I got a surprise today when I got to school, I was informed that my third period would be attending the annual holiday music program. This was a pleasant surprise as I enjoy the assemblies JB puts on and the seating chart revealed we had front row seats!
I have never been more amazed at the abilities of middle school students than I was today at the concert. There were several girls that sang popular songs and the pipes on these young ladies would rival what you hear on the radio today. A young man played Chopin on the piano and having played piano quite a few years ago myself I was in awe.
The concert band and the orchestra played with a togetherness I have not seen from some high school ensembles and the instruments - violins, cellos, incredible.
If ever there was an argument for not getting rid of music programs in public school, this was it. For anyone who is interested the evening program is tomorrow, Thursday at 7 in the JB auditorium!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Balloon Pants
Yesterday as I got out of my car and started the trek across campus in the rain a student was suddenly at my side asking if she could walk with me. I am used to students saying good morning but I don't usually get escorted to class!
I said sure and we walked across campus in the cold. She was all bundled up in this ankle length brown coat with a fur lined hood. I asked her what was up and she spilled. Her mom had made her wear these "ugly, brown, balloon pants" her words not mine :-) They were not technically uniform so I asked why mom had made her wear them. Apparently laundry day had come and gone and they had not made it to the laundry mat so all her regular clothes were dirty and these were all that were left.
I told her it would be ok and she said she knew it would be because she intended to leave the coat on all day, good thing it was cold!
This brought back unpleasant memories of my middle school days and the relief that I no longer have to wear long coats to cover up bad outfits (although maybe I should!) What are some of your worst middle school moments.
By the way, she made it all day without taking off the coat and no one saw the horrific pants:-)
I said sure and we walked across campus in the cold. She was all bundled up in this ankle length brown coat with a fur lined hood. I asked her what was up and she spilled. Her mom had made her wear these "ugly, brown, balloon pants" her words not mine :-) They were not technically uniform so I asked why mom had made her wear them. Apparently laundry day had come and gone and they had not made it to the laundry mat so all her regular clothes were dirty and these were all that were left.
I told her it would be ok and she said she knew it would be because she intended to leave the coat on all day, good thing it was cold!
This brought back unpleasant memories of my middle school days and the relief that I no longer have to wear long coats to cover up bad outfits (although maybe I should!) What are some of your worst middle school moments.
By the way, she made it all day without taking off the coat and no one saw the horrific pants:-)
Monday, December 15, 2008
This old house
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I turned on the hair dryer and just like that the hair dryer went off, along with the television, the space heaters and multiple other the lamp. Yep we had blown a fuse. Up until this point we were not aware all the outlets were connected to one circuit. Of course this happens at night, when it has started to rain and it is cooolllddd. So I don my rain slicker, grab a flashlight and head to the backyard, aren't all fuse boxes in the backyard!
Once outside I locate the fuse box and realize the fuses aren't labeled, I look for ones that are off but don't see any so it was trial and error from here on out. Sarah was inside waiting for something to turn back on and I started flipping switches and nothing was happening. I thought we were in pretty big trouble when I flipped one switch and every light in the house when out! Oops!
I finally found the right one and everything was OK, now we know we can't run everything at once is all. I guess growing up in a old house served us well!
Once outside I locate the fuse box and realize the fuses aren't labeled, I look for ones that are off but don't see any so it was trial and error from here on out. Sarah was inside waiting for something to turn back on and I started flipping switches and nothing was happening. I thought we were in pretty big trouble when I flipped one switch and every light in the house when out! Oops!
I finally found the right one and everything was OK, now we know we can't run everything at once is all. I guess growing up in a old house served us well!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Advent Devotional 2008
This is the devotional I wrote for the Advent book at church this year. Mine was scheduled to be read on Sunday, the second Sunday of Advent. I am a couple days late in posting it but I thought I would share -
Isaiah 11:1-10 looks toward the rule of the one whose life is to be shaped by the “spirit of the Lord”. In advent we are preparing for Christmas, the birth of Jesus, our savior. With that we are also preparing for the reign of Christ and the celebration of the opportunity to become members of God’s Kingdom.
The image of the stump in Isaiah gives us a visual representation of taking away the old to get back to the beginning of where our hearts are supposed to be. It also allows for new growth and love through the birth of the baby Jesus.
The season of advent is a time of newness, of celebration. It is also a time for gifts. Not the wrapped packages under the tree, but the spiritual gifts God sent to us in Jesus. Jesus was sent to give us the gifts of the spirit including wisdom and understanding. On that very special night so very long ago few people understood just how much wisdom and understanding a tiny baby would have. Jesus’ life is an inspiration to us. The baby in the manger grew up to face mistrust, adversaries, and mocking at ever turn yet he continued to share his wisdom and understanding with those around him. Jesus never gave up teaching and spreading the word through the land.
As we go through this season of advent, remember not only the gifts that you receive but also that Jesus came bearing gifts that Christmas morning long ago; gifts that remind us to be tolerant and to learn from each other.
Isaiah 11:1-10 looks toward the rule of the one whose life is to be shaped by the “spirit of the Lord”. In advent we are preparing for Christmas, the birth of Jesus, our savior. With that we are also preparing for the reign of Christ and the celebration of the opportunity to become members of God’s Kingdom.
The image of the stump in Isaiah gives us a visual representation of taking away the old to get back to the beginning of where our hearts are supposed to be. It also allows for new growth and love through the birth of the baby Jesus.
The season of advent is a time of newness, of celebration. It is also a time for gifts. Not the wrapped packages under the tree, but the spiritual gifts God sent to us in Jesus. Jesus was sent to give us the gifts of the spirit including wisdom and understanding. On that very special night so very long ago few people understood just how much wisdom and understanding a tiny baby would have. Jesus’ life is an inspiration to us. The baby in the manger grew up to face mistrust, adversaries, and mocking at ever turn yet he continued to share his wisdom and understanding with those around him. Jesus never gave up teaching and spreading the word through the land.
As we go through this season of advent, remember not only the gifts that you receive but also that Jesus came bearing gifts that Christmas morning long ago; gifts that remind us to be tolerant and to learn from each other.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008
Thanksgiving 2008 dawned peacefully. Sarah, Sus and I gathered all our goodies and headed off to church where our adopted Thanksgiving was taking place. When we got there we dug right in and peeled potatoes, set up tables and chairs, helped with the turkeys, played board games and were generally having a terrific time.
A couple hours into the festivities I took a walk with a couple others to deliver some food to one of the regulars of the Tuesday homeless lunch. In the parking lot we ran into a man who asked if we were serving dinner. We answered no, said we were sorry an walked away. We assumed he left. A few minutes later The person I was with got a phone call from someone at the church, the man had been let in by someone who didn't know he wasn't supposed to be there and was refusing to leave. We hurried back to the church and sure enough found the man from the parking lot in the kitchen. He was told to leave or the police would be called, he said go ahead and call him, he said he wanted to tell them we wouldn't feed him.
One of the people there had to physically remove him, we called security and it was dealt with and after the fact I found out the kids had locked themselves in the other room, which was a good move on their part, they are smart kids :-)
It was sad but Sarah and the others offered to give him food from the Tuesday lunch cupboard and send him on his way. He wanted our food. He wanted to stay. We couldn't let him stay, it wasn't responsible. No one knew him or even recognized him and we had no way of knowing if he had a weapon of any kind.
Sarah had the most contact with him as she was mashing potatoes when he arrived and he kept telling her he was a "hungry tiger"
We all decided to put the incident behind us and have a good day which we did, more people came, 25 in all and they all brought food - lots of it!
It was fantastic gathering of people who otherwise wouldn't have been together, people who found a way to celebrate and share something special with friends, make new ones and be together giving thanks for another year.
Still a Tourist
I was reminded this week that I am still a tourist in this city. I was able to do some sightseeing this weekend when Susie was in town and saw some things I had seen before but also some things I hadn't. I took my first trip to Griffith Park, the largest Municipal Park in the country. We only saw a portion of it but I will definitely be going back for more.
One thing we saw was the observatory, what an incredible place! Not to mention FREE admission and parking! The building is beautiful and there is so much inside to learn about space and time. There are several telescopes that you can look at stars through on clear nights. We were their during the day but we are planning a night trip soon to get a look at the stars up close.
When the sun started to set we headed over to the part of the park that is hosting the annual light show. It is a 1.6 mile walk that takes you by incredible light displays of winter scenes and landmarks around Los Angeles.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
City Walk
My best friend from Michigan came into town yesterday and we took off running, lunch in Larchmont with a celebrity sighting (Micheal Rappaport) and Pinkberry! Then we met up with Emily and headed to Universal City Walk for a night of fun, we took in all the sights and had a fun dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. I enjoyed a Rock-arita which I must say is a new favorite beverage :-) We came home and crashed pretty early as the time change is always difficult on those east coasters!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
All I know
I don't know a lot but I know that I am a Christian. I accepted Jesus into my heart at church camp sitting in a chapel at an evening service. I remember it vividly. And since that day I have worked hard to follow Jesus. That is not an easy task. As a disciple of Christ I try very hard not to judge others. To love them the way I want to be loved and to show my faith instead of telling it. I am not good at putting my faith into words and many people are. I admire people who can articulate what they believe.
I believe in Jesus Christ, that he asked us not to judge others but to love them and that is something I don't think government can dictate. People say government is too big. I don't know. All I know is I haven't found the love of my life but when I do I want the make the decision to marry him. I am not a lesbian but I will not judge those who are. because I too am a sinner. I sin everyday. Just as I strive to walk like Jesus I ask for forgiveness and am granted it without question. Every time.
That is all I know. This issue and many others aren't political for me, but are biblical. Because the greatest commandment is love; to love Jesus and to love others.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36 NIV). Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).
I believe in Jesus Christ, that he asked us not to judge others but to love them and that is something I don't think government can dictate. People say government is too big. I don't know. All I know is I haven't found the love of my life but when I do I want the make the decision to marry him. I am not a lesbian but I will not judge those who are. because I too am a sinner. I sin everyday. Just as I strive to walk like Jesus I ask for forgiveness and am granted it without question. Every time.
That is all I know. This issue and many others aren't political for me, but are biblical. Because the greatest commandment is love; to love Jesus and to love others.
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36 NIV). Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I'm going to ride the subway
Yep, Saturday I'm going to ride the subway in L.A. for the first time, I didn't really even know that we had a subway. There is a rally about proposition 8 at city hall and our a group is meeting at our church to attend the rally in support of those who have lost their basic right to marry the person they love.
I was not going to go. I was experiencing a little apathy and a little anxiety. There is bound to be a lot of people there and it's Saturday after all. But after watching Keith Olbermann's statement (check it out here) on the passing of proposition 8 I can't not go to the rally, I cannot be apathetic.
So I will ride the subway, another new thing!
I was not going to go. I was experiencing a little apathy and a little anxiety. There is bound to be a lot of people there and it's Saturday after all. But after watching Keith Olbermann's statement (check it out here) on the passing of proposition 8 I can't not go to the rally, I cannot be apathetic.
So I will ride the subway, another new thing!
Monday, November 10, 2008
I read a book yesterday. I have a habit of doing that, reading a book all in one day. But sometimes books are so good you can't put them down. Randy Pausch was an engineer among other things. He died last summer of cancer. Some of you may be familiar with his book called "The Last Lecture", if you haven't read it, I encourage you to and if you haven't see his actual last lecture it is available to watch free online. I learned a lot from listening to Randy. He was a very smart man. I don't know anymore about engineering than I did before I read his book but I know a little more about life. I like books like that. Books that make you think about yourself, where you have been, where you are and where you are going.
Randy credits his parents with much of his success, he says they encouraged him to be creative and didn't try to push him in one direction or another. I am not going to give away a lot here but but one anecdote that made me laugh out loud and reminded me of my mom was when he was having trouble in a class and she responded with "We know how you feel honey, when your father was your age he was fighting the Germans". Enough said! Tough but real, that's why this blog is not about Randy Pausch, it' about Tommy and Christina Knapp.
I have been through a lot in 28 years but let's face it, I wouldn't even be here if my parents hadn't met and decided to have me when the Dr.'s told them it was dangerous. It was dangerous all right. I was the kid who had to go to the emergency room repeatedly for things like planks in her feet from running on the hard wood floor and getting her head stuck in the upstairs railing, The one who broke her knee on the family vacation to sea world. The one who left her most prized possession (a stuffed Winnie the Pooh) in a hotel on the way to Disney World. The one who let the neighbor light matches in her bedroom. The one who colored on the brand new television with black marker. The one whose teachers always said, she's great but she talks a lot; to which they replied, "we know". I think you get the picture.
My parents have never been ones to punish. As a child I had a sit in a chair more than a few times for a time out. But since I don't remember it that well it couldn't have been that scarring. I was spanked when necessary and sent to my room once and only once. My parents taught my sister and I through example. We had a Christian home and through and through. There was a large amount of trust and if you violated that trust there were consequences but there was no grudge. Because at the risk of sounding like a cliche, that's what Jesus would have done.
I didn't realize it at the time. Sometimes it's hard to see the situation for what it is when you are in it but I see it clearly now. The expectation that dinner was on the table every night and everyone was there unless you had a very good excuse. Again, no punishment, no demanding. It was family time. It was the way my parents were raised and the way they were raising us. The expectation that homework was meant to be done and done right. My dad spent countless hours helping us with math at night because that was what he was supposed to do in his eyes.
My parents have worked hard their entire lives, they both graduated from college, my dad after they were married and he was working. They worked hard for our family, so that we could have a good life and a firm foundation. I have struggled the past few years and they have been there every step of the way. When I couldn't find a teaching job not once did anyone suggest I go get a job at Starbucks, they packed the boxes and took me to Arizona so I could start my career. They sacrificed. Again.
When I was in high school my parents were asked to teach a parenting class at our church. At the time I was indifferent about it. I liked my parents and all but did I think they should teach a class....Today I think everyone should take a page from their book. Their not perfect, yep they made mistakes, everyone does. But I know now why they were asked to teach that class and I am so proud of them.
Every time I am unsure, sick, happy, sad, angry, or anything the first phone call I make is to my parents. They have never tried to push their dreams on me only asked what my dreams are and how I am going to achieve them. I am forever grateful and I want them to know that now.
That's what I learned from "The Last Lecture" Say it now.
Randy credits his parents with much of his success, he says they encouraged him to be creative and didn't try to push him in one direction or another. I am not going to give away a lot here but but one anecdote that made me laugh out loud and reminded me of my mom was when he was having trouble in a class and she responded with "We know how you feel honey, when your father was your age he was fighting the Germans". Enough said! Tough but real, that's why this blog is not about Randy Pausch, it' about Tommy and Christina Knapp.
I have been through a lot in 28 years but let's face it, I wouldn't even be here if my parents hadn't met and decided to have me when the Dr.'s told them it was dangerous. It was dangerous all right. I was the kid who had to go to the emergency room repeatedly for things like planks in her feet from running on the hard wood floor and getting her head stuck in the upstairs railing, The one who broke her knee on the family vacation to sea world. The one who left her most prized possession (a stuffed Winnie the Pooh) in a hotel on the way to Disney World. The one who let the neighbor light matches in her bedroom. The one who colored on the brand new television with black marker. The one whose teachers always said, she's great but she talks a lot; to which they replied, "we know". I think you get the picture.
My parents have never been ones to punish. As a child I had a sit in a chair more than a few times for a time out. But since I don't remember it that well it couldn't have been that scarring. I was spanked when necessary and sent to my room once and only once. My parents taught my sister and I through example. We had a Christian home and through and through. There was a large amount of trust and if you violated that trust there were consequences but there was no grudge. Because at the risk of sounding like a cliche, that's what Jesus would have done.
I didn't realize it at the time. Sometimes it's hard to see the situation for what it is when you are in it but I see it clearly now. The expectation that dinner was on the table every night and everyone was there unless you had a very good excuse. Again, no punishment, no demanding. It was family time. It was the way my parents were raised and the way they were raising us. The expectation that homework was meant to be done and done right. My dad spent countless hours helping us with math at night because that was what he was supposed to do in his eyes.
My parents have worked hard their entire lives, they both graduated from college, my dad after they were married and he was working. They worked hard for our family, so that we could have a good life and a firm foundation. I have struggled the past few years and they have been there every step of the way. When I couldn't find a teaching job not once did anyone suggest I go get a job at Starbucks, they packed the boxes and took me to Arizona so I could start my career. They sacrificed. Again.
When I was in high school my parents were asked to teach a parenting class at our church. At the time I was indifferent about it. I liked my parents and all but did I think they should teach a class....Today I think everyone should take a page from their book. Their not perfect, yep they made mistakes, everyone does. But I know now why they were asked to teach that class and I am so proud of them.
Every time I am unsure, sick, happy, sad, angry, or anything the first phone call I make is to my parents. They have never tried to push their dreams on me only asked what my dreams are and how I am going to achieve them. I am forever grateful and I want them to know that now.
That's what I learned from "The Last Lecture" Say it now.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Germs!
It's official, I'm sick. sore throat, chest hurting, runny nose, headache, tired, hot, cold, slight fever sick. Yuck. This is run of the mill stuff for a teacher and I am thankful it is less than when I first started teaching but I still get sick a couple of times a year. It could also be the season change, I haven't had a "fall" in a couple of years.
Never the less, I got to have a night of nothing last night and conked out at 9, did a lot of nothing today. Sarah made me homemade turkey soup (yum!) and will probably stay in tomorrow too.
Anyway, enough whining, off to drink hot cider and get feeling better, stay healthy everyone!
Never the less, I got to have a night of nothing last night and conked out at 9, did a lot of nothing today. Sarah made me homemade turkey soup (yum!) and will probably stay in tomorrow too.
Anyway, enough whining, off to drink hot cider and get feeling better, stay healthy everyone!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
New Experience #78
I'm not really keeping track but tonight we did our something new for week. After we got our church directory pictures taken we stopped for dinner at Pinks, the longest running hot dog stand. We have never stopped before because the line is always forever long but it was not bad tonight so we pulled up and took a chance.
The hot dogs and onion rings were great! Then we had pinkberry for dessert, I love Thursdays at the Knapp house!
The hot dogs and onion rings were great! Then we had pinkberry for dessert, I love Thursdays at the Knapp house!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A Whole New World
No, no magic carpet ride for you! Just a new President-Elect! Yep. I'm excited. Sarah had class last night and I was like, I'm not going to watch it. I turned off the television, went into the office and started to work but it was too quiet so I turned the TV in the living room on for some noise and then was texting with some people and then McCain succeeded and then I had to watch Obama's speech and then Sarah came home and I was like this happened and this was good and this was exciting.
And she was like, not going to watch huh? Yeah. I got excited. This is democracy in action. I am excited that m candidate won, however, I truly do support America. I never once turned my back on the troops serving our country or the people of this nation who are have a hard time because of the economy.
That was the message of McCain's speech last night and I want to say the people booing were indeed sore losers. It is fine to feel emotion, to be angry that your hard work was not fruitful or to be sad your candidate is not going to Pennsylvania Avenue but to out right show disrespect you your new commander in chief is wrong. That is the example they set last night. Not John McCain. He was gracious. He called Obama his President and I respect him for that.
Now the election is over and my life will go back to business as usual although you may occasionally get a blog or two about union stuff as we are fighting with the school district.
Au Revoir!
And she was like, not going to watch huh? Yeah. I got excited. This is democracy in action. I am excited that m candidate won, however, I truly do support America. I never once turned my back on the troops serving our country or the people of this nation who are have a hard time because of the economy.
That was the message of McCain's speech last night and I want to say the people booing were indeed sore losers. It is fine to feel emotion, to be angry that your hard work was not fruitful or to be sad your candidate is not going to Pennsylvania Avenue but to out right show disrespect you your new commander in chief is wrong. That is the example they set last night. Not John McCain. He was gracious. He called Obama his President and I respect him for that.
Now the election is over and my life will go back to business as usual although you may occasionally get a blog or two about union stuff as we are fighting with the school district.
Au Revoir!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Playing Catch Up
It has recently been brought to my attention that I have been trying to catch up on some lost time. When I moved to LA and had some of my medicine changed around I have been feeling better than I have in years. That has lots of up sides and some down sides.
I started committing to a lot of activities and keeping very busy. To the point of being a bit compulsive. The Dr.s have assured me that this is the normal course of action I have to take in order to separate myself from the medication and find the reasonable person in between. I am not sure about all of this. It is a bit unsettling.
Some other obsessive habits have come out in the past weeks and adjusting has been difficult. But on the upside I we have a very clean house and I have a very organized classroom. As some of you know this is not always a good thing and there are bad behaviors and feelings that come with all this. I go back to the Dr. tomorrow for more injections in my shoulder so hopefully I will get some more insight into what kind of medication is an option for me.
It makes me wonder. Is this the real me, because it doesn't feel very good. Or is the medicated me the real me. Who am I supposed to be. It is a common issue with mood disorders. And since decision making is difficult in people with mood disorders is doubly difficult!
I will keep you posted on my progress!
I started committing to a lot of activities and keeping very busy. To the point of being a bit compulsive. The Dr.s have assured me that this is the normal course of action I have to take in order to separate myself from the medication and find the reasonable person in between. I am not sure about all of this. It is a bit unsettling.
Some other obsessive habits have come out in the past weeks and adjusting has been difficult. But on the upside I we have a very clean house and I have a very organized classroom. As some of you know this is not always a good thing and there are bad behaviors and feelings that come with all this. I go back to the Dr. tomorrow for more injections in my shoulder so hopefully I will get some more insight into what kind of medication is an option for me.
It makes me wonder. Is this the real me, because it doesn't feel very good. Or is the medicated me the real me. Who am I supposed to be. It is a common issue with mood disorders. And since decision making is difficult in people with mood disorders is doubly difficult!
I will keep you posted on my progress!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tired
I'm tired. I'm finally tired. I have been on a roller coaster since I have been at the pain clinic. First I went through the withdrawal when I went off the medication and the the obsessive compulsiveness came back, slowly at first and then I got this talking thing. I used to get teased by my family that I was born talking. It went away with the medication, I was able to censor myself but now it's back, It's harder to control the talking. And the cleaning and the other things.
Then the hyper activity came. I starting getting up early every morning, very unusual for me. I couldn't sit still and watch T.V. without something to occupy my hands. I was multitasking my multitasking, etc...
Then today I came home from work and I realized I was tired. Not hyper, just tired. I still did lots of stuff because I haven't gotten into the new pharmacologist yet so I am still dealing with the obsessive compulsive stuff but I am feeling positive on the progress I have made so far.
So I am going to bed, earlier than I have in several weeks and hopefully will sleep all night until my alarm goes off. I am very much ready to have things go back to my form of "normal".
Then the hyper activity came. I starting getting up early every morning, very unusual for me. I couldn't sit still and watch T.V. without something to occupy my hands. I was multitasking my multitasking, etc...
Then today I came home from work and I realized I was tired. Not hyper, just tired. I still did lots of stuff because I haven't gotten into the new pharmacologist yet so I am still dealing with the obsessive compulsive stuff but I am feeling positive on the progress I have made so far.
So I am going to bed, earlier than I have in several weeks and hopefully will sleep all night until my alarm goes off. I am very much ready to have things go back to my form of "normal".
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hell No We Won't Go!
Today was my first official union event! I went to school with my new union t-shirt and put a sign around my neck like a giant billboard. I spent 30 minutes handing fliers to parents who were dropping their children off for school. It was my first day in front of the school for drop off and let me just say - more kids get dropped off by parents and carpools than ride the bus by quite a ratio. I ran out of fliers. It was pretty cool to be out there actually doing something, trying to get something done for the teachers. For me. I need better health care and I can't afford to have the district cut the benefits now. If anything they need to increase our benefits to keep up with rising health care costs.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Peer Praise
Let's face - we all like to be liked. Well I guess I can't speak for everyone in the world but I like to be liked. In fact I have this fear of being unliked. I know, I have a fear of many things beyond my control, yada yada, yada. It is a bit ironic that I occasionally dislike people and don't seem to have a problem with that ;-) (you can all keep your sarcastic quips to yourselves).
Anyway - the point of that is to tell you that I received two extremely nice compliments last week that had a huge impact on me and the way I view the other teachers at my school. The literacy coach at my school told me that I was doing an awesome job and I should stop worrying about making making mistakes. She said she was telling everyone about the awesome job I was doing with my classes. As good as this made me feel, it also gave me some insight into the way I was being treated by some tenured staff in my department who have been a little, shall we say cool. I have not been welcomed into that group. But I am working on it.
That other fabulous compliment came very unexpectedly. I was starting class when a math teacher came in, escorting a student. If we have the time sometimes we will do that instead of writing a pass to give the student a couple minutes of one on one time. He interrupted to tell my class ho lucky they were to have me because the teacher who had the room before me was a bore and didn't do anything fun like sing or do projects (OK, I only sang once and it was very brief). The kids clapped for me and he left.
At lunch I sought this teacher out and thanked hm for the compliment. He said that the kids he had last year come back and report about the teachers they have this year. Apparently I am among the favorites for seventh grade magnet. I told him the newness would wear off eventually :-)
For all of you with busy, stressful careers, you know the time it takes to point out improvements that a colleague can make or to ask a favor, let alone give them credit or a compliment. I truly appreciate the kindness I experienced last week. I am going to make it a priority to make more of those observations to my peers. I challenge you to as well. We all know what a smile can do, imagine what a kind word will do!
Anyway - the point of that is to tell you that I received two extremely nice compliments last week that had a huge impact on me and the way I view the other teachers at my school. The literacy coach at my school told me that I was doing an awesome job and I should stop worrying about making making mistakes. She said she was telling everyone about the awesome job I was doing with my classes. As good as this made me feel, it also gave me some insight into the way I was being treated by some tenured staff in my department who have been a little, shall we say cool. I have not been welcomed into that group. But I am working on it.
That other fabulous compliment came very unexpectedly. I was starting class when a math teacher came in, escorting a student. If we have the time sometimes we will do that instead of writing a pass to give the student a couple minutes of one on one time. He interrupted to tell my class ho lucky they were to have me because the teacher who had the room before me was a bore and didn't do anything fun like sing or do projects (OK, I only sang once and it was very brief). The kids clapped for me and he left.
At lunch I sought this teacher out and thanked hm for the compliment. He said that the kids he had last year come back and report about the teachers they have this year. Apparently I am among the favorites for seventh grade magnet. I told him the newness would wear off eventually :-)
For all of you with busy, stressful careers, you know the time it takes to point out improvements that a colleague can make or to ask a favor, let alone give them credit or a compliment. I truly appreciate the kindness I experienced last week. I am going to make it a priority to make more of those observations to my peers. I challenge you to as well. We all know what a smile can do, imagine what a kind word will do!
Little Politicos
And in no way am I speaking ill of short persons in political arenas. I am talking about my students who are, in there own way, involved in the political process. We are all very much in discussion about the upcoming election. Which candidate best represents are values and what propositions will take away our rights. But we also have to look at the bigger picture.
I am not one to speak out about politics, I don't have a soap box, mainly because I don't feel I have enough knowledge about the issues. However, i will make an exception this time and say this from my heart. Think about the future when you vote. I voted by mail on Saturday and I followed the union stance on many things but there were several propositions that I had to go with my heart on. If it doesn't feel right, do what you think is right.
I say this because I spend the majority of my time with the future. Maybe it is cliche to say that but it is true. The children are our future and it is up to us to make sure there is a safe place for them to be.
The other day at lunch the group I had spent the time making campaign signs against proposition 8 and for Obama. I had nothing to do with this as I was on the phone at the time. I watched with sheer admiration at the thought they were putting into an election and into issues they cannot even vote on.
I beg you to do the same.
I am not one to speak out about politics, I don't have a soap box, mainly because I don't feel I have enough knowledge about the issues. However, i will make an exception this time and say this from my heart. Think about the future when you vote. I voted by mail on Saturday and I followed the union stance on many things but there were several propositions that I had to go with my heart on. If it doesn't feel right, do what you think is right.
I say this because I spend the majority of my time with the future. Maybe it is cliche to say that but it is true. The children are our future and it is up to us to make sure there is a safe place for them to be.
The other day at lunch the group I had spent the time making campaign signs against proposition 8 and for Obama. I had nothing to do with this as I was on the phone at the time. I watched with sheer admiration at the thought they were putting into an election and into issues they cannot even vote on.
I beg you to do the same.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Surprise!
I have yet to figure out how to wake Sarah up without scaring her. I feel so bad when it happens. Even when she asks me to wake her up at a certain time, I go in and I say her name softly, she thinks I am there to kill her (which is sooo not true!). Now, this is understandable, because when you are not used to someone being in your room and you are asleep it can be scary to have someone standing over you, I get that, totally(which is why I have a min baseball bat by my bad thank you dad!). I just wish she wasn't scared of me.
This morning I went in to tell her something and she was really startled. Granted it was 3:30 a.m. and not 6:45 like when I go in to say I am leaving for the day. Let me explain, I had been waking up on and off all night and couldn't figure it out then I realized I had forgotten to take my meds, long story, and went in to ask her advice. I do m=not make a habit of going around waking people up in the middle of the night!
Unfortunatley after that neither of us could go back to sleep. She is asleep now and I hope she sleeps in, I turned off the alarms as I am off to work. I feel really bad but I needed a friend and we always tell each other to wake the other up so I did :-) This too shall pass.
So if anyone has any tips on how to wake her up without scaring her I am sure she would appreciate it!
This morning I went in to tell her something and she was really startled. Granted it was 3:30 a.m. and not 6:45 like when I go in to say I am leaving for the day. Let me explain, I had been waking up on and off all night and couldn't figure it out then I realized I had forgotten to take my meds, long story, and went in to ask her advice. I do m=not make a habit of going around waking people up in the middle of the night!
Unfortunatley after that neither of us could go back to sleep. She is asleep now and I hope she sleeps in, I turned off the alarms as I am off to work. I feel really bad but I needed a friend and we always tell each other to wake the other up so I did :-) This too shall pass.
So if anyone has any tips on how to wake her up without scaring her I am sure she would appreciate it!
I'm Going to Disneyland!
No, it's not just a commercial or a dream folks, Sarah and I won 4 tickets to Disneyland last night! I love this town! (Not to mention Disneyland is within a very reasonable driving distance) Los Angeles Team Mentoring (http://www.latm.org/) is an organization that began after the 1992 riots to give something positive to do with their time and someone to do it with that was a positive influence. They had an informational meeting last night and I dragged Sarah along with me.
It was fun, I met some really nice people and learned that O can participate in the program right in my school. Also, we won the tickets which are good until next June so we can save them until my parents come and take them, we are very excited!!!!
It was fun, I met some really nice people and learned that O can participate in the program right in my school. Also, we won the tickets which are good until next June so we can save them until my parents come and take them, we are very excited!!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
La La Land
Living in Los Angeles really is like television. Not in the sense that I am the star by any means :-) but the world around me. I went to the mall the other night, a random Thursday night, and there was a fashion show. We had fashion shows at the malls when I grew up. They put a stage in the middle and people walked out and modeled fashion from the stores. But this was a SHOW.There was a DJ and dancers on the over sized stage (brought in and installed for the event) to entertain the waiting audience. The people attending the show appeared to me as if they should be in the show. If I hadn't been standing there watching the event take place I would have sworn it was a television show!
As one of my all time favorite movies says "Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Can you hear me now?
Today was going along swimmingly until the bell for 6th period rang and a student waltzed into my room chatting on his cell phone. This is a bit unbelievable for two reasons:
1. Cell phones are not to be turned on during school hours and 2. he was not hiding it or trying to to hide it, he was acting as if this was normal behavior.
I told him to hang up and give me the phone. he tried to tell me some sob story about how he was talking to his mother who was at the hospital because his aunt had just given birth. He added that he had seen Mr. Martinez (assistant principal) downstairs who had given permission for the phone call. While the story about the birth may be true it has n bearing on the cell phone use policy. I told home to go find Mr. Martinez and get a note verifying the permission. He then told me that Mr. Martinez was on his way off campus when he saw him and was long gone by now. I responded with "sit down".
About 15 minutes later I was helping some students with the assignment which was peer editing their first "big" paper of the year. I noticed some abnormal behavior across the room and while it is not unusual for me to have abnormal behavior in the class I do have to investigate. I headed across the room to the circle of bowed heads and hushed voices to find a student text messaging. Yep. Second offender in 15 minutes. I was a little angry.
My normal policy is to take the phone until the end of class and give a warning for the first timers but not today, I told them to take it up with the deans office. Unfortunately for them the first deans office employee I came across was Mr. Edelman "the mean dean" who is also a part time social studies teacher and knows these two students well.
I saw Mr. Martinez after school and mentioned the "permission" and his sudden exit from campus. We had a good laugh over it and there will be detention given for lying. My students learn quickly that lying is a big offense in Ms. Knapp's room. I guess I learned that quick from my best teacher too.
1. Cell phones are not to be turned on during school hours and 2. he was not hiding it or trying to to hide it, he was acting as if this was normal behavior.
I told him to hang up and give me the phone. he tried to tell me some sob story about how he was talking to his mother who was at the hospital because his aunt had just given birth. He added that he had seen Mr. Martinez (assistant principal) downstairs who had given permission for the phone call. While the story about the birth may be true it has n bearing on the cell phone use policy. I told home to go find Mr. Martinez and get a note verifying the permission. He then told me that Mr. Martinez was on his way off campus when he saw him and was long gone by now. I responded with "sit down".
About 15 minutes later I was helping some students with the assignment which was peer editing their first "big" paper of the year. I noticed some abnormal behavior across the room and while it is not unusual for me to have abnormal behavior in the class I do have to investigate. I headed across the room to the circle of bowed heads and hushed voices to find a student text messaging. Yep. Second offender in 15 minutes. I was a little angry.
My normal policy is to take the phone until the end of class and give a warning for the first timers but not today, I told them to take it up with the deans office. Unfortunately for them the first deans office employee I came across was Mr. Edelman "the mean dean" who is also a part time social studies teacher and knows these two students well.
I saw Mr. Martinez after school and mentioned the "permission" and his sudden exit from campus. We had a good laugh over it and there will be detention given for lying. My students learn quickly that lying is a big offense in Ms. Knapp's room. I guess I learned that quick from my best teacher too.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sitcom Worthy
Seriously, it only happens on T.V. - nobody ever actually puts something in a mixer and has it spray all over their kitchen right? Wrong. It happened to me. I wish I had taken pictures, you have to believe what a huge mess it was.
I was making frosting for Sarah's birthday cake on Saturday morning. All the ingredients were in, the Crisco, margarine, powdered sugar, etc... all the stuff that makes it good and sticky. If you are not familiar with frosting it has to beat for a while to become firm and if you have an antique mixer like I do it takes a loooong while. So I thought I would be proactive and do some dishes while it was beating. Now, I was not neglecting the frosting, I was less than 2 foot away and I was glancing at it every 5 seconds or so. It was fine and then all of a sudden I felt like my pants were being pelted with something. Because they were. Frosting.
I quickly shut it off, yelled shit and stood there, looking around at what appeared to a snow covered kitchen. Very gingerbread house like. Really, this only happens on T.V. or so I thought. Sarah came out quickly, hearing my expletive and promptly stepped in some. We started cleaning and had to wash everything. The rugs, the stove, the canisters, the clean dishes, dishes in the cupboard, the potatoes, everything. The frosting had managed to get on everything except the cake. Not one dollop had landed on either layer of the cake. I mean seriously!
So we cleaned and used every rag and towel, then I had to wash my clothes which ended up coming out stained because of the oil in the Crisco - another alumni sweatshirt down the drain :-( then I had to mop the floor which I had already done and shower because yep- the frosting was in my hair :-)
Looking back on it it was incredibly funny and I didn't cry so it couldn't have been that bad right! We even ended up with enough to frost the cake even if it was a little thinner than usual.
Let's just say that if anyone wants to know what I am asking Santa for it is money to buy a new mixer, mine has warn out it's welcome. I need a splatter shield pronto!
I was making frosting for Sarah's birthday cake on Saturday morning. All the ingredients were in, the Crisco, margarine, powdered sugar, etc... all the stuff that makes it good and sticky. If you are not familiar with frosting it has to beat for a while to become firm and if you have an antique mixer like I do it takes a loooong while. So I thought I would be proactive and do some dishes while it was beating. Now, I was not neglecting the frosting, I was less than 2 foot away and I was glancing at it every 5 seconds or so. It was fine and then all of a sudden I felt like my pants were being pelted with something. Because they were. Frosting.
I quickly shut it off, yelled shit and stood there, looking around at what appeared to a snow covered kitchen. Very gingerbread house like. Really, this only happens on T.V. or so I thought. Sarah came out quickly, hearing my expletive and promptly stepped in some. We started cleaning and had to wash everything. The rugs, the stove, the canisters, the clean dishes, dishes in the cupboard, the potatoes, everything. The frosting had managed to get on everything except the cake. Not one dollop had landed on either layer of the cake. I mean seriously!
So we cleaned and used every rag and towel, then I had to wash my clothes which ended up coming out stained because of the oil in the Crisco - another alumni sweatshirt down the drain :-( then I had to mop the floor which I had already done and shower because yep- the frosting was in my hair :-)
Looking back on it it was incredibly funny and I didn't cry so it couldn't have been that bad right! We even ended up with enough to frost the cake even if it was a little thinner than usual.
Let's just say that if anyone wants to know what I am asking Santa for it is money to buy a new mixer, mine has warn out it's welcome. I need a splatter shield pronto!
The Honeymoon is Over
Every teacher knows that there is a honeymoon period at the beginning of the school year and when it's over the children start to show their true colors, their "unique" habits and "fun" character traits!
My honeymoon period is officially over. It ended last week when a child stole some Expo markers and she and two of her friends ditched class and vandalized the girls bathroom. All three girls are good kids and made a bad decision, this will pass and hopefully they will make better choices in the future.
I thought that was the end of it until I went got to school on Friday to discover that a green, glass paperweight had been stolen off my desk. I had a pretty good hunch who had taken it but I didn't want to accuse anyone. I want so badly to believe that this school is different from my previous school and bad things don't happen (yes, it is a fairytale!).
When I let the kids in at 7:15 (45 minutes before school) there was a big group, about 18. Mostly they were working on science projects due that day. Some were studying for the quiz in my class that was also that day. I got a book order turned and put it in my drawer, walked away from my desk to help a student for about 3 minutes, went back to my desk and got the order out to put in my purse. Yep, the money was gone.
One student had conspicuously disappeared and I knew right away what was going on. I was so angry but I had no proof. I spent a few minutes in each class letting the students know how disappointed I was that I had extended the trust to them of letting them be in the room outside of class time and to have that trust violated would have consequences starting with a new closed door policy.
In essence this really punishes me because I lose that time with the students to have them around and help them with their homework, let them check out books, talk to them, listen to them, just having them their being noisy is a comfort to me during the day.
Two students came forward as witnesses to seeing the student who stole the paper weight (a gift from a friend). Which meant now I had solid proof to go to administration. It is being dealt with and the student is facing being sent to his host school as this is not the first theft at school and also he has been arrested for shoplifting.
While I feel bad, I also have had to remember that I am a magnet teacher now and I have to have extremely high expectations of my students in and out of class. I have to focus on pushing them not bringing them up. They have to be able to cut it. The support I received from my superiors was great and I have not had to deal with the issue at all after I turned it over. What a relief it is to have a chain of command that works the way it is intended.
My honeymoon period is officially over. It ended last week when a child stole some Expo markers and she and two of her friends ditched class and vandalized the girls bathroom. All three girls are good kids and made a bad decision, this will pass and hopefully they will make better choices in the future.
I thought that was the end of it until I went got to school on Friday to discover that a green, glass paperweight had been stolen off my desk. I had a pretty good hunch who had taken it but I didn't want to accuse anyone. I want so badly to believe that this school is different from my previous school and bad things don't happen (yes, it is a fairytale!).
When I let the kids in at 7:15 (45 minutes before school) there was a big group, about 18. Mostly they were working on science projects due that day. Some were studying for the quiz in my class that was also that day. I got a book order turned and put it in my drawer, walked away from my desk to help a student for about 3 minutes, went back to my desk and got the order out to put in my purse. Yep, the money was gone.
One student had conspicuously disappeared and I knew right away what was going on. I was so angry but I had no proof. I spent a few minutes in each class letting the students know how disappointed I was that I had extended the trust to them of letting them be in the room outside of class time and to have that trust violated would have consequences starting with a new closed door policy.
In essence this really punishes me because I lose that time with the students to have them around and help them with their homework, let them check out books, talk to them, listen to them, just having them their being noisy is a comfort to me during the day.
Two students came forward as witnesses to seeing the student who stole the paper weight (a gift from a friend). Which meant now I had solid proof to go to administration. It is being dealt with and the student is facing being sent to his host school as this is not the first theft at school and also he has been arrested for shoplifting.
While I feel bad, I also have had to remember that I am a magnet teacher now and I have to have extremely high expectations of my students in and out of class. I have to focus on pushing them not bringing them up. They have to be able to cut it. The support I received from my superiors was great and I have not had to deal with the issue at all after I turned it over. What a relief it is to have a chain of command that works the way it is intended.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Back to School
I have been talking my way around going back to school for a while. I was accepted into Western's graduate program but did not go when I ended up moving West. I took a class or two when I was in Yuma that counted as credit but never got into anything serious because I couldn't afford it. When I decided to make the move to LA with Sarah I figured that going back to school would be a good idea so I could keep busy while she was busy writing. Things didn't fall into place as fast as I had wanted them too so I wasn't able to apply for fall admission. Oops, oh well. I don't like school that much anyway!
Then the other day I heard this announcement at school to go see this presenter about making 15% more money. I thought I could at least go see how much work it entailed. I met a woman who runs a program through the district (the advantages of working for a big district) to get nationally certified.
This is something I have been particularly interested in especially after jumping through Arizona and California's hoops to get licensed. It is a huge process and very rigorous (their word). It takes anywhere from 1-3 years depending on how well you do and is quite expensive.
The program the district offers is half price and takes 6 months. It is the equivalent of a masters degree in the field of teaching and 45 states accept it automatically as a teaching license. So I could potentially move anywhere and not have to jump through hoops! It is a really good deal on paper. I was still a little skeptical so I signed up for the orientation tonight.
After 4 hours I was sold. It is going to be hard. 400 or so hours between now and March 15th but it is a good deal and I get to have a study group and a facilitator to help get me through the process.
So I paid a bunch of money tonight and will pay more tomorrow but I am ready to do this. So please pray for me and forgive me if I get a little busy in the coming months.
Then the other day I heard this announcement at school to go see this presenter about making 15% more money. I thought I could at least go see how much work it entailed. I met a woman who runs a program through the district (the advantages of working for a big district) to get nationally certified.
This is something I have been particularly interested in especially after jumping through Arizona and California's hoops to get licensed. It is a huge process and very rigorous (their word). It takes anywhere from 1-3 years depending on how well you do and is quite expensive.
The program the district offers is half price and takes 6 months. It is the equivalent of a masters degree in the field of teaching and 45 states accept it automatically as a teaching license. So I could potentially move anywhere and not have to jump through hoops! It is a really good deal on paper. I was still a little skeptical so I signed up for the orientation tonight.
After 4 hours I was sold. It is going to be hard. 400 or so hours between now and March 15th but it is a good deal and I get to have a study group and a facilitator to help get me through the process.
So I paid a bunch of money tonight and will pay more tomorrow but I am ready to do this. So please pray for me and forgive me if I get a little busy in the coming months.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
News from the Coast
Well another busy week has passed here on the west coast and we are making the most of it!
Thursday was parents night at school and I had a huge turnout which was great. It is rare to see so many parents interested in their child's education after elementary school. I had about 80 parents out of 170 kids. Far above the non-magnet classes.
I took Friday off to go the pain clinic at Cedar-Sinai where my new headache Dr. is located. He seems very nice and hands on. I go back on Thursday to see a psychologist and to decide on a treatment plan. He gave me several personality tests to take and send in that will give him a better idea of the course of treatment that will be best. I had to get several prescriptions filled and the co-pay was only $5 each with my new insurance. It's fabulous. A month ago I would have paid almost $100 a piece for them.
Friday night we had a new friend over (Sean) from church for pizza and cards and then met up with another group and a bar called Snow White's. It's a really small place but all the artwork is original and was done by the Disney artists who created the original Snow White for Disney. It was really cool!
I met new fun people too; a stuntman who once got beat up by Tori Spelling on 90210 and was Andrew Shue's double on Melrose Place for a couple years and jumped off a cliff for my friend Pauley in a movie (apparently it's hard to find tall stunt woman). There was a video editor, a playwrite/actor and 4 5 of us were originally from Michigan. Too crazy!
Saturday we did some errand stuff and watched movies with Emily. Sunday we did the church thing and then while Sarah was writing I took my written tests for the doctor.
Tomorrow it is back to work but we have Tuesday off as an unassigned day so I am going to volunteer at church for the homeless lunch.
On the 19th of October, I am joining the Hollywood United Methodist Church as an associate member. I have a sponsor and everything (afore mentioned Sean). I am joining as an associate because I am not ready to sever my membership in Howell yet. This way I can have the best of both worlds!
That's all for now - Tomorrow I am back at Snow White's after work to meet the gang since it's not a school night.
Thursday was parents night at school and I had a huge turnout which was great. It is rare to see so many parents interested in their child's education after elementary school. I had about 80 parents out of 170 kids. Far above the non-magnet classes.
I took Friday off to go the pain clinic at Cedar-Sinai where my new headache Dr. is located. He seems very nice and hands on. I go back on Thursday to see a psychologist and to decide on a treatment plan. He gave me several personality tests to take and send in that will give him a better idea of the course of treatment that will be best. I had to get several prescriptions filled and the co-pay was only $5 each with my new insurance. It's fabulous. A month ago I would have paid almost $100 a piece for them.
Friday night we had a new friend over (Sean) from church for pizza and cards and then met up with another group and a bar called Snow White's. It's a really small place but all the artwork is original and was done by the Disney artists who created the original Snow White for Disney. It was really cool!
I met new fun people too; a stuntman who once got beat up by Tori Spelling on 90210 and was Andrew Shue's double on Melrose Place for a couple years and jumped off a cliff for my friend Pauley in a movie (apparently it's hard to find tall stunt woman). There was a video editor, a playwrite/actor and 4 5 of us were originally from Michigan. Too crazy!
Saturday we did some errand stuff and watched movies with Emily. Sunday we did the church thing and then while Sarah was writing I took my written tests for the doctor.
Tomorrow it is back to work but we have Tuesday off as an unassigned day so I am going to volunteer at church for the homeless lunch.
On the 19th of October, I am joining the Hollywood United Methodist Church as an associate member. I have a sponsor and everything (afore mentioned Sean). I am joining as an associate because I am not ready to sever my membership in Howell yet. This way I can have the best of both worlds!
That's all for now - Tomorrow I am back at Snow White's after work to meet the gang since it's not a school night.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Commuter for a Day
Today I joined the ranks of those who get on the freeway every morning here in the City of Angels and crawl their way to work. I had a training to attend at Pepperdine University in Culver City which is only about 15 miles from me in reality. I knew it would take awhile because I had to get on two of the busiest commuter routes in L.A.
I gave myself an hour and after 15 minutes of the freeway I reset my GPS to the surface streets and wound my way through the city. In reality it probably took the same amount of time but at least I was moving! I got to the conference at 7:56 - right on time.
I left the area around 2:45 and expresswayed it home the congestion was lighter because it wasn't rush hour and it took me about 30 minutes or so. I have come to the conclusion that the pace of the freeway here is the pace of life. It doesn't pay to be in a hurry. There are rarely accidents holding traffic up, or construction. It is the sheer number of cars and people going about their business. It doesn't bother me too much because I don't have to deal with it very much I guess. I find it interesting to watch the other people too.
When I got home I was standing in the living room talking to Sarah and all of a sudden Sarah gasped and I heard a weird noise. I looked out the window and saw a car turning around in the street/our driveway. He had hit our neighbor's cinder block (used to keep people out of the driveway) and my car. There was no noise but my car was physically shaking. I headed out the front door at a quick rate looked at him and turned to look at my car. I assumed (yeah I know what happens) that he was stopping on the street. When I turned back around he was gone. He just took off.
My car is scratched. Not dented but definitely scratched. I am pissed. We didn't get the license number on his car. In California you can't file a no fault claim so I am stuck with it. Now it matches the front of the car where the same thing happened a month ago although I didn't witness it. I am tired of people using my car as a bumper.
It will be paid off in six months or less so mom suggested maybe I can get it buffed or something since there are no actual dents just scratches. It is frustrating.
I gave myself an hour and after 15 minutes of the freeway I reset my GPS to the surface streets and wound my way through the city. In reality it probably took the same amount of time but at least I was moving! I got to the conference at 7:56 - right on time.
I left the area around 2:45 and expresswayed it home the congestion was lighter because it wasn't rush hour and it took me about 30 minutes or so. I have come to the conclusion that the pace of the freeway here is the pace of life. It doesn't pay to be in a hurry. There are rarely accidents holding traffic up, or construction. It is the sheer number of cars and people going about their business. It doesn't bother me too much because I don't have to deal with it very much I guess. I find it interesting to watch the other people too.
When I got home I was standing in the living room talking to Sarah and all of a sudden Sarah gasped and I heard a weird noise. I looked out the window and saw a car turning around in the street/our driveway. He had hit our neighbor's cinder block (used to keep people out of the driveway) and my car. There was no noise but my car was physically shaking. I headed out the front door at a quick rate looked at him and turned to look at my car. I assumed (yeah I know what happens) that he was stopping on the street. When I turned back around he was gone. He just took off.
My car is scratched. Not dented but definitely scratched. I am pissed. We didn't get the license number on his car. In California you can't file a no fault claim so I am stuck with it. Now it matches the front of the car where the same thing happened a month ago although I didn't witness it. I am tired of people using my car as a bumper.
It will be paid off in six months or less so mom suggested maybe I can get it buffed or something since there are no actual dents just scratches. It is frustrating.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tales of JB
JB will be what I use to refer to my school from here on out, it looks better than it sounds, as I thought everyone was saying JV (junior varsity) pride for awhile. I know, I know. Anyway, here are some things that have been going on with my new great kids. We really aren't having any problems. They are quiet, hardworking and eager to please. I had them create goals and they came up with awesome ones.
I also put out a sign out sheet for my classroom library and within 5 days I had to put out another, the books are flying off the shelves, these kids read and I mean read, they love to read and talk about the books they are reading. I put the book orders out today and you would have thought it was everyone's birthday!
Today we had an assembly and not only did I get to sit with my class and not have to speak to anyone about behavior, the students took it upon themselves to clap for the people speaking to them about the rules and expectations of the schools. When I got back to my room one of my students asked me how I got up the stairs. I paused and said I walked. He then asked how in my heels and skirt. I smiled and said I do it everyday. Granted, they are higher heels than normal but I still have a classroom on the second floor! I asked him how he thought I got upstairs everyday and he said he hadn't ever thought about it before but it must be hard. They are sweet!
I am coming back to this after school and there are two boys in my room combing the book order trying to figure out how the one can make his 10 dollar allowance into $38 to buy the Harry Potter box set! I can't get rid of them :-)
I have to get home as Sarah and I are off to parking services to get her a pass for school, she starts soon and maybe some pinkberry! A new addiction we have developed!
I also put out a sign out sheet for my classroom library and within 5 days I had to put out another, the books are flying off the shelves, these kids read and I mean read, they love to read and talk about the books they are reading. I put the book orders out today and you would have thought it was everyone's birthday!
Today we had an assembly and not only did I get to sit with my class and not have to speak to anyone about behavior, the students took it upon themselves to clap for the people speaking to them about the rules and expectations of the schools. When I got back to my room one of my students asked me how I got up the stairs. I paused and said I walked. He then asked how in my heels and skirt. I smiled and said I do it everyday. Granted, they are higher heels than normal but I still have a classroom on the second floor! I asked him how he thought I got upstairs everyday and he said he hadn't ever thought about it before but it must be hard. They are sweet!
I am coming back to this after school and there are two boys in my room combing the book order trying to figure out how the one can make his 10 dollar allowance into $38 to buy the Harry Potter box set! I can't get rid of them :-)
I have to get home as Sarah and I are off to parking services to get her a pass for school, she starts soon and maybe some pinkberry! A new addiction we have developed!
Monday, September 08, 2008
LAUSD
I have been wanting to take some time to update you about my new job and I have finally found a few minutes to spare, this is what has been happening since the day I accepted the position. I waited around for the call, I had been told that someone would contact me. I got a call Monday afternoon from the liaison telling me to come in to headquarters and sign on the dotted line. Oh, if it were only that easy...
We moved the 20th and on the 21st I went in to take care of paperwork, thinking it would be a snap because I already had my credential. I was sooooo wrong. First I had to be fingerprinted, they use this high-tech system with no ink! Even though I had already cleared with the FBI in July, the district requires their own screening which can take anywhere from a day to 4 weeks to clear. Then I had to fill out a bunch of usual tax papers and such, get a TB test and was then informed I would need to pass a physical. I was given a list of doctors and told to come back Monday to check the TB test and have the physical completed.
At this point I had been given my salary which was good news but told that I would be paid once a month and that September was a no go. This was no good considering we had spent every last dime on our down payment and moving. Things were not looking up.
Friday we went to the DMV (which requires at least two visits) and then I went to a clinic in Hollywood to get my physical done. It was very routine, I also received word that my fingerprints had cleared so I assumed Monday I would go in, sign and be done. Wrong again!
Monday I go directly to the health office, my TB test checks out just fine for once (I usually test false positive) and hand over my physical. The nurse quickly latches on to the fact that I take anti-depressants and this may somehow endanger children so she gives me paperwork that HAS to be filled out by the diagnosing doctor. This is a bit difficult because I have been on meds since 2000 and that was many, many doctors ago. I took the forms upstairs to my contract liaison and begged her to fax them to the clinic in Chicago. Then I called Chicago, talked to the nurse who said she would fill them out and fax them back. I waited, and waited and waited some more. About an hour after Chicago business closed for the day I went home frustrated (after Sarah picked me up - she got lost in Little Tokyo). Tuesday, I call to find the fax, no one can find it on the phone so I go in (long drive). It's not there, I am thoroughly upset now and done wasting my time at this point. I am seriously considering hurting someone.
At this point the department manager gives me his cell number and tells me not to come back until I talk to him and he has the fax. Finally, some progress. He also said that as long as it was ok with my principal I could go into my room and start getting ready. That took a load off! The fax finally made it and the nurse still didn't want to clear me because the clinic didn't put some number on it, I must have looked desperate because she put me through anyway - Thank God. I went upstairs signed and left and official employee.
Except that I didn't have an employee number so I couldn't sign up for benefits. This was Wednesday and if I didn't sign up by Friday (month's end) I would have to wait until October. Again, panic mode!
Thursday and Friday Sarah and Dad helped me clean out the horrible mess in my room and set up my stuff, it was a huge undertaking in two days but the results were great. Friday morning while dad was with the electricians at the house I got a page that my employee number had come in at school. Sarah and I rushed downtown to sign up for my benefits, we made it just in time for the September deadline.
By Friday night we were all pretty beat but things were looking up, the house was unpacked, my room was ready to go and we had had some fun with my dad while he was in town. It was a crazy two weeks but definitely worth it in the long run.
Today was the first full day of school and can I just say that I am loving my job so far. The faculty and staff are so nice, everyone has been incredibly helpful. One woman actually went out of her way to explain the fire drill procedure to me and I didn't even know who she was!
The kids are great, they are so full of energy yet, they have a need to learn and really do their best at everything. One of the things we did was write down dreams for the future and I saw everything from dentist to engineer to inventing an air tank small enough to fit in your mouth so you can go deep into the water, lawyer, marine biologist, teacher, saving the world, computer engineer, attend an ivy league school and much more. These kids have plans and they are already working the plans to make their dreams come true.
This school is providing a place for students to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop talents in a safe and appropriate atmosphere that they may not have had in their own neighborhood. I feel truly blessed to have been placed here and though the road was long and I grew weary I am so thankful that no one gave up on me and you all helped me stay positive so that I could get to this place.
We moved the 20th and on the 21st I went in to take care of paperwork, thinking it would be a snap because I already had my credential. I was sooooo wrong. First I had to be fingerprinted, they use this high-tech system with no ink! Even though I had already cleared with the FBI in July, the district requires their own screening which can take anywhere from a day to 4 weeks to clear. Then I had to fill out a bunch of usual tax papers and such, get a TB test and was then informed I would need to pass a physical. I was given a list of doctors and told to come back Monday to check the TB test and have the physical completed.
At this point I had been given my salary which was good news but told that I would be paid once a month and that September was a no go. This was no good considering we had spent every last dime on our down payment and moving. Things were not looking up.
Friday we went to the DMV (which requires at least two visits) and then I went to a clinic in Hollywood to get my physical done. It was very routine, I also received word that my fingerprints had cleared so I assumed Monday I would go in, sign and be done. Wrong again!
Monday I go directly to the health office, my TB test checks out just fine for once (I usually test false positive) and hand over my physical. The nurse quickly latches on to the fact that I take anti-depressants and this may somehow endanger children so she gives me paperwork that HAS to be filled out by the diagnosing doctor. This is a bit difficult because I have been on meds since 2000 and that was many, many doctors ago. I took the forms upstairs to my contract liaison and begged her to fax them to the clinic in Chicago. Then I called Chicago, talked to the nurse who said she would fill them out and fax them back. I waited, and waited and waited some more. About an hour after Chicago business closed for the day I went home frustrated (after Sarah picked me up - she got lost in Little Tokyo). Tuesday, I call to find the fax, no one can find it on the phone so I go in (long drive). It's not there, I am thoroughly upset now and done wasting my time at this point. I am seriously considering hurting someone.
At this point the department manager gives me his cell number and tells me not to come back until I talk to him and he has the fax. Finally, some progress. He also said that as long as it was ok with my principal I could go into my room and start getting ready. That took a load off! The fax finally made it and the nurse still didn't want to clear me because the clinic didn't put some number on it, I must have looked desperate because she put me through anyway - Thank God. I went upstairs signed and left and official employee.
Except that I didn't have an employee number so I couldn't sign up for benefits. This was Wednesday and if I didn't sign up by Friday (month's end) I would have to wait until October. Again, panic mode!
Thursday and Friday Sarah and Dad helped me clean out the horrible mess in my room and set up my stuff, it was a huge undertaking in two days but the results were great. Friday morning while dad was with the electricians at the house I got a page that my employee number had come in at school. Sarah and I rushed downtown to sign up for my benefits, we made it just in time for the September deadline.
By Friday night we were all pretty beat but things were looking up, the house was unpacked, my room was ready to go and we had had some fun with my dad while he was in town. It was a crazy two weeks but definitely worth it in the long run.
Today was the first full day of school and can I just say that I am loving my job so far. The faculty and staff are so nice, everyone has been incredibly helpful. One woman actually went out of her way to explain the fire drill procedure to me and I didn't even know who she was!
The kids are great, they are so full of energy yet, they have a need to learn and really do their best at everything. One of the things we did was write down dreams for the future and I saw everything from dentist to engineer to inventing an air tank small enough to fit in your mouth so you can go deep into the water, lawyer, marine biologist, teacher, saving the world, computer engineer, attend an ivy league school and much more. These kids have plans and they are already working the plans to make their dreams come true.
This school is providing a place for students to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop talents in a safe and appropriate atmosphere that they may not have had in their own neighborhood. I feel truly blessed to have been placed here and though the road was long and I grew weary I am so thankful that no one gave up on me and you all helped me stay positive so that I could get to this place.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
10 Things I Love About Los Angeles
10. Thousands of restaurants to choose from!
9. My house is big, breezy and beautiful!
8. I live 30 minutes from the ocean
7. At any given time you can see a man walking down the street selling balloons and cotton candy, no parade required!
6. My job is on Willshire boulevard! And I love the school, colleagues and kids (so far at least) :-)
5. I live in a neighborhood where the moms call their kids home for dinner - really!
4. I do not have a dress code for work, I can once again wear all my clothes, not just the ones I am forced to!
3. There are at least 4 malls within 20 minutes of my house!
2. There is a really great church close to our house and it is Methodist!
And the # 1 thing I love about Los Angeles is.....
I am on this surreal adventure and around every corner is another great thing to do or see, as soon as the exhaustion of week 1 at school wears off I will share more!
9. My house is big, breezy and beautiful!
8. I live 30 minutes from the ocean
7. At any given time you can see a man walking down the street selling balloons and cotton candy, no parade required!
6. My job is on Willshire boulevard! And I love the school, colleagues and kids (so far at least) :-)
5. I live in a neighborhood where the moms call their kids home for dinner - really!
4. I do not have a dress code for work, I can once again wear all my clothes, not just the ones I am forced to!
3. There are at least 4 malls within 20 minutes of my house!
2. There is a really great church close to our house and it is Methodist!
And the # 1 thing I love about Los Angeles is.....
I am on this surreal adventure and around every corner is another great thing to do or see, as soon as the exhaustion of week 1 at school wears off I will share more!
Monday, August 25, 2008
I'm Here
Yep, I am here, in L.A. I have moved into the house, I like it a lot. We are still unpacking boxes. Where did all of these boxes come from anyway? Who needs all this stuff? I guess I do:-) It has been a long week. I have spent much of the time running around which means learning how to navigate this crazy city. I have spent some time at the DMV and at the Los Angeles Unified School Districts main building.
We have made many trips to Target, Wal-Mart, and the like, we have also been to a museum and Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier and the famous Chinese theater. We went to church and met our neighbors.
Yes. I am exhausted. I haven't been cleared to start work yet, hopefully that will happen tomorrow, I really need to get into my classroom but there have been so many papers to fill out and I had to have a TB test and a physical and get special paperwork from the Doc in Chicago. I had to do various other boring things as well that take time. It is a long process to be a teacher here.
That's it for now, wanted you to know I am here, haven't forgotten you and know you want updates. Pictures are forthcoming as are some funny stories because you know chaos ensues wherever I go! But right now I must close my eyes, they are heavy.
We have made many trips to Target, Wal-Mart, and the like, we have also been to a museum and Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier and the famous Chinese theater. We went to church and met our neighbors.
Yes. I am exhausted. I haven't been cleared to start work yet, hopefully that will happen tomorrow, I really need to get into my classroom but there have been so many papers to fill out and I had to have a TB test and a physical and get special paperwork from the Doc in Chicago. I had to do various other boring things as well that take time. It is a long process to be a teacher here.
That's it for now, wanted you to know I am here, haven't forgotten you and know you want updates. Pictures are forthcoming as are some funny stories because you know chaos ensues wherever I go! But right now I must close my eyes, they are heavy.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Then came the answered prayers!
As many of my loyal readers know it has been a long summer. Of waiting. And wondering. And praying. And waiting. Well the wait is over my friends! That's right, get out those address books and get ready to change mine because I am moving this week, not soon or within the next two weeks or by the end of the month, nope this week! Here's what happened:
I went to a job fair for science teachers, it was different than those I had been to before. You put your resume in envelopes and waited to be called for an interview. I got called many times. Sarah went with me and said when I was out interviewing I kept being called. I felt really good about that, I know I shouldn't brag but there were some people who didn't get called at all, it was sad. I interviewed for a 6th grade position, and 3 science positions but no direct offers were given. They were announcing the people who were being hired in the waiting area and it was happening fast.
At one point the man with the microphone announced that a middle school needed a science teacher but had no candidates and was taking volunteers. Sarah went for the map to check the location and I went up to volunteer, hey I need a job right! They took me in and I spoke with two women from John Burroughs Middle School about a science position until the Assistant Principal noticed my resume. She asked about my English background and was very interested in my work in Yuma. She said they had a 7th grade English position open and would I rather have that. DUH! Of course I would! We talked about English and they said I was a great fit for their gifted and talented program and offered me the position. It was fate. Not really, I know the big guy had this plan all along and it is perfect so far!!!!
We got a hotel room, had supper and got Friday to find a place to live. The second place we went to was it, a nice little house in a good neighborhood less than 5 minutes from my school and very close to Sarah's. The broker loved us (and our credit scores), even the lady at Office Depot loved us! we were having a banner day let me tell you :-)
We signed the lease and take it over as of Tuesday (my birthday!). We got home late Friday and today has been a whirlwind. We had a mini pool party/BBQ with some friends complete with birthday cake and lots of laughter.
Then I watched Michael Phelps make history with his 8th Gold Medal of this Olympics. Sarah fell asleep awhile ago but I have been to psyched to sleep much yesterday or today. I can't wait to get into my classroom and figure out just how you teach gifted and talented children. I am used to the other end of the spectrum!
To all of you that have been pulling for me these past months, thank you, I would never had made it without your kind words and encouragement. We have lots of room so if anyone wants to visit LA is way more fun than Yuma, I promise!!!!
I went to a job fair for science teachers, it was different than those I had been to before. You put your resume in envelopes and waited to be called for an interview. I got called many times. Sarah went with me and said when I was out interviewing I kept being called. I felt really good about that, I know I shouldn't brag but there were some people who didn't get called at all, it was sad. I interviewed for a 6th grade position, and 3 science positions but no direct offers were given. They were announcing the people who were being hired in the waiting area and it was happening fast.
At one point the man with the microphone announced that a middle school needed a science teacher but had no candidates and was taking volunteers. Sarah went for the map to check the location and I went up to volunteer, hey I need a job right! They took me in and I spoke with two women from John Burroughs Middle School about a science position until the Assistant Principal noticed my resume. She asked about my English background and was very interested in my work in Yuma. She said they had a 7th grade English position open and would I rather have that. DUH! Of course I would! We talked about English and they said I was a great fit for their gifted and talented program and offered me the position. It was fate. Not really, I know the big guy had this plan all along and it is perfect so far!!!!
We got a hotel room, had supper and got Friday to find a place to live. The second place we went to was it, a nice little house in a good neighborhood less than 5 minutes from my school and very close to Sarah's. The broker loved us (and our credit scores), even the lady at Office Depot loved us! we were having a banner day let me tell you :-)
We signed the lease and take it over as of Tuesday (my birthday!). We got home late Friday and today has been a whirlwind. We had a mini pool party/BBQ with some friends complete with birthday cake and lots of laughter.
Then I watched Michael Phelps make history with his 8th Gold Medal of this Olympics. Sarah fell asleep awhile ago but I have been to psyched to sleep much yesterday or today. I can't wait to get into my classroom and figure out just how you teach gifted and talented children. I am used to the other end of the spectrum!
To all of you that have been pulling for me these past months, thank you, I would never had made it without your kind words and encouragement. We have lots of room so if anyone wants to visit LA is way more fun than Yuma, I promise!!!!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Scary
Sarah left me a surprise the other day, imagine coming back to your computer and finding this as your background!!!!!
One More Rabbit
On Wednesday I was told that I was a great candidate and that it was a very difficult decision and not everyone is told that but I would not be offered a job at the Jewish Day School I had so hoping would put an end to all the craziness in my life. I, in my always calm, clear thinking responses, decided I did not want to work with people I would not see in Heaven anyway. So there.
After getting the news I sat very still for a while but did not cry. This is usually my visceral reaction. I was unexpectedly calm, like somehow, deep down I knew that this was supposed to happen. I immediately went for the computer and got on the phone with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The second (to NYC) largest in the country. I had applied months ago and not responded to their request for an interview, certain something better would come along. I looked at Sarah and told her this was truly the last rabbit I had to pull out of my hat. If this didn't work we were looking at the not so good plan c. (trust me you don't want to know about plan c).
I spoke to a very nice recruiter who set up an interview for Thursday afternoon and assured me everything would be fine. Sarah and I made arrangements, not difficult really. Just making sure we had peanut butter sandwiches and all :-) Thursday morning I called on a hunch to ask a question and spoke to another recruiter who informed me that I was not qualified to to middle school science and should not waste the gas to drive up. I was devastated. To the fact that I hid in my closet to cry privately. Sarah lost me for a few minutes which is hard to do in our apartment when she located me and I told her the news we called my mom and went into plan c mode. It was horrible. We were going to have to repack everything and separate.
Then, the recruiter called back and said hey, what do you know - you can teach science! So come on down. Wow - many more false alarms like that and I may actually have a stroke. So off we went. The interview was fine, they shuffled you from office to office meeting very nice people. The employees on the 15th floor were very excited to meet me as I am No Child Left Behind compliant to teach science at the middle school level, this is a huge shortage for the district.
The moment I got there people started whispering that I was there for science and checking my credentials. My recruiter came looking for me, very excited that he had landed me, in reality I had called him! I got invited to a special event for science teachers next Thursday so back up we go, hopefully by then we will be able to get an apartment and get the move solidified.
Here's what I have decided. I believe in public school, I was educated in public schools all the way through college and intend to get my masters at one, soon. I know many smart people who were educated in the public system and I know it works. There are problems. There are problems with every system. I got a little lost in my search for employment. The private schools I was looking at were flashy and selective both in students and staff. All students were at grade level and above, no discipline problems as such and very involved parents.
But what happens to the kids who are below grade level, whose parents can't be involved, who act out because they don't understand or don't know any better. On this long, incredibly difficult journey Sarah and I have been on these past months I have learned something about myself. I need to teach the students that need teachers. The Los Angeles Unified School District is not well funded, it is not known for flashy buildings and up to date technology. There are gang problems and long days for staff. The pay is pretty good but not great but they need teachers because they have kids. They have thousands of kids who will start school this year not ready to learn or behave, not ready to be in the grade they have been promoted to, not ready to sit in a desk or take notes, not ready to listen to someone tell them what to do. But I will be there teacher because as it turns out, that's what I am good at. Teaching the kids that need teachers.
After getting the news I sat very still for a while but did not cry. This is usually my visceral reaction. I was unexpectedly calm, like somehow, deep down I knew that this was supposed to happen. I immediately went for the computer and got on the phone with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The second (to NYC) largest in the country. I had applied months ago and not responded to their request for an interview, certain something better would come along. I looked at Sarah and told her this was truly the last rabbit I had to pull out of my hat. If this didn't work we were looking at the not so good plan c. (trust me you don't want to know about plan c).
I spoke to a very nice recruiter who set up an interview for Thursday afternoon and assured me everything would be fine. Sarah and I made arrangements, not difficult really. Just making sure we had peanut butter sandwiches and all :-) Thursday morning I called on a hunch to ask a question and spoke to another recruiter who informed me that I was not qualified to to middle school science and should not waste the gas to drive up. I was devastated. To the fact that I hid in my closet to cry privately. Sarah lost me for a few minutes which is hard to do in our apartment when she located me and I told her the news we called my mom and went into plan c mode. It was horrible. We were going to have to repack everything and separate.
Then, the recruiter called back and said hey, what do you know - you can teach science! So come on down. Wow - many more false alarms like that and I may actually have a stroke. So off we went. The interview was fine, they shuffled you from office to office meeting very nice people. The employees on the 15th floor were very excited to meet me as I am No Child Left Behind compliant to teach science at the middle school level, this is a huge shortage for the district.
The moment I got there people started whispering that I was there for science and checking my credentials. My recruiter came looking for me, very excited that he had landed me, in reality I had called him! I got invited to a special event for science teachers next Thursday so back up we go, hopefully by then we will be able to get an apartment and get the move solidified.
Here's what I have decided. I believe in public school, I was educated in public schools all the way through college and intend to get my masters at one, soon. I know many smart people who were educated in the public system and I know it works. There are problems. There are problems with every system. I got a little lost in my search for employment. The private schools I was looking at were flashy and selective both in students and staff. All students were at grade level and above, no discipline problems as such and very involved parents.
But what happens to the kids who are below grade level, whose parents can't be involved, who act out because they don't understand or don't know any better. On this long, incredibly difficult journey Sarah and I have been on these past months I have learned something about myself. I need to teach the students that need teachers. The Los Angeles Unified School District is not well funded, it is not known for flashy buildings and up to date technology. There are gang problems and long days for staff. The pay is pretty good but not great but they need teachers because they have kids. They have thousands of kids who will start school this year not ready to learn or behave, not ready to be in the grade they have been promoted to, not ready to sit in a desk or take notes, not ready to listen to someone tell them what to do. But I will be there teacher because as it turns out, that's what I am good at. Teaching the kids that need teachers.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Crazy Dream
I have to get my car taken care of this week. I like my car and I want to keep it nice but in this heat there is no motivation to go outside. I need an oil change bad, please no one ask me how long it has been. And it needs a rub down inside and out with vacuuming. I put this on my to do list last night before bed and it must have got in to my subconscious because I dreamed that I was at the quarter car was and the quarters would not go into the slot. Then I saw a space above the stall and there were kids in it. The kids were stealing the money from the car wash. I called them a not so nice name and they ran off.
It was very strange, I thought I would share and should probably go get busy on the car.
It was very strange, I thought I would share and should probably go get busy on the car.
Hunting Trip
I am exhausted. After two weeks of doing well, mostly nothing, I went on a hunting trip. Fortunately for me it did not involve guns. Sarah and I went to L.A. to look at apartments and I had a job interview, yippee! We left Saturday morning and I drove the five hours up to the city. We found our hotel very easily thanks to the nice lady on the phone. I think she is a computer but she is very helpful just the same.
If you refer to Sarah's blog you can read all about our excursions in the city, I won't bore you with repeating all the details, I will say this. LA is big, very big but the more we drove around, I did get used to it some and I feel better about the move now.
I ended up having two interviews, I got a call Sunday evening to set up a second one in the valley for Monday afternoon. Here's what happened:
Interview #1 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. I am not, nor will I ever be Jewish. I am not from West LA. Two strikes against me in the eyes of the interviewer. She spent the whole time telling me why I wasn't qualified and at one point asked if the public schools were hiring. I left feeling pretty beat down and insulted. Knowing I had no hope of being hired. I was upset because we had spent so much time and money to be in town for the interview.
Interview #2 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. The Head of School was very nice, she was excited to meet me and learn about ME. She had no problem with me not being Jewish and I totally tattled on interviewer #1, she was appalled! I am hoping for an offer from this one by next week, she asked me to call her if I got any other offers this week. I didn't tell her the chances of that were very small!
Encino seems like a good fit for us, we can be Valley girls! It is not too far from UCLA and a little (I stress little) calmer than the city.
Anyway, what will be will be. We are both exhausted from the three day hunting experience but are closer to housing and jobs so that is a good sign. So far my favorite thing about LA is that there is frozen yogurt at every corner!!!!!!
If you refer to Sarah's blog you can read all about our excursions in the city, I won't bore you with repeating all the details, I will say this. LA is big, very big but the more we drove around, I did get used to it some and I feel better about the move now.
I ended up having two interviews, I got a call Sunday evening to set up a second one in the valley for Monday afternoon. Here's what happened:
Interview #1 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. I am not, nor will I ever be Jewish. I am not from West LA. Two strikes against me in the eyes of the interviewer. She spent the whole time telling me why I wasn't qualified and at one point asked if the public schools were hiring. I left feeling pretty beat down and insulted. Knowing I had no hope of being hired. I was upset because we had spent so much time and money to be in town for the interview.
Interview #2 - Jewish day school 5th grade position. The Head of School was very nice, she was excited to meet me and learn about ME. She had no problem with me not being Jewish and I totally tattled on interviewer #1, she was appalled! I am hoping for an offer from this one by next week, she asked me to call her if I got any other offers this week. I didn't tell her the chances of that were very small!
Encino seems like a good fit for us, we can be Valley girls! It is not too far from UCLA and a little (I stress little) calmer than the city.
Anyway, what will be will be. We are both exhausted from the three day hunting experience but are closer to housing and jobs so that is a good sign. So far my favorite thing about LA is that there is frozen yogurt at every corner!!!!!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Fear Be Gone
I made a decision tonight, a big one. I decided that starting right now (well about 30 minutes ago) I am not going to give in to the fear anymore. Fear is a waste of time. At least in this instance because I have nothing to be afraid of, yet. I don't have a job to worry about, an apartment to worry about, etc... Frankly I should be living it up right now, enjoying this carefree time. So I have spent the past few minutes not only watching "Pretty Woman" on TBS but reminding myself of the brave and courageous things I have done in the past. Sometimes you just have to throw humility to the wind!
I acted in the 7th grade play (it was about baseball, I was one of 5 that had speaking parts!)
I am proud to say I have never done recreational drugs even though they have been offered
I went to college and lived in the dorms and made friends even though it was very scary!
I spent three years working in a dying ministry to show college students there was more to college than being drunk.
I went to the Dr. and got put on depression and anxiety medication because I knew something was wrong. I was a sophomore in college.
I spent a summer working in Appalachia, the toughest thing I have ever done by far.
I told my parents that I got a speeding ticket with a mandatory court appearance (lots of tears).
I have said goodbye to two grandfathers and many other wonderful people I have known in my life and learned that it is brave to love because in loving you lose part of yourself but you get much more back.
I started a small business.
I survived three hospital stays for migraines and two surgeries.
I moved to the middle of nowhere for a job I had wanted my entire life.
I spent 3 years teaching children, many of whom did not speak English well, were involved in gang activity, drug use and came from low income situations.
I have traveled to Mexico countless times without being kidnapped or detained bt border control
I quit my job and gave notice on my apartment to follow a new adventure and dream to the big city.
When you add it to the list it doesn't seem so scary because all those other things worked out alright!
I acted in the 7th grade play (it was about baseball, I was one of 5 that had speaking parts!)
I am proud to say I have never done recreational drugs even though they have been offered
I went to college and lived in the dorms and made friends even though it was very scary!
I spent three years working in a dying ministry to show college students there was more to college than being drunk.
I went to the Dr. and got put on depression and anxiety medication because I knew something was wrong. I was a sophomore in college.
I spent a summer working in Appalachia, the toughest thing I have ever done by far.
I told my parents that I got a speeding ticket with a mandatory court appearance (lots of tears).
I have said goodbye to two grandfathers and many other wonderful people I have known in my life and learned that it is brave to love because in loving you lose part of yourself but you get much more back.
I started a small business.
I survived three hospital stays for migraines and two surgeries.
I moved to the middle of nowhere for a job I had wanted my entire life.
I spent 3 years teaching children, many of whom did not speak English well, were involved in gang activity, drug use and came from low income situations.
I have traveled to Mexico countless times without being kidnapped or detained bt border control
I quit my job and gave notice on my apartment to follow a new adventure and dream to the big city.
When you add it to the list it doesn't seem so scary because all those other things worked out alright!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
I was reading this morning, thankful to have some quiet time to be able to reflect and think about what I was reading. I am so glad that I haven't given up on the Bible on one year project, it would have been so easy. There have been times that I have been a month behind but I have caught up and now I am so into it, even though I have read much of it before in pieces. Reading it in order like this is very much reading it for the first time and really seeing the sequence of events. The verse above from Acts is not a well known verse to me. I have studied acts before, I do believe I even led a study on it in college. But this morning in the quietness of house I was guided to this passage.
I have been really struggling with the upcoming move to Los Angeles. Not having a job yet terrifies me beyond any measure that I have ever known before. It constantly sits in the forefront of my brain, no matter what is going on around me. I have read two novels (not short ones) in the span of about 4 days trying to take my mind off of it, I have taken care of other matters. Sarah and I have our new insurance, we are very close to having new cell phones with GPS (so we won't get lost!) and I have been running errands for my mom, visiting her at work, helping out in the garden, around the house, cooking. But I still find myself checking my phone, e-mail, list servs, 100 times a day.
Everyone around me is so encouraging. They reassure me, they listen to me reason it through, they let me cry or yell. I have a great support system but ultimately it comes down to me and my belief in myself.
Not so long ago I had a strong unwavering faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. I could preach the gospel on a moments notice, lead small groups, I was a disciple of my God, proud to be a child studying His word and active in the mission to bring others closer to Him. That changed somewhere along the way. I strayed from the path, got further form the light. The books collected dust, the Sunday mornings became harder to do and I became lukewarm. The very person I had railed against many times.
Today when I read Acts 20:24 I realized that Paul was one of the most incredible people. He wasn't Jesus, he was a prophet. He was an ordinary man who had to get up everyday and make the conscious decision to do God's work, complete the task laid out for him.
My goal is small, not to be like Jesus, I need to work up to that. I want to be like Paul, a simple task. It only takes up on verse in the entire Bible. Really only half a verse - to testify to the gospel of God's grace. I can do that. I think it will help take my mind off the other stuff and help me focus on what I need to focus on. I learned a long time ago that if I focus on God the rest will come. How easy that is to forget in the midst of our busy lives.
Dear God your grace is the greatest gift because you give it everyday without question and without asking. Please remind my heart to live like Paul and celebrate your grace in the world. Amen.
I have been really struggling with the upcoming move to Los Angeles. Not having a job yet terrifies me beyond any measure that I have ever known before. It constantly sits in the forefront of my brain, no matter what is going on around me. I have read two novels (not short ones) in the span of about 4 days trying to take my mind off of it, I have taken care of other matters. Sarah and I have our new insurance, we are very close to having new cell phones with GPS (so we won't get lost!) and I have been running errands for my mom, visiting her at work, helping out in the garden, around the house, cooking. But I still find myself checking my phone, e-mail, list servs, 100 times a day.
Everyone around me is so encouraging. They reassure me, they listen to me reason it through, they let me cry or yell. I have a great support system but ultimately it comes down to me and my belief in myself.
Not so long ago I had a strong unwavering faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. I could preach the gospel on a moments notice, lead small groups, I was a disciple of my God, proud to be a child studying His word and active in the mission to bring others closer to Him. That changed somewhere along the way. I strayed from the path, got further form the light. The books collected dust, the Sunday mornings became harder to do and I became lukewarm. The very person I had railed against many times.
Today when I read Acts 20:24 I realized that Paul was one of the most incredible people. He wasn't Jesus, he was a prophet. He was an ordinary man who had to get up everyday and make the conscious decision to do God's work, complete the task laid out for him.
My goal is small, not to be like Jesus, I need to work up to that. I want to be like Paul, a simple task. It only takes up on verse in the entire Bible. Really only half a verse - to testify to the gospel of God's grace. I can do that. I think it will help take my mind off the other stuff and help me focus on what I need to focus on. I learned a long time ago that if I focus on God the rest will come. How easy that is to forget in the midst of our busy lives.
Dear God your grace is the greatest gift because you give it everyday without question and without asking. Please remind my heart to live like Paul and celebrate your grace in the world. Amen.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Fishing
I am on vacation. I like vacation, I don't like going on vacation but I like being there. The getting there part is stressful for me. I hate packing, taking too much, not enough, forgetting things, leaving your house for a while. It is all difficult for people on some level, for people like me it is very difficult. I get very anxious and tend to just put off packing and then just throw some stuff in and hope it works. So far so good.
We arrived safe and sound in Chicago and had a good appointment with Dr. Merle Diamond. She has been such a huge help these past few years and it is sad to say goodbye to her and the clinic but like she said, they are there if I need them. She recommenced a great doc in L.A. and is confident I will thrive in my new surroundings. I am glad someone is!
Now we are in Howell, have been for almost a week and have settled i nicely. I have done some gardening, reading, lots of sleeping and visited with friends and relatives. Mostly just tried to relax and take it easy. Although there was a gardening incident and I ended up walking like I was 95 years old for a few days because I couldn't bed over but I am on the mend now. Always something with me!
Today we are going to Kalamazoo to visit our friend Leslie who is having a baby next week, her second. It will be fun to see the town. It is weird though that we really don't know that many people there anymore.
It has been hard for me to relax with the no job thing hanging over my head. I have been searching the Internet as often as possible and trying to apply for as much as possible. I know I am doing all that I can and I have been talking to God about it a lot but my brain is having a hard time connecting to the trust that my heart has right now (not sure if that makes sense).
The house still seems kind of empty without brownie. Christmas was really busy so it was different but now, in the quiet moments of reading or just sitting with the windows open I look for her. I just expect her to come walking downstairs and jump up on the chair. Monday was the one year anniversary of the day we took her to the vet. We all still miss her very much, I know someday I want to have a kitty that has a permanent place in my life like Brownie did for me growing up.
My favorite thing about being home so far has been fishing. I haven't actually been fishing but we have taken to walking around the lake in the morning and there are always people fishing. It reminds me of when I was little and we would go up and fish there too. Right there in the cemetery. I loved to fish, my mom says that I would sit for long periods of time, quietly, just holding the pole and waiting. Which was quite a feat for me. The only times I was quiet as a child were when I was fishing and when I was in the time out chair.
The other morning I saw a young boy reel in a fish with his grandfather helping him. Please, have no delusions, these are teeny fish, that no one will eat. But it reminded me of fishing with my grandpa MacDonald on vacation one year at a cabin up north where we caught sunfish, it is the only time I can actually remember eating fish!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summers so far!!
We arrived safe and sound in Chicago and had a good appointment with Dr. Merle Diamond. She has been such a huge help these past few years and it is sad to say goodbye to her and the clinic but like she said, they are there if I need them. She recommenced a great doc in L.A. and is confident I will thrive in my new surroundings. I am glad someone is!
Now we are in Howell, have been for almost a week and have settled i nicely. I have done some gardening, reading, lots of sleeping and visited with friends and relatives. Mostly just tried to relax and take it easy. Although there was a gardening incident and I ended up walking like I was 95 years old for a few days because I couldn't bed over but I am on the mend now. Always something with me!
Today we are going to Kalamazoo to visit our friend Leslie who is having a baby next week, her second. It will be fun to see the town. It is weird though that we really don't know that many people there anymore.
It has been hard for me to relax with the no job thing hanging over my head. I have been searching the Internet as often as possible and trying to apply for as much as possible. I know I am doing all that I can and I have been talking to God about it a lot but my brain is having a hard time connecting to the trust that my heart has right now (not sure if that makes sense).
The house still seems kind of empty without brownie. Christmas was really busy so it was different but now, in the quiet moments of reading or just sitting with the windows open I look for her. I just expect her to come walking downstairs and jump up on the chair. Monday was the one year anniversary of the day we took her to the vet. We all still miss her very much, I know someday I want to have a kitty that has a permanent place in my life like Brownie did for me growing up.
My favorite thing about being home so far has been fishing. I haven't actually been fishing but we have taken to walking around the lake in the morning and there are always people fishing. It reminds me of when I was little and we would go up and fish there too. Right there in the cemetery. I loved to fish, my mom says that I would sit for long periods of time, quietly, just holding the pole and waiting. Which was quite a feat for me. The only times I was quiet as a child were when I was fishing and when I was in the time out chair.
The other morning I saw a young boy reel in a fish with his grandfather helping him. Please, have no delusions, these are teeny fish, that no one will eat. But it reminded me of fishing with my grandpa MacDonald on vacation one year at a cabin up north where we caught sunfish, it is the only time I can actually remember eating fish!
I hope everyone is enjoying their summers so far!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Things I Have Learned
My days here in Yuma are numbered as we are getting packed and ready to fly to Michigan and then the big move to Hollywood. No, I do not have a job yet and yes, I am alright with that. That's not what this blog is about. This blog is about my life over the last three years. I am going to make another list. Lists are really my forte. Sarah is the prose expert, I prefer the quick, to the point, no extra words needed, list format. So here are some things that living in Yuma, Arizona has taught me.
* The Mexican border is very different than the Canadian border
* Spanish is difficult to learn but you can get buy with a few basics including "I don't speak Spanish" "One moment please" "Hello" "Thank You" and being a teacher, knowing the cuss words helps too ;-)
* The world is bigger than I ever thought possible and my problems are very small compared to others.
* Authentic Mexican food is very different than fast food Mexican
* No teacher training program in the world could have prepared me for what I walked into at Crane Middle School.
* I love 7th graders, every hormone crazy, hyper-active, rule breaking, gangster and gangster-wannabe one of them.
* Trust yourself first. Always.
* Don't ever trust a 7th grader or the parent of one. Believe that they are trying and give them the benefit of the doubt but don't ever fully trust them.
* The pain of seeing someone you have spent time on, given part of yourself to, led away in handcuffs is very overwhelming and incredibly disappointing. Every time I have had a student arrested I have felt like I somehow let him or her down. True or not, that feeling takes a long time to go away.
* Find out quickly who you can trust and who you can't, it is surprisingly easy to do.
* Make friends with the cafeteria coordinator. Patti was a lifesaver to me on more than one occasion!
* Never be afraid to go to your boss - it is their job to take care of things. I have grown very bold in that area. I am known for busting into my boss' office and bringing things to her attention that otherwise would go overlooked because no one else would speak up.
* ASK. I have had to learn to ask for everything. No one gives you anything in education, if you want it ask for it, the worst they can say is no and they rarely do because people don't ask.
* The government has a terrible way of deporting people, I have seen it in person and it makes me sick.
* Military spouses are the strongest people I have ever met, ever. Even stronger than their spouses serving. Please don't take that wrong but I have seen the ugly, close up side of both worlds and it's not pretty. The toll that a tour of duty takes on people left behind is almost unbearable. It is not just the tour of duty either, the time away from families that being stationed here in the U.S. takes is just as bad and can be just as dangerous as serving over seas.
* Living alone is incredibly scary.
* Timezones are tricky to figure out, even if you have taken college math.
* Family is the most important thing in the world.
* Teaching full-time is more difficult than anyone can tell you it is going to be in college.
* Watching someone gets pantsed is not as fun now as it was as a 7th grader (everyone say eewwww).
* Indian food is good, sushi is not.
* 120 degrees is too hot for anyone, anywhere.
* Seat belts burn, badly, when it is over 105 degrees out.
* Dust storms are worse than rain storms because if you left your window open you have a whole house to clean.
* Shopping after a bad day is not a good idea but it makes you feel a whole lot better!
* Having a queen size bed is the best grown up decision I have made yet.
* Yuma, Arizona houses some of the kindest, most helpful, bravest, loving people I have ever met and will not soon forget.
This is not it, I could go on for days but then you would get bored, (if you even made it to the bottom!) I have enjoyed much of my time here, met incredible people and become a better teacher. There have been down days too, when I have wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and fly home as fast as I could. Lucky for me plane tickets are expensive and I don't make much money! To all my Yuman friends - I love you and will miss you. To those back home - See you next week and I hope it is cooler there than here!
* The Mexican border is very different than the Canadian border
* Spanish is difficult to learn but you can get buy with a few basics including "I don't speak Spanish" "One moment please" "Hello" "Thank You" and being a teacher, knowing the cuss words helps too ;-)
* The world is bigger than I ever thought possible and my problems are very small compared to others.
* Authentic Mexican food is very different than fast food Mexican
* No teacher training program in the world could have prepared me for what I walked into at Crane Middle School.
* I love 7th graders, every hormone crazy, hyper-active, rule breaking, gangster and gangster-wannabe one of them.
* Trust yourself first. Always.
* Don't ever trust a 7th grader or the parent of one. Believe that they are trying and give them the benefit of the doubt but don't ever fully trust them.
* The pain of seeing someone you have spent time on, given part of yourself to, led away in handcuffs is very overwhelming and incredibly disappointing. Every time I have had a student arrested I have felt like I somehow let him or her down. True or not, that feeling takes a long time to go away.
* Find out quickly who you can trust and who you can't, it is surprisingly easy to do.
* Make friends with the cafeteria coordinator. Patti was a lifesaver to me on more than one occasion!
* Never be afraid to go to your boss - it is their job to take care of things. I have grown very bold in that area. I am known for busting into my boss' office and bringing things to her attention that otherwise would go overlooked because no one else would speak up.
* ASK. I have had to learn to ask for everything. No one gives you anything in education, if you want it ask for it, the worst they can say is no and they rarely do because people don't ask.
* The government has a terrible way of deporting people, I have seen it in person and it makes me sick.
* Military spouses are the strongest people I have ever met, ever. Even stronger than their spouses serving. Please don't take that wrong but I have seen the ugly, close up side of both worlds and it's not pretty. The toll that a tour of duty takes on people left behind is almost unbearable. It is not just the tour of duty either, the time away from families that being stationed here in the U.S. takes is just as bad and can be just as dangerous as serving over seas.
* Living alone is incredibly scary.
* Timezones are tricky to figure out, even if you have taken college math.
* Family is the most important thing in the world.
* Teaching full-time is more difficult than anyone can tell you it is going to be in college.
* Watching someone gets pantsed is not as fun now as it was as a 7th grader (everyone say eewwww).
* Indian food is good, sushi is not.
* 120 degrees is too hot for anyone, anywhere.
* Seat belts burn, badly, when it is over 105 degrees out.
* Dust storms are worse than rain storms because if you left your window open you have a whole house to clean.
* Shopping after a bad day is not a good idea but it makes you feel a whole lot better!
* Having a queen size bed is the best grown up decision I have made yet.
* Yuma, Arizona houses some of the kindest, most helpful, bravest, loving people I have ever met and will not soon forget.
This is not it, I could go on for days but then you would get bored, (if you even made it to the bottom!) I have enjoyed much of my time here, met incredible people and become a better teacher. There have been down days too, when I have wanted nothing more than to get on a plane and fly home as fast as I could. Lucky for me plane tickets are expensive and I don't make much money! To all my Yuman friends - I love you and will miss you. To those back home - See you next week and I hope it is cooler there than here!
Next stop Hollywood Baby!
Happy Fathers Day Dad!
For 30 years Tom Knapp has been a father, a good one and here's why:
- He taught me how to play golf
- He let me follow him around outside and in the garage
- We built an airplane out of wood, from scratch, together once and he let me paint it hot pink!
- He and my grandpa built us a 2-story play house because we didn't have a tree for a tree house - Whenever we are in the car together alone he asks me what I want to do with my life and where I think I will end up. He's been asking since I can remember
- We have had lengthy discussions on what we will do when we win the lottery
- Everything is a we with him, never and I
- He has been known to sit in a mall for three or more hours waiting for us to shop and never said a word other than - did you find anything?
- He loves to talk to Sarah and I on the phone, about anything
- I can't think of one thing I have ever asked him to do that he has said no to
- He spanked me (good discipline is important in being a good parent!)
- He only yells when truly necessary
- He cries without apology or shame
- He loves to read and was a great role model for me because I love to read also
- He is great at crossword puzzles and trivia
- The only things he can't remember are the the things he was out of the country for ;-)
- He hides presents, really well
- He loves his job and always was able to take time off for school stuff when I was younger
- He kills big bugs and spiders
- He listens to me cry and always tries to make it better
- He drove an un-airconditioned u-haul across the country while I flew so I could have my stuff when I moved and he is going to do it again!
There is so much more, so many memories and times that my father has sacrificed his wants and needs to put mine or Sarah's first. Living with 3 girls for 30 years could not have been easy but he has done it with love and kindness and even though I am not in his presence today I know that my dad knows he is loved and thought of often.
- He taught me how to play golf
- He let me follow him around outside and in the garage
- We built an airplane out of wood, from scratch, together once and he let me paint it hot pink!
- He and my grandpa built us a 2-story play house because we didn't have a tree for a tree house - Whenever we are in the car together alone he asks me what I want to do with my life and where I think I will end up. He's been asking since I can remember
- We have had lengthy discussions on what we will do when we win the lottery
- Everything is a we with him, never and I
- He has been known to sit in a mall for three or more hours waiting for us to shop and never said a word other than - did you find anything?
- He loves to talk to Sarah and I on the phone, about anything
- I can't think of one thing I have ever asked him to do that he has said no to
- He spanked me (good discipline is important in being a good parent!)
- He only yells when truly necessary
- He cries without apology or shame
- He loves to read and was a great role model for me because I love to read also
- He is great at crossword puzzles and trivia
- The only things he can't remember are the the things he was out of the country for ;-)
- He hides presents, really well
- He loves his job and always was able to take time off for school stuff when I was younger
- He kills big bugs and spiders
- He listens to me cry and always tries to make it better
- He drove an un-airconditioned u-haul across the country while I flew so I could have my stuff when I moved and he is going to do it again!
There is so much more, so many memories and times that my father has sacrificed his wants and needs to put mine or Sarah's first. Living with 3 girls for 30 years could not have been easy but he has done it with love and kindness and even though I am not in his presence today I know that my dad knows he is loved and thought of often.
Happy Fathers day!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Bittersweet
Three years ago I wouldn't have been able to say this but today I say it and mean it with my whole heart, I am sad to leave Yuma. YES, the afore mentioned surface of the sun, cockroach infested, 50th in the nation for public schools, 2000 miles from any family Yuma Arizona.
Last night we had a big bash at Lutes Casino (not a real casino) - the whole gang and some extras came out, the group thinned and we went to a an actual casino to see some of our co-workers band play. Shannon (moved to Tucson last year) stayed over and we spent all day today together, eating out, packing my classroom and watching movies. It was a good way to end the school year. We have 4 more actual school days and then we're out.
My room is mostly packed up I will finish tomorrow and be all out Thursday. It is hard for me to pack it all up and leave. It was my first school, my first career job, and my big move away from home. I only teared up twice today but I am sure there will be actual tears before the week is out. I am planning a blog before we move of moments to remember so I am collecting thoughts for that but it won't be for a while (I know you are all waiting anxiously. )
On a more focused notice, I am feeling better. I am so thankful to have the best doctors in the world working with me and on call when I need them. The stumbling block is going to be to find someone to replace my massage therapist in LA, Arcy is the best ever and I don't know if someone can match what she does.
I have been researching neurologists online in LA and it looks really promising. I am going to visit some before school starts and pick one out that I like. It sounds good to say that. I get to pick one instead of having to go to the only one in town!
Back to my fun weekend with Shannon!!!!
Last night we had a big bash at Lutes Casino (not a real casino) - the whole gang and some extras came out, the group thinned and we went to a an actual casino to see some of our co-workers band play. Shannon (moved to Tucson last year) stayed over and we spent all day today together, eating out, packing my classroom and watching movies. It was a good way to end the school year. We have 4 more actual school days and then we're out.
My room is mostly packed up I will finish tomorrow and be all out Thursday. It is hard for me to pack it all up and leave. It was my first school, my first career job, and my big move away from home. I only teared up twice today but I am sure there will be actual tears before the week is out. I am planning a blog before we move of moments to remember so I am collecting thoughts for that but it won't be for a while (I know you are all waiting anxiously. )
On a more focused notice, I am feeling better. I am so thankful to have the best doctors in the world working with me and on call when I need them. The stumbling block is going to be to find someone to replace my massage therapist in LA, Arcy is the best ever and I don't know if someone can match what she does.
I have been researching neurologists online in LA and it looks really promising. I am going to visit some before school starts and pick one out that I like. It sounds good to say that. I get to pick one instead of having to go to the only one in town!
Back to my fun weekend with Shannon!!!!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Long Time
It's been a while I know but life has taken over again, here's the lowdown on the last month.
- I had the stomach flu for four days: yuck!
- I have had some pretty fierce migraines (I have been home for two days avoiding the noise)
- I am trying to be patient, waiting for contract offers, it is hard to be patient with your future
- My parents celebrated their 35Th wedding anniversary this week by taking a long weekend away and we (Sarah, Julia and I) were able to surprise them with amenities in their hotel room!
- School ends next Thursday - bittersweet to leave my friends after three years but on to new adventures!
- The Mary Kay business has really taken off the last couple of weeks! I am going to stick it out for a while and see if I can't keep it up for some side cash in the future.
I know it doesn't seem like a lot but life has been incredibly hectic lately and being under the weather hasn't helped. I can't wait for summer vacation!!!!
What's new with everyone else?
- I had the stomach flu for four days: yuck!
- I have had some pretty fierce migraines (I have been home for two days avoiding the noise)
- I am trying to be patient, waiting for contract offers, it is hard to be patient with your future
- My parents celebrated their 35Th wedding anniversary this week by taking a long weekend away and we (Sarah, Julia and I) were able to surprise them with amenities in their hotel room!
- School ends next Thursday - bittersweet to leave my friends after three years but on to new adventures!
- The Mary Kay business has really taken off the last couple of weeks! I am going to stick it out for a while and see if I can't keep it up for some side cash in the future.
I know it doesn't seem like a lot but life has been incredibly hectic lately and being under the weather hasn't helped. I can't wait for summer vacation!!!!
What's new with everyone else?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom
My mother Christina Ann Macdonald Knapp was born on May 14th, 1949 to Don and Barb MacDonald, she was thier first child. I have heard many stories over the almost 28 years that I have known my mother and learned a great many things about her, here are some of the most memorable:
*She liked to play in the sandbox - naked (there are pictures to prove it!)
*She was grounded as a teenager a lot! Which is why she does not care for flowered wall paper, as she tells it, she counted flowers many times when sent to her room.
*She played field hockey.
*She has the same best friend today that she had in elementary school and they still live less than a mile from each other.
*She wanted to be a nurse when she was younger
*She worked incredibly hard to help her family through difficult times and put herself through college at Lansing Community College by working long hours as a cook and waitress.
*My mother met my father at a bar and did not pay much attention as her encounters with his older brother in the past had not gone well.
*They got married six short months later. (after which she learned my father was not a master skiier!)
*She took a government job so my dad could finish school and they could start a family, she never went back to her dream of managing a restaurant. She sacrificed for her family as many parents do.
*She was grounded as a teenager a lot! Which is why she does not care for flowered wall paper, as she tells it, she counted flowers many times when sent to her room.
*She played field hockey.
*She has the same best friend today that she had in elementary school and they still live less than a mile from each other.
*She wanted to be a nurse when she was younger
*She worked incredibly hard to help her family through difficult times and put herself through college at Lansing Community College by working long hours as a cook and waitress.
*My mother met my father at a bar and did not pay much attention as her encounters with his older brother in the past had not gone well.
*They got married six short months later. (after which she learned my father was not a master skiier!)
*She took a government job so my dad could finish school and they could start a family, she never went back to her dream of managing a restaurant. She sacrificed for her family as many parents do.
*My mom's favorite color is green and sometimes yellow
*Her favorite flower is the yellow rose
*She loves the beach, reading, hockey and basball.
*She will do anything for her family
*She cannot stand injustice and fights for what she believes in
*She is always the first one to volunteer to help when someone is in need, I cannot count the amount of times she has made food, bought clothes, given money, or her own time to help a person or family in need.
*She loves the beach, reading, hockey and basball.
*She will do anything for her family
*She cannot stand injustice and fights for what she believes in
*She is always the first one to volunteer to help when someone is in need, I cannot count the amount of times she has made food, bought clothes, given money, or her own time to help a person or family in need.
Happy Birthday Mom!
Wishing you a year full of happiness and love.
I love you.
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