El Rico

I hesitate to write this. My mom told me a story about a boy today that blatantly said that he wasn't going to have a Christmas. My mom works at a magnet school that is in historic Annapolis and caters to the creative arts, but some of the kids that go there are there by proximity. After she had talked to the school psychologist and the boy himself. She realized that he wouldn't have a Christmas that most of us experience. He will experience waking up in a dorm with other foster kids to another morning. He's under the warrant of the state. His mother is out of state and will not likely return due to her status with the state. I feel so compelled to write this just for prayer. I tried looking up the place, East Point, where he is living, but apparently Maryland wants that concealed. Just pray for him as he encounters another lonely Christmas and somehow realize that he is not alone. 

Slumdog Millionaire.

I found this movie oh so lovely. I knew that it was highly rated but I didn't know that it would be oh so awesome. The kids in this story epitomize the children of India and after about seeing them run around for 5 minutes, I wanted to adopt one. Danny Boyle never lets his audience down. 

Janet Jackson

Night number two of our annual church Christmas performance and this year I am in the production. I'm dancing and stomping to the beat of a garbage cans. Last night, I set the standard (the lowest standard, that is) and ripped my pants as I did a squat move in front of the gazing eyes of our audience. I was mortified and hurried off stage. Tonight I came to the show late, on purpose, hoping that everyone would just have forgotten about this wardrobe malfunction. But I was completely WRONG, people that hardly even know me came up to me and gave me a huge smile and said "got a good pair of pants!" AND on top of it all the people in the audience that saw this flaw apparently were all men. A couple of them told me. Even my pastor approached me with a grin from ear to ear. What a memorable night for them. I must say, I took the comments like a champ. 

Random

One of my kids said "QUEFF" in a loud, high pitched voice today in class. The class laughed. I told him "inappropriate!" 

I wanted to laugh too. 

Adulthood

Sometimes when I'm teaching, I'll hear under someone's breath, "Why do I need to know this?" I'll turn to them and explain that one day they'll understand that the Virginia Plan took the form of the House of Representatives and the New Jersey Plan was conceptualized to form the Senate, but really deep down I want to say, "there is going to be a lot of crappy things that you'll have to do in your life and doing this reading and worksheet is going to prepare you for it." As I was reading an article for one of my classes today I came across this quote from John Ogbu: "whatever else education may be, from the standpoint of society it is preparation of children for adult life as adults in their society conceive it." We have high and noble expectations, but really when is anyone going to ask you about the Great Compromise? We want to conceive adulthood as a chance to use what we've learned, but really it's just working, paying the bills, eating, and sleeping...at least for some of my students. Whose adult life are we talking about? 

Satan's Day

I woke up this morning at quarter to five to get to work by 6 for black friday.

 People in general aren't right. Waking up at an ungodly hour to get the "best" deal on black friday. I told a friend at work that today is Satan's day. People turn ugly, bust through the store doors, not wanting to be helped, and then yell at you if you are helped. It's ridiculous. Case in point, my friend was trying to help a lady and told her that she "didn't want any help! and the music was too loud!" Awesome. 

I shouldn't have had that second clementine...

Ohhh. My stummy feels funny. 

You know what sucks. Imagine. Walking into your room ready to undress and unwind from a day full of middle schoolers and uppity bath and body works customers to only find an old, withered man in your bed!! Come on! Sleep in your own freaking bed Dad! He claims that he sleeps better in my bed because my mattress is superior to his.

Watch It!

After my presentation on Emotional and Behavioral Disorders tonight, I decided to skip the additional 2 hours of presentations. As I was riding my bike throughout the parking lot I almost got hit...twice! It was like I was invisible or something. I must bring a light with me now on because it is getting darker. But I mean, come on, drivers need to respect. One guy was busting through a stop sign and the other just plain cut me off. 

I was flipping through some blogs and found this sweet little number. What a beauty and lightweight. Most importantly hand-made with love.

Hmm

This weekend I went to my sister's condo after I took my exam and basically stayed there until 2 in the morning. It was like Quarantine but not. First when I entered, the walls and door were just painted so it smelt of fumes, then they're electricity went out in the entire complex, and then it started pouring. Now, it wouldn't have been so bad, but we had to open the windows to let out the fumes and the rain came in. Needless to say, this was beautifully planned. So Leah and I just sat on the couch and talked. It was much needed. After about an hour the electricity came on.

Praxis Deux

Praxis what?? I've been studying for on and off today for the last big exam I'll ever have to do to become a teacher. If I don't passed, then I'm in deep weeds. My friend, Jenn, cut, I mean, chopped my hair off. Literally. She took the scissors and went at it. She did a wonderful job. Now, to just get rid of this cold sore and write that paper and finish up that presentation, and begin on another, the list never ends. 

I interrupt your usual program...

I now ask the obvious and obnoxious question of the day:

Did you vote? If not, too late.

Gooooee

I'm sick ya'll. I started middle school today and they are going to suck the living daylights out of me. On the bright side, I got a flu shot today. YAh for no throwing up and feeling achy!

My, My, my.

This month has been flying by. It's midterm time and I have the battle scars to prove it...acne. Not too bad, but a few days ago there were some gangbusters on my face. I'm all done student-teaching at Northwestern High and will be moving on to Samuel Ogle middle which is awesome because it's so much closer to home and ma sista! I'll probably/hopefully be staying some nights with her to get some second opinions on lesson plans. My new mentor teacher, I hear, isn't that fabulous. She's closer to her retirement year and just makes her kids do busy work. Well, hopefully that will be changed when I'm on. So, I bid you all adieu. Off to bath and body works to rub lotion on strangers.

On the Radio

So recently my mom has gone into the kick of playing the radio while in the kitchen. (Blame it on the Bailout Bill--we were listening to the House and Senate meeting on NPR) Then we would listen to the mellow music afterwards. I mean it's cool and all but Kenny G all the time can drive a girl mad. It can be calming but for me, I'm sorry it doesn't cut it. I know this is a lame post, but that's what I'm hearing now. 

Marie Antoinette

I just happened upon this movie Marie Antoinette. Although the dialogue is lacking, the screenplay is wonderful. 

Cockroaches!

I had a meeting this morning with my Social Studies cohort and before I went in, I went to the ladies room. I went into the stall and to my surprise was a cockroach on the wall next to me. It fluttered it's wings at me as if it was it's way of bidding me "good morning." I jumped out of my skin and screamed. The girls in the other stalls inquired and I told them with much disgust. Then as I was washing my hands and explaining to the girl what had happened, she spotted another roach by my foot!! I ran out of the bathroom and just thinking about it gives me the chills. 

Documentary

I actually watched some TV tonight. Since I've been home, I've been putting my nose to the grind with all the makeup work and planning. I saw a wonderful program on "American Masters" tonight about the Warner Bros. I think it's a 3 night documentary about the evolution of the Warner Bros. movies. 

Anyways, Las Vegas was intense. I didn't sleep and when I did it was only for a short bit. I lost some money but eh, it's Vegas. I saw Mystere, my favorite of all 2 Cirque du Soleil shows that I've seen. It was so dry and hot there it was outrageous. And I realized that since we had room service last year that I was parched for the most part. Plus in Las Vegas there isn't a water fountain to be found. They will use it for displaying the water show in front of the Bellagio or a fountain portraying Julius Caesar in Caesar's Palace, but no drinking fountain anywhere. It's the only place where they can charge $3 for water without a person thinking that's crazy! What you do for water. 

Vegas!!

I leave for Vegas in a couple of hours and I'm still packing and last minute homework assignments. I really don't want to do it when I get back so I'm trying to do it NOW. I'll be staying with Kim, a long friend of mine from Camp. Her mom gets comps and she gives the free room to Kimmy. We're staying at El Cortez is downtown, dirty Vegas. Thats where all the wedding Chapels are. Fun Fun. Hopefully I'll get to eat at In-N-Out Burger. From my sister's and neighbor's experience, they love it. Good things. Mazel tov. 

Thanks Diddy!

I'm so thankful for Diddy. Really. I am. Because without him I couldn't relate to my kids what an entrepreneur is in a market economy. He has his on label, restaurant, clothing line, and eat his cake too. Thanks Diddy for keeping it real in the market econ.

Hair cut

Sometimes I have the urge to just pick up some scissors and give myself a haircut.

Crickets everywhere!

Now that it's just been me in the house for the last 36 hours, the insects are taking the plunge and coming out of hiding. Last night there was a cricket chirping under my bed. I had to chase him out literally. Then tonight there was a cave cricket in the bathroom...and you know what? They always seem to come out of the woodwork when your doing your business. They get ya when you're down and they know you can't do anything at that moment. So I reached for the bottle of X-14 (closest thing to me) and sprayed the bastard for scaring me. I ran out while he jumped into a crevasse. I think he's dead, I sprayed so much of the cleaner that I can smell it in my room. If he isn't then...I got something for his ass.

I'm like...crapping my pants

I had my methods class today from 4:30-7:15. Ugh. I really hate that. Anyways that besides the point. The point is I have so much crap to do with student teaching. I'm not quite overwhelmed yet, but I'm anticipating the crying session that I will go through within the next 2-4 weeks. I'm suppose to go to Las Vegas in the midst of my classes (without missing any of them, thank God!) but there is planning, group projects, observations, and did I mention planning to be done on the downtime. So if you could remember me in your prayers that would be appreciated. 

I'm super excited though because my mom brought me a teacher's edition history book from her school. SWEET! This will help me out profoundly...I hope. 

Lights out.

Hanna wasn't so forceful. The family stayed in and laid around pretty much the whole day. I took a two hour nap after we lost electricity and was awoken by my neighbor yelling at his two boys to "shut the refrigerator!" We called Leah, the sister with electricity, and went over her condo to shower. I cleaned her room for a pretty penny and helped with their arts and crafts poster. We all made rather merry as we told old stories and new ones. 

Things I have loved I'm allowed to keep...

I watched these girls last night. I love them so much. Obviously they had a blast. 

And I'm missing this oh so much: Nantucket


and Boston

Beggars aren't choosy

Okay, so there is this man that's deaf that always walks around campus handing people, in particular girls, a slip of paper that explains that's he's deaf and he needs money. Now, I've been going to Maryland for 4 years and I've never seen anyone give him money. 

He's favorite part of campus is the library. Yesterday he came up to me as I'm sitting on the lawn in front of the library and I shake my head "no" and see him go over to other people purposely skipping the males. I follow him inside and watch him be deny of money. I lose interest and continue reading my book in the quiet study area. A few minutes past and I see the same beggar paper in my face, it's him! It hasn't been ten minutes since the first time that he's seen me. I know I sound awful, but it was just plain annoying. And the sad thing is this isn't the first time that he's come to me twice in one day. 

Bring It On

I went to see Katie this evening after I got home from school. She said, "I want some wine." I jumped all over her and we got a bottle of Boordy. It was so delicious. 

Today while I was observing, I wanted to jump up and put the kids in their place. They were complaining that they didn't understand what we were discussing when they just saw a 2 minute video clip practically giving them all the answers. Man oh man, I am definitely learning some valuable things like, walking around the room to smell if anyone has alcohol on them or explaining how one would compare and contrast using the rappers jay-z and little wayne as an example. I love student teaching.

Release the Beast

This weekend went to see my cousins in Virginia Beach. I love them so much. I stayed with my cousin Samantha at the place where she's dogsitting at. The dog, Bella, was such a little brat. It were eat dirt, pick up "articles" of clothing and put them in the living room, pick up toys and bug you, etc. Bella would push the door open in the morning and wake us up. So yesterday morning, Samantha got up and put her hands up against the door and waited. Bella headed the door and after the second try she gave up. Samantha later told me that it was like "keeping out a monster." 

We basically ate everything in sight and watched scary movies every night (I think I saw every scary movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar this weekend). We swam in the pool today and played volleyball for an hour and a half. We also played cornhole (which I am a beast at) with some of their friends. Most of the guys were so amazed that a girl was so on target. 

Broke

I just got back from vacation and I have $21 in my checking account. This is all after vacation and registering to take my praxis 2...what a mutha...and I still have to buy textbooks for my classes. I'm definitely going to be checking out the library for them.

In other news, I began my first week of student teaching. I've observed for two days and already am tired. The students I look over all have IEPs except for one class which is an elective. A student asked what my name was today and when answered "Ms. White." He answered with "that's racist." I asked why it was so, he concluded that whoever named me that was racist. He also inquired that I was racist because Hilary Clinton is no longer a candidate for president while Barack Obama is. This is going to be an exciting year.

America! EFF YEA!

Hot dogs! Eff yea! Baseball! Eff yea! Michael Phelps! Eff yea! 

The Good, the Bad, and The Snotty

I'm feeling a little better from the events from this past weekend. I went to Nanticoke and caught something over there and was full of snot. It's now dissipating. 

On a lighter note, I got my placements for student teaching. I'll be at Northwestern High for a couple of months. Then I switch to Samuel Ogle Middle. I'm so frickin' excited!!! But for now I need to rid my sinus problems, fix my eye allergy with some steroids, get my nails done, and my eyes brows waxed and I'm golden. 

WHat the?!

Yesterday google was having some issues with it's email beta server. I asked a few of my friends who have gmail if they had access to their email...and they did. I felt like I was the only one with this issue until last night. Google finally left a mass thread on a discussion board about the problem. 

I desperately needed to see my email to see if I had received my placement on where I would be student teaching. I was so upset and then I thought to myself, "what is God teaching me?" Maybe it was patience or self control or trust...or a combination of all three. The thing finally came up this morning and I had not gotten word from my coordinator. Go figure. So as one day passes so does another empty email. 

Requiem For a Dream

Sometimes I have images that flash in my head from movies that I see and it's there for an instant and then it's gone. I keep having the image of the junky's mom being contained in a rehab center and they're forcing her to eat food. I don't know why I keep having that image on my brain but it just comes and goes when it pleases. I wonder why? 

So I'm getting my student teaching placement this week. For those of you who don't know, I'll be student teaching this year. I'll be place either in PG or Montgomery county. I'm hoping for Montgomery but I thinking it will be the other. I'm super excited for this year. I finally will be putting to use of my knowledge of history and teaching into practice in the classroom. I pray that I will see what my students see and be real with them...because "that's what's up."

Home girls

Fo' realz though. I don't know what I would do without my girlfriends. Although I haven't seen them in awhile I feel like we can pick right up where we left off. Like for instance, Rachel, she is the most down to earth girl and I can come to her anytime and she'll know exactly whats happening. Or Katie, whose love never ends, she is a light in a dark room. I love them. I saw them today which was such a blessing since these past few days have been trying for me. I got to hear stories from Rachel's nursing internship and Katie's office, which is full of drama. They both talked about their weddings and how much they love their fiance and boyfriend. It's so wonderful to see my friends be a such a complete state where they can admit God is working in their life. I love them so much. 

Ah yes.

I was browsing through a blog from one of my old camp friends and found this on her blog. 

Awesome.

Benefit

There was a benefit concert at Wabanna last night. The Nebbia Band was amazing. Especially those who are near and dear to me Peter and Tim. They were amazing also. The New Song Pete sang was my favorite although he did get choked up a bit. It was raw. Val Nebbia's voice...well, there's no way to describe how beautiful it is unless you listen. The outcome of the evening raised enough money to have one child come to camp for free. 

The United States House of Representatives

My boyfriend works in the Longworth building, well thats where his office is based, which is the size of a bathroom and has electronics stuffed inside it. I came to visit him on Friday because it was "Bring your Girlfriend to Work Day." It wasn't really but I declared it as so. It was really interesting to see my male counterpart move about from office to office solving problems as "can you fix my printer from default so I can print from another printer?" or "my blackberry's mail inbox is not coming up." I didn't realize how much he is on his feet all day. He literally probably walks about 10 miles a day from Longworth to Cannon to Rayburn. So here are a couple photos to prove the distance and one for posterity. 

Prom

My sister and I went to Prom last night at camp. Every summer the cottage girls throw a smoothie party and have a theme to it. This year's was Prom. I still believe 80's night was the best. Oh those were the days. Anyways. I'm hoping April will post some good shots from last night soon. Her hair was huge!! I didn't take my camera to the party because it was acting up like it had a demon inside of it and wouldn't let me take pictures. Here are a couple from Carrah. 

Deprivation

I think I have sleep apnea. 

The Beach

I went to Rehoboth for the weekend with Ilya. We had some good times. We sang karaoke at a gay bar. Mingled with the local yocals. Ate the best bagel sandwich in the whole world. We used our bikes to get around and I'm so glad because everywhere you wanted to park you had to pay. 

Behind the Times

I just got this book and I know that it came out awhile ago, but it is such an interesting book. I couldn't put it down last night. That means I'm putting Dead Man Walking (I told you I was behind) down until this one is finished. It was Day 2 of VBS today and my kids are so wonderful. I thought I would have trouble with the guys but they are getting along with me and the only girl in our group. Working with children helps me appreciate them even more. They're creative, courteous (most of the time), and funny. My sister got the New Pornographers cd "Challengers" last night. SO good. I ripped it last night from her. 

Read A Book! Read a Book!

You know the end of this little diddy. I went to Borders yesterday with Ilya and pointed out all the books we want to read. Good times. Then saw a life touching movie, WALL-E. It was so thought provoking and adorable at the same time. Johnny 5 meets Cast Away meets E.T.  A must see! I'm working VBS (vacation bible school) at my church this week and I'm excited to be working with little minds who have just reached the age of eight. I'm sure God will use me in ways I can't even imagine. 

New Developments

My dad said that he wants to move here if Obama becomes President. I don't believe him, but I have seen brochures on his desk. And he's also had lengthy conversations with his brother about it. I hope he does move. I think would be fun to visit my dad in New Zealand.

Also check out Ladytron's new album Velocifero. It's pretty rad and life changing.

"It feels like someone's standing on my neck"

Thats what Kate says when she eats an apple. She's allergic to apples. I feel like someone's standing on my neck because of the resistance I feel from that person towards me. Anyways I haven't found the perfect basket for my bike yet. Instead I bought danskos from the outlet right over the state line in Pennsylvania. Ones for the summer and ones for student teachin this coming Spring. I am oh so excited about that too! Last night at bible study I told the girls that if they know anyone who needs a dogsitter, I'm their girl. I get a phone call this morning to dogsit for a lady I don't even know. It's wonderful. But I had to give it to my sister because I'll be away. God is good.

"You and Me and Everyone We Know"

I want to see this movie. I don't know what it's about but I'm curious to find out by watching it. Also I'd like to see Metropolis by Fritz Lang. I saw the beginning of it in my American Culture class (with an amazing Italian professor I might add) and it sparked my interest. I recorded it on our box but someone erased it. That's what happens when people don't appreciate the old classics. 

I could sleep...I could sleeeeep...

I could sleep all day. For some reason I feel so sleepy so to keep me awake I've been gazing at the screen of other people's lives and wishing that some day that it will be me to inspire others to live a way that is worthy. I also found some art loving sites along the way like this. I like to make cards from mixed media but I haven't in a long time. I just might do it tonight. 

Day Campy Camp

I was talking with a friend that is working at camp and as he was sharing his experiences I realized how much I miss this ol' grind. I miss waking up at 7am to work with kids from 8am-5pm. I miss being super tired and being able to let my hair down and be with people who love and care about my well being. I really miss it. 

Basket

I'm looking for a bike basket for my trip up north. I'm liking some of the ones here. okay. off to work.

Money, Money, Money....MONEY!

I've been spending way too much money this week. And the source of the spending was my sister, Leah. We went out everyday and pretty much bought something or went out to eat. Yesterday it was LL Bean and that was for a good cause. The day before it was California Pizza Kitchen among other things. Anyways, I got this and this. I'm super excited because in August, me and the boyfriend are going to Nantucket, Boston, and Vermont. We're gonna do it all in one week. It's going to be crazy jamming everything in there, but I know we can do it. We're staying at Hostels and pitching our own tent for a few nights. Horseback riding, biking, hiking, and Ilya throwing a beach ball to me will result in me chasing it down the shoreline are in the plans. 

And for 10 extra points use gerrymandering, pork barrel, and turn coat in their essay.

As Bob Barker use to say:

"Please spay and neuter your animals." I'm watching this crazy ass dog that isn't. If Caesar were on the East Coast I'd definitely give him a call. 

They always come in three's.

I recently got an offer to dogsit, and then another, and then another. I'm doing two of the three of them. 

I went shopping today at the mall for my friend's baby shower. My sister and I took Teaghan, who is not quite three, with us. We get to the mall and we're looking for a spot to park. And it has to my attention that whenever you pray for a spot; it comes immediately. It was awesome. Teaghan fell asleep on the way there so we walked around the mall and finally sat down by an elderly gentleman. As we sat down, he leaned over and said to us, "I wish I could sleep like that." I didn't notice at first but Teaghan was out like a light. She had her arms hanging lifeless and her mouth wide open. Then I pictured the old man being held by my sister in the same position as Teaghan. Soon his daughter came and offered to buy him a coffee. I thought to myself they're not that different after all. They both need extra rest, attention, and love. 

An Early-Summer Night's Dream

So this week and the beginning of next week I'm dogsitting Jack. He's the sweetest dog I've watched and I've watched plenty of dogs in my career as a dogsitter and he is amazing. And as a bonus he lives with an amazing lady with an amazing house. So I get to stay in the lap of luxary for the next days relaxing and sipping wine in a huge bath tub listening to Mozart. What a way to begin the summer.

Something Nice, Something Shitty

If I were ever a store owner I would sell vintage clothing and the store would be called Something Nice, Something Shitty. I think it has a nice ring and it's also a saying of the White sisters. Whenever we wear something to go out in, we wear something nice and something shitty, well not really shitty but something plain that doesn't draw too much attention away from the nice garment we are wearing. I try to live everyday but this saying pretty much too. Do something nice, do something shitty. Eat something nice, eat something shitty and so on. So I'm going to do something nice now, my devos. 

She's Crafty...and she's just my type.

I've been doing crafty things all day. I went with my sister to JoAnn's Fabrics. Afterward, I've been looking on etsy for creative gift ideas and grabbed some up. Thanks etsy! I will now leave you with an idea I got. 

Two Peas in a Pod

My boyfriend, Ilya sent me a photo of himself and told me that a bug hit him in the eye while riding his bike last night. He woke up this morning with a swollen eye. I thought, "yah!! We can be twins with our swollen eyes." I'm attaching a picture of both our eyes. 

You can't really tell that my eyes are real swollen but they are. My friend Kate yesterday thought they were and I haven't seen her in awhile. If you look really close at the inner most part of my eyes that's where it's red and sore. I washed dishes with housewife gloves and rubbed my eyes afterward. Stupid. I know. 

So the moral of the story is to:

1. Stay alert when riding your bike. 

2. Don't rub your eyes after using house cleaning gloves. 

What's wrong with today today??

I didn't have internet last night and I wanted to send my sister some pictures that I took at her school. Her school is the best. Teachers formed bands by grades and areas and competed in playing Rock Band. It was so much fun! I don't remember having that much fun in Elementary school. My sister is the one with the black wig.