Praise

I am going to toot my own horn because I feel like it is necessary. I have had a difficult time at my new school. I like the kids. I like admin and the support staff. I dislike all but 3 of the teachers. I may not like the staff, but I try damn hard at my job. I have had more praise in the past 3-4 weeks at work than I have had in 3 years at my other school. And it means a lot.

The principal sent an email yesterday saying how it was so refreshing that I am a go getter and easy to deal with. I assume it is because so much of the staff is so hard to deal with and unfriendly.

He came in my room to tell me how impressed he was with everything other teachers have told him about me has been positive, how I am always on top of everything, and get everything done so efficiently. He said he wished he had come into my room last year because he is so impressed with everything I have done.

The vice principal last week told me that the kids love me, and she wanted to thank me for that.

And I love there is so little stress.

I just hate working nights and dealing with unfriendly people.

A/S/L

Remember how often we used to be asked that ubiquitous in the good ol' internet days?

Well, I'm following what Joe at Closet Professor has done to find out a little more out about who is reading my blog...

I also want to know your A/S/L, how, how did you hear about my blog, how long have you been reading it, and tell me a little bit about yourself. I am curious to know...

You can do it anonymously, or with your blogger handle.

I'll start...

Age: 27

Sex: Male

Location: Southern California

I'm a high school teacher, been partnered with an amazing guy for nearly 5 years. I love to travel, eat out, cook, and technology.

Songs

I'm so lucky I've got to go to so many concerts this year... Dolly, Cher/Cyndi, Reba... 

Coming up next month we are going to go see Jennifer Nettles. She's country with a little rock mixed in.

I WILL NOT miss Chris Cagle when he comes into my area in November. I have missed him 3-4 times. It looks like I'll be going to this concert alone as he's too twangy for my partner.

And I want to go see Luke Bryan badly at the Hollywood Bowl. Those tickets sold out FAST - I didn't even have a moment to get my hands on them. My partner and I want to go with our favorite bartender from our favorite restaurant. She's in love with him, as am I. We just don't want to pay $125+ for seats in the last few rows. Luke Bryan and an outdoor picnic with wine under the LA sky would be so amazing. 

Shoe binge

I am about to go on a shoe binge. I have found so many cool new shoes I need. For those of you who have followed my blog, I have a lot of shoes. Lots. Well, I have been condensing my shoe collection over the past several months and have whittled down ones I won't wear again or that have been vetoed by my partner. Here's what I am thinking I need now...

I want the above pair of Cole Haan baldy. I have been eyeing these 2 years, but $249 was too expensive. I was at the outlets recently and they had these for $59 in 11.5 and 13, but not 12. I have called all over - NJ, NY, IL, OH and all of them are selling these shoes for $119. They're $119 or so online if they have them. I'm not going to pay $119 when I could have gotten them for $59 had they had my size.

I want a green pair of dress shoes. Wingtips are hot.

Vans are always in - especially in leopard!

Images of the future

So my mom had surgery last Wednesday - she had a hip replacement. She'd been having difficulty walking, was using a cane, and stumbling from side to side. 

I went down to the hospital to be with her before school Wednesday, and stopped by after. She was sleeping. It was haunting walking into the hospital wing and seeing my mom there laying in a hospital bed, in a dull blue gown. I went in Thursday to see her after the surgery, and she was tired, but in good spirits, but nodding off. I could only think I hope this is not something I ever want to see again. She is healing pretty well - using 2 canes at times, and doing physical therapy. She was released from the hospital Saturday night. That's the longest she was ever in a hospital. 

So I went to see her last night, and saw another image I don't ever want to see again. She was in her new chair, the kind that has the motor to lift you up and off the chair. Her usually well coiffed hair was not. She had no curls left, and had all of her hair in a bun on the top of her head. She just didn't look herself - and I know nothing could be done - but that image stuck with me and kept me up all night. I know our parents age, change over time, sometimes the progression is gradual and sometimes it is more obvious. But to see my mom in a way I have NEVER seen her over these past few weeks has been disturbing. I hope I never have to see this in the future...

Still here

I'm still here - I've just been busy.

Back at work - been back 2 weeks. It isn't bad - I haven't had too much stress. I am going to have my first walkthrough observation Monday. It was supposed to happen yesterday, but the principal kept getting called out.

Lots of family stuff going on - my mom is recuperating from surgery. My sister is a mess, as usual.

Relationshipwise, things are going well.