YEP it is Wednesday or hump day. Monday we had parent teacher conferences, last night I taught for HCC, tonight is at home, and tomorrow off to a regional EF tours meeting in Wichita. Friday is semi free but Saturday is a political rally if I can make it and Sunday is mass. The first two days of next week repeat this Monday and Tuesday. I suppose I could be busier and I will be the last of March and the first April but right now I am glad for the at home night.
Why do we get so wrapped up in doing and going? Gads! that sounds like Wordsworth's getting and spending. But think about it why can we not say no? I think Americans like to be busy. I know European friends of mine can not understand our willingness of overtime, parttime plus full time work and tons of free time given up as we volunteer for other thankless ( often, not always) tasks. Years ago when my daughters were younger and I was still wed to a worker ( put thatin caps ) farmer,I often met myself coming and going. Funny thing is I loved ,it and now as retirement approaches I wonder what will I do with all the time, but in reality I know from observing retired friends activities will fill the emptied work hours.
To be honest weekends are mine and often I shut the door on Friday and do not really emerge except to walk one of my furry children. I graze for food, but at times I cook, I watch movies on television, knit , and I read in the relative quiet of house with three dogs and myself.Sometimes if I am honest, I am in my pjs the entire time. I find if I do this at least one if not more weekends a month ,I have no need of mental health days during the week. Days such as these allow me to regroup and center myself for another week in the real work day world and its whirl of do this , do that lists.
So like many things in life there has to be a balance to maintain sanity and perspective, mine are weekends with the dogs and me. How do you cope? readers?
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
sunday musings
February is nearly over and that means we have 20_days of school left due to the construction schedule, Yep students are done April 23rd.Now as a teacher do I try to push to get done what should be done in a normal year or to get done well what I can get done. I could also balance the topics to cover and pick and choose which should be done. Luckily I teach a world language so I can
decide and go forth happily especially as I plan one more year behind the desk. Science and math do not have that latitude due assessment testing. Still it is a problem but at the moment they are doing quarter projects in French 1 and 2. French one students
are building models of European landmarks and doing a brief researched (MLA) report on their building. French 2 students are doing cookbooks and presentations. It should be an interesting week.
Parent -teacher conferences are this Monday and next Monday from 5-8:30. Long days which if the right parents come much can be accomplished but they usually do not come. Power school allows them review daily if need be. The first quarter they come in droves ==especially 9th grade parental units. Thrid nine weeks the drop off is amazing. I am finding email is an immediate contact and is replied to about 95% of the time , and of course there are phone calls also.
Another tech aid I am finding useful is remind 101.It is neutral phone number for each class. the students sign on to the contact list and parents can also. I do not know their phone; they do not know mine.Still I can text them reminders of assignments, quizes etc. It kills the I forgot excuse for the most part.
Time to stop this. on a less technical basis I just ripped out a sock again. People have been doing this for year-eons even; yet it stymies me. I think I am going to get it done and then fate steps in. It is a good lesson to know that I can not do it all and accepting that has made my life easier. I face a problem, do what I can and step back. then it is in god's hands and he has yet to fail me even though I fail him. Guess that is the definition of faith---knowing that HE IS THERE WITHOUT QUESTION. So glad i have been given that gift.
decide and go forth happily especially as I plan one more year behind the desk. Science and math do not have that latitude due assessment testing. Still it is a problem but at the moment they are doing quarter projects in French 1 and 2. French one students
are building models of European landmarks and doing a brief researched (MLA) report on their building. French 2 students are doing cookbooks and presentations. It should be an interesting week.
Parent -teacher conferences are this Monday and next Monday from 5-8:30. Long days which if the right parents come much can be accomplished but they usually do not come. Power school allows them review daily if need be. The first quarter they come in droves ==especially 9th grade parental units. Thrid nine weeks the drop off is amazing. I am finding email is an immediate contact and is replied to about 95% of the time , and of course there are phone calls also.
Another tech aid I am finding useful is remind 101.It is neutral phone number for each class. the students sign on to the contact list and parents can also. I do not know their phone; they do not know mine.Still I can text them reminders of assignments, quizes etc. It kills the I forgot excuse for the most part.
Time to stop this. on a less technical basis I just ripped out a sock again. People have been doing this for year-eons even; yet it stymies me. I think I am going to get it done and then fate steps in. It is a good lesson to know that I can not do it all and accepting that has made my life easier. I face a problem, do what I can and step back. then it is in god's hands and he has yet to fail me even though I fail him. Guess that is the definition of faith---knowing that HE IS THERE WITHOUT QUESTION. So glad i have been given that gift.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
no no people
Saturday was an early day. Dogs had been up and down all night and so at 5:30 I was up to stay. Now that is my usual time but on Saturday I like to try to stay in bed a bit longer. Oh well, things got done. Floors swept, garbage out, packages mailed, dishes done and the cox man replaced my outside splitter, and I went to Brewed Awakening for coffee and a brief knit on my sock. Nice moment talking to Sam, a favorite sixteen year old.
However this morning drove to me once again to face a personality trait of mine. I am not particularly proud of it, have tried to alter it but every once in awhile it creeps out of the dark area of my psyche where I have pushed it. Today it came forward. What is it?
Simply when a person gets to me to a certain point, I am done with them. Not that I am mean or rude but I am done. I avoid them or if that is not possible I am icily polite. Also I am less apt to do something for them when asked. Now that is not good but it is better than angry actions such as revenge. Once in awhile the fences I have set up have been torn down when a sincere honest apology on both parts happens.Many times this does not happen because no discussion of the rupture ever occurs and the fence becomes more or less permanent.The list of "no-no" people is small ,and this is due to my desire not to be this way, but it does it exist. While it is not an admirable trait, it does avoid continued conflict and hurt.
Sometimes when it rears its ugly head, I wonder about other people and their quirks.Do they have ones that they try to exile? I know it is hard to say that there is something about me that I do not like and that I constantly try to control. Still in my case the effort of control has helped me to fall victim to it less. Self improvement? Not sure! Yet the effort makes life better though I feel when it comes into play it is somewhat of a blessing because I do not say things I will regret or worse. Maybe age is bringing me some sense about this fault.I must admit only those who know me well can detect when the line has been crossed by someone so I must have some control even when it is in play. Enough said.
However this morning drove to me once again to face a personality trait of mine. I am not particularly proud of it, have tried to alter it but every once in awhile it creeps out of the dark area of my psyche where I have pushed it. Today it came forward. What is it?
Simply when a person gets to me to a certain point, I am done with them. Not that I am mean or rude but I am done. I avoid them or if that is not possible I am icily polite. Also I am less apt to do something for them when asked. Now that is not good but it is better than angry actions such as revenge. Once in awhile the fences I have set up have been torn down when a sincere honest apology on both parts happens.Many times this does not happen because no discussion of the rupture ever occurs and the fence becomes more or less permanent.The list of "no-no" people is small ,and this is due to my desire not to be this way, but it does it exist. While it is not an admirable trait, it does avoid continued conflict and hurt.
Sometimes when it rears its ugly head, I wonder about other people and their quirks.Do they have ones that they try to exile? I know it is hard to say that there is something about me that I do not like and that I constantly try to control. Still in my case the effort of control has helped me to fall victim to it less. Self improvement? Not sure! Yet the effort makes life better though I feel when it comes into play it is somewhat of a blessing because I do not say things I will regret or worse. Maybe age is bringing me some sense about this fault.I must admit only those who know me well can detect when the line has been crossed by someone so I must have some control even when it is in play. Enough said.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Friday Eve
Today is Friday eve.If Wednesday is hump day this can Friday eve. Eves are nice they hold the promise of something nice on the morrow. Fridays usually deliver if nothing else some unfettered time to fill with personal activities whether they be must dos or just for pleasure.
Actually Wednesday this week was great. My French club or at least 19 of them went with me to the Sunflower Supper Club's kitchen on North Plum. Julie Kimmel met the kids and they filled and rolled two types of crepes. One was savory filled with chicken and mushrooms with white sauce topping ; the other creme fraiche with blueberry ( bleuettes in french) sauce topping. A third group rolled out puff pastry and made pain au chocolate. Then she allowed all the students to actually cook a crepe if they wished. she used these crepes to make a breakfast crepe with prosicutto, cheese and an egg which she then baked. The kids then did the dishes for her and learned how state health regs require a scrape, rinse wash, rinse and sanitizing. The kids liked being out of school, enjoyed the food and even more important came back ready to try the recipes on their own. In fact my French two students are now broken into groups to do French cookbooks---desserts, breads, and main dishes. a good result from a fun oputing and a learning activity they suggested as a result.
My French 1 students are making models of landmarks ( canoncreativity.com); they also have to do a 1-3 page report on the construction and history of their landmark. They really bought into it but are finding the scale of the patterns not easy. Still learning to succeed at something that proves a challenge is a lesson is it no? The paper has to be in full MLA research style and that is bothering them also. But life will challenge them once they leave the feathered nest of a home and halls of the high school
and a challenge in these protected places with a mentor to help them should help them to develop useful coping skills.
The week has seemed long with snow packed roads left from a big storm getting another 3-4" to travel Monday and Tuesday, but yesterday the thaw began with sun shining thought temperatures remain below zero. Today it was even warmer and 60 degrees is a distinct possibility this weekend. Warmth and sun can lift spirits. It has been a good week so far. Hoping the good things hold tomorrow.
Actually Wednesday this week was great. My French club or at least 19 of them went with me to the Sunflower Supper Club's kitchen on North Plum. Julie Kimmel met the kids and they filled and rolled two types of crepes. One was savory filled with chicken and mushrooms with white sauce topping ; the other creme fraiche with blueberry ( bleuettes in french) sauce topping. A third group rolled out puff pastry and made pain au chocolate. Then she allowed all the students to actually cook a crepe if they wished. she used these crepes to make a breakfast crepe with prosicutto, cheese and an egg which she then baked. The kids then did the dishes for her and learned how state health regs require a scrape, rinse wash, rinse and sanitizing. The kids liked being out of school, enjoyed the food and even more important came back ready to try the recipes on their own. In fact my French two students are now broken into groups to do French cookbooks---desserts, breads, and main dishes. a good result from a fun oputing and a learning activity they suggested as a result.
My French 1 students are making models of landmarks ( canoncreativity.com); they also have to do a 1-3 page report on the construction and history of their landmark. They really bought into it but are finding the scale of the patterns not easy. Still learning to succeed at something that proves a challenge is a lesson is it no? The paper has to be in full MLA research style and that is bothering them also. But life will challenge them once they leave the feathered nest of a home and halls of the high school
and a challenge in these protected places with a mentor to help them should help them to develop useful coping skills.
The week has seemed long with snow packed roads left from a big storm getting another 3-4" to travel Monday and Tuesday, but yesterday the thaw began with sun shining thought temperatures remain below zero. Today it was even warmer and 60 degrees is a distinct possibility this weekend. Warmth and sun can lift spirits. It has been a good week so far. Hoping the good things hold tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
random musings
Came to school today on good roads despite the snow but the one my house sits on is terrible.Put that in caps. TERRIBLE! I have avoided getting stick and the warming trend should clear it in a few days, but my municipality should consider clearing side streets a bit also. Enough said.
There is a new store in Buhler--- gourmet chocolates. Valentine's day is Friday so I think I know what some good pals may be getting. Chocolate is such a good thing except I have to watch my sugar intake, so I want it to be well worth the spike on the meter.LOL. It is also going to carry old time candies---candy cigarettes for example. Pretend puffing memories, do you have those? Personally, i am hoping for Necco Wafers, Walnettos and dare I say it licorice babies. Yes going to have to go there
It is interesting to me that foods and smells and colors can trigger memories. Most of the triggers bring happy ones to my mental screen but one or two can really bring on other feelings.Ammonia always brings on the memory of hot August days cleaning a chicken coop.Not a happy moment for me as I hated that job.
Have to go. More later today. I promise.
There is a new store in Buhler--- gourmet chocolates. Valentine's day is Friday so I think I know what some good pals may be getting. Chocolate is such a good thing except I have to watch my sugar intake, so I want it to be well worth the spike on the meter.LOL. It is also going to carry old time candies---candy cigarettes for example. Pretend puffing memories, do you have those? Personally, i am hoping for Necco Wafers, Walnettos and dare I say it licorice babies. Yes going to have to go there
It is interesting to me that foods and smells and colors can trigger memories. Most of the triggers bring happy ones to my mental screen but one or two can really bring on other feelings.Ammonia always brings on the memory of hot August days cleaning a chicken coop.Not a happy moment for me as I hated that job.
Have to go. More later today. I promise.
Monday, February 10, 2014
at home
Considering the new snow I should be glad I am home,but that is far from the reality. I want to be in my classroom doing my thing. Yes I sent in lesson plans and some progress should be made, and thanks to remind101 my classes knew at 7AM that I would be gone and what was going to happen in class. That knocks the pins from the excuse that "she" being me didn't tell us that. sub and office knows that I sent the message. But I'd rather be there myself.
Now , do not class me as a control freak, I do not see that in myself. But I want my classroom to have me in it as I feel I know the students and their quirks so I can help them more easily. However I must admit today's sub is one of the best around. Buhler does have the best subs of any system I have taught in.
Snow right now is not my love as the roads are so bad. The main streets and highways are good but side streets are a mess. Following my traveling salesman father's advice I pick a comfortable speed and maintain it,slowing only when necessary. Slow and steady makes the trip in one piece somewhat like Aesop's hare. So if you are in a hurry and behind me,follow or pass. It is your life.
Ok that is enough for now. I may be back later today but at least I have blogged something while fighting bleary eyes, runny nose and all things cold related.
Now , do not class me as a control freak, I do not see that in myself. But I want my classroom to have me in it as I feel I know the students and their quirks so I can help them more easily. However I must admit today's sub is one of the best around. Buhler does have the best subs of any system I have taught in.
Snow right now is not my love as the roads are so bad. The main streets and highways are good but side streets are a mess. Following my traveling salesman father's advice I pick a comfortable speed and maintain it,slowing only when necessary. Slow and steady makes the trip in one piece somewhat like Aesop's hare. So if you are in a hurry and behind me,follow or pass. It is your life.
Ok that is enough for now. I may be back later today but at least I have blogged something while fighting bleary eyes, runny nose and all things cold related.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
So I now have two blogs as I lost this one for awhile . The lost is found, and I am back to the one that has most of my writing on it. Losing things is not new to me. Misplaced my phone today and was in a panic but then found it in my coin purse where I never put it. We have all done that laying something down in an unusual place and then wondering just where it is. So I really do not feel it is a sign of the big A as it does not happen often.
Still I have been worried about my lack of writing and creativity these past months. It seemed nothing much was simmering in my creative stock pot. It was not blocked on a particular piece; it was just nothing was there. Still I have had poetry in the SCN journal for the last four issues and a prose bit under consideration for the next. Evidence that I was still writing but I was not writing as much as in the past. Consideration of this led to the conclusion I had not devoted anytime to just writing. Well, I taught three class for the college last semester and coached Scholars' bowl so perhaps that was why the time was not used. Even taught a hybrid class during the semester break. so now that I down to one HCC class, the usual at BHS, and scholars' bowl is over for the year, it is time to reverse the no writing by planning to at least blog every day but hopefully working on poems and prose with greater effort.
Looking forward to the April nationwide writers conference in Austin,TX. Susan Wittig Albert will be there, and she is the founder of story circle network. I will have a chance to meet Peggy Moody, Doc Cherry and other members of my online scn pals. The capstone is Linda Hasselstrom will be the keynote speaker.I know her from South Dakota and it is she who first showed me i could write with some facility. April can not come fast enough though I hate the hassle of flying with layovers but you can not go directly to Austin from here.
More later . I am back at it.
Still I have been worried about my lack of writing and creativity these past months. It seemed nothing much was simmering in my creative stock pot. It was not blocked on a particular piece; it was just nothing was there. Still I have had poetry in the SCN journal for the last four issues and a prose bit under consideration for the next. Evidence that I was still writing but I was not writing as much as in the past. Consideration of this led to the conclusion I had not devoted anytime to just writing. Well, I taught three class for the college last semester and coached Scholars' bowl so perhaps that was why the time was not used. Even taught a hybrid class during the semester break. so now that I down to one HCC class, the usual at BHS, and scholars' bowl is over for the year, it is time to reverse the no writing by planning to at least blog every day but hopefully working on poems and prose with greater effort.
Looking forward to the April nationwide writers conference in Austin,TX. Susan Wittig Albert will be there, and she is the founder of story circle network. I will have a chance to meet Peggy Moody, Doc Cherry and other members of my online scn pals. The capstone is Linda Hasselstrom will be the keynote speaker.I know her from South Dakota and it is she who first showed me i could write with some facility. April can not come fast enough though I hate the hassle of flying with layovers but you can not go directly to Austin from here.
More later . I am back at it.
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