But I've been reading those of others. I've even been trying to leave a few comments.
I've been avoiding this because I've wanted to update with graduation pictures and they're still sitting on the disk in the digital camera. I've not wanted to dl them because I want to have time to edit them first. Today I've got plans, the bank, the post office, the accountant, and I should get some homework done today.
Tonight Doug is hosting a bonfire. The goal is to burn their Advanced U.S. History books. It was even mentioned by the speaker at graduation that this is a time of change and you have to keep some thing and make changes about others and they said get rid of Degler. So that is what the kids are going to do tonight, come and burn their Degler books.
I promise I'll upload some graduation pictures before the weekend is over.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Sunday, June 03, 2007
goofing around
I've got the knack for digital scrapbooking but I've felt very lacking in my photo editing. I've surveyed a couple of my good friends for what they do when they photo edit. Ursula Page who does some great photography has given me some editing tips. But I guess without sitting down and actually trying them consistantly, I've just not gotten that good at it.
As I begin to plan out my summer, I want to really get my photos edited and organized. The only problem is that my computer isn't reading my cd/dv-r's. Hmmmmm I really need to back up photos badly too!
Well today I found Everyday Digital Scrapbooking website. They had a photo editing tutorial with a link to a website for a free effect. I tried it and really seemed to understand what I need to start doing with my own photo editing.
Well after I finished with their tutorial, I started playing a bit.
This was the original
It took several different photo correction steps, I think I remember them
1. Adjust Levels
2. Adjust Brightness and Contrast
3. Remove Noise (
4. High Pass Filter radius set to 10
5. Layer Pallet set to hard light
6. Opacity slider suggested between 20 and 70) mine was 59
7. Applied a mid-tone sharpening that was a freebie offered at this website, lonestar digital
8. Then I was continuing to read the lonestar site and saw their unsharpen mask, fade tutorial but PSE4 doesn't have fade so then I was looking for some filter that may be like fade and found Halftone Pattern
9. Then I selected (I think, this is when I was goofing around) underpainting.
Anyway, this was the outcome.
As I begin to plan out my summer, I want to really get my photos edited and organized. The only problem is that my computer isn't reading my cd/dv-r's. Hmmmmm I really need to back up photos badly too!
Well today I found Everyday Digital Scrapbooking website. They had a photo editing tutorial with a link to a website for a free effect. I tried it and really seemed to understand what I need to start doing with my own photo editing.
Well after I finished with their tutorial, I started playing a bit.
This was the original
It took several different photo correction steps, I think I remember them
1. Adjust Levels
2. Adjust Brightness and Contrast
3. Remove Noise (
4. High Pass Filter radius set to 10
5. Layer Pallet set to hard light
6. Opacity slider suggested between 20 and 70) mine was 59
7. Applied a mid-tone sharpening that was a freebie offered at this website, lonestar digital
8. Then I was continuing to read the lonestar site and saw their unsharpen mask, fade tutorial but PSE4 doesn't have fade so then I was looking for some filter that may be like fade and found Halftone Pattern
9. Then I selected (I think, this is when I was goofing around) underpainting.
Anyway, this was the outcome.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Remember the cow album I mentioned?
Well Friday night I got the urge to pack up a bunch of my stash and head out for a Friday night crop. I still had the urge yesterday too, so I went and spent the day by myself working again on that album. Had to leave when they closed and I still had the urge so I discussed dragging all my stuff out with Don and we decided that the coffee table in the living room would work for a bit. Now that I've sorted out stuff and have packed and unpacked twice I'm getting good. It won't take much time at all to get ready to scrapbook.
So that cow album...it is 7x5. Each cow has it's own page. It will have the cow number and the title the artist gave it. Each page will have a little tab at the top that sticks out. The tin that is holding all of the pages will have some fun little cluster of something on the front, but I'm not altering the can too much. Hey cows don't need an altered album, they are altered! Here are a few pictures of the pages. They may not be completely finished but I decided to give you a sneak peak.
Now I should go clean up the sb table and get going on some homework I have to do. I also got this sinus infection almost overnight. UGH I can't be sick the last 9 days of school, too much going on. I also bought plants so I have some planting to do. We also roped off the section where we are going to be putting down paver stones for a small little patio. Don has these stones at work that they haven't used for years so we are getting them. Big project that needs done before the graduation party.
So that cow album...it is 7x5. Each cow has it's own page. It will have the cow number and the title the artist gave it. Each page will have a little tab at the top that sticks out. The tin that is holding all of the pages will have some fun little cluster of something on the front, but I'm not altering the can too much. Hey cows don't need an altered album, they are altered! Here are a few pictures of the pages. They may not be completely finished but I decided to give you a sneak peak.
Now I should go clean up the sb table and get going on some homework I have to do. I also got this sinus infection almost overnight. UGH I can't be sick the last 9 days of school, too much going on. I also bought plants so I have some planting to do. We also roped off the section where we are going to be putting down paver stones for a small little patio. Don has these stones at work that they haven't used for years so we are getting them. Big project that needs done before the graduation party.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
The weekend
Today I got some little urge to start looking for the outside or the container for my Cow album. Not just any cow album, but all the Chicago cows from Cows on Parade. These were cows that were painted, decorated or exquisitely covered with all different themes. I've had these photos for quite a few years now. I had thought that I wanted this dinner break tin and still might have to break down and order it and have it shipped because I can't find it around here. In the mean time I found a new sb store and Don just happened to have to drive right by it and picked up what I think I might use instead. I got this one because it had a clear front.
They also had this one, called Jack, on sale and I thought it might work too. I just hope that either of the two Don picked up will be the size I need. The Maya Road one will hold a 5x7 album.
So now that I've got my container on the way, I've decided not to put these in an album. I'm going to leave the pages loose like you would get files out of a drawer or something.
I'm going to really try to clean out a bunch of my scrapbook stash. I'm finding that I'm much happier creating when I do pages digitally. I love there is no mess and things don't need to be left out. I really do have a lot on my plate lately and just don't know how soon I'll be able to work on this album.
I have two really important sets of papers to grade before Thursday. On Friday we have our institute day to split up classes. This is happy but yet painful day. Happy to know you are sending kids off, especially the ones who just happen to drive you a bit batty. Painful because you've bonded with them and you want them to take what you've helped them learn and grow up. I always wonder did you really learn everything I've tried to teach you, are you ready for this? But on a happier note, the year is almost over. I've got tons to do before then. I have to finish my action research, plan and video tape me teaching a professional development lesson, finish my next portfolio before Tuesday and class again starts on Tuesday.
I got my 2007-2008 assignment yesterday and I'm staying put. I'll be teaching English, 4th grade next year at the same school. I don't know yet if I'll have to change classrooms or not, but if it's to a room with more windows than I have now, I might just be happier. That means though that everything will need packed up moved and unpacked.
I just can't wait until I start having free time again. Time that I don't have to worry about the pressures of homework and deadlines. Time for a walk, to read, or crafts. Time to update my blog a little more often.
Well my laundry is about to be finished and I need to get another load going. I should get up, get dressed and wash off the patio furniture too. Bunko group meets tonight and tomorrow my friend Mary Beth is having a southern living party.
They also had this one, called Jack, on sale and I thought it might work too. I just hope that either of the two Don picked up will be the size I need. The Maya Road one will hold a 5x7 album.
So now that I've got my container on the way, I've decided not to put these in an album. I'm going to leave the pages loose like you would get files out of a drawer or something.
I'm going to really try to clean out a bunch of my scrapbook stash. I'm finding that I'm much happier creating when I do pages digitally. I love there is no mess and things don't need to be left out. I really do have a lot on my plate lately and just don't know how soon I'll be able to work on this album.
I have two really important sets of papers to grade before Thursday. On Friday we have our institute day to split up classes. This is happy but yet painful day. Happy to know you are sending kids off, especially the ones who just happen to drive you a bit batty. Painful because you've bonded with them and you want them to take what you've helped them learn and grow up. I always wonder did you really learn everything I've tried to teach you, are you ready for this? But on a happier note, the year is almost over. I've got tons to do before then. I have to finish my action research, plan and video tape me teaching a professional development lesson, finish my next portfolio before Tuesday and class again starts on Tuesday.
I got my 2007-2008 assignment yesterday and I'm staying put. I'll be teaching English, 4th grade next year at the same school. I don't know yet if I'll have to change classrooms or not, but if it's to a room with more windows than I have now, I might just be happier. That means though that everything will need packed up moved and unpacked.
I just can't wait until I start having free time again. Time that I don't have to worry about the pressures of homework and deadlines. Time for a walk, to read, or crafts. Time to update my blog a little more often.
Well my laundry is about to be finished and I need to get another load going. I should get up, get dressed and wash off the patio furniture too. Bunko group meets tonight and tomorrow my friend Mary Beth is having a southern living party.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A Cicada Invasion is about to Happen
It happens every 17 years, like clockwork. How do they know when it's been 17 years, heck I don't even remember everything that's happened in the past 17 years. What I do know is that it is predicted that on May 22, the cicadas will arrive just like they did 17 years ago.
I used to work in a old town. By that I mean an old established town with big, old trees. It seems the more trees, the more cicadas. Well it's almost like experiencing them again for the first time. See my oldest son is 17 and will be 18 on August 1. The last time they arrived, he wasn't old enough to know what the heck they were, he wasn't even 1 yet. I guess we tried to keep him away from them as much as possible. I do remember going for walks at lunch and the only things you would hear is the cicada sounds, which are actually locust sounds, and the crunch, crunch, crunch you heard with each and every step. You couldn't help but crunch their shells. They were everywhere.
Fastforward 17 years and here we are in 2007. Now I live in an older house with big old trees. Guess what I'm expecting??? CICADAS. Those big green bugs with red beady eyes. They still have 9 days before their predicted arrival, but obviously some don't understand the concept of the mass emergence. Some are digging the big holes and getting an early start. We moved the trampoline and the basketball hoop and we found these. All four of us were truly mesmorized by them.
These two are out with their dried shells. They will grow and crack out or molt out of their shell and will become these huge flying creatures.
Finding these two were truly more interesting because they are clear/white and they are trying to get themselves out of their holes. It looks quite laborous. They move and stop and move and stop. There are holes all around there and when most emerge, there is a huge clod of dirt all mounded up with a hole through it. It is like they create a cave and bring the cave out with them. I have no idea how an insect can sleep for 17 years and still know when to come out. Heck I hope they don't strip our leaves completely from the trees. I want my shady yard to enjoy this year.
I'll try to capture some of the beady-eyed monsters when we see more of them.
I used to work in a old town. By that I mean an old established town with big, old trees. It seems the more trees, the more cicadas. Well it's almost like experiencing them again for the first time. See my oldest son is 17 and will be 18 on August 1. The last time they arrived, he wasn't old enough to know what the heck they were, he wasn't even 1 yet. I guess we tried to keep him away from them as much as possible. I do remember going for walks at lunch and the only things you would hear is the cicada sounds, which are actually locust sounds, and the crunch, crunch, crunch you heard with each and every step. You couldn't help but crunch their shells. They were everywhere.
Fastforward 17 years and here we are in 2007. Now I live in an older house with big old trees. Guess what I'm expecting??? CICADAS. Those big green bugs with red beady eyes. They still have 9 days before their predicted arrival, but obviously some don't understand the concept of the mass emergence. Some are digging the big holes and getting an early start. We moved the trampoline and the basketball hoop and we found these. All four of us were truly mesmorized by them.
These two are out with their dried shells. They will grow and crack out or molt out of their shell and will become these huge flying creatures.
Finding these two were truly more interesting because they are clear/white and they are trying to get themselves out of their holes. It looks quite laborous. They move and stop and move and stop. There are holes all around there and when most emerge, there is a huge clod of dirt all mounded up with a hole through it. It is like they create a cave and bring the cave out with them. I have no idea how an insect can sleep for 17 years and still know when to come out. Heck I hope they don't strip our leaves completely from the trees. I want my shady yard to enjoy this year.
I'll try to capture some of the beady-eyed monsters when we see more of them.
Mother's Day let down
and today is just not a happy day. I went to church with Brian. He went to the student group and I sat in a crowded church alone. How can I say alone when I have friends there and they had to set up extra chairs...well I truly felt alone. Don wouldn't go. He's doubting his faith. Now when things are happening when I truly need God, and have been turning to him, my husband doubts his faith.
I started folding laundry and Brian comes and asks if he could help. I politely say, I've got it and that it had been sitting there for a week. I got it. I put it away and take the basket into my room to start sorting laundry and Don is like did you see your cards? No, we'll apparently they were sitting on my computer, along with a bunch of other stuff. I'm supposed to find my cards. I break down crying saying that no one wants to spend time with me and it's clear how upset I am and he couldn't even put his arms around me to say he was sorry he'd been working so much. So I'm working around the house. Don's working around the house. Brian's doing homework, Doug's doing a thesis paper that was assigned 2 months ago and he's still not finished and it's due tomorrow. So on a day in which I should be enjoying my family, I'm walking around alone in my house full of family.
I hope this is far from the joy and love you are experiencing. I know so many people have lost mothers and mothers' who have lost a child and today is probably a sorrowful day. I hope that all mothers can find some happiness today. I wish I could find a bit of happiness, but I'm truly expecting nothing more than what I have already. Some days I doubt my usefulness as a mother. I have self-doubt that my children appreciate what I've tried to give them and do for them. My own self-absorption in school and work I'm sure is part of the reason my kids feel neglected. I guess if they feel that way, then there should be no reason that I feel neglected on Mother's Day.
I started folding laundry and Brian comes and asks if he could help. I politely say, I've got it and that it had been sitting there for a week. I got it. I put it away and take the basket into my room to start sorting laundry and Don is like did you see your cards? No, we'll apparently they were sitting on my computer, along with a bunch of other stuff. I'm supposed to find my cards. I break down crying saying that no one wants to spend time with me and it's clear how upset I am and he couldn't even put his arms around me to say he was sorry he'd been working so much. So I'm working around the house. Don's working around the house. Brian's doing homework, Doug's doing a thesis paper that was assigned 2 months ago and he's still not finished and it's due tomorrow. So on a day in which I should be enjoying my family, I'm walking around alone in my house full of family.
I hope this is far from the joy and love you are experiencing. I know so many people have lost mothers and mothers' who have lost a child and today is probably a sorrowful day. I hope that all mothers can find some happiness today. I wish I could find a bit of happiness, but I'm truly expecting nothing more than what I have already. Some days I doubt my usefulness as a mother. I have self-doubt that my children appreciate what I've tried to give them and do for them. My own self-absorption in school and work I'm sure is part of the reason my kids feel neglected. I guess if they feel that way, then there should be no reason that I feel neglected on Mother's Day.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Finally back around the blog scene
I've made it through the end of the class. I've started collecting data and journaling for my action research project. I made it through the prom weekend and now I find out I'm going to have to have someone video tape me doing one of the big projects for next semester. I'm dreading it starting because I have loads and loads of stuff to do.
You know the end of a school year is almost worse than the beginning of one for a teacher. Files to organize and maintain, post tests, end of the year stuff, packing up, all that good stuff. I guess we are also finding out our placements in 10 days. I can't think that far ahead, I can only go day by day since there is so much to do.
I thought I'd come by and calculate how many more days until the last day of grad school...47 weekdays.
I also thought I might add a few prom pictures for your viewing pleasure.
I can't believe this kid is going to graduate soon. The announcements went postal yesterday.
You know the end of a school year is almost worse than the beginning of one for a teacher. Files to organize and maintain, post tests, end of the year stuff, packing up, all that good stuff. I guess we are also finding out our placements in 10 days. I can't think that far ahead, I can only go day by day since there is so much to do.
I thought I'd come by and calculate how many more days until the last day of grad school...47 weekdays.
I also thought I might add a few prom pictures for your viewing pleasure.
I can't believe this kid is going to graduate soon. The announcements went postal yesterday.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Countdown clarification
I know my blog has been totally neglicated, but until I get all the work done for this darn class I have to cut out some stuff and the bloggie is it. Believe me, I'd much rather be updating my blog, scrapbooking, exercising, and other fun things that "normal" people do. By normal I mean everyone who does fun activities in their free time, not overconsumed with homework. I'll be so glad to be back among the "normal" people soon.
Now today I came to calculate how many more days were left until the last grad class. I got out the calendar and counted 74 days. YIKES how did it go from 60 to 74??? Then I went back and recalculated. I thought it should be only 54. Believe me 54 sounds so much better than 74. How did the number jump to 74 you ask? Well I did not count weekends. I guess I figured when the lady who is retiring at work only counts weekdays and days with students, I guess I originally decided to only count weekdays. So today I'll clarify how I'm counting. I'm only counting weekdays, not weekends.
Therefore...there are only 54 more days until the last day of grad class. YIPEE!
Now today I came to calculate how many more days were left until the last grad class. I got out the calendar and counted 74 days. YIKES how did it go from 60 to 74??? Then I went back and recalculated. I thought it should be only 54. Believe me 54 sounds so much better than 74. How did the number jump to 74 you ask? Well I did not count weekends. I guess I figured when the lady who is retiring at work only counts weekdays and days with students, I guess I originally decided to only count weekdays. So today I'll clarify how I'm counting. I'm only counting weekdays, not weekends.
Therefore...there are only 54 more days until the last day of grad class. YIPEE!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
What a weekend
The weather has been fantastic! Yesterday about 77, today 80. Today is a bit more windy, gusty you'd say. The winds of change are blowing. We are predicted to have thunderstorms tonight. Hey I'm enjoying today for today.
Church, wake, musical, now an assignment. Nothing new in that respect; just another typical day in my world. I'll be so happy to rejoin the ranks of the "what normal people do" after school is out.
Today was the final day of the musical. The kids all seemed so much more relaxed today. After they tear down the set, there is another cast party. Doug's gotten home the past couple nights after 1:00 am. It's no wonder he didn't want to get up yesterday morning, or this morning. I hope he's having the time of his life. He's got approximately 30 more school days until he graduates.
With that it means I have about 30 more school days. I'll get that official update tomorrow from a co-worker who is retiring and has been counting down since last year. He also needs to make up his mind who he will ask to prom. The theme is something James Bond..007. Great theme I think considering they are graduating in 07! I actually think he's got 2 extra days off this week because the seniors don't attend school while the juniors take their state assessments. Lucky guy!
Just a reminder...61 more days until grad school is officially FINISHED!!
Ok off to make a decision about what's for dinner. I also need to go buy some dog food. Oh...that assignment too. Well it's almost over.
Church, wake, musical, now an assignment. Nothing new in that respect; just another typical day in my world. I'll be so happy to rejoin the ranks of the "what normal people do" after school is out.
Today was the final day of the musical. The kids all seemed so much more relaxed today. After they tear down the set, there is another cast party. Doug's gotten home the past couple nights after 1:00 am. It's no wonder he didn't want to get up yesterday morning, or this morning. I hope he's having the time of his life. He's got approximately 30 more school days until he graduates.
With that it means I have about 30 more school days. I'll get that official update tomorrow from a co-worker who is retiring and has been counting down since last year. He also needs to make up his mind who he will ask to prom. The theme is something James Bond..007. Great theme I think considering they are graduating in 07! I actually think he's got 2 extra days off this week because the seniors don't attend school while the juniors take their state assessments. Lucky guy!
Just a reminder...61 more days until grad school is officially FINISHED!!
Ok off to make a decision about what's for dinner. I also need to go buy some dog food. Oh...that assignment too. Well it's almost over.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
ahhhhhhhh TGIF
It's late and it's almost Friday...payday Friday to be exact.
This has been the first week back and a crazy one.
My students were selected to perform at the district fine art's fair. I couldn't go because Brian had a volleyball game and today was the opening night of Doug's highschool musical Music Man.
Today one of my students was a bit out of control today and I asked his father to come in. That helped a bit. Tomorrow should be better.
Yesterday I got my rough draft back and it has a lot of edits. I'm not sure I trust the guy proofing it because he's had articles published and there are mistakes that stick out like a sore thumb in the published article. Anyay there are A LOT of things he wants me to work on and I have another project due on Tuesday as well.
I also had another nice suprise today. Someone brought a guest to my room. Not really a guest, a visitor. It was the university supervisor who was in charge of my student teacher. He gave me a paper that allows me to take a 3 semester grad class for free.
Yeah...don't even say it...I'm counting down the number of days until my Master's degree is finished, 64 more, and I'm thinking about taking another class. This is the way teacher's make more money...take more classes.
Want to shout out to my good friend Adri who I'd love to have a mini vacation to come and say hi!
Congrats to Ursula and Chris on 10 years of marriage.
And to Doug...you did a great job tonight!
This has been the first week back and a crazy one.
My students were selected to perform at the district fine art's fair. I couldn't go because Brian had a volleyball game and today was the opening night of Doug's highschool musical Music Man.
Today one of my students was a bit out of control today and I asked his father to come in. That helped a bit. Tomorrow should be better.
Yesterday I got my rough draft back and it has a lot of edits. I'm not sure I trust the guy proofing it because he's had articles published and there are mistakes that stick out like a sore thumb in the published article. Anyay there are A LOT of things he wants me to work on and I have another project due on Tuesday as well.
I also had another nice suprise today. Someone brought a guest to my room. Not really a guest, a visitor. It was the university supervisor who was in charge of my student teacher. He gave me a paper that allows me to take a 3 semester grad class for free.
Yeah...don't even say it...I'm counting down the number of days until my Master's degree is finished, 64 more, and I'm thinking about taking another class. This is the way teacher's make more money...take more classes.
Want to shout out to my good friend Adri who I'd love to have a mini vacation to come and say hi!
Congrats to Ursula and Chris on 10 years of marriage.
And to Doug...you did a great job tonight!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Update on the countdown
Today was the first day back after "spring" break. I put spring in quotes for the mere fact that we had snow and temps in the 20's and 30's. Therefore it was more like a winter break do-over. I am a bit glad the weather was horrible because I was inside working on my paper for so long. I had a hard enough time concentrating as it was without gorgeous weather.
Tomorrow is parent-teacher conference day. I really feel this is one of the worst days of the year. I really dread having to continually tell parents..well you know when your child does not do their homework, they aren't getting enough practice and therefore that is why his/her grade isn't really good. You'd think that parents would start to give a hoot. Some do and then there is those who don't. Nice example for your kids to live up to.
Ok today there is 67 more days until the last day of grad school and a teacher at work says there are 38 more school days...only 35 with kids. This teacher has had the countdown going since the first day of LAST year. she's retiring...can you tell she's ready??
Still haven't gotten back my edited version of my paper. Hopefully soon because I know it still needs work.
I also have a paraprofessional project to do. Maybe tomorrow after conferences. It's just too nice looking outside to sit behind my computer all night. That and I want a night off. I can sit, watch tv and grade papers. That's another part of the job I hate.
Tomorrow is parent-teacher conference day. I really feel this is one of the worst days of the year. I really dread having to continually tell parents..well you know when your child does not do their homework, they aren't getting enough practice and therefore that is why his/her grade isn't really good. You'd think that parents would start to give a hoot. Some do and then there is those who don't. Nice example for your kids to live up to.
Ok today there is 67 more days until the last day of grad school and a teacher at work says there are 38 more school days...only 35 with kids. This teacher has had the countdown going since the first day of LAST year. she's retiring...can you tell she's ready??
Still haven't gotten back my edited version of my paper. Hopefully soon because I know it still needs work.
I also have a paraprofessional project to do. Maybe tomorrow after conferences. It's just too nice looking outside to sit behind my computer all night. That and I want a night off. I can sit, watch tv and grade papers. That's another part of the job I hate.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Ever feel lucky on Friday the 13th??
Well I do!! Today was the day I've fought and fought for. Today was the day the school finally decided that Brian should have an IEP. He has definitely qualified for a while, but they've finally decided that he's had enough F's that he needs something. I was exhausted fighting this fight. I almost gave up many times. I can't count the number of times I've thrown my hands up and said I can't do this anymore.
Well today I finally feel like we've won! I'm so glad I didn't give up. I'm so glad I didn't just let my kid fail without fighting for him. I really hope that my son can see that I've fought and fought and now he's got to become his own advocate and fight too. He's got to get in gear and be successful. We've just got some things in place that should help him do that. My comments to the people last week was you know he qualifies, what is the worst that will happen by giving him an IEP? My answer to them was the worst that would happen is that he'll be successful. I truly feel that's true because without one we've already been experiencing the worst, he is failing. So in my opinion what's the worst is already happening so how could it be worse.
Ok it's been a rotten weather for spring break. We had snow on Wednesday and Thursday. Today is sunny! Now I have to work on this paper, the rough draft is due to be emailed today. GRrrrrrrrrr
My friend Chris, who is on vacation in North Carolina and her paper is due next week, had a dream that the professor died! Yikes but someone said he's more like Cybil and you never know who is going to show up and instruct the class. Notice I didn't say "teach"???? He's really taught us nothing. Good think I am not paying for this master's degree!
Ok...I've started the count down...there are 70 days until the last day of the last master's class!
Well today I finally feel like we've won! I'm so glad I didn't give up. I'm so glad I didn't just let my kid fail without fighting for him. I really hope that my son can see that I've fought and fought and now he's got to become his own advocate and fight too. He's got to get in gear and be successful. We've just got some things in place that should help him do that. My comments to the people last week was you know he qualifies, what is the worst that will happen by giving him an IEP? My answer to them was the worst that would happen is that he'll be successful. I truly feel that's true because without one we've already been experiencing the worst, he is failing. So in my opinion what's the worst is already happening so how could it be worse.
Ok it's been a rotten weather for spring break. We had snow on Wednesday and Thursday. Today is sunny! Now I have to work on this paper, the rough draft is due to be emailed today. GRrrrrrrrrr
My friend Chris, who is on vacation in North Carolina and her paper is due next week, had a dream that the professor died! Yikes but someone said he's more like Cybil and you never know who is going to show up and instruct the class. Notice I didn't say "teach"???? He's really taught us nothing. Good think I am not paying for this master's degree!
Ok...I've started the count down...there are 70 days until the last day of the last master's class!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Wow...powerful words
I've been reading all day for my lit review and I finally came across something that is powerful and thought provoking, although of no use to me in my writing.
"Even under the most horrendous conditions, one has the power to choose one's own attitude."
Mosaic of Thought
I was supposed to get a facial and pedicure but apparently the girl called in sick and they failed to call me before my appointment. Bummer, but I have read 147 pages and taken notes on the book "Mosaic of Thought" I also have about 8 journal articles to read and I want to finish the book "Better Answers." I can't say that I'd recommend any of them for light, enjoyable reading but for an educator...Mosaic of Thought is quite interesting.
"Even under the most horrendous conditions, one has the power to choose one's own attitude."
Mosaic of Thought
I was supposed to get a facial and pedicure but apparently the girl called in sick and they failed to call me before my appointment. Bummer, but I have read 147 pages and taken notes on the book "Mosaic of Thought" I also have about 8 journal articles to read and I want to finish the book "Better Answers." I can't say that I'd recommend any of them for light, enjoyable reading but for an educator...Mosaic of Thought is quite interesting.
Monday, April 09, 2007
SPRING BREAK!!!!
It's finally here!! I'm on spring break. Albeit alone, my kids were off 2 weeks ago but for all the homework I have due on Friday, alone/quiet may be a blessing.
I've got about 3 weeks left of this class and one final class to finish over the summer before my master's degree is finished. FINALLY THE END IS IN SIGHT!!
The problem is that half of the final assignments coming due are BIT, REALLY BIG and they carry over to the summer semester for the second part of the grade. Right now I have about 25 pages of an action research project due on Friday. It's the rough draft, but the other half of the class is due a week from Friday. Bummer being in the A-M half of the alphabet. Therefore I'm frantically scanning tons of research and articles for the largest part of the literature review. Unfortunately, the topic my students struggle with is a topic that is not clearly defined and written about. I have to use a bunch of different types of research articles and pull a lot of ideas into my topic. It is definetly not what I had in mind, but I really think this topic will be useful to me for future classes and with the darn state testing.
OK other plans for the week: buy the musical tickets for the Music Man that Doug's school choir is performing, today is a badly needed cut and color, run to take the vacuum cleaner in, update a college library card, mail off the boxtops and soup labels for the school and hopefully watch Brian play in his first volleyball match of the highschool season. He's been inelligible due to grades but for the first time all year there are NO F's!!!! Friday is the meeting which he'll hopefully qualify for an IEP.
Ok rambling finished. I do have a cool new digital scrapbook project that I'm secretly working on. I'll do some posting after I continue testing out what I'm doing to see if everything is working perfectally!
If your weather is beautiful...will you please send me some...it's 30's here and gloomy gray. I need a little warmth and sunshine to make it really feel like spring, not to mention spring break!
I've got about 3 weeks left of this class and one final class to finish over the summer before my master's degree is finished. FINALLY THE END IS IN SIGHT!!
The problem is that half of the final assignments coming due are BIT, REALLY BIG and they carry over to the summer semester for the second part of the grade. Right now I have about 25 pages of an action research project due on Friday. It's the rough draft, but the other half of the class is due a week from Friday. Bummer being in the A-M half of the alphabet. Therefore I'm frantically scanning tons of research and articles for the largest part of the literature review. Unfortunately, the topic my students struggle with is a topic that is not clearly defined and written about. I have to use a bunch of different types of research articles and pull a lot of ideas into my topic. It is definetly not what I had in mind, but I really think this topic will be useful to me for future classes and with the darn state testing.
OK other plans for the week: buy the musical tickets for the Music Man that Doug's school choir is performing, today is a badly needed cut and color, run to take the vacuum cleaner in, update a college library card, mail off the boxtops and soup labels for the school and hopefully watch Brian play in his first volleyball match of the highschool season. He's been inelligible due to grades but for the first time all year there are NO F's!!!! Friday is the meeting which he'll hopefully qualify for an IEP.
Ok rambling finished. I do have a cool new digital scrapbook project that I'm secretly working on. I'll do some posting after I continue testing out what I'm doing to see if everything is working perfectally!
If your weather is beautiful...will you please send me some...it's 30's here and gloomy gray. I need a little warmth and sunshine to make it really feel like spring, not to mention spring break!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
What's in a name???
Oh man I saw this on Christy Lyle's blog and new I had to copy it and find out all my new names.
Please feel free to add this to your own blog too!
1. Your real name:
Laura
2. Your Gangsta Name: (first 4 letters of real name plus izzle:}
Laurizzle
3. Your Detective Name: (fav color and fav animal)
Green Giraffe
4. Your Soap Opera Name: (middle name, and childhood street)
Elizabeth Carilla
5. Your Star Wars Name: (the last 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom’s maiden name)
Gerlaboh Oh my it certainly does sound Starwarish
6. Your Super Hero Name: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
Golden Chai Frap
7. Your Witness Protection Program Name: (grandmother/grandfather’s first name and Jones)
Mildred Jones
8. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one your pets).
Black Emmie
These are so funny! Love my Star Wars name and my superhero name!
I can't wait to see your cool new names!
Please feel free to add this to your own blog too!
1. Your real name:
Laura
2. Your Gangsta Name: (first 4 letters of real name plus izzle:}
Laurizzle
3. Your Detective Name: (fav color and fav animal)
Green Giraffe
4. Your Soap Opera Name: (middle name, and childhood street)
Elizabeth Carilla
5. Your Star Wars Name: (the last 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom’s maiden name)
Gerlaboh Oh my it certainly does sound Starwarish
6. Your Super Hero Name: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
Golden Chai Frap
7. Your Witness Protection Program Name: (grandmother/grandfather’s first name and Jones)
Mildred Jones
8. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one your pets).
Black Emmie
These are so funny! Love my Star Wars name and my superhero name!
I can't wait to see your cool new names!
Spring updating
I've been trying to decide what to do with my bathroom since we've moved in a little over a year ago. I've never really found a shower curtain that's really caught my eye, until today. Most won't believe my new shower curtain, but I think it's fun and whimsical! I need some fun and whimsy in my life with all the stress that is coming sooner than I care to deal with.
I found out last week that my last day of my master's program is July 12, 2007!!!!!
Between finishing all of the work involved between my current class, my action research project, the next class projects, and updating my teaching philosophy and finishing a few more portfolio projects, that is daily stress.
There are also about 40ish days until the last day of school, which is also the same day as Doug's graduation. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I can't believe it's been 13 years already since that very first day of kindergarten and the principal said, "Parents I give you the class of 2007."
While shopping today, I asked Don if he ever missed having a little kid around. Can you guess his response???? He said, "NO!" I tear up every time I think of graduation and how fast the past years have literally flown by. Forty is just a new chapter in my life. I'm only 2 months into my 40's and I've still got a lot to experience.
Anyway, I'll share a photo of myself with my new glasses. I get comments about them all the time. They are my hip glasses. I guess it's part of the am I accepting being 40 syndrome.
And just because it's spring, I had to brighten up my dining room with 3 bunches of mauve tulips. Enjoy!
I found out last week that my last day of my master's program is July 12, 2007!!!!!
Between finishing all of the work involved between my current class, my action research project, the next class projects, and updating my teaching philosophy and finishing a few more portfolio projects, that is daily stress.
There are also about 40ish days until the last day of school, which is also the same day as Doug's graduation. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I can't believe it's been 13 years already since that very first day of kindergarten and the principal said, "Parents I give you the class of 2007."
While shopping today, I asked Don if he ever missed having a little kid around. Can you guess his response???? He said, "NO!" I tear up every time I think of graduation and how fast the past years have literally flown by. Forty is just a new chapter in my life. I'm only 2 months into my 40's and I've still got a lot to experience.
Anyway, I'll share a photo of myself with my new glasses. I get comments about them all the time. They are my hip glasses. I guess it's part of the am I accepting being 40 syndrome.
And just because it's spring, I had to brighten up my dining room with 3 bunches of mauve tulips. Enjoy!
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