Last night Caleb (10) had a field trip to the Dallas Summer Musical to see Happy Days. I have not been to a musical in more than 20 years and I was really looking forward to going.
I coordinated with the husband to drop off Daniel (6) because I did not want to keep him out late. We met at Starbucks and then I waited for the bus leading the convoy of parents so I could join in with them. Going to Dallas makes me a bit nervous anyway so I was much happier to follow them than to risk getting lost on my own.
We stopped at On The Border for dinner and I ate with 2 other moms that are also teachers in the district. The best thing was the kids all ate with their teachers and we ate on the other side of the wall in the restaurant. I should have a salad but the enchiladas were yummy.
Caleb had never been to a musical before but he really enjoyed it. There was singing and dancing, as you would expect at a musical. I was shocked and happy to know that he enjoyed the musical. When we were leaving, I signed him out so we could drive straight home instead of having to go back to school, he said he wanted to go see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when it comes out.
We arrived home about 11:30 last night. This was a very late night but worth every minute of it. I had forgotten how much fun musicals can be and Caleb really enjoyed it. I am hoping to take my parents to see Wizard of Oz in June, Mom's b-day and Father's Day combined, and then take my fam to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang late June early July when it comes out.
I do not know if anyone reads this blog or not but if you do I would highly recommend going to see a musical this summer with your kids.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Addiction
Addiction--
–noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
(from dictionary.com)
The definition makes the word sound so terrible, like we would not want an addiction. Growing up I always knew that I had an addictive personality meaning that I could and would easily become addicted to stuff so I have tried my best to steer clear of 'bad' things, smoking, drugs, you know, bad stuff.
My mother warned about the bad stuff so I knew what to look for, back then in the 70's and 80's. Bring us to today and the 'new bad stuff', the things my mother NEVER warned me about. Facebook, Webkinz, Twitter, Blog, this list could go on and on. They all surround the computer and cyberspace. I fully embrace technology and all that it has to offer. =)
This can be a good thing or this can be a bad thing. Good--I am able to search out new trends in teaching and find better ways to reach my students. I am able to see where my students are and reach them at that place. Bad--I seem to never be far from my computer.
Now I do not feel that I am the only one to accept blame in my addiction. First I blame my parents, especially my mom. She did not warn me of the evils of cyberspace when I was growing up. Therefore, this addiction must be her fault. Second I blame my husband. He is the one that insisted we get wireless in the house so my lap top could be used anywhere, including the backyard. See, not my fault. (I'm sounding like my children and students laying blame on others. Wonder who I can blame that on?)
Facebook was a real blast when my friend told me to get on. She said it was a way to keep in touch. I guess I can blame her (I will call her T to protect her alleged innocence in this.) for my Facebook addiction. At first I looked up every person I had ever crossed paths with in my life. After exhausting that avenue I started taking quizzes. Then came FarmTown. In less than a week I am a level 9 farmer. Go me. I can blame that on Ellie Mae (someones FT name), if only she hadn't said how much fun it was in her status updates.
Webkinz, cute and cuddly little toys, similar to beanie babies (which we shall NOT discuss). How much fun, until you realize that if you adopt the pet of the month you get a goody bag and lots of stuff that only pet of the month adopters can get. For this I shall blame my good friend Cluck (again trying to protect the alleged innocent.). She bought me two sweet little toys, Petunia the lil Kinz pig and Happy the lil Kinz hippo. Currently I have 30 and they require daily care so they do not get sick. Oh my.
Twitter is fun and I can update on my phone as well as the web. There is no one to blame on this addiction. I opened my very own Twitter account and had my friends do the same.
Blogging is fun, not so much an addiction at this point but something I want to do. I do this for me and no one else. My friend T, the Facebook fiend (not a typo), has a funny blog and I love to read it. Last year in my summer class we had a blog so I had a taste of it then. My goal is to blog daily but that goal has already been broken since I did not blog yesterday, blame it on FB. I need to work on my writing skills so this is the best way to accomplish that desire. Hopefully in the next year or so I will write an article and have it published in a math magazine. Hmmm, what to write about for that?
I really am not addicted, but if I am addicted I will blame my mother. Thanks Mom.
–noun
the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
(from dictionary.com)
The definition makes the word sound so terrible, like we would not want an addiction. Growing up I always knew that I had an addictive personality meaning that I could and would easily become addicted to stuff so I have tried my best to steer clear of 'bad' things, smoking, drugs, you know, bad stuff.
My mother warned about the bad stuff so I knew what to look for, back then in the 70's and 80's. Bring us to today and the 'new bad stuff', the things my mother NEVER warned me about. Facebook, Webkinz, Twitter, Blog, this list could go on and on. They all surround the computer and cyberspace. I fully embrace technology and all that it has to offer. =)
This can be a good thing or this can be a bad thing. Good--I am able to search out new trends in teaching and find better ways to reach my students. I am able to see where my students are and reach them at that place. Bad--I seem to never be far from my computer.
Now I do not feel that I am the only one to accept blame in my addiction. First I blame my parents, especially my mom. She did not warn me of the evils of cyberspace when I was growing up. Therefore, this addiction must be her fault. Second I blame my husband. He is the one that insisted we get wireless in the house so my lap top could be used anywhere, including the backyard. See, not my fault. (I'm sounding like my children and students laying blame on others. Wonder who I can blame that on?)
Facebook was a real blast when my friend told me to get on. She said it was a way to keep in touch. I guess I can blame her (I will call her T to protect her alleged innocence in this.) for my Facebook addiction. At first I looked up every person I had ever crossed paths with in my life. After exhausting that avenue I started taking quizzes. Then came FarmTown. In less than a week I am a level 9 farmer. Go me. I can blame that on Ellie Mae (someones FT name), if only she hadn't said how much fun it was in her status updates.
Webkinz, cute and cuddly little toys, similar to beanie babies (which we shall NOT discuss). How much fun, until you realize that if you adopt the pet of the month you get a goody bag and lots of stuff that only pet of the month adopters can get. For this I shall blame my good friend Cluck (again trying to protect the alleged innocent.). She bought me two sweet little toys, Petunia the lil Kinz pig and Happy the lil Kinz hippo. Currently I have 30 and they require daily care so they do not get sick. Oh my.
Twitter is fun and I can update on my phone as well as the web. There is no one to blame on this addiction. I opened my very own Twitter account and had my friends do the same.
Blogging is fun, not so much an addiction at this point but something I want to do. I do this for me and no one else. My friend T, the Facebook fiend (not a typo), has a funny blog and I love to read it. Last year in my summer class we had a blog so I had a taste of it then. My goal is to blog daily but that goal has already been broken since I did not blog yesterday, blame it on FB. I need to work on my writing skills so this is the best way to accomplish that desire. Hopefully in the next year or so I will write an article and have it published in a math magazine. Hmmm, what to write about for that?
I really am not addicted, but if I am addicted I will blame my mother. Thanks Mom.
Friday, May 22, 2009
BMX
Tonight Josh and Caleb both raced in their first BMX races. They did a pretty good job too. Josh came in 2nd and Caleb came in 3rd (different age groups).
Daniel and I drove to Desoto this evening, I was happy we did not get lost. Todd had taken the big boys down earlier so they could register. They each rode in 2 qualifying rounds and then made it to the main event.
The weather was perfect for the race, not too hot, not too cold. I had on jeans and a t-shirt with flip flops and was comfortable. Daniel wore shorts and a t-shirt and he was fine...but he is only 6. The only people that were sweating were the riders and that is because they were riding.
Some of the more experienced riders were doing jumps, I was really impressed. Motocross is exciting but very loud, BMX is exciting and not loud at all. This is a much better sport.
Both Josh and Caleb wore motorcross pants, shirts, and helmets to race with their tennis shoes. Kody, Josh's friend, went with them to race. This was also his first race. The boys went to the track for the first time on Monday and then had another practice on Thursday night. This is gonna be a fun summer.
Daniel and I drove to Desoto this evening, I was happy we did not get lost. Todd had taken the big boys down earlier so they could register. They each rode in 2 qualifying rounds and then made it to the main event.
The weather was perfect for the race, not too hot, not too cold. I had on jeans and a t-shirt with flip flops and was comfortable. Daniel wore shorts and a t-shirt and he was fine...but he is only 6. The only people that were sweating were the riders and that is because they were riding.
Some of the more experienced riders were doing jumps, I was really impressed. Motocross is exciting but very loud, BMX is exciting and not loud at all. This is a much better sport.
Both Josh and Caleb wore motorcross pants, shirts, and helmets to race with their tennis shoes. Kody, Josh's friend, went with them to race. This was also his first race. The boys went to the track for the first time on Monday and then had another practice on Thursday night. This is gonna be a fun summer.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Cold vs. Hot
I'm wearing jammie pants and a long sleeved jammie shirt, and I'm cold. The sad thing is that it is 85 outside. This is normal for me, I am usually the one wrapped up in a blanket in the middle of August in Texas heat.
When I lived under the roof of my parents my Dad would get upset with me because I would wear sweats be covered with a blanket and whine about being cold. I can understand him being upset about me whining but not with the fact I was cold.
My parents are strange...but I love them anyway. They are related to the polar bear. In the dead of winter, in Indiana, they would sleep with a little sheet on and not much else. Did I mention they would have the windows open? I swear, you could hang meat in their bedroom. I remember one time putting a glass of water on the night stand and in the morning it had turned to ice. Really, this is true.
As you can probably guess my parents and I are on opposite sides of the temperature divide. Is one right and the other wrong? This has been the question for as long as I can remember. I am cold and wish they would turn the heat up. Dad says put on clothes, I already have layers on and a blanket. My parents wish it would cool down and stay that way.
As an adult, I now find it fun talk about how cold I am when I'm around my parents, especially my dad. I'm not sure if he has realized this has turned into a game. I will look for opportunities to complain about being cold even if I'm not cold. I try to put on one of Dad's long sleeved shits on just to play my hand. If nothing else, Dad will give me that look. I win.
When I lived under the roof of my parents my Dad would get upset with me because I would wear sweats be covered with a blanket and whine about being cold. I can understand him being upset about me whining but not with the fact I was cold.
My parents are strange...but I love them anyway. They are related to the polar bear. In the dead of winter, in Indiana, they would sleep with a little sheet on and not much else. Did I mention they would have the windows open? I swear, you could hang meat in their bedroom. I remember one time putting a glass of water on the night stand and in the morning it had turned to ice. Really, this is true.
As you can probably guess my parents and I are on opposite sides of the temperature divide. Is one right and the other wrong? This has been the question for as long as I can remember. I am cold and wish they would turn the heat up. Dad says put on clothes, I already have layers on and a blanket. My parents wish it would cool down and stay that way.
As an adult, I now find it fun talk about how cold I am when I'm around my parents, especially my dad. I'm not sure if he has realized this has turned into a game. I will look for opportunities to complain about being cold even if I'm not cold. I try to put on one of Dad's long sleeved shits on just to play my hand. If nothing else, Dad will give me that look. I win.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hmmmm
May 8, 2009, I walked across the stage to receive my masters degree. Wow, full time teacher, full time mom, full time wife and I finally finished. Am I proud? Of course I am.
Now I sit here and I think that I only have 5 more upper level math classes to take and I will be 'qualified' to teach college. Hmmmm, only 5 more classes. I like the sound of that.
I will take one of the classes in the summer 1 session. That means, and I am qualified to say this since I teach 7th grade math, that I will only have 4 more classes after summer 1. I know this because 5-1=4.
4 more classes. Sounds even better. I have looked at my choices for classes that will fit into my schedule and only one will work, History of Math. Luckily for me I am a pack rat and saved my notes from my undergrad HOM class. Do I think the class will be the same as undergrad? No but having my notes can't hurt me since the same professor will teach this class. =)
Now I sit here and I think that I only have 5 more upper level math classes to take and I will be 'qualified' to teach college. Hmmmm, only 5 more classes. I like the sound of that.
I will take one of the classes in the summer 1 session. That means, and I am qualified to say this since I teach 7th grade math, that I will only have 4 more classes after summer 1. I know this because 5-1=4.
4 more classes. Sounds even better. I have looked at my choices for classes that will fit into my schedule and only one will work, History of Math. Luckily for me I am a pack rat and saved my notes from my undergrad HOM class. Do I think the class will be the same as undergrad? No but having my notes can't hurt me since the same professor will teach this class. =)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Toothpick Bridges
Toothpick bridges are one of my favorite projects to do. There is a lot of math involved and the students must do a lot of problem solving.
I am very impressed with one of my students this year. During the year he did very little in class, next too nothing, except disrupt the learning opportunities of the class. I tried everything I could think of to reach out to this boy but nothing seemed to work.
Our state test came and went and now we are doing my favorite project. Each class is divided into teams and they have to decide who gets what job.
This boy's team allowed him to be the architect. He was very excited about this job. All he did was talk about it. When he came to class with his design, he had to create a blueprint, he did the math and did it correctly. He also had figured out exactly how much money to spend on each item. I was really impressed.
Teaching is a thankless job. Some parents send the children and consider us to be nothing more than glorified babysitters. Other parents have 'checked out' and the children raise themselves. There are times when teachers are blamed for everything wrong with society. Then there are the students you are able to reach and they light up. This is one things that makes teaching worthwhile.
I am very impressed with one of my students this year. During the year he did very little in class, next too nothing, except disrupt the learning opportunities of the class. I tried everything I could think of to reach out to this boy but nothing seemed to work.
Our state test came and went and now we are doing my favorite project. Each class is divided into teams and they have to decide who gets what job.
This boy's team allowed him to be the architect. He was very excited about this job. All he did was talk about it. When he came to class with his design, he had to create a blueprint, he did the math and did it correctly. He also had figured out exactly how much money to spend on each item. I was really impressed.
Teaching is a thankless job. Some parents send the children and consider us to be nothing more than glorified babysitters. Other parents have 'checked out' and the children raise themselves. There are times when teachers are blamed for everything wrong with society. Then there are the students you are able to reach and they light up. This is one things that makes teaching worthwhile.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tomorrow is a new day?
6 years ago, tomorrow, Daniel was born via C-section. I would not wish that on anyone. Josh was all natural, no labor, Caleb was C-section because his head was too big and Daniel was C by default.
Todd has taken the older two boys to ride at a BMX park in Desoto. They have decided that they want to race and that is fine with me. Summer is coming up and I do not want lazy children, they need something to work toward.
Daniel and I were going to go out to eat, somewhere cheap, and I let him pick. Now where do you think a boy on the verge of 6 wants to go? That's right, McDonald's. Off we go for his last meal as a 5 year old boy. He had a chicken nugget happy meal with sweet and sour sauce. He was so proud that he was able to get his own drink at the fountain.
He ate his dinner like a big boy then he went to play. Since he ate all of his dinner he was allowed to have a yogurt parfait. Such little requests from someone so close to being grown up.
I hope the magic of youth never ends. He knows the Easter Bunny does not exist. I will be upset when he realizes that Santa and the Tooth Fairy are also Mom and Dad. Childhood is such a precious time. The innocence of youth.
A hug and kiss from Mom can heal most of life's woes. Holding hands is something that Daniel looks forward to.
The other boys have left this magical time of life and part of me is sad. Growing pains suck, even for moms...
Todd has taken the older two boys to ride at a BMX park in Desoto. They have decided that they want to race and that is fine with me. Summer is coming up and I do not want lazy children, they need something to work toward.
Daniel and I were going to go out to eat, somewhere cheap, and I let him pick. Now where do you think a boy on the verge of 6 wants to go? That's right, McDonald's. Off we go for his last meal as a 5 year old boy. He had a chicken nugget happy meal with sweet and sour sauce. He was so proud that he was able to get his own drink at the fountain.
He ate his dinner like a big boy then he went to play. Since he ate all of his dinner he was allowed to have a yogurt parfait. Such little requests from someone so close to being grown up.
I hope the magic of youth never ends. He knows the Easter Bunny does not exist. I will be upset when he realizes that Santa and the Tooth Fairy are also Mom and Dad. Childhood is such a precious time. The innocence of youth.
A hug and kiss from Mom can heal most of life's woes. Holding hands is something that Daniel looks forward to.
The other boys have left this magical time of life and part of me is sad. Growing pains suck, even for moms...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Angels & Demons....Mom & Dad
Today my Mom and Dad took me to see Angels & Demons in Athens. We met at the theater and Dad bought the tickets, I was on my own to get pop corn and a drink. I wish they would have had a diet drink other than Coke. The fake butter for pop corn, the one that clogs arteries and causes heart attacks, of course I used some and the pop corn salt too.
The movie was good. I must admit that I was not able to guess the ending. If you know me, then you know this is not unusual for me. My parents did not guess the ending either and that is surprising.
When I go to the theater I always carry my cell phone so I can add to my list of movies to see and when they come out. My mom, bless her heart, did not like me using my phone during the previews. I was not texting, only adding to my list. Poor mom, poor poor mom. She is on the other side of the technology gap. I was surprised when she knew what a blog was. =)
When the movie was over we went to eat a quick bite of lunch. I offered to pay but dad would not let me. We went to McAllister's Deli, the food was pretty good. I could go back with all my boys and I do believe there would be something for everyone.
After lunch, Wal-Mart was on the agenda for me. We parted ways and off I went to get groceries.
Today was nice and somewhat relaxing. I was able to finish laundry and they made my husband happy, which is why he let me go to see the movie with my parents.
The movie was good. I must admit that I was not able to guess the ending. If you know me, then you know this is not unusual for me. My parents did not guess the ending either and that is surprising.
When I go to the theater I always carry my cell phone so I can add to my list of movies to see and when they come out. My mom, bless her heart, did not like me using my phone during the previews. I was not texting, only adding to my list. Poor mom, poor poor mom. She is on the other side of the technology gap. I was surprised when she knew what a blog was. =)
When the movie was over we went to eat a quick bite of lunch. I offered to pay but dad would not let me. We went to McAllister's Deli, the food was pretty good. I could go back with all my boys and I do believe there would be something for everyone.
After lunch, Wal-Mart was on the agenda for me. We parted ways and off I went to get groceries.
Today was nice and somewhat relaxing. I was able to finish laundry and they made my husband happy, which is why he let me go to see the movie with my parents.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Children
My husband has gone to pick up the oldest, Josh-15, from my parent's house. I am home with Caleb-10 and Daniel-5 (will be 6 Tuesday).
It had been raining almost all day and they needed to go out to play so out went Caleb and Daniel. Caleb texted me to tell me where they were playing and I was pleased that he sent me a message to tell me where they were. Time had passed, the house was nice and peaceful, when I decided the boys needed to come in. I did what any normal mom would do, I sent a text to tell them to come in.
In they came, along with half the mud in the whole neighborhood! Yes it had been raining. I understand that boys are dirt magnets, but to have so much on them...and the floor had been mopped today.
They were ordered into the bathroom to strip and shower. Being such close brothers, this was not going to happen. Heaven forbid they shower together. Daniel goes in and bathes. Caleb decides he wants to sit on the couch, covered in mud. Seriously now. When he was promptly ordered off the couch, he accused me of treating him like a dog. He went to sit elsewhere.
Out bounced Daniel from the shower and in went Caleb. Daniel put on his Hulk jammies and asked for a piece of meat. He makes me laugh. =)
Now both of the little ones are clean and in their jammies eating meat. I am going to sweep the floor before hubby gets home with Josh. They are headed back from my parents and I have about 45 minutes to get the floor done.
It had been raining almost all day and they needed to go out to play so out went Caleb and Daniel. Caleb texted me to tell me where they were playing and I was pleased that he sent me a message to tell me where they were. Time had passed, the house was nice and peaceful, when I decided the boys needed to come in. I did what any normal mom would do, I sent a text to tell them to come in.
In they came, along with half the mud in the whole neighborhood! Yes it had been raining. I understand that boys are dirt magnets, but to have so much on them...and the floor had been mopped today.
They were ordered into the bathroom to strip and shower. Being such close brothers, this was not going to happen. Heaven forbid they shower together. Daniel goes in and bathes. Caleb decides he wants to sit on the couch, covered in mud. Seriously now. When he was promptly ordered off the couch, he accused me of treating him like a dog. He went to sit elsewhere.
Out bounced Daniel from the shower and in went Caleb. Daniel put on his Hulk jammies and asked for a piece of meat. He makes me laugh. =)
Now both of the little ones are clean and in their jammies eating meat. I am going to sweep the floor before hubby gets home with Josh. They are headed back from my parents and I have about 45 minutes to get the floor done.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Frustrating Friday
I don't know what to write about but I have decided that I will write anyway. I'm frustrated with life right now. I really would like to get away for a weekend. Not too sure what I would do if I had a free weekend...maybe go shopping, catch a movie, sleep...who knows?
My ideal weekend would have a soft bed with thick soft sheets. The room would be the perfect temperature to sleep, my kind of temperature not my dad's temperature. I would be able to snuggle up under the covers and drift off listening to New Kids on the Block and play a couple of games of Solitare on my iPod. This is my usual night time ritual so I would not change that.
I would wake up when I want, no alarm or dog or children to disturb my slumber. I would get out of bed when I decide. I would not make breakfast or have to clean up after anyone.
Alas this is not what my weekend will consist of. Tomorrow I have a workshop in Richardson that will start at 9. I will leave my house at 7:30 because I have a standing date with Starbucks for a Triple Venti 2 Splenda Skinny Caramel. The workshop is a good one, SimCalc. I will learn alot that I will be able to take back to my kiddos. After the workshop I will go to the mall to return a cell phone and maybe look for some capris.
When I get home we will probably load up and go to Mom's house to pick up Josh. He is working out there to earn a truck. Great deal for my parents and him. He gets a truck and they get teenage labor...I get a weekend away from my teenager and I do not have to worry about who he is with or what he is doing. Don't get me wrong, I really do love him but his mouth, his mouth...
Sunday will be church and family time. Hopefully I will get laundry and shopping done on Saturday but I don't see that happening so I'm sure that will take place on Sunday.
My ideal weekend would have a soft bed with thick soft sheets. The room would be the perfect temperature to sleep, my kind of temperature not my dad's temperature. I would be able to snuggle up under the covers and drift off listening to New Kids on the Block and play a couple of games of Solitare on my iPod. This is my usual night time ritual so I would not change that.
I would wake up when I want, no alarm or dog or children to disturb my slumber. I would get out of bed when I decide. I would not make breakfast or have to clean up after anyone.
Alas this is not what my weekend will consist of. Tomorrow I have a workshop in Richardson that will start at 9. I will leave my house at 7:30 because I have a standing date with Starbucks for a Triple Venti 2 Splenda Skinny Caramel. The workshop is a good one, SimCalc. I will learn alot that I will be able to take back to my kiddos. After the workshop I will go to the mall to return a cell phone and maybe look for some capris.
When I get home we will probably load up and go to Mom's house to pick up Josh. He is working out there to earn a truck. Great deal for my parents and him. He gets a truck and they get teenage labor...I get a weekend away from my teenager and I do not have to worry about who he is with or what he is doing. Don't get me wrong, I really do love him but his mouth, his mouth...
Sunday will be church and family time. Hopefully I will get laundry and shopping done on Saturday but I don't see that happening so I'm sure that will take place on Sunday.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Professors and Grades
I have my masters degree. Actually I walked on the 8th of May but I am still watiting to have the degree show up on my transcript. This semester I took 2 classes and finished all the requirements for both. This was a freaky semester....there is not enough time to get into all of the events now.
One of the professors graded and posted in a timely fashion. Way to go Dr. H!!! This was the only class I needed to graduate and was very happy to write my last paper.
The other professor, the one who taught the class I didn't need to graduate, had a crazy semester, similar to my semester. I can understand family things getting in the way of school as it happened to me. What bothers me is that she has graded very few of my papers. One of them was turned in on March 24 and today is May 14. That is one that has not been graded, seriously.
My world turned upside down but I managed to get my stuff together, for both classes, and get it turned in. All I'm asking is that she grade my papers and give me the grade that I deserve.
Am I asking too much? I really don't think so...
One of the professors graded and posted in a timely fashion. Way to go Dr. H!!! This was the only class I needed to graduate and was very happy to write my last paper.
The other professor, the one who taught the class I didn't need to graduate, had a crazy semester, similar to my semester. I can understand family things getting in the way of school as it happened to me. What bothers me is that she has graded very few of my papers. One of them was turned in on March 24 and today is May 14. That is one that has not been graded, seriously.
My world turned upside down but I managed to get my stuff together, for both classes, and get it turned in. All I'm asking is that she grade my papers and give me the grade that I deserve.
Am I asking too much? I really don't think so...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Flat Toothpicks
I am a math teacher and I love to have my students build toothpick bridges at the end of the year. They are still doing math but having fun with the whole project.
The materials needed are cardboard, white glue, wax paper, thread and flat toothpicks. This is inexpensive and fun for everyone involved. The first year I had difficulty finding the flat toothpicks because my local Wal-mart did not have them where I thought they should be. Last year I knew where to find them and was very happy that I did not spend a lot of time looking.
This year I waited until the week before the students were to start building to purchase the supplies. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to find cardboard, glue, thread, wax paper and flat toothpicks? Let me tell you, very hard!
Toothpicks are in every store that I have been to, round toothpicks. I need flat toothpicks for the project. About 2,500 of them. I started my quest at Wal-mart...3 of them. Only round toothpicks were to be found. I then went to Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Same problem, only round toothpicks, no flat ones.
Today my youngest child was ill, just a sinus infection, so I stayed home from school. My husband, after taking the oldest to the orthodontist, came home and kept the children so I could look for flat toothpicks. I started with Hobby Lobby. They didn't even have toothpicks, only some wierd pieces of wood.
Then I went to Mardels. An associate told me to try Party City. Party City told me to try Tom Thumb. On my way to Tom Thumb I hit another Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Office Max, Target, 99 cent Store, another Office Max then went to Tom Thumb.
This Tom Thumb had flat toothpicks but only 2 boxes with 750 each. The manager gave me directions to another TT so I was on my way. I went there but they did not have any flat toothpicks. I was tired and irritable at this point. I went off to yet another TT and they did not have any either. The manager of this store was nice enough to call to find me what I needed. I drove back in the direction I had started and bought 6 more boxes.
By the time I returned home, I had been gone over 6 hours. Do I think my students will really care how much time and effort I spent on locating the toothpicks? No but that is OK.
Next year, when I do this project, I will not have to locate toothpicks. I made sure I bought enough to last for a couple of years. When I run out and do need more, I will order them online and have them delivered!
The materials needed are cardboard, white glue, wax paper, thread and flat toothpicks. This is inexpensive and fun for everyone involved. The first year I had difficulty finding the flat toothpicks because my local Wal-mart did not have them where I thought they should be. Last year I knew where to find them and was very happy that I did not spend a lot of time looking.
This year I waited until the week before the students were to start building to purchase the supplies. I mean, seriously, how hard is it to find cardboard, glue, thread, wax paper and flat toothpicks? Let me tell you, very hard!
Toothpicks are in every store that I have been to, round toothpicks. I need flat toothpicks for the project. About 2,500 of them. I started my quest at Wal-mart...3 of them. Only round toothpicks were to be found. I then went to Big Lots and Dollar Tree. Same problem, only round toothpicks, no flat ones.
Today my youngest child was ill, just a sinus infection, so I stayed home from school. My husband, after taking the oldest to the orthodontist, came home and kept the children so I could look for flat toothpicks. I started with Hobby Lobby. They didn't even have toothpicks, only some wierd pieces of wood.
Then I went to Mardels. An associate told me to try Party City. Party City told me to try Tom Thumb. On my way to Tom Thumb I hit another Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Office Max, Target, 99 cent Store, another Office Max then went to Tom Thumb.
This Tom Thumb had flat toothpicks but only 2 boxes with 750 each. The manager gave me directions to another TT so I was on my way. I went there but they did not have any flat toothpicks. I was tired and irritable at this point. I went off to yet another TT and they did not have any either. The manager of this store was nice enough to call to find me what I needed. I drove back in the direction I had started and bought 6 more boxes.
By the time I returned home, I had been gone over 6 hours. Do I think my students will really care how much time and effort I spent on locating the toothpicks? No but that is OK.
Next year, when I do this project, I will not have to locate toothpicks. I made sure I bought enough to last for a couple of years. When I run out and do need more, I will order them online and have them delivered!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Rights of Dust Bunnies
OK. This is serious. Dust Bunnies have a right to live long lives just like all of God's other creatures. We do not go around killing innocent little dogs and cats, or crabs and lizards, at least not on purpose. I know I have killed a dog...it really wasn't my fault he jumped in front of my car. The crab, well, I'm still not sure why he died...I did everything I could for him. Well, not CPR.
My husband does not agree that dust bunnies have the same rights as our crabs or dog. He feels that they should be slaughtered on sight. Granted, dust bunnies are not as cute and cuddly as the dog, nor are they as entertaining as the crabs, but they still deserve to live.
I see a dust bunny and I will walk to the side and give him space to breathe and grow. If there is one living on the shelf, I give her time to breed and have a family with lots of little dust bunnies of her very own.
My husband feels the need to dust around the tv and kill all the poor innocent little dust bunnies. I can almost understand his thought on this, the tv stand is glass and the hoards of dust bunnies do seem unsightly there. I guess as long as he is willing to take care of them, I should not complain.
There are some things that married people will never agree on and the rights of dust bunnies happens to be one the disagreements in our home. As long as husband and I agree on the important things like 'grown up time' I will not complain when he needlessly slaughters the dust bunnies.
My husband does not agree that dust bunnies have the same rights as our crabs or dog. He feels that they should be slaughtered on sight. Granted, dust bunnies are not as cute and cuddly as the dog, nor are they as entertaining as the crabs, but they still deserve to live.
I see a dust bunny and I will walk to the side and give him space to breathe and grow. If there is one living on the shelf, I give her time to breed and have a family with lots of little dust bunnies of her very own.
My husband feels the need to dust around the tv and kill all the poor innocent little dust bunnies. I can almost understand his thought on this, the tv stand is glass and the hoards of dust bunnies do seem unsightly there. I guess as long as he is willing to take care of them, I should not complain.
There are some things that married people will never agree on and the rights of dust bunnies happens to be one the disagreements in our home. As long as husband and I agree on the important things like 'grown up time' I will not complain when he needlessly slaughters the dust bunnies.
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