out there. The students seem okay too, though the seniors I'll be teaching have quite the, ah...personalities.
On another note, Chris has his driver's license now, which is pretty kick-ass considering how much time I put into teaching him (with a bit of help from Tricia now and then). But he was a good student, and learned quickly enough. It's too bad his fam wasn't there for him back in high school for him to have gotten it then, but at least now he has an option for when he gets a full time job anywhere around the Twin Cities.
Anyway, that's about all for now. I'll let you know when things get interesting...someday.
Friday, January 14, 2005
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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A Slacker as Usual
With a long term sub position and a 4 hour Monday night class looming on the horizon, I have been taking the most advantage of my freedom as possible. i.e. I've been sitting on my ass, finishing a fluffy fantasy novel every 2 days, playing the PS2 with Tricia, and otherwise avoiding anything that even resembles work.
Even WORK is not work. Take today for example. I subbed at a nearby high school for a Chem and Calculus teacher. Sound challenging? Shyeah, right. I read 200 pages of my book while the students studiously went about their studies, only raising my head to answer the occassional request to get a pass out of the room or to clear my eyes after my contacts got a bit on the dry side from reading too damn much. I suppose yesterday's job teaching special ed to 1st-5th graders makes up for the lack of action I had today. But Monday I again went through 120 pages...middle schoolers require a bit more attention than 11-12th graders.
Anyway, it's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care. Okay, not true, but I couldn't resist using that line. It's more that I'm enjoying the time that I'm accostumed to being "winter break," especially realizing I'm going to be super-fucking busy just another week and a half from now. Besides, reading is good for me--it keeps my mind working while subbing turns me into a direction-giving zombie. As for the lack of other activities, part of that is due to the reading and game-playing addictions. I can stop anytime really...just not within the last 100 pages of a good book. It's been a long time since I've had so much free time to read. And I doubt it will continue once the class and the long term sub job start up.
It's too bad my laziness has included blogging. I've really meant to keep up with it, but I guess I haven't had a lot to say. Tricia already wrote an entry about our ongoing debate as to whether or not we're going to move to the 2nd floor apartment in a month. We still haven't truly declared our intentions yet, but I'll let you know when we do. I know I've said it before and let you down, but I swear, sometime soon, I'll make it up to you with a kick-ass load of KRAP. Just be patient, por favor :)
With a long term sub position and a 4 hour Monday night class looming on the horizon, I have been taking the most advantage of my freedom as possible. i.e. I've been sitting on my ass, finishing a fluffy fantasy novel every 2 days, playing the PS2 with Tricia, and otherwise avoiding anything that even resembles work.
Even WORK is not work. Take today for example. I subbed at a nearby high school for a Chem and Calculus teacher. Sound challenging? Shyeah, right. I read 200 pages of my book while the students studiously went about their studies, only raising my head to answer the occassional request to get a pass out of the room or to clear my eyes after my contacts got a bit on the dry side from reading too damn much. I suppose yesterday's job teaching special ed to 1st-5th graders makes up for the lack of action I had today. But Monday I again went through 120 pages...middle schoolers require a bit more attention than 11-12th graders.
Anyway, it's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care. Okay, not true, but I couldn't resist using that line. It's more that I'm enjoying the time that I'm accostumed to being "winter break," especially realizing I'm going to be super-fucking busy just another week and a half from now. Besides, reading is good for me--it keeps my mind working while subbing turns me into a direction-giving zombie. As for the lack of other activities, part of that is due to the reading and game-playing addictions. I can stop anytime really...just not within the last 100 pages of a good book. It's been a long time since I've had so much free time to read. And I doubt it will continue once the class and the long term sub job start up.
It's too bad my laziness has included blogging. I've really meant to keep up with it, but I guess I haven't had a lot to say. Tricia already wrote an entry about our ongoing debate as to whether or not we're going to move to the 2nd floor apartment in a month. We still haven't truly declared our intentions yet, but I'll let you know when we do. I know I've said it before and let you down, but I swear, sometime soon, I'll make it up to you with a kick-ass load of KRAP. Just be patient, por favor :)
Thursday, December 30, 2004
(To the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree")
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
How very filled your branches!
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
How very fake your branches!
You are the tree my parents bought,
when I was small and you were not.
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
How very old your branches!
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With angel top, and lights aglow,
and a tree stand that turns you slow.
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
How nicely twirl your branches!
With only parents' deckings kept,
you still are filled 'til leaning left.
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
I never could replace you.
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!
but come next year I'll try to.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Tidings of Comfort and JOY!!!
Just ONE MORE PRESENT to buy and then I am officially finished with Christmas shopping. WHEW! If I had to search one more store for crystal-looking salt and pepper shakers, I was going to vomit. As it is, I didn't end up getting those for my mom, and chose instead a few smaller items that she did and did not ask for. The rest of the presents have been purchased over the last several days, and most of them came directly from Christmas Wish Lists.
Originally, I thought lists were the lamest thing ever. Who wants to go shopping for someone when the person already knows what they're going to get? They may as well just go buy it themselves. Isn't "hint dropping" enough these days? However, after trapsing about the greater Twin Cities region collecting list items a bit at a time, I have to say I'm a bit thankful that I didn't have to put tons of thought into every single friggen gift.
Every year it gets worse. Why does my family have to keep growing? Isn't one nephew enough? But nooooo, someone gets all sparkly-eyed and another kid's on the way, and surely the other brother will follow suit soon. ::sigh:: Just wait til I have in-laws to buy for too. :P
Eh, despite my whining, I do still love the Christmas season. It's sad, I know. But trees, cookies, and Bing just bring out my sappy side. Tis the season, I guess. Tomorrow Chris and I are off to GB for X-mas festivities, and then we're zooming right back to MN on Christmas Day to celebrate with his fam.
So it begins...
Just ONE MORE PRESENT to buy and then I am officially finished with Christmas shopping. WHEW! If I had to search one more store for crystal-looking salt and pepper shakers, I was going to vomit. As it is, I didn't end up getting those for my mom, and chose instead a few smaller items that she did and did not ask for. The rest of the presents have been purchased over the last several days, and most of them came directly from Christmas Wish Lists.
Originally, I thought lists were the lamest thing ever. Who wants to go shopping for someone when the person already knows what they're going to get? They may as well just go buy it themselves. Isn't "hint dropping" enough these days? However, after trapsing about the greater Twin Cities region collecting list items a bit at a time, I have to say I'm a bit thankful that I didn't have to put tons of thought into every single friggen gift.
Every year it gets worse. Why does my family have to keep growing? Isn't one nephew enough? But nooooo, someone gets all sparkly-eyed and another kid's on the way, and surely the other brother will follow suit soon. ::sigh:: Just wait til I have in-laws to buy for too. :P
Eh, despite my whining, I do still love the Christmas season. It's sad, I know. But trees, cookies, and Bing just bring out my sappy side. Tis the season, I guess. Tomorrow Chris and I are off to GB for X-mas festivities, and then we're zooming right back to MN on Christmas Day to celebrate with his fam.
So it begins...
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Home is where the free food is
Tonight I drove home to GB where I was greeted by two parents and two dogs. As soon as I made myself presentable (aka putting on clothes that don't look like shit), we headed to Coaches Corner for their wonderful Thursday night special: buy one pizza, get one for a penny AND double bubble tap beer all night. So, we ordered a supreme, a pepperoni and sausage, and a couple pitchers of beer. It's always interesting splitting two pitchers of beer with your parents...I opted to be the designated driver, so I had 2 glasses instead of the 3 or 4 my parents must have had.
I'm only here until Saturday because Jasmine (Lance's older sister) is having a b-day party at a fairly new club in MN--Vallentino's. So, Jenny and I are tagging along with Tricia, and Chris might be bringing some of his buddies with him too. It should be a good time, since it'll be the first time going out with Jenny now that she's back in the US. And I could REALLY use a night of dressing-to-kill and then dancing the night away. Now to figure out what the hell I'm going to wear...
Tonight I drove home to GB where I was greeted by two parents and two dogs. As soon as I made myself presentable (aka putting on clothes that don't look like shit), we headed to Coaches Corner for their wonderful Thursday night special: buy one pizza, get one for a penny AND double bubble tap beer all night. So, we ordered a supreme, a pepperoni and sausage, and a couple pitchers of beer. It's always interesting splitting two pitchers of beer with your parents...I opted to be the designated driver, so I had 2 glasses instead of the 3 or 4 my parents must have had.
I'm only here until Saturday because Jasmine (Lance's older sister) is having a b-day party at a fairly new club in MN--Vallentino's. So, Jenny and I are tagging along with Tricia, and Chris might be bringing some of his buddies with him too. It should be a good time, since it'll be the first time going out with Jenny now that she's back in the US. And I could REALLY use a night of dressing-to-kill and then dancing the night away. Now to figure out what the hell I'm going to wear...
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Expecting a New Arrival...
More than one, in fact. It turns out September was a very productive time (must be something about being teachers). No, I'm not pregnant. Hell no. Thank GOD hell no. But I know two people who are:
#1. My sister-in-law Beth and my brother Chris are expecting a second bundle of joy, so lucky Matthew gets to be a big brother sometime in June. Whew, as if they weren't busy enough already!
#2. My friend Amy from high school and her hubby Geoff are also expecting their second tyke, so lucky Kate gets to be a big sister. Whoopee!
But there's one more that's expected. Actually, it's an arrival I've anticipated for a while, and (honestly) for which I am much more excited.
#3. JENNY FLIES HOME SATURDAY!!!! :) (Please excuse the excessive use of punctuation. I think Jenny's homecoming warrants the use of two, three, perhaps even FOUR exclamation points.)
Jenny and I on the Eiffel. We took the picture ourselves--classy, eh?
Lucky ME gets to pick her up from the airport that night (and Tricia might come too). We may not be family, but I truly can't wait to be reunited with a person who has proven to be a dear and lasting friend (despite our original obvious differences when we first met 5 years ago). Dude, when you get back, it's party time. I'm talking clubs, I'm talking stovetop popcorn, I'm talking spectacularly intellectual film festivals of BJD, Monty Python, and maybe even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and, oh yes...I'm talking homemade Parisian Street Style crepes with Nutella.
Welcome home.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
All too easy
The moment I saw this game advertised in a flyer, I knew what my brother wanted for Christmas without needing to see a list. I am SO borrowing X-Box from my brother some day.
The moment I saw this game advertised in a flyer, I knew what my brother wanted for Christmas without needing to see a list. I am SO borrowing X-Box from my brother some day.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
The Twins Are Back
You thought they were left behind when grade school closed its doors? Oh no, they're still here. Just a little more..."matured" since the days of white shirts, plaid jumpers, spiral perms and pink-rimmed glasses.
You thought they were left behind when grade school closed its doors? Oh no, they're still here. Just a little more..."matured" since the days of white shirts, plaid jumpers, spiral perms and pink-rimmed glasses.
You know us former Catholic school girls...always trouble with a capital T-empting. (I never knew I could look so evil.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The Slacker Returns
Sorry about that. I sort of disappeared for the last week and a half. Things have been a bit busy...sort of.
Most of this week I've been subbing back at CMS again, and last week I was there for 3 days as well. The staff has commented, "It's like you never left." And it's oh so true. Except that I don't have to spend my nights correcting papers or planning for the next day. I get paid $20 less, but for a HELL of a lot less work. For instance, this week I managed to finish Destiny's Way from the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series just from the prep times I had during the school day. Yes, I'm a fast reader, but 2.5 hours a day of free time certainly helps.
Otherwise, I've been hanging out with friends, playing video games, attending the DNA concert last Friday, and helping to throw a Bday party for Chris's friend and roomie, Lee. Tricia and I also created a wonderful Bday care package for Jenni that I just mailed today, so Jenni, you can expect it sometime tomorrow or perhaps Friday. I think you'll enjoy it.
I'm trying to get myself organized now that I have more time. It started with my room and has extended to various tasks I've been avoiding for months: signing up for the Praxis II to get my full MN teaching license, paying bills, getting letters of recommendation, etc.
That reminds me, Friday I have an interview for a junior high school in a Northeastern suburb. It would mean a 30 min drive (approximately) but it could mean a full time job from Christmas to the next school year, possibly beyond. Needless to say, I hope to put on a good show for the interview. I know my experience at CMS has helped me IMMENSELY, so I think this interview will go better than others. However, there is a part time staff member currently at that school who is also applying that may hold precidence over me, an outsider. In that case, only a part time job would be open, which would likely not be worth the drive, nor sacrificing the long term sub job I have pretty much set for the end of Jan. to mid March.
If it wasn't so late, I'd try to make this entry a bit more interesting, with all sorts of "bells and whistles," but that will have to wait for next time. I'm thinking picture, I'm thinking witty commentary, I'm thinking perhaps another load of KRAP. Patience, my friends. All in good time. Like maybe over the weekend.
Sorry about that. I sort of disappeared for the last week and a half. Things have been a bit busy...sort of.
Most of this week I've been subbing back at CMS again, and last week I was there for 3 days as well. The staff has commented, "It's like you never left." And it's oh so true. Except that I don't have to spend my nights correcting papers or planning for the next day. I get paid $20 less, but for a HELL of a lot less work. For instance, this week I managed to finish Destiny's Way from the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series just from the prep times I had during the school day. Yes, I'm a fast reader, but 2.5 hours a day of free time certainly helps.
Otherwise, I've been hanging out with friends, playing video games, attending the DNA concert last Friday, and helping to throw a Bday party for Chris's friend and roomie, Lee. Tricia and I also created a wonderful Bday care package for Jenni that I just mailed today, so Jenni, you can expect it sometime tomorrow or perhaps Friday. I think you'll enjoy it.
I'm trying to get myself organized now that I have more time. It started with my room and has extended to various tasks I've been avoiding for months: signing up for the Praxis II to get my full MN teaching license, paying bills, getting letters of recommendation, etc.
That reminds me, Friday I have an interview for a junior high school in a Northeastern suburb. It would mean a 30 min drive (approximately) but it could mean a full time job from Christmas to the next school year, possibly beyond. Needless to say, I hope to put on a good show for the interview. I know my experience at CMS has helped me IMMENSELY, so I think this interview will go better than others. However, there is a part time staff member currently at that school who is also applying that may hold precidence over me, an outsider. In that case, only a part time job would be open, which would likely not be worth the drive, nor sacrificing the long term sub job I have pretty much set for the end of Jan. to mid March.
If it wasn't so late, I'd try to make this entry a bit more interesting, with all sorts of "bells and whistles," but that will have to wait for next time. I'm thinking picture, I'm thinking witty commentary, I'm thinking perhaps another load of KRAP. Patience, my friends. All in good time. Like maybe over the weekend.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Unemployment never kept me so busy
I finished my long term teaching job on Wednesday. When I was almost finished with grading and such, I rushed off to La Casita from my very own first going-away party. I tell you, that day I felt soooooo loved. There were cards signed my teachers and students, flowers, an ivy plant in a pretty pot, a little teddy bear, a gift card to Olive Garden, and lots of hugs and well-wishers. There was only one sore point with one stupid kid, but I pretty well decided I'd had enough of his shit, so I yelled at him, told him I was tired of his crap, and that if he said one more word, he was out. The other teacher just kicked him out at that. Good luck to him in the future--what a whiny, ignorant, selfish brat.
But I'm going to miss most of the students and the staff. They really went out of their way for me. Thursday I was able to stop at the National Middle School Conference, picking up a bit of free stuff and attending a few seminars. The seminars were pretty boring, but I can always mention the training on applications. I also stopped at the middle school in an attempt to finish up the grading, but no, I ran out of time since I was carpooling with some teachers to the conference.
And then on Friday, I had my first short term sub job at a high school teaching math for the day. It went surprisingly well, considering I'm an English teacher and it's been 5 years since I took my last math course. The only bad part was that I was really really sick. I woke up in the morning with a swollen throat and a the chills. But I didn't want to call in sick on my first job outside the district I had been working in. I wanted to make sure I had a good start and continued a good reputation to keep up my options for future employment. Plus, it would have left Kelly Services with only an hour to find a substitute. Probably plenty of time, but I went anyway. Afterwards, I planned on stopping at the middle school to finally finish taking my stuff to my car and finish grading. I did that, and the secretary opened the door for me. She took one look at me and said, "You're sick." So they took my temperature, looked at my throat, and told me I should go get checked out for strep throat.
So I called Chris, he picked me up, and we went to the ER (the clinic was closed) to get me checked out. 4 hours later we were on our way home. That sucked so bad. But after two shots in my ass, antiobiotic pills, and a weekend of bedrest, I feel a lot better. Tomorrow afternoon I'm stopping at the middle school to FINALLY finish the grading, and to ask a few questions about my sub job teaching special ed. there on Tuesday. I also have 3 days subbing lined up for next week as well. Kelly Services and the awesome staff at the middle school are making sure I stay busy. I tell you one thing though. Tomorrow my phone stays OFF in the morning. No 6:50 am call for ME this time. At least not until Wed.
I finished my long term teaching job on Wednesday. When I was almost finished with grading and such, I rushed off to La Casita from my very own first going-away party. I tell you, that day I felt soooooo loved. There were cards signed my teachers and students, flowers, an ivy plant in a pretty pot, a little teddy bear, a gift card to Olive Garden, and lots of hugs and well-wishers. There was only one sore point with one stupid kid, but I pretty well decided I'd had enough of his shit, so I yelled at him, told him I was tired of his crap, and that if he said one more word, he was out. The other teacher just kicked him out at that. Good luck to him in the future--what a whiny, ignorant, selfish brat.
But I'm going to miss most of the students and the staff. They really went out of their way for me. Thursday I was able to stop at the National Middle School Conference, picking up a bit of free stuff and attending a few seminars. The seminars were pretty boring, but I can always mention the training on applications. I also stopped at the middle school in an attempt to finish up the grading, but no, I ran out of time since I was carpooling with some teachers to the conference.
And then on Friday, I had my first short term sub job at a high school teaching math for the day. It went surprisingly well, considering I'm an English teacher and it's been 5 years since I took my last math course. The only bad part was that I was really really sick. I woke up in the morning with a swollen throat and a the chills. But I didn't want to call in sick on my first job outside the district I had been working in. I wanted to make sure I had a good start and continued a good reputation to keep up my options for future employment. Plus, it would have left Kelly Services with only an hour to find a substitute. Probably plenty of time, but I went anyway. Afterwards, I planned on stopping at the middle school to finally finish taking my stuff to my car and finish grading. I did that, and the secretary opened the door for me. She took one look at me and said, "You're sick." So they took my temperature, looked at my throat, and told me I should go get checked out for strep throat.
So I called Chris, he picked me up, and we went to the ER (the clinic was closed) to get me checked out. 4 hours later we were on our way home. That sucked so bad. But after two shots in my ass, antiobiotic pills, and a weekend of bedrest, I feel a lot better. Tomorrow afternoon I'm stopping at the middle school to FINALLY finish the grading, and to ask a few questions about my sub job teaching special ed. there on Tuesday. I also have 3 days subbing lined up for next week as well. Kelly Services and the awesome staff at the middle school are making sure I stay busy. I tell you one thing though. Tomorrow my phone stays OFF in the morning. No 6:50 am call for ME this time. At least not until Wed.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Days Until Unemployment: 2
Just Tuesday and Wednesday left, that's it, then I'm outta there. Today just flew by, and I expect tomorrow and Wednesday to do the same.
Tomorrow I leave work in a timely manner so I may vote, as it is Election Day. I'm all ready to vote....shit, no I'm not. I haven't yet looked up the local candidates in my precinct. Dang, guess I have to check that out sometime tomorrow during the school day. I hate voting for people if I don't have at least a CLUE as to who they are and what they stand for. I've already decided upon a presidential candidate, though it kills me to choose the lesser of two evils. Damn two party pseudo-democracy. Nader's better than the last 5 presidents put together.
Wednesday will be a day for games and pictures and then a sweet going away party :) One of the teachers decided I needed a proper send off, so we're meeting with other staff for drinks after work, and then she's buying me dinner. The worst part about leaving the job (aside from the dependable income) is the great staff. And no, Tricia, I do not mean "great staff" as in the quarterstaff of flame my Champions of Norrath wizard is currently wielding.
Just Tuesday and Wednesday left, that's it, then I'm outta there. Today just flew by, and I expect tomorrow and Wednesday to do the same.
Tomorrow I leave work in a timely manner so I may vote, as it is Election Day. I'm all ready to vote....shit, no I'm not. I haven't yet looked up the local candidates in my precinct. Dang, guess I have to check that out sometime tomorrow during the school day. I hate voting for people if I don't have at least a CLUE as to who they are and what they stand for. I've already decided upon a presidential candidate, though it kills me to choose the lesser of two evils. Damn two party pseudo-democracy. Nader's better than the last 5 presidents put together.
Wednesday will be a day for games and pictures and then a sweet going away party :) One of the teachers decided I needed a proper send off, so we're meeting with other staff for drinks after work, and then she's buying me dinner. The worst part about leaving the job (aside from the dependable income) is the great staff. And no, Tricia, I do not mean "great staff" as in the quarterstaff of flame my Champions of Norrath wizard is currently wielding.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Days Until Unemployment: 4
Tomorrow is the Friday before Halloween. You know what that means? I'm going to be tricky.
You see, the administration said at the staff meeting weeks ago that they would have no policy on costumes. They would not encourage costumes, but not ban them either. Well, today at the very end of the day, they made an announcement saying NO COSTUMES. Needless to say, I was a bit miffed.
Amber, the science teacher across the hall, had talked with me about costumes and said she would wear one if I did. She was planning as dressing as a cell because her students are studying plant and animal cells right now in the class. Her costume would have consisted of wearing all black and then sticking felt cut outs all over herself to represent the different parts of a cell. She suggested I wear something that had to do with my class as well. So I thought about it.
I was going to wear a toga. Yep, a toga. My students are studying Greek/Roman mythology, so what could be more appropriate. Tricia even has a nice garland of fake flowers and leaves that I can wear in my hair. Naturally I'd be wearing clothes underneath the toga, although I'm sure that going without would have been quite comfortable. You can understand my miffiness when I heard the announcement.
Thing is, I'm being observed by the associate principal tomorrow during one of my English classes. While discussing the observation with him, I asked about the change in policy about the costumes, and he said yeah, they decided to change that. So, I mentioned what I had planned for a costume, and he said well...I don't have to say anything about it if you just wear it in class. YAY! I'm such a rebel. Hell, it's not even an official observation--I asked him to watch me teach so he can write a good recommendation for me. Besides, I'm done in 4 days! What are they going to do, fire me?
Tomorrow is the Friday before Halloween. You know what that means? I'm going to be tricky.
You see, the administration said at the staff meeting weeks ago that they would have no policy on costumes. They would not encourage costumes, but not ban them either. Well, today at the very end of the day, they made an announcement saying NO COSTUMES. Needless to say, I was a bit miffed.
Amber, the science teacher across the hall, had talked with me about costumes and said she would wear one if I did. She was planning as dressing as a cell because her students are studying plant and animal cells right now in the class. Her costume would have consisted of wearing all black and then sticking felt cut outs all over herself to represent the different parts of a cell. She suggested I wear something that had to do with my class as well. So I thought about it.
I was going to wear a toga. Yep, a toga. My students are studying Greek/Roman mythology, so what could be more appropriate. Tricia even has a nice garland of fake flowers and leaves that I can wear in my hair. Naturally I'd be wearing clothes underneath the toga, although I'm sure that going without would have been quite comfortable. You can understand my miffiness when I heard the announcement.
Thing is, I'm being observed by the associate principal tomorrow during one of my English classes. While discussing the observation with him, I asked about the change in policy about the costumes, and he said yeah, they decided to change that. So, I mentioned what I had planned for a costume, and he said well...I don't have to say anything about it if you just wear it in class. YAY! I'm such a rebel. Hell, it's not even an official observation--I asked him to watch me teach so he can write a good recommendation for me. Besides, I'm done in 4 days! What are they going to do, fire me?
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Days Until Unemployment: 6
Six days to go at the middle school before I enter the world of short-term substitute teaching. Yay. My English students are working on writing their own myths, so of course less than half of them had their first draft done for today for the peer editing we did in class. I just hope that a few of the students that never turned in their Hercules paper or did poorly on it will have to motivation to do well on this paper. Heck, it's a fictional story; how hard is that to write? Honestly, I am pretty much spoonfeeding this paper to them.
On the other front, I'm slowly gaining my humanity back. For the couple months I have been losing what's left of my humanity, bit by school-filled bit. Any human blood I had was being replaced by Teacher blood. It was a scary, scary moment. I feared my roommate's and significant other's life, that the Teacher in me would eventually destroy them.
Thankfully, that was not their fate. I have emerged from the abyss, using the little resistance I had left, and I'm finally leveling off. Teaching still takes a lot of work, but I've finally gotten into a good routine. Of course, now I'm finishing up in this position, and I'll be done next Wed. The teacher I'm subbing for came in today to talk about what's been going on in the classroom, and she'll be coming next week to observe and get things set. Yippee.
I'm so torn. Part of me is sad to leave MY classroom; the other part of me will be VERY happy for the time off from all the work. At least there's a party this weekend. Parties solve everything. And I can't wait to don my Catholic school girl "costume." ;)
Six days to go at the middle school before I enter the world of short-term substitute teaching. Yay. My English students are working on writing their own myths, so of course less than half of them had their first draft done for today for the peer editing we did in class. I just hope that a few of the students that never turned in their Hercules paper or did poorly on it will have to motivation to do well on this paper. Heck, it's a fictional story; how hard is that to write? Honestly, I am pretty much spoonfeeding this paper to them.
On the other front, I'm slowly gaining my humanity back. For the couple months I have been losing what's left of my humanity, bit by school-filled bit. Any human blood I had was being replaced by Teacher blood. It was a scary, scary moment. I feared my roommate's and significant other's life, that the Teacher in me would eventually destroy them.
Thankfully, that was not their fate. I have emerged from the abyss, using the little resistance I had left, and I'm finally leveling off. Teaching still takes a lot of work, but I've finally gotten into a good routine. Of course, now I'm finishing up in this position, and I'll be done next Wed. The teacher I'm subbing for came in today to talk about what's been going on in the classroom, and she'll be coming next week to observe and get things set. Yippee.
I'm so torn. Part of me is sad to leave MY classroom; the other part of me will be VERY happy for the time off from all the work. At least there's a party this weekend. Parties solve everything. And I can't wait to don my Catholic school girl "costume." ;)
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Days until Unemployed: 8
Just a week and a half left to this first teaching job of mine. I've been a "long term sub," but it has certainly been a full time job and more these last few months. I'll be sad to leave the staff, sad to leave some of the kids, and certainly sad to leave the reliable income. On the other hand, not having to get up EVERY morning at 6am also sounds rather nice. ::sigh:: Stupid work ethic :P
Just a week and a half left to this first teaching job of mine. I've been a "long term sub," but it has certainly been a full time job and more these last few months. I'll be sad to leave the staff, sad to leave some of the kids, and certainly sad to leave the reliable income. On the other hand, not having to get up EVERY morning at 6am also sounds rather nice. ::sigh:: Stupid work ethic :P
Friday, October 22, 2004
Call Me Crazy
Yes, call me crazy, but tonight I have plans to see Team America, what's sure to be a heart-felt piece of genius, teaming with majesty that brings it to the symbolic level of Forrest Gump and Care Bears: The Movie. Or it will sick and wrong and full of political criticism, just what I'd expect from the creators of South Park. Either way, it ought be a lot of fun ;)
Yes, call me crazy, but tonight I have plans to see Team America, what's sure to be a heart-felt piece of genius, teaming with majesty that brings it to the symbolic level of Forrest Gump and Care Bears: The Movie. Or it will sick and wrong and full of political criticism, just what I'd expect from the creators of South Park. Either way, it ought be a lot of fun ;)
