Sunday, May 01, 2005
I can't believe it's been over am month since I've written. I had had so much going on I guess I haven't made the time for updates. Briefly...
School- my students have started to turn into pre-teens and the attitudes are flying. I was out of school for almost a week in March due to illness and a visit from my mom. During the three days I was out 5 students were kicked out of my room, one student kicked in a window in the stair well, one student followed another home and beat him up, parent meetings were scheduled, and my class terrorized the substitute who was in the room. I can understand why the school decides to place all the hold-overs in one class, but the social and emotional growth isn't taken into consideration. While some of my kids are ready to move to fourth grade, some are ready for fifth or middle school. There's a big difference between kids who still play with dolls to those who talk about sex. The amazing fact with the dynamic of my class is how well behaved they are when I am in the room. The minute I step away from them they freak out and become little animals. It's a fascinating case study...
Master's- still taking classes towards my Master's Degree. It is an online accelerated class schedule. It is taking me a year and a half to complete what I would normally have to spend three+ years doing. Therefore it's a ton of work. I am liking the classes so far and feel I am learning information to help me become a better teacher (is that even possible- ha). I have just gone through to adjust my schedule in order to finish 4 months before my scheduled graduation. I have even taken into consideration a wedding sometime in there.
Wedding- we've decided to do it. October 7, 2005 on the Fulton Ferry State Park boardwalk along the East River in Brooklyn. We were thinking on the Brooklyn Bridge and even got approval from the city, but that would limit the number of people we could have there to witness this celebration. We decided in the park because it is in Brooklyn and close to the Brooklyn Bridge (right underneath it actually). Our list is just immediate family because money is still an issue. Although my dad did offer some money, it's like pulling teeth to get him to come through with his promises. The fact I had to update the wedding list spreadsheet about 5 times to his satisfaction makes it seem like this will be the longest 6 months of my life. We are thinking of a small Italian restaurant for a light dinner afterwards and then off to a bar to complete the wedding drink-fest. T is in charge of planning because I still have no interest in certain details. Main thing? I found my dress. Yes, a real wedding dress. It's glorious and beautiful and I can't wait to shake my tail down that boardwalk to marry T- finally!
Weddings- this is the year of weddings. I am leaving the grand affairs to my loved ones. My friend Stacey just got married last weekend in Tucson, Arizona. It was glorious- she looked like a princess. It was probably the most expensive wedding I've ever been to and so much fun! Brett and Shannon get married in 6 weeks in Tucson. I am imagining theirs is going to be similar in expense yet unique in their own "wedding" way (colors, flowers, attire). Good friends of ours Jeff and Janel are getting married at a mansion in Jersey in September and then Rick and Dana a few weeks later in a sensational Seattle affair. Weddings weddings weddings...no wonder I've had cold feet...this is crazy. True wedding fever at its finest.
Babies- We have three friends ready to deliver this month. Another will be born in July and then another in September. Does wedding fever = baby fever? I would much rather have a child than have a wedding. Tells a little about my priorities.
School- my students have started to turn into pre-teens and the attitudes are flying. I was out of school for almost a week in March due to illness and a visit from my mom. During the three days I was out 5 students were kicked out of my room, one student kicked in a window in the stair well, one student followed another home and beat him up, parent meetings were scheduled, and my class terrorized the substitute who was in the room. I can understand why the school decides to place all the hold-overs in one class, but the social and emotional growth isn't taken into consideration. While some of my kids are ready to move to fourth grade, some are ready for fifth or middle school. There's a big difference between kids who still play with dolls to those who talk about sex. The amazing fact with the dynamic of my class is how well behaved they are when I am in the room. The minute I step away from them they freak out and become little animals. It's a fascinating case study...
Master's- still taking classes towards my Master's Degree. It is an online accelerated class schedule. It is taking me a year and a half to complete what I would normally have to spend three+ years doing. Therefore it's a ton of work. I am liking the classes so far and feel I am learning information to help me become a better teacher (is that even possible- ha). I have just gone through to adjust my schedule in order to finish 4 months before my scheduled graduation. I have even taken into consideration a wedding sometime in there.
Wedding- we've decided to do it. October 7, 2005 on the Fulton Ferry State Park boardwalk along the East River in Brooklyn. We were thinking on the Brooklyn Bridge and even got approval from the city, but that would limit the number of people we could have there to witness this celebration. We decided in the park because it is in Brooklyn and close to the Brooklyn Bridge (right underneath it actually). Our list is just immediate family because money is still an issue. Although my dad did offer some money, it's like pulling teeth to get him to come through with his promises. The fact I had to update the wedding list spreadsheet about 5 times to his satisfaction makes it seem like this will be the longest 6 months of my life. We are thinking of a small Italian restaurant for a light dinner afterwards and then off to a bar to complete the wedding drink-fest. T is in charge of planning because I still have no interest in certain details. Main thing? I found my dress. Yes, a real wedding dress. It's glorious and beautiful and I can't wait to shake my tail down that boardwalk to marry T- finally!
Weddings- this is the year of weddings. I am leaving the grand affairs to my loved ones. My friend Stacey just got married last weekend in Tucson, Arizona. It was glorious- she looked like a princess. It was probably the most expensive wedding I've ever been to and so much fun! Brett and Shannon get married in 6 weeks in Tucson. I am imagining theirs is going to be similar in expense yet unique in their own "wedding" way (colors, flowers, attire). Good friends of ours Jeff and Janel are getting married at a mansion in Jersey in September and then Rick and Dana a few weeks later in a sensational Seattle affair. Weddings weddings weddings...no wonder I've had cold feet...this is crazy. True wedding fever at its finest.
Babies- We have three friends ready to deliver this month. Another will be born in July and then another in September. Does wedding fever = baby fever? I would much rather have a child than have a wedding. Tells a little about my priorities.
