Wednesday, September 30, 2009

FLU + sick teachers = CRAZO bees

Flu has struck my school. I did my part by staying home for a WEEK, but somehow it has still made it. Major bummer since two core teachers are absent today. At my school, we don't do subs. Ever. Which means, crazo day for the teachers that are here. It's like the bees can pick up on the stress of the grown-ups and start acting like a hot. busted. mess. Hm...

They are pretty out of control today. I've valiantly tried to act normal and keep up the routines. But it's NOT working. They still are trying to get away with any and everything. SO, I've decided to hide for a little while. Poor sick teachers...poor well teachers.

On a happier note, I had leftover pizza and salad for lunch. It was scrumptious. I highly recommend Jet's Pizza on Nipper's Corner. Mmm! Wait, I'm teaching the kids to avoid forms of "be" in their writing. So, try again--My leftover pizza and salad tasted scrumptious. Better.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Happy Monday!

I am so tough. I totally was mean today, and my kids totally went for it. I even called a parent tonight just to let her know about her busy bee. I mean, I'm still not the toughest teacher out there, but I'm starting to be more assertive and actually believe the bees will follow my directions. Victory!

Now, I'm watching House. Still haven't planted my mums or cleaned my bathroom. However, things are looking up. Oh, and my youngest sister ROCKED her thingy on Saturday. She was a star, and I'm so proud of her. Yesterday (Sunday) was one of the happiest ever. Amazing (and challenging) sermon and then complete relaxation with the fam. Then, I made it back in great time to school.

Let's all pray it's a happy week. I'm so blessed!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday

I am feeling good today.

I mean, yes, my room recently flooded and books are everywhere. Yes, my busy bees are COMPLETELY insane. And yes, I still do not have one single picture, mirror, etc. hanging in my bedroom. However, I am still feeling good.

To be fair, I am a little worried about a couple of things. I'm worried about my friend in Spain. I have not even heard if her flight landed safely. I am a little worried about my youngest sister this weekend because she has to get up on stage and sing in front of lots of people. I am a little worried because I have night class at 5:30 and am always late. Finally, I'm a little worried because I'm not sure if I'm actually teaching my kids anything...

However, I am still feeling good. Hope you're feeling good, too!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

It's been a good day.

Every day is a challenge, but every day good things happen. It's sometimes hard to remember all the good things but today I was reminded how important that is.

Last night, I woke up at 4 am with a horrible nightmare. I could not go back to sleep and stayed awake for over an hour. At some point, I must have gone back to sleep because that alarm scared me to death. It was a terrible dream about trying to escape and having no way to leave. None of the cars had gas, some had flat tires, etc. It was super weird and super realistic. I don't usually remember my dreams, so maybe it was the taco bell I had for dinner.

Anyway, my day started off a little fuzzy just because I didn't get enough sleep. Then, my precious busy bees were crazy as usual. I did get a little bit of "love" at breakfast from a few sleepy kids. However, for the most part, they were pretty crazo. Then, in one class, a student made a TRULY remarkable personal connection to a challenging text we were reading. I was so blown away (and almost in tears). It was a special moment and really helped to shape the classroom culture.

After that, my groups and the other classes were pretty chaotic. And tonight, I am probably going to be at school until 7pm. But I will stay positive and remember that comment all day. It was wonderful.

Oh and P.S. Another one of my little bees wrote in the comment section of the student survey "Why can't I go to recess?!?" :Z Good question.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Back to School!

After being out an entire week, I am headed back to school tomorrow. I feel like I'm starting a new job. A week is a long time to miss work, and I feel super out of the loop. Plus, I was feeling TERRIBLE!! This means I accomplished nothing so now feel super stressed AND super behind.

Please pray for me as I go back.

Plus, it's also the first day for me as far as working with small groups. I am starting that tomorrow. Oh my!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Oh happy day!

Sometimes our kids just blow me away. Today I asked a student to visualize a fight we read about in a book. I first got just a repeat of what the book said. Then I asked the student what the characters looked like. He proceeded to give me an exact description of each person, each gang member's outfit, shade of skin, and hairstyle. I was blown away. I asked him about what was going on. He said one of the gang members pushed the main character into a mailbox and that's how the fight started. Was there a mailox in the book? Absolutely not.

Whoa. Just a happy reminder that we are actually accomplishing something. Closing the AG one precious child at a time!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Oh me, oh my!

I was here till 7pm last night, and it's looking like another late one. I have a meeting that goes from 3:20-4 and another team meeting from 4-??. This is all well and good except for that one extra meeting I have beginning at 6pm tonight. Weekend, can you get here any faster?

Pray for peace and serenity...