Ode to a Sweaty Classroom

Well, I survived the first week of school in our non air conditioned building built in 1949! (Although the office has A/C, as does the science/math building which was built in 2004) Today when I should of been paying attention in faculty meeting, I wrote this poem instead-

Ode to a Sweaty Classroom

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The bell rings, the day has begun

And I wonder when my mascara will run-

The intense heat, minds are a whirlin'

How long till the fans start a twirlin'?

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Attempt to stay awake- learn something too.

But with this heat? Oh what can you do?

And in addition, the smell is o'powering

You'd think by now the kids would 'get' showering!

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The day is done- you drag your tired feet

Wondering how you could ever repeat...

The sun is shining, oh when will it end?

The pits, the back- You're sweating AGAIN!

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Try to look cute? HA! That's a laugh!

With all of this heat? I wish I taught math-

Then A/C would be my blessed, blessed friend

In the science building, I wish I could send!

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Alas, the heat is here- come now to stay

At least until fall- when it'll finally go away!

And, so I bear it all with a smile-

Because I love it- the kids are worthwhile.

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So, I entertain and try now to teach-

289 kids... yep, all within my reach.

Though I smell- look like a wilted flower...

Let's face facts- I REALLY NEED A SHOWER!

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Here we go again-

Next Monday starts my 4th year as a teacher. Where does the time go? I am excited, but also apprehensive and irritated that I still don't have a sound system, blinds in my classroom and a light board that is functioning. I know I will have tons of stress putting together a show with blood, sweat, tears and duct tape... for one brief shining moment. It's coming so soon!

I have no problem believing in others, seeing their potential, having complete faith in them. Why do I falter with myself? Recently, I've been working with a personal trainer. I started with him before I went to Europe and have been working with him since. He is VERY expensive. I've learned the key to results is really the food you eat more than working out, but I digress. I originally signed up for 20 sessions which round out to about $45 bucks a pop. You do the math... Anyway, I knew the end of my sessions would be coming really soon, I just didn't realize how soon. Tonight he texted me and told me I have five sessions left and he was wondering if I am planning to continue...
I want to. I really want to. I see it as an investment in myself. But, after Europe, my new car last January and day to day life- I cannot afford it.
Besides having him train me, he is such a source of knowledge, and there is the accountability factor. I really want to continue until I reach my goals.
I guess I am just doubting that I can be successful without him. I know on some level I can be, but I've finally felt empowered and like "this is it"...

I went and saw Julie & Julia this evening. Delightful. I miss cooking, I don't do it much for myself. I love food... hence my problem.

Have I learned enough to fly solo? I have no intentions of being super muscular, I just want to be healthy. I like my curves, they just need to be smaller, I like being feminine. Why is it that I have more faith in others than I ever have for myself?

Shhhh... don't tell anyone!

So, I have a secret. Don't let my students know.

I love being a teacher. NO REALLY- DON'T LET THEM KNOW!

As the summer is quickly winding to a close, my thoughts have started thinking about the upcoming school year and I can't help but get a little excited! I have always loved the start of a new school year, the anticipation, the back to school shopping and starting out with a clean slate! Ahhhhh!

So many things in my life have been uncertain, being a teacher is not one of them. Although I may complain at times, may get discouraged, may wonder if it is worth it. I remember, it is. It just makes my heart happy, thinking of the wonderful things that will shape this upcoming school year, the students I will meet and who will have such a profound impact on me. I love these kids, I hope they know that. I can't think of a higher honor than being a teacher.

Things I love about it:

-I am the master of my domain!

-Making the kids laugh by being goofy and doing accents!

-Being there for a student when they need someone to listen

-Seeing a student 'get it'

-Quiet moments

- The applause at the musicals (curtain call always makes me cry when I see my kids take their well-deserved bows, it makes all the headaches, long hours and pain worth it for one shining moment to see the looks on their faces as they bask in the moment!)

-Giving a kid a chance

- Sharing my passion with my students

-Telling stories

- Students just stopping by to say hi

-A Student's genuine smile

-Sharing our lives

-Knowing that in some small way, I can change the world.

Look out world, here I come! :)

Oh dear...

So, I was at the gym yesterday and there was a commercial for a limited edition Michael Jackson lithograph. Which in of itself, isn't very strange. But what I found to be strange was the way the commercial presented the product. A woman hung it on the wall and there were candles all around as she stroked the portrait. I found it to be creepy.
I think it is interesting how people immortalize dead celebrities. I also find it to be a bit creepy.