When I was younger I was somewhat obsessed with the concept of Freaky Friday. I read the book and loved both movie versions. Because I was young and had a pretty myopic view of the world, I was fixated on how great it would be if the adults in my life could switch places with me and see just how hard my life was, but mostly missed the point that everyone’s life is hard. As I’ve stayed home the last six years…
There was a time when I would have apologized for a lapse in blogging, but just like how I’ve stopped apologizing for the nearly constant pile of dirty dishes in my sink and for my children not being perfect Stepford children, I won’t be apologizing for this either. For no reason, but every reason I’ve been super contemplative lately about everything and nothing at all and lying low on the internet has been refreshing and glorious. We recently switched web…
My teaching license expired a few months ago. I haven’t stood in front of a classroom in over three years so really that chapter of my life has been closed for sometime now, but there was something about my license expiring that made it seem so final. It was a sad moment and I even looked into renewing it, but came to the conclusion that it was nearly impossible because I haven’t stood in front of a classroom in over…
As someone who (sort of) formerly worked in the exercise industry, I’m always curious about new exercise programs that come out. When I was doing my student teaching many moons ago, everyone was talking about P90X and how amazing it was. I was skeptical partially because I was way more fit than any of my fellow PE colleagues who professed love for the program and partially because I don’t trust things that are sold on infomercials. I kind of forgot…
I’ve had the opportunity to teach a couple of exercise classes in my day. The typical audience has been girls age 12-18. Whenever I start a discussion on the benefits of exercise the first suggested benefit is ALWAYS “it makes you skinny.” It bothers me every time. Because I’m a teacher, I twist their answer to make it more truthful and say something like “It is true that exercise can be an effective tool for weight management.” “Skinny” never makes…
When I was doing my student teaching, one of my 9th graders asked me, “Merket, are we ever going to a read a story that isn’t depressing or about death and dismemberment?” As I honestly stopped to think about it I realized that there would only be one short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” and truthfully half of my students still found that story to be depressing.I’ve been thinking about writing lately. I’ve liked writing for a long time….
Today I officially resigned my post as a substitute teacher. While I definitely wouldn’t say it was my favorite job, it has had some valuable personal benefits (earning points towards keeping my license current, developing really great “teacher looks,” etc). Overall, my favorite parts were the insightful things students taught me. Here are some of my favorites: Lady Ga Ga is a “musical genius.” Having more kids is often “the worst mistake of a mother’s life.” 7th graders are still…
I have received some good mail this week (both electronic and conventional). It took long enough, but earlier this week my diploma finally arrived! Then today, I received an email telling me my teaching license had been approved – it was attached as a PDF. Perhaps it’s all a bit anticlimactic, but symbolically these documents represent years otherwise unaccounted for in my life. I only wish the office of education wasn’t so cheap and would actually mail me a fancy…
In preparation for my future, I decided I should drive a bigger “mom” vehicle and take some teenage boys under my wings. . . Okay, so really my parents went on a two week cruise for their 25th wedding anniversary and like a good daughter I took over my parent’s responsibilities. While my parents enjoy the Mexican sun I am responsible for 1 dog, 1 cat, 2 brothers, an art exhibit entry, and 105 high school seniors. All I can say…
In case you were wondering, I’m not dead yet. The outlook is good, I think I will survive student teaching. Although there are rough days, my students make me laugh. Here are some of the things I hear in my classroom: “I got hit by a Frito and a notebook, they’re making weird noises, and I don’t like anyone around me. Can I move?” “If no one could read we wouldn’t be able to text message . . . or…