Falling. Falling. Failing.
Watching life slide from Goya to Picasso to Dalí to Goya.
Bleakness encroaching.
It's midnight in shades with no rock concert at the end of the road, just a train.
The life I've worked decades to build crumbles to dust between my fingers like a Marvel superhero.
Falling. Fallen. Failure.
The job I live and breath for...gone.
It's for my health.
The mantra doesn't fill the holes in my soul.
The academic record I've built - broken.
Old joys, new jobs don't fit the way they should.
The more I lose, the harder I try, the faster I churn, the slower I move, the less I succeed.
Fallen. Fallen. Failed.
Everything I do. Wrong.
Everything I try. Wrong.
Everything I am. Wrong.
My body piles on, turns against me.
Loved ones give up, give in, quit.
Why should I keep trying?
Fallen. Felled. Failed.
You're too perfectionist. You're not working hard enough.
You're putting too much pressure on yourself. You're being lazy, not doing the minimum you should for this position.
You're too loud.
You need to speak up, speak out, speak faster, interrupt others, keep them on track.
Be friendly, likeable, get more people on board.
Stop worrying about what others think. You do you.
You're too much, not enough....
The world speaks in a cacophony, a torrent, a cataclysmic discombobulation of conflicting advice.
It all means one thing.
Failing. Failed. Failure.
Wednesday, May 02, 2018
Friday, January 05, 2018
Sunday, August 06, 2017
“I may go to church but I can still take you down, fat a$$!”
Something
very odd just happened to me and I’m still trying to process it. But one thing stood out about the experience
I feel God-driven to share. And it comes
down to a couple of key verses that are guiding lights in my Christian life.
“I
may go to church but I can still take you down, fat a$$!”
That’s
what a woman yelled at me outside a neighborhood church this Sunday morning as
my husband and I were finishing up our daily morning dog walk. As an Adventist, I attend church on Saturday
mornings, so there was no evidence of my regular church attendance this
morning. I don’t run around with a
badge that says Christian or Church-goer on it for the edification of those who
don’t know me.
I
believe in witnessing to others through the way I live my life, letting what I
say and do lead them to want to know more about why I live and act the way I
do, and in that way attract them to a relationship with God. So, needless to say, this person had no idea
who I was, how I live my life, or what I believe.
Another
thing I believe in is giving others the benefit of the doubt. I never know what else may be going on or
what things someone may have misunderstood. In this case, it’s possible she may
have misinterpreted my actions.
See,
we were on the sidewalk, walking past the church and, in the process, the
entrance to the church parking lot. We
were absorbed in conversation, in particular trying to figure out if the squirrel
we’d just seen race across the street a ways ahead of us was really a black
squirrel or if its apparent coloring was just a trick of the light. So we didn’t notice the truck waiting to turn
into the parking lot until it pulled through the driveway behind us. Once I realized what had happened, I turned
to wave in apology for holding them up.
Maybe someone thought my wave was less a full-handed greeting and more a
single fingered rebuke of some sort. I
don’t know. Then, as we continued to
walk, I lamented not having noticed the truck to my husband, motioning that it’s
presence had gone right over my head.
Maybe the woman who shouted at me thought I was discussing her. I don’t know.
What
I do know is what she shouted at me once they parked the truck, in a church
parking lot, with a pre-school aged girl I presume was her daughter on her hip,
before walking into Sunday morning services.
It
wasn’t just the words that bothered me. While
I don’t like foul language and avoid it as much as I can myself (old, bad
habits die hard) I know true believers who have an incredible relationship with
Christ and truly foul vocabularies. It was the example.
See,
my husband has a true dislike of organized religions because of the
hypocritical way so many so-called Christians act. I understand his point. So, when this woman yelled at me like that,
whatever her reasons may have been, he reacted in a protective manner, as he
always does. While this serves to bring
him closer to me, as it always does, I couldn’t help feeling a drop in the pit
of my stomach at the thought of what the interaction would mean for his
relationship with church, God, and Believers.
He continues to have my example, and others close to us, of what a true
relationship with Christ is like. Still…
this is a wedge between him and Him.
What if it had been someone else on that sidewalk? Someone without a lover of Christ in their
lives? Someone who was questioning the
rightness of Christianity’s very existence?
What would that attack have meant to them? Even if that person had been raging against
the folks in the truck and denigrating them.
This
entire incident reminded me very strongly of two central tenets of my Christian
faith. One is embodied in Romans
14:13-14, 1 Corinthians 8:8-10, 2 Corinthians 6:3-4 – as Paul repeatedly warns
against letting our actions be a stumbling block to others, keeping them from
Christ – as well as in Matthew 18:6-7.
Romans
“13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on
one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or
obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in
the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards
something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.”
1 Corinthians
“8 But food
does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no
better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the
exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees
you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be
emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?”
2 Corinthians
“3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so
that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend
ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and
distresses;”
Matthew
“6 but
whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would
be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be
drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 "Woe to the
world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling
blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!”
I
monitor my behavior on a daily basis because of my semi-public persona as a
broadcast journalist. But, that’s about
simply staying employable. This is about
something so much more. This is a test
with eternal ramifications. And it’s a
test of our behavior as Christians on a daily basis. When we let little things, perceived insults
or real ones, arouse our anger, when we lash out at strangers, when we belittle
others for whatever reason, we are becoming the stumbling blocks in others’
paths to Christ.
Which
is why in Matthew 5 Christ counseled us to turn the other cheek. This is the second tenet that guides my
faith.
He begins “38 “You have heard that it was said,
‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a]39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil
person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek
also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand
over your coat as well.”
And then later
adds, “43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I
tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that
you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on
the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If
you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the
tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people,
what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
This is the embodiment of what it means to be
meek. Those who are meek, He said in the
beatitudes, will inherit the Earth. I do
not believe he was speaking of this earth, but the New Earth of the second
coming and eternal life. Yet, meekness
is not easy. Which is why we see the
idea repeated time and again throughout the new testament, using different language
each time. The one that resonates the
most with me is in Romans 12, when he tells us to bless those who persecute
us.
Romans 12:17-21: “17 Do not repay anyone evil for
evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If
it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do
not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it
is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with good.”
For years now I’ve striven for caution in what comes
out of my mouth (or fingertips when online).
I don’t always live up to my own standards. I am a sinful person in a sinful world. But I try.
This, however, is about more than making sure I remain employable as a broadcast journalist
in the public eye. This is about a much
more permanent concern. I do not want
anything I say or do to keep others from Christ.
I do not know why this woman lashed out at me the way she
did this morning. Perhaps there is something
in her life she needs help with right now. But I know I do not have to respond in kind. Instead, I can add her to my prayers.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Take the girl...
There is definite truth to the old saying... you can take the girl out of the newsroom but you can't take the newsroom out of the girl. Recent events have once again held that up.
It's been nearly a year and a half now since I left the news business. I'm in my second year of teaching. Yet, my antennae still twitch when I notice something newsworthy, at least potentially. I immediately start thinking of how quickly a news crew could make it to the scene, how many should be sent, can I get video or still pictures now without waiting for the crew, etc.
For example, when driving home and I see swat teams with really big guns swarming a local farm house (turned out to be a training exercise), or it starts snowing at the beginning of what's predicted to be a major snow storm, or I see cars that have slid off the road during an ice storm. It doesn't take much.
The thing is, since I'm no longer an official member of the media when I do see these things and call the local TV stations I'm often brushed off as another crazy viewer who's seeing things. It's only when I get ahold of someone I once worked with that I'm treated like a reasonably sane person.
I doubt the folks on the other end of the phone ever realize I know exactly what they're thinking of me as they fob me off with an, "I'll be sure to pass that on" or "We'll check into that". But see, I used to use those same lines on folks who would call in about seeing UFOs or political conspiracies, etc. So, I recognize when it's being done to me.
Highly frustrating. I can see now, why so many journalists who leave the business eventually do return. Not that I have any such plans. I'm committed to teaching. But, it's easy to see why others do.
Nimitz' Lady
It's been nearly a year and a half now since I left the news business. I'm in my second year of teaching. Yet, my antennae still twitch when I notice something newsworthy, at least potentially. I immediately start thinking of how quickly a news crew could make it to the scene, how many should be sent, can I get video or still pictures now without waiting for the crew, etc.
For example, when driving home and I see swat teams with really big guns swarming a local farm house (turned out to be a training exercise), or it starts snowing at the beginning of what's predicted to be a major snow storm, or I see cars that have slid off the road during an ice storm. It doesn't take much.
The thing is, since I'm no longer an official member of the media when I do see these things and call the local TV stations I'm often brushed off as another crazy viewer who's seeing things. It's only when I get ahold of someone I once worked with that I'm treated like a reasonably sane person.
I doubt the folks on the other end of the phone ever realize I know exactly what they're thinking of me as they fob me off with an, "I'll be sure to pass that on" or "We'll check into that". But see, I used to use those same lines on folks who would call in about seeing UFOs or political conspiracies, etc. So, I recognize when it's being done to me.
Highly frustrating. I can see now, why so many journalists who leave the business eventually do return. Not that I have any such plans. I'm committed to teaching. But, it's easy to see why others do.
Nimitz' Lady
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Halloween, Part Deux
Check out more Halloween pictures on Flickr from actual Halloween trick or treating. Also, pictures from the guys latest experment, Mentos and pop. They got one nice eruption. JBP wants to try again.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Halloween, Part Un
We had our first taste of Halloween today. I've spent more on JBP's costume this year than I've ever spent on any Halloween costume. Ever! But he was so in love with it I just coulcn't refuse. I remember too often having to go without something I wanted so desperately. I don't always say yes, but this time I did.
The costume is Sir Peter of Wolfsbane, from the Chronicles of Narnia. Of course, being the contrarian that JBP is, he prefers to think of it as Sir Edmund. For some reason, JBP identifies much more strongly with the fallible Edmund than with the near-perfect Peter.
However, since we spent so much, I told him he has to get our money's worth out of it. That means wearing it as much as possible.
Tonight, we attended the trick-or-treating event at the local zoo. Wednesday at school they have a costume party. And then, of course, is the big night itself.
Check out Flickr (link to your right!) for the latest photos. Of course, we'll be updating with each new event.
Nimitz' Lady
The costume is Sir Peter of Wolfsbane, from the Chronicles of Narnia. Of course, being the contrarian that JBP is, he prefers to think of it as Sir Edmund. For some reason, JBP identifies much more strongly with the fallible Edmund than with the near-perfect Peter.
However, since we spent so much, I told him he has to get our money's worth out of it. That means wearing it as much as possible.
Tonight, we attended the trick-or-treating event at the local zoo. Wednesday at school they have a costume party. And then, of course, is the big night itself.
Check out Flickr (link to your right!) for the latest photos. Of course, we'll be updating with each new event.
Nimitz' Lady
Sunday, October 14, 2007
All's Quiet on the Home Front
After a weekend of hectic activity due to four kids 16 and under in the house, all seems waaaay too quiet. BRING THEM BACK!
The good news, a good time was had by all.
Die Spielerin and La Moldova, another exchange student at our church from the eastern european country of Moldova, tried to go to a movie last night. The whole project didn't turn out so well. Their first choice movie ended up being sold out when they got there. They're second choice ended up being Rated R and the theater was actually checking ID's and rejecting patrons under the age of 17. Very rare. So, they spent an hour or so at Freddy's Frozen Yogurt next door to the theater, and then called for a ride home.
JBP and his friend, Soccer Boy, got to stay up late and watch a movie at home. Then, they slept on the sofabed downstairs. We also baked sugar cookies. They had a great time.
Today, the boys decorated their sugar cookies, played computer games, had pillow fights, went swimming at the Y and generally raised heck.
The girls did Die Spielerin's homework. She's in a Foods & Textiles class and had a homework assignment to plan, shop for and cook a meal for the family. She and La Moldova spent most of the morning cooking up a storm.
They prepared chocolage chip cookies,
sweet potato bread, fruit cocktail with vanilla pudding and German pancakes.
For the pancakes they used my Der Deutscher's grandmother's recipe. It was the height of irony, as Der Deutscher, to have an American teaching a German how to prepare a traditional German dish.
The meal, and the weekend, was a great success.
The good news, a good time was had by all.
Die Spielerin and La Moldova, another exchange student at our church from the eastern european country of Moldova, tried to go to a movie last night. The whole project didn't turn out so well. Their first choice movie ended up being sold out when they got there. They're second choice ended up being Rated R and the theater was actually checking ID's and rejecting patrons under the age of 17. Very rare. So, they spent an hour or so at Freddy's Frozen Yogurt next door to the theater, and then called for a ride home.
JBP and his friend, Soccer Boy, got to stay up late and watch a movie at home. Then, they slept on the sofabed downstairs. We also baked sugar cookies. They had a great time.
Today, the boys decorated their sugar cookies, played computer games, had pillow fights, went swimming at the Y and generally raised heck.
The girls did Die Spielerin's homework. She's in a Foods & Textiles class and had a homework assignment to plan, shop for and cook a meal for the family. She and La Moldova spent most of the morning cooking up a storm.
They prepared chocolage chip cookies,
sweet potato bread, fruit cocktail with vanilla pudding and German pancakes.
For the pancakes they used my Der Deutscher's grandmother's recipe. It was the height of irony, as Der Deutscher, to have an American teaching a German how to prepare a traditional German dish.
The meal, and the weekend, was a great success.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Full House
I have a full house this weekend. Both Die Spielerin and JBP have friends over for sleepovers.
The girls are fine. They're old enough to take care of themselves.
However, two young men, in the 7 to 8 year old range, is quite a challenge. Mostly, they keep each other occupied, except when their rough-housing ends up with one injured and the two arguing, or they disagree over what to do or what to watch, or, or , or.
You get the idea.
I'm about ready to forcibly drag the two of them to the park so they can work off some of their energy.
Nimitz' Lady
The girls are fine. They're old enough to take care of themselves.
However, two young men, in the 7 to 8 year old range, is quite a challenge. Mostly, they keep each other occupied, except when their rough-housing ends up with one injured and the two arguing, or they disagree over what to do or what to watch, or, or , or.
You get the idea.
I'm about ready to forcibly drag the two of them to the park so they can work off some of their energy.
Nimitz' Lady
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Explosive Fun
JBP finally got to carry out a Mythbusters science experiment he's been waiting to do for weeks.
It has to do with chemical reactions (baking soda and vinegar) and pressure (mixed in a corked bottle). The idea is to build up enough pressure inside the bottle to pop the cork in an explosive manner. Needless to say, this was carried out under close adult supervision. Or, to put it another way, Der Deutscher ended up doing most of the work.
Here's a visual tour of the experiment.
Step #1: Mix the ingredients.
Step #2: Shake things up.
Step #3: Marvel at the explosion.
Step #4: Sit back and enjoy a job well done.
Nimitz' Lady
It has to do with chemical reactions (baking soda and vinegar) and pressure (mixed in a corked bottle). The idea is to build up enough pressure inside the bottle to pop the cork in an explosive manner. Needless to say, this was carried out under close adult supervision. Or, to put it another way, Der Deutscher ended up doing most of the work.
Here's a visual tour of the experiment.
Step #1: Mix the ingredients.
Step #2: Shake things up.
Step #3: Marvel at the explosion.
Step #4: Sit back and enjoy a job well done.
Nimitz' Lady
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Popping up for air
Sorry for the long absence folks. This fall has been busier than I'd ever imagined teaching could be.
It's not just the teaching, like last year. I'm also taking courses in education to eventually get a full license. Right now I only have a license to teach Spanish at my high school. I can't teach anything else, anywhere else.
Plus, I was trying to help a group of my students raise money for a trip to Spain next spring. Yes, I said "was".
I started out with a group of nearly 20 kids saying they wanted to go. Once they found out the cost, it fell to about 13. Then, I lost about a student a week for a few weeks. Finally, I was down to what I thought was a solid group of seven students. Then, three more dropped out. I told the kids they had to sign up with the program online and make their downpayment by midnight Friday. They didn't. I cancelled the trip. I wasn't about to start fundraising for an event that might not happen. I'd feel like I was defrauding the public.
In other news, I got to hang out with some old friends from my last TV job last weekend. On Friday, the sports guys came out to my high school for Football Friday. I was always close to the guys in the sports department. Probably my tom boy roots showing. Then, on Saturday, I attended the Race for the Cure, which is a big event for the female evening anchor.
JBP, Der Deutscher, Die Spielerin and I are all proud to say we completed the 5K walk. Die Spielerin is to be especially commended as we completely forgot to tell her about the annual event until we rousted her out of bed that morning!
On Monday, I had a student who'd seen me hanging out with the sports guys on Friday, ask me why I wasn't in news anymore. "You looked so happy!" she said.
I told her being in the field, liveshots, etc, were what I'd liked the most about the TV biz and I never got to do it anymore and wasn't going to be able to do it again in this market and had no chance of moving on to a station outside this market.
I also told her teaching makes me just as happy!
Meanwhile, last week was Homecoming at our high school. Die Spielerin (the exchange student living with us) chose to go to the game and dance afterward. Her opinion of the whole event, the festivities were lots of fun, the game was boring. She so fits in with us. She's going to love basketball season.
On that note, I'm signing off for the night. Don't know when I'll be back, so check in regularly.
Nimitz' Lady
It's not just the teaching, like last year. I'm also taking courses in education to eventually get a full license. Right now I only have a license to teach Spanish at my high school. I can't teach anything else, anywhere else.
Plus, I was trying to help a group of my students raise money for a trip to Spain next spring. Yes, I said "was".
I started out with a group of nearly 20 kids saying they wanted to go. Once they found out the cost, it fell to about 13. Then, I lost about a student a week for a few weeks. Finally, I was down to what I thought was a solid group of seven students. Then, three more dropped out. I told the kids they had to sign up with the program online and make their downpayment by midnight Friday. They didn't. I cancelled the trip. I wasn't about to start fundraising for an event that might not happen. I'd feel like I was defrauding the public.
In other news, I got to hang out with some old friends from my last TV job last weekend. On Friday, the sports guys came out to my high school for Football Friday. I was always close to the guys in the sports department. Probably my tom boy roots showing. Then, on Saturday, I attended the Race for the Cure, which is a big event for the female evening anchor.
JBP, Der Deutscher, Die Spielerin and I are all proud to say we completed the 5K walk. Die Spielerin is to be especially commended as we completely forgot to tell her about the annual event until we rousted her out of bed that morning!
On Monday, I had a student who'd seen me hanging out with the sports guys on Friday, ask me why I wasn't in news anymore. "You looked so happy!" she said.
I told her being in the field, liveshots, etc, were what I'd liked the most about the TV biz and I never got to do it anymore and wasn't going to be able to do it again in this market and had no chance of moving on to a station outside this market.
I also told her teaching makes me just as happy!
Meanwhile, last week was Homecoming at our high school. Die Spielerin (the exchange student living with us) chose to go to the game and dance afterward. Her opinion of the whole event, the festivities were lots of fun, the game was boring. She so fits in with us. She's going to love basketball season.
On that note, I'm signing off for the night. Don't know when I'll be back, so check in regularly.
Nimitz' Lady
Sunday, September 09, 2007
One down...
My second class on my way to an official teacher's license begins tomorrow. I've already completed assignment number 1.
While I'm still a little worried about the technology holding up and not screwing up my work I do like the fact that I was able to get online and do all the work required for the first assignment a day before the class officially starts.
And I wasn't the first one to do so. Okay. So I was the second one.
I figure if I can keep this up I should be able to finish the class in about a week or two. Of course, that depends on how detailed the rest of the assignments get.
Wish me luck.
Nimitz' Lady
While I'm still a little worried about the technology holding up and not screwing up my work I do like the fact that I was able to get online and do all the work required for the first assignment a day before the class officially starts.
And I wasn't the first one to do so. Okay. So I was the second one.
I figure if I can keep this up I should be able to finish the class in about a week or two. Of course, that depends on how detailed the rest of the assignments get.
Wish me luck.
Nimitz' Lady
Ouch!
I took the kids rollerskating this afternoon. JBP had been asking to go for a few weeks and I figured it was an All American sort of activity Die Spielerin should be exposed to.
She took to rollerskating pretty quickly. Only one or two falls. I think previous ice skating experience stood her in good stead.
JBP's skills on skates are rapidly improving. Despite numerous falls, on his rear, elbows, chin and every other body part you can name, he was grinningly ecstatic to be there.
I, however, appear to have the most lasting war wound from our afternoon. It's been more than a year since I'd been skating, and only sporadic before that. Plus, these skates were different from what I'm used to. More like the height of tennis shoes than high tops. I need that extra support (I can sprain an ankle by looking at it angled!).
I only took about three falls, all told. But on one of them I landed quite hard on my left glute. It's still aching more than four hours later. I have a feeling tomorrow's gonna huuuu-rrrrt!
Nimitz' Lady
p.s. I've got photos which I'll post later. Unfortunately, I took them on my cell phone and it ran out of juice. It's currently on "life-support", or the charger as it's more commonly called.
She took to rollerskating pretty quickly. Only one or two falls. I think previous ice skating experience stood her in good stead.
JBP's skills on skates are rapidly improving. Despite numerous falls, on his rear, elbows, chin and every other body part you can name, he was grinningly ecstatic to be there.
I, however, appear to have the most lasting war wound from our afternoon. It's been more than a year since I'd been skating, and only sporadic before that. Plus, these skates were different from what I'm used to. More like the height of tennis shoes than high tops. I need that extra support (I can sprain an ankle by looking at it angled!).
I only took about three falls, all told. But on one of them I landed quite hard on my left glute. It's still aching more than four hours later. I have a feeling tomorrow's gonna huuuu-rrrrt!
Nimitz' Lady
p.s. I've got photos which I'll post later. Unfortunately, I took them on my cell phone and it ran out of juice. It's currently on "life-support", or the charger as it's more commonly called.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A Little of This....
a little of that.
*Observation #1: Today was the first time I had to have an observer from my university in my classroom. It's part of the State's requirement to allow me in a classroom at all. I have to have someone come "observe" me at least twice a semester. I wasn't nervous about that, until she told me she'd need a copy of my lesson plan for the day. Then I started sweating bullets. I just jumped into this teaching thing feet first. NO training! So I pretty much do lesson plans like a Newscast Rundown -- a bunch of slugs indicating what each "story" (lesson) is about.
The good news, she was happy with what she saw. Wrote a note on the top of my observation sheet: What a model classroom.
This, despite the fact I was late getting class started because printers weren't working and I had trouble getting quizzes printed. Then, when I passed the quizzes out a student asked, "Are there supposed to be two Es and two Fs?"
I had mislabeled the pictures as: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, E, F, H.
If today is what she considers a "model" classroom I'd hate to find out what she considers a badly run one!
*The Rain in Spain... : Tomorrow I find out how many of my students will, perhaps, experience said event. I hold the first organizational meeting tomorrow after school for a trip to Spain next Spring/Summer.
I'm hoping at least 12 students will sign up for the trip. For every six students the program takes a chaperone for free. Twelve students means another adult can come with me.
I'm excited, scared and hopeful all at the same time. Mostly I just don't want all the students who are interested in traveling to give up because of the cost.
*Dancing in our Seats: JBP and I did the seat dance today on the way home from school. He's been in school more than a week now. No (major) behavioral problems, only a couple minor ones.
Today he had a sub, last year a sure sign of major trouble, and he didn't have to pull a single tab (in other words not even a warning!). So, we did the Happy Dance in our seats.
He also took three AR (accelerated reading) tests and got 100% on all of them. My boy is growing up and learning loads!
Nimitz' Lady
*Observation #1: Today was the first time I had to have an observer from my university in my classroom. It's part of the State's requirement to allow me in a classroom at all. I have to have someone come "observe" me at least twice a semester. I wasn't nervous about that, until she told me she'd need a copy of my lesson plan for the day. Then I started sweating bullets. I just jumped into this teaching thing feet first. NO training! So I pretty much do lesson plans like a Newscast Rundown -- a bunch of slugs indicating what each "story" (lesson) is about.
The good news, she was happy with what she saw. Wrote a note on the top of my observation sheet: What a model classroom.
This, despite the fact I was late getting class started because printers weren't working and I had trouble getting quizzes printed. Then, when I passed the quizzes out a student asked, "Are there supposed to be two Es and two Fs?"
I had mislabeled the pictures as: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, E, F, H.
If today is what she considers a "model" classroom I'd hate to find out what she considers a badly run one!
*The Rain in Spain... : Tomorrow I find out how many of my students will, perhaps, experience said event. I hold the first organizational meeting tomorrow after school for a trip to Spain next Spring/Summer.
I'm hoping at least 12 students will sign up for the trip. For every six students the program takes a chaperone for free. Twelve students means another adult can come with me.
I'm excited, scared and hopeful all at the same time. Mostly I just don't want all the students who are interested in traveling to give up because of the cost.
*Dancing in our Seats: JBP and I did the seat dance today on the way home from school. He's been in school more than a week now. No (major) behavioral problems, only a couple minor ones.
Today he had a sub, last year a sure sign of major trouble, and he didn't have to pull a single tab (in other words not even a warning!). So, we did the Happy Dance in our seats.
He also took three AR (accelerated reading) tests and got 100% on all of them. My boy is growing up and learning loads!
Nimitz' Lady
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Dangerous Apathetic-ness
Went to get my driver's license renewed today. You'll never guess what happened. The lack of caring about quality by government workers reached a new high. Or is that low?
In my state, to renew a driver's license you're mailed a test along with an instructional booklet with all the answers in it. All you have to do is take the test, at home, bring it in and have it graded to get your new license.
Me, being me, lost the test. So, today I went in expecting to have to take a standard written test, closed book. When I got there the lady at the first window told me I would take it open book. Ok. Whatever.
Then I moved on to the second window and paid. From there I went to the third window and got my picture taken.
At which point the lady at window #3 told me, "That's it. You're new license will be mailed to you."
Duh-wah? When I reminded her I was supposed to take the test, she shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, I already took your picture, so I guess you're done. Have a great day."
I remain flabbergasted!
Nimitz' Lady
In my state, to renew a driver's license you're mailed a test along with an instructional booklet with all the answers in it. All you have to do is take the test, at home, bring it in and have it graded to get your new license.
Me, being me, lost the test. So, today I went in expecting to have to take a standard written test, closed book. When I got there the lady at the first window told me I would take it open book. Ok. Whatever.
Then I moved on to the second window and paid. From there I went to the third window and got my picture taken.
At which point the lady at window #3 told me, "That's it. You're new license will be mailed to you."
Duh-wah? When I reminded her I was supposed to take the test, she shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, I already took your picture, so I guess you're done. Have a great day."
I remain flabbergasted!
Nimitz' Lady
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Using Your Brain
Today, as part of lunch, we had Challah. It's a traditional Jewish bread served on Sabbath, similar to German eggbread. JBP loves it. So did Die Spielerin.
JBP had already eaten a huge chunk of it and was working on his lasagna when Die Spielerin took a second piece of bread. In fear he wouldn't get any more, JBP lunged to grab another chunk for himself.
"Unh-unh! Finish your lasagna first," I told him.
He responded, "If I were a king in the old days I would just tell someone to keep some for me for later. If I were a king."
"Might does not make right," I said.
"What does that mean?"
"Just because you have the power to do something doesn't make doing it the right thing. Just because kings in the old days had the ability to be spoiled brats doesn't make it right."
Subdued, JBP responded, "Oh, I think I see where you're going with this."
Smart little thing, ain't he?
Nimitz' Lady
JBP had already eaten a huge chunk of it and was working on his lasagna when Die Spielerin took a second piece of bread. In fear he wouldn't get any more, JBP lunged to grab another chunk for himself.
"Unh-unh! Finish your lasagna first," I told him.
He responded, "If I were a king in the old days I would just tell someone to keep some for me for later. If I were a king."
"Might does not make right," I said.
"What does that mean?"
"Just because you have the power to do something doesn't make doing it the right thing. Just because kings in the old days had the ability to be spoiled brats doesn't make it right."
Subdued, JBP responded, "Oh, I think I see where you're going with this."
Smart little thing, ain't he?
Nimitz' Lady
Friday, August 24, 2007
Enculturation
Or Americanization. Whatever you want to call it, it's well underway for Die Spielerin.
By the third day of classes she was wearing flip flops to school, just like all the other teenage American girls. This is something on student in Germany (or most of the rest of Europe) would ever even consider doing. But here it's de rigeur. And now it's de Die Spielerin.
Nimitz' Lady
By the third day of classes she was wearing flip flops to school, just like all the other teenage American girls. This is something on student in Germany (or most of the rest of Europe) would ever even consider doing. But here it's de rigeur. And now it's de Die Spielerin.
Nimitz' Lady
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
It's a Small World....
Okay, okay you can finish the song without me.
But, yet another sign of just how small the world now is... in one class I have one student who's from Dubuque and a Hawkeyes fan (I told her I wouldn't hold that against her!) and two students who just moved here from Ames, IA.
They all appreciated all the ISU stuff in my classroom.
Nimitz' Lady
But, yet another sign of just how small the world now is... in one class I have one student who's from Dubuque and a Hawkeyes fan (I told her I wouldn't hold that against her!) and two students who just moved here from Ames, IA.
They all appreciated all the ISU stuff in my classroom.
Nimitz' Lady
Little Man
I knew there was something I left out of last night's post. Monday, the day before school started, JBP had a frenectomy.
The frenum is that little piece of flesh that connects your upper lip to the muscle along the upper jaw.
Turns out his was preventing his two front teeth from growing together properly. So, a quick laser cut of the frenum Monday should prevent the need for expensive and painful braces or retainers in a few years.
I was so proud of JBP. They gave him laughing gas, or nitrous oxide as he insisted on calling it. So, he was awake during the whole thing.
He held still as a rock. Even when we could smell his flesh burning! I could only watch parts of it but sat on the foot end of the dental chair holding JBP's hands.
Even the dentist was impressed with how well JBP handled it. He said he'd had adults who didn't deal as well with the pseudo-surgery. After it was all over he gave JBP a grown-up brush "because he'd proved he deserved it!"
Of course it's still healing, and will be for a few more days. So, JBP's had to restrict himself to soft foods that won't poke it. And he's brushed his teeth with hot salt water. He can't wait until he can use the toothbrush again and use his new, grown-up brush.
Nimitz' Lady
The frenum is that little piece of flesh that connects your upper lip to the muscle along the upper jaw.
Turns out his was preventing his two front teeth from growing together properly. So, a quick laser cut of the frenum Monday should prevent the need for expensive and painful braces or retainers in a few years.
I was so proud of JBP. They gave him laughing gas, or nitrous oxide as he insisted on calling it. So, he was awake during the whole thing.
He held still as a rock. Even when we could smell his flesh burning! I could only watch parts of it but sat on the foot end of the dental chair holding JBP's hands.
Even the dentist was impressed with how well JBP handled it. He said he'd had adults who didn't deal as well with the pseudo-surgery. After it was all over he gave JBP a grown-up brush "because he'd proved he deserved it!"
Of course it's still healing, and will be for a few more days. So, JBP's had to restrict himself to soft foods that won't poke it. And he's brushed his teeth with hot salt water. He can't wait until he can use the toothbrush again and use his new, grown-up brush.
Nimitz' Lady
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
First Day of School
One day down, 179 (or so) to go. And, although I haven't had any classes yet I'm quite optimistic about the coming year.
Die Spielerin appeared to get along well. She spent a lot of time with the other exchange student at our school this year, Miss Hong Kong. Today was mostly about the freshman, so other new students who weren't freshman didn't have as much to do. Tomorrow (Wednesday) classes actually begin. I'm not sure, but I think she's a bit nervous. I am sure she'll do fine.
JBP had a great first day. Unlike at the high school, it was a complete school day for him. Although, his day did start at 3:30 am! That's when he came into our room, fully dressed for school, and said he couldn't sleep anymore. I made him go back to bed.
His teacher, Mrs. A, called me about 1pm to ask if he could go to bed earlier as he was tired and it was affecting his behavior. When I informed her he goes to bed at 7:30pm she was shocked. It wasn't until after school I thought to let her know about the early morning incident.
But, when I called after school she was nothing but praise for his behavior. When given a choice of behaviors and outcomes he made the right choice every time! He finished the day with NO problems. She and I are both very upbeat about how this year should go.
She made a very astute observation after only one day with JBP, something I kept trying to convince folks of last year. In her words, JBP is like a balloon. At the least negative word he deflates. But positive praise fills him up like helium! I really think she's the right match for him. An answer to prayer.
Nimitz' Lady
Die Spielerin appeared to get along well. She spent a lot of time with the other exchange student at our school this year, Miss Hong Kong. Today was mostly about the freshman, so other new students who weren't freshman didn't have as much to do. Tomorrow (Wednesday) classes actually begin. I'm not sure, but I think she's a bit nervous. I am sure she'll do fine.
JBP had a great first day. Unlike at the high school, it was a complete school day for him. Although, his day did start at 3:30 am! That's when he came into our room, fully dressed for school, and said he couldn't sleep anymore. I made him go back to bed.
His teacher, Mrs. A, called me about 1pm to ask if he could go to bed earlier as he was tired and it was affecting his behavior. When I informed her he goes to bed at 7:30pm she was shocked. It wasn't until after school I thought to let her know about the early morning incident.
But, when I called after school she was nothing but praise for his behavior. When given a choice of behaviors and outcomes he made the right choice every time! He finished the day with NO problems. She and I are both very upbeat about how this year should go.
She made a very astute observation after only one day with JBP, something I kept trying to convince folks of last year. In her words, JBP is like a balloon. At the least negative word he deflates. But positive praise fills him up like helium! I really think she's the right match for him. An answer to prayer.
Nimitz' Lady
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