One of my least favorite things about moving, especially to a big city, is finding new "things." New mechanics. New doctors. New dentists. New vets. New everything. I am still in that phase where everything is being replaced, and as I have been so busy over the school year, it is all piling up this summer. Something is wrong with my left tire, and I have to find a mechanic to fix it. First of all, I HATE HATE HATE dealing with car stuff. Secondly, EVERYTHING is so expensive in the city, and thirdly I don't trust the majority of mechanics. I have to do this as soon as possible, as I really would prefer my tire not fall off while driving down Lake Shore Drive.
On a positive note, most of my "news" have been taken care of in the past two weeks, and this is probably one of the last ones. Here's hoping things go smoothly.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Birthday Extravaganza!
Saturday was Eric's 35th birthday. We have both slacked off over the past few years in terms of holidays and birthdays, so I decided to crank the dial up a little. This weekend was also our friend Cate's birthday, so her husband Russ and I took matters into our own hands and planned a birthday extravaganza for the two of them.
The morning started out fairly normal, until Cate and Russ arrived at about 2pm. We had decided to go to the aquarium, dinner, concert in the park and wrap the whole night up with "The Dark Knight Rises." Once they got here, we headed out to the station on Fullerton and decided to take the Brown Line downtown because it's such a pretty view. I had never been on the brown line past Chicago Ave, and they weren't kidding! What an incredible view of the city. No more pee-smelling-dark-and-dingy red line for me; I have been revolutionized. Once we arrived downtown, we hiked over the Shedd Aquarium, cutting through Grant Park and waiting in line for at least 30 minutes before we could even go inside. For one of Eric's birthday presents I bought him a member pass, and right then and there he started giggling, he was so excited. They had extended the Jellies exhibit, and the first time we went through there were so many people that I kept stepping on toes and knocking over children. We went downstairs and looked at the otters, dolphins (a new baby this year!!) and Beluga wales, then went back up to where the Jellies had thinned out considerably. It was amazing to see these curious creatures.
We spent a few hours there and as they closed, we realized that not only were we hungry, but our feet were KILLING us, so we decided to go find some dinner. Somehow, not one of us realized how hard it was to find a place to eat at 6:30 on a Saturday night in the South Loop. We found a small diner on Plymouth near the library and gorged ourselves, forgetting that our backpacks were filled with food for the concert.
About 7:50 we made it over to the Grant Park Music Festival where Danny (Eric's step-brother) was waiting. It was just lovely to sit on the grass, talk, enjoy some food and listen to live music. Going to the concerts has quickly become one of my favorite things to do in the city. It is always stunning to me how many people show up. What an incredible time.
After the show, we caught a cab to the Icon Theater at Roosevelt and Clark to see the "Dark Knight Rises." It's a relatively nice theater with a lounge and bar/restaurant area upstairs that has an AMAZING view of the city. Our show started at 10:45, so we had a drink upstairs and then found our reserved seats. I have to admit, I was a little nervous throughout the entire movie given the fact that the shooting in Colorado had happened just days beforehand. I did notice, however, that there was a security guard sitting in the theater with a gun and handcuffs through the entire show. Probably not necessary, but it definitely put my mind at ease.
By the time we all got back to my place, we were so exhausted we just collapsed on the couch. I had not anticipated that much walking or how muggy it was going to be. After a quick, cool shower I climbed into bed and passed out until 11:00 the next morning. A true abnormality for me. As I say almost every day, I LOVE living in this city.
The morning started out fairly normal, until Cate and Russ arrived at about 2pm. We had decided to go to the aquarium, dinner, concert in the park and wrap the whole night up with "The Dark Knight Rises." Once they got here, we headed out to the station on Fullerton and decided to take the Brown Line downtown because it's such a pretty view. I had never been on the brown line past Chicago Ave, and they weren't kidding! What an incredible view of the city. No more pee-smelling-dark-and-dingy red line for me; I have been revolutionized. Once we arrived downtown, we hiked over the Shedd Aquarium, cutting through Grant Park and waiting in line for at least 30 minutes before we could even go inside. For one of Eric's birthday presents I bought him a member pass, and right then and there he started giggling, he was so excited. They had extended the Jellies exhibit, and the first time we went through there were so many people that I kept stepping on toes and knocking over children. We went downstairs and looked at the otters, dolphins (a new baby this year!!) and Beluga wales, then went back up to where the Jellies had thinned out considerably. It was amazing to see these curious creatures.
We spent a few hours there and as they closed, we realized that not only were we hungry, but our feet were KILLING us, so we decided to go find some dinner. Somehow, not one of us realized how hard it was to find a place to eat at 6:30 on a Saturday night in the South Loop. We found a small diner on Plymouth near the library and gorged ourselves, forgetting that our backpacks were filled with food for the concert.
About 7:50 we made it over to the Grant Park Music Festival where Danny (Eric's step-brother) was waiting. It was just lovely to sit on the grass, talk, enjoy some food and listen to live music. Going to the concerts has quickly become one of my favorite things to do in the city. It is always stunning to me how many people show up. What an incredible time.
After the show, we caught a cab to the Icon Theater at Roosevelt and Clark to see the "Dark Knight Rises." It's a relatively nice theater with a lounge and bar/restaurant area upstairs that has an AMAZING view of the city. Our show started at 10:45, so we had a drink upstairs and then found our reserved seats. I have to admit, I was a little nervous throughout the entire movie given the fact that the shooting in Colorado had happened just days beforehand. I did notice, however, that there was a security guard sitting in the theater with a gun and handcuffs through the entire show. Probably not necessary, but it definitely put my mind at ease.
By the time we all got back to my place, we were so exhausted we just collapsed on the couch. I had not anticipated that much walking or how muggy it was going to be. After a quick, cool shower I climbed into bed and passed out until 11:00 the next morning. A true abnormality for me. As I say almost every day, I LOVE living in this city.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Way too emotional
Today has been one of those days where I am far too emotional and have absolutely no idea why. I blew up at Eric this afternoon even before he got home from work, and then when he was on his way to Chris' house-warming party I lost it again. I'm not quite sure what's going on . . . I'm not PMSing, summer has been great, I've enjoyed my time off, but for some reason I was an emotional wreck today.
I think that I'm just unhappy with myself, feeling very self-conscious and really not enjoying the fact that I'm getting older. When it comes to getting old, it's not something to look forward to when you're a Simmons. I have to start working on my health more rigorously and come up with a plan so as not to end up like my mom and grandmother. I see it coming every day and it scares the crap out of me. Eric was going to a house-warming party with one of his band members who has a gorgeous condo in the west loop and works for an advertising company, as well as being 24 years old. I was so insecure, I didn't even want to go. What the hell is wrong with me? I am not this person. I am usually so level-headed and rational. Must be a full moon or something . . . .
I think that I'm just unhappy with myself, feeling very self-conscious and really not enjoying the fact that I'm getting older. When it comes to getting old, it's not something to look forward to when you're a Simmons. I have to start working on my health more rigorously and come up with a plan so as not to end up like my mom and grandmother. I see it coming every day and it scares the crap out of me. Eric was going to a house-warming party with one of his band members who has a gorgeous condo in the west loop and works for an advertising company, as well as being 24 years old. I was so insecure, I didn't even want to go. What the hell is wrong with me? I am not this person. I am usually so level-headed and rational. Must be a full moon or something . . . .
Saturday, June 23, 2012
8th grade graduation??
Today was a brand new experience. My kids graduated this morning at Roosevelt University Auditorium Theater down on Michigan Avenue. It was HUGE. There were 477 graduates, and each of them brought up to 5 guests. All in all, probably 1500 people in the audience. There were caps and gowns and diploma covers and valedictorian speeches; the works. It was incredibly odd to have all this hoopla for 8th grade, yet strangely exciting. Michigan doesn't do 8th grade graduation, and I have never seen this much investment into a graduation. However,most of the students are going to an incredibly good high school and honestly have a chance of making it all the way through high school. This fact alone probably warrants the show. They want to make sure the students know how important it is that they are going off to high school and entering the next phase of their lives. For the first time in five years, I was so proud of, and hopeful for, each and every one of my students. This year challenged them beyond anything they were accustomed to, and they rose to the challenge.
It's interesting because in the past I have always worked hard because that's just what I do. However, it has been very difficult to go above and beyond due to the fact that I knew statistically that only 1/2 of my kids would graduate high school. That's a little discouraging to someone who sinks their heart and soul into what they do. Be that person me, or any teacher out there. Knowing that half of your kids are being set up to fail is frustrating. This year, on the other hand, the high schools that they are attending have 80% or higher graduation rates, so there is a near guarantee that each one of them will graduate in four years. This alone makes me want to put in the extra time to give them that extra edge. I was truly a proud mama today.
I told my "difficult" boys today that if they brought me their first quarter report cards with all A's that I would take them out for dinner. We'll see how that goes :-) Honestly, I'm pretty excited to see how things are different next year now that Jessica and I have figured out what we're doing. What a great end to a challenging year!
It's interesting because in the past I have always worked hard because that's just what I do. However, it has been very difficult to go above and beyond due to the fact that I knew statistically that only 1/2 of my kids would graduate high school. That's a little discouraging to someone who sinks their heart and soul into what they do. Be that person me, or any teacher out there. Knowing that half of your kids are being set up to fail is frustrating. This year, on the other hand, the high schools that they are attending have 80% or higher graduation rates, so there is a near guarantee that each one of them will graduate in four years. This alone makes me want to put in the extra time to give them that extra edge. I was truly a proud mama today.
I told my "difficult" boys today that if they brought me their first quarter report cards with all A's that I would take them out for dinner. We'll see how that goes :-) Honestly, I'm pretty excited to see how things are different next year now that Jessica and I have figured out what we're doing. What a great end to a challenging year!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Reflecting . . .
I want to be as amazing as Robin Williams' is in Dead Poets' Society. I want to be that teacher. How does this happen? What must I do?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Bus Rides
The total number of bus rides I have had to take this week with the kids is getting a bit ridiculous. AND I have to get on another bus with them this morning.
Tuesday: To and from 8th grade luncheon
Thursday: To and from McCormick place for "Summer Reading Kick-Off"
Friday: To and from the soccer field for their weekly indoor Soccer class
I woke up with a stress headache just thinking about this. Probably doesn't help that buses give me motion sickness. 12 more hours until I am home and relaxing.
Tuesday: To and from 8th grade luncheon
Thursday: To and from McCormick place for "Summer Reading Kick-Off"
Friday: To and from the soccer field for their weekly indoor Soccer class
I woke up with a stress headache just thinking about this. Probably doesn't help that buses give me motion sickness. 12 more hours until I am home and relaxing.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Fainting and teenagers
My teaching partner fainted today. In the middle of class. This, was a completely new experience for me, and apparently one that happens somewhat regularly for her. Would have been nice to know a little earlier this year, Jess! :-)
So, my kids and I were having a nice, calm conversation about their dress code at the luncheon this coming Tuesday, when Norma BURST into my room yelling, "Ms. Forster! Ms. Hanzlik just fainted and is laying on the ground!" Instantly, 8 of my boys jump out of their desk and started running toward the door.
"SIT DOWN NOW!" I said to them as forcefully as I could. The class was in their seat and quiet within 3 seconds. I turned back toward Norma, and with a look of sheer terror in her eyes, she followed me back into the other room where I found10 kids standing around Jessica freaking out. Suddenly I realized that I have no idea what to do. 64 horrified students and Jessica laying on the floor, white as a ghost . . what the hell do I do? Calmly, yet sternly, I ordered everyone back to their seats and knelt down beside her. I toldone of the girls to call the office, and after 2 or 3 tries, they somehow could not get the phone to work and came back out into the room. "Go. Run down to the office and tell Ms. Perez," and they took off sprinting down the hallway. I looked straight at Danna and told her to go get Mr. Denneen. Suddenly I hear shouting coming from my own classroom, in the form of what sounded like them telling each other to shutup. I stopped what I was doing, walked over, threatened them with silent work for all of next week if I had to come back in there again. They were instantaneously quiet. Stupid kids. :-)
After what seemed like an eternity (in reality about 30 seconds) of stroking her hair and calling her name, she opened her eyes. Face still white as a ghost, she said "Yeah, I'm okay," and closed her eyes again. I was fully expecting her to sit up, or at least attempt to, but no. She closed her eyes again and just laid there. About a week later, she started to stir and moved her hands and legs a bit. At this point, I look up to find Sandra and Jenny standing in the classroom, while Jessica is trying to sit up. Thankfully, she didn't hit her head when she fell. By the time I go outside to talk to Nubia and Tom, she was sitting up and talking. She didn't want to take the day off, she just went in the office and sat for a while.
Apparently the last time this happened was the first day of grad school in Oxford. Yikes. At least this time she had friends around her! After everything was said and done, I had my kids read for a few minutes and I just sat down at my table, laughed and cried at the same time.
So, my kids and I were having a nice, calm conversation about their dress code at the luncheon this coming Tuesday, when Norma BURST into my room yelling, "Ms. Forster! Ms. Hanzlik just fainted and is laying on the ground!" Instantly, 8 of my boys jump out of their desk and started running toward the door.
"SIT DOWN NOW!" I said to them as forcefully as I could. The class was in their seat and quiet within 3 seconds. I turned back toward Norma, and with a look of sheer terror in her eyes, she followed me back into the other room where I found10 kids standing around Jessica freaking out. Suddenly I realized that I have no idea what to do. 64 horrified students and Jessica laying on the floor, white as a ghost . . what the hell do I do? Calmly, yet sternly, I ordered everyone back to their seats and knelt down beside her. I toldone of the girls to call the office, and after 2 or 3 tries, they somehow could not get the phone to work and came back out into the room. "Go. Run down to the office and tell Ms. Perez," and they took off sprinting down the hallway. I looked straight at Danna and told her to go get Mr. Denneen. Suddenly I hear shouting coming from my own classroom, in the form of what sounded like them telling each other to shutup. I stopped what I was doing, walked over, threatened them with silent work for all of next week if I had to come back in there again. They were instantaneously quiet. Stupid kids. :-)
After what seemed like an eternity (in reality about 30 seconds) of stroking her hair and calling her name, she opened her eyes. Face still white as a ghost, she said "Yeah, I'm okay," and closed her eyes again. I was fully expecting her to sit up, or at least attempt to, but no. She closed her eyes again and just laid there. About a week later, she started to stir and moved her hands and legs a bit. At this point, I look up to find Sandra and Jenny standing in the classroom, while Jessica is trying to sit up. Thankfully, she didn't hit her head when she fell. By the time I go outside to talk to Nubia and Tom, she was sitting up and talking. She didn't want to take the day off, she just went in the office and sat for a while.
Apparently the last time this happened was the first day of grad school in Oxford. Yikes. At least this time she had friends around her! After everything was said and done, I had my kids read for a few minutes and I just sat down at my table, laughed and cried at the same time.
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