Just in case you didn't believe me

I know I exaggerate often, so I felt like I needed to include a photo of the aforementioned swelling. Below is a picture of my stomach, just to the right of my belly button.

See what I mean? Huge. Gross. Ouchy.

Swollen

I was about to give myself my allergy shot today when I felt a bump. Thinking it might be a bit of scar tissue or something since I always do my shot in the same spot, I did my shot in a different spot. The result? Let's just say that I might need an around the waist, one cup bra to hold up the swollen lump on my stomach. So unattractive, not to mention painful.

Referrals

I heard that one of the middle schoolers has ISS because he got on the school system's website and filled out the discipline referral paperwork found there (not password protected) with details of fictitious infractions before printing them out and bringing them to school. I think that if he were my child, I would have a hard time being mad.

Podcast Debut!

I was invited to be the special guest on the We've Got Issues Podcast! Please check out my podcast debut!

Double Birthday

I would have spent my birthday evening alone eating leftovers if it wasn't for those wonderful Mission Year kids. Someone in their house as the same birthday, so she was gracious enough to invite me to celebrate with them. A fun time was had by all!

Bombomb

I still have to add the eyes to this Bombomb that I crochet, but I am so proud of it, I'll post it unfinished.

Cumberland

Just tried to make reservations to get to Cumberland Island during Spring Break and they are totally booked.  Dang it.  I really wanted to go.

Peeps!

What says Easter better than Peeps.  Check out the Peep Show! (It's PG- I promise!)

Birthday Breakfast

All through my childhood, my mom has made sure I had cake doughnuts (chocolate covered or powdered) for my birthday breakfast.  Today, I made my childhood birthday breakfast into an adult birthday breakfast.  I had coffee with my powdered sugar doughnuts. 

Pre-Birthday

I'm enjoying some pre-birthday celebrating with Nate tonight (calzones from Mighty Joe's followed by ice cream) since Nate will be gone from 6:30 AM-10:30 PM tomorrow.

Standards

Just 2 years after completing implementation of new state standards, Georgia is looking at adopting new curriculum standards for K-12 over the next 3 years.  I wonder if the need to throw time and money into a new initiative before seeing if the last initiative worked is something unique to education or is it like this in all professions?

Eye Twitch

My left upper eyelid has been twitching since Saturday morning. I'm not stressed, so what's up with the twitch?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

I did not want to watch this movie because the book it is loosely based on is my favorite picturebook. Even though the movie was NOTHING like the book, it was still funny and cute and I'm glad Nate made me watch it.

Facebook Friend

I had a 5th grader from my school ask to be my Facebook friend. When I wrote back my usual response (I don't add students as friends until they get to college), this is the reply I got:

"are u serious wateva thats just lame you really aint goin have no friends cause most of us are kids"

Oh my.

Cheese

I made delicious scrambled eggs for lunch and topped them with shredded cheese. Nate and I both quickly realized the cheese had gone bad and I had just ruined our lunch. Yuck.

TENT

Nate and I finally took the tent we bought 4 and a half years ago out of the bag and set it up. Today was a test run and I'm glad we did it. It took us about an hour. I'm hoping that it'll only take us half an hour next time since we'll know what we're doing. Getting more and more excited about our camping trip every day!

Saturday Morning

I love to surf the internet on Saturday mornings. One of my favorite sites is The Hunger Site. Not only do I click to donate at all 6 shops, but I love to browse the clothes, purses, and earrings.

Friday Night

Just got back from a pot-luck at the Mission Year house. It was so enjoyable. I am supremely thankful to have such an amazing group of people living in our neighborhood. The good they have done is immeasurable and they have enabled others (like me) to start doing things in the neighborhood that would not have been possible without them.

Animal Lady

Just got back from taking pictures of 3rd and 4th grade's visit with "the animal lady."  She brought 3 snakes, a lizard, and a guinea pig and taught the kids about adaptations and symbiotic relationships.  She was really entertaining, interesting, and passionate and I'm sure the kids will be talking about it all day.

Is it still funny?

The library is quiet.  A group of 6th graders is reading.  And then... someone farts.  Everyone giggles and it takes a full 5 minutes to get the quiet again.  Now here's my question:  If it was a group of adults, would it still be that funny?

Unwind

I just finished this book called Unwind, by Neil Shusterman.  Here is the first page:

"The Heartland War, which some call the Second Civil War, is over. A compromise designed to satisfy both the pro-life and the pro-choice armies is in effect. It is called the Bill of Life. Its basic tenets are:

• Human life may not be touched from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age of thirteen.
• However, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, a parent may choose to retroactively "abort" a child…
• …on the condition that the child's life doesn't "technically" end.
• The process by which a child is both terminated and yet kept alive is called "unwinding."
• Unwinding is now a common, and accepted practice in society. "

This was a great teen read, very thought provoking, and I highly recommend it. 

Light Saber

I almost bought this giant light saber pencil for my husband from the book fair..  Then I remembered that he's nearly 27 years old and does not need a giant pencil that looks like a light saber.

Morning

Morning is my favorite time of day.  All the possiblities of the day stretch out before me.

I'm a nice person

A 4th grader drew a picture of me today and gave it to me.  I'm reading to a group of children.  Please notice the title of this piece of artwork. 

In School Suspension

I have to keep ISS for a few hours this afternoon and I'm actually looking forward to it.  2 hours of sitting still and reading is exactly what I need on my first day back after being sick.

Community

Just watched an episode of Community on Hulu that seems to have been made for me. The actor who plays Buster on Arrested Development teaches a pottery class!

Sick Day

• Watched The Proposal.
• Took a short nap.
• Ate some French toast.
• Took a shower.
• Got tired half way through shower and sat down until the hot water ran out.
• Put in a load of laundry.
• Laid down for a bit.
• Watched Tombstone.

Getting ready to take another nap. Being sick makes me really tired.

Ode to Vick's

Oh, Vick's Vapor-Rub, how I love you.

You help unclog my nose.

You keep my nose from getting raw,

no matter how many times I blow it.

Without you, I the mucus would overtake me.

Not Allergies

This is not allergies.  This is a cold.  Wanted so badly to stay home today, but there's too much to do.  Can't be sick today, must reschedule illness for tomorrow.

Snot-head

Thanks to my allergies, snot is pouring out of my nose, down my throat, into my stomach, and even clogging my ears. 3 years of allergy shots for this?

TGFF

As a teacher said to me yesterday, "Thank God for Furloughs."  Even though I am not enthusiastic about the drop in pay, I am thankful for this day off.  I'm enjoying my day off in Livingston, Alabama.  This morning, I walked to the post office and UWA campus, painted yard sale signs in the sun, and now we're about to go eat lunch in a Mennonite bakery! 

Livingston

Looking forward to a long weekend in Livingston with family.  Leaving in just a little over 2 hours!

The One Day

I was going to call in late today for the first time ever, but then I remembered that the other teacher I do the morning news with won't be here today.  Guess I'll have to run on 5 hours of sleep.

Food

Pot-luck dinner at church tonight was wonderful. The food was great and we had a bunch of people- kids running around everywhere. That's really amazing considering we only had 2 kids in our church a year ago (the pastor's kids).

I'm getting ready to order my April Angel Food ministries box. We just finished most of the food from February!

Lastly, (and also about food) is this blog. A public school teacher is eating school lunches every day for a year and documenting it on her blog. All I can say is, our school lunches look amazing compared to hers.

Cupcake

I have been wanting a cupcake for over a week.  I saw a child carrying a tray of them to lunch today and nearly tackled him for one.  Thankfully, I resisted and he offered me one just a few minutes ago.  Mmmmmm, cupcakes.

Mixed Feelings

The book fair is here.  No matter how much I love books, I do not love that this fair will be taking over half the library for the next week.

Skittles

I have a tummy ache. I should not be left home alone with a big bag of Skittles.

Census

I was really disappointed with the brevity of the census.

Freakonomics

I've stayed up too late the last couple of nights reading Freakonomics.  I'm paying for it today- I really need a nap.

Thanks, Nate!

Ok, last shout out for the night. Nate is awesome and knows exactly what will make me smile.

Thanks, Bookshop Girl

This shout out goes to Bookshop Girl for this link to an awesome review of a book I can't wait to read.

Thanks, G!

My first issue of Real Simple was waiting for me on the kitchen table when I got home today thanks to my generous sister-in-law!

Hope?

"Obama Proposes Dismantling No Child Left Behind"

 

A glimmer of hope for the public education system?

Knee

My knee hurts.  Last night I smashed it into the corner of the coffee table.  I've got a good intentation and bruise today.  I think my parents were a little too hopeful when they gave me the middle name Grace.

Daylight Savings Sucks

Sure, "spring forward" is all well and good in the evenings, but what about people who leave for work before 7 AM like me? Friday, it was light when I got to school. Today, pitch black. Boo.

Paranormal Activity

Nate watched this scary movie. I didn't watch much of it, but what I saw was enough to make me a little bit scared to go to sleep. Don't be fooled by the fact that I took the class "Theory and Development of the Horror Film" in college- I don't like scary movies.

Soundtrack

Yesterday I watched Hairspray. Then I listened to the Sweeney Todd soundtrack. Add in the hymns from church this morning and I've got the oddest collection songs running through my head.

Don't Wake Me Up

I used to be a light sleeper- the smallest noise and I'd go from dead asleep to wide awake in less than a second. But since we got married, I've become a very heavy sleeper during those first few hours of sleep- the time when Nate usually comes to bed. The problem is that he usually wakes me up enough that I start talking, but not enough that I really have a clue what's going on. I'm acting totally on emotion and probably speaking gibberish. The point is, I have a strong feeling that I hit Nate last night because he put his cold toes on me. How do you say sorry for something that you did while you were more or less asleep?

Planning

Nate and I are going camping on the Georgia coast for 4 days during Spring Break- just the 2 of us. I can tell I'm really starting to get excited about it because I've begun making lists- what to pack, what to buy, where to visit, etc.

Duh

For the past few days, I've had a runny nose. I thought I was coming down with a cold, but last night it hit me. I get allergy shots once a week. I've been talking about spring coming for the past 2 weeks. How did I forget I have spring allergies?

Blindside

Just got back from watching Blindside at a neighborhood church. Not only was the movie enjoyable, so was the company. I'm so excited for the beginning of new friendships.

Once I start

It started innocently.  I was just trying to clear off a book cart and then... I reorganized the majority of my office.

Start of Something Good

After a short walk around the neighborhood enjoying the warm weather, a group of neighbors and I had a meeting with a local church. This church seems to be totally in line with the things we want to see done in the community and has the space for us to do it. Praise God! I really appreciated the pastor's enthusiasm and honesty. He came right out and addressed the issue of race- the fact that this is a black congregation in a predominately black neighbors and the only neighbors to show up for the meeting were a bunch of white 20-somethings. I feel a huge sense of promise, like I might finally have the tools and connections I need to do what I feel like God has laid on my heart. All I had to do was mention my desire to do math tutoring for the GED and it looks like I'll be starting that up after spring break! Did I already say, "Praise God"? I think I should say it again. PRAISE GOD!

Robot

This remote controlled robot is a prize for our school's current fundraiser.  It lives in the library until it is given away next week..  Today it anchored on the morning news and yesterday it delivered papers down the hall for me. 

Leak

Our roof is leaking.  Our ceiling is dripping.  This sucks.

A What?

Do you know what this piece of dated technology is?  2 years ago, I didn't.  I never though this day would come, but someone actually asked to use one of these.  Tomorrow I get to learn how to use a LASER DICS PLAYER.

Earrings

I'm wearing purple dangly earrings that my friend JM made me.  An 8th grader told me I shouldn't wear them again because they made me look young and cool- and apparently I am neither.

Profile Picture

I need a new profile picture, something that represents me or suggests me without actually showing my face. Any suggestions?

What have you done?

It's not even 11 AM and here is what I've done today...

• produced the morning news show
• taught a lesson on slope
• laminated
• changed the lamiating film
• changed the toner in the printer
• dedicated 8 books to students
• processed 2 new books
• given the evil eye to 26 8th graders during their reading time
• typed up 3 POs for new books

Just think what will happen if I'm just as productive in the afternoon!

 

Rough Start

The cats woke me up 10 minutes before my alarm.  I spilled a glass of milk.  I still can't find my keys.

Raked

Thanks to my brother and his roommate, the yard has been completely raked free of leaves. Also, the gutter has been cleaned, weeds have been pulled, and the vegetable garden tilled. My yard is now ready for spring!

70*!

It's going to be 70 degrees today!  Looking forward to raking leaves and tilling the vegetable garden this afternoon.

Crochet Fiend

This week I have crocheted a dozen granny squares and 4 7x9" rectangles for Warm Up America blankets, downloaded more crochet patterns than I can count, and learned 2 new stitches!

Is it SPRING yet?

I put the laundry out on the line for the first time since fall. Spring is almost here!

Marc's Magic Show

We're about to head up to Decatur for Marc's Magic Show! I can't tell you how much I've been looking forward to this. Plus, we're going to Brickstore afterwards!

Me Time

This morning is all about me. I'm about to go to a crocheting/knitting club at Starbucks and then I'm off to yoga. Perfect Saturday morning.

Backpack

If you went to high school or college with me, then you may recognize this.

I begged my mom to buy me a Jansport backpack in the 8th grade. They were the "in" thing and a little expensive, so I promised my mom this was the only backpack I'd ever need. Thanks to the lifetime warranty, I've kept that promise. Twice the zippers have broken and I've sent it off to be repaired for free. Both times I received postcards from "Pack Camp" stating that my pack missed me, but was looking forward to the zipper races that afternoon.

As a 13 year old trying to fit in, I would have never imagined that this backpack would take me all the way through high school, college, and eventually be used by my husband in seminary (princess patches and all!). Looking forward to many more adventures with my one and only backpack.

Phone Calls

I finally got off work before 5:00 so I could make a few phone calls. I spent over an hour on the phone with a former bank (who says I have a late charge of $0.00 on a credit card I canceled 4 years ago) and my student loan company (who says I'm approved for forbearance- even though I never applied for it). UGH. Hopefully it's taken care of now and I can enjoy watching Survivor with Nate.

1 Billion Dollars

A 3rd grader was reading a book about place value.  When he got to the page about billions, I asked him, "What would you do with a billion dollars?"  He said, without hesitation and in complete sincerity said, "Buy Canada."

Summer Job

I just applied for a summer job working with the Learn to Serve Camp at the college.  I really hope I get it.

Cost of Education

I got some interesting numbers at the school council meeting today that I thought I'd share.
Per student cost of education in Georgia (2009) $8,895.28/year or $48.99/day.
Also, I learned that the school system is the biggest employer in our county with approximately 2,700 jobs.

Oh, Thursday

Thursday is becoming my busiest day of the week.  In addition to regular school stuff, I have a 2 hour school council lunch meeting.  Then, after school, I have 5th and 6th grade Crochet Club followed by a neighborhood walk and finally a meeting.  Good thing I enjoy most of what I do.

The SUN

It was so nice to come into work this morning and the sun was already up!  I am not looking forward to daylight savings time.  It's depressing to get to work before the sun does.

Not So Good Things

• 3 hours spent proctoring a standardized test this morning
• The beginnings of a sinus headache
• Having to stay after school to adminster detention this afternoon
• Still not understanding the payment plan on my student loan because it keeps changing and every time I call, I talk to someone with such a thick accent, I don't understand what they are saying.

Good Things

• I am wearing jeans and tennis shoes today.
• I just found out about a knitting/crocheting club in town for adults.
• I got a good evaluation from the principal.
• I have a good song stuck in my head.

My Evening

After a long faculty meeting, I enjoyed dinner with Noelle. Now I'm listening to a podcast and crocheting more granny squares.

Mid-morning Snack

Graham crackers and coffee.  Perfect.

High

The high for today is 39 degrees. That's what temperature it is right now. It's only going to get colder and wetter the rest of the day. I am so ready for spring.

Granny Square

I crocheted my first granny squares today.

Presidential Disappointment

I have to say that I am disappointed in our president and this new education plan.  It's so easy to blame the schools (really the teachers) when students do not succeed.  I know because every year, I'd blame myself for students who didn't do as well as they could have.  Not that I failed to teach them, but that I failed to motivate them to want to learn.  That, I'm afraid, is simply beyond my control.  It goes back to our culture, home lives, or any one of the dozens of other factors that affect student achievement.  If feel that the president's new plan only addresses one faucet of a student's life and I don't think it will be enough to make the changes we want to see.

Substitution

I love my librarian job, but sometimes, I really miss teaching math.  That is why I am extra happy today.  The 8th grade math teacher sent me a group of students and guess what we were supposed to go over?  Solving systems of linear equations using substitution!  This is my favorite thing in algebra, so getting to teach it really made my day.  As I was teaching, several 8th graders from other classes began to wander over, grab a pencil and paper, and start working the problems with me.  Hurray for math!