Huh...?

I was driving around in the car yesterday and I heard this song on the radio. It's supposed to be a love song. Now, this is going to make me sound really old, but some of these lyrics just confuse me.

I know you've never loved
The crinkles by your eyes
When you smile
You've never loved
Your stomach or your thighs,
The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine
But I'll love them endlessly

I'm sorry...but huh?

Current Fav...

Christmas Memories

         This is a picture of my grandpa, Robert Earl Buie. I know many of you think your grandpa(s) are the best, and I am sure they are wonderful men. However, my Grandpa Buie was the best grandpa a girl could ask for. He always had a smile and a hug for me. He loved to listen to my play the piano, talk to me about my life and encouraged me to work hard for what I wanted. Some of my best memories are of summers spent down at Lake Powell with him on his boat.
         He died New Years Eve 2001. That last Christmas we had with him is something I'll never forget. I remember his laughter and his joy in being with his family. Every year at Christmas time I think about him and how loved each of his grandchildren felt.

        This is my father, Robert Kent Buie. Now, he and I haven't always had the easiest relationship. We both have very strong personalities and usually aren't afraid to say what we think. However, I am happy and blessed that our relationship is better than ever. As I was thinking of my grandpa this past Christmas season, I was particularly struck with the similarities these two men share.
       It was Christmas Eve and my dad had the two local grandkids on his lap. He was talking to them about Christmas and reading to them from our Family Bible. It was a little bit of deja-vu for me. I remembered sitting on my grandpa Buie's lap at Christmas as he talked to us of our Savior and the reason for the season. It made me very happy to know that the next generation (and someday my children) will have the same wonderful grandpa Buie.

2013

The year 2012 was a year of changes for me. I know I'm not unique in that I tend to get reflective around this time of year. I think back on where I was this time last year and it is amazing to me to see how much has happened and changed. I was still in grad school. I was getting ready for student teaching. I still lived in Salt Lake. I wasn't sure where or IF I'd have a job. I wasn't sure how I was going to make ends meet.

But now I have a good job that I love (most days). I'm teaching a bunch of rowdy 13-15 year olds. I've learned to stand up for myself, really put the past behind me. I've allowed myself to get closer to my family and have been so happy and blessed because of it. I live in Layton, (not really my favorite) but am looking forward to the future.

As such, here is what I hope to accomplish in the following year. I haven't been so great at keeping up with this kind of thing in the past, but I am actually going to focus on realistic achievements. At school we talk a lot about making SMART Goals - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound. It's bound to rub off on me. SO, here are my 2013 SMART Goals.

1. Work hard to help my students by creating focused, relevant and engaging lessons.

2. Learn to play the violin (this one has had mixed reactions from family and friends, but I'm really excited about it.)

3. Work out and stick to a budget.

4. Plan a weekly menu and stick to it!! (this will definitely help with sticking to a budget)

5. Make more of an effort to be social. It's easy to use school as an excuse not to go out and do stuff. I am legitimately tired during the week, but on weekends I need to spend more time with friends.

6. Spend more time with my family

7. Be better at staying in touch with friends and family I don't actually see on a regular basis.

8. Organize and clean my room regularly (weekly). This may seem like a somewhat juvenile and silly one, but when I get tired or stressed, the last thing I want to do is clean my room. Yet, ironically, it is one of the easiest things to do that will make me feel better.

9. Travel to one city that I have never been to before...ideally Washington, D.C.

So...there you have it! Those are my SMART goals for 2013. I think that these are realistic and will be interesting/fun.

Fails...

I got halfway through the disaster that has been my room for the past two-ish weeks and decided it doesn't matter. Lisa won't be home for another three days.

Triumphs..

My 9th graders finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel last week. One of my students, self proclaimed anti-reader, said he loved the book. He told me, "Ms. Buie, this is the first book that I was excited to read and I want to read it again."

That is why I teach.

The little darlings...

In the past three days...

1. have been told by my students I "wasn't getting any younger and you need to hurry and get married."
2. have been told by my students that I "have an old face"
3. one student offered to set me up with his 19 year old brother because "it would be legal" (meaning his brother wasn't underage)
4. had car trouble
5. physically broke up a fight between two male students
6. worked with the counselors to stop a fight from happening between three male students
7. tried to figure out why three of my female students are suddenly shooting daggers at each other and muttering under their breath
8. reported two students for flashing gang signs...in class...right in front of me...do they think that I just don't exist?
9. had to stop three football players from chasing another football player because he had to find a doorknob to touch due to some flatulence on his part.
10. had two peer evaluations in two days
11. was "good-naturedly" teased in the faculty room because I went to a private school. The question "what are you doing here?" was asked in a somewhat joking manner

It's been a long three days and there are still two more to go... I think I'm going to drug myself and go to bed because I haven't been sleeping well either.

Why I love my job...

It was definitely a difficult week but it ended on a high note. I got to go to the UCTE (Utah Council for Teachers of English) Conference in Salt Lake on Friday. We had some pretty incredible guest speakers, as well as break out sessions. I heard from Francisco Stork, Shannon Hale, Teri Lesesne, and Taylor Mali. I left the conference with quite the long list of books I need to pick up, new strategies for teaching my students, and generally re-energized to go back to the classroom next week. The day ended by Taylor Mali performing some of his poetry. I had never heard of him before but I am now a huge fan. Some of his stuff is a bit bawdy but there are a couple that I absolutely LOVE!

More adventures in teaching!

I took my advisory class on a field trip to visit Westminster College. Our school has introduced a new 'program' (really, it's more like a philosophy) called No Excuses University. Among other things, we are trying to talk more about getting ready for college and planning for college. As part of that, each advisory represents a different college or university. Being a recent Westminster Alum, of course, I called dibs on Westminster. We were lucky enough to get funding through GEARUP and got to take a group of about 45 students to learn more about Westminster. It was a pretty good day and I think the students enjoyed themselves. There was a brief incident on the bus about five minutes from school, but other than that, it was a pretty good day.

This is Ms. Buie gangsta style...as requested by my students.

Even the mighty fall

After battling a horrible cold/flu/chest thingy all week, I admitted defeat. I went to school long enough to get my afternoon classes covered then came home. I'll be the first one to admit that I'll call in sick when I can. Yet, there is something about being a teacher that makes you NOT want to call in sick unless absolutely necessary. I woke up Friday morning feeling like I had been hit by a train but still went to school. It was in between coughing fits that I realized; I need to go home. I spent most of the weekend in bed or on the couch. I even missed going to Boise with Lisa to see Les Miserables. Now you know just how horrible I was feeling! AND, I don't think my fellow theater goers would have appreciated all the coughing and phlegm...just sayin'. However, I am feeling much better and sound semi-normal. Which means...I'll definitely be heading to school tomorrow!

My first month of teaching in my own classroom has definitely been an adventure! I come home most nights with a whole host of funny/frustrating/weird stories about my students. I keep saying that I'm going to write them all down. Perhaps I will, eventually...when I'm caught up on my grading and planning and all the other things I need to so. So that means probably not ever. It's too bad...they're really funny.

And because I didn't get to see Les Miserables this weekend...




Ah man...that note at 1:31...chills my friends, chills.

Week one of the rest of my life...

Last week was the first full week of the new year. It's been so great to start from the beginning and set up my expectations from the get-go. I also have had time to set up my classroom, physically, the way I want it. I have no illusions that this upcoming year isn't going to be difficult, however, I am really going to enjoy it.

I've spent the week getting to know my students and we started our first unit by the end of the week. I'm teaching 8th and 9th grade this year. It's been a challenge to plan two different curriculums (what's the plural of curriculum? Curriculi? Curriculea??) and transition between 8th and 9th grade students. I have found that I can't be quite as laid back with my 8th graders. They need a bit more structure than I need with my 9th graders.

I'm tough and I expect a lot from all my students. At first, I'm not sure they knew what to do with me, but I'm pretty certain that by the end of the week, they realized that we'd all help each other and they'd be fine.

By the end of the week I was absolutely exhausted and was ready to sleep the weekend away. But, I did come away from it so excited and thrilled that I have a job that I love!

My classroom!

Such fun

As the lights dimmed for the second half, I clasped my hands in delight and couldn't help a (hopefully) quiet giggle escape from my lips. I leaned over to Lisa and said, "if there ever comes a day when I don't get excited at a live performance of Les Miserables, we know there is something seriously wrong with me." It was so great! It was definitely worth the quick trip down and back to Cedar City.

We also made a quick jaunt down to St. George to search for a used bookstore I've been thinking about ever since a trip to see Tarzan at Tuacahn several years ago. A little shopping, some new books, Les Miserables...all in all, a great trip.

Honestly curious...

I'm posting this knowing it has the potential to become something I don't want. Yet, I'm turning to the blogosphere for some insight. Mitt Romney has announced his VP running mate, Paul Ryan. I suppose I'm like many people and when it comes to elections there are several issues that I pay more attention to than others. Some it's foreign policy and others it's health care. I have two; education and women's health. Both Ryan and Romney have said, if elected, they will cut Pell Grants. Yet, on his website he says, 

"Post-secondary education cannot become a luxury for the few; instead, all students should have the opportunity to attend a college that best suits their needs. Whether it is public or private, traditional or online, college must be available and affordable."

I'm confused. How does cutting Pell Grants make post-secondary education more accessible for students? According to this Washington Post article, Ryan's proposed budget would spend 33% less on education. Romney's website says "the long-term strategy for getting America’s economy back on track is ensuring a world class education for American students." Tell me, how is that going to be possible if we're cutting spending on education? I'm a teacher. I have a minimum of 30 students in my class and my largest class is pushing 40. Forget about a textbook for every student, I don't even have a classroom set of textbooks for my students. We can get grants for the fun and shiny new technology (we got Smart Boards installed last year) but we can't get the money for textbooks? 

I'm honestly wondering what the logic is and what does he plan to do, specifically, to help boost education in America.

Wha...?

I was driving through my apartment complex parking lot and I noticed an abundance of yellow, crunchy-looking leaves scattered on the lawn. When did the leaves start turning? I look around me and I can see hints of autumn on the mountains. I start school in two weeks. TWO WEEKS!!! I'm not sure I'm ready to be back in the classroom. I've grown very fond of my lazy days...well, that's not entirely true. I enjoy the sleeping in but the aimless shuffling from room to room isn't as exciting as it sounds. 

Last week I finished up teaching a session of summer school. I taught three 70 minute class periods a day. My first period was brutal. There was a group of girls that seemed quite friendly and kind, at first. By the last day they were making comments about how many cats I owned. It was everything I don't like about teaching and nothing I love about it. My second period was better. We got through everything and had some fun in the process. Well, at least as much fun as one can have during summer school. But, like it or not, the summer is coming to a close. Fortunately, I do have some fun stuff planned.

Speaking of fun stuff...last night, Lisa and a friend went to see Aida at the Sandy Amphitheater. It was quite the production. It was entertaining but not in the way they probably hoped it would be. The woman playing Aida had a great voice but other than that... yay for community theater! 

Coming attractions: Les Miserables (YAY!) and Wicked (double YAY!)

the love of my life

The Central Book Exchange parking lot sale:

which led to a long-considered, organization of our bookshelves:

A weekend in Midway and a fun used book store resulted in these:

It's starting to become a storage problem....

The bright lights of broadway...across America!

First this on Friday...



Then this on the 15th in Cedar City!



Then this unexpected treat on the 16th....



And finally, because I have the coolest roommate and friend ever, this one in September in Boise...



I am so freaking excited for all of these!

Out and About

Today was Central Book Exchange's anual parking lot sale. Hardbacks were $4 and paperbacks $2. My bounty...

I also decided to make a wreath for our front door. After burning myself multiple times with the hot glue gun and poking myself with the needle repeatedly, this is the final result.

We don't need no thought control...

I have had an incredibly lazy summer. That is partly due to exhaustion and lack of funds. The last session of summer school for Ogden School District starts tomorrow and I am teaching English I...aka 9th grade English. I've been putting off planning and thinking about it until the last possible moment. After being so extremely lazy for so long, my brain was having a difficult time making the transition to teacher. 

However, as I was driving home from Salt Lake this evening I got that little twinge in my stomach. It's a mix of nerves and excitement at being back in the classroom. Fortunately, it's only for two weeks and then I get a couple of weeks off until school begins in earnest. I'm not sure if I'll teach summer school next summer or not. But this time around, even though I've been dreading it, I think it will be a good way to ease me back into teaching. Last spring wasn't an ideal situation and I was really just trying to survive. I'm looking forward to starting fresh and setting my rules and expectations from the get go. 

At times I get a little uncertain about where or how to start...particularly when thinking about my actual, physical classroom (it's kind of a disaster). Yet, I'm excited to get back to it and do what I love.

....and it won't hurt to have some money in the bank again.

Just sayin...

Power House

I know not everyone likes country music. But these two have such powerful voices!

Adventures in dating...

A big part of being a single twenty-something is dating...more so for others than for me. However, I have dated a variety of "gentlemen" (we're using that term quite loosely, here). I've had some really great experiences, some horribly awkward and uncomfortable experiences and some downright horrible experiences. Last weekend I went on a date that fully justified and supported every judgmental thought people have about online dating. Yes, I'm doing the online dating thing. I do not defend or explain it. It just is. (I should probably insert a little disclaimer here. I'm feeling a bit prickly today. Which, I realize is not the best time to be blogging but here we are.) 

Anyway, back to my date. We'll call him Jack. Jack and I had been emailing for a while, texting and talking on the phone. He is from Texas, has a delightful southern drawl and made me laugh more than any other guy in the past. We had great chemistry and I was pretty excited when he asked me out on a date. Turns out that this charming southern gentleman is actually a self-proclaimed homophobe, an advocate of corporal punishment in schools and saw no problem, whatsoever, with the use of the "n" word. Needless to say, it wasn't going to happen between us. The quirky, appropriate jokes of our previous conversations had been traded in for crude bathroom humor and inappropriate stories. I just kept asking myself...who is this guy???  He also lived at home with his parents, did not have a college degree and didn't want to put forth the effort to get into shape after being warned by his doctor he needed to. 

This takes us to today. The last two guys I have gone out with fit the same description. I will tell you, Jack definitely took home the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Award, that's for dang sure. However, both men were 34, living at home with the parents, no college education, talked about dreams of a real career but had taken no steps to actually achieve it and had no drive beyond the next day. Now, I'm not saying that I am the best thing to happen since sliced bread but really...? I mean, seriously?!

I love google...it's both a verb and a noun!

It is 3:30 am and I am still up. Why you ask...I have absolutely no idea. I just am. This leads to much inter-webbing. I've had several conversations lately regarding what kind of personality I have. People have mentioned the color personalities like I should know what color I am. So, I googled "color personality tests" there were quite a few interesting choices. Now, I don't know if this one is the most reliable but it was free. According to this test, I'm a Blue Personality.

BLUES tend to be overly guilt-prone
You like stability and security in your relationships and in life in general. 
It almost seems paradoxical, because while you do seek meaningful relationships in your life, and enjoy the company of others, you also enjoy your independence to do what you like to do.
BLUES need connection – the sharing of rich, deep emotions that bind people together. As a BLUE, you will often sacrifice a great deal of time, effort, and/or personal convenience to develop and maintain meaningful relationships throughout your life.
BLUES have distinct preferences and are the most controlling of the four personalities, although they may not acknowledge (or even realize) the fact.


Sounds fairly accurate, don't you think?

worth a thousand words...

Hip Hop...hip hop-a-not-o-mus

Today a student gave me this little gem. He wanted to write me a rap and this was the end result...

Gino to Ms. B

Ms. B I love the way you teach. 

I love the way you talk. 

No teacher can compare to you. 

Your number 1

top gun 

ready to blow any competition away

because your here to stay

your always the superwoman of the day

I know why you nag

because one day you want me to be great

dont know why i give you so much fight

I guess because of a lot of the bad bunch

thats all i had to say

but now its time to say later

There was even a picture that went with it. (all spelling as in context). It wasn't the assignment I gave them for today but at least he was writing, right? It was even rapped for the class.

I also need to brag a bit...

My grades posted last Thursday. I am officially done with my graduate program. I also got an email today saying I have been recommended for my Teaching License. All I have to do is go online, take the ethics review and pay for my license. Woot! In honor of all that, I asked Annie to take some graduation photos. I didn't want to do the school grad announcements, so I'm going to put something together on Shutterfly. Now, I know it's probably a little (or a lot) egotistical or narcissitic or something but here are a few of my favorites.

My sister is such a talented photographer! I'm a little jealous of her talent...

28 and counting...

Today is my 28th birthday. Is it weird to say that I've actually felt like I have been 28 for the past six months now? It was a pretty low-key birthday. My students were quite excited about it and there was a rousing round of happy birthday in some of my classes. Today was a good day with my students. We didn't necessarily get through 100% of what I set out for us to accomplish, yet, we did have some fun. I feel like I've been lecturing them quite a bit lately and we've been bickering and the constant power struggle continues. But I felt like today we all let loose a little bit. I'm sure it won't last through tomorrow but I felt like I made some progress with many of my 'difficult' students. Maybe it is because I had a great weekend and I was still in a pretty good mood, and they just responded to my good mood. Either way, it was a good day, if not overly birthday-ey. 

I am very much looking forward to this weekend. I have plans on both Friday and Saturday night and I am definitely ready for the weekend to be here. Sad, I know. It's only Monday and I'm ready for the weekend. It's more because I'm excited for what I have planned than anything else. Friday my every-so-kind, former roommie, Shannon, has offered to host a birthday party for me. It won't be anything fancy but we are having empanadas. Yum! 

Good times, my friends...good times!

I'm feeling the love, my friends...

From the best roommate and friend a girl could ask for...

....my birthday came a little early this year.

One of the many reasons I love my sister...

It's been a pretty tough week. I have been finishing up my last week of grad school. Yes, you read that right. I attended my last class yesterday and tomorrow afternoon is my Master's Portfolio Oral Defense. Yes, that deserves to be capitalized. I also moved last weekend. I ALSO started a new job about three weeks ago. Yeah...it's been tough. Bless my dear roommate. She has been so wonderful and doesn't get too annoyed with me and my general grumpiness. Yet, I digress...that is the topic for another post.

I stayed late at school tonight grading and trying to get a little caught up, particularly because I won't be in tomorrow. I came home, absolutely famished and exhausted. I pull up my email and see one from Annie with the subject of "A note for you". I open it to find this...

Made my day.

Adventures in Teaching

Today marks my first full week of teaching in an honest-to-goodness, paid teaching job. Thursday was my first day on my own (I was transitioning the long-term sub out) and it was...rough. It's an inner-city school and they may be 7th graders, but they are tough kids. My first day I sent three kids to the office and one of them ended up getting suspended. There is a lot of posturing and pushing the boundaries. Their previous teacher had a personal crisis come up and left, then they had various subs come in and out before they got a long term sub that worked. And here I come, less than 30 days of school left and I want them to work!? The horror! Needless to say, it's been a bit rocky. But it ended on a pretty good note. One of the toughest students actually apologized to me at the end of the day on Friday.

This is by far the most difficult thing I have ever taken on. Yet, they're already becoming my students. They're loud-mouth brats sometimes, but they're just kids. Most of them just want someone to listen to them and care about them.

Today in advisory the student that was suspended asked if he could talk to me. In my head I was like...great, what now? But he actually just wanted to ask if he could be my TA (teacher assistant). I'm not entirely sure he isn't just setting me up for something but we'll see. All in all, it's been a difficult week but I'm happy where I am. They definitely don't give an inch, that's for sure. But then again...I won't either.

I *MUST* be crazy...

That's the only possible explanation, really. My to-do list seems to be getting shorter but the few things I've added lately are doozies! I was able to remove "find a job" (yay!) but I added "start new job" and "pack apartment" and "move to Layton" in its place. My mom is surely reading this and saying, "I told you to wait until after you graduate to move!" She's right. She did tell me that and she has a valid point. You see, I have this wonderful habit of moving at the worst possible moment. For example, I moved a week after having MAJOR surgery. This time last year I was moving during finals while sick AND planning a bridal shower for a dear friend. So it would seem par for the course that I would move while finishing my Masters and starting a new job...right?

The good news is we have found an apartment. And when I say "we", I really mean Lisa. I told her that since I chose such a winner of an apartment the last go around (and I'm crazy busy) she could chose the next place. We looked at a couple of places together and we some some....interesting...stuff. Our new place is in Layton and is part of a bigger complex. Yay for 24 hour maintenance!

We really could have waited until after I was done with school but I didn't really feel like driving to Ogden every day until the end of May for my new job. (Did I mention I got a new job? Because, I did. I'm a teacher!)

All in all, I'm just praying that I can make it through the next couple of weeks and then survive the rest of the school year. I'm excited but also completely terrified. I know I can do this. However, I also know this is going to be a trial by fire.

Thank you so much to those of you who have offered your support and offers of help. I appreciate it more than I can say. The diet coke runs, loads of laundry, making sure I eat (I'm like a toddler sometimes, I know), laughing with me when I wanted to cry, letting me cry, girls night out and girls night in. Really...all of it. You're all so wonderful!

Changes are a comin'

I have accepted a job teaching 7th grade at a junior high in Ogden. The teacher actually left in December and students have had a long term sub since then. I am starting next Tuesday! Eek! We'll do review for about three days and then students will be taking their end of year tests. I then get to come up with some brilliant end of year activity...woo-hoo! The school year ends the end of May and then I really get to get busy planning for next year. Amid all of this I am still finishing up my Masters and I'll be moving to Layton-ish. As much as I would love to make the commute to Ogden every day, my wallet does not want to cough up that gas money. So there you have it. I'm a teacher. I completed my paperwork this afternoon...it's official. Here I go....

The wild world in which we live

I haven't updated all month and quite a bit has happened and continues to happen. Instead of an in-depth update you're getting the Kelly's Update List of Might and Wonder. Yes, you read that correctly... Kelly's Update List of Might and Wonder. It's exciting stuff. So, without further ado, here it is...

• Finished and passed student teaching
• Completed screening interviews with seven school districts and the Catholic Diocese
• Entertained a very generous job offer from Duchesene School District teaching Special Education at Union High in Roosevelt, Utah
• Took a road trip to check out the YSA scene in Roosevelt...very young and naive
• Nearly died on said road trip due to lovely March blizzard
• Determined I cannot, under any circumstances, live in Utah County. The construction alone would negatively impact my health and driving record
• Received second job offer to teach at a junior high in Ogden, which I am still considering. (Yes, you read that correctly. I have gotten two job offers. I had two non-district interviews and both resulted in job offers. Just had to toot my own horn a bit. Okay, bragging done)
• I continue to work on finishing up my Teacher Work Sample, ePortfolio and other odds and ends in preparation for graduation this spring
• Casually and not so casually looked for a new apartment
• Got the oil changed on my car
• Made some really great new friends from my cohort
• Finally released from old calling and called as the Relief Society pianist
• Sang in Sacrament meeting with Shannon
• Agreed to sing in my parent's ward with Shannon and Lisa...although that won't be for a few more weeks
• Called for two interviews at local charter schools
• Purchased first ever suit to look appropriately professional for said interviews...I think it worked
• AND I'm going to see Hunger Games tonight with the sister and her hubby

All in all, it's been a pretty busy month and the upcoming months will probably be just as busy as I, hopefully, get settled in with a new job, new apartment and new ward. Maybe then I'll remember to blog a bit more...eh...maybe not.

Such grand expectations...

I had planned to post once a week with a recap of my student teaching adventures...

....crickets....

Obviously, blogging did not happen as planned. I am on the downward slide now. I'm finishing up week 5 of 10. It's been exhausting, frustrating, infuriating, confusing, frightening and absolutely fantastic. I basically have 4 weeks left and I'm starting to get a little anxious with all I still need to accomplish. Plus, I'll really miss my students. Yes, I know. They aren't really my students. But after teaching them for the past month, I feel like they're my students. I won't miss the waking up well before dawn. I won't miss the snarky comments that come my way. I won't miss the complete and utter exhaustion.

But, thankfully, this experience has just made me more excited about what my future holds. I cannot wait to have my own classroom. I can't wait to get everything organized and ready to go. I feel absolutely ready. I know the first year of teaching will kick my butt but (tee-hee) I am beyond excited about it.

So...here's to 4 more weeks!

Highlights

• Getting several glowing evaluations from my Westminster Supervisor
• Not feeling nervous every morning on the drive to work
• Establishing and enjoying the relationship with my students
• Positive feedback from students and peers

Low lights

• Having a student threaten to "curse" me...not AT me but an actual supernatural, witch and spells curse.
• Having to fight students every day about their cell phones
• Back-talking
• Smart students that are just too lazy to actually turn in their homework
• Having to teach ACT Prep...gross!

One down, Nine to go....

I survived my first week of student teaching.... yes, let's all take a collective deep breath. I kind of can't believe that I'm finally here. I feel like I've been at this for such a long time. In a few short months I'll graduate. They're actually going to give me a license to teach.

It was a pretty good week. I started out just doing a lot of grading but I ended up doing quite a bit of teaching. I subbed for my host teacher all day Thursday and part of Friday. I was surprisingly not nervous. Not surprisingly, a few of my students tried to push the limits to see if I would cave or not. I didn't. Classroom management has been something that I've been worried about. I worry that I won't be able to get them to pay attention to me and participate. This week went a long way to soothe my nerves. There were a few moments of minor panicked thoughts of "Oh crap, what do I do now?!" but we all got through it in one piece.

There will still be the students that try to sweet talk their way around the rules, those that will sleep through class, the back talkers and jokesters. I know this. Yet, I am now fairly confident that I will be able to handle this.

It was a long, exhausting week. I've been battling a cold all week on top of grading, planning and trying to get some semblance of a routine going. Some nights I came home, said hello to the roommie and crashed. Yet, despite the sheer exhaustion I drive home every day thinking - "that was fun". Okay, maybe it hasn't been 'fun' every day but I am thoroughly enjoying myself.

Highlights

• Student wrote "this sub is awesome" on the whiteboard on Thursday for my host teacher to see the next day. They haven't quite figured out the difference between a substitute and student-teacher.
• Students finally understanding grammar compliments and compliment vs. complement. They have been working on this for quite a while and weren't getting it until Thursday.
• 2B discussion on Satire and Mark Twain...they were completely engaged and I hardly had to say a word.

Low lights

• Losing my voice after teaching all day Thursday and coughing frequently while trying to teach.
• Not sleeping due to said cough.
• Student attempting to stare my down...he lost because I walked away without engaging.

Student quote of the week... "Your shoes are cute. My mom has those same shoes."