Stupid People Tricks

Sometimes the maturity level of students or lack thereof can be downright frightening. I honestly worry some days for the future if they don't step it up a bit. Last week one student was scooting his but across the carpet in my classroom similar to a dog that has worms. What does one say to this student? How does a teacher make a student see that this is not appropriate or acceptable behavior in a high school setting? How will a student like this make it to the level of being a contributing member of society?

Also, the overall lack of care about deadlines from the underclassmen is horrifying. How will they ever get anywhere on time or make a payment for anything before the due date?

Expenses and savings

It has been a fairly expensive last few days. Friday on my way to work, the battery in my car died - at the gas pump. The people at the gas station were great about it. One guy even pushed my car off to the side by himself so it would be out of the way. So, new battery for the car. Then over the weekend I put in a new shower curtain and new hooks. I thought it would go well with the new fixtures from last month when the shower was leaking and we had to call the plumber. Sunday when my husband turned on the kitchen faucet, it started spraying out the side. That will probably be his weekend project while I work on Saturday, unless he has to fix another computer for someone.

So, today I will start to carpool. Hopefully I can make up some of the money difference by doing this. I will continue to look for money saving ideas though as clearly that will not solve all my problems. There are bills to be paid and so off to work I go.

Many Great Things in a Single Day

Today I got to create a fantastically delicious sandwich for Big Ole Sammich Day, teach books I like, and work with my forensics students. These all went so well! The first photo is my Smorgastarta. It is a traditional Swedish sandwich cake. It was soo good. I would make it again in a heartbeat. What I love best is creating food I like to eat and not necessarily following a recipe. That being said, if you want the recipe it is as follows.
1 loaf artisan bread sliced in thrids horizontally.
Place bottom section of bread on a large plate.
Top this with about 2 cups of sandwhich spread (mine was ground bologna, pickles, onions, and mayo).
Put middle section of bread on top.
Make a layer of good ham, one of good swiss, and one of thinly sliced salami.
Drizzle some deli dijon miracle whip over the top.
Place top bread on and push down lightly to seat all the layers.
'Frost' with a mizture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo all creamed together.
Decorate with circles. I used rolled turkey, hard boiled eggs, radishes, green olives, and greened it up with fresh parsley and dill.
Cut wedges with a large, serrated bread knife.
Enjoy!

This second picture here is our 2013 group photo. Everyone's was different, but all were great! Many of us are making plans for next year.

Walk Through Evals and Early Outs

Yesterday I had a drop in or walk through evaluation. Weird things. I was told to not have my desks in rows ans that I should do jigsaw activities everyday. Not sure how I feel about that, but kids get bored with the same activity everyday, even jigsaws. The thing of it is, every kid was on task and engaged when he walked in. Only one kid tried to "entertain" the others through his reading, but still accomplished the task. We do move our desks around as well, but with 32 desks in my rooms, rows work better for traffic flow on a regular basis. Thoughts? What other patterns work well for everyday use? 

Today is our first early out to work on curriculum. Our department has a planned map as to what we need to work on for the next few years to be compliant with the Common Core State Standards. However, we are told we cannot work alone or in our own rooms so we have a computer. Yet we need a typed documents proving our progress by the end of the day. How should we accomplish this if not given opportunity or tools? Thoughts to ponder...

Ahhh Friday

Friday seems like one of those days where you should be able to come home after work and relax or cut loose. My Friday consisted of working at the DNR which wasn't people busy, but there sure was plenty to do. When I made it home, because my husband was over half done with the riding mower part of the lawn, I got out the push mower and did the part around the house quickly. Then we got organized, made and ate dinner, and have been making and canning two batches of marinara ever since. Batch one is about to come out of the canner and batch two in. I am tired and ready for bed, but know that this will be all worth it on a cold winter day when I will be able to taste this and remember the warm summer afternoon of picking them. I really like my own as well as there is a bit more quality control and less preservatives. I am also thankful that I am able to get many things canned before school is in full swing. Hoping to get some beets, carrots, and V8 done yet this weekend. To top it all off, my husband wants to get a different truck this weekend too. I only wish they were cheaper! In addition to the canning, maybe hitting up the farmer's market, bank, and truck shopping I have to show the hall to a potential couple/renters. It always seems like if I don't plan my day, someone else will do it for me.

Firsts and lasts

Today was the last day of in-service before school starts Tuesday. It was also the first time we have ever done a freshmen first day experience. All in all, I can say that it went well. Hopefully this will prove useful to the 85%+ who came. That being said, I am ending the day with what I think is a migraine coming on. I have these weird wavy lines in my left vision which makes it hard to type or look at someone in the face. Oh well, let's try a nap and then tomorrow I can get up and go to the DNR. I have donated prizes and supplies to deliver and who knows what shall await when I get there to set up and prepare for the volunteer jamboree in a little over a week. For now I am off to take some aspirin and check on dinner (steamed fish and garden fresh green beans).

In-services

Every year of back to school gives us more to train for, more to prepare for, and just plain more that falls on our plate. In an effort to save the school district money, some people who retired were not replaced. This year the one that affects us greatly is the lady who used to make the copies. I understand this. Why would we pay someone when we are all well educated professionals. All you have to do is hit a few buttons right? Maybe I spoke too soon. Before 8 am, the machine was down. By 10, it was back up and running. At a little after 2 pm, it was not working again due to user error. What should be smooth and seamless, just plain isn't. In addition to the frustration of waiting in a line four deep, the machine is located in a locked area that can only be accessed when office personnel is around. What happens when I come early to work? Or, stay late? Good luck is the answer for now. Hopefully more can be said later when a more effective plan is put into motion that will alleviate some of the frustrations.

On a better note, I can't wait to tackle a few more garden projects this weekend! Basil is so ready and tomatoes and peppers are falling off the plants. Time to make marinara and V8 to can and pesto to freeze. Anyone have any good recipes to share?

My next task of the week is to try to get crafty and have a few more things to sell at the craft fair on the 15th. Any easy/good ideas for that are also welcome.