It is another chilly morning here in Iowa. The weather is still cold but we didn't get any snow. There was a chance of snow and it looks like we were lucky and it missed us. I really have had enough of the winter weather and as the forecast projects cold weather through Friday, it is a bit depressing. I think the weekend is supposed to be better and then in the 40's on Monday. Right now anything above 30 is a bit of a emotional boost.
We are in the process of getting report cards out for the schools this week. It has been a bit of a slow process because everyone had different needs. It is kind of annoying becuase of the little complaints about things. It is like a spoiled child whining. You really can see personality differences in people depending on where they work.
The high school teachers and administration act more like adults. They complain about stuff from time to time but for the most part have a plan B if things aren't working out the way they expected.
In the middle school it is similar but they tend to want to be different just for being differents sake. I think they are like a little brother to the high school. They operate in similar fashions and have similar needs but the middle school wants to do it differently than the high school. I think they don't want to be in the shadow of big brother.
The elementary is like a bunch of little kids, the last born or baby of the family. They whine and complain about the most trival of issues. We used to not have air conditioning in the classrooms at the middle and high school. They would teach in very hot, humid classrooms and it was really uncomfortable at times. The elementary has always had AC and would throw a fit if the rooms got above 68. I mean you would think the world was coming to an end. Meanwhile the hs/ms would be in classrooms where the temps were in the 90's or higher and you wouldn't hear much from them.
Everything at the elementary is a big drama.
Today I have a meeting at 11 and then have a meeting in west Des Moines at 4:30. I also teach class at West campus tonigh at 6. The assistant provost will be visiting my classroom tonight to observe so I hope things go well tonight. Not ripping one would be a great start!
Jess will leave for Denver Friday morning. Drew has a basketball game Friday night in Jefferson. He also plays Saturday morning.
Have a great mid-week.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tuesday kind of sucks too!
Since I teach class on Monday night and don't get to sleep until late, Tuesdays are almost as rough as Mondays when it comes to getting up and having a positive attitude. The coffee is helping but I am stuggling today. I tell myself I will go to be early tonight but when tonight comes, I will probably not want to go to bed.
I made it through class last night without ripping one so that was refreshing. The high school students are like trying to corral a room full of squirrels. They are just distracted all the time. I really do prefer my Wednesday night group over the Monday night group. Even though I have to drive to teach that class, it seems a bit more relaxed. I would like to just teach, not have to be telling kids to put their phones away or stay on task or get to work. For crying out loud.
It looks like the weather is going to suck until the weekend. It is supposed to be nice, well better anyway, this weekend. I think we are supposed to get into the mid 40s. Anything above 32 is a blessing at this point.
I have no meetings today which has to be a first in quite awhile. No meetings, I don't have to teach class, I do not have any pressing issues at work so it looks (Picture me knocking on wood) as if it will be a pretty slow day.
Jess leaves for Denver on Friday. She will miss school on Friday and Monday for the volleyball tournament. I like watching her play but am kind of glad I am not going on this trip. They are taking a charter bus to keep the cost down but even in a luxury liner, it would be a long trip.
Drew had a basketball game Friday night in Jefferson. I would imagine he will play Friday and Saturday and be done for the weekend. I was wanting to go to Des Moines to get my oil changed and get a hair cut. Since he has a tournament the other direction, I may have to sneak away during the week to do it.
Spring break is just around the corner. We get a week off from school in two weeks and the break will be nice. I have to work of course but having the building empty is a good thing. I think Jess has a track meet during the break so that kind of sucks for her.
Off to start my day.
Nipples - out!
I made it through class last night without ripping one so that was refreshing. The high school students are like trying to corral a room full of squirrels. They are just distracted all the time. I really do prefer my Wednesday night group over the Monday night group. Even though I have to drive to teach that class, it seems a bit more relaxed. I would like to just teach, not have to be telling kids to put their phones away or stay on task or get to work. For crying out loud.
It looks like the weather is going to suck until the weekend. It is supposed to be nice, well better anyway, this weekend. I think we are supposed to get into the mid 40s. Anything above 32 is a blessing at this point.
I have no meetings today which has to be a first in quite awhile. No meetings, I don't have to teach class, I do not have any pressing issues at work so it looks (Picture me knocking on wood) as if it will be a pretty slow day.
Jess leaves for Denver on Friday. She will miss school on Friday and Monday for the volleyball tournament. I like watching her play but am kind of glad I am not going on this trip. They are taking a charter bus to keep the cost down but even in a luxury liner, it would be a long trip.
Drew had a basketball game Friday night in Jefferson. I would imagine he will play Friday and Saturday and be done for the weekend. I was wanting to go to Des Moines to get my oil changed and get a hair cut. Since he has a tournament the other direction, I may have to sneak away during the week to do it.
Spring break is just around the corner. We get a week off from school in two weeks and the break will be nice. I have to work of course but having the building empty is a good thing. I think Jess has a track meet during the break so that kind of sucks for her.
Off to start my day.
Nipples - out!
Monday, March 3, 2008
It had to happen with a church full of people
It is Monday and I am hating this Monday as much as any other Monday I can remember. It is cold and the roads are full of snow and ice. Yesterday it was in the upper 50's in the afternoon and then it got cold, freezing rain and snow. School is delayed two hours this morning.
Friday I felt like crap so I slept in and didn't get a chance to post to the blog. I am sure everyone of my 4 dedicated readers were anticipating the reveal of my most embarassing moment. I will get to that in a bit.
Saturday, Jess had a volleyball tournament and with the HS team. They did ok, I think they won a couple and lost a few. I didn't go, I was still feeling like crap so I decided to take it easy this weekend. Drew stayed overnight at a friends house. The one whos house is haunted. When he got home he told me he saw a shawdow move up the stairs while he was there.
Saturday night Drew went to sleep early and Jess was bored so we played some games. We played cards; poker, blackjack, snooze you lose, and war. We also played pick a number, name that smell and who is the biggest complainer.
Sunday was kind of a lazy day. We went to the grocery store and scaped ice off the driveway. Coed volleyball was last night and we won both matches.
So my most embarassing moment........
When I was in Jr High, I was confirmed and the bishop came to the church and met with us and did all the things you do prior to the big mass and confirmation ceremony. The whole class is in the front of the church and the pews are full of proud parents, relatives and one grouchy dad named Norm. Anyway, the bishop stood in the front of the church with open arms and a thundering voice announcing the confirmation class. When he gets to me, he voice thundered to the parish, NIPPLES, Richard Paul Raymond NIPPLES. Everyone in my class was giggling and maybe it was in my head but it seemed he said it twice that day.
Remember, I am in Jr High, probably the worst time that something like this can happen. For the next few weeks I was Rich Nipples.
These are reasons I am going to heaven. I entertain God too much for him to not keep me around in the afterlife.
Off to start this crappy Monday.
Friday I felt like crap so I slept in and didn't get a chance to post to the blog. I am sure everyone of my 4 dedicated readers were anticipating the reveal of my most embarassing moment. I will get to that in a bit.
Saturday, Jess had a volleyball tournament and with the HS team. They did ok, I think they won a couple and lost a few. I didn't go, I was still feeling like crap so I decided to take it easy this weekend. Drew stayed overnight at a friends house. The one whos house is haunted. When he got home he told me he saw a shawdow move up the stairs while he was there.
Saturday night Drew went to sleep early and Jess was bored so we played some games. We played cards; poker, blackjack, snooze you lose, and war. We also played pick a number, name that smell and who is the biggest complainer.
Sunday was kind of a lazy day. We went to the grocery store and scaped ice off the driveway. Coed volleyball was last night and we won both matches.
So my most embarassing moment........
When I was in Jr High, I was confirmed and the bishop came to the church and met with us and did all the things you do prior to the big mass and confirmation ceremony. The whole class is in the front of the church and the pews are full of proud parents, relatives and one grouchy dad named Norm. Anyway, the bishop stood in the front of the church with open arms and a thundering voice announcing the confirmation class. When he gets to me, he voice thundered to the parish, NIPPLES, Richard Paul Raymond NIPPLES. Everyone in my class was giggling and maybe it was in my head but it seemed he said it twice that day.
Remember, I am in Jr High, probably the worst time that something like this can happen. For the next few weeks I was Rich Nipples.
These are reasons I am going to heaven. I entertain God too much for him to not keep me around in the afterlife.
Off to start this crappy Monday.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Goose Is On The Loose
Jess is 16 today! I am not sure how I feel about it. One one hand I feel a bit scared that she is going to be in danger out there on the road by herself. It really is a sick to the stomache feeling. On the other hand (Fiddle on the Roof reference) She had driven a lot since she got her permit and does a fine job. She is responsible, almost to a flaw, and won't be careless. I will also have someone to run errands for me now. If I need a gallon of milk, "Hey Jess, run to the store and get it." There are some things I will like about this deal as well.
It looks like the car insurance will go up $50 a month with her driving.
She is going to Adel to pickup her license this morning. She should only miss the first couple periods of the school day.
So I had the 2nd most embarrassing moment in my life happen last night. Here's the story:
I am teaching class and I have this damn cold so I am all stuffed up and my throat kind of hurts. Even through my cold, the class is going well. The students are engaged and LISTENING intently. I am writing on the white board and explaining formulas in Excel. As I turn to go to the computer, I rip a FART!!! Completely unintentional and I am not really sure how that can happen without my consent but it DID! Holy crap, I farted right in front of class with everyone looking at me and listening.
Of course I just keep talking and move to the smart board and do my best Vanna White impression by pointing out the screen. I didn't look at the class and kept my back to them for the next minute or two. I just couldn't bear to look. I must still be immature to some extent because even though I was embarrassed to the point that these words can never describe, I was doing everything I could to keep from bursting out laughing.
I didn't hear any giggling or anything from the room but I am sure they were all looking at eachother and smiling. The next hour of class I walked around with a white board marker in my hand and kept twisting the cap to make a sound, similar but not even close to a FART sound in the attempt to put doubt in their minds that it might have been the marker and not an actual fart on my part. Who am I kidding. On the bright side, it didn't stink. I got through the next hour of class without incident.
So that was my second most embarassing moment. I will go into my most embarrassing moment tomorrow.
Telling that story makes me need to go to the bathroom.
Have a great day!
It looks like the car insurance will go up $50 a month with her driving.
She is going to Adel to pickup her license this morning. She should only miss the first couple periods of the school day.
So I had the 2nd most embarrassing moment in my life happen last night. Here's the story:
I am teaching class and I have this damn cold so I am all stuffed up and my throat kind of hurts. Even through my cold, the class is going well. The students are engaged and LISTENING intently. I am writing on the white board and explaining formulas in Excel. As I turn to go to the computer, I rip a FART!!! Completely unintentional and I am not really sure how that can happen without my consent but it DID! Holy crap, I farted right in front of class with everyone looking at me and listening.
Of course I just keep talking and move to the smart board and do my best Vanna White impression by pointing out the screen. I didn't look at the class and kept my back to them for the next minute or two. I just couldn't bear to look. I must still be immature to some extent because even though I was embarrassed to the point that these words can never describe, I was doing everything I could to keep from bursting out laughing.
I didn't hear any giggling or anything from the room but I am sure they were all looking at eachother and smiling. The next hour of class I walked around with a white board marker in my hand and kept twisting the cap to make a sound, similar but not even close to a FART sound in the attempt to put doubt in their minds that it might have been the marker and not an actual fart on my part. Who am I kidding. On the bright side, it didn't stink. I got through the next hour of class without incident.
So that was my second most embarassing moment. I will go into my most embarrassing moment tomorrow.
Telling that story makes me need to go to the bathroom.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Happy Birthday Molly
The day previously known as hump day is upon us and Molly is 1. Jess turns 16 tomorrow and the goose will be on the loose.
Wednesday is also the day I teach class in Des Moines. It is a long day but it is really nice when class is over and I am done teaching for the week.
Thursday there is a class for parents of Jess' club volleyball team on creating a recruiting video. It is at 8 o'clock in Ankeny and I plan on attending. I really don't feel like driving 40 minutes to attend a meeting on a Thursday night but they only offer this once a year and have a few recruiters coming in to talk to the group about what they look for and want. I am sure it will be worth while but it is another thing to have to do.
My cold is still kicking my butt. My chest is killing me and my nose is either running like crazy or completely stuffed where I can barely breath. In short....I am a mess.
On the bright side, it looks like we are going to be in the 40's this weekend. That will be a very nice change and maybe we can get some of this snow melted. I am getting very tired of the cold and snow. This weekend will be a pleasant break.
My life is dull and I have nothing else to write. It is strange that I have such a busy schedule but very little of interest to mention. Such is my life.
Wednesday is also the day I teach class in Des Moines. It is a long day but it is really nice when class is over and I am done teaching for the week.
Thursday there is a class for parents of Jess' club volleyball team on creating a recruiting video. It is at 8 o'clock in Ankeny and I plan on attending. I really don't feel like driving 40 minutes to attend a meeting on a Thursday night but they only offer this once a year and have a few recruiters coming in to talk to the group about what they look for and want. I am sure it will be worth while but it is another thing to have to do.
My cold is still kicking my butt. My chest is killing me and my nose is either running like crazy or completely stuffed where I can barely breath. In short....I am a mess.
On the bright side, it looks like we are going to be in the 40's this weekend. That will be a very nice change and maybe we can get some of this snow melted. I am getting very tired of the cold and snow. This weekend will be a pleasant break.
My life is dull and I have nothing else to write. It is strange that I have such a busy schedule but very little of interest to mention. Such is my life.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Leap year adds a day to Winter...What kind of deal is that?
The snow has made travel a bit difficult in the area. Yesterday the school closed 3 hours early which was around 12:30. Today we have a two hour late start.
None of this effect me however, I am still to work normal hours. (Like the rest of the world)
My cold just sucks! My chest hurts and I have a crappy cough and a sore throat. All in all it is a pretty crappy environment. Jess has the same thing and we are both glad they let school our yesterday. For Jess she was able to come home and sleep. For me, I didn't have to teach class until 10:00 at night.
It is contract negotiation time and it is always a drag. The directors met yesterday to work out some of the things in the contract for our staff but we are all so different, department wise, that we have very different needs. We meet with the Superintendent today to get some language hammered out and hopefull get it through their union.
The teachers have a union and the support staff have a union but the directors and our assistance, like Nancy, are kind of out in the cold. I honestly think our employees get better benefits than we do because they have a union. We just get whatever!
The good news is our insurance rates are not going up at all this year so our raises will be strictly salary. I think this is the first time in the last 6 years it has been this way.
I did get a chance to watch tv last night and I can tell you, I haven't been missing anything. The Monday night lineup is not a big winner in my opinion. I like two and a half men but I hate what is on after it. Once that happens it kind of throws the whole thing off kilter.
It is time to go out and snow blow the driveway. Ahh......The life of a midwesterner.
None of this effect me however, I am still to work normal hours. (Like the rest of the world)
My cold just sucks! My chest hurts and I have a crappy cough and a sore throat. All in all it is a pretty crappy environment. Jess has the same thing and we are both glad they let school our yesterday. For Jess she was able to come home and sleep. For me, I didn't have to teach class until 10:00 at night.
It is contract negotiation time and it is always a drag. The directors met yesterday to work out some of the things in the contract for our staff but we are all so different, department wise, that we have very different needs. We meet with the Superintendent today to get some language hammered out and hopefull get it through their union.
The teachers have a union and the support staff have a union but the directors and our assistance, like Nancy, are kind of out in the cold. I honestly think our employees get better benefits than we do because they have a union. We just get whatever!
The good news is our insurance rates are not going up at all this year so our raises will be strictly salary. I think this is the first time in the last 6 years it has been this way.
I did get a chance to watch tv last night and I can tell you, I haven't been missing anything. The Monday night lineup is not a big winner in my opinion. I like two and a half men but I hate what is on after it. Once that happens it kind of throws the whole thing off kilter.
It is time to go out and snow blow the driveway. Ahh......The life of a midwesterner.
Monday, February 25, 2008
I don't think I watched more than 2 hour of tv this weekend....What the hell is going on!
This had to go down as one of the longest weekends I have had in awhile. Saturday we had to get up at 5 am and go to Des Moines for a volleyball tournament. They played three matches and won all three. The volleyball stuff got done about 1 and then we had to drive to Boone to watch Drew play in a basketball tournament. We got home around 6 or 7 that night.
Sunday, up at 5 am again, Jess played at 8. The won the first two matches but lost the third in a tiebreaker. They headed to the tournament seeded second. Their first matchup was against a team we beat quite handily the day before and we LOST!!! The girls played like crap and I think they were just worn out.
I started feeling sick Saturday afternoon but it really hit me Sunday about 2. Fever, headache, scratch throat. I came home from the tournament and went to bed. I feel a bit better this morning but my throat still hurts and I can tell that as my energy level drops I will start to feel bad again.
We are supposed to get 4 inches of snow today. We are in a winter storm advisory from 6 am to 6 pm tonight. I would not be dissapointed if school gets let out early and all evening activities get cancelled. I won't have to teach class then.
FYI - Ralf Nader needs his ass kicked.
I took some video of the matches. I filmed them as individual clips for each play. I have to go throug them and delete out the nonsense. Once I have gone through it I will post a clip or two to the blog.
We have two birthdays this week. Molly turns 1 on Wednesday and Jess turns 16 on Thursday.
Sunday, up at 5 am again, Jess played at 8. The won the first two matches but lost the third in a tiebreaker. They headed to the tournament seeded second. Their first matchup was against a team we beat quite handily the day before and we LOST!!! The girls played like crap and I think they were just worn out.
I started feeling sick Saturday afternoon but it really hit me Sunday about 2. Fever, headache, scratch throat. I came home from the tournament and went to bed. I feel a bit better this morning but my throat still hurts and I can tell that as my energy level drops I will start to feel bad again.
We are supposed to get 4 inches of snow today. We are in a winter storm advisory from 6 am to 6 pm tonight. I would not be dissapointed if school gets let out early and all evening activities get cancelled. I won't have to teach class then.
FYI - Ralf Nader needs his ass kicked.
I took some video of the matches. I filmed them as individual clips for each play. I have to go throug them and delete out the nonsense. Once I have gone through it I will post a clip or two to the blog.
We have two birthdays this week. Molly turns 1 on Wednesday and Jess turns 16 on Thursday.
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