I always enjoy being in the classroom and discussing music with the kids. I'm that guy that knows all about the artist and background for writing the songs, even if I don't like the song.
So obviously I know about Tupac, and yes, he is alive; I taught him I tell the kids, and we go out to dinner regularly.
So what's weird is I work in a largely hispanic area, and this year I'm bonding with 3 of my annoying hispanic kids over country music. I will go so far as to play country music for them if they shut up and do their work... Here's the songs they like... I've asked what they like, and its that they sound Mexican, and his a guitar. Apparently this ended up on their youtube playlist, and they like it.
Every year I have kids that absolutely love Riiiitchie, and I love Riiitchie too.
When I was at the middle school, each year, I had kids with his album covers on their folders.
Oh, and while on my Ritchie story, our accountant at work was Lou Diamond Phillips from La Bamba for Halloween.
Some interesting other songs the kids are into this year are:
Sam Cooke
Bobby Vinton
He's so Fine - The Chiffons
And I decided for Halloween this year I'm growing my hair out, dying it black, and am going to be a Greaser.
Dion
Randy and the Rainbows
Johnny Angel
And Doo Wop Diddies like this:
So this past semester my 7th period class was full of these songs on the daily if the kids were doing their work.
Long list, but these are all the songs we played that I specifically recall. I am posting since I was so impressed with their diverse love of the oldies.
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Mega Update
Hey guys, not neglecting the blog intentionally. Life has been so insanely busy.
Let's talk, shall we?
Spring Break was amazing -
Got to go to NY, Philly, and Guanajuato, MX. Rented a house in MX with my partner's cousin. We had the absolute best time - maid service, 40 foot ceilings, amazing art, and incredible food. The maid insisted on cooking for us, and of course, we tipped her. It was like our own Mexican abuelita. Lots of time was spent reading, talking, enjoying each other's company, and shopping/drinking.
Never had been to Philly either, and it is on my list of places to get back and visit.
Work -
I am applying for my admin credential today. I am on every god damn committee at work it seems and drawn into every project. My outgoing principal said I needed to be on 2 committees in particular as a part of my admin experience, one of those being the budget. So now that the school year is winding down, we know the funds we will be getting next year, and the budget is due by the end of the year, it is now my project. I do have help. I know it is good experience, too, so that works; it just takes time.
Taxes -
First time I owed - ever - not happy. Stupid Roth IRA is the reason why. Seriously considering getting rid of it and just doing a traditional IRA.
Doggy -
The day we got back from vacation we realized our dog was out of it and lethargic. We took him to the vet the middle of the week after we got back. They said he was having seizures, but not epileptic seizures.
Last Thursday night I happened to be browsing facebook and The Guy's partner posted a photo in memory of their dog who died from a brain tumor. I had to Google the symptoms, and our dog exhibited every symptom.
The dog would have seizures, but not recover, and be super disoriented. His eyes were going back into his head, blindness, rotating his head in weird directions, crashing into things, walking in circles.
2 ER visits and 3 regular vet visits. We realized he wasn't getting better. Yesterday he was pretty much comatose all day. We made the decision to put him to sleep at approximately 9pm yesterday. It was hard, and I was sitting in the vet room crying. I have realized when people are dying - I like to remember them in their happy days - open casket freaks me out - seeing people in their debilitated state is tough to be around too. I didn't want to be there when we had to make the decision - I wanted to remember him in his happy days, chasing water, standing outside the screen door playing with the kitties through the window.
I waited in the car after I said goodbye. My partner remained in the room as he died.
Vacation -
Summer vacay is planned. Thrilled. European travel included. I am trying to plan more trips since airfare is soooooo cheap right now.
Family -
My parents went to VA during break, which they enjoyed.
Still getting together with my dad weekly for breakfast, which he enjoys. He texts me Tuesday nights asking if we are going to breakfast.
Sis is still a hot mess.
Let's talk, shall we?
Spring Break was amazing -
Got to go to NY, Philly, and Guanajuato, MX. Rented a house in MX with my partner's cousin. We had the absolute best time - maid service, 40 foot ceilings, amazing art, and incredible food. The maid insisted on cooking for us, and of course, we tipped her. It was like our own Mexican abuelita. Lots of time was spent reading, talking, enjoying each other's company, and shopping/drinking.
Never had been to Philly either, and it is on my list of places to get back and visit.
Work -
I am applying for my admin credential today. I am on every god damn committee at work it seems and drawn into every project. My outgoing principal said I needed to be on 2 committees in particular as a part of my admin experience, one of those being the budget. So now that the school year is winding down, we know the funds we will be getting next year, and the budget is due by the end of the year, it is now my project. I do have help. I know it is good experience, too, so that works; it just takes time.
Taxes -
First time I owed - ever - not happy. Stupid Roth IRA is the reason why. Seriously considering getting rid of it and just doing a traditional IRA.
Doggy -
The day we got back from vacation we realized our dog was out of it and lethargic. We took him to the vet the middle of the week after we got back. They said he was having seizures, but not epileptic seizures.
Last Thursday night I happened to be browsing facebook and The Guy's partner posted a photo in memory of their dog who died from a brain tumor. I had to Google the symptoms, and our dog exhibited every symptom.
The dog would have seizures, but not recover, and be super disoriented. His eyes were going back into his head, blindness, rotating his head in weird directions, crashing into things, walking in circles.
2 ER visits and 3 regular vet visits. We realized he wasn't getting better. Yesterday he was pretty much comatose all day. We made the decision to put him to sleep at approximately 9pm yesterday. It was hard, and I was sitting in the vet room crying. I have realized when people are dying - I like to remember them in their happy days - open casket freaks me out - seeing people in their debilitated state is tough to be around too. I didn't want to be there when we had to make the decision - I wanted to remember him in his happy days, chasing water, standing outside the screen door playing with the kitties through the window.
I waited in the car after I said goodbye. My partner remained in the room as he died.
Vacation -
Summer vacay is planned. Thrilled. European travel included. I am trying to plan more trips since airfare is soooooo cheap right now.
Family -
My parents went to VA during break, which they enjoyed.
Still getting together with my dad weekly for breakfast, which he enjoys. He texts me Tuesday nights asking if we are going to breakfast.
Sis is still a hot mess.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Almost a month of no posting
I cannot believe how crazy this month has been. Gather round and let's talk about it.
Work ---
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.
School ---
I finished my last admin credential class this month, which is awesome. Before my vice principal finished his. LOL. Part of the shit storm.
So back to that, the class was painful. I had no interest in it. The book was of little help. The professor was of little help also.
Had a ridiculous 75 slide PowerPoint to complete that just wasn't writing itself. It took some serious drinking on my end to get it there, and then the only comment I got from the professor was how I didn't cover the topic. Oh well, I got an A, still.
Family ---
Sister is a hot mess. We were at dinner a few weeks back and she swore one of the waiters was her student. Didn't even give her the time of day. I went up to the guy afterward and asked if he went to the schools she has taught at. He didn't. She lied.
Things are going well with my partner and I. His parents have been here for a few weeks. They're fun. His mom is nice and easygoing. His dad is fun, especially since he treats us to dinner, and is amusing in just the stuff he says. They're here for a few more weeks.
Me ---
Little gym time with the parents here, but I am making it a point to walk and stay active however that may be.
My favorite drink of the moment - a Manhattan. I can make a pretty bomb ass one if I do say so myself.
I discovered when I get too overheated at night from too many covers is when I will usually start dreaming. And I have some weird ass dreams. A lot of them about my grandma's property. GRRR.
Work ---
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.
School ---
I finished my last admin credential class this month, which is awesome. Before my vice principal finished his. LOL. Part of the shit storm.
So back to that, the class was painful. I had no interest in it. The book was of little help. The professor was of little help also.
Had a ridiculous 75 slide PowerPoint to complete that just wasn't writing itself. It took some serious drinking on my end to get it there, and then the only comment I got from the professor was how I didn't cover the topic. Oh well, I got an A, still.
Family ---
Sister is a hot mess. We were at dinner a few weeks back and she swore one of the waiters was her student. Didn't even give her the time of day. I went up to the guy afterward and asked if he went to the schools she has taught at. He didn't. She lied.
Things are going well with my partner and I. His parents have been here for a few weeks. They're fun. His mom is nice and easygoing. His dad is fun, especially since he treats us to dinner, and is amusing in just the stuff he says. They're here for a few more weeks.
Me ---
Little gym time with the parents here, but I am making it a point to walk and stay active however that may be.
My favorite drink of the moment - a Manhattan. I can make a pretty bomb ass one if I do say so myself.
I discovered when I get too overheated at night from too many covers is when I will usually start dreaming. And I have some weird ass dreams. A lot of them about my grandma's property. GRRR.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Winding Down
This month has been tough - I have been super busy at work. I will be the first to admit I work in the ghetto, and I don't use that term lightly because of the stuff I see and hear on a daily basis. There was a guy pushing a cart of scrap metal down the street the other day going with traffic if that gives you an example.
Though I work at an alternative school I have to say the group of kids I have right now are among the smartest/highest performing I have ever taught. I am sad that when we come back in January I won't have them anymore. They all have been so sweet, so willing to learn. They have actually challenged me. We were reading a random poem that was related to our unit a few weeks back, and my goal with using it was simply for comprehension. These kids brought up the diction... who uses those words?!... then the rhyme scheme. I had to take a step back when they mentioned this and quickly think on my feet to handle this.
Our Christmas tree is up. Presents need to be wrapped.
I have had almost no motivation to work on my admin credential this month - I will on Friday - that's my goal. I already had a mess up as I was supposed to go to a meeting on Friday regarding this. Now it will be at least February before I finish the credential since I missed the December meeting. I really didn't mean to. I had known about the meeting for a month. I had it on my calendar - I just switched from Mac to Google Calendars, so I'm thinking the event didn't transfer over. Oh well, I admit that I missed it, and take responsibility. It happens.
I plan to get my name out there once I finish my credential and try to teach a few college classes. I need something to keep me busy now.
I got an award at work the other day, which was pretty cool/surprising. A few people there appreciate me.
Haven't really seen my parents/been to dinner with them in months since I have taken on so many admin duties. I have been meeting my dad for breakfast weekly. I saw my mom last at the Christmas party I blogged about a few weeks back, Thanksgiving, and then maybe around Halloween.
I did go to lunch with my parents/sister on Veterans Day. I remember that. I remember the conversations my ssister had...
- My sister has a photographic memory, which is why she is able to tell me all the streets she takes to get to work... I thought repetition, and simply driving the same way each day would do that for you.
- Aristotle is sexy and her BFF.
- There's no way I'm a good teacher because I use too many red herrings. It is funny she brought that up because my roommate (the other teacher I share a room with) was just teaching about those the day before.
- I rpobably haven't read anything intelligent ever because I can't hold intellectual conversations like she can. Well sis, I don't always engage in conversations like you do where I have to be the know it all.
- I don't read quality literature and science fiction, so I don't have any creativity.
She is a piece of work. She should be a Nobel PRize winner by now or something.
Looking forward to Christmas. It is going to be a new experience since I will be with my partner's family. I am looking forward to a new experience. This will be our first CHristmas we have actually spent together. Usually I arrive the day before or after Christmas to be with him.
A little disappointed we won't make it to NYC this year. It has been a year!!! :(
Though I work at an alternative school I have to say the group of kids I have right now are among the smartest/highest performing I have ever taught. I am sad that when we come back in January I won't have them anymore. They all have been so sweet, so willing to learn. They have actually challenged me. We were reading a random poem that was related to our unit a few weeks back, and my goal with using it was simply for comprehension. These kids brought up the diction... who uses those words?!... then the rhyme scheme. I had to take a step back when they mentioned this and quickly think on my feet to handle this.
Our Christmas tree is up. Presents need to be wrapped.
I have had almost no motivation to work on my admin credential this month - I will on Friday - that's my goal. I already had a mess up as I was supposed to go to a meeting on Friday regarding this. Now it will be at least February before I finish the credential since I missed the December meeting. I really didn't mean to. I had known about the meeting for a month. I had it on my calendar - I just switched from Mac to Google Calendars, so I'm thinking the event didn't transfer over. Oh well, I admit that I missed it, and take responsibility. It happens.
I plan to get my name out there once I finish my credential and try to teach a few college classes. I need something to keep me busy now.
I got an award at work the other day, which was pretty cool/surprising. A few people there appreciate me.
Haven't really seen my parents/been to dinner with them in months since I have taken on so many admin duties. I have been meeting my dad for breakfast weekly. I saw my mom last at the Christmas party I blogged about a few weeks back, Thanksgiving, and then maybe around Halloween.
I did go to lunch with my parents/sister on Veterans Day. I remember that. I remember the conversations my ssister had...
- My sister has a photographic memory, which is why she is able to tell me all the streets she takes to get to work... I thought repetition, and simply driving the same way each day would do that for you.
- Aristotle is sexy and her BFF.
- There's no way I'm a good teacher because I use too many red herrings. It is funny she brought that up because my roommate (the other teacher I share a room with) was just teaching about those the day before.
- I rpobably haven't read anything intelligent ever because I can't hold intellectual conversations like she can. Well sis, I don't always engage in conversations like you do where I have to be the know it all.
- I don't read quality literature and science fiction, so I don't have any creativity.
She is a piece of work. She should be a Nobel PRize winner by now or something.
Looking forward to Christmas. It is going to be a new experience since I will be with my partner's family. I am looking forward to a new experience. This will be our first CHristmas we have actually spent together. Usually I arrive the day before or after Christmas to be with him.
A little disappointed we won't make it to NYC this year. It has been a year!!! :(
Friday, October 30, 2015
Long days
I am busier than ever right now when it comes to work. I think that's obvious with the topics of my recent posts.
I am pulling anywhere between 7 and 12 hour days at work. I am the testing coordinator now, intervention teacher, and acting principal in the evenings, in addition to just teaching my classes. No, I'm not getting any extra pay for it. A lot of it "falls under" what I have to do for my admin credential fieldwork, so it is just volunteer so to speak, or voluntold.
I come home and am working on my school work for my credential. Discussion board posts are the bane of my existence since I am not a procrastinator. I get my shit done weeks in advance and have to wait until usually Saturday night when the rest of the class gets around to posting their posts, which are due by midnight Saturday.
I still make time to make it to the gym in the morning. I'm down to 161 pounds, from 170, which is awesome.
My weekends have mostly been taken up with visiting friends.
Its funny, this is the most I have worked in a long time, and the busiest I've been. Usually it is my partner who is traveling, working a lot. The tides have changed, and now it is me. It feels weird. It feels weird, especially when I am not making big bucks for my work. It is ok because this is only temporary. I just know I don't want this to continue too long. Being an admin I don't think is for me.
I am pulling anywhere between 7 and 12 hour days at work. I am the testing coordinator now, intervention teacher, and acting principal in the evenings, in addition to just teaching my classes. No, I'm not getting any extra pay for it. A lot of it "falls under" what I have to do for my admin credential fieldwork, so it is just volunteer so to speak, or voluntold.
I come home and am working on my school work for my credential. Discussion board posts are the bane of my existence since I am not a procrastinator. I get my shit done weeks in advance and have to wait until usually Saturday night when the rest of the class gets around to posting their posts, which are due by midnight Saturday.
I still make time to make it to the gym in the morning. I'm down to 161 pounds, from 170, which is awesome.
My weekends have mostly been taken up with visiting friends.
Its funny, this is the most I have worked in a long time, and the busiest I've been. Usually it is my partner who is traveling, working a lot. The tides have changed, and now it is me. It feels weird. It feels weird, especially when I am not making big bucks for my work. It is ok because this is only temporary. I just know I don't want this to continue too long. Being an admin I don't think is for me.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
When I get where I'm going
I made this comment on the Closet Professor's blog the other day, and it is something I am still thinking about
Your post struck a lot of chords with me - doing what was expected as opposed to your passion - I feel like I am there right now. I am at a mostly amazing school in a plush position that gives me great freedom to do what I want as long as it is in the best interest of the students. I am in the admin credential program because everyone told me to do it - all of my friends, parents, and teachers I know. I don't have aspirations to be an administrator, though I know I could be a good one. Maybe one day, but not now. I know, and keep having opportunities come to me to move into administration. Its not where I want to be right now. I could. It would be a great pay raise. My partner keeps hearing the money aspect, the great opportunities, and possibility to move into district office where jobs seem even more plush. I have stood my ground that I am right where I need to be now. I've taught for a little over 5 years now, and I want to be here for at least another 5. I believe that if I were to move into admin that 10 years of teaching experience wil give me more credibility as an administrator. I also am looking at positions outside of the teaching/admin realm that require the admin credential/teaching experience, but again, not right now. Your words helped validate what I am feeling now.
The thing is I have had 4 opportunities this year to advance. I turned them all down, though people kept encouraging me to apply saying I have all the skills. I sometimes worry that I am making the wrong decision and if I'm not "taking advantage" so to speak of these opportunities now, will I have the chance later? I'm sure I will. There's only going to be an administrator shortage, much like a teacher shortage, as time goes on with many baby boomers retiring.
Your post struck a lot of chords with me - doing what was expected as opposed to your passion - I feel like I am there right now. I am at a mostly amazing school in a plush position that gives me great freedom to do what I want as long as it is in the best interest of the students. I am in the admin credential program because everyone told me to do it - all of my friends, parents, and teachers I know. I don't have aspirations to be an administrator, though I know I could be a good one. Maybe one day, but not now. I know, and keep having opportunities come to me to move into administration. Its not where I want to be right now. I could. It would be a great pay raise. My partner keeps hearing the money aspect, the great opportunities, and possibility to move into district office where jobs seem even more plush. I have stood my ground that I am right where I need to be now. I've taught for a little over 5 years now, and I want to be here for at least another 5. I believe that if I were to move into admin that 10 years of teaching experience wil give me more credibility as an administrator. I also am looking at positions outside of the teaching/admin realm that require the admin credential/teaching experience, but again, not right now. Your words helped validate what I am feeling now.
The thing is I have had 4 opportunities this year to advance. I turned them all down, though people kept encouraging me to apply saying I have all the skills. I sometimes worry that I am making the wrong decision and if I'm not "taking advantage" so to speak of these opportunities now, will I have the chance later? I'm sure I will. There's only going to be an administrator shortage, much like a teacher shortage, as time goes on with many baby boomers retiring.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
My 10 Year Reunion
My 10Yr HS reunion was this past Saturday.
At first I was hesitant to go - everyone I wanted to see was not attending. It was organized solely via facebook, and all but about 80 kids in my class of 578 were on the facebook group. People kept posting they couldn't come, and even people that were random acquaintances/friends who it would have been nice to see.
I decided to go anyway. I knew the turnout would be low. There were like 50 of us, which seemed pretty good in the facebook age.
When I got there I was able to blend in with Jenn and her friends. We talked a few minutes and then I was forced to go interact with one of the Mike's. He was friendly. We semi hugged, then talked about work. I shared what I was up to, as did he. We talked about our families. We were civil toward each other and continued to be cordial each time we interacted through the night. We are not friends, but we are facebook friends again... lol. I think we both have grown up and menial things don't matter.
Walked around and chatted groups of people I never even interacted with - Britt. N and her friend. A few more like my neighbor, Lindsay and her friend Carrie. Also talked to Addisson a lot - he has changed - lost tons of weight and looked good.
There was dinner and cheap drinks. No one got trashed. There was beer pong, but the cups were filled with water. The 2 girls that put it on did a great job.
Met up with the lesbian and her friends. The lesbian is a girl who was obviously lesbian and wore a suit to prom. She was always very sweet to me, but we connected even more this weekend. We went to the after party at a nearby bar, and my partner came along. She and him were getting along great. My partner didn't want to go with me because we probably didn't have to much to say given we have only been out of school 10 years, he decided most of my high school friends were white trash, and he never went to his reunion, so didn't want to go to mine.
Some random observations - based on the cars in the parking lot I had one of the nicest there. Everyone smokes... Will, Addisson, Spencer, Lindsay, and lots more. Maybe its just social... who knows. Outside of Will I am one of the more successful people there. He is probably making upward of 6 figures doing engineering for a major SoCal company. I have much more credentials than the teacher friends I have around here, and have a more established career. Its crazy how even people we didn't interact with we can still be civil with. What a difference 10 years makes...
At first I was hesitant to go - everyone I wanted to see was not attending. It was organized solely via facebook, and all but about 80 kids in my class of 578 were on the facebook group. People kept posting they couldn't come, and even people that were random acquaintances/friends who it would have been nice to see.
I decided to go anyway. I knew the turnout would be low. There were like 50 of us, which seemed pretty good in the facebook age.
When I got there I was able to blend in with Jenn and her friends. We talked a few minutes and then I was forced to go interact with one of the Mike's. He was friendly. We semi hugged, then talked about work. I shared what I was up to, as did he. We talked about our families. We were civil toward each other and continued to be cordial each time we interacted through the night. We are not friends, but we are facebook friends again... lol. I think we both have grown up and menial things don't matter.
Walked around and chatted groups of people I never even interacted with - Britt. N and her friend. A few more like my neighbor, Lindsay and her friend Carrie. Also talked to Addisson a lot - he has changed - lost tons of weight and looked good.
There was dinner and cheap drinks. No one got trashed. There was beer pong, but the cups were filled with water. The 2 girls that put it on did a great job.
Met up with the lesbian and her friends. The lesbian is a girl who was obviously lesbian and wore a suit to prom. She was always very sweet to me, but we connected even more this weekend. We went to the after party at a nearby bar, and my partner came along. She and him were getting along great. My partner didn't want to go with me because we probably didn't have to much to say given we have only been out of school 10 years, he decided most of my high school friends were white trash, and he never went to his reunion, so didn't want to go to mine.
Some random observations - based on the cars in the parking lot I had one of the nicest there. Everyone smokes... Will, Addisson, Spencer, Lindsay, and lots more. Maybe its just social... who knows. Outside of Will I am one of the more successful people there. He is probably making upward of 6 figures doing engineering for a major SoCal company. I have much more credentials than the teacher friends I have around here, and have a more established career. Its crazy how even people we didn't interact with we can still be civil with. What a difference 10 years makes...
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Back to work, back to school Monday
Its back to work for me tomorrow. First day with students. The past couple days were training days.
I am not really worried. I am worried in that I wonder who I will have in my classes. I'm worried I will have bad kids. I am sure by Wednesday I will be fine, but right now, I have nerves.
I'm teaching 2 new classes- 1 doesn't worry me as its a tutoring class, and the other is Espanol. I'm worried that I'm teaching Spanish to those who already know, and know more than me, know more slang, etc. I'm worried about that battle. I have the first 3 weeks of my class tentatively planned.
This song has been stuck in my head all weekend. ALL WEEKEND. Love it, though.
Cole is great in person too ;)
Spent the last few days of summer break going to LA and doing a train trip. It was such a blast.
Also went up to Big Bear and did some wine tasting.
I am not really worried. I am worried in that I wonder who I will have in my classes. I'm worried I will have bad kids. I am sure by Wednesday I will be fine, but right now, I have nerves.
I'm teaching 2 new classes- 1 doesn't worry me as its a tutoring class, and the other is Espanol. I'm worried that I'm teaching Spanish to those who already know, and know more than me, know more slang, etc. I'm worried about that battle. I have the first 3 weeks of my class tentatively planned.
This song has been stuck in my head all weekend. ALL WEEKEND. Love it, though.
Cole is great in person too ;)
Spent the last few days of summer break going to LA and doing a train trip. It was such a blast.
Also went up to Big Bear and did some wine tasting.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Mad week
This has been a mad week.
I am on a state committee, and we spent the entire week learning our job over the next few months. It has been an absolutely insane week of training, and often the training was as clear as mud. The work is going to be daunting when it starts next week and will require 100s of hours of my free time to complete. I can't say much more. We were basically sworn to secrecy.
The one thing that has kept me sane are the Wine Women as I call them, a bunch of women in my group, from the OC, who all know each other. They are hilarious. All hispanic women, or women that speak Spanish. They are so cute. One of them, O, has talked about her need for "vino" nonstop. After day 1 we went to the bar, did our homework, drank 3 glasses of wine, and enjoyed $13 wine. We talked about work, what they do, and it was a blast.
We met the next day and had a great bond.
Last night I suggested we go to a wine bar I like. We met at the pool first for margaritas and tequila shots, then we headed out via uber. Amazing food and amazing wine. We had a blast. Talked about anything and everything, especially travel. Told them about my partner, and my godmoms as they have called themselves were ready to plan my wedding They all had a piece they wanted to do, and all I had to do was call my partner and propose. SUCH FUN. Oh, and the uber car was all decked out in lights. It was a blast. We had so much fun. Laughing and joking. Hugging and taking selfies.
I can't wait until we come back together to drink. I'm bringing bottles of wine next time and we will have a party in my room. Tequila will probably be necessary too.
I am on a state committee, and we spent the entire week learning our job over the next few months. It has been an absolutely insane week of training, and often the training was as clear as mud. The work is going to be daunting when it starts next week and will require 100s of hours of my free time to complete. I can't say much more. We were basically sworn to secrecy.
The one thing that has kept me sane are the Wine Women as I call them, a bunch of women in my group, from the OC, who all know each other. They are hilarious. All hispanic women, or women that speak Spanish. They are so cute. One of them, O, has talked about her need for "vino" nonstop. After day 1 we went to the bar, did our homework, drank 3 glasses of wine, and enjoyed $13 wine. We talked about work, what they do, and it was a blast.
We met the next day and had a great bond.
Last night I suggested we go to a wine bar I like. We met at the pool first for margaritas and tequila shots, then we headed out via uber. Amazing food and amazing wine. We had a blast. Talked about anything and everything, especially travel. Told them about my partner, and my godmoms as they have called themselves were ready to plan my wedding They all had a piece they wanted to do, and all I had to do was call my partner and propose. SUCH FUN. Oh, and the uber car was all decked out in lights. It was a blast. We had so much fun. Laughing and joking. Hugging and taking selfies.
I can't wait until we come back together to drink. I'm bringing bottles of wine next time and we will have a party in my room. Tequila will probably be necessary too.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Hateful coworkers
I came home nearly in tears today. I didn't tell my partner who asked me how my day was over text. I told him about the assembly we had instead. I didn't tell him about the shit I put up with at work. I was just accepted to serve on the committee for the state, and the principal sent out a congratulatory email. 4-5 people sent me a congratulations, but 6-7 people decided to give me major shit over it. I heard what a brown noser, ass kisser, and pet I was. I heard how I am just there as a stepping stone, how I don't care about the kids, how I am so far up people's ass. I didn't do anything other than apply to an email the head of curriculum for the district sent out. One idiot decided to tell me how I didn't deserve the position and have't worked as hard as he has, and don't know how my school works, people just don't do that. Manbitch gave me a hard time, suck up didn't look at me, whatever, you ass, people are a lot like you who sit on your lazy ass for 13 years. Whatever. I just had such a hard time dealing with these assholes. It took its toll on me. I stormed around all evening trying to forget.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
We made it
Long and tough month.
It was my birthday month. 2-3 days after my birthday, the inlaws showed up for the month. It wasn't too bad. They have been here 2 times before with me around. They are nice enough. His mom and I get along well, but his dad is very opinionated and harder to deal with. I enjoyed being taken out to dinner many nights and being wined and dined. I won't miss FOX News each night, the car auction shows on TV, and all other sporting events on TV.
Spent lots of time on the phone with my parents- I call them daily - listening to their kitchen remodel nightmare. My advice to you - avoid really commercial sounding names when it comes to home improvement projects, and don't choose a contractor just because he "is a good Christian" and has the Christian fish symbol on his business card. I find so often those "good" Christians are out to take people who give into that shit - my parents included. Thank god I don't live at home.
I am teaching an extra class at work - that has taken a lot of my time too.
I've been applying for adjunct positions at the local colleges. No bites so far. Damn.
I think I'm going to do that admin degree. I need something to occupy my time. Don't wanna take out the loan.
It was my birthday month. 2-3 days after my birthday, the inlaws showed up for the month. It wasn't too bad. They have been here 2 times before with me around. They are nice enough. His mom and I get along well, but his dad is very opinionated and harder to deal with. I enjoyed being taken out to dinner many nights and being wined and dined. I won't miss FOX News each night, the car auction shows on TV, and all other sporting events on TV.
Spent lots of time on the phone with my parents- I call them daily - listening to their kitchen remodel nightmare. My advice to you - avoid really commercial sounding names when it comes to home improvement projects, and don't choose a contractor just because he "is a good Christian" and has the Christian fish symbol on his business card. I find so often those "good" Christians are out to take people who give into that shit - my parents included. Thank god I don't live at home.
I am teaching an extra class at work - that has taken a lot of my time too.
I've been applying for adjunct positions at the local colleges. No bites so far. Damn.
I think I'm going to do that admin degree. I need something to occupy my time. Don't wanna take out the loan.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Rave reviews
Had my formal observation - it was amazing - best review ever.
The principal only had complements. Nothing I could improve upon. He said my lessons were amazing. He was impressed with how I handled the kids. He said my room environment was welcoming and my classroom management was excellent. I'm not the best teacher. Lord no, but I do a pretty kick ass job, and work hard.
So at the observation meeting the principal mentioned all of that stuff above and more. He asked what my career path was. I told him I have thought about admin, but am not sure I want to do it given the hours etc. I said I know it would make me more marketable. He said I'm an asset wherever I go, my organization is superior. He said I'm one of those rare people who has organization, can teach, manage, and lead. He said I would make an excellent administrator. He said no pressure. He's not pressuring me, but said it would be a great path for me. He is also willing to send me to a couple of really neat conferences coming up that I'm excited to attend and sent him the information about.
So... he asked me what I was interested in. I said admin. I am going to email him back, or chat him when I see him at school and tell him I am really interested in curriculum, because I am. I love planning a lesson and seeing it executed. I am interested in technology. I am putting several of my unit plans I have created on teacherspayteachers. I have material that can easily be adapted for all learning modalities, adapted for the class format (blended, traditional, and independent). I like thinking of a product and all the activities the kids can do to reach that. I would also like to do something with technology.
I think I want my admin degree. It is about $12,000-20,000, depending on where I go. It would take 2 years. I don't want to drop that amount of money. I'm trying to save for a car, a rental house, and have some vacation dinero on the side. I don't want to go in debt to get a degree. I am already all the way over on the salary scale and only get a raise for each additional year.
I could take more certification tests to make myself more marketable and able to teach more subjects - I know at the school I'm at a business certification would be the best thing. Business at other schools - not so much. There is an overabundance of PE, history, and math at my school. Other schools - PE is usually in demand, and of corse math and other subjects are.
One thing I think about is many administrators will be retiring - there is going to be a shortage - maybe much like the teacher shortage years ago. So do I wait and put it off, and maybe a district will pay for me to do it? Do I just keep taking certification tests? Do I more or less stay where I'm at in the classroom?
The principal only had complements. Nothing I could improve upon. He said my lessons were amazing. He was impressed with how I handled the kids. He said my room environment was welcoming and my classroom management was excellent. I'm not the best teacher. Lord no, but I do a pretty kick ass job, and work hard.
So at the observation meeting the principal mentioned all of that stuff above and more. He asked what my career path was. I told him I have thought about admin, but am not sure I want to do it given the hours etc. I said I know it would make me more marketable. He said I'm an asset wherever I go, my organization is superior. He said I'm one of those rare people who has organization, can teach, manage, and lead. He said I would make an excellent administrator. He said no pressure. He's not pressuring me, but said it would be a great path for me. He is also willing to send me to a couple of really neat conferences coming up that I'm excited to attend and sent him the information about.
So... he asked me what I was interested in. I said admin. I am going to email him back, or chat him when I see him at school and tell him I am really interested in curriculum, because I am. I love planning a lesson and seeing it executed. I am interested in technology. I am putting several of my unit plans I have created on teacherspayteachers. I have material that can easily be adapted for all learning modalities, adapted for the class format (blended, traditional, and independent). I like thinking of a product and all the activities the kids can do to reach that. I would also like to do something with technology.
I think I want my admin degree. It is about $12,000-20,000, depending on where I go. It would take 2 years. I don't want to drop that amount of money. I'm trying to save for a car, a rental house, and have some vacation dinero on the side. I don't want to go in debt to get a degree. I am already all the way over on the salary scale and only get a raise for each additional year.
I could take more certification tests to make myself more marketable and able to teach more subjects - I know at the school I'm at a business certification would be the best thing. Business at other schools - not so much. There is an overabundance of PE, history, and math at my school. Other schools - PE is usually in demand, and of corse math and other subjects are.
One thing I think about is many administrators will be retiring - there is going to be a shortage - maybe much like the teacher shortage years ago. So do I wait and put it off, and maybe a district will pay for me to do it? Do I just keep taking certification tests? Do I more or less stay where I'm at in the classroom?
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
In honor of National Bullying Month
Thought I would talk about the times I was bullied or made fun of, that stand out vividly in my mind.
Shoes
There was also all the times I was made fun of for my name.
... And for my voice. I don't know how to describe my voice - a mix of nasally, southern, twang, with some Indiana and New York thrown in. People used to ask me when I was younger if I was from New York. I'm not. I don't say "cawfee," and words to that like. It is nasally due to all my sinus issues. And I am always mistook for ma'am on the phone. I'm not southern. I'm not a woman. Don't call me ma'am. I guess the southern comes about because of the nasal issues. I sound a lot like my dad and uncle, though. My uncle somehow has a boom to his voice that I don't have.
Shoes
Steven D made fun of me back in probably 2nd or 3rd grade. We were in AWANA at church, a program where you learn Bible verses and play games. One Thursday night something had had happened- I think one of my tennis shoes was splitting, so I couldn't play games at AWANA if I were to wear the shoes I had on. I was at my grandma's house at the time. My dad went to Stater Brothers because they sold shoes at the time, and bought me a pair of women's canvas shoes with laces like my grandma wore. I wore them with slight embarrassment. It was a few weeks before my parents bought me new shoes- money was tight. Anyways,I went to AWANA one night, and Steven made fun of me, and that stuck for several weeks when he would ask me why I wore cheap shoes, why I wore granny shoes. He called me granny from then on- a good 2 or so years until he moved away.
4-6th grades
Brad and Brad made fun of me for not wearing Billabong or Quicksilver back in about 4-5th grades. My mom's philosophy was she shouldn't pay to advertise the names of companies on her shirt. I could never bring myself to tell my mom that I didn't have any cool clothes and was made fun of. Instead I remember that one night we were at a thrift store for whatever reason, and I saw a green Billabong shirt that looked in relatively good condition. My mom said how ugly it was because of the logos on it, and refused to buy it. She relented after my nagging, and invested a grand total of 50 cents in the shirt. I wore it to school excitedly only to be made fun of by Brian B because it looked like it was bought at a thrift store. I was so crushed at my attempt to try to be cool and fit in. I denied it was and said that I just hand't worn it in a really long time.
4th grade
We would line up along the portable, our classroom, which was located on the field after recess. Tommy F would always ask me if I was gay. I didn't know what the word meant at the time, and would say yes. My friends Jamey and Daniel told me to say otherwise, and when I would, I would get laughed at. I learned in 6th grade being gay meant liking guys, and I did, but by then that had been forgotten. This went on day after day- 2 or 3 times a day sometimes!
BMS
I had a lunch pail that had the initials BMS on it in 4th grade when I remembered to bring my lunch and didn't have to eat in the cafeteria. It was the initials of an education company or something my mom bought stuff from. Anyways, we would put our lunch pails at the gate of the field after lunch during recess. Brad (mentioned above), Shay, and John would make fun saying that it stands for "Break Mike's Shit," so of course my lunch pail was kicked around and hid from me EVERY FRICKIN' DAY.
Stephanie Y and Amy L would often join in on the bullying. I still dislike both of them.
Anyone who didn't have a BMX bike was made fun of- Brad K and Shay both had one.
I wasn't bullied in 6th grade really as Shay, Stephanie Y, Amy L, and Brad K were in different classes. They were in the room next door with Mr. O, but I rarely saw them.
7th Grade
Shay ended up in my CORE class- language arts and social science class. I remember Shay tried to make fun of me when I sprained my ankle about how I wasn't cool, told the kids how he made fun of me in middle school. I loved my teacher, Mrs. H, and told her that Shay used to make fun of me. She moved his seat and I guess spoke with him- he never made a comment again.
There was also all the times I was made fun of for my name.
... And for my voice. I don't know how to describe my voice - a mix of nasally, southern, twang, with some Indiana and New York thrown in. People used to ask me when I was younger if I was from New York. I'm not. I don't say "cawfee," and words to that like. It is nasally due to all my sinus issues. And I am always mistook for ma'am on the phone. I'm not southern. I'm not a woman. Don't call me ma'am. I guess the southern comes about because of the nasal issues. I sound a lot like my dad and uncle, though. My uncle somehow has a boom to his voice that I don't have.
This was hard to write... it brought back so many memories. One thing that all of these events have done is caused me to be a little more shy, not fight, not speak up. These events caused me to go from a fun loving kid, to a kid with many things to hide, a lot of shame. These things made me not want to participate in church functions or school functions. I remember not participating in things in school like chorus because all the kids I mentioned above were in it. And who wouldn't want to get out of science class?!
So speak up. Be an advocate for those who are bullied - that's something I try daily. And I speak. I use my godawful voice, and you can't shut me up.
So speak up. Be an advocate for those who are bullied - that's something I try daily. And I speak. I use my godawful voice, and you can't shut me up.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Parting with books
Some people have that emotional attachment to books - my parents and sister consider books sacred. Tons of bookshelves in their house, love books, buy them constantly. Me? Well, I guess I have a part of that still in me. I always felt that there might be something in my education books that I would find useful, and for the most part I haven't returned to any of the books, so today I decided to sell some of my books on amazon. I had 5 textbooks from my graduate program that fetched me $89 - nice down payment for some new sunglasses... or shoes.
Also took a bunch of $3- and less gift cards I had, and traded them in online for amazon gift cards. While it would be nice to get the full value out of them, they were places I simply didn't shop like the movie theater, Mimi's Cafe, IHOP. So they were places I had gift cards to, went, and still had a little bit left over, and since I didn't pay for them I didn't feel that huge of a loss. $11 there.
Also took a bunch of $3- and less gift cards I had, and traded them in online for amazon gift cards. While it would be nice to get the full value out of them, they were places I simply didn't shop like the movie theater, Mimi's Cafe, IHOP. So they were places I had gift cards to, went, and still had a little bit left over, and since I didn't pay for them I didn't feel that huge of a loss. $11 there.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Anxiety run amok
And the doctor thinks I'm fine on Zoloft. Hah. Hardly. I seem to worry more with this crock than anything.
So here's what is on my mind as it is 12:18 and my BF is asleep and I'm up to worry.
So first thing's first. I got afforded an opportunity to go back to school and have my tuition paid for if I enroll before my 26th birthday, which is coming up in a few days. I don't like the thought of going back to school - it means work - it means time - it means giving up my time. I am already maxed out on the pay scale, but to not take this opportunity would mean I'm basically giving up the chance to get my admin degree for free. Do I want another degree? No, but I don't see myself teaching for 30+ years. Would I feel guilty passing up on this money? Yes. Admin degree means I could become a principal/assistant principal/take on some other sort of leadership position within the school. Could also give me a leg up if I want advancement outside of the school setting, or even teaching at like a college. I know I could go teach now with masters, but hey, more marketable...
Oh, and I'm $16k in debt right now from my teaching credential/masters. I am scheduled to have that paid off in 2017.
Oh, and Mike supports me, and I appreciate that.
Do people like me? Do friends still remember me? I get these random thoughts sometimes like no one likes me, like when I text someone and they don't reply. Gonzo has been doing that, as has The Guy, and well, when I don't hear back my mind wanders, especially on this new anxiety med.
My parents are driving me crazy. I have such a hard time biting my tongue, and when I open up my mouth it makes people mad, and I hate opening up my mouth, especially now, when I don't know how my dad will handle it.
My dad just got 100% disability from the VA, and is happy. At last. My parents are planning on remodeling the kitchen int he next few months before my dad retires. My mom has the most ugly kitchen design picked out. I hate it. My dad does too. I want to say my 2 cents and do. Mike says I should butt out since I don't live there. Sometimes I don't care and feel the need. Part of it is I give the best advice - in my mind - but Mike keeps remidning me I don't live there.
WTF is my dad going to do when he retires? He has no hobbies.
Work has me stressed out - I go back on Monday - know I'm due for an evaluation, and it could be anyday. All throughout the past couple days I've had images of Teelima stuck in my head, my most difficult student. Feel like first day jitters again.
The past month was difficult money wise with Christmas and the district not withholding enough on our paychecks, and an accounting error, so I was out of money fast. This month I'm saving extra because my auto insurance is due next month, and I'm moving off of my parent's insurance to a different company, and so gotta save since they give you a discount if it is paid in full. Also paying off my credit card from NY/Vegas. And my birthday, and everyone else seem to be having a birthday too. And I am down to $800 or so and it is the 4th of the month. And I hate to make Mike pay for everything. I feel like a broke teacher sometimes. I pay everything once it comes, and everything tends to come at the first of the month, and so it feels like I have nothing the rest of the month. I guess I'm doing ok, making ok money, but OK sometimes just doesn't feel so ok
And when my anxiety kicks in I get acne on my chest and back. Its no bueno. It itches.
Oh, and at least on Zoloft I can still get hard. And in fact I'm pretty much always horny on it.
So here's what is on my mind as it is 12:18 and my BF is asleep and I'm up to worry.
So first thing's first. I got afforded an opportunity to go back to school and have my tuition paid for if I enroll before my 26th birthday, which is coming up in a few days. I don't like the thought of going back to school - it means work - it means time - it means giving up my time. I am already maxed out on the pay scale, but to not take this opportunity would mean I'm basically giving up the chance to get my admin degree for free. Do I want another degree? No, but I don't see myself teaching for 30+ years. Would I feel guilty passing up on this money? Yes. Admin degree means I could become a principal/assistant principal/take on some other sort of leadership position within the school. Could also give me a leg up if I want advancement outside of the school setting, or even teaching at like a college. I know I could go teach now with masters, but hey, more marketable...
Oh, and I'm $16k in debt right now from my teaching credential/masters. I am scheduled to have that paid off in 2017.
Oh, and Mike supports me, and I appreciate that.
Do people like me? Do friends still remember me? I get these random thoughts sometimes like no one likes me, like when I text someone and they don't reply. Gonzo has been doing that, as has The Guy, and well, when I don't hear back my mind wanders, especially on this new anxiety med.
My parents are driving me crazy. I have such a hard time biting my tongue, and when I open up my mouth it makes people mad, and I hate opening up my mouth, especially now, when I don't know how my dad will handle it.
My dad just got 100% disability from the VA, and is happy. At last. My parents are planning on remodeling the kitchen int he next few months before my dad retires. My mom has the most ugly kitchen design picked out. I hate it. My dad does too. I want to say my 2 cents and do. Mike says I should butt out since I don't live there. Sometimes I don't care and feel the need. Part of it is I give the best advice - in my mind - but Mike keeps remidning me I don't live there.
WTF is my dad going to do when he retires? He has no hobbies.
Work has me stressed out - I go back on Monday - know I'm due for an evaluation, and it could be anyday. All throughout the past couple days I've had images of Teelima stuck in my head, my most difficult student. Feel like first day jitters again.
The past month was difficult money wise with Christmas and the district not withholding enough on our paychecks, and an accounting error, so I was out of money fast. This month I'm saving extra because my auto insurance is due next month, and I'm moving off of my parent's insurance to a different company, and so gotta save since they give you a discount if it is paid in full. Also paying off my credit card from NY/Vegas. And my birthday, and everyone else seem to be having a birthday too. And I am down to $800 or so and it is the 4th of the month. And I hate to make Mike pay for everything. I feel like a broke teacher sometimes. I pay everything once it comes, and everything tends to come at the first of the month, and so it feels like I have nothing the rest of the month. I guess I'm doing ok, making ok money, but OK sometimes just doesn't feel so ok
And when my anxiety kicks in I get acne on my chest and back. Its no bueno. It itches.
Oh, and at least on Zoloft I can still get hard. And in fact I'm pretty much always horny on it.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
No financial aid
I have received 3 or 4 emails from my college asking me to pay $2,800 by May 31. I was a little alarmed. I am completely on financial aid and it has always covered my balance for my classes. I emailed the financial aid lady at my college and she swears that she told me my financial aid would not cover my last 2 classes. She did not. Ugh. Can't stand that lady. Yike! What to do... guess I will have to dig into savings? Also going to go back over my financial aid documents. No bueno. Not happy. Hopefully I can cover it.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Graduation
SATURDAY
- Met my cousin at the Pala Casino with my parents. My mom and dad hadn't seen my cousin in probably 8 years. It was like picking up where we left off. My mom and cousin are like mother/daughter- they look a like in many respects. Heard all about my cousin's planned relocation, her difficulties at work, my mom's difficulties at work, some of the cool ins of my cousin's job. Sat and talked at the buffet for 4 hours. The buffet was not that great, but it was nice to chat.
- Finished my masters thesis and printed it
- Worked myself up over the sadness I felt my parents/family was not attending my graduation
SUNDAY
*** Thanks sooooooooooo much guys for all of the comments of love and support this weekend. It really helped bring my spirits up and were really nice to read.
- Up at 6:21am and was really sad
- My mom told me I had to pick up Linda since she was going to my graduation in my mom's place
- Get to Linda's house about 7:38
- We run into a sigalert on the 10 at Dudley where they were shutting down the freeway. Thank goodness for the side access road/exit ramp
- Got to my graduation at 8:30
- Easy parking
- Ran into counseling girl, a girl from school in the parking structure with her daughter, son, and husband
- Beautiful main campus... I'd never stepped foot on it before
- Lots of vendors selling flowers and muffins etc.
- Show Linda how to use my camera and I'm off to line up
- Lots of photos with my friends from school, which was one of the best parts of the day
The photo below is L and I
- Process into the stadium
- Linda is there at the far right yelling my name and trying to pass me roses, which I thought I was going to take some flack from from friends. I wasn't expecting the flowers as no one has ever brought me flowers.
- We make our way to our seats, stand, talk, and then the graduation starts
- Awful graduation speech from the Masters graduate, he is some MA in Public Administration guy who went to another campus. He talked about being drunk, spending lots of holidays drunk, he recommended we go to Starbucks because it feels like a family, he had an awesome internship with a Southern California city, and how he had it so much easier than everyone else. Selfish much? Egotistical?
- Bachelors grads first
- Masters second - I am in the 2nd to last row out of 1000 grads
- As I'm making my way to the stage L helps me adjust my masters sash
- Get up to the stage area and Linda is there taking photos, trying to throw something at me, and yelling to put it on. It lands on the turf, and I put it on. It is a sash with the name of my college. L again helps me get it on
- As we make our way to the side of the stage there are mirrors for the girls to fix their hair etc.
- Photographers snap a photo of us in a tent before we go across the stage
- Walk across the stage- it was all so quick
- Another photo in another tent
- Back to my seat, stop a few times for Linda to snap more photos
- Get a few more photos with L and other friends as I make my way to find Linda
- They have a reception afterwards with fruit (strawberries and grapes), cookies, lemonade and water
- Linda insists I want fruit and cookies
- Linda wants photos of me around some of the trees, in front of the billboard for the campus
- Text my cousin who was already at the restaurant with my aunt and uncle
- Was on a major high after graduation
- We go to TGI Fridays and family had been there for 45 minutes or so and waited for us
- Lots of talk. I sat next to my cousin, across from dad and sis. Linda was down with my mom, aunt, and uncle. Lots of good conversation. Everyone really got along well and no talk about my sister's "professor" position. Cousin was doing well. Fun times.
- We talk and eat for about 3 hours or so
- Take Linda home
- Go to the gym while I take my masters thesis to be bound
- Chatted via text with Mike and he has been showing me around to his coworkers thanks to the pics I texted him. They seem to like what they see...
- Reflecting back I had a great time, but it would have been nice to have family there, and that they weren't I was sad. My graduation already sounded 100x better than my sister's. I am glad that Linda did go to make it a great day, and again, thanks for the awesome comments :-) !!!
- Met my cousin at the Pala Casino with my parents. My mom and dad hadn't seen my cousin in probably 8 years. It was like picking up where we left off. My mom and cousin are like mother/daughter- they look a like in many respects. Heard all about my cousin's planned relocation, her difficulties at work, my mom's difficulties at work, some of the cool ins of my cousin's job. Sat and talked at the buffet for 4 hours. The buffet was not that great, but it was nice to chat.
- Finished my masters thesis and printed it
- Worked myself up over the sadness I felt my parents/family was not attending my graduation
SUNDAY
*** Thanks sooooooooooo much guys for all of the comments of love and support this weekend. It really helped bring my spirits up and were really nice to read.
- Up at 6:21am and was really sad
- My mom told me I had to pick up Linda since she was going to my graduation in my mom's place
- Get to Linda's house about 7:38
- We run into a sigalert on the 10 at Dudley where they were shutting down the freeway. Thank goodness for the side access road/exit ramp
- Got to my graduation at 8:30
- Easy parking
- Ran into counseling girl, a girl from school in the parking structure with her daughter, son, and husband
- Beautiful main campus... I'd never stepped foot on it before
- Lots of vendors selling flowers and muffins etc.
- Show Linda how to use my camera and I'm off to line up
- Lots of photos with my friends from school, which was one of the best parts of the day
The photo below is L and I
- Process into the stadium
- Linda is there at the far right yelling my name and trying to pass me roses, which I thought I was going to take some flack from from friends. I wasn't expecting the flowers as no one has ever brought me flowers.
- We make our way to our seats, stand, talk, and then the graduation starts
- Awful graduation speech from the Masters graduate, he is some MA in Public Administration guy who went to another campus. He talked about being drunk, spending lots of holidays drunk, he recommended we go to Starbucks because it feels like a family, he had an awesome internship with a Southern California city, and how he had it so much easier than everyone else. Selfish much? Egotistical?
- Bachelors grads first
- Masters second - I am in the 2nd to last row out of 1000 grads
- As I'm making my way to the stage L helps me adjust my masters sash
- Get up to the stage area and Linda is there taking photos, trying to throw something at me, and yelling to put it on. It lands on the turf, and I put it on. It is a sash with the name of my college. L again helps me get it on
- As we make our way to the side of the stage there are mirrors for the girls to fix their hair etc.
- Photographers snap a photo of us in a tent before we go across the stage
- Walk across the stage- it was all so quick
- Another photo in another tent
- Back to my seat, stop a few times for Linda to snap more photos
- Get a few more photos with L and other friends as I make my way to find Linda
- They have a reception afterwards with fruit (strawberries and grapes), cookies, lemonade and water
- Linda insists I want fruit and cookies
- Linda wants photos of me around some of the trees, in front of the billboard for the campus
- Text my cousin who was already at the restaurant with my aunt and uncle
- Was on a major high after graduation
- We go to TGI Fridays and family had been there for 45 minutes or so and waited for us
- Lots of talk. I sat next to my cousin, across from dad and sis. Linda was down with my mom, aunt, and uncle. Lots of good conversation. Everyone really got along well and no talk about my sister's "professor" position. Cousin was doing well. Fun times.
- We talk and eat for about 3 hours or so
- Take Linda home
- Go to the gym while I take my masters thesis to be bound
- Chatted via text with Mike and he has been showing me around to his coworkers thanks to the pics I texted him. They seem to like what they see...
- Reflecting back I had a great time, but it would have been nice to have family there, and that they weren't I was sad. My graduation already sounded 100x better than my sister's. I am glad that Linda did go to make it a great day, and again, thanks for the awesome comments :-) !!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Why walk at graduation?
I blogged several weeks back that my sister I graduate on the same time on the same day at two different colleges. I was so thankful for the advice all of you gave to walk and to invite my boyfriend. He said he would be happy to go and would love to. Turns out the conference he has been telling me about for work is also at the same time and we didn't realize that until tonight. This conference is where the anybody and everybody he is in contact with throughout the year attends. We just happened to be texting back and forth when he asked when it was. I ran to the bathroom and cried. I was really saddened. I thought it was so cool that he was going to go- a guy that I am in a relationship with cares enough to sit 2 hours in the hot sun to watch me... ME! I officially felt alone. My mom, dad, aunt, uncle, cousin 1, cousin 2, and cousin 3 are all going to my sister's. I thought about how I will be alone. My mom told me Linda will step in, and for that I am grateful. Still... I'm sad. My want to walk suddenly faded again when Mike and I realized this. My friends at school were anxious to meet him. He says we will celebrate when he gets back and he wants pics while I'm there, so that he will get- it just won't be the same. But I will walk because I know I'll regret it otherwise... I'll put on a smile and that'll be it.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Cheesecake Factory
One of the best things about my college is being so close to so many great restaurants. I didn't even have school tonight, but my awesome friends from school were thinking about me, texted me, I drove 30 miles to the restaurant, and 4 of us met at Cheesecake Factory for what else but Cheesecake?
So fun!
So fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)