I love...
...that this is the last day of love month.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fridays are Odd
Fridays are always odd days at school. We never know exactly what's going to happen...maybe there will be an assembly, maybe there will be a fire drill, maybe Hannah Montana will show up and help us play a game with doughnuts...Fridays are unpredictable. So, today being Friday, I was ready for the unpredictability to ensue...which I guess would make it predictable, right?
To add to the craziness of this Friday, my class was on Safety Patrol. Safety Patrol is an optional before and after school thing where basically 6th graders stand watch and make sure that kids stay outside.
This week, 6th grade teachers also have bus duty so I spent 25 minutes outside making sure kids are being appropriate and respectful. And I came into my class about 5 minutes after my students.
I came into many interesting sights and stories.
To add to the craziness of this Friday, my class was on Safety Patrol. Safety Patrol is an optional before and after school thing where basically 6th graders stand watch and make sure that kids stay outside.
This week, 6th grade teachers also have bus duty so I spent 25 minutes outside making sure kids are being appropriate and respectful. And I came into my class about 5 minutes after my students.
I came into many interesting sights and stories.
- Another teacher tells me as she was walking back to her classroom from the office she sees two of my (huge) 6th graders being beat up by a 1st grader. Classic. I guess the little girl was walking through the halls before school. My boys told her she had to go outside. She said, "I will if you just move." They said, "No, you need to turn around and go out your doors." She responded with a punch to the gut of one of my boys and then the shin kicking began. Priceless. I wish I could have seen it. **Only 6th grader pride was injured in this story.**
- As I walk into my room, one student is sitting quietly in his chair. "Ahhh, bliss," I think. Then I look to his head and realize that he had his shoe sitting on his head. Ok, completely normal. **This is completely normal because I make my students give me a shoe if they need to borrow a pencil. I only do this because I don't have the money to continue to keep buying pencils for all my kids and this way I always get my pencils back because no one will leave school without their shoe...genius!**
- Then I get bombarded by JD. JD is a special, funny child. She is the one who wrote this gem. JD: "Miss J. I've had a day full of bad luck already!" "Oh, really JD? What's happened?" "Well, it started with seeing an owl." "I didn't know owls were bad luck." "They are if you hear two hoots." "Oh. Ok. What else happened?" "Then a black cat crossed my path and a black cloud has been following me for a week." I look around only to see blue skies. Ok, maybe she's talking figuratively? "And I ran into S., my arch nemesis." I was laughing so hard I had to walk away because I didn't want her to think I was laughing at her.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Who Wants to Make Me a Marshmallow Gun?
This afternoon my students were super annoying. They could not shut up. Since we went to our junior high for their annual "Rah Rah Assembly" (yes, that's actually what they call it, you know, "Rah-rah, junior high is awesome! Be excited to come and register!"), my class has stopped listening to reason due to the fact that they now believe they are junior high schoolers...we still have 3-ish months left, guys. Hold it together!
I couldn't do anything to get them to settle. Ugh. What to do? If only I had read this My Life is Average post earlier:
"Today, while we were watching a movie in history, my teacher kept getting angry because we wouldn't stop talking. To get us to be quiet, he pulled out a marshmallow gun. He then proceeded to stand in the back of the classroom for the next 45 minutes. As stupid as this may seem, safe to say my class quieted down. MLIA"
But as I think about my kids, they probably would have loved the attention and they would have eaten marshmallows off the floor.
I couldn't do anything to get them to settle. Ugh. What to do? If only I had read this My Life is Average post earlier:
"Today, while we were watching a movie in history, my teacher kept getting angry because we wouldn't stop talking. To get us to be quiet, he pulled out a marshmallow gun. He then proceeded to stand in the back of the classroom for the next 45 minutes. As stupid as this may seem, safe to say my class quieted down. MLIA"
But as I think about my kids, they probably would have loved the attention and they would have eaten marshmallows off the floor.
What I Love...Day 25
I love...
...finding hidden talents. Like dominating 12 year-olds at dodge ball and the newest talent...creaming 12-year-old boys in a game of Tornado. You heard me! Creamed them. I love the looks on their faces when I pull out a win (while wearing a dress). I also love the trash talk that follows. I think I said something like, "You're just angry because I rule and you drool." Then my class, in unison, goes "OOOOHHH! You got owned!" Love it!
Being the amazing free-throw shooter that I am has given me some credibility with these few boys. They've been extremely respectful since I gave up my break (recess) to play with (and cream) them.
Sweet victory!
...finding hidden talents. Like dominating 12 year-olds at dodge ball and the newest talent...creaming 12-year-old boys in a game of Tornado. You heard me! Creamed them. I love the looks on their faces when I pull out a win (while wearing a dress). I also love the trash talk that follows. I think I said something like, "You're just angry because I rule and you drool." Then my class, in unison, goes "OOOOHHH! You got owned!" Love it!
Being the amazing free-throw shooter that I am has given me some credibility with these few boys. They've been extremely respectful since I gave up my break (recess) to play with (and cream) them.
Sweet victory!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Bruised and Broken Hearts
**My organization sucks in this post. I'm sorry. But I have a lot of things I need to get out. Maybe I'll come back and edit this later.**
If you know a teacher, you probably hear a lot about heart and how he or she teaches with his or her heart and does all the extra stuff because of that pesky heart. I know that's why I do it, because I love it. My heart is in it. But after the past few days, weeks, months (I can't keep track any more), my heart is bruised and broken. It makes me so sad to know that people don't care for ALL students as much as I do. Wow. That sounded like I think I'm Mother Teresa. I don't. I'm saying, all students deserve the same education regardless of how much money their parents make.
It's no secret. Teachers don't make much money. Don't believe me? Check the pay scale here. (then click licensed staff then salary schedule) Too lazy? I'll tell you. As a first year teacher with a Bachelor's Degree, I make $32, 899 a year. Not much, especially when you consider that there are not enough hours in our contract hours to go to all the meetings, contact parents, plan for the next day, help struggling students after school, and grade papers. I'm sorry but I can't get all that done in 1 hour. 1 hour is all the time I'm paid for to get all these things done. So, I, along with 99% of first year teachers and most other teachers, spend hours before and after "contract time" to get all these things done.
I am not telling you these things so you can say, "Oh, poor picked on teachers." I love my job. I wouldn't and couldn't do what I do every day if I didn't. I'm telling you these things because I'm annoyed. Annoyed with the fact that people voted to have 500 jobs cut and class sizes raised (even before this, we have the highest class sizes in the nation) instead of increasing taxes less than $10 a month. Are your children worth $10 a month?
We need to think about who is going to run this state and country in the next 20 years. An educated workforce is invaluable to the state. If we continue to "pack 'em deep and teach 'em cheap" we're going to get in trouble sooner rather than later.
I'm realizing this post is getting lengthy and is probably rambling. Go check out these news stories.
Here and here
Just as a note, I want to punch the lady in the red shirt from Canyons in the second video. I hope you don't know her. If so, I'm sorry but what she says makes me want to punch things (by things I mean her).
This is a letter to parents from Jordan District:
To Jordan District Parents:
Please tell the School Board to rescind their decision to increase class size and lay off 500 District employees.
The School Board can make a better choice to meet their budget: Furlough school days to protect the quality of our programs. Raise taxes to maintain the quality of our schools.
1. Recent Dan Jones and Jordan District survey results state that the public is willing to increase taxes for education. This tax increase would be under $10 a month ($9.40) for a $200,000 home.
2. The Jordan PTA has also called for a tax increase.
3. This large class size increase will force 250 teacher layoffs. Laying off a total of 500 District employees will slow down the economic recovery of our communities.
4. The Board decided to increase class size by an average of 4 students per class. Utah already has the highest class size in the U.S. Class size increases:
The Jordan Education Association encourages you to contact your Board member and tell them to make a better choice. You can also attend Tuesday night School Board Meetings (schedule at www.jordandistrict.org).
If you know a teacher, you probably hear a lot about heart and how he or she teaches with his or her heart and does all the extra stuff because of that pesky heart. I know that's why I do it, because I love it. My heart is in it. But after the past few days, weeks, months (I can't keep track any more), my heart is bruised and broken. It makes me so sad to know that people don't care for ALL students as much as I do. Wow. That sounded like I think I'm Mother Teresa. I don't. I'm saying, all students deserve the same education regardless of how much money their parents make.
It's no secret. Teachers don't make much money. Don't believe me? Check the pay scale here. (then click licensed staff then salary schedule) Too lazy? I'll tell you. As a first year teacher with a Bachelor's Degree, I make $32, 899 a year. Not much, especially when you consider that there are not enough hours in our contract hours to go to all the meetings, contact parents, plan for the next day, help struggling students after school, and grade papers. I'm sorry but I can't get all that done in 1 hour. 1 hour is all the time I'm paid for to get all these things done. So, I, along with 99% of first year teachers and most other teachers, spend hours before and after "contract time" to get all these things done.
I am not telling you these things so you can say, "Oh, poor picked on teachers." I love my job. I wouldn't and couldn't do what I do every day if I didn't. I'm telling you these things because I'm annoyed. Annoyed with the fact that people voted to have 500 jobs cut and class sizes raised (even before this, we have the highest class sizes in the nation) instead of increasing taxes less than $10 a month. Are your children worth $10 a month?
We need to think about who is going to run this state and country in the next 20 years. An educated workforce is invaluable to the state. If we continue to "pack 'em deep and teach 'em cheap" we're going to get in trouble sooner rather than later.
I'm realizing this post is getting lengthy and is probably rambling. Go check out these news stories.
Here and here
Just as a note, I want to punch the lady in the red shirt from Canyons in the second video. I hope you don't know her. If so, I'm sorry but what she says makes me want to punch things (by things I mean her).
This is a letter to parents from Jordan District:
To Jordan District Parents:
Please tell the School Board to rescind their decision to increase class size and lay off 500 District employees.
The School Board can make a better choice to meet their budget: Furlough school days to protect the quality of our programs. Raise taxes to maintain the quality of our schools.
1. Recent Dan Jones and Jordan District survey results state that the public is willing to increase taxes for education. This tax increase would be under $10 a month ($9.40) for a $200,000 home.
2. The Jordan PTA has also called for a tax increase.
3. This large class size increase will force 250 teacher layoffs. Laying off a total of 500 District employees will slow down the economic recovery of our communities.
4. The Board decided to increase class size by an average of 4 students per class. Utah already has the highest class size in the U.S. Class size increases:
- Keep students from receiving the individual attention they need.
- Force the cancellation of special programs that have benefited students at all grade levels.
- Limit teachers' ability to include higher level learning activities and assessments due to the additional preparation and grading time required.
- Risk all schools' ability to make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress).
- Risk high schools' ability to maintain accreditation (as determined by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools) due to increased teacher class loads and significant loss of preparation time.
- Make teams and programs less competitive in statewide competitions due to inadequate preparation time.
- Lower property values as the school district loses its reputation of having great public schools.
- This School Board decision will lower the quality of education in our schools.
The Jordan Education Association encourages you to contact your Board member and tell them to make a better choice. You can also attend Tuesday night School Board Meetings (schedule at www.jordandistrict.org).
Who Would You Be?
I'm doing a biography unit with my students and as a culminating activity, we'll be having a "dinner party."
For the unit, each student has to learn about a historical figure, write a report, and lbe able to tell these facts to class members.
For the dinner party, my students will dress up as their historical figure, talk to each other (as the historical figure), and decide which historical figures they would want to come to their dinner party (everyone will be invited but they each have to synthesize information and realize that some people probably wouldn't work well together. I do have a Hitler and an Anne Frank.)
My question for you is who should I be? I'm wanting to do someone unexpected, someone who has an obvious style, someone who's not too wild (we're 6th graders remember) and someone who would be fun to walk around as for an hour or so.
Any ideas?
For the unit, each student has to learn about a historical figure, write a report, and lbe able to tell these facts to class members.
For the dinner party, my students will dress up as their historical figure, talk to each other (as the historical figure), and decide which historical figures they would want to come to their dinner party (everyone will be invited but they each have to synthesize information and realize that some people probably wouldn't work well together. I do have a Hitler and an Anne Frank.)
My question for you is who should I be? I'm wanting to do someone unexpected, someone who has an obvious style, someone who's not too wild (we're 6th graders remember) and someone who would be fun to walk around as for an hour or so.
Any ideas?
What I Love...Day 24
I love...
...when people use proper grammar. Please use it always. You don't want to sound like a dummy, right?
By the way...you're does not equal your. They are as different as milk and raccoons. You're is the contraction for you are. Your is the possessive form of you. Here's an example of how to use both of them in the same sentence:
"You're beautiful to me because I love your eyebrows."
While you're at it, go read this.
...when people use proper grammar. Please use it always. You don't want to sound like a dummy, right?
By the way...you're does not equal your. They are as different as milk and raccoons. You're is the contraction for you are. Your is the possessive form of you. Here's an example of how to use both of them in the same sentence:
"You're beautiful to me because I love your eyebrows."
While you're at it, go read this.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What I Love...Day 23
I love...
...comments. 1...because they make me feel good. 2...because I get so excited when I see the little email that says, "[Ash J] New comment on..." 3...because they make me want to keep writing stunningly amazing posts (much like this one). and 4...because it makes me look like I'm super popular (which I am but I obviously need the validation from my throngs of adoring readers).
hint...hint
Have a super nice day because super nice days are amazing.
...comments. 1...because they make me feel good. 2...because I get so excited when I see the little email that says, "[Ash J] New comment on..." 3...because they make me want to keep writing stunningly amazing posts (much like this one). and 4...because it makes me look like I'm super popular (which I am but I obviously need the validation from my throngs of adoring readers).
hint...hint
Have a super nice day because super nice days are amazing.
Monday, February 22, 2010
What I Love...Day 22
I love...
...that my roommate's little brother found a ceramic piece I made during my senior year...and it's still in the library at the high school...and they gave me a plaque with my full name on it...and that he took a picture and sent it to my roommate who immediately sent it to me. Wow.
Here's the story of how my high school came to own a piece that I made:
I took AP Ceramics (really, it's a class. Really, it's hard just like any other AP class, promise. Don't judge, you would have been eaten alive by the difficulty of this class.) during my senior year. We made all kinds of crazy awesome things. One of the projects we made was an asymmetrical piece. I decided to make a bunch of ity-bity pots, cut them in half and attach them to a base. This is what I ended up with:
I was in loooove with it! I wanted to keep it forever and never let it go...then my teacher informed me that the principal wanted to buy it for $200. See ya later, asymmetrical pot! I was so excited. I even got a big purple ribbon to go along with my $200 check. It was a great day.
Then the principal put it in the library and had the lovely plaque made. And then my roommate's brother found it **cough**8yearslater**cough...cough**
Woot happy day.
...that my roommate's little brother found a ceramic piece I made during my senior year...and it's still in the library at the high school...and they gave me a plaque with my full name on it...and that he took a picture and sent it to my roommate who immediately sent it to me. Wow.
Here's the story of how my high school came to own a piece that I made:
I took AP Ceramics (really, it's a class. Really, it's hard just like any other AP class, promise. Don't judge, you would have been eaten alive by the difficulty of this class.) during my senior year. We made all kinds of crazy awesome things. One of the projects we made was an asymmetrical piece. I decided to make a bunch of ity-bity pots, cut them in half and attach them to a base. This is what I ended up with:
I was in loooove with it! I wanted to keep it forever and never let it go...then my teacher informed me that the principal wanted to buy it for $200. See ya later, asymmetrical pot! I was so excited. I even got a big purple ribbon to go along with my $200 check. It was a great day.
Then the principal put it in the library and had the lovely plaque made. And then my roommate's brother found it **cough**8yearslater**cough...cough**
Woot happy day.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Who Writes This Blog?
If I listened to The Gender Genie, I'd think a man writes my blog for me.
Have you seen the site? You type in any writing and it tells you what gender it thinks the author is. I guess I write like a man a lot. Of all the posts from today to February 13th, all come up as male except for this one. That's right, the one about laundry. Hmmm...?
Have you seen the site? You type in any writing and it tells you what gender it thinks the author is. I guess I write like a man a lot. Of all the posts from today to February 13th, all come up as male except for this one. That's right, the one about laundry. Hmmm...?
How to Make It Snow
Once is just a coincidence, twice a rarity. However, three times something real is going on.
Every time I have worn a skirt or dress without wearing any of my beloved tights over the past month or so, it has snowed. Now, I'm not a dummy. I only choose to not wear tights on days that it seems like the weather is going to stay nice. Three nice days have quickly turned into 3 snowy days...coincidence, no. Reality, yes.
I've decided I will only use my powers for good. You're welcome, world.
Every time I have worn a skirt or dress without wearing any of my beloved tights over the past month or so, it has snowed. Now, I'm not a dummy. I only choose to not wear tights on days that it seems like the weather is going to stay nice. Three nice days have quickly turned into 3 snowy days...coincidence, no. Reality, yes.
I've decided I will only use my powers for good. You're welcome, world.
What I Love...Day 21
I love...
...amazing crafts that involve no measuring.
I used this tutorial to make this headband. Love it!
...amazing crafts that involve no measuring.
I used this tutorial to make this headband. Love it!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The Hunger Games
Book #43: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regard it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love."
I heard about this book through a couple of junior high English teachers who raved about it and said it was the book that changed so many kids from non-readers to avid readers. Obviously, I had to read it. I picked it up on Monday and finished Thursday. That's saying a lot considering my week (2 days of all day classes followed by 4 hours of parent-teacher conferences each night, homework for my MEd., and keeping up with my amazing social schedule). I like reading. I like a good book but I am not the kind of person who tries to read at red lights or who tries to find busy work for her students so she can read or who ignores the fact that she is exhausted and needs sleep. This book made me that person. I hardly slept, I read anywhere and everywhere.
This book is crazy good. It's exciting and has some romance. Oh, man! I want to tell you everything that happens but that would not be nice. Go get this book now!
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regard it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love."
I heard about this book through a couple of junior high English teachers who raved about it and said it was the book that changed so many kids from non-readers to avid readers. Obviously, I had to read it. I picked it up on Monday and finished Thursday. That's saying a lot considering my week (2 days of all day classes followed by 4 hours of parent-teacher conferences each night, homework for my MEd., and keeping up with my amazing social schedule). I like reading. I like a good book but I am not the kind of person who tries to read at red lights or who tries to find busy work for her students so she can read or who ignores the fact that she is exhausted and needs sleep. This book made me that person. I hardly slept, I read anywhere and everywhere.
This book is crazy good. It's exciting and has some romance. Oh, man! I want to tell you everything that happens but that would not be nice. Go get this book now!
What I Love...Day 20
I love...
...Cafe Rio. Pork salad...mmm...I wish I could eat it every day.
I'm not feeling all this loving stuff and so my posts are beginning to become even more vapid and superficial...sorry about that. Only 8 more days. Hopefully I can come up with some good stuff to end the month. Please hang in there!
...Cafe Rio. Pork salad...mmm...I wish I could eat it every day.
I'm not feeling all this loving stuff and so my posts are beginning to become even more vapid and superficial...sorry about that. Only 8 more days. Hopefully I can come up with some good stuff to end the month. Please hang in there!
Friday, February 19, 2010
What I Love...Day 19
I love...
...mylifeisaverage.com Holy cow. I was laughing so hard at some of these that I cried. Full-on make-up-running-down-my-face-can't-breath-occasionally-blowing-snot-out-of-my- nose laughing.
If you need a pick-me-up or to procrastinate something important, head on over!
"Today, while texting my friend on my Ipod Touch, I typed in "grrrr" because I was mad at her. My Ipod has spell check, so it said, "did you mean Ferret?" and I completely forgot why I was mad at her. MLIA."
"Today, I was grading my students' tests on A Christmas Carol. Under "List 5 facts about Charles Dickens" one of my students wrote "His name rhymes with chickens." I have the best job ever! MLIA."
...mylifeisaverage.com Holy cow. I was laughing so hard at some of these that I cried. Full-on make-up-running-down-my-face-can't-breath-occasionally-blowing-snot-out-of-my- nose laughing.
If you need a pick-me-up or to procrastinate something important, head on over!
"Today, while texting my friend on my Ipod Touch, I typed in "grrrr" because I was mad at her. My Ipod has spell check, so it said, "did you mean Ferret?" and I completely forgot why I was mad at her. MLIA."
"Today, I was grading my students' tests on A Christmas Carol. Under "List 5 facts about Charles Dickens" one of my students wrote "His name rhymes with chickens." I have the best job ever! MLIA."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What I Love...Day 18
I love...
...that parent-teacher conferences are over. Aaaahhhhh. No more being at school from 7am to 8:30pm this year (except on days that I choose to be).
I loved meeting with the parents and making plans on how we can help their kids. They were freaking great this time.
...that parent-teacher conferences are over. Aaaahhhhh. No more being at school from 7am to 8:30pm this year (except on days that I choose to be).
I loved meeting with the parents and making plans on how we can help their kids. They were freaking great this time.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
What I Love...Day 17
I love...
...how very friendly parents are during the second parent-teacher conference.
The first conference, all parents were a bit stand-offish, trying to decide how I was going to screw up their kid or how I was probably out to get their kid.
By now they've realized I am here to help their children and I love their children and I want the best for their children. Wow. Realizing this makes parents so much more fun to talk to. It's much less business (though we still get to the important stuff) and much more "thanks for being such a great teacher." Aww...shucks. You're making me blush.
But seriously, parents were the thing that terrified me the most before I began teaching. Now (most of them) are a piece of cake.
...how very friendly parents are during the second parent-teacher conference.
The first conference, all parents were a bit stand-offish, trying to decide how I was going to screw up their kid or how I was probably out to get their kid.
By now they've realized I am here to help their children and I love their children and I want the best for their children. Wow. Realizing this makes parents so much more fun to talk to. It's much less business (though we still get to the important stuff) and much more "thanks for being such a great teacher." Aww...shucks. You're making me blush.
But seriously, parents were the thing that terrified me the most before I began teaching. Now (most of them) are a piece of cake.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What I Love...Day 16
I love...
...when I think of really great things to post but then forget them by the time I get to the "create a post" option.
...when I think of really great things to post but then forget them by the time I get to the "create a post" option.
Monday, February 15, 2010
What I Love...Day 15
I couldn't decided if I should keep doing the "I love" posts after Valentine's Day but then checked in on what I said here and turns out, I said "love month." Here's to the rest of the month.
I love...
...spending time with my mom. Yes, there are a lot of bathroom breaks but we have a great time together. Thank you again, President's Day, for giving us a long weekend and a chance to hang out together.
I love...
...spending time with my mom. Yes, there are a lot of bathroom breaks but we have a great time together. Thank you again, President's Day, for giving us a long weekend and a chance to hang out together.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What I Love...Day 14
I love...
...long weekends! How wonderful will it be to wake up with the sun on Monday? Oh, gosh! I'm so excited to sleep in again!
Thanks to Lincoln and Washington for agreeing to have their birthdays smashed into one day. I don't think I would have agreed to that.
...long weekends! How wonderful will it be to wake up with the sun on Monday? Oh, gosh! I'm so excited to sleep in again!
Thanks to Lincoln and Washington for agreeing to have their birthdays smashed into one day. I don't think I would have agreed to that.
V Day
Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm sorry but I don't know where I got this picture. If anyone knows, I'd love to know so I can give credit and also order some of these lovelies.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Another Thing About Laundry
I always fall in love with clothes that have a tag that reads "Dry Clean Only." Usually I oblige though I hate dry cleaning because I don't get that fresh laundry scent that I love so much and it costs a lot of money.
I thought I would take this sweater that I've had for ages (that has also been sitting in my closet for ages because of a hideous brown stain on the arm) and try washing it in the washing machine.
It came out and was about 2 sizes bigger than it was when it went in. I thought, "No problem. It was kinda short to begin with. I'll make it work."
I hung it to dry and went on about my day. Then I began to smell something horrible. It couldn't be my fresh laundry...so I went on a search. Nope. Not the garbage can. Nope. Not the fridge. Nope. Not dirty laundry. Nope. Not those smelly boots. What could it be? Just to cover my bases, I smelled the sweater. Yep. That's it. Oh gosh. Now what? Being the laundry genius that I obviously am, I decided to throw it in the dryer to see if the smell would go away.
10 minutes later, I pull the sweater out of the dryer. It still kind of smells but it's now 2 sizes smaller than it was pre-washing...and it has really long arms.
Here's the proof:
I thought I would take this sweater that I've had for ages (that has also been sitting in my closet for ages because of a hideous brown stain on the arm) and try washing it in the washing machine.
It came out and was about 2 sizes bigger than it was when it went in. I thought, "No problem. It was kinda short to begin with. I'll make it work."
I hung it to dry and went on about my day. Then I began to smell something horrible. It couldn't be my fresh laundry...so I went on a search. Nope. Not the garbage can. Nope. Not the fridge. Nope. Not dirty laundry. Nope. Not those smelly boots. What could it be? Just to cover my bases, I smelled the sweater. Yep. That's it. Oh gosh. Now what? Being the laundry genius that I obviously am, I decided to throw it in the dryer to see if the smell would go away.
10 minutes later, I pull the sweater out of the dryer. It still kind of smells but it's now 2 sizes smaller than it was pre-washing...and it has really long arms.
Here's the proof:
Yep. My hand is on my hip. Yep. It doesn't go around me quite like it used to.
Not sure what I'm going to do with it. I still think it's super cute. Maybe I could use an idea from one of the many crafty blogs I follow and refashion it. Or I could just donate it to a toddler with ridiculously long arms.
Not sure what I'm going to do with it. I still think it's super cute. Maybe I could use an idea from one of the many crafty blogs I follow and refashion it. Or I could just donate it to a toddler with ridiculously long arms.
What I Love...Day 13
I love...
...the smell of clean laundry. It's like my version of catnip. After hanging my laundry to dry and the fresh smell begins to permeate my house, I prance around like I've been given a hallucinogen.
I heart you, clean laundry. I wish I had someone to wash laundry every day so I would (1) always smell the loveliness and (2) never have to do my own laundry.
...the smell of clean laundry. It's like my version of catnip. After hanging my laundry to dry and the fresh smell begins to permeate my house, I prance around like I've been given a hallucinogen.
I heart you, clean laundry. I wish I had someone to wash laundry every day so I would (1) always smell the loveliness and (2) never have to do my own laundry.
Friday, February 12, 2010
What I Love...Day 12
I love...
...the Olympics. I love watching the opening ceremonies, especially the parade of nations. I love seeing how awestruck some of the athletes are by just being there. It always chokes me up a little.
This is going to sound super corny but I'm going to say it anyway...I love seeing all the nations come in because it's almost like a perfect little world. For that small moment, no one is fighting, all is right in the world, and the nations are one. Oh, it's great.
...the Olympics. I love watching the opening ceremonies, especially the parade of nations. I love seeing how awestruck some of the athletes are by just being there. It always chokes me up a little.
This is going to sound super corny but I'm going to say it anyway...I love seeing all the nations come in because it's almost like a perfect little world. For that small moment, no one is fighting, all is right in the world, and the nations are one. Oh, it's great.
Do You Like Cups?
Our Valentine's Day party was today. I told my students that we still had tons to do and if they wanted our party to start on time, they would have to work really hard through the morning. I also told them I didn't want to see any Valentines until our party.
Even after saying that, they all kept asking if they could just give me their gift. No! I don't want to see anything until we're done with what needs to get done!
As my students are working, J. comes up to me and asks, "Miss J., do you like cups?" Umm...? Are there people who hate cups?
"Yes, J. I drink out of cups daily. I love cups."
"Good."
J. gave me a mug for Valentine's Day. Good thing I don't hate cups!
Even after saying that, they all kept asking if they could just give me their gift. No! I don't want to see anything until we're done with what needs to get done!
As my students are working, J. comes up to me and asks, "Miss J., do you like cups?" Umm...? Are there people who hate cups?
"Yes, J. I drink out of cups daily. I love cups."
"Good."
J. gave me a mug for Valentine's Day. Good thing I don't hate cups!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Suck it, Valentine!
I thought about using that message on the lovely sucker valentines I made for my students, then thought better of it.
This is what I made for Valentine's Day for my students:
Moustaches for the boys and giant lips for the girls. Unfortunately, my roommate and I thought they were way cooler than my kids did. Most of my boys ended up taping their moustaches to their eyebrows. Moustache...unibrow...whatever.
I got the template for the moustache and lips here.
This is what I made for Valentine's Day for my students:
Moustaches for the boys and giant lips for the girls. Unfortunately, my roommate and I thought they were way cooler than my kids did. Most of my boys ended up taping their moustaches to their eyebrows. Moustache...unibrow...whatever.
I got the template for the moustache and lips here.
What I Love...Day 11
I love...
...compliments from random strangers. Sure, it's kinda creepy depending on the person who says it but it still makes me feel good.
...compliments from random strangers. Sure, it's kinda creepy depending on the person who says it but it still makes me feel good.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What I Love...Day 10
I love...
...going to conferences that make me excited to be a teacher and excited to know that we can make a difference in these kiddos lives.
Getting information that shows me that I am doing something for these kids that is making a difference even though I feel at times that I don't know what I'm doing.
My teaching instincts are good and we are slowly making a difference in these kids lives.
...going to conferences that make me excited to be a teacher and excited to know that we can make a difference in these kiddos lives.
Getting information that shows me that I am doing something for these kids that is making a difference even though I feel at times that I don't know what I'm doing.
My teaching instincts are good and we are slowly making a difference in these kids lives.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
What I Love...Day 9
I love...
...field trips to the Clark Planetarium. Seriously guys. It was awesome. It was like my dream birthday party from my own 6th grade days...I was in charge, I got to learn awesome things, I ate at a food court, no one got lost or injured, and I had more than 5 guests...plus one was dressed as a lawyer.
The only drawbacks...no one brought me a present or sang to me.
...field trips to the Clark Planetarium. Seriously guys. It was awesome. It was like my dream birthday party from my own 6th grade days...I was in charge, I got to learn awesome things, I ate at a food court, no one got lost or injured, and I had more than 5 guests...plus one was dressed as a lawyer.
The only drawbacks...no one brought me a present or sang to me.
J.G.P. Kid Lawyer
One of my students came to school today in a full-on suit...tie and all. He also had a box from a MacBook Pro to carry his lunch in.
I said something to the effect of, "J. you look like a lawyer. You're officially the lawyer of our field trip."
So, all day I hear, "J. G. P., Kid Lawyer. I fight for you!"
This turned into a running joke with all the 6th graders. They decided they'd begin to "sue" each other over little infractions by saying something like, "J.G.P., kid lawyer, is going to take you to the cleaners."
The best line came at the end of the day though. As we are riding public transit home, one boy shouts, "My lawyer, J.G.P., is going to sue you. And he's got a briefcase full of lunch!"
Oh, 6th graders! I heart you most of the time.
I said something to the effect of, "J. you look like a lawyer. You're officially the lawyer of our field trip."
So, all day I hear, "J. G. P., Kid Lawyer. I fight for you!"
This turned into a running joke with all the 6th graders. They decided they'd begin to "sue" each other over little infractions by saying something like, "J.G.P., kid lawyer, is going to take you to the cleaners."
The best line came at the end of the day though. As we are riding public transit home, one boy shouts, "My lawyer, J.G.P., is going to sue you. And he's got a briefcase full of lunch!"
Oh, 6th graders! I heart you most of the time.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Why Wouldn't You Want to be a Teacher?
Especially when you get to hear all the funny and wonderful things that kiddos say.
Today, as the bell rang, I was talking to a student about an assignment. L. comes up to me and with a little swivel of his head says, "Hey, laaaaaady." He looks at me for a second trying to judge my reaction. He smiles, nods and leaves. I laugh, snort and repeat.
This is the same L. that said I look like a proper English lady, if you were wondering.
I just realized this doesn't sound as funny as it truly was. Maybe I'll make a reenactment video. Only staring me as all 3 characters. I may even edit it and add special things. Oh, it'll be good if it ever happens.
Today, as the bell rang, I was talking to a student about an assignment. L. comes up to me and with a little swivel of his head says, "Hey, laaaaaady." He looks at me for a second trying to judge my reaction. He smiles, nods and leaves. I laugh, snort and repeat.
This is the same L. that said I look like a proper English lady, if you were wondering.
I just realized this doesn't sound as funny as it truly was. Maybe I'll make a reenactment video. Only staring me as all 3 characters. I may even edit it and add special things. Oh, it'll be good if it ever happens.
What I Love...Day 8
I love...
...carbs. Any shape or size, I'll eat them all.
This one's really deep, I know. I hope you could keep up.
...carbs. Any shape or size, I'll eat them all.
This one's really deep, I know. I hope you could keep up.
GRRRRR!!
Love month is getting on my nerves already and it's only day 8.
There are so many things that I want to complain about and say, "I HATE..." but alas, it's love month so I'll restrain myself.
I am compiling a list of hates though...
Prepare yourself for the wrath. It's coming.
***edit: If I wrote this on an IPhone, I would have probably been renamed "Ferret." Just saying.
There are so many things that I want to complain about and say, "I HATE..." but alas, it's love month so I'll restrain myself.
I am compiling a list of hates though...
Prepare yourself for the wrath. It's coming.
***edit: If I wrote this on an IPhone, I would have probably been renamed "Ferret." Just saying.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl
I guess picking your team based on fashion is not a good choice...especially if you're a betting man...which I'm not.
Way to go Saints. It was actually quite an entertaining game.
Way to go Saints. It was actually quite an entertaining game.
What I Love...Day 7
I love...
...the Gospel. I love going to church every Sunday and look forward to it all week. I especially love Fast Sunday. I love hearing the testimonies of all the lovelies in my ward.
I am so grateful for, and love the friends who have been such great examples to me and have helped me to be where I am today.
The church is true.
...the Gospel. I love going to church every Sunday and look forward to it all week. I especially love Fast Sunday. I love hearing the testimonies of all the lovelies in my ward.
I am so grateful for, and love the friends who have been such great examples to me and have helped me to be where I am today.
The church is true.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Football
I've never been a football fan. Utah doesn't have a professional team, my family isn't into college sports, and I don't have any brothers. So the extent of my football knowledge is the 3 months I spent playing touch football at recess during my 6th grade year and going to high school football games to socialize (and occasionally comment on the butts in those football pants. Seriously, a woman must have been involved in the design of those pants.).
Not much football in the life of Ash J.
So when this week comes and people begin asking me who I hope wins, I'm always stumped. I didn't even know who was playing until I looked it up just before I began writing this post (it's the Saints and Colts, thank you very much).
Picture from here.
That being said, I'm going to cheer my brains out for the Colts in between eating lots of food and watching hilarious commercials. By the way Saints, you would have had me as a fan for the day if you hadn't used that horribly ugly fake gold.
Not much football in the life of Ash J.
So when this week comes and people begin asking me who I hope wins, I'm always stumped. I didn't even know who was playing until I looked it up just before I began writing this post (it's the Saints and Colts, thank you very much).
Because I don't know much about football, I decided that I would choose the team I'm rooting for by using what I know...fashion.
Picture from here.That being said, I'm going to cheer my brains out for the Colts in between eating lots of food and watching hilarious commercials. By the way Saints, you would have had me as a fan for the day if you hadn't used that horribly ugly fake gold.
Picture from here.
What I Love...Day 6
I love...
...having a whole weekend to do what I want...well, I take that back. I love having a whole weekend where I don't have to work at my job.
Weekends off are great but holy crap! There's so much to do. Have I mentioned the giant hole in the ceiling lately? Oh and the huge mess that I call a bedroom? Or the boxes that I still haven't unpacked?
Yep, it's been almost 3 months. Don't judge.
...having a whole weekend to do what I want...well, I take that back. I love having a whole weekend where I don't have to work at my job.
Weekends off are great but holy crap! There's so much to do. Have I mentioned the giant hole in the ceiling lately? Oh and the huge mess that I call a bedroom? Or the boxes that I still haven't unpacked?
Yep, it's been almost 3 months. Don't judge.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Bigger Muscles
Like I said, I love dodge ball.
This love has transferred to my students.
My students want to challenge all the other 6th grade classes to a game of dodge ball to see if they can win each class and be "school dodge ball champions."
After annihilating one class, J. says, "We know we're not as smart as that class but at least we have bigger muscles."
Yep, big muscles are a super important life skill.
This love has transferred to my students.
My students want to challenge all the other 6th grade classes to a game of dodge ball to see if they can win each class and be "school dodge ball champions."
After annihilating one class, J. says, "We know we're not as smart as that class but at least we have bigger muscles."
Yep, big muscles are a super important life skill.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
If the Teaching Thing Doesn't Work Out...
I love teaching p.e.
At my school, the 6th grade teachers switch for the extras (p.e., art, computers) so I usually teach 3 days of p.e. every week. I mostly play dodge ball with the kids because I am amazing at dodge ballery.
However, I decided to change it up a bit this week and we used the weight machines and did circuits. For the last five minutes, we stretched and cooled down.
As we lined up I get this comment,
"Hey, Miss J., you should be a yoga teacher. You're pretty good at making us stretch."
Namaste.
At my school, the 6th grade teachers switch for the extras (p.e., art, computers) so I usually teach 3 days of p.e. every week. I mostly play dodge ball with the kids because I am amazing at dodge ballery.
However, I decided to change it up a bit this week and we used the weight machines and did circuits. For the last five minutes, we stretched and cooled down.
As we lined up I get this comment,
"Hey, Miss J., you should be a yoga teacher. You're pretty good at making us stretch."
Namaste.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
American Idol...
...making people look like dummies since 2002.
"I feel like I have what it takes to be the American Idol and the next pop singer because I have a really good heart...and I would be very into recycling and helping kids in Africa."
~Kimberly Bishop, 20, Altamonte Springs, FL
"I feel like I have what it takes to be the American Idol and the next pop singer because I have a really good heart...and I would be very into recycling and helping kids in Africa."
~Kimberly Bishop, 20, Altamonte Springs, FL
What I Love...Day 3
I love...
...having the opportunity to work with such amazing people. I am astounded every day at the patience and love each of the teachers, aides, custodians, administrators, and other school personnel put into everything they do.
...having the opportunity to work with such amazing people. I am astounded every day at the patience and love each of the teachers, aides, custodians, administrators, and other school personnel put into everything they do.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Proper English Lady
As I was putting on my coat to go out to recess, a student said,
"Miss J., you look like a proper English lady. You know, like Mary Poppins."
Through laughs, "Why is that, L.?"
"Because of your coat. You know it's long and it has puffy sleeves. It just looks like you should be in England."
"Well then, (cue horrible English accent) after you gov'na."
"Miss J., you look like a proper English lady. You know, like Mary Poppins."
Through laughs, "Why is that, L.?"
"Because of your coat. You know it's long and it has puffy sleeves. It just looks like you should be in England."
"Well then, (cue horrible English accent) after you gov'na."
Are these the same?
What I Love...Day 2
I love...
...having a nice quiet place to study. I would equally love a mentality that wanted to study but beggars can't be choosers.
...having a nice quiet place to study. I would equally love a mentality that wanted to study but beggars can't be choosers.
New Class Motto?
I need this sign in my classroom:
I think it's an excellent class motto and may be up in my room tomorrow.
I think it's an excellent class motto and may be up in my room tomorrow.
Monday, February 1, 2010
What I Love...Day 1
I'm not a big lover of Valentine's Day (really...who decided we should have one day in which we tell our loved ones we love them? Shouldn't that happen every day? I fully believe it was invented by Hallmark...yep, I worked there. That may be why I have such a loathing for the holiday and all the last minute shoppers). Now that rant is out of the way, let's get to the real reason for this post.
I've decided to take a cue from my friend Lindsay and put something I love on my blog everyday during the month of February. Some will probably be things you already know about me, others will be silly things that make me happy and others may just be random things that I love that day.
So here goes:
I love...
...teaching. I know I've complained about it a lot (especially with recent happenings) but I truly do enjoy it. It's such an enjoyable job. Who else gets to go hang out with a bunch of awesome kids and be such an influence in their lives? That's right...only teachers.
I've decided to take a cue from my friend Lindsay and put something I love on my blog everyday during the month of February. Some will probably be things you already know about me, others will be silly things that make me happy and others may just be random things that I love that day.
So here goes:
I love...
...teaching. I know I've complained about it a lot (especially with recent happenings) but I truly do enjoy it. It's such an enjoyable job. Who else gets to go hang out with a bunch of awesome kids and be such an influence in their lives? That's right...only teachers.
February Videos
Oh....babies....I love them!
Seriously? This is the most awesome save the date ever...but you've probably already seen it...it was on MSN's home page.
Singing kids...love them!
The Jersey Shore...made so much classier by 5 year olds.
Ok, How cool would this be? I really like the idea of having rings around the earth.
I want to be on the escalator when someone decides to do this:
I ran into these ladies while procrastinating. I thought they were pretty talented.
While watching this one, remember that it gets ridiculously amazing starting at about the 1 minute mark. Just hang in there...I don't know why they sing about potato salad.
Seriously? This is the most awesome save the date ever...but you've probably already seen it...it was on MSN's home page.
Singing kids...love them!
The Jersey Shore...made so much classier by 5 year olds.
Ok, How cool would this be? I really like the idea of having rings around the earth.
I want to be on the escalator when someone decides to do this:
I ran into these ladies while procrastinating. I thought they were pretty talented.
While watching this one, remember that it gets ridiculously amazing starting at about the 1 minute mark. Just hang in there...I don't know why they sing about potato salad.
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