Science, and the art of classroom maintenance

So, I was going to take pictures of all my classes and post some choice photos of my favorites (not that I have favorites, right?), as Friday was my last day at Ockley Green.

However, I was so angry and frustrated at them all that I didn't really feel like a photo shoot. I was more frustrated at them Friday than I've ever been before. Translation: meltdown at 3:05 PM. Hubby listened patiently on the phone as I ranted about the day.

See, my cooperating teacher, Kristin, was the acting principal from Wednesday until the end of the week. Which means that there was a sub present in the classroom, but he did jack squat as I managed the classes and taught the lessons. You'd think that having the easiest sub job in the history of sub jobs would make him grateful, but no. He was rude. The kids were fine Wednesday (the field trip to the Egyptian exhibit at the museum was awesome!), Thursday they were still fine, but there must have been a full moon Friday because almost every single one of them was terrible. As they knew it was my last day, I thought they'd at least be nice. But some were rude to me that usually aren't. *sigh*

Anyway, that's over with.

Saturday morning I met at the school at 6:45 AM to go with Kristin, two other adults, and four students to compete at the Science Bowl at U of P. I was tempted to not go, but determined that my last experience with the students would be positive. It was! They got creamed, as most students competing are weird homeschoolers whose parents make them study for this event night and day for a year, and kids from special schools for super smart geniuses. I met 7th graders who were in Calculus and advanced Chemistry. Yikes! But I did play tag with them on the lawn, which was super fun. This is a picture of the four students: Virginia, Khang, Nikhil, and Kasi.

Snow day!

Yay!
James and I got ready for work and school, and didn't notice until we were leaving that there was over an inch of snow on the ground, and coming down fast! Portland Public called school off (very late, may I add--I was already about a mile away before they called it. pooh!), James is taking it easy at home until the weather improves, and Toby got his first taste of snow. (Literally)












Mommy, my nose is cold!

















These were some random pictures taken a week or so ago, while we were playing.

*yawn*

They said that you'll never be busier than when you're student teaching. Also, they said student teaching sucks more than anything has ever sucked before.

They were understating.

I've been falling asleep at 7:30 or 8 all the nights I can, and I'm still sleep deprived. The kids are testing me, half of them refuse to do any work (even when we fill out a worksheet TOGETHER, they still won't even WRITE THE STUFF DOWN... THAT'S how lazy a good half of them are), and many of them have expressed their gratitude that Ms. Erhardt will be taking back the class after next week. These, I'm told, are all signs that I'm doing a good job. Actually, I've received many kudos for the hard work I've put in and for my mad teaching skillz.

The thing that wears me down the most is the discipline. These kids are (and pardon the French, but there really are few words that do it justice) little shits to their normal teachers--so why would they be any different to me? Every day, I write about four referrals. That means calling parents, filling out paperwork, etc. etc. You've gotta be a pretty big jerk to get a referral. And my list for lunch detention has about 20 kids on it. Not exaggerating. But as I get to know the workings of the school, I realize that this isn't much different than what other teachers are dealing with. True, they're testing me a little more, but the math teacher also wrote four referrals today.

Much of it is the culture of poverty. My school serves free or reduced lunch to over 90% of the student body. PPS average: about 33%. Suburban school districts usually average about 15%. In addition to lunch, O.G. also serves breakfast and after school meal to many of these students--and that's all the food they eat in a day. I feel for these families who are struggling so much... but part of me wants to strangle these parents for the neglect, drugs, and crime they bring into their kid's life. And why is it so cool to be stupid? Some of my students are very smart, but struggle with low self-esteem because they feel like their peers view them as a "nerd." So, they sabotage themselves by acting out in class--and inhibit their peers' learning in the process.

This is not to say that my experience so far has been all bad. There have been moments of hilarity. I've gotten to know the students really well, and I like them more and more every day. I've also come to realize that generally speaking, the students who act out the most are (!) my favorites. Koleman says hilarious stuff, inappropriate as they are. And he's super smart--he just can't really control himself. Really. And Sam (the student who, long ago, was inappropriate, his mother wanted to come in to yell at me, and the principal got involved--remember?), who is also super-smart, has a really sweet soul and a fantastic sense of humor. One-on-one, he's actually mature for his age. But, being a leader, he feels pressure to perform--and sabotages himself along the way. Surprisingly, some of the sugary-sweet students who try to suck up to me annoy me the most... even if they get all their work turned in and rarely talk out of place.

So, I guess I mean to say that I'm working my tail off... and that I think it's paying off. I'm learning so much every day, and I'm beginning to feel like a real teacher. Next week is my last week at Ockley Green, and I'm not sure what school I'll be at for the next four months... but I'll miss the O.G.

Even if they're little shits.

Um... This is a little depressing.

In a Past Life...

You Were: An Obese Jester. Where You Lived: Cyprus. How You Died: Suicide.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

***James and I are shocked to discover that all the Blog test thingies (such as this one) are TOTALLY RANDOM. Lame! The least they could do was use some sort of mathematical formula to keep it consistent. Blah.***

Happy New Year's!

This picture was taken in the first few moments of 2007. James and I went to a get-together at our friends' place, Skye and Jared. There was good food and great company. James and I met a few new people and saw others (relatives of Skye) that we don't see often.

This is Britney, Courtney, and Karen, all Pixtons (Skye's family). With them were also two hubbies and a little one, Ashlyn. She was one of the cutest and good-tempered 8 month old I've ever met! We played for quite a long time.

Get involved!

How much do you know about the diamond trade? Here's a short, informative animation.

Terrible, terrible, terrible confession

*sigh*
I have committed a horrible act of betrayal.

To appease my hubby's desire that I become interested in more things he's interested in (a completely rational and fair desire--), I agreed to try playing World of Warcraft with him. This agreement was made with the qualifying term, "sometime." A noncommittal committment, if there ever was one. Now, that is not to say that I never meant to play... but considering the time when I said it (I was quite busy with school and such), and that it goes against my rational nature to waste my time playing a computer game when there are things that need to be done, I just wasn't sure when "sometime" was--probably within the next 8 months. I bug James about getting things done before he plays all the time.

So, last week James (perhaps unwittingly?) tricked me into playing. I will always claim I was tricked. About a month ago James installed Warcraft on my computer, so it was ready any time I felt the slightest need to, I dunno, become a big cow and carry a big stick and hit imaginary spiders with it. I guess that need happens sometimes. To nerds. In their parent's basements. At any rate, last week James mentioned that he had created a few characters that were ready any time I wanted to play. Now, creating a character has by nature a creative (and hence, fun) aspect to it, so if I was going to play the damned game I at least was going to have the pleasure of making my own dude to run around with said big stick. So I said, "No, I want to create a character myself!" I didn't mean right then, but since it was Christmas break and I didn't have any school or committments, I had no excuse. At that, James instructed me to open up Warcraft, and the rest is history.

So now, with six more lessons in my unit to write, the laundry to finish, the house to clean, and packages to mail, I am wasting my time "leveling" my human "mage." At least I chose a character that James is embarrassed to be seen with, and I can still tease him about that.

Skunk in action

Some of you might be sick of hearing about Toby. Tough luck. Don't read this. I'm not sick of him, and on this blog, it's really only my opinion that matters. :)

This post is all about how much cuter and more adorable my pet is than yours.

Every day when I get home, Toby runs to greet me at the door. Then, I usually feed him a little treat while I go to the office to check my email. In the evenings, I might plunk down in bed to read or grade papers or what have you, and he usually joins me by my side.
These first pictures were taken after he fell asleep next to me, and was tired enough that he didn't wake up when I left to grab the camera.










Here he is, peacefully sleeping.

...and here he is, the instant he was awakened. We are constantly reminded that Toby is still a wild animal, and still has wild animal instincts. He is defensive if something wakes him up... hence the compact body and huge tail!










Once he realizes it's me, he begins to play. He flashes his bum at me. (The camera has a slight stall before it takes the picture, so you didn't get the full view. But his body is slightly U-shaped in this pic.)










In addition to bum-flashing, he stomps. He stomps with all his might! Stomp stomp, with both front feet at the same time, tail in full sail. He'll charge at you, too, pre-stomp. Every night, it's run run run! stomp stomp stomp!










These pictures were taken later that evening. James and I were relaxing in bed, and he joined us. Plop! Right next to me.










...He commences the hourly bath by grabbing his hind leg and running his fur through his teeth. It looks like he's gnawing on a drumstick.










And of course, he must play. He'll bat at our fingers, lunge at us, open his mouth wide to flash his big teeth.










Oh, and he loves climbing all over us, too.









While I write this, he is curled up on my lap, hiccupping softly.

Spot on!

You Are a Traditional Christmas Tree

For a good Christmas, you don't have to re-invent the wheel. You already have traditions, foods, and special things you bring out every year.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Your Brain's Pattern

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

This is not very wise

I spoke to my mom last night, who informed me that my dad played a wise man in a church play, that she had a picture of it, but that he wouldn't let her post it on their blog because he really doesn't want anybody else seeing it.

Enjoy!

(He's the one in the middle. Hi Dad!)

This weekend

On Friday I got to visit Emily and her new baby, Dakota Jack. He's adorable, and so funny!



















Then we went to a Christmas party at Kadra's.




















Whenever we go to a party, James inevidably collects a fan group. I call them his "disciples."










There was also a White Elephant Gift Exchange. This is the best White Elephant gift I've ever seen, let alone received. Credit goes to our friend Skye.

Quick update

James and I had a relaxing and wonderful Thanksgiving at the Wright's. Mom made a 27 POUND TURKEY! I've never seen a bigger bird.
At first, I wrote in "27 pound turkey" on the picture, but I put it next to James' head, and it looked like I was calling him a turkey... and we all know that I would never, ever tease James.
















Toby has been very cuddly. He's turned into a little lap skunk... which is cute, but he demands to be held when I'm writing papers. So, I stuffed him into my bathrobe earlier in the week. He was in heaven.















*sniff sniff* My first chalk purchase as a teacher! Upon opening the box, I promptly (and accidentally) broke the first piece in half. Bah!

They're refreshing!

Went to the OG today. (That's "Ockley Green," for all those non-homies out there.)
I didn't teach, but I realized something: In the midst of so much chaos this week, and in addition to the muscle relaxers I'm now taking for my back that I have so cruelly abused with stress and freeweights, Ockley Green was my solace. I had a blast. It was relaxing, in a way. I revelled in seeing my favorite students, I zipped through entering grades, and I enjoyed joking around with the troublemakers. Lots of students call me by name, and many ask what I'm teaching the next day. I think maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to enjoy this...

I have, as mentioned earlier, sustained some sort of back injury. Heating pads, muscle relaxers that don't work, useless Ibuprofin, painful massages, interrupted sleep, etc. etc. *sigh* What have I done to myself?

Crammed (edit)

Things to do in the next four days:
*Create a text set: time to complete, approx. 4-5 hours
*Send three reflections to Jan
*Send one reflection to John, along with lesson plan (still need to write) for Friday (which I need to teach), and figure out our schedule for the rest of December
*Grade about 110 papers
*Record those grades
*Create an hour-long presentation for Mary (Wednesday) on Intrinsic Motivation
*Create an entire unit plan for Jan, complete one of the lessons, and incorporate it into a 2 hour long presentation for Tuesday. This includes painting, typing roughly 20 pages, creating a portfolio
*Create an hour long presentation of Chapter 13 for Sally's class on Monday
*Make a collage/write-up for a short presentation for Fred's class on Monday

Also:
*Interview the principal and write a paper about it
*Read four chapters, finish semester-long project (approx. 4 hours)
*Write a paper for Fred

Once in a lifetime...

Once in a lifetime, something remarkable comes your way...

Something that is so amazing, that you must share it with everyone--shout it from the rooftops!

My friends, something remarkable has come to me, and I must share it.



This is the ugliest wedding dress I've ever laid eyes on. In a hunt for vintage 1940's accessories for a group project, I stumbled upon this beauty described as "'New' western-style 1980s wedding dress."



















Please, friends, notice the striking shoulder pads, the cuffed sleeves, the peek-a-boo cleavage hole, the sassy plastic belt, and the fringe... Oh, goodness, the fringe!

Let's play a game...

Who can come up with the best caption for this photo?

Aud's Bod Blog

I decided I need a place to regularly catalogue my weight loss/healthy living progress. Now, I will no longer be updating on that subject on this blog. If you're interested, you can follow along here, at audsbodblog.blogspot.com.

Please shoot me if I ever do this

Let's establish some things first.

I am at Winco. For those of you who have not been, it is a busy place full of dumb people.
Also, you bag your own groceries. Dumb people have trouble bagging sometimes. I understand this happens, and I have patience so I continue to shop at Winco. James refuses, unless we need to get a lot of stuff, and I go with him. He shops at Safeway.
Anyway, Winco's cashier setup looks like this:














A: Cashier. A Winco cashier is easily spotted in a crowd by looking for dull, lifeless eyes and a fake half-smile. Usually they can't even muster a whole smile, or even a three-quarters one. Their soul has been sucked dry from perhaps only a few days of employment.
F: The box surrounding F is where you pay, i.e. debit card machine and place to write checks.
The two long boxes (B is located in one) are two separate moving tracks where the cashier puts your groceries after scanning them. There is also a button at the other end for customers to push to move the track to get their groceries as they come down the line.
The two smaller boxes (C) is a space to bag your groceries. Bagging is difficult without this space.

So, with that established, let us proceed to the abhorrition of etiquette.
There is this horrendous woman who has purchased an entire year's worth of groceries all in one go, but has limited funds, so she is making the cashier give a continual running total of the groceries. Sometimes, she stops him and makes him take items away. She has two shopping carts overflowing with frozen chicken and top ramen and anything else she could stuff in there.

This is what the shopping carts looked like. On the left, you'll see what looks like a deranged doll. It's not. It's supposed to be a small child. I included it because I figured that if the woman had any small children, they would have easily been misplaced amongst her plethora of Cheetos and bbq sauce.


























The cashier's not done scanning her things, and she already has things piled up on both tracks. Point E represents a shopping cart that is already full of purchased groceries. Horrendous woman is point D, "bagging" things. This woman is the slowest bagger I've ever witnessed. She was picking out items one at a time to strategically place in her empty cart. I understand watching eggs and bananas, but COME ON!! Bacon? Bacon will be FINE next to that 8-lb jar of pickles. So will paper towels. Anyway, there is a lengthy line forming behind her (there is someone in between us, and several people after me). The cashier must wait for her to bag a few things before he can even scan anything else. Then her phone rings and she answers. So now, the slowest woman in the world is now TWICE as slow because she only has one arm free. Apparently, the gossip was extremely important. I've begun staring at her... and I generally don't stare. It's rude. I'm not rude. This woman is rude.
So the woman in between us only has about six items. She has the cashier ring her up and she just plunks the stuff back in her cart, sans bag. She takes about twenty seconds for her entire transaction.
Now it's my turn. I have about four bags worth of things, so I need the track. We wait. The cashier rings up what he can of mine. We wait more. Woman: "Oh my GOSH! Yeah. Yeah. Uh huh... (plunks one item in her cart) No way! -Blah blah blah blah-" (plunks another item in her cart). Finally she has cleared what she thinks is enough things so that I can get my stuff. I try to move my cart down to the end, but point E symbolizes where she has politely left her full cart sitting in the middle of the aisle. It's OBVIOUS that I'm trying to move (points G1 to G2). Oh, and "TP" represents the ginormous thing of toilet paper at the end of the track. And the light blue lines where point C was on the earlier drawing (where I'm supposed to bag) is her twenty loaves of jumbo sized bread. And point F is her half-ingested Sprite.
So, I interrupt her precious phone call. "Yeah, if you could move your cart out of the way, I could get my groceries." She moves her cart about a foot. I shove it the rest of the way. She continues bagging on the other side. I say, "Yeah, is this your toilet paper? It'd be great if you could move it." So she does, while giving me a "look." Continues talking, bagging. "Oh, and your bread is in my way, too."
My tone was not very chipper. One could say we were NOT exchanging pleasantries. Well, I guess she wasn't really talking back, as she was still wrapped up in her phone conversation.
Finally, I get to bag things. The person in line behind me now has many things ready to bag, so I must be fast. I finish all my groceries (4 bags) in the time it takes her to bag one.
Usually, I'm much more patient and understanding of people. Normally I would have helped her bag, or helped her move her things. But no. When people show that level of inconsiderate, asinine public behavior, they get no such sympathy from me. I was terribly tempted to grab the phone out of her hand and explain to her the tenets of etiquette. Yes, I admit it--I was going to go Martha Stuart on her ass.

Instead, I called Hubby, and he politely and patiently heard my story. Such a good husband to hear his wife call up and say, "Oh. My. Gosh. You will NEVER believe what happened at the grocery store." Hey, at least I wasn't talking about shoe shopping.

Announcement!

No, we're not having a baby.

...but we have come to a decision.

This summer, James and I are planning to move to Spokane, Washington.

Some of you know that Spokane kinda creeps me out. It does. I will admit that. The creepiness is a little hard to explain... like maybe Spokane is full of ghosts or something.

So why have we decided Spokane? Well, despite the mysterious ghosty feeling, Spokane fits (most) every criteria James and I have for a place to live. It's still in the Northwest, which means both the ocean and much of our family is near... it's small enough that the city doesn't have huge problems, but it's big enough that it doesn't have super small town problems, and there are job opportunities for both of us. Also, it's near CdA, and I have a support system there as well. We like outdoorsy things, and the area's full of them... plus, Canada isn't too far away, so if we have to leave the country in a hurry, that won't be too hard. Oh, and a MAJOR incentive: housing prices are super cheap, but the houses are super perfect for us. Larger lots (yay! gardening space!), cute turn-of-the-century houses, lots of parks nearby. Hardwood floors abound, as do big garages/shops for James. So... let's hope I can find a job!











PS: Why don't they pronounce it Spoh-cane? (Rhymes with "insane")

Snuggles for us, snuggles for you!

Can you believe it's already been a year?!
Well, I guess many of you can believe that. But it's gone by so fast for James and I!
Happy first Anniversary, Hubby!














The little skunk has been extra cuddly lately. We think he's entered his pseudo-hibernation mode. These were taken all in one day.












Notice I've censored that picture, both to preserve Toby's dignity, and for those who have sensitive eyes. See his shaved bum? Isn't it hilarious!?


And Toby and James taking a nap together. AWWE! Look at skunkie's little nose! Sniff sniff!
I had to pull the covers back to take the picture of Toby, as all you could see was his little nose sticking out. He had crawled under the covers to snuggle with Daddy.