I've been trying to describe how wonderful it has been coming from student teaching to teaching professionally. It's like having new-found freedom that I didn't even know existed. The first few times I tried to log-in to the online grading system, I very nearly texted my old cooperating teachers to see if they were already logged in or not. The text would have been in vain because I have my OWN Skyward account, username and password now.
When I go to add grades I'm still kind of gun-shy because I forget these are all MY students in MY classroom where I get to make the decisions...one of those decisions being making the call on what student/classes need an extension and what student/classes have abused the time given to them.
I DO answer to a higher authority, but that higher authority has hired me on the basis that they trust I will do my job well, otherwise I wouldn't be here. That's definitely something I need to keep reminding myself of. I am teaching at this school because I was invited to. They saw a good teacher in me and asked me to teach 120 of their 2,000 students.
I'm having a blast! I brought home an entire BOX of grading because I hate myself I guess, but I'm still managing my own assessment "calendar" you could say.
UHigh was lightyears away from what a regular high school is. I kept saying it wasn't, but little things set it apart. For example: I had a student in my class yesterday who was wearing his hat during class. It never once even crossed my mind that that wasn't okay. Another teacher came in to give me something and she noticed, got his attention and touched her head. I apologized to him, saying I should have said something first. Dress code. Huh. Forgot those were a thing.
I was sharing some of these thoughts with my department head, about how I'm still second-guessing myself because I'm still used to being a guest in someone else's classroom. She said, "It's like that scene in Shawshank Redemption where Morgan Freeman is working in a grocery store and he asks his manager if he can go to the bathroom. And his manager says 'You don't have to ask'"
It's exactly like that.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Sweet, Sweet Sugar
Seeing as we were out of cookies (and had been for some time) I decided to make some oatmeal pecan ones. I found a recipe for oatmeal cookies that didn't call for flour (because I'm out) and then added pecans that I have randomly. They're not awesome, but they're sweet, warm and gooey and that's all I need.
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| Jay just cleaned the stove today...good thing too, otherwise this shot would have looked awful. |
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| One tablespoon of "batter" makes good on one uneven cookie |
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| Pecans probably should have been chopped first. Hindsight's 20/20 |
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| Have a recipe! |
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| Like I said, not awesome, but they're pretty tasty |
Monday, July 23, 2012
We've Moved!
We finally did it! We're all out of the old apartment and we're in the new place.
Let's name off all the fancy, grown-up things that we have now:
-Stairs
-Landing
-Office
-Basement
-Backdoor
-Dining room
-Private bathroom
-Freedom to walk from the bedroom to the bathroom sans pants
Now let's look at some pictures!
Note: These were taken around 3:00 on Sunday, the day after we got everything moved in. We've made a few more strides since then, except for the office. That's sort of become the room where we put all of the stuff that didn't go in any of the other rooms.
Here's the kitchen. Yep, the whole thing. It's smallish, but it's mine and I love it. Also there are ants, but they're temporary.
No cabinets on one side, I have open shelving up here and down below the counter, but I like the openness of it all.
Dining room...and a table that we sit at and eat food. It's kind of plain right now, we might get a hutch in there and maybe some wall hangings.
Left side of the living room from the dining room. All of Jay's graphic novels are in that antique bookshelf. There's a TV stand to the right of it now with the TV on it.
We're very excited, very sore and very tired. Moving sucks. But it's worth it.
Let's name off all the fancy, grown-up things that we have now:
-Stairs
-Landing
-Office
-Basement
-Backdoor
-Dining room
-Private bathroom
-Freedom to walk from the bedroom to the bathroom sans pants
Now let's look at some pictures!
Note: These were taken around 3:00 on Sunday, the day after we got everything moved in. We've made a few more strides since then, except for the office. That's sort of become the room where we put all of the stuff that didn't go in any of the other rooms.
Here's the kitchen. Yep, the whole thing. It's smallish, but it's mine and I love it. Also there are ants, but they're temporary.
No cabinets on one side, I have open shelving up here and down below the counter, but I like the openness of it all.
Dining room...and a table that we sit at and eat food. It's kind of plain right now, we might get a hutch in there and maybe some wall hangings.
Left side of the living room from the dining room. All of Jay's graphic novels are in that antique bookshelf. There's a TV stand to the right of it now with the TV on it.
We're very excited, very sore and very tired. Moving sucks. But it's worth it.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Cooking With Meg And Jay
We have one week left in our apartment in Normal. Well, we sort of have two and a half, but we begin moving into our new place in Chillicothe next week. When we went grocery shopping, we kept that in mind and really planned out what we'd be eating for a week. We have a ton of frozen chicken from Meijer so that means we have a world of options open to us.
Long story short: I saw a package of potato gnocchi in Target and bought it along with some basil pesto sauce and planned on combining it with some chicken.
We didn't measure anything when we made it, so this recipe is incredibly vague. I'm a teacher, not a chef.
1 package of Archer Farms potato gnocchi
1 jar of Archer Farms basil pesto sauce
2-ish chicken breasts
Grated parmesan cheese
Milk
1) Cook the chicken according to package directions
2) When the chicken has about 15 minutes left, cook the gnocchi according to package directions
3) In a lightly greased skillet, over medium heat, add the chicken and about half the jar of basil pesto sauce; stir
4) Once chicken is coated with the sauce, add the gnocchi and the rest of the jar of sauce; stir
5) Add about 1/4 cup of milk to thin out the mixture a little bit (we probably didn't need this, but it was still good)
6) Add parmesan cheese to taste (also makes a great topping for individual servings)
And that's it!
We also enjoyed some Market Pantry french bread and an attempt at Biaggi's bread-sauce stuff:
Olive Oil
Butter
Parmesan cheese
Parsley
Goes great with Moscato!
Long story short: I saw a package of potato gnocchi in Target and bought it along with some basil pesto sauce and planned on combining it with some chicken.
We didn't measure anything when we made it, so this recipe is incredibly vague. I'm a teacher, not a chef.
1 package of Archer Farms potato gnocchi
1 jar of Archer Farms basil pesto sauce
2-ish chicken breasts
Grated parmesan cheese
Milk
1) Cook the chicken according to package directions
2) When the chicken has about 15 minutes left, cook the gnocchi according to package directions
3) In a lightly greased skillet, over medium heat, add the chicken and about half the jar of basil pesto sauce; stir
4) Once chicken is coated with the sauce, add the gnocchi and the rest of the jar of sauce; stir
5) Add about 1/4 cup of milk to thin out the mixture a little bit (we probably didn't need this, but it was still good)
6) Add parmesan cheese to taste (also makes a great topping for individual servings)
And that's it!
We also enjoyed some Market Pantry french bread and an attempt at Biaggi's bread-sauce stuff:
Olive Oil
Butter
Parmesan cheese
Parsley
Goes great with Moscato!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Mega-Zord-Update
Nine pageviews today when I haven't written anything in weeks? Alright, I can live with that.
I got a big girl job (i.e. a job that uses that degree I worked on for 5 years)! I'll be an English teacher in Pekin High School starting in August. Until then, it's Flarget for another 19 days. And THEN, Jay and I are moving at the end of this month to Chillicothe. It's about 20 minutes away from his job and it'll be about 30 minutes away from mine. Either way, it's better than one of us driving an hour every day.
I can't wait to move. Normal is nice, but we desperately need to live somewhere on our own now. It's been almost a year since we got married and 2 years since we starting living together. I see people I know EVERYWHERE. It'll be great to live somewhere where neither of us work and we can be as anti-social as we want.
Today was the first time I taught and got paid for it too. Man, I'm taking leaps and bounds this month! I'm subbing for my cooperating teacher while she is on vacation for a week. She had me plan the lessons for this week (I've taught the class twice) and teach her students for her so that when she comes back, she can just move into the next part of the project. It was a good time today! Class was from 7:45 to 10:15, I worked in the English office for a little bit afterwards, securing plans for the rest of the week, and got home around 11:45. Iced coffee drink is the best thing ever by the way. Wish I had had it all of last year.
However, instead of looking like I taught a class today, I look like I just rolled out of bed (swapped proper clothes out for schlubby clothes and my hair is "feh"). The roommates have guests over, and I feel very under-represented. I taught children for 2 1/2 hours today, but as soon as anyone saw me like this they would think "lazy." I don't like feeling like I have to look presentable just to walk out into the apartment. I'll just stick with the hermit vibe, close the door and take a nap.
I've discovered Pinterest and all it has to offer, though. So it's between that and napping. I'm definitely tired. Wouldn't it be great if I could do both? Pin and nap at the same time?! Oh the possibilities.
I got a big girl job (i.e. a job that uses that degree I worked on for 5 years)! I'll be an English teacher in Pekin High School starting in August. Until then, it's Flarget for another 19 days. And THEN, Jay and I are moving at the end of this month to Chillicothe. It's about 20 minutes away from his job and it'll be about 30 minutes away from mine. Either way, it's better than one of us driving an hour every day.
I can't wait to move. Normal is nice, but we desperately need to live somewhere on our own now. It's been almost a year since we got married and 2 years since we starting living together. I see people I know EVERYWHERE. It'll be great to live somewhere where neither of us work and we can be as anti-social as we want.
Today was the first time I taught and got paid for it too. Man, I'm taking leaps and bounds this month! I'm subbing for my cooperating teacher while she is on vacation for a week. She had me plan the lessons for this week (I've taught the class twice) and teach her students for her so that when she comes back, she can just move into the next part of the project. It was a good time today! Class was from 7:45 to 10:15, I worked in the English office for a little bit afterwards, securing plans for the rest of the week, and got home around 11:45. Iced coffee drink is the best thing ever by the way. Wish I had had it all of last year.
However, instead of looking like I taught a class today, I look like I just rolled out of bed (swapped proper clothes out for schlubby clothes and my hair is "feh"). The roommates have guests over, and I feel very under-represented. I taught children for 2 1/2 hours today, but as soon as anyone saw me like this they would think "lazy." I don't like feeling like I have to look presentable just to walk out into the apartment. I'll just stick with the hermit vibe, close the door and take a nap.
I've discovered Pinterest and all it has to offer, though. So it's between that and napping. I'm definitely tired. Wouldn't it be great if I could do both? Pin and nap at the same time?! Oh the possibilities.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Do something
I applied for and registered my teacher certification today and realized that it's finally Summer vacation.
I gotta do some shit.
#1. Craft some stuff
I have some old rainboots that are broken that I want to repurpose...soooomehoooowww. I also really want to learn how to sew. I'm not talking making my own clothing. Just fixing or sprucing up (buttons back on, sleeves adjusted, hemming, etc...).
#2. Read some serious shit
These are just the books that I pulled from the books in my room. There are several more out in the living room. I've started 4 of these already and put them down in favor of other things for school.
Bottom to top:
- Maus II
- The House of Silk
- The Complete Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes
- The Long Afternoon of the Earth
- The Witches of Eastwick
- Homo Zapiens
- From the Dust Returned
#3. Become Super Awesome Teacher-Lady
While I'm applying for jobs in every direction, I'm working on my own personal professional development. I've found Pinterest to be an excellent source of information, along with the monthly subscription to English Journal and English Bulletin.
In addition, when Jay and I were out in Carthage on a photo shoot in an old house, I found this little gem:
"A Progressive Course in English for Secondary Schools"
Oh you better believe it. I've perused it and I like what it has to say. It's like the 1910 version of Diana Hacker's writing guide.
Just today I've already started on #1! I made a magazine rack out of an old wire hanger. DO somethin'.
I gotta do some shit.
#1. Craft some stuff
I have some old rainboots that are broken that I want to repurpose...soooomehoooowww. I also really want to learn how to sew. I'm not talking making my own clothing. Just fixing or sprucing up (buttons back on, sleeves adjusted, hemming, etc...).
#2. Read some serious shit
These are just the books that I pulled from the books in my room. There are several more out in the living room. I've started 4 of these already and put them down in favor of other things for school.
Bottom to top:
- Maus II
- The House of Silk
- The Complete Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes
- The Long Afternoon of the Earth
- The Witches of Eastwick
- Homo Zapiens
- From the Dust Returned
#3. Become Super Awesome Teacher-Lady
While I'm applying for jobs in every direction, I'm working on my own personal professional development. I've found Pinterest to be an excellent source of information, along with the monthly subscription to English Journal and English Bulletin.
In addition, when Jay and I were out in Carthage on a photo shoot in an old house, I found this little gem:
"A Progressive Course in English for Secondary Schools"
Oh you better believe it. I've perused it and I like what it has to say. It's like the 1910 version of Diana Hacker's writing guide.
Just today I've already started on #1! I made a magazine rack out of an old wire hanger. DO somethin'.
Monday, May 7, 2012
My Fashion Post
I dressed up TWICE this weekend.
And I liked it.
For the last few years I've been a t-shirt and jeans/shorts kinda girl. They're easier and I don't have to keep my legs clenched together when I sit. After 9 months of dressing up 5 days a week for 8 hours or more of that day, looking nice has rubbed off on me (I say that sitting here in plaid shorts, a tank and a gauzy top...still an upgrade from high school).
Last weekend I confessed to some friends that I follow a few fashion blogs. You wouldn't think so looking at me, but it's true. My favorites are Kendi Everyday, EmilyAnneStyle, A Pretty Penny, and Yours Truly, x. Every single one of them is a powerful woman, an excellent writer and a snappy dresser.
On Saturday we went to a wedding. And we looked good.
The watch, tie and fancy shirt do it for me every time.
He doesn't believe it, but he really is that handsome. Shall I pour on some more sap?
Dress: Target
Bag: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Necklace: Jay found the charm randomly and I found a cord for it
Shoes: Can't see them but they're from Target
Probably the first picture of us together since our wedding...in October.
Continue to follow this blog (I have a GREAT idea for a new comic...retail-centered...you'll love it) but I've started another one: "Poetry is Lame": A Poetry Blog which will be updated on a regular basis.
And I liked it.
For the last few years I've been a t-shirt and jeans/shorts kinda girl. They're easier and I don't have to keep my legs clenched together when I sit. After 9 months of dressing up 5 days a week for 8 hours or more of that day, looking nice has rubbed off on me (I say that sitting here in plaid shorts, a tank and a gauzy top...still an upgrade from high school).
Last weekend I confessed to some friends that I follow a few fashion blogs. You wouldn't think so looking at me, but it's true. My favorites are Kendi Everyday, EmilyAnneStyle, A Pretty Penny, and Yours Truly, x. Every single one of them is a powerful woman, an excellent writer and a snappy dresser.
On Saturday we went to a wedding. And we looked good.
The watch, tie and fancy shirt do it for me every time.
He doesn't believe it, but he really is that handsome. Shall I pour on some more sap?
Dress: Target
Bag: Target
Belt: Thrifted
Necklace: Jay found the charm randomly and I found a cord for it
Shoes: Can't see them but they're from Target
Probably the first picture of us together since our wedding...in October.
Continue to follow this blog (I have a GREAT idea for a new comic...retail-centered...you'll love it) but I've started another one: "Poetry is Lame": A Poetry Blog which will be updated on a regular basis.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Do Work
I have the day off today, which. is. awesome.
What's NOT awesome is that I've spent the last 3 hours watching an episode of The Simpsons, House and Sherlock. I know full-well that there are things that I need to do before "Easter Weekend" begins. I have a really hard time focusing on...well...anything. Even now, Sherlock is on my laptop screen and I'm blogging on my tablet.
I've also taken the liberty of drawing for you again. Here's what my mind is like most of the time:
I don't know how to fix that. I know what I need to do, the execution is a little elusive. I love watching people be productive on TV though. It makes me feel productive too.
What do I need to do to focus? I mean, what does focus even look like? I keep expecting something like this to happen to me once I achieve that Nirvana of productivity:
Still waiting for that damn rainbow.
Friday, March 23, 2012
I Got My Hair Cut...Wanna See?
{March 15, 2012}
{The next day}
{Gotta Love Bathroom Shots}
{My original goal was to get a haircut that was low maintenance. If I didn't care about looking like a girl, this WOULD be low maintenance. I've started making time to curl it every day.}My Process:
- Night before, shower
- Spritz my hair with a concoction I discovered here at a fellow blogger's blog.
- Spend 15 minutes the next day curling it, spritz one last time and I have curls all day which is impossibly incredible given how unyielding it was in junior high and high school
{Because of the recent heatwave, sometimes the bangs need to be pinned back. Glad I can still do that!}
I'm pleased overall, though because my face is kind of androgynous (I make a really cute boy by the way, I've been told so by someone who saw a picture of me and thought I was a boy) I have to put forth the extra effort everywhere else to make sure there isn't any question as to my sex.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Just Checking In...
Seeing how you're all doing...you know...catching up...making sure everything's...cool.
I'm in a blogging rut as is evidenced by my digital disappearance. I've been over at Twitter, being another mindless, tweeting drone like the rest of humanity. I do enjoy it as an art form, being able to make my thought super-precise or run the risk of never getting it out there. Did you know that the Library of Congress is logging tweets into America's history? Like...every tweet by anyone ever. It's true. Don't believe me? I wouldn't either. But it is true.
Unit and lesson planning has consumed my life, as it should. I begin teaching 3/4 of my classes on the 23rd and then I incorporate world lit on the 30th. I'm excited and rearing to go. A bit apprehensive of what happens after all of this. Looking for teaching positions within a 100 mile radius and so far I have come up with 2 for now. Maybe in the summer things will open up.
I'll be really sad if I feel the need to get rid of yet another blog. Holy Matrimony! has suffered a hiatus as well, since I'm married and our lives have pretty much gone back to normal. Maybe I could post a couple of date-night stories when we have them.
Now I'm just speculating as I type, which is a good sign that the blog post is over.
I'm in a blogging rut as is evidenced by my digital disappearance. I've been over at Twitter, being another mindless, tweeting drone like the rest of humanity. I do enjoy it as an art form, being able to make my thought super-precise or run the risk of never getting it out there. Did you know that the Library of Congress is logging tweets into America's history? Like...every tweet by anyone ever. It's true. Don't believe me? I wouldn't either. But it is true.
Unit and lesson planning has consumed my life, as it should. I begin teaching 3/4 of my classes on the 23rd and then I incorporate world lit on the 30th. I'm excited and rearing to go. A bit apprehensive of what happens after all of this. Looking for teaching positions within a 100 mile radius and so far I have come up with 2 for now. Maybe in the summer things will open up.
I'll be really sad if I feel the need to get rid of yet another blog. Holy Matrimony! has suffered a hiatus as well, since I'm married and our lives have pretty much gone back to normal. Maybe I could post a couple of date-night stories when we have them.
Now I'm just speculating as I type, which is a good sign that the blog post is over.
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