Christmas Break Schedule

Every day I have a schedule for my students. It is pretty routine but is flexible. I was looking forward to a schedule free Christmas break but alast, that is not happening.

Josh and I have gotten these questions alot: "So, what house will you be at on Christmas Eve? Where are you spending New Years at? When will you be back?"

So I have sat down (without Josh because he could really careless) and made out our schedule. Here it is...sad we have to split holidays up.

Be in Spartanburg until Tuesday, December 23. Then we're heading to Gastonia.
Spending Christmas Eve DAY with Josh's Dad and Stepmom. Spending Christmas Eve NIGHT with Josh's mom and Stepdad.
Spending Christmas MORNING at the Kiser's with Josh's brother, sister-in-law.
Driving to SPTBG for Christmas NIGHT here at the house.
Leave for Gatlinburg Friday, December 26 until Monday, December 29 with my family.
Come home. No plans as of yet for New Years.

and o yeah, do last minute things for Shawn and Reo's wedding.

So much for a "break" right?

It was a "Dicken" of a day

I had a horrible day at school last Tuesday. I was so looking forward to Tuesday night's "Dickens of a Christmas" but my kids got to the best of me that day. I don't know what it is about Tuesday but it is like heck on wheels with my kids on Tuesday. Every week it's like a time bomb has gone off. But they weren't going to get me down...ok they did somewhat. I was looking forward to Josh coming down to join us for Dickens of a Christmas. But by the time he got here I was tired and just wanted to crawl into bed with the sheets over my head. But I'm glad I didn't let it get me down. We had a funtabulous time.

They didn't teach me at the WU

The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher. ~Elbert Hubbard

When you go into teaching and get into your own classroom, you KNOW there are things that are going to happen that your college did not teach you.

For example: How to unclog a glue bottle in under 30 seconds....how to rush a child out of the room quickly and quietly when they peed in their pants...how to handle decide who gets what snack.

But they especially do not teach you how to handle bratty mean eight year old girls.

This week I have heard from several students "There's some mean words on the bathroom wall....It's about (blank)...You need to check this out..." And their mean words are like, "Shut up" Or "Elephant Head." So I finally take a gander today after school what is written on our bathroom wall. Yes, students write on the walls but it's normally like, "Hey!" or "Joe wuz here."

Oh no. My bathroom walls said POOP and (BLANK) IS A #$!&* and LET GOD BE ARAISE (whatever that means). I mean have you ever heard of such???

My mouth droopped. First of all, POOP. Seriously?? Yes we all take a poop but there's no need to advertise that unless it helped you focus on completing the task of pooping.

Secondly, CUSS WORDS?? I didn't even know how to spell that when I was 8. And someone signed another child's name along with it which mean they were trying to frame that child. This is not the first time that phrase has been brought up in my class. I've found notes and other writings in the class. At least my lower kids can barely read so they dont know what the words mean.

Thirdly, GOD BE ARAISE?? What the heck does that mean? Someone wrote that on my cute recyling posters!! I guess they felt like God needed to take presence in the bathroom since that nasty writing has consumed my bathroom walls. Yeah, God, please consume that nasty wall and that nasty pee infected smell.

I am at lost how to handle this. I know girls are nasty and mean because hello, I am one. But I have tried to talk to individual girls about their attitude, behavior, actions...I have talked to the whole class about it. And I have it narrowed down to like 4 or 5 people....but I can never catch them in the act. Some do a lot behind my back that I can't prove or catch. Last year my girls were not this bad. I guess because they were all new kids to the school so they didn't know anyone. We all became "friends" somewhat. But I guess since I got the "true" Roebuck kids they know about one another and what they can get away with.

I want my kids to get along. It is killing me that they are vandalizing my walls, being nasty to one another, and forming cliques. How do you handle this situation? I know "Be positive...encourage good decisions and choices" and I do all that. But does it ever stop? Will it ever end?

No it won't because of the world we live in, the families we have, and the society we're raising our students in. And I know "I can make a difference because I'm a teacher" blah blah blah. But tell me--how do you get your kids to stop writing on the walls? Calling each other these names?

Please I'm up for suggestions.

And if I have to scrub one more wall, I am going to have a throw down. Hard core.

3 Posts in one night

So this is my 3 post for the night. I just keep blogging. Random things to blog about. And I'm currently gathering pictures and stories to recap my Week with the Castros.

Ok I got this from Jed. One last thing...

A: Attached or Single.... Attached> I have his mojo.
B: Best Friend...Alot. Seriously.
C: Cake or Pie... CAKE!!
D. Day of Choice... Friday, of course.
E. Essential Item... Hair tie. I keep one on my wrist all the time.
F: Favorite Color... Green. Or Black. or Both.
G: Gummy bears or worms... Gummi Bears. Delish. But not cheap brand ones.
H: Home town... Roebuck
I: Favorite Indulgence... Peanut M&Ms with Coffee.
J: Jan. or July... January. It's an exciting month of birthdays
K: Kids...I have 21 one of them. But one day I'll have my own...but not now.
L: Lemon in your tea... NO! Have you SEEN the research on them??
M: Marriage Date... Who knows
N: Number or siblings: 1 but I got 2 gals that are like my sistas
O: Oranges or Apples... Apples. Yuck on oranges.
P: Phobias... snakes or any reptile
Q: Quotes... "I try to get to know my students' parents so I can understand and forgive their child."
R: Reasons to smile... 3 weeks till christmas break!
S: Season of choice... Winter
T: Think of 5 people who may do this... Not a dern soul
U: Unusual Fact... I hate my feet.
V: Vegetable... Squash, Onions, and Zuchinnii
W: Worst Habit... biting my nails
X: Excited about.... Gatlinburg after Christmas!!
Y: Your Favorite Food....Mom's Mac and Cheese. And Kyle Fletchers BBQ.
Z: Zoo or ZZZZZ's..... ZZZZZZs of course which is where I'm headed.

Goodnight.

"TV. If kids are entertained by 2 letters, imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six. Open you're child's imagination. Open a book." -Unknown

I have been an avid book reader since I was wee little. My fourth grade teacher came to a retiree luncheon we had at Roebuck last year. Amazingly, she recognized me. The first thing she said to me was, "Jessica Castro. You always had a book in your hand. I have always rememebered you as 'The Girl with a Book." That was a big compliment to me. I even took books into to church to read during the service and my parents would have to pry the book out of my hand during dinner. I didn't watch a whole lot of tv growing up. While most kids played outside, or they stayed inside to watch TV, I stayed inside to read a book. My mom once told me I needed to be outside more. And what you do you know, Dad found me in the tree, doing what else? Reading a book.

I constantly encourage my students to read (and bribe with M&Ms). They have come a long way and do love to read. I am usually telling students to put books away, which isn't really a bad complaint. But when I started teaching, I told myself that I needed to read more. I got out of the habit of reading while at Winthrop because we were constantly having to read for class so I had no down time to read except during breaks.

This summer I read a lot. Josh often complains that I read too much while I'm with him. I especially do this when I'm frustrated with him or upset about something. I can escape. I tell him it's better that I read instead of getting into a fight with him. When I'm finished reading a chapter or two in my book, I'm calmer and more reasonable. But this summer I got addicted to ordering books off Amazon or going to Barnes and Nobles. I had books coming in that I forgot I ordered. This week Christina, Jenn, and I went to Barnes and Nobles. I picked up 3 books I wanted but put them back. I kept reminding myself that I had at least 4 books at home to read. But I still might slip onto Amazon later and place a couple orders....

Here is a list of "noteable" books in my opinion I think you should check out. Some of them are just fun fiction stories that I enjoyed, and some are thought provoking and non-fiction books. Let me know what you think

Note Worthy Books I Read Over the Summer

• "3 Weeks with My Brother" by Nicholas Sparks. This book is about Nicholas Sparks traveling with his brother to exotic lands and famous landmarks. I enjoyed reading about the different places he visited (he did an excellent job of making sure you felt like you were there experiencing it) . He also writes about how this brought him and his brother together and gives you a lot of insight into his childhood. Some parts were "laugh out loud" and others brought tears to my eyes. He also talks about his Christinaity and struggle as an author. All and all--very good book.
• "Tall Tales and Wedding Veils" by Janet Graves A book that is similar to the movie "What Happens in Vegas." An average girl goes to vegas for a bachelorette party and gets drunk and marries (surprise surprise) a man from her local town that she knows, randomly. It was rather funny story about how they were forced to live together under a certain law and how they did not get along at all. Some what trashy but still a good read.
• "Something Borrowed", "Something Blue", and "Baby Proof" by Emily Giffin. This past summer I started reading "Something Borrowed" and quickly got swept up in her series of books. I lent the book to Valen who lent it to Lauren (who never reads but couldn't put these books down) and we were quickly swapping books left and right. We had our own Summer Book Club!! But "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue" has the same characters. It's about 2 best friends and growing up and apart. I cannot even begin to get into the plots of the books because it gets way complicated. But you cannot put these books down. I even had Lauren texting me at times saying, "Oh my gosh...I cannot believe she did that!!....Please tell me this isn't going to happen here..." In "Baby Proof" it's about a husband and wife who at first agree to not have children. Their views change and end up getting a divorce. But a sweet story about how they get back together. I haven't read her new one, Love the One You're With but Lo said it's a must read too.
• "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. Honestly, who hasn't read this book? Donald Miller discribes Christianity as like jazz music: few boundaries, few restrictions, free to the soul...I was some what confused by it because he questions Christianity and what it really means to some people. His experiences are questionable. And his approach to Christianity is "free style like." I honestly need to read this story again to grasp it some more...
• "Sweet Home Carolina" by T. Lynn Ocean An advertising/agency wealthy city girl is relocated to a small island off of SC to rejuvinate the town before it closes down. Some what difficult to get into (some language) but once it got going it was pretty funny and intriguing. I loved the racoon in the book. Must read to understand.
• "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" by James Patterson James Patterson normally writes mystery/murder novels. This book however is totally different from his others. Its about a young girl who gets pregnant and falls in love with a man. He quickly ends the relationship and moves back to Cape Cod. He leaves a diary that was written by his wife, Suzanne, to read to understand why he left. He switches back and forth between the past and present but does an excellent job at it. Very similar to Nicholas Sparks but an excellent read. Gut wrentchling love story for romantic types.
• "How I Stole Her Husband" by Liz Ireland A young lady takes a job as a nanny and the family she ends up working for is her high school rival girl friend and her exboyfriend. Feeling reignite between the old lovers and discovers what she really needs and wants. Some what predictable but an entertaining book that shows it's ok to "not be" where you want "to be." (If that makes sense)
• "Shopaholic" series by Sohpie Kinsella I read these books in the last year or two but hilarious stories about a woman who has no clue how to manage her life. Seriously, if you want a good laugh and want to make you feel better about yourself, please, this is your book to read
• "The Shack" by William P. Young My aunt brought me this book to read. I'm sure a lot of people have heard mixed reviews about this book. I wouldn't say I "enjoyed it" but it did open my eyes to the trinity of Christ. It broke "stereotypes" of what and who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are. Very deep book. I had to read a lot of the pages a few times to understand. Definitely a book to read again to gain better understanding.

Ok looking back I realized I've read some pretty random interesting books. Now, here is a list of books that I plan on finishing by the summer. I hope I can do it.

Books I Plan on Reading (or finishing)

• "One Fifth Avenue" by Candice Bushnell The same author of Sex and the City. About 4 or 5 ladies (soo many characters to keep up with) and all of them living in the same apt building. I'm currently working on this book.
• "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr. Kevin Leman My aunt gave me this book to read also. Dr. Leman plants out 5 simple days to help change your child's attitude, behavior, and character in 5 days. I'm very interested to read this book and test it out on my students...buahahaha
• "Educating Esme" by Esme Raji Cotell Rhonda gave me this book to read. She read it her first year teaching and said it was insanely funny. It's an account of a first year teacher in an inner city school and her challenges. I can't wait to read this book.
• "Notes from the Classroom" by Kay McSpadden A teacher from York, SC writes about her teaching experiences in a poor country school. She journals about her 30 years as an educator. I'm bound to learn something from her.
• "Case for Christ and Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel 2 books about apologetics. To some people that is way over their head but I love books and listening to speakers about this. We went to a college conference with my friend Amanda Nick's church and they had a session dedicated to this. I think I went to that session 2 or 3 times. I am definitely hitting those books soon. Been on my list for a while.
• "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson Pastor Steven pushed this book while I was at Elevation and even Alli read it. It's about how to thrive when opportunity knocks at your door and how every opportunity is not for you.
• "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult Two families teenage children start dating. The daughter is shot by her boyfriend and the son commits suicide (like Romeo and Juliet). It's gotten great reviews and I've heard nothing but great this about this author so I'm psyched about getting a jump ont his book.
• "Through Painted Deserts" by Donald Miller Donald and his friend take off to discover deeper meaning of life. Reminds me of me, Alli, Grover, and Jenn at WU. We always planned this big trips (not to search for meaning) but just to go and experience it. We hardly ever made it but we can dream right? Since I had mixed feelings about "Blue Like Jazz" I am curious how Don approaches God, existence, and life. I've started it but haven't gotten to the meat of it.

Ok that's my list for now. Let me know what you think. Any suggestions?? Reviews?????

An Ode to an Old Friend

So my old good friend Brooke Ard's birthday was yesterday and I forgot to call her (because I stink) soo I'm doing an "ode" to Pam Brooke of past pictures.

Brooke and I became good friends while enduring the pure madness of studying education at Winthrop. We instantly bonded with our random, sarcastic, dry humor in classes. We quickly created a group of friends that frequented trips to McDonalds, Wal-Mart, Dance Revolution Game Nights, "booking it" to classes, carpooling to Chester during our student teaching and surviving living in University Place. Brooke came and helped me paint my awful room at North Wilson Street (Actually, she watched because she was injured but she did help some...haha), took care of Sadie Mae for a short while, and was a constant encourager. She gave hugs when needed and a good laugh, even when it wasn't appropriate times. She never took a serious picture because she hated (and probably still does) her smile. I miss good ole Pam Brooke. She stayed in the Thrill while I moved back to Sparkle. I haven't seen her or sadly talked with her a whole lot which I regret. When we do talk we share insanely funny stories about our classrooms. I miss this chick. I miss you PAM. I hope you enjoy the following pictures...just some old ones...


On this particular day, we were FINISHED with stupid science learning cycles with the athiest professor. We did not benefit at all from that class.


After a typical day in the EDU Building...Brings tears to my eyes.


My FAVORITE picture of Brooke, Myself, and Mer.


Ahh...the classic "kissy face" picture of our Dean. We laughed that whole session.


Of course, an elevator picture with Brooke making a face.


The Girls on our last day together at WU. Peek a boo, I see you!


Mine and Mer's Rap to Brooke. Do you still have that awesome song??

A look into...

Shaundre has a hunter...or something.


Kayla as Betsy Ross


Colonial Day...Lord help me I hope I never have to go back to that day.


Me in my hamburger hat


Zammion with his "hamburger" when we learned about paragraph writing.


Hallie and Hannah with Gwinnie


Our Crayfish that I left on my assistant principal's desk. I found out a week later that he was going to be my evaluator for the year. Whops...


Check out Amaya's face. She did not like that smell.


Crime Scene Detectives

This is why you shouldn't drink

Wow. That's all I can say.

http://www.acetj.com/features/HangoverPictures.php

(I can't get the link to insert right so just copy and paste the link in your browser)

We're half way there but we're not prepared

It hit me the other day in our faculty meeting that we were half way through the year. Actually, Annie said it and it was like, "Bam." Wow. We are. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is around the corner then 3 weeks till Christmas. Seriously? This year has gone by so fast so far.

But this fast movement is freaking me out. We have the writing part of PASS (the "new" PACT) in March and my students' writing is awful. I hate teaching writing. Can I say that? Yes I can because every teacher is entitled to having a subject they hate teaching. I have found that the subjects that I excelled in while I was in school I hate teaching. I hate it because I don't know how to teach it--it just clicks with me. The subjects that I sucked horribly at in school I love teaching. I love teaching those subjects because I know what it's like not to understand and I know how to explain it because I too once didn't explain it.

Anyways, on to PASS. Some of my students' writing isn't half that bad--just need a few tweaks. Then others--I have to ask them to read their writing responses to me on an assignment. Their spelling isn't there and neither is their phonemic recognition (that means they can't recognize letter sounds). I am so worried we're going to get that test in March, my kids are going to freak out. Then I'll lock myself in my closet.

So this week we have been hitting writing pretty hard. We've been reading paragraphs, correcting them, re-writing them, etc. It's gotten so bad that today when we started language/writing I heard someone say, "Oh gosh, here we go again."

Another thing that freaks me out is that we can't read the test to them this year. Now in the past we always complained about reading the test because those tests take FOREVER to read. But it helped our students comprehend the questions (this came especially handy in Social Studies and Science). But nope. Not this year. WE can't read it. Now this does make me mad. Over the last 3 or 4 years, 3rd grade scores have steadily been improving, especially in the last year. But after this year, we're going to see a decrease. It's not that I don't believe in my students and that they can't do it (because they very well can). It's just that they are not going to realize how serious this is, read each little part and break it down as if I was reading it to them.

So here is my final question: How do we prepare to pass PASS? How do I, a 2nd year teacher with ADEPT hanging over my head determining if I should teach or not in the future, prepare to prepare my kids? Does that make any sense?

I hate telling my students "I cannot help you on that" but I always follow up with "I am preparing you for the end of the year test. Read it, try it, I'll check it." What else can I do? Am I doing enough? Am I missing something?

This is a big reason why beginning teachers burn out. We have pressure on us to MAKE our student succeed when we're still learning our best practice strategies to teach. The content is constantly changing, our students are constantly changing along with society, the requirements are always raise a little bit higher and I'm about to fall over because I'm tired of standing on the tip of my toes to reach that bar of requirements.

Am I crazy? Does any other teacher feel this way?

And people wonder why I go to wine tastings in the middle of the week or completely crash at 7:30 at night.

It's too early to do this

Mom, India, and myself got up early to go vote. Yep. 6:30 AM we went to Gable and stood in line. Actually the line wasn't THAT bad. We had to wait about an hour and a half. And thank goodness it wasn't too cold either. I did however see 3 parents of my students while in line (they didn't see me...are you crazy?? do you THINK i would talk to them on my day off! HA). Mom said she was glad she made me change out of my duckie fleece pajama bottoms. I guess I am too.

Today India and I are off to G-vegas to buy my bridesmaid dress for Shawn and Reo's wedding. Whoo-hoo.

Oh I have found my new lunch buddy-Zammion. He is so funny and really smart too. His scores always surprise me. Yesterday at lunch he was telling me about his weekend. He had to go see his grandma in NC. But he was telling me that they have had to move her from several nursing homes because she gets kicked out. Upon asking why, he explains to me that she tries to ESCAPE from them...her in wheelchair. I about spit out my soup when he told me that. I'm sure his dad would DIE if he know some of the stories that Zammion tells me about his family. And supposidly his grandma had (or has) 15 cats. Geez. I would be out of my mind too if I have 15 cats at one time.

I'm going to fix me a nice cup of coffee and some waffles and actually watch the morning show for once. Holla back now--whop whop!

And I'm not telling who I voted for...

So seriously...Guess who else is having a baby.

My brother and his girlfriend.

Yep. That's right. Pick your jaw up off the floor and close your mouth. I'm going to be an AUNTIE (as my students said today). Mom is going to be a GRANDMA.

Wow. Awesome. I love it.

I'm going to be a for real aunt.

This child is going to be rottenly spoiled to the T.

Who's having a baby?

Not me....

It's baby season....again!! A lot of people are birthing chill'ens lately.

Victoria and Bryan (Josh's bro and sis-in-law) are having a baby boy in November. Camden Bryce. Yay for another "nephew!"

Susan Spencer from my student teaching is having a lil boy...yay!!!

Someone at school is having a baby....but my lips are sealed!!

Beth Foster, former co-worker/new "circle" friend is having a baby.

And I'm sure I'm leaving someone out. That's 4 that I've found out in the last month.

Who's next??

Once again, not me!

I love fall weather...

But I hate fall recess. Geezie pete it was freezing today. And it wouldn't be that bad except the wind was kicking like crazy. It reminded me that I need to break out the gloves, scarves, hats...yahoo!! I know there will be some indoor recess days when it gets super cold. And we know those are always fun.

I had 6 parent teacher conferences today. Talk about a busy day. It was meeting after meeting...I hate conferences though. But we have to do them. At least I'll be done with these until after January. But I still have 2 more to come in, these are going to be so much fun. Do you detect my sarcasim?

I am so tired of subtraction with regrouping. We're just having trouble moving from "group work" to "independent work." Maybe another day or too doing it will help them get it together. Because please, let's move on.

I am so sleepy. It just hit me. Bed please!

I really don't have much else to say. Just killing time and putting off work....of course.

A few random pics that I want to post

Maveric and Ja-Ja


These girls mean the world to me. After all these years...


My baby Josie Bella


The boy and I after a delish lunch at Wades


Me and Moms. We've become great roommates.

Proud to be an American

Daily I listen to "Ace and TJ" on KISS 95.1. I love these guys. They're conservative, they lay it out, and they don't care who they piss off. Plus they are hilarious.

I try to listen to their section "Stupid News" before I head to my job. Well I missed part of it today so I logged online to see what's so "stupid" in today's world. Well, I got a few laughs out of these news stories. Seriously, it makes me proud to live in America.

A MAN IS SUING A STRIP CLUB BECAUSE A STRIPPER'S SHOE FLEW OFF HER FOOT AND HIT HIM IN THE HEAD

If there are two things that Americans love, it's strippers . . . and suing each other.

Since that's the case, you could really call this guy . . . 35-year-old Charles Privette of Margate, Florida. . . a TRUE AMERICAN. Here's why . . .

On January 14th, Charles was enjoying himself at a local strip club called the Booby Trap.

But at some point in the night, a dancer's shoe flew off her foot while she was performing a pole dance, shattering a ceiling mirror . . . and hitting Charles in the face.

As a result, Charles suffered a small cut to his eyebrow . . . and he claims to have recurring headaches and nose bleeds, as well.

Now, Charles is suing the Booby Trap for at least $15,000 . . . because he says the stripper didn't perform her pole dance in a reasonably safe manner. (Tampa Bay's 10)


HERE ARE TODAY'S "MOTHER AND FATHER OF THE DAY"

Now it's time to hand out our "Mother and Father of the Day" awards. Let's start with the ladies . . . shall we?

#1.) On Wednesday, 31-year-old Shawnah Foster of Victorville, California, was arrested and charged with committing "corporal injury to a child".

Now, I know what you're thinking . . . Shawnah probably abused her kid, right?

Nope . . . she abused SOMEONE ELSE'S kid.

See, two Sundays ago, Shawnah . . . this moron . . . drove her 12-year-old daughter to a local park . . . so she could FIGHT another 12-year-old girl.

But when it started to look like Shawnah's daughter was going to lose the fight . . . Shawnah jumped in, grabbed the other girl by the hair . . . and SLAPPED her face.

Depending on how Shawnah is charged. . . she could get up to SIX years in prison. (Victorville Daily Press)

#2.) On Wednesday, police in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were called to a strip club called Derriere's Gentleman's Club . . . after someone noticed a baby had been left in the back seat of a car in the parking lot.

Apparently, the little girl was buckled into her car seat, with the car doors unlocked . . . and the keys still in the ignition.

Anyway, the cops went into the club to find the owner of the car, and that's where they found the little girl's dad . . . 27-year-old Geoffrey Hale . . . smoking a cigarette and getting a lap dance.

So what was Geoffrey's excuse for leaving his baby in the car?

Basically, Geoffrey's 28-year-old baby-mama is a stripper at the club . . . and Geoffrey said he needed to get a cell phone number from her.

Since he didn't want to wake up the baby, or to bring her into the club, he decided the BEST thing to do . . . would be to leave her in the car alone. (Sun News)

Random vents

So I need to vent. Here I go.

--School is way overwhelming. I'm seriously considering doing something else. I probably won't because , ha, what else can I do with an elementary education degree? The adminstration has this thought that teachers are God or angels from God (which in some cases we are) but Lord help me, we cannot work miracles. I can't do all of this junk. Have I reflected? HA. No. Have I done my Promethean Charts to my best ability? No. (Sorry Jed but I've already admitted that to you earlier). Hot toe-amighty, I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. And they want me to pursue my masters?? Are they crazy??

Sad part is that I'll actually do all that and more. I am more than ADEPT ready...I'm ADEPT strong with some Protein Lessons mixed in with sleep shaken in there somewhere.

--We're way under paid. Ha. What a joke.

--I think I have a chubby face.

--I hate being a woman. Because sometimes you just don't feel good about yourself.

--I need patience in relationships. and understanding.

--Sometimes I feel like telling people to kiss my mexican butt. But I don't. I smile and say, "ok! Sure! no problem!"

--I do like my new Honda.

--I want COOL weather.

--My air is broke in my classroom. GEEEEEZZZ we're dying in there.

--My LAPTOP SUCKS.

--I want to be more organized. I look at my room and at my classroom and I realize how unorganized I am. I feel like I get it together and then my classroom ends up in chaos because of those stupid scarecrows. (Don't ask if you don't know).

--People above the age of 35 should not take technology training classes because let's face it--they will never get it.

I've just had a typical day. And I needed to vent. Goodnight.

The little things I love

1. New soap
2. New razors
3. A liter of shampoo
4. Cuddling with Josie at night in the curve of my legs
5. Receiving e-cards. Crack me up.
6. A good cold can of Diet Coke during faculty meetings
7. Those really soft baby blankets.
8. Crisp weather!
9. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
10. Candles. I light them every morning when I get ready.
11. Jumping in rain puddles.
12. Outback cheesy fries!
13. Cool air while I sleep.
14. Dressing up Josie in clothes.
15. Funky Danskos.
16. "To-Do List" updates from the WU girls.
17. Cooking with my lover
18. Flipcharts...when they are created and working properly.
19. America's Funniest Home Videos
20. New ringtones.

I will add radomly!

"Heaven has it, Ms. Castro!"

I love innocence in 3rd graders. Earlier this week we were doing a pre-assessment so I could see what my students knew about South Carolina. I asked the following question: "Where can you find rows of beautiful homes?" And my sweet (annoying too) but oh so sweet Mitchell said, "HEAVEN!" Bless him. This made my heart sigh and smile.

Where is our innocence? Don't you miss the days as a child where you were carefree and you just DO things without thinking? My childhood best friend Katie had that carefree innocence. She just did what she wanted to do, didn't think about the consequences. Her dad was a contractor so we were always exploring new homes and doing things we weren't supposed to do. One day I jumped in a mud puddle and got my new tennis shoes allllll muddy. They went from blue to orange. Katie's mom said,"Did you think about what would happen to your new tennis shoes?" We replied, "No. We just thought it would be fun." Of course, we didn't get in trouble because we were always too sweet. :)

Now it brings me to present times. A group of us went to Turtle Back Mountain to hike the waterfalls. Of course, being with Steena, I HAD to jump the cliff. Part of me was like, "Just do it. If you were little with Katie, she would have pushed you off this cliff." Then another part of me was thinking, "Ok, what if I don't jump far enough out? What if I get pushed by the under current? What if I hit bottom and get hurt?" But you know, after much debating I thought, "What do I have to lose? Jump." And I jumped (after 10 minutes of swinging back and forth). And what a thrill. I loved it. But I can only do that about twice a year. Too mcuh anxiety.

Faith like a child. I doubt a lot of things, especially when I'm not sure if it something that I should embark on or not to embark on. I question a lot of things. I worry too. Not tooo much but I do stress over things that others think is too small. But what's small to them is big to me. Does anyone else ever want to scream, "You just don't understand!!!" And sometimes they never will. That's when you need to go by yourself, take a deep breath, and just work through. Look at me giving advice when I sometimes have trouble doing that.

But on the contrary, it's also good to have someone say "I completely understand." I have never met a teacher that relates to me more than Robin does, my mentor teacher. Last year I had a few cries (what first year teacher doesn't??) and she would just come in and say, "I completely understand. I did the exact same thing my first year." And I know she would understand because she's a teacher. It's just those that aren't teachers that offer their advice that honestly, I really don't care for it sometimes.

"inch by inch is a cinch. yard by yard is hard." words for my dad (ha.) actually, this was when my dad was wise and didn't flip off the deep end. and it's true. I tend to look WAY ahead instead of what is now. Am I the only one that does that? Hope not... For example, this whole ADEPT thing is stressing me. Because not knowing what is going on and when they are going to "pop" in drives me crazy. But one day at a time...

Ok I went from the topic of innocence to just plain rambling. So I'm going to shush now. I'm going to go make a flipchart, my new hobby. I might add that on facebook!

Castro Cafe--Ole!

It's a new year. A new school year and some new beginnings. A lot has happened since my last blog. Let's recap, shall we?

I have passed my kids onto 4th grade. The last day was kind of bittersweet. I do miss them. Alot. And of course, I get overwhelmed with hugs in the lunchroom. Bless their soul. I hope I prepared them enough...

Josh moved in for the summer. It was an....experience I guess I could say. We learned a lot about one another. We definitely had our highs and our valley lows. But in the end, we're working on it. We love each other. Period. Ok, enough. Don't need to get too personal.

Mom is looking like a hot chica. Bom-chica-wow-wow.

I have a guinea pig!!! Gwinnie the Guinea. He is precious! A little skiddish, but I know this animal will bring lots of memories and laughs.

I GOT A BIGGER CLASSROOM!!!

New kids, new class. And I'm loving it. I have sooo much space. God bless my little workroom from last year. But it is not meant for a classroom. I have 20 kids this year. 10 boys and 10 girls. I have a sweet class. Very dynamic. They definitely won't compare to my kids last year. These kids are different but I like it because I have them from the beginning! I can train 'em my way at the beginning of the year. So far we haven't had any major encounters. Well except a couple...

2 kids flipped out of their chairs today in the lunchroom-in front of the principal. I guess I just need to plaster on my forehead KEEP ALL FOURS ON THE FLOOR.

Some can't follow directions so that resulted in tickets being pulled which equaled tears and tantrums on the floor. Geez. Grow up. You're in 3rd grade. That's not flying in my window.

Oh surprise! I joined a softball league. Let's do it together...GASP. yeah I know. s Elaine, my mom's friend said, "Um have they seen you run??" Candice got me to join it with her work which I recruited Valen. We played our first game Monday and I looked like a hardcore wet rat when we were done. But we won! Whoo-hoo! That called for celebration at where else? A MEXICAN RESTAURANT. Which led to Jake telling us his tales of his past pets--a rabbit that lived on his balcony for God knows how long; 2 beta fishes that he tried to get to fight but never did; and some random spider story. Still don't know what that story was about. But I had fun. We're hitting the batting cages this weekend. I like finding new hobbies!

Well, it's crazy storming here. And you know what that means--sleeeeeep. I met Josh in Gaffany tonight for dinner and wow--we were g-ross when we finally met up. But we had a good time. I'm glad he still thinks I'm beautiful with stringy wet hair and makeup running down my face.

Ok and I promise to blog more about my classroom experiences. And life experiences. Reading on my past ones last year has really made me smile and laugh.

goodnight world.

"But it's not wet Ms. Castro!"

Today felt like Monday to me. Yesterday felt like Tuesday to me. And I sit here and I can barely type I'm so tired.

Today was "one of those days."

It all started with L.W. came in pouting (I'll put initals to protect identity) because her shirt was "way too tight" and her hair was all in her face. Trama time! So I had to console her. A few minutes later, Z.R. walks in pouting about something too. Who knows with these kids? And then within 5 minutes, P.F. has a scratch on his arm from where C.B. has "accidently" scratched him. Then I have my lil J.V. saying, "Do I do this?" in her broken accent. Bless them all. And my soul.

With in 15 minutes I have gotten Z.R. to drop whatever attitude he has and get started on his work, L.W. talking to the guidance counselor, and J.V. started on something more of her level. And I have 5 minutes to myself to check e-mails.

At the last minute before getting started, we rearrange desks. Boy, this took 30 minutes. My kids were at each other's throats because they had been in the same seats for so long so they needed a change, and so did I. So we move about and getting situated. I came up with an arragement, but it's no the best--it'll do.

Next, SCIENCE! I am not really liking this whole Soil unit. As Gail said, we should write a letter to the idiot who came up with the idea to do all these "soil tests" with our kids (wetting soil, clay, and humus; smearing soil, clay, humus on paper; making balls with soil, clay, and humus). Well today, we put them in TEST TUBES. That's right. Test tubes. With water to see how they "settle." Well, before I know it, a test tube had exploded on J.C. which ended with clay all of her pants. Z.R. and Q.L. had added water to the cups instead of the test tubes so they had cups of wet clay all over their desk and hands. H.S. is hitting B.W. because he's not doing the experiment correctly. And then H.L. and K.G. have an overload of water in their test tubes which has drowned out their desks. And I had no paper towels. CRISIS. A classroom without paper towels is like not having toilet paper to wipe your butt--it's difficult to function without it!

After a few crazy moments, we get our test tubes in the cups, our desks cleaned up, and we're writing in our journals. For now at least.

Math was fine. Nothing too difficult about making a picture of a garden with different plane figures. But this whole concept of "parallelograms" blew their mind. We'll do more practice tomorrow.

YAY FOR MUSIC TIME! I had a 40 minute break to rest my body.

Then, we head to lunch which always holds the most excitement.

It was pretty calm (after breaking up a few disputes over who sits where) until I was finishing my lunch and talking to sweet J.V. who was telling me about her brother "betraying" her father. Then, poor C.J. comes up to me with a spit ball in her hair. I only needed one guess: Z.R. This is not the first time he has done spit balls. I call him over and he instantly has this, "Crap, I'm in trouble face." I ask him what he has been doing with this straw. This is our conversation.

Me: "Z. What were you doing with your straw?"
Z: "Shooting spit balls across the table."
Me: "why?"
Z: "Because I was bored because you wouldn't let me use the bathroom."
Me: "Well, do we spit spit balls at lunch?"
Z: "No, but it's not wet Ms. Castro! They were dry!"
Me: "Who cares if it was wet or dry!! The point is you don't do that!"
Z: "Yes ma'am."

I walk over there and there are at least 15 spit balls on the floor and one in K.G. hair. Sick. He lost his whole recess for that.

Honestly, my kids are a bunch of crazies. But I love them most days.

We're just the crazies in the small classroom at the end of the 3rd grade hall. Chances are you can hear us all the way from first grade (Which I've been told has been done before).

Goodnight.

Aggrivation to the extreme

Goodness. Talk about aggrivation to the extreme. And frustration. And anger. And hope at the same time.

It has been DRAMA central here at the Castro household. But you know, what's new with that? I have just been so frustrated with dad. It's ridiculous. He's REDONKULOUS (I only use that word when it's horrific). He's taking things where it hurts. I know they are only materialistic things but it's not right.

I honestly have a good piece of mind to show up at his office and just punch the snot of out of him? Can I do that?

I could but I'm not.

I hurt so bad for my mom. I hurt to see her like this. And I hurt for my dad because he's a looney bin!

But I have hope because I know that each day is one day closer to God's peace and grace.

But come Wednesday, it's going to a face to face interaction. Just wait and see.

It's just a moment...

...and time will pass.

I have to keep telling myself that. It has been a moment for the last 3 weeks I guess. It has just plain sucked. It's been almost surreal with everyting going on. Somedays I don't really think that much about Dad, but then there are other days where I am driven to tears that I can't hold back.

I put on a front that "I'm doing ok." But you know what, I'm not ok. I'm ok with the fact that he's left us for someone else. I'm not ok that he thinks that this is an okay lifestyle to lead. I'm not ok with the fact that he didn't call to wish me Happy Birthday. I'm not ok with the fact that he has lied to us. Im not ok with the fact that this is happening period.

But you know what I'm ok with? I'm ok with the fact that I know I'm going to survive. I'm ok with the fact that my mom will become a better woman because of this. I'm ok with the fact that I have absolute amazing friends and family who surround me with love and support. I'm ok with the fact that God is working through this relationship and family. I'm ok.

I stood in my dad's closet and I thought to myself, "This isn't happening. This is NOT happening again." But it is. As I touched my dad's sweaters and took in the smell of "him" I kept telling myself that the dad that raised me is dead. He's gone.

The dad that drove me to piano every week is gone.
The dad that taught me how to fly a kite at Milliken is no longer here.
The dad that would take me to Wendy's and to the library every week is gone.
The dad that dressed me and fixed me breakfast every morning in elementary school won't be doing that anymore.
The dad that taught me how to drive (and navigate me around SPTBG) is no longer available to call upon when I get lost in Greenville at 11:30 at night now.
The dad that left me roses on Valentine's Day and birthdays by my bedside won't deliver those now.
The dad that teased me about not knowing how to clean the swimming pool won't offer his sarcasim anymore.
The dad that always treated me to Pizza Inn for a "good dinner" won't be my dinner date anymore.
The dad that raised is gone. Not here. Not present.

I know this may sound so "pitty" but let me wallow. I haven't wallowed that much, well except for the occasional cry every week.

But I will say this--I will miss his dern good pancakes.