ARGHHHH!!!!

Today just sucked some major donkey ass! I have never wanted to get the hell out of school more than I did today. The kids have been just awful the past couple of weeks. I get it, they're ready for school to be over. Yeah, well, me too, kiddos, me too!!! At least they'll be done after next week, unlike me, who doesn't even get a damn break this summer! Ugh! Gee, can you tell I'm incredibly crabby today?

It certainly didn't help that it was in the 90s today, which meant my room was about 100, with NO air conditioning. It felt like we had 100% humidity, too, so we ALL were like limp dishrags all day. But, that didn't keep the kids away from me. Oh, no. It made most of them want to hang on me all freakin' day! God forbid I tried to sit, one of them immediately climbed into my lap. I mean, jeez, I'm glad you love me and all, but shit! Get the hell off me! It's 100 fuckin' degrees in here!!

I am completely drained of all energy. All I want to do is change out of my school clothes, and climb in bed, with my fan on full-blast. I think that's exactly what I'm gonna do. Well, first, I'm going to go down in the basement and grab a bunch of movies, for Movie Fest 2. Hey, I just realized that I should probably just watch them in the basement since it's about 20 degree cooler down there.

When will they stop coming!?

I don't know if you've ever checked out any of the blogs over there ----> on my blogroll, but you really should check out FML. Some days it makes me laugh out loud. Today was one of them! Let me share:
Today, while talking to my boyfriend, I was frantically searching for my cell phone. He was curious as to what I was doing so I told him. There was long silence followed by laughter. He could hardly breathe as he told me, "Honey you're on your phone talking to me." FML
I couldn't help thinking, "That's EXACTLY something I would do!!" (Suz, it also made me think of you because it could be Blonde Moment #254!)

I really needed to start with something amusing, because I have nothing nice to say about school. I'm trying really hard not to sound like a whiny little bitch all the time, which is why it's been so hard to force myself to post everyday. I'm really not this Negative Nancy (Debbie Downer?) all the time, I swear. Those of you that actually know me, I hope you would agree!

That being said, at the same time, one of the great things about blogging is that it gives you a place to vent and say what's really on your mind. And, hell, it's WAY cheaper than therapy! So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I hope I don't offend anyone, or turn anyone off, with my seemingly negative attitude. At the end of the day, I really, truly love what I do.

About an hour before school ended today, one of the ladies from the office told me that 3 more children had registered for kdg. They're coming tomorrow. So, I will have 33 freakin' kids, in a room designed to hold 24. As it is, I'm using the 6 seats at my group table to hold kids. Now, I will literally have 3 children without seats. There are simply no more seats available. I'm going to have to go in and talk to New Principal tomorrow about this situation. Unfortunately, there aren't enough kids to open a second kdg. yet. However, I think the solution is to change our kdg. program to half-day. I could then have 16-17 in each class. And, maybe we could breathe!!

I have absolutely no idea what New Principal is going to say when I ask about going half-day. But, I hope all of you will join me in saying a prayer or two (or a hundred!!) that she'll say yes.

Here's my positive for the day - My BFF has very generously volunteered to come to school with me tomorrow and help out. You may remember that she came to school with me the Saturday before the kids started, and we had talked then about her coming and helping me organize my classroom library. (Did I mentioned that she's a school librarian in a CPS school?) She still has two weeks before she has to go back to work (the rest of the CPS school teachers start work Sept. 2, the kids start Sept. 8) and she said she's looking for something to do during the day. I just hope my kids don't wear her out tomorrow. She's already worried about the heat getting to her, and rightfully so. After sitting in my room for at least 9 hours a day since school started with NO air-conditioning, then driving up to 30 minutes to get home with NO air-conditioning in my piece of crap car, I've been feeling like a beat up rag doll by the time I get home. I hope she'll be ok. I'm just so excited that she's coming!

When I started this blog two years ago, I used to end every post with a quote. I'm going to try and do that again. (I say try because most nights, I'm so aggravated when I'm posting that I'm not in the proper mindset to search the web for quotes.) There will probably be some repeats of previously posted quotes. Sorry. Here goes...

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~Franklin P. Jones

One down, 39 to go....

That was the looonnngggeeesssttt first week in history! Once again, I was at school until well after 5. I could barely drag myself to my car. Besides the long day, and the physical demands of herding cats, I mean dealing with 30 5 year-olds, the freakin' heat just zaps any little bit of energy I have left. It has just been so unbearable this week. By the time I leave, I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck.

I did, however, force myself to do my Wii when I got home. I just kept reminding myself that as soon as I did it, I could relax for the rest of the night. I barely made it home before Stud's friends started coming over. I told him he could invite a bunch of guys over to hang out on Friday night. It was mostly a ruse to get him to stay home. He finally came home Thursday after almost 2 weeks at his father's. He came home to cut the grass, but his father wanted to pick him up when he was done. Um...I don't think so! So, I convinced him to invite the guys over, guaranteeing that I'd get to see him another night.

His one friend arrived about 5 minutes before I finished the Wii. His other best friend was supposed to be coming with another boy, but when he showed up, he was alone. (He couldn't find the other boy.) When I realized it was going to just be "my 3 sons," I was thrilled because I realized after my shower, I could just put on my pajamas, and relax. The other boy did end up coming at about 9:30, and by then, I was already settled into bed! The boys moved down to the basement just as I was passing out, and I never heard a peep. Stud and his late-arriving buddy were both up by 7 this morning, which is unbelievable! The other little darling is still asleep.

Oh, wait, I was supposed to be writing about school, wasn't I? I can NOT wait for preps to start this week. I'm hoping it makes a difference in my exhaustion level. I have about 7 days worth of work to do this weekend, and unfortunately, I have to work tonight. I'm starting to get a little panicky. I'm probably already on New Principal's shit list because I never did turn in any lesson plans this week. I HAVE to turn them in on Monday. I'm really a little freaked out about doing them. I know that sounds crazy coming from someone who's been teaching for a couple of decades now, but let me tell you, I've gotten really lazy and out of practice after so many years of working for the Big Cheese. I always did my lesson plans (which was not the norm around that place!) but for the past 4 years, I've only had to do half the work. I decided years ago that it made more sense for me and my partner to do our plans together, with my partner doing the math and science plans and me doing the reading/language arts plans. (And, truthfully,after saving them on my computer, all I've had to do the past year was change the date!) Now, since I have NO partner, I've got to do them all by myself again. And, I can't even use the plans I have saved because we're switching to a new reading series. God, just thinking about how much work this is going to be makes me want to cry. I don't want to go back to those days when my entire Sunday was spent working on lesson plans!! And, now that I work Saturdays at our bar, I don't know how the hell I'm going to be able to do that, since most Sundays I don't get home until 5 or 6 am! OK, I'm starting to feel my chest tighten again....

This group of babies, for the most part, are just that - babies!! This is one of the most immature groups I've ever had. It says a LOT about what the hell must be going on in our preschool program. Um...that would be...NOTHING! These kids can't even write their names, nor write their letters. They think the whole day is for playing. I keep trying to tell myself it'll get better. It's only their first week, it's got to get better.

ALL of them except 1 showed up yesterday. Yikes! I had to put 5 of them at my group table, since it's the only other table I have. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do next week when I actually start doing small group instruction. I'm going to have to have a lot of movement to keep shifting them from table to table.

The pep rally was WAY too long yesterday. My babies were amazing, though. Hey, wow, did I just say that?! I going to try and focus on that fact next week. I was really impressed with how quietly they were able to sit for well over an hour. That's a long time for 5 year-olds to sit. At least without a cartoon on for them to watch! :) We ended up having to leave before it ended because we needed to start getting ready for dismissal. We should have started about 30 minutes earlier.

New Principal introduced the entire staff, and had us come up on stage, while the kids cheered us on. I have to say, I was really touched by the reaction I got when my name was called. The whole auditorium erupted! It was really cool, and reminded me that I really do make a difference in the lives of some of these kids. (My first class at the Hell-Hole is now in 7th grade, so pretty much the entire school knows me.)

After the staff introductions, New Principal and our AP, Mr. H., went over the rules and expectations for this year. We talked about the uniform policy, and each teacher was asked to send 2 students up on the stage to show the proper uniform. My 2 did a great job, but they didn't take their eyes off me for even a second. It's a little scary to stand up on stage in front of the entire school!

When all the talk about rules, etc., was finished, each class then came up on stage and did their little presentation. We were first, of course, and the kids actually did a great job. We kept if very short and sweet. I "borrowed" a line for the pledge our kids are expected to say every morning. They loudly, and proudly, said, "I am in Room XXX. I am talented, smart and capable of success!" Thankfully, I had Ms. H. to help me again yesterday. She helped get them back in their seats as I got them off the stage. Then, they were forced to sit there while the rest of the school gave their performances. We only made it to the 4th grade performances, then we had to go. Unfortunately, because the upper grades still had to perform, that meant most of the students were dismissed late, which then meant that I was stuck outside on the playground, in the blinding sun (!) waiting for big brothers and sisters to pick up my babies.

OK, I've procrastinated long enough. I'd better start working on these lesson plans. I hope you all have a great weekend. Think of me slaving away while you're doing something fun and relaxing!
;-)

They're heeerrrreeee.........

The babies have arrived! Thankfully, only 20 of the 30+ kids on my list showed up. Trust me, it was plenty. I had one baby show up around 10:45, while we were taking a bathroom break on the way to lunch, who was crying. That turned in to screaming when his mother tried to get him to use the bathroom with us. I just kept doing my thing, as I had 20 other babies to worry about. When we arrived at the lunch room, I realized I didn't hear any screaming. He was gone! I assumed his mother took him home. I guess I'll find out tomorrow, huh?

For the most part, the day was pretty good. The biggest downside was that we are not getting preps this week, AND we were asked to stay with our kids during lunch for the first day. That means we had NO BREAK for the entire day. I don't understand the "no preps" thing this week. What the hell are the prep teachers doing all freakin' week?! They certainly aren't helping us out in any way. It must be nice to have an entire week to do nothing! Ok, take a deep breath, let it go....

There definitely was a whole new vibe going on at the Hell-Hole today. It was actually quiet practically the entire day. That's not something we're used to around there. Most of the kids were in uniform, and wow, what a visual impact that had! When I went out on the playground to get my kids in the morning, I was blown away by all the kids dressed in their blue and white. And, on top of that, the whole staff was "in uniform." It was kinda cool, I gotta admit.

Being out on the playground in the morning was actually kind of nice, since I got to see all my "old" babies. They look like they've actually grown in the short 6 weeks we were off! Plus, I got to see ALL of my former babies, since the whole school was out on the playground.

I ended up staying until about 5:15, since I had some things I wanted to do during the day, but you know, the whole no break thing... I also got a chance to talk to New Principal for about a half hour about some things I've been wondering/worrying about. I got 3 of the "big" things squared away - graduation, rest time, and snack time. I was afraid she was going to make me start doing graduation again, but after talking it out, she decided we were NOT going to do it. As far as rest time and snack time, she said I could keep them both. Oh, happy day!! She was actually excited to hear that I usually take the babies outside, on the front steps, to eat their snack (because I try to avoid the mess in my classroom). I asked if I could take them out to read to them, which made her even more excited. She then commented on her informal observations from the day. She said, "I really like the way you talk to the babies. I've been listening to you today. I like how you let them know that you are like their mommy while their here, and that you are in charge. You are the queen." I laughed out loud because I said that very thing to my babies today. I tell my babies every year that my classroom is my "castle" and that I am "The Queen." They, in turn, are all my princes and princesses. I wonder if she actually overheard me say that to them, or if we just enjoy using the same analogies.

So, it would seem that I'm starting off on the right foot with New Principal. (I hope that by the end of the week, I can come up with an appropriate nickname for her!) However, I technically am already behind on some things, such as lesson plans. I didn't turn any in on Monday, like she asked us to. There are a few other things that she wants by this Friday (time distribution sheets, class lists, and such) so I'm going to try hard to get them done in time. I'd like to stay on her good side, for sure!

Seeing how I didn't walk in my door til after 7:30, I'm completely exhausted. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with the fact that my room is about 110 degrees. You would think I'd be able to lose a pound of two with as much as I was sweating today! I know, ewwww! It's time to hit the sack. Let's hope tomorrow goes as well as today did!

Ugh! It's HOT!

Well, it's over. Whatever else needs to be done will have to wait til next week. Or, whenever the hell I get around to it! My bestest friend was gracious enough to come to the ghetto with me this morning and help me finish my room. We were there for about 3 hours, in the sweltering heat! As one of my cousins would say, I was sweatin' like a hooker in church! It wasn't even sunny while we were working, but the humidity could choke a horse. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like next week, when there are 30+ little sweaty bodies in there with me, generating even more heat! Ugh!!!

The sun decided to come out as we were leaving, and I think that we're actually going to get the unbearable heat the weather people have been predicting for today. I think I even heard as high as 96. I don't want to go off on another rant about how much I hate summer heat, so I'ma go now. ;-)

No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks...

Praise God, it's over!!!! The babies are GONE!!!! I can't tell you what a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The afternoon was not even close to what I planned, but who the hell cares! It's over! There's no wondering why my kids never listened or followed directions, because none of their parents do either! Whatever! Thanks to a miserably hot and humid Chicago summer day, most of the parents wanted to get the hell out of there as soon as possible because my room was like a friggin' sauna! Most of them took their kids home within a half hour of getting there. Thank you!

By the time I left school today, I was in a glorious mood. Surprise, surprise! Despite it being in the 90s today (boo! hiss!) it was so bright and sunny when I left that I couldn't help but smile! I was SO happy, I was compelled to pull out my camera while I was driving to snap some pictures of the beautiful blue sky and fluffy, puffy clouds!

OK, I was driving down a side street on my way home and had this WTF moment...

This picture reminded me of being a kid and lying on your back in the grass, looking up at the clouds, and trying to "find" things. Most of the time, though, I just saw big puffs of cotton candy! This is the view down a street in my neighborhood. Beautiful, no? I love tree-lined streets! And, I mean real trees, not those baby trees you see in new subdivisions, but grown-up trees that tell you the neighborhood has been around for a while.
This is my very humble abode. It's your typical teeny, tiny Chicago raised ranch bungalow. You may not be able to see in the picture that my street curves, but I'm right on the apex of the curve. This means I have a pie-shaped lot, with a really big front yard, but a really small backyard, as you may have seen in some past pictures I've posted. But, it's perfect for me, because it's as much yard as I can take care of!

Home Sweet Home!

I love my fire hydrant! Plus, it gets me a discount on my homeowner's insurance! Yay! [I was trying to figure out what those weird streaks were in this picture, and I just realized that I took it through my back window, which is tinted, and those are scrapes in my tint :(]

OK, I'm off to put my feet up. As the day went on, I could feel my legs and feet swelling like sausages, to the point that I felt like my skin was going to split like a sausage casing. But, even that can't dampen my good mood!! AND, I have a 4-day weekend coming! Yay!!! I'm planning on coming back tomorrow to actually post some stuff about school, I promise. Good night!

I dot a code in my node

I feel worse today than I did yesterday. Boo hoo! When I walked into my classroom this morning, my trusty little thermometer said 99-God-blessed-degrees!!!! Oh, did I mention the windchill was below zero here in Chicago this morning? Opening the window didn't work so well today. The only window I can open is directly behind my desk, which is usually perfect, but when the wind blowing in has a windchill temperature in the negative, it's not helpful! Sitting in a room that's almost 100 degrees with a stuffed up nose, scratchy throat, and a headache should be the newest form of torture used by our armed forces!! AND, don't forget the 27 five-year-olds that you need to supervise and shape into the future of our country!

***Breaking News***
Be sure to check out my friend Laura's blog. This Hawaii Chair thing is out of control!

Keeping it short tonight because I need to go to bed. Thank God tomorrow is our last day with the kids. They get Friday off for a teachers institute day. I just may be taking my first sick day this year if I'm not feeling better by then.

If your mom's asleep, don't wake her up. ---Amber, age 10

Smart thinkin', Amber. Now go tell my son!

I'm so, so tired....

Man, I was exhausted all day today. I don't know if it was the stress of yesterday, or the stress of dealing with my darling little son every morning (this morning was a doozy!), or just the fact that it's Thursday, but I was so tired all day today. It was hard to function. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think it has to do with my damn classroom. (Have I complained about this yet?) It is SOOO hot in there, it's unbelievable. Usually, the thermometer on the wall reads around 96-98. It's unbearable. That kind of heat just makes you want to sleep. Or, is that pass out? It actually makes me physically sick all day. My stomach hurts, my head hurts, I can't stand it.

That's all the energy I have tonight. I actually have to make some dips/appetizers and bake for a get-together we're having this weekend, so I'm keeping it short today. See you tomorrow!

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ---Franklin P. Jones

Ain't dat da truth!