Today I had the best time at the school parent picnic. I was a little stressed going into it because of all the games that were suppose to be played. Every year I have been in charge of getting games and activities together for the picnics. I always freak out because I don't want people to be bored or not play the games and things like that. Every year the teachers are suppose to help with the games, so this year I made a few suggestions and then let the teacher come up with a few gamesthat they would like to do. I really tried to not stress over things, but I did. It turned out to be really fun. We didn't do near the activities that we had planned, but that's okay. The kids and parent seemed to have fun. The teacher were able to meet more parents and I even was hit with a water bomb (darn Hannah, I will get her back. She won't know when or where, but I will get her back). The best part was the pinata. It was the toughest pinata I have ever seen. An hour later and the thing stil was not broken. The legs were gone but the body would not bust! I couldn't believe it. It we finally let it fall to the ground and one of the kids beat it to oblivion. It was great! I honestly spent a whole day of working hours at the park. I was there at 8am and didn't leave until almost 3pm.
While I was pulling the pinata a kid came up to me wanting to help me with the pulling. The kid's name is Garrett. He is a SPED kid. I don't know if he's someone's brother or just some random kid from another part of the park, but he is the most awesome kid I have met. After the picnic I was talking to a few of the other teachers and they were sharing their experiences with Garrett. The art teacher decided to do a little donation fundraiser so she would be able to get more supplies for her art club. She had a little jar at her face-painting booth for people to donate. Garrett said he wanted to help and wanted to take the jar around. The teacher then said the jar was okay where it was. Garrett then said, "No, I am going to get donations!" Next, he was talking to another kid and telling him to donate. The other kid said he didn't have any money to donate so Garrett took two dollars out of the jar, handed to the kid and said, "Now you have two dollars to donate. Put it in the jar." The jar had $32 at the end on an hour. Priceless. I love it! He was also helping out with the food. He was telling a parent that the beans were too soupy and in order to make it better you ahve to stir it all the time. Then said the beans were still too soupy and said they would be better served in cups then ran, grabbed some cups and starting serving. This kid is going to do great things for a company someday with all his problem solving skills. Garrett is an amazing kid. It goes to show you can't judge a book by it's cover.
I got home today and was so excited to watch General Conference but I couldn't keep my eyes open and I ended sleeping through the whole thing. I am grateful that Conference is a two day event so I am not totally corrupted......yet. It has turned into a great day of fun.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
It's the Little Things that Count
Hahahahaha! I just had to start out with a laugh. The funniest thing alomst happened to my dad today. He almost got arrested! I was wondering when it was going to happen. Haha! My dad helps with the cross country meets since he has alot of soccer players who run cross country. The school had attained the permit to have the park for the hours needed to themselves for the meet. So this group of people comes wanting to play soccer. My dad goes over to find out what is going on and to see what he could do to help. The other groups was mad that they could not play soccer at the park. My dad told them he would be able to give up the soccer field and one of the softball fields during that time. Well, the group ws not happy so they called the cops. The cop shows up and never talks to my dad or Asst. AD for the school district. He talks to the angry folks then confronts my dad's group. The Asst. AD goes over and introduced herself to the cop as the Asst AD for the school district, sticks out her had for a handshake and the cop just stands there staring at her hand. My dad is looking in amazement at the insidiousness of the cop and the whole situation. The cop was very confrontational the entire time. The AD tells the cop they have the permit for the entire park and that they tried to work with the group to let them use one of the already reserved fields. The cop was still very rude. my dad tries to tell the cop what is going on and that they needed certain areas for the warm-ups and starts for the runs. The cop says they don't need to use the reserved areas. What are they suppose use, the surrounding desert? Whatever. My dad starts getting into it a little with cop. The cop says "I run long distance and I you don't need these areas." That is the totally wrong thing to say to a seasoned coach and someone who went to college for all that stuff and is the best in his field whereever he goes. Dad pops off with, "I don't teach your gun control classes, so you don't tell me how to run my cross country team." Just like Dad to say something like that in the heat of the moment. Thankfully, he wasn't arrested. Since the school district had the permits the cop couldn't really do anything. That makes for a great "almst got arrested story."
This week has been a good week. I really feel like things at work are falling into place. Some of the kids that have been giving me a hard time have decided to leave the school and new kids are coming in. Hopefully these new kids are better. It took six weeks for things to start calming down. I had some really great experiences this week with my students that concreted, in my mind, that I am doing with my life is what I am suppose to do. I was reading the journals I have my kids write in for a little bit during each class. One of the journals was on who has influenced you in your life. As I read one of my students mentioned that I was an influence in her life. She was a kid who never liked sports until she came into my class last year in sixth grade. Then later that day I had one of my high school students tell me that I was the greatest PE teacher he has ever had. He also said I was the coolest after our discussion about Pink Floyd and Aerosmith and some other older groups. Another student who I never really seemed to ge tthrough to has started talking to me more about what is going on with him. He is not like the other kids. He actually listens and tried to learn stuff and follws directions to a "T", so other kids have a hard time woth him and like to amke fun of him and treat him bad. I have become more aware of how he is doing throughout the day and when he comes into Study Hall he sits next to me. That is the time for me to talk to him and make sure he is doing okay. I sometimes think he could be the kid to just go crazy on ya in the middle of the hall so I make sure to treat him with great care. We were talking about something the other day and he thanked me for being a listening ear and trying to help him with stuff. After three years I feel like I am starting to find my niche in the teaching world. I just hope I am able to be an influence for good in other kid's lives. I love what I do and the opportunities it gives me to hopefully change someone else's perspective and even life.
This week has been a good week. I really feel like things at work are falling into place. Some of the kids that have been giving me a hard time have decided to leave the school and new kids are coming in. Hopefully these new kids are better. It took six weeks for things to start calming down. I had some really great experiences this week with my students that concreted, in my mind, that I am doing with my life is what I am suppose to do. I was reading the journals I have my kids write in for a little bit during each class. One of the journals was on who has influenced you in your life. As I read one of my students mentioned that I was an influence in her life. She was a kid who never liked sports until she came into my class last year in sixth grade. Then later that day I had one of my high school students tell me that I was the greatest PE teacher he has ever had. He also said I was the coolest after our discussion about Pink Floyd and Aerosmith and some other older groups. Another student who I never really seemed to ge tthrough to has started talking to me more about what is going on with him. He is not like the other kids. He actually listens and tried to learn stuff and follws directions to a "T", so other kids have a hard time woth him and like to amke fun of him and treat him bad. I have become more aware of how he is doing throughout the day and when he comes into Study Hall he sits next to me. That is the time for me to talk to him and make sure he is doing okay. I sometimes think he could be the kid to just go crazy on ya in the middle of the hall so I make sure to treat him with great care. We were talking about something the other day and he thanked me for being a listening ear and trying to help him with stuff. After three years I feel like I am starting to find my niche in the teaching world. I just hope I am able to be an influence for good in other kid's lives. I love what I do and the opportunities it gives me to hopefully change someone else's perspective and even life.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Today was such a wierd day to not have to go to work. I would have totally loved having Monday instead of Tuesday off, but it was all good. You know, I could get use to this whole mid-week day off. It's pretty fun! I took today and went to Austin. I love Austin. A lot has changed since high school but it is still beautiful. There are more houses in the hills. Zilker Park looked like Woodstock had just been there and some of the old restaurants and places I use to chill at were no longer there. It was great being able to drive on 360 (Capitol of Texas Highway) and not be stuck in traffic. When I was in high school I was in Austin 4-6 days/week for soccer practice and games. I was able to get to know the rush hour and weekend traffic. I was there today during the middle of the day so it was nice to be able to enjoy and look around as I was driving. I went to Austin to see if any of the Honda dealers had the Civic Hybrid in stock so I could test drive one, but unfortunately, I could not find one. The one I found was closed down. It turned out to be a great day. I visitied the Texas Capitol building for the first time ever. I have been living in Texas for something like 14yrs and I have never been to the capitol building. Can you believe that? 14 yrs and not one visit to the capitol. Wow! I finally took the time to visit and I loved it! I had a blast walking around the grounds and watching the squirrels. Although there was one squirrel I was trying to take a picture of that was quite scary, I never knew when he was going to dive bomb me from the tree. I had taken a picture of him and he started climbing the tree that was in front of me. While in the tree his gaze never left me so I thought it would make for a great picture. My camera froze up at that time and I am grateful it did. I think if it hadn't I would have been dive bombed. It was still a great walk and fun time.
I loved today! I hope to be able to do this again sometime soon. Mid-week days off should be the norm from now on.
I loved today! I hope to be able to do this again sometime soon. Mid-week days off should be the norm from now on.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Just Politics as Usual
So last night was the first real presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. I tried to watch it, but I can't get through the mudslinging. So then I tried to watch the post debate and all I heard was more persnal attacks and mudslinging. I just wish there were politicians that would really stick to politics and leave the personal attacks on the low, the way downlow. I can't honestly vote for people who act like they are still in high school and the other person will do anything to win even if that means completely berating someone else. It's awful. I was listening to part of a post debate interview with Biden and he mentioned something about Palin having the possiblity of becoming the president as "one heart beat away". He meant it in a negative light that McCain is so old that he could die at any moment. If you think about, so could Obama, duh! Everyone is only a heartbeat away from dying. It is all in how you say things. I was watching some tv show the other week and there was a little vinette about everything being about the voice you use when talking about something and they were doing something about cats. The first voice was a sweet upbeat voice that made everything sound nice. The next voice was like it came from the depths of evil and eventhough the same pictures and words were used you felt as though there was something wrind with what was being said. It was almost as if cats were evil and there is no sweetness. It's all in how you perceive and use voice inflection and tone. Anything can be said to sound negative or positive.
Who am I going to vote for? Honestly, I don't like any candidate. There is no clear winner for me. Either way I think things are going to get worse before they goet better. We know they are. We are living in the fullness of times, these are the last days. What's going to happen next? I don' know, but I have a feeling many people are going to regret choosing whom they chose. I really don't know. The way I see it though, if I don't vote then I have no room to complain. Not one candidate believes in the things I believe in. Not one really knows what it's like to be in my shoes or want the things I want for the country. Either way, the rich will get richer and the poor will become poorer. That's the way it has been since the beginning. I really want some normal Joe Shmoe to run for office. I would rather vote for Joe Shmoe than for someone who really doesn't know or doesn't remember what it is like to have to struggle with paying bills and getting by from month to month. There needs to be more people like that in politics. I think people may start like that then they get more and more money and they forget. Do you really remember what is was like when you were first married and had no idea how you were going to pay for dinner or gas in the car or diapers for your first baby? If politicians could truly remember what it was like when they were considered lower class or middle class instead of upper class(elitist) then I think there would be more satisfaction with politics. I am tired of talking about politics. There are so many other things dealing with politics that I could talk about, but I'm not going to. I am not that into politics anymore. I have become disenchanted with how people only look to make another person look bad that I don't care about it anymore. If there was someone who really wanted the same things I did and really understood then I would be more interested. But for now, I will forego the rest. Will I vote? Maybe, maybe not. Only that second Tuesday in Novemeber will tell.
Who am I going to vote for? Honestly, I don't like any candidate. There is no clear winner for me. Either way I think things are going to get worse before they goet better. We know they are. We are living in the fullness of times, these are the last days. What's going to happen next? I don' know, but I have a feeling many people are going to regret choosing whom they chose. I really don't know. The way I see it though, if I don't vote then I have no room to complain. Not one candidate believes in the things I believe in. Not one really knows what it's like to be in my shoes or want the things I want for the country. Either way, the rich will get richer and the poor will become poorer. That's the way it has been since the beginning. I really want some normal Joe Shmoe to run for office. I would rather vote for Joe Shmoe than for someone who really doesn't know or doesn't remember what it is like to have to struggle with paying bills and getting by from month to month. There needs to be more people like that in politics. I think people may start like that then they get more and more money and they forget. Do you really remember what is was like when you were first married and had no idea how you were going to pay for dinner or gas in the car or diapers for your first baby? If politicians could truly remember what it was like when they were considered lower class or middle class instead of upper class(elitist) then I think there would be more satisfaction with politics. I am tired of talking about politics. There are so many other things dealing with politics that I could talk about, but I'm not going to. I am not that into politics anymore. I have become disenchanted with how people only look to make another person look bad that I don't care about it anymore. If there was someone who really wanted the same things I did and really understood then I would be more interested. But for now, I will forego the rest. Will I vote? Maybe, maybe not. Only that second Tuesday in Novemeber will tell.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Weather, Sports, Hanging Out
So this whole Hurricane Ike thing was a total bust for the SA. I was really loking forward to a couple of days of wind, rain, and a natural car wash. But, alas, all the reports for SA were wrong. Right now it's a little cloudy a little breezy, but other than that, nothing. I am a little disappointed because I didn't make any plans for tonight and now I have nothing to do. Oh, well I can manage. Ike has battered Galveston Island and Houston. Galveston is under water, almost completely and windows have been blown out of buildings in downtown Houston. Many people refused to leave the area even though they were told that staying there would be certain death. If I were told that staying someplace would mean certain death then I would like to think I would leave. The Texas Coast has been battered with hurricanes this year while the SA can't seem to get a drop of rain in this severe drought. What do we need to do for a little rain?
I started playing soccer again. It was so much fun. I can't believe I have gone this long without playing soccer. I have missed it so much. What was I thinking not playing for so long? I love the sport. I love the game. I love the intelligence it takes to play the game. I am grateful for the opportunity to play again. It may be small-sided but it's fun.
This week I was again reminded of why I don't like hanging out places and why I don't quite fit in with my peers. Wednesday nights Mama Margie's does karaoke. I have not been but decided to go this past week. I got there and no one even noticed I was there. No one talked to me except a few peple who said hi. So more reason I don't like to hang out. When I hang out I really just disappear. So, that's it, no more hanging out. I'm just not the hanging out kind of person. Oh, well. I will find something that's more me, like walking around the shopping centers dreaming of one day being able to afford the things I really want. Chillin in the casa for a truly realxing experience. I will find something to fill my time besides cleangin home and working. It may take a little while, but I will find something. Trust me, I will find something.
I started playing soccer again. It was so much fun. I can't believe I have gone this long without playing soccer. I have missed it so much. What was I thinking not playing for so long? I love the sport. I love the game. I love the intelligence it takes to play the game. I am grateful for the opportunity to play again. It may be small-sided but it's fun.
This week I was again reminded of why I don't like hanging out places and why I don't quite fit in with my peers. Wednesday nights Mama Margie's does karaoke. I have not been but decided to go this past week. I got there and no one even noticed I was there. No one talked to me except a few peple who said hi. So more reason I don't like to hang out. When I hang out I really just disappear. So, that's it, no more hanging out. I'm just not the hanging out kind of person. Oh, well. I will find something that's more me, like walking around the shopping centers dreaming of one day being able to afford the things I really want. Chillin in the casa for a truly realxing experience. I will find something to fill my time besides cleangin home and working. It may take a little while, but I will find something. Trust me, I will find something.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Don, Haskins That Is
Today a great basketball coach has died. Don Haskins, coach of the Texas Western national cahmpoinship team, has died, Coach Haskins changed the face of basketball. He played only his seven black players against an all-white Kentucky team in the 1966 NCAA national championship game. Coach Haskins took a risk. He received death threats and hate mail. He played who he thought were the best players on the court at the time. Coach Haskins will be greatly missed by the UTEP and El Paso community. His seat next to the tunnel in the cebter in his namesake will be empty this season. Players and coaches alike would look to him for approval. He made a great contribution to the game of basketball and made it possible for those who thought they would never play college ball, play college ball. Coach Haskins, thank you for all you have done. You may have been a heavy drinker, but you knew what you were doing and what needed to be done. Thank you for your role in making basketball what it is today.
Last night the UTEP Miner football team was trashed by UT. It was only 42-13, but I think UT must have started playing their second or third string squads. Everyone know it was going to happen. It was all about the pride and spirit of the Miner fans. Watching the game made me remember the good times I had back in the day going to football games to watch my friends kick some trash. So maybe no one ever kicked any trash, but it was fun to watch my friends play and party on the sidelines with my other set of friends. College football is about the spirit and the rivalry. Last night there was alot of both.
Last night the UTEP Miner football team was trashed by UT. It was only 42-13, but I think UT must have started playing their second or third string squads. Everyone know it was going to happen. It was all about the pride and spirit of the Miner fans. Watching the game made me remember the good times I had back in the day going to football games to watch my friends kick some trash. So maybe no one ever kicked any trash, but it was fun to watch my friends play and party on the sidelines with my other set of friends. College football is about the spirit and the rivalry. Last night there was alot of both.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Signs of Fall Are All Around
This past week has been much better. The first week of school is always the hardest and all other weeks can only get better from there. Week two down thirty four more left. This year I feel more relaxed and confident than in year's past. After talking to my grandma last night I have never been more sure that what I am doing in my life is the right thing to do.
I don't want to talk about work or anything serious like that today. College football. Tonight, my alma mater plays against UT. The Longhorns. I know my school will lose big time but it won't keep me from watching the game. I like to watch my alma mater fail sometimes. The administration there doesn't really care about the education they are giving the students so to see the school fail once in a while is quite refreshing. I still have ties to the school through friends and being a former athlete. It will be fun to watch my school on national tv.
My favorite team of all time has to OU. Today I watched as they started to blow out Cincinnati (I know I spelled it incorrectly, but I am not perfect) then ABC cut the game to go to the Ole Miss-Wake Forest game. That game was a nail bitter. Wake Forest, the #20 ranked team in the nation, was down by two points until they made a field goal with 3 seconds left. I guess it's okay to cut a blow out game I was watching for a closer game, but did it have to be the game the Sooners were playing? I would have liked to see the rest of the OU game, but they never went back to it. It probably wasn't worth it to go back to the game. College football season is in full swing and I love it! College football show true love of the sport. Sure the players are being given scholarships, but they are also students that would not be where they are unless they have a goal to graduate college or make a career out of playing a game they have grown up loving. The players don't play for the name on the back of the jersey; rather, they play for the name on the front. I love it. It is pure sport.
I have also found a show that I love. House. House is a great show. I love the character House and how he drives everyone crazy. He is honest about everything. He doesn't care about what others think of him. He may be distant and brash, but I love it. The medical mysteries are fun too. House is a great show. If only I can remember when it is on then all will be good.
Fall is right around the corner and I am so excited for it!
I don't want to talk about work or anything serious like that today. College football. Tonight, my alma mater plays against UT. The Longhorns. I know my school will lose big time but it won't keep me from watching the game. I like to watch my alma mater fail sometimes. The administration there doesn't really care about the education they are giving the students so to see the school fail once in a while is quite refreshing. I still have ties to the school through friends and being a former athlete. It will be fun to watch my school on national tv.
My favorite team of all time has to OU. Today I watched as they started to blow out Cincinnati (I know I spelled it incorrectly, but I am not perfect) then ABC cut the game to go to the Ole Miss-Wake Forest game. That game was a nail bitter. Wake Forest, the #20 ranked team in the nation, was down by two points until they made a field goal with 3 seconds left. I guess it's okay to cut a blow out game I was watching for a closer game, but did it have to be the game the Sooners were playing? I would have liked to see the rest of the OU game, but they never went back to it. It probably wasn't worth it to go back to the game. College football season is in full swing and I love it! College football show true love of the sport. Sure the players are being given scholarships, but they are also students that would not be where they are unless they have a goal to graduate college or make a career out of playing a game they have grown up loving. The players don't play for the name on the back of the jersey; rather, they play for the name on the front. I love it. It is pure sport.
I have also found a show that I love. House. House is a great show. I love the character House and how he drives everyone crazy. He is honest about everything. He doesn't care about what others think of him. He may be distant and brash, but I love it. The medical mysteries are fun too. House is a great show. If only I can remember when it is on then all will be good.
Fall is right around the corner and I am so excited for it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)