I remember weird things. And I think of them all the time. Like
1. I remember my mom telling me that she doesn't spend more then .20 cents an ounce on cereal. I use this as a bse for our purchases. I remember standing in food for less, searching the endless options of cereal, and her making this statement. Now I think of it every time I buy cereal. wow.
2. I remember my dad's constant Model Home comment. I only really remember him coming with us on one. But I distinctly remember him giving his opinion. The distance between the garage and kitchen needs to be minimal. Why? Groceries. the end.
3. I remember Tessa and I laughing at the tv guy saying "please try to find the humor in this". It still makes me laugh. I do say it almost all the time.
4. I remember David's advice about rounding that corner on Clayton Road, just beyond Peacock Ridge before there was a light there. Just as you get up that hill, you can speed cuz the cops won't be there till Marsh Creek. (the school).
Weird that I remember those little things. But it still makes me chuckle. And it still affects my days. Happy.
September 30, 2009
September 29, 2009
Caught!
Today I hit a limit. Not the first time I must admit. In 4th period I have a kid that genuinely might rid me of my sanity. I can't control him. I've tried everything in the book. I've tried calm and collected, I've tried putting him in the corner, sending him to On Campus Suspension, calling home, corners and closets. Everything. Today, I couldn't handle his little antics. He randomly outbursts in class, does these outlandish dance moves across the front of class mid-lecture, throws paper! Seriously everything. So-I broke. I yelled a little. And threw my pen at him. Then banned him to the office room to sit and be alone so I could finish my lecture about pre-Revolutionary French Estates in peace. From the office window he continued to make faces at the other students, tap on the window, and whatever other distracting things he could think of to get attention.
I mean no disrespect but the "excuse" I often get from administration is he has an undiagnosed ADHD. I understand that this makes attention difficult and at times can be frustrating. I don't know personally anyone with it, but have several students who have it. This particular student I think takes it to a whole new level. My annoyance comes when it becomes the crutch. Almost like he doesn't have to even try to behave. Seriously, if his antics are this out of control, he should be in a more supervised class where other students aren't disrupted. Anyway, I digress.
After class, I calmly confronted the student saying, this was his last straw. I'm contacting his counselor and father to have him removed from class. Or to find a solution because I can't do this everyday anymore.
I was quite proud because I didn't fall for his whimpering eyes and promises to be better today. I called dad (got answering machines) and contacted his counselor.
I got a return call from the counselor. Mostly good news and totally on my side with some good suggestions for solutions. Until the counselor said..."and one more thing. Don't throw s*** at the students girl. You couldn't get into SERIOUS trouble for that. We're talking legal stuff. Don't do it!"
Woops. My bad. Guess that means I should stop shooting rubber bands at them too. :)
The good news is that the students has been formally confronted with administration. Is apparently up for expulsion. Is it bad that I'm hoping it goes through? Tomorrow is another day. I hope I can keep my cool for at least 10 minutes.
I mean no disrespect but the "excuse" I often get from administration is he has an undiagnosed ADHD. I understand that this makes attention difficult and at times can be frustrating. I don't know personally anyone with it, but have several students who have it. This particular student I think takes it to a whole new level. My annoyance comes when it becomes the crutch. Almost like he doesn't have to even try to behave. Seriously, if his antics are this out of control, he should be in a more supervised class where other students aren't disrupted. Anyway, I digress.
After class, I calmly confronted the student saying, this was his last straw. I'm contacting his counselor and father to have him removed from class. Or to find a solution because I can't do this everyday anymore.
I was quite proud because I didn't fall for his whimpering eyes and promises to be better today. I called dad (got answering machines) and contacted his counselor.
I got a return call from the counselor. Mostly good news and totally on my side with some good suggestions for solutions. Until the counselor said..."and one more thing. Don't throw s*** at the students girl. You couldn't get into SERIOUS trouble for that. We're talking legal stuff. Don't do it!"
Woops. My bad. Guess that means I should stop shooting rubber bands at them too. :)
The good news is that the students has been formally confronted with administration. Is apparently up for expulsion. Is it bad that I'm hoping it goes through? Tomorrow is another day. I hope I can keep my cool for at least 10 minutes.
September 25, 2009
I did it!
Our "Smart Goal" in the History Department this year is to lower our fail rate from 30% to 25%. Hence why I have been working so hard in after school hours to try and get these kids to make up their work and get that passing grade.
Today marks the end of our 6 week progress report grading period. Reports will be mailed home early next week. After calculating my kids scores--I have a 21% fail rate. This counts the 7 students I have on my rolls that have more truancy's then actual days attended. (3 I have never seen.) If you ask me, that is pretty darn good. That means I have 130 passing students.
I must say, my 2nd period class are pretty much rock stars. All of them. I have 16 A's in that 33 student class alone. Followed by 11 B's and NO D's. So kudos to them.
I can't say that this improvement in grades has anything to do with me. I have changed my teaching methods slightly this year. I do my notes differently, and have done a different activity here or there, but overall I think its the same stuff. So, maybe I am getting to be a better teacher, or maybe its just a smart year of kids. I will say, I got an email today from one of my parents (I'm really making a concerted effort to email/call/contact all my parents frequently) responding to an email I sent that his kid had an A and was just a good kid overall. He responded saying thanks and that I "must be an OUTSTANDING educator!!!" That made me feel good.
Self-great day!
Today marks the end of our 6 week progress report grading period. Reports will be mailed home early next week. After calculating my kids scores--I have a 21% fail rate. This counts the 7 students I have on my rolls that have more truancy's then actual days attended. (3 I have never seen.) If you ask me, that is pretty darn good. That means I have 130 passing students.
I must say, my 2nd period class are pretty much rock stars. All of them. I have 16 A's in that 33 student class alone. Followed by 11 B's and NO D's. So kudos to them.
I can't say that this improvement in grades has anything to do with me. I have changed my teaching methods slightly this year. I do my notes differently, and have done a different activity here or there, but overall I think its the same stuff. So, maybe I am getting to be a better teacher, or maybe its just a smart year of kids. I will say, I got an email today from one of my parents (I'm really making a concerted effort to email/call/contact all my parents frequently) responding to an email I sent that his kid had an A and was just a good kid overall. He responded saying thanks and that I "must be an OUTSTANDING educator!!!" That made me feel good.
Self-great day!
September 24, 2009
Aquarium of the Pacific
As a part of our weekend getaway, Mark and I made a short drive over to Long Beach to see the Aquarium. Simply BEAUTIFUL. I can see why people would want to live in that specific area. The drive over from the freeway was a little sketchy, but the Bay there was just beautiful. We saw the route we'll be running in a few weeks for our marathon. That was motivating. And the weather was just beautiful!
The Aquarium was really great. We pet the rays, held the birds, and saw the new baby tiger shark that will grow up to 15 feet and 1600 pounds.
Mark was really good at the "2 finger touch". I wasn't so good. I was gentle! Just used all my fingers instead. :) I'm a rebel without a cause.
The Aquarium was really great. We pet the rays, held the birds, and saw the new baby tiger shark that will grow up to 15 feet and 1600 pounds.
Mark was really good at the "2 finger touch". I wasn't so good. I was gentle! Just used all my fingers instead. :) I'm a rebel without a cause.
These birds really had no fear. With clearance from the volunteer, we just had to stick out our arm and they would jump right on! What is it about holding birds that is so interesting?
A really fun day. We wish our schedules were more conducive to fun outings. I find that I am working more then I thought I would with my extra 6th period and tutoring after school. I think I'm seeing a difference in my grades though, maybe? The 6 week grading period is here and our goal was to have lowered our fail rate to only 25%. We'll see if I pass.
Disney Weekend
As a fabulous perk in Mark's job, we were invited to test the new Vacation Club suite's in the Grand Californian hotel. Swanky! We arrived for a relaxing Sunday-Monday evening full of a little Disney magic, a free arcade, and a comfortable room complete with a DVD player and robes. 
We hadn't seen the new dragon at the Fantasmic show so we made a point to go into the park specifically to see the much anticipated change. With a two hour wait on the banks of the Rivers of America, time can get a little slow. Mark then found this fun trick with our camera. Made the time past for a little while!
Disney pulled through again with a marvelous show. The Dragon was just remarkable! Really neat. After Fantastmic we ran with the crowd down Main Street to see Dumbo fly over the Castle. That was a little less then fabulous, but the fact that we got to walk to our swanky room made it totally worth it!
We hadn't seen the new dragon at the Fantasmic show so we made a point to go into the park specifically to see the much anticipated change. With a two hour wait on the banks of the Rivers of America, time can get a little slow. Mark then found this fun trick with our camera. Made the time past for a little while! Disney pulled through again with a marvelous show. The Dragon was just remarkable! Really neat. After Fantastmic we ran with the crowd down Main Street to see Dumbo fly over the Castle. That was a little less then fabulous, but the fact that we got to walk to our swanky room made it totally worth it!We've now decided that we need to get rich and retire quick so we can live like this more often!
September 17, 2009
Tagged
What is your current obsession? Luckily, I'm "in between" obsessions right now. The last was Sims3 probably. Or digital scrapbooking. I was consumed with it a few months back.
What do you hate that most everyone else seems to love? Not a surprise to some, but potatoes. I'm apparently not American.
What are you wearing today? My red "bowling" shoes that I haven't worn in a while. Love those. Jeans and the La Sierra Basketball shirt from 2 years ago. It's casual and comfortable-don't judge.
What’s for dinner? Probably cereal. Mark won't be home until after dinner so...I'll probably not think much about it.
What would you eat for your last meal? Its hard to say. I love so many things. Whatever it is, it will definatly include fresh Sourdough French Bread. And I'll never be full from it!
What’s the last thing you bought? Gas this morning to get to work. $3.17/gal.
What are you listening to right now? The kids outside on lunch and Mr. Ramaswamy on the other side of my wall in the middle of his very exciting Math lesson. He is really a loud teacher, but so am I so we balance each other out.
What is your favorite time of day? Morning. Crisp Fall Mornings!
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Home to be with my hubby. Then I'd take him to Venice, Italy. It is SO romantic and beautiful there and their gelato carts are cheap and amazing!
What is a hobby of yours? Running (although not as of late). Scrapbooking, cooking (even though you wouldn't guess based on our past meals), travelling.
What’s your favorite quote? I can't choose just one, so here are my top 5
5. "If I'm going to get cheap stuff, I want quality cheep stuff" -Lauren Kammeyer regarding the need for a Walmart at all times!
4. "Life rewards Action" - Sarah Krause
3. "Life - lived properly - is romantic" -Ryan Sutter
2. "There's a billion people on the planet, I mean what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything...the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things...all of it, all the time, every day. You're saying... 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness.'" -Shall We Dance
1. "I love you" - my husband
What is your favorite color? Yellow
If you could be proficient at anything without having to practice it over and over again, what would it be? The piano and volleyball
What is your dream job? I'm a lucky one who is doing her dream job. Better yet, I'd love to do yearbook ALL DAY! Its insane how perfect that class is for me!
Describe your personal style? I really like business casual but don't ever dress it. More of a jeans/top kind of girl.
What’s your favorite flower? Don't have a favorite, but really love roses.
What are you going to do after this? Chew out the yearbook class for their "he said/she said" 3rd grade crap. Then watch 6th period read. Then go home and clean my house, go for a run, clean more of the house, and then go on my Holidate! :)
What’s your favorite fruit? Strawberry
What inspires you? Music, Really dedicated athletes, My mom.
Who was the last person you kissed? My love.
What are you currently reading? Harry Potter 7. I know, I'm a bit behind.
Go to your bookshelf, take down the first book with a red spine you see, turn to page 26 and type out the first line: It brings you the energy you need to work long hours without burning out. (StrengthsQuest: Achiever)
What is your favorite sound? Main Street in Disneyland. And the after-fireworks music from Wishes.
What delighted you most today? The fact that I got 2 hours off for the assembly that I was supposed to attend but didn't.
Did you laugh today? Not yet. Class has been a little boring.
What is a new year’s resolution that you have kept? I've tried to keep to a budget all year. Thats kinda a big deal. A bigger deal is that the past month we've really tried double hard to stick to it. Kinda rewarding.
September 15, 2009
Our "normal"
Today I got home from work around 4:30.
We went to Chili's around 5:30 where we ordered too much food. The skillet queso was delight, we splurged on beverages and the strawberry lemonade didn't disappoint although the ICB rootbeer isn't "free refills". Disappointing.
We returned from Chili's around 7:00 too full to be comfortable.
Mark napped.
I watched TV.
Mark woke up and began playing the football game on his playstation.
I read blogs.
We'll probably think about bed around 9:30.
Fun eh? Bet you wish your lives were cool like ours?
We went to Chili's around 5:30 where we ordered too much food. The skillet queso was delight, we splurged on beverages and the strawberry lemonade didn't disappoint although the ICB rootbeer isn't "free refills". Disappointing.
We returned from Chili's around 7:00 too full to be comfortable.
Mark napped.
I watched TV.
Mark woke up and began playing the football game on his playstation.
I read blogs.
We'll probably think about bed around 9:30.
Fun eh? Bet you wish your lives were cool like ours?
September 13, 2009
Girls Weekend
What a fun chance to get away for a few days and enjoy St. George with dearest Lauren. We headed up Friday afternoon and spent the weekend relaxing, eating, sitting by the pool, and just enjoying a little time together. The highlight of the trip was probably the first night when we saw Annie at the Tuachan Theater! What a delightful show. I'm a little embarassed to admit I had never seen the movie so this was a special treat for sure! The sets were amazing, the vocals surpurb, and the red rock backdrop made for a perfect evening. And yes, we did stand in line to get our photo with Annie, specifically for the post! Delightful.
We certainly enjoyed lots of time sitting in our hotel room just relaxing. Those beds were pretty much worth every penny. And if the breakfast bar didn't have such a huge line, it would have been more enjoyable. Seriously, there was a man at the waffle counter who was making a waffle for the whole world. So annoying. And to top off the perfectness of our hotel, it was within walking distance to this little gem! A super W--and who would have ever thought that a Super W would have a clearence! I tell you. Magic.
We spent a little time in St. George seeing the historical sites like the Tabernacle, Brigham Young's winter home, and the temple grounds. The historian in me was in love with it and to my advantage, Lauren is quite the history buff herself so didn't mind the detour. We then spent Sunday in Zion National Park amidst the beauty of the red rock and ample tourists.
We certainly enjoyed lots of time sitting in our hotel room just relaxing. Those beds were pretty much worth every penny. And if the breakfast bar didn't have such a huge line, it would have been more enjoyable. Seriously, there was a man at the waffle counter who was making a waffle for the whole world. So annoying. And to top off the perfectness of our hotel, it was within walking distance to this little gem! A super W--and who would have ever thought that a Super W would have a clearence! I tell you. Magic.
We spent a little time in St. George seeing the historical sites like the Tabernacle, Brigham Young's winter home, and the temple grounds. The historian in me was in love with it and to my advantage, Lauren is quite the history buff herself so didn't mind the detour. We then spent Sunday in Zion National Park amidst the beauty of the red rock and ample tourists. We hiked up the Emerald Pools Trial. Lauren is a definate trooper as I think that bag around her shoulders was equal to the weight of another person. She still trooped up that hill with no problem. The views were amazing, the conversation delightful, and the company splendid! Couldn't have asked for anything better.
How I love vacationing with Lauren. She and I seriously think on the same path. I'm pretty sure she finished my sentence several times as well. We enjoyed good food from Chinese to Pizza to a very european Cheese and crackers and fruit buffet. Let me just tell you, it doesn't get any better then her! We have already made plans to return to the city, specifically for another play at the Tuachan because it was that good. 
How I love vacationing with Lauren. She and I seriously think on the same path. I'm pretty sure she finished my sentence several times as well. We enjoyed good food from Chinese to Pizza to a very european Cheese and crackers and fruit buffet. Let me just tell you, it doesn't get any better then her! We have already made plans to return to the city, specifically for another play at the Tuachan because it was that good. September 10, 2009
Today I...
--picked up a bagel at Vons on the way to work. I love morning fresh bagels with delightful Cream cheese. EXCEPT: my bagel was NOT fresh, and they didn't have the cream cheese flavor I wanted. And I think that OJ is overpriced.
--realized I haven't had more than 16oz of water the past 3 days. So I'm trying to correct that by overdosing on the bottle. I now have a hard time getting through the class period without having to excuse myself.
--have our 3rd day of "Senior Me" photos. Its hetic. This year in the yearbook the Senior class will get a "personality" shot next to their senior mug shot. Such a simple thing has created such confusion. Of the 750 Seniors, we only have 100 done. This could be bad news in the end. I suppose since it IS the first year, it will take a season to get it off the ground. Next year will be more popular.
--was offered an additional period to teach. Teachers here are contracted to teach 5 periods a day with 1 conference period. To help the master schedule, I have been given a 6th period class in lieu of my conference period. They start tomorrow! Wow. I haven't taught a last period of the day in 5 years! That was the year I almost quit my job. This will be interesting. Bonus--I get paid an "overtime" hour everyday!
--am super excited for my Holidate episode where the girl flat out tells the guy she isn't going to give him the plane ticket to see her; and to watch ANTM which recorded on our blessed DVR last night!
--am going Grocery shopping. I still love doing this. And I'm pretty sure Mark and I have been living off cereal and leftovers for about 10 days now. And I thought it was going to get better after marriage. Nope, we still eat lamo dinners. At least we set the table. That counts.
--realized I haven't had more than 16oz of water the past 3 days. So I'm trying to correct that by overdosing on the bottle. I now have a hard time getting through the class period without having to excuse myself.
--have our 3rd day of "Senior Me" photos. Its hetic. This year in the yearbook the Senior class will get a "personality" shot next to their senior mug shot. Such a simple thing has created such confusion. Of the 750 Seniors, we only have 100 done. This could be bad news in the end. I suppose since it IS the first year, it will take a season to get it off the ground. Next year will be more popular.
--was offered an additional period to teach. Teachers here are contracted to teach 5 periods a day with 1 conference period. To help the master schedule, I have been given a 6th period class in lieu of my conference period. They start tomorrow! Wow. I haven't taught a last period of the day in 5 years! That was the year I almost quit my job. This will be interesting. Bonus--I get paid an "overtime" hour everyday!
--am super excited for my Holidate episode where the girl flat out tells the guy she isn't going to give him the plane ticket to see her; and to watch ANTM which recorded on our blessed DVR last night!
--am going Grocery shopping. I still love doing this. And I'm pretty sure Mark and I have been living off cereal and leftovers for about 10 days now. And I thought it was going to get better after marriage. Nope, we still eat lamo dinners. At least we set the table. That counts.
September 9, 2009
Wednesday Night
I feel I have so many things to blog about! I've been getting so far behind. So to start, the Disneyland Basketball League play has begun again. Mark has been playing basketball on Wednesday Nights for as long as we have known each other. In fact, our first date was to one of his Disney League games! With the new League started and a possiblity of a second league in addition, basketball League season has hit the Morrell household full swing.
I "borrowed" the yearbook's amazing Rebel camera for these shots and I must admit I am completly sold on a necessary purchase for our own! So much fun to snap away!
Mark in Basketball Action!
So in case you're curious, this is what we'll be doing Wednesday nights for the next while.
I "borrowed" the yearbook's amazing Rebel camera for these shots and I must admit I am completly sold on a necessary purchase for our own! So much fun to snap away!
Mark in Basketball Action!
So in case you're curious, this is what we'll be doing Wednesday nights for the next while.
September 3, 2009
The Mountain of Fire
She did it. she finally did it. She has traveled to the land of Mordor and entered the
fiery depths of Mt. Doom with Frodo and Sam. I know that she mentioned it a little bit, but I was so glad that she wanted to watch the epic series with me. I think I had to semi-force her at first, but then, as she has admitted, kind of liked it. What a wonderful woman I have married, to participate in my geekdom. It was actually really funny, as she was asking me questions I was able to use the appropriate LOTR lingo to which she looked up at me and said, "you are such a dork". When it comes to those movies, I am admittedly the biggest dork on the planet. Not going to lie, it was actually on my secret list of desires in a wife, one who enjoys these movies. So thank goodness she does enjoy them! :) So, here is a big "Huzzah!" for my wife and being a good enough sport to watch those movies with me, and to admittedly enjoy them. She is the bestest!
fiery depths of Mt. Doom with Frodo and Sam. I know that she mentioned it a little bit, but I was so glad that she wanted to watch the epic series with me. I think I had to semi-force her at first, but then, as she has admitted, kind of liked it. What a wonderful woman I have married, to participate in my geekdom. It was actually really funny, as she was asking me questions I was able to use the appropriate LOTR lingo to which she looked up at me and said, "you are such a dork". When it comes to those movies, I am admittedly the biggest dork on the planet. Not going to lie, it was actually on my secret list of desires in a wife, one who enjoys these movies. So thank goodness she does enjoy them! :) So, here is a big "Huzzah!" for my wife and being a good enough sport to watch those movies with me, and to admittedly enjoy them. She is the bestest!
September 2, 2009
Random Thoughts
I need to most definatly go running tomorrow. Period.
Its been too hot to do almost anything these days. Pretty sure that 80 degrees at 7am is a bad sign.
Mark makes the most incredible creations for dinner. I just follow the reciepe and it turns out pretty good. But my husband thinks..yes, that will taste good together...and I am the lucky woman who doesn't have to do the work!
You know those people you know but they don't know you. I have that. A lot of that. This woman inspires me. And so does she. I read their blogs all the time. Why you may ask? Becuase they are real women with real personalities and real funny insights to motherhood with 2 kids. Makes me remember that real life is fun. Even if I don't have 2 kids. We don't even have 1. Not even 1 on the way. Just to clear the air. :)
I was observed today by the principal for my official review. It makes me sweat. I hate it. It went well. He suggested some improvements that I struggled with accepting. Like the lights when you take notes...he is set that they should be on. I have a long classroom. The kids in the back struggle. But I'll do what he asks.
I'm having a serious hair issue. Long or short? Cut or keep? It's not ugly but could it be cuter. Or is it ugly?
I finished Lord of the Rings the other night. As my husband has said, "I am now officially his wife". Okay, glad we got that out of the way early. And to admit-I'm kinda a closet Rings fan. It was actually pretty good. There I said it. Don't expect to hear it again.
I'm off for a Girls Getaway with one of my favorite people, Lauren. Bring it.
I envy this woman's life. And her pictures. She is so creative. I realize her blog is private but, she probably doesn't even realize I exist so...its okay that I stalk her and her cute family and classic and funny woe's of life with 2 kids. (I'm seeing a pattern! 2 kids = crazy life...notes taken)
I really really want to go to Washington DC.
How do women stay bone skinny. My weight fluctuates by the day. I'm on the upper ends of the scale these days. And my self-discipline to stop the madness is struggling.
Saw my dad's headstone for the first time on my Sister-in-Law's blog. (I guess its my brother's blog too but he hardly writes so...its her's now). Got all emotional again. Its still so surreal. The other day my students were looking at pictures from the wedding in my classroom and she said, "Thats your pops?" yeah...thats him. I miss him.
I've recently got in touch again with my oldest friend Tabitha. Reading her blog makes me happy. We were friends For.Ever. Literally. When it comes to childhood, she was it! Following her life again makes me happy.
Pretty sure I've seen my husband for a total of 2 hours this week. Wow. Our schedules stink. He surprised me tonight for half an hour before he was off again. This is why he is amazing. I like him.
I'm tutoring this year. First time ever. Its a load of work. If my fail rate doesn't drop some points I'm going to be mad.
I got online tonight to do some work on our Wedding Album. Its been 3 hours. I've successfully read everyone-I-knows blog...twice. And a few people I don't. Nice work!
So there you go. Random points about what has been going on. Not very interesting but...nobody promised it would be.
Its been too hot to do almost anything these days. Pretty sure that 80 degrees at 7am is a bad sign.
Mark makes the most incredible creations for dinner. I just follow the reciepe and it turns out pretty good. But my husband thinks..yes, that will taste good together...and I am the lucky woman who doesn't have to do the work!
You know those people you know but they don't know you. I have that. A lot of that. This woman inspires me. And so does she. I read their blogs all the time. Why you may ask? Becuase they are real women with real personalities and real funny insights to motherhood with 2 kids. Makes me remember that real life is fun. Even if I don't have 2 kids. We don't even have 1. Not even 1 on the way. Just to clear the air. :)
I was observed today by the principal for my official review. It makes me sweat. I hate it. It went well. He suggested some improvements that I struggled with accepting. Like the lights when you take notes...he is set that they should be on. I have a long classroom. The kids in the back struggle. But I'll do what he asks.
I'm having a serious hair issue. Long or short? Cut or keep? It's not ugly but could it be cuter. Or is it ugly?
I finished Lord of the Rings the other night. As my husband has said, "I am now officially his wife". Okay, glad we got that out of the way early. And to admit-I'm kinda a closet Rings fan. It was actually pretty good. There I said it. Don't expect to hear it again.
I'm off for a Girls Getaway with one of my favorite people, Lauren. Bring it.
I envy this woman's life. And her pictures. She is so creative. I realize her blog is private but, she probably doesn't even realize I exist so...its okay that I stalk her and her cute family and classic and funny woe's of life with 2 kids. (I'm seeing a pattern! 2 kids = crazy life...notes taken)
I really really want to go to Washington DC.
How do women stay bone skinny. My weight fluctuates by the day. I'm on the upper ends of the scale these days. And my self-discipline to stop the madness is struggling.
Saw my dad's headstone for the first time on my Sister-in-Law's blog. (I guess its my brother's blog too but he hardly writes so...its her's now). Got all emotional again. Its still so surreal. The other day my students were looking at pictures from the wedding in my classroom and she said, "Thats your pops?" yeah...thats him. I miss him.
I've recently got in touch again with my oldest friend Tabitha. Reading her blog makes me happy. We were friends For.Ever. Literally. When it comes to childhood, she was it! Following her life again makes me happy.
Pretty sure I've seen my husband for a total of 2 hours this week. Wow. Our schedules stink. He surprised me tonight for half an hour before he was off again. This is why he is amazing. I like him.
I'm tutoring this year. First time ever. Its a load of work. If my fail rate doesn't drop some points I'm going to be mad.
I got online tonight to do some work on our Wedding Album. Its been 3 hours. I've successfully read everyone-I-knows blog...twice. And a few people I don't. Nice work!
So there you go. Random points about what has been going on. Not very interesting but...nobody promised it would be.
August 30, 2009
Former Students
I have reached a milestone! Last Friday my former student who has graduated stopped by to visit. Sure I've had kids stop by the next year on their way from one class to another, but now I've been there long enough to see them graduate and then have them come back! Fun.
My first student to visit was Kenneth Peyton who I wish I got a picture with but didn't. I've had Kenny in my class since the first day of my first year at La Sierra. Back as a sophomore this boy was just a short lad. Maybe 5.5. Then I had him his Junior year as my TA and then his Senior year in Yearbook. To say the least, he is just one of my favorite kids. By graduation, my little 5.5 sophomore towered over me at a staggering 6.4. He laughed as he visited saying he remembers how afraid he was of me that first year cuz I was so tall. What a great kid!
Friday this little gem, Amanda Sanchez, came in to say hello. Now SHE is a funny girl for a few reasons. She was in my yearbook class just until the book was finished then sort of "dropped out" for the last 3 months. But I remember we would sit several times a week by my desk and just talk about nothing. Her boyfriend, and my religion, and her job. She'd give me relationship advice since she had been with her boyfriend for 4 years and I was just starting out. (I guess she felt that after I had decided to marry him after just a few months, I needed all the advice she could give!) We laugh becuase she got in an accident driving to the Cross Country meet to take pictures for yearbook. And not just a fender bender, she totaled her car! Its funny now.
My all time classic conversation with Amanda was just before I got married and she said..."Miss Wright, let me just tell you, sex is going to change your life!" Oh thank you Amanda! And why is the picture above so blurry you may ask, because we are laughing when she smelled my hair and said I smelled "sexy". Wow.
I love these kids. I love my job. And I especially love when my graduated favorites actually thought I was neat enough that they want to come back to visit. Self--great day!
My first student to visit was Kenneth Peyton who I wish I got a picture with but didn't. I've had Kenny in my class since the first day of my first year at La Sierra. Back as a sophomore this boy was just a short lad. Maybe 5.5. Then I had him his Junior year as my TA and then his Senior year in Yearbook. To say the least, he is just one of my favorite kids. By graduation, my little 5.5 sophomore towered over me at a staggering 6.4. He laughed as he visited saying he remembers how afraid he was of me that first year cuz I was so tall. What a great kid!
Friday this little gem, Amanda Sanchez, came in to say hello. Now SHE is a funny girl for a few reasons. She was in my yearbook class just until the book was finished then sort of "dropped out" for the last 3 months. But I remember we would sit several times a week by my desk and just talk about nothing. Her boyfriend, and my religion, and her job. She'd give me relationship advice since she had been with her boyfriend for 4 years and I was just starting out. (I guess she felt that after I had decided to marry him after just a few months, I needed all the advice she could give!) We laugh becuase she got in an accident driving to the Cross Country meet to take pictures for yearbook. And not just a fender bender, she totaled her car! Its funny now.
My all time classic conversation with Amanda was just before I got married and she said..."Miss Wright, let me just tell you, sex is going to change your life!" Oh thank you Amanda! And why is the picture above so blurry you may ask, because we are laughing when she smelled my hair and said I smelled "sexy". Wow. I love these kids. I love my job. And I especially love when my graduated favorites actually thought I was neat enough that they want to come back to visit. Self--great day!
Between 3 and 5
Between 3 and 5 minutes of life we will never get back.
And I thought we had more sophisticated means of transportation. Obviously I was wrong. The train tracks just beyond our apartment complex are well used and it doesn't seem to matter when either of us leave for the freeway; we are stuck waiting for the train to pass.
Delightful.
August 27, 2009
Overturned Leaf
Is it possible to overturn your "new leaf". And how often can one get a new leaf to turn cuz I'm pretty sure I've reached the max.
1) Running: I really do like to run. I enjoy the fresh air, and the quiet and the good old fashioned "work out" feeling afterword. I like it so much I signed up to run a Half. But for whatever reason the motivation factor is struggling. I find that more often then not I have to talk myself into it, usually resulting in a lost battle. This in turn results in a promise to "turn over a new leaf" and be better for the rest of the training. Can I do this every week? It is not going well.
2) "Diet": I use this term loosely because I don't really ever say I'm dieting but rather being more careful and aware of what I am eating so as to stop this feeling of expansion. And yet, once again, my determination last until about noon when suddenly I stop trying. Terrible to say that "tomorrow I'll start".
3) Professional Dress: At the beginning of the year I set a goal to dress professional everyday except Friday through at least October. I made it 10 days. That is almost like October right? 10th month...10 days. Same thing.
4) Thursday meetings: Being that I have just come from another worthless meeting, I find that my feelings of "team player-dom" and "just do it" are struggling. Alas, I haven't had to re-turn this leaf yet but after an hour long meeting covering items such as the new stores opening in the mall, which malls in the area are the best, the new menu at Starbucks, and the fact that the word habitual has the word "***" in it makes it fun for the students. Really? What bothers me most is we all say we want to make a common assessment for midterms, and we say we are going to all submit questions and then nobody ever does. I volunteered to type up and format the midterm with the combined questions and no one submitted questions. We spent (I kid you not) TWO MINUTES looking over what I had done and that was IT! The rest of the time we wasted. Call me what you will, but I'm struggling finding a purpose for my attendence.
On a better note:
1) Running: I really do like to run. I enjoy the fresh air, and the quiet and the good old fashioned "work out" feeling afterword. I like it so much I signed up to run a Half. But for whatever reason the motivation factor is struggling. I find that more often then not I have to talk myself into it, usually resulting in a lost battle. This in turn results in a promise to "turn over a new leaf" and be better for the rest of the training. Can I do this every week? It is not going well.
2) "Diet": I use this term loosely because I don't really ever say I'm dieting but rather being more careful and aware of what I am eating so as to stop this feeling of expansion. And yet, once again, my determination last until about noon when suddenly I stop trying. Terrible to say that "tomorrow I'll start".
3) Professional Dress: At the beginning of the year I set a goal to dress professional everyday except Friday through at least October. I made it 10 days. That is almost like October right? 10th month...10 days. Same thing.
4) Thursday meetings: Being that I have just come from another worthless meeting, I find that my feelings of "team player-dom" and "just do it" are struggling. Alas, I haven't had to re-turn this leaf yet but after an hour long meeting covering items such as the new stores opening in the mall, which malls in the area are the best, the new menu at Starbucks, and the fact that the word habitual has the word "***" in it makes it fun for the students. Really? What bothers me most is we all say we want to make a common assessment for midterms, and we say we are going to all submit questions and then nobody ever does. I volunteered to type up and format the midterm with the combined questions and no one submitted questions. We spent (I kid you not) TWO MINUTES looking over what I had done and that was IT! The rest of the time we wasted. Call me what you will, but I'm struggling finding a purpose for my attendence.
On a better note:
- I started using Teleparent to contact parents about their kids and tutoring options
- It's payday
- The Dragon for Fantasmic is fixed and in the show again.
- Mark is going to take me to the park to ride Haunted Mansion before it has its Jack Skeleton remake for the Halloween-Christmas junk.
- I can run 8 miles and still feel good about life.
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