We have conferences today and tomorrow. They are not parent-teacher conferences anymore. They are student led conferences. The student runs the conference. We have spent a week preparing them, having them evaluate themselves and their performance in school. The big idea is to get them to feel ownership over their grades. It's a good idea... but there is resistance from some of the kids and some of the parents. The same ones that have always blamed the teacher and the school for their kids' shortcomings. Most of them are ok with it though.
Either way it means I have to work until 7:30 tonight, which sucks no matter how you slice it. I am wearing all black, putting my hair in a bun, and wearing my sensible shoes. I'm all business today. I have to be - each conference lasts 20 minutes and there is no way I'm getting behind!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
My Bee
The first time you get weighed and measured at my Curves, they put a paper bee with your name on it up on the wall. There is a section for "Bee-ginning Curvettes" for those who have lost less than 5 lbs and 5 inches. Then there is a section for 5 lbs/inches, 10 lbs/inches, and so on. Well, my bee had been in the very same spot for 8 long months.
Until yesterday.
I have lost a total of 9 1/2 inches since I started Curves last May, and 5 1/2 lbs. So they moved my bee. They made an announcement and everyone clapped, and then we went on working out as usual. But in my mind, I was running up stadium steps, singing the "Rocky" theme. I haven't stopped yet.
Until yesterday.
I have lost a total of 9 1/2 inches since I started Curves last May, and 5 1/2 lbs. So they moved my bee. They made an announcement and everyone clapped, and then we went on working out as usual. But in my mind, I was running up stadium steps, singing the "Rocky" theme. I haven't stopped yet.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hitting
I was talking with some of my students before class today and the topic of hitting came up. I told them that there was no hitting at my house, ever. I told them the story of how I spanked my youngest child after she unbuckled herself from her car seat at the age of two, and then I told them I never did it again. I told them that my daughters aren't allowed to hit each other. Those kids were so peculiar! They were incredulous... they kept asking, "You don't hit your kids???" "What if they hit the wall?" "What if they hit the door?" "You really don't hit your kids?"
I was struck by how normal it must be for all of them to get hit. These are my 7th grade special ed students. I have them for 50 minutes out of the school day, and sometimes I am ready to strangle them by the time we're done. I wonder what it would be like to have them all the time, and be their parents. I wonder if I would hit them?
A few minutes later one of them was staring at me kind of funny. I gave him a goofy look and asked him what he was staring at me for. He said, "I wish you were my mom, because them I wouldn't get hit."
I pulled him out of his next class and took him to the office, sat him down and asked him exactly what he meant by "hit." He said his dad only hits him if he does something really bad, like get an F. (He is learning disabled, by the way.) He said his dad hits him on his hand.
Well, parents are allowed to hit their kids. I made him promise that if he ever felt unsafe he would tell me. Then I had to let it go. Except I haven't.
I was struck by how normal it must be for all of them to get hit. These are my 7th grade special ed students. I have them for 50 minutes out of the school day, and sometimes I am ready to strangle them by the time we're done. I wonder what it would be like to have them all the time, and be their parents. I wonder if I would hit them?
A few minutes later one of them was staring at me kind of funny. I gave him a goofy look and asked him what he was staring at me for. He said, "I wish you were my mom, because them I wouldn't get hit."
I pulled him out of his next class and took him to the office, sat him down and asked him exactly what he meant by "hit." He said his dad only hits him if he does something really bad, like get an F. (He is learning disabled, by the way.) He said his dad hits him on his hand.
Well, parents are allowed to hit their kids. I made him promise that if he ever felt unsafe he would tell me. Then I had to let it go. Except I haven't.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
My Options, Continued
More responses to the Snow White ad:
I’d like to compliment your ad. I thought it was terrific. If I wasn’t so jaded myself I might respond to it.
are you really all those things....Hahahahah
hi im not perfect but I like you to be you and nothing more im not into the gravy crap im a don't to earth person i like to sit home watch tv, work around the house cook clean them kind of things im sorry that you have a bad time with men im 57 laid back type of person if your interested in me then drop me a line im Richard glad to meet you here is a pic
I think that last guy wrote twice. He is old and he looks his age and then some. I would like to write back to him, but it would just be mean, so I'm going to do it here instead.
Dear Rich:
After perusing your second response, I have a few questions/comments.
1. What is a "don't to earth person?" And what is "gravy crap?"
2. There are keys called "period" and "shift." Know them. Use them.
3. You will improve your chances greatly if you write to people in your age range. You are twenty years my senior, old enough to be my father. I wouldn't date my dad, and I won't date you.
4. If you are going to send your picture around, you might try taking one when you are smiling. You look like a grouchy old fart.
5. Get lost.
Sincerely,
Melissa
I’d like to compliment your ad. I thought it was terrific. If I wasn’t so jaded myself I might respond to it.
are you really all those things....Hahahahah
hi im not perfect but I like you to be you and nothing more im not into the gravy crap im a don't to earth person i like to sit home watch tv, work around the house cook clean them kind of things im sorry that you have a bad time with men im 57 laid back type of person if your interested in me then drop me a line im Richard glad to meet you here is a pic
I think that last guy wrote twice. He is old and he looks his age and then some. I would like to write back to him, but it would just be mean, so I'm going to do it here instead.
Dear Rich:
After perusing your second response, I have a few questions/comments.
1. What is a "don't to earth person?" And what is "gravy crap?"
2. There are keys called "period" and "shift." Know them. Use them.
3. You will improve your chances greatly if you write to people in your age range. You are twenty years my senior, old enough to be my father. I wouldn't date my dad, and I won't date you.
4. If you are going to send your picture around, you might try taking one when you are smiling. You look like a grouchy old fart.
5. Get lost.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Friday, January 26, 2007
Fun with Craig's List
For those of you who don't know, Craig's List is an online classified ads website. It is free, so you get all kinds. I read the personal ads often; every now and then there's a good one. I came across this one last week:
Somewhere there's a Woman - 46
Somewhere, there's a woman whose beautiful, naturally slender physique doesn't require drug induced effort to maintain. Somewhere there's a woman who likes Big Mac's and Crab Legs, Prime Rib and PBJ's. Somewhere there's a woman that realizes moderation is the key, nothing is entirely off limits although some things are kept that way for higher purposes. Somewhere there's a woman that will dance with her man under the stars, to the music of a car radio playing in the parking lot. Somewhere there's a woman that understands energy, intuitively, and how to channel it. Somewhere there's a woman, seeking more from life than the ever increasing balance in her check book. Somewhere there's a woman that is still intact, unharmed and unjaded. Somewhere there's a woman, that can love animals, children and a lover with the same reverence they dedicate to loving themselves. Somewhere, there's a woman that can share, without measuring the equality of this moment, but the equality of the whole. Somewhere there's a woman who measures herself by how she touches the lives of others, not so much what she receives in return. Somewhere there's a woman who's physically healthy, mentally stable, financially able, sexually active and sensually in tune. Somewhere there's a woman interested in seeing beyond the horizon and rarely disappointed by what she may find there. Somewhere there's a woman that can look at the desert and key on the flower that's rooted between the rocks. Somewhere there's a woman who understands the metaphysical as well as the physical, the intimate as well as the exoteric. Somewhere there's a woman that doesn't understand jealousy or enjoy it.
Somewhere there's a woman, a little like me. Somewhere there's a woman that'd like to know me. This isn't intended as poetry, just my call to the universe for a Very Special Delivery...
He had attached his picture, and believe you me, he is NOT all of that. Once I stopped gagging, I was inspired to write an ad in response, which I thought was hysterically funny:
To the Perfect Man - 38
Let me see if I've got this straight....
You want a thin woman who eats Big Macs.
You want a woman with a lot of energy and drive who is willing to spend their spare time dancing in a parking lot.
A woman who loves animals, has money yet doesn't care about it, in her 30s or 40s but has never been hurt enough to be jaded.
Who gives everything she has but doesn't require anything from you except your dashing good looks and charming personality.
Who looks for adventure but never shows any sign of disappointment.
Hmmm.... sounds a lot like Snow White. Have you tried Disneyland?
Well, I started getting responses. Quite a few. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Some of the dimmer bulbs out there thought I was describing MYSELF as Snow White, and wanted to "defrock" me. Some were rather vile, telling me it's really not all that much to ask, all of those things in one woman, and I must be a bitch. Oh, you'd like to see them? OK!
Dearest,
You have to have a great sense of humor...please tell me you do.
Care to chat a while?
Intrigued....gotta know...drop me a line?
kenny
Your ad is as hell... you gotta be good people.
lets see im not perfect and all I want from a woman is for her to be her wow that's asking allot by the way hi im Richard
I would have to disagree with this.
Although I'm sure this does apply to quite a few men out there.
Hello, your posting was intreiging , me 25/m UofA grad in tucson area, ask some questions
That's just a sampling! I deleted many, many more. I pasted them exactly as they were written. These are my options, people!!
Then I thought, why should I be the only one entertained? I'll share it with my friends and family! So there is my Friday gift to you all.
Peace, love and protractors!!
Somewhere there's a Woman - 46
Somewhere, there's a woman whose beautiful, naturally slender physique doesn't require drug induced effort to maintain. Somewhere there's a woman who likes Big Mac's and Crab Legs, Prime Rib and PBJ's. Somewhere there's a woman that realizes moderation is the key, nothing is entirely off limits although some things are kept that way for higher purposes. Somewhere there's a woman that will dance with her man under the stars, to the music of a car radio playing in the parking lot. Somewhere there's a woman that understands energy, intuitively, and how to channel it. Somewhere there's a woman, seeking more from life than the ever increasing balance in her check book. Somewhere there's a woman that is still intact, unharmed and unjaded. Somewhere there's a woman, that can love animals, children and a lover with the same reverence they dedicate to loving themselves. Somewhere, there's a woman that can share, without measuring the equality of this moment, but the equality of the whole. Somewhere there's a woman who measures herself by how she touches the lives of others, not so much what she receives in return. Somewhere there's a woman who's physically healthy, mentally stable, financially able, sexually active and sensually in tune. Somewhere there's a woman interested in seeing beyond the horizon and rarely disappointed by what she may find there. Somewhere there's a woman that can look at the desert and key on the flower that's rooted between the rocks. Somewhere there's a woman who understands the metaphysical as well as the physical, the intimate as well as the exoteric. Somewhere there's a woman that doesn't understand jealousy or enjoy it.
Somewhere there's a woman, a little like me. Somewhere there's a woman that'd like to know me. This isn't intended as poetry, just my call to the universe for a Very Special Delivery...
He had attached his picture, and believe you me, he is NOT all of that. Once I stopped gagging, I was inspired to write an ad in response, which I thought was hysterically funny:
To the Perfect Man - 38
Let me see if I've got this straight....
You want a thin woman who eats Big Macs.
You want a woman with a lot of energy and drive who is willing to spend their spare time dancing in a parking lot.
A woman who loves animals, has money yet doesn't care about it, in her 30s or 40s but has never been hurt enough to be jaded.
Who gives everything she has but doesn't require anything from you except your dashing good looks and charming personality.
Who looks for adventure but never shows any sign of disappointment.
Hmmm.... sounds a lot like Snow White. Have you tried Disneyland?
Well, I started getting responses. Quite a few. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Some of the dimmer bulbs out there thought I was describing MYSELF as Snow White, and wanted to "defrock" me. Some were rather vile, telling me it's really not all that much to ask, all of those things in one woman, and I must be a bitch. Oh, you'd like to see them? OK!
Dearest,
You have to have a great sense of humor...please tell me you do.
Care to chat a while?
Intrigued....gotta know...drop me a line?
kenny
Your ad is as hell... you gotta be good people.
lets see im not perfect and all I want from a woman is for her to be her wow that's asking allot by the way hi im Richard
I would have to disagree with this.
Although I'm sure this does apply to quite a few men out there.
Hello, your posting was intreiging , me 25/m UofA grad in tucson area, ask some questions
That's just a sampling! I deleted many, many more. I pasted them exactly as they were written. These are my options, people!!
Then I thought, why should I be the only one entertained? I'll share it with my friends and family! So there is my Friday gift to you all.
Peace, love and protractors!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
At the Gym
I've been going to the gym religiously and walking on the days I don't. Since I am spending more time there, of course there are things to be irritated at. I love going, I'm making friends, etc. but I have got to get this off my chest. If I don't, I might say it to the offending party, and then I might not be able to go back to the gym. The offending party wears a t-shirt that says on the front, "Ask me why I'll never vote for Hillary." I saw this shirt many times from the front, and so I knew this wasn't someone I wanted to talk to. Not to mention she wears weightlifter gloves, you know the fingerless kind? For CURVES. Who do you think you are, Mr. T?? It's a fat lady gym! Anyway, I got a look at the back a week or so ago, and now every time I see this lady I just want to punch her in the head. The back says, "Hey Hillary, who says the antichrist has to be a man?"
Now, I am all for freedom of speech. But I have to think that the kind of person who would wear such an inflammatory statement on her body out in public probably doesn't give a shit what other people think. It's not that I am in love with Hillary, either. I don't agree with everything she does, and I understand why people might find her abrasive. HOWEVER. A woman is running for the office of President of the United States, and she has a shot. This is huge. This transcends political disagreements, in my opinion. Long ago I adopted a policy of expediency - whatever it takes to get a black female elected president, that's what I am going to do. Getting a woman elected president is a good, healthy step in that direction. Anybody but a white male is a healthy step in that direction! So I have a problem with women who are not only not supporting Hillary, but are dragging her down. What, you would rather have another fathead white guy who can't see past the size of his own ego (READ: PENIS SIZE)? Haven't we had enough of that? I know I have. That's why I WILL be voting for Hillary, unless of course my hero Barak is on the ticket. Getting a black man elected is closer to a black woman than a white woman. I think. That's a tough call. But I like Obama. My rallying cry is "ANYBODY BUT ANOTHER FATHEAD WHITE GUY!!!!!!!!!!!" Now if I could just get that stupid woman at the gym to go shopping for new workout clothes.
Now, I am all for freedom of speech. But I have to think that the kind of person who would wear such an inflammatory statement on her body out in public probably doesn't give a shit what other people think. It's not that I am in love with Hillary, either. I don't agree with everything she does, and I understand why people might find her abrasive. HOWEVER. A woman is running for the office of President of the United States, and she has a shot. This is huge. This transcends political disagreements, in my opinion. Long ago I adopted a policy of expediency - whatever it takes to get a black female elected president, that's what I am going to do. Getting a woman elected president is a good, healthy step in that direction. Anybody but a white male is a healthy step in that direction! So I have a problem with women who are not only not supporting Hillary, but are dragging her down. What, you would rather have another fathead white guy who can't see past the size of his own ego (READ: PENIS SIZE)? Haven't we had enough of that? I know I have. That's why I WILL be voting for Hillary, unless of course my hero Barak is on the ticket. Getting a black man elected is closer to a black woman than a white woman. I think. That's a tough call. But I like Obama. My rallying cry is "ANYBODY BUT ANOTHER FATHEAD WHITE GUY!!!!!!!!!!!" Now if I could just get that stupid woman at the gym to go shopping for new workout clothes.
Monday, January 22, 2007
More Snow!!
We have an icicle!!!
This is my front yard.
This is my street.We also have a 2-hour delay in starting school, which is why I am blogging instead of working! It is snowing again right now.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Animals
You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.
You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.
You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.
Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.
Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.
In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.
http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/
In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you.
You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.
You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.
Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.
Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.
In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.
http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Nightmares
It's that time of month, which means bad dreams, but last night was a particularly nasty one. I dreamed I had hit someone with my car. I don't know if they were injured or dead, just that I had hit them. Before I got in the car I had a few sips of beer and so my breath smelled like alcohol. I was going to trial and my older sister was my defender. I was going to be sentenced to two years in jail unless I got off, which didn't seem likely because of the beer. It didn't matter that I had a few sips, just that I smelled like it. I was asking my older sister if she was ready to take the kids (my ex-husband didn't exist in the dream, one very nice part of an otherwise complete nightmare) and she wouldn't answer me, so I didn't know what would become of my daughters. By the time I got out of jail they would be nearly adults. Then, thankfully, my alarm went off. I hope the lingering sense of unease lets up before long.
I have to meet with the principal and the parent who is telling everyone that I am abusing her son tomorrow after school. I wonder if this has anything to do with the nightmare? I do feel like I'm on trial where this parent is concerned. Don't know how much of it is in my head.
I have to meet with the principal and the parent who is telling everyone that I am abusing her son tomorrow after school. I wonder if this has anything to do with the nightmare? I do feel like I'm on trial where this parent is concerned. Don't know how much of it is in my head.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ice Hockey
I went on a date last night to an ice hockey game. It was U of A against some school from back East... St. Louis I think? I had never been to a hockey game. Did you know the ice smells like a locker room? Strange. The crowd was quite exuberant. They wanted the players to fight. Six players got kicked out. I guess when they fight, the object is to get as many of the other guy's clothes off as you can. Whoever gets the most clothes off the other guy, won the fight. The referees kind of skated around whomever was fighting, waiting for them to be done. It was one of the strangest things I have ever seen. It confirmed my suspicions about the sport though... It's not about the hockey, it's about the fighting. Really it's just boxing, only with sticks and a lot of padding. Also they are on skates so they are slipping around and using each other to stay upright, while they are trying to strip each other naked. I'll probably go again.
Scars
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
My scars remind me
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just want to be alone
I'm pissed cause you came around
Why don't you just go home?
Cause you channeled all your pain
And I can't help you fix yourself.
You're making me insane
All I can say is
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
And our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I tried to help you once
Against my own advice
I saw you going down
But you never realized
That you're drowning in the water
So I offered you my hand
Compassion's in my nature
Tonight is our last end.
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
Our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just want to be alone
You shouldn't ever come around
Why don't you just go home?
Cause you're drowning in the water
And I tried to grab your hand
I left my heart open
But you didn't understand
You didn't understand.
GO FIX YOURSELF
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I've got to move on with my own life
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I've got to move on with my own life
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
Our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
My scars remind me
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel...
(a song by Papa Roach)
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
My scars remind me
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just want to be alone
I'm pissed cause you came around
Why don't you just go home?
Cause you channeled all your pain
And I can't help you fix yourself.
You're making me insane
All I can say is
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
And our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I tried to help you once
Against my own advice
I saw you going down
But you never realized
That you're drowning in the water
So I offered you my hand
Compassion's in my nature
Tonight is our last end.
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
Our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I'm drunk and I'm feeling down
And I just want to be alone
You shouldn't ever come around
Why don't you just go home?
Cause you're drowning in the water
And I tried to grab your hand
I left my heart open
But you didn't understand
You didn't understand.
GO FIX YOURSELF
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I've got to move on with my own life
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I've got to move on with my own life
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
Our scars remind us
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel
I tear my heart open
I sew myself shut
My weakness is
That I care too much
My scars remind me
That the past is real
I tear my heart open,
Just to feel...
(a song by Papa Roach)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
It is done.
I have applied for my Master's program. I am filled with apprehension, fear, and loathing at the thought of it. It's not a good attitude to have when embarking on such an adventure. Note to self: Work on that. It is a program specifically designed for middle school math teachers, and the degree will be a Master of Arts in Mathematics with Teaching Option. I like the first 5 words best. I am excited about getting into math classes again. It's the writing of papers that I dread!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
I'm getting married
Yesterday I found out that my favorite student (the one whose mother sent that nasty email on Friday) had said that he couldn't talk to my partner teacher about the problems he was having with me because the partner teacher and I are getting MARRIED. For some reason, that final tidbit was enough to snap me out of the pity party I had been having for myself all damn weekend and I found some sympathy for the kid. He's crazy, and in the classic words of Ray Barone's dad, "You can't be mad at a crazy person." Regardless of what level of reality this poor child is living in, he believes I dislike him. So the partner teacher is going to handle him, and I am going to work to make my few interactions with him very positive. Then I am going to ignore his mother and let the principal handle her.
I do feel like I have made a huge mistake doing special ed. It did not occur to me when I signed on for it that working with resource kids would mean dealing with crazy people. It totally makes sense... duh! And since I am not even making enough money to make ends meet, and I am going to have to find a weekend job, probably for minimum wage, I am thinking, what am I doing? I can look for a different line of work, where I make enough money, and don't have crazy people after me.
I do feel like I have made a huge mistake doing special ed. It did not occur to me when I signed on for it that working with resource kids would mean dealing with crazy people. It totally makes sense... duh! And since I am not even making enough money to make ends meet, and I am going to have to find a weekend job, probably for minimum wage, I am thinking, what am I doing? I can look for a different line of work, where I make enough money, and don't have crazy people after me.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Dear Crazy Bitch,
Thank you for the drama you caused right before the weekend. Really, it just started things off on just the right note for me. I sort of wonder, though, how there can be so much drama when your kid hasn't even been to school this week?
Oh, that's right. I forgot. You had all week to bond with him and hear all the details about his regular school day, and how horribly he is treated in my class.
It's not like you shouldn't believe the little angel... after all, he's always been truthful before, right? Like the time he told you that I wouldn't "except" (your word) his homework because it was only half done, when in reality he tried to turn in the work we had done in class? He hadn't done a single problem of the homework side of the worksheet. You made some excuse for him, and for yourself, about being confused. I let it go. Then there was the time he told you the reason he was tardy for my class was because he was talking with another teacher. You reminded me ever so kindly that he has accomodations for that, being that he is practically a paraplegic, and he is allowed to spend all the time he needs getting clarification of directions. There was just that one little detail about him having LUNCH right before my class... oh, and the part where I asked that teacher whether she had been talking to your son after lunch, and she had no idea what I was talking about. That time, you apologized to me and grounded your son for lying to you. I guess it doesn't matter whether or not he lies to everyone else.
Regardless, I guess you have chosen to believe whatever he has been telling you all week, and I guess in your mind that justifies you sending an email to another member of the staff calling me a witch and telling him how sorry you are that he has to work with such a "wicked women" (again, your idiot spelling) all day.
That was really great. Then, that part where you called the principal and told her that I was giving your son an ulcer? Thanks for that. I so enjoy being held responsible for shit that isn't mine.
It's really very simple. I teach math. That's my job. I'm not your son's wet nurse. I'm not his counselor, or his self-esteem monitor, or his guidance counselor. I am not your whipping post. I have your son for less than one hour a weekday, during which time my job is to TEACH HIM MATH. That is all. I teach a lesson, we do some practice, I assign homework. He either participates in the lesson, or he doesn't. Not something I can control. He either hands in the homework, or he doesn't. Not something I can control.
I am doing my part. How about if you start doing yours? Better yet, maybe YOUR SON could try doing something for HIMSELF?
He'll never get the chance with you in his life. I actually think he might be better off if you were beating him, instead of wiping his ass. At least that way he would have to learn how to stick up for himself. As it is, you are teaching him to be just another stupid sucker who will never be able to take responsibility for his own actions. It's ok with me, really. One day you'll be telling the judge why she is a witch because she doesn't understand how HARD his life is with ADD, and how wicked she is for sending him to jail. You just can't treat a special ed kid like that, right?
By the way... he's only a special ed kid for a few more years. There is no such thing as a special ed adult.
Sincerely,
Wicked Witch of the School
Oh, that's right. I forgot. You had all week to bond with him and hear all the details about his regular school day, and how horribly he is treated in my class.
It's not like you shouldn't believe the little angel... after all, he's always been truthful before, right? Like the time he told you that I wouldn't "except" (your word) his homework because it was only half done, when in reality he tried to turn in the work we had done in class? He hadn't done a single problem of the homework side of the worksheet. You made some excuse for him, and for yourself, about being confused. I let it go. Then there was the time he told you the reason he was tardy for my class was because he was talking with another teacher. You reminded me ever so kindly that he has accomodations for that, being that he is practically a paraplegic, and he is allowed to spend all the time he needs getting clarification of directions. There was just that one little detail about him having LUNCH right before my class... oh, and the part where I asked that teacher whether she had been talking to your son after lunch, and she had no idea what I was talking about. That time, you apologized to me and grounded your son for lying to you. I guess it doesn't matter whether or not he lies to everyone else.
Regardless, I guess you have chosen to believe whatever he has been telling you all week, and I guess in your mind that justifies you sending an email to another member of the staff calling me a witch and telling him how sorry you are that he has to work with such a "wicked women" (again, your idiot spelling) all day.
That was really great. Then, that part where you called the principal and told her that I was giving your son an ulcer? Thanks for that. I so enjoy being held responsible for shit that isn't mine.
It's really very simple. I teach math. That's my job. I'm not your son's wet nurse. I'm not his counselor, or his self-esteem monitor, or his guidance counselor. I am not your whipping post. I have your son for less than one hour a weekday, during which time my job is to TEACH HIM MATH. That is all. I teach a lesson, we do some practice, I assign homework. He either participates in the lesson, or he doesn't. Not something I can control. He either hands in the homework, or he doesn't. Not something I can control.
I am doing my part. How about if you start doing yours? Better yet, maybe YOUR SON could try doing something for HIMSELF?
He'll never get the chance with you in his life. I actually think he might be better off if you were beating him, instead of wiping his ass. At least that way he would have to learn how to stick up for himself. As it is, you are teaching him to be just another stupid sucker who will never be able to take responsibility for his own actions. It's ok with me, really. One day you'll be telling the judge why she is a witch because she doesn't understand how HARD his life is with ADD, and how wicked she is for sending him to jail. You just can't treat a special ed kid like that, right?
By the way... he's only a special ed kid for a few more years. There is no such thing as a special ed adult.
Sincerely,
Wicked Witch of the School
Thursday, November 16, 2006
I need to learn when to HANG UP.
I answered a guy's personal ad, sent him an email and when he responded we exchanged pictures. We emailed back and forth for a few days and then I gave him my number. He is my age, good looking, one kid, never been married. He has a job and a car, a degree, etc... he met all of the basic criteria. So we talked.
Fist, he could not stop talking abou the size of my breasts. He probably brought it up five times in ten minutes and actually asked me what my cup size was.
Then, (why in the hell was I still on the phone?? I really don't know!) he kept asking me all these weird questions about my personality. Would I say I tend to take charge, or let other people make the decisions? Would I say my personality is more dominant, or submissive?
(HellOOOOO Melissa, pick up the clue phone!)
While I was trying to figure out a way of get off the phone without being rude (I really need to get over that) he says to me, hesitantly, "It's just that I am looking for someone... for someone.... for.... someone to dominate me."
(verrrrrry pregnant pause)
Me: (stifling a laugh) Oh!... I see.
Him: What? You see what? What does that mean?
Me: Yeah, I gotta go...
Him: Can I call you tomorrow?
Me: No.
Him: Is that an order?
Me: ??????????????
Me: click
Fist, he could not stop talking abou the size of my breasts. He probably brought it up five times in ten minutes and actually asked me what my cup size was.
Then, (why in the hell was I still on the phone?? I really don't know!) he kept asking me all these weird questions about my personality. Would I say I tend to take charge, or let other people make the decisions? Would I say my personality is more dominant, or submissive?
(HellOOOOO Melissa, pick up the clue phone!)
While I was trying to figure out a way of get off the phone without being rude (I really need to get over that) he says to me, hesitantly, "It's just that I am looking for someone... for someone.... for.... someone to dominate me."
(verrrrrry pregnant pause)
Me: (stifling a laugh) Oh!... I see.
Him: What? You see what? What does that mean?
Me: Yeah, I gotta go...
Him: Can I call you tomorrow?
Me: No.
Him: Is that an order?
Me: ??????????????
Me: click
Sunday, November 12, 2006
The Windy City
I've been talking to a guy from Chicago who is planning on moving to my city next summer. We emailed back and forth for a few weeks, and then he asked if he could call me. He seems to have his act together, and he's really sweet. Like most of the men I have met, he spends way too much time talking about his ex. (What's the deal with that?) Other than that, he's my kind of guy. He thinks about things just for the sake of thinking. He forms opinions based on evidence instead of emotion. He can talk about politics without getting hot under the collar. He kinda has a funny name though.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The point is, I did it
Yesterday I wore pantyhose to work. I overlooked the small detail of putting underpants into my gym bag, so I worked out commando-style. All was well until the leg press machine. And that's all I have to say about that.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Maybe I'll just waitress...
Things I am expected to do every day:
Write learning objectives on the board (4 different ones because I teach 4 levels)
Write essential questions on the board (4 different sets)
Update my website detailing homework for the day (4 different assignments)
Bus duty after school
Things I am expected to do every week:
Enter two grades per class
Do lesson plans for the following week
Playground duty Tuesday mornings
Math meeting every Wednesday during my plan
Other things I was told last week:
- No sitting down during teaching. Apparently I am not qualified to decide that my students are ready to practice on their own.
- No trying to get other work done while sitting at a meeting that has nothing to do with anything concerning me. I have to listen even if it is totally irrelevant.
Last week I had meetings after school 4 out of 5 days. Next week I have meetings after school 5 out of 5 days. My planning period was taken away two out of five days. Already for next week my planning period has been taken away two out of five days. I have about 100 students all together, so I am supposed to grade at least 200 papers a week and enter the grades in the computer. When is this supposed to happen? I can't do it during the day while the students are working, and I can't do it after school during the stupid meetings. Is there some magic grading fairy that I need to get in touch with? Because I have a quite tall stack of papers sitting next to my coffee right now, and I have to say I resent it.
I should just quit and get a job waitressing at CoCo's. At least they get tips when they're nice.
Write learning objectives on the board (4 different ones because I teach 4 levels)
Write essential questions on the board (4 different sets)
Update my website detailing homework for the day (4 different assignments)
Bus duty after school
Things I am expected to do every week:
Enter two grades per class
Do lesson plans for the following week
Playground duty Tuesday mornings
Math meeting every Wednesday during my plan
Other things I was told last week:
- No sitting down during teaching. Apparently I am not qualified to decide that my students are ready to practice on their own.
- No trying to get other work done while sitting at a meeting that has nothing to do with anything concerning me. I have to listen even if it is totally irrelevant.
Last week I had meetings after school 4 out of 5 days. Next week I have meetings after school 5 out of 5 days. My planning period was taken away two out of five days. Already for next week my planning period has been taken away two out of five days. I have about 100 students all together, so I am supposed to grade at least 200 papers a week and enter the grades in the computer. When is this supposed to happen? I can't do it during the day while the students are working, and I can't do it after school during the stupid meetings. Is there some magic grading fairy that I need to get in touch with? Because I have a quite tall stack of papers sitting next to my coffee right now, and I have to say I resent it.
I should just quit and get a job waitressing at CoCo's. At least they get tips when they're nice.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
My least favorite holiday
I have never liked halloween, but the older my kids get, the more of a pain in the arse this "holiday" turns out to be. I have argued until I am blue in the face with my 14 year old, who insists she is not too old to be trick-or-treating. Someone else told me they draw the line at facial hair, so maybe she isn't too old yet, but my gut says when they are taller than me, it's time to quit. Then the older daughter asks if she can have a friend sleep over. It's a school night, I say. It's halloween, she says. Fine, I say. I'm too tired to keep this up any longer. I might be spared the younger one going anywhere as she has been sick for the last few weeks with a strange fever that comes and goes. If she has a fever, then oh well! Can't go anywhere.
My students are not allowed to dress up for halloween, thank goodness. It's too much of a distraction. However, they are 12 year olds, and they LOVE halloween. They will push the limits, I am sure. The best part is that my principal, in her infinite wisdom, chose TODAY as picture day. This should be interesting.
My students are not allowed to dress up for halloween, thank goodness. It's too much of a distraction. However, they are 12 year olds, and they LOVE halloween. They will push the limits, I am sure. The best part is that my principal, in her infinite wisdom, chose TODAY as picture day. This should be interesting.
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