Okay. I have completed my blogging catch up. I am now back in the here and now. Not much to post. Oh,....

MY VACATION HAS BEGUN!!!!

Friday, February 15, 2008
I was feeling a bit excited, but relaxed knowing that I would have a week to regain my sanity. Since the New Year vacation, instead of getting better, I was getting worse. For the last couple of weeks, I was unable to even put together a complete lesson plan for a whole week. I have not been to the gym since the last session with my trainer. Well, now I have another chance to get back on track.

Quick summary of Friday. Friday was my easy day. I had an easy schedule (computer twice). We finally got an outdoor recess. And...The literacy coach in charge of the new program assigned me and one other teacher to view a video about the program. Strange. There are other teachers who are better at the program. And there are other teachers who are new to the program. And, there are other teachers who received negative reviews when the program reps. came for an implementation visit. Strange. So why was I chosen to see the video? Ms. Across the Hall received a very "negative" letter from the literacy coach (CC to almost everyone in Admin) about her messy room, disorganization, and lack of implementation of the program, but I was the one (of two), to be assigned a sub during the literacy block time to come down and watch the video. Now, don't get me wrong, I got a 90 minute break out of the classroom, so I am not complaining. Even if the reason was a negative...somehow my instincts tell me it wasn't.

Anyway, while I was assigned to watch the video, my literacy block class was assigned to the "Spanish" teacher. Although, he is required to do the program as well, it was like I was introducing the program to him. I was a bit nervous, the kids tend to run wild with him. His "teaching" style seems to be a bit too familar (laughing with the kids, stroking the girls' hair, chatting while I'm teaching[in the past], etc...). After the video, the other guy, the literacy coach and myself had a nice conversation about "flaws" in this and that. Again, since this blog isn't about the politics of education or other people in general, I will skip a summary of the conversation.

About 90 minutes later, I returned to my class, and to my (honest) surprise, everything seemed to be in order. I think I got lucky. I think if he had my previous group, then there may have been problems. Or, my imagination could be over acting.

Anyway, the morning went along relatively nicely. After lunch, no drama. None. I was happy. It looked like I would have a pleasant start to the midwinter recess. By the end of the day, it was only Cackler who acted up. However, compared to any other time, I would have to say that her "acting up" was minor.

My plan was to be out of the building by 6pm. However, K6 approached me wondering if I was going for another 7:30 ending. I don't know, but I sort of got the feeling that she was looking for another packmule escort home. Again, it could have been my overactive imagination. Anyway, when I told her that Ms. Across the Hall would also be leaving at the same time, Ms. K6 told us to go; she said that she would be okay. she wanted to stay awhile longer. She also asked if I was interested in doing something this coming week. I thought that was a nice idea.

After walking Ms. ATH to the trainstation. I headed home. I was home about 8:15pm.

So now, it is Saturday evening. I wasted one day. At the moment, I am not upset. Today is the same as all of my other Saturdays, it was my recovery day. I slept most of the day away.

So, what are my plans for the midwinter recess. My original plan was to go somewhere for one or two days. Once again Niagra Falls came to mind. However, NF became a part of someone else's plan. At first I thought it would be cool to do a group trip, but being a bit slow, it took me a while to realize that I would probably be a third wheel. A kind of "Two's Company" thing. I quickly nixed going by myself. It would look too much like a "copy cat" thing. So, my new plan became to get organized. Yes, that ol' standby. I really need to get organized. I know that so much of my stress comes from not being organized the way I need to (and want to) be. This go 'round, I want to get organized, but also to get out. Below is a list (in [approximate] order of importance to me) of what I want to accomplish:

First, my goal is to at least do my lesson plans for the week I return to school.
Second, I want to clean my apartment and relocate my computer.
Third, I want to get on my rowing machine each day of my recess vacation.
Fourth, I want to complete the "paperwork" that I've held for months (if not years).
Fifth, I want to spend one day doing "paperwork"(correcting, grading, posting).
Sixth, I want to do my students report cards.
Seventh, I want to do a couple of shopping trips (mall and teacher's supply store).
Eighth, I want to complete lesson plans for the month of March(in pencil).
Ninth, I want to do at least 3 touristy/vacation things(including one bus trip).
Tenth, I want to make a couple of worksheets (including a weekly behavior check-off list).

There is something I am forgetting, but at the moment, I can't remember. Anyway, the list above is what I think I would need to accomplish in order to start being recharged and in control. So why isn't the gym on my list? In order for me to be consistant with going to the gym, I need to go during the work-week. In the past, I've started workout routines during vacation and dropped the routine (for one reason or another) when work resumed).

Well, I think that is about it. I have a few ideas already in play. But, I think I've been on the computer long enough.


Post Date - Saturday, February 16, 2008 7:21PM