Miscellaneous Missives

Recently I read the book Stamped by Ibram X, Kendi .  It was a read that taught me so much about assimilation, racism, etc.  Jason Reynolds redid the novel for YA.  NCTE (National Council Teachers of English) had a Zoom tonight with both authors.  It was amazing.  My fellow teachers and I took a hit today about education and digital learning.  Kendi and Reynolds put it into perspective.  It was an amazing hour.  IMHO my school is widening the "achievement gap," these two me and others put it into perspective. It was the best hour of the day.  So much was covered in the hour, but the quote that speaks out to the injustices of today's decisions by our admin is:  " It is not an option not to try."  We have to be present for our students!  They need to get an education.

Today I put together two kids bikes for my friend.  I was a bit nervous when she said they came in a box, but it was doable.  Luckily, she had two neighbors outside that were able to lend an allen wrench since mine were all too small.  The kids were able to ride their bikes in this gorgeous weather.  It was a perfect activity for April and #30daysofbiking.  Of course, I was able to ride my bike later. We even took a walk to get take out from a neighborhood diner and walk through the park on the way back to see what treasures were in the tree.  The twins looked and were going to bring a treasure to add later.  This is spring!!

I knew we wouldn't be going back to school this year.  My logical side said it wouldn't be possible.  Today, however, when Governor Walz made the final announcement, I was still a bit emotional.  Teaching from home is not the same... obvi.  It's difficult.  Even though students can sometimes drive me crazy, I actually really miss them.  With each communication, I see their faces and think of really positive things about each student. Governor Walz made today's announcement with logic and emotion.  It was obvious that it was a tough decision for hm and that he actually cares about students and teachers.  I am proud of our governor.  This is the best decision, but it's still really difficult. 

Working out with P1nk Today I woke up a little irritable with sinus pain all over my face.  I did my morning workout and took Sudafed, but my mood was still a little deflated.  Then I joined P!nk in her Instagram Live workout, and my mood changed. It was fun!!  Later I took my computer outside to work.  I listened to the cardinal and did my work. To make the day complete, I joined my final meeting of the day via my Airpods and iPhone as I drove to the golf course.  My first round of golf this season was decent.  Of course, I followed it up with a bike ride.  I ended the day sitting on my deck with a beer.  #icandothis

Yesterday I was overwhelmed.  To be honest, I really wasn't that productive.  This morning started out with a meeting, and I've already been more productive today than I was all of yesterday.  My goal today is to tackle an outline of what media literacy looks like through digital learning.  I'm afraid of addressing race, gender, sexuality, etc. in the media without having a classroom discussion.  Although I could hold a Google Meet, that has it's own disadvantages when discussing these topics.  Plus, I don't pay that much attention in many Google Meets.  How can I expect my kids to pay attention?

The days are all blending together, and it's beginning to be ordinary.  Life is hectic and boring at the same time, and I'm not really sure how to explain it.  I, however, have been biking each day in April.  Today was 19/19.  It makes me feel somewhat human.  Grading also added a human aspect today. It is clear from the students journals that they are also struggling with this new ordinary.  Funny, how I wish I could see them, so they could drive me crazy.

Still riding every day in April eve if it's short distances. The truth is I'm struggling with this Stay at Home and Distance Learning stuff.  I'm a people person.  I really like people.  I've been trying to keep peace with myself by being active, but it's dang cold outside.  Today was a tough day, and I'm thankful for those folks that still check in on me.  I'll do better tomorrow.  Unfortunately, I have nothing to say about today with the exception that it was exhausting (mentally not physically), and it's not quite 9:00 and time for bed.  Tomorrow's a new day.

It's snowing out again today, and it hurts my heart.  Last week we had a few beautiful days with temperatures in the 60s.  I even took the storm door off the door and replaced it with the screen.  Things were looking up.  Not only is it cold outside, it's cold in my place each day before I go to the thermostat and make the change.  The poor thermostat still thinks I'm leaving for work.  The truth is I"m not really leaving much.  Finally, I decided I may as well change the thermostat, so the temperature wouldn't plummet throughout the morning.  Yep, the is the excitement happening inside my home/workspace today. 

At least I have clothes and cover... poor robin. I feel that this Covid19, stay at home, distance learning is teaching me a lot about perception.  Yes, I'm reaching out to students and parents. No, many students are still not doing their work.  Yes, I'm frustrated and working harder than ever. No, I haven't forgotten that parents are too.  Today I used our language banc (why banc and not bank?) to call the parents of 7 students.  It took 1.5 hours.  Only two parents picked up which is not surprising.  I was able to leave messages for the rest.  It wasn't necessarily a waste of my time, but it did take a lot of time.  I'm on my association board, and tonight we had our meeting via Zoom after spending all day in online meetings and at my computer.  We discussed the current economic situation and how it affects our landscaping project.  Many people are experiencing financial difficulties. I'm reminded that even though my career i...

I love the sunrise Easter at my church, but I've been watching another service during these days of online worship.  Today my plan was to watch both services (8:30 my church, 10:00 other).  When I turned in at 8:30, I was confused.  The video said live, the website said live, but there were people inside the art gallery during the service.  Why these people in the service?  Then came the Passing of the Peace.  People were shaking hands... what?!  Finally 2019 was mentioned in the sermon.  Ahh.... Currently, I'm eating my breakfast, drinking coffee and watching the next Easter service.  It's quite wonderful!  Happy Easter.

I've been feeling a bit guilty about going out to the grocery store without wearing a mask.  Although I've thought about using one of my many bandanas, I haven't done that either.  As I continue this Stay at Home and look at the numbers of Covid19 rising, I am reminded that this might be far from over.  Today my neighbor handed me this mask that she sewed for me.  It's layered and intricate.  This is the push I needed.  It will be worn the next time I go outside.

We don't have school today.  I'm going to do my best to ignore everything related to school (emails, planning, making videos for Monday, all of it...).  As of noon, I'm doing well.  I've texted a colleague a bit then asked her to email me, and I'd look at it tomorrow.  I also looked at email once and replied to a parent.  This seems like a lot, but this is good for me.  I'm letting it all go for today at least.  I am organizing.  I bought a shelving unit for my closet and put it together yesterday.  As of noon, I have three trash bags of clothes for the good will.  My closets are organized.  The picture might not look all that organized, but trust me, it's a huge change.  Unfortunately, I didn't do a before and after picture.  Although I'm still in my workout clothes and haven't shower, I'm actually getting stuff done!!  #bringit

Looking for Something Better Britt went home yesterday after spending three days with me... food was gone.  Honestly, Britt was what I needed.  I was able to work out in the morning (with some disruptions from Britt that thought it was play time), get 10,1000 steps a day, and ride my bike.  Britt, however, reminded me that I don't need a dog companion to get up throughout the day and walk.  I need to stay sane through this distance learning stuff, and it's really difficult.  It's a new balance of keeping work and personal in different realms, but it's more difficult.  I'm learning about myself and the need to have others around me.  I need to do a better job at this.  This morning I did my rest day stretch to a video I haven't used before.  I really like Sydney Cummings.  Today was all about breathing. We've got this my friends.

It seems days are starting to run into each other.  All day I had to remind myself it was Tuesday.  I've been doing the same thing every day.  First, I workout.  Next I login to my new career as a Distance Learning teacher.  As the day progresses, I take walks as needed.  Granted, having Britt here has been delightful since she's a great helper with this distance learning stuff.  When I'm done with my distance learning, I take a bike ride.  Yesterday, I was complaining about the monotony of the day until I went for my ride.  My ride actually made my day an awesome day.  I need to get used to each day being the same.  #thistooshallpass.

Britt has really proven to be a great distraction during Distance Learning.  During yesterday's grade level meeting, I ate jelly beans and played with Britt.  It made things more enjoyable.  We also went on several walks throughout the day.  When we came across the arm pictured above, I reminded Britt that she didn't need to stay at arm's length.  We had a good day.  Although our walks were the main accomplishment, we also finished grading the five paragraph essays.  Unfortunately, it was made much easier since only approximately 50% of the students completed this essay. 

Yesterday day was one of the first truly productive days of the Stay at Home thing.  I woke up, worked out, called Dad, rode my bike and met a friend and her dog (Britt) for a walk.  She had offered loaning me Britt for a few days and followed through.  Since Britt only came with food, we walked to the neighborhood pet store and bought treats and a toy.  It was a great day.  Plus, I did a little reading with Britt curled up on my couch. 

I'm not really a television or movie watcher.  Recently, after reading a lot and talking to people, I started watching Tiger King .  I didn't watch over two episodes at a time, but for some reason, I couldn't stop watching.  Crazy, it's absolutely crazy.  All I can think of is this is the south at it's finest, but that really isn't fair.  No spoilers but this show is full of weird events.  I have now started watching Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez .  This social distance isolation stuff is making me do things I wouldn't typically do.

Wow!  It seems like everything is starting to blend together.  I really miss the person to person interaction.  This Zoom and GoogleMeet is not quite enough.  That being said Kevin Fraser from Entertainment Tonight joined our staff meeting via GoogleMeet.   It was definitely the best part of the meeting.  Last night I had my regular Zoom happy hour with my colleagues.  It's weird, but we really do miss each other and enjoy meeting up.  We even helped a colleague with hanging new art work.  I left that meeting early to meet up with some of my RAGBRAI friends, and it did not disappoint.  I guess this has to do until we can talk to each other in person.

Part of this distance learning thing is waiting...  I sent emails to students who still hadn't started their essay and/or contacted me today.  Then, I sat and waited for their responses.  Of course, not all responded, but many did.  The emails between staff members today was exhausting.  I kept waiting for someone to reply with logic instead of emotion.  Reminding myself that everyone is stressed, I tried to remain calm.  For others, I think they're trying to control life at school since life at home is chaotic.  I get it.  This is tough on everyone.  Lucky for me, I have my bike.  Once again today I went out for a ride at 3:15 as soon as I was able to disconnect from the computer machine.  Not too far from home, I was waiting again.  This time I was waiting on a lengthy train to pass.

Social distancing is horrible.  I'm a people person, and I'm really bored.  Yesterday I worked out, answered students' emails, worked on curriculum, walked when the Fitbit went off, and rode my bike.  By 6:00 I had nothing to do.  To pass the time I got my Swearing Like a Mother Fucking Middle Teacher coloring book out along with a glass of wine.  It kept me occupied and actually calmed for a couple of hours.  Not being around humans is driving me crazy.  I did finish How to Be a Racist by Ibram X. Kendi.  It's a book I would reread... so much... It was an informative read.  Life is still fairly boring, but I'm thankful I'm healthy.

Although Zoom with colleagues and an alcoholic beverage is fun, Google Meet with someone from the district or with students is not fun. First thing yesterday, we had a morning meeting with the a district curriculum person.  She literally read off documents we already had and talked to us for 35 of the 45 minutes.  Her first clue that folks weren't paying attention might have come when everyone had their cameras off.  While she was blathering on, I Google chatted with the other presenter (screenshot above).  He did a fine job and only needed 10 minutes of our time. In the afternoon, I did an impromptu Google Meet with students to help them with their essays.  It was super annoying.  One girl was literally in bed under the covers.  I tried to give help by going over the documents I had already shared with them.  Let's be honest, they have videos, help documents and clear plans. They have the help on their computer machines.  Anyone on the...