I'm no sports junkie, but my boyfriend is. Usually I can sound somewhat intelligent by parroting what he and his friends have discussed in front of me and pretending that they're my own thoughts (sneaky, right?). It's because of him that I know about the whole LeBron one-hour special tonight about his decision of where he'll play next, and because of him that I've formed the opinion that he is sort of acting childish in his request to have a prime-time special centering around his choice that would probably take up about a minute or two of the programming. It would arguably take up that much time in the same slot even if he had released it in the way most of the other free agents had (given ESPN's propensity for beating the day's sports stories to death).
It made me think of what he might have been like as a first-grader, perhaps demanding that the kids watch him pick others to play on his team for that game with the big plastic basket and the different holes for the ball to come out. He would definitely be the one shooting paper towels into the garbage can in the bathroom, chest-bumping his much smaller classmates who had not yet washed their hands. It's because of him that all the students in my class would steal the sidewalk chalk from the communal bin during recess, rub it vigorously on their hands, and begin clapping clouds of dust into the air screeching "I'm the king! I'm the king!" (That really did happen pretty frequently). Come to think of it, that's probably where his whole pre-game routine started- on the first grade playground. Just some non-sports thoughts on a sports issue.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Get Out Yo Seat and Romp Around
One of the more amusing things about teaching lower elementary is the gifts you get from the kids throughout the course of the year. Ask any K-2 teacher and they'll be able to tell you about some pretty hilarious and outrageous things that kids have brought in. One of my student's former teachers donated a huge 3' by 1' decorative art piece that was clearly plucked off the wall of their home (or off the curb in front of a random stranger's house) in a last ditch attempt at Christmas spirit. Some have gotten pints of obscure perfumes or toys from fast food kid's meals. My aunt had to call home after a first-grader began stealing jewelery from his mother to give to his beloved teacher.
My mother, since her school was closing and she was retiring, brought home a massive box of gifts. Most of them were cards and letters, ranging from "I hope you enjoy retirement" to "I'll dream about you every night." She also got a cardboard box that was meticulously covered with colored duct tape with a large F protruding from the top of it.
I have received my fair share of thoughtful and bizarre gifts, ranging from Chick-fil-a gift cards to stuffed animals to the homemade flower pen I mentioned in a previous post. My favorite and most random gift came on the last day of school just as one of the most well-behaved kids in my class left, handing me a cute little gift bag (I take a lot of notice of cute gift bags and cards). I didn't get the chance to open it until the next day, when I found a pajama romper from Target inside. Why a student and his parents would decide that a green floral onesie would be an appropriate end-of-year gift for a teacher is beyond me. All I know is that it is the perfect summer accessory for me, letting me wear it all day when I've woken up past noon singing my "Romp Around" song (to the tune of this classic). It really lets me capture the feeling of summer and my lack of responsibility and we all could learn a little something about the feeling you get when wearing one. Those of you that aren't teachers, though, will have to go out and spend the money yourself.
My mother, since her school was closing and she was retiring, brought home a massive box of gifts. Most of them were cards and letters, ranging from "I hope you enjoy retirement" to "I'll dream about you every night." She also got a cardboard box that was meticulously covered with colored duct tape with a large F protruding from the top of it.
I have received my fair share of thoughtful and bizarre gifts, ranging from Chick-fil-a gift cards to stuffed animals to the homemade flower pen I mentioned in a previous post. My favorite and most random gift came on the last day of school just as one of the most well-behaved kids in my class left, handing me a cute little gift bag (I take a lot of notice of cute gift bags and cards). I didn't get the chance to open it until the next day, when I found a pajama romper from Target inside. Why a student and his parents would decide that a green floral onesie would be an appropriate end-of-year gift for a teacher is beyond me. All I know is that it is the perfect summer accessory for me, letting me wear it all day when I've woken up past noon singing my "Romp Around" song (to the tune of this classic). It really lets me capture the feeling of summer and my lack of responsibility and we all could learn a little something about the feeling you get when wearing one. Those of you that aren't teachers, though, will have to go out and spend the money yourself.
The romper in question from Target.com
(no, I did not model it myself and then post it on my blog)
(no, I did not model it myself and then post it on my blog)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Happy Birthday America
I wish every birthday party could be this fun. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, beaten by the only two birthdays more important than America's- mine and Jesus'. In some ways it's better because you're allowed to be cheesy as if it were a theme party, with mass-produced flag t-shirts and oversized colored sunglasses. It has no full family or friends obligations either- it's whoever you want to spend it with.
This Fourth of July was spent at my mother's family estate in Western New York. I'm using the word "estate" very loosely here. I managed to get my boyfriend back with all five of my mom's brothers and their families at the campground my Nana has been taking them for over thirty years. It's a pretty unique little place, a circle of trailers left year round down a dusty dirt road on an Indian reservation. The younger relatives are left to tents set up wherever there's room, sometimes having to resort to shelter under unused picnic tables or the beds of pick-up trucks (maybe that only happens when you forget some vital part of your tent).
The best part of Fourth of July on an Indian reservation is the fireworks. Sure, we've all seen pretty spectacular fireworks displays, but you haven't seen fireworks until you've seen them set off of washed up tree stumps with a Bic lighter twenty feet away from you. Add in a Happy Hour that officially starts at 5 pm (or whenever you wake up, if Nana forgets to take down the flag) and bonfire conversations until late into the night, and you have one fun party.
The topic at the bonfire this year centered on the five items you'd need to survive on a deserted island, led by my father who essentially bashed any of the other choices the other campers made. A favorite interchange was when a family friend shared that he's bring a family photo for emotional strength. My dad looked at him for a hard five seconds and just said,
"You're dead."
Great Fourth of July spirit Dad.
This Fourth of July was spent at my mother's family estate in Western New York. I'm using the word "estate" very loosely here. I managed to get my boyfriend back with all five of my mom's brothers and their families at the campground my Nana has been taking them for over thirty years. It's a pretty unique little place, a circle of trailers left year round down a dusty dirt road on an Indian reservation. The younger relatives are left to tents set up wherever there's room, sometimes having to resort to shelter under unused picnic tables or the beds of pick-up trucks (maybe that only happens when you forget some vital part of your tent).
The best part of Fourth of July on an Indian reservation is the fireworks. Sure, we've all seen pretty spectacular fireworks displays, but you haven't seen fireworks until you've seen them set off of washed up tree stumps with a Bic lighter twenty feet away from you. Add in a Happy Hour that officially starts at 5 pm (or whenever you wake up, if Nana forgets to take down the flag) and bonfire conversations until late into the night, and you have one fun party.
The topic at the bonfire this year centered on the five items you'd need to survive on a deserted island, led by my father who essentially bashed any of the other choices the other campers made. A favorite interchange was when a family friend shared that he's bring a family photo for emotional strength. My dad looked at him for a hard five seconds and just said,
"You're dead."
Great Fourth of July spirit Dad.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Searching for The "Just-Right" Book
Quick post to let you know that my very first Donors Choose project is posted. Read my project proposal here and PLEASE donate so that my kids can have a full library when they come back to school in the fall. Not only are you supporting my classroom, but you're also supporting a really great organization that helps thousands of teachers get the resources they need. Take a look!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
You're Leaving? When I Specifically Asked You Not To?!
One effect of a bad economy is the tendency of people to reconsider their employment situations, whether it becomes a necessity because of being laid off or a strategic move to gain stability. Apparently this economy has even had that impact on fictional characters, because this weekend I learned the incredibly upsetting news that Michael Scott will be bidding his employees and adoring fans goodbye after the coming season (a reporter from the NY Times interviewed him about his decision, I'll let you read what she said about it).
To say that I watch The Office religiously would be an understatement. To say that I am pretty familiar with the characters and most of the episodes would be an insult. I consider myself one of those obnoxious people who could reenact the entire show, Season 1 to its most current episode, with my eyes closed and the TV on mute.
All in all, I think that it's probably time for the show to end anyway and that Carell is making a smart move to leave. I'm hoping the NBC and the show's writers will see it my way too- that Dunder Mifflin is nothing without Michael Scott- and end the show after Carell goes. Anyone who has watched from the first season can attest to the evolution of the show from the extremely dry humor of its pilot (a nearly identical re-make of the British pilot) to its more expansive and outlandish cast of today. The best seasons are the ones that have mixed the two kinds of comedy- in my opinion, Seasons 2 and 3 (maybe 4 too).
Anyway, I'll end this post with my favorite Office moments, ones that have taught me a lot about social etiquette, business professionalism, and personal relationships. Enjoy!
"Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don't know- I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me- no don't sue me. That is the opposite of the point I'm trying to make."
To say that I watch The Office religiously would be an understatement. To say that I am pretty familiar with the characters and most of the episodes would be an insult. I consider myself one of those obnoxious people who could reenact the entire show, Season 1 to its most current episode, with my eyes closed and the TV on mute.
All in all, I think that it's probably time for the show to end anyway and that Carell is making a smart move to leave. I'm hoping the NBC and the show's writers will see it my way too- that Dunder Mifflin is nothing without Michael Scott- and end the show after Carell goes. Anyone who has watched from the first season can attest to the evolution of the show from the extremely dry humor of its pilot (a nearly identical re-make of the British pilot) to its more expansive and outlandish cast of today. The best seasons are the ones that have mixed the two kinds of comedy- in my opinion, Seasons 2 and 3 (maybe 4 too).
Anyway, I'll end this post with my favorite Office moments, ones that have taught me a lot about social etiquette, business professionalism, and personal relationships. Enjoy!
- Best of Michael
- Best of Dwight (the sound's a little up and down on this one)
- The Epic Rivalry
"Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don't know- I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me- no don't sue me. That is the opposite of the point I'm trying to make."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
More Inspirational BS
Okay, this is the last time today. I'm working on my classroom theme for next year and I came across this quote (which I LOVE):
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!"
-James Holmes
The syntax bothers me, but I like what it's saying.
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty, well-preserved body but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used-up, totally worn out proclaiming, "Wow! What a ride!"
-James Holmes
The syntax bothers me, but I like what it's saying.
Go Getter
I was afforded a lot of extra think time today thanks to the hopelessly boring drive from Western Massachusetts to my house in Painted Post. The monotonous scenery and static-ridden radio stations are enough to make anyone's mind wander. I, considering myself an especially pensive person (mainly because of an overactive imagination and a tendency to try to write novels in my head), was no exception.
I got to thinking about how the best way to get the life you want. I thought about all the things I have done (or not done), about what has gotten me to the point I am at right now. And I realized that it's actually quite simple.
You just have to go out and get it.
Okay, okay, this isn't always as easy as it sounds. Most people believe that they do TRY to get the things they want in life but I think usually people just don't try ENOUGH. I used to be (and in some ways, still am) a very shy and passive person. I hated making people go out of their way. I'd eat food I didn't order, avoid eye contact with acquaintances to get out of small talk, and nix voicing my opinion because I didn't want to cause a conflict. That is not how to do it.
The main reason for this is that people aren't mind-readers. This applies most directly to people-to-people relationships. Most people think that their eye twitches alone are enough to let others know how they feel, as if they spoke in some kind of bodily Morse code in which all human beings were fluent. Even the most perceptive people I know cannot pick up on everything. What you have to do is TALK. ASK. I have always wanted to get on a direct flight when I have connections. I never ask or, if I do, make a very pathetic attempt. Recently, I went up to three different ticket counters to get on a direct flight. And guess what? I got on one. All because I asked. Maybe three times... but still. I asked.
And sometimes, when asking isn't enough or when it waters down your request, you just have to take it. One fellow TFA corps member put it quite nicely-
"In teaching, I've learned that you're better off asking for forgiveness rather than permission."
If you do something and it works, people tend to forget that you weren't supposed to do it in the first place. Hell, that's how I showed my boyfriend I was interested and it's one of the only times I've ever really put myself out there rather than waiting for someone else to do it themselves.
In re-reading this I realize it sounds like one of those books you find in the self-help sections, usually with a picture of an overweight balding guy holding his arms out as if to say, "Look how happy I look! This stuff must work!" That's not really my intention... just wanted to point it out.
I got to thinking about how the best way to get the life you want. I thought about all the things I have done (or not done), about what has gotten me to the point I am at right now. And I realized that it's actually quite simple.
You just have to go out and get it.
Okay, okay, this isn't always as easy as it sounds. Most people believe that they do TRY to get the things they want in life but I think usually people just don't try ENOUGH. I used to be (and in some ways, still am) a very shy and passive person. I hated making people go out of their way. I'd eat food I didn't order, avoid eye contact with acquaintances to get out of small talk, and nix voicing my opinion because I didn't want to cause a conflict. That is not how to do it.
The main reason for this is that people aren't mind-readers. This applies most directly to people-to-people relationships. Most people think that their eye twitches alone are enough to let others know how they feel, as if they spoke in some kind of bodily Morse code in which all human beings were fluent. Even the most perceptive people I know cannot pick up on everything. What you have to do is TALK. ASK. I have always wanted to get on a direct flight when I have connections. I never ask or, if I do, make a very pathetic attempt. Recently, I went up to three different ticket counters to get on a direct flight. And guess what? I got on one. All because I asked. Maybe three times... but still. I asked.
And sometimes, when asking isn't enough or when it waters down your request, you just have to take it. One fellow TFA corps member put it quite nicely-
"In teaching, I've learned that you're better off asking for forgiveness rather than permission."
If you do something and it works, people tend to forget that you weren't supposed to do it in the first place. Hell, that's how I showed my boyfriend I was interested and it's one of the only times I've ever really put myself out there rather than waiting for someone else to do it themselves.
In re-reading this I realize it sounds like one of those books you find in the self-help sections, usually with a picture of an overweight balding guy holding his arms out as if to say, "Look how happy I look! This stuff must work!" That's not really my intention... just wanted to point it out.
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