Sorry I didn't post yesterday. It was a day full of running around town but not actually doing much worth talking about.
We did start to go through my mother-in-law's apartment and decide what we're going to have shipped to the States. There'll have to be some major rearranging at home to make room for everything.
JBP has overall handled all this well. Although the last couple of days, especially right after visiting his Oma's apartment, he's started getting willful, defiant, etc.
We've talked to him about it several times and I think he's starting to get the point. When you're having strong feelings talk about them, don't bury them and then start acting out.
Every night after story time and prayer, before going to sleep, we've started having question time. That's when JBP can ask anything he wants, about anything.
Obviously his questions have mostly been the tough kind, like, 'What's it like to die?' and 'Why didn't we take any pictures of the coffin?' and 'Why didn't we open the coffin to look at Oma?'
Sometimes we find ourselves struggling to answer him. But we promised honesty, even if that means telling him we don't know. It seems to be helping him deal with everything and I'll probably keep up the tradition once we get home.
Last night during question time he finally admitted he didn't like going to his Oma's apartment and didn't want to go back. We told him he didn't have to. There's a play area in the garden behind the building and he can go there when we have to go back.
He also has decided he wants to keep her scarf. I had crocheted it as a Christmas gift for her last year and we came across it yesterday while going through her apartment.
Well, Der Deutscher and JBP have several pages worth of math homelinks to do together today (JBP refuses to do them with me!), so it's my turn to go shopping by myself. Yippee!!!!
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The Funeral
It was a very surreal experience and for the most part was not overly emotional, for me. Obviously Der Deutscher was crying, very manly tears, throughout the ceremony. It didn't get to me until the very end, but first -- the beginning.
We arrived with Der Deutscher's paternal aunt and uncle. Many members of his paternal family attended the ceremony even though his parents are, were, divorced. Overall however the ceremony was small -- only about 20 people or so. That's the way Der Deutscher wanted it because that's the way he believes his mother would've wanted. He said he could've packed a cathedral if he'd advertised the funeral, which I don't doubt. His mother lived in the same city most of her adult life and knew a LOT of people.
The thing that struck me first as so unusual was the flowers. Each basket of flowers had two ribbons, about a foot wide, with a greeting or wish on it. The flowers on her coffin, a simple blonde wood coffin, said "Our loved mother and grandmother" on one ribbon and Der Deutscher's, JBP's and my name on the other ribbon. All the others were like that too.
After a short service in the chapel at the cemetery, we followed the coffin out to the gravesite. There had been a small spray of four yellow roses on the seat for me, but I'd handed them over to JBP to keep him occupied during the service which was in German. Although JBP did ask a few questions he hadn't yet seemed to really realize what was going on.
But JBP was then the first to follow the coffin out to the gravesite, walking slowly and carefully, carrying the flowers before him like a bride.
At the gravesite, the six pallbearers lowered the coffin into the grave the old-fashioned way -- using ropes and muscle power. When they were down, they removed their white gloves (folding them over each other inside out like doctors do) and tossed them into the grave with the coffin.
Then, some more short words from the pastor. After which we all tossed a small, ceremonial shovelful of dirt onto the coffin -- Der Deutscher first, then me, then JBP.
That's when it call became real for JBP and he broke down. It was the first time he'd cried since we'd told him his Oma had died. Otherwise he'd pretty much tried to avoid the subject, except to say occasionally that he wanted to go home.
But that was it. A few minutes later we all gathered at Der Deutscher's paternal uncle's house for brötchen, wurst and käse -- and lots of talk. Pretty typical post-funeral stuff. Memories, family, even the coming birth of one cousin who's baby is due Oct. 3rd.
Nimitz' Lady
We arrived with Der Deutscher's paternal aunt and uncle. Many members of his paternal family attended the ceremony even though his parents are, were, divorced. Overall however the ceremony was small -- only about 20 people or so. That's the way Der Deutscher wanted it because that's the way he believes his mother would've wanted. He said he could've packed a cathedral if he'd advertised the funeral, which I don't doubt. His mother lived in the same city most of her adult life and knew a LOT of people.
The thing that struck me first as so unusual was the flowers. Each basket of flowers had two ribbons, about a foot wide, with a greeting or wish on it. The flowers on her coffin, a simple blonde wood coffin, said "Our loved mother and grandmother" on one ribbon and Der Deutscher's, JBP's and my name on the other ribbon. All the others were like that too.
After a short service in the chapel at the cemetery, we followed the coffin out to the gravesite. There had been a small spray of four yellow roses on the seat for me, but I'd handed them over to JBP to keep him occupied during the service which was in German. Although JBP did ask a few questions he hadn't yet seemed to really realize what was going on.
But JBP was then the first to follow the coffin out to the gravesite, walking slowly and carefully, carrying the flowers before him like a bride.
At the gravesite, the six pallbearers lowered the coffin into the grave the old-fashioned way -- using ropes and muscle power. When they were down, they removed their white gloves (folding them over each other inside out like doctors do) and tossed them into the grave with the coffin.
Then, some more short words from the pastor. After which we all tossed a small, ceremonial shovelful of dirt onto the coffin -- Der Deutscher first, then me, then JBP.
That's when it call became real for JBP and he broke down. It was the first time he'd cried since we'd told him his Oma had died. Otherwise he'd pretty much tried to avoid the subject, except to say occasionally that he wanted to go home.
But that was it. A few minutes later we all gathered at Der Deutscher's paternal uncle's house for brötchen, wurst and käse -- and lots of talk. Pretty typical post-funeral stuff. Memories, family, even the coming birth of one cousin who's baby is due Oct. 3rd.
Nimitz' Lady
Monday, September 25, 2006
Walking Into Exhaustion
Once you've been to Europe you never truly forget just how much walking is involved to get anywhere. But you also never truly remember until you have to do it again.
The good news is, between a very careful eye on how much I'm eating and all the walking I've got to be losing weight. Although the local scales are no proof, seeing as how they all measure in kilos! And being as non-mathematically enclined as I am forget translating to pounds.
I'd also forgotten what it was like to be in a country that appreciates a real woman. You know, one with a curve or two to distinguish her from a 14 year old boy?
If I hadn't been walking around with JBP today *and* wearing a wedding ring on *both* hands I think I'd have had at least three or five propositions. As compared to a similar number per *year* in the States!
Nothing really special happened today. Just took JBP to the park then went shopping for something to wear to the funeral tomorrow. The real work has all fallen on Der Deutscher who must prove to all the German bureaucrats that he's his mother's only son and heir. Plus, he had to meet with the pastor who'll be conducting her funeral tomorrow.
My main job has been to keep JBP busy and out of Der Deutscher's hair.
Yesterday we went to Oma's apartment and started going through things. Der Deutscher plans to ship several items of furniture to the States, family heirlooms and all. The good news is style-wise they should all fit into our home. The bad news? I don't know where we'll find room for it all.
Please pray for us, especially Der Deutscher, tomorrow as that's the funeral. It will most likely be the most difficult day of this trip.
Nimitz' Lady
The good news is, between a very careful eye on how much I'm eating and all the walking I've got to be losing weight. Although the local scales are no proof, seeing as how they all measure in kilos! And being as non-mathematically enclined as I am forget translating to pounds.
I'd also forgotten what it was like to be in a country that appreciates a real woman. You know, one with a curve or two to distinguish her from a 14 year old boy?
If I hadn't been walking around with JBP today *and* wearing a wedding ring on *both* hands I think I'd have had at least three or five propositions. As compared to a similar number per *year* in the States!
Nothing really special happened today. Just took JBP to the park then went shopping for something to wear to the funeral tomorrow. The real work has all fallen on Der Deutscher who must prove to all the German bureaucrats that he's his mother's only son and heir. Plus, he had to meet with the pastor who'll be conducting her funeral tomorrow.
My main job has been to keep JBP busy and out of Der Deutscher's hair.
Yesterday we went to Oma's apartment and started going through things. Der Deutscher plans to ship several items of furniture to the States, family heirlooms and all. The good news is style-wise they should all fit into our home. The bad news? I don't know where we'll find room for it all.
Please pray for us, especially Der Deutscher, tomorrow as that's the funeral. It will most likely be the most difficult day of this trip.
Nimitz' Lady
Saturday, September 23, 2006
All mixed up
Halo alles aus Deutschland!
Well, we safely arrived, on time despite 30 and 45 minute delays at home and in Chicago. We literally had to run from our arrival gate to our departure gate in London and still just barely made the connection -- as in we raced to the gate and right onto the plane! Needless to say, we may have made it but our luggage did not. We got into Duesseldorf around 10am local time. Our luggage finally arrived at 9pm!
We spent most of yesterday with Der Duetscher's aunt and uncle. At one point his cousin-in-law stopped by with her 10 month old son who shares Der Deutscher's full name. The cousin spoke Spanish pretty well, better than her English or my German. So we spent several hours switching back and forth between the three languages.
Add to that the fact I've been speaking Spanish daily for the last month and am still trying to keep a blog for my students in Spanish and I am truly linquistically all mixed up. I never know which language is going to pop out of my mouth next.
Then, of courese, there's the whole keyboard difference -- which is reallz messing up my typing. What should've taken me about three minutes to write and post has already taken me ten!
I really feel for Der Deutscher right now. He's handling all the funeral arrangements himself and I can't be with him because he just wants me to keep JBP occupied. JBP is currently out buying flowers with his Onkel Mika, his step-grandmother's brother. And Der Deutscher thinks my family is confusing!
Ok, time to give my poor confused brain a break.
Nimitz' Lady
Well, we safely arrived, on time despite 30 and 45 minute delays at home and in Chicago. We literally had to run from our arrival gate to our departure gate in London and still just barely made the connection -- as in we raced to the gate and right onto the plane! Needless to say, we may have made it but our luggage did not. We got into Duesseldorf around 10am local time. Our luggage finally arrived at 9pm!
We spent most of yesterday with Der Duetscher's aunt and uncle. At one point his cousin-in-law stopped by with her 10 month old son who shares Der Deutscher's full name. The cousin spoke Spanish pretty well, better than her English or my German. So we spent several hours switching back and forth between the three languages.
Add to that the fact I've been speaking Spanish daily for the last month and am still trying to keep a blog for my students in Spanish and I am truly linquistically all mixed up. I never know which language is going to pop out of my mouth next.
Then, of courese, there's the whole keyboard difference -- which is reallz messing up my typing. What should've taken me about three minutes to write and post has already taken me ten!
I really feel for Der Deutscher right now. He's handling all the funeral arrangements himself and I can't be with him because he just wants me to keep JBP occupied. JBP is currently out buying flowers with his Onkel Mika, his step-grandmother's brother. And Der Deutscher thinks my family is confusing!
Ok, time to give my poor confused brain a break.
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Wind and the Fury
We're all packed and ready to go. Some friends from church will be picking us up here in about an hour to take us to the airport.
Unfortunately, it's a dark and stormy day with lots of thunderstorms and high winds. We face travel delays both here and out of Chicago.
Once (if) we can get out of Chicago we should be okay, though. So, please pray for smooth traveling. I'm not sure how much aggravation Der Deutscher can take right now.
Nimitz' Lady
Unfortunately, it's a dark and stormy day with lots of thunderstorms and high winds. We face travel delays both here and out of Chicago.
Once (if) we can get out of Chicago we should be okay, though. So, please pray for smooth traveling. I'm not sure how much aggravation Der Deutscher can take right now.
Nimitz' Lady
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Nimitz Household in Mourning
We received a long dreaded phonecall this morning. My mother-in-law, aka Oma, passed away overnight. She'd been suffering from some sort of cancer for years, but was unwilling to share the details with most of us.
Due to this expected yet unforeseen development, we're making an emergency trip to Germany. There, Der Deutscher will begin handling her estate, while I will help JBP say goodbye to his Oma.
At the same time, JBP and I will be staying in contact with our classes through a couple of new blogs I've just set-up.
I'll be using Pensamientos en Español to give my students a view of what it's like to travel overseas. JBP will do the same with his new Blog, World Traveler.
This may well be my last post until we're in Der Vaterland, as we leave Thursday and have very little time in which to get all paperwork gathered, everything packed and enough lesson plans set out for my sub!
While this is sad for me, it is a much more devestating development for JBP and Der Deutscher. Please keep them in your prayers.
Nimitz' Lady
Due to this expected yet unforeseen development, we're making an emergency trip to Germany. There, Der Deutscher will begin handling her estate, while I will help JBP say goodbye to his Oma.
At the same time, JBP and I will be staying in contact with our classes through a couple of new blogs I've just set-up.
I'll be using Pensamientos en Español to give my students a view of what it's like to travel overseas. JBP will do the same with his new Blog, World Traveler.
This may well be my last post until we're in Der Vaterland, as we leave Thursday and have very little time in which to get all paperwork gathered, everything packed and enough lesson plans set out for my sub!
While this is sad for me, it is a much more devestating development for JBP and Der Deutscher. Please keep them in your prayers.
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Style Tips for the Young and Masculine (wanna-bes)
In class today I had the kids working on the dry-erase board (whatever happened to go ol' chalkboards?). They started complaining about their hands getting all black from the pen ink. I told them that's one of the many reason I prefer to wear black, or at least dark colored clothes.
One of the young men pipes up, "What are the others?"
I just looked at him and said, "'Cause I'm a woman. 'Nuff said."
Nimitz' Lady
p.s. Tomorrow I take part in a pep rally contest that pits the teachers against teams from each class (year). I'm to represent the teachers in the cartwheel competition. That'll be a sight!
One of the young men pipes up, "What are the others?"
I just looked at him and said, "'Cause I'm a woman. 'Nuff said."
Nimitz' Lady
p.s. Tomorrow I take part in a pep rally contest that pits the teachers against teams from each class (year). I'm to represent the teachers in the cartwheel competition. That'll be a sight!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Actual Funny Remembered
After school today, I was lying on my stomach grading papers while JBP watched TV. Popular Mechanics for Kids (PMK): Slither and Slime to be precise.
When he noticed my supine position, JBP quickly slithered onto my back, one of his favorite TV viewing positions.
Unfortunately, that hurt my lower back, and at my request JBP scootched (is that actually a word?) down a bit. He ended up with his head resting on my gluteus maximus as a pillow.
A moment later he raised his head and indignantly announced, "You farted in my ear, Mommy!"
After taking a moment to digest this comment I cooly responded, "That's what you get for laying your head on my butt."
He thought about this, then carefully slithered back up my back just far enough to get his head off my rear and returned to watching Alicia and Jay discuss frogs, worms, leeches and other slithery and slimy things.
Ah, motherhood.
Nimitz' Lady
When he noticed my supine position, JBP quickly slithered onto my back, one of his favorite TV viewing positions.
Unfortunately, that hurt my lower back, and at my request JBP scootched (is that actually a word?) down a bit. He ended up with his head resting on my gluteus maximus as a pillow.
A moment later he raised his head and indignantly announced, "You farted in my ear, Mommy!"
After taking a moment to digest this comment I cooly responded, "That's what you get for laying your head on my butt."
He thought about this, then carefully slithered back up my back just far enough to get his head off my rear and returned to watching Alicia and Jay discuss frogs, worms, leeches and other slithery and slimy things.
Ah, motherhood.
Nimitz' Lady
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Greetings from South Korea!
No, unfortunately, not from me.
My (formerly) Colorado Cousins have moved to South Korea. They've taken a two year position teaching at a Christian International School in the city of Taejon (or Daejon) with their three boys (all within about a year in age of JBP!).
I think I may have spoken of this before, if not I am now. =)
Anyway, I am about as jealous and in awe as it gets. Not that I could imagine making a move that grand at this time. But I can imagine doing it sometime. Now I just have to convince Der Deutscher!
They have started a blog to keep friends and family updated on their antics in the Republic of Korea. I won't share the address right now, as I'm not sure if they would like that, security concerns and all. But, if they don't mind, I may link to it later.
Meanwhile, good news on the JBP in school front. Although, by no means, is his behavior now model, it has improved greatly. And, he no longer goes around saying he hates school and there's nothing fun about it. Instead, he'll ask to do his homework! And if there isn't any, he'll ask to practice writing his letters with us. So, all in all things are going well.
Now, if only I could get enough of a handle on the teaching (and kick whatever bug has been infecting me for the last couple weeks) not to be totally and completely mentally and physically exhausted everyday when we get home.
Come Sabbath, it's all I can do to get through Church and lunch. I pretty much simply collapse then for the rest of the day. And that doesn't make for a very enjoyable Sabbath for JBP, who would be on the go every minute of every day if we let him.
Plus, between the change in jobs and trying to get used to it, I haven't been to the gym in a couple months now and am really feeling it. Backaches the likes of which I haven't had in years! Because my ab strength is back down to nothing.
On the other hand, I may actually have still managed to lose a few pounds. With the new schedule, I have little time to eat during work and my daily calorie consumption has fallen drastically. At least on workdays. Of course, to make up for that, I tend to eat more than I should on the weekends.
I'm hoping to start working out at home to my Taebo tapes after work this week. I need the physical exercise.
If you're the praying sort, please pray for my physical well being (exercise and illness) and that I'll be able to get this lesson planning thing licked.
Overall, I've been doing ok. But, I'm still having trouble gauging where my students are academically, either working well below or well above their current language levels. Plus, with an 84 minute block to fill I'm having trouble gauging exactly how much to plan on each day. And, to top it all off, I'm doing my best to do most of my lesson-planning during my planning period at school. I don't want to get in the habit of working all sorts of extra hours. I want to start the way I mean to go on (at least for the next 12 years -- when JBP graduates high school).
Nimitz' Lady
My (formerly) Colorado Cousins have moved to South Korea. They've taken a two year position teaching at a Christian International School in the city of Taejon (or Daejon) with their three boys (all within about a year in age of JBP!).
I think I may have spoken of this before, if not I am now. =)
Anyway, I am about as jealous and in awe as it gets. Not that I could imagine making a move that grand at this time. But I can imagine doing it sometime. Now I just have to convince Der Deutscher!
They have started a blog to keep friends and family updated on their antics in the Republic of Korea. I won't share the address right now, as I'm not sure if they would like that, security concerns and all. But, if they don't mind, I may link to it later.
Meanwhile, good news on the JBP in school front. Although, by no means, is his behavior now model, it has improved greatly. And, he no longer goes around saying he hates school and there's nothing fun about it. Instead, he'll ask to do his homework! And if there isn't any, he'll ask to practice writing his letters with us. So, all in all things are going well.
Now, if only I could get enough of a handle on the teaching (and kick whatever bug has been infecting me for the last couple weeks) not to be totally and completely mentally and physically exhausted everyday when we get home.
Come Sabbath, it's all I can do to get through Church and lunch. I pretty much simply collapse then for the rest of the day. And that doesn't make for a very enjoyable Sabbath for JBP, who would be on the go every minute of every day if we let him.
Plus, between the change in jobs and trying to get used to it, I haven't been to the gym in a couple months now and am really feeling it. Backaches the likes of which I haven't had in years! Because my ab strength is back down to nothing.
On the other hand, I may actually have still managed to lose a few pounds. With the new schedule, I have little time to eat during work and my daily calorie consumption has fallen drastically. At least on workdays. Of course, to make up for that, I tend to eat more than I should on the weekends.
I'm hoping to start working out at home to my Taebo tapes after work this week. I need the physical exercise.
If you're the praying sort, please pray for my physical well being (exercise and illness) and that I'll be able to get this lesson planning thing licked.
Overall, I've been doing ok. But, I'm still having trouble gauging where my students are academically, either working well below or well above their current language levels. Plus, with an 84 minute block to fill I'm having trouble gauging exactly how much to plan on each day. And, to top it all off, I'm doing my best to do most of my lesson-planning during my planning period at school. I don't want to get in the habit of working all sorts of extra hours. I want to start the way I mean to go on (at least for the next 12 years -- when JBP graduates high school).
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, September 07, 2006
JBP Funnies
The thing is, JBP has done/said a couple really funny things this last day or so. However, I am so exhausted at this point that I can barely remember my own name, let alone anything anyone else has said to me.
Outside of the funny, my boy got his first bee sting today. A lot earlier than I did. He was on a walking field trip to a park with his class to take some pictures. Within 10 minutes, both he and another boy had been stung by bees. JBP got stung in the back of his oversized little head.
When he got to my room after school he was still holding the remains of an ice bag to his head. Then proceeded to talk about how much he hated bees.
When he got home, he repeated the entire diatribe for Der Deutscher. Who then reminded him bees aren't very smart.
JBP has since spent the rest of the evening, at odd and unrelated moments, reminding us all that bees aren't very smart. In fact they're pretty dumb.
Nimitz' Lady
Outside of the funny, my boy got his first bee sting today. A lot earlier than I did. He was on a walking field trip to a park with his class to take some pictures. Within 10 minutes, both he and another boy had been stung by bees. JBP got stung in the back of his oversized little head.
When he got to my room after school he was still holding the remains of an ice bag to his head. Then proceeded to talk about how much he hated bees.
When he got home, he repeated the entire diatribe for Der Deutscher. Who then reminded him bees aren't very smart.
JBP has since spent the rest of the evening, at odd and unrelated moments, reminding us all that bees aren't very smart. In fact they're pretty dumb.
Nimitz' Lady
Monday, September 04, 2006
Hee Hee Hee
(sound of maniacal giggling)
It's a Holiday and I am NOT working!!!!!! Nor did I use up a vacation day to get the time off.
That's a first in 13 years.
And I get Thanksgiving off. And the day after. And Christmas Eve. And Christmas Day. And New Year's Eve. And New Year's Day. And the time between Christmas and New Year's. !!!!!!
Tee Hee Hee!!!!
Nimitz' Lady
It's a Holiday and I am NOT working!!!!!! Nor did I use up a vacation day to get the time off.
That's a first in 13 years.
And I get Thanksgiving off. And the day after. And Christmas Eve. And Christmas Day. And New Year's Eve. And New Year's Day. And the time between Christmas and New Year's. !!!!!!
Tee Hee Hee!!!!
Nimitz' Lady
Update
Just to keep all interested updated on what's going on, since I've pretty much NOT been in evidence the last couple of weeks.
1. JBP's first week at school was horrid. His second was much better, though far from perfect. His Grammy visited over the holiday weekend, so I fear a regression in behavior. But I'm prayin things will continue on our overall upward course.
2. The teaching's going pretty well. I love my 4th year class and my homeroom class. My 2nd year students are ok. My 3rd year class is the largest and the least responsive. Much of it is, I think, due to just a couple of students in the class. But it puts a real damper on my day. Everyday.
3. Since I'm not a certified teacher, I have to get an emergency substitute's certificate. Which means fingerprints and a background check. Not a problem, just another hassle I don't have time for.
4. ISU remains as reliable as ever. I faxed over a request for more transcripts (for my high school, the local university's alternative certification program and the state for the sub cert). They said it should take about a week. They arrived in less than four days. Yeah ISU!
5. We finally have books for the 1st and 2nd year Spanish students. But I'm still waiting for books for 3rd and 4th year.
That's the last week or so, in a very, very tiny nutshell. Once I figure out how to spend less time grading papers on a nightly basis I'll try to start posting more regularly -- including all of JBP's latest hijinks.
Nimitz' Lady
1. JBP's first week at school was horrid. His second was much better, though far from perfect. His Grammy visited over the holiday weekend, so I fear a regression in behavior. But I'm prayin things will continue on our overall upward course.
2. The teaching's going pretty well. I love my 4th year class and my homeroom class. My 2nd year students are ok. My 3rd year class is the largest and the least responsive. Much of it is, I think, due to just a couple of students in the class. But it puts a real damper on my day. Everyday.
3. Since I'm not a certified teacher, I have to get an emergency substitute's certificate. Which means fingerprints and a background check. Not a problem, just another hassle I don't have time for.
4. ISU remains as reliable as ever. I faxed over a request for more transcripts (for my high school, the local university's alternative certification program and the state for the sub cert). They said it should take about a week. They arrived in less than four days. Yeah ISU!
5. We finally have books for the 1st and 2nd year Spanish students. But I'm still waiting for books for 3rd and 4th year.
That's the last week or so, in a very, very tiny nutshell. Once I figure out how to spend less time grading papers on a nightly basis I'll try to start posting more regularly -- including all of JBP's latest hijinks.
Nimitz' Lady
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Getting in the Groove
With all the changes in his little life this summer, JBP's not been handling things well. However, I do believe we're starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel.
I met with his teacher and principal after school yesterday to discuss strategies for dealing with his defiant, check-outist behavior. We couldn't have found a group more interested in helping him, finding what's best for him, not just getting him to shut-up and go along with the group, but to actually get settled, happy and learning.
Today, his third day of school, was the first day I didn't get a call about his behavior during the school day.
He also, tonight, willingly sat with me and did the "homework" the teacher had sent home that he wouldn't do during class. It took us an hour (he was eating while I read to him for a good 20 minutes of that) but he stuck with it until it was all finished.
Then went to bed with minimal fuss.
I finally have hopes that things are looking up, that he'll get used to the set-up, learn to trust his teachers, etc, and start to enjoy learning again.
Right now he complains it's all boring. He doesn't understand that he's got to do theboring stuff to get to the fun stuff (like computers, science, math, etc) the older kids are doing.
Meanwhile, I'm dealing with some pretty freaked out kids in my classes. Turns out my predecessor's Spanish 3 class was 90% writing papers (in English) about Spanish culture. So, the students know next to no Spanish. It's like my Spanish 4 students are where I'd expect Spanish 2 students to be with grammar and vocabulary.
So, I'm having to completely reconfigure how to teach the upper levels. But if I do nothing else, they'll be speaking Spanish comfortably by the time they leave my classroom. Maybe elementary levels, but they'll be speaking it!
Well, I've got homework to check in.
Nimitz' Lady
P.S. Day 2 in the classroom was much more comfortable on my part. And the principal (who's dropped by several times) says I looked comfortable from the first (all those years in front of a TV camera came in handy after all!).
I met with his teacher and principal after school yesterday to discuss strategies for dealing with his defiant, check-outist behavior. We couldn't have found a group more interested in helping him, finding what's best for him, not just getting him to shut-up and go along with the group, but to actually get settled, happy and learning.
Today, his third day of school, was the first day I didn't get a call about his behavior during the school day.
He also, tonight, willingly sat with me and did the "homework" the teacher had sent home that he wouldn't do during class. It took us an hour (he was eating while I read to him for a good 20 minutes of that) but he stuck with it until it was all finished.
Then went to bed with minimal fuss.
I finally have hopes that things are looking up, that he'll get used to the set-up, learn to trust his teachers, etc, and start to enjoy learning again.
Right now he complains it's all boring. He doesn't understand that he's got to do theboring stuff to get to the fun stuff (like computers, science, math, etc) the older kids are doing.
Meanwhile, I'm dealing with some pretty freaked out kids in my classes. Turns out my predecessor's Spanish 3 class was 90% writing papers (in English) about Spanish culture. So, the students know next to no Spanish. It's like my Spanish 4 students are where I'd expect Spanish 2 students to be with grammar and vocabulary.
So, I'm having to completely reconfigure how to teach the upper levels. But if I do nothing else, they'll be speaking Spanish comfortably by the time they leave my classroom. Maybe elementary levels, but they'll be speaking it!
Well, I've got homework to check in.
Nimitz' Lady
P.S. Day 2 in the classroom was much more comfortable on my part. And the principal (who's dropped by several times) says I looked comfortable from the first (all those years in front of a TV camera came in handy after all!).
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
First Day
Today was my first day in front of a classroom. I thought I was prepared, right up until the kids started showing up.
I've got enough experience at public speaking that I didn't "show any fear", but by the time I got out of that class I was shaking so badly I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it to the teacher's lounge without falling.
Thank goodness I have lunch right after my first class (actually, my schedule goes: planning, Spanish 4, lunch, Spanish 3, Spanish 2, Homeroom). I needed the time to get myself back together.
The good news, I made it through the first day without falling on my face. The bad news? I've still got three more days to survive. I'll keep you updated.
Nimitz' Lady
Oh, and I've still got to figure out how to dual teach a class where half my students are taking it for college credit and half aren't (and where I still don't understand exactly what it is I'm supposed to be teaching for the college credit!).
Also, I waaaaaay overestimated how much Spanish these kids would know. I wasn't expecting college level Spanish, but certainly more than this. I'm hoping much of it was just rustiness from a summer off. But somehow I doubt it.
I've got enough experience at public speaking that I didn't "show any fear", but by the time I got out of that class I was shaking so badly I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it to the teacher's lounge without falling.
Thank goodness I have lunch right after my first class (actually, my schedule goes: planning, Spanish 4, lunch, Spanish 3, Spanish 2, Homeroom). I needed the time to get myself back together.
The good news, I made it through the first day without falling on my face. The bad news? I've still got three more days to survive. I'll keep you updated.
Nimitz' Lady
Oh, and I've still got to figure out how to dual teach a class where half my students are taking it for college credit and half aren't (and where I still don't understand exactly what it is I'm supposed to be teaching for the college credit!).
Also, I waaaaaay overestimated how much Spanish these kids would know. I wasn't expecting college level Spanish, but certainly more than this. I'm hoping much of it was just rustiness from a summer off. But somehow I doubt it.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Back to School
Well, I'm officially a teacher. Can't remember if I posted that or not. The last few weeks have been so hectic I'm not even sure I remember my name. You'll let me know if I forget, right?
Anyway, things couldn't have worked out better. JBP is attending the elementary school literally right next door to the high school I teach at. It's a smaller, rural district near a big city. Which means it has lots of the big city options without the big city problems.
And, to top it all off, the placement exam for JBP (to determine if he'd attend 1st grade or kindergarten) showed he has some tendencies toward dyslexia. I only just last January learned that other close family members have dyslexia, and it tends to run in families. The good thing is, if he has it, which is by no means a certainty at this point, it's been caught well before JBP could suffer any scholastic damage.
And this never would've happened if we hadn't decided to move him over to the school district I'm teaching in. God cares for us even when we don't know there's a problem!
My first day of classes is tomorrow (today was just Freshman orientation and I don't have any freshmen level classes) so wish me luck. JBP's first day was today. Overall he had a good day, enjoyed school, etc. There was one incident that led to the principal calling me (mainly because JBP pulled his typical mute routine) that boiled down to a misunderstanding. Hopefully that's the worst we have to deal with. Pray for JBP. The last thing I want is for him to hate school.
Well, I'm tired, and frankly can't think straight enough to relate any "stories" of what's going on right now. Hopefully I'll be able to think better later this week. I must say the marathon does appear to be finally slowing down. I might even be sighting the finish line on the horizon.
Nimitz' Lady
Anyway, things couldn't have worked out better. JBP is attending the elementary school literally right next door to the high school I teach at. It's a smaller, rural district near a big city. Which means it has lots of the big city options without the big city problems.
And, to top it all off, the placement exam for JBP (to determine if he'd attend 1st grade or kindergarten) showed he has some tendencies toward dyslexia. I only just last January learned that other close family members have dyslexia, and it tends to run in families. The good thing is, if he has it, which is by no means a certainty at this point, it's been caught well before JBP could suffer any scholastic damage.
And this never would've happened if we hadn't decided to move him over to the school district I'm teaching in. God cares for us even when we don't know there's a problem!
My first day of classes is tomorrow (today was just Freshman orientation and I don't have any freshmen level classes) so wish me luck. JBP's first day was today. Overall he had a good day, enjoyed school, etc. There was one incident that led to the principal calling me (mainly because JBP pulled his typical mute routine) that boiled down to a misunderstanding. Hopefully that's the worst we have to deal with. Pray for JBP. The last thing I want is for him to hate school.
Well, I'm tired, and frankly can't think straight enough to relate any "stories" of what's going on right now. Hopefully I'll be able to think better later this week. I must say the marathon does appear to be finally slowing down. I might even be sighting the finish line on the horizon.
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Odds & Ends
Sorry so long with no news. We had no internet access while in L.A. But there's a lot to pass on and I don't have much time.
1. My father is improving, slowly. But he's not cooperating well with the nurses and rehab folks. It'll be awhile until he gets out of the nursing home, in my opinion.
2. I'm now a high school Spanish teacher. I interviewed Monday, flew to L.A. Tuesday morning and had an offer on the voicemail when we landed. I'm now frantically trying to get everything in line to begin my new job on the 14th!!!!!
3. We finally got the basement carpet put in the week before we left for L.A. So, needless to say, we never got the chance to get everything put back in its proper place and it's still sitting in stacks upstairs. With the new job, who knows when I'll get it done.
4. Did I mention I've got a new job? =) Just checking.
5. My mom's (Grammy) got a new job too, teaching English as a Second Language at Kansas State University. So we're rushing to get her all packed up so we can move her out there this weekend.
6. JBP may be starting 1st grade instead of Kindergarten. He's doing a skills assessment tomorrow afternoon at the elementary school right next to my high school. If he does well enough he'll start 1st grade there (age appropriate). If not, he'll start Kindergarten as planned at the neighborhood school around the corner from our house. All things considered, I'm praying he ends up at the school next to where I work. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm sure there's more. But I'm starting to eye the corner with some blubbering in mind. Best get back to the grindstone before I just plain quit!
Nimitz' Lady
1. My father is improving, slowly. But he's not cooperating well with the nurses and rehab folks. It'll be awhile until he gets out of the nursing home, in my opinion.
2. I'm now a high school Spanish teacher. I interviewed Monday, flew to L.A. Tuesday morning and had an offer on the voicemail when we landed. I'm now frantically trying to get everything in line to begin my new job on the 14th!!!!!
3. We finally got the basement carpet put in the week before we left for L.A. So, needless to say, we never got the chance to get everything put back in its proper place and it's still sitting in stacks upstairs. With the new job, who knows when I'll get it done.
4. Did I mention I've got a new job? =) Just checking.
5. My mom's (Grammy) got a new job too, teaching English as a Second Language at Kansas State University. So we're rushing to get her all packed up so we can move her out there this weekend.
6. JBP may be starting 1st grade instead of Kindergarten. He's doing a skills assessment tomorrow afternoon at the elementary school right next to my high school. If he does well enough he'll start 1st grade there (age appropriate). If not, he'll start Kindergarten as planned at the neighborhood school around the corner from our house. All things considered, I'm praying he ends up at the school next to where I work. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm sure there's more. But I'm starting to eye the corner with some blubbering in mind. Best get back to the grindstone before I just plain quit!
Nimitz' Lady
Friday, July 28, 2006
Sad Week
This has been a sad week for our family. Der Deutscher's stepmother's father died, Der Deutscher's aunt died and now news that my Great Aunt (on my mother's side) is dying of cancer. It's so far advanced doctors say there's nothing they can do but make her comfortable.
My mother and Aunt Wowis (as I used to call her)have rented a car and are headed cross-country to say good-bye.
I'd be going with them if it weren't for the already planned trip to go visit my father -- who is also in the hospital dealing with problems with a shunt in his brain. The consensus is he's too stubborn to stay in bed until it heals properly and keeps re-damaging the wound.
But, if he's still in the hospital we'll be getting a hotel room (financial ouch!) rather than messing up my stepmother's home.
At any rate, what was supposed to be a simple trip to visit my father has become fraught with all other sorts of nuances, innuendos and details.
Here's hoping all goes well. At least as well as can be expected. Almost time to go home and pack.
Nimitz' Lady
My mother and Aunt Wowis (as I used to call her)have rented a car and are headed cross-country to say good-bye.
I'd be going with them if it weren't for the already planned trip to go visit my father -- who is also in the hospital dealing with problems with a shunt in his brain. The consensus is he's too stubborn to stay in bed until it heals properly and keeps re-damaging the wound.
But, if he's still in the hospital we'll be getting a hotel room (financial ouch!) rather than messing up my stepmother's home.
At any rate, what was supposed to be a simple trip to visit my father has become fraught with all other sorts of nuances, innuendos and details.
Here's hoping all goes well. At least as well as can be expected. Almost time to go home and pack.
Nimitz' Lady
Interview Time
The principal has decided to go ahead and interview me while we're waiting to find out on the pay/certification issues. I get the feeling he really wants me, he's just got to figure out how. Anyway, I interview for that position Monday at 7AM, seeing as how I have to be at work by 8:30.
And, because I refuse to put all my eggs in one basket, I applied for a couple more positions this morning -- a reporter job at a local Spanish station and a pr job at another local University Medical College.
The University just called me asking to do a phone interview next week. So, that's set for Tuesday afternoon.
Who knows, by Wednesday I may have a new job. Wouldn't that be nice?
At any rate next week will be a big one for me. Trip to California to see my dad, two job interviews and the possibility of getting out of my current position, which I am burned out on.
Wish me luck and pray hard!!! Cause I'm relying on God to show me which (assuming I get two offers) is the "right" job for me.
Nimitz' Lady
And, because I refuse to put all my eggs in one basket, I applied for a couple more positions this morning -- a reporter job at a local Spanish station and a pr job at another local University Medical College.
The University just called me asking to do a phone interview next week. So, that's set for Tuesday afternoon.
Who knows, by Wednesday I may have a new job. Wouldn't that be nice?
At any rate next week will be a big one for me. Trip to California to see my dad, two job interviews and the possibility of getting out of my current position, which I am burned out on.
Wish me luck and pray hard!!! Cause I'm relying on God to show me which (assuming I get two offers) is the "right" job for me.
Nimitz' Lady
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Finally Got One Right
I've spent the last hour or so doing Blogthing quizzes to keep from being bored to death, and from freaking out about my possible job change.
Most of the quizzes have not only been wrong, they've been waaaay wrong. Andy Warhol should paint my portrait (hate his work)! I should weigh 145 lbs (haven't seen that since middle school)!
But this quiz actually got me right.
Nimitz' Lady
Most of the quizzes have not only been wrong, they've been waaaay wrong. Andy Warhol should paint my portrait (hate his work)! I should weigh 145 lbs (haven't seen that since middle school)!
But this quiz actually got me right.
| Your Inner European is Spanish! |
 Energetic and lively. You bring the party with you! |
Nimitz' Lady
Still in Danger
Turns out I spoke too quickly when I said my frieds from Beirut had made it to the States safely. They haven't all made it.
The Husband stayed behind. He still had a job to finish for a Japanese firm. So pray he'll finish quickly and get out safely.
He is staying in the mountains outside Beirut, but still. As of the latest reports (from around noon) the bombing has killed 600 civilians and injured another 1,500.
So, please keep praying for him.
Time to go listen to some classic Bon Jovi for me.
Nimitz' Lady
The Husband stayed behind. He still had a job to finish for a Japanese firm. So pray he'll finish quickly and get out safely.
He is staying in the mountains outside Beirut, but still. As of the latest reports (from around noon) the bombing has killed 600 civilians and injured another 1,500.
So, please keep praying for him.
Time to go listen to some classic Bon Jovi for me.
Nimitz' Lady
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