Heading back to school can be somewhat stressful for teachers. There is just so much to do and so little time, so much new paperwork and administrative demands and …oh, yeah, kids to teach! I remind myself to smile so my students will smile because if I am not happy to be there, how can I expect them to be.
I have to remember that I dont have to reinvent the wheel. There’re lots of wheels rolling around that somebody already invented and they either work really well or just need a little oil to make them work for me.
I am working in two buildings again this year and I have been in to both many times this summer;one building more than the other, but even so, many trips in to organize and purge old papers I dont need. If I waited until the week before, I would never get it all done. People dont realize that teaachers and staff do work during the summer, at least I know I do and every time I went in there was at least one other staff member/teacher there, too.
I do want to toot my horn and other teachers horns as well because I know how much time and thought I put into a new year. Working as an SLP, I have some of the same kids year after year, and if I didnt research new ways to try to help them make progress, I would just be doing the same teaching each year and none of them would make progress.
So to all of you who think that my fellow teaching staff and I 'had the summer off', think again.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Girls Trip-part2
Adding to the last blog regarding SOME PEOPLE DO NOT GET IT, let me share another story.
My daughter loves the ocean. It is hard to get her out of the water. Typically when we do a beach vacation I have my husband along so I can sit and read and he can go in the water. Well, no husband on this trip, so I had to be in the water a LOT. I saw all kinds of sights in the ocean. People who let their very young children go in the water alone while they sat on the beach, people who were allowing their children to wear practically nothing, people who were making out in the water, people who let their child and their boy/girlfriends make out in the water, and people who left their child (probably age 10) in the ocean and went up to the pool because they were tired of being in the ocean. These people clearly do not understand what parenting is all about! I have to say the best example we saw of people who don't get it was a couple on the beach. This couple complained the whole time they were putting up an umbrella. The sand is hot, the sand is all over, the sun is hot, etc. This couple had a little girl who was about 3 or 4. The little girl wanted to play in the sand. The mom wanted to lay out and the dad wanted to read. Every time the little girl flung a little sand on them, they flipped out. She tried to get them to go to the water and they complained about that. The poor little thing actually got spanked for asking a second time. The third time she wanted someone to help her dig a hole and then get some water to put in it. They packed up and left. They were there maybe 20 minutes! Excuse me people but this is a beach. You are going to be hot. You are going to get sand everywhere; even in places you would not think sand can inget to! You are going to be sticky.
Some People Just Do Not Get it!
My daughter loves the ocean. It is hard to get her out of the water. Typically when we do a beach vacation I have my husband along so I can sit and read and he can go in the water. Well, no husband on this trip, so I had to be in the water a LOT. I saw all kinds of sights in the ocean. People who let their very young children go in the water alone while they sat on the beach, people who were allowing their children to wear practically nothing, people who were making out in the water, people who let their child and their boy/girlfriends make out in the water, and people who left their child (probably age 10) in the ocean and went up to the pool because they were tired of being in the ocean. These people clearly do not understand what parenting is all about! I have to say the best example we saw of people who don't get it was a couple on the beach. This couple complained the whole time they were putting up an umbrella. The sand is hot, the sand is all over, the sun is hot, etc. This couple had a little girl who was about 3 or 4. The little girl wanted to play in the sand. The mom wanted to lay out and the dad wanted to read. Every time the little girl flung a little sand on them, they flipped out. She tried to get them to go to the water and they complained about that. The poor little thing actually got spanked for asking a second time. The third time she wanted someone to help her dig a hole and then get some water to put in it. They packed up and left. They were there maybe 20 minutes! Excuse me people but this is a beach. You are going to be hot. You are going to get sand everywhere; even in places you would not think sand can inget to! You are going to be sticky.
Some People Just Do Not Get it!
The girls trip-part 1
My daughter and I have taken many trips together, just the two of us. We enjoy each other's company. We just returned home a few days ago from a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida. We had the best time of any of our girls trips, but once again, we leared from our travels that there are many people on this planet who just DO NOT GET IT.
Take for example our flight to Florida. We try to book direct flights, but due to other circumstances, we had to endure a layover in Atlanta on the way. The first flight went without incidence. Unfortunately, the second flight was a sight to see. We boarded the plane. Others boarded the plane. Still others boarded the plane. One family of 6 boarded the plane next. They had 4 seats somewhat close together and 2 that were not near the others. They asked a nice, elderly couple directly behind us if they could trade seats so they could sit near their family. The couple obliged. Then it began. Another couple told the older couple that they were in their seat. The older couple said that they had switched with the family of six. No big deal. So couple number three sat in their new seats. In the meantime, couples four and five were switching seats two rows behind us. Couple six came in, a mom and her young daughter. She spoke very little English. They did not have seats that were together. The original family of six heard about this and they told couple number six to sit in one of their original seats. In comes couple number seven. They want their seats, one of which is the woman with the daughter. The stewardess and stewards are now getting involved. They ask the woman who speaks little English to stay in her assigned seat and her daughter to move two rows up. There is a purse and luggage under her seat. The family of six actually left all their belongings back in their original seat. Really, let me leave my purse and stuff with a foreign woman who I don't know! In the meantime, every time someone new comes into the plane, somehow they are supposed to be in the seat of the nice elderly couple from the beginning of this story! I see them move seats 4 times. By this time, the back of the plane is cussing and asking why we didn't leave yet. In comes couple number eight. They have the same seat number as some of the family of six. Somehow they printed two of the same seat numbers! Couple number three asks if they want to fight with them....................................the funniest part of this story is that when they finally got it all figured out and we took off, it was only two or three minutes into the flight when we experienced the worst turbulence ever and it lasted for ten minutes. I thought we were gonners! Ten more minutes into the flight and the stewardess says ' " Someone lost a tooth". She neglected to say it was a little girl traveling alone. Everyone thought it was from a fight! Ten more minutes and they began serving drinks. They offered complimentary alcoholic beverages to the whole section of the plane that went through the previously mentioned ordeal. Just what they needed.
Yes, some people do not get it. You choose your seat or are assigned a seat. Sit there and enjoy your flight!
Take for example our flight to Florida. We try to book direct flights, but due to other circumstances, we had to endure a layover in Atlanta on the way. The first flight went without incidence. Unfortunately, the second flight was a sight to see. We boarded the plane. Others boarded the plane. Still others boarded the plane. One family of 6 boarded the plane next. They had 4 seats somewhat close together and 2 that were not near the others. They asked a nice, elderly couple directly behind us if they could trade seats so they could sit near their family. The couple obliged. Then it began. Another couple told the older couple that they were in their seat. The older couple said that they had switched with the family of six. No big deal. So couple number three sat in their new seats. In the meantime, couples four and five were switching seats two rows behind us. Couple six came in, a mom and her young daughter. She spoke very little English. They did not have seats that were together. The original family of six heard about this and they told couple number six to sit in one of their original seats. In comes couple number seven. They want their seats, one of which is the woman with the daughter. The stewardess and stewards are now getting involved. They ask the woman who speaks little English to stay in her assigned seat and her daughter to move two rows up. There is a purse and luggage under her seat. The family of six actually left all their belongings back in their original seat. Really, let me leave my purse and stuff with a foreign woman who I don't know! In the meantime, every time someone new comes into the plane, somehow they are supposed to be in the seat of the nice elderly couple from the beginning of this story! I see them move seats 4 times. By this time, the back of the plane is cussing and asking why we didn't leave yet. In comes couple number eight. They have the same seat number as some of the family of six. Somehow they printed two of the same seat numbers! Couple number three asks if they want to fight with them....................................the funniest part of this story is that when they finally got it all figured out and we took off, it was only two or three minutes into the flight when we experienced the worst turbulence ever and it lasted for ten minutes. I thought we were gonners! Ten more minutes into the flight and the stewardess says ' " Someone lost a tooth". She neglected to say it was a little girl traveling alone. Everyone thought it was from a fight! Ten more minutes and they began serving drinks. They offered complimentary alcoholic beverages to the whole section of the plane that went through the previously mentioned ordeal. Just what they needed.
Yes, some people do not get it. You choose your seat or are assigned a seat. Sit there and enjoy your flight!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
You Can Teach an Old Dog (or person) New Tricks
I have many things that I have never done, but most of them I haven't done because I didn't make or wasn't given the opportunity yet. I definitely feel that although you can't be great at everything, you can learn new things at any age. This idea was never taught to me as I was never really pushed or encouraged to try new things. Most of what I have accomplished, which I am proud to say is a lot, has nothing to do with my upbringing and my early childhood environment, but everything to do with my husband and kids, and my innate will to be more than what I have been told that I could be.
Take photography, for example. I purchased a nice camera for our family a LONG time ago and when it was time to get a new camera I purchased a DSLR (for all of you non-photo buffs this means Digital Single Lens Reflex). I took a class last year so I could learn how to use this camera properly. It was a six week course and I honestly learned nothing, N. O. T. H. I. N. G. I won't tell you where I took the course, unless you are considering taking one, then I will definitely tell you so I can spare you the misery. Like I mentioned, I learned NOTHING. So, accordingly, I figured my pictures would always be mediocre and I would never truly understand what aperture and F-Stop settings were. My husband saw a flyer for a photography class offered by a professional photographer, who had taken not only our family photos last year, but also shot a photo of our dog. He suggested I take the course and then teach him all that I learned. I debated for a while because I couln't shake the feeling that I didn't learn anything the last time I tried a class in photography so obviously this was not my niche and I probably was not wired to learn to take better photos.
I decided to take the class. It was 4 weeks long. I learned a lot about how to use my camera and about life in general. I met some ladies that I am glad I met and some that I knew a little bit about already I got to know a little better. A week after the last class concluded we had an open house for family and friends. We had to submit four photos and could choose the categories to submit them in. A retired photographer judged the prints. First, second, and third place ribbons were awarded. I received ribbons for all four of my photos! One first, two seconds, and a third. I was so proud of my photos when I turned them in and even more proud that they won ribbons. We joked that I am now a multi-award winning amateur photographer. We joked, but I was proud. I CAN be taught new, difficult things. I am considering taking the next course in photography, and maybe, just maybe, I will even learn another new skill in a totally different area this year too.
Take photography, for example. I purchased a nice camera for our family a LONG time ago and when it was time to get a new camera I purchased a DSLR (for all of you non-photo buffs this means Digital Single Lens Reflex). I took a class last year so I could learn how to use this camera properly. It was a six week course and I honestly learned nothing, N. O. T. H. I. N. G. I won't tell you where I took the course, unless you are considering taking one, then I will definitely tell you so I can spare you the misery. Like I mentioned, I learned NOTHING. So, accordingly, I figured my pictures would always be mediocre and I would never truly understand what aperture and F-Stop settings were. My husband saw a flyer for a photography class offered by a professional photographer, who had taken not only our family photos last year, but also shot a photo of our dog. He suggested I take the course and then teach him all that I learned. I debated for a while because I couln't shake the feeling that I didn't learn anything the last time I tried a class in photography so obviously this was not my niche and I probably was not wired to learn to take better photos.
I decided to take the class. It was 4 weeks long. I learned a lot about how to use my camera and about life in general. I met some ladies that I am glad I met and some that I knew a little bit about already I got to know a little better. A week after the last class concluded we had an open house for family and friends. We had to submit four photos and could choose the categories to submit them in. A retired photographer judged the prints. First, second, and third place ribbons were awarded. I received ribbons for all four of my photos! One first, two seconds, and a third. I was so proud of my photos when I turned them in and even more proud that they won ribbons. We joked that I am now a multi-award winning amateur photographer. We joked, but I was proud. I CAN be taught new, difficult things. I am considering taking the next course in photography, and maybe, just maybe, I will even learn another new skill in a totally different area this year too.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My First Blog....Things I learned while on Vacation.
We go on vacation every year; sometimes more than once. I consider myself very lucky because I didn't go anywhere as a kid, except maybe an occasional family visit somewhere.
This year we tried something new by traveling to quite a few cities we have never visited or have never visited with our kids and I thought I'd share a few of the things I learned. (Many of these have a story associated with them so if you are intrigued, message me and I'll give you all the details).
1. Twelve days with your family is a long time.
2. Even when you plan ahead, read reviews, and know people that have already been there
and love a place, you are bound to end up with one lousy site that you visit.
3. Five people do not fit well in a regular taxi.
4. Many locals in various states do not like tourists.
5. There are people who should not have children. (Explained more in number 6)
6. Young children should not be allowed to walk on breakfast tables,
be left unattended around hot items, and should not make or carry their own food.
7. Doing laundy on vacation is not fun, but necessary.
8. New York's subway is much cleaner and less scary than Boston's.
9. The Bronx should be avoided even if your GPS wants to take you that way due to heavy traffic.
10. The speed limits are merely suggestions in New York and Massachusetts.
11. Vendors in Chinatown do not understand the meaning of " No Thanks".
12. Avoiding vendors with jewelry and items lining their sleeves is mandatory.
13. Wearing matching I LOVE ______ (insert favorite city here) shirts are not cool.
14. Plymouth Rock should be renamed Plymouth pebble or stone.
15. Chocolate melts in a hot car.
16. Shark egg sacks also melt and smell in a hot car.
17. Keeping crill from the ocean in a water bottle hoping they will survive until you arrive home
only leads to disappointment for your daughter and the crill.
18. Pop is not a beverage in some states.
19. Shotguns do have kick to them and can dislocate your shoulder if not used properly.
20. Bonding does occur over time if siblings are left alone together.
21. Wearing backpacks and carrying cameras, camcorders, and other technology makes you stand out.
22. Wearing a sign that reads "free hugs" is normal in some cities.
23. Dried seawood is a healthy snack but tastes like the bottom of the ocean.
24. Roundabouts are common in New England States.
25. Making fun of slow moving traffic going the opposite direction results in slow moving traffic for you later.
26. Walking 15 blocks in the rain with no umbrella is very wet.
27. Walking 10 hours, three days in a row may cause chaffing.
28. Going to an ice cream shoppe and being told they don't have milkshakes that day is unamerican.
29. Going to a pizza shop and being told they do not have pizza for a few more hours is not a good way to attract business.
30. When a sign reads "you will get wet " , you will.
31. Drinking or eating while driving may result in food and beverage in unwanted places.
32. The adult who is not driving must stay awake in order to repeat what the GPS says.
33. Having a GPS does not guarentee you will get where you planned.
34. A restaurant bearing the name of any reptile may not be a good choice of places to eat.
35. Some cities allow dogs in all stores.
36. Stores with ten floors of shopping take a long time to go through.
37. Tourists taking photos of flowers instead of huge national landmarks is odd.
38. Calling out relatives names when you see a particular zoo animal is normal.
Vacation was GREAT and we look forward to our next trip!
This year we tried something new by traveling to quite a few cities we have never visited or have never visited with our kids and I thought I'd share a few of the things I learned. (Many of these have a story associated with them so if you are intrigued, message me and I'll give you all the details).
1. Twelve days with your family is a long time.
2. Even when you plan ahead, read reviews, and know people that have already been there
and love a place, you are bound to end up with one lousy site that you visit.
3. Five people do not fit well in a regular taxi.
4. Many locals in various states do not like tourists.
5. There are people who should not have children. (Explained more in number 6)
6. Young children should not be allowed to walk on breakfast tables,
be left unattended around hot items, and should not make or carry their own food.
7. Doing laundy on vacation is not fun, but necessary.
8. New York's subway is much cleaner and less scary than Boston's.
9. The Bronx should be avoided even if your GPS wants to take you that way due to heavy traffic.
10. The speed limits are merely suggestions in New York and Massachusetts.
11. Vendors in Chinatown do not understand the meaning of " No Thanks".
12. Avoiding vendors with jewelry and items lining their sleeves is mandatory.
13. Wearing matching I LOVE ______ (insert favorite city here) shirts are not cool.
14. Plymouth Rock should be renamed Plymouth pebble or stone.
15. Chocolate melts in a hot car.
16. Shark egg sacks also melt and smell in a hot car.
17. Keeping crill from the ocean in a water bottle hoping they will survive until you arrive home
only leads to disappointment for your daughter and the crill.
18. Pop is not a beverage in some states.
19. Shotguns do have kick to them and can dislocate your shoulder if not used properly.
20. Bonding does occur over time if siblings are left alone together.
21. Wearing backpacks and carrying cameras, camcorders, and other technology makes you stand out.
22. Wearing a sign that reads "free hugs" is normal in some cities.
23. Dried seawood is a healthy snack but tastes like the bottom of the ocean.
24. Roundabouts are common in New England States.
25. Making fun of slow moving traffic going the opposite direction results in slow moving traffic for you later.
26. Walking 15 blocks in the rain with no umbrella is very wet.
27. Walking 10 hours, three days in a row may cause chaffing.
28. Going to an ice cream shoppe and being told they don't have milkshakes that day is unamerican.
29. Going to a pizza shop and being told they do not have pizza for a few more hours is not a good way to attract business.
30. When a sign reads "you will get wet " , you will.
31. Drinking or eating while driving may result in food and beverage in unwanted places.
32. The adult who is not driving must stay awake in order to repeat what the GPS says.
33. Having a GPS does not guarentee you will get where you planned.
34. A restaurant bearing the name of any reptile may not be a good choice of places to eat.
35. Some cities allow dogs in all stores.
36. Stores with ten floors of shopping take a long time to go through.
37. Tourists taking photos of flowers instead of huge national landmarks is odd.
38. Calling out relatives names when you see a particular zoo animal is normal.
Vacation was GREAT and we look forward to our next trip!
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