Hi Everyone!
I'm sorry it's been a while, yet again. I dislike updating when I am bummed, and I've been bummed recently. Lots of stress at school, lots of work to do, and so I come home less happy than I wish. HOWEVER! Things are definitely looking up! Hence, the post!
So, the play is going well. I ran rehearsal today and my kids actually kind of knew their lines, and they are getting there in terms of their blocking. Next week, we will just be running act 1 and 2 all week, so practices should be more acting and less blocking, which is always exciting.
Classes are going better. I have my stage tech class somewhat under control, in the sense that I have a book to work with these days, and that makes me feel safe inside. I dislike not having a plan. My English classes are turning in research papers in a week, so that is terrifying. Next week is a four day week, too, with an inservice on Friday, so this time next week I'll probably be very drunk. Just FYI. Luckily, I only have two classes of papers to read, but it's going to be a long week, getting them to do what I need them to do. Next week is also Homecoming, and it is a really big deal down here. They open up the high school for the day, and have a huge community gathering. I'm stage teching the performances in the auditorium all day on Saturday, and then I have my first Dover Symphony evening. Wheee!
I've been looking for a dog for a bit. I went to the Camden SPCA yesterday, because they posted three yorkies on Monday. Unfortunately, they were all adopted by Wednesday. I applied for a dog last night; I'm worried that since I live alone and want to crate during the day, it is going to be hard to find a dog that will work for me. I'm hopeful, however, and I have no problem driving to Jersey or Maryland or Philly. I'm thinking that might help my chances.
It is raining a ton here, and I'm kind of hoping for a flood cancellation tomorrow. Apparently, it's not unheard of around here. There are flood warnings and watches and issues and statements, and it is still raining really hard right now. On one hand, canceled school would be awesome cause I could sleep and all, but on the other, I have a lot of stuff to get from my kids for their research papers. I guess things aren't too bad if I'm not totally hoping for school to be closed! :-D
So, overall, things are going better. I'm still not thrilled with the job, but I am wayyy happier than I was two weeks ago. Things are going better, and I'm feeling more competent as a teacher. This is always a plus. I hung out with the friends on Friday night, and I kicked strep this last week (I slept until about 4:00 on Saturday, and it was gloroius). This Saturday is the first Saturday of building our Harvey set, so that's six hours of my day spent at school. I might try to do the football game tomorrow night, but last week's got me really upset. Those parents are HORRIBLE! Screaming terrible things about the high school kids--seriously people, IT'S A GAME!
I'm going to head to Art and Tracie's for the Steeler's vs. Baltimore game, and I'm very excited about that. I'd be more excited if I had a puppy to take on the trip with me, but I'll make due with turkey chip dip.
Thanks for reading, kids! I miss you all very much. :-D
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Feeling a little better
So I spent yesterday in a training session, and I feel like I have a little direction now. I took off Monday, so I have then to sit and work stuff out. Pretty exciting!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
It must be Thursday. I never could get the hang of Thursdays.
Hi Everyone!
Well, it has been a while! Things haven't been too exciting for me around here; a lot of work and sleep. I'll try to give you a not boring run down here.
So, the play has started. I got through auditions relatively unscathed; there was a supposed internet fight over who I cast, but I only heard about it third hand, so I'm pretending it didn't happen. I have had three rehearsals, and I think they went alright. So far, I haven't had to do anything horrible like throw someone out. I'm being kind of spazztic with blocking and whatnot, because my set design changed about halfway through, but we're getting there.
Classes have been so-so. I feel like I've been fighting with myself a lot; my drama classes are a little painful right now. Drama 2 is reading through the Cherry Orchard (I can't believe we choose that play!) and half of the class just sits there while we go through, though no fault of their own. It's just really frustrating. Drama 1 just finished Improv; the kids seem to think that running around and screaming is improv. That was painful. There were a few kids that were good, and some really hilarious skits, but for the most part, it was pretty hard to watch. We're moving on to monologues next; here's hoping they are better for the kids.
Like I said before, I feel like I'm fighting with myself a lot. I thought I had really good classroom management last year; this year, I feel like my technique just isn't working. I'm very rarely happy when I come home now. I'm not necessarily mad or upset, but I am not enjoying teaching right at this moment. I hope it will pass. I started with Research papers, and those are always a rough subject to work with. I'm stressed, and I am not getting enough exercise (I'm still trying to join my gym; they keep closing early!) Still, it would be nice to be genuinely excited about my job once in a while. I just can't find something I love about it yet. The people are wonderful (Muller stayed after school and talked to me today for an extra two hours, just helping me talk through my difficulties) and I really want to like the kids, but those two things together aren't enough. I feel like I'm drifting, without a purpose. Tomorrow, we have an inservice day, and then I am taking Monday off to come home from Pittsburgh, so I have some time to help myself refresh and work though some new ideas. I'm going to try to revamp my style and get in touch with my inner bitch. It might seem weird, but I think putting my foot down and doing things *my* way will help. I've been a little tentative in what I do, a little too passive, I think, and the students are definitely taking advantage. On the plus side, I know that my principals have got my back, which I never really felt at the old job.
Speaking of the old job: My exlandlord called me last week and told me that they were hiring, and told me that I might want to "get in on the ground floor of that." Because then, "you won't have to deal with the rent issue!" (I still owe him for one more month). Never mind the massive amounts of money, time, and effort I put into this new place, the contract with my current job, or the rent I would owe here. Just so long as he doesn't loose any money! I was not a happy camper that night, but I laugh about it now. For the most part.
I looked into getting a dog this weekend. I really want a Yorkie, so I was looking up Yorkie rescues. Unfortunatly, most need another dog or a human presence all day, or they are $300 or more. I've decided to look for more breeds. I need something small, <25 pounds. I was also looking at pugs, but I couldn't find prices for them, and sometimes I think they are cute and sometimes I think they are ugly. I think I'll widen my search.
On the plus side of today: My drama 2 kids baked me cookies! We were talking about this weekend, and I mentioned the wedding and the drive and my birthday, and they remembered! They signed a card for me and brought in chocolate chip cookies. Wheee! It absolutely made my day. Third period (stage tech) ruined the feeling, but for a moment there I was touched. :)
So, tonight I bought comfort food (chinese), comfort coke (for rum) and watched "Eureka." I finished the second season of Dexter last night, but I can't instant netflix any other seasons. I read the wikis on them, and now I don't care to watch any more. I also finished Arrested Development (really stupid ending, I'm sad to say), so I am in the market for new netflix TV series to become addicted to. I'm going to start Chuck soon, I guess, to make Rachel happy.
The other bright spots in my life:
BY THIS TIME TOMORROW I'LL BE ON MY WAY HOME.
Project Runway is on tonight.
Tomorrow is INSERVICE.
LOVE! -B
Well, it has been a while! Things haven't been too exciting for me around here; a lot of work and sleep. I'll try to give you a not boring run down here.
So, the play has started. I got through auditions relatively unscathed; there was a supposed internet fight over who I cast, but I only heard about it third hand, so I'm pretending it didn't happen. I have had three rehearsals, and I think they went alright. So far, I haven't had to do anything horrible like throw someone out. I'm being kind of spazztic with blocking and whatnot, because my set design changed about halfway through, but we're getting there.
Classes have been so-so. I feel like I've been fighting with myself a lot; my drama classes are a little painful right now. Drama 2 is reading through the Cherry Orchard (I can't believe we choose that play!) and half of the class just sits there while we go through, though no fault of their own. It's just really frustrating. Drama 1 just finished Improv; the kids seem to think that running around and screaming is improv. That was painful. There were a few kids that were good, and some really hilarious skits, but for the most part, it was pretty hard to watch. We're moving on to monologues next; here's hoping they are better for the kids.
Like I said before, I feel like I'm fighting with myself a lot. I thought I had really good classroom management last year; this year, I feel like my technique just isn't working. I'm very rarely happy when I come home now. I'm not necessarily mad or upset, but I am not enjoying teaching right at this moment. I hope it will pass. I started with Research papers, and those are always a rough subject to work with. I'm stressed, and I am not getting enough exercise (I'm still trying to join my gym; they keep closing early!) Still, it would be nice to be genuinely excited about my job once in a while. I just can't find something I love about it yet. The people are wonderful (Muller stayed after school and talked to me today for an extra two hours, just helping me talk through my difficulties) and I really want to like the kids, but those two things together aren't enough. I feel like I'm drifting, without a purpose. Tomorrow, we have an inservice day, and then I am taking Monday off to come home from Pittsburgh, so I have some time to help myself refresh and work though some new ideas. I'm going to try to revamp my style and get in touch with my inner bitch. It might seem weird, but I think putting my foot down and doing things *my* way will help. I've been a little tentative in what I do, a little too passive, I think, and the students are definitely taking advantage. On the plus side, I know that my principals have got my back, which I never really felt at the old job.
Speaking of the old job: My exlandlord called me last week and told me that they were hiring, and told me that I might want to "get in on the ground floor of that." Because then, "you won't have to deal with the rent issue!" (I still owe him for one more month). Never mind the massive amounts of money, time, and effort I put into this new place, the contract with my current job, or the rent I would owe here. Just so long as he doesn't loose any money! I was not a happy camper that night, but I laugh about it now. For the most part.
I looked into getting a dog this weekend. I really want a Yorkie, so I was looking up Yorkie rescues. Unfortunatly, most need another dog or a human presence all day, or they are $300 or more. I've decided to look for more breeds. I need something small, <25 pounds. I was also looking at pugs, but I couldn't find prices for them, and sometimes I think they are cute and sometimes I think they are ugly. I think I'll widen my search.
On the plus side of today: My drama 2 kids baked me cookies! We were talking about this weekend, and I mentioned the wedding and the drive and my birthday, and they remembered! They signed a card for me and brought in chocolate chip cookies. Wheee! It absolutely made my day. Third period (stage tech) ruined the feeling, but for a moment there I was touched. :)
So, tonight I bought comfort food (chinese), comfort coke (for rum) and watched "Eureka." I finished the second season of Dexter last night, but I can't instant netflix any other seasons. I read the wikis on them, and now I don't care to watch any more. I also finished Arrested Development (really stupid ending, I'm sad to say), so I am in the market for new netflix TV series to become addicted to. I'm going to start Chuck soon, I guess, to make Rachel happy.
The other bright spots in my life:
BY THIS TIME TOMORROW I'LL BE ON MY WAY HOME.
Project Runway is on tonight.
Tomorrow is INSERVICE.
LOVE! -B
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A much better day
Hi Everyone!
Well, yesterday blew, but today was a great teaching day. I felt really confident, and the kids seemed engaged, and I had some great discussions with my 4th period class with "lines in the sand." Today, I am happy. Tired, hot and sweaty, but happy.
GO STEELERS! I got Dominoes for dinner last night (mmmmm cheezy bread) but I'm thinking of doing it again...
Well, yesterday blew, but today was a great teaching day. I felt really confident, and the kids seemed engaged, and I had some great discussions with my 4th period class with "lines in the sand." Today, I am happy. Tired, hot and sweaty, but happy.
GO STEELERS! I got Dominoes for dinner last night (mmmmm cheezy bread) but I'm thinking of doing it again...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Insert witty title, I'm too tired to be witty all by myself.
Hi everyone!
Well, today marks the one week of school date, although it really only counts for freshmen, and even then, we really didn't start classes until last Friday, so I guess it's only the fourth day of school. Whatever. It feels like it's been a while. Let me catch you up!
Last week was good.
This week is going well. I'm feeling overwhelmed again, mostly because I'm off balance. I'm essentially doing five different classes, and it is really disconcerting going from drama to english (it's even disconcerting going from drama 1 to drama 2!) I've been coming home and falling asleep for at least an hour and a half every day. I'm just so exhausted at the end of the day! Today was the worst. We had record setting heat here (or so they tell me) and the AC at school was all sorts of futzed up. The heat was on in some rooms and most of the hallways, and the rooms don't have much space or ventilation to begin with, so...It was hot. And I was already really tired.
So you can understand why I fell asleep at my desk 6th period. IN MY DEFENSE, It was only for about two minutes, and it was the two minutes-ish before the bell rang, so it's not like I was really skimping on work on anything. (6th period is our last period of the day, and it is my period off). But man! Our room was *really* hot.
As for classes/stuff: Drama 2 is doing "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekov for our class play. I'm holding auditions for "Harvey" on Wednesday. I don't know if I should watch the movie first or not. Part of me wants to, in case I am missing something huge, but at the same time, I don't want to bias myself toward a certain type of character. I mean, maybe there is an awesome comedy man out there, but cause I have Jimmy Stuart in my mind, I just can't see him! That would be tragic! So, the point is, I just haven't decided, and its a big deal to me.
Anyway, my life is full of drama, metaphorically and literally. The kids are still feeling me out, and while there is not open and overt hostility, it's a little frustrating for all of us, I think, that I am doing things differently. I just find it really hard to work with people I don't have a connection with on some level, and while most of the kids are giving me 110% every day, there are a few that just seem to be in here until their schedules get changed, and they are bringing down the whole atmosphere.
I feel like I keep getting off topic. It might be that I am really tired. I'm going nuts listening to my air conditioner and fan, so I turned them off out here in my sun room, so now I'm hot and sticky and tired. It's only a matter of time before I fall asleep at my computer again. Alas, though, I was thinking of something rather important to say earlier...AH! Earl! I'm not going to get hit with anything except some rain; there will be no wind in the area for me! Whooohooo! I'll be in hampton, anyway, but that's besides the point. :-D
Also, my students call me "Blumesicle." I think just preferred Blumes, although in the auditorium I do turn in to a Blumesicle--it's frickin' freezing in there, Mr. Bigglesworth!
Love, Bethie
Well, today marks the one week of school date, although it really only counts for freshmen, and even then, we really didn't start classes until last Friday, so I guess it's only the fourth day of school. Whatever. It feels like it's been a while. Let me catch you up!
Last week was good.
This week is going well. I'm feeling overwhelmed again, mostly because I'm off balance. I'm essentially doing five different classes, and it is really disconcerting going from drama to english (it's even disconcerting going from drama 1 to drama 2!) I've been coming home and falling asleep for at least an hour and a half every day. I'm just so exhausted at the end of the day! Today was the worst. We had record setting heat here (or so they tell me) and the AC at school was all sorts of futzed up. The heat was on in some rooms and most of the hallways, and the rooms don't have much space or ventilation to begin with, so...It was hot. And I was already really tired.
So you can understand why I fell asleep at my desk 6th period. IN MY DEFENSE, It was only for about two minutes, and it was the two minutes-ish before the bell rang, so it's not like I was really skimping on work on anything. (6th period is our last period of the day, and it is my period off). But man! Our room was *really* hot.
As for classes/stuff: Drama 2 is doing "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekov for our class play. I'm holding auditions for "Harvey" on Wednesday. I don't know if I should watch the movie first or not. Part of me wants to, in case I am missing something huge, but at the same time, I don't want to bias myself toward a certain type of character. I mean, maybe there is an awesome comedy man out there, but cause I have Jimmy Stuart in my mind, I just can't see him! That would be tragic! So, the point is, I just haven't decided, and its a big deal to me.
Anyway, my life is full of drama, metaphorically and literally. The kids are still feeling me out, and while there is not open and overt hostility, it's a little frustrating for all of us, I think, that I am doing things differently. I just find it really hard to work with people I don't have a connection with on some level, and while most of the kids are giving me 110% every day, there are a few that just seem to be in here until their schedules get changed, and they are bringing down the whole atmosphere.
I feel like I keep getting off topic. It might be that I am really tired. I'm going nuts listening to my air conditioner and fan, so I turned them off out here in my sun room, so now I'm hot and sticky and tired. It's only a matter of time before I fall asleep at my computer again. Alas, though, I was thinking of something rather important to say earlier...AH! Earl! I'm not going to get hit with anything except some rain; there will be no wind in the area for me! Whooohooo! I'll be in hampton, anyway, but that's besides the point. :-D
Also, my students call me "Blumesicle." I think just preferred Blumes, although in the auditorium I do turn in to a Blumesicle--it's frickin' freezing in there, Mr. Bigglesworth!
Love, Bethie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)