Senegal has a new president and the people are happy. There was a celebratory atmosphere in Dakar Sunday night when it was announced that Wade (the current president) had conceded the win to his opponent, Macky Sall. Our street was peaceful but we could hear cheering and fireworks in the distance. We rushed up to the roof to watch the fireworks from nearby neighbourhoods. My friends and I have been watching the news closely as we are scheduled to leave for London tomorrow, and have been concerned that if there were any protests/demonstrations they could jeopardize our travel plans. However, democracy has prevailed and we are now in full vacation planning mode.
Our spring break at DA started Friday at 3:30pm. After the gauntlet of grading, report cards, standardized tests, and parent-teacher conferences in the preceding week, my household looked like a battlefield Friday night; bodies strewn about, moaning, and very little movement...but without the blood. We had weathered the 'war' but were a little worse for wear. I went to bed embarrassingly early, but woke refreshed and ready to embrace the break. Some of the highlights thus far include:
Saturday Market shoe purchases for my upcoming London trip (3 pairs for 11, 000cfa=$22CAD)
Technological triumph (recovering/transferring music from my iPod to my computer)
Skype chat with Jenn
Eggs benedict from scratch
Monday morning sleep-in
Thai chicken wraps with peanut sauce
Banana milkshakes
Downtown adventure
Haircut
Fresh pain au chocolate and tarte au chocolat
It seems that a lot of my spring break happiness is connected to food, but I enjoy culinary adventures as much as any other type of adventure. I am mostly excited because it's Tuesday, spring break has only just begun!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Miss Black in the Middle
Have I mentioned that I am the Middle School Senate sponsor? Well I am, and it's a lot of fun. We have very official meetings, and plan (what I would consider to be) awesome activties for the Dakar Academy Middle School.
In October we hosted our main event of the year: Lock-In! I think I mentioned the lock-in in a previous post. I somehow found myself encouraging the hyperness and insanity of 30 middle schoolers until midnight, and then attempting to calm them down to watch movies and "sleep" all night. Imagine with me, the "aroma" of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders after running around for 3 hours outside (during hot season) and then being locked in a science room for another 7 hours. Ahhhh Middle School!
I feel compelled to brag about the senate, they planned all the activities, chose the movies, provided breakfast, set-up and cleaned up ALL with very minimal help from me. I simply made sure they had their bases covered and they ran with it.
Settling the Crowd
Costume Contest: Superhero Theme
Charades: Chloe
Charades: Caleb and Isabella
McComb Twin
Big Booty
Grace and Miss Lee
Big Booty
Teachers
Food line
In December we had our second annual dodgeball tournament and added a movie night afterwards: Home Alone...classic! More recently, in February we hosted our first ever Middle School Progressive Dinner. Most of the kids weren't sure what a progressive dinner even was, so we welcomed them by explaining that a progressive dinner is when you enjoy each part of the meal in a different location and progress from one locale to another (see how I casually explained 'progressive dinner' for those of you who were sheepishly asking yourselves what it was?).
The Senate girls served appetizers and fancy drinks with sugar-rimmed cups in the science lab. We had covered the counters with poster paper and the kids loved being able to draw and write.
Our main course was a pasta dinner with garlic bread and shirley temples served on the petits poteaux, our soccer 'rink' usually used for soccer, handball, and occasionally volleyball. After we had eaten groups were given a bag full of random items and had to create a 'skit from a bag'. A spin on dinner theatre.
The middle schoolers then progressed to the dorm rooftop for twilight brownies and ice cream. We finished our evening with s'mores around a bonfire in the sandpit. Is your mouth watering yet?
In addition to being the Middle School Senate sponsor, I am also a Middle School Youth Group sponsor. I love me some middle schoolers. I'm scared to consider what it says about me that I am so comfortable with 10-13 year olds. It really feels like my niche.
On Thursday nights a typical youth group starts with singing, followed by a 15-20 minute talk, and then chat time in small groups to discuss what we have just heard, or how our weeks have been. We used to start with a game, but have learned that it's best to end with the game. By Thursday nights even the best-behaved middle schooler has some 'crazy' just waiting to be unleashed.
Story Time with Miss Black
Small groups
What would you do for a coke?
Minute-to-Win: It Set-Up
Minute-to-Win-It: Ta-Da
Minute-to-Win-It: Chloe
Minute-to-Win-It: Luke M
Life in the 'Middle' is anything but boring!
In October we hosted our main event of the year: Lock-In! I think I mentioned the lock-in in a previous post. I somehow found myself encouraging the hyperness and insanity of 30 middle schoolers until midnight, and then attempting to calm them down to watch movies and "sleep" all night. Imagine with me, the "aroma" of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders after running around for 3 hours outside (during hot season) and then being locked in a science room for another 7 hours. Ahhhh Middle School!
I feel compelled to brag about the senate, they planned all the activities, chose the movies, provided breakfast, set-up and cleaned up ALL with very minimal help from me. I simply made sure they had their bases covered and they ran with it.
Settling the Crowd
Costume Contest: Superhero Theme
Charades: Chloe
Charades: Caleb and Isabella
McComb Twin
Big Booty
Grace and Miss Lee
Big Booty
Teachers
Food line
In December we had our second annual dodgeball tournament and added a movie night afterwards: Home Alone...classic! More recently, in February we hosted our first ever Middle School Progressive Dinner. Most of the kids weren't sure what a progressive dinner even was, so we welcomed them by explaining that a progressive dinner is when you enjoy each part of the meal in a different location and progress from one locale to another (see how I casually explained 'progressive dinner' for those of you who were sheepishly asking yourselves what it was?).
The Senate girls served appetizers and fancy drinks with sugar-rimmed cups in the science lab. We had covered the counters with poster paper and the kids loved being able to draw and write.
Our main course was a pasta dinner with garlic bread and shirley temples served on the petits poteaux, our soccer 'rink' usually used for soccer, handball, and occasionally volleyball. After we had eaten groups were given a bag full of random items and had to create a 'skit from a bag'. A spin on dinner theatre.
The middle schoolers then progressed to the dorm rooftop for twilight brownies and ice cream. We finished our evening with s'mores around a bonfire in the sandpit. Is your mouth watering yet?
In addition to being the Middle School Senate sponsor, I am also a Middle School Youth Group sponsor. I love me some middle schoolers. I'm scared to consider what it says about me that I am so comfortable with 10-13 year olds. It really feels like my niche.
On Thursday nights a typical youth group starts with singing, followed by a 15-20 minute talk, and then chat time in small groups to discuss what we have just heard, or how our weeks have been. We used to start with a game, but have learned that it's best to end with the game. By Thursday nights even the best-behaved middle schooler has some 'crazy' just waiting to be unleashed.
Story Time with Miss Black
Small groups
What would you do for a coke?
Minute-to-Win: It Set-Up
Minute-to-Win-It: Ta-Da
Minute-to-Win-It: Chloe
Minute-to-Win-It: Luke M
Life in the 'Middle' is anything but boring!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sister Alicia's Musical Debut
Senior Café is a classy talent show hosted by the senior class each year in February. Staff, students, and parents sign up with acts showcasing their talent, comedy, and creativity. Last year I spectated, this year I could not be prevailed upon to sit idly by, I wanted to be a star, a superstar!
I was enlisted as the novice nun for the Sister Act-inspired lip sync "I Will Follow Him" (I am front, left). So without further ado, for your viewing pleasure...
We placed third and second on Friday and Saturday nights respectively. Check out the following link for other acts. "Epic Rap Battle" and "Why Spain Won the World Cup" were the first place winners...and personal favourites.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dakar+academy+senior+cafe+2012&oq=dakar+acad&aq=3&aqi=g6&aql=&gs_l=youtube.3.3.0l6.1303l4968l0l8319l12l12l0l0l0l0l338l1084l2-3j1l4l0.
I was enlisted as the novice nun for the Sister Act-inspired lip sync "I Will Follow Him" (I am front, left). So without further ado, for your viewing pleasure...
We placed third and second on Friday and Saturday nights respectively. Check out the following link for other acts. "Epic Rap Battle" and "Why Spain Won the World Cup" were the first place winners...and personal favourites.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dakar+academy+senior+cafe+2012&oq=dakar+acad&aq=3&aqi=g6&aql=&gs_l=youtube.3.3.0l6.1303l4968l0l8319l12l12l0l0l0l0l338l1084l2-3j1l4l0.
Miss Black Presents...Politics for Dummies Part II
The February 26 elections passed without incident. In our house the evening was spent monitoring various websites as the results in different areas became available. We were concerned that the situation not become volatile but we all secretly, or not-so-secretly, wished for a day off school...just to err on the side of caution. Monday morning we, teachers and students alike, were dragging ourselves around campus.
As it turned out a majority vote was not reached, so the run-off election will occur this coming Sunday, March 25.
In the month that has passed I, a relatively sheltered foreigner, have heard next to nothing about the political situation. Things have been quiet, business as usual. We were excited to venture out of our own cozy neighbourhood for ice cream and a beach day...the simple pleasures we have been missing.
I would ask that you continue to pray for Sénégal's government as the second vote occurs this weekend between the two front runners. I am not aware of concerns about safety or unrest, but we do continue to hope that democratic decisions will be reached for the benefit of the country.
As it turned out a majority vote was not reached, so the run-off election will occur this coming Sunday, March 25.
In the month that has passed I, a relatively sheltered foreigner, have heard next to nothing about the political situation. Things have been quiet, business as usual. We were excited to venture out of our own cozy neighbourhood for ice cream and a beach day...the simple pleasures we have been missing.
I would ask that you continue to pray for Sénégal's government as the second vote occurs this weekend between the two front runners. I am not aware of concerns about safety or unrest, but we do continue to hope that democratic decisions will be reached for the benefit of the country.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Miss Black Presents....Politics for Dummies
You may have heard me say, at one time or another, that Senegal is one of the safest African countries, and it still is. Apparently Senegal is credited with the first ever peaceful transfer of power, and it remains relatively stable. That being said, we are headed into a federal election, February 27. In light of this fact, here at D.A. we have spent the last week testing emergency phone trees, participating in training for anxiety management, and consulting 'just in case' lists of necessary supplies/provisions.
The potential trouble could start as early as today. The committee will be announcing the official candidates for the election. The current president is serving his second term and has announced his intention to run for a third term, though the consitution has changed since he took office. The constitutional change is controversial as it would prevent him from running again, though he feels that his plan is legitimate. We anticipate that there will be protests and demonstrations today and/or tomorrow once the announcement has been made whether or not the decision is in the president's favour. To make matters more sensitive, the government announced a ban on public gatherings (including protests/demontrations) from Thursday to Monday which may only serve to aggravate the problem. We have been advised to stay in this weekend just to err on the side of caution. Families who live far from the school picked their kids up early, and after school activities have been cancelled so everyone can get home before any trouble develops. I did an extra big grocery shop this week so I'm set for a few days at home. It just gives me a good excuse to take it easy...watch some movies, read some books, play some games, cook some food. I'm content.
We would definitely appreciate your prayers for our safetyand for a peaceful election process, but also for the leadership of our country. One of our senegalese teachers on staff was expressing the need for a leader who is willing to invest in the strengthening of the infrastructure and institutions of the country.
I'll be sure to keep you posted on any further developments, but in the meantime, here are some links if you're interested in reading more...
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/senegal-must-not-curtail-freedom-expression-and-assembly-election-run-2012-01-26
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iws5MAqyikUwVjIS3IcPd2SqvJXQ?docId=CNG.ee1bddd4457ce3b723591a220164ea21.71
http://www.france24.com/en/20120126-fears-violence-senegals-ban-protests-takes-effect-election-abdoulaye-wade
http://www.africareview.com/News/EU+election+monitors+arrive+in+Senegal+/-/979180/1312650/-/ang5kwz/-/index.html#commentsAnchor
The potential trouble could start as early as today. The committee will be announcing the official candidates for the election. The current president is serving his second term and has announced his intention to run for a third term, though the consitution has changed since he took office. The constitutional change is controversial as it would prevent him from running again, though he feels that his plan is legitimate. We anticipate that there will be protests and demonstrations today and/or tomorrow once the announcement has been made whether or not the decision is in the president's favour. To make matters more sensitive, the government announced a ban on public gatherings (including protests/demontrations) from Thursday to Monday which may only serve to aggravate the problem. We have been advised to stay in this weekend just to err on the side of caution. Families who live far from the school picked their kids up early, and after school activities have been cancelled so everyone can get home before any trouble develops. I did an extra big grocery shop this week so I'm set for a few days at home. It just gives me a good excuse to take it easy...watch some movies, read some books, play some games, cook some food. I'm content.
We would definitely appreciate your prayers for our safetyand for a peaceful election process, but also for the leadership of our country. One of our senegalese teachers on staff was expressing the need for a leader who is willing to invest in the strengthening of the infrastructure and institutions of the country.
I'll be sure to keep you posted on any further developments, but in the meantime, here are some links if you're interested in reading more...
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/senegal-must-not-curtail-freedom-expression-and-assembly-election-run-2012-01-26
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iws5MAqyikUwVjIS3IcPd2SqvJXQ?docId=CNG.ee1bddd4457ce3b723591a220164ea21.71
http://www.france24.com/en/20120126-fears-violence-senegals-ban-protests-takes-effect-election-abdoulaye-wade
http://www.africareview.com/News/EU+election+monitors+arrive+in+Senegal+/-/979180/1312650/-/ang5kwz/-/index.html#commentsAnchor
Thursday, November 10, 2011
It's a buggy life...
The Facts:
Since moving into our new (ground floor) apartment, my roommates and I have had to face some of our worst fears....creatures lurking in the corners, or scuttling across the floors. To be honest, creatures (the non-poisonous variety) are not among my worst fears, or my fears at all, as a result I am usually sought out for my bravery and talent in the face of critter-adversity. I will however, go so far as to admit that I do occasionally get caught up in the excitement of the chase and scream a little, just for the fun of it.
Our ecosystem...I mean home...includes, but is not limited to, a variety of insects; cockroaches, worms, and spiders in addition to the expected mosquitoes. Additionally we have had one lizard hunting expedition so far this year. We have also seen traces of a mouse presence, though it seems to have emigrated, thankfully!
A typical day in the household...
Kari (or one of the other roommates, but mostly Kari) finds a bug. She screams. I run to her aide. She has caught the offending creepy crawly in some sort of receptacle. I find a paper towel or tissue. I remove the insect's prison. It attempts to escape into a crevice, but I am too quick. The bug meets an untimely end. He should have stayed in his hole rather than face the wrath of the ALICIANATOR.
This green bug catching receptacle (aka flower vase) was used a little too forcefully. I don't know my own strength. More recently I have used mugs and yogurt containers.
Sometimes the bugs get into our food. My coping mechanism: avoid thinking about it too much, because I am sure I eat more insects than I care for on a regular basis. Ants are common counter-dwellers and will swarm anything left on the counter. However, I draw the line at worms in the flour. Usually you can avoid insects/worms in the flour if you're willing to pay a little more, but occasionally critters happen. The last time we had worms Kari and Cori undertook the tedious task of sifting. It would be hard to get them all, but we like to think they have a 100% success rate.
The Science Experiment:
There have been situations when we have been in a hurry not had the time for our full exterminating ceremony. In these situations the receptacle is left on the creature until we have ample opportunity to deal with it. On one such occasion we left a cockroach under the bug-catcher in the dining room...mostly because we assumed that our house help would take care of it before we got home. When we returned later that evening, the bug population of the vase had grown to 3. We stood starring, puzzled. When we asked Aurelie (our house help) she thought we may have been saving the roach for a science experiment and was proud to have added further contributions. We considered her idea and made the appropriate inquiries, but our donations were rejected.
Realizing that we just don't prefer to do the bug-killing if we don't have to, Aurelie graciously dealt with the trespassers.
The camera doesn't do them justice. Don't be fooled!
Lions, and Tigers, and Lizards! Oh My!: A Creature Story
Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived four teachers. These teachers lived in a spacious and comfortable apartment, and were very happy. They heard rumours that their apartment had once been haunted by a giant, translucent, bulbous lizard. The teachers did not bow to rumour or gossip so they lived peacefully oblivious to the horrors they would face imminently. Dun dun dun...
One evening the teachers (minus Cori who was out and therefore spared the trauma), being healthy and conscientious, exercised with Jillian Michaels. Afterwards, being hygenic, they went their separate ways to shower. It is important to note, the teachers (and their entire neigborhood) were experiencing a power cut on this particular evening. No sooner had they gotten to their respective bathrooms than a scream pierced the night air. Struggling to get into appropriate attire, Keren and Alicia emerged from their rooms looked at eachother apprehensively and rushed to find Kari. She came tearing out of her room nearly flattening her soon-to-be saviors, "There was a LIZARD IN MY SHOWER!" It had been eerily illuminated by the flicker of her candle.
Keren and Alicia sprang into action gathering a wash basin, a broom, a garbage bag, and a chair. The strategy: Stun the lizard with a head lamp. Swat the lizard down from the ceiling with a broom. Catch the the lizard in the garbage bag for easy disposal. Have the wash basin ready as back-up. The chair was to help the teachers reach the lizard on high, but as the first attempt to reach failed, the lizard scampered out of reach and when Keren and Alicia turned around, Kari was standing sheepishly on top.
After several attempts in vain, the teachers were able to flick the creature onto the floor and cover it with the wash basin. The victory was quickly followed by the realization that they did not know how to dispose of the intruder.
A unanimous decision to call the Corbin twins from across the street was made. The Corbins had proven themselves capable in several similar incidences the previous year. Their references spoke highly of their lizard-disposing skills. The twins arrived promptly, pliers, garbage can lid, and stale baguette in hand.
The teachers stepped out of the bathroom closing the door behind them. They did not want to be a part of the violence that was about to unfold. They stood in the darkness listening to the scuffling, banging, and exclamations beyond the door.
Within minutes, the boys emerged from the bathroom with their lizard trophy grasped in the pliers. The heroes left to dispose of their prey.
The fate of the lizard remains unknown. The teachers don't like to ask questions, but they live peacefully in their spacious and comfortable apartment once more.
Since moving into our new (ground floor) apartment, my roommates and I have had to face some of our worst fears....creatures lurking in the corners, or scuttling across the floors. To be honest, creatures (the non-poisonous variety) are not among my worst fears, or my fears at all, as a result I am usually sought out for my bravery and talent in the face of critter-adversity. I will however, go so far as to admit that I do occasionally get caught up in the excitement of the chase and scream a little, just for the fun of it.
Our ecosystem...I mean home...includes, but is not limited to, a variety of insects; cockroaches, worms, and spiders in addition to the expected mosquitoes. Additionally we have had one lizard hunting expedition so far this year. We have also seen traces of a mouse presence, though it seems to have emigrated, thankfully!
A typical day in the household...
Kari (or one of the other roommates, but mostly Kari) finds a bug. She screams. I run to her aide. She has caught the offending creepy crawly in some sort of receptacle. I find a paper towel or tissue. I remove the insect's prison. It attempts to escape into a crevice, but I am too quick. The bug meets an untimely end. He should have stayed in his hole rather than face the wrath of the ALICIANATOR.
This green bug catching receptacle (aka flower vase) was used a little too forcefully. I don't know my own strength. More recently I have used mugs and yogurt containers.
Sometimes the bugs get into our food. My coping mechanism: avoid thinking about it too much, because I am sure I eat more insects than I care for on a regular basis. Ants are common counter-dwellers and will swarm anything left on the counter. However, I draw the line at worms in the flour. Usually you can avoid insects/worms in the flour if you're willing to pay a little more, but occasionally critters happen. The last time we had worms Kari and Cori undertook the tedious task of sifting. It would be hard to get them all, but we like to think they have a 100% success rate.
The Science Experiment:
There have been situations when we have been in a hurry not had the time for our full exterminating ceremony. In these situations the receptacle is left on the creature until we have ample opportunity to deal with it. On one such occasion we left a cockroach under the bug-catcher in the dining room...mostly because we assumed that our house help would take care of it before we got home. When we returned later that evening, the bug population of the vase had grown to 3. We stood starring, puzzled. When we asked Aurelie (our house help) she thought we may have been saving the roach for a science experiment and was proud to have added further contributions. We considered her idea and made the appropriate inquiries, but our donations were rejected.
Realizing that we just don't prefer to do the bug-killing if we don't have to, Aurelie graciously dealt with the trespassers.
The camera doesn't do them justice. Don't be fooled!
Lions, and Tigers, and Lizards! Oh My!: A Creature Story
Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived four teachers. These teachers lived in a spacious and comfortable apartment, and were very happy. They heard rumours that their apartment had once been haunted by a giant, translucent, bulbous lizard. The teachers did not bow to rumour or gossip so they lived peacefully oblivious to the horrors they would face imminently. Dun dun dun...
One evening the teachers (minus Cori who was out and therefore spared the trauma), being healthy and conscientious, exercised with Jillian Michaels. Afterwards, being hygenic, they went their separate ways to shower. It is important to note, the teachers (and their entire neigborhood) were experiencing a power cut on this particular evening. No sooner had they gotten to their respective bathrooms than a scream pierced the night air. Struggling to get into appropriate attire, Keren and Alicia emerged from their rooms looked at eachother apprehensively and rushed to find Kari. She came tearing out of her room nearly flattening her soon-to-be saviors, "There was a LIZARD IN MY SHOWER!" It had been eerily illuminated by the flicker of her candle.
Keren and Alicia sprang into action gathering a wash basin, a broom, a garbage bag, and a chair. The strategy: Stun the lizard with a head lamp. Swat the lizard down from the ceiling with a broom. Catch the the lizard in the garbage bag for easy disposal. Have the wash basin ready as back-up. The chair was to help the teachers reach the lizard on high, but as the first attempt to reach failed, the lizard scampered out of reach and when Keren and Alicia turned around, Kari was standing sheepishly on top.
After several attempts in vain, the teachers were able to flick the creature onto the floor and cover it with the wash basin. The victory was quickly followed by the realization that they did not know how to dispose of the intruder.
A unanimous decision to call the Corbin twins from across the street was made. The Corbins had proven themselves capable in several similar incidences the previous year. Their references spoke highly of their lizard-disposing skills. The twins arrived promptly, pliers, garbage can lid, and stale baguette in hand.
The teachers stepped out of the bathroom closing the door behind them. They did not want to be a part of the violence that was about to unfold. They stood in the darkness listening to the scuffling, banging, and exclamations beyond the door.
Within minutes, the boys emerged from the bathroom with their lizard trophy grasped in the pliers. The heroes left to dispose of their prey.
The fate of the lizard remains unknown. The teachers don't like to ask questions, but they live peacefully in their spacious and comfortable apartment once more.
Friday, October 14, 2011
End of Quarter CRAZINESS!!!
Have you ever felt like you were stuck on a roller coaster and just couldn't get off? I actually love roller coasters, so under normal circumstances I would be loving life. However, I don't find it so enjoyable when I'm stuck on said roller coaster and start to feel claustrophobic and the end of the ride is not in sight.
I should preface this seemingly negative introduction with a confession: I have in fact, watched several of the Texas Rangers playoff games. As you may realize, they are (at least) four hours later here than local time. This means that even if it's a 4pm game in Detroit, it starts at 8pm here. This sounds reasonable enough, but if a person were watch the whole thing, they wouldn't get to bed until after midnight. For some people this would not be a problem, but for an individual like myself this DOES become a problem. Especially when it develops into a pattern. Miss Black become a monster, comparable to the Incredible Hulk without all the green muscles and potential for saving the world.
That being said, back to the roller coaster. This past Wednesday was the end of the first quarter. Grades are due Monday. My grading pile is many inches too thick. Tonight my handball team plays an elimination match in the tournament playoffs. Immediately following handball I am responsible for close to 40 middle schoolers...not just for a few hours. No, that wouldn't be worth it. I am the staff sponsor for their lock-in AKA all-nighter AKA sleepless night for Miss Black. Tomorrow afternoon I am taking care of my friend Micah. He's six and his parents are out of town so we're hanging out for a few hours. If the Royal Pains make the finals I will be playing the next round of handball Saturday night. Sunday's schedule includes church and small group. There's a lot on the go. I feel overwhelmed...and apparently I'm using my blog to blow off some steam.
I was feeling slightly panicked and lamenting my very full schedule in the staff room this morning when I realized that I was sounding very negative. On a roller coaster our vision is often blurred by the speed or the wind, but I don't want to be blinded or become known as an 'Eyore' so I promptly decided that I should brainstorm some of the brighter things in my life at the moment.
1. My classroom A/C has been working reasonably well after months of not working at all. If I leave it on overnight it's a freezer in the morning and the cold stays in for most of the school day.
2. My first class today was very engaged in the reader's theater they were doing this morning about King Hammurabi's Code of Law.
3. Last year I found it hard to go back to teaching after lunch, but this year I usually look forward to my afternoon classes. They are smaller and we have a lot of fun. Today we are creating scavenger hunts.
4. While I was brainstorming my list of positives, one of the teachers in the staff room told me that I looked pretty today :)
5. The coffee this morning was French Vanilla...yummmm
6. A frustrating conversation I had this morning was resolved quickly and the person who had hurt my feelings apologized
7. The Middle School Senate is really excited about the lock-in and have done the majority of the planning
8. I found enough sponsors who are crazy enough to stay up all night with me
9. I love the kids I teach...and think most of them love me back
10. Supper will be waiting for me when I get home this afternoon: shrimp and bacon fettucine.
Needless to say I won't be blogging this weekend, but I'll see you on the flip side!
PS. For those of you who submitted an answer to last week's trivia question, I played field hockey in middle school and again in my OAC (grade 13 in Ontario) year.
I should preface this seemingly negative introduction with a confession: I have in fact, watched several of the Texas Rangers playoff games. As you may realize, they are (at least) four hours later here than local time. This means that even if it's a 4pm game in Detroit, it starts at 8pm here. This sounds reasonable enough, but if a person were watch the whole thing, they wouldn't get to bed until after midnight. For some people this would not be a problem, but for an individual like myself this DOES become a problem. Especially when it develops into a pattern. Miss Black become a monster, comparable to the Incredible Hulk without all the green muscles and potential for saving the world.
That being said, back to the roller coaster. This past Wednesday was the end of the first quarter. Grades are due Monday. My grading pile is many inches too thick. Tonight my handball team plays an elimination match in the tournament playoffs. Immediately following handball I am responsible for close to 40 middle schoolers...not just for a few hours. No, that wouldn't be worth it. I am the staff sponsor for their lock-in AKA all-nighter AKA sleepless night for Miss Black. Tomorrow afternoon I am taking care of my friend Micah. He's six and his parents are out of town so we're hanging out for a few hours. If the Royal Pains make the finals I will be playing the next round of handball Saturday night. Sunday's schedule includes church and small group. There's a lot on the go. I feel overwhelmed...and apparently I'm using my blog to blow off some steam.
I was feeling slightly panicked and lamenting my very full schedule in the staff room this morning when I realized that I was sounding very negative. On a roller coaster our vision is often blurred by the speed or the wind, but I don't want to be blinded or become known as an 'Eyore' so I promptly decided that I should brainstorm some of the brighter things in my life at the moment.
1. My classroom A/C has been working reasonably well after months of not working at all. If I leave it on overnight it's a freezer in the morning and the cold stays in for most of the school day.
2. My first class today was very engaged in the reader's theater they were doing this morning about King Hammurabi's Code of Law.
3. Last year I found it hard to go back to teaching after lunch, but this year I usually look forward to my afternoon classes. They are smaller and we have a lot of fun. Today we are creating scavenger hunts.
4. While I was brainstorming my list of positives, one of the teachers in the staff room told me that I looked pretty today :)
5. The coffee this morning was French Vanilla...yummmm
6. A frustrating conversation I had this morning was resolved quickly and the person who had hurt my feelings apologized
7. The Middle School Senate is really excited about the lock-in and have done the majority of the planning
8. I found enough sponsors who are crazy enough to stay up all night with me
9. I love the kids I teach...and think most of them love me back
10. Supper will be waiting for me when I get home this afternoon: shrimp and bacon fettucine.
Needless to say I won't be blogging this weekend, but I'll see you on the flip side!
PS. For those of you who submitted an answer to last week's trivia question, I played field hockey in middle school and again in my OAC (grade 13 in Ontario) year.
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