I've recently come into some bad news regarding school, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the economy. I've learned that two students I've had have died within the last few weeks. One I had while I taught at Opp. One I had up (literally) until last week.
Tlaloc came to Opp as a squirrely, but funny freshmen. He seemed to get along with most of the students, was not gang affiliated (at the time), and was the sort who I would laugh about after school because of the crazy things he'd say. The next year he came to school with a major chip on his shoulder. Something happened over the summer and it made him an angry, angsty kid. We eventually put him into afternoon school because of the problems he was creating. His behavior, when he came, was horrible. Finally it was decided mom or dad would come with him. It did not improve for anybody. Then the summer came and I moved onto CHS. Every now and then I'd hear about him. It sounded like he was getting better. On Friday, I learned he died. He was being chased on foot by the police in Reno and took a crazy leap (from what I understand) which took his life.
The other student died on Sunday--that's right, Mother's Day. He'd been missing a lot of school and finally withdrew so he could attend Adult Ed. and get his GED. From what I understand he had been really going off into the deep end with drugs and such. When he was coming pretty regularly he made me laugh. He had an enthusiasm and was a leader in my off-beat, close-knit Media class. He would volunteer to read the part of Steve when we read Walter Dean Myer's novel Monster. His story was odd. The detectives are still working out the bugs. He was shoved out of his car on the highway in Washoe on the way to Reno. It sounds like Rene was shot prior to being pushed out of the car. He died. A man pulled over to see if he could help since he thought the car had broken down--this man is the father of a student I had last year. The murderer shot him in the leg (which did some damage) and took off. He pulled off the highway as soon as he could and began taking off his clothes as the police pursued him. Not only that, but he was throwing money away in the field as well (quite a bit, too). They found him naked in the bushes. This is what I know, fact wise.
Emotionally-wise, I'm stunned. Truly, utterly stunned. Things like this happen in the movies. Not here. Not to people I know. Not to people whom I am so connected to. It's all anyone can talk about as new information is still coming out. I feel so, well, I don't know. I'm upset. I'm angry. I'm sympathetic. I'm scared. I'm concerned. I'm optimistic. I don't know what to do. I want to offer help in a practical way but I'm at a loss as to what to do. I want to be available to my students in every possible way. The surreal events have cast a gloom over the doors of our high school for many while others seem completely unaware of anything. I wish things like this could make sense right away. I'm sure that would help in the grieving process. Perhaps that's a part of it. The grieving process is relieved in the search for a higher purpose to such seemingly pointless violence that touches so many.
The lyrics are from the song with the same title from Les Miserables.
May 12, 2009
March 15, 2009
There was a time my feet were so solidly planted
Has it really been since October? Yikes! A quick recap of the last few months:
~My bank account was hacked into and cleared out. In December. Yeah, good timing. It finally all seems to be okay now, but it's really as of this week that that is completely the case.
~I submitted my ARP proposal in December. And heard that it was accepted last week. I begin working with the kids the week after next.
~I was teacher of the month in February. Make that Rookie teacher of the month (at the high school less than 5 years).
~I was nominated for and won the Albert Award for Best Actress of the year award for my performance as Ariel in The Tempest.
~I spent my 29th birthday at DISNEYLAND with my cousin Brad (whose in the navy) and my sister Janina. Twas a fun time had by moi!
~I was in a production of A Grand Night For Singing, and had a lovely time. I somehow think I was the only one who really did, but oh well.
~I'm rehearsing for a show called Laundry and Bourban which opens on Wednesday and plays Wednesday nights until the end of April.
~I visited Southern California for Thanksgiving and saw the majority of my relatives. I figured out that in 2008, I saw all but 4 of my cousins (out of 15), and one of my aunts (out of five) from my extended family. Yes, I saw five uncles, four grandparents, four aunts, 11 cousins, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and two nieces in the course of one year. Considering how spread out the family is now, that's quite a feat!
~I performed in Sweet Sounds and did a special number--"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for teachers. Natalee and I wrote the lyrics. Twas funny!
~I survived another round of Senior Project Teacher Drafts (only 48 this year!), and the majority of my students have passed now. HUZZAH!!!
~I've written 16 pages of my ARP paper so far.
Plus the every day, run-of-the-mill news, those are the biggies since October. I look over the list and wonder how it's possible.
And because I was so late, here's my birthday list:
29 things I'm proud of:
1) I am a hard worker.
2) I can memorize quickly.
3) Even working fulltime as an English teacher, and doing a play a semester (or so), I maintain As in my grad classes.
4) I can make my nieces laugh. Both of them.
5) I do not sit around waiting for life to happen--I MAKE it happen.
6) I have a wonderful circle of friends and family.
7) I have learned to love my own company. Perhaps too much, but I don't need others to entertain me.
8) I know a lot about areas that interest me.
9) I can surprise myself with my own abilities.
10) I a strong moral center which helps keep my life in check.
11) Many friends over the years have learned that I can be trusted with confidential feelings, news, etc. Even some acquaintances have learned this.
12) I have a healthy appreciation for classic literature.
13) I have been able to play some wonderful Shakespeare females in plays.
14) I love life! I find those who don't to be fairly bland people.
15) I can sing a variety of musical genres which I enjoy!
16) When I am in a play or show I can be counted on to be prepared and ready to go early on. In my high school theatre days, my director/teacher often would give me something new the last week of the show (lines, songs, etc.) when others would flake out on her.
17) I have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
18) While I am a picky eater, I do try to take risks when I eat new foods; I often surprise myself with how much I like.
19) I can have well-informed and insightful conversations about the show Lost.
20) I have the ability to touch the lives of adolescents 180 days of the year (at minimum!).
21) I have kept a journal since I was 12. They're pretty funny to look back on now.
22) I think the majority of people who know me have nice things to say about me.
23) I have built up a reputation for being good at theatre--to the point where people are asking me to be in shows, no audition required!
24) I try to improve upon my teaching every year.
25) I still get excited about teaching!
26) I'm a pretty good speller. A love of language strengthens this natural ability.
27) I have a fairly dependable job and tenure--that helps!
28) I have a unique name which I like.
29) I am comfortable with my life and where I am.
The title comes from the song "Back to Before" from Ragtime. Phenomenal song. Particularly when sung by Marin Mazzie. What a talented woman!
~My bank account was hacked into and cleared out. In December. Yeah, good timing. It finally all seems to be okay now, but it's really as of this week that that is completely the case.
~I submitted my ARP proposal in December. And heard that it was accepted last week. I begin working with the kids the week after next.
~I was teacher of the month in February. Make that Rookie teacher of the month (at the high school less than 5 years).
~I was nominated for and won the Albert Award for Best Actress of the year award for my performance as Ariel in The Tempest.
~I spent my 29th birthday at DISNEYLAND with my cousin Brad (whose in the navy) and my sister Janina. Twas a fun time had by moi!
~I was in a production of A Grand Night For Singing, and had a lovely time. I somehow think I was the only one who really did, but oh well.
~I'm rehearsing for a show called Laundry and Bourban which opens on Wednesday and plays Wednesday nights until the end of April.
~I visited Southern California for Thanksgiving and saw the majority of my relatives. I figured out that in 2008, I saw all but 4 of my cousins (out of 15), and one of my aunts (out of five) from my extended family. Yes, I saw five uncles, four grandparents, four aunts, 11 cousins, two sisters, one brother-in-law, and two nieces in the course of one year. Considering how spread out the family is now, that's quite a feat!
~I performed in Sweet Sounds and did a special number--"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for teachers. Natalee and I wrote the lyrics. Twas funny!
~I survived another round of Senior Project Teacher Drafts (only 48 this year!), and the majority of my students have passed now. HUZZAH!!!
~I've written 16 pages of my ARP paper so far.
Plus the every day, run-of-the-mill news, those are the biggies since October. I look over the list and wonder how it's possible.
And because I was so late, here's my birthday list:
29 things I'm proud of:
1) I am a hard worker.
2) I can memorize quickly.
3) Even working fulltime as an English teacher, and doing a play a semester (or so), I maintain As in my grad classes.
4) I can make my nieces laugh. Both of them.
5) I do not sit around waiting for life to happen--I MAKE it happen.
6) I have a wonderful circle of friends and family.
7) I have learned to love my own company. Perhaps too much, but I don't need others to entertain me.
8) I know a lot about areas that interest me.
9) I can surprise myself with my own abilities.
10) I a strong moral center which helps keep my life in check.
11) Many friends over the years have learned that I can be trusted with confidential feelings, news, etc. Even some acquaintances have learned this.
12) I have a healthy appreciation for classic literature.
13) I have been able to play some wonderful Shakespeare females in plays.
14) I love life! I find those who don't to be fairly bland people.
15) I can sing a variety of musical genres which I enjoy!
16) When I am in a play or show I can be counted on to be prepared and ready to go early on. In my high school theatre days, my director/teacher often would give me something new the last week of the show (lines, songs, etc.) when others would flake out on her.
17) I have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
18) While I am a picky eater, I do try to take risks when I eat new foods; I often surprise myself with how much I like.
19) I can have well-informed and insightful conversations about the show Lost.
20) I have the ability to touch the lives of adolescents 180 days of the year (at minimum!).
21) I have kept a journal since I was 12. They're pretty funny to look back on now.
22) I think the majority of people who know me have nice things to say about me.
23) I have built up a reputation for being good at theatre--to the point where people are asking me to be in shows, no audition required!
24) I try to improve upon my teaching every year.
25) I still get excited about teaching!
26) I'm a pretty good speller. A love of language strengthens this natural ability.
27) I have a fairly dependable job and tenure--that helps!
28) I have a unique name which I like.
29) I am comfortable with my life and where I am.
The title comes from the song "Back to Before" from Ragtime. Phenomenal song. Particularly when sung by Marin Mazzie. What a talented woman!
October 25, 2008
Let's run away to Atlantic City
While I sadly have no plans to visit anywhere soon, even New Jersey, I am thrilled with the fact that I get a full two week break from grad school. Nothing hangs over my head. I don't mentally need to prepare for anything. It's almost making me giddy! :) I have not had a real two week break since the program began. I mean, I get two weeks off for Christmas, but that was in the middle of a class, so it didn't really count! I have enjoyed week one, so it's time to salvage what I have left and get 'r done!
I sometimes wonder if the program I'm in is worth it. I'm not particularly passionate about the subject. I signed on for it when I still taught at the alternative high school, and it was much more pertinent, applicable, and my time was much more available. But then I remind myself it's only a little more than 14 months away, and I've spent all this money, etc. I just don't know if it's worth it to me. Perhaps a program I cared more about, yes, but I don't know if this is it. I should figure it out soon, because if not, I'm stressing a TON about an Action Research Project and paper that is due at the end of the spring. I don't like the idea of quitting, nor do I like the idea of having spent all this money on books and tuition, etc. However if I feel somewhat apathetic about the whole ordeal, that's making the process harder too, and possibly not worth the trouble. Please send me advice, those of you with grad school experience. I really am stuck and don't know what to do. At all. It sucks!!!
I keep planning out things I want to do; after grad school is over. Things like teaching overseas. Doing more plays. Reading for long lengths of time because I can. Sigh. Well, here's an example: Last summer when I spent my 10 hours in NYC I had a ball. I love New York so much! Anyway, my friends said, "Why don't you spend the summer here? You could get a job working at a theatre as an usher, or a dresser or something. We'd help, and you could stay with us!" I'm still dazzled by this idea and really want to do it! I want to go out there and just live. I get paid through the summer. Perhaps I could FINALLY make it up to PEI and visit all of Anne's haunting grounds. I looked at my summer class schedule and it looks like it's a doozy. Is it worth it? I mean really. I honestly don't know if I could really get a chance to experience living in New York over the summer if I'm tied down with tons of classes that honestly do not sound even remotely interesting to me.
So I throw this question out to the masses. Should I bother? Really and truly bother with the rest of this program that really doesn't stir any excitement up in me anymore. I mean, it's interesting, but I don't know if my stubbornness to continue in such a program for the sake of not being a quitter really cuts it for me. But then what? When do I get a masters? Are all programs like this? HELP!!!
The title comes from the song "Atlantic City" from Ragtime, which (along with Les Miserables) is my favorite musical.
I sometimes wonder if the program I'm in is worth it. I'm not particularly passionate about the subject. I signed on for it when I still taught at the alternative high school, and it was much more pertinent, applicable, and my time was much more available. But then I remind myself it's only a little more than 14 months away, and I've spent all this money, etc. I just don't know if it's worth it to me. Perhaps a program I cared more about, yes, but I don't know if this is it. I should figure it out soon, because if not, I'm stressing a TON about an Action Research Project and paper that is due at the end of the spring. I don't like the idea of quitting, nor do I like the idea of having spent all this money on books and tuition, etc. However if I feel somewhat apathetic about the whole ordeal, that's making the process harder too, and possibly not worth the trouble. Please send me advice, those of you with grad school experience. I really am stuck and don't know what to do. At all. It sucks!!!
I keep planning out things I want to do; after grad school is over. Things like teaching overseas. Doing more plays. Reading for long lengths of time because I can. Sigh. Well, here's an example: Last summer when I spent my 10 hours in NYC I had a ball. I love New York so much! Anyway, my friends said, "Why don't you spend the summer here? You could get a job working at a theatre as an usher, or a dresser or something. We'd help, and you could stay with us!" I'm still dazzled by this idea and really want to do it! I want to go out there and just live. I get paid through the summer. Perhaps I could FINALLY make it up to PEI and visit all of Anne's haunting grounds. I looked at my summer class schedule and it looks like it's a doozy. Is it worth it? I mean really. I honestly don't know if I could really get a chance to experience living in New York over the summer if I'm tied down with tons of classes that honestly do not sound even remotely interesting to me.
So I throw this question out to the masses. Should I bother? Really and truly bother with the rest of this program that really doesn't stir any excitement up in me anymore. I mean, it's interesting, but I don't know if my stubbornness to continue in such a program for the sake of not being a quitter really cuts it for me. But then what? When do I get a masters? Are all programs like this? HELP!!!
The title comes from the song "Atlantic City" from Ragtime, which (along with Les Miserables) is my favorite musical.
September 18, 2008
Everything was beautiful at the ballet
As I'm sure you guessed, I'm a movie fanatic. Old, new, foreign, indie; I'm all over them. I love a good story whether it teaches me something, makes me cry, makes me want to get up and dance, or makes me laugh until my sides hurt. I use my discretion to screen those I'd be interested in and those I would not.
I also love books. I have always loved books. I, again, love a good story. Classics, contemporary, childrens, foreign, etc. Reading allows me to go anywhere, any time, and meet some of the greatest characters a person could ever hope to return to.
When the two are paired, I've learned that it can go one of two ways: fantastic or a dismal failure. I always hope for the best, but alas it cannot always be the case. I always get excited when I hear of one of my favorite books is being turned into a film.
Around last December I turned to a childhood favorite. Well, actually, three of my childhood favorites. Noel Streatfield's classics: Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, and Dancing Shoes. I've always been charmed by these stories. I love the British factor, the history factor, the performance factor, and the charm factor. There is something that will always endear me toward these stories.
After I read them, I decided to look them up on Amazon to see if they were films. There was one made of Ballet Shoes made many years ago. And then . . . there was one to be playing on the BBC on Boxing Day last year, which had a fantastic cast. I was so excited! Emilia Fox! Gemma Jones! Harriet Walters! Richard Griffiths! Emma Watson! HUZZAH! Sadly, it was not on a DVD which had the ability to be played on American DVD players.
So on Thursday I had a rotten time at UNR. I went to Barnes and Noble to calm down enough to drive safely. And to wait to see if Dana was still interested in our tenative dinner plans. I was browsing many areas within the wonderful two story building filled to the brim with information and imagination. I meandered toward the films. They were playing an ad for Ballet Shoes--the version I'd been dying to see! I went on the rampage searching for it to see if they actually had the movie. To my delight--they did! So I bought it.
It was charming. Not completely like the book (the girls were older, for one), but still lovely. One thing cracked me up like no other. It was rated PG. Why? Because there was one scene where two of the adults smoked (gasp!). It lasted all of maybe two minutes. And Emilia Fox (Garnie) coughed as a result of her attempt at it. Hilarious!
The title comes from a song called "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line. It seemed fitting.
I also love books. I have always loved books. I, again, love a good story. Classics, contemporary, childrens, foreign, etc. Reading allows me to go anywhere, any time, and meet some of the greatest characters a person could ever hope to return to.
When the two are paired, I've learned that it can go one of two ways: fantastic or a dismal failure. I always hope for the best, but alas it cannot always be the case. I always get excited when I hear of one of my favorite books is being turned into a film.
Around last December I turned to a childhood favorite. Well, actually, three of my childhood favorites. Noel Streatfield's classics: Ballet Shoes, Theatre Shoes, and Dancing Shoes. I've always been charmed by these stories. I love the British factor, the history factor, the performance factor, and the charm factor. There is something that will always endear me toward these stories.
After I read them, I decided to look them up on Amazon to see if they were films. There was one made of Ballet Shoes made many years ago. And then . . . there was one to be playing on the BBC on Boxing Day last year, which had a fantastic cast. I was so excited! Emilia Fox! Gemma Jones! Harriet Walters! Richard Griffiths! Emma Watson! HUZZAH! Sadly, it was not on a DVD which had the ability to be played on American DVD players.
So on Thursday I had a rotten time at UNR. I went to Barnes and Noble to calm down enough to drive safely. And to wait to see if Dana was still interested in our tenative dinner plans. I was browsing many areas within the wonderful two story building filled to the brim with information and imagination. I meandered toward the films. They were playing an ad for Ballet Shoes--the version I'd been dying to see! I went on the rampage searching for it to see if they actually had the movie. To my delight--they did! So I bought it.
It was charming. Not completely like the book (the girls were older, for one), but still lovely. One thing cracked me up like no other. It was rated PG. Why? Because there was one scene where two of the adults smoked (gasp!). It lasted all of maybe two minutes. And Emilia Fox (Garnie) coughed as a result of her attempt at it. Hilarious!
The title comes from a song called "At the Ballet" from A Chorus Line. It seemed fitting.
August 24, 2008
Keep it Positive!
So, yeah, school begins tomorrow. Lordy! How did it get here so fast? I've been to the school everyday since August 11. It's been jam-packed with LinkCrewFreshmenOrientationTeacherInservices. This time can also be known as many meetings, no real school prep time allotted. So I've been staying until 4-5 again. Anyway, I rearranged my classroom to fit some different things I want to try and I must say I like it a lot. It seems roomier and more aesthetic to me. I'm also able to fit more students in (which is good since my biggest class so far is 32 students, my smallest is 24). Yay moi!
In a couple of weeks I'm heading up to Seattle--possibly my favorite city on the West Coast. Why? To visit Esther again. This time, I think Fin (or Kristina for those who didn't know Kara really well) will be joining us. 'Twill be fun. Particularly since we're going to be seeing Shrek. No, not the movie sillies! The stage production which begins in Seattle before heading to Broadway. It stars many of my favorites, including Sutton Foster. And Brian d'Arcy James (Who is involved in a personal story of mine which lends itself to much humiliation on my part from when I was a teenager--I love telling the story, but I don't particularly feel like writing it out now).
So, here's to teachers who are in my boat. I am sure we all feel the same way. Nervous, unprepared, and gearing ourselves up for exhaustion and great hunger (at least, I always feel like I'm eating so much more at the beginning of the year than later). Good luck--08/09 will be a great year for all (I hope!).
The title comes from the song with the same title from Legally Blonde the musical. I won't necessarily suggest that "It's positively time to shake your junk!", but it would be good to keep a positive attitude in the fall and throughout the year.
In a couple of weeks I'm heading up to Seattle--possibly my favorite city on the West Coast. Why? To visit Esther again. This time, I think Fin (or Kristina for those who didn't know Kara really well) will be joining us. 'Twill be fun. Particularly since we're going to be seeing Shrek. No, not the movie sillies! The stage production which begins in Seattle before heading to Broadway. It stars many of my favorites, including Sutton Foster. And Brian d'Arcy James (Who is involved in a personal story of mine which lends itself to much humiliation on my part from when I was a teenager--I love telling the story, but I don't particularly feel like writing it out now).
So, here's to teachers who are in my boat. I am sure we all feel the same way. Nervous, unprepared, and gearing ourselves up for exhaustion and great hunger (at least, I always feel like I'm eating so much more at the beginning of the year than later). Good luck--08/09 will be a great year for all (I hope!).
The title comes from the song with the same title from Legally Blonde the musical. I won't necessarily suggest that "It's positively time to shake your junk!", but it would be good to keep a positive attitude in the fall and throughout the year.
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