Another wasted day. I slept until about 10AM. I got up with the plan of taking a bath, but the water was cold. I ate a couple of bowls of cereal and went back to bed. I was up again at about 1:30PM, the water was still cold. I lost all interest in doing anything productive. About 5:20PM, I decided to take the MN to Yonkers to sign up for the Adult boxing program at the local Y, but I was mistaken about the time. The local Y closes at 5:30 not 6PM, so that was another change. I decided to walk up the hill to get some beef lo mein and the Sunday paper. In the lobby, the water problem was revealed with a message taped to the lobby door:

"There was an emergency situation, the water and the heat would not be on until Monday afternoon."

I should not have gone to buy greasy Chinese food, but I was in a mood for greasy food. However, when I got to the Chinese restaurant, the lady behind the counter said nothing as I stood there waiting for her to take my order. I have a bad habit of being a waiter...waiting for an offer or even an acknowledgement. I stood there looking at the lady waiting for her to say something. Then the phone rang. I guess I was in a bad mood, I left. And as I was leaving, I could then hear the lady behind me asking me for my order. I kept on walking. I bought my Sunday paper and returned home. For dinner I opened up a can of low sodium Italian meatballs with spinach. I also finished the last of the sliced turkey meat. I then started working on my paper piles again. I group the (now foldered) piles into alphabetical order. I also labeled the hanging file holders. My file cabinet is now organized. I basically have my personal files in the top draw, and my school materials in the bottom. My files are now in alphabetically order except for one file I've labeled "Monthly Bills". I would have liked to have one folder for each bill, but I know that would be too much for me, so I will have one file for all of the bills that I receive, and that file in the first one. I am hoping this new system will be easier for me to keep organized.


Well, I better go. Only a couple of days remaining. My goal tomorrow will now be half for lesson planning and the other half for grading assignments. I also want to go to the Y to sign up for the boxing for fitness program. $35 dollars per month. You can also pay for a three-month period, but considering that I have yet to set foot in the gym even though I paid premium membership sometime in August.

Finally, while surfing the Internet, I came across the attached cartoon. I was watching a clip from a comedian's appearance on the Tonight Show, then I went to her MySpace homepage. I laughed a few times, but I cringed a couple of times too.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=2503450



Post Date - Sunday, December 30, 2007 11:42PM

Another day fairly wasted. I started off my Saturday by doing online grocery shopping. Most of my day was spent shuffling papers, creating one pile after another. For the last few days, I've been trying to clean up my living room, but it still looks just as bad as the first day. Today, I went through my papers (creating 3 lawn-size bags of trash), but my living room still has paper piles all over the place. I did throw out a lot of papers. I also found papers (and other items), like my high school transcript, one of the certificates from the summer course that up until now, I thought I'd never received it. I also found about $95 in gift certificates from 1996(the GAP). When I did my interning (and later I stayed as an assistant teacher), the school was located in midtown were the parents had a bit of spending money. Since I was a male teacher, the parents didn't know what to buy for me, so I got gifts certificates (Barnes & Nobles, The GAP, etc....).

My groceries arrived about 2:30PM. At that time, the post person delivered my order from Amazon.com. I ordered the complete series of the BBC series "The Office". Wow, that was fast. Since I was tackling paper piles, I did not open the Office DVD.

Finally, I got around to ordering my emergency backpack from the Red Cross. They say that everyone should have an emergency pack by the door just in case. Cleaning up, I found the newspaper article that I'd cut from the Daily News Wednesday, June 21, 2006. I bought 2 (one for home and one for work). If a disaster strikes, I will be in one of those two places. Once the packs arrive, I'll need to put photocopies of my important documents, then I leave the pack by the front door, and hopefully, I'll never have to use one. I attached a photo of the backpack and the items included. Below is the website address (sorry the hyperlink isn't working). You'll have to copy and paste into the address bar). The only thing I don't like about the backpack the the redcross logo. In an emergency, people would mistake me for a redcross worker. Knowing me, I'll probably end up giving away all of my supplies before I get a chance to use them. I think I might change the backpack or cover up the logo.

www.nyredcross.org/store

Well, I better go, it is getting late.


Post Date - Sunday, December 30, 2007 12:32AM

I won't embarrass myself with a pointless blog entry about a very unproductive day.

Another slow day. My file cabinet arrived this afternoon, but I procrastinated before doing any really cleaning. For the entire day, I managed to accomplish dealing with the mounds on the futon. With only about 4 days left I really need to get on the ball. I really need to end this vacation as if I accomplished something...anything. Unfortunately, I seem to be slipping into my old pattern. Tomorrow, I need to finish with the living room.

Schedule change. I think I will make Saturday and Sunday my school work days. One day for lesson planning and the other day for grading assignments and (at least starting) progress reports. Going clothes shopping is no longer a main priority. I'm even thinking about going shopping the following Saturday, not this coming Saturday.

Let's see what else.

I just ordered the complete BBC series of "The Office" from Amazon.com.

I need to go food shopping. I'm out of the staples as well as running low on Healthy Choice Meals.

Tomorrow (hopefully after I finish with the mounds of paper), I will cut up the box the file cabinet came in. I was planning to go to Pearl Paint on Canal Street to see if they sold thick paper for arts and crafts projects. For the bulletin board, I want my students to make macaroni frames, but the teacher store in Brooklyn didn't have thick enough paper. I'll just cut up the box for the frames. I would like to still go the Pearl Paint to see how much gold paint would cost -- the teacher's store in Brooklyn didn't have that either.

Finally, I was given a web site URL -- Thanks Max! The URL lets Bloggers and other types of homepages be checked for the reading level of the site. I was curious, but I should have known better.

So, what is the reading level of this blog page? And indirectly, what is the writing ability of the writer of this blog page?

Well, when I was in college, an associate professor (or was it a professor's assistant) told me (then) that I wrote like I was still in elementary school. Apparently, nothing's changed.

Post Date - Friday, December 28, 2007 12:00AM

I just received an interesting email. I don't know if it is true or not, but it seemed like very useful information. I also don't think it could hurt to share. Normally, I am not a fan of internet forwarding information without some kind of confirmation, but I thought this was very useful. After rereading the accompanying story, I decided to delete parts, I hope the main message remains, be careful and recognize signs that might not be readily noticeable, especially with the elderly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .

STRoke
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also did a quick internet search and found some symtoms for recognizing a stroke:
* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden, severe headache with no known cause



Post Date - Thursday, December 27, 2007 12:48PM

Today was apartment cleaning day (part 1). I only scratched the surface today. The living room was my main focus today. First up, I did a bit of furniture rearrangement. I moved my computer away from the window area. I think I have a bit of arthritis in my right arm. Lately, when I sit at the computer, I feel a bit of pain. Also, I like the idea of new year new layout. My computer is now in the corner on the opposite wall where the shelving units used to be. After removing everything that I've been shoving into the shelving units over the past couple of months, I washed the units down. Then organized my books. The shelving units are now on opposite sides of the main window, as oppose to being together on the opposite wall. Now, one unit is for professional items and the other is for personal items. The unit on the left will have school related books and materials. The unit on the right will have my commuter reading material and personal items (like my yearbooks, manuals, etc...) I'll attach a photo of my commuter reading material. In the photo, the books on the bottom are books that I've already read. On the top left, are paperback books I've read. On the top right are books I haven't read yet.

Yesterday, I ordered a two-draw file cabinet from Staples, it should arrive tomorrow. The file cabinet will go between my computer and the card table I'm using as a dining room table. Yesterday, I almost bought a copier machine for home use. I am tired of not having access to a copy machine nearby.

Tomorrow will be paper throwing away day. I decided that I will throw away anything that I have not or will not use within a 6 month time frame. Also, I will throw away all the worksheets that I used last school year. I really want 2008 to be the year I "get it together". These last few months have been a stress-filled daze. I can't continue like I have been for these last few months. Oh cleaning up, I actually found a pack of ink for my printer. These last couple of weeks of my printing in blue because I believe that I did not have anymore black ink. This is why I need to clean up, I have to have a neat place. I am one of those people who has to have a place for everything, and everything in its place. When things are not in an easy accessible place, I will forget about it, or I start creating piles (until the piles become mounds that merge into the mess I've been living in).

If everything goes well, then the next few days will follow this way:

Thursday - Living room clean (part 2), paper organizing, cleaning the kitchen
Friday - Lesson planning (goal is at least 2 weeks)
Saturday - Back to the mall (this time shopping for me)
Sunday - Bathroom and bedroom cleaning, and lesson planning at least 2 weeks
Monday - grading student work and doing progress report.
Tuesday - I am not sure, but I do know I don't want to think about school

Ii would be nice if I could tackle cleaning in one day and lesson planning/grading in one day as well. Unfortunately, when I have to do something I don't want to do, my mind turns to mush.

Well, I better go, these last few days I still have not managed to be in bed before midnight.


Post Date - Wednesday, December 26, 2007 11:12PM

Well, Christmas is just about over. I started off slow this morning. Finally, about mid-afternoon, I finally got around to wrapping my gifts. I took the MN all the way into Manhattan to visit my foster father. I stayed for a couple of hours. I had a home cooked meal prepared by my foster father's ladyfriend. It was nice having a home cooked meal, instead of the instant stuff I usually eat. After eating, I washed the dishes. Then it was time for me to return home.

That was my Christmas.


Post Date - Tuesday, December 25, 2007 9:30PM

Christmas Eve. Shopping Day. To be honest, I really did not feel like going shopping for gifts today, but it is that time of year. Apart of me was a bit nervous about the crowds that might be at the mall the day before Christmas. I was expecting crowds and long lines. Wow, was I wrong.

After a slow start, I finally got out to catch the MN train to Tarrytown. Then, it was about a 40 wait for the Tappan Zee Bridge Express bus over. There were only about 8 or 9 passengers on the bus. I arrived at the mall about 12noon. First, I went to buy my movie ticket. On my way to the theater, I stopped off at Barns and Noble bookstore. I didn't go the last time I was at the mall, so I planned to just take a quick look around in the Science-Fiction/Fantasy section. To my surprise, the third book from E.E. Knight's series "Age of Fire"(Dragon Outcast) was on the shelf, so of course, I bought it. Yes, I'm still plodding through Storm of Swords. It is still dragging on. I'm now half-way through, still not liking it, but since I've invested so much time, I can't seem to put it down. Anyway, after B&N, I went for lunch at Panda Express. After lunch, it was movie time.

I went to see "The Golden Compass". I liked the movie. Mainly, I thought the special effects were very nice. This morning, when I was deciding on what movie to see, I did an Internet search about the movie. There were negative reviews about the movie. Apparently it cost $230 million dollars to make "probably not including marketing". Also, several Internet reviews called the movie anti-Christian. As I watched the movie, I really didn't understand what the fuss was about. However, when I got home, I glanced at a few pages (near the end)in the trilogy book that I'd purchased a couple of weeks ago. After reading a few pages, I finally figured out what the "dust up" was about. :) I thought Nicole Kidman was good in the movie, even though I didn't understand her character. I guess the lead girl was okay. However, I thought the talking bear was more interesting.

After the movie it was time for me to start my Christmas shopping. First stop was Target. I was really surprised by the limited number of customers that were shopping. The aisles were clear, and the shelves were not picked clean. I settled for a couple of very, very lame last minute gifts. Due to the time, I really didn't have time to be choosy. I told myself that if anything better(and that wouldn't be too difficult) came a long, I would keep what I'd brought for myself. Maybe my subconscious picked out the gifts. Since familiar eyes might be reading, I am not going to mention what I bought. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I fell asleep last night, so I save this entry in my draft folder. Therefore, the post dated time will be off.

After Target my next planned stop was Staples, but I took a detour to a mall card shop. The idea was that I'd better buy my cards now before I run out of time. The selection wasn't very good, but again, beggars can't be choosy. The card shop was nicely organized, but not being Hallmark, the selection was very limited. They did have a variety of categories, but one about 3 or 4 samples for each category. They also had a "buy 3 cards and get any additional three cards for free" sale. Not a good sign. Next at Staples, I bought a double pack of black ink for my printer at home, and a box of 100ct. sheet protectors for my students portfolios. Last year, I bought regular binder dividers for the portfolio sections, but with the plastic sheet protectors, the dividers couldn't really be seen. This year, I bought 5 packs (25 tabs per pack) of colored self-adhesive index tabs. Over this vacation, I will attach the tabs to the plastic sheet protectors to create the sections of the portfolios Admin wants. Admin wants a section for Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. I added an extra section for reports (including progress reports, reading reports, etc...). I also bought a 1/2 ringed binder (2 for 1 sale). I want to do what I did last year. Put all of the photocopies of my teaching materials for the week in the binder rather than having papers all over the place.

After Staples, I made a side trip to the another store (gift related). Since I didn't want to rush trying to make the 5PM bus back across the Tappan Zee, after checking the bus schedule at the bus stop, I decided to catch the 5:38PM bus, giving me a little over an hour of more time. I went to Best Buys to look at electronics. Now, that place looked a bit "picked clean" and a bit uninviting. I saw dusty and broken merchandise on display. Clerks who seemed more interested in their conversations than helping a customer. However, most clerks did seem hard at work. After browsing there, I next went to Circuit City. It was neater, and louder than Best Buys. But again, the store was not nearly as crowded as I was expecting.

Last stop was the 99 cent shop. I wanted to buy some gift boxes. An angular gift is both easier and nicer to wrap in my opinion. The shop was own by Asians -- nothing wrong with that. However, I did find it strange that the guy who appeared to speak not a word of English, was right at the front door. That position just invited every other person walking past him to ask a question. To which, the person got a hand gesture, and mumbled response, then a nervous relocation...near the door. Only to repeat the process over and over. This store did have a bit of a line. And some guy with a 16oz cup of coffee spilt it on the floor right in front of the cashier"s island.

The bus was a couple of minutes late for the pick up. And it arrived at the Tarrytown station just as the MN train was pulling into the station. I ran for the train only to have the doors closed as I stepped onto the platform. Luckily the conductor opened the doors for me, it would have been an hour wait for the next local train. Since I was in a good mood, I decided to ride the local train to the Bronx to see if the Target store there had anything even remotely interesting that I could sublimate with my lame gifts. Target had just closed. On an impulse I went into the hip hop shop next door looking for something that could pass for reasonable supplemental gift. Did I buy anything? Yes, but again, I can't say anything at this time.

MN train home, and all the radios stations were playing Christmas music. Since I was still hungry. Panda Express was not that good this time. The selection was limited, and the fried rice was dry. I microwaved a Weight Watcher's Lasagna. I started falling asleep at almost midnight, I decided to not fight the sleep. Another new year's resolution, no more staying up past midnight....or in my case, way, past midnight.

Well, I better go. I have gifts to wrap, and greetings to send.

Happy Holidays!!!

Luckily this day only comes once a year...Sorry for the last comment, I couldn't resist :)

P.S. - I attached a couple of photos. The first photo is the Tappan Zee Bridge taken from the bus. The other photo was my lunch at Panda Express.


Post Date - Tuesday, December 25, 2007 10:02AM

A small victory for some, but for me it is a major victory. For the first time, I've managed to complete my lesson plans for the returning week of school, and I've done my laundry. It doesn't seem like much, but it is a big deal for me. It means that if I went into a coma until the day before school resume, I would be prepared for that first day back. What did I do? Unlike in previous years, when I didn't plan, or waited until the night before. Instead of looking at this weekend as the start of my vacation, I tried to think of it as just another weekend. I slept most of Saturday away, and almost did the same today. However, I eventually did get around to doing lesson plans and my homework sheet for the first week back.

So what now? I don't need to stress about the first day(s) back. I also don't need to stress myself (much) about the school work that I brought home to do over the vacation(papers to grade, extended planning, organizing books and mounds of paper, etc...). Tomorrow, I will have to start my Christmas shopping. Luckily, I only have to shop for three people. I was just going to do some shopping nearby, but having finished my lesson planning and laundry put me in a good mood. I'm going back to the mall up North that I mentioned in a previous blog entry. It will be my second time there. I am looking forward to a return visit to Panda Express. For some strange reason, the Tappan Zee bus doesn't not operate on Sundays, so I have to go during Saturdays, or Weekdays. I hope it isn't too crazy tomorrow. I don't usually like crowds. I'll spend a couple of hours at the mall. I need to buy gifts for my foster father, his lady friend, and my foster brother. I also need to do some clothes shopping for myself. My "work clothes" are showing signs of wear and tear (literally). I also need to go to Staples. I ran out of black ink for my printer at home. I also need to get some sheet protectors for my students' portfolio. I'll see what is playing at the movies there. And of course, I will be visiting Panda Express.

Now that I am technically ready for the first day(s) when school resume, what is on my agenda? I really need to clean up my apartment. I mean really clean it, not just make neat piles. I also want to move my computer away from the corner near the window. I think I am getting a bit of arthritis in my right arm. Hours of sitting here and sleeping in this chair is starting to take a toll. I also want to start going to the gym. Hopefully, I will start going on Thursday.

School work? Although I've finished my lesson plans for the week school resumes, there is still a lot of work that I should be doing this vacation (papers that need grading, progress reports that need to be done, organizing my day to day papers, completing "paperwork" for my "slowly developing" students. I also should get around to completing my salary step placement paperwork. With the board of ed, salary placement is not automatic, you have to file paperwork for the correct placement on the scale. Actually, I should have completed the paper work last year. If I got the placement for my time teaching in Japan, and the P-Credits I earned over the summer, I think I should be about 3 or 4 places higher on the salary scale. Luckily for me, my previous 3 years teaching with the board of ed were automatically factored into my current salary.

Well, I better go.


Post Date - Sunday, December 23, 2007 11:12PM

My vacation/mental recuperation time has begun. I have a little over a week to finally get a hand on the chaos and confusion I've been feeling this school year. So how did I start it off. I got out of bed an hour ago. Breakfast is hot green tea and oatmeal cooling in the kitchen.

Quick Friday recap. Friday was the last day of school before the vacation. There was a lot of the usually nonsense, but I have to be honest, I seemed to be in a kind of daze -- that can happen with about 3 hours of sleep. I was just mentally counting down til 2:20pm. Through the temper tantrums, bickering, usual volume control issues, and bad behavior, I just felt happy for the coming break. After a $30 food frenzy/party, and hint of something more to come, I still had room reeking of ingratitude. The other 3rd teachers went on the field trip, with me left with their "no goes"(three in total). Five of my good kids (the only ones who paid), went with the other 3rd grade teachers on the trip to the community college performance of "The Nutcracker".

Also, a first grade teacher called to ask if she could leave two of her "button pushers" with me while her class did a Christmas show. Try not burning your bridges because you never know when you will need to cross one. I've needed to leave "button pushers" with her from time to time, so I did not hesitate for an instant to say yes. Since the upper grades were using the 90 minute literacy block for test prep, my time was not that bad. For me, I use the first part of the time for a practice test with testing conditions, then I use the second half for reviewing the practice test given. After that, we do a note-taking listening practice exercise. Day 2 of the ELA Test is a listening test. The kids are good at hearing but not listening. I also had my "Hypers" typing the character sketches of the absentees. I wanted my bulletin board finish before the start of the vacation, but I wasn't organized enough. I don't like having my students handwritten work up on the bulletin board. Besides, if they can spend hours online with the personal web pages and emailing, then they can type up a short assignment.

After lunch, my class had computer lab. Since my class is the last one on the schedule for Friday, the computer teacher lets us stay past the 45 minute time. Since I wanted my students to clean out their desks, I only gave them an extra 10 minutes. After cleaning out their desks, I quickly reviewed the math homework that I did not get to go over yesterday. To ensure that I had full 100% attention,I decided to use a bag of candy to "motivate" my students. One piece of candy for a correct answer. I purposely focused on the "button pushers", the old softy in me resurfaced. They got no party, and no present, I wanted them to at least feel like they got something. Dismissal went smoothly. Then Sticky Fingers almost ruined my post-day's end/vacation start" high. About 10 minutes after the class was dismissed, SF knocks on my classroom door saying "pencil case, pencil case, I'm here to get my pencil case". I had told her that she would not get it (nor the other junk) until her mother came to get it. Well, sure enough, mom was in tow. I explained to the mother the things SF was doing during my lessons and how she (SF) was playing not working, and the low scores were a warning that SF might fail because she doesn't take her school work serious. All I got from the mother was a gum chew um hmmm. Then they start talking in some African language Yoruba or Swahili (I'm not sure). This is the same woman who (in September)spoke fluent English and told her daughter to speak English in my presence. Also the same woman who told me to throw away anything not related to school work. As I handed her each item(make up, toys, kid's celebrity magazine, rubber bands, etc...) that I'd taken during my lessons over the months, the mother still with the extremely annoying gum chewing um hmms, just handed them to Sticky Fingers. What about the father? Remember the one who struck fear in SF. The last time I saw him was last month in the hallway (on his way to see about his other daughter). The standard unconscious question blurted out, "how's she(SF) doing?". My response of "Well, if you wanted to know...". His response, a nervous laughing "Oh, come on help me out". Don't you just love that support. This Christmas (according to SF), she will be getting her father's old computer for herself.

I have to say, that support at home really makes my job what it is. :(

After a 30 minute chat with ATH (with me devouring about 2lbs of leftover cake), and paycheck pick-up. Flittered away the time until about 4:30pm, then I got moving. I had to manual attach my flash drive to five different computers so that I could save a copy of my students' character sketches. Over the vacation, I will (I hope) correct them. Since the computers are old and frequently freeze, I had to pull out the computer tables and attach my flash drive as oppose to just emailing the documents to myself. Also the floppy drives don't work either. Also, I finally put up the manual pencil sharpener. The electric pencil sharpener on top of burning out too quickly, is too much of a toy for my students. I like the manual sharpener better. Since I am not very mechanically inclined it took me about 10 to 15 minutes to measure and drill the holes into the cabinet. Before that, I spent about 15 minutes removing the broken pencil that a student from last year had jammed in (eraser side first). With about an hour before the building would be likely closed. I changed tactics from end of the year cleaning to "next day" prep. In other words, pretending that it was just another weekend, and I would be back in a couple of days. I changed the (classroom) calendar(lots of pieces and bits of sticky tack). I washed the board and put up the Wednesday schedule (the day we return), put up a morning Do Now on the board. I was out of the building about 7:30pm. Since I had about 30 minutes in the Bronx for the next MN train, I went to the Chinese restaurant. Yes, I remember what I wrote in a previous blog entry. :) I ate a small greasy order of beef lo mein telling myself that I will start at the gym this coming week.

Home about 8:45pm. After a cup of prune juice (beginning a daily routine of drinking cup of prune juice in the evening and orange juice in the morning), I was out like a light. My goal this weekend is to continue my previous weekend routines acting as if school will be opened on Monday. With only 3 days to plan for the week school resumes, I should be able to plan for 3 days. If I accomplish nothing else this vacation, my one main goal is to have lesson plans, homework sheet done for the first week back to school, and laundry done. I know that if I don't do any of the above mentioned things these first couple of days, then those things won't get done until the last day of the vacation, then the stress resumes until the next vacation. I'm hoping that this is the time that I will finally get back to sanity. I like the idea that the "New Year" is coming. the best time to start new routines. For someone like myself who likes things orderly and neat (even when they are not), having a new year to begin new routines is very appealing. Considering I just spent a couple of hours at this computer with my breakfast still "cooling in the kitchen", I am not off to a good start. However, I did tell myself that I should treat this weekend like the previous weekend. Saturday for recuperation, and Sunday for recovery. If my lesson plans and laundry are done by Sunday evening, then I will be very, very happy. And I know, that 2008 will be my Phoenix Year. :)


Post Date - Saturday, December 22, 2007 3:47PM

I fell in the trap again. A different trap, but a trap nonetheless. I was believing that the 3 kids who didn't show up on Wednesday was the parents way of helping give me a needed mental holiday, thoughts of "oh, the parents must have kept so-and-so home because I called complaining. Unfortunately, it turned out that it was a Muslim holiday. It really is amazing the power of individuals. I'll just leave it at that. Today my three headaches returned to school -- Drama Queen (the fourth no show) already told me weeks ago that she was going to DR (Dominican Republic) early, so she would not be in school these last few days.

Sticky Fingers arrived late in usual loud form. When I asked her about her lack of uniform, she gives me the rude response about not asking her about her uniform because her mother said that she was observing her holiday. When I pointed out that the other two Muslim students had their uniforms on she just laughed.

Yesterday (Wednesday)was very nice!!!

Today AP1 came through with the pizza. Being the sap that I am, after spending about $30 on my kids (most of who didn't really deserve it), I decided to "add" to the pizza AP1 provided. I went out on my lunch break and spent another $35.24 on junk food. Mostly, I wanted my "headaches" to really see what they were missing. Most of the time, I get "I don't care". I served the (relatively) good kids, and just skipped the "headaches"; it is amazing how they think the can be disrespectful for weeks on end, then be "good" for a couple of hours and think they deserve "rewards".

Ms. Across the Hall and I decided to let both classes "visit" each other. Since she is more laid back than I am, most of the students wanted to go to her room. She had them drawing on her board, playing online games on the computers, tossing a football around, etc... My room was the (relatively) quiet room. The only drawing was pencil on paper, and the computers could only be used for reading tests. Ms. ATH and I decided to end at 2:20pm (the regular extended group time. Since Ms. ATH had my students for almost an hour, I offered to take her kids for the extended time, so she could clean up her classroom. I went over the Holiday Homework Packet teachers are required to make for their respective grades. I was responsible for Science and Social Studies. Ms. DTH (Down the Hall) was responsible for Reading, and Ms. ATH was responsible for Math. I could add some details about "the packet" or lack thereof, but it is late, so I am going to pass. Oh, and luckily for us the kids were not running wild, because that was the time the Principal and AP2 did a surprise visit. I had two classes sitting quietly while moments before, they were running amok.

I left the building about 6:30pm. I was tired and and it was late, but I went to Target to buy some manila envelopes for my students "gifts"s. Would you believe a couple of my students had the nerve to ask (or mention) that Ms. ATH had bought gifts for her class, and "are we getting gifts?". I wanted to say that Ms. ATH didn't just spent $30 on ungrateful @$$?#, but I didn't say anything close. Ms. ATH didn't have a party, she served some leftover snacks from a previous party. Anyway, I went to Target to buy envelopes as "wrappings" for my gifts. I got on the (relatively) short 10 items or less line, and it moved slower than molasses. The line right next to mine was much, much longer, but moved much faster. It amazes me how people chose a serving job, but don't like serving or want to serve. I had about 4 "guests" ahead of me on line. The other line served about 7 or 8 "guest" in the same amount of time.

I took the MN to Yonkers, for some strange reason, I got off the train to go shopping for macaroni for the next bulletin board project. I really wanted to have the bulletin board done, but my organization isn't where it needs to be. I want my students to make macaroni frames for their character sketches. I thought it would be nice if my students actually tried sketching the characters they wrote about.

Anyway, since I'd gotten off the train, I decided to take the bus the reminder of the way home. At home, I had a quick Smart Ones oriental rice (much, much better tasting than the local Chinese food places). I mixed in a cup of (now more salted) microwavable rice to make the meal more filling. Then, I was asleep at this computer in minutes. Now, I will quickly "wrap" my gifts for the ingrates and call it a night.


Post Date - Friday, December 21, 2007 4:01AM

I just returned home about an hour ago. I better keep is short, the sandman is already singing his song.

Today was actually a relatively nice day, about 4 of my students were absent. Three of them were my regular headaches, the fourth was the Drama Queen. Also, my phone call to Cackler's mother seemed to have done the trick...for now. Today, the principal officially cancelled the new literacy program until after the State ELA Exams on January 9th. Today the principal had a grad-level meeting in her office for each grade during the teacher's preparation period to discuss the results of the last "predicative" test. I'm going to avoid the details here...for the sake of time. :)

After the meeting which had begun with the statement, "I won't keep you very long". lasted until 8 minutes before we were due to pick up our classes. At that point, the new school "data analysis" decided to show the teachers "strategies" that we can use to help our kids upstairs in her office. I'm thinking it would be something related to the assessment program that was the basis for our meeting. It turned out to be links to Channel 13 PBS website. It didn't take us 8 minutes.

After the meeting, my kids were invited to a repeat of the musical performance that I'd skipped yesterday trying out a differentiated lesson plan. By the time the show was over, there was only about 20 minutes until lunch. :)

Since AP1 forgot to order the pizza for my class --The reward for my students (and myself) for not whining about having Ms. Across the Hall's whole class combined with mine the day ATH was absent. AP1 said that she would order the pizza tomorrow. I now have my "holiday party". :)

The day ended without me yelling...I think. Parents and pick-ups were all on time.:) Did I mention having a smile on my face at the end of the day?

Unfortunately, bad habits die hard. I didn't get out of the building until about 6:33PM. In the Bronx, I finally went shopping at the 99 cent store for gifts for my students (the "relatively" good kids). Strange, I seem to remember a time when it was students buying gifts for the teacher, but maybe it is just my imagination. Anyway, a couple of teachers mentioned giving gifts to their students, so like the lemming that I am, I am doing the same. The other 3rd grade teacher mentioned using points from the book club for "gifts". ATH mentioned the dollar store. I went with the dollar store idea. The hard part was buying a crappy gift and making it seem like it is not a crappy gift. After a while of mental block in the aisle of the store. I finally got my "gift" idea. The boys would get a Spider man themed gift (coloring book, and a pencil set[2 pencils, sharpener, eraser, and small notepad]). I got stuck with the girls' gift. It had to appear to be of the same "quality and components". I did find the Hello Kitty coloring book but I couldn't find anything nice looking to match. Both coloring books are only about 8 pages including 2 sticker pages. With all of the other names I've been called, I didn't want cheapskate added to the list. After staring at the wall of merchandise, a Disney diary with lock seemed to appear. Unfortunately, there were only two. However, after a trip to Target's dollar shelves, I found my girls' gift. The girls are getting a Tweety! coloring/activity book, and a Hello Kitty pocket notebook...both a dollar each. So, I ended up taking both ideas from the other 3rd grade teachers. With my "dollar" gifts, each (relatively "good")child receives a free Magic School bus mini chapter book that I've been saving for just this occasion. I received the set with my first order at the book club the other 3rd grade teacher recommended. The "Button Pushers" only get the Magic School Bus as a gift.

Since I finished at Target at 8:19PM (one minute before the MN train would arrive), I had to settle for killing 40 minutes. I ended up going to Starbucks for a gift card for AP2. She doesn't smile very much, but for some strange reason, she always gives me books and materials for my classroom that other teachers don't get, it is probably because I am a bit of a pack rat, and she knows I won't say no. Anyway, the materials are nice and very useful, so I thought she deserved a thank you. And after a trip to the Rite Aid card section, I was planning to go to C-Town food store to buy some "extras" for the "class party", but the store was closed. by the time I reached the MN street, I had about 10 minutes to kill. Since I had Chinese take out yesterday (beef with broccoli), I wasn't really in the mood for Chinese Food. I ended up choosing the "new" teriyaki chicken ($2.75). It turns out they deep fried it. I gotta stop eating at those Chinese restaurants. I'm beginning to think those are just ghetto imitations. Almost everything seems to be deep-fried. The Chinese restaurant near my home even deep fries their "grilled" chicken.

Well, I better go. Two more days to go! :)


Post Date - Thursday, December 20, 2007 1:58AM*
* The post date is not accurate this time because I fell asleep here in my chair.

I just finished my reading log, I liked the way it turned out. I just hope it does the trick with monitoring my students' reading. I included new and old ideas. I tried to make it student-user friendly, but at the same time provide all of the information I need at a glance. Since we don't have an official (or consistent) S.S.R. (Sustained Silent Reading) time, I will have to squeeze the SSR time wherever I can in the school day. With the computerized reading assessment program we use, the school has the option of choosing amount of reading time students should have per day during the school day. My school (Admin) has chosen the 30 minute option, which means that if students are (truly) reading for 30 minutes each day, then they should be reading on average about 3 books per week. The school's financial reward for points earned is also a factor.

On the top half of my reading log, students will have to record their start(reading) times and end(reading) times, tally the minutes, and write the total minutes read per day (Monday through Friday). On the bottom half, my students will have to record the book title(s) read, computer quiz number, book level, test (Y/N) and reading response. From now on(I hope), my students will have to do some kind of response to the book they've read in class (a summary, graphic organizer, etc...).

In theory, by Friday afternoon, this one sheet of paper should tell me what reading a student has (or has not)done for the whole week. However, theory and reality are not always compatible.


Post Date - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 4:17AM

Today was actually a relatively nice day (minimally) stress free day. Strange. I was in bed about 3:30AM, but I was up at 5:30AM. However, I did move a bit slow. I I even almost managed to catch my early train. I was ready to leave and out the front door at about 6:25AM with one minute to catch the MN train, but with the ice on the ground, I didn't want to risk running for the train, so I caught my regular MN train.

School? Everyone (students)seemed to have been mostly on their best behavior(relatively speaking). I was assigned a temporary visitor for a few days. A kid suspended from another school was (temporary) reassigned to my school. I got lucky this time around, Ms. Across the Hall had one a couple of weeks ago. Just my luck, the boy turns out to be best friends with one of my new(permanent) arrivals (also from the same school). Probably not a school I would want to work in, around, or near.

My plan was to be out of school by 4:30PM to do the shopping that I did not do on Sunday, but you know me. I get distracted and before you know it, time has flown by. I gave an in-class reading assessment, I wanted to grade the papers quickly because I knew that if I didn't do it soon, then I wouldn't do it at all. I was a bit shocked to see that my students actually did worse than on previous reading tests. I bought a skills workbook from the teacher's store in Brooklyn that contained about 15 (short)practice reading tests. I've been giving one each month to use as an over-time assessment. With the old reading program (which I hated), there was a period of time where the students were given time to read independently (that was a good part of the program). Now, with the new program and the slow learning curve (for the teachers) with all the "points, parts, and procedures", the students are not reading like they should. Actually, that really isn't the program's fault.

I probably should delete that last part.

Never mind. Losing a 90 block of accountability in terms of reading and writing, teachers have to find time to assess our students reading and writing. Long story short --Yes I know, too late. I am sitting here at my computer getting ready to make up a reading log for in-class reading. I had to make a reading log for homework assignments because assigning "child must read for 15 minutes" each night was a waste of time. I now have parents sign off each night as proof of reading at home(about 2/3 do). I now have to do the same for in class. I have students that have books, and they do carry the books around, but from the computerized testing program we use, I can check and see that many are not actually reading. I also need to assign reading response exercises. I've been too dependant on the computerized program, but from the practice test I just gave, I can see that my students are not really reading for content, they are just reading for completion. One of the down sides to the computerized program --and one thing that is unintentionally being encouraged. The goal is to read as many books as possible. Financial rewards are offered for classes with the most books read(as long as the studdents pass the multiple choice computer test with 90% accuracy). There is even a kind of "racers" chart in the lobby where each class is represented as a runner with their position noting percentage of class reading goal completed. Goals were made by Admin, but we have not been told our goals yet. My class is currently at about 50%. Although the program "recommends" (and I do follow the recommendation) that students should only chose books within their individual reading range. I don't allow my students to take books that are below their individual reading range. Other teachers allow their students to choose any book, and the students chose easy books. A couple of teachers have told me that they allow their students to choose books below their individual reading range, or I've been told by (another teacher) that it is okay for students to choose books below their individual reading range. My students have even complained kids from other classes are choosing easy books. And of course a couple of my students blame me for our position on the racer's chart.

Sorry, I am way, way off track. I was planning to just type a few sentences about my evening shopping, but I got sidetrack. And I have not even started my reading log.

Quick wrap-up. I was out of the building at about 5:40PM. I went to the bank ATM. I was planning to go to Target in the Bronx, but with about 10 minutes before the MN arrived, I settled on going to the new Rite Aid about a block away. I like Target, but it is often too crowded. All I really needed was dental floss. However, too many times, I've been caught in Target waiting on line for a few items, and I end up missing my MN train.

I arrived home about 6:50PM. I ate a Healthy Choice Meal for dinner. My plan of a quick assignment check, and a quick reading log is now shot to h*ll. I wanted to print out some differentiated worksheets about adjectives for my students, but I am out of black ink. I also got sidetracked before this blog entry clearing up my flash drive. I got so used to dumping files on it, that nothing was organized. I was also a bit surprised that some of my files were not school related. I have several flash drives, the one I carry around school should only have school files on it. I really like things neat and orderly, even though it doesn't seem like it. If I'm lucky, I will be able to use this coming vacation to get organized. I know a lot of my stress comes from not being as organized as I want to be.

Hopefully, I'll be in bed by 3:30AM. And hopefully, I'll have another relatively stress free day. One can only hope.


Post Date - Tuesday, December 18, 2007 2:32AM

I just finished typing up my homework sheet for the week. I also managed to do my lesson plans for the week as well. I am not sure but this weekend seemed to have been less stressful than previous weekends. I didn't have my usual mental block this weekend. Maybe my cold put me in an "I don't care" mood. Or, maybe thinking about the coming recess vacation did it.

Quick summary. Other than sleeping, I really didn't do much this weekend. I was planning to go shopping at the 99 cent store. A couple of teachers plan to give presents to their students. Ms. Across the Hall suggested the 99 cent store. As for me, nothing more than lemming mentality. Anyway, the plan was to go shopping, but I really did not feel like living my warm apartment for the cold and windy outside. My main goal was to get rid of this cold. I'm glad to write that the cold is just about gone. For dinner, I ate one of my "Smart Meals". I might have gone a bit over-board with my online order. I ordered about 9 Smart Meals and 6 Healthy Choice Meals. I also ordered a half a gallon of prune juice. Since I was still hungry after the "Smart Meal", I was still hungry, so I made a couple of Sloppy Joe sandwiches I made with ground turkey meat.



Post Date - Monday, December 17, 2007 12:19AM

I just finished shopping.....online. I spent about $115 (including the service fee) for several Healthy Choice Meals and Weight Watcher Meals. How about the last few days? The last couple of days have been a bit stressed and tiring. Quick (and I do mean quick) recap.

Thursday. I was supposed to have two parents come because they are concerned about their daughters (Cackler and Beady Betty[now TT - Temper-tantrum Tina]). Double no show. TT's father did show up to pick his daughter up early from after-school. He told me that his wife couldn't come because of the weather (snow and slush). I was able to vent a bit to the father about how TT has been throwing temper tantrums and not working to her full potential. The father told me that he and his wife are doing their best with her and will continue to stay on her.

The very next day??????

TT gives me a letter from her father stating that she "should be given the opportunity to go on the field trip" that I had already said she could not go on.

That's supportive!?!?!

Cackler now at her new seat at table one, made the Spanish girl cry by tauting the Spanish girl for copying. The sad part is that the Spanish girl who has to learn English with simple English words is probably smarter than Cackler. I eventually found out that mom did speak to Cackler about my conversation with her, and that she (Cackler) would have to behave if she wanted her lunch bag back. That's supportive...I guess.

Thursday left the school about 7PM. I was so tired that I fell asleep within minutes of arriving home...clothes and all. Friday, both of the other 3rd grade classes were suppose to go on a trip to see a show. Both managed to get almost 100% payment from their students for the trip, but since I didn't do the hard sell, I only got about 7 kids who paid. Tantrum Tina and Mouth had paid, but Hell would have frozen over if those two left the building. And footprints of the damned trampled across my dead body. Sorry. Anyway, the trip was canceled because the bus never showed and the train pass authorization did not come through in time. Lucky me. The deal with the trip was that my (good) kids who paid would go, and the ones from both classes that would not go would stay with me. The trip was rescheduled for this coming Friday.

Well, let my end this entry for now. I almost forgot. I am currently fighting a cold. Hopefully, I will not be hinder this weekend to at least do some lesson planning, paper grading, and prep. work.


Post Date - Saturday, December 15, 2007 10:00AM

Well, I managed two days before the the inevitable relapse. I managed to get on my rowing machine for two days in a row. Yesterday, I barely managed it but I did about 40 minutes. Today, I just was not in the mood. I think I am catching a cold. I had a lot of sneezing, and a bit of a runny nose. That usually means that a cold is on the way. I was trying to maintain a consistency with leaving school and getting home to jump on the rower. Today about 2:45PM, Cackler was pushing my last nerve. Finally, I had enough. I told her that I would pay a home visit. I did go to the building (right across the street), but the name was not listed and the front door was locked. They recently moved (another floor in the same building), but I was not given the information at this time. Cackler also told me that the phone was not connected (the last time I had tried to call). I thought that a home visit would have an impact that a phone call wouldn't. Anyway, long story short. It turns out the mother was actually in the building for most of the morning yesterday, but no one felt it was necessary to let me know. It turns out the mother completed the change of address information yesterday. I could have avoided a trip to the building. I did get a phone number and I spoke to the mother. She told me that since Cackler has been yelling at her younger sibling at home, she (the mother) believes me. She said that she punish Cackler and take away fun activities like going to after school(???). She also said that she will make a surprise visit tomorrow. The mother actually seems very nice. I even gave her my cell phone number just in case she had any questions or concerns later. Now, I have that visit to look forward to. Also, it just so happens that Beady Betty's -- she is no longer wearing beads in her hair, so I might have to change her name. Maybe Whiny Wanda? Anyway, after my phone call to BB's mother about BB's disruptive behavior. Up until then, I've always spoken to BB's father. Anyway, I was ready with a list of disruptive things BB had done that day alone, but no sooner did I make the first statement, the mother mentioned that she was concerned that her daughter was not getting fair treatment and that other students were bothering BB about her hair. Sooo, mom is making a trip to discuss her daughter. How is daughter's behavior now? She is like princess chaos. It's her way, or no way!!! She is a door monitor, doesn't want to get the door, but no one can get the door. If she doesn't get her way, then she throws a temper tantrum. This morning she spent the first period chatting with the very girl (or girls) that she complained teases her about her air. Then, she spent the remainder of the period doing the assignment that I had given yesterday it was a quiz. She either took the extra sheets off my desk, or she grabbed a couple yesterday. Then, when she was finished, she wanted me to explain today's assignment. First of all, she should not have been doing the quiz. Second she wasted about 15 minutes socializing with the very girls she complains about. Third, she has a bad habit of blindly saying "I need help" without looking at the activity...not even putting her name on the paper. Sorry, I am not a servant. I should not have to jump when a child snaps his or her fingers. However, that seems the be idea. Ask for help, if the teacher does not response (never mind the when, where, or how help was asked), the child can go home and say, "I asked for help, but the teacher did not do anything.

I better stop here. I wanted to write more, but it is late. I managed to take the early train for the last couple of days, I want that to continue. It is nice having about 30 minutes to get ready as oppose to arrived minutes before it is time to pick up the kids.


Post Date - Wednesday, December 12, 2007 11:15M

Today was a bit of a crazy and tiring day. I arrived at school to find out that both 3rd grade teachers would be absent today. And in the very next breath, AP1 told me that I would be getting half of Across the Hall's kids. Somehow, she must have miss counted because I ended up with all (yes, all) of Across the Hall's kids. In total, I had 31 kids in my classroom all day. To make me feel better about the situation, I was given a second prep period today (Gym). Having Gym gave me something to hold over the few wild ones heads from both classes. All in all, the day turned out okay. Luckily, the headaches from both rooms were not in top form today. Although after lunch, things started to fall apart, but not by much. And again, having a second prep helped out a lot!!! AP1 also offered to reward the students with pizza or (Dunkin Donuts). That also was a big help!

My goal for today was to be out of the building by 5PM. I decided on Sunday, that I would try to resume rowing for this week, then start at the gym next week. Speaking of Sunday, I really don't need to type anything, just take any previous (Sunday) blog entry, and substitute the date. After sleeping away Saturday, I wanted to go to the teacher's store in Brooklyn. I wanted to by some gold paint for the next bulletin board project. I wanted my students to make macaroni frames to go with their character sketches. Of course, I can never just get one thing there. I ended buying yellow paint -- No gold paint. No matter, I remember buying gold paint and it looking like mustard yellow. So, I settled for a light yellow. I also bought a can of gold glitter. And: mini glue bottles (two 12 packs), large 16oz bottle of glue, heavy duty tag board, book (Portfolio Assessments with reproducibles), and a box of yellow chalk. I spent about $50. As I was about to leaving, I remembered my Spanish student who speaks almost no English (she's only been in the US for about 2 months). I went to the ESL section and was able to find some reproducible books. I spent about another $30 on the Spanish student. I left about $80 poorer. I went to Wendy's for a late lunch.

Back to today. I was out of the building about 5:30PM. I managed to arrive on time to catch the 6:03PM MN train. I was home about 6:20PM. Nice. I managed to wash the bathtub and fill up the tub. I was on my rowing machine for about 40 minutes. I then relaxed in the tub for about 40 minutes. After a short nap, I was up. I wasn't hungry, so I settled for a bowl of frosted mini wheats and a 4 pack of Jello cups.

Hopefully, I will have a repeat performance in terms of rowing, soaking and feeling relaxed.

Wt. 200.4lbs. / BMI 33.3%


Post Date - Monday, December 10, 2007 10:40PM

The hyperactivity virus must be spreading. Today was day 2 of the hyperactivity of last year. Excessively talkative and hyper for the few of the usual students. The problem is that it only takes a few. Since today was a school wide Math test, Beady Betty chose today to act up. Talkative, angry, and moody.

When the test was about to start, I took my class to the bathroom. My proctor assistant arrived then. I was assigned the librarian. Very nice, but a bit old for this population. I felt bad when blank answer grids were needed and I had to send her. The math test was a general (predicative)assessment to see what the students will possibly get on the citywide test. The test was about 35 minutes, and my students seem to do better on the math than the ELA (English Language Arts). After the test, I had to collect the answer grids and take the grids to the Principal's office. Lucky for me it was during my prep(aration) period. :(

The distance from my classroom to the main office/Principal's office is about 2 or 3 minutes. I am on the second floor at the very end of the corridor. The main office is on the first floor at the opposite end. About a 2 or 3 minute walk involving a set of stairs. Anyway, I walked to the main office to drop off the answer grids. One of my students' answer grid was missing from the ELA practice test on Tuesday. I was told that I had to find that grid, so a trip back to my class. Searched and no grid. A walk back, then told okay a blank grid would be okay. A walk to the classroom, completed bubbling the students' ID information on the grid for the student who was absent. As soon as I finished, the phone rang. They found the grid. I had to bring the answer grids back to the main office (they had to be secured). I walked back to the office to drop off the grids. This time, the manila envelope had to be brought down...another trip to and from the main office.

On the way back, the prep teacher had three girls in the hallway because there was a fight. Beady Betty and Drama Queen. DQ cried and did her "they/she always... boo hoo hoo." I had had enough of BB, so another walking trip to the nearest phone at the opposite end of the very long corridor to call BB's home. I left a message on the answering machine. Even though parents are often home, they have a habit of leaving the answering machine on, or blocking the calls. When I finished leaving the message, my prep period was over. I wasted a whole 45 minutes looking for a phantom grid sheet and leaving phantom messages on the phone. I was annoyed.

I arrived back to the girl triad drama club (Drama Queen, Sticky fingers, and Beady Betty) are arguing across the room. Friends are now bitter enemies. Enemies are best friends, and I'm just pissed off. DQ called home, so she's going home, boo hoo hoo. Cackler's doing just that. BB's got an attitude. With about 30 minutes before lunch, I review the math test. Now, I'm in a nasty mood, so of course, the class is quiet.

Lunch, I usually do detention for the ones that don't do their homework, but I wasn't in the mood. Lunch was good. School lunchs have gotten much better since I was a student...most of the time. Today lunch was mac & cheese, baked chicken, fried rice, and greens. The lunch ladies are very nice and generous when there is extra food. The afternoon was okay, luckily no drama.

5:30PM, AP1 knocks on my door. A visitor will be visiting tomorrow (today at the time of this typing), so she is doing a last minute inspection. She came in with a "oh we have to tidy up" statement. Normally, I a walking doormat, I do without question. But to come 2 and a half hours after I'm off the clock annoyed me. I was tired, hungry and doing some last minute inside bulletin board updating. On top of wanting me to rearrange things that the visitors might find an eyesore, she zeros in on the stack of boxes I have neatly flatted in the corner with chart paper over and manipulatives on top. She wants the boxes moved. I advised her that the tower would come falling down if she touched it. After poking and prodding, I guess she came to her senses. Then she started "tidying up". I just ignored her...respectfully. She said that my room just needed a woman's touch.

AP1 started dragging a few boxes that she would keep in her office until after the visitors left. I made no offer to help. About 15 minutes later, my class phone started to ring. It rang for a good minute before whoever was on the other end came to his (most likely her) senses. I left the classroom about 7PM. There was a box AP1 could not drag to her office. I put it back.

My school has an "A" rating with the new rating system. To be honest, I really don't have an idea what that really means. I do know that when it comes to looks, my school does look good. :)


Post Date - Friday, December 7, 2007 4:17PM

Hyper Day!!! Today was training day. For my group, training was in the afternoon. Training was for the new literacy program, that we are currently using the old materials for. Thinking about today as a half day did not help. My kids were super hyper today. Actually, not all, just the handful (the usual characters [Sticky fingers, Beady Betty, The Cackler etc...). Also, I had no preparation period, which also doubles as a sanity recuperative period. I tried to keep the routines as regular and consistent, but the characters were having none of that. Cackler arrived late, and as soon as she walked through the do Beady Betty does a quick, "Yes!" out loud. The party was on. Those two kept going back and forth as if my class was their social club. My problem is that these type of students often require immediate correction and/or attention, the problem is when and where. In the past, I've stopped to correct the behavior, but I find that they seem to enjoy and/or get off on the extra attention (yes, even if it is negative). Threats worked (a bit) for Beady Betty. However, The Cackler just does not seem to care about much. Her catch phrase is "I don't care", and she really doesn't seem to. Cackler likes to argue, and does not mind of the lesson stops. Sometimes, I ignore Cackler because she feeds on negativity like a Hoover sucks up dirt. If I give positive attention, then she gets greedy, and stubborn if she doesn't get more than her fair share. After a couple of hours she just kept going at it. Finally, the last straw. She got up and walked out of the...sorry, my classroom! Without even bothering to ask. Then came back, slamming the door, laughed saying, "Oh, I'm sorry". Then cackles cackles on her way back to her seat. Then decides she wants to sweep. I told her to "GET OUT!!!!". I almost lost it. I said, "I hate....her behavior! Nice girl, but I HATE HER BEHAVIOR". I sent her to Ms. Across the Hall. After she left, things went a bit smoothly. Unfortunately, I soften up, and asked her back after I finished with the lesson. I really, really didn't want her back. Later as the class was lining up for lunch, I noticed her happily carrying her new Care Bears lunch bag. I politely called her over, told politely asked for her lunch bag...then very unprofessionally, I tore into her. I went into raving ranting lecture about how she steals (time) from me, so I'm taking her lunch. If she can take from me, then I can take from her. She cried, and I smiled.

Since I had no prep. And my afternoon would be in a wasted training session. I needed lunch time to gathered my mental strength. Normally I would have called home during lunch, but I have a bad habit of getting sidetrack at my expense. I wanted and needed the break.

Would you believe Cackler had the nerve to come to my room during the lunch period to ask for her lunch back. Although I was not as angry as before -- I have a bad habit of not staying angry for very long. Bad habit because the kids often see that as a weakness, not a strength. Anyway, I wasn't angry, but I instantly became annoyed at the nerve.

Afternoon...Do I really need to go into details about "training"? I didn't think so.

After 3PM, I chatted with Ms. Across the Hall. I shuffled a few papers and ate some instant oatmeal, and before I knew it, it was 5PM. Since my headaches go to the after school program at school. I decided to wait in the lobby for a little bit of mini conferences. Last one, Sticky finger's mother ended up coming about 5:30PM. Since she had told me that it was her father who was picking her up, I was going to wait as long as necessary. Waste of time. I mentioned the behavior. I mentioned the lack of commitment to work. I mentioned test daughter didn't take due to playing. Mom was just annoyed that I was keeping her. Her suggestion was that anytime her daughter misbehaves, I should keep her in the classroom with me. Waste of time.

I finished about 6:15PM. I fell into the timing trap. I have a bad habit of trying to time things "just right". I realize that I would not catch the 6:48 MN train. So, I shuffled some more papers. I was also going to call Cackler's mother. However, before I knew it, it was about 6:50PM. Usually it takes about ten minutes to walk to the first train station, then about 18 minutes to ride to the MN station. I timed it pretty good, except the train starts slowing as it approaches my station, "due to train traffic ahead of us". I arrived in the Bronx just as the MN train goes by. So now I have about another 30 minutes to kill. I go to Target store to buy some milk. I arrive home about 8:16PM.

Dinner was a "Smart Meal" and an iced bun. I have a bad habit of eating junk food when bored, annoyed and hungry. By the posting time below, you can figure out the rest.


Post Date - Thursday, December 6, 2007 3:53AM

Another relapse. The night before was a regular (irregular) sleep night. I left school about 6:45PM. The schedule for Wednesday is an in-house half-day training for the new literacy program. Yes, the same program that required teachers to report two days earlier at the beginning of the school year (instead of getting classrooms ready). The program that started about a month and a half after school started. And yes, the same program that we are currently using older versions of the materials because the new materials have not arrived yet. Training will be on the new materials.

At first, I wasn't sure how the training day was scheduled (plus the irregular sleep routine turned my mind to mush. By three, I was both mentally and physically drained, so I kind of drifted and wandered, until I could finally focus, by then it was about 6:00PM. There were a few things going through my mind at the same time (the training [did I need to plan activities for the teacher(s) covering my class], student behavior, portfolio development, portfolio components, social studies, writing rubrics, etc...). In the end, I just threw a few books and materials into the granny cart with the (false) plan of getting it organized when I got home.

When I got home, I had planned to call a couple of parents about behavior, but after dinner, I fell asleep. For dinner I ate a Weight Watchers "Smart Ones" meal. I added a cup of microwavable rice to the meal to help fill me up. For dessert, I ate a couple of cups of Blueberry Morning cereal. I use the same disposable drinking cup, so that I don't have to wash dishes.

Oh, a quick comment about the microwavable rice. By now, you know that I like the microwavable mini cups. They are quick, convenient, and until recently, a healthier choice than some of the other possible food choices. Success Rice (an instant rice making company) was bought by Minute Rice.

What was the first thing Minute Rice did?

They added salt to the white and brown rice. There were favored rices that I usually avoided because of the sodium content. For example, Success Rice Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix has 390mg of sodium. I was satisfied with the white and brown rice. White rice had 0mg of sodium, and brown rice had about 5mg of sodium. Now, both have 175mg of sodium (about 7% of the recommended daily allowance of sodium intake).

Well, I better go. Above, I have attached photos of my recent bulletin board.


Post Date - Wednesday, December 5, 2007 2:46AM

Okay day today. No major incidents to report, just the usual nonsense. On Friday, a parent came to talk about her son. I should have been off the clock, but I met with the parent for about 15 or 20 minutes. So what was the behavior after the parent received reports of her son's behavior from the child's after-school teacher and myself. No changed.

Today being the first of the month, There was a faculty conference at three o'clock. The conference lasted until about 4PM. I told myself on Sunday that I would start leaving early. My goal was 4:30Pm. So, how did I do. I managed 4:40PM. It doesn't seem like much, but I was very happy! If I can do it for more than one day, then I might be able to get organized and get back on track.

After leaving school, I stopped by my foster father's place. I had to pick up my jury duty letter. I'm going to see if I can put it off until Christmas or summer vacation. I'm one of those people who hates taking a day off work for anything.

I was back home about 6:20PM. I ate a Weight Watcher's meal. I was more thirsty than I thought, I ended up drinking about a quart of milk. For dessert, I had a couple of cups of raisin bran cereal. I used the same cup I drank my milk out of. All of my bowls were dirty, and I did not want to waste one of my paper bowls. After eating, I finally got around to washing the dishes that have been sitting in my kitchen sink for quite some time. I won't embarrass myself by mentioning the number of weeks I've had dirty dishes in the sink.

Well, I better go. I want to get back to a regular sleeping routine.


Post Date - Monday, December 3, 2007 9:32PM

Old (bad) habits just won't die. Saturday (my recovery day) was a fairly slow day. After finally getting up, I needed to go to the post office. My Doctor Strange DVD arrived.

Up here is car country. Without a car, you are very limited with your travel options. Walking, taxis, or buses, are the options available. With mountainous winding roads that can be 45 degrees or more, a bike isn't that useful in this area.

Originally, I did not feel like walking, so my plan was to take my boring 3 or 4lbs trilogy Storm of Swords book, and wait for the bus. Luckily, once I got out and started walking (about 12 to 15 minutes at a fairly consistent 45 degree winding road up), I felt comfortable about walking to the post office. It turns out that not a single bus passed me as I walked.

After about a 2 hour walk (there and back), I decided to continue walking to central Yonkers to go grocery shopping. I needed a few items that the online grocery shopping doesn't have (mini 4oz. microwavable rice, Dole single serve jello and fruit cups). I don't even know why I buy the single serve fruit cups when I usually eat the whole four-pack. Before the grocery store, I made a stop at the 99 cent store. I bought some 16oz foam cups. I make my morning oatmeal and hot green tea in those cups. Anyway, after walking to the grocery store, I took the MN train back to my local station.

For dinner, I ate a Healthy Choice grilled chicken steamer meal. I was still hungry after the meal, and I wanted to try the new organic strawberry preserves. Unfortunately, I got a bit carrying away. I ended up eating three jelly sandwiches, so any benefits I earned from the almost 3 hour walk and the healthy meal, was lost.

After dinner, I decided to just relax. I did not want to even think about school. I read the newspaper and watched a bit of the PBS "Do Wop - 1960's My Music" program. Then about 8:30PM, I watched my Doctor Strange DVD; I bought it used from Amazon.com. It was okay, not great, or very good, but it was a nice bit of escapism from the boring day to day existence that is my life. My plan was to watch the 10PM news, shower then call it an evening. Unfortunately, I fell asleep within minutes of the DVD finishing.

Now I am up again. I'll finish this blog and then call it a night. Tomorrow (today actually), the weather is supposed to be wet and messy. I would like to do my lesson planning for the week for the first part of the day. If I could be finished before 2PM, that would be great. I need to do my laundry also. If I can finish by 2PM, then I would like to go to Target in the Bronx to buy some new slacks for work. My 36waist pants are showing signs of wear and tear (literally). Eventually, it is only a matter of time before I hear, " I see London, I see France..." It is time to go clothes shopping.

Unfortunately at the time I bought my comfortable 36in waist, I only bought one pair. At the time I bought the 36 waist, I was a 38 waist, and the 36in were my "one day I'll fit into these" impulse buys. I have 2 pair of 34 waist which are starting to prep for a coming flood. When you can start seeing your socks while you're walking, then it is time to get new pants. Besides, sucking in the gut to zip up is another signal it is time to change pants. I also have a couple of 38 waist slacks, but with those, I get called "Urkel" by students. Strange, I have the waist of a swimmer, but the belly of a beer guzzling couch potato...without the beer.

Well, I think that's it. Hopefully, I can do something productive tomorrow.


Post Date - Sunday, December 2, 2007 4:18AM

Jannx Journal (New York)

Well, I made it to another weekend. This past week seemed to have went by very quickly. Not much to blog about. Yesterday, having told myself that I would not bring anymore books home over the week, I did exactly that. This past week, I was supposed to do some or all of my lesson planning in my classroom, so that I would not have to do any planning at home. Well, it was one "priority" or another that took my attention from my goal. One day it was a giant banner for the conflict resolution component of the literacy program we now use. All class are required to have one due by Thursday. Another day was a test grading. Well, Friday it was bulletin board. My literacy group did an okay job with the writing component. When I saw the results (not great, but interesting), I thought I could use their writing responses for my hall bulletin board. I thought it would be nice to take down my turkeys. I didn't want my turkey bulletin board in December. My original plan was to put up the literacy work for a few days until my class did bulletin board worthy work. What should have been a 30 minute activity, turned into a couple of hours -- a surprise visit by a parent took about 20 minutes of my time. I ended up taking about 2 hours to collect, grade the students' writing, applying the rubric grades, and personalized comments for most of the assignments. I even had my regular students (who were in our school's after-school program) to redo the paper hugs. I ended up finishing the bulletin board by 6:45PM. What was the assignment?

From a guided reading of the story "Willie's not the hugging kind", the students had to write a message to someone they wanted to hug and why. They then had to fold color construction paper into thirds. Cutting out arm shapes to the fold on each end, and making a face to glue on top creates what looks a little bit like a paper doll "hugging" their writing which is glued in the middle. I also took the extra step of attaching a clip art teddy bear into the final draft page that the students would write their message on. The teddy bears came out a bit too dark, so that the write is a bit difficult to see, however, from a distance, it looks a little bit like paper dolls hugging teddy bears. I would have attached a photo here, but I had no idea that I would even be putting up the hall bulletin board, so I did not bring my camera. The bulletin boards are due in about 2 weeks. The end result is that I am now ahead. After all of the work I did for this "temporary" bulletin board, I am keeping this one up until the end of December. I now have time to get my students to type their character sketches. And the 3 or 4 who didn't do one can get it done.

Anyway, by the time I finished the bulletin board, it was time to leave. The custodian came in and told me that I had to leave. This custodian is a bit more "business-like" than the others. I didn't like the business-like way I was told to get out, but for people like me I guess a kick in the pants is the only way we move. I left tired, but with a good feeling. I finally accomplished something that was ahead instead of late. I also left with the feeling that I would do more to get back to my goals of getting organized.

By the time I got to my home MN station, I was tempted to go to the local Chinese takeout (with the promise that I would start going to the gym tomorrow). Luckily, I resisted the temptation. I went home and microwaved a couple of weight watchers' meal. And fell asleep soon after.

Well, that is about it....Oh wait!

A few days ago, another blogger posted photos from his Picasa website. For the heck of it, I clicked a link that said my photos. I wanted to see what would appear. Somehow, Blogger is linked, because all of the photos that I have posted on my blog were instantly compiled into one "album". It made me feel a bit uncomfortable seeing how much information was presented without my knowledge. Now, having revisited my "album", I am feeling a bit better about the album. If anyone is interested in seeing all of the photos that I've posted on my blog, just click on the photo link above.

Now, I have to go to the post office. That is about a two hour walk (one hour each way), however, I am not really feeling in the walking mood. I think I will take the bus and my "Storm of Swords" book. It is still dragging on. Now I am hearing about the "Golden Compass" ads. Now, I want to drop this book to start reading the trilogy with the Compass story. I would like to read the book before I see the movie.

Well, I better go before the post office closes.


Post Date - Saturday, December 1, 2007 2:06PM

Formal Observation. Today was okay I guess. The kids were a bit hyper, but I was not in the best of moods (maybe the observation, but I don't think so. Or at least that was only part of it). The minute the regulars started their nonsense, I just started biting off heads. When Sticky fingers started her "look at me" routine, I just told her to get out. No escorting, no counting, no threatening, I just said "Get Out!". It must have been the way I said it, because I got no argument or discussion. It was nice. I told her to go sit in Ms. Across the Hall's room. Normally, I would escort the child (with something to do), but I just wasn't in the mood. I was doing listening practice for the ELA test. I've also learned a bit more about the power of body language. Not only mine, but the students' as well. Since Friday, I have not accepted students just looking at me as proof that they are listening. They have to have their hands not moving, writing, or any place I can't see them. Just an example.

During the literacy time, AP1 called to invite my group up to the library to listen to an author talk about her books. She was also selling autographed books for $10.

Observation was schedule for the period right after lunch. Yesterday, at a last minute called grade-level meeting, AP1 discussed what she was looking for in the observations (proof that data was driving instruction, and differentiated instruction).

So, how did it go? I guess it went okay. My aim was something like, "Students will learn about finding the area of a shape with 80% accuracy given 6 rectangles. Here, aims are supposed to be quantifiable. My Do Now was some Test Prep examples for the NYS Math Test. We defined area. I looked up the information in the student reference book. I differentiated instruction by giving out two practice work sheets (one high level, one not). I had students sitting in groups according to their abilities. As I explained the directions, I focused on the main ideas of completion that both practice sheets expected (finding the area inside shapes and provide a unit with the answer). The strange thing was that no one seemed to realize that I'd handed out different sheets. I moved from table to table. At the easy tables, the students just had to count the boxes in the shapes. At the other tables, the students had to read the questions about various shapes in order to find the area. When it was time to review, I just focused on getting an answer and did the students' add a unit with their answers. AP1 looked over students' shoulders, and took (what seemed like a lot of notes). At the end, I went back to the aim to see if we accomplished our aim. We didn't, but my students were a bit too eager to say yes we did. I had to explain to them that we didn't. I learned a long time ago that kids will usually say whatever they think the teacher wants them to say. Unfortunately, there are teachers that really don't think about that. They will seek positive answers unconsciously (and consciously), even when they are asking for honest answers.

I better stop now. I want to do a bit of school work, shower, then call it a night. I also want to try out my laminator. I want to make that student check off list.


Post Date - Tuesday, November 27, 2007 9:28PM

Relatively nice day. I had 6 kids out today. Also, due to the school-wide perfect attendance reward, I also lost another 6 kids who went on a mini fieldtrip. For most of the day, I had 6 kids. Nice, but that group included: Beady, Sticky fingers (who by the way got caught trying to steal candy from her literacy teacher's desk [Ms. Across the Hall]). The others 3 were also hyper in their own ways, but I haven't given them names yet. Of the group of 6 only one was a true joy to have in class.

After school, my plan was to be out of school by 5PM, but old habits...you know the rest. I ended up leaving school about 6:30PM. Since I had about 20 minutes for my MN train, I went to the nearby Chinese takeout place. I ordered beef with broccoli. I got home about 7:34PM. The first thing I did was to take a shower, so that I would be ready for bed. In the past, I would jump online almost as soon as I walk through the door. I was hoping for a 10:30PM bedtime, but I will have to settle for 11:30PM bedtime.

Tomorrow is my formal observation. Before I started this blog, I checked a teacher's resource website for differentiated materials. After about an hour browsing, I accepted that I was better off just using the materials I have in class. So far, I am getting the impression that I wasted my money joining that website.

Also, before this blog, I typed up a worksheet for my literacy group (of mostly 4th and 55th graders reading on a second grade reading level. The activity from the anthology text being used called for the students to write a message to someone they wanted to give a hug to. The story read in class was, "Willie's Not the Hugging Kind". It is about a boy who wants huggs but is afraid of looking silly. To "add some meat to the bone", I asked my students to give me 3 paragraphs explaining who they wanted to give a hug to and why(also giving one detailed explanation of a specific incident (or time) when that person showed you kindness.

Well, I better go. Tomorrow, I want to try to make my early train so that I can arrive early for class.

Oh, one last thing. Does anyone else listen to channel 106.7FM on the radio. That used to be my favorite channel, but recently, they switched to a Christmas music channel. Very, very annoying! Now, I've had to switch to WKTU.


Post Date - Monday, November 26, 2007 11:38PM.

New start, or fresh start. I hope so. As my four-day weekend comes to an end. I will be trying to get back on a sane and reasonable track. I also want to do a few things to get back on track in my classroom. I would list them now, but if I did, then by the time I finished, I would be repeat old habit of late night bed time. Hopefully in the coming days, you will be able to see a change from my blog postings. I hope so.

Quick summary. And this time, I do mean quick. Today, I basically ran out the clock. I knew I wouldn't accomplish anything major. My groceries arrived about 3:30PM, they were supposed to arrive between 1PM and 3PM. Luckily, I had no place to go. I did do my laundry. And I did do my lesson plans for next week (so I have a bit of breathing room). For dinner, I had a can of low sodium soup.

If I can manage an 11:15PM bedtime, it would be the first time in a very long time, that I went to bed at a normal hour. Tomorrow, I want to try to avoid getting online unless I've done everything that I need to do. Lately, I have been online a bit too much.

Well, quick means that I should end this now. Hopefully, my next entry will have some thing positive about new or fresh changes back on the road to sanity...I hope.


Post Date - Sunday, November 25, 2007 10:18PM

I did it again. I should not have gone anywhere near my computer. What was meant to be a quick e-mail check, turned into about a 7 hour sitting. My plan was to take a bath, finish my lesson plans (didn't even come close to a monthly plan, I could only focus on next week), do laundry, and go shopping (brick and mortar not online). I also wanted to get on my rowing machine. But other than a few bathroom breaks, I have not moved from this spot. For breakfast, I ate a bowl of frosted mini-wheats (strawberry), and had a 16oz. cup of hot green tea (no sugar). Now it is dinner time, and a day before the last day of the 4-day holiday recess.

Plan now? We'll see.


Post Date - Saturday, November 24, 2007 5:19PM

Quick entry. I have three days to do something productive. My goal now is to do lesson planning for today. I am aiming for 5 weeks of lesson plans and homework sheets(next week and the month of December). If I succeed (or even mostly succeed), then tomorrow will be apt. cleaning day. And Sunday will be my day of rest. I would also like to resume using my rowing machine. Hopefully, I will be able to start going to the gym in December. My routine then will be gym Mondays thru Fridays and rowing machine Saturdays and Sundays.

On Friday, I managed to do some furniture rearranging in my classroom. I moved my desk to the back by the sink and my personal copier. I had enough of the split work space that I'd created. Now, my most of my workspace is in the back corner of the room. The space by the window will now be my teacher's storage space. I've located a shelf and a bunch of colorful crates(for storage space). For some strange reason, my classroom looks bigger now. I did not include a photo because, I only managed to relocation my desk. I had to pile miscellaneous things into the back of the room. Next week, my plan is to tackle the disorder a day at a time. Hopefully, by next Friday, I will have a nice and orderly classroom.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. My Thanksgiving was fairly quiet. I went to my foster father's place. His lady friend made the Thanksgiving dinner. I bought the cheesecake that one of the school custodians was selling. Sixteen dollars for a cake! The cheapskate in me wanted to say H** No!!! However, since other teachers were buying, I sheepishly followed the crowd.

Anyway, after moving my classroom around, and getting home about 8pm, I really was not in the mood for leaving my bed. I did not get out of bed until about 12PM. I finally did manage to catch the MN to NYC.

I arrived about 4:15PM. My foster father's lady friend's grand daughter was there. When I arrived, I asked if anything was needed from the store, granddaughter suggested ice cream. So, I was back out in a matter of minutes. It was actually a very nice day in terms of the weather.

Lady friend's kids and grand kids arrived. Not a lot of space so, I just kept to the living room. I had brought my lesson plan book and a couple of textbooks, so that I could have something productive to do. However, I spent about 30 minutes, address envelopes for the parents who did not show up for parent teacher conferences. I finally got around to mailing the report cards. I also included a progress report and a print out of their child's pretest results on the reading program we use at my school. I bought the stamps last Saturday.

I waited until Lady friend's kids ate (not a lot of space in the kitchen), then I fixed myself a plate. The dinner was very good. It is nice having a home-cooked meal. Eating Chinese takeout and precook microwavable meals get tiring after awhile. After I finished eating, I washed all of the dishes. I also put most of the food into containers and washed the pots and pans. By the time I finished, it was almost 8PM. I ate a piece of the expensive cheesecake, it was actually pretty good. I was out by 8PM. I ended up missing my train, so I ended up getting home about 10PM. I read the newspaper and skimmed the social studies textbook that I bought with me.

Well, I better go. I already spent too much time on this "quick entry". My breakfast is now cold. I finally opened the organic instant oatmeal. The first difference I noticed was that it was thicker than the other brands.

Well, that's it for now. Hopefully, I can get offline now, eat and then do some lesson planning. I want to stop (whatever I'm doing) by 6PM, I don't want to spend the whole three-day weekend staring at my lesson plans with a mental block. I want to treat today like Sunday, do as much as I can then put the school work away. I'm tired of wasting weekends thinking about school work, procrastinating and avoiding school work, stepping over, pushing aside, sitting on, repositioning...I think you get the picture.


Post Date - Friday, November 23, 2007 10:42AM

Well, I made it to another weekend. This one is a four-day weekend, also carrying the hope of me getting organized. I will be at my father's place for Thanksgiving. My plan is to do some lesson planning there. My goal is to make Thursday and Friday school work days, and Saturday and Sunday "me" work days(shopping and cleaning). I'm am trying again for a months worth of lesson plans along with homework sheets for four or five weeks.

About my "Turkey" bulletin board. I only got one compliment(from Ms. Across the Hall). I did see a couple of teachers sort of looking at it indirectly, but neither said anything. I think the bulletin board came out better than I thought it would, but I still think that it isn't one of my better displays.

My work day. No real drama. With about 2 hours of sleep (5 if you count the crash and burned sleep after dinner), I missed my morning train. I managed to get ready, dress with my coat on, when I looked at my watch. I had about a minute to run to the train. However, I did not feel like running, so I decided to take the later train. At the Bronx, I took a ($15) taxi cab ride to school. I arrived with about 5 minutes to spare (enough time to take my things upstairs then turn around and pick up my students). Today, AP2 had her upper grade feast. Any student who brought something could join. I had about 8 kids go. With the rest, I had the remaining students begin working on their portfolio dividers(photocopiables that can be used to separate the different sections in their portfolios).


Post Date - Wednesday, November 21, 2007 11:50PM