How Much Do You Love Me? (By: Jessica)

Whenever I call my husband and ask him the question, "How much do you love me?", it's normally NOT a good thing.

His answer is usually not something you'd expect. ("I love you so much!" or "I love you so much it hurts" or "I love you a lot")

His answer usually results with him saying "NOT AGAIN!"..... then giving me a lecture.

A lecture about speeding.

Whenever I get a speeding ticket, I call my husband and immediately ask him "How much do you love me???". My last chance attempt to try to "butter him up" before I bring on the disappointment. Kinda like how a child tell's their mom how beautiful she is, right before they present the report card full of C's and D's.

This started as soon as we started sharing money and bank accounts. My money was now his. His money was now mine. My speeding tickets we not just MY problem, they were now his. I was not only hurting myself by wasting my hard earned money on my speeding habit.....I was now wasting his hard earned money as well. When I was solo, on my own, single, free as a bird....I paid my tickets and went on about my day. Now that someone else was involved, it was different. I guess there was more guilt involved.

I don't know how this happens. I don't know how someone (me) can possibly get SO MANY speeding tickets. I swear..... I CANNOT pass a police officer and get away with it. I WILL get pulled over. Believe that. I used to think it was because I drove a red car....and people always say that "red cars attract cops." But, that's not true. I have driven a silver car, a black car, and now a white car. They still flock to me like bee's to honey.

I have actually "locked eyes" with a passing cop before...I swear.... It was like they could read my mind; I'd been caught.....lead-footed! Suddenly, BAM!, here come the blue lights. Never fails.

Maybe police are attracted to me cause I do, in fact, have somewhat of a "lead foot". I can't help it. I have tried. and tried. and tried. Cruise control is my BFF. In fact, I'm so used to cruise control, that when I'm not using it, that's when I speed the most. Maybe using cruise control has hurt me more than it has helped me?

Every time I get pulled over and the cop goes back to his car to "run" my info, I think to myself..."Is this it? Is this the time they are going to haul me off to the big house? Is he going to suspend my licence? Will I have to go to driving school? Will this ticket be the last straw?" Panic takes over and (unfortunately) these thoughts come every time.

When I get pulled over 2 things happen.

Either I expect it.

Or I am TOTALLY taken by surprise.

If I KNOWINGLY pass a cop who is waiting (on me, nonetheless) my routine is to do the following.....
1. Tap the brake.
2. Look in the rear view mirror.
3. Wait for the blue lights.
4. Say a swear word under my breath.
5. Pull over.

If I DO NOT NOTICE the police car or he/she is driving in an un-marked car (which I think is cruel and tricky) my routine is to do the following:
1. Notice the blue lights (after they have been flashing behind me for at least 5 min.)
2. Gasp and tap the break
3. Say a swear word under my breath.
4. Think to myself "WHERE DID HE COME FROM!?!?!?!"
5. Pull over.


Once I am secured safely on the side of the road, my next actions are somewhat robotic....

1. Turn down the radio.
2. Reach into the glove compartment and get insurance and registration.
3. Get out driver's license.
4. Roll down window.
5. Wait for copper to come to ask me "Do you know why I pulled you over?"

I may come across to some police officers as cold, short, or bitchy....but usually I'm not really in the mood for a guessing game and don't feel like chatting it up. I normally do not answer the above question and just give them all the info they haven't even asked for yet. (licence, insurance, and registration)

I have NEVER, EVER been pulled over and I didn't know why. I always know why. It's always my fault. I do not deny that. My theory on getting a ticket is similar to that of taking off a band-aid. Just get it over with. Just give me the ticket and let me be on my merry way.

I never cry. Some people tell me this is THE WAY OUT. But, I just can't do it. I'm not a crier normally and I' not good at falsely turning on the tears. I have thought about breaking down and telling the cop that "if he gives me a ticket, my husband will beat me!", but I haven't mustered up the courage to say that.

I only escaped a ticket ONE TIME. I was diving to grad school in Columbia and traffic was NuTs!!! I was speeding, but only to keep up with the rest of the speeding traffic. Anyway- I had my friend, Alaina, in the front seat with me. She is beautiful. And extremely busty.I don't think I need to say any more. Is it a coincidence that I got out of THAT ticket? I think not.

I once got a ticket in MY OWN SUBDIVISION. 2 blocks from my own house. That was an all-time low.

I am in no way proud of my ability to gather speeding tickets. It's embarrassing. I feel like it's my dirty little secret. I'm a "closet speeder". It's something I am working on, whether my husband believes me or not. I really do try to "slow it down". I guess it's just something I need to try harder at. Or maybe it's just something I need to accept. Cops just love me. They can smell me. I will forever be a target. It is what it is.

Sidenote: I have never been in a car accident due to speeding, for the record. I have never been in a car accident, period. (knock on wood) I am a very cautious driver...just a cautious driver at a rapid pace.

P.S. I'm expecting a call or email from my mother after she reads this blog. My speeding addiction is something she is un-aware of. I do not share these details of my life with her. She is prolly sitting at her computer at this very moment, with her mouth hanging open, in total shock, at what her daughter has become. Like I said, it's my dirty little secret. So, Mom, don't worry....at least I'm wearing my seat belt!! xoxox

Just for kicks! (By: Jessica)

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/the-10-most-irritating-least-helpful-parenting-tips-ever-2448391/


BAM!! That was well said.  I think I've heard or witnessed all of those:)  Too funny!! (Lindsey)

Things I Heart (By: Jessica)

In honor of St. Valentine's Day, I thought it'd be appropriate to list some things that I absolutely adore, love, and that fill me with utter happiness!!  What a fabulous idea:)  So I decided to share things I heart, too:) 
Even if some are little, sometimes it's the littlest things that make me the most happy!
Happy Heart Day, Y'all!!


1. Ice Cream. As long as there is ice cream in my freezer at home, a bad day can always be better and there is always something to look forward to after dinner.

2. When my husband calls me "babe". I just feel loved.

3. Gertie's excitement to see me in the morning, like I haven't seen her in years! (as if she wasn't sleeping right beside me all night long)

4. New clothes. Even if it's a shirt or a pair of socks.


5. Body lotion. (when I have time to put it on!)

6. The sun.

7. Reality TV. Nothing can take my mind off stressful stuff like a glimpse into other people's lives.

8. Ice cream. Did I already mention this?

9. Michael Jackson.

10. Gossip magazines.

11. Standing in Leo's room and imaging him being in there.

12. Organizing....anything.

13. Sitting at my Aunt Jenelle's kitchen table, surrounded by family.

14. When a student does something that makes me feel like I have made a difference.

15. Getting text messages or emails from old friends.

16. My sister and I's inside jokes.

17. Cupcakes

18. Trying a new recipe.

19. My husband's laugh.

20. Mani's and pedi's.

Just writing that out made me smile!!! :) BAM!


Things I heart....
1.  McKinley's laugh.
2.  The sun and warmth.
3.  Summer = 3 months off work and pool time.
4.  Sleeping in guilt free.
5.  A little love tap from the hubby:)
6.  Working out and feeling strong, and healthy.
7.  Clean house, open windows, fresh air.
8.  Shopping - not even necessarily buying, just browsing.
9.  Cooking and baking.
10.  Sunday mornings and Church
11.  Professional massages
12.  Get my hair did.
13. Private Practice 
14. Bachelor or Bachelorette 

Random Question #3...... (By: Jessica)

So... all the 8th grade boys I currently teach are starting to talk like Pauly D on "Jersey Shore."

("Oh yeah!" "It's T-SHIRT TIIIIIIMMMMMEEEE", "Cabsarehere!")



Imagine how annoying that is.



Now, feel sorry for me and pray for me.



Ok....moving on.....



The behavior of these boys got me to thinking......... what really makes people "famous" anymore?



I mean....being "famous" used to mean that you had some kind of special talent not many people have. Singing (Celine Dion), dancing (Michael Jackson), acting (Morgan Freeman), Comedy (Bill Cosby), some type of athletic ability (Michael Jordan), brains (Bill Gates), incredible skill in your profession ( Dr. Jack Kevorkian.....ok......just kidding).



Now a days........... you can be "famous" for just about anything. Apparently it takes incredible skill to do the following things:

• Live with strangers....and get drunk (MTVs "Real Word")
• Go to the gym, do your laundry, and go tanning (MTV's "Jersey Shore")
  
• Not be able to find a date on your own (ABC's "The Bachelor" or "Bacherlorette")


• Get pregnant at 16 (MTV's "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom")


• Be overweight (A&E's "Heavy" and MTV's "I Used to be Fat")


• Be a drug addict (A&E's "Intervention")


• Get arrested (A&E's "Scared Straight" and MSNBC's "Lockup")


• Be filfthy rich (Bravo's "Real Housewives")


• Cheat on someone (Tru TV's "Cheaters")
• Look pretty........ with the help of top hair stylists and make-up artists ("America's Next Top Model")
• Give birth to 19 children (TLC's "19 Kids and Counting")
• Plan a wedding, while being a total *BEEP* to everyone you know and love (WE's "Bridezillas")
• Pretend you were a real cop (A&E's "Dog...The Bounty Hunter")
• Never throw anything away and live inside a trash dump (A&E's "Hoarders")
• Pick random fights with random people for random reasons, all while taking shots, smoking, kissing strangers, and saying 18 swear words, all at once (Bravo's "Bad Girls Club")

Some of the people in the above television drama's have banked major cash by doing what they do best. Being themselves. (the "stand-out people" that they are....sense the scarcasism)



Am I the only one who finds this mind-blowing and totally confusing? Am I the only one who finds it a little unfair? Am I the only one who gets annoyed by the amount of money, press, public admiration, and attention these people get?



Am I the only one who DVR's EVERY ONE of these shows and watches them all religiously?



Ugh! What's the entertainment world coming to?????

According to today's society, I will never be famous. :(

Whatcha think? (By: Jessica)

This article was passed on to me by my friend, Maria the Divine.

http://www.thestate.com/2011/02/08/1684042/sc-politics.html

It is quite interesting.

I have varied opinions on it and I'm curious to know what Linds thinks of it.....

I'm also curious to know what other teachers think of it......

I'm just as curious to know what the opinions are of people who ARE NOT teachers....

Let me know...post your thoughts, opinions, questions, and concerns.

Here are mine....


"teachers’ salaries should be based on their effectiveness in the classroom, not their seniority or post-graduate credentials."

This statement I have mixed feelings about. I agree a little with the 1st part, but not the last. I do think that increasing teachers pay based on post-graduate credentials is extremely important. If I put MY OWN money into increasing my degree, that I expect to get it back in a pay increase. Call me crazy or selfish, but I'm not going to go back to school and take class after class for my own good. I'm sorry. I'm just not. I'm going to do it for the money. The first part of this statement is touchy. I think that it would be great to base salaries on classroom effectivness, but what exactly would constitute "good classroom effectiveness"?

I agree with this statement to an extent.  Like you mention there are several loop holes.  Your right, define "classroom effectiveness."  Does this mean my salary is based on a student's performance or my ability to reach ALL students who come from a variety of backgrounds as well as  different needs? Some kids simply choose not to work and I don't want my salary based on the lack of effort of a middle school student who has a hard time seeing the big picture in life or may not necessarily value education as their peers and Justin Beiber are more important at this time in their lives.  On the flip side,  I also feel that  a teacher who has been in the classroom for 30 years should not get paid more than a teacher who has been only teaching for 3-4 years but are working their tails off to be the best, while the veteran has become complacent and comfortable.  So there needs to be something or some way to measure teacher effectiveness and it cannot based only on student performance. 

"...the state’s best teachers should be paid much more, while inferior teachers should be tossed."

Tossed? That's a little harsh.... but I kinda like this statement. If you are not doing your job correctly, then don't expect to reap the rewards of those who are. I would LOVE to be paid more for being a successful teacher! I think incentive money or perks for high test scores or number of passing students would be GREAT! I also think that this will NEVER happen and would be very hard to come up with guidelines for. But, it's nice to dream, huh? I also like how he says "paid MUCH more." I wonder how much more we are talking about???

I just recently read in a parent magazine, "teachers are the most unappreciated profession, yet have the highest expectations."  This statement just goes to show how our society has a lack of respect for teachers.  Who uses the word inferior and tossed when referring to teachers? Where is the respect and support for teachers? Instead of complaining about them, let's help them and work with them.  Isn't that what we do for our students?  Why not, do it for our teachers who hold the power and are the ones on the frontline of education?  I get so tired of hearing how easy teachers have it, only work 9 months of the year, anybody can teach.  My response, go for it, I dare you.  Talk to me in a year, then tell me how easy it is.   





"...postgraduate degrees and certifications don’t seem to boost student learning. "

DISAGREE. I think they do. Just my opinion.  Hey Mr., I think you need some research to back your statements, with all do respect, I'm pretty certain there would be research support the fact that furthering education does not hurt student learning, AND allows for teachers to keep up the latest, cutting edge teaching methods and strategies.   AND I'm pretty sure NO other profession requires you to continue your education until the end of our career.  Bottom line, teachers never stop learning and your telling me this "doesn't seem to boost student learning." I don't buy it.  Not one bit.  


"He wants to compensate teachers based on how much students learn in their classroom — determined by tests they take at the beginning and end of the school year — along with evaluations from students, parents, principals and fellow teachers. "

This statement makes me smile, gives me goosebumps, and makes me excited. Why...cause I know that I deserve this and have achieved these things and am currently achieving these things. I know that I prolly could bring home more of the bacon and support my growing family, if teachers were compensated for "doing a good job". But, I know it would never happen. Whenever my students score high on their state-wide tests (which they have the past 3 years....1st or 2nd out of 9 schools that we compete against...thank you very much) my school does not even acknowledge it. I get no "pat on the back", no "great job", no announcement in the paper or over the intercom. Heck...not even a smile, wink, and gun. Nuttin. I had ONE administrator, ONE time, acknowledge me at a staff meeting on my high test scores. Thank you Charlie Mayfield, I will never forget that. What makes you think they are going to start handin' out the benjamins, when they won't even say "good job"? Bahhahahah! But, like I said before...it's nice to dream......

All for this, I say go for it.  But since we are going to hold the teacher's accountable, let's go ahead hold parents, students, principals accountable, too.  I believe in order for a student to be successful all parties need to be fully committed to learning and do their jobs as well.   This means the student commits to coming to school everyday ready to learning and puts forth effort everyday.  This means the parents respect and support teachers in every realm and commits to open communication with the teacher at all times.  This means principals support the teachers when a student makes a poor choice and heaven forbid say NO to a parent.  I'm not holding my breath.  Let's be honest, parents run our districts.  Parent can't say NO kids anymore, than leaders can say NO to parents.  Get some balls, people.  Really.

"...Teachers in certain hard-to-fill subjects — such as physics, chemistry and biology — also should be paid more, he said. "

You want to pay someone MORE who teaches a specific subject? That's dumb. Who's to say one subject is harder than another? Teaching is hard work regardless of WHAT you teach. That's just stupid.
Im curious to know what you think. Do you agree, disagree, both? I won't be offended if you have a different opinion than myself....that's life and happens all the time! :)

Really, I'm embarrassed that someone even would say this.  That's like saying not every student can learn.  Every teacher is teaching.  


We should pass a bill, you know, like NCLB (No Child Left Behind), and cause a nation of panic once we realize our students are failing and our educational systems need help.  Educational reform finally is acknowledged, thanks to NCLB.  So thank you NCLB.  You've left our teachers in awry, feeling hopelessness, overwhelmed, undermined, and unappreciated.  You have left our kids to little or no creativity because of test driven lessons.  You have left our nation in a world of hurt because you tried implementing something you didn't have a plan for.  You didn't provide your teachers with the support, training, NOR money to make things better, instead you created a society in which our students,  teachers, and administrators focus more on a way to "beat the system" and "results" of invalid, poorly written assessment to gauge the learning of students.  Quite frankly, you took a true, pure education and learning environment away from teachers who were passionate about their content and students who just wanted choices in education, not a test.  So good luck on finding those hard to fill subjects.  Oh and where is this extra money coming from to pay these hard to fill subject area teachers?  Last time I checked our nation is at least 15 trillion dollars in debt.  Good plan, people.  Really.  




Bottom line, I don't have the answers nor a solution, but I wish people would start listening to teachers who are in the forefront of education.  Really, we might actually get somewhere with educational reform.   




  

The Joy of the workplace (By: Jessica)

Work is something that I have a love/hate relationship with. There are times I love love love what I do. There are times I absolutely, positively despise what I do. Some days I can't see myself doing anything else in life. Some days I question myself 100x's "why did I choose to do this?". Sometimes I am positive that God put my on this earth to do exactly what I'm doing. Sometimes I think God intended for me to do something totally different. It changes a lot....my feelings about my profession. But, I think that's normal with all areas of life. Isn't it? (please agree!)


Overall....I feel very blessed to work where I work. Let me tell you why....


I work at a building called "The Darby Building". A 7th and 8th grade building named after an old lady...Mrs. Darby.... who we tease haunts the building at night. (which is our excuse to never stay late!) This building is old. Very old. But, it's comforting to me. I walk in everyday to what feels like my living room. I don't walk in stressed, nervous, anxious, scared, or sad. (Well...sometimes) I walk in to a familiar place. That's a good feeling.


The other teachers I work with are God sent. Really. I don't know if I would still be here if it wasn't for these peeps. In fact....I KNOW I wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for these people.


When I moved to SC 6 years ago, I never in a million years thought I'd stay this long. I needed a job and I figured I could do anything for a year. If it didn't work, I'd be back....and honestly...planned on being back. But, I seemed to fit in swell with the Darby Building....so I figured I'd stay. The people here opened their arms to me and I willingly walked in.


Let me introduce you to some of the stars of my workplace....


First you have our school Secretary...Ami. Love Love Love this lady! I love being able to go up to her office during my planning time and chat it up with her! We have the best discussions! I especially love the ones we have where we have to whisper and close the door! Those are the best! Her smile can make a bad day better and her laugh is contagious! She's very helpful and her work is always "right on". She gives great advise and has NEVER told me to "just wait" since I've been pregnant! Huge points!


Next, is my Social Studies co-hort, Kerri. Her and I are very similar...In our personal lives as well as our professional. Her and I both teach S.S. so we always have a lot to talk about and we have very similar teaching styles. She is a wonderful teacher who I steal a lot of great ideas from! She is also extremely fun and funny! Her laugh is contagious! We have a very similar sense of humor and find certain things funny that most people wouldn't! Kerri makes my days here fun and without her, I think this place would be very very boring.


"Sister Linder" (Linda....ELA) is next. What an amazing, Christian woman! I look up to her so much! I don't know if she knows that.... She's stylish, professional, supportive, faithful, fun-loving, and all around amazing! She is the only woman who can dress up on "senior citizen day" in a bath robe and curlers and still look beautiful!! She's the only woman who can slip and fall in the hallway and break her wrist and still have grace....and look beautiful! (she didn't even cry!) WOW! Linder is awesome and I feel blessed to have her in my life!



Mrs. Jo Patterson.....Math...... (said in a perfect southern accent) is the most entertaining lady in our building...I think! She always has the best stories and is always up for any type of game!! My type of friend!!! She has the best recipes and her corn dip is something I dream about! (seriously.) I rarely see Jo without a smile and if I do, I find it hard to smile as well. She also has the sweetest husband I have ever met and her sons are equally as impressive as her! Jo Patterson is just one big "buffet of pleasure" to all of us (LOL)!!


Kristen (Science) is new to our staff this year, but it doesn't feel like it. It feels like she has been with us for years and years! God knew we needed her and placed her in our building as a gift to all of us! Not only is she an AMAZING teacher, but she is a barrel of laughs! I love her quirky sayings and hilarious "ma" stories! When I met Kristen last summer I immediately loved her! I am amazed by her love of HS sports and how she NEVER misses any type of football or basketball game! She has great passion for a lot of things and I wish to God I had her energy and drive! I feel like I can learn a lot from her (and I already have) and am looking forward to all the years I have to work with her!

Carla Sue. Love Carla Sue! (ELA) She's always a good time and I can always guaranteed a good conversation with her! She's very laid back and doesn't let little things bother her! If you ever want to chill out and relax, go sit next to Carla! If you ever want a good laugh, go sit next to Carla! If you want to "hear it like it is", go sit next to Carla! Carla also shares my deep passion for JCPenney's, so we have our great fashion sense in common!! Even though her driving always makes me car sick, I can always count on Carla to put me at ease and put a smile on my face! Oh, and by the way, she has the prettiest legs I have ever seen! Just sayin....

Wanda (Math) was sent by Jesus himself to work with me. She is BY FAR the sweetest woman I have ever met! She wears her heart on her sleeve and really cares about everyone! I have never heard anything negative come out of Wanda's mouth and Im totally not kidding. She is the most supportive, kind, helpful, grateful, and sympathetic woman I have ever met. Not only is she one helluva teacher, but she is a teacher I look up to. She is one of those teachers who, no matter how long she has been teaching, still does new and interesting this in her classroom. I admire that! She has taught them all....and all of them love her! Wanda is someone I aim to be like and someone I thank God for everyday!

Coach Bush (Science). Ahhh..... Coach Bush. Your smile reminds me of my father and for that I love you. Coach Bush doesn't have a lot to say, but when he does, I'll listen all day long! I love his passion for football and how he coaches our kids every fall! Our 7th and 8th grade boys look up to him in a way that will melt your heart. Kids love him, the staff loves him, women love him.....did I mention he's crazy attractive? Well.... he is. Toby, don't be offended. You should actually thank Coach Bush..... because of him you now have a good idea of what I want you to look like in 30 years.

Leslie (Business) has been my "neighbor" on and off for a few years. Whenever I see Les I want to break out into song with the theme song from Mister Rodgers. (take a min and sing it to yourself....) I love being able to go out in the hall between classes and see her smile. Even if we only have 4 min to stand outside our doors and give each other a "sigh" and say "3 more hours" or "2 more hours", that's sometimes is all I need! I also love looking at Leslie...and not in a weird, stalker way. She is beautiful and so put together! I actually look forward to seeing what kind of outfit she will have on or what kind of accessories she will have on or how she will wear her hair on a certain day. Everyday is different. It's like a Christmas surprise everyday! Who wouldn't love that?! Leslie is also a good time and whenever I plan ANY type of trivia game, I want her on my team.

Gene Wood (from Greenwood). Guidance. Need I say more? This man is one of the reasons I have stayed in SC and at Ware Shoals as long as I have. I love me some Gene Wood! He is not only available to to offer guidance to our students, but I have been know to bust up in his office and take a seat and ask for guidance as well..... and he lets me! Gene was a program attendant at my wedding.... and you know how important a job that is! (lol!) I love Gene's quirks.... and sometimes can be envious that he can find better "deals that are steals" than I can! Gene always has the best stories and I can never get enough of his southern accent. He also has an incrediable ability to make a song out of any situation! I love walking into my classroom and seeing a little gift on my desk. From Gene. I love receiving a card, after an administrator brought me to tears. From Gene. I love that the SC flag that hangs proudly in my classroom. From Gene. I love the comfort that I feel at my job. From Gene. See why I adore this man?

Laurie (Special Ed) is the entertainer of the group. Laurie keeps us all guessing! She is a riot! Sometimes I think she comes to work for a break...cause once she goes home, her real job begins! Laurie wears many hats! She teaches 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. She also has 3 kids, a husband, and pets. Regardless of how crazy and busy her life may be, she always is interested in what's going on with everyone else. She's concerned about how everyone is doing and whats happening in everyone's lives. I don't know of a day where Laurie didn't ask me how I was doing or how my day has been. She cares deeply about others and is a wonderful friend!

I feel it important to give a shout out to my friend, Maria. She does not work with us in Ole Darby, but she used to. I miss seeing her 19 times a day! I miss working with her on all the field trips and planning events. It's no fun doing it all by myself. But, at least she's still here and alive and my friend....just not down the hall anymore. As long as I know she's still "in the building", I suppose I can handle it. Thank goodness for IM!!!

Well...there you have it. The above people make up my world. They are great people. Sometimes I spend more time with these people that my own husband or family. So. I guess it's a good thing I like them! Just hope the feeling is mutual!!

Go Hornets!!