Sunflowers

I'm a Slacker Blogger...

2008-04-27T15:45:00.001-04:00

I never realize how much time passes in between posts...it's not even that I'm THAT busy, I guess I'm just filling life with other things. It's hard to believe that I've now lived in MY house for a year. It's more fun to think about this summer and landscaping, doing all those things that I didn't do last summer...now that the house feels more like it's MINE.
The year is winding down...the kids are winding up....The weather went from snow to tropical within days, and now there is talk of more snow...Love Michigan weather....
June 6 will be here the next time I blink...my seniors will have graduated...my sophomores will be juniors (most of them) and my juniors will be ruling the school...I think the coolest thing about teaching is seeing that growth in "my kids" each year - especially now, looking back at the year I've had with some of them...and these seniors....I look back to their freshman year...So many good memories....And so many more to come.
Paz.

Hardest Thing....

2008-03-01T16:35:00.002-05:00

It's easy to forget how fragile life is. How easily it can be taken from you. I think it's even harder when you're young and you have your whole life ahead of you. You have goals, dreams. You have all your friends in your corner. It can all be gone in an instant. I was reminded of this today at the funeral home. Seeing a former student, 19 years old. Holding his friends, my "kids" who could hardly stand because of the grief. 19. So many years ahead of him. Gone. In an instant. When I decided to become a teacher, I didn't think about losing students young. Or being a grief counselor. I just wanted to teach and love kids. Now, so many of my kids feel like my own flesh and blood. They're my family. And to see them in pain just breaks my heart. My prayer is that they learn from this - to treat their loved ones with respect and love every day of their lives. To live each moment to the fullest, because it could be their last. To have fun. To spend time with their family and friends. To dream big, and work hard to acheive those dreams. To live life without regret. I know this experience has once again put life into perspective for me. I just know...as Rascal Flatts says "I wanna be running when the sand runs out".
RIP Alan. Gone, but not forgotten. In our hearts. Always.

More snow.......

2008-02-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

Just when you think Michigan's weather can't get any worse...it does. It's been pretty easy this winter, the snow started just about a month ago, but we're on our 3rd blizzard straight, in 3 weeks. No snow day today...maybe tomorrow...

Above is the view from my front porch....

Nothing else really going on...it's Swirl week so things are hectic...plus the play is in less than a month...hopefully the kids will be ready....

Paz.

Fire and Ice...

2008-01-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

So, I took this picture over break...the snow had stopped falling and the weather was warming...everything was melting and turning BLAH. Then, I went out to get the mail and saw the coolest icicles ever in the shrubbery in front of my house. I played with the color and filtering to make it artsy....Gotta love winter in Michigan. Can't wait for JUNE...the cold is starting to get OLD! If only we could have a flippin snow day!
Paz.

Procrastinating....

2008-01-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

I swear I'm the worst student ever, but this time I'm not working on school work...Well, it is work for school, but for work school, not school school. Does that make sense? I'm trying desperately to finish my unit plan before break ends, but alas, here I sit...once again....surfing and playing around rather than working. For some reason, I think I'll get it done next week sometime. And of course, I will, because by then it HAS to be done....I work better under pressure. Maybe I should've gotten that procrastinator's calendar I saw yesterday... ;)
Nothing really new to say...I'm ready to go back to work. The break is nice, but it gets old after a it. Surprising, I know! At least this year I'm in a house, not in that tiny apartment bored out of my skull. We have a basketball game tonight, and this weekend is sure to be somewhat busy, so I'm going to enjoy the quiet while I can....
Ok...back to....procrastinating.
Paz.

Every New Beginning Comes From...

2007-12-31T18:16:00.000-05:00

Some beginning's end...
Well, the final hours of 2007 are waning and I have a minute to reflect...As I "mature" (I hate to say 'get older'), major accomplishments in my life are more and more important. When I was in high school, I planned to have my doctorate before 35 - masters by 25. Well, life sure is different than what we plan for...And while I'm not the rousing success my younger self thought I would be, this year held one huge accomplishment for me - the purchase of my own home. And while I had to put the academic world aside for a year in order to achieve this dream, it was 100% worth it. Not a day goes by that I DON'T miss that small apartment...and the white walls, and the old furniture and the dark kitchen. I love MY house. MY accomplishment. It's so easy to think about what I didn't do this year that I wanted to do - travel. Take classes. Graduate. It's important to focus on the stuff I did right. I got tenure. I bought a house. And 2008 will hold even more for me...going back to school....directing the school play and making it (hopefully) a rousing success, working on Student Council and trying to increase student involvement at school, working in my classroom to try to increase student achievement...and hopefully, taking that vacation in the SUN that I so desperately need! So, enjoy your last hours of 2007. Focus on some accomplishments. Be safe. Have fun. See you next year!
Paz.

Merry (late) Christmas

2007-12-27T20:53:00.001-05:00

Well, the marathon that is Christmas with my family has ended. We had no snafus, except grandma falling again and thus posing a minor attitude problem on Christmas Eve because of the pain. She went to the ER and is fine....she's on pain meds and happy as a lark;)

Today was my first true day of vacation. I got my hair cut, ran some errands and read, and watched a couple of movies. I've now read 3 books so far over break, finished one a day...I'm a geek, I know...but rarely do I get this kind of time to read, so I'm soaking it up.

The weather's been great, I think it hit almost 50 yesterday, but we're gearing up for another storm. The storm watch starts tomorrow and we're supposed to get at least 6 inches. Every time it snows, the weather is beautiful for 3 days later and the snow melts...then it storms again and we start all over. Gotta love West Michigan winters!

Well, nothing new to report. Just had to say howdy and feliz navidad!
Paz.

Why, I Never...

2007-12-16T16:57:00.000-05:00

Posted THREE times in one day before...I was just surfing around and thought you might like to see this....LHS was recognized as one of the best high schools in America by US News and World Report. I went to buy the magazine yesterday because I was so freaking excited, however not ALL the schools are listed in the article - just the super-top ones. So, here's the link to the school's website w/ the link to the articles....Very exciting!
http://www.godfrey-lee.org/education/school/school.php?sectionid=4&sc_id=1197842219

Paz.

First Christmas

2007-12-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

I received many complaints regarding my lack of photos of the outside of my house...I think it's quite dull, but with the snow, it's beautiful...the snow accumulated pretty much in the last 24 hours - we had a bit, then it melted (of course), then we got nailed again.
Feliz.Navidad.Paz.

30s are the new 20s!

2007-12-16T10:17:00.000-05:00

Well, the celebrations of the 30s have continued...my dear friend Becky turned 30 yesterday, so to celebrate her commencement of a new decade, we went out to eat @ Bloom, then to the Civic for "The Sound of Music". It was a great night! Not even the blizzard-like conditions could stop us from having a good time - although driving home wasn't the most fun adventure ever....
The "fun" weather has continued, I do believe we will have a white Christmas....break begins this coming Friday. Most of my shopping is done, mainly because I (actually) took a personal day on Friday to shop with mom and grandma...just a couple more small things to go and I'll be done. I'm ready for the holidays to be over. This week will be crazy @ work, the kids will be wound up more than ever....
Well...I'm going to crash on the couch and enjoy NOT being outside in the nastiness that is Michigan in December.
Paz.

I Need a Reminder...

2007-12-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

Well, I managed to find some time to write - finally. I think I need a littlre bell to remind me to update this thing. Kinda like Pavlov and the dog...Hmm....guess that would make me the dog. Nothing really new, as usual. Basketball seasonS are in full swing - yes, boys and girls at the same time. It's pretty busy @ school. We finally settled on a play for drama club - "Hickory Dickory Dead" - I'm very disappointed that we're not going to be able to do "Stand and Deliver", but I guess that's the way it goes....the kids are so busy, and this year I actually had a harder time getting girls! Weird, I KNOW!
The weather has been GREAT. Ha - typical Michigan December. We were praying for an ice day last Monday - it seems to storm on Saturday nights rather than Sundays. The weather gods just can't get it right! Haven't hardly started my shopping....it all will get done. Sometime. Before the 25th. Somehow.
Let's see....what else....Nothing that I can think of....The 30th birthdays are starting - mine is 6 months from today. It's so funny how when you're in high school you think 30 is SO OLD (I always thought 25 was old)...and now I'm staring down the barrel...hard to believe. I guess as long as I don't look (or ACT) my age, I'll be OK;)
Well....I can't really think of anything else....
FelizNavidad.
Paz.

Late....as usual....

2007-11-26T18:11:00.000-05:00

Well, better late than never I guess...Happy Thanksgiving! Once again I've been swamped. The end of the trimester snuck up on me, as usual. Then it was a nice long 5-day weekend - which I spent with the family - much fun. Mom and I went shopping on Friday - not early, but it was still pretty busy. Went to the GVSU game Saturday afternoon and saw them beat North Dakota again - that always feels good;) Now I'm just gearing up for the last few weeks before Christmas vacation - another break that just sneaks up on me. At least I don't have to get everything done like I do before Thanksgiving.
Nothing really new....I'm trying to get the drama club off the ground, even though the funding got cut in the budget cuts last year, and is one of 2 programs NOT to be reinstated....can't say that I blame them, but it sure is some nice initiative to get paid for working....go figure.
I guess that's about it. Perhaps if I wrote more I'd have more to say, but that would just be too easy.
Paz.

Time Flies...

2007-11-04T17:40:00.001-05:00

Holy Crap! I didn't realize how long it's been since I've written on this thing! This year has been insane thus far, and I feel like I don't have time to breathe, much less write here! Let's see...what's been going on? Lots of working...Football's done (thank GOODNESS) and I have about a month till basketball starts, so I'm enjoying my free time. The weather has been summer-like, even made it up to the lake in the middle of October and got sunburned! I don't think that's ever happened. There is a forecast for snow coming, but I'll believe it when I see it. Global warming sure is giving us a long summer! No complaints here.

Student council is going well...we had a "social" last week to try to mix the upper and under-classmen...there's such a divide. The blood drive is this Weds., that's always a good day. I also got this year's play in the mail the other day...We're doing "Stand and Deliver", or I HOPE we are. I think the kids will enjoy it, even though it's not a slap-stick comedy.

Nothing else really to report. Just 3 weeks left in the trimester. Then it's Thanksgiving! This year is flying by! It seems like every year goes faster.

Oh, here's a fun picture...I call it Rebels with Sole. We were standing in my room one day (I don't even remember who - Katona, me and Fry??) and all our feet were in this triangle thingy...so they suggested I take a picture of our shoes. Go figure. So I'm sharing it because it amuses me.

Hope everyone's well...

Paz.

Fun in English

2007-09-20T19:07:00.000-04:00

I'm too tired to write, just wanted to share some cute pics.
Paz.

Time Flies

2007-09-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's already the beginning of the FOURTH week of school! Time sure flies when you're working all the time. The beginning weeks have been good - full of busyness. I'm doing student council this year with another teacher, so it's been fun to get to plan Homecoming and such, and not worry about a stupid float. It's a nice change. I'm not sure how I'll feel about this change when drama starts up, but it will all work out, it always does. I do miss taking classes though, I kind of wish that I was still participating in the academic world this year, but that will have to wait for spring. It will come soon enough, and then I begin my final sprint to graduation. It feels like it's a LONG way off, but I know it's just around the corner. I can't believe that 2 years from now I will have another degree. Then it's time for a VACATION!
The weather gods are finally in our favor, and it's feeling like fall here. It's so nice to just wear jeans and a t-shirt and not roast! Plus my classroom no longer feels like the Sahara, so that's wonderful!
Well, I don't have much to report. I'm just bored so I thought I'd write....Hopefully I find some time to write again soon!
Paz.

Lazy Last Days of Summer

2007-09-03T17:17:00.001-04:00

Ah, Labor Day is upon us and the leaves are already starting to turn in great West Michigan. Those leaves are a bit deceiving though, since it's 86 here right now, and should hit 90 later in the week. Guess the weather gods missed the memo about FALL!!!!!!!!!!!
I've spent nearly my entire holiday weekend on the couch. Sick. And it SUCKS! I don't think it's a good sign to get a cold the first week of school - perhaps my immunity is low from the lack of contamination by students this summer. Who knows. All I know is I hope I feel better tomorrow, or it could be a very, very long day for the munchkins.
Nothing else really to report. The first week went well - no major snafus or anything. Just a bunch of sophomores who still think they're freshmen. But I can knock that idea out of their heads in just another week. We had our first home football game on Thursday (because of the holiday weekend) and we KILLED Romulous (sp?) - 46-6 or something like that. Tiaz scored 4 touchdowns - I was so proud;)
Well....I suppose I should try to rest up for my day o' work tomorrow.
Paz.

Ode to Van Gogh

2007-08-24T17:26:00.001-04:00

I always said when I had a garden of my own I would have a Van Gogh garden. Well, here is my fist sunflower. I've been DYING to take a picture of it, but what with the monsoon-like weather, it hasn't been easy. We finally have a clearing in the weather, who knows for how long. I don't have any irises yet, those will come next summer. As for a cypress tree, I've been trying to figure out how I could get one here....not sure that we have the right weather conditions for them. For now I'll be content with my sunflowers. They make me happy. And it's freaking HUGE. I had to stand on my little rock wall to even reach close enough to take a picture. They weren't kidding on that package when they said "giant" sunflowers. Holy crap!

School starts Monday. I'm SO NOT READY! But, what can you do? I'll go to dad's this weekend to decompress before the week of insanity! Thank goodness we start before Labor Day so I can still ease into things...Hanging out with the girls tonight - leftovers from my housewarming partay....It's always fun to spend time with my single friends!

Well, company will arrive soon so I better jet. I was just so excited about my sunflower I had to post it!

Paz.

The Grind

2007-08-09T21:16:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe there is just one more true week of summer left. I think this summer has gone faster than any of the previous...and that's weird because I had less to do than I usually do. This week I'm teaching Freshman Academy - not usually my favorite group of kids...Freshmen- however these kids are pretty great. It's cool to get to know them WAY before they'll have me as Sophomores....I'm glad to just do one week of it though - I'm utterly exhausted. My dear friend Jackie is in town this week for a wedding, so we've spent oodles of time together, which has been a blast...Just messed with my schedule...It's good for me to gogogogo though - keeps me busy and moving and all that stuff....My classroom is nearly set up - I started organizing today, that's always dangerous....that lead to cleaning....DANGER DANGER! So now I have a little more work than I started with, but that's OK...at least I'll know where everything is;) Nothing else really....My housewarming partay is this Sunday - so excited for my friends to see my house - at least those who haven't seen it yet....I'm hoping that the rain holds off - this week has been WET - but we needed it so badly....
Ok, I guess that's all for now. I shall go read my good book.....
Paz.

Home Sweet Home

2007-07-31T22:21:00.001-04:00

I'm home from West Virginia and finally have a minute to write...Not that I've been terribly busy - rather a week with 27 teenagers left me utterly exhausted! It was a good week - we mainly we able to serve the community by working on homes, visiting a nursing home and many other things. My group worked for 2 days in the neighborhood mission - quite the experience. I came home and enjoyed some peace and quiet - read the final installment of Harry Potter - finished that today - and saw the movie today as well - in the IMAX in 3-D - that was great!

Nothing else really to report - we've had the hottest days of the summer this week so even though I try to get some sun, it's just too hot to lay out- thank goodness I have central air;)

Well......that's all she wrote I guess. It's hard to believe that summer's almost over! Freshman academy is next week - and I'm teaching....so I suppose this is my penultimate week of true summer. I'm enjoying it!

Paz.

Half-way gone....

2007-07-18T13:43:00.000-04:00

Well, the glass is either half full or half empty. In my mind - my glass of summer is half empty. I've nothing really to show for it except some tan lines and a long list of books I've read. It's been quite nice to have a peaceful summer, although I've been missing the chaos of grad school. I leave Saturday for a missions trip with church - Bluefield, West Virginia. We're taking nearly 30 freshmen and sophomores down there....I'm really excited! I'm ready for a change of pace.

Here's a link to a tribute to "Koz" the officer who was killed here in GR. My brother's a deputy with Kent County - he got this from his 'brothers' in Ottawa County. I guess there are a lot of tributes out there, but I've heard this is one of the better ones. www.ottawacountydsa.com

Paz.

"Art"

2007-07-13T07:39:00.000-04:00

Well, the painting is done. For before/after check out my Picasa site - it's easier than posting them all here. However, for my favorite art teacher, here is my first piece ever.

Paz.

Strange Days

2007-07-10T08:14:00.000-04:00

Well, the last couple of days have been strange and somewhat emotional. A GR police officer was shot Sunday evening while attempting to deal with a domestic disturbance. The officer was shot and killed. One of my friends was the officer who drove the fallen officer to the hospital. Even weirder - I know the family of the accused - his sister used to babysit for me. The fallen officer was a friend of many of my friends - strange days. It's hard to imagine what this is like for the families and friends of those affected. I can only pray for their peace of heart and mind.
I know this is a bit dark - just had to get it out in writing....
On a brighter note - the painting of the house will be completed tomorrow and I'm quite excited. I'm working on plans for decorating - pics will go up when all is done. Lisa - I'm planning to create my first piece of art - since it's cheaper than buying one. We shall see how I do! I'm ready for my colorful house to be finished, although the decorating is the 'funnest' part of it all....
Ok. I guess that's all for now.....
Paz.

Article

2007-07-09T08:36:00.000-04:00

One of my friends sent me this link - it's a great article/editorial about Grand Rapids....actually makes me proud of my city!http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/06/16/opinion/opin03.txt
More laters.
Paz.

Independence Day

2007-07-04T20:28:00.000-04:00

I had no idea that I hadn't posted in so long! Whoops! Time flies when you're not working I guess. I went out to my dad's for the holiday festivities on the lake - got back today. The fireworks were quite disappointing, hopefully the ones in GR will make up for that! Birthday Bash was a blast! 2 days of country music and GREAT people watching. Life doesn't get much better than a sunny day in Michigan with country music flowing. It was great fun! Let's see...what else.....Nothing really....Just had to say HI and catch up.....Hopefully I'll have something of substance to say at some point before school starts....Seems I only have something decent to say during the school year. My brain's on vacay I guess!
Happy 4th!
Paz.

Flower Power

2007-06-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some of my flowers...not the greatest variety yet.....it all takes time - and some have yet to bloom. I had to have plastic flamingos (yes, plural - I have 4. They're my pets)....it was a MUST. It disturbs my family and friends a bit - but it's my yard.....And a garden gnome, which my dear friend Becky gave me for my b-day. He guards my veggies from the evil birds and rodents. I'm trying to think of a name for him.........gnomes MUST be named. This also disturbs those around me - my friends keep telling me they're going to get me a gazing ball. Now THOSE are just TACKY! At least my yard art is *somewhat* tasteful.

Paz.

Boom, Boom, Boom....

2007-06-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

Well, I've done some more work at the house.....Here is my kitchen

nook - aka - my chicken coop (according to a student). I forgot to take the before pics - it was beige. Like the rest of the house. Needed the Alissa touch. The pic on the left is kinda dark, but you get the idea. There was a really cool light fixture, but it fought my head and my head won, sending the fixture crashing to the floor with a big boom. Yes, my head's fine. I'll have to get some pics from my garden up soon.....
Let's see.....what's going on....I've had lots of open houses so that's keeping me busy. I just have 2 more next weekend, then I'm DONE! Thank goodness. Not that I don't love spending time with the kids, just not on a Saturday afternoon!
This weekend is the annual Birthday Bash out in Ionia....No sleep for me....lots of sun though. I've been staying inside so as not to get too much sun before the big weekend. This is always the start of summer....it's just a little later than usual.....
Nothing else really going on. I've been doing a lot of chillin and watchin WAY too much TV. I think I read too much during the school - I just don't feel like reading these days.....Sadness. I know it will pass, eventually.
Well, that's all. I'm bored outta my skull. I'll take some garden pics and put 'em up.
Paz.

First Day....

2007-06-11T18:24:00.000-04:00

Well, typically I have a tough time beginning the summer. I get bored. I have nothing today. That was not the case with my first FREE Monday! I got up early (7 - which is actually sleeping in) and took a 2 mile walk. Man, did that feel good! It was nice and cool, unlike the rest of today. It's almost 90! I ran errands and did stuff around the house. Tomorrow will be more of the same. It's always amazing how busy we get at the end of the school year....I kind of forget that I'm my own person and have to take care of myself.
I'm very excited for next weekend because I get to see my dear friend from HUNGARY! Yeah!!! We've missed you so much, Lisa!
Nothing else to say really....I think I'll go read for a bit. There's only so much TV a girl can watch;)
Paz.

Schools almost OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-06T16:07:00.000-04:00

Wow. It seems that every year goes by faster than the last. Tomorrow is our last day with kids (insert Halellujah Chorus here)....I'm excited for my summer. For the first time in 2 years I have no job and no classes. Just lots of time to read and work in my yard and around my house. I'm GEEKed. Next summer I could be working on my thesis, so I'm going to enjoy this one while I can. I really have nothing to say....nothing new is going on here in GR....just chillin like always....
This weekend marks the beginning of the last year of my 20s. Kinda makes one reflect when one comes to the end of a decade. When you hit 20....what's there to reflect on? Being 11!? But 30...you could have wasted 10 adults years doing GOD KNOWS what..............Kinda weird to think about what the 30s could bring....the 20s were quite the trip....and I still have ONE YEAR left in me......better make it memorable!
Kk...I'm outy. Mainly cuz I'm outta words.
Paz.

A Time to Laugh....

2007-05-31T22:10:00.000-04:00

John and I stopped for a pic.......Yes.....I'm always goofy.....sometimes serious.....rarely though;)

Graduation was tonight. It's weird to think that 11 years ago tonight I walked the same walk my students took tonight - and graduated. I was happy. But I didn't have any idea what it felt like to be proud of students and their accomplishments. Tonight, I felt that.....I don't think I've ever been so proud. At one point or another I've had about 99% of the class of 2007 in my classroom. They were the first faces I saw on my first day at Lee. There was Pomp. I guess there was Circumstance. And there was John. If you've ever had the pleasure of teaching an incredibly special student, you know how I feel right now. He was this year's valedictorian. He's autistic. He's the most incredible human being. I've never felt to honored to have taught a student. Truly honored. Tonight he made me (and a LOT of other teachers) very proud. And sad. Because with his speech, he left us. He, and the rest of the class, is on to bigger and much better things. But as he quoted John Shedd in his speech, ships weren't built to sit in a harbor. They were meant for the open sea. So, there they go....into the wild blue yonder....so to speak. It's been a tough, emotional year. Now it's almost over. Memories...........

Here's a link for some random Rebel pics. Ch-ch-check 'em out. http://picasaweb.google.com/acoil68

Paz.

The Last Full Week

2007-05-15T18:46:00.000-04:00

Above: my latest paint job - the bathroom...hot pink...I love it!

Well, the last full week of school is upon me. Things have been so crazy lately I just don't have the energy/desire to sit here and write...Mainly I just don't think I have anything to say. Today's no different, it's just been too long.

The end of the year is always bittersweet. We have to say good-bye to friends and students... people moving on to new phases in their lives. You'd think it gets easier. It doesn't. The graduating class this year was my first class I ever taught- they were freshmen, and so was I, to a degree. We've been through quite a bit together, some more than others. Saying good-bye in just over a week will be tough.

The house is coming along. Being a homeowner is a little weird sometimes - mostly on days that I just want to come home and crash and I know I can't because I have to work in the yard or go buy something to work in the yard or clean because even MORE people haven't seen my house and are dying to do so! Sometimes it feels like a perpetual open house! I just have 2 more rooms to paint and I'll be done for the time being - not sure when those will get done...the weather's too nice on the weekends now so I just want to sit on my dock at my dad's house.

Nothing else really to say...Everything's mundane and normal. I've taken a hiatus from my GVSU classes, just for the summer - I'm in dire need of some R & R! I know I shouldn't complain about being busy during the summers, but man does it catch up with you! Plus I have lots to get ready for next year because I'm teaching a new class - Senior English! I'm quite excited about that.

Well...just wanted to say hi to my peeps far and wide. Miss you. Hope you're well. I'll try to get some pics @ graduation or the baseball game tomorrow and post them...

Paz.

Spring Frost.....

2007-04-06T14:47:00.000-04:00

Well...It's been a crazy vacation - and not much of a vacation at all. I moved into my new HOUSE on Saturday so I've been spending most of my time cleaning and painting and such. My sis-in-law and I got my bedroom finished before I moved in, so that was one less thing to stress about. I got the living room done on Monday - it looks so cool! I'll put up a couple of pics. There's a hideous mirror over the fireplace so we "Pollack"ed it...aka splatter paint for those of you who aren't art history freaks like yours truly. Other than that, it's been pretty quiet around here. I'm just trying to stay focused and get some homework done - obviously not working so well since I'm posting and not writing my stuff for school.

Nothing else really new....It's snowing....ridiculous! Now I remember why I usually go away for spring break. I think this is my first spring break home since college! It's like 25 degrees right now and so yucky! Most of the flowers are dying because it's so cold. To think it was almost 80 the week before break! It's not supposed to be nice again for a while.........Gotta love Michigan. Right.

Well, I guess that's all. More later.

Paz.

Thaw

2007-03-13T20:20:00.000-04:00

Spring is trying to, well, spring. The weather has been a bit schitzophrenic - it was yucky and snowy just one weekend ago, now this past weekend was beautiful - in the 50s! Today we hit 70, I'm pretty sure of that...As I write it's 64! Quite a nice change from the harshness of winter.
I've been spending most of my free time packing up my apartment. I cannot believe that I close on the house this Friday and I move in just 2 weeks! It's all been so surreal thus far. Mom and I went shopping on Saturday, just with the intention of going to some thrift shops for odds and ends...I ended up getting a new couch, comfy chair and ottoman. I'm very excited about my new digs...Spring break will be spent with some of my LHS friends painting the very boring interior of the house. Of course I had all these insane colors in my head, but I narrowed them down, and tamed them quite a bit. Now I just gotta get into the house!
What else?? We just started the new trimester so things have been kind of hectic at school, not to mention the fact that EVERYONE (including all the staff) has cabin fever - it makes it kind of tough to work at times! It's nice to be out of work at 3 so I can go for a walk or just enjoy the remainder of the day...
Nothing else really to report - it had been a while so I thought I should jot down some thoughts.
Paz.

Life Stuff...

2007-02-28T17:54:00.000-05:00

Well, again it's been too long since I've had a spare moment to sit down and just write. Things have been HECTIC around here. I had the inspection at the new house and that went well. I should be closing in the middle of March. My landlord won't let me break my lease so it looks like I'll be paying rent and a mortgage for a couple months. Very annoying, but what can you do, right? I'm looking for someone to sublet it for the 3 months, but I'm not counting on anything. We shall see....I go through the new house on Friday, I will try to remember to take some pics for you all.
What else? It's the crazy end of the trimester here so things are nutso. Exams are next week, then we start our final third of the year. It has flown by! My little freshmen graduate this year. We had senior night at the basketball game last night - it was so weird to see my boys out there with their parents - seems like just yesterday they were on the JV team! My Chris dislocated his shoulder in the first minute of the game so that was no good. He spent the evening in the hospital, once they were able to get him there. He was in so much pain - he's OK now though. No worries. He may be skinny, but he's one tough boy:)
Well, I have to get ready for more life....I feel so busy all the time. I can't wait for spring break so I can just relax and BE still...maybe...I don't know if I have stillness in me;)
Miss you!
Paz.

All Growed Up...

2007-02-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a while so I thought I would jot down some thoughts...Things have been crazy lately, mainly because I BOUGHT A HOUSE! Yup...finally, no more thinking or talking about it, I found one that I LOVE! Nothing is final yet, inspections are on Tuesday, then I'll hopefully close a couple of weeks before spring break, and I hope to move in over spring break. I was going to put up a link to the house, but it's gone. When I go thru it Tuesday I'll take some pictures. It's pretty close to my house now - near Aberdeen Elementary School. It all happened so fast, I can hardly believe it. So now I'm picking out furniture and paint colors. It's all very exciting and stressful at the same time. The only disappointing thing is that I have to take some time off from Grad School, but that's ok - I needed the break anyway;)
Let's see...LHS....What can I say? It's the same ol', same ol'. We had 2, yes TWO snow days this week. A blizzard hit last weekend, Friday night actually, and it was absolutely freezing here, and there was lots and lots of snow. So, most of the schools in the area were closed for 2 days. Needless to say, I was bored out of my skull in my apartment, but I survived (barely). Now it's just somewhat cold and snowy. Today was nice, the roads are finally clear so everyone and their mother was out - quite a bit of craziness at the mall.
Nothing else really going on...Just wanted to share my news with my friends far, far away. Hope you're well. You're missed!
Paz.

The Calm After the Storm...

2007-01-24T18:07:00.000-05:00

Well, last week was a tough one...I'm not sure I ever questioned my career choice so much. This week is better...All my kids have been so great about everything - I was quite the unfun teacher last week. I went through the stages of grief - sadness, anger, and now finally acceptance. It all happens for a reason. What hurts the most is that relationships with students were ruined forever as a result...But what can you do except pick up the pieces...
Basketball has been fun. It's been a rough season, but now Varsity has won 2 in a row, and JV won last night as well - 2 nail-biters...I could hardly stand it...Last Friday our new dance team performed for the first time - they were INCREDIBLE!!!!! I was pleasantly surprised!
What else...Winter finally arrived...It's cold and the snow keeps falling. The kids were convinced today that it would snow enough for school to be cancelled tomorrow. I had to burst that bubble and remind them that we live in MICHIGAN and it snows all the time here....DUH!
Nothing else really to write...Just killing time before youth group....
I miss my old Rebel friends...things aren't the same without either of you!
Paz.

For Everything There Is A Season....

2007-01-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

And this season was not drama season....for the first time ever, at least in my tenure @ Lee, we cancelled the play....I think it was one of the toughest decisions I've ever made, but it was the right one. The kids just weren't getting their stuff together, and they weren't ready. I'm truly upset, sad and disappointed in the entire situation, mainly for the students who were prepared and got screwed in this whole mess...I've shed a lot of tears - I don't think the students who weren't quite committed enough understood MY level of committment to what they were doing...Of course the student body is disappointed as well - they were going to get out of class for 2 hours tomorrow.
So I'm taking some quiet time for myself tonight...Might grade papers, probably won't....Just gonna relax.........Sadness.......
Paz.

History...

2007-01-09T18:46:00.000-05:00

Flag at half-mast in front of the post office.
Boy Scouts getting ready for the motorcade from the airport.
All the media trucks on the pedestrian bridge leading to the museum. CRAZINESS!
Some mementos left at the entrance to the museum

Well, things have been a little crazy here, as you may be able to imagine...We had a funeral for a president last week, right here in G.R. - I went downtown nearly every day to soak up the history as it was taking place. I waited in line for 5 hours to view the casket in our own Gerald R. Ford Museum - shook his son Steve's hand...It was all very intense. I believe the most intense part was the final motorcade last Weds. After the funeral there was a 21-gun salute, with cannons, then a 21 plane fly-over - in the missing man formation. THAT was incredible. I'm attaching a couple pictures I took, but my camera died, of course, so I wasn't able to take as many as I would have liked. If/When I get some more, I'll add them:)
School started yesterday - I'm so tired already! The play is next weekend, thankfully we got most of the set completed over the break, and I did some of the extra little things that usually stress me out...Now if the kids could just learn their lines we'd be all set...
Just had to write a quick note....
Paz.

Feliz Navidad

2006-12-26T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've been having some technical difficulties with my blog, go figure...I guess it takes 2.5 college degrees to figure this thing out....I'm here now, so I guess it better be good....
I'm finally on vacation and enjoying every free second I have...today was spent reading and shopping with one of my best friends in the world...sad how I only manage to make time for my friends when I have a vacation...
Christmas was good, I'm glad it's over though...Lots of driving around and family time, which is always fun in limited quantities...at Christmas there aren't limited quantities of anything...
I have nothing profound to report....LHS is good - a bit crazy right now, but good. It's hard to believe the school year is 1/2 over. My seniors will be graduating soon - it makes me feel so proud - and kinda old at the same time!
Well....I guess that's it for now....See ya in '07 - if I can figure out how to work this thing again:)
Paz.

Merry Late Turkey Day...and Early Christmas?

2006-12-05T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, apparently I've been too busy to write...Not sure where all my time went...It seems that all my free time is sucked up at school, and with basketball season starting tonight, that's just going to get busier and busier...
Let's see...I went to North Carolina a couple of weekends ago to see my not-so-baby cousin in her school play - Fuddy Meers - she, and the rest of the cast, were incredible. It was encouraging to see high schoolers acting so well! I was home for 2 days, barely, then went down to Georgia for our family Thanksgiving with my dad and co. That was a blast - I LOVELOVELOVE spending time with my cousins, and aunt and uncles, but hanging with the cousins is the best....
We had a snow day last Friday, which was welcomed with open arms...We had freezing rain and lots and lots of snow...Today it finally stopped, but we're getting more and more it seems. It's funny that a week ago it was 70 and I was wearing a skirt and t-shirt to work...Today I had to complain about my room being too cold....Gotta love Michigan!
Now I'm home for a while, didn't realize how much I missed it. Christmas is coming up pretty quickly, I'm not ready - am I ever?
Well, just wanted to jot some news quick....Papers need to be graded....Catch ya on the flip side...
PAZ

I Blinked...

2006-11-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that I'm almost 1/3 thru the school year. It seems like just yesterday I was bemoaning the end of summer, and here I am, looking the holidays square in the face. It's been a week of meetings and I'm tired of sitting on my arse. I give mad props to those of you who sit at a desk all day, not my thing at ALL! I don't know how you do it...
The next 2 weeks will be very busy. I'm heading down to North Carolina (Chapel Hill specifically) this weekend to see my not-so-baby cousin in her school play - she got the lead role and I'm so proud! Another cousin is meeting me and our uncle down there, so it's sure to be a good time. I return home Sunday and leave Tuesday for Georgia for the holiday. I'm excited to have some quality family time with my aunt and uncles, and cousins of course. It's fun to be with family now that we're older and our age gaps seem smaller somehow.
Anyway, just wanted to jot a note before I got too busy to think.
Happy Thanksgiving (just in case I don't get a chance to say it!)
Paz.

Savin' Lives...

2006-11-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Well...what's new? Let me see...we had our first blood drive of the year today. A few kids passed out, always lots of excitement surrounding that...It's so cool to see students excited about giving their blood to help someone else...I donated, of course...Today was one of those days I missed Steiner and her fun emails about eating oatmeal and spinach before donating...I didn't need it though, I was all good to go...

What else? It's been pretty quiet it seems. We're gearing up for the end of the trimester, it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is in just a couple weeks. I'll be heading south next weekend and the following weekend as well for some quality family time...

Play practice is going well - it's a blast this year - we have some new faces which makes it interesting....After Thanksgiving it will be crunch time since we don't practice over Christmas break.

Well, I have some "free" time so I'm going to do some homework.
Hope all is well with everyone...
Paz.

A Sunday Drive

2006-10-29T20:02:00.000-05:00

A lil' piece of heaven from last Saturday:) GO BLUE!
The cold, cold big Lake.
Some of the color that was left after all the cold, wind, and rain. Typical Michigan autumn I suppose.

Mission Point Lighthouse - at this point in Michigan you are exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator - kinda cool...and freaky...

Paz.

Drama, Drama, Drama

2006-10-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

Well, it was an eventful week in the world of the Rebels. We had parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday...Always a fun time. I saw 38 parents - more than I have ever seen before. Of course I didn't have the opportunity to see parents I needed to see, but isn't that the way it always goes?
Thursday we had a code red drill during 5th hour. Let me just tell you...it was freaky. I was told right before class that my class would be 'transported' to another area, but I couldn't tell the students. So, about 30 minutes into the drill, the police/SWAT team are at my door and I have my hands on my head. Seriously. My class was evacuated, one by one. It was great practice for the kids, and for us - of course some parents raised a stink so we were once again in the newspaper for not good stuff. Whatever.
We also had our first playoff game ever last night. We lost - 20-12, but the boys showed a lot of heart and I think they're ready for next year. I'm ready for some Friday nights to myself before basketball starts up again.
Tomorrow I'm taking a drive with a friend up north...We're hoping to see some of the colours, but if that doesn't happen, at least we can get out of town for the day.
Ok...It may be the night of daylight savings time, but it's time for my bed...So....
Paz.

Busy Lil' Bee...

2006-10-23T19:17:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's been what seems like forever since I last wrote on this thing. Time sure flies when you're working all the time! Let's see...what's new at LHS? We had our last regular season football game Friday night - I went with Ms. Boone - it was out in the BOONDOCKS...crazy. Although, it wasn't as bad as the week before when we were driving down a dirt road and all of the sudden saw football lights in the distance. The playoffs start this week and we have home field advantage for at least one game - everyone is VERY excited about this - especially those of us who have been trekking to the games in BFE.
We had play tryouts last week and practice starts tomorrow! I cannot believe it's already here. We've had some drama that I'm going to nip in the bud tomorrow, then we'll be on our way. We have a lot of seniors in the cast - I'm trying to get some underclassmen interested, but it's hard to get the talent in the play - everyone is so involved in other stuff.
What else? Went to the Big House Saturday to see Michigan play Iowa- we won, but we sure didn't play like Big 10 Champs...if they keep this up the game against Ohio State will be painful to watch.
Nothing else really to say...I've just been so busy and then I was staying at my mom's while she and my step-dad were in Maine - they walked a marathon...
Ok, gonna jet....Man, that entry was WACK!
Paz.

Victory

2006-10-08T19:55:00.000-04:00

I can't seem to get the pictures of the boys to work, I will keep trying. Here's a link to the story about the game that was in today's Press. We're finally in the news for good stuff...Makes me proud!

It was a good sports day for Michigan yesterday - the Tigers beat the Yankees to move on to play the A's...It's fun to watch them again, I haven't watched so much baseball since I was a lil' thang...like 1987!

That's all for now...Went house shopping again today, found a place I really like, but I don't think it's 'for me'. I'm gonna keep on looking...It's weird thinking about not being in my place at this time next year...or in 6 months even! Growing up...so hard to do!

Paz.

A Victory Makes History

2006-10-07T17:27:00.000-04:00

Today I saw the coolest thing happen at Lee, well one of the top 5 coolest things...For the first time in school history, we're going to the state football playoffs! Our win today sealed the deal! We beat Burton Bendle easily, I think it was 42-7 - Dege got doused with the cooler of water, the boys were so fired up...It was great! It was senior Saturday, the last home game for our seniors, and that made it even more special. We have 2 more games this season, and then playoffs begin. I have some pics from the game, but I'm watching the Tigers beat the Yankees, and Michigan beat MSU, so I'll post them later! Just had to share our school's good fortune with you!
Paz.

Drama, Drama, Drama...

2006-10-03T16:48:00.000-04:00

Well, the craziness that is the LHS Drama Club begins tomorrow. We're going to do a read-through of a play that a former teacher wrote - I think it's based on Abraham Lincoln. I have a lot of kids signed up - quite a diverse group! It will be interesting to hear them read something. Tryouts will be very soon - like in the next few weeks. It will be nice to get the insanity over with a little early this year!

Things at school have died down considerably. Boys are getting arrested nearly daily - the story gets stranger every time I hear it. Hopefully this will be a good wake-up call to the kids that if you behave like a criminal, you'll be treated like one - and being treated like one for 20+ years in prison doesn't sound like a fun time!

What else? We had a 1/2 day for professional development today - riveting time that was. The weather is abnormally hot - like almost 80, and it isn't conducive to sitting in the media center for 2 hours.

Sunday I began the search for a new living space. Yes, I'm hoping to move from 'da hood' to 'da burbs' - maybe within the next few months. My lease doesn't end till July, but who knows what's in the cards for me. I'm mainly looking at condos - since I don't feel like I have room in my life for the upkeep of a house. I miss the northwest side of town, and I can feel it calling me home. My sis-in-law went with me Sunday and we had fun. I'm kinda getting an idea of where I want to be and what I cannot live without in a home. It's fun and scary all at the same time. I'm not a person who likes change, or deals well with it, so we'll see how this transition of life goes for me. It shall be interesting:)

More later...Paz...

Freaky

2006-09-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

Yeah - we're freaky! I look like one of the witches from Macbeth. This was at Homecoming - Steph came to visit - and of course Katie was there...she's everywhere;)

I haven't actually written in a while....
Things are beck to craziness at school. There was a firebombing of a house last night - the Williams boys' house...We're back on modified lockdown, goodness knows for how long. So today was interesting - kinda quiet at times as well - kinda like the lockdown last year. Hopefully they'll catch the 3 boys they're looking for soon. I'm really sad about one of them, who was already arrested - this morning - he was one of mine this year...I hate to see them throw their lives away for some stupid retaliation. If he's convicted, he'll get 20 years for arson! What a waste of a life!
There's a football game tonite way far away...Can't even remember the name of the place right now - I'm glad I'm not going because it's autumn all of the sudden here - I even turned the heat on today! It's supposed to warm up at the beginning of the week though.
What else? The play is going to be uber-early this year - like in January...Not sure how I feel about that, but scheduling around exams and testing is a MESS! So...we'll just get it out of the way sooner. We're doing a play called The Three Sisters in the House on the Corner. It's by the same playwrite who wrote one of our other plays, The Rubber Room, I think...We got the scripts this week and it looks hysterical...Of course!
I can't think of anything else off the top of my head. Soooo.....hope all is well in all the other corners of the earth....
Paz:)

Homecoming Part 3

2006-09-24T11:48:00.000-04:00

King and Queen, Ashlee and Matt...I can't believe they're seniors!
The boys...I couldn't get a good one of the girls.
Tyler and Moriah....Two of my favorites:)

Homecoming festivities are finally done. We won the game 46-21, or something like that. There were a lot of people at the continuation of the game on Saturday. Hopefully this week will be back to 'normal'.
That's all for now. Hope you're all well!
Paz.

Homecoming Part 2 (The Floats)

2006-09-22T20:53:00.000-04:00

Sophomore reps - Alysia and Josh...
"Double, double, toil and trouble. Crush the Panthers into rubble." The Sophomores' float - Fantasia theme:)
The Juniors' Lion King Float
The Juniors' float, again.

Well, this is all I have for right now...the game ended before halftime because of lightning, and will resume tomorrow at 1:30 (we're up 16-7). So, we don't know who won the float contest (although I'm a sophomore advisor, the Juniors' was by FAR the best), nor do we know Homecoming king and queen (I know, but it's top secret;)...So, I will probably post more tomorrow....Aight, time to rest my tired body....and soul....
Paz.

Homecoming Part I

2006-09-22T16:05:00.000-04:00

This is my speech class. They're carrying Antonio Banks into the "ER"...we were doing an improv game.
Jorge (aka Braveheart for the day) and I...I took off a lot of my Rebel gear...I was decked out - mismatched socks and all. The kids looked at me like I was from another planet! I missed Lisa, she was always decked out too!
What teacher doesn't wanna see Joel Perez's face in a whipped cream pie?
That's what I thought:)

The parade is this afternoon, barring huge storms....the weather has been grody, and we're praying the rain holds for the parade and game! I'll post more later! It's days like today that I miss my old Rebel friends who have moved...things aren't the same....But it was still a fun day!

Finally!

2006-09-15T22:51:00.000-04:00

Tyler's takin a break!
Donderal takin a rest.

All da boys.

I finally joined the age of technology and got a digital camera. (I know, I'm a techno freak, and have been living in the dark ages with 35MM. Here are some pics from our football game tonight against Calvin Christian...We killed them! It was GREAT! Donderal had 1 touchdown, Tiaz had 2, I think, and Antonio had 1 as well...Bronson had a sack or 2....Kaleb got nailed pretty badly, got carried off the field, but I think he'll be OK. I think I'm gonna be hoarse in the morning from all the screamin, but it was a BLAST!
Paz...Enjoy!

Where does it go?

2006-09-12T18:17:00.000-04:00

Wow! I feel like I'm never home any more - I'm always running around like a chicken with my head cut off, or something. Last week was insanity, and that's not an exaggeration...it was nuts! Getting back into a routine after the summer has to be the toughest thing about starting school - not getting up early, not learning names, not dealing with teenagers for 8 hours a day - finding quiet time for me and time to spend with friends...that's the tough part! And seeing, or even talking to my family, forget about that...Not till Christmas! Now that's an exaggeration, but it's how it feels!
Homecoming is next weekend, and I think our float is coming along. It's top secret, of course, but I hope to post some pics when it is unveiled. Our football game last weekend was split into 2 halves, literally - it was stopped because of lightning on Friday night. We were ahead 28-6, I think. Donderal scored all 4 touchdowns for us - I was proud of my boy! You should have seen his face Monday morning when he came to say hi. Couldn't wipe that smile off his face for anything. We ended up killing Montabella - it was nice to see the boys do so well!
Yesterday was one of those Mondays you dread as a teacher. I was tired, and just didn't feel like dealing with the crap I was being dealt. I held my last hour for 5 minutes after school, and I'm glad I did, because they were loads better today. But then today I was reminded why I love my job. Two of my (now) Junior boys came in to give me a fortune they got in a fortune cookie. It said "Give someone you love a hug. It feels good." Then I got a hug...in the middle of class. Totally made my day! It was one of those things that was unexpected, especially from that particular boy...Funny how it's the little things that get you through each day.
Well, I guess that's all for now. Just had to write a bit...
Paz.

Labor(free) Day Weekend...

2006-09-04T19:43:00.000-04:00

Well, the official end of summer has, well, ended. It was a crazy, fun...just like it should be. Saturday the girls and I headed out to Ann Arbor for the Michigan game. We tailgated - met some cool people and all that jazz, and went to the game, of course. It was so much fun...hopefully I will have pics to put up soon. Sunday I went up to dad's for some serious chillin and relaxin...I sat on my dock, went on boat rides, roasted hot dogs and made s'mores - hung out with people from Dad's church...never a dull moment there. Today was more chillin on my dock, and reading, of course. I love ending summer the way I began it on Memorial Day weekend...just relaxing with the family and doing absolutely nothing. So tomorrow it's back to work for me...And we begin the countdown to Thanksgiving...
Paz.

175 to go...

2006-08-31T18:24:00.000-04:00

The first week of school is done...finally...It's always a crazy time...lots of new faces, and old ones. Homecoming stuff is coming together. I'm working with the sophomores this year rather than the freshmen - it's nice to have the same kids in class who I'll work with on the float. The theme is Disney, our float's theme is Fantasia - a Rebel Mickey. I think it's going to come together nicely - I'll post pics when I have them! These weeks leading up to the big game will be hectic, but it's always worth it to see that float in the parade.
I started teaching Macbeth today. It struck a chord with some of the kids - after all, there is all kinds of senseless killing and blood, as well as a manipulative, power-hungry woman - it's right up their alley! I'm excited to teach some new things this year - novels that I actually enjoy reading, and I know the kids will enjoy as well.
It's the senior year for some of my kids - kids I've had for four years now - they're coming to me daily just to visit...I was thinking today how weird it will be next year to go through the first week and not see any of them...but then again, I'll go through the same thing with next year's senior class, and the one after that, and the one after that...It makes me realize what a huge job we have...how important it is...sometimes it seems so small, but then you realize the difference you're making, and it's all worthwhile...It's those little things - just like in any other area of life.
Well, enough babbling...I'll post more later...after my wonderfully long and relaxing (and hopefully incredibly fun weekend!)
Paz:)

back to skool

2006-08-29T21:22:00.000-04:00

Wow...the school year started already! I can hardly believe it's already here. It feels like Friday, but it's only TUESDAY! I'm already behind and I've only been at school for 2 days! I have all new kids this year - sophomores again - and they're an interesting bunch. I had a few of them last year, but it wasn't even a cross-section of the 'crew'. It will be a good year for sure. The weirdest thing is the new staff members. I keep wanting to check in with Kelly or Lisa or Pete, and they're nowhere to be found. I was actually on my way to check with Pete after the first day and realized, he's not there any more. Nearly the same thing happened with Lisa and Kelly - you all are missed more than words can say! I think the kids feel it too!
I do miss my kids from last year, however they have been stopping by in the middle of other classes to say HOWDY...somewhat disruptive, but sweet nonetheless. Many of my kids are seniors this year. It's incredibly rewarding to have watched them grow and mature over these last 3+ years, and knowing this is their last year of safety in the walls of Lee is tough, hopefully we have taught them well and they will be successful.
Well, I believe it's nearly time to curl up with a book before trying to fall asleep. Lisa and Kelly - I MISS YOU!
Paz.

Out With a BANG...

2006-08-21T18:07:00.000-04:00

Well...I survived my final (true) weekend of summer. Sure, this weekend will still be summer, but my classroom and the obligations therein are looming over my head - not like a dark cloud, but more like...um...a cloud of locusts...buzzing, annoying, loud...Anyway, back to the weekend. So my brother had this party...I'm going to forgo the deconstruction of it in its entirety, but I will say - it was fun, once the drama ended. What 28 year old chick has to deal with drama? Well, that would be ME! Man...sometimes it just blows! But the boys sure were funny...So that was Friday night - no details will be given. Saturday night was girls' night out at the Whitecaps - that was a riot. I love hanging out with those crazy ladies. Yesterday I went to the beach with one of my bestest friends - it was the most splendid day - the weather was perfect and we had a blast chatting, and of course, reading. I'm a geek...I know...
Today I was in my classroom 'working' pretty much all day. I got quite a bit done, but I still have lots to do. A few students stopped by to see me (a bunch of them actually) and it made my day;) Funny how much I miss those rugrats during the summer. Everyone's relaxed and tan, the stress hasn't begun yet, for any of us. We all know that will change about 7:51 Monday morning!
There will be lots of changes this year at school - new faces, absent faces...It makes me sad to think about it, but each year is a new adventure...Like a blank slate waiting to be scribbled on...Guess I better get out my colorful chalk...
Until next time...

The End of the Summer as I Know It...

2006-08-17T17:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I think that if I blink too many times I will miss out on something and this must be the case with summer, because all of the sudden it's behind me. I'm not quite sure where it went, but it vanished...Gone. I've been incredibly busy this past week. For some reason when the last full week of summer is upon me I decide that I must cram everything into as few days as possible, thus the pure exhaustion. I'm almost ready for school to start so things slow down a little and I won't feel like I must fill my time with everything. I still think of summers off as a gift, something not to be taken for granted, and thus I must 'suck the nectar out' of them (to quote some author who I cannot remember). Then, summer ends and I look back, and what do I have to show for it but some really cute new shoes (from all that shopping I did in all that free time), some wacky tan lines, blonder hair, and...exhaustion from spending every waking moment with friends and family. This week was no exception - spent the weekend with my dad, stepmom and uncle, and Sunday with the other parental units and family...My step-sister was in town from Ohio so I got to spend some time with her, which is always fun...My mom and step-dad let me tag along with them to the GRAM for the Ansel Adams exhibit - incredible by the way. My step-dad is quite the amateur photographer so it was a joy to watch him look at photographs by someone he reveres as a master. Today I was at LHS subbing in the Freshman Academy - oh how I love messing with those young minds;)
Well....I believe the time has come for me to vegetate on the couch - something I've earned. Oh - and my class....I kicked BUTT....yeah, not a surprise to some of you, but it usually astounds me that I do well....
Paz....

SUMMERTIME'S HERE!

2006-08-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

Or...not...My class ended and I finished everything early...there's a first time for everything. I was quite proud of myself...Now it's waiting time....I hate waiting for grades. My cousin came in Saturday and left today. We had a blast just hanging out and being girls...We went to Chicago Tuesday for the day -went to the Art Institute and the Field Muesum - not exactly our first choice, but the lines at the Shedd Aquarium were INSANE and there was no way I was going to that aquarium with all those screaming kids - but the Field Muesum was cool - we didn't do the whole thing because we were tight on time, but it was fun. I LOVE the Art Insitute - got to see my fave VanGogh paintings and some cool Picassos and O'Keefs...Among many others. After Chicago it was on to Michigan City for the night and shopping on Wednesday. That was fun as well - DUH - it's like my favorite thing to do - life can't get better than the art museum and shopping in two days - unless I was shopping with endless amounts of cash and ran into Kenny Chesney or some such nonsense.
Today we went to LHS - I wanted to show Taylor where I work and spend all my time, plus I had some work to get done. I cannot believe that school starts in just a couple weeks. I'm less ready than I normally am at this time of summer.
Not much on the agenda for the rest of my summer...Next week is the last full week so I'm going to try to relax and enjoy it as much as I can, then it's back to school...
That's all folks...I have a book to finish so I'm gonna hit the couch...hehehe!
Paz:)

Relief....

2006-08-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'M DONE! Well, not completely, but the majority of my work is done....and I feel so relieved. My summer will officially begin at 3:21 on Monday and I cannot wait. My cousin and uncle are coming to town this weekend - I can't wait to hang out with my cuz and just relax. We're going to Chicago next week - that's my BIG vacation for the summer - really living on the edge this time around!

Tonight I went to one of the best concerts EVER. I saw Nickel Creek at the Meijer Gardens. They were just incredible...they had great stage presence, and they sounded great live...If you ever get a chance to go to a concert there, I highly recommend it - I've gone to about 10 shows there and they were all great. Sorry - it's late - I'm out of good adjectives.

Well...........I guess that's all folks....My brain is mushy from all the homework so..........Paz.....

Procrastination Station Part Deux

2006-08-01T21:49:00.000-04:00

Here we go again....I should be working on the draft of my paper (which has to be turned in Monday), instead, here I am, once again, killing time. Sad thing is, I don't just have one paper due Monday, I have THREE papers due.........So why, you may ask, are you journaling right now rather than spending your time being productive?! Well, this is much more fun - OF COURSE! I just have so much on my mind....My cousin is coming to stay with me this weekend till next week - SHOUT OUT to my TAYYYYYYYYYLOR....so I'm thinking and planning our FUN times together....Whoever says I'm not ADD/easily distracted has never been around me while I try to actually get work done......
What else?! It's freaking hotter than Hades here....What's the deal? I thought I lived in Michigan, not FLORIDA! It's just miserable - even inside in the AC it's hot....
I have nothing else of importance to say so I'm gonna get crackalackin on this paper....Maybe I can still get it DONE tonight...........................................................We shall see shan't we?

Like Sand Through an Hourglass....

2006-07-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

So are the summers of our lives....Where in the world did summer go? I blink and all of the sudden I'm staring down AUGUST!!!! This past week was incredibly stressful, and the week to come will not be much better. My GV class is kicking my butt - this week I have 2 papers to write and one rewrite, as well as 2 novels to read...INSANITY! I cannot wait for class to end, it will be wonderful to get my 2 week summer vacay before schoolS start again. Summer used to be a time of hanging out with friends and relaxing, when did it turn in to a time to work harder than during the school year? I guess when I grew up....This is something else I've been dealing with....growing up....Our 10-year reunion was last night - my best friend and I skipped out....My mom told me I would regret not going, and she was right. I went to bed last night filled with regret, and woke up feeling the same way. I don't really know why, I didn't want to go - I spent the evening with the most important friend in my life - and that's how WE wanted it - a night for us to remember the fun times we had...It was our mini-reunion...Hopefully there will be a 15-year reunion so I can go...I guess it would be nice to see some of the ol' peeps from back in da day...I don't know though...
Well, I'm procrastinating reading a novel so I should get to it....Enjoy the rest of summer....School starts in about 30 days (I KNOW! IT'S CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

If Tomorrow Never Comes...

2006-07-22T22:57:00.000-04:00

I received a telephone call today that shook me up a bit. The fact is, it wasn't terribly different from a phone call I received from the exact same person some 9 years ago. One of my best friends from high school, calling to tell me that she almost died - the first time, terrible judgement and alcohol abuse...this time...a car accident...at least it wasn't her fault. She's ok, and will live - after much rehab to come...but it really got me thinking (as these things tend to make you do) - do the people in my life who I care about KNOW that I truly care or do I just go through the motions believing that I will see them again tomorrow and things won't ever change? My ten year high school reunion is one week from today. My friend will still be in the hospital, unable to even move her legs. She won't be there. Neither will I. I decided a long time ago that I wouldn't attend. Ten years since we stared down our futures with rose-colored glasses. Ten years later...is this what being an adult is all about? Phone calls and near-death experiences!? Freshman year of college when she nearly died - I thought that made me grow up fast - but all this?! Funny how such an insignificant thing like a reunion can cause such pondering about friendship and life...And how a life in the balance can make you question if you've lived a life you can be proud of. If your friends and family know you love them. Sorry for the less-than-Coilesque rant...I'm feeling the need to think while typing tonight....Fun-Coil will return soon...I promise!

And...If tomorrow never comes, will your friends and family know how much you love them? I hope mine will...

Procrastination Station

2006-07-13T13:36:00.000-04:00

Well, there are many times in my student life when I'm reminded of my OWN students, and today is one of those days. I have a novel to read for class on Monday, and despite various attempts at starting the endeavor, I haven't had any luck. I have, however, cleaned, written letters, checked my e-mail umpteen times, chatted on-line, gone shopping, done all my laundry, and eaten lunch. Today is one of those ADD days...I cannot sit still long enough to complete a coherent thought, much less a South African novel - perhaps tomorrow - perhaps if I go to the beach and read it will go easier.
This week has been fun - I went to the Willie Nelson concert at the Gardens on Monday night - even though he's almost as old as my grandparents, he's incredible to watch - such a legend. I skipped class yesterday because I didn't feel well - it was more that I didn't feel like being in class, I preferred to be at home on my couch.
What else...Nothing really...I keep thinking that today is the day I will go to school and start getting my stuff together, but then I find better things to do with my time rather than work in my million degree classroom...Hopefully this hot summer ends before the end of August...
Maybe next week I'll go...Maybe I'll start doing my homework now...Maybe there's something else to clean...Maybe....

Funny Thing...

2006-07-09T22:13:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love it when you have had a roll of film in your camera for a while and you forget some of the pictures on the roll?! Well, I just had a roll developed from a while back and there was a picture of a student - I had totally forgotten that I took it. So, I'm adding it here...Why, you might ask, is Crystal in a trash bag? Well, funny story...You see, it was one of the last days of Spanish class and I wanted the kids to clean out their files. Jorge didn't particularly want to, so I took all his CRAP from 3 trimesters (2 classes for 2 of those -mesters) and held it up in my hand, asking him what he wanted me to do with it. He told me to throw it to him. This turned into an "I dare you" session with the entire class, and I said if I threw it, they had to clean...So, they did - both piles of papers - they completely littered the floor - and Crystal decided to get into the trashbag...Hence...the picture that I forgot....Hope you enjoyed my rambling and the pic:)

Independence Days

2006-07-05T16:11:00.000-04:00

Well...my Independence Day holiday was interrupted by class. I was tempted to skip, but decided against it since the weather appeared yucky...turned out to be a perfect day! All's well that ends well though, and I got up to Dad's and hung out with the extended family for a couple days, it was great. We watched the fireworks on the lake, I watched my (step) cousins try to blow themselves and the boat up with (illegal) fireworks - great fun! At least this year we didn't try to sink the pontoon. Went downtown to the fireworks last night(saw lots of our Rebels down there) - I was impressed with the fireworks this year - it's been years since I've made it down there, but they were really good! Now it's back to the reading grind...I have a novel to read for Monday - it's quite difficult and seems to be pretty intense.
On a completely unrelated note, I've given up trying to run...This little asthmatic just cannot do it. I'm nearly dying in the heat!!!!!! So...I tried, I couldn't, I gave up! I'm such a good role model!
Ok - I think I have something better to do with my time than ramble on and on and on...So...till next time..........................................................

Busy Bee

2006-07-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

Wow - this week was crazy. I started my new class, South African Literature - it's very interesting and eye-opening...I'm such a geek about school - although spending endless hours doing homework during the summer isn't the most fun way to spend my time! What else? My dear friend Jackie is in town from CA so we hung out this week and went shopping - always dangerous for the 2 of us to shop together, more dangerous for me than for her. I also helped with the interviews for the Spanish teacher at school - very exciting that we're actually going to have a Spanish teacher, not and English/Math/Spanish teacher - hopefully this will benefit the program and the students! The weekend is pretty boring right now...I went to see Keith Anderson in concert last night - what fun! Lots of family stuff coming up too....................
Ok, that's all for now, I don't really feel like writing so I'm just gonna jet. Peace Out!

Flip Flops

2006-06-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

This week it finally felt like summer vacation. Last week kinda felt like the first week of Christmas break, my schedule was messed up, I was bored, for once not sure what to do with my time, plus I had a paper to write. But this week...Finally....No family obligations, really, and time for ME! After all, that's what summer's about for us, right - time for us and being with our friends. So...this week I went shopping - got a gift card for the b-day - that burned a hole in my pocket for a minute or two! Went to a movie, chilled with friends...Today I went to the beach and it was splendid - basking in the sun and reading - my 2 favorite things in the world!
I'd have to say though, that the highlight of this summer so far has been my walks with my best friend. We walk 2 nights a week - this is the most time we have spent together in ages - she has 4 kids...our lives are total opposite, but she has been my best friend through all of life's changes, so it's been great to walk and talk about our plans for tomorrow and for twenty years from now. There is a solace in the comfort of that ONE friend in your life who you can be yourself around and talk about everything with...I think it's something that is easy to lose as we get older, but with us it just never changes...She's like my sister...
Anways...I guess that's all for now....
Oh - and I got new flip flops - green ones with avocados and pink ones with paisleys - SO FLIPPIN COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving...

2006-06-20T16:04:00.000-04:00

Since I have friends moving this summer, I thought this might be appropriate. I wrote it for one of the classes I'm taking this summer (Teaching Writing). It's about those days before I started teaching at Lee!
...Moving...
I remember the blistering August day when I found out I had a teaching job. I had just interviewed and was hired on the spot. At the time, I was working two jobs – I was exhausted. On the way back to job #1, I called job #2 and gave my notice. I had been cleaning at night to make ends meet, and I was sick of the endless dirty toilets and floors. I was movin’ up! I was also teaching adult ed at the time, and my position was eliminated, as was my boss’s. As I pulled into the parking lot he was loading his own car with boxes. He was moving too, to another state. Me? I was just trading teaching spaces, one for another. I pulled in and got out of my car. He asked me how the interview went. I responded with a huge smile, still shaking from the nervousness and excitement. “Consider this my notice”, I said. I had already begun packing my classroom – going through old files, putting materials safely away for the “next” teacher, if there would ever be one. As I packed, I thought about the students I was leaving behind, students who needed me, or anyone who could teach them. I became nostalgic, and the excitement that had filled me moments before quickly turned to dread. Oh my gosh…I have to leave the safety of this small rural community and I have to go teach in an urban school where I know three people (the people who interviewed me). No more safety net. No more comfort of consistency and familiarity. I was moving to a place I had always wanted to be, but now that it was staring me in the face, I was scared to death! So I packed…
Someone else had been packing as well. Actually, two others. When I arrived at my new school, my new classroom was filled with old stuff. There were mountains of paper everywhere, and I’m not making a mountain out of a mole-hill. I have never seen so many papers. These teachers had worked as hard at packing as I had – now I had to unpack their work – this was more daunting than the thought of beginning the school year less than two weeks from that moment. As I negotiated my way through over thirty years of materials, I was interrupted by four future students. As I looked at these girls who were to make up part of my senior English, I was overcome with a myriad of emotion – shame, for a looked like hell, I’d been working in a hot, musty room – fear, excitement, and a gamut of other emotions. I introduced myself to them and told them that I would do my utmost to give them a challenging senior year. They seemed sweet, little did I know that that particular class would be the source of many tears in the nine months to come. Moving isn’t always easy, but it seems to be part of the natural order of things. So now I have been moved into that classroom for three years. Each August when I pass that threshold, I remember the trepidation I felt that one hot August day, when I was staring down my first “real” year of teaching. Now new teachers move in, and where do they go for advice (sometimes) through that some threshold. Moving means change, change means growth and sometimes growth involves…Moving…Enjoy!

Back by popular demand...

2006-06-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

PINK!!!!!!!!

Summertime

2006-06-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

The first week of summer has come and gone, once again. I always remember my first summer off, how weird it felt to sleep in and stay up late...and not grade papers. I'm finally accustomed to the feeling!
I decided that this summer I would start running. I KNOW! Me? A runner? Never thought that day would come, but I'm surrounded by runners at work, and en mi familia, so I thought it was time. I've been walking with my bestest friend 2 times a week, but that's just not cuttin' it for me...So Friday I decided it was time. Man...I'm still sore, and I could only run maybe 1/4 mile (not consecutively) or I thought I would DIE/PASS OUT! This is my goal for the summer though, I want to run a 5K race sometime in the fall...As the song says...I gotta "Live like you were dying"...Goals to reach....
Not a lot else to say so I'm gonna bounce for now...Happy Summer!

2006-06-12T13:59:00.000-04:00

Every new beginning comes from some beginning's end

2006-06-12T13:48:00.000-04:00

The first weekend of summer has come and gone...I had to say good-bye to people at work, that makes me sad...But I'm incredibly happy for them and they will be able to do great things whereever they go...One of the best parts of being in the Rebel Family is getting to know the students and staff so well, but with that perk comes the sadness of saying good-bye, too much it seems.
I'm ready for summer, although I miss the kids already. It was an interesting year, but the best so far...I hope there are many more to come.

Sunflowers

I'm a Slacker Blogger...

Hardest Thing....

More snow.......

Fire and Ice...

Procrastinating....

Every New Beginning Comes From...

Merry (late) Christmas

Why, I Never...

First Christmas

30s are the new 20s!

I Need a Reminder...

Late....as usual....

Time Flies...

Fun in English

Time Flies

Lazy Last Days of Summer

Ode to Van Gogh

The Grind

Home Sweet Home

Half-way gone....

"Art"

Strange Days

Article

Independence Day

Flower Power

Boom, Boom, Boom....

First Day....

Schools *almost* OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!

A Time to Laugh....

The Last Full Week

Spring Frost.....

Thaw

Life Stuff...

All Growed Up...

The Calm After the Storm...

For Everything There Is A Season....

History...

Feliz Navidad

Merry Late Turkey Day...and Early Christmas?

I Blinked...

Savin' Lives...

A Sunday Drive

Drama, Drama, Drama

Busy Lil' Bee...

Victory

A Victory Makes History

Drama, Drama, Drama...

Freaky

Homecoming Part 3

Homecoming Part 2 (The Floats)

Homecoming Part I

Finally!

Where does it go?

Labor(free) Day Weekend...

175 to go...

back to skool

Out With a BANG...

The End of the Summer as I Know It...

SUMMERTIME'S HERE!

Relief....

Procrastination Station Part Deux

Like Sand Through an Hourglass....

If Tomorrow Never Comes...

Procrastination Station

Funny Thing...

Independence Days

Busy Bee

Flip Flops

Moving...

Back by popular demand...

Summertime

Every new beginning comes from some beginning's end

Schools almost OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!