the joys of teaching

I really do enjoy teaching, but some days do come along that I feel like I need to reconvince myself. Subbing is a little intimidating sometimes because of the fear of the unknown: what the class will be like, quality of the plans, and countless other "little things" that could quickly turn into "big things". Yesterday, was one of those days I wasn't whole heartedly enthusiastic to get back into teaching...and then I received a call this morning for the same class today.

I was in a 3rd grade, and honestly, it was an ok day until 2 boys almost got into a brawl. The disrespect, even after being reprimanded, and feeling of entitlement on behalf of each of the boys was unacceptable and frustrating for me. I did the best I was able to in the situation with the amount of time I had, but it still left me feeling...ugghh. Is this really what I want to do? I really love the teaching part, but dealing with nasty monkey business isn't my favorite. I come home thinking, if my child ever said those things to his/her teacher...or did that to a classmate... I hope and pray my husband and I will be able to train our children, with the Lord's guidance, what is right and wrong and the proper place and respect children, I believe, should maintain and give to those in authority. I also hope these children learn too.

Yes, I was also the meanie or imcompassionate teacher when I received 2 requests for the nurses office by 2 little girls, one with a canker sore, the other a bruise she got a couple days ago. I think you're going to be ok! Am I really that bad that you want to leave on account of old bruises and a canker sore?? I do remember in 5th grade when we would race to sign up for the bathroom when the teacher would pull out her guitar. Come on now! I'm not singing Kermit the Frog songs ("It's not Easy Being Green") to you! We also sang Mariah Carey's "Hero" song. Umm, we felt a little, ...a lot, silly.

On the other hand, I had some really memorable times with these students. In Social Studies we read and discussed about farming and manufacturing. We talked about how goods are sometimes bought from other countries and we ship ours to other countries too. So, off the cuff, to make it "real" for them I told them, "if they were comfortable" to ask the partner next to them to check the tag on the neck of their t-shirt to see where it was made. You would've thought I brought in a 10 pound bag of candy! They thought this was the best activity ever! (Though I did have to emphasize NOT to take their shirts OFF...oh dear, talk about getting fired!) Students were coming up to me dragging their partner along by the tag to ask me how to read, "Indonesia" and "Malasia" and all sorts of different countries. Yes, I believe 2 or 3 were made in the good old U.S.A....I was actually surpised that many were. Watching the students make their connections and seeing that light bulb go off is such a thrill for me. These kids had down by the end of today what supply and demand meant, as well as scarcity and a couple other terms I thought were pretty hefty for 8 year olds. It was also exciting for them catching onto division with remainders.

And of course, there's always at least one flub for me when subbing. I took the kids out for recess and were just heading back in as another class was coming out. Literally, like 4 steps from the door, I watched as the little prop thing (umm, a classy piece of shingle I think), that stopped the door from shutting, fell out and left us with a locked door. The students were yelling, "AHH, we're locked out!" just as any dramatic 3rd grader would, and so I asked them what they do when this happens. "Uhh, this doesn't really happen. We could walk to the front door!" As much fun as it would be to walk alll the way around the school, most certainly disrupting each class with their windows open, we waited for someone inside to walk by and rescue us. Sure enough, within a few minutes we were back in the building to the classroom. I felt like a stupid substitute, but oh well, if that was the worse thing that happened to today...I'll settle for it.

I did take myself out for a McDonald's burger and milkshake tonight. That was my reward and wrap up to a good day! Those chocolate shakes are like a spa treatment! Well, I've never been to a spa...but I think I can make some connections!

our "new" blender thingy

Right now is one of those wonderful ahhh moments. I was thinking the other day how I could incorporate some more foods to meet my nutritious needs, and since it is soo nice out lately (it was in the 70's today, can you believe it??), I decided I would love some makings for a strawberry smoothie. Not only can I make one that gets my yogurt in (if you know me you know I'm a terrible milk drinker) and strawberries, my favorite fruit, and it is something that tastes wonderful. So, I'm using the kraft recipe with yogurt, strawberries, ice, and COOL Whip...another one of my favorite things! It is so worth it. There were some recipes that use soy milk. I wasn't too keen on that idea. If I have a hard time drinking regular milk, I would have a really hard time drinking that. Maybe you can't taste it in a smoothie. Anyway, this is delicous, and I'm going to be talking to Matt in just a little while. How could this be any better? ;) Ok, after I kill that nasty looking bug crawling across the floor, how could this get any better? I seriously could have an exterminator's license, certification or whatever they have. Maybe you just need the equipment? I usually use shoes. Someday, we'll live above the ground....ohhh, someday. I eat and dream.

Of course, the process of making this treat was an adventure and could've qualified for a good episode on Cooking Witb B. Growing up, we never owned a blender. To this day, I still have not owned a blender...persay...I sort of do now. I made lots of milkshakes but would just mix it up with a spoon. Ice is a little more difficult to work with. Matt's mom found out how much Matt and I enjoy our chocolate milkshakes, so she gave us some extra appliances they had. It's an Ultimate Chopper and Ultimate Blender combo. You have to attach both together to make the blender...maybe that's common knowledge...not for me! It was a learning experience in itself trying to put that together. The instructions give letters, A, B, C etc. but the pictures aren't labeled with letters...hmm. I finally got it hooked together and added the ingredients...yes, I did remember to put the lid on (I was worried I'd forget), and I turned it on. Boy was it loud! I thought our apartment was going to take off! It took several rounds of turning it on and adding some more ingredients because it is kind of a tiny thing and it warns against going above the fill line. So, I was so excited when I was done, I unscrewed it to pour it into my cup. Well, I unscrewed the pitcher part (which I did not know did NOT have a bottom...because that's where the blade is...go figure) and it all, well half, dumped out the bottom. Oops. I guess you're supposed to unscrew the bottom part attached to the chopper too. I still needed to pour it though, so I lifted it once again thinking I would just pour it and take care of the mess after. Yes, another not bright move as more slowly oozed out the bottom. I must have been distracted...that's it! I did end up with enough to make a nice large cup full, and then had to clean up that mess...just when I thought I had been successful at keeping the kitchen somewhat clean. It was worth it! So delicious. It uses sort of a lot of utensils but oh well. I am now familiar with our blender thing we got this almost a year ago!

*I love you! We don't have to mix with spoons anymore!!