On really tough days the only thing I want when I come home are a glass of wine, tasty food, Snake Juice and The Flu. Let me explain.
Eric and I have recently discovered Parks and Rec, and to be honest, are completely in love. He claims that the reason he finds the show so funny is because I am Leslie Knope. Strangely enough, when I watch it, I find myself connecting to her in a way that I rarely connect to female characters in any media. My two favorite episodes are Snake Juice (technically called "The Fight") and The Flu (technically called "The Flu"). Every single time I see Ron Swanson drunk-dancing with a teeny little french hat on his head, I lose it. I think I have now watched that episode ten times, and it still makes me laugh out loud during the last 15 minutes. "The Flu" on the other hand gives me hope because Leslie is such a badass. Giving a 10 minute speech to all the business owners in Pawnee, while burning up with 104 degree temperature, gives me the kick in the butt that I need.
Having said all that, today was a Snake Juice and Flu day. I needed to laugh out loud and I needed a shot in the arm of encouragement. A moment to forget everything, and a moment to realize that I am a badass and can do anything I put my mind to. The thing is, the kids were not awful today, as I have seen them be in the past, but they were just getting on my last nerve. Jessica was gone today and I was not only trying to fight my own class' laziness, but I was also trying to keep hers under control. Sometimes I wonder why it is that they cannot just chill out and make good decisions. Can anyone answer that question? Why can't they just do the right thing because it's the right thing to do?
For example, I have a student named Ricky who has earned himself two days of working in the office alone. This all came after he earned 4 detentions last week, and has earned 3 more this week. He simply refuses to think about ANYTHING besides his own immediate gratification. At one point today, I look up to see him sneaking out of the office and kneeling next to a desk at one of the stations, hoping I would not see him. Seriously? That earned him an additional day of solitude.
As raw as my nerves were when I came home, I have realized, after a dose of my own home remedies, that I must live to fight another day. This is not personal, their just junior highers. They need more structure now than they did a month ago, and I'm just going to have to push them in order to get the results I need. It's not personal, it's business. Strange how these things so often do become personal . . .
At least I know that I have Snake Juice and The Flu waiting for me tomorrow. And only 13 days left of school.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Barrel of Monkeys
I learned something new today. A group of monkeys is called a troop or a barrel. I was trying to think of a way to describe my kids this afternoon, and this phrase is what popped into my head. Little did I know, it is the literal term.
Three weeks left of school. The kids know this. The teachers know this. Everyone knows this. What we also know is that the majority of the schools in the neighborhood are already finished and their 8th graders graduated this weekend. Try motivating 64 eighth graders to complete research on a Chicago history topic while their peers are running around enjoying their summer vacation. Needless to say today was not entirely successful.
I have really grown to love these kids. They have worked harder for Jessica (my amazing teaching partner) and I than I could have ever imagined and they've got the scores to prove it. They're goofy, loveable and hard-working. They're turning into snarky 9th graders, which normally, I think is hysterical. Today was not that day. My wonderful afternoon class (whom I NEVER have problems with) came into my room this afternoon like a barrel of monkeys, and despite my absolute best efforts I COULD NOT GET THEM ON TASK. That is, until I threatened to take away their specials this week if they didn't get their work done. They quieted down for a while, so I turned on a little music in the background (I despise a silent classroom). Before I know it, the monkeys returned. I turned off the music and made them work in silence. It was an unbelievably boring afternoon.
Like I said, a love-hate relationship.
Three weeks left of school. The kids know this. The teachers know this. Everyone knows this. What we also know is that the majority of the schools in the neighborhood are already finished and their 8th graders graduated this weekend. Try motivating 64 eighth graders to complete research on a Chicago history topic while their peers are running around enjoying their summer vacation. Needless to say today was not entirely successful.
I have really grown to love these kids. They have worked harder for Jessica (my amazing teaching partner) and I than I could have ever imagined and they've got the scores to prove it. They're goofy, loveable and hard-working. They're turning into snarky 9th graders, which normally, I think is hysterical. Today was not that day. My wonderful afternoon class (whom I NEVER have problems with) came into my room this afternoon like a barrel of monkeys, and despite my absolute best efforts I COULD NOT GET THEM ON TASK. That is, until I threatened to take away their specials this week if they didn't get their work done. They quieted down for a while, so I turned on a little music in the background (I despise a silent classroom). Before I know it, the monkeys returned. I turned off the music and made them work in silence. It was an unbelievably boring afternoon.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Breakfast in the city
One of my absolute favorite things about living in this bustling city is the fact that I can wake up on a lazy Sunday morning, walk 3 blocks in any direction and sit down for a delicious breakfast. We were going to try a different place this morning, so we walked up Lincoln Ave to the "Salt and Pepper Diner," only to find it closed for remodeling. Well shit. So we headed east to Clark for some pancakes at "Orange with a Peel," and halfway there we changed our mind. The orange is a pretty fancy brunch place, and we wanted biscuits and gravy with french toast. Plain and Simple. So we headed south down Halstead and eventually hit the "Uptowner" on Lincoln about a block from the house. It was perfect. Got a good walk in and had a simple breakfast of greasy food to kill the slight wine hangover.
I cannot begin to express how much I love living here. I don't think I have ever been this happy in a single location. Yes, this year has been incredibly stressful at work, but next year will be immeasurably easier. The biggest difference between here and Phoenix is that I'm not miserable at work AND miserable in the city. It makes things a quite a bit more tolerable.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A tale of two cities.
I have spent the last five days in the desert, and it was an incredible confirmation that I made the right choice in moving this year. I had forgotten how ugly, boring and routine Phoenix actually is. It is the definition of urban-sprawl, and I hated being there. Don't get me wrong, I had an amazing time with Jenn and Caitlyn. Got some hiking in (I desperately miss that part!) and spent time with some good friends, but geez is it good to be back. The difference between the two cities is indescribable. I came back to people walking around on the streets, green lawns and blossoming trees. The smell of rain in the air and an incredible view of the lake. As opposed to barren, brown, flat and empty fields. Scrub brushes and cactus. Strip malls and mega shopping centers. How I made it four years, I will never know.
Not to mention the fact that I was actually proud of my school and life while I was there. As we discussed work and our jobs, I couldn't help but be excited about the place I work and all the good things that are happening there. For the first time in four years, I was not embarrassed or frustrated with my school. I was not dreading going back to work on Monday, and did not have to take part in the endless, brutal gossip circle. I was very unsure of what this year would bring, but in all honesty, I would not change it for the world.
Not to mention the fact that I was actually proud of my school and life while I was there. As we discussed work and our jobs, I couldn't help but be excited about the place I work and all the good things that are happening there. For the first time in four years, I was not embarrassed or frustrated with my school. I was not dreading going back to work on Monday, and did not have to take part in the endless, brutal gossip circle. I was very unsure of what this year would bring, but in all honesty, I would not change it for the world.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Pushing them even more. . . .
The last four months have been spent pushing my kids harder than they've ever worked before. My teaching partner and I have taken them to levels that I don't think they've ever been. It has been an incredibly hard road, but we've hung in there and are seeing some amazing results. They're starting to get accepted to high schools (GOOD high schools), they're becoming more responsible, they're test scores are increasing, and they're working harder. Like I said, it's been a rough couple months.
The funny thing is, the next four months are the hard part. This is very difficult for Jessica and I to imagine, but it's true. Not only do we have to get them ready for high school (incredibly challenging high schools at that), but we are also going to be dealing with "senioritis." And so it begins.
This week we've added two new things to our rooms. I have started a "9th grade Reading" book shelf, accompanied with a list of standard 9th grade literature. I'm very excited to see what kinds of things they choose and if they are really going to be up for that challenge. This thrills me. I've never had the opportunity to share really incredible literature with my students, and I cannot wait to start showing them some of my favorites.
Jessica and I are both adding a chart that tells everyone what schools the kids have been accepted to. It's the size of a wall, and whenever they get accepted to a different high school they can add it under their name. We've been desperately trying the route of positive reinforcement over negative, and it seems ot be working. I think this will be something they can be proud of, not to mention the reality check that they will get each time they look at it - ONLY FOUR MORE MONTHS. I'm excited to see how the kids respond!
The funny thing is, the next four months are the hard part. This is very difficult for Jessica and I to imagine, but it's true. Not only do we have to get them ready for high school (incredibly challenging high schools at that), but we are also going to be dealing with "senioritis." And so it begins.
This week we've added two new things to our rooms. I have started a "9th grade Reading" book shelf, accompanied with a list of standard 9th grade literature. I'm very excited to see what kinds of things they choose and if they are really going to be up for that challenge. This thrills me. I've never had the opportunity to share really incredible literature with my students, and I cannot wait to start showing them some of my favorites.
Jessica and I are both adding a chart that tells everyone what schools the kids have been accepted to. It's the size of a wall, and whenever they get accepted to a different high school they can add it under their name. We've been desperately trying the route of positive reinforcement over negative, and it seems ot be working. I think this will be something they can be proud of, not to mention the reality check that they will get each time they look at it - ONLY FOUR MORE MONTHS. I'm excited to see how the kids respond!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Finally leaving the house . . .
The last few weeks have been crazy busy (as usual), with the end of the quarter looming. This week I decided I was going to leave the house, as opposed to my normal routine of waking up at 5AM, going to work for 13 hours, coming home, eating, grading papers and passing out. It's time to get out and about!
On Wednesday I met the knitters up at Brehon Pub on Wells Street just outside of downtown. It's a small little pub with minimal tv's which are turned all the way down. We usually take the back room and the waitress knows us by name. Special for the day: Fat Tire $4 and Pulled Pork Sandwich $5.50. A perfect dinner for the week I've had this week! I've been working on my first fair-isle scarf for Holly's birthday (which was yesterday). The progress has been slow, but it's coming along. I think this outing alone took me through the rest of the week successfully.
This weekend is going to be just what I needed. I slept for about 10 hours last night (a little sleep deprived, I think) and did not even move until about 6:00 this morning. This morning I'm going to meet Cate at "Orange with a Peel," do some shopping at Ann Taylor Loft, and then head home for maybe a nap and some lounging. Tonight, I'm meeting Joy up at Bloke's and Birds for a few drinks and time with friends. It's been so long since I've been out and about in the city, that I'm really looking forward to it.
On Wednesday I met the knitters up at Brehon Pub on Wells Street just outside of downtown. It's a small little pub with minimal tv's which are turned all the way down. We usually take the back room and the waitress knows us by name. Special for the day: Fat Tire $4 and Pulled Pork Sandwich $5.50. A perfect dinner for the week I've had this week! I've been working on my first fair-isle scarf for Holly's birthday (which was yesterday). The progress has been slow, but it's coming along. I think this outing alone took me through the rest of the week successfully.
This weekend is going to be just what I needed. I slept for about 10 hours last night (a little sleep deprived, I think) and did not even move until about 6:00 this morning. This morning I'm going to meet Cate at "Orange with a Peel," do some shopping at Ann Taylor Loft, and then head home for maybe a nap and some lounging. Tonight, I'm meeting Joy up at Bloke's and Birds for a few drinks and time with friends. It's been so long since I've been out and about in the city, that I'm really looking forward to it.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 already?
My intention was to start the new year with a new post and new insights. Didn't quite happen.
So here we are at the end of January, almost the end of the second quarter and I've been in the city for just a bit over 6 months. I still cannot believe that I live in this city. I still walk down the street, look around and am amazed. I know that there will be bad days, but I hope I don't lose this feeling for a very very long time.
It is currently 7 degrees outside and feels like -9, with the expectation of 4 - 6" of snow tomorrow. So this is a Chicago winter. Last weekend we got 8 inches of snow, it melted off, and now we are to get 6 more. Welcome back to the midwest. I don't mind it so much, except that my thin Arizona blood has not quite thickened up for this yet. I'm freezing my ass off! I must admit though, I do appreciate the fact that our building is all windows. With it getting dark so early, I can't imagine being back in a concrete building with no windows. I think I would go crazy.
Mom and Dad came out last weekend for the first time. We had a great time, and did lots of incredible things. I think they were a little overwhelmed by the city, as they haven't been here in over 30 years. When they arrived, they met me at school and I gave them the grand tour. I must admit, it's a pretty impressive building with great things to brag about! We went back and met Eric for dinner up on Clark St. at Galway Arms (great local Irish pub with great food). On Saturday we decided to go to the Museum of Science and Industry down in Hyde Park. I was trying to find something that dad would enjoy (as well as mom), and this seemed like just the right place. When we got down there, we realized that the U-505 boat was there and bought tickets to tour the inside. It was quite a tour! The museum has built an entire underground wing to host this U-boat with a HUGE exhibit. Dad was completely enthralled the entire time. We also saw the Rocky Mountain Express at the Imax theater about the Canadian Railroad going through the Rockies. It was impressive as well. After the museum, I took them to Lou Malnati's on Lincoln Ave. for some authentic Chicago-style pizza. Delicious. As always.
On Sunday we went out to brunch at Orange with a Peel (my favorite brunch place so far), and then to the Episcopal church on Fullerton. While breakfast was delicious, I need to remember that dad prefers a more traditional breakfast for next time. It was a little to "tastefull" for him . . . pear, cucumber, orange, pecans, cinnamon-maple, ginger, etc. A bit too much. Church was interesting though, cold in the building, but interesting. After church we headed over to the Navy Pier and walked out onto the end. I have not been out there yet, and it was probably too cold to do it on Sunday, but we had a great time! The lake is so beautiful, it doesn't even matter what time of year. When we finally went back inside the peer, we had Chicago-style hot dogs and Garrett's popcorn. Couldn't get any better for a Sunday afternoon.
Finally, on Sunday night, we went to see "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Apollo Theater. It was a show about Johnny Cash, Elivs Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis meeting at the Sun Records studio in the 50's, and creating a recording together. It was very well done, with all live music, which dad loved. A perfect ending to a wonderful weekend. They went home on Monday morning, after making pancakes and eggs for breakfast.
Even though we had a fantastic time, I am desperately looking forward to this weekend full of nothing. Drinks with the girls on Friday night, lesson plans and grading papers on Saturday and brunch with the knitting girls on Sunday. It will be nice to have nothing to do for the first time in a month.
So here we are at the end of January, almost the end of the second quarter and I've been in the city for just a bit over 6 months. I still cannot believe that I live in this city. I still walk down the street, look around and am amazed. I know that there will be bad days, but I hope I don't lose this feeling for a very very long time.
It is currently 7 degrees outside and feels like -9, with the expectation of 4 - 6" of snow tomorrow. So this is a Chicago winter. Last weekend we got 8 inches of snow, it melted off, and now we are to get 6 more. Welcome back to the midwest. I don't mind it so much, except that my thin Arizona blood has not quite thickened up for this yet. I'm freezing my ass off! I must admit though, I do appreciate the fact that our building is all windows. With it getting dark so early, I can't imagine being back in a concrete building with no windows. I think I would go crazy.
Mom and Dad came out last weekend for the first time. We had a great time, and did lots of incredible things. I think they were a little overwhelmed by the city, as they haven't been here in over 30 years. When they arrived, they met me at school and I gave them the grand tour. I must admit, it's a pretty impressive building with great things to brag about! We went back and met Eric for dinner up on Clark St. at Galway Arms (great local Irish pub with great food). On Saturday we decided to go to the Museum of Science and Industry down in Hyde Park. I was trying to find something that dad would enjoy (as well as mom), and this seemed like just the right place. When we got down there, we realized that the U-505 boat was there and bought tickets to tour the inside. It was quite a tour! The museum has built an entire underground wing to host this U-boat with a HUGE exhibit. Dad was completely enthralled the entire time. We also saw the Rocky Mountain Express at the Imax theater about the Canadian Railroad going through the Rockies. It was impressive as well. After the museum, I took them to Lou Malnati's on Lincoln Ave. for some authentic Chicago-style pizza. Delicious. As always.
On Sunday we went out to brunch at Orange with a Peel (my favorite brunch place so far), and then to the Episcopal church on Fullerton. While breakfast was delicious, I need to remember that dad prefers a more traditional breakfast for next time. It was a little to "tastefull" for him . . . pear, cucumber, orange, pecans, cinnamon-maple, ginger, etc. A bit too much. Church was interesting though, cold in the building, but interesting. After church we headed over to the Navy Pier and walked out onto the end. I have not been out there yet, and it was probably too cold to do it on Sunday, but we had a great time! The lake is so beautiful, it doesn't even matter what time of year. When we finally went back inside the peer, we had Chicago-style hot dogs and Garrett's popcorn. Couldn't get any better for a Sunday afternoon.
Finally, on Sunday night, we went to see "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Apollo Theater. It was a show about Johnny Cash, Elivs Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis meeting at the Sun Records studio in the 50's, and creating a recording together. It was very well done, with all live music, which dad loved. A perfect ending to a wonderful weekend. They went home on Monday morning, after making pancakes and eggs for breakfast.
Even though we had a fantastic time, I am desperately looking forward to this weekend full of nothing. Drinks with the girls on Friday night, lesson plans and grading papers on Saturday and brunch with the knitting girls on Sunday. It will be nice to have nothing to do for the first time in a month.
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