1 empty nest, 1 heating pad

I take this opportunity to submit my interpretation of the many “What to expect on college move in day” articles I’ve read -
Drink plenty of water. It will be hot.
There may be tears as your daughter adjusts to living away from home.   It will rain.
Get plenty of rest. You will strain your back.
Have the “hook-up” talk with [...]

fear failure much?

I had the MOTHER of all TEST dreams this morning. Summary: College algebra, haven’t studied, haven’t done assignments, no idea when class is - oh it’s in  20 minutes, no book, no pencil, find a pencil w/no eraser, find another pencil- it’s dull, can’t find classroom, can’t see teacher through window to see if it’s my class, listen [...]

Neo-luddite

 
Apparently I am a neo-Luddite.
 
I discovered this after reading an interesting article by Lowell Monke in Orion Magazine the other day. In the article, “Unplugged Schools” Monke suggests the need to ensure that we don’t substitute technology for personal interaction in the classroom. Since schools are one of the main institutions that influence a child’s [...]

Government jobs

A while back, I registered to receive email alerts about education jobs with the State of Florida. Not sure why I did that, but it provides fodder for both my amusement and pissiness.
Today I had an email alert for an opening as a Program Specialist, salary range $23,645.18 – $61,448.66.
Here is the description:
The employee must be [...]

collage

I’ve been inspired to make smallish collages this past week. I  stumbled upon some cool, helpful artists online at http://www.aisling.net/ and http://www.teeshamoore.com/. I’m following their suggestions and keeping my little gems in an “art” journal. The chopping, trimming, painting, coloring, pasting and arranging are oddly compelling. When I’ve finished it feels like a real accomplishment. I am the best kindergartener around! I [...]

steak night

Last night I dreamed about this guy in college we called “Steak night”. I had stupid code names for everyone. This one was because he worked in the dining hall checking ID cards, usually on Saturday night – steak night.
 Steak night was supposed to be a big treat, with thick slabs of tough steak, mashed [...]

Among Schoolchildren

I finished Among Schoolchildren (Tracy Kidder) this week.  As much as I have acknowledged how difficult a teacher’s job is, and how much of emotional investment and hard work is involved, I think I still picture the classroom of the 1950’s – the teacher at the blackboard, with well-groomed, well-behaved children who sit in rows of tiny, clean desks, [...]