Let's just get to it, shall we?
************
I have a UFO tweeter following me! JEALOUS? YES, YOU ARE! When the mother ship lands, I'll put in a good word for you. Provided I'm not cowering under the bed. [Historical aside: When I was much younger and freer, I was in Santa Fe, which is a weird place, and some friends and I were talking one evening about what we would do if a UFO did, in fact, show up. Trust me when I tell you that when you are in Santa Fe, at night, this kind of thing seems more likely to happen than not. Anyway, we pretty much all agreed that shitting our pants would be Job One if an alien showed up at the side of the bed. What do you think?]
************
We are having an ass-ton of family over on July 4th. Which is great, I love having parties. It's just that it's dawning on me that we don't have a pool, nor do we live on lake, and I'm pretty sure we don't even have a sprinkler. I need fun warm weather activities for age ranges 8 - 70. STAT.
************
I have a tendency to be uber-competitive about somethings - especially things that have nothing to do with me. Also, I do not take kindly to perceived slights [and a slight can be perceived as being pretty much anything some days]. Yesterday I was speaking to the Academic Dean at the girl's new school, and we were going over the girl's course schedule [they want you to fill out a tentative 4 year plan at high schools now, did you know this? Weird, right?] and we got to the math portion.
Math, this year, has been sticky. The girl is fucking brilliant at math, but had a complete crisis of confidence and felt she was the dumbest kid in the history of kids who ever added or subtracted, which obviously affected her ability to deal with math and ultimately her final grade.
The Dean and I discussed this, and she suggested that rather than taking the more rigorous, advanced class in the fall, the girl take the regular, more sedately paced math class so that she could get her bearings back.
Great, right?
WRONG. I had to stifle - seriously, clam down like a motherfucker - this urge to make sure that the girl was in the advanced class, because goddamnit, she's smart. She doesn't need the slower paced class. That's bullshit.
Which is completely wrong. I know that. It's not as if the Dean said she'd have to go to remedial math or repeat a class, which in any case would have been fine if she needed it. Except I'm a fucking lunatic, and would have seen it as MY inability to have the girl function well in math class.
Which is even more wrong. And crazy. And what's worse is that I was getting bent about the girl not taking Algebra II & Trig and instead taking Algebra II. Which is a class that is still 2 fucking years ahead of her grade level.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Am I the only crazy like this? Please tell me I'm not.
************
Over at Circle of Moms, I've given my advice to new or soon-to-be moms, and evidently you can read my answer and vote for me [or just vote for me - trust me, I'm chock full of excellent advice on parenting, just reference above to my excellent parenting ability re: my daughter and math] so that I can be elected . . . Most Awesome in the Universe? I'm not sure. Anyway, vote here. [I have no idea why the formatting sucks. Sorry about that.]
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O.k., so not only was this post full of randomness, but evidently full of questions I need you to answer. So here's one more:
If you had to make out with either Hall or Oates, which one would it be? Be honest.
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Karma is a bitch. So am I. Two will enter. One will leave.
Kismet [If it's fated]
Inshallah [God willing]
Fate [Destiny]
Karma [You know this one]
All of these things conspired against and/or with me last week to keep me from sliding from bitchdom to jerkhood.
Let me explain:
As I may have mentioned a time or a million, I have been PTA president this past year at my daughter's school. So I've spent a lot of my time and money on crap for this school that, quite frankly, sometimes was done grudgingly. But I did it. I did it and you know what? In the end, I'm glad I could help out. I like to organize things and I like to be in charge and I like to make a difference.
I do NOT like it when I feel like I'm being dickslapped by the universe.
I spent hours and hours and money on the end of the year party for the school. Fine. Even though I thought it was ridiculous, I stepped up when no one else did and organized it. I ran the set up and I ran the party and I oversaw the cleanup. I worked my ass off for that school.
At which point I found out I owed the school $50.
The girl tells me that somehow she's had someone else's textbook for one of her classes all year, he's had someone else's, three or four other people have different books registered to them and no one seems to know what happened to hers. Obviously, there's been some sort of mix-up in registering the books. OBVIOUSLY.
The teacher sends me a nice, very detailed email about the missing book. And the note that he is truly, truly sorry, but I have to pay $50 or the girl's grades won't be sent to her new school.
FUCKING MOTHERFUCKING COCKSUCKING BULLSHIT.
I'm sorry, did I not just spend countless hours dealing with school crap that, had I billed at even a reduced rate for writing and NOT legal work, would still mean I was a couple thousand dollars in surplus for who owes what to whom? And didn't I just spend money on party donations?
I don't blame the teacher. Much. I mean, I get it, it's district policy.
But I was pissed. The secretary was on my side and felt bad that she had to take my check.
So the entire drive to the school to hand over my $50 check, I kept thinking, "Fuck this. I know there's at least $50 worth of candy & stuff from the party that I can take to even shit out. I DESERVE $50 worth of candy." Even though I knew the kids were going to use the stuff on their trip to the amusement park a few days later.
Except as I was thinking it, I was getting that shame feeling, like I knew I was doing something really, really, really wrong.
So I dropped off the check and went to the storage room, because I had told the staff I needed to stop in there and I had to keep up appearances and not say, "Yeah, I changed my mind. I'm not taking $50 worth of candy in return for the $50 book check." I wasn't going to take any candy because that would result in me waiting for karma to turn around and kick me in the ass HARDER than the $50 check. Which it would. And frankly? I've got enough on my plate.
And you know what? The fates had my back - because the candy was gone, so I wouldn't even be tempted [and in the throes of PMS? I WAS TEMPTED.].
Tell me, truly, would you have taken the candy? I like to think I wouldn't have, even if it was there, not only because I am trying to be a better person, but also because I kind of fear the retribution. What about you?
Inshallah [God willing]
Fate [Destiny]
Karma [You know this one]
All of these things conspired against and/or with me last week to keep me from sliding from bitchdom to jerkhood.
Let me explain:
As I may have mentioned a time or a million, I have been PTA president this past year at my daughter's school. So I've spent a lot of my time and money on crap for this school that, quite frankly, sometimes was done grudgingly. But I did it. I did it and you know what? In the end, I'm glad I could help out. I like to organize things and I like to be in charge and I like to make a difference.
I do NOT like it when I feel like I'm being dickslapped by the universe.
I spent hours and hours and money on the end of the year party for the school. Fine. Even though I thought it was ridiculous, I stepped up when no one else did and organized it. I ran the set up and I ran the party and I oversaw the cleanup. I worked my ass off for that school.
At which point I found out I owed the school $50.
The girl tells me that somehow she's had someone else's textbook for one of her classes all year, he's had someone else's, three or four other people have different books registered to them and no one seems to know what happened to hers. Obviously, there's been some sort of mix-up in registering the books. OBVIOUSLY.
The teacher sends me a nice, very detailed email about the missing book. And the note that he is truly, truly sorry, but I have to pay $50 or the girl's grades won't be sent to her new school.
FUCKING MOTHERFUCKING COCKSUCKING BULLSHIT.
I'm sorry, did I not just spend countless hours dealing with school crap that, had I billed at even a reduced rate for writing and NOT legal work, would still mean I was a couple thousand dollars in surplus for who owes what to whom? And didn't I just spend money on party donations?
I don't blame the teacher. Much. I mean, I get it, it's district policy.
But I was pissed. The secretary was on my side and felt bad that she had to take my check.
So the entire drive to the school to hand over my $50 check, I kept thinking, "Fuck this. I know there's at least $50 worth of candy & stuff from the party that I can take to even shit out. I DESERVE $50 worth of candy." Even though I knew the kids were going to use the stuff on their trip to the amusement park a few days later.
Except as I was thinking it, I was getting that shame feeling, like I knew I was doing something really, really, really wrong.
So I dropped off the check and went to the storage room, because I had told the staff I needed to stop in there and I had to keep up appearances and not say, "Yeah, I changed my mind. I'm not taking $50 worth of candy in return for the $50 book check." I wasn't going to take any candy because that would result in me waiting for karma to turn around and kick me in the ass HARDER than the $50 check. Which it would. And frankly? I've got enough on my plate.
And you know what? The fates had my back - because the candy was gone, so I wouldn't even be tempted [and in the throes of PMS? I WAS TEMPTED.].
Tell me, truly, would you have taken the candy? I like to think I wouldn't have, even if it was there, not only because I am trying to be a better person, but also because I kind of fear the retribution. What about you?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Freedom may be just another word, or it may actually be a parallelogram.
Freedom. What does it mean? [I know, don't I sound JUST LIKE a 10th grade Social Studies paper?]
To my idiot neighbor, it means he's allowed to yell, "DAVE. . . . . . . DAVE . . . . . . . DAVE!" at the top of his lungs at 9:00pm on a coolish evening when everyone else's windows are open.
To my daughter, it means she's got 1.5 days left of school and she can almost taste that sweet, sweet nectar of not having to put up with the rules and regulations of the public school system for 12 WHOLE WEEKS.
For me, it means not having to screw my psyche into being someone I'm not. It means being me.
To many others, to this country, it means a lot more. Juneteenth is coming up fast, and I love the whole story in a sad, amazing way.
And not only is that celebration of freedom coming up, so is another amazing one:
Do you know Unmitigated Me?
Why not?
She's awesome, and I'm not just saying that because I have actually met her in the real world outside my computer and maybe think she has pretty shiny hair. She's also got a great job and is inviting the WORLD to see the ACTUAL, FOR REAL, NO LIE, Emancipation Proclamation.
The real one.
Perhaps you've heard of it?
Here's her post. The Emancipation Proclamation is going to be at The Henry Ford Museum, which will be open around the clock from Monday, June 20, 2011, at 6:00pm until Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 6:00am. I'm totally going to go and check it out AND make the girl wake up at the butt crack of dawn DURING SUMMER VACATION to go see something educational.
Because how awesome would that be to see? Not just the Emancipation Proclamation, but that look of OHMYGODWHYAMIAWAKE? on a teenager's face.
But mostly the Emancipation Proclamation.
Now, class, what does freedom mean to you? A prize for the best answer [and by prize, I may or may not mean a random something or other lolling around in my house]. [But I probably do mean that.] [FREEDOM!]
To my idiot neighbor, it means he's allowed to yell, "DAVE. . . . . . . DAVE . . . . . . . DAVE!" at the top of his lungs at 9:00pm on a coolish evening when everyone else's windows are open.
To my daughter, it means she's got 1.5 days left of school and she can almost taste that sweet, sweet nectar of not having to put up with the rules and regulations of the public school system for 12 WHOLE WEEKS.
For me, it means not having to screw my psyche into being someone I'm not. It means being me.
To many others, to this country, it means a lot more. Juneteenth is coming up fast, and I love the whole story in a sad, amazing way.
And not only is that celebration of freedom coming up, so is another amazing one:
Do you know Unmitigated Me?
Why not?
She's awesome, and I'm not just saying that because I have actually met her in the real world outside my computer and maybe think she has pretty shiny hair. She's also got a great job and is inviting the WORLD to see the ACTUAL, FOR REAL, NO LIE, Emancipation Proclamation.
The real one.
Perhaps you've heard of it?
Here's her post. The Emancipation Proclamation is going to be at The Henry Ford Museum, which will be open around the clock from Monday, June 20, 2011, at 6:00pm until Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 6:00am. I'm totally going to go and check it out AND make the girl wake up at the butt crack of dawn DURING SUMMER VACATION to go see something educational.
Because how awesome would that be to see? Not just the Emancipation Proclamation, but that look of OHMYGODWHYAMIAWAKE? on a teenager's face.
But mostly the Emancipation Proclamation.
Now, class, what does freedom mean to you? A prize for the best answer [and by prize, I may or may not mean a random something or other lolling around in my house]. [But I probably do mean that.] [FREEDOM!]
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Never again. Yes, I know I say that every time, but I'm serious now.
I am a volunteer-er.
I just am.
I raise my hand.
I host political get togethers.
I donate stuff.
I say I'm not going to, and then I do. I end up in the girl's classroom, on the PTA, running programs, organizing events for attorneys, being a big part of the community.
Usually, I'm o.k. with it. Usually, I like that feeling of giving and helping.
I have, however, had enough.
I got stuck putting together what I consider the most stupid-ass stupid bullshit stupid thing in the world. Something that I think is a massive waste of time and energy. Something that is pointless and egregiously annoying - the end of the school year party.
Fuck.
I got stuck because no one stepped up to chair this. And because I am a person who picks up when others are slacking, I am CONSTANTLY getting emails like this:
"Yeah, I said I'd help, but it looks like you've got it under control, and I'm busy, and there are plenty of other people who will help, and maybe I could do something, but you seem to have it under control, so I'll just not do anything. Ok? Great."
And what I want to reply is:
"Listen you stupid fucking twat, not that I want your help because obviously you are completely fucking useless and should be hidden away so that your douchiness doesn't cause some kind of black hole of fuckitude and suck the world inside out, but DO NOT offer to help and then say you are TOO BUSY to help. EVERYONE IS TOO BUSY, you fucking cunt bag! EVERYONE! I AM! But I'm doing this, because I SAID I WOULD. TWAT!"
God. What is WRONG with people? How are they so fucking self-involved that they think an email telling me that they are too important to do something they said they'd do would be fine?
I fucking hate people. I swear to god. I really, really do.
But not you. I LOVE you.
I just am.
I raise my hand.
I host political get togethers.
I donate stuff.
I say I'm not going to, and then I do. I end up in the girl's classroom, on the PTA, running programs, organizing events for attorneys, being a big part of the community.
Usually, I'm o.k. with it. Usually, I like that feeling of giving and helping.
I have, however, had enough.
I got stuck putting together what I consider the most stupid-ass stupid bullshit stupid thing in the world. Something that I think is a massive waste of time and energy. Something that is pointless and egregiously annoying - the end of the school year party.
Fuck.
I got stuck because no one stepped up to chair this. And because I am a person who picks up when others are slacking, I am CONSTANTLY getting emails like this:
"Yeah, I said I'd help, but it looks like you've got it under control, and I'm busy, and there are plenty of other people who will help, and maybe I could do something, but you seem to have it under control, so I'll just not do anything. Ok? Great."
And what I want to reply is:
"Listen you stupid fucking twat, not that I want your help because obviously you are completely fucking useless and should be hidden away so that your douchiness doesn't cause some kind of black hole of fuckitude and suck the world inside out, but DO NOT offer to help and then say you are TOO BUSY to help. EVERYONE IS TOO BUSY, you fucking cunt bag! EVERYONE! I AM! But I'm doing this, because I SAID I WOULD. TWAT!"
God. What is WRONG with people? How are they so fucking self-involved that they think an email telling me that they are too important to do something they said they'd do would be fine?
I fucking hate people. I swear to god. I really, really do.
But not you. I LOVE you.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
One Down
Finished an exam today. Am procrastinating like CRAZY on my paper. Must start studying for next final.
I'm in need of a haircut, but I kind of want to grow it longer. I need to do something, though, because by the end of the exam, when I had spent over 3 hours running my hands through my hair, I had giant hair. Seriously. I looked like this:
Except my mustache and beard are less noticeable and I'm a bit grayer.
The best part of the exam is that about 2 1/2 hours in, my stomach started growling REALLY REALLY LOUD. Like I'd burned 8,000 calories trying to figure out if a b c or d was the best answer and I needed nutrients RIGHT NOW.
I'm in need of a haircut, but I kind of want to grow it longer. I need to do something, though, because by the end of the exam, when I had spent over 3 hours running my hands through my hair, I had giant hair. Seriously. I looked like this:
Except my mustache and beard are less noticeable and I'm a bit grayer.
The best part of the exam is that about 2 1/2 hours in, my stomach started growling REALLY REALLY LOUD. Like I'd burned 8,000 calories trying to figure out if a b c or d was the best answer and I needed nutrients RIGHT NOW.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Wednesday Night. 9:00 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?
E is working crazy hours. He's worked the past 2 weekends and will work this weekend, too. And I have finals. And the girl is sick. And we have done no shopping for the holidays or E's birthday. And I haven't even taken the girl's picture to put in the holiday cards that are staring at me (from under a pile of papers on the bench - What? I can feel their judgmental eyes.).
On the plus side, I've finished studying for one exam, and I'm about 1/2 way done with my paper (which is the same 1/2 way done I've been for about the past 3 or 4 days now). Also, my sister will take the girl to get her hair cut this weekend while E is working and I'm having studying group sessions. So that's awesome.
However, have you seen the holiday stamps? Maybe it's just the craptastic post office I went to, but my choices were overtly religious (thanks, though) and these shitty ass knitting stamps. Seriously. Are you fucking kidding me with these? THIS is the best you could do?
(Yes, I know they're backwards. I took them on the webcam. They're still ugly facing forward.)
Who picks these? This is the best option of all the holiday entries? Did NO ONE else enter? How hideous were the other entries, if there were any? Like they'd blind you hideous?
Anyway, I need to actually write something today. I should probably start on that.
On the plus side, I've finished studying for one exam, and I'm about 1/2 way done with my paper (which is the same 1/2 way done I've been for about the past 3 or 4 days now). Also, my sister will take the girl to get her hair cut this weekend while E is working and I'm having studying group sessions. So that's awesome.
However, have you seen the holiday stamps? Maybe it's just the craptastic post office I went to, but my choices were overtly religious (thanks, though) and these shitty ass knitting stamps. Seriously. Are you fucking kidding me with these? THIS is the best you could do?
(Yes, I know they're backwards. I took them on the webcam. They're still ugly facing forward.)
Who picks these? This is the best option of all the holiday entries? Did NO ONE else enter? How hideous were the other entries, if there were any? Like they'd blind you hideous?
Anyway, I need to actually write something today. I should probably start on that.
Friday, December 7, 2007
What I've Been Listening To
iPod Shuffle Top Ten
Dirty Mack - Ice Cube
Working Class Hero - Green Day
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Fidelio Act1 /9: Duett: Jetzt Alter Jetza has Eile! - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor - Beethoven
Christmas is Coming - John Denver and the Muppets
String Serenade E Major op. 22 (4. Larghetto) - Dvorak
Flesh for Fantasy - Billy Idol
Round & Around - Alana Davis
Do What You Wanna: Mr. Scruff's Soul Party Mix - Ramsey Lewis
Because today I actually did some work!
(I highly recommend the Ramsey Lewis tune - it's off of Verve Remix #2. I love Verve Remix).
Dirty Mack - Ice Cube
Working Class Hero - Green Day
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
Fidelio Act1 /9: Duett: Jetzt Alter Jetza has Eile! - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor - Beethoven
Christmas is Coming - John Denver and the Muppets
String Serenade E Major op. 22 (4. Larghetto) - Dvorak
Flesh for Fantasy - Billy Idol
Round & Around - Alana Davis
Do What You Wanna: Mr. Scruff's Soul Party Mix - Ramsey Lewis
Because today I actually did some work!
(I highly recommend the Ramsey Lewis tune - it's off of Verve Remix #2. I love Verve Remix).
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Today I . . .
* Did 6 loads of laundry
* Ran the dishwasher
* Emptied the dishwasher
* Read everything on the internet
* Watched 2 episodes of Dharma and Greg (Why? I have no idea.)
* Rode the exercise bike
* Showered
* Made dinner
* Talked to my kid
* DID NOT A LICK OF STUDYING
Wow. I just can't seem to make myself care until my back is against the wall. That would be tomorrow.
* Ran the dishwasher
* Emptied the dishwasher
* Read everything on the internet
* Watched 2 episodes of Dharma and Greg (Why? I have no idea.)
* Rode the exercise bike
* Showered
* Made dinner
* Talked to my kid
* DID NOT A LICK OF STUDYING
Wow. I just can't seem to make myself care until my back is against the wall. That would be tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
How's YOUR Day Going?
I just talked to a friend who was stressing because she is only studying 6 or 7 hours a day for exams.
I told her to stop calling me during "What Not To Wear. "
I told her to stop calling me during "What Not To Wear. "
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Hey There!
So. Been a bit busy lately.
School stuff (exam, writing, studying).
House stuff (the whole furnace deal).
And the latest - G blew out her knee while skating the other day. DISGUSTING.
She's much better, once they popped the kneecap back into place (for which she was thankfully knocked unconscious and I was quite thankfully out of the ER room) but she's on crutches and in a brace and has to see an orthopedist on Monday and . . . I'm VERY VERY tired and realizing the world is a much better place since I'm not in one of the caring professions.
O.k., I'm off to do laundry and do homework and pray for sweet relief (because of COURSE E has to work today. Of course).
School stuff (exam, writing, studying).
House stuff (the whole furnace deal).
And the latest - G blew out her knee while skating the other day. DISGUSTING.
She's much better, once they popped the kneecap back into place (for which she was thankfully knocked unconscious and I was quite thankfully out of the ER room) but she's on crutches and in a brace and has to see an orthopedist on Monday and . . . I'm VERY VERY tired and realizing the world is a much better place since I'm not in one of the caring professions.
O.k., I'm off to do laundry and do homework and pray for sweet relief (because of COURSE E has to work today. Of course).
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Sunday Evening
* Another illiterate update note from the kid's teacher. Seriously. She pains me.
* Had my twin five year old nieces here for the weekend. I'm tired. And thankful for the whole only child thing.
* So much work to do and I just spent oh, 2 1/2 hours putzing around online. Flickr, I'm looking at you.
* It's actually kind of cold, and I'm afraid to turn on the furnace because of the whole carbon monoxide thing. So, I'm baking a lot. Well, not a lot. But I'm actually baking things.
* I've been having shopping anxiety. I go to the store full of resolve to purchase shoes/shirts/jacket/pants/bras no matter what the cost and then look at the items and think - Do I really want that? Does it go with anything? Can I pull it off? Is it part of my "style" (Hahahaha - let's all move along now)? And then I don't buy anything even though I really desperately need some regular non-jean non-work-type pants and some comfortable shoes. Oh. And bras. I can't seem to do it, though. Part of it is money, part of it is hating the clothing options in my price range, part of it is . . . depressive indecisiveness. Still, I managed to buy some make up. It's Clinique Bonus Time at Macy's!
* It's time for dinner. Leftovers. Blech.
* Had my twin five year old nieces here for the weekend. I'm tired. And thankful for the whole only child thing.
* So much work to do and I just spent oh, 2 1/2 hours putzing around online. Flickr, I'm looking at you.
* It's actually kind of cold, and I'm afraid to turn on the furnace because of the whole carbon monoxide thing. So, I'm baking a lot. Well, not a lot. But I'm actually baking things.
* I've been having shopping anxiety. I go to the store full of resolve to purchase shoes/shirts/jacket/pants/bras no matter what the cost and then look at the items and think - Do I really want that? Does it go with anything? Can I pull it off? Is it part of my "style" (Hahahaha - let's all move along now)? And then I don't buy anything even though I really desperately need some regular non-jean non-work-type pants and some comfortable shoes. Oh. And bras. I can't seem to do it, though. Part of it is money, part of it is hating the clothing options in my price range, part of it is . . . depressive indecisiveness. Still, I managed to buy some make up. It's Clinique Bonus Time at Macy's!
* It's time for dinner. Leftovers. Blech.
Monday, October 8, 2007
There, I Said It
I hate my daughter's teacher.
In her school, the kids get the same teacher for 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th and 5th & 6th grades. The classes are split between those grades so there is continuity and the kids get to work with a variety of people not only of their own age.
So far, her 1-4th teachers have been great. The 1&2 was really good for her socially and emotionally, working with the kid until she was able to deal with frustration and perfectionism (somewhat) so she wouldn't melt down every single time something went wrong. Even though she was a flaky teacher (one parent never got her kid's report card), I was happy with her because she loved those kids and really took time to get to know them and see what made them tick and work with them at their speed.
The 3&4 teacher was phenomenal in all aspects. It's easy to see why she was voted teacher of the year several times. Just amazing in all respects, working with the kid on things at which she excelled and particularly working with her on things that were seemingly insurmountable; taking lunch hours to work with her, that kind of thing.
Now, I don't expect every teacher to go to that length, and I know I've been spoiled, but this new teacher . . .
The kid goes to a gifted school. The teacher has never taught in this program before. She's a relatively new teacher, having only taught kindergarten and 1st grade before. Because of budget cuts, the great new teacher from last year was let go because he didn't have enough seniority, so she's here now.
I went to meet her after school on the first week and ended up standing in her classroom for easily 5 minutes before she even acknowledged me. Granted, she was having an important discussion with the other new teacher. About camping. Not school camping. But a trip she took with friends.
Whatever. If you're in the middle of something, just say, "I'll be just a minute," and I'll wait. But c'mon. It's the first week of school and you are blowing off a parent for that? Have you not heard about the parents at this school? They will eat you alive. (Not me. Not yet, anyway. But it looks like soon.) One new teacher left because of the constant questioning/second guessing/disapproval from the parents in her class. Right now, I want to find out who those parents are and get some tips from them.
Then, I hear from the kid that the teacher has kindergarten and first grade reading materials in the classroom for the kids to read. Also, she keeps comparing (not favorably) her students to the kindergarteners she used to teach.
A bunch of other stuff that just rubs me the wrong way.
Finally, I was reading over last week's weekly newsletter she sent home. Rife with spelling and grammatical errors - may favorite being "We're most gracious" for the parents who sent in supplies. Most gracious. Seriously.
So, I'm not pleased. I'm trying to give it a shot. I'm not saying anything to the kid about it. I AM saying stuff to the husband.
I don't know what to do. I don't want to be one of "those" parents, but I find myself seeing red when I think about the fact that my kid is going to be in this class all year. Ugh.
In her school, the kids get the same teacher for 1st & 2nd, 3rd & 4th and 5th & 6th grades. The classes are split between those grades so there is continuity and the kids get to work with a variety of people not only of their own age.
So far, her 1-4th teachers have been great. The 1&2 was really good for her socially and emotionally, working with the kid until she was able to deal with frustration and perfectionism (somewhat) so she wouldn't melt down every single time something went wrong. Even though she was a flaky teacher (one parent never got her kid's report card), I was happy with her because she loved those kids and really took time to get to know them and see what made them tick and work with them at their speed.
The 3&4 teacher was phenomenal in all aspects. It's easy to see why she was voted teacher of the year several times. Just amazing in all respects, working with the kid on things at which she excelled and particularly working with her on things that were seemingly insurmountable; taking lunch hours to work with her, that kind of thing.
Now, I don't expect every teacher to go to that length, and I know I've been spoiled, but this new teacher . . .
The kid goes to a gifted school. The teacher has never taught in this program before. She's a relatively new teacher, having only taught kindergarten and 1st grade before. Because of budget cuts, the great new teacher from last year was let go because he didn't have enough seniority, so she's here now.
I went to meet her after school on the first week and ended up standing in her classroom for easily 5 minutes before she even acknowledged me. Granted, she was having an important discussion with the other new teacher. About camping. Not school camping. But a trip she took with friends.
Whatever. If you're in the middle of something, just say, "I'll be just a minute," and I'll wait. But c'mon. It's the first week of school and you are blowing off a parent for that? Have you not heard about the parents at this school? They will eat you alive. (Not me. Not yet, anyway. But it looks like soon.) One new teacher left because of the constant questioning/second guessing/disapproval from the parents in her class. Right now, I want to find out who those parents are and get some tips from them.
Then, I hear from the kid that the teacher has kindergarten and first grade reading materials in the classroom for the kids to read. Also, she keeps comparing (not favorably) her students to the kindergarteners she used to teach.
A bunch of other stuff that just rubs me the wrong way.
Finally, I was reading over last week's weekly newsletter she sent home. Rife with spelling and grammatical errors - may favorite being "We're most gracious" for the parents who sent in supplies. Most gracious. Seriously.
So, I'm not pleased. I'm trying to give it a shot. I'm not saying anything to the kid about it. I AM saying stuff to the husband.
I don't know what to do. I don't want to be one of "those" parents, but I find myself seeing red when I think about the fact that my kid is going to be in this class all year. Ugh.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Thursday
Last night was Open House at my daughter's school. Whoo. I forget, year to year how: Hot it is; How crowded it is; How much fun it is to see the parents I don't see very often.
So, it was all those things, and very different from Open House when I was a kid - where you went in and the teacher talked to you about your kid. This is a big spectacle, where there is a theme (Travel Around the World) and each class is responsible for creating activities and artifacts for each country (Stonehenge! The Leaning Tower of Pisa/Pizza Boxes! A kid dressed as a leprauchan!). I love the inventiveness these kids have, and how the teachers get into it, too. The office staff was India, and the secretaries wore saris.
So that was last night. And now, tonight, I've got a metric ass ton of homework (and housework) to do, and can't seem to get myself in gear.
I need a motivational speaker for my life.
So, it was all those things, and very different from Open House when I was a kid - where you went in and the teacher talked to you about your kid. This is a big spectacle, where there is a theme (Travel Around the World) and each class is responsible for creating activities and artifacts for each country (Stonehenge! The Leaning Tower of Pisa/Pizza Boxes! A kid dressed as a leprauchan!). I love the inventiveness these kids have, and how the teachers get into it, too. The office staff was India, and the secretaries wore saris.
So that was last night. And now, tonight, I've got a metric ass ton of homework (and housework) to do, and can't seem to get myself in gear.
I need a motivational speaker for my life.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
It's Must Read Thursday
**I've been going swimming some mornings when I'm not at work or school. It always amuses me because when I get there, at about 7:45 or so, it's me and old people. I'm the youngest by about 30 years. Seriously. And I love the old ladies who have on their make up and have their hair done and are wearing jewelry while they go walking in the leisure pool (I'm too lazy to go in the lap pool. Also, it's very cold.). My favorite thing about it, though, is that 80% of the people wear glasses. While in the pool. While SWIMMING. It's too awesome.
**The Kid says "That's so cheap" when she thinks something stinks or is dumb. Other generations' slang is so weird.
**I had to go to a symposium today. I hadn't been to one in a while. Man. I'd forgotten how lame they are.
**I have sooooo much homework to do, but I don't feel like doing anything. I need a . . . I was going to say disciplinarian, but that sounds so dirty.
**I found post-its on clearance at Target!!! I love post-its. I wonder if 3M is hiring.
**You know what's awesome? This book. An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England. I liked it quite a bit, even though the protagonist is something of a loser sad-sack, which is normally the one thing I cannot abide (Fuck off, Confederacy of Dunces dude. And you too, Jane Eyre.). Still, a really good read, and far more entertaining than International Law.
**O.k., I really need to go do homework. Or at least pretend to and lay on the couch and watch t.v.
**The Kid says "That's so cheap" when she thinks something stinks or is dumb. Other generations' slang is so weird.
**I had to go to a symposium today. I hadn't been to one in a while. Man. I'd forgotten how lame they are.
**I have sooooo much homework to do, but I don't feel like doing anything. I need a . . . I was going to say disciplinarian, but that sounds so dirty.
**I found post-its on clearance at Target!!! I love post-its. I wonder if 3M is hiring.
**You know what's awesome? This book. An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England. I liked it quite a bit, even though the protagonist is something of a loser sad-sack, which is normally the one thing I cannot abide (Fuck off, Confederacy of Dunces dude. And you too, Jane Eyre.). Still, a really good read, and far more entertaining than International Law.
**O.k., I really need to go do homework. Or at least pretend to and lay on the couch and watch t.v.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
School, Sweet School
So I'm on call tomorrow in my first class.
It's now 9:45pm.
I'm tired.
I haven't finished the reading.
The class is at 9:05am.
Ugh.
Also, still hot.
It's now 9:45pm.
I'm tired.
I haven't finished the reading.
The class is at 9:05am.
Ugh.
Also, still hot.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Feels Like Monday
The grind starts tomorrow. Ugh. I'm NOT looking forward to getting up at 6:30 and actually getting ready for the day. Not even a little bit.
But, I've painted my toenails a delicious red, and I've got my purse ready, and I'm thinking positive. I get to see my friend finally (she's been in Korea for the summer) and we can chat and mock and joke around.
Plus, it's one more day closer to the Kid being home. I miss her a lot - more than I did last year when she was gone a lot more. Surprising, since there were days when I felt like I was going to maim her for talking. so. damn. much.
ON A TANGENT:
What's your weakness? Mine is bags/purses. It's like I can't ever have enough. I'm not one who needs the latest label bag, but if I see a fabulous tote, I NEED it. Desperately.
I had a severe dilemma trying to figure out which bag to take. I ended up going with my summer utility bag, because it fits everything (and what a bargain - $3.74 at Target on clearance!).
And now, must get ready for bed. Or at least get in bed and read until I fall asleep.
Ciao!
But, I've painted my toenails a delicious red, and I've got my purse ready, and I'm thinking positive. I get to see my friend finally (she's been in Korea for the summer) and we can chat and mock and joke around.
Plus, it's one more day closer to the Kid being home. I miss her a lot - more than I did last year when she was gone a lot more. Surprising, since there were days when I felt like I was going to maim her for talking. so. damn. much.
ON A TANGENT:
What's your weakness? Mine is bags/purses. It's like I can't ever have enough. I'm not one who needs the latest label bag, but if I see a fabulous tote, I NEED it. Desperately.
I had a severe dilemma trying to figure out which bag to take. I ended up going with my summer utility bag, because it fits everything (and what a bargain - $3.74 at Target on clearance!).
And now, must get ready for bed. Or at least get in bed and read until I fall asleep.
Ciao!
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