4/5/24

 MORE (&#%()&$^)%& SNOW!!!! I got halfway to work and wimped out. It was coming down good, roads were trash and I just kept envisioning my road after a full day of snow. And I couldn't do it. I'm out of sick days so it'll cost me, but better than making myself sick with worry or worse an accident. My biggest fear is always not being able to get up my road though. Getting stuck. Etc. You'd think I'd get LESS wimpy as I get older. But I think it's actually that I'm smarter and know the consequences and such! So I'll survive without the money. 

What. A. Week!

 The highs and lows of the last week are kinda extreme. Well, the lows aren't really lows, just aggravations. 

The washer that came with the house was dying - didn't want to do the final rinse unless I tried really hard (like ran the final spin over and over and took out half the stuff, etc). So, last Saturday, Dad and I finally got the gumption to get my old washer from his garage into my house. We did it! We were so proud of ourselves!! And the newly placed washer was worse than the original! Not only didn't it do the final spin right but it didn't drain at all. It drained the soapy part but not the final rinse. There was a drum full of water (and clothes). I almost cried. But of course, I really wanted a new set anyway, so one was ordered before we even got around to eating the dinner I made (which I didn't like but Dad said was good). 

The week was busy. Sunday I went for a run and my knee was giving me issues so I made a chiropractor appointment for Monday afternoon. I get there, and of course he's WAY behind, so I said never mind and left. 

Tuesday I had an appointment with the local tire guys to see what they could do with my slow leak. They said it was unrepairable and I needed 4 new tires. WHAT?!?! But he could replace them for $1000. Uh, no thanks. I am pretty darn sure that I don't need all new tires. Maybe 1, so really 2. Talked to the auto teacher at school and when they have time they're gonna take a look for me. And I got a name of a tire place in Apple Valley from a neighbor, just in case. But really?! Ugh.

I don't remember Wednesday. Oh, ha. Dad came over and helped me get both washers into my truck, individually, and I took them, one at a time, to the dump. Dad's such a good man! I didn't even feed him.

Thursday was Slugger's monthly shot, but also his annual visit with Dr. D. This was actually a high point. He raved about how well Slugger did inside. Oh, they had construction issues so it's like during covid where I sit in my car and they take Slugs. Doc then calls with his report. Anyway, Slugger was awesome, looks good, none of his lumps and warts are worrisome. He didn't even hear the heart murmur which means it didn't get worse, though it is still there so we keep an eye on it every year. They did some bloodwork and we left to get dinner. Dad came over and I didn't make him do any manual labor :) 

Oh, the BEST news of the week/month/year was earlier on Thursday (started happening Wednesday?) - I think I've made my last student loan payment EVER! They processed the Azle form and my new payment count eligible for forgiveness is 134. Only need 120!!! So THEY put it in forbearance while all the paperwork is getting processed and such. I won't cry until I see $0 balance but I'm SO CLOSE!!!

Friday dawns... I was still living the student loan high, and happily expecting the delivery of the new washer/dryer. Well, I was at work, Dad was at my house. The installer dude BROKE a pipe! Like the pipe in the wall that goes to the water!! I hurriedly called a plumber who finally came this morning. So I spent about 24 hours with  no water in the house. Luckily I am prepared for this since when the power goes out, I have no water. Slugger and I survived. The guys fixed the pipe (and turned back on the water heater that had gone out cuz of the ferocious wind overnight while there was no water). And I will figure out how to get Home Depot to pay for it. And will never use them again. 

Oh and my amazing awesome Dad was here before 10am and stayed long enough for me to get home and walk the dog. THEN he went into town to get dinner and brought it back!!! 

Because all that wasn't enough, this morning I burned my bagel, then cut my thumb pretty good on the second one. The wind has caused power to flicker several times. BUT so far, no snow and barely any rain. Mostly blue skies all day actually. And amazingly ferocious wind. They say we could still see snow. It's 325pm and it's blue sky over us (not so much at the west end).

Anyway, I need a nap. And an influx of money to refill my savings. BUT THANK GOD I HAVE SAVINGS!!! I can't imagine how stressful this week would've been if I didn't. 

Survived

 Well, I survived the first real weather. My road is even almost dry again. Totally rutted and awful, but usable. We are supposed to get more this week. Yay. Though it won't be much. Just enough to be a nuisance getting to work in the mornings and getting up the road in the afternoon. Yay. Good news is that we have less than a month until Spring Break when we should be mostly done with the stupid weather. Spring snow isn't that big of a deal, hopefully! 

Slugger and I have escaped a couple times to find dry dirt. I tried running up 2N02 yesterday but it was gross much of the way. Did some hill repeats on the dry parts. 

I. Hate. Winter.

Could it get worse?

Let's not find out!!

This school year has just not started off right for me. First, they shift my students around, which really is sort of a good thing in the end, but it was quite chaotic for several days. And made me feel like the end of week TWO is when I really got to start getting to know my kids' names. I usually have them down by DAY two!! I still feel like I don't know who they are - their names, mostly, but not anything about them. I hate that. But anyway....

Then I got sick. I am still not 100% and I'm on week 3 of feeling crummy!!! I know a lot of it is that I am just tired. But even sleeping doesn't seem to help!! I took a day off last week and slept all day. Still groggy and in a fog...

And THEN... my Gradebook (the computer one) where we do grades, attendance and such, was attacked by gremlins. Okay, not really. Someone somewhere messed up and to make a long story short, I can't log in. Therefore, I can't take attendance every period, and I can't input grades. I'm on day 3 of this. Yesterday I was ready to throw something because those in charge of reconciling attendance kept "forgetting" and thus making me out as someone not doing my job. If you know me, you know I do my job!!

And then we get to today... students were taking notes today. They copy stuff from the "smart board" which today was a PDF projected from my computer. They write and then I talk about it, etc. The lights have to be off for this to happen. And many students move closer to the board, and sit on the floor even so they can see better. Yeah, so I tripped over a student and fell. I think if I'd just fallen, and not tried to stop myself, I would've been better off. I was also trying not to land on the student... I pretty much landed on my knee (the "good" one) and then rolled hard on to my side. I know this because of what hurts. I am proud of myself that I stood up, after checking on the student of course, and continued teaching. I really just wanted to cry. I'm icing my knee right now. I did at lunch too. I think it's just a bad welt/bruise. Nothing feels torn or otherwise permanently damaged.

Oh yeah, before or after the fall, I can't remember, we had a great deal of trouble getting the classroom door open. I finally forced hard enough that it worked. And then I put in a request to fix it, as its been getting worse by the day. The nice men who came to fix it seemed to have been blaming me for pushing on it too far (don't ask). Whatever.

I've spent much of the day wondering what's next. I would like to just start the year over. Or something. But it's all adding up to me being ready to lose my mind, or quit my job, or at least take the rest of the week off. But I've already taken off two days for the sickness. This is only week 6 of 37!!!!!!

Also, I am so excited that it's almost not hot so Slugger and I can walk more. And now it hurts to walk again. Are you feeling my levels of frustration?!?!

I'm really writing this all down cuz I have found that writing can be kinda therapeutic. And now I'm just going to cry it out. And then take some Ibuprofen PM and see where the bruises are in the morning. Maybe I'll post pictures!!!

UPDATE 10/1: September is over and so far October is MUCH better :)

One down, Thirty Six to Go

The first week of year #5 (really 6 but we ignore that one year of 2nd grade) is over and done. I have a LOT of students. That is observation #1. The good news is observation #2: all 187 (ish) of them are pretty good kids!! Several want to talk too much. But for the most part, they do what they're asked, are polite and seem to not hate me or school or Geometry yet. Of course, we haven't actually done any Geometry yet!! We spend the first week reviewing so as to maybe make the actual Geometry easier.

I've spent most of the week whining about how many students I have. Why? Well, there are a lot of them! With each student comes papers to grade, chatter to stop, etc. I should add that we no longer get student aides. We have two to share in our department (of 12 teachers!). But the biggest issue in my mind, is that it's too many bodies in my classroom at one time!! I had to add a desk mid-week!! It's just crammed wall to wall teenager!!

My principal became my favorite person though when he said they're going to attempt to shake things up and make my Pre-AP classes smaller by adding another class. This would be very complicated and would involve dissolving my smallest (21) regular class and loading up every Geometry teacher even more than we already are. I am pretty sure this is not going to happen, but at least he TRIED! Major bonus points. And I almost don't want it to happen. I like the class period that would all go elsewhere! Again, I may have a LOT of students, but I like most of them so far!

So I have begun getting up before dark, being on my feet all day, and being "on" for 8 straight hours. I am EXHAUSTED!!! My back hurts, my knee had 24 hours of misery, Slugs isn't getting enough attention, but...

I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

Thoughts on 5/7/14

I have lots of things running through my head today so I thought I'd share a few :) They run quite a gamut of subject matters!

1. I am almost of the impression that we DO need standardized state tests... I know, I'm nuts, but hear me out! I don't know that there is a better way to ensure that every teacher teaches what they're supposed to teach! I am currently teaching two subjects - one tested, one not (for the first time this year). In the tested subject we are very careful to make sure we know what could be on the test and make sure they know these things while also always keeping in mind what they'll need to know for future math classes. In my non-test subject, some teachers have decided to just skip an entire unit because they feel it's not important for other math classes, and they'd rather review for students to be prepared for day one next year. The problem is that if they haven't retained it through this year, they won't retain it over the summer!!! Or so few of them will, it will still have to be reviewed in week one next year. SO... point is: these teachers are not being held at all accountable to what they are supposed to be teaching according to state standards. And students are missing out. And for some reason it's really eating at me.

2. It's Teacher Appreciation Week. I got a BOGO burrito from Chipotle last night. Fruit and cupcakes from the principal today. Lunch from PTO tomorrow. Chipotle wins. They so don't have to do something that awesome! All in all, I say: Yay. I feel appreciated. (where's that sarcasm font when you need it?!)

3. I've been conducting monthly sessions for other teachers on ways to use the iPad in the classroom. In return, our principal has offered to buy us (there are 4 teachers who lead these) something techy for our classrooms... like $500 worth!! I can't decide!! What I really want may not happen but actually might cost him nothing but a cable!! I'm trying to come up with something I thought I'd never be able to have so didn't even dream of it...

4. I'm so done with Charter! Charges I wasn't expecting; headache getting cables installed; cables still not buried in my yard (and my neighbor's!!)... I'm using the internet right now though so I guess once it's all done, life will be good!!

5. I give Slugger a tick repellent once a month. It also supposedly repels mosquitos and other bugs. I found 1 tick two weeks ago and THREE this morning!! I think it's a bad tick season so perhaps the drugs just aren't strong enough and I am lucky there aren't more. I hope. I can't decide if I should call the vet or not. To ask about the meds - he's fine and dandy. Staring at me begging for my dinner as I type!

6. I can't think of anything else so now I'm just rambling :) I'm sure there's more!! OH! So I bought patio furniture last month with my mortgage payment that I didn't have to make. I know it wasn't very financially responsible but now I can stop dreaming of and shopping for patio furniture! Anyway, the chairs were together when I bought it so they went right outside. I admit it then took me a few weeks to get around to putting together the sofa. I'll blame the weather. And prom. Actually I think it was the day after prom I finally did it. BUT I was missing screws!!! I got it all together and to the part of securing the part you sit on, and I was SIX screws short!! There was an e-mail address though so I e-mailed. A week later I finally got a reply with lots of oriental looking translation markings that said they would send me more. I was thinking it'd take weeks coming from Asia! Nope, they came today from CA :) So my first thought was yay I can finish tomorrow (I took the day off - see #5 about Charter cables still needing to be buried). It's supposed to rain all day!!!

7. Speaking of it raining tomorrow, Slugs and I are hiking anyway!! As long as it's not a storm watch or something. The NWS prediction says it'll be afternoon before it's an actual storm here :)

8. This is now so long no one will ever read it!!

New Life

As happens when life changes drastically, life is catching up with me! In the last two months, I have started "doing" more. Getting out of the house more. I hate it because I can. I wish I still needed and wanted to race home after work. But I don't. So, I don't. However, it's beginning to wear on me! I was out "late" 3 nights this week, and a different night, I didn't sleep well. Yup, Saturday morning sleep in is going to be NICE!!!! I don't hate being active. I have very much enjoyed all the activities that are keeping me away from home and awake. But, man, I think I'm feeling my age, or something!! I am currently so tired that I can't seem to find the energy to turn off the light and go to sleep!!

Needless to say, Thanksgiving break couldn't be coming at a better time!! Monday is the only day of the year (I think) that I wish I still work in FWISD cuz they get the whole week and we have to suffer through another day and a half! I say suffer cuz getting kids to do anything productive will be virtually impossible!! Oh well!!

Nine weeks down...

The school year is 1/4 over. We are through nine weeks. Halfway through the first semester. All that sounds great, but we have a lot farther (further?) to go!!

It's not even November, and I am exhausted!! I feel burnt out almost. How? Why? And how on earth am I going to get through the next 25 weeks?? Especially when it's really 27. I'm obviously not sleeping well or something. I think I can blame it on not exercising and my diet. I need to go back to being good about my veganness. Then maybe I'll have enough energy to exercise. Which will then make me less tired and have more oomph and not want to take a nap all day every day.

We can hope. I'm counting down the days to Thanksgiving break. 22. Hey, that's my lucky number!!

Loooong Week...

This week is FINALLY over!!! My dentist appointment on Monday afternoon seems like months ago!!!

I felt the need to celebrate Friday night and the end of this week by blogging :) You're welcome.

Also to brag. I work at an amazing school. We're not perfect but we know how to celebrate disability. For the second year in a row, our Homecoming Queen is an amazing student who happens to live with a disability. I can't pronounce or say the name of it, but Ali shines in her wheelchair everyday! She's smart, funny, friendly, and definitely has school spirit!! Although there were several good choices for Queen, once again, the Hornets picked right :)

Next week will be much easier. Two days of teaching and three days of a conference. The biggest headache will be driving to Colleyville and back for those 3 days.                                                      

OH, and 4 weeks until Thanksgiving!! I will be thankful for 5 days of sleeping late :)

Surfing Conundrum

Why can't there just be one way to do something, with one low price?!?!

Here's my dilemma...

I currently have a smartphone with internet, and no home internet. In theory, I connect my phone to my computer in order to surf on the web at home. In reality, I do that sometimes, and sometimes I "borrow" internet from a neighbor. I don't even know which one. I feel guilty about it and worry about the lack of security. But free is nice.

It's now time to get a new phone. My current phone has several major issues like not wanting to charge with most chargers, and the power button not always working. Then there's the fact that it thinks it's out of memory when it's not and so it doesn't do things like notify me when I have e-mail.

My current cell phone plan includes unlimited data which means I can surf the web on the phone, or tethered to the computer, as much as I want, anytime I want. In order to keep this plan, I need to buy a new phone outright - the cheapest of which is about $350. I then keep paying my $66 per month with unlimited data.

OR I go back to a basic phone with no data and get internet at home. Cost? Well, basic phone (cheapest price is $50 after rebate) is about $40 per month. Home internet is about $40-45 (taxes?) per month. So, I'd be paying at least $80 per month and only have internet at home.

BUT what if, while I'm saving for a new phone, there comes a deal for home internet (not sure of the likelihood - current deals are all for bundles which I don't want) and I could have a phone, with data, AND home internet for near $80?? As it is, I would be looking at about $105 I think.

ARRRRRRGGGGHHH!!!!!! Why can't I just have a phone, internet and pay like $5?!!?? Oh, yeah, I also now have a brand new computer (thanks dad!) that I'd really like to keep safe from internet hacks, and enjoy it's fastness with fast web surfing by having my own modem. I think the new phone would be an improvement in speed because it's 4G. Currently, my phone and the neighbor's internet is about the same speed.

The end of an era

I've been silent. Sorry. I still am not ready to write about George. But leave it to baseball to make me talk again.

Today marks the final day of the 2012 baseball season. The Houston Astros are, of course, not going to the playoffs. They did end up winning 53 games (maybe 54?). At the end, they actually looked pretty good. I almost believe in the "rebuilding" concept.

Alas, this end of season is different than any other. The Houston Astros are moving from the National League (NL) to the American League (AL) next season. I am quite bitter about this move as I don't like the AL. The big difference is that the AL has the Designated Hitter, or DH. The DH hits in place of the pitcher. As a friend's wife said many years ago "so he doesn't have to do the whole job?" or something like that. Yes, AL pitchers pitch every 5 days or so, and that's it. They don't attempt to hit the ball unless they're unlucky enough to pitch in a game versus an NL team. Something about not hurting their pitching arm... WHATEVER!!

Anyway, I will always be an Astros fan and will follow and watch when I can. Not sure how often I'll get to Houston (not that I've been in years anyway). BUT, I need an NL team to follow... I'm thinking Padres or Dodgers. The Astros kinda fell into my heart, so I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.

Today, the end of the regular season, is always bittersweet. At least they won't lose for another few months! But, I miss baseball once it's all over. And now, I feel like it's all in flux. The Astros are changing their colors, logo, etc. The new owner even contemplated changing the name, but apparently enough fans complained over that idea to make it not happen.

Not sure where I'm going with this. Just felt the need to say something. Maybe the Astros will win it all so often in the AL that they'll move them back!! or something...

Oh, the heat!

Day 18 over 100 this year. Thirteenth, I think, in a row. Whatever, its hot. And dry. And hot.
I was supposed to hike this morning. My last training hike. I haven't trained much cuz it is to dern hot!! Anyway, I woke up at 6 am with a headache so I didn't hike. I am going to try again tomorrow. Of course, our LOW will be in the 80's... I'm hoping I am on the trail by 7 that I can make it until 10:30 or so and get in the miles I want. Without dying.
Have I mentioned that it is HOT?!?!?!?!

Summeritis

I have summeritis SO bad it's not even funny. I think I'm "doner" than the students are. I feel guilty, but if they don't want to learn, why should I feel like teaching?! I teach, I'd just rather be somewhere else. June 8, HURRY UP!!!

it's MY blog

and I'll complain if I want to.

IT'S WAY TOO FLIPPING COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS is NOT why I live in TX. now, the bright side is that it's rarely THIS cold and never for very long. not all winter like in other places. THAT is why I DO live in TX!! BUT, when it's THIS cold for THIS long, yep, I whine.

I HATE BEING COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and paying electric bills)

sunshine needed

i am feeling the effects of grey skies and cold weather big time this year. right now. i only slightly paid attention to NCIS tonight (fatigue blamed on freshmen) but yet the end almost had me in tears!! way overly emotional!! yep, i need to lay in the sun for a couple hours. on a beach, preferably!

maybe we'll have 8th period outside tomorrow...

failure rates

know how to get your failure rates up on a test? only give it to the students who are failing the class... yup. semester exams... a student can be exempt based on absences and grade. so, basically the only ones taking the test are the ones who've been absent a lot or sit in class and sleep, or act up, or simply pay no attention. yup.

can you say curve?!?!

(i had one student come in at the end of the day. he said he'd heard the test was hard. i told him he would've aced it. that's why HE was exempt!!)

I don't complain - much...

That might be a lie. But I really try not to. Until January when it's colder than cold and I tell anyone who'll listen that I HATE IT!!!!! I also HAAAAAAATE SNOW!!!! I live in Texas so I have a few days here and there for a couple months, and not everyday for several months. Now, tell me, why do people who live THERE complain about it??? If you don't like it, MOVE!!! Yes, I know it's not that simple, I'm just sayin'...

ONE MORE TIME, EVERYBODY... IIIIII HHHHHHHAAAAAAATTTTTTTTEEEEEEEE CCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I do have reasons, too, btw. I'm not just a wimp.)

booties!

lesson learned - just deal with the injury! not sure that treatment would've been different earlier, but at least it'd be over by now!!

Christmas Music

So many thoughts on Christmas music...

1. I find it very interesting that a secular radio station has no problem playing oodles of music about Jesus, as long as it's a well-known person singing it.

2. The local Christian music station plays all Christmas music from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Isn't ALL Christian music technially Christmas music?!??!

3. How are songs about missing family and not getting what I "want" for Christmas supposed to get me in the Christmas spirit?!

4. Christmas is one day. Okay, two if you count the Eve. The rest of the 4 weeks is about preparing for the coming of the Lord. How can I prepare if I'm bombarded with music saying that He's already here?? You know??

So, in conclusion... can I please get some good ol' sacreligious music on my radio?!?!?!