Pink eye

Someone in the office has a bad case of pink eye. Pink eye is one of the most contagious viruses in schools. That's one pink thing that I DON'T like. Everyone in the department was wiping things down with Lysol disinfecting wipes... something we should do regularly :\

hmm

Been feeling kind of stressed lately from work... questioning whether or not high school is for me, and if I'm well-suited to work with teenagers... I got a lot of tips, advice, and reassurance from fellow teachers, and even from my friend the hall monitor =)

Some things to keep in mind:
-the first years will always be tough and full of ups and downs, if they weren't it would be no fun.
-you will look back at this when you've got years of teaching under your belt and laugh at how much you struggled!
-you learn to manage your stress as you go on, new teachers tend to freak out about everything
-don't be so hard on yourself!!
** This was a big one for me, I didn't realize just how much pressure I was putting on myself and the expectations I set for myself as a teacher. I was reminded that as a new teacher, you'll make mistakes. Lots of them, and that's normal. That's how you learn. I was told to cut myself some slack, and learn to laugh at myself...

The hall monitor told me a wonderful quote today. He said that many teachers are not as nice and don't smile as much as I do. He said to tell the kids, "Don't take my kindness as a weakness". I was like WOW. That just summed up how I've been feeling for the past few weeks. I'll definitely remember that one for future reference.

HAHA this one's funny xD

Hah

Had a guest speaker in my Parenting class today and we learned all about breastfeeding.
The boys in my class nuts, I've never seen them that engaged before!

$

We got paid the other day and my co-worker asked if it was my first paycheck, lol. I said no, but I said I sometimes forget we get paid... hard to believe maybe, but it's true, I'm so caught up in juggling everything with my classes, I forget that it's a job. Everyday is so routine it's just become the norm.. and part of my life I guess.
Then he asked if I was still living at home, and I said yes... he was like that's why, cause most people live paycheck to paycheck. He told me to never move out cause there are so many perks, haha! But yikes, everyone is living paycheck to paycheck :\ No surprise there... the cost of living is so high.

The Miracle of Life

I saw this installation in real life!

I showed my Gr 11s The Miracle of Life today in parenting class. The grand finale showcased a very graphic scene of a mother giving birth to a baby-- a full disclosure of the action that goes on down there*

All the girls in the class were squealing/shrieking/screaming, while the 2 boys I had in my class looked away. I sat front and center beside my laptop: I never had to watch it in science class, so this was my first time seeing it. I knew that all eyes would once again be on me because the kids love to seeing their teacher's reactions to things. I put my hands over my mouth and held my breath-- but kept both eyes open the whole time. The teacher at the baby shower was right, the birthing process is quite profound... O____O

Then I discussed in more detail what goes on down there the moment the baby comes out and what happens after. Next time I show this to a class, it'll be a walk in the park!

All the girls in the room said they were never having a baby... lol, poor kids. Traumatized.

Eyes on the board please.

To welcome the new fall season, I wore my red plaid 'lumberjack-ish' dress to school today. Everyone complimented on it, and one student even said I had 'swag' -____-" Not sure how I feel about that.

Then a girl said she liked my ring, and later another girl said she liked my boots.

Yesterday, the students commented on my hair said they liked it -_____-"

Another student asked if I've had braces before because my teeth are really straight.

As a teacher, I understand that I have lots of eyes on me since I'm teaching at the front of the class... but now I'm starting to feel like they're a little too intrigued by me and my things =___= Are my classes that boring? Maybe I should wear the plain, dull things to work... then perhaps they'll focus more on the lesson and actually see that they're actually kind of interesting.

Gucci Gucci Louis Louis Fendi Fendi Prada

This morning I helped run the 'Math Fun Day' today for the Gr. 9s, and tried my very best to sound excited and enthusiastic about it (I was surprisingly good at this considering I don't personally find math fun). Too bad the kids weren't convinced. After 2.5 hours of math fun with almost 150 Gr. 9s, my throat was really starting to hurt.



For the millionth time, a student asked me if my watch was a G-Shock. I get it ALL the time, and it just shows what they're into nowadays~

I have a white silicone band watch that a little on the chunky side, but nowhere near as big as a G-Shock.. those things are HUGE! I remember G-Shocks and Baby-Gs were realllyy popular when I was in grade school. Everyone was obsessed with them! I guess the same trends come and go~

Then they asked me if my nerd glasses were Ray Bans...
I'm not a walking billboard.

Other things the kids are into:

Beats by Dr. Dre.

I didn't get the hype about these, until I put them on. I thought Wow, they're really nice.


Good Wood
Intricately hand carved wooden accessories. Mostly the boys wear these, but not too many of them have it because they're fairly pricey for students.

They like Louis Vuitton, Guicci, Nikes, and all those fancy things cause 'it's got SWAG' -____-"

Getting to know the students and what they're into can definitely build rapport. Now if I can figure out what the girls are into (besides boys)...

Randoms of my day at school

(!) I have a boy in my class that always skips, and always looks like hes about to fall asleep. He caught me off guard today when he asked where I got my bracelet. I was so shocked that he was able to see the bracelet from the far corner of the room to where he was sitting. I was like uhhh... still surprised by the question. (If a girl asked me that, I wouldn't be as stunned.)

Then he asked if it was Tiffany's and said he is getting one for his mom's birthday (aww). Apparently she told him she wanted it and he asked me where they had a store. lol! I asked if he saved up for it he said yeah, and actually knew how much the different sizes cost. How sweet!

._________________.

(-) I have to say, a one or two disruptive students in the class ruin it for everyone. I could hear my voice (and patience) going by the end of the class... They went from a cluster of rowdy kids in the back, to spanning across the room after I moved them. I don't know which is worse :\ What to do.

._________________.

(+) Always funny how your worst students from last year and are now buddies with you in the hallway, and want to switch into your class. Huh.

Stress

After a (really) long week yesterday, I was ready to call it a night. The stress, the workload, and lack of sleep was starting to get to me, I just felt so drained and exhausted. It was so late after the long drive home, and I had an early morning and packed weekend to follow.
Before I went to bed, all I could think of was how many new students have been placed into my classes, and how many at-risk students I have to help, how the ESL students are reallyy struggling, the special ed students are not responding, older kids who are way ahead, students who don't take me seriously, disrespectful students I have to 'discipline', the lessons I have to plan for, how I have to catch up with other teachers' classes, 'math fun day' I have to prepare and organize, and to top it off, a note in my box saying I am on the list for routine teacher evaluation. Two weeks in, and I already feel overwhelmed.

So I pulled out my ipod and looked for some bible verses, and this one really stood out:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28


Then I remembered where I was last semester. I received a desperate call from this school to resolve a sticky situation. It was such a God given opportunity because He knew I had what it took, and all I needed was a chance. Although there was not an opening for them to rehire me, I firmly believed that God would place me where help was needed most, just like He did the first time.

So when the school called me back for an opening the first week of July, I knew that this is where God wanted me to be. It seems obvious now that it would be a tough job to take, and I have a lot to learn. I was put in this position for a reason, and it's my job to make a difference; it can only be done with His help, and I know that He is working in me.


This morning I went to this Women's Ministry orientation and saw a fellow teacher/sister. She's been sick since the 1st week as well, and going through the same thing... now I don't feel as stressed. I think all new teachers go through turbulent waters.

Baby Shower

After work yesterday, I scrambled to do as much work as I could cause I had to go to a coworkers baby shower. I was reallyy nervous about driving from one end of the city to the other. Neither of which I was familiar with. I so desperately wanted a GSP, I'm a noob driver with zero sense of direction :\ After a few wrong turns, I eventually made it there.

Oh how I wish I had one... but my dad doesn't want me to rely on a GPS. He wants me to learn to read maps and take directions from there... In the past, dad has bought me all the electronics I own because I always talk about them, and he'll take me shopping for it and offer to buy it. GPS thingies are pretty affordable now so I can definitely pay for one, but I guess dad has a point. With a GPS, I wouldn't spend time studying the map and looking up places cause I would just mindlessly follow what the voice tells me (I really would :P).

But still, Friday was really nerve wracking... streets downtown are narrow, and filled with one ways and odd restrictions. Only after did I remember that dad had an old GPS he only uses for road trips. Could have saved myself from all that anxiety... not to mention PAPER!

Now to my first baby shower... (not MINE but you know what i mean)

Cute pink diaper cake

It was interesting. Many pregnant ladies at the school... Too many pregnancy stories for me to handle. I don't think any amount of verbal reassurance can actually prepare you for what really happens to you when it happens. Soo... I'd rather not think about it till then~

xoxo

Argh!

I was turning out of a parking lot this morning and was part way on the sidewalk waiting to turn out. I see two cyclists in full bike gear on the sidewalk coming my way and I think huh? Are they allowed to be on the sidewalk?

Then the lady biking up waves her arm, and then shouts "Back up!"

I was so shocked I didn't move at all. Did she just tell me to back my car up so she can bike on the SIDEWALK!? Are you sh*tting me!?!

The first thing I did when I got to work was ask my coworker (he bikes) if there was a law against bikers on the sidewalk. He said the law states that riding a bicycle with tire size over 61cm on sidewalks is prohibited --meaning only kids can bike on the sidewalk.


Pardon my language but people on the road are reallyy starting to bug me. I hope I'm not developing road rage. The ridiculous things that people do/try to make you do just annoys the heck outta me!

One time, the guy in front of me stopped to talk to his friend in the opposing traffic (small street), and his friend motioned for me to go AROUND him. This is the other side of the street I'm supposed to drive on to get around you cause you're blocking the way?? He wouldn't budge and told me to go the other way. So I tried, but it was too narrow (in my opinion), so I stayed here. Eventually the first guy backed up so his friend moved over. Geez people.

That was my rant. I feel better now.

Math is tough

I'll be the first one to admit it. I suck, and I reallyy don't like it. But as a teacher, it's my job to stand up there and talk about math like it's the most fascinating, logical thing to do.



Today, my students walked out feeling really good about themselves because they finally understood the concepts we've been working on, and were able to apply it. They couldn't stop thanking me for helping them, and that totally made my day =)

It also brought back memories of my high school calculus days. The only reason I did okay was because I slaved over the problems for hours, and had really good tutors.

I tried to think about why they were so great.
They were:
-very patient
-didn't embarrass or scream at me when I didn't understand (which has happened to me and I still remember it clearly to this day)
-didn't roll their eyes or give up on explaining
-tried many different ways to explain
-always checked my work to find out why the answer was not right

It's such a weird feeling to have the tables turned. I never would have pictured myself teaching math. But I think maybe God has put me in this position because I've been there, and understand the frustration of not being able to solve a problem or understand a concept. I am able to approach the students with empathy, and a desire to help and teach them.

How babies are made

Survived my first anatomy lesson in Parenting class. The students knew the diagram better than I did. One kid pointed out the fact that I was blushing. The classroom was warm. Really warm.

Budgeting

Going to start this thing called budgeting...

So I'm teaching kids about managing their personal resources, including their finances. I am not a number person. So I'll keep my own budgeting simple: record ins and outs. The idea is to stay out of debt and to save... oh and possibly invest if you want to.

zzZzz

After crashing at 10:00 on Sunday, I decided to take a mini poll to see what time other teachers go to bed.

Thus far, the ladies sleep anywhere from 9:30 (crazy right?) to 11:00 at night.
The young, single male teachers sleep at 1:00 or 2:00 am.

Hmm... i was sleeping at 12ish before, but I'm determined to be in bed by 10:30-11:00!

You look tired

After work:
Mom: Honey you look exhausted. Is it because you can't nap in the afternoon anymore?
Me: (Great) Yes. Cause I drive myself to work instead of getting a ride from my co-worker. ALso because I drive myself home instead of passing out on the bus.
Mom: Oh right... ok.
-__-"

Noob

Always the last one out of the office.

Other teachers chuckle and say they've all been there and done that. Lovely.
(it's actually not too bad, I'm in a cramped department with 20 or so teachers, so I actually get some quiet time to work at the end of the day)

must eat faster

So much to do, so little time. I have morning prep this year, which is good cause I have more time to prepare for my classes during the day, but it also means I don't have double lunch anymore.

Forget brushing my teeth, I'm such a slow eater, I barely have time to finish lunch before the next class starts!

Hmph.

Slept at 10 last night, and for the first time ever, actually feel refreshed on a Monday.

I was blowing my nose and my eyes were watering while I was teaching my Gr.9 math class.

Me: “Sorry guys, I have a cold if you haven’t already noticed”

Student: “Miss, why didn’t you stay home?”

Me: "I can’t, I’ve only been to work for 4 days, it’ll look bad if I take a sick day too soon”

Student: “but my science teacher did, she came for one day and was away for the rest of the week!”

Other Student: “Yeah but she’s also pregnant”

Me: “Exactly… and I’m not.” -____-“

In class:

(brought my own tissue to school cause of my cold)

Student looks at my stuff on my desk: “Miss, do you really like pink?" (another student in my other class asked that)

Me: “Yeah, can you tell? Lol”

Boy: “Oh yeah, you said your favourite colour was pink on the first day!”

Me: (Aww… how nice, a student actually remembered!)

Later in the lesson:

I was fiddling with the broken 3 hole punch in class and it fell apart.

This boy in my class, probably the same one who said I broke the desk said, ‘Miss, do you break EVERYTHING??’

-___-“ No I do NOT break everything, I just disassemble broken things by accident. Hmph.

I decided I would not try and fix anything that's broken next time cause I end up looking like I broke it.

morons

Got 2 honks on the drive to school this morning.

Well, sorry lady, I'm not making a dangerous right turn at a big intersection when the light is red, you can go kill yourself. And dude, I have no intention of running the biker over, so I'm going to go slower. Wake up earlier so you're not honking at every turn. idiots.

Update: I didn't really mean for her to go kill herself. I was just angry.

I get the worst colds

Nose is running, eyes are watering, feeling oh so sick.

The lack of sleep, stress, long days, and sudden change of weather meant a recipe for a cold.

Ughh... I need an overnight cure, I can't go to class like this. I've already had Advil, vitamin C, and Cold FX for a week. X___X

Do you have a baby?

Parenting class:
Student: Miss, do you have a baby?

Me: (caught off guard) uhh, no, why?

Student: Oh cause you’re a teacher..

Me: (What!?) Well not all teachers have kids you know

Student: Yeah but you teach parenting, so I thought they’d choose someone who has a kid

Me: oh.. true… but no.

At the end of the lesson:

Me: So parents have the option to donate their baby

Students: WHAT?

Me: (shoot) I meant ADOPT. Put their baby up for ADOPTION. Sorry, it's the last class on Friday, it's been a long week -___-" *fail*

Teacher social at the bar across the street:

My coworker said I ordered the cutest drink he's ever seen someone order at a bar... what? i like chocolate milk. Plus, the nice bartender said it was on the house :)

Let the embarssment begin

Ridiculously embarrassing encounter first thing in the morning. The kind of run-ins that you want to erase from your memory. Somehow the few people I told thought it was the most hilarious thing ever. It wouldn't be if they were in my shoes.

The embarrassing moments just keep on coming...

My teacher desk decided to collapsed mid-lesson when I learned on it. All my belongings were on the verge of sliding off the table.

While I had a handful of sweet students who came to the rescue and offered me a hand, I also had ones at the back who shouted 'Miss, you broke the table!'

-____-" I did not. The leg was broken, and any weight on the table would cause it to topple over.

Day 2: Picture Day already...

Student: “MISS! My favourite teacher!!” *runs towards me with open arms

Me: panics and tries to think of a fast escape* too late… awkward pat on the shoulder

“Just so you know, I’m not allow to give hugs…Class, don't hug your teachers, they're not allowed to hug you”

Survived first full day of work... just barely

Had hallway duty in the morning and had a girl tell me to f* off. An auspicious start indeed.

As a high school teacher, I've learned not to take insults from students personally. Raging hormones and discipline don't mix.

On a brighter note, had two former Gr 9 girls squeal when they saw me. One gave me a big hug, so fast I couldn’t even dodge it.

Ready or not...

Last April I was thrown into the deep end and took over a teachers' schedule. I cleaned up the mess and taught the courses in 1/2 the time. Luckily I knew how to tread and didn't drown to death.

This year, I'm back with 3 courses on my own.
Note to self: brace yourself.