how I conquered today

I was dreading today very much this weekend. First off, I knew I had to meet with my Assistant Principal about an 'issue' and I was stressed all weekend about it. But turns out she totally related to her early years as a teacher and I was not in trouble at all. She also said she's heard good things about my classroom this year- that I'm much more confidant and in control. Good!

I also had to meet with my department head today. That turned out to be very positive and helpful, too. I've now got my game plan for the next 9 weeks. Who hoo!

And I went to my doctor about my bruises. I may just have 'fragile capillaries'....she took a blood test for me. I might have to wear pressure-tights like old people to get circulation up. haha.

I'm grateful for my friends who care and knew about that this day might be really bad for me. I'm also grateful that a handsome boy asked me out. :)

And that, my friends, is how I conquered my day.

want somebody to love.

I do love my new phone, however. It's fun and exciting. It stressing me out getting everyone's numbers again, though.

So other things that stress me out- being too busy. My Nasa job keeps me going until 7pm most nights! And then I go see Lucki and Stephen. Thank heavens for them. I don't know what I'd do without them. I also did something stupid at school that I think I'm going to get in trouble for. I am trying to be the best darn teacher I can be but I make mistakes, okay. Like giving my AP kids a take home test. They did too well. Can't have that. Or being too nice. I am not being nice anymore. They have to suck it up.

Don't even get me started on boys. I have zero love interests. An 'adult' friend of mine said she was talking to her husband about me and they both agreed that it's crazy that no one has snatched me up. I don't know either. Aubrey and I were talking about how we just want someone to love, to hold at night, to come home to, someone to know our weaknesses and still think we're great, to support us. We want to fall in love. We just don't get how it happens. Or when it happens!

whoops!

I lost my phone today. I put it in my pocket on my way to school (yes- it's Saturday but I was teaching a TAKS things). Then once I got to school I couldn't find it. I looked for it back at home. And then I went back to school to look for it. Couldn't find it. Dang it. Lots of people have called it. No luck. Maybe- Maybe- it'll turn up Monday at school. :/

My date tonight was fun. Well, poor guy! He got lost and couldn't call me because I lost my phone. And then I had two Pyrex pans with enchiladas for dinner (we were going to Lucki and Stephen's place) and we set them on his car and he opened my door for me. Then we he shut the door, the enchilada's fell!!!!!!!!!!! He caught one pan of them but the other went splat. Then he tried to clean it up and I had to go find my broom....oh gosh. Dinner was good. Then we played Rock Band. And then we sold "shoe bags" (uhm for girls to put their purse and shoes in upstairs) at Homecoming and made sure people didn't use the wrong doors. We didn't get drowned out by the music because we were in the lobby, so we could actually socialize. The kids are crazy anyways. They sold giant pickles. Weird. :) We enjoyed people watching and sharing stories of high school.

Poor Mac. I think he has worms. And there is "pest control" people spraying in our apts on Monday so I have to lock him in the bathroom (which is the one place I don't like him) all day. And then take him to the vet. He has figured out how to open the cupboards- the ones where his treats are AND the ones in my bathroom to take out everything. Childproof the apt....

go go go

Okay, so this week I gave a super hard test to my AP kids. I gave a major curve, however, when I graded it. On the back I also asked for their feedback on three things- I wanted them to
1. tell me what they were understanding (specific)
2. tell me something they do not understand (specific)
3. tell me something I can do to help them in or outside of class (nicely...)

So I got really good feedback. Some fella on questions 3 wrote "you're nice". Others said "extra credit!" One said "I don't understand anything nor have I learned anything in your class" and replied with a "teach!" to number three. Ouch. But she's complained about this class to her AP before and I've talked with him about it. He says there will always be one kid like that. And he says I'll be even better a year from a now. Very positive. I meet with her mom on Tuesday, too (with him as well, thank goodness). But all the other 16 responses were helpful and positive. So our lesson on Friday was different than normal- and it was great for all. I changed things up a little and I think we all learned from it. So I'm not afraid of feedback (well, they are my AP kids so I trust them a bit more). I felt good about that.

I made a lot of phone calls to parents last night. Half to kids who are borderline failing...half to parents to just tell them I enjoy having their kid in my class. They really appreciated that.

This week has been non-stop. And it doesn't have a stop, either! I had Nasa Australian events Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Wednesday we also gave the PSAT. Thursday I had TAKS tutorials til 4:30 but then nothing (thank goodness) but calling parents and watching The Office. Then today was Homecoming! Carnival during lunch, pep rally, craziness. Mums. It's a southern thing but everyone had one. I'll get pictures tonight. We're going to the game. I got a group of about 8 to go. It'll be fun. they'll be here any minute now.

Then tomorrow I teach a TAKS camp til noon. Then in the evening I have a date! Gary and I are going to Lucki and Stephen's around 5:30. I am making enchiladas. Yum. Then we'll play games or whatnot then Gary and I are going to chaperone homecoming. It'll be interesting- the chaperoning! I hope Gary doesn't regret saying yes! haha.

Wait, I'm not done. On Sunday I have to teach a Relief Society lesson. Have I read it yet? No. Whoops. Guess I can't sleep til 11 on Sunday like I'll want to because I'll have to prepare it. Dang.

I wish I had time this week to go shopping. I got some gift cards (because I've spent money on credit cards, rewards....and one from Victoria Secret for panties, haha). I have 3 more Australian events next week and I need to get my oil changed....oh yeah, and grade labs and whatnot.

Funny mail- I have a good friend named Daniel Jennejohn who lived in my DC apt complex. I got mail today forwarded to me but it has his name on it! haha. (see how our names are like backwards?). I also got some CDs from my old friend Melissa from when we used to paint for Mead. She found our CD case and sent it to me! good times.

Smart Dads

My dad read my blog on Smart Girls and we chatted about it this evening- he brought it up. Now he's not one to open up, but he said that I do have so much potential to be able to do whatever I want. But as long as teaching makes me happy and that I am helping kids (which I am), then that's the most important he said. He also watched the Debates and said Obama talked about the importance of science and Math teaching (which means higher pay raises...) to prepare the future generations. So my field is important. But I think I go outside of teaching to work at NASA to gain other experience and opportunities that otherwise I wouldn't have.

Who knows. Thanks, Dad, for being sweet and proud of me. :) I love you.

Smart Girls

So I just read most of this book entitled "Smart Girls" by Barbara Kerr, PhD. She studied gifted girls from her 'special gifted class' from elementary school and then saw where they ended up at their 10 year high school reunion. Here are some things that got me thinking---

Okay, so I was a Smart Girl. I was Valedictorian and was always the best (except at english papers). The book says Smart Girls (or SGs) begin to doubt their smartness once in their sophomore year of college. Check. That's what I did. I don't really consider myself smart anymore. So what if I teach physics, why does that make me smart? A quarter of the girls Dr. Kerr went to school became teachers or at least majored in education then became mothers, one or the other. Is teaching a cop out? I mean, I went to UW in lure of a Chem. Eng. degree. I even had scholarships because I was a girl interested in Chem Eng! But I changed to teaching because I felt that was more of my calling in life- I wanted to affect students/people. Not deal with lab work or an office. But is that my potential?!?!

SGs need mentors. I can be that to my SGs that I teach (in AP...). Gosh. I don't know what I'm thinking. That book got me thinking....

Feelings

school=good
boys=retarded
health=moderate
friends=awesome
finances=fine
Mac=great (still a spaz)
stress level=changes daily
spirituality=fine
service=I suck
confidence=fine
car=going strong
apartment=cozy
family=super close
busy?=yes

Hope

Just got back from Conference weekend. The talk that impacted me the most was Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on Hope. That I need to have patience perseverance. Hope that things with happen. Hope for the future, that my life will fulfill its many purposes. Hope for now, that I'm doing right things. Still, it's a lot to absorb and think about.

I have a lot of random things to share from the last few weeks, so bare with me. First off, I have some great friends. I am so glad I have Lucki and Stephen. Stephen and I went bike riding last week and I got a flat tire (on my bike!). So then we went on a 3 mile jog. Go us! Lucki never works out (and stays skinnier than a stick). I am staying pretty fit and thin. Not that I eat like a health nut, but I'm trying. Aubrey and I have spent a lot of time together, too. We went to Space Center Houston before we had to go back to school, we've had a couple sleepovers and whatnot. It's interesting to see how my friends have changed since I got here. When I moved here in January I had my roommate and then all the "friendswood" church people. Now I'm not really good friends with many of them. Only one came to my bday party. Now all my friends are in the singles ward. Granted, they live at least 30 minutes from me, but I also have Lucki and Stephen who live only 5 minutes from me. And Matt my physics teacher friend who lives in my building.

Just fyi, Jessica and I are best friends! We talk every day. I love the pictures she sends me over the phone. We have become super close. For her bday present from her boyfriend, Zach, she asked me to get her a coach purse from the Coach Outlet here in Houston. So I did and I just sent it too her. How funny. :) I can't wait to go home for Christmas! Mike is going to come visit me up there, too. I'm done with my Christmas shopping- jealous? :) Gail just had her birthday, too. She enjoyed the socks and earrings I got her (hey, that's what she asked for!).

Mac has a girlfriend now. Just kidding. But my friend Celeste has a pretty orange girl cat named Chanel. Mac and Chanel are both makeup brands! So we're saying that Mac is about to propose...and then they can have pretty kitties named Dolce & Gabbana. lol. (they are both spayed/neutered). Mac is currently sporting a bandana that is black with orange BOO words all over it. He has a ghost one, too. :) And I found the cutest welcome sign that says "Black Cat Crossing" all orange and black and semi-sparkly. Other changes to my apartment are cute flower arrangements. Dee says I could be an interior designer. That'd be fun! :)

So speaking of my real job. We didn't go back until Sept 26th. Then the kids came back that last Monday. We've been busy. But I feel on top of the world when it comes to school. I am done with grades, have called more than enough parents of kids with bad grades, have my lesson plans done for the next 3 weeks, am challenging my AP class... I am actually feeling like an awesome teacher. Don't worry, I will be humbled soon I'm sure. But I feel like I'm doing what I should. One of my kids from last year dropped out and I'm trying to help get him back. He was one of those chem-chommers (the class of 5 that drove me crazy). But I was his favorite teacher. I mean, he didn't skip my class and would skip other classes just to say hi. And now he's not in school. I want so badly to help him. So I've been talking with his AP and the attendance officer. I am also earning extra bucks doing TAKS tutorials. And the Australian NASA events have been quiet lately but starting next week I have like 3 a week!

Tomorrow I shall get my hair cut, bring my new beta fish to school, replace my left brake light, try to act smart for my AP kids, and who knows what else. I like riding my bike to school, too (but not with my fish).

Mac says hello. or meow. Here's a link for pictures.
The last Couple weeks in photos