Creatively Speaking

Seussical the Musical

2012-01-13T10:03:00.001-06:00

Some of the ways I get to use my creativity is being a director. The first show if this year was our Musical, myself and two other teachers at our school, work our tail off to put on an amazing production. This year our production was Seussical! The Musical, it was a fantastic production and everybody worked very hard. Below are some of my favorite pictures and scenes!!!

Gertrude and Cat as Doctor Dake

Thing 1 & 2 with Vlad Vladikaff

Mayzie La Bird sitting on her nest, not real happy about her egg situation.

Horton & Gertrude and the clover

Gertrude and her really long tail!

JoJo and the Cat during "Having a Hunch" (The Hunches looked like big blobs with arms, and read really well on stage!!

WHO'S: We choose to do Who's in all yellow and it looked great!

The Butter Battle

Wickersham Brothers with our Ladder Tree

Part of the opening Scene and our Jungle of Nool

McGelligots pool!! We borrowed a lot of fabric for this and made a bath tub!! Loved this scene!

Jojo's think: an ELEPHANT BIRD

Egg Nest and Tree!! (Loved this tree)

Final Scenes with the new word and think!

If you want more information or where we got, how we made, any of the items you see, please email me!

2012-01-09T10:31:00.001-06:00

Welcome everyone,

If you haven't noticed there is a slight change to the title of my blog. After 6 months of pondering and searching I came to the conclusion that I have a very creative life. I have decided to reformat this blog to showcase that creative side of my life. This Blog is still attached to my creative writing class, so keep up to date on the musings of the high school students I teach!!!

This blog will now have posts, about current show's I am working on, classroom ideas, books, Pinterest, fashion and all of the other creative area's of my life. Please still follow this blog, as well as on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

Creatively Yours,

Sarah

The "but" factor

2011-04-13T14:27:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like my life is a big oxymoron, I like this but not that, I enjoy this, but not when it looks like that...
As someone who is attempting to find balance and looking all over for it, I am finding that more of my life has the "but" factor. I am a pretty positive person in the majority of area's in my life, but it takes a lot for me to every be truly comfortable in positivity, because I react in conversation and discussion in more of a pessimistic way.

Let's take my current job, I love it. I have no reason to not enjoy every single moment of it, but today I feel like a huge failure, I am seeing the future of education get sucked away to a place filled with worksheets and spoon-feeding. As teachers we are pushed to do so many things, try something new, use social media, etc etc, BUT then we are failing at creating students who can function with out it and/or alongside it.

Like most most schools we are facing budget cuts, thus promoting negativity and speculation all over the place. The students are creating rumors, teachers are hypothesizing and what it boils down to is that people are getting hurt and students are loosing out on great opportunities. We are cutting things that create what I believe is the most "well rounded" students possible. But at least I have a job.

The "but" factor isn't only in my job, it is seeped into my personal life as well. I love that I own my home, and I did it with out assistance, but I loathe that time of the month when something bad happens and I have to call my father or my guy friends. TRUE STORY: I woke up in the middle of the night because I thought some body was breaking into my house, called my guy friend...it turned out to be something had fallen off a shelf in my shower. I totally felt like an idiot.

I know that when it comes do dating people look at me and see a girl who has it all together, great job, great house, can manage on her own BUT sometimes that gets boring. I know I can manage on my own, except when some body attempts to break in, however, some days I don't want to. (Other days that is what I would prefer :)

I think I have just come to the conclusion that in dealing with the "but" factor, you realize that there is always two sides to a story, but it is which side you choose that will function for you in the long run. BUT...

A love for reading...

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

When I was little I loved reading! My Grandma was a Librarian in North Dakota and it was great to be able to spend a week with her and see how many books I could get done; that was at age 10. At age 18-23 for me reading was spent on College Lit, Master's Lit or on a rare occasion Chick lit on my vacation (The few times I was able to read for pleasure). Now at age 28 I have found that being able to read for plesure is a must for me.

Over the past snow days I read 2 books in one day and I was jazzed about it. My parents surprised me with a Kindle and I was pretty happy about that. I now have 21 books downloaded on it, and it is easy to carry around in my purse. Currently I am reading Chelsea Handler's first book and Soul Identity. But on top of that, I have a pile of books to be read.

After reading this....all I was thinking was "Cool Story Bro" I am not exactly where I intended to say with the post, but yay reading!

Sometimes I forget that I need to blog....

2011-03-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

I wish I could say that there is a legitimate reason as to my lack of blogging, but there really isn't. To be honest, I have been preferring Twitter over this becuase I am only able to think in 140 characters. (kidding)

Time to rock a little "Bridget Jones' Diary" action:
Date: March 25
Relationship status: Complicated
Job status: Love, love love it; Teaching high school is wonderful.
Vices: Girl scout cookies, mint chip ice cream, movies, fried food, etc.
Life: I really can't say that it sucks, I have great friends, great students, the cutest dog in the world, and a wonderful family. I am not feeling that I am missing out anything. Of course, I would love to have a little more cash in my pocket, but who wouldn't?

Moving on...

As previously stated, I love my job, it is one of the top 5 things that bring me joy. However, with every moment of my job there is an equally frustrating moment, like budget cuts, reading comprehension, pushing students to try, and go out on a limb, standards and what not. It also doesn't help that there is some major backlash going in and against my profession. With that being said, a lot of my time has been spent thinking about and what I want it to look like. Do I want to get another degree? Should it be in Administration? Or should I further into a specific area, theater? communications? education? and teach at the college level? Who knows, I still have plenty of time to decide!

Glad I remembered to blog today. :)

What does love mean...

2011-02-07T15:37:00.000-06:00

I have been questioning what love is and what it looks like a lot, I came across this email and I thought I should share, I still don't think I know the answer but these are sweet moments to help me and you find it.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds ,

'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined

See what you think:

'When my grandmother got arthritis , she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.. So my grandfather does it for her all the time , even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8

'When someone loves you , the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4

'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl - age 5

'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6

'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4

'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him , to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7

'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing , you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that.
They look gross when they kiss' Emily - age 8

'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents
and listen.' Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

'If you want to learn to love better , you should start with a friend who you hate , ' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt , then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 7

'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6

'During my piano recital , I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8

'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'
Clare - age 6

'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford .' Chris - age 7

'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4

'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'Lauren - age 4

When you love somebody , your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7

'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 6

'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it , you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8

And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry , the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard , climbed onto his lap , and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor , the little boy said ,

'Nothing , I just helped him cry'

Happiness is...

2011-01-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

Today is Friday time for positive energy:

I the play "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" there is a song called Happiness. Today my happiness is:
1. A Video of my Nephew and his new found Muscles.
2. My Student teacher, bringing me Starbucks.
3. Glee Volume 4 on the iPod.
4. My puppy, Bradshaw, just wanting my attention.
5. Having hilarious students that can do and say silly things that just make you smile. (Evan that is to you and your "Situation")
6. Having a boyfriend who listens and can get just as fired up about the same things I do.
7. Friends who make you nachos, take you out to dinner, or send you texts with a cartoon naked butt that you can only smile at.
8. Work with people who sincerely care about you and will stop what they are doing to listen.
9. A Mom who is predicting that she will be living at my house in her old age...doesn't she know a Nursing home will still be acceptable, but feels that it is necessary to send that message to me over Facebook
10. Jersey Shore...nuff said!

Hope you all have some happiness this weekend!

Failure

2011-01-27T14:59:00.000-06:00

I am really bothered today, and it came after having a conversation with my administrators. Here are the facts, I enjoy my job, I have days that are better than other, but I really enjoy what I do. I know that this is where I should be.

Today, however, I was told that people are wanting to see me fail or to be cut down. I have a really hard time with this. Why would anybody want to see some one fail, get in trouble, or cut a person down. I was told that my personality isn't accepted by all people. Okay....? I understand that I may not be everybody's favorite nor do I want to be. I also know that I may not always get a long with everybody, but I never EVER would wish failure, or disappointment on some one. Why are people threatened by smart, successful some what confidant individuals? And if you are threatened why wouldn't you strive to be more like them or at least appreciate some quality about that person. I don't love everybody in the world, but I will find some good or positive and/or appreciate what he or she may bring to the table.

This is a really hard thing for me to grasp, because being cut down or wish failure on someone seems so harsh. Don't get me wrong, in competition I have wished other people to not be as successful as I believed we were, but graciousness and class was still exuded from me. For instance, North Platte consistently wind our district in One-Act. The director is smug and uppity. however when they won, I said congrats and wished them well. I will congratulate a winner even if I wanted to win, that is a part of the game. I would look and process what they were successful at and use that to make myself successful. I am so very irritated.

Sneaky Sneakers

2011-01-21T13:16:00.000-06:00

This is dedicated to Justine:

Today I was glancing over to Justine's computer and I was told not to because I am a sneaky sneaker. This name calling reminded me of the talking sneakers that I used to watch on Saturday Morning Cartoons or maybe Sesame Street. So my mind wants to create a story about a sneaky sneaker who steals skittles and wears a sombrero. I think his name will be Sandeiago and he will look something like this: His sole will be filled with salt and with every step he will sing a song Styx.

To be continued....

Today I received a very important email...

2011-01-13T14:41:00.004-06:00

While I was busy teaching and changing the world, one student at a time, I received this very important email: enough said!

Why I teach Creative Writing....

2011-01-07T10:11:00.000-06:00

So this week I asked my new Creative Writing students to tell me why they wanted to take this class, I think it is only fair to say why I am glad I teach this class. For the students who know me, you know that I am pretty easy to get along with I that I enjoy laughing. I believe that having the ability to be creative and also the privilege to facilitate students creativity I am a happy teacher.

Being creative is something many people, students included, find frustrating and I can't figure out why. Maybe it is because they didn't have the imagination that I had as a kid. Or people are so tightly wound that they forget what it is like to let your mind run wild. (Something I hope the students in this class do). I keep trying to change some ways that we are going to create in this class and if you have any idea's please let me know. I hope you do enjoy the blogging and that all of you will reply to every body's at least 2 times and enjoy this class as much as I enjoy teaching it.

Birthday Week....

2010-11-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

So this week is my birthday week...I have always been a fan of my birthday just because I see it as a social gathering and a fun time to celebrate. I have lived on this earth for 28 years and as my mother keeps reminding me, "Look at what you have done in those 28 years." Yes I have a accomplished a lot, and I am very proud of these things. Yet I think and I think other people view as though something is missing. Lately I have been reminded by my students, about the fact that I am not married. Some have even asked me if I would marry them...(that student is a little odd and I graciously declined) however, I also was reminded by the fact that I am still very hesitant about this idea. I know I want to be in love and share my life with someone who balances me and can handle my ups, downs, ins, outs etc. Yet I am haunted by the "just know" factor. I really don't think I believe in it. Here is that thing...I have had great men in my life and a few of them had hoped that the "just know" feeling would happen...it didn't. Currently I am in a long distance relationship, which is all well and good, but at the same time does the distance take away the "just know" feeling? Do I have to move to feel it? What if I do and it doesn't work out...it seems like to many risks and I am not sure I have the ability to take them.

I know that first part seems to be a bit of a "Carrie Bradshaw" moment, but we need some of those sometimes. Since my mind has been racing over thoughts like this an inner monologue seemed to fit the bill why not add a side quotations just to really get the point across. :)

Holy Crap it is summer....

2010-06-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

Things are finally slowing down and I am realizing that I will actually be able to start enjoying my summer soon. Currently I am working 4ish jobs : teaching summer school, Bath and Body Works, managing and running the Theater, and working on curriculum for next year! It seems crazy I know, but I have debt...so you do what you have to do. :)

I am not trying to complain I am just realizing that time is becoming a battle for me and I love it. I work better being pushed and I find that I get more from myself when I am being challenged and having to find balance. Currently it isn't the finding time I am struggling with, it's the finding balance.

At this point in time, I am balancing work, play, classes, and family. If I was to really geek out I could pie chart where my time is going but I won't. Most of my time is going to the jobs and the play. Both are truly enjoyable, however I am neglecting other things too. How do you keep the balance?

Random thoughts....

2010-04-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

I realize that this blog is a bit sporadic, and there is no general theme but more of the randomness that is my life. Certain days different things inspire me, be that the amazing person I was dating, my family, a current issue, my students, or whatever else floats my boat. Lately, I have lost some of that inspiration and myself. As I continue to age gracefully I am forced to learn more things about myself and the reasons' I do what I do, or react the way I react. These realizations have brought me to the conclusion that I am afraid of a lot of things. I am not the creeper who can’t go outside or is afraid of the sun, I am fearful of deeper things. I am afraid to open myself up to love, I am afraid to be okay with just existing, I am afraid of disappointing people be that my family or my friends, I am afraid of letting people down because I can't complete that task or tasks that have given me.

I have been trying to gain some clarity as to why I am so fearful of things, and currently I can't. So I am stuck in these random thoughts, floating around my head, and being unable to decipher through the mess that is in my brain. This has prompted me to become more of a hermit, start dating my DVR, and continue to blog about randomness.

...Thank you Bill Maher!

2010-03-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

NEW RULE: LET'S NOT FIRE TEACHERS WHEN STUDENTS DON'T LEARN --- LETS FIRE PARENTS

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-maher/new-rule-dont-fire-the-te_b_497554.html

Chivalry is still alive...in case you didn't know!

2010-03-15T15:17:00.001-05:00

When I taught British Literature, one of my favorite units to teach was Canterbury Tale's, partly because I enjoyed the tales, but also because I exposed students to the word "Chivalry". I loved asking the students to think about what it meant to be chivalrous, and how it is more the opening doors and not speaking ill of each other, it was a real code to live by.

This code seems to have gone by the wayside for some people, myself included. I hear myself weekly say to my students' "kindness" when they speak poorly of someone or something. I see them going out of their way to create a problems for another student, and so few of them remember what it takes to "pay it forward" or to be aware of the people around you and help more people than just themselves. For the majority of the younger generation this code does not exist in their life or in their vocabulary.

But being a Generation Y, I have regained some appreciation for this code of conduct. Pretty much because I am dating one of the most chivalrous people I have ever encountered. I often forget that he is going open the door for me, help me get out of the car, carry things for me or give me compliments galore, and speak so highly of me and my accomplishments that my head may start to explode. I really didn't know that people still do nice things for people, practically every day. I know my days of cynicism and independence may have dampened my view of this great code, but who doesn’t appreciate someone giving gifts not for a special occasion or because they need to say "I'm sorry" but to make a girl feel like a lady.

I honestly think and feel that if more people practiced chivalry in their everyday life, the ideas that we know as "kindness" and "paying it forward" would be so surprising but could morph into becoming an actual expectation of all generations. So often people see the Baby Boomers giving the X's and Y's hints of what a man should do when it comes to dating a woman, but unfortunately these idea's become fodder for scrutiny and shock. Chivalry is a concept that goes beyond just dating but can filter in to being a better student, teacher, principal, business-person, family member etc. LONG LIVE CHIVLARY!

Please remove whatever it is that is making people crabby....

2010-03-03T12:24:00.002-06:00

I spent the last weekend in Madison, Wisconsin and aside from a sickly ride home.it was fantastic. I honestly miss a bigger city and the ability to be a free thinking individual without receiving backlash from people. Granted there is not a place you can go that doesn't receive backlash but lately it seems to be coming on full force. I am not sure why or how, but I want to chalk it up to the weather.

I understand that majority of the people in this town are more conservative then I am, I also understand that religion is very important to almost everybody, but why is a difference in opinion such a bad thing? Or if you stray off their path you are considered a bad person, poor role model, or you are jeopardizing your job. I was raised in a Catholic/Christian home and I am very thankful for that. But the fact is that I am not going to inflict my views on anybody else, nor is it my place to judge you for yours. I promise you that majority of people who truly know a person, know that they are good, sincere, and wouldn't do harm to anyone, but really, because you are afraid of free thinking individuals you believe that you have a right to judge them....I think not. Or if something is put on display that makes you uncomfortable you have a right write those people a letter and judge away...Last time I checked the only people who are free to pass judgment on other people, are the ones in a black Robe, sitting on a stand, with a Law degree and the word Judge in front of their name.

I personally feel that if you can't handle the things that go on in public, I am going to assume that you don't watch TV, or have much of a personality. But thanks for opinions anyway, I do respect them, just may not agree with them!

Valentine's Day...

2010-02-17T15:21:00.018-06:00

I used to refer to February 14 as "Single Awareness Day" and I have never been a huge fan. I have celebrated it in the past and they were cute and innocent but nothing was as enjoyable as my most recent Sunday. I am in a relationship (yes, we are no longer just dating) with someone who is very sweet, romantic and pretty much wants to make any bad thing that happened in my past relationships never happen again. Over the course of three days he did just that.

After a stressful week of parent teacher conferences, finishing a show, and trying to get things prepared for the rest of the month I was really looking forward to a weekend of relaxation. I got just that. I spent my day off which was Friday, in the big city had some delicious food, fun times and great shopping with my girlfriends. We went to "Chicago" the Musical and continued to laugh and be silly into the next day. I came back from the big city to spend time with the man and his son. Both of these men brought a huge smile to my face and made me laugh as we watched "Miss Spider" and cut out hearts for the Valentine Tree (Taking down the Christmas tree at his house hasn't happened yet so we morphed it into a Super Bowl Tree and a Valentine Tree.) As I was hanging out with the boys, his son wanted to make sure I opened a present, so present #2 Mood Rings. Totally random and totally us. We were having some silly conversation about them and how the town we lived in needed a store that sold random things It was cute and thoughtful and perfect. But a memorable part for me was when his son wanted to wear mine the rest of the day. He is 2, so it kept falling of his fingers... too cute. The day ended with pizza and family bonding over basketball. (Present #1 was Doggie Stairs, my bed is big, my dog is little and I am yelled/barked at for being on the bed and Bradshaw is too little to get up there....I tweeted about it, he saw it, bought and put together the stairs)

Okay, so if you are still reading this and aren't ready to vomit there was the actual day...although he had made plans to go see a movie that refuses to come to our town, the weather didn't allow it. So instead we hung out, and answered questions from the "IF" book. For example, "If you could pick to musicians to make a duet, who would they be and why?" silly things like that...it was followed by GLEE, (present #3 was a pink t-shirt that said "Gleek:" on it... Excited!!!) Leftovers for lunch and the Matinee of "Valentine's Day" the movie. Mind you...my favorite’s scene from the previews was when Jennifer Garner was demolishing the heart piñata...I assumed that was going to be me...obviously things have changed. After the movie, a walk with Starbucks through Target and he cooked me a homemade meal...I could not be happier.

This blog is not intended to be like I am rubbing things in, and no matter what, I think Valentine's Day is a little Hallmark created...but the happiness that I felt and the coincided with this year was indescribable and retelling it still brings a smile to my face.

Lesson Learned: You may not always love February 14th but someday you will find that February 14 is a day to just open yourself up to love...

So you came to check out my guns....

2010-02-02T14:30:00.004-06:00

Check out his guns, this is my nephew one of the TOP 10 things that make me happy and one of the cutest babies I have ever held. Check out more cuteness at my sister's Blog http://roachkid.blogspot.com/

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Chaotic...and not the Britney kind.

2010-01-29T12:31:00.001-06:00

So this has been a very crazy 2 weeks, here is why...

1. House things: Majority of the main floor of my house is finished and painted, just working on the decorating. My new heater was installed. Trying to decided if I am going to move up the kitchen update. My microwave went out and I now have to actually cook things, not just reheat it.

2. School things: I have three rehearsals left until my third show this school year. My job is constantly expanding to include running our theater beyond just our school activities. Followed by state assessments, organizing activities for my drama kids to participate in, planning the final show, and the basic everyday teacher activities.

3. Personal things: I have allowed myself to be in a relationship, like a real adult relationship. I have also watched my friends get out of her not so adult relationship, or question their current relationships and I have the feeling that I am not being a good friend and /or girlfriend at the moment. My dog thinks that since he is alone all day, he should be awake all night. So to top it all off, I am becoming addicted to coffee and Red Bull.

I know in the big picture, these are minor things and know this, I am not complaining but really venting/processing the chaos that is becoming my life. I am really hopping I am not "shafting" my friends, family or the new relationship, but the "work/life balance idea" is something I am not sure I am very good at. I think part of this is my need to be social, and the fact that I have, in the past, put my things on hold for people and later resented them for that. Plus, I (thinking Aerosmith) don't want to miss a thing. I am willing to take responsibility in the fact that I brought the chaos on myself, but now I am need of some organizational skills to calm the chaos yet still please those who are important to me, and still maintain my sanity and happiness. Perplexing....

Dating Netflix...

2010-01-21T12:59:00.001-06:00

I think I am breaking up with Netflix...

Allow me some explanation, since October I have been dating my TV. After I moved into my house I made the relationship more serious by committing to Netflix. I loved the movies that would arrive and couldn't wait to watch them. I found enjoyment watching Paper Heart, (500) Days of Summer, All About Steve, etc. but lately my relationship with Netflix has dwindled. Due to the fact that my relationship with a real person has developed. Although I know my TV and my DVD player are missing our evenings together, the sweet flower and card I received from the real person is something they can't give me. This person is more romantic than any movie I have watched lately, he has surprised me with the all of the commonality, intellectual conversations, and the kind, meaningful words. I do declare...I am smitten with this person, and I like it. So I am sorry Netflix, you will be put on hold for a while...we may need to put our relationship on the back burner. Someone else has filled you shoes, I hope we can still be friends.

Thinking out of the box

2010-01-19T09:24:00.001-06:00

I take great joy in my job. I think teaching/facilitating high school kids is rewarding and life changing. It is with in my job that I have found a truly happy person, this being said, it becomes frustrating when you lack the ability to teach certain life skills such as critical thinking and common sense. I am searching for many different ways to facilitate in the expansion of the brain with regard to critical thinking and making connections.
As I reflect on my educational experience in high school, I was that kid the made the random connections that was different then what others were saying and/or thinking. I remember having to practice thinking "outside of the box" and was actually in a competition for that idea. It is my personal and professional opinion that to think "outside the box" is a lost art form. I remember my science teacher saying "I am not your mother and you are not a baby, I will not spoon feed you the answers." as students, we had to figure it out. Lately, my observations has been that many students can't figure things out on their own. Which makes me question, what have we done to our students? Are they too afraid to say the wrong answer? Are they so fried from the Internet, video games, YouTube, etc that we can't get them to think creatively? I admit that some of my teaching strategies lean to the boring side, I have yawned through them too, but there are some that require you JUST TO THINK, and some students can't/won't/don't know how to do that. For example, I could give a list of directions for students to follow, step by step instructions, and with out a doubt, I will have 5 hands, after I just explained the instructions and they have the step by step list in front of them, "So what are we supposed to do?" It sincerely is becoming a growing concern, because being the type of person I am I reflect on, what words were to confusing? How did they not get that? What did I do wrong? And unfortunately those questions do not seem to have a good answer. I look at some of the other teachers in this school and even the one I teach with, he seems to have no problem getting the students to understand what is expected of them. Granted, I think it could be due to subject matter, and the "fluff" that coincides with literature and writing, and maybe (please don't take offense to this) its also because he is a male, and their minds can simplify things more then a females. (Men are like waffles think in boxes, Women are like Spaghetti, random thoughts all mixed together.) Who knows? But I am not defeated, I will continue my quest for teaching the "out of the box" skills in hopes that maybe those 5 students hands who raise after hearing directions will be reduced to 3.

Blogger-Stalk

2010-01-13T12:12:00.001-06:00

I started this blog along with my Creative Writing students in 2009, it has been an entire year of this blog and I am desperate need of making updates to it. However, that is not the point of this, I wanted to let you all know that I now have new followers that are all a part of my second Creative Writing class. As one of the girls said today, "So we can 'Blogger-stalk' you?" I replied with, "I hope you do!" So if you are in the mood to "Blogger-Stalk" and are not a registered sex offender, feel free to follow my followers and be enlightened by the youth of the nation, or at least our town!

The New Year..Same me.

2010-01-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

So I am 10 days into the new year and not really feeling the newness. The extra days off due to the weather was nice, but the boredom that filled parts of my days..not so nice. There have been high's and medium's (not ghosts.. well maybe.. my house is kind of old) thus far, but my thoughts have been focused on three things:

1. How am I going to make all of the things in my house work?
2. Will owning a house, being independent and successful hinder and/or limit my options for a date? (I do live in a small town, the market for men is already limited)
3. When will the great ideas I have in my head, become my reality?

I know it seems a bit random, but since I swore that I would not go on a date until 2010 after the breakup, and wanted to give myself proper time to mourn the relationship and become self assured that what I chose to do was the best decision. I have found myself confident, happy and satisfied, so with that I felt like moving on in the dating world would be the next step. I am quickly reminded how much I don't like it. I watch awkwardness all day, I teach high school kids...hello screams awkward, so why would I want to experience the awkwardness again. I feel like I am pretty well known because of the size of the town and the fact that I really can't go anywhere with out someone knowing who I am. That point aside, I am realizing I have a small issue with the unknown. When I say unknown I am not talking Heaven or Hell but rather where are these guys coming from, why are you so nice, but haven't asked me out yet, or what are your expectations for me in this situation?? It is so confusing and awkward. I never thought at my age I would go back to the confusion, awkward, unknown situations.

It are those feelings that are haunting my second and third question, and are really becoming my 2010 focus, some day it will be New Year..New Me.

21st Century Teaching

2009-12-22T08:08:00.001-06:00

The school I work at is adopting the idea of becoming a 21st century school, that does not mean one to one computers or anything, but rather just making students aware of what it out there and prepared for what the business world and job market is like after high school. I am a huge fan of 21st century teaching, in fact this blog all started because of it, however I am not a fan of it when the tools for teaching in the 21st century are limited because of policies and political fears. As an avid user of social networking sites, including Twitter and Facebook, I see the benefits and positive things that they have brought to the global market. Some of the people on these sites offer great avenues of getting into and understanding the world outside of what majority of students are used too. Unfortunately, at the same time when these communication devices are not readily available and/or we are asked to not use them as communication devices for students, it becomes frustrating and in my opinion makes the ideas of the 21st century student in the global market null and void. As educators we are taught to be aware of the ethics and values that coincide with the job that we have, being aware of trending topics, global activity, and even what students are dealing with on a daily basis. What I feel is that sometimes the people are at a level so much higher then the students and they have forgotten what it is like to be a high school student. Students are more apt to tell their emotions and fears on a status update than in a journal a teacher reads in class. I know that there should be a level of discretion and some editing that needs to exist, but doesn't that happen in the classroom anyway? I mean if i need to get my lesson's down to 140 characters so my students can comprehend it I will, because I am now on their level and they are more willing to learn outside of the classroom. I guarantee you the students will remember if i tweet a line from the Shakespeare play, rather than if I have the memorize it. There are lines that a teacher needs to be aware of, I understand that, but being asked to teach in the 21st century but then not be allowed to use the necessary tools is frustrating. I guess it is just a new challenge to find another way to make students excited about their education.

2009-12-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

How I see my self, through Jason Mraz's lyrics, Nerdy I know, it is kind of like a bad mix tape to myself.

"A Beautiful Mess"

by Jason Mraz

You've got the best of both worlds

You're the kind of girl who can take down a man,

And lift him back up again

You are strong but you're needy,

Humble but you're greedy

And based on your body language,

And shoddy cursive I've been reading

Your style is quite selective,

though your mind is rather reckless

Well I guess it just suggests

that this is just what happiness is

Hey, what a beautiful mess this is

It's like picking up trash in dresses

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you write

Kind of turn themselves into knives

And don't mind my nerve you could call it fiction

But I like being submerged in your contradictions dear'

Cause here we are, here we are

Although you were biased I love your advice

Your comebacks they're quick

And probably have to do with your insecurities

There's no shame in being crazy,

Depending on how you take these

Words I'm paraphrasing this relationship we're staging

And what a beautiful mess, yes it is

It's like picking up trash in dresses

Well it kind of hurts when the kind of words you say

Kind of turn themselves into blades

And the kind and courteous is a life I've heard

But it's nice to say that we played in the dirt

Cause here, here we are, Here we are Here we are

We're still here

What a beautiful mess, this is

It's like taking a guess when the only answer is "Yes"

Through, timeless words and priceless pictures

We'll fly like birds not of this earth

And tides they turn and hearts disfigure

But that's no concern when we're wounded together

And we, tore our dresses and stained our shirts

But its nice today.

Oh the way it was so worth it.

Things I learned in one weekend.....

2009-12-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it is a fact that the Holiday Season is a very busy time of year, this holiday season kind of kicked my ass. In the course of just under 2 months, I was caught having my dog in my pet free apartment, which left me no choice but to find a new place to live, I put on two high school productions, worked two jobs, and decided after looking at some of the worst rentals in my small town, to buy a house. I closed on December 18th and moved in on the 19th. So my head is just spinning now. Among these small things I have seen more changes in my life in those same two months than I thought possible, and the amazing thing, I learned more about myself that I thought possible.

1. I realized that friends who will clean out your nasty refrigerator are awesome and are better friends than you initially thought.
2. That strangers who surprise you on a Monday, can end up being a friend by Sunday.
3. That when toxicity leaves your life, or in my case when you tell toxicity to leave your life, good things come.
4. That chivalry is not dead and it can surprise you at the most random times.
5. That no matter what age people are, they will still go out of your way to make the people they care about have a better situation.
6. I realized that the holidays get pretty lonely, but at least your alive to experience them.
7. That although family is pretty amazing majority of the time, they still know the exact ways to annoy the crap out of you, but it is always better to shut your mouth than discuss how annoyed you are with them.
8. I also learned that a 7, 8 and 12 year old, can make you feel pretty good about yourself, and yet still cry when the games at the arcade eat their money.
9. The singing/rapping karaoke always makes you laugh as well as other people, no matter how awful you are, it still a good time.
10. That sometimes coffee is the only thing that can make your day better.

It seems a little odd that this is the topic of my blog today, but in an effort to sort out the many thoughts that are circling my brain and the inability to concentrate, I guess putting it all down here, seemed like the best idea.

This holiday season, I hope that all of my wonderful 18 followers and random people who come across this blog, take something away from the mini moments in life to really appreciate what surrounds them. Happy Holidays!

Impatient

2009-12-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

I know my mother worked very hard teaching my patience. I am pretty good at teaching other people patience, however I am not very good at being patient myself.

I am in the process of buying a house, so this time of transition and uncertainty is driving my nuts, to the point where motivation is wavering and everything is depending on another thing. For example, I don't want to start packing everything up, because than I live among the boxes, and won't be able to find things, yet I want to get the packing done, because there are family things I need to help with. I need to work the second job, but I never have enough time to finish things I start. I need to work on school stuff, but by the time rehearsal is over my mind is gone and I lack motivation. This internal conflict is driving me batty.

I know, I know about prioritizing and doing things that need immediate attention, but it seems like everything in my world needs immediate attention, or something randomly pops up and my causal ADD kicks in. I am loving my life I just want parts of my life to move a little faster than others. Thus I am impatient...

Happy Wednesday.....

2009-12-02T15:27:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ5DfWN3fWU

Thank you Evan for making my day.....

Gracias....

2009-11-26T18:48:00.000-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving, and after living on this earth for 27 years, this is the first time it seems where I honestly FEEL thankful for everything I have been given. There is literally one month left of 2009 and the time line of this year for me is astonishing, the highs the lows, the plateau's but I never sincerely felt the "thanks" in my heart until this one.
Things I am thankful for in no particular order:
My family~ They are truly amazing, and I have taken them for granted so often, but I could not live with out them. My parents, are such awesome role models, humans, examples, they are honest and loving and giving and most of all inspiring. My brother has never not amazed me, three years of my life have been clouded by manipulations and deceit and jealousy that I never realized what a gift he is in my life. My sister and brother-in-law, have given me their support and encouragement and also a nephew, who has changed a small part of me and my entire immediate family. They are my rocks!
My dog, Bradshaw~ Getting him was exactly what I needed. He makes me laugh, he cuddles, he licks my face when I cry, he frustrates me, but he know he is mine. Although the pretends he talks back, he is a pretty good listener.
My friends~ I have many different friend groups, but all of them support and encourage me. They are sincere and honest and loving and it is so nice to know they exist, and no matter what change I choose to make, they will still stand by me and up for me.
My Job and the Students I see everyday~ I never knew the reward I would have being a teacher, seriously! Everyday is a new day, everyday is a challenge, but there are very few days when I wake up and don't want to go to work. The silly things students say, the activities they do, the joy they have when the realized just how human you are, amazes me. My students are more than words can say, and I am so thankful for them.
This undisclosed person: I am thankful to him, because with out him I would not have seen what my life could be like. He has no idea how thankful I am to him, and he may not ever, but if it wasn't for a trip to Omaha, and Grand Island, I could have never found the courage within myself to make the choice I did. He challenges me and supports me and makes me laugh. There is a connection that I hope he feels and will act on, but even if he doesn't he still is a truly genuine person.
DVR~ I know it seems silly, but without it I would not be able to watch my favorite TV shows, that honestly put a spring in my step and reminded me what laughing is. Glee, the office I sincerly thank your producers for allowing you on TV!
Corrine~ She is an inspiration, she listens guides and challenges me, words can not express the joy I have know she is my best friend. She is my sister from another mother!
Music~ Thank you Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Glee soundtrack, Micheal Buble, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, Journey, Guster, Idina Menzel, Kristen Chenowith, The Abstract, Dave Merkel, Buddy Guy, Britney Spears, Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson, OAR, Dispatch, etc etc...
My faith ~ it seems a little odd to thank my faith, but the fact is I found it again, I found and and I feel it. It is not a religion, but rather a strength that was given back to me. I am amazed and glad I feel it again.
Social Networking things ~ I love communication and being able to communicate with people makes me happy! To all you inventors of these brilliant things, Thank you!

This joy of gratitude is what I will carry on in 2010, because without it I would not be the person I am. I sincerely hope all who read this have a wonder Thanksgiving and be grateful for what you have, don't be afraid to tell them it either!

Zicam you need to work harder...

2009-11-24T09:09:00.000-06:00

I hate being sick, I become very frustrated and annoyed when I am. Zicam failed at protecting me from the plague that is the common cold/sinus infection or whatever. I can handle the sniffles and runny noses, but the pain in my neck and the sore throat and inability to hear as well as a I normally do really drive me nuts. I get it, it is cold season, but it is also the holiday season, they should not go hand in hand. I really just can't handle being sick during this week, i would take 2 weeks from now and be sick, after things have calmed down in my world. but today of all days....not fun.

The only thing I want right now is a huge dose of antibiotics to take away this annoyance. Sleeping all day wouldn't hurt either.

Maybe Zicam will step up sooner or later....

Little People Big World

2009-11-19T11:39:00.000-06:00

WARNING: PLEASE SEE THIS AS HUMOR NOT AS INSENSITIVE...
You know on the Steve and Buster's commercial where the people have a "fun" aka "mini me" I decided I want one. Not in the form of Austin Powers and creepy Vern Troyer, but more like a mini me/personal assistant/counselor/who knows. Here is why, I once saw a television show that was discussing the fact that in some areas it is difficult for Little People to find jobs. I could offer a little person a job. Now it may seem odd that a Teacher would need a personal assistant, beings that I am not a fancy shmancy high powered anything, but the amount of questions, issues, bills, receipts, people, emails, etc that I receive in a day, out rivals any fancy shmancy high powered individual. I am amazed at the end of they day the lack of things I get accomplished. Now granted their job would not be just that, they could grade some of the papers, we could go have drinks together, and technically I would be an equal opportunity employer, it just add in a height requirement. Why, may you ask does it need to be a little person, well it seems like they would be less in the way, and sometimes looked beyond so it is almost like they are less noticeable. {that sounds mean, it is not meant to be} there may be some logic to this craziness. Really you should just blame it on Dave and Buster's if they didn't introduce the "fun" i may have not thought of this.

Again, I apologize if this is offensive, this is just how my mind works.

Trying to find/create my happy continued....

2009-11-18T12:06:00.000-06:00

So a month has passed since I last posted and things are on the up and up some could say.
1. My smile is back and I remember what it is like to Belly Laugh {you know laugh so hard your stomach aches}
2. I completed one production, Seven Brides and Seven Brothers and am a week from another.
My brother's football team is heading to the state championship. (not so much my happy bit happy for....seeing him beaming after the game totally works)
3. One of my lovely neighbors, complained about my dog, so I have to leave my apartment...That happened on my 27th birthday...not so happy. BUT it did give me the kick in the pants I needed to start the buying of a house process.....SCARY.
4. I have had the privilege to meet in person my very first Nephew. He is the cutest ever and I miss them everyday.
5. I have developed 2 crushes....neither of which I am going to approach, I will just pine for them in my head and create lovely little stories and scenarios to dream about at night. One may ask why not approach them.....the confidence is not where it needs to be, remember still working on my self first.
6.I am excited about the holidays and am trying to find presents for everyone that keep it economical and personal...Thinking about a book Christmas...logical being that I am an English Teacher.
7. I have remembered what it is like to dance around the kitchen and sing at the top of my lungs to the GLEE Soundtrack, so much fun I am glad the only person who ever sees me it my dog Bradshaw.
8. Bradshaw is almost totally potty trained and so much fun. He still cuddles with me.
9. My best friend has really inspired me to work on creating my happy, instead of trying to find it.
10. Shelfari is awesome.....
11. Twilight's New Moon comes out soon! Way pumped!

It is amazing what a month can do to a person, there has been some negative but more than anything it has been a processing situation and the Big girl pants have been put on....only to be taken off to sing and dance with GLEE!

{PS Thanks Keep It Classy Jen...i needed to do this}

Trying to find my happy.....

2009-10-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

Okay just laying this out there for my 16 followers, (Thank you by the way).

I am trying to find my happy! I decided my 3 year relationship should not continue and I broke it off. I felt that the emotions that are needed to move forward were not there for me, so I should no longer continue. In an attempt to be nice about the decision and hope for the best, I realized it is almost better to be mean and awful. Hell, I think it could be even better if I freaking cheated on him. So at this moment he is stealing my happy... I kinda think it is bull shit, because he has already taken parts of my happy for three years why should he continue? I am very angry and hurt and am totally hating text messages!

So any suggestions for trying to find my revised happy?

I am glad it is Friday....

2009-09-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, Never in my life had I thought I could have this crazy of a week, and I did. Crazy is a very subjective term I might add, and it wasn't busy it was random little things that you never think would happen, and has never happened to anybody else I know.

Incident #1. My love, Bradshaw the Yorkie, spends his time home alone while I am at school. He isn't perfectly potty trained, and he is still very much a puppy. Being a puppy he tends to get into things that find their own hiding places. Case and point: I was getting ready for one of my 3 super early mornings this week and must have dropped my pack of YAZ on the ground and was to tired to realize it. Well I come home at lunch, and they are out in the middle of my living room and 2 are missing. Sweet! My male dog now has more estrogen in him that he is going to start crying at movies and getting angry for no reason.

I called the vet, like any concerned parent would...they had no idea what to do! Only my dog would find pills eat them and then go hump his stuffed raccoon.

Incident #2. I start my school day with lower level English. These awesome students just need a little push and organization to ensure English success. One of these interesting creatures has a tendency to get angry and feel the need to storm out of the room and cause a ruckus in the hallways. Mind you I teach high school, so this week Student "Paul Mitchell" [the name has been changed] decided that he didn't want to read of Mice and Men. He starts freaking out around the room running, throwing things, stealing things off my desk etc. He soon realized that the back of his earring is missing, so of course he finds any reason to leave my class. Me knowing better at the time I give him a part of an eraser and send him to the mirror that is in a small storage room of my class room. Not thinking anything of it. He proceeds to take things off my desk and take that in there as well. He is in there for longer than he needs too and decides to shut the door....Not happening. I politely ask him to come out and get ready for class and he picks up the safety scissors and tries to cut the plastic calculator from my desk. Obviously, safety scissors will not do much but maybe the will to his hair... still nothing. So another novel idea comes to him "these scissors aren't working, I will grab the adult ones" So he makes a scary gesture with scissors towards me and then backs up against the wall in the storage room. Meanwhile the rest of the well behaved children are watching and trying not to laugh at him. He takes the orange adult scissors and starts cutting chunks of his hair in school. I reply with, "There are professionals who can do that for you AFTER SCHOOL, Paul Mitchell" Maybe we should leave and go schedule you an appointment. He gets pissed and after a few expletives later he is out my door again. Then for the cherry on top, he pounds on my door, just for funsies, and flips me off! It is rare to see birds in school!

There are no words left....Happy Friday!

2 month hiatus

2009-09-10T11:36:00.001-05:00

So yes, I have been on a two month hiatus from blogging, not because I had forgot or anything, more because I lost what little free time I had. In the past two months school has started and my classes has changed dramatically, and not just because I teach theater. (Pun intended).

I am/have been experiencing more things in the world of education, than I ever thought imaginable, or knew existed. Our school is in the year of change and growth as we work toward a new grade configuration, understand, I am all for this, but not all about the changes and constant meetings once a week! It would be nice if as teachers our input went beyond the four walls of the meeting room, and actually trusted to make the right decision.

Enough negative, time for some positive! It is football season, my Fridays are filled with watching my brother's high school football team, and my Saturdays are filled with ESPN, Husker games and CHILI! (Tailgating food is amazing in my world.) Yeah for fall!

My second "positive" is Bradshaw is getting bigger and crazier. He has his little "I want a pretzel too" run...(Stewie from Family Guy) and he is just plain awesome! My loves and cuddle time grows everyday, most mornings I contemplate bringing him to school, yet refrain! Who knows it could be theraputic for my first period class!

Third, GLEE...my new favorite show sheer awesome-ness! Love the sitcom musical and trust me I will not stop believeing!

I am aware that this was not the most insightful post, but more will be coming!

Tune into GLEE on Wednesdays!

Summer '09 Assessment

2009-07-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, so as summer school teachers we are counting down the days when our summer really begins. My summer afternoon naps have started but not my mornings of not waking up at 6 a.m. have not. Since most people believe that the fourth of July means summer is almost I over, I decided I would share my "Summer '09 Assessment".

Positives:
1. Officially completing my masters degree. I had a great last class, the portfolio is done, just waiting for the pay raise.
2. Getting my puppy, Bradshaw. I think I fell in love.
3. Free time. Seriously those afternoon naps are the best ever.
4. Grilling. I can't ever have too much food from the grill, now if only I can learn to make Salmon on it.
5. Finding new items on the Internet and realizing how great blogging, tweeting, etc is.
6. Sparklers and fireworks.
7. Sun, sand, and new sights and sounds.
8. Time with friends and family. I have managed to spend at least one day a week if not more with those people who are in town and who mean the world to me. "Yeah for Concerts"
9. My bike is updated.

Negatives:
1. Not working out or riding my bike. The naps get in the way....
2. Cleaning up after the puppy. And just cleaning in general.
3. Not having a motivated boyfriend who likes to travel.
4. Money and wishing I could make more/have more/win the lottery etc.
5. Not traveling more or at least some place cool!
6. Finding something new to make for lunch and dinner every night.
7. No adventures or challenges

Looking at the list, the positives outweigh the negatives. But than comes the second half...

Future Plans:
1. Trips North with family.
2. A revised schedule that includes working out.
3. The pile of books that just stare at me will be able to get read.
4. The time in the sun!
5. Seeing more family...oh Madison WI how I miss you and your summers!
6. Planning my classes, plays and organizing the variety of activities I now have!
7. Chick Trip to somewhere...
8. Training the puppy!
9. Whatever comes my way!

Looking back first semester of summer 09 would be working on a B average right now. I think second semester will help boost the grade! What is your summer assessment?

Golf...enough said!

2009-06-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

So I have been fortunate to be introduced to the game of golf at age 5. I am not good, I do enjoy, but I don't own a set of clubs. (It is me belief that if given time and a couple lessons it would be one sport I am good at, beside swimming) Any way, a friend and I had this random discussion the other day about how golf should be a required course in college. Anyone in the business world needs to know how to play and needs to know you to use it as a networking device. I think I would have taken golf in college if given the opportunity. Yet, over the last week, I was shown how golf goes beyond networking but to the point of inspiration. So I thought I would share this with you! (You might have seen some of this before, but this was my first time...bare with me)

Inspiration number 1: DJ Gregory
....Wow this was amazing to me! I have the privilege of watching golf anytime I am with my seventeen brother, the avid golfer, so when I heard about this story and the fact that he is walking 900 miles on the PGA tour, I thought about how every time I watch golf, this guy just walked the course too and was there. It made me not despise walking in my brother's tournaments as much! The neat thing is that DJ Gregory chronicled his experience, in his blog. and he became a staple in the tournament and an inspiration for so many people including myself! I suggest you check out his video too!

Inspiration number 2: Kyle Lagrasso
This too is another sweet golf story, watch the video from HBO and be amazed. Kyle is a cancer survivor and has the perfected swing of Tiger Woods, and he is only like 7 or 8! Wow! Check out his foundation and story! What a cool kid and family!

Both of these stories goes beyond networking, but more showing that with golf there is unlimited possibilities.

What's your Red Rubber Ball?

2009-06-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

Okay so I finished my last class needed for my Master's Degree, it was great! It was taught by a great teacher from Omaha. The class was building communities in your classroom and it was a continuation from a class I had previously taken. Both classes were emotionally and sometimes physically draining ( we played so many different versions of tag it was ridiculous). But our textbook was probably the best part! It was called, "What's your Red Rubber Ball" and it's by Kevin Carroll and I highly recommend it! We had the opportunity to speak to Kevin via a conference call and even on the phone he is inspiring. It is a look at your life through the eyes of sports and goal setting! (I have to admit the whole time I was thinking of 2 people, my brother-in-law, and my little brother) This workbook, of sorts, guides you into deciding your life goal or your "red rubber ball".

Now your probably thinking, why do I need to know this...I hate sports, it is so much more than that! Seriously....check out the above website and you will be floored!

One of the parts in the workbook was the "Magic Box" and I had to present this magic box to my class. I am not anyone who ever has issue talking to people or making presentations, but this was DIFFICULT. In the process of making this box, I realized how selfish it was. And in the presentations I became quite embarrassed and almost angry at myself for being so emotional...I hate crying, and I really hate crying in front of colleagues. Anyway, so this magic box was magical....it opened me up and made me question things that I always put in the back of my mind. Who would have thought that could happen? Like I said this is a selfish box, but after presenting it, though the embarrassment and tears I realized that its okay! Its okay to be selfish, its okay to have no idea what or who your future will be with and look like, its okay to want those things in life that everybody has etc. But at the same time I was still mad, I was mad that I had to find that out, I was mad that I was so selfish, I was mad that my "encourager" was not very encouraging. ( That will make sense when you read it) No matter what this magic box exercise was just that magical and needless to say, that I have started chasing my red rubber ball...which is in one word, Happiness!

My Summer Reading List

2009-06-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Being a teacher, I have been blessed with free time. I have been using that time catch up on the necessary reading I don't always get during the school year. I also have to admit to another geek moment, I went to the public library this week and came across this 5 page list of necessary reads to be a life long learner, I of course went home and highlighted everything I had read on that list. I was mad fun of later!

My current summer reading list:

1. My Sister's Keeper ~ Jodi Piccoult (really didn't think I would enjoy this book that much)
2. Marshmallow's for Breakfast ~ Dorthy Koomson
3. Montana 1949
4. The Scorpion Room
5. A framework for understanding Poverty ~ Ruby Payne
6. Me 2.0
7. The Freedom Writers Diary
8. Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies (I can do much with out proper research)
9. There are no Bad Dogs
10. Teaching with Love and Logic

On top of all of these books I am reading through a collection of plays to pick out the new and exciting acting adventure I will guide my students on next year. Nothing is really tripping my trigger yet...

Any suggestions?

Investing in my happiness

2009-06-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

So this weekend I put a deposit down on what maybe the biggest investment I make this year, a dog. Bradshaw Arthur will be coming to live with me in 2 weeks. He will invade my apartment and my pocketbook, and I can't wait. I have been waiting for this for a while and he is a gift from my parents upon the completion of my masters. I am very excited about it all and ready to fill my time with the idea of having some form of responsibility to something other than myself. Bradshaw is an investment for my happiness.

Why do I need this, some may ask, I need to feel responsible for more that what I have on a daily basis, granted I am responsible for my students' lives for eight hours a day... sometimes more than that and yet it is still not my own. I think this dog will be my welcome wagon after a long day, the constant companion that won't talk back and has to listen with out an opinion. He will be some one to cuddle with, laugh at and he will be my investment to my happiness!

What will education look like in the future?

2009-06-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

An old colleague of mine asked me to answer 2 questions for one of the classes he is taking this summer, the first question was, "How long have you been teaching?" my response was 3 blissful years. Creative I know. The second question was, "What are you concerns that you have about teaching?" This is where I was stuck...what are these concerns? Well this is what I said,

1. What does the future of education look like through the eyes of technology?

2. How will the school structure look in the future, will it be community based, individually based etc.?
3 Will schools ever be "up to date" or all online? College is??
4. When will school require a parent education class?

5. How will the students change from one year to the next, and what will the needs become?

This in turn prompted a ginormous amount of speculation and discussion in my brain. I received my teaching assignments for the 2009-2010 school year in may, it is filling my brain with what I need to be doing and how I will be getting it all done. I am only teaching 1 class that I taught last year, Creative Writing, which I am very happy about. But to add to it I am teaching Basic or "remedial" English to sophomores. This is where these concerns for the future comes in. So I sit and ponder how to invoke passion into these kids who have low reading comprehension skills and a variety of other issues. Hoping that they can find something exciting about this crazy world of education. Most likely causing them to change what the future of education looks like, I can only hope.

Douchers

2009-06-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

Last night, after catching up on my "Bachalorette" show I realized that in some ways I want to be the next bachelorette. I think the show should be Bachalorette ~ Chicago, so at least you show something in the Midwest, and not all of the Hollywood BS. Seriously, climbing down a building in LA...wouldn't it be cooler to climb town the Hancock Tower? (Than you can even had more dirty jokes to that name).

But while watching it, I realized that as much as I want to be the next bachalorette, I am not sure I want to be surrounded by all of these macho and egotistical douchers who don't know how to communicate effectively. Or Crazed eye Dave who honestly has maniac tendencies. He is hot, but still...those eyes are not endearing. And to top it all of, Jillian is from Canada...why not have a nice Midwestern teacher from medium town Nebraska.

Just a thought.

Sad Blog...

2009-05-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

Wow....I am almost finished with my third year of teaching and my first at this current school. Since I/we set up the blogs as an outlet and an assignment I am realizing how much I am going to miss this class. Remember that only four of you are still going to be here next year....but the rest will and are missed.

Jaxson: You have impressed me in so many ways and your ability to see the good in most things is refreshing. Please, PLEASE make the most of the talents you have and continue to find joy in the little things.

Matthew: It has been my pleasure to teach you, your helpfulness and jokes are a wonderful addition to this class. If only procrastination wasn't your downfall...yet you are awesome either way.

Samantha: I don't feel as if I know as well, but what you have added to this class, especially with your insight on the blogs and in small groups, is something to be proud of and to continue. You can go far, you just have to believe in yourself.

Zayda: I can see you going far, as long as you have a goal in mind. Keep up the hard work and the good communication skills, don't let anything get in your way!

Emmanuel: You are a great kid! Trust yourself and use the leadership skills that you posses! I have enjoyed teaching you (not yelling) and hope that your futures successes are all that you want them to be.

Bryana:Your patience is amazing and you also have a bright future with whatever you choose to do! Your writing still shows this amazing talent! Best wishes!

Kayla: You are truly gifted in so many ways, learn to accept yourself and so what is best for you...NO ONE ELSE! PS let me know when you want to grade papers! Thanks for your insights 3rd period.

Kristina: Your cellphone will work when you shut it off! :P Best of luck on your medical journey, thanks for the laughs.

Sarah: Your grace and poise are great qualities to have, remember them and work hard to reach your goals. Thanks for taking this class!

Michael: You constantly impress me with your soft heart, remember its okay to stop, think, and reflect, it will get you far....not that I see you having that problem anyway! Thanks for always processing out loud!

Ellie: You are a creative writer....you proved that over and over, remember to take time to smell the roses, and I still think your ketchup idea needs to exist, its just so much better for dipping!

Wright: You were a great addition to this class and were missed once you left! You have amazing gifts and added a spirit like nobody else to 7th period! Keep working hard!

AND........ I expect you all to comeback and finish the book you all never finished! Harry the Fairy demands it!

Best wishes, and thanks for a great semester!

Slacker Teacher...

2009-05-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

I am panged with the guilt that I have not been keeping up with blogging, and like anybody who is called a slacker there are reasons. Here are mine:

1. I just completed a 40 page research paper for my masters.
2. I have been working on many new school activities and my current promotions.
3. I have been working job 2 more than I want to.

As Kayla just informed me..."If I was 5 weeks late on my blogs, you would lay the smack down" She is right, (no Wright is right) but than again see above reasons. I apologize for the fact that I bailed on blogging...but be aware....blogs will no be coming like a banshee AND I EXPECT COMMENTS.

Wonder Woman

2009-03-30T12:59:00.000-05:00

I have alluded to my "Sex in the City Monolgue" that I have, when I write , but I should let you know that it is also a part of my daily life...way to often. Which brings me to the topic of choice...WONDER WOMAN!

Anyway...as my world is being over run by media tendencies and the necessity to repeat, analyze and listen to what is around me...I find my self laughing at "Sturdy Wings" or thinking about playing LAIRE, or even laughing at myself when I order a Veinte drink at Starbucks. "You have ruined three languages"... But it was a trip to target that really helped with me finding parts of me. I purchased many things...1. A Note Pad with the Wicked Witch of the West on it...something I think of my self...or maybe my students to...but the joy I felt when I found it made me think...She is really not that bad...all she wanted was some fabulous red shoes...and really who doesn't want that? Plus, after reading Wicked by Gregory McGuire I truly believe she is misunderstood. Think of the power she has, and she like sugar, melts in water...proving she has a sweet side. (Just like me)

Next tangent....my second purchase was a Wonder Woman note book...now granted I always was a SheRa girl, but they don't make comic book about her, so this was the next best thing. Not only is Wonder Woman another powerful sorceress much like the Wicked Witch, but she too has a killer fashion sense that aides in her wonderful-ness...No Cellulite. I remember when I could rock the leotard, it was when I was five and in dance class..however, the sweet boots, lack of a cape, head and arm bands and the LASSO or Whip....?? (Smirking) really plays into my idea.... what that is I am not sure it just made the notebook a must needed purchase to remind me that everyday I need to look good, and whip (giggle) people in to shape...how....I am not sure, but I do know that I am now on the search for red boots with a white stripe and wonderful accessories....

Motivation

2009-03-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

Okay, so there is a lack of motivation among many...including myself. I am totally motivated to complete some things, and not others. I am having a hard time getting off the couch and work out, you would think that my pants not fitting well would be motivation, but not enough.

My students are not motivated to turn in their homework, so the idea of offering them pizza for raising their class average five points...so far they are lowering it. Is it the winter blues, or what?

How do you motivate the non motivated???

Memories..

2009-02-16T13:11:00.000-06:00

This blog is pretty ho hum...more of a processing blog than anything...

Okay, so to some people when things end in people's life, be that a relationship, friendship, graduation etc. It is the theory of some to get rid of everything, it over and done with and there is nothing more to hold on to. Yet I ask, (in my sex and the city monologue that is happening in my head) Is it ever good to get rid of what ends? I understand, stinky food = throw it away, dead flowers= toss or cherish...but what about old friends? I still have my year books, I still have my personal accomplishment, but what about the things your accomplished with friends, are your supposed to toss it to the side when you stop being friends? There is something to be said for remembering experiences. Unless I go in to a sever comma and experience amnesia, I really haven't forgot the memories, but do I need the tangible items to rel-ive the memories?

Granted, there is some therapy that results in getting rid of the toxicity, but what if you are not that person who sees the negative or bad in all things, and think that by keeping what is important you maintian that person you were. Just even seeing things for what they are worth does thst help you remember moments that in some way defined who you are. In my 26 years of living, I feel pretty proud of what I have accomplished, I have a Master's Degree (almost) I have a steady job, I have a stellar family, I have a good boyfriend, random friends etc. But because of situations I got rid of some of those seemingly insignificant things, that were the memories. I am not friends with everybody I once was, but they were still important. I am not dating the same people, but with out some of them, I wouldn't be who I am. I have moved from here and there but miss those almost monthly. What is there to hold onto? Is living in the past really that bad? Is it all about the future, even when the future strikes a bit of fear with in you???

Embarassing moment!

2009-01-29T08:51:00.000-06:00

So I was trying to be all prepared this morning since I had a 7:45am meeting, had to take the dog to the groomer, and was hoping to manage all of this with out being late. I get in my car at 7:23am get to the groom at 7:35 am get to school at 7:43am and I start prancing/running to make the meeting on time, mind you, I am in heals and the school is the greatest at getting all of the snow off the parking lot, so while prancing/running to the doorway, I fell. Not just slip, like I caught my balance, but like FALL, seriously if I was an osteoperidic person, probably would have shattered my hip/pelvis and femur style of fall. The first thing i did was to see if anybody saw me....Yep! Luckily someone was more concerned about my well being than I was, I was irritated because I was gonna be late. I am still debating as to check with the security guys to see if they have it on tape!

Needless to say, my thigh, rump, and ego are all a little bruised. But hopefully the image of me falling brightened your day!

What is the appeal?

2009-01-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

Students are dropping out of high school left and right, because that seems like the easiest thing to do. It also doesn't help that they see the people who have dropped out living the easy life with all of the money and time that they now have. Thus I ask, what is the appeal of this? Understand that dropping out didn't blatantly occur at my small class C high school, it was smarter to switch school than to drop out all together. That was also 8 years ago, mind you. However, now the school has a drop out rate higher than it has been, and no logical idea, that I have heard, to fix it. Again I ask, what is the appeal? Is breaking the law the appeal? Is spending time in JDC appealing? Is working earlier than you have to and knowing that you will be doing that for the rest of your life appealing? Maybe its the fact that you no longer have to deal with all of those teachers you didn't like. Those teachers who spent their weekends grading your papers, who tried to help you and remind you of things you needed to do, so you didn't fail. Who put up with being called names like bitch, racist, ass hole...just to name a few. Those teachers, must be absolutely horrible. I get that some people don't always mesh with everybody, but are you going to mesh with the people on the street? Or the cop that catches you, or the judge that sentences you?

I am not trying to prove that by dropping out of high school that the life described above is what is going to happen to all people. It is more blanket statements, than actual fact, yet, in a majority of cases, students who don't finish high school and/or go on to get their GED, lean toward ending up in that case. When has it become easier to quit than to conquer?

Geeking Out

2009-01-23T14:47:00.001-06:00

I have realized that I have this new/renewed love for reading! I don't know why, nor is it honestly necessary to blog about, but there is something to be said for escaping into your own little world. I think that is why I enjoy teaching creative writing so much. Not only do I spend my free time reading what the future of the world is writing, but the insight that is gained from all types of reading makes me happy. (You are so allowed to make fun of me) I am finding it hard to put books down, and I am currently dreaming of spending my weekends in the Library so that I can catch up on reading.

An example of my nerdiness comes from reading Multiple Blessings by the Gosselin family from the show "Jon and Kate plus 8" after reading I had to check out the website. I just got done looking at the Stephanie Meyer website, because I needed my Twilight fix, and in some cases I can't wait until the movie New Moon comes out. Than there is the Shopaholic series that I read in one summer, and that movie comes out in February as well. I am currently feeling like the quintessential nerd that you see in movies. It seems like a slight obsession, and I know I should spend my time balancing my checkbook, grading papers, working on my homework for my masters, etc. Oh no, I need to geek out and read my books!

Laziness VS Understanding

2009-01-22T08:17:00.000-06:00

Practically everyday I wonder if students are understanding what is being taught; especially this time, since my sophomores are studying Julius Caesar. The reason for this contemplation is when asking for discussion or an answer to a question, I get glassy eyes and blank faces. On average 5 students are willing to respond. Thus I ask, is it fear, is it not knowing/comprehending, or is it laziness...someone else will respond.
No matter what it is, this creates an uneasiness for the future. If students can't respond to the questions being asked than how will they respond to a question in an interview? OR When their boss asks them what they want to do in the future? Is the education system making students fear the reactions that they will receive? Or is the ability to respond easier if it is left up to someone else?
For instance, in one of my classes, it got to the point that I had to remind them, if a question ends with a question mark, in most cases it should be followed up by a response, and preferably by all students not just the loud ones. I in turn followed up with, "Are you understanding what is being said?" those who responded said yes, the rest twiddled their thumbs and looked around. As a teacher it is my job to check for understanding, but how can you I complete that task if all I get is the loud kids to respond. I can use questions and worksheets, but that turns into a whole new issue, because on average 1/3 of my classes won't turn their homework in anyway.

What a can of worms I have!

You crazy kids.

2009-01-19T11:59:00.000-06:00

Please note, that on most cases I love my job. The list below is just as much positive as it is negative...

Really who wouldn't want to teach kids about a subject that in most cases, majority of students were already burned by; or, how about having a jobs that changes everyday, and requires you to constantly be organized, on your toes, accountable to a large amount of people and for a large amount of people. In this job you get to use your creativity daily, discuss, joke, reprimand, plan, get made fun of, get talked about behind your back, and on top of it all...hope that at least one students learned what you taught today. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen. (most of the time)

I went in to teaching because I felt that my teachers were not as good as they could be, school was boring, and I wasn't prepared for the future. I thought that I would do that, I would help kids be prepared, or at least more prepared than I was. I get the job at my old high school, and I think that some kids were a little more prepared than I was, but when so much is spent reteaching because students seem to forget more than they learn, it becomes a very frustrating battle, that sees no end... understand I am not asking for answers, more insight as to why students become forgetful. Or why/when does the English class become boring? What turns people away from some thing that is used everyday all of the time?

I just spent a lunch discussing with my sister what could be changed and what our future holds...granted she is career minded, is a manager in a non-profit and she too faces a lot of the same struggles that I do...in totally opposite fields. Why is it that making a people think for themselves is creating this situation where I am a dentist, pulling all of their teeth out. Granted, I love the idea of technology as a tool to understand and supplement pieces of education, and what we can gain from technology still amazes me, yet we have lost what it means to talk, to discuss, to show emotion more that :) :( :P. (I am aware I am discussing technology on a blog and it some ways it seems contradictory, but to me this a supplement to my class not my only outlet, I do know how to converse, discuss, and inquire)

Again, I find joy in my job daily...but do students honestly find enjoyment in education anymore?

All in the Family..

2009-01-08T14:20:00.000-06:00

This is my OLDER SISTER'S Blog, she works in Wisconsin and is working really hard to create a positive future for you....post and comment....

http://www.brazencareerist.com/profile/angie-roach

I am so proud!

What's the point???

2009-01-08T14:18:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are curious as to what the purpose of Blogging is and to watch for HERES THE LIST.....

Please check it out and tell me your opinion!

http://modite.com/blog/2009/01/05/nine-gen-y-blogs-to-watch-in-2009/

2009-01-07T13:53:00.001-06:00

I love teaching creative writing!