There's a mantra between teachers...we always count down to vacation. Doesn't matter what kind of vacation--it can even be a measley 3 day weekend...we always count down to it. We even have countdowns on the board so we can count down with the kids. Now, if you're not a teacher, I can hear you saying, "teachers are always on vacation! You get 3 months off + all gov't holidays, etc, etc." Yes, we get many days off in the year, but every "non teacher" that has entered my classroom understands why we need the days off.
just to preface: I have no reason to be stressed out right now. I actually love my job and because I'm not in a traditional self contained classroom (read: I don't teach all the subjects to one class) I don't have the stressors a regular classroom teacher has right now. I am simply counting the days to fit in with the other teachers. haha. Also, I wasn't working for so long (in SC, I finished the school year in June and didn't get a job in Hawaii until November!) so I'm pretty refreshed and like going to work.
So this is my blog to defend all the teachers out there, counting down the days to vacation. (or in Carrie and Amanda's case: off track!!)
Teachers need vacation because:
... They are responsible for 18+ students. Everyday. Think about your last encounter with a child over 5 years old. Now add about 18 more of them. Yeah.
... Now think about those 18+ kids and add to that the grading of their papers. You think your paperwork sucks? Try reading 18+ papers on the same topic. With spelling mistakes.
... So you're excited for Christmas? Multiply that energy by 100 and you get a kid's excitement for Christmas. Now think of a classroom full of that! I only have about 7 students at a time now and they drive me crazy!
... Winter time calls for rain/inclement weather. That means the kids don't go out to play. They're in the classroom all day...pent up with energy + holiday excitement.
... Endless singing of Christmas carols. Now, I know those who work in retail have to hear it all day, everyday too. But this singing is from students who can't sing on key for the life of them.
...Winter break usually marks the middle of the school year. That means quarterly testing...try making your own child sit and take a test during the holiday season. Not. Fun.
I'm sure there are tons more and my teacher friends can attest to it all. But nonetheless, teaching is quite rewarding and it all is worth it. Sure, our closets are full of random Christmas gifts and we're all pretty sick of making those reindeer candy canes for the students (c'mon, you know you've made them!) But nothing is more rewarding than to get that one Christmas card from a student/parent that expresses their gratitude that you're their teacher. :)
Just two more days, teachers!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ohana
For the most part, I have accepted the fact that I am a military wife now and I just have to go along with everything that entails. Sure, I'm not one of those overly-involved wives and I'm pretty sure I will never be. But I fully support my husband and am really proud of what he does. And because of the life we've chosen, we've been able to live in places I probably would otherwise never choose to live.
The one and only thing I can't get over, is being apart from my family and friends. It's especially hard this time of year--with holidays and birthdays going on. It's going to be my first Christmas away from home. It was my second year not at home for my birthday. It's all still new to me and it's hard for me to get over.
So this year, on my birthday, I thought it was for sure going to be a bummer--not only am I away from home, but I just moved here and don't have any friends close enough to go and celebrate with. Jerome had to work (at least he wasn't on 24 hour duty!) and I thought I'd be completely alone. I didn't even tell anyone at my work (although Crystal told me I should've have worn a "It's my birthday!" shirt...) so it was no big deal. I continued to tell myself, "it's fine." But it wasn't so bad. In fact, it was a great day. My email box was bombarded with birthday wishes. I received text messages all day long. My phone was ringing nonstop and eventually ran out of battery life. I talked on the phone practically all day from the time I got off work. I receieved comments on my Facebook & Myspace pages from friends and some family members I've never even met! I received cards and presents in the mail. It was all overwhelming, but I was so happy. Jerome ended up having to stay at work late due to a stupid incident, so we just got some takeout that night and called it a day. We had a good time on the weekend, though, exploring more shops and enjoying the (finally) good weather. It was a great birthday--because althought I was techinically by myself, I was really surrounded by love.
Here are some pictures from various days. The first one is from Thanksgiving--we had turkey, chicken and ham sandwiches on the beach. This is Bellows Beach, a military owned beach opened to the public only on weekends.
The one and only thing I can't get over, is being apart from my family and friends. It's especially hard this time of year--with holidays and birthdays going on. It's going to be my first Christmas away from home. It was my second year not at home for my birthday. It's all still new to me and it's hard for me to get over.
So this year, on my birthday, I thought it was for sure going to be a bummer--not only am I away from home, but I just moved here and don't have any friends close enough to go and celebrate with. Jerome had to work (at least he wasn't on 24 hour duty!) and I thought I'd be completely alone. I didn't even tell anyone at my work (although Crystal told me I should've have worn a "It's my birthday!" shirt...) so it was no big deal. I continued to tell myself, "it's fine." But it wasn't so bad. In fact, it was a great day. My email box was bombarded with birthday wishes. I received text messages all day long. My phone was ringing nonstop and eventually ran out of battery life. I talked on the phone practically all day from the time I got off work. I receieved comments on my Facebook & Myspace pages from friends and some family members I've never even met! I received cards and presents in the mail. It was all overwhelming, but I was so happy. Jerome ended up having to stay at work late due to a stupid incident, so we just got some takeout that night and called it a day. We had a good time on the weekend, though, exploring more shops and enjoying the (finally) good weather. It was a great birthday--because althought I was techinically by myself, I was really surrounded by love.
Here are some pictures from various days. The first one is from Thanksgiving--we had turkey, chicken and ham sandwiches on the beach. This is Bellows Beach, a military owned beach opened to the public only on weekends.
Julie gave us steaks for my birthday and Christmas. Jerome was more excited about the dry ice it came in. This is him with the spray hose from the sink! On the right is a picture of what our freezer looks like after all those steaks are jammed in! Thanks, Julie!
Here's Bella in front of our tree! Doesn't she look like she's in the Christmas spirit? hahah..
My In-Laws are coming in on Monday. I can't wait! It's going to be so nice to see family again.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Hau'oli La Hanau
"The weather outside it frightful..."
So this Christmas song is ringing in my head today. Although the rest of the song has nothing to do with the holidays in Hawaii, the weather last night was frightful. We were under severe weather alert--the winds were so strong and the rain was extremely heavy at times. (the heavy rain, however, did not stay long due to the strong winds) The rain and random debris was hitting my window last night, making it hard to stay asleep. This morning was dreary and dark, and when I turned on the radio as I got ready for work, there was a list of schools being announced that were closed today--due to power outages or floods or fallen trees, etc. I listened intently for my school--but I didn't hear anything. They said something about some Leeward schools being closed (I'm on the Leeward side) but it was the Western most schools, and that doesn't include my area. It's ok--I like going to work. :) The school is quiet today, though. Seems like a lot of students decided to stay home today. Looks like some teachers decided to stay home too. But all was normal for me--my commute was not affected at all and most of my kids are here today.
So it's Hau'oli La Hanau to me tomorrow. Another year has gone by--one more year older, one more year wiser?? It was indeed an interesting year for me--Living in SC, driving across the country, moving to the islands. Finding a job I really liked, leaving the job, finding a new job I really like. Surviving my first year of marriage, seeing some good friends get married, preparing for others to get married. It's all so different from even 3 years ago. It's amazing how life changes to drastically in just a few years! Pretty soon weddings will become baby showers and we'll be sharing tales of parenting. I know I'm "grown up" (according to my students, at least) but I really don't feel like it. Do you ever feel "grown up"? I mean, I have all the responsibilities of a grown-up. I guess maybe when you have children you'll be forced to feel it. hahaha...maybe I'm just in denial? I'm rapidly approaching 30 and that scares the heck out of me! Maybe I'll feel grown-up by then. MAYBE. help?
Jerome and I getting more adjusted to our schedules. I'm getting used to sleeping by myself (with Bella) every 3 days. Gets really lonely, but then I think about Jerome having to sleep in that tiny bunk of his and I don't pity myself anymore. haha. Despite the bad weather, we're enjoying our time here so far. Jerome's parents and sister are coming in for Christmas, so we're looking forward to that! We plan on doing touristy things and have drafted a list of things we have to do when they're here. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative so we can make the most of it!
I don't know who reads this, but just in case: Happy belated or early birthdays to: Victor, Josh, John, Alice, Charlene, JR, and Crystal! My parents both celebrated a birthday too! Happy Anniversary to Lisa's parents! (same day as my bday!) So many celebrations...can't handle it! :)
Still waiting for those girls to update. boo.
So this Christmas song is ringing in my head today. Although the rest of the song has nothing to do with the holidays in Hawaii, the weather last night was frightful. We were under severe weather alert--the winds were so strong and the rain was extremely heavy at times. (the heavy rain, however, did not stay long due to the strong winds) The rain and random debris was hitting my window last night, making it hard to stay asleep. This morning was dreary and dark, and when I turned on the radio as I got ready for work, there was a list of schools being announced that were closed today--due to power outages or floods or fallen trees, etc. I listened intently for my school--but I didn't hear anything. They said something about some Leeward schools being closed (I'm on the Leeward side) but it was the Western most schools, and that doesn't include my area. It's ok--I like going to work. :) The school is quiet today, though. Seems like a lot of students decided to stay home today. Looks like some teachers decided to stay home too. But all was normal for me--my commute was not affected at all and most of my kids are here today.
So it's Hau'oli La Hanau to me tomorrow. Another year has gone by--one more year older, one more year wiser?? It was indeed an interesting year for me--Living in SC, driving across the country, moving to the islands. Finding a job I really liked, leaving the job, finding a new job I really like. Surviving my first year of marriage, seeing some good friends get married, preparing for others to get married. It's all so different from even 3 years ago. It's amazing how life changes to drastically in just a few years! Pretty soon weddings will become baby showers and we'll be sharing tales of parenting. I know I'm "grown up" (according to my students, at least) but I really don't feel like it. Do you ever feel "grown up"? I mean, I have all the responsibilities of a grown-up. I guess maybe when you have children you'll be forced to feel it. hahaha...maybe I'm just in denial? I'm rapidly approaching 30 and that scares the heck out of me! Maybe I'll feel grown-up by then. MAYBE. help?
Jerome and I getting more adjusted to our schedules. I'm getting used to sleeping by myself (with Bella) every 3 days. Gets really lonely, but then I think about Jerome having to sleep in that tiny bunk of his and I don't pity myself anymore. haha. Despite the bad weather, we're enjoying our time here so far. Jerome's parents and sister are coming in for Christmas, so we're looking forward to that! We plan on doing touristy things and have drafted a list of things we have to do when they're here. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative so we can make the most of it!
I don't know who reads this, but just in case: Happy belated or early birthdays to: Victor, Josh, John, Alice, Charlene, JR, and Crystal! My parents both celebrated a birthday too! Happy Anniversary to Lisa's parents! (same day as my bday!) So many celebrations...can't handle it! :)
Still waiting for those girls to update. boo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
