Reframe = to frame again
Refrain= to hold back
Note to people who have to tell other people not to do certain things, these words are not interchangeable.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Let it snow, let it snow.
I wish the weather forecast would have predicted this. If I had known, I would have gone to the grocery store yesterday while it was sunny! Oh well, I'll take it. Most likely I won't even have school tomorrow if this keeps going. And I don't mind that one bit. Especially with the ice layer underneath the white fluffy stuff. Let it snow.Friday, February 23, 2007
The Risotto makes it ok.
I think maybe plan B is now in order (if only I knew what that was). People left and right of me at work are throwing out harassment charges, personal issues, and all that. What about the students? People are acting like they're in ...oh.... I don't know 7th grade! And here I am again, Friday, exhausted from the week's events, and counting down the time I'm going to have to spend with all of these people. It's not everyone I work with, and it's mostly the disappointment I feel about all the situations that are occurring. Obviously the interview was a tell-tale sign of what was to come this year.
Ok- well, enough. I don't want to spend my off time thinking about it. But I do think it's time for me to pull out the comfort food... that's right... my all time favorite... Risotto..........ahhh, yum, warm goodness. And a nice HUGE glass of wine. That's an excellent start to the weekend.
Ok- well, enough. I don't want to spend my off time thinking about it. But I do think it's time for me to pull out the comfort food... that's right... my all time favorite... Risotto..........ahhh, yum, warm goodness. And a nice HUGE glass of wine. That's an excellent start to the weekend.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHH
Yep. It's been that kind of day. But, on the bright side of life, it's Wednesday, it was sunny, and "Lost" will be on this evening (which will in turn render creepy dreams).
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Half day wasted.....again
Today we were told that the mayor of Alexandria was coming to speak to the students today. The time would be 1 pm. 45 minutes later, he still hadn't shown up. Students were sitting on the bleachers for a long time, we got up ourselves and went back to our classrooms. Finally, he arrived, gave his little speech (which was pointless by the way), and then left. What a waste.
This man says the same thing every time he opens his mouth. I've met him a few times in the last 3 years, and each time is a disappointment. Oh well, I don't know him personally. Maybe speaking in public is not his strong suit. However, he's a public figure and it's part of the job.
Anywho-
This man says the same thing every time he opens his mouth. I've met him a few times in the last 3 years, and each time is a disappointment. Oh well, I don't know him personally. Maybe speaking in public is not his strong suit. However, he's a public figure and it's part of the job.
Anywho-
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ich bin so traurig...
No dice on "The Shins"... I never thought they'd sell out so soon.. sorry Trixie.. Maybe on the next tour.... Bummer...............
I'm so sad.
I'm so sad.
President's Day
So, first this was what we were told:
Half a day off, released at 11 am...
Then it was no,...
Half day off, released at 12 pm......
Then it was no...........
You work the full day.
Then today it was no...
Half day leave at 12:30 pm.
TECHNICALLY it's not even a half day, but really, the people who I work with are crazy! How could someone mess this up so badly? I don't get it.
Anyway, I'm happy. I thought I was supposed to work a full day today, and I didn't So that's fine. Too bad we didn't have the full day off because the City of Alexandria has a parade. Not that I'd go to it, but it makes parking unbearable. And, school buses can't go down certain streets.
Apparently, the city said to the school district --hey, we're having the parade at this time-- to the superintendent, and then it was the superintendent's choice to have school or not. She choose for the schools to be open a 1/2 day for whatever reason. Then the city said-- fine but by the way all these streets will be closed at such and such time.. HA!
Alexandria is just one of those places that just becomes more interesting by the moment. One hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. There's tons of fraud, waste, and abuse of the system. You can clearly see it where I work. Everyone who is from here, stays here and you always seem to easily run into someone who works in the schools, and is related to someone who probably put them in that job in the first place.
Frustrating.
Half a day off, released at 11 am...
Then it was no,...
Half day off, released at 12 pm......
Then it was no...........
You work the full day.
Then today it was no...
Half day leave at 12:30 pm.
TECHNICALLY it's not even a half day, but really, the people who I work with are crazy! How could someone mess this up so badly? I don't get it.
Anyway, I'm happy. I thought I was supposed to work a full day today, and I didn't So that's fine. Too bad we didn't have the full day off because the City of Alexandria has a parade. Not that I'd go to it, but it makes parking unbearable. And, school buses can't go down certain streets.
Apparently, the city said to the school district --hey, we're having the parade at this time-- to the superintendent, and then it was the superintendent's choice to have school or not. She choose for the schools to be open a 1/2 day for whatever reason. Then the city said-- fine but by the way all these streets will be closed at such and such time.. HA!
Alexandria is just one of those places that just becomes more interesting by the moment. One hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing. There's tons of fraud, waste, and abuse of the system. You can clearly see it where I work. Everyone who is from here, stays here and you always seem to easily run into someone who works in the schools, and is related to someone who probably put them in that job in the first place.
Frustrating.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The best day to watch TMC
Singin' in the Rain and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.....
WOW!
Some of you may know that I love old musicals.. and these just happen to be 2 of my favorite.
"Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be....I don't know your name but I'm stakin' my claim"
They sure don't make 'em like that anymore....
WOW!
Some of you may know that I love old musicals.. and these just happen to be 2 of my favorite.
"Bless your beautiful hide, wherever you may be....I don't know your name but I'm stakin' my claim"
They sure don't make 'em like that anymore....
Friday, February 16, 2007
What do you want to get back?
It seems as if the people I work with don't understand the concept of Karma. I don't know. There's lots of names for it, just choose the one you want to use...
Anyway, I would have to say that today was one of the worst days I've had at work (with adults not kids). There was grief about all kinds of things. Things that don't even matter, petty things, things that have NOTHING to do with the kids we're teaching and what they might need from us.
On top of that I was brought in for questioning.... about someone else's problem. I guess I was being used as a witness... maybe? I don't know. I didn't have a problem with that because I don't lie. I'll say whatever I need to say from my point of view.... The problem with this whole questioning thing were the questions that I was being asked. The questions didn't allow me to answer them with complete honesty or the chance to elaborate.
I just have to keep the kids in mind, because some of them are great people. I was talking to this kid today-- family is from Morocco, he's been a few times himself. I told him that I lived in Egypt. He was amazed that I had gone there by myself and that I actually new a few words in Arabic. We had this whole connection going on. It was great. He talked about learning Arabic again. He leaves today. I told him I was glad, and that I never wanted to see him again.. I always say that, it's a good thing. I told him he should really consider trying to learn Arabic again and take some classes, it would make him an extremely marketable person in this day. He could work in his home country if he wanted, do business and travel. He seemed really happy that I was interested in him genuinely. It was a great exchange and was the best part of my entire day.
That's what matters. So now that I'm decompressing from my Friday that seemed so hellish, it wasn't. The extra negative stuff was just unnecessary and I just need to keep it that way. I'm there to teach those kids what I know. If we connect in some way, that's great. It's not going to happen with every kid. I even had a student say he wanted to be an Art teacher this week. I was shocked! I was so happy! Can you imagine a 16-year old boy saying he wants to be what you are? And he means it.
So to everyone out there, put out there what you want to get back.
Anyway, I would have to say that today was one of the worst days I've had at work (with adults not kids). There was grief about all kinds of things. Things that don't even matter, petty things, things that have NOTHING to do with the kids we're teaching and what they might need from us.
On top of that I was brought in for questioning.... about someone else's problem. I guess I was being used as a witness... maybe? I don't know. I didn't have a problem with that because I don't lie. I'll say whatever I need to say from my point of view.... The problem with this whole questioning thing were the questions that I was being asked. The questions didn't allow me to answer them with complete honesty or the chance to elaborate.
I just have to keep the kids in mind, because some of them are great people. I was talking to this kid today-- family is from Morocco, he's been a few times himself. I told him that I lived in Egypt. He was amazed that I had gone there by myself and that I actually new a few words in Arabic. We had this whole connection going on. It was great. He talked about learning Arabic again. He leaves today. I told him I was glad, and that I never wanted to see him again.. I always say that, it's a good thing. I told him he should really consider trying to learn Arabic again and take some classes, it would make him an extremely marketable person in this day. He could work in his home country if he wanted, do business and travel. He seemed really happy that I was interested in him genuinely. It was a great exchange and was the best part of my entire day.
That's what matters. So now that I'm decompressing from my Friday that seemed so hellish, it wasn't. The extra negative stuff was just unnecessary and I just need to keep it that way. I'm there to teach those kids what I know. If we connect in some way, that's great. It's not going to happen with every kid. I even had a student say he wanted to be an Art teacher this week. I was shocked! I was so happy! Can you imagine a 16-year old boy saying he wants to be what you are? And he means it.
So to everyone out there, put out there what you want to get back.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Happiness is my new couch!!
Yes! It's finally here! Happy Valentine's day to me!! I love the couch! It figures that I lived in a room full of green the first 4 months I got back to the US and now I have a green couch. Of course, nothing else is really green, but that's just fine with me.So now I can hang some more stuff up and it will start feeling like a home instead of a place that I'm living in for the moment..... So happy, so excited.
In other news.... I got snubbed by my principal today. Big surprise. I was trying to be courteous to tell her a couple of things and she just blew me off...right in front of another teacher. I guess she was having a rough moment. She pretended like we didn't even exist. Just blew right past us, how professional.
Even if she hates my white-ass she should be professional. I don't hate... I regulate...word.
But back to my couch, I got lots of love for that joint. It's off the chain. For reals. I don't know why I just turned all gangsta.... work is rubbing off on me. Although my sister and I continue to claim that we're from the streets... ya heard?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Ice Ice Baby!
Yes! A day off! I'm so happy! It's better than calling in sick. It's the perfect scenario. Unfortunately, this may mean that we have to make it up later on. I don't think we have any built in days. But I tell you, this is just what I needed today. It's the best Valentine's Day EVER! No kidding.
I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas, but I've gotten a lot done. I slept in, I made a latte and ate a leisurely breakfast, made a cake, started some sort of drawing, cleaned a little, took out the trash, ate lunch, and even tried to listen to "W" speak (although I hated every moment of it, I can't stand to look or listen to him, and from now on I'm going to have to look for the transcripts of any of his speeches on line for the rest of his time in office... which by the way is going to be stormy by the sounds of it.... and the hair keeps growing). There's also been some internet using, and tv watching...
It's been like a mini vacation. I've been thinking about going out and walking around a bit. But, I'm in no rush. Ahhh, this should be prescribed.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Finally!
It's only been since 2003 since there has been some issues with North Korea. There are these talks going on....humm.........empty promises.
I feel like being a politician is a lot like being a teacher. And North Korea is like the kid that is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. The student agrees with you, shows a bit of improvement just so you'll get off their back. Depending on what kind of teacher you are depends on where they'll go next...
To me North Korea is a scary place, and the current administration has swept the entire situation under the rug in lieu of the Mideast crap.
We'll see what develops, won't we?
In other news: There's freezing rain, will it be enough to at least let us go late tomorrow (at least)? Only the superintendent knows for sure. Maybe she'll have a nice glass of wine, settle in for the night and make that all important phone call. PLEASE!
I feel like being a politician is a lot like being a teacher. And North Korea is like the kid that is trying to pull the wool over your eyes. The student agrees with you, shows a bit of improvement just so you'll get off their back. Depending on what kind of teacher you are depends on where they'll go next...
To me North Korea is a scary place, and the current administration has swept the entire situation under the rug in lieu of the Mideast crap.
We'll see what develops, won't we?
In other news: There's freezing rain, will it be enough to at least let us go late tomorrow (at least)? Only the superintendent knows for sure. Maybe she'll have a nice glass of wine, settle in for the night and make that all important phone call. PLEASE!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Would you?
Would you pay to see "The Police" in concert?
And I know how some of you feel about Sting... but give the band a break.
I would go see them. I was too young the first time. If they're going to pass through here, I want to go.. WHO'S WITH ME?
In other news................
I think it's really funny that commuters in the area had to walk through a bit of trash to get to work today. Somehow a garbage truck turned over or something and all the trash fell down some stairs to a metro or something.... There were comments like," It smells bad" and "It's too early to walk through trash". WHAT? Go live in Cairo, where the smell of rotten food, and dead animal remains fill the morning air everyday. Does it still smell like that on our street Jona?
I have a feeling this "winter storm" comes through, but I have a feeling it's going to miss us almost completely.
Oh well, one can hope!
And I know how some of you feel about Sting... but give the band a break.
I would go see them. I was too young the first time. If they're going to pass through here, I want to go.. WHO'S WITH ME?
In other news................
I think it's really funny that commuters in the area had to walk through a bit of trash to get to work today. Somehow a garbage truck turned over or something and all the trash fell down some stairs to a metro or something.... There were comments like," It smells bad" and "It's too early to walk through trash". WHAT? Go live in Cairo, where the smell of rotten food, and dead animal remains fill the morning air everyday. Does it still smell like that on our street Jona?
I have a feeling this "winter storm" comes through, but I have a feeling it's going to miss us almost completely.
Oh well, one can hope!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Winter weather?
We might be getting some serious snow this week. I REALLY really hope so. While I'm not a huge fan of grey skies and slush, I do like the powdery stuff, and if it's supposed to be this cold, then why not snow? As usual, it could pass us by, the weather forecasters around here tend to shy away from a definite answer. But, I'm hopeful.
Oh jeez, I made the mistake of watching "Globetrekker". It's a public television show where people travel the world and show what each area has to offer. I think it would be my dream job. Anyway, even though this show focused on the coastal countries of Arabia, it made me want to visit. I don't think I'll ever lose the travel bug. I want to always explore and see as much as I can.
Ok, better dash off, must get ready for school tomorrow. Although, it may be a short week.
Oh jeez, I made the mistake of watching "Globetrekker". It's a public television show where people travel the world and show what each area has to offer. I think it would be my dream job. Anyway, even though this show focused on the coastal countries of Arabia, it made me want to visit. I don't think I'll ever lose the travel bug. I want to always explore and see as much as I can.
Ok, better dash off, must get ready for school tomorrow. Although, it may be a short week.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Which one's' mine?
I just looked out the window of my apartment and saw that across the street. I thought it was funny.
By the way.............LOST!!!
snowy, cold, and crazy drivers
It was really nice to go into school later today, and have only 2 classes to teach. But, getting there was not easy. I thought that most of the roads would be easier to navigate and I'd be able to make it to work with out any driving hardships. I was wrong. People were driving crazy! Cutting each other off, changing lanes at a moment's notice, stopping abruptly and speeding up. I even saw a big school bus just go through a light. Fortunately there were no students in the bus, but still. ....... calm down people!
The roads really weren't that bad when it was time to drive to school, but the drivers were.
Anyway, the snow has melted and gone away. There are only traces left in the shade. A little sad that it went away so fast, but good because then it doesn't look so grey and miserable. Like the slush.. I hate slushy streets.
Bring on spring... I want tulips!
The roads really weren't that bad when it was time to drive to school, but the drivers were.
Anyway, the snow has melted and gone away. There are only traces left in the shade. A little sad that it went away so fast, but good because then it doesn't look so grey and miserable. Like the slush.. I hate slushy streets.
Bring on spring... I want tulips!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Watch it
I have cable, and I caught "Juvies" tonight. It's interesting to watch. I don't know what goes on in court though, so that part is interesting to watch. I can't say that the system works. A lot of kids want to never come back to the facility, but you can never know if they will or not, a lot of it has to do with what they're going back to. Some kids are homeless, they have no families. A few come from a decent home have a slipped up. It really just depends. It really ranges.
I just try to treat them like I would any student. Maybe that's not the best approach, but I feel that it's my style of teaching. I know they're detainees. I know they've broken the law. I don't know how they broke the law and I don't ask. Maybe all they really need is a chance to make a good decision. Even if it means a good decision in my art class.
I just try to treat them like I would any student. Maybe that's not the best approach, but I feel that it's my style of teaching. I know they're detainees. I know they've broken the law. I don't know how they broke the law and I don't ask. Maybe all they really need is a chance to make a good decision. Even if it means a good decision in my art class.
Back on line
Yeah! I have cable..although, not the package I ordered, and by the way never EVER use "Allconnect" to help you save time and energy for signing up for other utilities... They got everything wrong, and I still have to call... oh well.. At least I know I'll never do that again.
Anyway, it's nice to feel connected to the world again.
Possible snow day tomorrow!!! Let's hope! It's February and I still haven't seen much snow. And if it's going to be cold there might as well be snow.
Anyway, it's nice to feel connected to the world again.
Possible snow day tomorrow!!! Let's hope! It's February and I still haven't seen much snow. And if it's going to be cold there might as well be snow.
Friday, February 02, 2007
While unpacking.........
I realized I had way to much stuff
I don't ever need another candle holder...ever
I still can't find my dishes
I have lots of art supplies, photos, and strange memorabilia (why did I keep things?)
I walked up 3 flights of stairs more than I can count
I love my hardwood floors, but sad that 80% of it has to be covered
I love my dining table even though it's heavy
I still have to move all my books
Everything will fit somehow
I broke a glass and cut my foot...first time ever!
Even washing cutlery is fun in a new place!
I need a dresser and places for people to sit
I can't wait to cook my first meal
I love that there is a nice grocery store a stones throw a way from my apartment
With a huge wine and cheese selection!
There is a coffee shop down if you turn left or right.
And....... a William Sonoma
I'm 6 blocks from King Street
I think it's worth the price I'm paying
I can't wait for visitors
Hopefully I won't move for a long time to come
I need sleep.....................
I don't ever need another candle holder...ever
I still can't find my dishes
I have lots of art supplies, photos, and strange memorabilia (why did I keep things?)
I walked up 3 flights of stairs more than I can count
I love my hardwood floors, but sad that 80% of it has to be covered
I love my dining table even though it's heavy
I still have to move all my books
Everything will fit somehow
I broke a glass and cut my foot...first time ever!
Even washing cutlery is fun in a new place!
I need a dresser and places for people to sit
I can't wait to cook my first meal
I love that there is a nice grocery store a stones throw a way from my apartment
With a huge wine and cheese selection!
There is a coffee shop down if you turn left or right.
And....... a William Sonoma
I'm 6 blocks from King Street
I think it's worth the price I'm paying
I can't wait for visitors
Hopefully I won't move for a long time to come
I need sleep.....................
Thursday, February 01, 2007
long day into short night
It's been a long day. A long week really. I've been back and forth from Gettysburg so many times, and it's not about to get easier in the next few days. I'm moving.
Which is fine, it's all for the greater good. But I could have done without today. Mostly because of what is going on at work, which I won't really talk about right now. I need to just focus on other things than absorb the stupidity of people around me. It was a 2 and a 1/2 hour meeting today. I really was done in for. I was so tired, and so spent, I just couldn't even deal with it anymore. I really am emotionally drained from that meeting. I really hope that it will bring some valid solutions to the table. I think what's going to happen is that we're all going to be watched for the rest of the year. Every move we make will be documented. Who needs that in their life?
But in other news I did start moving, I think my apartment is going to be cozy. I even got to open a couple of boxes today. I had forgotten about some of the things I have. It was funny. There was even a tin I hadn't opened since I left New Mexico. It was filled with random pictures, magnets. I must have just dumped it all in there. How funny. Anyway, I think I feel good about this place. It's going to take time to find a place for everything to go.
Night..... need some early bed.
Which is fine, it's all for the greater good. But I could have done without today. Mostly because of what is going on at work, which I won't really talk about right now. I need to just focus on other things than absorb the stupidity of people around me. It was a 2 and a 1/2 hour meeting today. I really was done in for. I was so tired, and so spent, I just couldn't even deal with it anymore. I really am emotionally drained from that meeting. I really hope that it will bring some valid solutions to the table. I think what's going to happen is that we're all going to be watched for the rest of the year. Every move we make will be documented. Who needs that in their life?
But in other news I did start moving, I think my apartment is going to be cozy. I even got to open a couple of boxes today. I had forgotten about some of the things I have. It was funny. There was even a tin I hadn't opened since I left New Mexico. It was filled with random pictures, magnets. I must have just dumped it all in there. How funny. Anyway, I think I feel good about this place. It's going to take time to find a place for everything to go.
Night..... need some early bed.
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