Did you hear that sigh of relief? The one I breathed out about 2:45 yesterday afternoon? I am officially done with school! Of course, not before my boss left me a "To-do" list in my box yesterday morning that included wash the windows, clean the bathroom, and mop the floor. I am not kidding. And I did not do it. But, all of that negative energy is gone, gone, gone, and not I am on break and feeling like Woooooo!
After school yesterday I went to yoga to just get all the bad vibes out once and for all, then came home and we ordered Chinese food and watched the National Spelling Bee. Have you ever watched that? So amazing! I got totally into it after I watched the Spellbound documentary, and being a teacher and all, I think it is awesome to see kids that value being smart and studying in a culture that tends to value celebrity and shallowness. These kids rule! We laughed when the winner, Sameer, got this word "numnah," but everyone thought it sounded like "numnuts," including him, and he said, "Phew, that's a relief it's not numuts." When the interviewed him as to why it was a relief? Because that word could be spelled many different ways. Awesome.
And it's heartbreaking when they tell all the personal stories, and of course there can only be one winner, but when each one drops out, I feel so sad for them and all their hard work! This is probably why I love the Olympics so much -- I love the personal stories of dedication and perseverance and overcoming all the hardships. So great.
And now, on to vapid things: tonight, like most every girl in America, I am going out with a bunch of my girlfriends for cosmos and Sex and the City. Even down here in Jax it's selling out! I can't wait!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Home Owner
We've been living in the house for over two months now (!) and loving owning a home. I still totally feel like that Jack Johnson song where he says they're playing house -- am I really an adult? Do I really own a house?
That answer is yes.
And with that ownership, there are some things that need to be dealt with, now that school is just about done. For example:
The noise. We have a noise. Under our office floor. It started with a frantic phone call from FP when I was in New York, in which he proclaimed he was either going crazy, or something was seriously wrong over here. The noise is weird, and totally inconsistent. It's a buzz. Or a wing flapping, bee sound. It doesn't happen all the time. It's in the middle of our newly-laid wood floor. It's not bugs, I called those bug people, and our good friend, who happens to be a contractor, told us it's air bubbles from a water main or something like that. Needless to say, we need to get this confirmed and all, especially because:
Our freaking JEA bill (electric and water) was $400 this month. There is something wrong, because it says we used 44,000 gallons of water. That is impossible -- we don't have any leaks and everything is fine in our house. Unless it's the noise, but if 44,000 gallons of water were leaking under our office, our fucking house would have sunk by now. So, they are rereading our meter and if that doesn't work, they are sending out an inspector, because JEA agrees that something is not right.
Our bathroom sockets don't work. And it's not a fuse. Must call home warrantee people so they can send out people to fix this annoying thing.
At the end of the day, the house is HOT. Not that hot, this is some dramatic flair that I have been known to have, but it's hot. Our air conditioner is fine, and we live in Florida, and the temperatures are up to above 90 at this time, and our house is mostly windows, but damn, it gets hot.
The lawn. We have our giant lawn guy, Tigger, working on this problem. It's more I want to do all these projects, but let's face it, I have no more of a green thumb than I am a domestic goddess, ok? I love to clean and organize and I can out clean any maid service, but "crafts" and "flowers" and things like that? How do I do those things? I have no clue, or desire, I just want the finished product. Can I have a beautiful rock garden/fountain/bird feeder/meditation space in backyard? Ok, thanks!
Overall, we do love it -- I love it. Even if I am in denial about all of this responsibility.
That answer is yes.
And with that ownership, there are some things that need to be dealt with, now that school is just about done. For example:
The noise. We have a noise. Under our office floor. It started with a frantic phone call from FP when I was in New York, in which he proclaimed he was either going crazy, or something was seriously wrong over here. The noise is weird, and totally inconsistent. It's a buzz. Or a wing flapping, bee sound. It doesn't happen all the time. It's in the middle of our newly-laid wood floor. It's not bugs, I called those bug people, and our good friend, who happens to be a contractor, told us it's air bubbles from a water main or something like that. Needless to say, we need to get this confirmed and all, especially because:
Our freaking JEA bill (electric and water) was $400 this month. There is something wrong, because it says we used 44,000 gallons of water. That is impossible -- we don't have any leaks and everything is fine in our house. Unless it's the noise, but if 44,000 gallons of water were leaking under our office, our fucking house would have sunk by now. So, they are rereading our meter and if that doesn't work, they are sending out an inspector, because JEA agrees that something is not right.
Our bathroom sockets don't work. And it's not a fuse. Must call home warrantee people so they can send out people to fix this annoying thing.
At the end of the day, the house is HOT. Not that hot, this is some dramatic flair that I have been known to have, but it's hot. Our air conditioner is fine, and we live in Florida, and the temperatures are up to above 90 at this time, and our house is mostly windows, but damn, it gets hot.
The lawn. We have our giant lawn guy, Tigger, working on this problem. It's more I want to do all these projects, but let's face it, I have no more of a green thumb than I am a domestic goddess, ok? I love to clean and organize and I can out clean any maid service, but "crafts" and "flowers" and things like that? How do I do those things? I have no clue, or desire, I just want the finished product. Can I have a beautiful rock garden/fountain/bird feeder/meditation space in backyard? Ok, thanks!
Overall, we do love it -- I love it. Even if I am in denial about all of this responsibility.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Two More Days
...until I return to the land of positive, happy energy.
I can do it. Really. Promise.
And then I'll post all about how I saved the plants from my classroom from being thrown out, and how all the other teachers descended on my class and picked all of my materials and carried them away, much like vultures picking at a dead carcass. Then, I'll move on to happier things, like this awesome Saturday night where I am going to go full-on girl bonanza (no, not that kind-of girl bonanza, although one of my female, married co-workers told me she wanted to make-out with me last Friday) to go see Sex and the City.
But until then, my mantra is two more days.
I can do it. Really. Promise.
And then I'll post all about how I saved the plants from my classroom from being thrown out, and how all the other teachers descended on my class and picked all of my materials and carried them away, much like vultures picking at a dead carcass. Then, I'll move on to happier things, like this awesome Saturday night where I am going to go full-on girl bonanza (no, not that kind-of girl bonanza, although one of my female, married co-workers told me she wanted to make-out with me last Friday) to go see Sex and the City.
But until then, my mantra is two more days.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Worst Day EVER
I am really looking forward to Friday when school ends, my stomach stops roiling, my head stops hurting, my tears stop flowing, and life in general takes a turn for the better.
Just saying.
Just saying.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
You Must NOT See
Sweeney Todd.
Ugh. We just rented it from On Demand, and we turned it off halfway through -- I am soo disappointed because I thought it would be a movie that I love, love, loved, but it was kind-of boring. I might go back to it tomorrow, but I don't know. Anyone see it? Like it?
I am also on the verge of an anxiety attack right now for some reason, and my OCD is kicking in, so that could have led me to not want to watch it.
Ugh. We just rented it from On Demand, and we turned it off halfway through -- I am soo disappointed because I thought it would be a movie that I love, love, loved, but it was kind-of boring. I might go back to it tomorrow, but I don't know. Anyone see it? Like it?
I am also on the verge of an anxiety attack right now for some reason, and my OCD is kicking in, so that could have led me to not want to watch it.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Craberton
Today is a weird day.
My class graduated, so it was the last day of school. We had our ceremony and speeches, and of course I cried, because I love my kids.
But it also meant that it is the end. My program, along with half the programs in my school, are all closing down. Half the teachers are out of jobs, and half the school is up for lease, as the sign in my classroom window reminds me of everyday.
Let's just say it hasn't been a morale booster.
I feel bitter right now for so many reasons, one being that when I took this job, I took it with the intention to stay for a looong time. I have had many, many jobs, and when we moved to Jax, I had a bunch of job offers, but I chose this school because I wanted our kids to go there and I lied the community.
Little did I know how shitty it would be run, and that there would be no money and that all the programs would close. Now, they did make me a deal to stay, but I declined because that is one fast-sinking ship. So, on to a new school next year! And thank god I have a job for next year teaching sixth grade, because the state of Florida is under an education hiring freeze, don't you know. I also feel a little bitter because I was offered this pretty great job, but it meant I would have to leave my school early, and I just couldn't do that in good faith.
So I feel crabby.
But, tonight is Girls' Night, and I'm hoping that will get me out of this funk because:
It's summer!
My class graduated, so it was the last day of school. We had our ceremony and speeches, and of course I cried, because I love my kids.
But it also meant that it is the end. My program, along with half the programs in my school, are all closing down. Half the teachers are out of jobs, and half the school is up for lease, as the sign in my classroom window reminds me of everyday.
Let's just say it hasn't been a morale booster.
I feel bitter right now for so many reasons, one being that when I took this job, I took it with the intention to stay for a looong time. I have had many, many jobs, and when we moved to Jax, I had a bunch of job offers, but I chose this school because I wanted our kids to go there and I lied the community.
Little did I know how shitty it would be run, and that there would be no money and that all the programs would close. Now, they did make me a deal to stay, but I declined because that is one fast-sinking ship. So, on to a new school next year! And thank god I have a job for next year teaching sixth grade, because the state of Florida is under an education hiring freeze, don't you know. I also feel a little bitter because I was offered this pretty great job, but it meant I would have to leave my school early, and I just couldn't do that in good faith.
So I feel crabby.
But, tonight is Girls' Night, and I'm hoping that will get me out of this funk because:
It's summer!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Grrrrrr
Ugh.
I keep thinking about my blog and thinking about writing in my blog, and it is just not happening.
And the not happening, and me not making it happening is making me feel frustrated with myself, because I hate saying that I am going to do something and then not following through.
In fact, that is a probably one of the most annoying personality traits about people that I just cannot deal with. You know those people -- all talk and no action. How all these things are going to happen -- whether it be things that the person is going to do for him or herself, or whether it be things that affect you, I just can't stand that.
And I am feeling like one of those people. I keep saying to myself, "OK, need to write in the blog. Need to get back into writing. Need to take a writing class."
And then suddenly, it's Thursday night and time for Grey's Anatomy. I'm annoying myself just thinking about it. I'm all empty promises to myself. And that just has to change. Promise.
No, really. I mean it this time. As of today, I am back into my blog. I just have to be. For myself and that is the whole reason I started writing this three and a half years ago. So I would be writing more regularly. Since I stopped journalism and started teaching, I do so many creative things in terms of creating curriculum, but writing for myself has just screeched to a halt and it is time to just stop. There was a time when I called myself a writer and lately I feel like a sham.
I declare this: The Summer of Writing.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, classes are a bit expensive, and I know that sounds like an excuse and all, but we did just buy this house and there is not an extra $500 or so lying around. But what can I do? I can get my ass writing by following prompts and just freaking doing it. I've been paralyzed by insecurities or something for the past few years and I am over it. I feel like there has been a shift in my brain about it, and I am ready. And this is the first summer i am not working full time, just part time, so there is no excuse for me not to write.
Will I put any of that extra writing on here? Maybe....I don't know. There will be fiction. And personal essay. And probably poems. And I am not so sure about sharing all of that. I would almost rather send that off to an anonymous publisher than post it on my blog, you know?
So, it begins. Tomorrow is my class graduation and officially the start of my summer. And the beginning of The Summer of Writing.
I keep thinking about my blog and thinking about writing in my blog, and it is just not happening.
And the not happening, and me not making it happening is making me feel frustrated with myself, because I hate saying that I am going to do something and then not following through.
In fact, that is a probably one of the most annoying personality traits about people that I just cannot deal with. You know those people -- all talk and no action. How all these things are going to happen -- whether it be things that the person is going to do for him or herself, or whether it be things that affect you, I just can't stand that.
And I am feeling like one of those people. I keep saying to myself, "OK, need to write in the blog. Need to get back into writing. Need to take a writing class."
And then suddenly, it's Thursday night and time for Grey's Anatomy. I'm annoying myself just thinking about it. I'm all empty promises to myself. And that just has to change. Promise.
No, really. I mean it this time. As of today, I am back into my blog. I just have to be. For myself and that is the whole reason I started writing this three and a half years ago. So I would be writing more regularly. Since I stopped journalism and started teaching, I do so many creative things in terms of creating curriculum, but writing for myself has just screeched to a halt and it is time to just stop. There was a time when I called myself a writer and lately I feel like a sham.
I declare this: The Summer of Writing.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, classes are a bit expensive, and I know that sounds like an excuse and all, but we did just buy this house and there is not an extra $500 or so lying around. But what can I do? I can get my ass writing by following prompts and just freaking doing it. I've been paralyzed by insecurities or something for the past few years and I am over it. I feel like there has been a shift in my brain about it, and I am ready. And this is the first summer i am not working full time, just part time, so there is no excuse for me not to write.
Will I put any of that extra writing on here? Maybe....I don't know. There will be fiction. And personal essay. And probably poems. And I am not so sure about sharing all of that. I would almost rather send that off to an anonymous publisher than post it on my blog, you know?
So, it begins. Tomorrow is my class graduation and officially the start of my summer. And the beginning of The Summer of Writing.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I Am Home!
NYC with my middle schoolers was...exhausting. Here is a rundown of what we did from Monday to Friday:
Natural History Museuem
Met Musuem
Times Square all five fucking days
Bronx Zoo
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
Empire State Building at night
Chinatown
Shopping in SoHo
Little Italy
Financial District
Central Park
Washington Square Park
And this. Watch out for me, towards the end of the clip. I have my glasses on. If you ever had any doubts to how cheesy I am, they will all be erased!
Natural History Museuem
Met Musuem
Times Square all five fucking days
Bronx Zoo
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
Empire State Building at night
Chinatown
Shopping in SoHo
Little Italy
Financial District
Central Park
Washington Square Park
And this. Watch out for me, towards the end of the clip. I have my glasses on. If you ever had any doubts to how cheesy I am, they will all be erased!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Quick Fact
For a point of referrence: I live about 10-15 minutes away from where the TPC is being played right now.
Pretty neat, even though I can't stand golf.
Pretty neat, even though I can't stand golf.
You MUST See.....
...Iron Man. It is awesome. I have a thing for dark and brooding superheroes, and this movie is all that and then some.
Also, Robert Downey, Jr. is hot. He is so back on my list. Back on the TOP of my list.
Also, Robert Downey, Jr. is hot. He is so back on my list. Back on the TOP of my list.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Synopsis
I love lists. And right now, that is about all I have time/ brain space for. Here's why:
- Last weekend, I was up in NY (duh) for four days to see Bri graduate. I got back late Monday night -- totally tired and a little blue.
- These past four days have been the last official teaching days of my school year. My kids were testing for two of the days. They were finishing up a ton of work to prepare us for next week.
- Next Monday to Friday, I am taking my class on our annual NYC field trip. Yes, you read that right. Me and my co-worker (who thank god is my closest friend at work) take my kids to New York for a week. It will be filled with a million things. Last year, we did the Model United Nations. This year, we are doing an immigration and French Impressionism focus. Those two are not related, but they are related to studies from the year, and we'll be doing all sorts of cool things. But, being a teacher 24/7, down to sharing a room with some of the girls, is A LOT. As Jen said, "I can't even deal with kids for a whole day, let alone a whole week! Ugh, I could never be a teacher."
- When I get back from NYC, it is our last week of school with the kids. That means preparing my eighth graders for graduation, finishing up loose ends, and doing some fun, end-of-the-year things.
- After that, it's teacher prep week. My program is closing, so that means clearing out my classroom. Blech. That is a freaking ton of work.
- All my work aside, Pete has been super stressed and super busy at his work. It's been so hectic, and we just have had no time to chill -- he even had to not go to a wedding because he had to work. Sucks. But, we're thankful we both have jobs in this shitty economy.
So, my blog has been neglected and I am sorry. I have been thinking about it a lot! And in a few weeks, I will be blogging on a daily basis again!
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Brian Graduated
I had an awesome weekend up in NY. It was great hanging out with my fam, seeing my brother graduate, and seeing my oldest and closest friends. There is something definitely to be said about being with people who have known since you were 5 that just lets you totally be yourself. Those people have seen it all, and have loved you through the awkward, horrible, gross, and fabulous phases.
Anyway, Brian is a merchant marine, and a third mate officer now that he graduated from SUNY Maritime. Basically, he sails around the world driving ships. He doesn't have a military obligation, but he is an officer and his school was not a typical college. Look how official he looks here, with my mom:
But of course, we're related. This is how he really is:
Congrats, Bri!! I am really so proud of you!!!!
Anyway, Brian is a merchant marine, and a third mate officer now that he graduated from SUNY Maritime. Basically, he sails around the world driving ships. He doesn't have a military obligation, but he is an officer and his school was not a typical college. Look how official he looks here, with my mom:
But of course, we're related. This is how he really is:
Congrats, Bri!! I am really so proud of you!!!!Saturday, May 03, 2008
I'm In NY!
A thing I miss about NY:
The awesome hair days I have because of the dry air up here! My hair hasn't been this straight since December -- when I was up here the last time!
A thing I don't miss about NY;
Holy shit, it's freezing. And gray. Very, very gray. I have a sweater on. Bleh.
The awesome hair days I have because of the dry air up here! My hair hasn't been this straight since December -- when I was up here the last time!
A thing I don't miss about NY;
Holy shit, it's freezing. And gray. Very, very gray. I have a sweater on. Bleh.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Some Things Are Better Left In The Past
I saw that new B-52's video this morning, "Funplex."
Oh my god.
Why did I ever love them so much?
Anyone seen/heard that? When I watched it, I felt like the band were some drunk relatives dancing at a party -- past the point of amusement, into the territory of deep embarrassment.
Oh my god.
Why did I ever love them so much?
Anyone seen/heard that? When I watched it, I felt like the band were some drunk relatives dancing at a party -- past the point of amusement, into the territory of deep embarrassment.
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