Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Spellbound...
I always love a good documentary, especially when they are focused around teachers, students, or schools in general. I generally find the information motivating, sometimes horrifying, and usually extremely interesting. When I heard Spellbound was finally out on Netflix, I signed up immediately. I had been meaning to catch the screening here in the city, but never got around to it. Thank god for reprioritizing my queue!
The documentary follows 8 kids on their way to the 1999 National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The students themselves are fascinating due to their highly diverse upbringing and personalities. Here's a quick bio on each:
Ted from Rolla, Missouri. When he won the regionals his school posted a sign that read "Congrats...Chapm Reg Spelling Bee."
Nupur from Tampa, Florida. When she won the regionals, the local Hooters posted a sign that read "Congradulations."
Angela from Perrytown, Texas. Parents from Mexico moved to America (after being caught trying to cross the border illegally once before) to give their children a better life. Parents speak no English but are so movingly supportive (dad cried when she won the regionals).
Emily from New Haven, Connecticut. Rich family with au pair to care fro Emily. She rides horses and sings in the school choir. Her mom said that after her first two trips to the National Bee with her au pair, the family decided it was a great family affair and mom decided to tag along for the last attempt.
Ashley from Washington, D.C. Live in public assisted apartments and has two uncles who are incarcerated, but watching on ESPN from jail.
Neil from San Clemente, California. Dad hired tutors in all languages to prepare Neil for the bee. If he knows the origin of the word he may be able to figure out the spelling better. Grandfather in India had money riding on the Bee and also promises of food to the poor in neighboring Indian villages (no stress or anything). Had a spelling coach that traveled with him to D.C. for the finals.
April from Ambler, PA. Quiet and little confidence in herself. Mom loved the saying "Bee happy" while explaining the word play used everytime she said it.
Harry from Glen Rock, New Jersey. Funny little kid (wouldn't be surprised if he was ADHD) who laughed like the nerd from Revenge of the Nerds. Won the regionals without even telling his mom.
Really amazing to watch if you have an interest and an hour to kill.
I always love a good documentary, especially when they are focused around teachers, students, or schools in general. I generally find the information motivating, sometimes horrifying, and usually extremely interesting. When I heard Spellbound was finally out on Netflix, I signed up immediately. I had been meaning to catch the screening here in the city, but never got around to it. Thank god for reprioritizing my queue!
The documentary follows 8 kids on their way to the 1999 National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The students themselves are fascinating due to their highly diverse upbringing and personalities. Here's a quick bio on each:
Ted from Rolla, Missouri. When he won the regionals his school posted a sign that read "Congrats...Chapm Reg Spelling Bee."
Nupur from Tampa, Florida. When she won the regionals, the local Hooters posted a sign that read "Congradulations."
Angela from Perrytown, Texas. Parents from Mexico moved to America (after being caught trying to cross the border illegally once before) to give their children a better life. Parents speak no English but are so movingly supportive (dad cried when she won the regionals).
Emily from New Haven, Connecticut. Rich family with au pair to care fro Emily. She rides horses and sings in the school choir. Her mom said that after her first two trips to the National Bee with her au pair, the family decided it was a great family affair and mom decided to tag along for the last attempt.
Ashley from Washington, D.C. Live in public assisted apartments and has two uncles who are incarcerated, but watching on ESPN from jail.
Neil from San Clemente, California. Dad hired tutors in all languages to prepare Neil for the bee. If he knows the origin of the word he may be able to figure out the spelling better. Grandfather in India had money riding on the Bee and also promises of food to the poor in neighboring Indian villages (no stress or anything). Had a spelling coach that traveled with him to D.C. for the finals.
April from Ambler, PA. Quiet and little confidence in herself. Mom loved the saying "Bee happy" while explaining the word play used everytime she said it.
Harry from Glen Rock, New Jersey. Funny little kid (wouldn't be surprised if he was ADHD) who laughed like the nerd from Revenge of the Nerds. Won the regionals without even telling his mom.
Really amazing to watch if you have an interest and an hour to kill.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Finally...A Snow Day!
At 7pm Mayor Bloomberg had a press conference and stated there will be no school tomorrow due to the blustery winter snow storm that is falling this evening. I have realized I am in this environment for the long haul and have seen the worst of the worst in the last 10 years. I was here last February when the 20 inch blizzard hit and it kept me from returning to CA for 4 days. Nothing like being snowed in! This time, however, I am living here and have to work in this climate day in and day out. Layers, a warm jacket, and a space heater keep me happy (along with the good "excuse" to lay in bed and cuddle with T). I have to admit, I have been looking forward to a snow day all week. I'm tired...Worn out. The half-way point is nearing us in third grade and I have spent days getting a little tougher and more demanding of my students. The "tough guy" act wears me out. Even my afternoon naps aren't quenching my fatigue.
At 7pm Mayor Bloomberg had a press conference and stated there will be no school tomorrow due to the blustery winter snow storm that is falling this evening. I have realized I am in this environment for the long haul and have seen the worst of the worst in the last 10 years. I was here last February when the 20 inch blizzard hit and it kept me from returning to CA for 4 days. Nothing like being snowed in! This time, however, I am living here and have to work in this climate day in and day out. Layers, a warm jacket, and a space heater keep me happy (along with the good "excuse" to lay in bed and cuddle with T). I have to admit, I have been looking forward to a snow day all week. I'm tired...Worn out. The half-way point is nearing us in third grade and I have spent days getting a little tougher and more demanding of my students. The "tough guy" act wears me out. Even my afternoon naps aren't quenching my fatigue.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Great Reading...
I love to browse other blogs and fell upon some noteworthy entries...
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
It was quite a bit of snow, too. Each step of the fire escape looked like it had a large loaf of freshly baked bread on it.
A man lives in the apartment across the way from me. From what I can gather, his apartment is identical to mine, only in reverse. He's a school teacher--that's all I know about him--which means he gets up around the same time I do in the morning. I feel like there's a subtle rivalry between us to see who can get up earlier. His lights are almost always on by 5 a.m., so he usually beats me.
I fixed coffee, then checked to see if my neighbor was awake. Sure enough, his lights were coming on: first the bedroom, then the bathroom, then kitchen. Then, moments after they'd come on, they went off again one by one. His apartment was dark.
I obviously don't know what happened to him, but my guess is the snow had closed the New York City schools, and having seen the snow and discovered that his school was closed for the day, the teacher had decided to go back to bed.
With the wind howling down the building elevator shaft (I can hear it from my apartment hallway), I pulled on my boots, jacket, gloves. I gathered the Sopranos notes that I'd made the previous night. Before I headed out, I took one last look at the school teacher's dark apartment across the courtyard. The bastard. What I wouldn't give to be able to just crawl back into bed like that, to not have to deal with revisions, or the cold, or the snow, or the F train. What I wouldn't give....
Envy isn't a strong enough word to describe what I felt. No, what I felt was probably closer to full-blown jealousy.
This happened a full week ago, and for some reason I'm still thinking about it....
4:08 PM
Sad enough- we DID have school last Thursday. Yep, I walked to school with the snow falling around me and freezing cold wind biting at my face. Maybe this teacher worked for a decent site not run by our "idiot" NYC Public School Chancellor (to quote my own Principal).
Monday, January 12, 2004
The promo ads for "Alias" always excited her for some reason, so for Christmas I took a chance and got her the DVD box set of the first season.
... It gives me great pleasure to report that Joelle is now obsessed with "Alias." Her TV has been moved--possibly even permanently--out of the closet.
Now she watches two or three episodes of "Alias" a night. I get the full report. Over the weekend I watched the show's pilot with her. It was actually pretty good. Joelle has always loved scenes involving girls doing karate or fighting, and "Alias" has no shortage of them. Once, about a year ago, I was sitting close to her on the couch in my old apartment while she/we watched an episode of "Xena." During a fight scene, Joelle broke out into a sweat--literally, she started sweating. She was damp underneath her T-shirt. I asked her about it. "Well," she said, clearly embarrassed, "I get kind of excited during the fights."
Last weekend, while watching a particularly impressive fight scene in "Alias," I suddenly felt her temperature going up. Sure enough, the girl was sweating.
This is exactly how I felt last week watching Alias AND Sex and the City...Maybe it's just the good shows that reel us in...
Jesus Scares My Dog
Tonight I was coming home from Sophie's and I passed one of the numerous Catholic churches that seem to be on every corner of Montreal streets. There is an oversized statue of Jesus in front, his arms outstretched to embrace the world with his divine love, and as we passed it my dog arched her back and slunk her head low fixing her gaze on him. She kept checking to make sure Jesus wasn't following us.
Dogs DO have keen senses don't they? This is great fun!
Though my girl is definitely tiring of this whole pregnancy thing, this has been a really nice time for the three of us. Hanging out, cooking (Janie), eating (me), and wondering when this latest and greatest miracle is going to happen. They say you're supposed to get sick of people calling you and asking if you've that damned baby yet, but I still like it. This feels like such a beautiful tranquil time in our lives. I'll be happy to see it end, but I'll look back on it fondly, too.
This is damn sweet...Sugary sweet...Can't wait to meet Trucker!
I love to browse other blogs and fell upon some noteworthy entries...
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
It was quite a bit of snow, too. Each step of the fire escape looked like it had a large loaf of freshly baked bread on it.
A man lives in the apartment across the way from me. From what I can gather, his apartment is identical to mine, only in reverse. He's a school teacher--that's all I know about him--which means he gets up around the same time I do in the morning. I feel like there's a subtle rivalry between us to see who can get up earlier. His lights are almost always on by 5 a.m., so he usually beats me.
I fixed coffee, then checked to see if my neighbor was awake. Sure enough, his lights were coming on: first the bedroom, then the bathroom, then kitchen. Then, moments after they'd come on, they went off again one by one. His apartment was dark.
I obviously don't know what happened to him, but my guess is the snow had closed the New York City schools, and having seen the snow and discovered that his school was closed for the day, the teacher had decided to go back to bed.
With the wind howling down the building elevator shaft (I can hear it from my apartment hallway), I pulled on my boots, jacket, gloves. I gathered the Sopranos notes that I'd made the previous night. Before I headed out, I took one last look at the school teacher's dark apartment across the courtyard. The bastard. What I wouldn't give to be able to just crawl back into bed like that, to not have to deal with revisions, or the cold, or the snow, or the F train. What I wouldn't give....
Envy isn't a strong enough word to describe what I felt. No, what I felt was probably closer to full-blown jealousy.
This happened a full week ago, and for some reason I'm still thinking about it....
4:08 PM
Sad enough- we DID have school last Thursday. Yep, I walked to school with the snow falling around me and freezing cold wind biting at my face. Maybe this teacher worked for a decent site not run by our "idiot" NYC Public School Chancellor (to quote my own Principal).
Monday, January 12, 2004
The promo ads for "Alias" always excited her for some reason, so for Christmas I took a chance and got her the DVD box set of the first season.
... It gives me great pleasure to report that Joelle is now obsessed with "Alias." Her TV has been moved--possibly even permanently--out of the closet.
Now she watches two or three episodes of "Alias" a night. I get the full report. Over the weekend I watched the show's pilot with her. It was actually pretty good. Joelle has always loved scenes involving girls doing karate or fighting, and "Alias" has no shortage of them. Once, about a year ago, I was sitting close to her on the couch in my old apartment while she/we watched an episode of "Xena." During a fight scene, Joelle broke out into a sweat--literally, she started sweating. She was damp underneath her T-shirt. I asked her about it. "Well," she said, clearly embarrassed, "I get kind of excited during the fights."
Last weekend, while watching a particularly impressive fight scene in "Alias," I suddenly felt her temperature going up. Sure enough, the girl was sweating.
This is exactly how I felt last week watching Alias AND Sex and the City...Maybe it's just the good shows that reel us in...
Jesus Scares My Dog
Tonight I was coming home from Sophie's and I passed one of the numerous Catholic churches that seem to be on every corner of Montreal streets. There is an oversized statue of Jesus in front, his arms outstretched to embrace the world with his divine love, and as we passed it my dog arched her back and slunk her head low fixing her gaze on him. She kept checking to make sure Jesus wasn't following us.
Dogs DO have keen senses don't they? This is great fun!
Though my girl is definitely tiring of this whole pregnancy thing, this has been a really nice time for the three of us. Hanging out, cooking (Janie), eating (me), and wondering when this latest and greatest miracle is going to happen. They say you're supposed to get sick of people calling you and asking if you've that damned baby yet, but I still like it. This feels like such a beautiful tranquil time in our lives. I'll be happy to see it end, but I'll look back on it fondly, too.
This is damn sweet...Sugary sweet...Can't wait to meet Trucker!
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Money Issues...
I'm broke. I'm broke and I don't know how I'm going to live in NYC and survive financially. I have struggled to make ends meet since I have been on my own at eighteen. I worked three jobs in college and still pay my financial aid lender. I worked 7 days a week while living in Seattle. I tutored, home schooled, taught an after school class, and house sat while living in California. I have had to get loans from family members and even T has spotted me cash over the last 6 months. I'm sick of living paycheck to paycheck. I have been stressing about this for months now and it finally hit me hard tonight.
We had made plans to go out with friends (dinner at Grimaldi's and drinks at Koosh). Not a big night, yet for me any money spent is a big night these days. After balancing my checkbook and trying to pay bills this afternoon, I realized I had to take money out of my piddly savings account just to pay the minimum balance on my maxed out credit card. This leaves me with a maxed out credit card, little savings left, rent to pay, and 15 days until my next paycheck. Therefore, I decided not to go out tonight. I felt I needed to really stay home and wallow. Yes, I need time to myself- to cry and feel sorry for myself. I think I deserve to do this damnit! With the mood I am in right now I would be little fun to be around anyway. My mind is not on dinner and drinks. My mind is on lack of cash.
So with this personal stress, comes added emotional stress from my partner. T has been doing extremely well this year with work and is living high right now with little worry to money issues. Me? I am in a constant state of worry over money. He has been supporting me for the last three or so months (all bills, food, etc. Except my half of the rent). I hate this dependency because T does not have a stable job where he knows he will be making this much all the time. He is a free-lance commercial actor. His jobs come and go so I know there is no stability in his cash flow. Therefore, I don't want to rely completely on his earnings to help me survive. It has to do with pride too, but I'm learning to suck that up day by day- I have no choice. I'm fucking poor! I am upset. I am crying. He's upset because I'm not going out tonight. He doesn't understand my need to stay at home and be by myself. He thinks going out with friends would make me feel better. Honestly, all that would do would give temporary relief to this pain. Then tomorrow I would wake up feeling even more lousy about the money issues. He says he understands my money concerns because he's been in my shoes. Yet, has he had these worries while living with someone? Yes, he supported someone before when she was down and out. The difference is I will never be financially sound. I will always worry about money and I will always live paycheck to paycheck.
The reality of this is really hard for me right now. I must now find an extra job (maybe two) just to survive. My problem with this is I have a job. I am a teacher. I work every day and I work fucking hard. I am the person that teaches our future leaders- the kids that will grow up to make more money than I do. I change the fucking world with my work, but I only make $39,000 (before taxes) a year. Teaching was the career choice I made. Sure I could be a secretary and make more money, but would I be happy with my job? So what do I do now? Find a new job? Quit the job I've always wanted to do? Get a night and weekend job? I've already succumbed to teaching an afterschool class 4 hours a week for three months (starting in February) for about 300 extra bucks a month. Now I guess I need to find another job. Leaving my very important job at school exhausted just to go to some meaningless job for a few more hours a night. I've done it before, I guess I'll have to do it now. I just don't feel I should have to. Is this how my life is going to be forever? What happens when I want to start a family? How will I be the mother I've always wanted to be while working two or three jobs? I'm already scared at how this is going to affect my relationship with T- what will happen? Will I need to move back to CA and move back in with my folks? Jesus- it's pathetic! Hey, it's my fucking pity party- let me feel sorry for myself alright?
I'm broke. I'm broke and I don't know how I'm going to live in NYC and survive financially. I have struggled to make ends meet since I have been on my own at eighteen. I worked three jobs in college and still pay my financial aid lender. I worked 7 days a week while living in Seattle. I tutored, home schooled, taught an after school class, and house sat while living in California. I have had to get loans from family members and even T has spotted me cash over the last 6 months. I'm sick of living paycheck to paycheck. I have been stressing about this for months now and it finally hit me hard tonight.
We had made plans to go out with friends (dinner at Grimaldi's and drinks at Koosh). Not a big night, yet for me any money spent is a big night these days. After balancing my checkbook and trying to pay bills this afternoon, I realized I had to take money out of my piddly savings account just to pay the minimum balance on my maxed out credit card. This leaves me with a maxed out credit card, little savings left, rent to pay, and 15 days until my next paycheck. Therefore, I decided not to go out tonight. I felt I needed to really stay home and wallow. Yes, I need time to myself- to cry and feel sorry for myself. I think I deserve to do this damnit! With the mood I am in right now I would be little fun to be around anyway. My mind is not on dinner and drinks. My mind is on lack of cash.
So with this personal stress, comes added emotional stress from my partner. T has been doing extremely well this year with work and is living high right now with little worry to money issues. Me? I am in a constant state of worry over money. He has been supporting me for the last three or so months (all bills, food, etc. Except my half of the rent). I hate this dependency because T does not have a stable job where he knows he will be making this much all the time. He is a free-lance commercial actor. His jobs come and go so I know there is no stability in his cash flow. Therefore, I don't want to rely completely on his earnings to help me survive. It has to do with pride too, but I'm learning to suck that up day by day- I have no choice. I'm fucking poor! I am upset. I am crying. He's upset because I'm not going out tonight. He doesn't understand my need to stay at home and be by myself. He thinks going out with friends would make me feel better. Honestly, all that would do would give temporary relief to this pain. Then tomorrow I would wake up feeling even more lousy about the money issues. He says he understands my money concerns because he's been in my shoes. Yet, has he had these worries while living with someone? Yes, he supported someone before when she was down and out. The difference is I will never be financially sound. I will always worry about money and I will always live paycheck to paycheck.
The reality of this is really hard for me right now. I must now find an extra job (maybe two) just to survive. My problem with this is I have a job. I am a teacher. I work every day and I work fucking hard. I am the person that teaches our future leaders- the kids that will grow up to make more money than I do. I change the fucking world with my work, but I only make $39,000 (before taxes) a year. Teaching was the career choice I made. Sure I could be a secretary and make more money, but would I be happy with my job? So what do I do now? Find a new job? Quit the job I've always wanted to do? Get a night and weekend job? I've already succumbed to teaching an afterschool class 4 hours a week for three months (starting in February) for about 300 extra bucks a month. Now I guess I need to find another job. Leaving my very important job at school exhausted just to go to some meaningless job for a few more hours a night. I've done it before, I guess I'll have to do it now. I just don't feel I should have to. Is this how my life is going to be forever? What happens when I want to start a family? How will I be the mother I've always wanted to be while working two or three jobs? I'm already scared at how this is going to affect my relationship with T- what will happen? Will I need to move back to CA and move back in with my folks? Jesus- it's pathetic! Hey, it's my fucking pity party- let me feel sorry for myself alright?
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Another Day in Paradise...
I woke up to this story on the news...Pretty sad to say I can see it happening in these public schools. Today I had two kids almost throw down over a group math activity. The violence is scary!
It's snowing right now. Expected 4-6 inches by the morning...Probably not enough for a snow day, but maybe a school delay. We'll see what the early morning news brings me. I'm so glad I have my new jacket! It's SO cold and I really need to bundle! People at work laugh at me and constantly ask how the California Girl is surviving. Scary to say, but I would rather this weather than the horrible, muggy heat in the summertime here. Am I crazy for that?
On a funnier note...I talked to my friend Jen today. She's the one who recommended Barbara the waxer at Salon 123. I called to ask her if she had ever seen this crazy "Playboy Pussy-Maker" Natalie before. Turns out Jen went for a bikini wax about an hour and a half before I did. After screaming hysterically while comparing notes on our experiences, we were pretty confident we have the exact same bush cut. She went in for a clean-up as well and walked out with barely there hair. I can't believe in a city of over 8 million people, I had the same exact experience as a friend of mine (considering I only have a couple of girlfriends here). Thank god I'm not alone!
I woke up to this story on the news...Pretty sad to say I can see it happening in these public schools. Today I had two kids almost throw down over a group math activity. The violence is scary!
It's snowing right now. Expected 4-6 inches by the morning...Probably not enough for a snow day, but maybe a school delay. We'll see what the early morning news brings me. I'm so glad I have my new jacket! It's SO cold and I really need to bundle! People at work laugh at me and constantly ask how the California Girl is surviving. Scary to say, but I would rather this weather than the horrible, muggy heat in the summertime here. Am I crazy for that?
On a funnier note...I talked to my friend Jen today. She's the one who recommended Barbara the waxer at Salon 123. I called to ask her if she had ever seen this crazy "Playboy Pussy-Maker" Natalie before. Turns out Jen went for a bikini wax about an hour and a half before I did. After screaming hysterically while comparing notes on our experiences, we were pretty confident we have the exact same bush cut. She went in for a clean-up as well and walked out with barely there hair. I can't believe in a city of over 8 million people, I had the same exact experience as a friend of mine (considering I only have a couple of girlfriends here). Thank god I'm not alone!
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Today May Have Been The Strangest Day Ever...
Started at 4:45pm on the Q Train from DeKalb to 14th Street...A man stepped on with his three kids (two in pajamas) under the age of 8. The usual solicitation chant started when the 8 year old pushed play on the portable boombox. Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave For U" tore through the crowded train as the two 5-7 year olds started dancing in the middle of the car. Breakdancing, busting moves I haven't seen in years was met with astonished commuters. After the song ended, the 5 year old started hitting up for money. He was holding so much cash and change his little fists could barely hold it all. I found this so interesting (much better than the blind man who runs the train on the weekends who sings old Al Greene tunes- same songs every weekend) I even wrote down a note on my New Yorker to blog about it later.
Jump to my 5:30pm waxing appointment at Salon 123 on 5th Avenue and 19th Street. My usual waxer, Barbara, is on vacation, so I made my appointment with Natalie (maybe that was my first sign of things to turn awkward). The older Russian lady came in and worked feverishly on my eyebrows. She did take more off than I usually have done, but they look even and meticulously groomed. After the brows came time for the bikini wax. No Brazilian this time, just a "clean-up". Getting a bikini wax has always been a strange sensual experience for me to begin with, but this time was almost frightening. Natalie had a great old time down there and waxed me so hot and hard my palms started sweating. I'm used to the rather uncomfortable leg positions (spread eagle, up over the head, etc), but I was not expecting the noises this woman made with each clean sweep. She waxed, and waxed, and waxed some more. Each time she was close to my "special spot", she let out a, "Oh Yes! That's it! That's amazing! That's wonderful!" in her strong Russian accent. I had told her a simple bikini wax, but she pretty much took everything off. Seriously, I'm ready for Playboy. Even the arsehole was waxed...This woman had no stopping her! Totally bizarre experience- one I've never had before (oh, maybe the time my massage therapist gave me a "boob job" in phoenix, but that was years ago).
After my truly outrageous waxing experience, I walked over to Bloomie Nails at 23rd Street and 7th Avenue to meet a girlfriend, J, for pedicures and then dinner. We had done this in November and had such a wonderful time talking, we have decided to do this once a month (or try to at least). The pedis are normal, the conversation is terrific, and the cold feet are unbearable. Before we leave though, one of the women who worked there came and rubbed oils on my toes and wrapped my toes in saran wrap. Yep, the stuff you usually put over the leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresher longer was now wrapped on my feet. That's one use for Saran wrap I guess! I've been getting pretty regular pedicures for over 10 years and this is my first experience with the plastic wrap on the feet.
Every day is a learning experience I guess! T just came in and asked if I wanted a picture of my new wax to show for proof...Seriously, you have to see it to believe it!
Started at 4:45pm on the Q Train from DeKalb to 14th Street...A man stepped on with his three kids (two in pajamas) under the age of 8. The usual solicitation chant started when the 8 year old pushed play on the portable boombox. Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave For U" tore through the crowded train as the two 5-7 year olds started dancing in the middle of the car. Breakdancing, busting moves I haven't seen in years was met with astonished commuters. After the song ended, the 5 year old started hitting up for money. He was holding so much cash and change his little fists could barely hold it all. I found this so interesting (much better than the blind man who runs the train on the weekends who sings old Al Greene tunes- same songs every weekend) I even wrote down a note on my New Yorker to blog about it later.
Jump to my 5:30pm waxing appointment at Salon 123 on 5th Avenue and 19th Street. My usual waxer, Barbara, is on vacation, so I made my appointment with Natalie (maybe that was my first sign of things to turn awkward). The older Russian lady came in and worked feverishly on my eyebrows. She did take more off than I usually have done, but they look even and meticulously groomed. After the brows came time for the bikini wax. No Brazilian this time, just a "clean-up". Getting a bikini wax has always been a strange sensual experience for me to begin with, but this time was almost frightening. Natalie had a great old time down there and waxed me so hot and hard my palms started sweating. I'm used to the rather uncomfortable leg positions (spread eagle, up over the head, etc), but I was not expecting the noises this woman made with each clean sweep. She waxed, and waxed, and waxed some more. Each time she was close to my "special spot", she let out a, "Oh Yes! That's it! That's amazing! That's wonderful!" in her strong Russian accent. I had told her a simple bikini wax, but she pretty much took everything off. Seriously, I'm ready for Playboy. Even the arsehole was waxed...This woman had no stopping her! Totally bizarre experience- one I've never had before (oh, maybe the time my massage therapist gave me a "boob job" in phoenix, but that was years ago).
After my truly outrageous waxing experience, I walked over to Bloomie Nails at 23rd Street and 7th Avenue to meet a girlfriend, J, for pedicures and then dinner. We had done this in November and had such a wonderful time talking, we have decided to do this once a month (or try to at least). The pedis are normal, the conversation is terrific, and the cold feet are unbearable. Before we leave though, one of the women who worked there came and rubbed oils on my toes and wrapped my toes in saran wrap. Yep, the stuff you usually put over the leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresher longer was now wrapped on my feet. That's one use for Saran wrap I guess! I've been getting pretty regular pedicures for over 10 years and this is my first experience with the plastic wrap on the feet.
Every day is a learning experience I guess! T just came in and asked if I wanted a picture of my new wax to show for proof...Seriously, you have to see it to believe it!
Friday, January 09, 2004
I believe NEO is the ONE...
Saw The Matrix for the first time this evening. Yes, first time. It was stunning to watch...The action sequences and "slow" time shots amazed me.
Now I crave more...Are the sequels worth it?
What Matrix Persona are you?
Saw The Matrix for the first time this evening. Yes, first time. It was stunning to watch...The action sequences and "slow" time shots amazed me.
Now I crave more...Are the sequels worth it?
What Matrix Persona are you?
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Back At School...2004 Style
I admit, I missed the little buggers while on a two week hiatus from third grade. Don't get me wrong, I loved (and deserved) a great vacation and time off, but I looked forward to seeing my 26 "monsters" again when I returned to school Monday. Everything has been pretty standard upon my return, however, today I was in tears again at 9:00am. This time it wasn't the students...
My frustration level with the poor administration at school is really frustrating me. I am an extremely efficient person, and I like things to get done well and in due time. I seem to be the sole obsessive one at school...I seem to be the only person to give a shit about getting things done. In my tantrum this morning, I tried to align and compare my job in the schools to a "corporate America" -type position. I realized, I would fare well in "big business" because of my anal retentive tendencies. If I get a memo to do something, I do it. If I am asked to fill out paperwork, I do it. If there is a problem, I contact the necessary people to help. I do my job (very well) and I take pride in my profession (as I should). Why is that no one else seems to give a fuck?
I had my first formal observation with my Assistant Principal December 12th, 2003. The usual procedure is to have a talk before the observation to give the observer a chance to clue into the lesson s/he will watch. Then after the observation, it is customary to review the observations made and discuss what worked and what needs improving. This is pretty standard practice in any job requiring "reviews". In most cases, this post conference is made within a weeks time when the topic/lesson is still fresh in mind. I still have not had mine due to rescheduling and flakiness of my AP. I had about four meetings set up with my AP before the holidays. Two of which she called in sick (no fault of hers for being ill) and the other two she just cancelled with no warning. OK. So, it's a new year and time to start out on a fresh foot with this woman. I contacted her Tuesday morning and we scheduled to meet this morning at 8:50am in her office (during my prep period). I waited for 12 goddamn minutes before I had to leave to get my class. Door locked, lights out...I called and left a pretty straightforward message, trying not to let my hostility get the best of me (my AP is scared of confrontation). When she called me she explained she had to tend to a child in the nurses office. I understand an administrator has SO many responsibilities, but she could have tried to send a note up to me or something. I wasted MY time waiting when I could have been doing prep in my classroom (hence it being called a prep period). She did apologize profusely, but I'm still annoyed. She asked to reschedule tomorrow during my prep period. I told her I was busy (I was not about to give her my prep time again) and told her I'm there in the morning before school or after school. It's on my terms now lady! I don't even remember details of the lesson from a month ago, but I'm sure it'll be fine!
We assess the students in NYC public schools through a published assessment kit given to all teachers K-3 (what a waste of money). In this kit contains all the necessary (at least Bloomberg thinks so) paperwork to assess each student's language skills (reading, writing, oral expression, listening, etc.). We received a brand new kit from the city in October and were told not to touch it until the spring when we would be properly trained to give and record the assessments in the new and updated kits. Of course I organized my kit already and looked through it to see what I have in store and it's quite the task. Yesterday, we had a "voluntary" grade level meeting to discuss the kits. Voluntary meaning I gave up my only prep period to attend. I assumed we were going to start getting trained on the materials. Instead, we were told the city needs the assessment scores (pass/fail) by next week. They handed out a form for each student and told us to guess if our students would pass or fail if they had been given the assessments in the fall. When someone asked about really giving the assessments, the official response was, "It doesn't matter- the city just needs a paper trail. You'll actually give the real assessments in the Spring." What the hell? So now we are lying to the city because we didn't do it? Were we supposed to administer these tests? Who is in charge of the scheduling? Someone must have known the results were needed into the city next week. Who is waiting until the last minute to get this done? SO UNPROFESSIONAL! What happens if someone at the board of education offices don't like the results we fill out and wants to actually see the assessment tests? Then we're screwed! But, are WE screwed as a school, or am I screwed as a teacher who lied about giving these city mandated assessments when I really haven't given them? It just makes no sense. Everything like this seems to be at the last minute. This or that paperwork needs to be filled out and turned in tomorrow, within the week, next week....It's too much for me. I like routine and schedule. I like knowing what the hell is going on! I don't think that's too much to want!
The lack of communication drove me to tears this morning. It's hard enough to try and teach these kids in this neighborhood without all this extra bullshit. Yes, administrative fuck-ups happen everywhere, in every job and in every school- but this is HORRIBLE and FRUSTRATING!
I admit, I missed the little buggers while on a two week hiatus from third grade. Don't get me wrong, I loved (and deserved) a great vacation and time off, but I looked forward to seeing my 26 "monsters" again when I returned to school Monday. Everything has been pretty standard upon my return, however, today I was in tears again at 9:00am. This time it wasn't the students...
My frustration level with the poor administration at school is really frustrating me. I am an extremely efficient person, and I like things to get done well and in due time. I seem to be the sole obsessive one at school...I seem to be the only person to give a shit about getting things done. In my tantrum this morning, I tried to align and compare my job in the schools to a "corporate America" -type position. I realized, I would fare well in "big business" because of my anal retentive tendencies. If I get a memo to do something, I do it. If I am asked to fill out paperwork, I do it. If there is a problem, I contact the necessary people to help. I do my job (very well) and I take pride in my profession (as I should). Why is that no one else seems to give a fuck?
I had my first formal observation with my Assistant Principal December 12th, 2003. The usual procedure is to have a talk before the observation to give the observer a chance to clue into the lesson s/he will watch. Then after the observation, it is customary to review the observations made and discuss what worked and what needs improving. This is pretty standard practice in any job requiring "reviews". In most cases, this post conference is made within a weeks time when the topic/lesson is still fresh in mind. I still have not had mine due to rescheduling and flakiness of my AP. I had about four meetings set up with my AP before the holidays. Two of which she called in sick (no fault of hers for being ill) and the other two she just cancelled with no warning. OK. So, it's a new year and time to start out on a fresh foot with this woman. I contacted her Tuesday morning and we scheduled to meet this morning at 8:50am in her office (during my prep period). I waited for 12 goddamn minutes before I had to leave to get my class. Door locked, lights out...I called and left a pretty straightforward message, trying not to let my hostility get the best of me (my AP is scared of confrontation). When she called me she explained she had to tend to a child in the nurses office. I understand an administrator has SO many responsibilities, but she could have tried to send a note up to me or something. I wasted MY time waiting when I could have been doing prep in my classroom (hence it being called a prep period). She did apologize profusely, but I'm still annoyed. She asked to reschedule tomorrow during my prep period. I told her I was busy (I was not about to give her my prep time again) and told her I'm there in the morning before school or after school. It's on my terms now lady! I don't even remember details of the lesson from a month ago, but I'm sure it'll be fine!
We assess the students in NYC public schools through a published assessment kit given to all teachers K-3 (what a waste of money). In this kit contains all the necessary (at least Bloomberg thinks so) paperwork to assess each student's language skills (reading, writing, oral expression, listening, etc.). We received a brand new kit from the city in October and were told not to touch it until the spring when we would be properly trained to give and record the assessments in the new and updated kits. Of course I organized my kit already and looked through it to see what I have in store and it's quite the task. Yesterday, we had a "voluntary" grade level meeting to discuss the kits. Voluntary meaning I gave up my only prep period to attend. I assumed we were going to start getting trained on the materials. Instead, we were told the city needs the assessment scores (pass/fail) by next week. They handed out a form for each student and told us to guess if our students would pass or fail if they had been given the assessments in the fall. When someone asked about really giving the assessments, the official response was, "It doesn't matter- the city just needs a paper trail. You'll actually give the real assessments in the Spring." What the hell? So now we are lying to the city because we didn't do it? Were we supposed to administer these tests? Who is in charge of the scheduling? Someone must have known the results were needed into the city next week. Who is waiting until the last minute to get this done? SO UNPROFESSIONAL! What happens if someone at the board of education offices don't like the results we fill out and wants to actually see the assessment tests? Then we're screwed! But, are WE screwed as a school, or am I screwed as a teacher who lied about giving these city mandated assessments when I really haven't given them? It just makes no sense. Everything like this seems to be at the last minute. This or that paperwork needs to be filled out and turned in tomorrow, within the week, next week....It's too much for me. I like routine and schedule. I like knowing what the hell is going on! I don't think that's too much to want!
The lack of communication drove me to tears this morning. It's hard enough to try and teach these kids in this neighborhood without all this extra bullshit. Yes, administrative fuck-ups happen everywhere, in every job and in every school- but this is HORRIBLE and FRUSTRATING!
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Happy New Years!
Friends of ours hosted a fabulous party to celebrate the turning of another year! Private party only in a little bar in the lower east side...Perfect to ring in the new year with friends!
However, I feel the need to talk resolutions...Right? That's what this time of year means...Reflection on the past and movement to the future? I have never sat down to create a resolution because in my mind, resolutions are meant to be broken within the first month. Em started me creating a mantra for myself and the new year back in 1999. Each year I reevaluate my life at present, where I want to grow as a person, and set a little saying to represent these goals. Resolutions no more- goals for living!
I have done a hell of a lot of "soul" searching over the last few months. Being in a new home, with new surroundings seems to be the catalyst for these thoughts. 2003 was definitely a year of big changes for me- moving 3000 miles to be with a boy may be considered lame, but I've never felt more happy with another human being. At dinner with a girlfriend of mine a month ago, she asked what made me fall for T...My answer? I can be myself with him. Proof enough that I made the right choice for 2003.
Now for 2004...Besides my show going off the air, I must create a standard in which to live by with realistic goals to reach by 2005...
Continued changes to bring upward mobility in my career (grad school), love life (hopefully get this marriage thing underway), finances (second job?), sex life (engage more than twice a month), health (watch what I eat and try to walk everywhere), family life (try to communicate more with extended family members), and social life (stop acting like a hermit in Brooklyn and actually making plans with the few girlfriends I have made since being out here).
Oh, saw The Lord of the Rings- Return of the King... AMAZING, but long.
Friends of ours hosted a fabulous party to celebrate the turning of another year! Private party only in a little bar in the lower east side...Perfect to ring in the new year with friends!
However, I feel the need to talk resolutions...Right? That's what this time of year means...Reflection on the past and movement to the future? I have never sat down to create a resolution because in my mind, resolutions are meant to be broken within the first month. Em started me creating a mantra for myself and the new year back in 1999. Each year I reevaluate my life at present, where I want to grow as a person, and set a little saying to represent these goals. Resolutions no more- goals for living!
I have done a hell of a lot of "soul" searching over the last few months. Being in a new home, with new surroundings seems to be the catalyst for these thoughts. 2003 was definitely a year of big changes for me- moving 3000 miles to be with a boy may be considered lame, but I've never felt more happy with another human being. At dinner with a girlfriend of mine a month ago, she asked what made me fall for T...My answer? I can be myself with him. Proof enough that I made the right choice for 2003.
Now for 2004...Besides my show going off the air, I must create a standard in which to live by with realistic goals to reach by 2005...
Continued changes to bring upward mobility in my career (grad school), love life (hopefully get this marriage thing underway), finances (second job?), sex life (engage more than twice a month), health (watch what I eat and try to walk everywhere), family life (try to communicate more with extended family members), and social life (stop acting like a hermit in Brooklyn and actually making plans with the few girlfriends I have made since being out here).
Oh, saw The Lord of the Rings- Return of the King... AMAZING, but long.
