tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59487712011-04-21T15:32:44.318-04:00And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations- They're quite aware of what they're going throughThe Thingsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-48703236160406698212008-12-29T10:24:00.003-05:002008-12-29T10:38:31.924-05:00

Being in California is hard for me. I get tired of trying to be the one who is expected to do everything and have everything under control when others aren't held to the same standard. Knowing how sick my dad was just months ago and seeing how he has done little to change his way of life kills me. I fear it will kill him too within time. Finally realizing how enabling my mom is to his lifestyle

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-14096197444224503952008-05-31T12:25:00.002-04:002008-05-31T12:30:45.311-04:00

I'm going through a million emotions right now...We just got back from seeing my dad in the hospital. Because of the set back he had a few days before we got there, he was on the ventilator the entire time we were there. He was awake so we could communicate, but he couldn't talk. It was so hard to see him like that- so small and vulnerable in the critical care unit bed.I go back to work on Monday

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-51460284836221920162008-04-25T08:23:00.002-04:002008-04-25T08:44:19.272-04:00

In 2 days the girls turn 4 months old. I can't believe it. Seems like yesterday I was feeling them kick from inside, not outside. I am still at home with them until the first Monday in June. I thought by now I would be ready to go back to work and have some Natalie time. I can't imagine leaving them at home. Not just yet. I have a hard time leaving them at all, even to run an errand in the

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-5830462741467945942007-12-03T17:37:00.000-05:002007-12-03T17:42:22.008-05:00

Field Trip to Central Park Zoo on a crisp Autumn day....

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-42164936501515049212007-12-01T10:36:00.000-05:002007-12-03T17:37:11.298-05:00

Still Working...I am still working. Plan to up to water breaking (well, within reason at least). I am trying to make it to January 11- we'll see if I return after the New Year at all.I am still loving my school. I have my take-over substitute in the room working with me already to get him ready to take over. Apparently I am becoming known as the "Queen of Classroom Management and Organization" at

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-9282395320843447912007-10-27T21:32:00.000-04:002007-10-27T21:36:44.387-04:00

My StudentsAs seen through their own eyes- self portraits and autobiographies come first in Art class at my new school.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-9083503452812097922007-10-08T23:22:00.000-04:002007-10-08T23:28:00.468-04:00

I worked for 4 years at a school where I received little recognition. I am not insecure in what I do- I know I teach well. However, when you go above and beyond it's nice to get some positive reinforcement. Just to be acknowledged would have been nice, especially when I ran that third grade team for so long.Now? I am at a school where every week a teacher is appreciated for what the

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-50920317888636247732007-09-27T20:46:00.000-04:002007-09-27T20:54:55.620-04:00

What does a Mathematician look like? What qualities does a Mathematician have?I ask these questions at the start of every year. I do it to see if any of my students draw themselves and give the qualities that make them mathematicians. At my former school, with mostly second language learners, most students drew a magician- totally confused with the terminology. Usually though, no matter where I

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-27048803670400608582007-09-21T20:41:00.000-04:002007-09-21T20:48:28.201-04:00

I arranged for the three 4th grade classes at my new school to take our first field trip today. We took the subway from school in Park Slope to City Hall in Manhattan. After learning/discussing the functions of City Hall, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. During the walk, we stopped to talk about the city of New York (boroughs, rivers, bridges, etc). We continued our walk to Downtown Brooklyn

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-87937147358220622082007-09-20T21:59:00.001-04:002007-09-20T22:01:43.006-04:00

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GIRL....(you think she's cute? you should see her aunt- heh heh)

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-88913249231501960152007-09-10T22:36:00.001-04:002007-09-10T22:39:15.207-04:00

After 5 school days, I can officially say I am loving it. High expectations equals longer work hours, but wow, what a difference it makes. What the hell took me so long to switch schools?

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-56739321409151719682007-08-20T18:09:00.000-04:002007-08-20T18:19:42.233-04:00

Bay RidgeWe moved out of Park Slope July 1. High rent forced us out of our apartment and the need for space forced us out of the neighborhood. We love the neighborhood, even if it is WAY out here in Brooklyn. The commute stinks and the "hip" factor is a thing of our past, but it will be perfect when the babies come.Yes, a tornado touched down in Bay Ridge a couple of weeks ago. Started in our

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-25311870705982788572007-08-07T21:26:00.000-04:002007-08-07T21:49:58.612-04:00

New SchoolFor those who don't know, I got a job at another school starting this academic year. It's in Park Slope (ironic since we just moved from there- would've been a 6 block commute), it's small, and my room has air conditioning! I can't say enough how excited I am about the move- it was definitely time after the last 4 challenging years, especially this past year. Of course I interviewed and

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-72457797113122526472007-07-12T21:40:00.000-04:002007-07-12T21:42:38.993-04:00

Surprise!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1168221646246274372007-01-07T20:58:00.000-05:002007-01-07T21:00:46.260-05:00

As of January 3, 2007 T and I quit smoking. Me? Smoker for 20 years. T? Smoker for 12 years. Both? At least 2 packs a day between the two of us. It's really challenging...the toxins are starting to flush out of my system and it can actually be painful...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1160325195077762312006-10-08T12:02:00.000-04:002006-10-08T12:33:15.093-04:00

ONE YEAR!We returned to the scene of the crime....and went to dinner where we had our wedding dinner.What a day! What a year...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1159638202188421522006-09-30T13:02:00.000-04:002006-09-30T13:43:22.256-04:00

LOSING IT...I am sick. Physically, emotionally and mentally sick. School is out of control and the stress is taking its toll on my body in all the ways it can. Since the start of school (only 19 school days ago), my class has become more and more undesirable to be around. From the start of the year, I have asked for help from the administration. With 28 students in my class and so many

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1157572855738926622006-09-06T15:49:00.000-04:002006-09-06T16:01:09.756-04:00

Close to Tears...i am holding off the tears- for now anyway. 2 days of school and already feeling pain. They stacked my class. No, not stacked in the good way (like last year). Yesterday was possibly the worst day of my teaching career- ever. I mean, I have been assaulted. I have been cursed at. I have been vandalized. However, nothing compares to the group of students I have in my class this

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1156734036809165022006-08-27T22:56:00.000-04:002006-10-08T12:34:23.643-04:00

Summer School Successes....4th grade was a complete success this summer. I worked with 18 students, 9 of which failed both the reading and math tests in the spring. About 5 hours a day Monday through Thursday we worked our butts off to get all those students passing the end-of-summer tests and move to 5th grade. All my students passed both tests (except one who didn't make that damn math test).

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1154905107456229992006-08-06T18:55:00.000-04:002006-08-06T18:58:27.470-04:00

I feel like I live with my parents again....we have new neighbors and they are quite talkative and nosy. today i was cornered coming home from the store and they asked if we smoked. i lied. why? i have no idea. i have smoked for 20 years and of all the times in my life i lie about it, i do it now. random. so now i am trying to convince T to go over and tell them i am heavily medicated and

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1154526875494190282006-08-02T09:29:00.000-04:002006-08-02T09:54:35.540-04:00

I am Frustrated...Today there is a heat advisory throughout the city with temperatures hitting over 100 degrees. In addition to the heat, the humidity is so intense there is an ozone alert with "feels like" temps hitting 110 degrees and up. The city informed the students attending summer school that today was an optional day to attend. Therefore, if a student's folks decided it is in the best

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1151374140898567002006-06-26T21:56:00.000-04:002006-06-26T22:09:00.923-04:00

Playing With My Cat by C.D.I see:Jumping up and down playingPlaying with the toy mouseEating a giant pizzaI hear:Bawns BawnsPrr PrrMeow MeowChomp ChompI feel:CuddlingSoft HairClawsSmooth BodyBEES by M.A.Bees are like fliesAnd sometimes you wonder why they buzz in your ears.And flies are like beesAnd sometimes you wonder why they zzzzzzzzzzzz in your ears.Bees are really nice if you're nice to

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1150086824024616362006-06-12T00:20:00.000-04:002006-06-12T00:33:44.050-04:00

Creative Writing in Third Grade: Imagine you were someone else for a day. Write about what your life would be like living as that person. I changed the spelling so it is readable. I imagine I was Elvis. Then I'll have a famous mansion. A lot of people would buy my songs. I'll make a bunch of songs and the crowd will love me. The crowd will be chanting my name. "Elvis! Elvis!" Then I'll get all

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1149562940569486742006-06-05T23:01:00.000-04:002006-06-05T23:02:20.586-04:00

Listening to this on the news all weekend, I find I actually know this guy....RIP Kris.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1149120442745780982006-05-31T19:54:00.000-04:002006-05-31T20:07:22.760-04:00

MORE AMAZING POETRY...this comes from one of my students who misses her homeland every day. She told me today (after she presented this poem to me) that she hopes she doesn't fail the state tests so she can go visit her real friends this summer.Lebanon I hear... Ahhhh-Ahhhh Chick-Chick

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1148526170219367082006-05-24T22:34:00.000-04:002006-05-24T23:02:50.270-04:00

Police at school today...Last week I got into it with a second grader who called one of my kids a bitch. I confronted him, made him apologize, and ratted him out to the assistant principal. Teachers who witnessed the exchange told me to back off because the child's father is an abusive man who regularly threatens teachers. Of course I freaked out. After being bullied by a parent my first year at

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1147998642811062862006-05-18T20:19:00.000-04:002006-05-18T20:30:42.823-04:00

More Third Grade Poetry...What is Green?Green is the moneyThat you get from the bank.Green is the little thing that is called a tank.Green is grass that goes under the trash.Green is a tree that is a home for the bee.M.P.What is Red?Red is a cherryJust like a fairyTwinkle TwinkleRed is an appleJust like SnappleGulp GulpRed is an umbrellaJust like StellaHi HelloRed is a roseJust like a

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1147651570782035182006-05-14T19:58:00.000-04:002006-05-14T20:06:10.796-04:00

Letters I have received from my students in the last few weeks...Seriously, how can I not love my job? This class I have had this year is probably THE best class I have ever taught...Dear Ms. M****,We love you so much we wish we could see theo. Tell him we love him too.Love, K & TDear Ms. M****,We think you are a lovely teacher. Very lovely. We both love you as a teacher. And we both love you

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1147206664965392722006-05-09T16:29:00.000-04:002006-05-09T16:31:04.976-04:00

Interesting article about a student I had last year...Alan, Alien

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1147139758652007102006-05-08T21:49:00.000-04:002006-05-08T21:55:58.666-04:00

Poetry Writing in Third Grade...My students continue to amaze and excite me:BirdsCute, BlueJumps, Flies, EatsHappy when it eats worms.Feels soft and furry.Blue JaysTigerHunts, EatsClaws, Furry, StripesLikes to hunt animals.Happy when it eats animals.CatSnakesLong, ScaleySlithers, Climbs, GlidesFeels very scaley.Poisonous when it bites you.SerpentAND MY FAVORITE:BoyCute, BigDrummer, Married,

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1144630615917576832006-04-09T20:54:00.000-04:002006-04-09T22:19:58.853-04:00

My students draw me pictures almost every day. Here is one of my favorites (as you can see the detail is amazing- T's hair loss is so awesome here). Along with the picture, is a poem that reads:Roses are redViolets are blue.Sugar is sweetAnd so are you two.Best teacherI bet best husband to Ms. M****I would like to see youWrite back...bye!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1143515169998886092006-03-27T21:42:00.000-05:002006-03-27T22:06:10.036-05:00

As my class studied China for the last few months, we also studied folk tales and fairy tales. Last weekend I challenged my students to write their own fairy tale (9 accepted the challenge). Here's an excerpt (as written by the student) of one of my favorites (you'll see why):Once upon a time there was a king named King Theo and he lived in a land with a beautiful catsle. He had a beautiful wife

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1140672019779541252006-02-23T00:14:00.000-05:002006-02-23T00:20:19.790-05:00

Well...turns out the long awaited honeymoon might be cancelled. Little kitty Carl is in the local cat hospital for bladder blockage. Poor guy...looks like he'll be getting a job to pay the grand he owes us.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1139076078905062092006-02-04T13:00:00.000-05:002006-02-04T13:01:43.790-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1136952840285616582006-01-10T23:10:00.000-05:002006-01-10T23:14:00.296-05:00

My "Street" Kid From Last Year....All he did to me was call me a bitch, tell me "fuck you" and hit me....This year- he started a fire in the lunchroombrought in pornographic picturespissed all over the boys' bathroomandbrought a bottle of booze to schoolall in the first 70 days of school.Think this kid has any chance of success? Sad case- breaks my heart

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1136654245320413032006-01-07T12:03:00.000-05:002006-01-07T12:17:25.330-05:00

My school gave T a scare yesterday...I left for work around 7am to teach the morning music program. I have been doing this Monday-Friday from 7:30-8:30am every morning since the middle of October. I teach the program with another gentleman who has been doing it for 15 years and is retiring this year. My hope was to take over the program after he leaves to really teach these kids music (right now

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1135226160438232232005-12-21T23:34:00.000-05:002005-12-21T23:37:08.370-05:00

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas....yes...this is my mom and the torpedo Elvis stripper-

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1129261013978799062005-10-13T23:28:00.000-04:002005-10-13T23:38:08.053-04:00

We finally did it...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1127530269825721692005-09-23T22:31:00.000-04:002005-09-23T22:51:09.830-04:00

This Year...At the start of the school year teachers returned to their classrooms to find their teacher's desks had been thrown out. As you can imagine the majority of the staff was outraged. There was no asking, there was no compromising. Like a dictator, the principal decided her way was the only way. Luckily for me my desk was still in my new classroom as I arrived earlier this month. I

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1127102644406243792005-09-18T23:51:00.000-04:002005-09-19T00:04:04.413-04:00

Holy Summer BatmanI am tired. The school year started on the 8th and I feel I am in constant motion trying to check things off my "To Do" list. I moved classrooms at the end of the year last year so I am still trying to unpack and move my belongings around my new classroom. The room is smaller in size compared to my last classroom, but it's on the third floor and has an amazing view of NY Harbor.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1115002860380135512005-05-01T21:53:00.000-04:002005-05-01T23:01:00.383-04:00

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

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1109977248611671212005-03-04T17:40:00.000-05:002005-03-04T18:00:48.613-05:00

The student of mine that went to Mexico for 5 weeks to bury his brother ("street kid" has been back in class for a couple of weeks now. He is doing really well...smiling, trying to do classwork, and completed his homework last night. He stays in the after school test preparation class and seems to be making every effort to change his life. He is known around the school as being a "problem".

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1109133586354935652005-02-22T23:28:00.000-05:002005-02-22T23:39:46.356-05:00

So, Here's the Deal...1. My entire family with the exception of Em does not want a NYC wedding. Therefore, T and I have changed our minds about the wedding idea.2. I started my Masters online through University of Phoenix. Totally bizarre to be on team projects with people I "talk" to over MSN Instant Messenger who live in different states across the nation.3. The "street kid" returned to

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1107565068874054612005-02-04T19:56:00.000-05:002005-02-04T19:57:48.873-05:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Siblings!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1105577600210538182005-01-12T19:24:00.000-05:002005-01-12T19:53:20.210-05:00

Tragic... My "street kid" is known for being truant. After our little "episode" in November, he left home every morning with his mother thinking he was coming to school, yet he wasn't. He was off for three days in a row like this until I got the counselor at school involved. The counselor followed up with a home visit and got the kid's social worker involved as well. We all had a meeting at

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1105575868088032552005-01-11T19:22:00.000-05:002005-01-12T19:24:28.086-05:00

Suburban Flip sent me this...I do it all, except for the praying part- what could that do to help me in the classroom? TEACHER APPLICANT After being interviewed by the school administration, the eager teaching prospect said, "Let me see if I've got this right: You want me to go into that room with all those kids, and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1105067536482187392005-01-06T22:00:00.000-05:002005-01-07T20:47:57.906-05:00

Happy New Year! I've been in hiding, a social outcast, a lonely hermit bound to the apartment. School is no better than it was September 13th and I have to grin and eat shit until June 28. I have asked my administrators for letters of recommendation and am waiting for them to begin my application process to other schools. I do have stories, which I'll share at another time when I am a little

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1100926980652186542004-11-19T23:45:00.000-05:002004-11-20T00:15:26.856-05:00

Possibly the worst week of my life... Monday- at school as we were cleaning up to go home, I dismissed students to get their coats and backpacks from the closet. As students walked out with their backpacks, their was vomit dripping from them. Apparently someone threw-up in the closet during the day and didn't tell anyone. Always fun to find 10 minutes before school ends and before a two hour

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1100180289860787242004-11-11T08:27:00.000-05:002004-11-11T10:09:18.060-05:00

It's been a while. I've been mourning the loss of our great nation's future. I'm disgusted and sad I live in a country where I feel I don't belong. Right, majority of the people voted for Kerry, but the spread across the country is depressing. The fact women voted for Bush makes me ill and I wonder how he scared enough people for their vote. I think what I'm most upset about is my optimism

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1098667983383616392004-10-24T21:31:00.000-04:002004-10-24T21:33:03.383-04:00

A friend of my dad sent me this quote... After all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1097344952603502472004-10-09T14:01:00.000-04:002004-10-09T14:02:32.603-04:00

If you need help deciding who to vote for in the upcoming elections, take this quiz to help you.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1095974433659112662004-10-05T17:09:00.000-04:002004-10-06T17:09:23.933-04:00

13 Working Days Into The New School Year... On September 7 teachers were to report back to school for professional development, set up our classrooms, staff meetings, and to get back into the swing of the academic school year. First day's meeting was a bit stressful. Our beloved Principal Larry retired. He was the "seller" of the school and turned it around to become a "spotlight" school for

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1096672531390524942004-10-01T19:11:00.000-04:002004-10-01T19:16:20.123-04:00

I'm Still Working on the Words...Here's This Year's Classroom

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1096074205162362602004-09-24T20:58:00.000-04:002004-09-24T21:04:59.050-04:00

Poor Louise, Our Horrid Hamster... Hmm...Disturbing?

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1095825372934449472004-09-21T23:55:00.000-04:002004-09-21T23:56:54.116-04:00

I'm Really Getting Worried.... Make sure to register to vote NOW!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1095798401794904582004-09-21T16:21:00.000-04:002004-09-21T16:26:41.793-04:00

You Might Be a Teacher If... - you hold the fingers of tollbooth attendants over the coins when you hand them the money. - you repeat instructions three times and then ask, "Does everyone understand?" - stacking piles of papers on the floor seems like a logical filing system to you. - meeting a child's parents instantly solves a mystery for you. - you correct the grammar and spelling on

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1094702268552772422004-09-09T00:04:00.000-04:002004-09-09T17:17:56.340-04:00

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LOVE... I AM A LUCKY WOMAN...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1094492602754678742004-09-06T13:31:00.000-04:002004-09-06T13:43:22.753-04:00

Because of Shamus and T's love of old school rap, I thought the The Goddamn Rock Solid Ghetto Shiznit Name Generator was great. T's new name: T's goddamn rock solid ghetto shiznit name is Tempestuous Juice.What's yours?Powered by Rum and Monkey. My new name: My goddamn rock solid ghetto shiznit name is Wankmaster Teapot, Yo.What's yours?Powered by Rum and Monkey. And this is what my first name

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1094350019740798062004-09-04T21:36:00.000-04:002004-09-04T22:09:26.566-04:00

Busy... So I feel like I've had nothing to really "talk" about and, therefore, stayed away from blogging for a while (and our computer sucks). Yet, I guess I have had an interesting summer and now with school starting up again I'm sure all hell will break loose in the next few weeks. We've had visitors coming and going throughout the summer. My friend from Seattle over July 4th weekend which

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1093323556041217002004-08-24T00:58:00.000-04:002004-08-24T01:39:07.490-04:00

For those of you in Seattle...Check this out and this too! This is disturbing...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1092803172108490802004-08-18T00:25:00.000-04:002004-08-18T00:27:51.893-04:00

Another Possible Wedding Dress... Here is a picture of the first wedding dress Suburban Flip and my Mom just died over...made for me they said. However, my brother's future wife feels like she may have the same dress picked out. Oh the fun of everyone and their grandmother getting married next year!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1092793022177204622004-08-17T21:35:00.000-04:002004-08-17T21:41:36.176-04:00

Possible Wedding Dresses... This dress is my number one from The White Dress. Front of dress...I want it strapless. Back of dress...Notice the two-tone colors- very dramatic I think. Another possible dress...I want this one in strapless as well with that flower mass by the neck in my hair...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1091506143965706892004-08-03T00:08:00.000-04:002004-08-03T00:27:08.836-04:00

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY SWEET JANEL! LAW SCHOOL IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THIS GREAT MILESTONE... Some great pictures of the big 30 birthday party at Madame X on Saturday...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1091247102590501072004-07-31T00:02:00.000-04:002004-07-31T00:11:42.590-04:00

I Love Cable TV... I just caught the last 45 minutes of the HBO Bill Maher political talk show and it was hysterical. They had on two conservative Republicans (Drier and Owens) along with Michael Moore and the former Prime Minister of Canada (Campbell). Interesting round table discussions, especially when Drier (sp?) starts talking about the incorrect parts of Fahrenheit 9/11 and then admitted

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1091156364729614092004-07-29T22:58:00.000-04:002004-08-02T23:35:47.320-04:00

Gnat Fired Up After Speech... America CAN Do Better-Help IS On The Way! Kerry/Edwards 2004! November 2, 2004

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1091137110922713242004-07-29T17:34:00.000-04:002004-07-29T17:38:30.923-04:00

And I Thought Our Current Mayor Was Bad... Giuliani is worse!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1091073289565932862004-07-28T23:54:00.000-04:002004-07-29T00:06:36.163-04:00

Updated pictures of the kittens... Lenny Sleeping In His Favorite Box The Boys Sleeping T and the Boys

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1090987347572708242004-07-27T23:21:00.000-04:002004-07-28T00:02:27.573-04:00

I'm Done With "This" Side of Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn... I love the city- I do. The diversity and the experiences are unlike anywhere else in this country (or world for some people), yet I am growing tired of certain aspects of city living. Well, not necessarily city living, but where we live. I'm done with the "wrong" side of Fourth Avenue in Park Slope. Park Slope is generally considered

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1090894994107837822004-07-26T22:00:00.000-04:002004-07-26T22:23:14.106-04:00

Wedding? I spent a week in California with my parents trying to plan a wedding. I guess I shouldn't say a wedding- MY wedding, T and I's wedding. Not a real fun subject in our house since the engagement in April. I know I want to marry T- it's the wedding details I'm struggling to find fun. We had initially talked about a city hall wedding here in NYC with a party on the east coast and a

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1090558099195090132004-07-23T00:45:00.000-04:002004-07-23T01:09:00.893-04:00

I love the quizzes... You sang lead for Blondie and your still famous today, way to go! You're pretty and even though you were a bit 'pop' you made a big difference on the music world, especially for women rockerswhich old school punk lead singer are you?

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1090557002270685722004-07-23T00:28:00.000-04:002004-07-23T00:30:02.270-04:00

I took the personality quiz too... Wackiness: 24/100 Rationality: 34/100 Constructiveness: 40/100 Leadership: 40/100 You are an SEDF--Sober Emotional Destructive Follower. This makes you an evil genius. You are extremely focused and difficult to distract from your tasks. With luck, you have learned to channel your energies into improving your intellect, rather than destroying the weak and

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1089344877184300102004-07-08T23:47:00.000-04:002004-07-08T23:47:57.183-04:00

Sent From My Mom... This is funny!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1089344733656975992004-07-08T23:08:00.000-04:002004-07-08T23:45:33.656-04:00

Finally... Finally I have energy to write. The last month has been hectic, tiring, and filled with too much to do in a short amount of time. School finally ended last week (my official working day was June 28). To prepare for the end of the year with my students, I not only had 26 report cards to complete, I also had 15 potential hold-over portfolios to put together. Since Mayor Bloomberg

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1087742496986989592004-06-20T10:03:00.000-04:002004-06-20T10:41:36.986-04:00

My Week Without T... T has been in Barbados helping his mother since Monday morning. I got in late Sunday night from Seattle's graduation festivities (yeah Em) and we barely had a chance to talk before he flew out. It seems though my week has been pretty busy without him though... Monday- half day with the kids at school and then lots of paperwork for my third graders who Bloomberg says

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1087512396358710222004-06-17T18:46:00.000-04:002004-06-17T18:49:50.900-04:00

I Miss Teaching in TO... I miss my former students in TO. Yes, kids are kids and it is my job as an educator to teach them all, but my class this year is hardening me and making me become the teacher I never thought I could be- The Mean One. A former student of mine from last year sent me this picture. Her mom said they were at a costume shop and she saw the wig with some sunglasses and

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1087440651298810732004-06-16T22:39:00.000-04:002004-06-16T22:50:51.296-04:00

Only in NYC... Picture this...Driving home after school (yes, still in school until June 25 god help me)with coworker J and we are stopped at a red light. We are talking about our day when we see a school bus driver on the opposite lanes facing us get out of his bus and leave it in the middle of the street. Not kidding here. There's the short yellow school bus in the middle of fourth

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1086408972965299592004-06-05T00:15:00.000-04:002004-06-05T00:20:41.276-04:00

Playful kittens... Simple Pleasures During Playtime... Carl Loves Mama's Bag... Lenny Found Mama's Backpack...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1085977671158735932004-05-31T00:13:00.000-04:002004-05-31T00:27:51.156-04:00

Working the remote (TV that is) and came across a Live at The Fillmore featuring Rufus' album Poses...Interesting TRIO show featured on their "outzone" programming. Fun to see some familiar names in the end credits and must think it's GG's first "industry" credit.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1085686038289484092004-05-27T15:26:00.000-04:002004-05-27T15:27:18.290-04:00

Yeah...My favorite MARCH shirt came today!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1085625303225940282004-05-26T22:33:00.000-04:002004-05-26T22:36:11.023-04:00

My Boys... The Babies Sleeping on the Couch...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1085456556906084452004-05-24T23:28:00.000-04:002004-05-24T23:42:36.906-04:00

22 Days of School... When T and I decided it would be me who moved to NYC, we figured it would be easier for me to get work (and I just fell in love with this city). As a teacher I can move basically anywhere and do my job. Little did I know how different it would be. I am tired and I feel frustrated more than I feel rewarded. I became a teacher to teach- mold young lives and help little

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084905164559461992004-05-18T14:32:00.000-04:002004-05-18T14:32:44.560-04:00

This is funny...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084837677711961182004-05-17T19:47:00.000-04:002004-05-17T19:53:00.533-04:00

Carl's the Lover...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084760213011555712004-05-16T22:15:00.001-04:002004-05-16T22:55:44.246-04:00

Meet Our Newest Additions... Lenny Carl Brother and sister were found in a parking lot in Queens..They came into the shelter/vet with eye infections. Lenny (girl) has conjunctivitis in one eye and Carl (boy) has cloudy eyes that may result in permanent eye loss (not total blindness though). These little rascals have explored the apartment and tonight managed to climb up on the couch. We

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084590200886802082004-05-14T22:52:00.000-04:002004-05-14T23:07:29.516-04:00

Kittens... T and I went to a local shelter this afternoon when I got out of school to look at two kittens we had seen online. They happened to be in the vet/shelter for an eye infection. T and I were allowed back to their cage to hold them and test their temperament. The female was a little skittish with T, but the male just fell right into my arms. I think they were both a little shy,

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084506536981480152004-05-13T23:48:00.000-04:002004-05-13T23:54:25.000-04:00

Finally...Pictures from the MARCH (4/25/2004) Listen up GWB (White House in background) Another Flip Girl for choice Gnat sunburned in overcast weather Our wonderful D.C. hosts!

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084240681944034952004-05-10T21:55:00.000-04:002004-05-10T22:18:24.766-04:00

Ode to Henri... My girlfriend Stace got this cutie French bulldog puppy about a month ago. On the same day she got the dog, her sweetie proposed. Sweet story for an amazing friend...

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084222800651111892004-05-10T16:58:00.000-04:002004-05-10T17:00:00.650-04:00

Family Feud... Just caught the last of Family Feud (before my daily after school nap) and the family trying for the big bucks is from Thousand Oaks. I actually knew two of the girls on it- went to high school with them. Random right?

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084080860508102292004-05-09T01:34:00.000-04:002004-05-09T01:38:50.640-04:00

Sad State of News... Little news coverage for the March on April 25, 2004.

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084077205044354692004-05-09T00:33:00.000-04:002004-05-09T00:37:55.013-04:00

What a Man! My parents called tonight and wanted to talk wedding with us. That meant both mom and dad on the line and T and I sitting in front of the speaker phone. For those of you who know GSM, you will understand how hard it is to listen to the ramblings and long- drawn out conversations where he speaks and you listen. T is a good sport and participated with very little eye rolling and

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1084076866785568922004-05-09T00:27:00.000-04:002004-05-09T00:32:36.216-04:00

Family Letter... The following is an excerpt from an email my grandpa (dad's dad) sent to one of his friends this past Easter: Of the 3 grandkids who are 31 (EM and BSM) and Gnat who is 27, only BSM is a prospect of continuing the M****lineage. BSM became engaged on Valentine's Day to a great gal who is a senior staffer on the TV sitcom Will and Grace. They haven't set marriage plans but we

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1083620516183399062004-05-03T17:41:00.000-04:002004-05-03T17:47:25.873-04:00

Great Picture from the March...Where's Gnat and Flip Girl?

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1083619980452327082004-05-03T17:33:00.000-04:002004-05-03T17:37:08.390-04:00

This is Why I Can't Stand Right Wing Fundamentalists...Freaks! I asked my brother's roommate (young Republican supreme) what his views on Women's Reproductive Rights and general Privacy Laws were...Here's the acidic and stomach turning answer: I read about the abortion subpoena. You originally asked what I thought about the white house getting data on all abortions, but that isn't the case at

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1083555399070566892004-05-02T23:36:00.000-04:002004-05-02T23:41:00.856-04:00

Starting the Adventure... As Em pointed out, it is I who is creating this next adventure in my life. Marriage. Good lord, what am I doing? As a kid I envisioned this perfect dress with all the decadence of a "fairy tale" wedding. Now, as an adult, I see the dress and small ceremony, but it looks nothing like my brain used to picture. We've been engaged now for 3 weeks and I'm just not that

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1083123240830640952004-04-27T23:34:00.000-04:002004-04-28T07:14:47.263-04:00

Keep Your Laws Off My Body... Flip Girl came out for the long weekend and, on Sunday, we headed to Washington, DC to March for Women's Lives. Yep, history in the making and we were apart of it all. The amount of women and men at this March blew me away and the chills started creeping up my arms before we even made it to the pre-March rally on the Mall. The noise, the signs, the spirit, the

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1082516850040358032004-04-20T23:07:00.000-04:002004-04-28T07:15:17.373-04:00

Italy Trip... Enjoy the pictures! This was the best vacation I have taken and I look forward to returning someday soon to rent a Tuscan Villa and visit Florence! I think the pictures explain our trip pretty well, but I have to make some comments about our trip. I researched each city as we were in route so the information would be fresh and we used The Green Guide as our "helper" for

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1081995705019435002004-04-14T22:21:00.000-04:002004-04-14T22:34:54.153-04:00

A New Adventure Awaits Me... Got home last night from an amazing trip to Italy. I am in the process of getting the digital pictures online to post, but I had to share some exciting news first... T and I are engaged. Yep, in Venice on a sunset gondola ride along the Grand Canal. The diamond in the ring belonged to T's great-grandmother and is a European cut that is apparently quite rare

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1080879857967363272004-04-01T23:24:00.000-05:002004-04-01T23:27:57.186-05:00

Spring Vacation Here I Come... A week and a half off of work couldn't come at a better time. With the crap T's mom pulled earlier in the week and the horrible state my students are in right now, I am ready for a vacation. It's off to Italy for us. We leave tomorrow at 3pm and arrive in Rome around 9:30am. Four days in Rome, train up to Venice, 4 days there and then to Milan for an evening

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1080624265407812802004-03-30T00:24:00.000-05:002004-03-30T00:32:28.310-05:00

Scary Parent... I have a little boy in my class that can barely read. His Grandma and Auntie bring him to school and even showed up for his "Parent" Conference in November. In February I had to make a list of potential hold-overs for next year (kids that are basically struggling big time and may repeat third grade next year). This little boy was on the list (along with 10 others from my class

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5948771.post-1080490089099830482004-03-28T11:08:00.000-05:002004-03-28T11:25:07.860-05:00

I sent a letter to the author of a great article in the NY Times: Thank you for writing the article "For a Teacher, Nothing to Do but Shrug and Teach" that ran in the NY Times on March 14, 2004. As a new teacher to the New York City Public School system, I am starting to doubt my choice of profession. I started my teaching career in California and was surprised to come to the largest city in

The Thingsnoreply@blogger.com