Today is el cinco de mayo. Some say it is a big cause for celebration. I think it is just a cause for celebration. Know what I mean? But sometimes do you need a reason to celebrate. Sometimes just hanging out with friends is all that you need.
It was a strange, exhilirating day. I just returned from the Guild meeting for my children's school. We all had to pick two events to co-host next year. This year, I did one small event and one larger than life event. I am done with larger than life events. So I cheesed out and chose two small events. Santa Fotos at the Christmas Fair and the snacks for the Guild Installation. Should be a piece of cake and maybe, just maybe I will cook for them all. :) We shall see what I feel like next year.
Anyway, not a crazy fun day, but a nice day nonetheless.
4.5.11
Part II, Day 10: Blah!
Today is a blah day! It could be the rain. Everything seems gray and half full. I hate when I have these days. Well, at least tomorrow should be better. It has to be, right?
Part II, Day 9: Back in the Saddle
Today was truly a step back in time. I taught for the first time in seven years. Literally, seven years. See seven years ago this week, I was placed on bed rest during my pregnancy with the twins. So when my children's school called to tell me the Spanish teacher was away and asked if I would like to help out, I said yes.
It was exciting to be back in the classroom and I totally want this job should it ever come to pass that the teacher retires! Her schedule is the cushiest schedule in the entire world: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:20-2:20. Yep, you read that correctly. Four days a week for two hours. A total of three classes per day with three very light preps. From what I can understand no to little homework and preps easier than I have ever had.
I was nervous about teaching the middle school level since I had not taught that level EVER. I started out teaching at UCLA as part of my fellowship for the doctoral program (I did not finish because my professor, who was the only expert in my field left the university and never returned). Then I taught at some community colleges. Then I was at an all girls' high school for a while. Then a stay at home mom driving my husband insane with my endless projects. Though I think he enjoys my enthusiasm and drive. :)
It was fantastic to be speaking Spanish again for long chunks and I realized that I still have the teaching thing. The kids were enthusiastic. We did their exercises so quickly and it was so much fun. Though those poor seventh graders had to endure six listening comprehensions via CD for 35 minutes! I was bored to tears, I can only imagine how they felt.
I spoke with the French and Chinese teachers later (All the language teachers share an office) and they were shocked when I told them that I had a ball. The French teacher told me that it has not be fun for her for years. That is a little sad. Teaching was always fun for me. I hated the correcting, but loved the students and loved seeing their eyes open with excitement to learn a new lesson. Let's see if this substitute gig ever pans out.
Oh, and my first grade daughters informed me that they could hear me downstairs. Still a loud teacher... gotta love booming Spanish in the quiet school. Those kids had so much fun!!
Anyway, I will report on my second day. Today truly brought me happiness!
It was exciting to be back in the classroom and I totally want this job should it ever come to pass that the teacher retires! Her schedule is the cushiest schedule in the entire world: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:20-2:20. Yep, you read that correctly. Four days a week for two hours. A total of three classes per day with three very light preps. From what I can understand no to little homework and preps easier than I have ever had.
I was nervous about teaching the middle school level since I had not taught that level EVER. I started out teaching at UCLA as part of my fellowship for the doctoral program (I did not finish because my professor, who was the only expert in my field left the university and never returned). Then I taught at some community colleges. Then I was at an all girls' high school for a while. Then a stay at home mom driving my husband insane with my endless projects. Though I think he enjoys my enthusiasm and drive. :)
It was fantastic to be speaking Spanish again for long chunks and I realized that I still have the teaching thing. The kids were enthusiastic. We did their exercises so quickly and it was so much fun. Though those poor seventh graders had to endure six listening comprehensions via CD for 35 minutes! I was bored to tears, I can only imagine how they felt.
I spoke with the French and Chinese teachers later (All the language teachers share an office) and they were shocked when I told them that I had a ball. The French teacher told me that it has not be fun for her for years. That is a little sad. Teaching was always fun for me. I hated the correcting, but loved the students and loved seeing their eyes open with excitement to learn a new lesson. Let's see if this substitute gig ever pans out.
Oh, and my first grade daughters informed me that they could hear me downstairs. Still a loud teacher... gotta love booming Spanish in the quiet school. Those kids had so much fun!!
Anyway, I will report on my second day. Today truly brought me happiness!
2.5.11
Part II, Day 8: Belly Dancing!
In my quest to get fit and happy (as well as, healthy) I had enrolled in Boot Camp. This idea was such a great idea and had such wonderful potential. 5 weeks of hell for a life recovered. However, day dreams and reality are often not well aligned. This was the case with Boot Camp. All the best intentions have left me a Boot Camp drop out - for a second time.
Part of me feels guilty because I was really committed to this, but part of me is relieved because I was so anxious and stressed about finding a babysitter. It was going to cost a lot of money for the five weeks, but we were willing to do so for my fitness.
So, undeterred to figure out my own boot camp, at my pace, I devised this program:
exercise classes at my gym three times a week and find a nutritionist who is backed by a doctor.
Today was the beginning of this new odyssey here in my life. I convinced my Boot Camp buddy to join me at the first day of this new regimen. We decided to try the Belly Dance class. It sounded fun and we figured with all the hip shaking, it had to be a good workout. I was so sweaty when we ended, but it was so, so much fun!! We shimmied, we shook, we laughed and we had an intense workout! Now we just have to figure out Wednesday adventure. For now Fridays will remain Adult Jazz.
As for the nutritionist, I have an appointment on May 19th. I can't wait to hear what they have to say. :)
In the meantime, the dancing in this song reminds me of today's class:
Part of me feels guilty because I was really committed to this, but part of me is relieved because I was so anxious and stressed about finding a babysitter. It was going to cost a lot of money for the five weeks, but we were willing to do so for my fitness.
So, undeterred to figure out my own boot camp, at my pace, I devised this program:
exercise classes at my gym three times a week and find a nutritionist who is backed by a doctor.
Today was the beginning of this new odyssey here in my life. I convinced my Boot Camp buddy to join me at the first day of this new regimen. We decided to try the Belly Dance class. It sounded fun and we figured with all the hip shaking, it had to be a good workout. I was so sweaty when we ended, but it was so, so much fun!! We shimmied, we shook, we laughed and we had an intense workout! Now we just have to figure out Wednesday adventure. For now Fridays will remain Adult Jazz.
As for the nutritionist, I have an appointment on May 19th. I can't wait to hear what they have to say. :)
In the meantime, the dancing in this song reminds me of today's class:
Part II, Day 7: Gardening to Happiness
Today was a fantabulous day - my own word, I admit, but so much more than fantastic and fabulous! :)
My daughters slept over at Grammie and Grampy's house so we had our son with us. The boys decided to let me sleep in to the late hour of 7:45 am and then when I tried to go downstairs, I was shooed back upstairs! So I was forced to hang out in bed, listening to some of my favorite 80s music on the TV music channel while sipping coffee. Then they made homemade scones and we had breakfast in bed. It was not a special day, but I felt so special.
After lolling about until 10 am, we finally got our rears in motion and went shopping for new trash containers for the curbside pick up, mulch for the garden and leaf picker upper thingies for the garden. Then we went to a gardener's bliss...
There is a gardening store near us that has row upon row of gorgeous plants and trees and flowers and what not. The whole thing is the size of a soccer field. I am not an avid gardener, but I love going to this place and seeing potential and day dreaming. We walked every aisle and could not decide what to purchase for our yard, so we decided to have lunch at the farmer's market that was at the end of the tree aisle. We discovered some amazing vendors: the best jam I have ever had and I have had jam all over the place, an organic spice purveyor, an all natural butcher with a farm close by, and a nice sense of community. We will definitely go back there!
After our delightful lunch, we finally made decisions: a magnolia tree, a self-pollinating peach tree, a pussy willow tree, a forsynthia bush, and poppies, pansies, English daisies and an artichoke. The yard is already looking a little better.
The gardening was hard work, but it will be great! So, if you are looking for a new hobby that is a good workout, let me suggest some gardening!
1.5.11
Part II, Day 6: Minus two kids
Tonight my mother called and asked if the twins could stay over and would I mind? Would I mind? Please take the little ones from me. Still not feeling 100% and a little break will do me some good. Now to convince the hubby to take the little man to dinner. I am sure that will not be a hard sell since the two of them have very little time alone together now that all three are in German school on Saturdays.
Part II, Day 5: Fever hits home
Today I was down and out for the count. Fever, sluggish, not a bit to report. Just lots of driving and trying to stay awake. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)