What was your most embarrassing moment?

I've been pretty fortunate in my life. First of all, my family's crazy. So I got used to being embarrassed at a young age. Heck, my kids (students) look at me sometimes like Who is this woman? Haha, it makes life interesting.

However.

Earlier this week there was an incident at school involving one of my honors students. She got two days of O.S.S. I was a little surprised, I mean, it's not often an honors student gets in that kind of trouble. Needless to say, I heard through the grapevine what happened. I. Was. Appalled. Here's the lowdown.

Setting: Spanish 2 (all grade levels)
Background: Student A - freshman girl, Student B - sophomore honor's girl
Incident: Student A was writing something on the board for the teacher when Student B came up and pulled her (Student A's) pants down. Yes, you read that right. She de-pants her. Now, not only did she depants her, but she got the underwear. In front of the ENTIRE class.

You may wonder, "What did the teacher do?"

She laughed.

Yes, I'm serious.

UGH! Seriously. When I heard about this I didn't even know what to say. Now, I'm a pretty modest person, so I can only imagine how mortified I would have been. Poor girl! Especially when your teacher laughs.

Why do I bring up this story? Well, later in the week when Student B got back from O.S.S. she was joking and laughing about it in class. What is it with kids these days? I know, I'm only 24, but it seems like this kind of thing happens a lot more now.

In other news? I started my Russian lit (AHH!) class Wednesday. It's been like a year and a half since I've taken class, but I'm kind of excited. Of course, we have to read an entire book by Wednesday (which I haven't started), but I'm hoping it'll be good. I'll let ya know!

Currently Reading: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

It's that time again...

So, it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents. Ahhhh! So, my goal this year? Make (or recycle) all presents, except for Erik. Cause, really...what would he want that I could make? Any suggestions? He's so hard to buy for anyway.

Mom - making a clothespin holder
S - hmm, I made him an awesome blanket last year, maybe a family slideshow - oh yeah! Of just our family.
A - hmm...something for his new house, possibly Erik can help me think of something there.
Dad - I got a mountain biking book for $0.50 at the library book sale, maybe I can make something for his bike as well...maybe arm warmers? For riding in the winter? Haha, yeah right.
C - oh...she's crafty. This one will be difficult. I already have one idea, but besides that I'm a little stumped.
E - no friggin clue. Help.

This week at school's been great, the kids are behaving, I'm waking up early, it's just been good. I hope this keeps up! Next week's a full week, but after that, only 2 days and then break! Yay!!

Currently Reading: The World Without End by Ken Follett

I feel like a politician.

Because in my head I'm telling myself to "hope" and that "change is possible."
Too cliche?

So what the heck am I talking about?
Well, I have these classes full of students who don't like to read (or learn really). This of course really bugs me because I love reading. I'm an English teacher, of course I love reading! So, while I'd love to have them energized and excited about reading, or at least listening while I read, it gets really frustrating.

Why is it frustrating?
The majority of the students who sign up to take "sports literature" love sports (yay, that's cool) but don't like to read (boo, that stinks). The mixture of students is also a problem. There are a lot of students in these classes (I have two sections) who do poorly in school, have very strong personalities, tend to get in trouble, and do not like school. See where I'm going with this?

The Time for Change is NOW
So, I've been frustrated with this class since, oh...about two weeks after I started teaching it. It's a lot to handle. Lately it's been...ok...and when I say okay, it's still about four times as bad as my other classes, but for Sports Literature, I feel they're okay.

Today my principal (I'm really learning to like him!) came to talk to me about the class after school. I've told the principal and assistant principal about the issue so they generally try to drop by each class period to check on things. Anyway, he sent me a PowerPoint with some really awesome tips for teaching in general, things that are common sense, but I am really glad I was able to be reminded of.

Here's what I'm hoping to implement:

• Be more positive! I let them get me down, and that never helps anyone, especially them. Come on Kate!
• Meet students at the door - I've been really lax on this cause I always feel busy during passing periods.
• Come up with a "Classroom Code of Conduct"? The sample one is awesome!
• Make students raise hands (duh) and be polite (I've been working tirelessly on this one!)
• Post the agenda every day
• Be more positive! It's one of my classroom rules, so it can use repeating.

Wish me luck, I really hope to turn this class around. Again. :) It's so hard some days and I'm tired of being the "bitchy" teacher. I know that it's not all on me, but I'm the teacher, and if I don't start the change, who will?

Once again, wish me luck. I will need it.

Currently Reading: The World Without End by Ken Follett

So much for that.

C, A, me, and E at the Obama Rally in Columbia last Thursday

So, if I remember correctly, I said I planned on posting at least 3 times a week. HA!

But, I had something to say tonight.

1. The election results are making me a very happy American indeed.

2. I'm only 12 - yes, that's right - TWELVE pounds away from my goal weight in WW. Super excited! I think I might make my personal goal weight 5 pounds less. Cause seriously, I can do it!

3. Kids are messed up. I had to confiscate the phone of a student who decided to order a burger from the local bar 5 minutes before school was out today - during class. WTF?! The nerve I tell ya!

4. This weather is b-e-a-utiful! I am enjoying it as much as possible. Yay mild weather!

5. Sometimes it worries me that I'm getting anxious to "settle down." I don't know if it's just that I have a real "grown-up" job, and that I've had it for going on three years. Or if it just makes me anxious that E, my significant other of almost 5 years is not nearly as anxious. Does everyone go through this, or is it just me?

Currently Reading: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (SO good!)

Chasing Bugs

Wordless (well, not so wordless) WednesdayThe Best Card Game Ever! Rook :)

Rowdy Youngsters
Why do I have to almost have a breakdown in the classroom for certain groups of kids to get the hint and start behaving? Seriously, I don't want to say it, but "Kids these days!"

I don't know if any of you are teachers, but it seems like sometimes, kids lately just have no respect. Or less than they used to (when I was in school). They'll grown and complain about homework, say movies are boring, tell you they love you (hello? inappropriate!), stand around talking and sitting on desks after the bell's rang... I could go on and on. What the heck?

Sick Computers
Technology's great...when it works. My work computer got a virus yesterday and completely gave up on life. Luckily today they got it working again - after they deleted my profile and set it up again - but now they're afraid my flash drive (which has EVERYTHING saved on it) might also be infected! Cross your fingers for me, cause if I lose that, I'm screwed.

Weekly Weigh-In
Down over 24 pounds! Woohoo! I got a couple more comments today, too. It's nice to know I'm not the only one noticing.

Scrumptious Scrabble
Can you say nerd? Some fellow teachers and I are totally in love with a new addition to our days. Mr. S bought a travel scrabble, so we play throughout the day, passing it to the next teacher after we're through. Yay! Words of the day: aide, goat, ssss...something. Either way, F-U-N!

Bad Metaphor
Oh yeah, the post title. You were probably wondering. It was my metaphor of the evening. The cats have been desperately chasing a wasp around the apartment tonight and it reminded me of myself...desperately trying to stay sane until Friday. Nice? Lame. :) I know.

PROMISE
I'm updating. More often. At least....wait for it.....three times a week! Trying to mix things up a bit, add some pictures, different formatting, anything and everything! Stay tuned!

Currently Reading: The Known World - had to stop and read a couple books in between!