...a time to reflect...

Today I will put aside my typical humorous tales, and take a more serious approach.

It is New Year's Eve.  2010 is coming to an end, and we are about to embark upon 2011.  I am not one for resolutions or any such traditions.  (I think it is because I really don't see a point in making a big deal out of "resolving" to make some major change in my actions, habits, lifestyle, etc. that I know don't have a good chance of making it out of January.)

Even so, today...this week really...has me thinking about all that has transpired in 2010 and what is yet to come in 2011.  So, I have put together a list of events that occurred over the past 12 months that have had a significant impact on me and who God is shaping me to be.  I am sure I am forgetting some things (though I did do a quick survey of my iCal, which helped the list to grow).  There is so much I could say about each one of these items, but I am going to attempt to keep it simple.  (Don't be too surprised if it turns out to be long...By now you've probably detected that I usually struggle to keep things very short.)  After reflecting on what has happened in 2010, I began looking ahead to 2011.  As a result, I also have a brief list of my anticipations for what this year will bring.  Of course, despite any planning I may do, I really do not have any idea what God has in store for me (James 4).  Yet, I am entering the new year with faith that it will be filled with times of growth, excitement, and oh so much more (hopefully some more times to laugh for you to enjoy).

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2010?
>God opened the eyes and minds of the people in my church to orphan care (largely in response to the earthquake that hit Haiti).
>I helped put together Homeless Care Kits with Here's Life Inner City.
>Our churched helped pack thousands of meals (I forget how many) that were sent to Haiti through Kids Around The World.
>I volunteered at Feed My Starving Children for the first time.
>I joined a newly established team at church to focus on short-term and local missions.  We want to encourage and provide opportunities for our people to serve Christ, by serving others, outside of the church walls.
>I went to The Summit VI, Christian Alliance for Orphans to learn more about orphan care.
>I helped put together a church-wide garage sale to help raise funds for the short-term mission trips & saw God bless our efforts greatly.  (Keep an eye out for another one over Memorial Day Weekend.)
>We got a new roommate (welcome to the Oasis Melissa).

>I transitioned out of Student Ministry after 7 years.

>I began developing an Orphan Care Ministry at church (still a long way to go with this...)

>I taught Algebra I Credit Recovery for summer school & saw the students improve their skills.
>I went to Uganda for 5 weeks with Juna Amagara Ministries....Oh what to say about that...
-->I met many people who I now consider my family.
-->I began developing an unexpected love for the people and country of Uganda.
-->I was able to experience a little bit of life with our missionaries Matt & Crystal Kehn.

JJ & I

-->I began supporting a young man, John Jude, through university.  (That's right, I'm putting a "kid" through college.  But I consider him my brother...)

Me & Rauben

-->I am helping another young man, Rauben, finish high school.
>I started my fifth year of teaching at my school (earning the controversial tenure).
>I started blogging.
>I was asked to share about Uganda and other volunteer experiences in a Peer Leadership class in my school.
>I attended a wedding for a young woman who I mentored when she was in high school (and still enjoy meeting with when we can).
>I was a bridesmaid in my (former) roommate's wedding--this was bridesmaid experience #7!
>Village Bible Church had our first Orphan Sunday.
>I endured what may have been the most difficult semester I have had as a teacher.
>I have begun planning my return trip to Uganda.

HOPES & PRAYERS FOR 2011
>See all of the Juna Amagara students, whose pictures/information we brought home last summer, sponsored.  (Contact me if you want more information on this, or check out the link to Juna Amagara above!)
>Be a consistent example of Christ's character at school/work.
>See God develop the Orphan Care Ministry (families taking steps towards adoption, developing practical ways to come along side individuals and families as they care for orphans, etc.).
>See God raise up teams of people for each short-term mission trip (Alaska, China, Uganda, Liberia) & provide all that is needed for those experiences.
>Finish a school year before June!
>Return to Uganda to be used by God with JAM.  I look forward to being reunited with my new family there.  I hope to faithfully follow God's guidance in regard to Uganda's role in my future.
>?????

(I wanted to include more pictures, but this site told me I couldn't.  Sorry!)

...a time for scootering...

This evening I was sitting on the coach, enjoying my Christmas break, watching the latest Netflix that had arrived in my mailbox.
One of my roommates was home, and downstairs in her room.
As I was watching, I thought I heard quiet knocking, as if someone was at our door.  But I didn't answer.  I didn't want to be interrupted.  Plus, we have a doorbell.  So I figured if someone really wanted to be let in, they'd ring it.
About 5-10 minutes later there was a LOUD knocking at my door.  This time I got up.
I was greeted by three young men (don't worry, I know all of them).
When I opened the door, they proceeded to ride their scooters into my house and then back out to the door step.
One was wearing a "futuristic" coat with snazzy belt.  Another was wearing a plastic bag like a backpack (you know, arms through the handles).  The third was sporting multiple "grandpa" sweaters (that's right, multiple), fingerless gloves, and long socks on the outside of his skinny jeans.
As we commented on the grandpa-like attire of the third (minus the skinny jeans of course), Plastic Bag
Boy says:  When Skinny Jeans Boy is a grandpa, I wonder what Futuristic Boy will be like.
Before roaring in laughter, we all pause awkwardly and Futuristic Boy says:  Uhhh, I'll be a grandpa.
(Of course Plastic Bag Boy actually used names, but I like to keep things anonymous.)

As I type this out it doesn't seem nearly as funny as it did in real life.  I mean, Plastic Bag Boy could have just said:  I wonder what Futuristic Boy will be like when he is a grandpa.

Did I just take away any humor that was remaining?

Well, in case I botched this time to laugh, here's a picture of a scooter like the kind they rode inside my house:

Oh yeah, and they said that was the only time they had knocked.  The mysterious quieter knocks (which my roommate also heard) before the guys arrived remain just that:  a mystery.

...Christmas laughs...

(Impatience wins...I have two more videos I have been trying to load for two days.  For some unknown reason it is not working.  So, here it is.  Maybe I'll try again later.  No promises.)

So, my life isn't just funny at school.  My family can be quite amusing too.

Here is some evidence:

Stuffed pheasant as the centerpiece.  Family members that struggle to smile.  

(Nice job sis-in-law and niece.)

"Light Saber" battles.

My 92-year old Grandparents learning how to play Wii Bowling (and totally dominating):

My mom boxing.  I had to keep telling her to back up so she didn't hit the TV.

...ichat photo...

During final exams there is often very little to do as a teacher.  My students are silently filling in bubbles for 185 questions (that's right, I'm mean), and I am sitting at my desk.  I have cleaned up the counter, organized papers, decided I can't concentrate on planning for next semester...so I check to see if any other teachers are on ichat and as bored as I am.  Awhile after opening up ichat, I noticed my photo.  Of course the pictures are really tiny, so I couldn't see it very well, requiring a closer look.

It was definitely not me.  It was a picture of "Jamal."  (See the "my boyfriend" blog post below for a little more on him.)  I rarely go on ichat, so I have NO IDEA when this change occurred.  It was probably sometime in the past two weeks because in the picture he is wearing the headphones I keep in my room (confiscated from who knows what student sometime in the past) which I recently gave him access to when visiting after school.  Apparently I need to password protect some things on my computer.  So, after realizing I was being displayed as an African-American teenage boy, I decided to replace the picture.

When I made this interesting discovery, Jamal happened to be in my classroom, taking his exam.  After he finished, he made his way to my desk and sat in my chair.  (At this point I was so bored I had to walk around, therefore leaving my chair vacated.)  In order to keep him out of trouble, I returned to my desk to talk with him.  (Don't worry, we were quiet while the rest of the students finished.)

So, when and why did you change my ichat picture?

How did you find out?

Well, I was on ichat and I noticed that my picture wasn't actually me.

How did you know?

Well, I looked at the picture and thought:  I am not a black boy.

That is racism!

Ummm, sorry but you are black.  How is that racist?

I'm a black MAN!

Hmmm....Okay, we call that ageism.

...their first experience with finals...

Student 1:  When will our tests be graded?

Me:  They should be entered before the end of next period.

Student 1:  Seriously?  That is fast!

Student 2:  They use a machine.

Student 1:  Where is it?

Me:  I can't tell you.

Student 1:  Is it like a teacher or something?

Me:  Yes, there is a teacher in the building who has the ability to look at the scantrons and grade them.  We just pass them in front of his eyes to grade them.  But when he blinks it messes it up, so the short tests are pretty easy, but long ones that use the 200 question scantrons can be difficult.

Student 1:  Who is it?  Is it Mr. Shaw?

Me:  I can't tell you.

..topanga...

You know her from Boy Meets World.

About 12 years ago, I met a new group of friends that told me they thought I looked like her.  I didn't really buy it, but I smiled at what I assumed was a compliment.

Last week a student told me I look like her.

Does anyone actually see it?

   

I don't think I can see it...

(I'm the one on the left.)

...packing a piece...

Hats are not allowed in school.

A few weeks ago some students were asking me about this rule.

Girl:  So, Miss O'Brien, do you think those knitted berets that girls wear count as hats?


Well, I don't really want to get into it. 

Occasionally girls will wear them to school.  Personally I think they qualify as hats and shouldn't be worn.  I mean, who is to say that a guy couldn't claim his hat isn't purely for fashion as well?  But it's an issue I just avoid--choosing my battles.


Other girl:  It's not like someone could hide a gun in it or anything.


Good point, you probably wouldn't pack a piece in a knitted beret.


Boy:  Dude, Miss O'Brien!  That's like the quote of the day!

...random additions...

1.  Last weekend I went to a madrigal dinner at a school other than where I teach.  A student from church invited me to come hear her sing.  This is a great shot I got while she was singing near our table.  She was beautiful in her velvet gown.  The random woman at our table who we didn't know:  bonus addition to the picture.

2.  Today I received two "Christmas gifts."

        > Mouse on the right is from my sister-in-law.  I baby-sat for my nephews and niece tonight while she and my brother went to his company Christmas party.  She came home with some nice goodies for me.  Creative.  And it tastes good too.
        > The gingerbread man ring is from a student.  She walked into my classroom in the middle of the day with a tray full of cupcakes.  When she asked if I wanted one, of course I said yes.  But then I had to decide between peppermint, gingerbread man ring, or gingerbread woman ring as the decorative "prize".  The student's response:  Of course the ring, but not the girl.  I've got dibs.  When I asked why she was giving me a cupcake, she said it was because I'm her favorite teacher....So how does that explain her walking out with over a dozen cupcakes still in her hands?

Yeah, I wore it for the rest of the day.  (The purple nail polish is the result of baby-sitting my niece.)

3.  Favorite conversation of the day:
Miss O'Brien, you fancy!


What?  I'm fancy?  What exactly about me is fancy?


Look at this!  (pointing to my desk)  You got everything organized in glasses (Yankee candle jars that I use for paper clips and such) & your pictures in glass (plastic magnetic frames on my file cabinet)...It's your swag!


I've got a fancy swag?


Yeah you do! (put the emphasis on yeah for the full effect)

...nerf axes and birds...

First hour, a student was really excited to share a story from the weekend:

Miss O'Brien, there was a bird in my house the other day!  You know those nerf battle axes?

I nod my head, though I really don't know what he's talking about.  But I can imagine it's simply an axe made out of nerf material.

Well, I hit the bird with one.

Did you kill it?


No, I just hit it down.


Did you hit it out of your house?


No, then I opened all of the doors in my house and it limped out.


Really, it limped?

...my boyfriend...

Today two young men were in my classroom after school.  We'll call them Tyrone and Jamal for the sake of obvious racial stereotyping.  Don't judge, race is part of this story.

Jamal is one of my freshmen.  He's....unique.  He's what we educators call a tapper.  You know, he's always tapping something on his desk, usually a combination of pen and wrist, to set a beat.  He's not exactly academically minded, and his behavior regularly needs correcting.  Nonetheless, we have established a good relationship.  I am able to tease him without incident, and he occasionally even throws a joke back.

Tyrone is an upperclassman who is new to the school.  I have never had him as a student, but have gotten to know him, superficially anyway, since he is often in the classroom across the hall.

This afternoon, when the two of them were hanging out in my room, Tyrone was sharing a little bit about his history and how he ended up in this town.  I was pretty impressed that he was so open and honest with me since this was our first real conversation.  He hasn't exactly had it easy.

Then, out of no where Jamal pipes up.  Miss O'Brien has a black boyfriend!  Did you know that?


Eyes wide, Tyrone:  Really?!?


Yeah, he used to be in jail.  But he's changed.  He came in here one day and was talkin' wit us about it.  He was saying:  It aint worth it! (Imagine emphatic arm gesture at worth.)

Really?  I gotta get myself in this classroom.


I have no idea why Jamal told him this.  Don't worry, Tyrone knows the truth...Well, at least that he wasn't in jail and never came to class.  Somehow Jamal seems really convinced that I do have a black boyfriend.  Whatever.

...december is here...

Yesterday was December 1st.  It didn't really feel like it should be that late in the year...But I guess God wanted to make sure I was up on the transition because I woke up to snow gathered on the edge of sidewalks and the tiniest flurries hitting my windshield as I drove to work.

I forgot a scarf.

Winter (I know, it's still not official for a few more weeks, but December = winter in my mind) seems to mean more students settling in my room after school as well.  I don't know if it actually has anything to do with it or not, but my room was a hoppin' place yesterday.  Homework, detention, relationship advice, and more.  The freshmen boys had a home game.  Which means they were not going home before the game (the curse of being without a license), which means they needed a place to hang out, which means I had several visitors, which means I left later than I anticipated.

One guest (who was actually a random addition, not from the freshmen team) seemed to need a heart-to-heart.  I've kind of sensed this from him throughout this semester.

Occasionally he stops by my room, and whenever he does he says things like "I was really bad in your class last year, wasn't I?"

He was.

But I am not much for grudge holding.  I know he's a good kid; he was just really immature.  So, I've found it interesting that he regularly brings that up.  So, yesterday he came to my room after school and started the conversation as usual.  But this time he didn't have to rush off to class, so he stuck around and talked with me for a long time.

In the midst of a busy room, full of visitors and activity, he started telling me all about how he has changed.  He apologized for his behavior and expressed amazement at how I put up with him.  (Of course my response was daily prayers for patience and wisdom.)  He's had several experiences over the past few months that have given him a bit of a wake-up call.  We talked through several of the concepts from class last year and how he is seeing their reality in his life now.  It almost felt like he felt the need to both confess to me and prove that he is different.  It was clearly important for him to have this conversation with me.  I'm glad he did.

After winding that down and eventually clearing everyone out, I took off my lanyard and headed home in the cold, dark night.

Once I was home, I noticed a paper clip in my hair.  That's right, a paper clip.  In my hair.  Good thing I went straight home and didn't run errands.  That would have been embarrassing.

This morning, once again I had a constant stream of people in my classroom before classes started.  Two of these dramatic students came to ask me to convince them not to drop their honors classes.  Yet another pep talk.  I think I should start recording these inspirational speeches.  Then I could just ask what the issue of the day is, and play the appropriate file.

Maybe I'll work on that over Christmas break...

...i need you...

I really like this song a lot.  I'm kind of in love with it.
This video is not awesome, but it's all I've got.

Recently, whenever I'm having a rough day (or moment), I have been turning to this song to get my focus & reliance back on God rather than myself.

It's a time to listen.  Enjoy.

...decapitation...

It's the day after Thanksgiving; which means time to decorate for Christmas.

Out of the boxes come colorful stockings, beautiful (and some cheesy) ornaments, holiday scented candles, snowmen mugs, and more.

And then the nutcracker came out.  I don't love nutcrackers.  I never enjoyed the ballet/movie.  I don't know, I think Macaulay Culkin kind of freaked me out...and it was really boring.  Anyway, a blue nutcracker was taken out of a bin.  I mentioned to Megan and Melissa that I don't love them, but we can totally put it out because it's Megan's, and throughout the evening we had picked up the "there's nothing horrible about Christmas decorations" mantra (which I don't think any of us really believe, by the way).

The nutcracker was placed on a bookshelf.  Ornaments continued to find their perfect places on the tree.  And then it happened.  He fell off the shelf.  Now he is decapitated.  I wasn't too sad.  Nutcrackers are as close to horrible Christmas decorations as possible.  But if he reappears with super-glue, it will be okay.

P.S.  I didn't do it.

...to ease your worries...

I know some of you have been concerned about me due to previous posts about the cold wind coming through my windows.  You'll be happy to know that the windows are now covered.  I got a minor scratch on one leg in the process, but I'm okay, and it was worth it.

Warmer house and lower gas bill, here we come.

...how does this happen...

They really do think I'm their mom.

A couple of weeks ago I was in another teacher's room.  He was grading and recording assignments.  Frustrated, he showed me one without a name on it.  I told him whose it was after a quick glance.  He looked at me incredulously.  I had never seen his class list.  Indeed that was the only student without a grade.

I have a pile of books, notebooks, etc. that students have left in my room.  If I notice them, I stick them in a pile by the pencil sharpener.  No one ever looks to see if their missing items are there.  Today, I was very mom-like...I got sick of the pile, so I found out where all these delinquent students were, and hand-delivered their belongings.
One notebook didn't have a name on it.  It didn't matter.  I knew whose it was.  That's right.  I knew.  As I went downstairs to deliver it, I realized that it was a waste of my time.  Her flight to Texas left at 10 am today.  She wasn't at school.

Yesterday, I was talking with a student in class.  He was a little fired up about something, which is a pretty common occurrence with this young man. (I don't remember what it was about; that's how much this was not a big deal)  I'm not sure if I wasn't responding fast enough to him, or he was disagreeing with me, or what, but his reaction:  MOM!  Yep.  He called me mom.  Loudly.  In front of 26 other students.

Passing period.  Crying girl walks by.  I call her into my room.  I instantly become the sound board for the relationship drama, even though I have unabashedly encouraged the end of this relationship for over a year.

Today is the first home game for the freshmen boy's basketball team.  Twice I had a team member say to me "Miss O'Brien, are you going to my game tonight?" (Note:  my game, not our game, or the team's game, but my game)  Really?  And when I said I wasn't going, both students got upset and offended (mind you, these were two separate occasions).  One required consolation by way of promising I would go to one of his games this season, just not today.

How have I become a mother to hundreds of children to whom I did not give birth?  I certainly did not adopt any of them.  Heck, they've never even been to my house.  They don't even know what town it's in.

...it happened again...

Not more than thirty minutes ago, another student fell out of his desk.

Is someone greasing my students' chairs?

...he just fell out...

So, back in college I had a class called Educational Psychology.  This class had both elementary and secondary ed. majors.  One day, for some unknown reason, we were talking about students falling out of their chairs.

It's mysterious.

How does this happen?  So, maybe with the little elementary students they are too small for the desks.  Possibly their feet don't reach the floor, so it causes them to lose their balance.

I'm not sure.

But regardless, it's funny.  I'm sure if a teacher of a 2nd grader witnesses this, they react with concern for the child's well-being.  Maybe this is why I teach at a high school...

Though this phenomenon is primarily a concern with the young children, it does occasionally happen with teenagers as well.  Now this truly is a mystery.

It's happened in my presence before.  Multiple times.  I always immediately go back to that Ed. Psych class and can't help but laugh.

Yesterday, one of my Facebook friends, and a former Ed. Psych. classmate posted about how a student fell out of his desk in her class.  So naturally I reminisced with her in my comment.

Well, today it happened.

Last hour.  Honors class.  We are discussing study strategies.  All of a sudden a student is on the floor.  It came out of no where.  No warning.  On the floor, trying to pull himself back into his desk.  Several students around him were breaking up with laughter.  I turned around for a second to hide my laughter.  Then I continued on with the notes.  Who knows what I said to my students.  My mind was flying between Ed. Psych., Facebook, and this baffling occurrence.

It was a time to laugh....How could I not?  A 15 year old boy fell out of his chair!

No, I didn't ask if he was okay....I couldn't do it.

Don't worry, he seemed fine.

...toilet paper...

I got t.p.ed today.

...wardrobe...

Sophomore:  Miss O'Brien!  What are you wearing?!?


Me:  confused stare

Sophomore:  You didn't wear that last year!


Every time she passed by me in the hallway today, she laughed.


I'm not sure what to think about this student's view of my wardrobe.

So, I just laughed back.

...Spanish sweater...

Female Student: Miss O'Brien, I like your sweater!


Me:  Thanks, I bought it when I was in Spain.


Male Student:  Why would you go to Spain?


Me:  They have really good sales.


Male Student:  Huh?

...and I thought I was nerdy...

I was a substitute chess coach today for an away meet.

Chessletes really are like none other.

As we were all leaving my classroom to go out to the bus, a student came back.

Miss O'Brien, can I borrow a dictionary for the bus ride?


That's right, a student asked to borrow a dictionary.  For the bus ride.  It wasn't for homework.  It was for entertainment.

And I thought I was nerdy.

They were playing a word game.  Someone starts with a three letter word.  (Example:  bus)  The next person has to say a word that starts with the letter that the previous word ended with, and it must be one letter longer.  (Example:  star)  They continue like this until the words get so long that no one can think of a new one.

The game started on the way to the meet and continued on the way home.

This is what I overheard at one point:
Student 1:  We could go scientific again and use elements.
Student 2:  Oo-oh (imagine a short chortle)...That was fun!
Student 1:  Yeah.  That was fun.


At one point (when no one could think of a seventeen letter word that starts with s) I heard talk of starting over, but using Spanish words this time.
That hooked my attention.  I had to hold back from making my contributions from the front of the bus.

Nevertheless, I did contribute a little to the nerdiness of the night...
When everyone got back on the bus to head home, I had to make sure all of the students were present.  As I read their names, they had to indicate their presence by saying their favorite chess piece instead of the traditional here.  That's right, I made them identify their favorite chess pieces.

Interestingly enough, no one even hesitated with their response.

...how do you know...

I use PowerPoints to teach vocabulary words.  They copy definitions, look at pictures, watch videos, etc. to help the students remember the words.

Yesterday I gave the students a new list.

One of the words is stupefy.

This is the slide for the word:

So I asked the students why the picture of the woman on the phone is an example for stupefy.

One student responds:  Well, it looks like she is reading a newspaper, probably the Chicago Tribune or something, and there must be pretty shocking news.

I follow up with, Right it was so surprising she had to call her mom and tell her all about it...

Interruption from another student in the room (quite loudly):  Wait, how do you know she is talking to her mom?!?!?

Silent look of disbelief...

Really man?  

I'm making it up.

Freshmen.  They are so easily amazed.

...fingernails...

I usually have fairly long nails.  Nothing too extravagant, but pretty long.  Back when I was in elementary school I used to bite my nails:  classic bad habit.  I think it was when I started filing my nails that things turned around.  Recently I was a bridesmaid.  Isn't it one of the bridesmaid's duties to make sure that you have long nails?  So, they've been pretty long lately.

Yesterday a student who, well, let's just say he doesn't have the cleanest reputation, came to see me during a passing period.  He shook my hand, per usual.  Somehow, in this interaction, he noticed my long nails.

Miss O'Brien, let me see your nails!  They are long!  Look at that!  He was taking special note of my pinky nails.

You see, it is fairly common knowledge in a public high school these days what long pinky nails are associated with.  Typically if a student has short nails, with the exception of the pinky nails it's a sign of drug use.  A long pinky nail is ideal for snorting.  Yes, these are the things I learn at my job.

So, this student was implying that my nails looked suspicious.  In response to his little joke, I said, Check it, they are ALL long, not just the pinky nails.  Ok, let me see your nails.  He quickly made sure I saw that they were all short and assured me he was not in that kind of trouble.

Last night I trimmed my nails.  They were interfering with my typing anyway.

Today after school a couple students came into my room to chat.  Again, these are students who do not exactly have good reputations.  One of these students proudly showed me his long pinky nails.  Seriously?

You realize what you are communicating to me right?

I'm not snorting Miss O'Brien!  They just look sweet!

The second student gives him him a look with a clear message:  What are you talking about man?  That's stupid!

I opened the drawer and pulled out a pair of fingernail clippers.  It was the time to clip fingernails.

Here you go.

Seriously?

I passed him the trash can too.

His nails are short now, just like mine.

...the candy rap...

Last week I was driving to school, listening to the same radio station I always do.  They had an artist in the studio and were doing an interview on the air.  He performed one of his songs The Candy Rap.  I thought it was interesting, quirky, cute, good for a nice chuckle...but kind of forgot about it until today.

This morning they played the rap again in honor of this candy weekend we are embarking upon (Halloween and whatnot).  I was reminded of my initial thought when hearing it the week before:  Can something really be classified as a rap if it is performed with an acoustic guitar?

...a time to turn the light off...

So, some new neighbors moved in at the other end of my building about a month ago.
I don't think they know how to turn off the outside light over the back deck.

...a line of hope...

So this morning I woke up to a very dark day.  Not only was the sun not up yet, but the sky was covered with extremely thick clouds.  As I drove to work, I noticed an incredibly bright, yet thin yellowish light on the horizon.  I tried to figure out what it was.  At first I thought maybe the driving range still had its lights on from the night before (those lights are intense!), but it didn't seem like quite the right location.  Then for a second I thought maybe it was a stream of headlights from busy commuter traffic on a major road in that direction.  Then I realized it was actually the sunrise.  In the far distance, right where the sky meets the ground, the clouds had a long, skinny break.  It was an incredible contrast with the ominous billowing cumulus clouds covering the sky.
It was a time to praise.
I was entering a day that was promising to be quite challenging.  I saw this line of light in the sky as God's line of hope for me as I anticipated what was before me.  It was the perfect picture.

The day is almost over.  I did indeed encounter that sliver of bright hope in the midst of the challenge.
Praise God.

...instinct...

I just started to reach over to shut my window in my bedroom.
As I started to turn I realized my window was already shut.
The wind is just blowing "through" my window.

...the wind is blowing...

So last night we experienced an intense storm.  It was storming when I went to bed, and storming when I woke up.  I assume it was going strong all night, but I certainly slept through it.

While I was getting ready for work this morning my curtains were blowing in the wind.  That's right, my curtains were blowing in the wind...on the inside...with the windows closed.

I'm not sure this is a time to laugh.  It's a time to do something.  Maybe it's a time to request that my landlord consider new windows.  Or maybe it's just a time to break out the plastic window coverings for the winter season.

...fortune cookies...

I had Chinese take-out tonight.

Fortune:  You will live a long life and eat many fortune cookies.

...school pictures...

So, back when you were a young child you would get dressed up in the fall for picture day.  You eagerly awaited the day pictures came in so you could cut them up and exchange with friends.

Well, since I work at a school, I still have picture day.  Now the purpose is more for documentation in the yearbook.  Yet, for some unknown reason, the school photographers think that teachers still want copies of these pictures.  They give us a free package.  What am I going to do with all of those?  It's not like we teachers are going to exchange pictures with each other and write things like Never change!  BFF (well, actually we did do that one year).  I mean, I can give one to my mom.  But what about the other 13 in various sizes?

It was picture day.
A student received a big cookie in her locker with a simple request piped in chocolate frosting:  Homecoming?
Creative.
I was on lunch duty and this student offered part of her big cookie to me.
The bell rang.
I was off to get my picture taken.
The photographer takes my information, tells me where to stand, how to tilt my head, and snaps several pictures.
As I exit the room, I notice them:  cookie crumbs.

The pictures came in today.

I'll never forget that cookie.

....Spanish Speaker at it again...

Today's sub note:

Spanish Speaker was writing comments on his marker board.  They were in Spanish, so I didn't know what they said.  But, judging by the reactions from the girls, I am guessing they were inappropriate.

...who created them anway...

So, working at a high school, I regularly see students in dating relationships.  Some last about a week.  Some individuals seem to always have someone new by their side as they walk to class.  Yet, some are inseparable.

At my school there are some couples that are almost iconic.  Everyone knows they are together.  If and when the break-ups happen it might as well be front page news in the Times.  One of these such couples where I work gets quite a bit attention.  Many of us teachers even enjoy teasing them regularly.

Here I will call them Sarah and John.  Don't worry, that's not their real names, nor anything close to them.

Today I was teaching an ACT prep class.  The subject was English.  At one point we were discussing some basic punctuation rules the students need to be familiar with for this college entrance exam.  So, we were discussing run-ons.  A sample sentence was on the board and we were identifying possible corrections.  Naturally, we discussed one possible solution as the semicolon (;).

Now, I teach this subject often.  In fact, this is the ninth time this year I have taught this exact same lesson.  But it was the first time I had this response to the innocent, unsuspecting semicolon.  One frustrated student in the class responds with Why the heck would anyone use a semicolon?

Of course I'm thinking Haven't you been listening to anything we've been discussing the past few minutes? Obviously we use it to correct a run-on, to split independent clauses!

But before I could respond, she continues:  Who created them anyway?  Why wouldn't we just put in a period and make it two sentences?  This is so stupid!


I needed to come in with a quick response before the poor punctuation mark lost all chances with this girl.  Well, sometimes sentences are so closely related that we don't want to split them up.  She wasn't buying it; I could see it.  The rest of the class was watching me, waiting for me to say something convincing before they wrote off this option for good.  Then it came to me:  Well, some sentences are like Sarah and John; they just can't be split up.  No matter how badly someone may want to split them up, they just seem to belong together.


Smiles and laughter.
I think they get it.
Semicolons might just stand a chance in the future when that class corrects run-ons; it was a close one though.
Those iconic relationships might be good for something after all.

...a fun filled Friday...

So Fridays always seem to be good days.  I'm not sure if it's because most staff and students are wearing school colors, the fact that I'm wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, or simply the anticipation of a weekend off.  But something is different.  I'm more apt to openly laugh at, errr with, my students.  This Friday was a good day.  Three classes, three stories.

Background:  So, we are on a unit about how to take good notes.  This means the experience my students have anticipated all semester has arrived:  Taking notes on how to take notes.  Somehow this concept boggles their minds.  But it is most definitely what they are doing.  Last year I achieved one of my major goals for work; I put the concepts of the textbook into PowerPoint form.  (Don't worry, we still use the book.)  So, Friday we were working our way through part of the chapter with PowerPoint.  I also give all of my students individual white boards, markers, & erasers for the sake of discussion while we go through it.  And yes, the desks are too small for their notes, books, and marker boards.  Or so I've heard a couple few gazillion times anyway.  Okay, now that you know what was going on, you're ready for the stories:

First Class:  I'm waiting for my students to answer this question on their marker boards:  How does where you sit in class impact your success?  A student sitting next to where I was standing held up his board, which said pay attention.  Of course that immediately put the song from Sister Act 2 in my head (I tried to upload it, but it's taken too long...maybe later).

And when a song is in my head, it must come out.  As I sing pay attention, the student gives me a look that says what the heck just happened?  I guess he doesn't know that song.  Then he makes a hilarious suggestion:  Miss O'Brien, you should sing for the class some time!  To which I respond with the look that says, Yeah right, you're out of your mind.

So, to transition out of that conversation, I get back on track and continue on with the notes.

The students response:  with a laugh (you know the kind that sort of comes out of your teeth with an sh attached to it somehow), Miss O'Brien, I like it when you use your fake voice.

Me:  My fake voice?
Student:  Yeah, your high voice.
Me:  Oh, well, that's really my acting voice.  What you don't understand is that really I'm an actress all day long.  What you are hearing and experiencing for the first time seems new and exciting.  But I've said it three times already yesterday, and I will say it again two more times today.  It will sound the same--same intonations, questions, and jokes.  So, when I'm using my fake voice, I'm turning on the act.
Student: Oh, well you should come to acting class sometime then.
Me (the perpetual narrator):  Bad idea.


Second Class:  I had a break through, epiphany, divine intervention even.
The Pencil Tapper.  You know him.  Every teacher has him, often they come in multiples.  He's annoying, without even trying to be.
Well the most extreme Pencil Tapper I've ever known is in my second class.  From our learning styles unit he has determined he is a musical/rhythmic learner.  He's right.
So we are taking notes, well not The Pencil Tapper.  He is perfecting a new beat on his desk.  I am developing Tourette's.  I walk to his desk and quietly ask him to stop.  I make a joke about needing to pad his desk.
That's when it happened....The break through.  The epiphany.  The divine intervention.
I took out an old mouse pad I don't use any more and put it on his desk.  It became his new drum.
He tapped away the rest of the period and didn't distract me or anyone else.  He even took notes between beats.

Third Class:  Okay, so the note taking, board writing continues.  This class is a little unique.  I have a couple students who don't speak English.  Sometimes class can be a bit of a struggle (for me and them).

Spanish Speaker sits next to a student that helps translate for him, and behind All English Boy.
I was sitting on a desk next to All English Boy.  He was struggling to remember the point of this conversation about taking notes was to actually take notes on it.  As I kindly encouraged him to write some information down, All English Boy demonstrated his frustration through a loud sigh.  Much to my surprise, Spanish Speaker (who is not understanding the content of the PowerPoint at all at this point, nor my conversation with All English Boy) says no te enojas amigo! (Don't get mad, friend!)
I couldn't help but die laughing.
Meanwhile, All English Boy has no idea what is happening.
Spanish Speaker just smirks.

At the beginning of this class another student, Mover, decided to sit in a different seat.  Back row, against the wall.  I told Mover I'd let him stay if he could promise that his head would not lean against the wall and he would not fall asleep.  He promised.
At one point during class, a white board popped up to get my attention.

So, of course the class is giggling, waiting to see what I'll do.
Then another white board pops up.  This time it's from Spanish Speaker.

I was cracking up while someone translated the Spanglish for the rest of my All English Students.
He may not understand the notes, but Spanish Speaker certainly knew why people were laughing & took advantage of his opportunity to keep it going.  Somethings just cross the language barriers easier than others.

I like Fridays.

...i'm finna laugh...

So earlier this year I witnessed two students talking in class.
They were trying to decide who would be the one to write for their group assignment.
After much debate, student one says "I'm finna do it!"
Student two, with haughty disgust responds by saying "Speak proper English man.  It's 'I'm gonna do it!'"
I wanted to intervene and make yet another correction.
Instead, I thought, I'm finna laugh.