Miscellaneous Missives

It seems everyone asks the same question of me over spring break, "Are you going anywhere?" The answer is always the same, "No, I'm not."  It's OK.  I've actually had a productive spring break as I posted earlier in the week. I wish I would have taken a picture of the recycling (cans, bottles, pizza boxes (organic recycling)) after Tuesday's little happy hour at my house.  It was fun to see everyone, and we were a wee bit less stressed than the Friday before when some of us congregated.  After all, I think that's the purpose of spring break.  Everyone was pleased with everything except for the fact that I didn't have straws (metal or plastic) for those not drinking beer.  A) Why don't you drink beer? B) Don't those straws get disgusting in side?  C) How do you clean them?  DW?  Brush?  Combination?  Anyway, it was an interesting conversation, and I might look into reusable straw.  All left happy (I hope not too happy.). ...

I know it's only Tuesday, but I'm crushing spring break.  Exercise: Saturday- I rode outside.  I also did abs and kettlebells. Sunday- I did spin class and rode outside. I also did abs. Monday- I did spin class.  I also did abs and kettlebells. Tuesday- Well, my plan is to ride outside, but I've done abs for sure. I hope this continues. Mundane: I have cleaned out closet and have a pile for Old School (new Steeple People). I have graded all students' research notes. I have finished my plans for the upcoming poetry unit. Plus, I am going to try to delete all photos that incredulously showed up in triple on iCloud.  I think one copy will suffice.  Watch out folks... I'm getting shit done.

While my other classes are doing group research around a child labor (sweatshops, mining for cellphone materials, hand-stitching soccer balls...), my honors students are researching a current event.  They need to find the conservative and liberal side of the event.  Some are having a difficult time figuring out which side is which.  "So the conservative side follows the rules?" one asked.  Each time this conversation comes up, one student says, "The liberal side is nice."  I always have to remind her to keep her opinion to herself, but we know she's right (I mean correct.). Happy Monday!

It's been a crazy week.  I've decided that my life is fairly mundane and posting once a week is sufficient.  My last post was the P!nk concert, and I'm still thinking about how it may have been the best show I've ever seen. This week has brought concerts, professional development, walk outs, conferences, and birthday celebrations.  It's been a fun week, but I'm a bit tired.  My favorite two stories this week are kid related.  Our students followed other students and walked out on Wednesday.  When the walk-out was first announced through social media, one of our eighth graders had started planning a walk-out.  The eighth graders had already done a mini-walk-out after lunch one day.  He talked to me and another teacher for advice.  He wanted the students to know the reason and take it seriously.  Later, when it looked like many schools were going to participate, the administration became involved.  I was disappointed because...

At the last minute we purchased tickets to the P!nk concert at the Xcel Center in St. Paul.  It was a bit concerning knowing that our seats were obstructed view, but they were within our price range. Even at the beginning, it looked like we wouldn't be able to see everything, but once the curtains opened, it was amazing.  P!nk started by telling us she was sick in Minneapolis once again, "I was sick last time I was her, which was dumb. Guess what?  I'm sick again.  I'm just gonna ignore it. If it gets to the point where I sound awful, just sing louder than I do."  She was amazing. P!nk is empowering in her words and music.

Last night, when I noticed other districts were closing.  I posted to Facebook that my district was going to close too.  About thirty minutes later, I received the call from the district announcing they were, indeed, closing.  I should have had my pre-observation and observation today.  This means I've spent my entire morning trying to redo my lesson plans and everything that goes along with preparing to teach.  Now I know how to change my schedule to incorporate today's snow day.  Plus, I needed to figure out plans for my next unit (to the best of my ability), so I could reschedule my observation since the schedule is full to quite full. I also made the mistake of being a bit overzealous with my new kettlebell routine and now have a sore back.  At least now I know my limitations. Did I mention that it's 11:09, and we still don't have snow.  I'm not sure about the extent of the ice since I haven't been outside, but the sidewalk does not l...

It's March!  I'm excited because February typically sucks... just saying.  I'm co-parenting Britt for the next ten days.  She's splitting her time between my house and another.  Our walks are good for both of us. Life is fairly boring.  I'm trying to ignore the lunacy of 45 and the NRA.  Although I'm a bit excited about getting a bonus for carrying a fire arm as a teacher.  What could go wrong? Students are researching products made using child labor.  We had to have a conversation about Canada.  Even though you see Canada mentioned several times, read further.  Canada is part of the solution, not the problem.  It could be interesting. I'm also looking through my Watch Your F*cking Language book.  "Today's quote:  In German, 'Dummes Huhn' means: Stupid Chicken."  It may come in useful today, or not...