It's been many years, but my love of video games has not been sated. We visited Ukie Friday and played Guitar Hero. It's fun, but you really have to practice to get good. I was on the easy level and tried one one the medium level and it was mass hysteria. They added in a fourth chord!
Today Ukie brought the games to us. He bought some racing games and a fighting game. I'm just not a big fan of racing games (or sports games) but it was fun to watch. Then we played Mortal Kombat! The makers really upped the gore factor, but it was still a blast to play. It still has the classic characters that I liked, I kicked butt with Sonya Blade!
My amusing husband is off to California bright and early tomorrow. Well, he'll leave at 5am, so I doubt it will be that bright. Somehow I will make it through without him. Fortunately, I happen to have plans for most of the week. Monday night I'm going to learn to knit at a workshop at the library. Tuesday I'm going to a friend's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Wednesday I have the 'Protecting God's Children' workshop (required for my new job). Thursday night I tutor. Finally, I'm free on Friday. I was thinking of calling friends for a girl's night, but after a busy week I may just want to chill. Plus I tutor Saturday morning.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wheeeeeeee!
Two weeks done at the new school and so far things are good. Yesterday was especially good because school was canceled! It was not for snow but because on Tuesday a bus driver was pulled over and they found a needle with cocaine on the bus. Turns out the driver had a history of tickets and DUIs. Apparently the company contracted to do the bussing never did a background check! So all of the buses were grounded on Thursday so emergency background checks could be done. I guess five other drivers were zapped, but there were enough that passed that we did have school today.
Oh, and today when I was walking out, a group of freshman girls all waved and wished me a good weekend. They like me, they really like me. Now if I can only get this one punk in 4th to simmer down.
In other news, there is no other news. My life once again revolves around school.
This next week will be interesting though. My fabulous spouse is abandoning me to go out to California again. So what if it's work related? I'll have to feed myself! And do my own laundry! And clean! Oh, wait, I do that anyway. But I'll be darned if I do the dishes. Hello, dishwasher!
Oh, and today when I was walking out, a group of freshman girls all waved and wished me a good weekend. They like me, they really like me. Now if I can only get this one punk in 4th to simmer down.
In other news, there is no other news. My life once again revolves around school.
This next week will be interesting though. My fabulous spouse is abandoning me to go out to California again. So what if it's work related? I'll have to feed myself! And do my own laundry! And clean! Oh, wait, I do that anyway. But I'll be darned if I do the dishes. Hello, dishwasher!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
A great day after a great week
So my new job rocks! The lessons are going well, students are following directions, I have a routine going. I have two study halls plus a conference period, so I am getting almost everything done at school as opposed to grading in front of the tv (which my darling husband despises). There are two large Algebra 2 classes and two small Basic Algebra classes.
After the lesson on Thursday I asked the A2 class if everything looked familiar (it is review from before break) and they said yes. Then I asked if it was helping that I was going over it again and they replied YES. The math department head also told me some of the students were commenting to her about being happier.
The BA classes are squirrely and I've scared the daylights out of two students already. Friday was partner work day. I saw a boy across the room lean over and drop some pieces of paper in a girl's hair. After I finished answering a question I just walked over, leaned in and looked him in the eye as I quietly said "if I ever see you put paper in someone's hair again, you'll be spending detention with me after school." He totally had the deer-caught-in-headlights look. Later I saw two girls trade papers. When I walked up, one girl was doing a lot of writing. I asked who's paper it was and she pointed at the other girl. I asked why she was writing on her paper and she replied that she was explaining the work (*snort*). Then I calmly pointed out that the other girl was in another group and I took both of their papers. I heard her in the hallway later saying "I had my paper taken away" in a totally incredulous voice.
Yeah, it's good to be the teacher.
Today has totally rocked. I woke up at 7:30 and looked out the window and it just looked dreary (of course everything looks dreary without my contacts). Went back to bed. At 8:30 got up and there was SNOW!! Finally!!! So my talented husband cooked us an omlette and toast for breakfast. He then celebrated the snow by tossing the cats into it. Min took to it, Ainsley just stayed by the door making pitiful cat noises. Then off to church, which we were late to because apparently Worthington doesn't believe in plowing snow until after 10 am.
On the way home from church we saw a house that has been for sale having an open house. So we stopped. It was pretty cool, too expensive to buy or even to heat. Oh well. So then we went to a neighborhood where we saw a house previously that we liked and was more our price. We wandered and found one for sale and with an open house that started at 1. So we went to lunch and went back. It was -exactly- like the first house in that neighborhood that we'd liked. Except with paint colors that we didn't like. Too bad we aren't planning on buying for 4 more months.
After the lesson on Thursday I asked the A2 class if everything looked familiar (it is review from before break) and they said yes. Then I asked if it was helping that I was going over it again and they replied YES. The math department head also told me some of the students were commenting to her about being happier.
The BA classes are squirrely and I've scared the daylights out of two students already. Friday was partner work day. I saw a boy across the room lean over and drop some pieces of paper in a girl's hair. After I finished answering a question I just walked over, leaned in and looked him in the eye as I quietly said "if I ever see you put paper in someone's hair again, you'll be spending detention with me after school." He totally had the deer-caught-in-headlights look. Later I saw two girls trade papers. When I walked up, one girl was doing a lot of writing. I asked who's paper it was and she pointed at the other girl. I asked why she was writing on her paper and she replied that she was explaining the work (*snort*). Then I calmly pointed out that the other girl was in another group and I took both of their papers. I heard her in the hallway later saying "I had my paper taken away" in a totally incredulous voice.
Yeah, it's good to be the teacher.
Today has totally rocked. I woke up at 7:30 and looked out the window and it just looked dreary (of course everything looks dreary without my contacts). Went back to bed. At 8:30 got up and there was SNOW!! Finally!!! So my talented husband cooked us an omlette and toast for breakfast. He then celebrated the snow by tossing the cats into it. Min took to it, Ainsley just stayed by the door making pitiful cat noises. Then off to church, which we were late to because apparently Worthington doesn't believe in plowing snow until after 10 am.
On the way home from church we saw a house that has been for sale having an open house. So we stopped. It was pretty cool, too expensive to buy or even to heat. Oh well. So then we went to a neighborhood where we saw a house previously that we liked and was more our price. We wandered and found one for sale and with an open house that started at 1. So we went to lunch and went back. It was -exactly- like the first house in that neighborhood that we'd liked. Except with paint colors that we didn't like. Too bad we aren't planning on buying for 4 more months.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Things I Don't Usually See
1) A baby in a bar (a la the movie Sweet Home Alabama). Granted, there was no smoking in the pub we were at. But still, after 9 there should be an age limit enforced.
2) A man in church with an extra pair of underwear hanging out of his back pocket. At first I thought I must need new contacts, but then I realized I could read 'fruit of the loom'. Fortunately the lady behind him alerted him to this right away. I think they might have been for his son.
3) A little background first. I'm very nosy and am always looking out the window at what the neighbors are doing. The other day an ambulance pulled in, so I had to go look. There was no lights or sirens. When the medics jumped out, they didn't seem in any particular hurry. They pull out a gurney and start to walk and I think 'gee, don't those usually have wheels? Then I realize they are carrying a kayak. Then a guy jumps out wearing only a towel. He's carrying his clothes and even walking barefoot. The medics put down the kayak in the yard and towel boy runs to the door to realize its locked. He runs back to the ambulance and the next time I look out he's at his door with another towel around his shoulders and unlocking the door.
Usually I come up with little stories about these things. My darling husband has heard many conspiracy theories from me. However kayaking in January and having to be brought home by an ambulance is theory enough.
Tomorrow is my first day - teacher inservice. I'll let you know how it goes!
2) A man in church with an extra pair of underwear hanging out of his back pocket. At first I thought I must need new contacts, but then I realized I could read 'fruit of the loom'. Fortunately the lady behind him alerted him to this right away. I think they might have been for his son.
3) A little background first. I'm very nosy and am always looking out the window at what the neighbors are doing. The other day an ambulance pulled in, so I had to go look. There was no lights or sirens. When the medics jumped out, they didn't seem in any particular hurry. They pull out a gurney and start to walk and I think 'gee, don't those usually have wheels? Then I realize they are carrying a kayak. Then a guy jumps out wearing only a towel. He's carrying his clothes and even walking barefoot. The medics put down the kayak in the yard and towel boy runs to the door to realize its locked. He runs back to the ambulance and the next time I look out he's at his door with another towel around his shoulders and unlocking the door.
Usually I come up with little stories about these things. My darling husband has heard many conspiracy theories from me. However kayaking in January and having to be brought home by an ambulance is theory enough.
Tomorrow is my first day - teacher inservice. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
But who will make sure the cats get their naps?
So, its time for the Happy Snoopy Dance!
I am an employed math teacher! And not a sub, but a real teacher!
Last Thursday I went and applied and was put in one school system as a substitute teacher. I even had an ID tag complete with picture made up (note to self: call and quit). Then Friday afternoon I received a call from another school checking on if I was still available. They called Sunday and I had an interview on Monday. Today I went in and talked to the principal. I got the job and start teaching on Tuesday!
It's a Catholic high school. I will be teaching 4 math classes, have 2 study halls as well as lunch and planning period. I was warned that the students in the classes need some discipline and I should start out by keeping my thumb on them. (note to self: don't smile until March). I'll go in Friday at noon to do more paperwork and Monday is an in-service day (not a 3 day weekend after all).
Yeah!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Movies I am looking forward to
I don't need a deep and meaningful storyline. I don't need convincing acting. I just want good special effects and characters from my childhood.
Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Fantastic Four - Rise of the Silver Surfer
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Transformers
Live Free or Die Hard
Friday, January 05, 2007
The return of Yoga
Back in the days of teaching at Live Oaks, twice a week a handful of teachers would gather and gripe and complain. Then they would breath deeply, stretch, balance and pretend to be a corpse. After that, everything was right in the world (at least for the rest of the evening).
But seriously, there were about five teachers who would do yoga after school. The instructor, Heather, was the daughter of a teacher who was trying to get her certificate and had to teach. So we were her lucky students. It was beginners yoga, basic poses and salutations. And over time I did get stretchier and more balanced. It even had the power to get rid of developing migraines. When Heather received her certification we wooed her back with money (and I think she thought we were entertaining). She had a soothing voice and would walk around and help us with our positions. I was forever tensing my shoulders and she would just walk by and put a hand on one and I would immediately drop them into a more comfortable position.
Alas, Columbus has yet to yield such a great instructor. I went to a Yoga class at the gym and it was crazy. The instructor was shouting out positions like an enthusiastic aerobics instructor. There was no pausing and breathing. And there were mirrors, so I could see just how bad I looked trying to keep up with sweat dripping down my knees. I was just happy I hadn't tried the Power Yoga class. And it really didn't help that the instructor had an obvious boob job. There is something just wrong about a yoga instructor with a boob job.
Last week I tried Yoga 101, for beginners. It is back to soothing music and slow positions and a small group of people. There are still the mirrors. The instructor is amazingly in shape, but no implants so I'm more motivated then annoyed. Anyway, it's not what I had before but I like it and will stick with it (pending a teacher position that may come up, I'll tell you about it when I hear more).
Namaste
But seriously, there were about five teachers who would do yoga after school. The instructor, Heather, was the daughter of a teacher who was trying to get her certificate and had to teach. So we were her lucky students. It was beginners yoga, basic poses and salutations. And over time I did get stretchier and more balanced. It even had the power to get rid of developing migraines. When Heather received her certification we wooed her back with money (and I think she thought we were entertaining). She had a soothing voice and would walk around and help us with our positions. I was forever tensing my shoulders and she would just walk by and put a hand on one and I would immediately drop them into a more comfortable position.
Alas, Columbus has yet to yield such a great instructor. I went to a Yoga class at the gym and it was crazy. The instructor was shouting out positions like an enthusiastic aerobics instructor. There was no pausing and breathing. And there were mirrors, so I could see just how bad I looked trying to keep up with sweat dripping down my knees. I was just happy I hadn't tried the Power Yoga class. And it really didn't help that the instructor had an obvious boob job. There is something just wrong about a yoga instructor with a boob job.
Last week I tried Yoga 101, for beginners. It is back to soothing music and slow positions and a small group of people. There are still the mirrors. The instructor is amazingly in shape, but no implants so I'm more motivated then annoyed. Anyway, it's not what I had before but I like it and will stick with it (pending a teacher position that may come up, I'll tell you about it when I hear more).
Namaste
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The gifts!
Well, after Christmas I am no longer the Crazy Cat Lady, I am now the Sweater Lady! But I do like the sweaters, they are all cute and comfy. And best, no teacher themed sweaters in sight (insert shudder here). Now if the weather would only cooperate....
I also received a sewing machine! I have absolutely no idea what to do with it and the book my mom got me to accompany it is only making me more confused. Tomorrow or Friday I will pull it out and play with it. If worse comes to worse I'll just have to visit my mom more so she can teach me.
Of course the best part of the holidays is giving. I told you back in November about painting pottery at Marcy's Clayground. Behold below the wonders I created. And by create, I mean paint.
First is a dragon for my mother-in-law. It's much cooler in person because the green paints have little flecks and makes him look kind of warty. It turned out better than I'd hoped. When I went in to pick it up, I told the salesperson I was there to pick up a dragon thinking 'how many dragons could there be'. Roughly around ten, most of them with obvious child painting on it (one red wing, one purple wing, etc). Anyway, MiL liked it and that is what counts.
Next is a water bowl for TooTall's cat, Pedro. I was going to do stripes but realized that would take skill to get tape to make stripes on the bowl surface, so just used round sponges instead. The dark spots were supposed to be gray, I guess I added to many layers. TooTall looked at me like I was nuts when he opened it....
And finally a water bowl for my sister T's cat, Baby. The background was supposed to be a little more pink and the white flowers were supposed to stand out more. She hasn't opened it yet, but I don't think she reads this so I should be ok posting it.
Also, my New Year's Resolutions:
1) Learn to sew
2) Learn to knit (found a great website with video for this and there will be a class at the library)
3) I forget....
4) Write things down so I don't forget
5) The usual jazz about eating better and exercising
6) Read more non-fiction
I also received a sewing machine! I have absolutely no idea what to do with it and the book my mom got me to accompany it is only making me more confused. Tomorrow or Friday I will pull it out and play with it. If worse comes to worse I'll just have to visit my mom more so she can teach me.
Of course the best part of the holidays is giving. I told you back in November about painting pottery at Marcy's Clayground. Behold below the wonders I created. And by create, I mean paint.
First is a dragon for my mother-in-law. It's much cooler in person because the green paints have little flecks and makes him look kind of warty. It turned out better than I'd hoped. When I went in to pick it up, I told the salesperson I was there to pick up a dragon thinking 'how many dragons could there be'. Roughly around ten, most of them with obvious child painting on it (one red wing, one purple wing, etc). Anyway, MiL liked it and that is what counts.
Next is a water bowl for TooTall's cat, Pedro. I was going to do stripes but realized that would take skill to get tape to make stripes on the bowl surface, so just used round sponges instead. The dark spots were supposed to be gray, I guess I added to many layers. TooTall looked at me like I was nuts when he opened it....
And finally a water bowl for my sister T's cat, Baby. The background was supposed to be a little more pink and the white flowers were supposed to stand out more. She hasn't opened it yet, but I don't think she reads this so I should be ok posting it.
Also, my New Year's Resolutions:
1) Learn to sew
2) Learn to knit (found a great website with video for this and there will be a class at the library)
3) I forget....
4) Write things down so I don't forget
5) The usual jazz about eating better and exercising
6) Read more non-fiction
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Let's do this again next year
My husband, Chicks, had this crazy idea to have a New Year's party. At first I was hesitant due to various issues like the pressure of making it a good party. But we had a good number of people show up and most had a great time. The theme was "Bring your own six pack of something unique to share" which went over very well. Chicks again had the brilliant idea to tape the holders to the wall so our guests could see the selections. We did have a great variety, though there was panic when people saw two containers of Trader Joe's Winterfest taped up. But one of them was filled with several different beers, so chaos was avoided. Also, it was widely agreed that the Berry Weiz beer was foul and people were actually sneaking off the the bathroom to pour it down the drain.
To be original and funny, at least I thought it was funny, one person even brought a six pack of peach mango applesauce. After most of the guests left and there was little beer left, my Brother (TooTall), Dandy's husband (Schemer) and Chicks drank them as shots.
Overall, there was little damage. We had to take plastic off the windows because at 50 degrees outside and we weren't about to turn on the air conditioner. There were three party fouls, all easily cleaned. TooTall and I were the darts champs. And the Spouses of Lehman Alumnus Club was officially begun.
Although I will forever think of Macaroni Grill as Macaroni Penguin Grill, not that I'm saying anything about the meat there. I just found out that there are such things as Macaroni Penguins and one of my friends thought that was where the name came from.
And I saved the best for last - Chicks and I might get to meet Robert Jordan! Granted it is a slim but still realistic possibility. I was sitting talking with my friend Sean about our cats' names. The second one is Min which I explained was a character from the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan and Sean says "Oh yeah, he's related to Elizabeth" (his fiancee). I said something along the way of "You're joking, shut up" and he said "Wanna bet" and stuck his hand out. I just knocked him out of the way and went screeching through the apartment for Elizabeth. I asked her if it was true and she said yeah and was about to explain when I left her standing there and went screeching again for Chicks. I then dragged him back to Elizabeth and told him. I think we scared her a little. It turns out that her mother's cousin is Harriet and is married to R.J. So depending on where the wedding is and R.J.'s health, he'll be there! But of course we'll be going to celebrate the wedding of a near and dear friend, really.
To be original and funny, at least I thought it was funny, one person even brought a six pack of peach mango applesauce. After most of the guests left and there was little beer left, my Brother (TooTall), Dandy's husband (Schemer) and Chicks drank them as shots.
Overall, there was little damage. We had to take plastic off the windows because at 50 degrees outside and we weren't about to turn on the air conditioner. There were three party fouls, all easily cleaned. TooTall and I were the darts champs. And the Spouses of Lehman Alumnus Club was officially begun.
Although I will forever think of Macaroni Grill as Macaroni Penguin Grill, not that I'm saying anything about the meat there. I just found out that there are such things as Macaroni Penguins and one of my friends thought that was where the name came from.
And I saved the best for last - Chicks and I might get to meet Robert Jordan! Granted it is a slim but still realistic possibility. I was sitting talking with my friend Sean about our cats' names. The second one is Min which I explained was a character from the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan and Sean says "Oh yeah, he's related to Elizabeth" (his fiancee). I said something along the way of "You're joking, shut up" and he said "Wanna bet" and stuck his hand out. I just knocked him out of the way and went screeching through the apartment for Elizabeth. I asked her if it was true and she said yeah and was about to explain when I left her standing there and went screeching again for Chicks. I then dragged him back to Elizabeth and told him. I think we scared her a little. It turns out that her mother's cousin is Harriet and is married to R.J. So depending on where the wedding is and R.J.'s health, he'll be there! But of course we'll be going to celebrate the wedding of a near and dear friend, really.
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