Saturday, December 4, 2010

It's been awhile.

October and November are gone. Thank you. They were tough. Things are looking up though. I feel good, I am happy. Thanks to The Cure for getting me through...but more so lots of prayer.
 

Friday, September 17, 2010

My New and Improved Paycheck

In the next  week or so I will be getting my very first paycheck as a full time, certified, graduated from college, get to work at 7:15 am, hard-working teacher. This will be a big moment for me. I have never earned anything near what I will be getting paid. Now, please don't rain on my parade. I know that many people scoff at the idea of teacher salary, but to someone who doesn't know what that kind of money looks like in their own pocket, this is a big deal. I have been thinking about what to do with some of the "leftovers" that doesn't go to a bill or mortgage. I know my parents would say to save it. And I will. I promise. But I kinda want to buy a few luxuries that I normally forgo due to my lack of funding. Here is what I have been thinking about:
1. Estee Lauder mascara and primer. I am tired of the cheap crap that I have been wearing for the past two years. I have lost some eyelashes because I have been too poor to take care of them properly. My eyes really do deserve better.
2. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Great Value and Western Family just aren't cuttin' it anymore. I will gladly pay a few more dollars to have the taste and refinement that Kraft offers.
3. Cinemark 16 movies. Bring on the stadium seating! (It was usually a treat for us to go, we felt like kings in thrones.)
4. The Mall. I usually avoid this place. Whenever I have gone in I felt like a poor kid at Christmas looking through the Sears catalog wishing for all the toys. I probably looked like a fool with my nose pressed against the glass doors at Dillards just dreaming about a nice pair of shoes.
5. Not having to put things back at the grocery store. A few of our shopping trips consisted of us making the rounds and then re-tracing our steps to put stuff back that we couldn't afford. It is sort of embarrassing putting stuff back. I am sure that Michael will appreciate not having to add up and count the cost of our mounting grocery bill with every item we put in the cart. But it was a good talent he cultivated and if things get bad in the future we have the survival skill under our belts.

I did learn a lot from being poor. Well, I'm still poor, who are we kidding, but not poor in the sense that we will have to sell some of our clothes to buy groceries poor. I learned a lot of great ways to save money, and I plan on still using those methods. Maybe you can use them too?

1. The Dollar Store is great for buying lunch baggies, garbage bags, tupperware, make-up remover wipes, tin foil, and...pregnancy tests (for those oops times).
2. TJ Maxx and Ross have an impressive selection of home decor, and men's ties, and scrapbook paper.
3. D.I. Just fix it up and it looks like new. Hey, I'm not too proud.
4. One word. IKEA.
5. Ask for essentials for Christmas. I never thought I would have approved of something like that. I used to hate getting things I needed as gifts, but the food-storage has come in handy. (It was a bitter pill to swallow, reality is a pain in the butt.)
6. Go visit your parents. A free meal once in awhile doesn't hurt. (And you thought I was coming over because I wanted to see you...how cute!) Just kidding. I love you Mom and Dad.

I guess I dedicate this post to our parents. Thank you for taking care of me while I was in school. Thank you for not letting us go hungry and friendless. Thank you for teaching us the value of hard work and how far a dollar can really go. Pat yourselves on the back for a job well done. We have almost made it. We're just waiting on Michael now....slowpoke. Again, just kidding. He worked very hard during the worst of it.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

I've Crossed Over...

...to the "grown-up" side. Yesterday I called my mom. We talked for 27 minutes and 17 seconds. All the while I kept thinking a strange thought, well, not too strange, but I kept thinking about when my grandma and mom would talk on the phone .I remember just sitting and listening to their conversation wondering what grandma was saying on the other end and only being able to decipher part of the conversation based on what my mom's responses were. I then thought about how I am doing the same thing. I am calling home to talk to mom. I wonder if anyone sits on the other end wondering what we talk about. Probably not though because the boys don't care about that stuff...they just interrupt and ask regardless of the phone. They are lovable though. Anyway, I think calling home is a grown-up thing. I call home for help on W-2's, insurance, how long to boil eggs, what the difference is between salted and unsalted butter and if that really matters, I call to brag about my cooking conquests (which is really just to show my competence because I think home sometimes wonders),and I call to ask about moral dilemmas. These are grown-up things to do. Grown-ups ask their parents. It is the responsible thing to do, and grown-ups are responsible. My kids better call me too.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

It Smells Like 2nd Grade

I haven't felt very witty lately, hence the lack of a blog post in a few weeks. A lot has happened though in these weeks since I talked about how going to the movies stresses me out. I started teaching again. This is my second year teaching second grade. Is that like a golden birthday or something? I spent most of the week leading up to school starting in my classroom preparing things for my new students. It felt good to get my hands and mind busy after a summer of general malaise and lack of productive behavior, except for when I supervised Michael while he painted our guest bedroom and the living room.
Back to school. I have seen these three little words written on a myriad of cardboard advertisements and not so funny Staples and Wal-Mart commercials. For some it probably brings a sense of dread. I on the other hand, revel in the the school supply shopping. Nothing says "Back to School" more than buying a new notebook, backpack, pens, pencils, filler paper, tabs, calculator, etc. It is a regular wonderland for me. I love the colors, the straight lines, and the organization! Anyway...back to school, for real.
Wednesday and Thursday night was sort of a back to school night where I teach. As I was meeting and greeting and all that, I happened to overhear a 6th grade boy walk into the other 2nd grade classroom and say, "it smells like 2nd grade!" What does that even mean? I didn't know that 2nd grade had an odor. I know that 6th grade has an odor, but definitely not my little 2nd graders. I have been mulling this thought over in my mind for about a week or so and today it hit me, literally. Second grade smells like poopy pants and bad breath.

More to come....

Friday, July 23, 2010

Shouldn't This be Fun?

The last few times that I have been to the movie theater I have started to notice a trend...going to the movies stresses me out! Is it my age? Am I slowly progressing towards the "no patience for anyone, or anything" side?  I feel like I am going through a puberty of emotions. I don't remember feeling this way when I was younger. Let me explain.
I stress out about tickets. I feel like I have to buy them a day in advance just to be sure. There is nothing that kills the mood more than showing up to a movie only to see that little sticker that says, "SOLD OUT". I hate that sticker. What comes after the sticker is even worse. You stand there like fools trying to decide if you want to see something else, or if you should wait another three hours just to see the next showing...so not only are you wasting the ticket seller's time, but also the large, impatient crowd lined up behind you. Solution: We usually pre-buy our tickets. I have common sense.
Once inside the theater, Michael and I quickly choose our spot. We like the middle with the bar because you can rest your feet on it. So we are usually the first people to arrive at our showing, and pick the best spot accordingly, but there are occasional times where we aren't the first inside. This is fine, the low lights are still on and there is still plenty of seating, so we choose the next best spot for us, and sit down. Not that difficult, except this is where I really start to stress. As the theater starts to fill up, spaces with two and three seats together are hard to come by. I always get the feeling that someone is going to ask me to scoot over to the people next to us that we don't know, so that these late-comers can easily take the seats on the edge. No. I am not having that. I came on time to choose the spot that I want to sit in. If you and your girlfriend want to sit together, come on time! Don't tell me to move over when I made the extra effort to get my seat. What really irks me is that the whole front row is still available, but these morons think they are too good for a neck ache. If you ask me, they deserve to look up the whole movie for not making any effort to come on time. That is what late people should get.
Can you tell that I am very passionate about this subject?
One last thing...don't invite me to see a movie with you if you want me to help save seats. I'm not doing it. I hate all the crusty looks I get when I tell people that the 40 seats around me are saved...and I just hate answering the question, "is this seat taken?" It kills me.
The most enjoyable part of the movie going experience is when the lights go dark and the previews start...because I know that the crowds of idiots looking for seats dwindles down and I don't have to worry about the ulcer forming in my stomach for the next hour and a half.
I know how this guy feels.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

P.S. I miss this guy...

Love Letter and Guys Who Read are Hot!

Last Monday, Michael and I stopped by our friend's house to pick something up. I waited in the car while Michael ran in. As I waited, I noticed that Michael had left his wallet in the car, so I decided to rifle through it for cash, and then anything else of value. No cash, but I did find something of greater value than any amount of money could give me. Tucked away into a hidden pocket of his wallet were some little love notes that I had written Michael before his mission. He had taped them together side by side, and at the bottom was a quote from Pres. Hinckley. "Choose a companion of your own faith, choose a companion you can always honor, you can always respect, one whom will compliment you in your own life, one to whom you can give your entire heart, your entire love, your entire allegiance, your entire loyalty." He carried those letters, and this quote around with him during his mission. It is hard to describe the amount of love I have for Michael. Sometimes I feel so much love for him that I can't help but just grab him and hug him!
Besides being in love with him, he makes me laugh. For the past week or so, Michael has been wanting to read The Hunger Games. Now, I have never in my life known Michael to be a reader. Don't get me wrong, he is very intelligent, but sitting down with a book is not his cup of tea, unless it is a user manual to the latest and greatest electronic gadget, or stereo component. So not wanting to crush his latest request by laughing and saying "are you for real?", we went and purchased the book. When we got home he wanted to read right after dinner, so after he ate, he climbed into bed with his book and started to read. Before I woke up from this dream, I had to take a picture for proof...aren't guys who read just so hot!

Friday, July 9, 2010

OCD

I have been deciding what to write for some time now. It has been hard for me to come up with something intriguing. Sometimes I will be thinking about life before I fall asleep and will mention to myself that I ought to blog about it, except I have forgotten everything that I have thought to write about. I do however have something that I have been thinking about for awhile, not really for a blogging topic, but because of my lack of ideas, it passes.
Recently there has been a slew of television programming about OCD. A&E's Obsessed, VH1's OCD Project, and MTV's True Life: I have OCD. I am not sure why it has garnered so much attention, but it has mine. As I was watching over a period of a few days I started to notice something. Something scary. I was exhibiting obsessive compulsive tendencies in my own life. I started making a mental checklist in my head of everything that I do that qualifies.
Making sure that the computer sits straight on my desk. Check.
Not sitting on the bed after it is made so that it doesn't look wrinkled. Check.
Setting the pillows on the bed and couch so that the zippers are on the bottom. Check.
While these might seem minor in comparison to performing rituals and lock checking, it was obsessive compulsive none the less. I realized that my mind would focus on it until it was fixed. For example, I was walking down the hall the other day and I saw that the blanket on the bed was not even on both sides. I went into the office to do something else, but quickly turned around to fix the blanket. I had to fix it before anything else. It had to be PERFECT.
As I continued to watch these shows I made the choice that I was going to put myself through my own therapy. As these little moments of anxiety over something being out of place would occur, I would tell myself that I wasn't going to fix it, and that it was fine how it was. I did alright. But then I thought...what is so wrong with liking things perfect? I like the way it feels. I feel comfortable with a perfect home. I like how clean feels. I like how organization feels. I like the feeling of living in a showroom. I like straight lines, and minimalism. I like to clean. I like to keep things in perfect condition. I like having control over my environment. Is this bad? No. So you can call me uptight, and neat freak and obsessed. My answer to you? My house looks better than yours.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

I am a Xenophobe...

...have been my whole life. Flashbacks to my childhood confirm the diagnosis.
As a kid, I never liked loud noises. Birthday parties were a nightmare for me when the host parent would announce that we were going to have a balloon popping race. Dread would set in. I hated the surprise of a loud, obnoxious noise that would startle me.
The 4th of July was another stressful time for me as a kid. Fireworks, parade gun shooting, parade canon, etc. I hated them all. I remember getting so paranoid an anxious at the parade before the canon would come. It was so bad that I hid in the Port-a-Potty, or under my dad's chair. Sad right?
Today I even think of the worst case scenario in most situations that I am in. I always look for what is unsafe about the activity before I even think of enjoying it. 
Last night I went shooting with Michael. I made him give up his new, high quality pair of shooting earmuffs that he has never used so that the loud noises wouldn't bother me. I wore earplugs first, and then the muffs...and when the shotgun came out, I got into the car...still with the muffs and plugs in.
To this day I won't go to a haunted house simply because I have learned not to cause myself undue stress and anxiety. Yes, I am a bum during the Halloween season, but I just don't see the benefit of paying for someone to startle me to the point of terror and possibly wetting myself.
I asked myself if maybe it was just a fear of loud noises, but really, my fear lies in the unknown. I like having a set plan, I like being safe, I like knowing what to expect. I like things to work out how I plan them. It's too bad that life isn't like that...especially once you get married...to a Rawle boy.
Last night, my sister-in-law Corinne was kind enough to sit in the car with me while the boys were shooting the shotgun. I felt like a tool asking her, seeing as she wasn't really afraid of the loud noise like I was, but she went with me. While sitting in the car, I watched as her husband and my husband shot that gun with huge smiles on their faces. They didn't have a care in the world. Thinking back on being a witness to what I thought then was silliness edging on stupidity makes me realize that had I not experienced those noises, and the guns themselves, I would still be fearing them. Michael has proper gun etiquette, he wouldn't do anything stupid, so why did I need to fear the noise and the weapon so much? I know why. I watch too many crime scene dramas. I need a break.
Back to marrying one of those Rawle boys. Every "dangerous" thing that I have been a part of has been with Michael. I have even been in a few crashes since knowing him...four-wheeler, motorcycle, long board, etc. But I never would have experienced the joy that all of those things brought had I not tried them. I am still here today though, and it is because Michael is careful, not stupid, and looks after himself and me in every situation.
He is the cure to my xenophobia...I just hope he doesn't make me try rock climbing, hang gliding, skiing, snowboarding, sky diving, sailing, horseback riding, downhill mountain biking and anything else that could potentially be dangerous.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Slowing Down

It is funny to me how I used to be able to blog everyday, and sometimes even twice a day, but now I feel like I have nothing to say. All of my good ideas and funny experiences have been used up. Nothing ever happens to me anymore...no dog + no 2nd grade class + lack of human interaction on a daily basis except for Michael = NO DRAMA and NOTHING TO SAY. I mean I could say lots about Michael...seeing as he is my favorite person in the world, but I know that he doesn't like me to share what makes him the best person I have ever known...except I will let it slip that he is an awesome handyman, and has some pretty good dance moves, i.e. The Macarena, and a little number by NSYNC...I think it is from the song, "Bye, Bye, Bye". You'll have to ask him.On another note, I think that I went into the wrong field of work. Criminal Justice has been starting to sound interesting. I think I could have a career in private investigation...or just spying. Last night Michael and I heard a girl crying out in the grass field...we think it was either a break-up or a mixed family situation...either way, we were up at midnight peeking out our window to try and see what was happening. Michael didn't have the iron will to wait it out to see who it was...but I did, except they moved out of view and I couldn't reach the high window above our bed. Also, there is this show called "Crime 360", and I love it. Check it out.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Go Green! Blah Blah Blah...

I go through cycles in my media viewing. They usually last about a month or so, and then I move on to the next bit of viewing pleasure. Last month was Jane Austen Appreciation Month...before that it was Tribute to BBC...but this month has been Hooked on HGTV. Like how I title my cycles? Since I have been out of school and work for the summer, I decided it was time to tackle all of my projects at home. What better place to start than by watching HGTV? As I started watching some of my shows I began to notice a recurring theme with the programming and commercials...everyone was mentioning how "this" was green design, and "that" was all about going green, and how "these" materials were environment friendly, and blah blah blah. Everything seemed to be oozing "green". Basically... I am tired of hearing it. Can I just watch my design program please and know that when they mention green that they are talking about the color that they are painting the walls? Maybe this post was ignorant...I don't know, but "going green" is making me claustrophobic and wanting to puke green...or maybe spend the green?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Goodbye

I have been avoiding having to write this for fear that it would be difficult and conjure up memories and feelings that I didn't want to think and feel and experience. I am of the mind to get hard things done and over with...so today is as a good a day as any to share this.
As silly and irrational has this may seem to non-pet owners, it is real to me. Last week we decided that it would be best to give Mischa Boy a better home. We realized that although we could love him and give him all the toys and treats in the world, we couldn't give him the time and free range that he deserved. He was getting rambunctious and playful and he needed room to run and be happy. We didn't want to make life miserable for our neighbor downstairs, who has been more than gracious and patient in putting up with a puppy.
Deep down I knew that giving him away would be best but I couldn't come to terms with giving him up and going through the heartache that it would cause. For a few days my heart and mind were uneasy. I felt unsettled. I didn't want to part ways with something that I loved so much because I didn't want to feel sad. I couldn't bear the thought of Mischa being confused and scared because we were not there.
Once I decided that it was best to give him away, I said lots of prayers that he would go to a good home where they would be loving and understanding. I also prayed that we could find him a home quickly because we were going out of town and I didn't want him to be boarded only to have us then take him somewhere else, but also because I knew I couldn't enjoy my vacation knowing that something so unpleasant awaited me at home.
We posted the add on Wednesday night. Thursday morning we got two phone calls from people that were interested in having him. The first phone call was from a woman that had a backyard and a young family and everything sounded so promising. As it was one of my last days of school, Michael took Mischa to work and dealt with all the phone calls. The woman said that she would stop by his shop later to see him, but that she really wanted him. I was excited, but while at work, Michael got a phone call from a man that said that they had just lost their dog who was very similar in temperament to Mischa and that he wanted him. He stopped by the shop and saw Mischa, he also even invited Michael over for lunch to see his house so that we could approve and trust that he was going somewhere good. I felt so good about this guy and so did Michael, but we had to wait because we gave preference to the first caller. This is where I believe a tender mercy from the Lord comes into play. This woman, although everything sounded really good about her and her situation, I didn't want Mischa to go there, I wanted him to go with this man and his family. It turned out that the woman wasn't able to make it because things kept coming up for her not allowing her to come at the times she had previously said. So Michael told her we were sorry but that we needed to give him away today and that someone else was able to take him.
I was at school this whole time but I knew I wanted to see Mischa one more time. I waited around nervously for and hour or so until the man showed up. When he finally did come, he seemed so nice and was so kind. He told me that he and his family would love Mischa forever. I knew he was going somewhere safe and happy.
I miss him so much, but I know that he is in a place where he is safe and happy and well cared for. I know that Heavenly Father answered my prayers. I know that something so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things was important enough to Him to have Him answer my prayers. I know that Heavenly Father loves all of his creations, big or small, and that He loves me. He made it easier for me to go through something that was heartbreaking and life-changing. I know that I was supported through this hard time. It was a great opportunity for me to strengthen my testimony of prayer.  I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord.
I miss Mischa, I always will, but I know that he is happy. Goodbye Mischa, thank you for bringing us experiences of learning and happiness.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Some things I enjoyed this week...

A few things have been running through my mind for my next post, but I couldn't choose just one topic, so I thought I would choose them all. So here are those things that I heard, read, or saw this week that made me smile, think, and wonder.

1.  This morning I was craving Orange Juice. In my mind was the picture of those cute little Minute Maid pint size cartons that have a little circle at the top for you to push the straw through. On the rare occasion that I actually get a chance to drink those (Del Taco Breakfast, Burger King Breakfast), I decided to tell Michael that I wanted to get OJ at the grocery store today. His response: "Oh, did you want to make breakfast for dinner tonight? You could make those splendid waffles that you made last week." I like hearing that my waffles are splendid.

2.  Last night, Michael and I went to Sportsman's Warehouse to spend his birthday gift card. His infatuation of late is his gun, ammo, and anything else associated with his Springfield XD40. As I started to get a little bored watching him dart around the store from the camping section to the ammo section to the whatever section, I decided to go off on my own and explore. I came across a scouting cookbook and decided to take a look. My favorite recipe from this collection: Ticks on a Toilet Seat. I guess that is the only way to get scouts to eat something healthy. Give some lineup of foods a name that evokes eating boogers, blood, scabs, and any jumble of bathroom processes will get scouts--well, boys mainly, hyped up to make and eat dinner. By the way, Ticks on a Toilet Seat is apples cut with a hole in the middle spread with cream cheese and topped with raisins.

3.  When we finally made is out of Sportsman's Indecision Warehouse, Michael came away with "Shooter's Electronic Earmuffs". (Oh, when I just called down the hall to find out what they are called exactly, Michael was actually laying on the bed wearing them...I know he is enjoying his purchase.) Last night when we got home, I sat down to watch The Office and he went in the bedroom. I came in later and found him asleep with the earmuffs on. As I got into bed, he removed them and we talked for a few minutes. I asked him if I could start a movie, so back on went the earmuffs and a pillow to cover his face. I wish I had a picture. Just imagine laying next to a guy that directs airplanes with those orange popsicles while wearing those big, almost square looking earmuffs. That was my husband.

4.  This morning I woke up early, finished my movie, and then started a book that I bought last year. It is called, Mr. Darcy's Diary. I know, I know, but I couldn't help it. I am a sucker for Regency love stories, and I know there is a lost more than a smattering of Pride and Prejudice spin-offs, but I am open to reading them, and I would like to hear his side of the story. As I was reading it, I started to notice how much I delight in the manner of speech from those times. Phrases like this caught my eye, "He is holidaying here...he is lost to all decency...He has dined here on occasion...etc. Could you imagine if we spoke like that? I wish we did. I think a lot of us would sound so much more intelligent. Say anything in a British accent and you already sound pretty smart. My favorite part of this book so far is Colonel Fitzwilliam's description of Mr. Collins. "He talks endlessly but says nothing." I love that. Do you know anyone that talks endlessly but says nothing? I can think of a few people I have had the displeasure to come in contact with in the confines of Sunday worship.

5.  I consider myself a documentary snob. I love to watch documentaries, and I can tell the good from the bad. The other evening Michael flipped to the documentary channel on Netflix and came across Volcanoes of the Deep Sea. Poor excuse for a documentary. I think Michael was trying to prove that it was cool, but I knew it was a wolf in sheep's clothing. I lost interest as soon as it started. Michael fell asleep ten minutes later. Documentaries of note, Expelled, Beauty Academy of Kabul, and Confessions of a Super-Hero. Watch. Enjoy.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Egg Drop Perfection

I don't feel good today. It first started yesterday at school. My throat got that tight feeling way in the back, and after I had finished making Michael's birthday cake, is when it really hit me. My body was all aches and before bed I had teeth chattering shivers and then uncomfortable sweating. I hate getting sick.
Today, to make me feel better, Michael brought home some Egg Drop Soup from Rice King! I feel that this is the only thing that makes one feel better. It is perfection in a styrofoam container. No chicken noodle soup here. Whats even better...I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I should think that I will be the envy of the faculty room. If you've never been, stop by Rice King on Center Street in Provo. Its not very aesthetically pleasing, but it is the best Chinese food that you can find around. I always order D7, but with Lemon Chicken instead of Sweet and Sour Pork...it is divine.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Spiteful Behavior

As you know, we are taking Mischa Boy in tomorrow morning to have him neutered...since we have broken the news to him it has been nothing but spiteful behavior from his end. Take last night for instance, I was getting dressed and failed to keep him in my sight when he peed for the second time on our bed. Later that evening he peed on Michael's bare leg while we were watching a movie, and today he peed on our curtains. We took off the one panel he peed on and washed it today. When we got home from church, I ironed them and then used my sewing machine to fix the bottom hem that had come undone. We then hung them up and this is what we got...a curtain panel that shrunk four inches, and major disconnect in the style of my living room. 

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Detached

Mischa boy has been going through puberty. I feel that as his mother, I should have acted sooner to prevent the negative effects of his changing body. Instead of cute little squats, it is high leg lifts on anything that doesn't smell like him. Instead of comfy cuddling, it is awkward leg humping that is entirely inappropriate. Instead of quiet laziness, it is nervous barking at most everything. I called Dr. Davis yesterday and made an appointment for next Monday...Mischa boy is going to get neutered...he will lose his little marbles.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Results Guaranteed

I am always on the hunt for the easiest way to do something that is a necessary...i.e. shaving legs, cooking dinner, folding laundry, washing the car, etc. On my latest stint into the neighborhood Wal-Mart, I came across these little gems...HairOff Instant Eyebrow Shapers. At first, I was skeptical, what could these little stickers possibly do? My eyebrows hang on for dear life...but again, I hate waxing, and I hate tweezing even more, so I bought them. Let me interject some info that might be important here...once when I went to a salon to get my eyebrows waxed, the cosmetologist said that my eyebrows were really difficult to pull out. If a professional had trouble, I knew some $4.00 box of sticky strips that purported to give me results wouldn't do much. When I got home, I thought I would give this product the best possible chance for success, so I took a shower, washed my face really good and made sure that my eyebrows would be receptive to this newcomer. So without hopes of great looking eyebrows, but an open mind to try anything that makes this task easy, I stuck them onto my unforgiving face.
I couldn't quite come up with words to describe what happened next, except that they worked! It took me a few more shapers than I am sure the average person would need, but they worked! I love them! It took me about 5 minutes to clean up the nightmare that was happening above my eyes, and it was a total time saver, except that now above and below my newly shaped eyebrows I have redness and swelling...par for the course I suppose, because my name wouldn't be Morgan Shumway Rawle without some crazy side effect, or just really sensitive skin. Thanks Mom and Dad.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Excuse me?

As a teacher, I have the opportunity to be privy to some interesting information coming straight from the students. Today was no exception. As I was sitting at my desk, I heard one student say to another, "Student C, your a jerk!" One of the many jobs that come with teaching is disciplinarian. So I called the perp over to find out why he called Student C a jerk...btw, the perp was Student B, no surprise there. His response, "yeah, I called him a jerk because he is my friend." I reply, "we don't call people jerks, it is not nice...", I am interrupted with this little gem of knowledge, "jerk means Junior Educated Rich Kid." Oh, thanks for clearing that up.
Some of my favorite parts of the job are when students say things, or write things that are inappropriate in some way shape of form by accident, or innocence, and I have to act like I am not shocked or surprised by them. Today was a new one. I was teaching butterfly metamorphosis and let the students draw and label their own picture of a butterfly. One student came up to ask if she could name her butterfly. Of course I said yes, and then she showed me the name she had at the top of her picture. Strip Butterfly. I didn't know where she was going with that one, until she said, "stripe butterfly." I told her to add an 'e' at the end of strip.
So today, just like most days, I learned some new things from my students...and if I ever become an exotic dancer, I know what my name will be...Strip Butterfly, it has a nice ring to it.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

It fills in the cracks...

One year, I don't remember which exactly, but I do know it was a few years back, my brother just next to me in age came home with a shirt that said, "CONUNDRUM". He and a few of his friends had these shirts made for the sole purpose of being "cool". In reality, since they were in high school, I believe it was just a way for good boys that listen to their moms and follow school rules to affiliate under the guise of, "yeah, we're bad and we know it." Their gang name of choice...Conundrum.
Years later, that word has actually come to serve it's purpose. My brother has been a conundrum to me ever since we've gotten older. Sometimes he is predictable, other times he causes wonder. Gone are the days where we would trade Matchbox cars and play Barbies... I think we really understood each other then, but as we grew, he had brothers to play with, and I didn't have any sisters, so we parted ways and pretty much stuck to gender specific play.
My brother has grown into a man of few words. Every once in awhile I get a glimpse into who he is when he laughs. He has the best laughs. Sometimes they are loud and quick, other times they last a little bit longer with the timbre of happiness in them, but after that, he goes quiet again.
He is also simple. Not simple in the stupid way, but simple in that you know what makes him happy and those things will always make him happy. Basketball, ice-cold glasses of milk, chocolate, ESPN, the remote control, and the left hand side of the loveseat.
I love when I am surprised. Surprises are the brightest moments of my day. Last night my brother suprised me. He said something that made me laugh. He has made me laugh before, but I don't see him much, and so the surprises from him are few and far between. But last night was aces (how old am I?). We had just finished a great family home evening lesson when I asked if anyone wanted ice cream. The first response was from my brother...he said yes, and then he said, "It fills in the cracks." I laughed. I thought it was so funny...not only because it was funny to me, but because it came from my brother the conundrum, the enigma, the mystery.
So brother, just like ice cream, there is always room for you...you fill in the cracks. I love you.

Friday, April 23, 2010

I hate rainy days

Contrary to what you might think, I love rainy days. My title is the complete antithesis of my views, except for today. Let me explain.
Last year, while I was still in school, I had a class where we talked about how we can teach children how to handle their feelings. Someone likened it to different types of storms. For example, getting to school late would be compared to little raindrops, whereas losing a parent or a loved one would be considered a hurricane. Helping students to categorize their feelings with something they can understand seemed to be a good way for them to gauge their feelings and how to react to those moments in life.
This morning, I let Mischa out to stretch before Michael took him outside to go potty. I was so distracted with doing my hair that I failed to notice that Mischa Boy peed on our duvet cover. Complete soak through. So not only did I have to wash the cover, but the nice down duvet underneath. Thank goodness for Ikea and their washable duvets...I didn't want to drop it off at the cleaners. So that was how my morning began.
It gets better...due to my car being in Provo, Michael took me to work today...we were a little bit late because of the disaster this morning, so I got to school a tiny bit late for my cone duty. At this point, it is a complete downpour...on the outside of course but I am still keeping it together on the inside. Michael helped my to my classroom with some juice and cookies because tomorrow is my birthday and I thought I would bring treats to share with my class. He was carrying the juice, I was carrying the cookies. Next thing I know, the juice is on the ground. The bag broke. (I knew I should have double bagged it like the check out girl did last night at the grocery store.) Anyway, one of the lids broke off and we lost a little bit of juice as well as the lid, so know I have three quarters of a bottle of juice with no lid to share with my class. At least I had another right? Moving on. As Michael and I are dealing with the juice fiasco, one of the little girls in my class comes and says, "My mom says that we are going to have juice and cookies today!" Great. Thanks Mrs. So and So for ruining the surprise. (I happened to be behind her in the checkout line last night...we talked.) So where am I at at this point in my morning? Bad things happening: 3, Good things happening: 0. Oh yeah, I have cone duty this week. That means that I have to set out the cones every morning for a little safe cross walk/bike path for our students because I was fortunate enough to get a job at a school that didn't have those things. So the teachers have to sacrifice their morning time to do that job. As I was heading back out into the rain to do my duty someone offered me their umbrella. Let me interject that I was in a pretty bad mood already and I let my pride get in the way from accepting this umbrella from someone that I already had a little bit of hard feelings for, so I said no. Zoom to this moment right now. I am quite damp and I smell like a wet dog. You know, I prayed this morning that I would have love and patience in my heart for my students and I have been really tested today, but the last thing I feel is that love and patience. I was looking forward to today. To sharing my birthday with my class, to being upbeat and happy to be here. But I am having a little bit of a rainy day on the inside and the rainstorm on the outside didn't help anything.
At least their is silver lining to my morning. One student remembered my birthday. He brought me a treat and note. I started to cry. Those were good rain drops. Maybe today will turn out.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Did you stay up late last night?

At our school, during lunch, they allow the older students to be hall monitors. These "hall monitors" sit in chairs at designated areas with usually a book, and a notebook and pencil to take the names of students who are breaking the rules during the lunch period. I have had the pleasure of witnessing the work of these glorified narks, and I must say that I am not impressed. A lot of the times they are sitting in the chairs with their friends standing around, friends who should be at lunch recess, laughing, and acting tough, as most sixth graders think they are, but alas, the monitors allow their friends to do so in the name of power.
Today, just after the lunch bell rang, the nark and his cohort came into my class saying that Student B, yes that student, was reading in the hall and wouldn't leave. Apparently, Student B saw another student sitting in the hall reading, and thought he could too...I mean, why not, so after being asked to go back outside, and his not doing so, the monitor wrote is name down as a threat. Wow. This is compelling stuff. Let me get to the reason for this blog...So being the responsible teacher that I am, I called Student B over to give him the spiel on obeying the rules and doing what the monitor tells him to do, when Student B says, "Did you stay up late last night?" In my mind, I am thinking, "Excuse me?" So proceeded to ask him why. His response..."You have dark circles under your eyes." Thank you Student B. I appreciate the fact that you like to point out and also bring out the worst in people.

I think he is out to get me.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Wash Away

Lately I have been feeling like I am in a sort of limbo. I am between jobs if you will, and the feeling accompanying this less than desirable state that I find myself in is somewhere between anxiety/tearful outbursts and nonchalance/shoulder shrugs. I hate it. I keep telling myself that everything will work out the way it is supposed to...but I also worry that nothing will come about without worrying about it, and when I say worrying, I mean the kind of worry where I compulsively check my e-mail, and the job posts every few hours. I might be getting ulcers.Can I get a sympathy vote?

Monday, April 12, 2010

6 signs that I already miss spring break...

I couldn't get up this morning.
Student B was the first one I saw...and I groaned (on the inside of course).
While driving to school this morning I was already thinking about what I was going to do after school.
Faculty meeting tomorrow at 7:45 am...I hate faculty meeting, it is so boring.
I thought about bringing my book that I have been reading all week for Silent Sustained Reading.
I checked the lunch rotation schedule to see if 2nd grade goes first this week...at 10:00 am.

You are probably asking yourself, "why did she go into teaching?" I know, right? Let me see if I can clear the confusion. There is something called a 'teaching slump'. It starts around November, and ends in January...after Christmas break. Teachers come back revitalized and ready to take on the new year, except mine hasn't ended. I think it is because I have first year teacher syndrome. The symptoms? Glazed over look in the eyes, ragged unkempt appearance, frequent yawning, constant clock watching and day counting, severe allergic reactions to boogers, dirty finger-nails, lice, and all odors associated with seven year olds. Sudden death may also occur.

If anyone knows the symptoms of a second year teacher, please forward the info to me. I am ready to sign up for another year, but I need to know if there is a vaccine.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Working Together

Michael and I recently received some information that was rather unpleasant. We owe the beautiful state of Utah $653.21. To help ease the agony of emptying our pockets of what seems like all we have, I decided to take on some extra work during my spring break at PC Provo, owned by our good friend Paul, and in the same building as Arco Lock and Key...where my Dearest works.
This morning, Michael and I got up together, left for work together, and worked together...me in one room, he in the other. It was nice knowing that he was just 10 or so feet away working hard for our family, and that I was in another trying to make a contribution to the Rawle Household deficit.
I knew that I would relish my time with Michael...but I was somewhat surprised to find out that he did too.
I got this text later on in the day after I had left.
"It was nice having you close by today :) I liked it a lot! XOXO"
I guess we will have to review the rules for interoffice relationships. I will speak to the Manager of Arco...I don't think he will object...he even might support PDA.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Yikes!

I had a revelation about myself today. I don't know why I am just noticing this...or maybe I have noticed it all along but didn't want to admit it out of justification, but it was that I am so quick to my emotion of anger. I don't let things stew or simmer for awhile...I boil right away. In my haste to be angry at every wrong turn against me, I usually feel this sense of vindication, and the pitiful and sick part of it all is that I enjoy it. My defense weapons of choice? My sharp tongue and a cold shoulder.
I know my mother knows all about this. When I was younger, I could have argued with her all day. Usually it was about the dumbest, most lame sauce of reasons, but contending was my game. Am I proud of this? No. Absolutely not.
So why the revelation today?
Maybe I will find out tomorrow, or the next day.
But yeah, yikes.
I better change.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Where are you chocolate pudding pie?

The other day Michael came home saying that 7 Eleven had some really good mini fruit and pudding pies...you know, the ones like Hostess makes, except 7 Eleven had their own brand and they put lots of sugar on the outside of the crust. That night happened to be date night, so I mentioned going to 7 Eleven to get one. We went to the one in Springville by our house and do you think they had a chocolate pudding pie? No. Not one. They of course had gross cherry, and lemon, and peach...but no chocolate. (I won't even touch a pastry if it has some sort of fruit concoction in the middle. It has to be chocolate.) The next week we were grocery shopping at Fresh Market and I decided to take a look at their chocolate pudding pie inventory. Nothing again, except for the Little Cutie brand, but it only takes one bite to finish their pies, so it didn't tempt me (but I came away with a few to quench my hunger for the real deal until I could find where they have been taking cover.) Last night we went to Wal-Mart to buy a printer, and again, I thought we should check to see if they had any of the illusive chocolate pudding pies. Goose Egg. Today at lunch, I brought my knock-off chocolate pudding pie, but regardless of the cute size and smiley packaging...it didn't do anything for me. I felt cheated.
Wherever you are regular-sized chocolate pudding pie, I will find you. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but sometime. The hope of finding you brings with it the promise of a sweet reunion.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Crocs are a travesty

This post is in response to the many people that I see sporting the Birkenstocks of the new millenium...Crocs (and the cheap knock-offs that they put their kids in.)
I am sure that I have been no stranger to an occasional fashion faux pas,yet I feel it is my duty to warn the people and save them from the end all be all of crimes against the foot... Crocs. Lets face it, it is just another forum for socks and sandals folk, which is the last thing anyone should be subjected to.
Moving aside from opinion to actual facts...wearing Crocs puts you on a collision course with pain. Click Here.
My last attempt to save the human race from this gross misinterpretation of a shoe...


Friday, March 19, 2010

25 Random Things

I recently came across a "25 Random Things" chain letter so to speak...and decided I would partake in the randomness of it because I lack anything better to write this week and I am a pretty good list maker. So here goes, 25 random things about me;

1. I love Michael so much, but lately I have had a growing crush on Richard Armitage (the actor, not the politician)
2. It is almost 1:00 p.m. and I am still in my jamjams (as Erin would say on "The Office")but I feel it is warranted since today is a furlough day, and I deserve it.
3. My kitchen smells, except I can't imagine why. There is no food out, and the kitchen is sorta clean, so now I am pretty sure it is my garbage, but I don't want to open the lid to take it out. I'll wait 'til Michael comes home, he's fought some pretty fierce stink battles in the past and came out victorious...
4. Mischa Boy loves to take socks, underwear, and anything else he can get his paws on, under the bed...where the items go to die, and never return. He pretty much sets up shop under the bed and it is almost impossible to get him out. We have tried numerous ways to get him out, but to no avail. Finally, I tried knocking on the door, or wall, and he comes running out to see who's at the door. It works like a charm, but I feel sorta guilty tricking him all of the time...and then he does it again, and the guilt goes away.
5. I am feeling sort of bad that I am leaving the garbage for Michael to deal with, so I am going to take it out.
6. I am graduating in a month with a four year degree that took seven years to get.
7. I registered for graduation convocation on the deadline date...that should tell you something about me and why it took seven years to get my degree. I procrastinate.
8. I got a new phone last week and I have been too afraid to put it in my purse. I don't want it to get scratched by my keys, so I hold it in my hand like a tool.
9. Parent/Teacher conferences were last night. The PTA provided a dinner for us and I dripped gravy on my white camisole. I looked really professional.
10. Another 2nd grade teacher showed me this really cool number trick that you can play with your students and they think that you can read their minds. I did it for my class this past week and all my students thought it was really cool...except one. Student B ruined it for me. I think he did it on purpose, so I just won't call on him anymore when I do the trick. That makes me feel better.
11. I have lots of laundry to do. I hate laundry. I hate folding laundry. As of late, and I hope my mom doesn't read this, but because we have so many whites...instead of folding them, I have taken to just shoving them in a drawer.
12. Post #11 got me thinking about how my mom and grandma do things and how opposite I have turned out from them. My mom irons her pillowcases. My grandma won't leave the house without her hair or makeup done. She manages to look beautiful even in a sweatshirt and jeans. Mom gets up early every morning and runs. They both wear dish gloves so as not to ruin their hands and nails. How did I turn out the way I did? I shove things in a drawer...I go shopping in my pajamas sometimes...I hate running!
13. I am starting to regret this 25 things list...I am getting bored.
14. I always wanted to be described as exotic looking. It has always conjured up the prettiest of people in my mind. Instead, my husband says that I am unique looking. I love him lots, and I know he loves me and thinks I am beautiful, so I will go with unique looking...I guess it is endearing.
15. My new couch creaks. I wish we had bought a different one.
16. Sometimes, as I walk up or down the three flights of stairs to our condo, I wonder how it will be when I am in labor and trying to get down to the car, or how I will carry the baby and whatever else back up the stairs. (I am not pregnant, by the way.)
17. I avoid looking at my bank account. Even when I was single I hated looking at it. I don't think I have seen it since I got married.
18. I bought these really nice, clear spice bottles at IKEA to hold all of our spices because I hated how the store bought bottles looked. Now, I can't tell which spice is which.
19. My alter ego is my ROCKBAND avatar. I spend more time changing her clothes, hair and accessories than I do actually playing ROCKBAND.
20. For the past month and a half or so, I have boycotted Wal-Mart, based on moral principle. I am going through withdrawals. I miss their low prices, and the fact that it is a one stop shop mecca.
21. I want to write a book. I always have, but the thought of actually sitting down to do it is daunting, so I end up just telling the story in my head.
22. I have never liked seeing people eat alone. Especially in really public places like a restaurant. If they just had a book or something to read, it would make me feel better. I was shocked to hear that my own mother ate alone in Vegas! I thought we both agreed that it was sad looking.
23. I love documentaries. I think that is why reality tv has such a hold on me...as well as The Office.
24. Whenever I get close to the edge of something I always get this sick feeling in my stomach like I am going to fall. I also don't like glass elevators. They make my legs weak.
25. I wish I was friends with someone famous. Maybe even their closest confidant.

Monday, March 15, 2010

My Big Mike


I just got back from seeing the movie "Blindside"...and I cried all the way through it. It was such a good movie! When I first heard that they called Michael Oher, "Big Mike", it made me think of the time that I called my own husband, Big Mike. He was commenting on Facebook that he would like to be one of Robin Hood's merry men, and I asked him if he would be Big Mike...you know, Little John...Big Mike, it seemed to fit. Anyway, after seeing the movie, and feeling inspired and full of love, I decided to dedicate this post to my Big Mike.
I love Michael with all my heart. He works so hard for our family, makes sure that we are taken care of, and even when money is tight, he always gives me just a little bit of my own to spend on what I want. He gets up every morning, takes the dog out, and then makes my lunch. He gets home after a long day, and helps me make dinner. He helps keep the house clean, helps motivate me when I don't want to do anymore, and always makes me laugh. He always opens the door for me, lets me go first, gives me his pocket change, and if there is only a little bit of ice cream left, he lets me have that too. I love my Big Mike. In so many more ways than I can write.

Friday, March 5, 2010

I need a job.

This is a pretty scary time for me as a teacher. Because of the nature of my position, I do not have a job for the next school year. I have been looking everyday...but nothing is available. Some things might become available later on...but I do not want to miss any opportunities. This coming Friday I am going to a Utah Teacher Recruitment Fair, I am hoping for the best, but still, I can't get those hopes up too high. If I do not get a teaching job for next school year...I will need a job that pays at least $10.00 an hour to be able to survive. Keep your eyes open for me...lets hope and pray for the best! Luckily, I will at least have a college degree going for me. I guess that is what you would call silver lining to this situation.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Distractions.

Right at this very moment, my blood is boiling. I am angry. Because I cannot quickly remedy the situation, I need to take my mind off of what makes me want to spew vitriolic rhetoric to the deserving party. I decided I would focus on things that I love, rather than what makes me hate.

1. Waking up early and realizing that I can sleep in.

-I love when this happens! Although, I usually get up anyway, and I seem to enjoy my morning when I know I don't have to be anywhere.

2. The sun on my back.

-I never realize how important this is to me until we go through months of cold and darkness. Today, the sun was shining, and it brought with it hope that soon the sun will be out and shining brightly everyday.

3. New haircuts.

-I think just getting pampered in any way has therapeutic effects. I recently watched "The Beauty Academy of Kabul" on Netflix, and it reaffirmed my belief that a girl needs pampering attention at least every six weeks...at least thats what my split ends tell me.

4. The satisfaction that comes from having a clean house.

-I have started to notice that after everytime I clean my house, I have a desire to just sit and enjoy the feeling. Other feelings that have accompanied the moment; having a bowl of cereal, reading, scrapbooking, and getting up in the middle of the night to watch T.V. (I think I experience these side effects because having a clean house doesn't cause stress...and when I am not stressed, these are things I enjoy.)

5. Fresh flowers.

-I have always enjoyed getting flowers. Although, it is hard for me to enjoy the flowers if the house is messy, so for me to fully enjoy its effects, everything about #4 has to be in place.

6. Late Friday nights

-I love knowing that I can stay up late without repercussions the next morning. It also seems to lengthen my weekend. When Michael and I were first married, and we were both in school, there were nights that we sometimes just didn't feel like doing anything responsible. Somehow, those nights we ended up calling "fun nights." Michael would say, "do you want to just have a fun night?" I would reply always with a resounding yes...and then we would probably watch a movie, or t.v. and eat ice cream.

7. New socks.

-I love the way a new sock feels on my foot. I love how the elastic is still tight, and how perfectly white the cotton is. It is foot heaven for about $6.00, if you get the six pair pack. My favorite type: No show. Recently I have been rocking the No Nonsense brand, and they are true to their name.

Writing about what makes me happy has helped take my mind off of the negative. However, it just means that I will have to take care of it later, so all I really did was procrastinate. Thanks for reading.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Too Much...


Every night for the past couple of weeks we have been watching BBC Television's Robin Hood on Netflix. We are now in Season 2, and our favorite character is Much, Robin's servant from Locksley, and companion during the crusades. Much now fights as one of Robin's "Merry Men" and is the comic relief of the show. The show itself is silly at times, and sort of cheesy, but I highly recommend it. It has something for everyone...romance, intrigue, action, comedy, etc.

Much to Robin: "How can I prove my loyalty to you? I'll cut off both my arms just to prove my loyalty...well, I'll cut off one because once that one is off, I won't be able to cut off the other one."

Check it out.

Friday, February 26, 2010

My teacher is the best because...

The PTA at our school wanted the students to fill out a questionnaire about the school, their teacher, what has been their favorite thing so far this year, etc. Before I handed them in, I took a peek, I just wanted to see what they said about me. I don't know if I was supposed to or not, but since I was the one collecting them, it didn't bother my conscience. The question I was most interested in finding out what my students thought was, "My teacher is the best because?" Here are their responses, all 20 of them. (All of the responses are typed how they were written)

1. She help ueas
2. She tell's funny story's
3. She les us play games
4. She is beautiful
5. Clas parteys
6. She is funny
7-13. She is nice
14. She techise
15. She loves me and I love her
16. She is a girl
17. Funy
18. She helps me
19. We get to have class partys
20. She teaches gould

This is what I actually learned from their responses:
1. The PTA is going to think that all we do is play games and have class parties
2. I haven't taught my students a thing about spelling (ex. gould, techise, funy,ueas, parteys, etc.)
3. I am glad that it is obvious that I am girl
4. I feel better knowing that 8 year olds think I am funny

Thursday, February 25, 2010




Mischa Boy...Our Little Daydreamer



Once Michael and I bought a place, I wanted a dog right away. Gone were the days of "No Pets Allowed." I was met with resistance, of course. Michael didn't want some dog tearing up our new house and having accidents all over the carpet. I didn't blame him...but I still wanted a dog. I would look on KSL Classifieds everyday. I saw so many cute puppies, dogs that needed a new home, and rescued dogs who were just looking for someone to love them. I would have Michael sit next to me and humor me by looking through all of the ads...and then we came across Mischa's ad. It wasn't his breed that caught our eyes, it was his picture. Here was this little fox staring at us with big,sad,brown eyes.It was then that Michael and I were finally on the same page. I called the next day and said that I wanted him. The lady selling him told us that she raised sled dogs, and that his breed was actually a mix between a Shiba Inu, and a Miniature American Eskimo. Because of both mine and Michael's schedule, we weren't able to get him until the weekend, so we had a couple of days to wait and plan. We went to the store and bought him toys, food, a collar and a leash. We still had to name him though. Me, being the silly person that I am, got out the baby name book. Because he looked like a little wolf or fox, I asked Michael what those names were in Spanish. Lobo, and Zorro. My grandparent's had a little dog named Lobo, so that was out, and I honestly don't know why we didn't name him Zorro. I kind of like it now that I hear it, but we ended up calling him Mischa. Translation: Nickname for Michael in Russian...go figure. After we chose his name, we went and got his dog tag. That Friday, we drove up to Evanston to pick up the newest addition to our family. All this time, I was thinking that we were going to get a normal, happy puppy that would be rambunctious, and playful. I was so wrong. When we got him, he was already car sick on the ride down to where we were to meet to pick him up. He was so scared that he wouldn't go potty, he wouldn't look at us, and he threw up in the car. We got him home and he wouldn't move. He just laid there. All night. I cried. What was wrong with my puppy? I remember praying so much that weekend for him. I wanted him to love us, to be comfortable with us. But he wasn't. I was heartbroken. I felt helpless. Even though he is an animal, he is my little baby. I learned a portion of what it must feel like to actually have a child and to be a parent. He has since come out of being scared, but it is slow going...
These days, Mischa likes to play around with other dogs, but his favorite thing to do is look out the window. I will often find him behind the curtains, just looking. He is our little daydreamer...I wonder what he thinks about.

I'm a teacher...

While stalking around on Facebook, I came across a group called, " Teachers call it 'the bathroom, we call it, 'I'm bored, I'm leaving'"...so true. I can't tell you how many times any one of my students come up to me during math, or literacy centers and ask if they can go to the bathroom! I know that they are just trying to get out of work. I know this because I used to do the same thing! I used to have bathroom passes, but they became ragged after many uses, so I threw them all away. Under the guise of, "my students are old enough to remember to go during recess", I was just too lazy to make new ones.
Here are a few antics that students are famous for...

1. Student says, "Oh, I get it now!", just so I will go away.
2. When the student pretends to think when I look at them.
3. Student says, "Teacher, you look really nice today." What student really means: I did something bad and I don't want her to get me in trouble.
4.When I leave the room and tell them to be quiet, I know they are having a rave. (Sometimes I stand outside my door and listen, or I peek in the window...)
5. I ask, "Why were you in the bathroom so long?", student answers, "I had diarrhea!" or my personal favorite, "I had a lot of poop!".
6. When I call on a student who has their hand raised, student pauses and then proceeds to say, "I forgot." You didn't forget...you just wanted to be called on. (This at first annoyed me, but now it sort of hurts my heart because I know they aren't getting enough attention...)
7. Whenever I say, "You may work with a partner...", students reach across their desk and touch their friend, or they look at their friend as if to say, "let's be partners". I hate this! They never listen to the rest of my instructions and inevitably I get students coming up to me asking me questions I already answered in my instructions!
8. One student whistles, or makes some noise, I say, "stop", student does it again to see what will happen...
9. Students will do anything for candy.
10. Any tiny little scrape requires a bandage...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I have been inspired.

So after seeing so many blogs, and realizing that almost everyone in the modern world blogs, I was inspired to start my own, and hopped aboard the blog train with everyone else. Here I go...

The past couple of weeks it has been really hard for me to get out of bed. I think it is because we recently got Netflix. We have been staying up late watching the most random array of movies and television shows. Most recently it has been the BBC's production of Robin Hood, but it started with LA Ink, SNL sketches, and interesting documentaries. By the time 7:00 a.m. comes around, I reset my alarm for 7:45, and then again for 8:00. I am supposed to be at the school by 8:30...yeah, it hasn't been happening. I get up, quickly shower, pull my hair back into my best librarian bun (which doesn't look good by the way), and head out the door. I am lucky that I have a husband that gets up, takes Mischa out, and makes my lunch for me. If it wasn't for him, I would be having school lunch, or no lunch at all. He takes good care of our little family.
I know that I shouldn't stay up as late as I do, but old habits die hard I guess. What's in our queue tonight? Episode 8 of Robin Hood...I am stoked. Wish me luck for tomorrow morning...7:00 a.m. comes so early!