Sometimes I Have a Good Day

Last Wednesday was the day before Thanksgiving, so school was kinda fun. I was in a great mood, knowing I had a holiday and a long weekend coming. Most of my kids came to school, since freshmen and sophomores haven't figured out that no one comes to school the day before a holiday. But enough kids were gone that my classes were largely quiet and agreeable. I gave everyone Thanksgiving word find puzzles for extra credit, so that made everyone happy, too.

My 6th period class is freshmen reading -- they are kids who have really low reading scores so this class is supposed to get them caught up. That's not what happens at all, unfortunately. But we do a lot of silent reading, which I enjoy.

Anyway, one of my kids from last year, who is now a senior, often comes to visit during this class. He gets in trouble a lot, so he comes to my room during 6th to hide from security. I like this kid a lot, so it doesn't bother me. We were talking and he wanted to see pics of Emiko, so I went to Todd's blog to show him pics. The other kids wanted to see, too.

It was hilarious -- my kids went on and on about how cute Emiko was. A couple of boys told me that Emiko was thick and that all the black boys would want to go out with her. They asked me if I would let her date a black boy, or would I make her marry someone who was Chinese. Lavern, my senior visitor, reminded them that Todd is NOT CHINESE!!! He explained that Todd was Japanese, so he liked moo shu. I had to tell him that moo shu was actually Chinese, but that he did like it. Then he said -- he's Japanese like Jackie Chan. I said -- no, Jackie is Chinese. He said -- like Jet Li? I said -- nope, wrong again. Jet is also Chinese. Then he gave up. My kids then said it didn't matter because Todd likes fried rice so everyone's happy.

I told my students that Emiko could date anyone she wanted to -- that I would try to respect her wishes. Although I hope she doesn't want to date any G's or Fo's (that's gang talk for you). They agreed that was probably a good idea.

Then they talked some more about how thick she was and how that's a compliment and that really -- all the black boys were going to want to get with her. It was pretty funny.

My kids do crack me up. When they aren't making me want to cry, that is!!! Now if I can just make it to Christmas.

My Hogs Beat #1 Ranked LSU

My Hogs did it! They beat LSU in triple overtime in Baton Rouge!!! It was so freakin awesome! Can I tell you how satisfying it was to call my dad and brag about this??? Since he's from Louisiana, he considers himself an LSU fan, as do most of my relatives. So every year he calls me after the AR-LSU game to brag. Finally bragging rights were mine!!!

Technically I should be an LSU fan, as I was born in Louisiana. And I do cheer for LSU, except when they play my Hogs. I definitely would rather have LSU as number one versus Kansas or West Virginia. Oh well -- it's totally worth it.

I still think Houston Nutt sucks and I think he's probably not going to be back next season. But this may have saved his job -- it's hard to say. Darren McFadden had an amazing game, despite his three fumbles early in the first quarter. He more than made up for that. This should remind Heisman voters of his talent. I know this season hasn't been worthy of his skills.

Anyway, it was awesome and super fantastic and has made my whole weekend!!!

Woo Pig Sooie!!!!!!!!!!!

A Pestilence in Our House

Sunday our wedding photographer Larissa came over to take family pictures. Emiko had a cold, but seemed in pretty good spirits. But as the morning progressed, Emiko started to feel worse. She actually threw up on the red velvet dress that I wore when I was a baby. She looked really cute in my red velvet dress and black patent leather mary-janes. But once she threw up, that kind of ruined our photo shoot. Larissa says she got some good pics, though.

So Emiko was sick for a couple of days. She would eat, then would have a coughing jag since she's so congested. Then she'd throw up. Often on me. Sunday and Monday involved my getting thrown up on a lot.

I had Monday off for Veteran's Day, so staying home with Emiko was no problem. Tuesday Todd stayed home with her. He had a cold, but it wasn't major. I got a text message from Todd that afternoon saying his cold was worse and could I bring home some cold medicine and Gatorade? So I did.

I got home Tuesday to find Todd and Emiko both in our bed -- Todd had made a fence of pillows so Emiko couldn't roll off. They were both pretty miserable. That's when we discovered that Todd's cold was actually the flu.

So I had to take Wednesday off to take care of both my babies. I felt kinda lousy myself, but it wasn't anything major. Then last night I got sick. It hit me hard. I really wish my husband would not share his illnesses with me! Although my flu is far more mild than his, thank goodness. I have to go to work tomorrow -- I just can't be off three days in a row. I dread to see what chaos the subs have wreaked on my classroom!

We do get out a bit earlier on Fridays -- hopefully I can make it through. I'll have to figure out what to give my kids that will not involve their talking to me. I'll have to think about that.

Our house is a pit -- the pestilence is persuasive. Don't come over! And when you see me, don't try to make out with me. It's just not worth the risk!

This pic is of Emiko's two new teeth. It was taken before the pestilence hit!

School Schmool

I have to get my post up on my trip to Louisiana -- we had a great time. But until Todd helps me with the pics and whatnot, I'll bitch more about my job. Won't that be fun???

Report Card Pickup was Wednesday, and I didn't have any parents who screamed at me or threatened to kick my ass. So it was quite successful, I'd say. I did meet a few really nice parents, and a few kinda scary parents. But it was good all in all. I do think I might like working 12-6, though. I had to be at work at 12:00, and then we were to clock in and go straight to lunch. We had to be back at school at 12:45 in order to be ready to see parents at 1:00. There is no traffic at 11:00 in the morning. I got to work in 12 minutes! It was great!

Anyway, then on Thur I got a letter from my principal stating that since my 2nd period class has a 70.37% failure rate, I had to write a remediation plan and be prepared to meet with my principal on Friday. I was to be ready to defend my grades and explain how I would raise them.

This is so annoying and insulting. 2nd period starts at 8:00 am. Apparently my students can't get to school by 8. So the 70.37%% who are failing are failing because THEY NEVER COME TO CLASS! I have one kid who came to that class one time. I looked up his report card -- he had 5 Fs, yet somehow managed to get a C in gym. How is that possible??? But is the teacher who is giving passing grades to the kids who don't show up getting pulled into the principal's office??? No, of course not.

So I wrote up my stupid plan, and was prepared to share it. Then Fri afternoon I got a memo saying I was required to attend a professional development session the following Thur to assist with my grading problems. I am to bring my remediation plan with me. Awesome!

Then I saw our test scores from last year -- I will have to get a copy of that memo. Let me just say this -- the scores are shockingly low. I don't know how my school even stays open. We aren't a neighborhood school -- technically we are a selective enrollment school. Which makes me laugh -- no one gets rejected. Anyway, I think I should be seriously worried that my school may close. We've been on probation for years, and these scores are way lower than before. I'm talking 7s in math, no one was proficient in science, that sort of thing. I thought a 15 average on the ACT was bad. A 7????

OK, I think those are my rants for now. I'm sure I'll think of some more transgressions. At least I'm off tomorrow to celebrate Veteran's Day! Although Emiko has a bad cold, so my day off will require a trip to the doctor's office. It's still better than school!!!