New Developments

Hi everyone,

As you all know, I have spent the past 5 months in a graduate teacher education program here in Portland, with the goal being to achieve my Masters and teaching credentials this next summer. I have had the opportunity to talk with some of you about my experiences, but with my schedule being as hectic as it has been, I haven't been able to talk to nearly as many of you as I would have liked. Perhaps, if I had kept you all up-to-speed with what has been happening, this would not be coming across as such a big shock to many of you.

Back in September, I was placed in a school in Portland for field experience toward my degree. On the first day of my experience, I received a very un-welcome welcoming from the school principal (she "never wanted" me, was "forced" to take me, and saw me as an "inconvenience")... but I chose to attribute it to stress, and not place much emphasis on it. Over the next few months, I met with instructors, back on campus, to clarify assignments, advisors to discuss requirements, and classmates to support one another through this program. In the end of November, I received an email request for a meeting with my elementary school principal, vice principal, graduate director, advisor and supervisor (I know.. right... can we say intimidation). This concerned me because I had not seen/spoken to the principal since that first day of school... so I had no idea what she would have to say. The principal proceeds to tell me that I'm disrespectful, unprofessional, have an intimidating body language and demeanor. Considering this is a performance review, I take what she says and vow to work on it. She then continues to say that because I am a "Mormon", I must have "been raised and grown up in a very un-culturally diverse area" and that because of her knowledge of "mormon history", she would assume I am "biased towards people of color", and must be finding it difficult to "work with children of color."

Well, long story short, I was given the choice to move to another elementary school or stay where I was. I chose to change (primarily because of the obvious racial/religious prejudice) and I was told that I would be notified when the new placement had been secured. In the meantime, I was told to come up with concrete ways that I could work on my lack of respect, professionalism, communication skills, and "cultural competence". I compiled my "Plan of Action," emailed it to my director, advisor and supervisor.... and a meeting was set them in motion. Following a 45 minute meeting to discuss improvements that I need to make while in the program, I was told that they were unable to locate me a placement, and that I will be unable to progress into the next course in the program: Student Teaching 1. With this being the case, I was given 2 choices.... take a leave of absence for up to a year, or leave the program all together. As you can see, those were not exactly choices.... but they were all I was offered. After much thought, I have decided that taking the leave of absence, and returning to the same views/biases/prejudices would not benefit me at all... so I have chosen to withdraw from the program.

I realize that this version is incredibly condensed, and I'm sorry. I have had numerous meetings and emails in addition to this skeleton of events that have proven to me that their goal was to get rid of the "squeaky" wheel; with the two options I was left with, it was obvious that they simply wanted me gone. Following these meetings, I have spoken with campus legal counsel, mediations and the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, and have become shocked to learn that I am not the first person to be unjustifiably "urged out" of the program for requesting clarifying information or for advocating for myself. Also, throughout my time in the program, I have heard nothing but negative viewpoints from within educational circles regarding the PSU program, and I strongly feel that this is not where I am meant to be.

So, what does this mean? Basically, I will no longer be a university student (therefore unable to live in campus housing), and will be moving out of Portland. Since my end goal is to teach/live in Utah, I'm going to be moving to Utah County within the next few days, where I'm currently applying for positions to teach in private schools. Depending on how quickly this goes, I will also be applying for a licensure program to do while I'm working. Once I'm steadily in a teaching position, I'll then go back and work, again, on my Masters. For those of you unfamiliar with educational salaries, I will not lose the 30 credits that I have earned over the last 5 months, although they will not go toward a Masters in another program; I will simply be paid based on the number of credits that I have earned (Bachelors + 30 credits).

Over the last week or so, I have found myself running through the emotional checklist (disappointment, anger, fear, etc), and have finally settled into a comfort of the situation. I have realized that there is nothing that I could have done differently to change this outcome, or that I should have done to endure the prejudice that was so obviously a foundation in their view of me. I still find myself disappointed in the outcome, and even more so, struggling with the idea that I have let so many of my friends and family down. However, I have also accepted that I was merely the recipient of a giant avalanche that was intended to push me out of the way... and that they finally worked out the "legal" way to make it happen.

I want to thank you all again for your support through this very difficult, yet necessary, decision in my life... as well as the obvious upheaval that will be occurring over the next few months. I hope to be able to spend some time with my Portland friends before I leave, but as you can imagine, my time schedule has been drastically cut short. Also, for those friends in the Antioch area, I wanted to sent this email out, because it is very likely (with my abrupt schedule) that I will be unable to make it home for Christmas this year. I want to thank you all for the support, love and prayers that you have given to me over the last few years. I hope that I will be able to talk with each of you a bit more in person... but if that doesn't happen soon, please know how much you mean to me... and I will be more than happy to talk with you all by email. I also promise to keep you all informed with any new steps in this process.

All my love and friendship,

Jenn Golden
jenniferkgolden@yahoo.com

Wouldn't it be Great?!?!

Joy To Everyone

I found this link on a friend's site... and just had to share it. This is the most beautiful video I've seen in a long time, and with all the prejudice I'm dealing with in school, it was nice to get a reality check in the midst of all the hate. 

http://www.joytoeveryone.com/download.htm

Twilight

Yes, I've read the books (at least 1-2)... and no, I haven't seen the movie yet... SO NO SPOILERS PLEASE! I did just stumble on this hysterical review of the movie, and a "rejected" screenplay for the movie. I'm not posting this because I didn't like the books - quite the contrary, I did like the books. I just couldn't stop laughing reading this and realizing how accurate it was. :-)

http://www.ericdsnider.com/snide/my-rejected-twilight-screenplay/

Enjoy!

Measured Voices Provide Reason

I got this from my friend Annette.. and felt it was more than worthy enough to repeat.

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Anti-Defamation League Condemns Criminal Activity Targeting Religious Institutions That Supported Proposition 8

"Although we strongly opposed Proposition 8, its passage does not justify the defacement and destruction of property. We urge Californians to channel their frustration and disappointment in productive and responsible ways to work towards full equality for all Americans. To place anyone in fear of threat to their houses of worship or their personal security because they have expressed deeply held religious views is contrary to everything this nation represents. Our Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion for all of us."


Dallas Morning News Editorial: Protest and Civility in a Democracy

“But a vicious minority is not satisfied with that. Some gay rights protesters have voiced sentiments about Mormons, whose church was active in advocating Prop 8's passage, that if said about gays would be condemned as hate speech. Vandals have struck a number of Mormon temples. Bash Back, a pro-gay group in Olympia, Wash., trashed a Mormon temple there, then issued a statement saying, ‘Let this be a warning to the Mormon church: Dissolve completely or be destroyed.’

“Gay rights extremists should ask themselves the same question. A cause, no matter how just, can only be harmed by thuggish tactics. Our pluralist democracy depends on a citizenry committed to working out differences with civility.”


Michael Barber, Professor of Theology, Scripture & Christian Thought at John Paul the Great Catholic University

“… we found it appalling that in the final days of the campaign, opponents of Proposition 8 ran an ad in which Mormon missionaries were presented as barging into a same-sex couple’s home, gleefully rummaging through their personal possessions and violating their rights. The ad attempted to ridicule people of the Mormon faith, even implying that it was wrong that they contributed money to the election. As a Catholic school, we stand beside our friends in the Mormon Church and of people of faith who work tirelessly to preserve the freedom of religion in America. We also strongly oppose any attempt to ridicule another person’s faith, even faiths with which we have strong historical and theological disagreements.”

The First Amendment Center — Charles Haynes: When the Marriage Debate Turns Ugly, No One Wins

“Mormons are taking the biggest hit from the opposition. But as protests, boycotts and blacklists targeting Mormons proliferate, it’s worth pausing to think about where this collision is headed. … Before this clash escalates further, both sides should exercise caution and reconsider their battle plans going forward.”

The Christian Post — Chuck Colson: So Much for Tolerance

“Two days after the election, 2,000 homosexual protesters surrounded a Mormon temple in Los Angeles chanting ‘Mormon scum.’ Protesters picketed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, holding signs reading ‘Purpose-Driven Hate.’ Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills was spray painted. Church members’ cars have been vandalized, and at least two Christians were assaulted. Protesters even hurled racial epithets at African-Americans because African-Americans voted overwhelmingly in favor of traditional marriage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us!”


Beliefnet.com — Rod Dreher: Stand By the Mormons

“Now is the time for traditional Christians — Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox — to come to the aid of our Mormon friends. They put themselves on the front line of the traditional marriage battle like no other church group. And now individual Mormons are paying a terrible price for standing up for something we all believe in. I don't know how we can stand with them from afar, but at least we can thank them, and speak out when we see them being abused. We might also think again about how we view them. … I have deep disagreements with Mormon theology. But they are our friends and allies and fellow citizens, and they deserve our thanks and support.”


John Mark Reynolds, Philosophy Professor at Biola University – California and Thank-a-Mormon Day

“In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree. A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies!”


The Volokh Conspiracy — Dale Carpenter: An Alternative to Anti-Mormon Protests

“Here's my advice to righteously furious gay-marriage supporters: Stop the focus on the Mormon Church. Stop it now. We just lost a ballot fight in which we were falsely but effectively portrayed as attacking religion. So now some of us attack a religion? People were warned that churches would lose their tax-exempt status, which was untrue. So now we have (frivolous) calls for the Mormon Church to lose its tax-exempt status? It's rather selective indignation, anyway, since lots of demographic groups gave us Prop 8 in different ways — some with money and others with votes. I understand the frustration, but this particular expression of it is wrong and counter-productive.”

Lesson from Harry Potter

Many of you have heard about the frustrations that I have been dealing with. Some of you have not. There is very little I can do to "fix" any of the issues, and am simply trying to tread water until my situation changes itself. 

On Friday night I sat down to watch a movie. I put in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix... and went about my evening (homework). Now, mind you.. I've seen this movie close to a dozen times... but this time, something was different. Have you ever watched a movie, listened to a song, or read a scripture... and found a whole "new" piece that you SWEAR wasn't there before. Well, that happened to me again; for another time, check out this entry. 

Lately, I've been feeling that the Adversary has been working extra hard on me.. and in ways that I'm very unfamiliar with. We all have our trials, but wow... I never thought I'd have this one to deal with. His latest method primarily focuses on making me feel lonely, and unsupported... thereby breaking me down emotionally. For those of you that know me... I'm a pretty socially connected person... and this one is killing me. 

This time's "AHA" came in a conversation between Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood while she was feeding the Thestrals. Harry was feeling that no one understood him, or believed in him.. and that he was feeling very lonely. 

Luna: We believe you, by the way. That He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back, and you fought him, and the Ministry and the Prophet are conspiring against you and Dumbledore.

Harry: Thanks. Seems you're about the only ones that do.

Luna: I don't think that's true. But I suppose that's how he wants you to feel.

Harry: What do you mean?

Luna: Well if I were You-Know-Who, I'd want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it's just you alone you're not as much of a threat. 

Things I've done

Got this from Mother of Three and thought I'd see how many things I've acutally done.... 

To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done.

Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

Wow... Not too shabby. Not to mention... great memories!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself...

I found this on a blog I frequent: Pikes Pickles

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I am giving a shout out to this amazing blog .

Click here

The pictures are downright amazing and speak volumes.

The words are eloquent and need to get out.
_______________________________________

I think if you read my blog -

You would know, I am not a person filled with hatred.

If I saw you and you were hungry - I would feed you.

If a saw you and you were naked - good grief , I would give you some clothes.

If you were begging on the street corner - I would scrounge around in my car to find something to give you.

If you asked if you could share your homosexual lifestyle with my children -

I would say no.

I wouldn't hate you.

I would then go to whatever lengths it took to be sure that you weren't able to teach my children about such things.

And if I saw you later on the street I would ask about your life, your partner, your family.

Again - I wouldn't hate you.

Not one bit.

I have had many friends who have been homosexual and I truly love and respect them.

I DO NOT hate them.

Curious...

I'm wondering who visits here.... 

If you are reading this, you visit here. Don't I have a knack for stating the obvious!?!?!

K... so, if you're visiting here... for the first time, second time, or are a repeat offender, leave a quick comment so I get an idea of who comes here. 

Oh yeah... and you can "follow" my blog.... over there ----->

Let the good times roll.....

I've Been Tagged!!!

I have to say... I was very excited when I was tagged by LindyLeigh. I've never officially been tagged before, although I've un-officially tagged myself in the past. So... with no further adieu....

MEME...tagged by LindyLeigh

1.  Where is your cell phone? Never out of my site... I'm addicted to my "crack"berry
2. Where is your significant other? Hopefully out there somewhere... looking for me too.
3. Your hair color? Dirty Blonde (sad that I had to think about that for a minute)
4. Your mother? deceased... and missed everyday!
5. Your father? in Antioch... probably sleeping
6. Your favorite thing? friends and family
7. Your dream last night? Wow... that was a while ago. Probably had to do with homework.
8. Your dream/goal? My own classroom, marriage, children, home, car (not necessarily in that order). 
9. The room you're in? Living Room
10. Your hobby? Reading, watching movies, and finding people online :-)
11. Your fear? loneliness, abandonment, rejection and failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? In a home... sleeping.. with my eternal mate.
13. Where were you last night? WinCo
14. What you're not? Selfish
15. One of your wish-list items? Masters degree.. and teaching credentials! (their combined)!
16. Where you grew up?  California
17. The last thing you did? Homework and watching Desperate Housewives (yes, multitasking!)
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? On... always!!!
20. Your pet? probably on my bed... keeping it warm for me... meowing for me to come to bed.
21. Your computer? is a Mac... and it's running out of memory :-(
22. Your mood? tired
23. Missing someone? too many to count
24. Your car? Nope
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? Kohls
27. Your summer? went by too fast
28. Love someone? yes, lots
29. Your favorite color? green and lavender
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today... thanks Erin!
31. Last time you cried? friday night

I tag-anyone who reads this.... not quite sure who all that is.... so I'm excited to find out!

Small Changes

Back in July, I created a blog dedicated solely to my experiences as a graduate student. I have decided to adjust that... and take those entries and put them here. I've realized that my life right now really IS my graduate student life... so if I put things on here, you won't understand the depth of those feelings unless you read the other blog too. So, in essence, I'm saving you time. 

Thank me. 

No, seriously. 

"You're Welcome!"

Oh yeah... I re-dated them to the correct day.... so, if you're interested, go back to August 25th and read from there!

It's About Time

For everyone who was wondering if I "fell off the face of the earth"... the answer is NO! I'm going to update this blog this afternoon... so hold tight! 

In the meantime, feel free to check out my grad school blog. I've been actively writing in a journal during this first month of practicum... and I'm sure you'll enjoy my experiences this month. 

Please comment, (sy/e)mpathize, laugh at, cringe, get angry.... whatever. I've felt all of the above this month, so your comments would be a refreshing change of "voices in my head".  

http://imagradstudent.blogspot.com

Realizations

I've had several realizations over the last few days that I know are going to be helpful over the next year---and beyond. 

Realization #1: When you say it... mean it... AND stick to it! Along with this, be consistent! Lately, there has been an issue with running in the halls, jumping  down the stairs, and taking 2-3 steps at a time when on the stairs. When I see it, the student is pulled out of line, and told to go back to the beginning of the stairs/hallway... and this time... do it properly. Yesterday I had a girl jump down the steps... and after she had done that over, ran down the hallway (again, I told her to start over). They don't seem to be nearly as angry about having to start over as they do about my policy that they lose their place in line and go to the back. If we are going to lunch, and another class is behind us.... they have to wait and go at the end that line also. The interesting part, is that they're doing it, and turning around to see if I am watching (much to their chagrin... I am). I may not be very popular... but I'm proving my consistency... and they know what the expectation is. 

Realization #2: I'm supposed to be viewed as a teacher, but I'm not allowed to make decisions, announcements or corrections without getting permission first. This has been drastically affecting my level of respect from the students. I was told be the teacher that I am to let one child "just do whatever he's going to do." I don't believe in creating an environment where students see that some kids get preferential treatment and are allowed to get away with things that others are not. By encouraging me to basically ignore a certain students behavior, the other students begin to feel that I'm favoring the rowdy student. I refuse to encourage this mindset! I also refuse to allow certain genders, colors, religions, etc to be given special treatment based strictly on these criteria. Each student comes with their own background, experiences, issues, beliefs and problems. Each student needs to be viewed based on these individual situations and not overall cultural influences. I will NOT treat a minority student any differently than any other student strictly because of their minority status!!!

Realization #3: I am ridiculously alone in this process. I have no support from my cohort leaders, cohort members, administration, department leaders or classroom teacher. I  know it sounds harsh... but it's really true. I have been told repeatedly by Mrs Z that she never wanted a student teacher. Not only have I heard this from her... but from the other 3rd grade teachers. She continues to tell the students that I "won't always be in here"... and that they shouldn't get used to having me around. I can't talk to my teacher about this... for obvious reasons. I feel like as aide or a parent volunteer in the classroom... not a teacher. I don't feel like she appreciates my being there every day... or even cares if I show up or not. There's a saying among teachers... and teacher "manuals" that state that "No teacher is an island". Well, I'm pretty sure this is as close as I can get. I may not be an island.... but at the very least, I'm a ship without a map. 

Reading

Every week, we are reading a new story from the Scott Foresman reading curriculum. I really like how Mrs Z does her reading lessons, and I thought I'd write it down so I can remember it. 

Day One - Talk about the concepts that are going to be discussed. Introduce vocabulary. Pre-Spelling test with vocabulary from the story. An example of this is the story we're going through this week. It's a fable about trading for what we need without money. We talked about how we can get things without money (then we had to add "honestly"). Answers that students came up with were: win, trade and gifts. We elaborated on trading, things that we trade, why we might trade... and then we listened to a story about trading. 

Day Two - Brief review of yesterday. Listened to an audio clip of teenagers talking about the things that they trade regularly (food, work, chores, etc). With partners, and a graphic organizer, the students looked through the text to find clues, questions and problems from the words, pictures and other things in the story. After we shared the clues, questions and problems they found, we listened to our main story on audio... with the students following along. After the story, we revisited the clues, questions and problems and tried to answer/solve them. 

Day Three - In addition to the vocabulary "reading" words, each story has 5 "challenge" words. As a glossary lesson, we have the students look up the challenge words, write the definitions, and do a worksheet that helps them to understand the meanings of those words, and use them in sentences. As a class, we read through our story in a "round robin" style. 

Day Four - We used the story, and did a few creative learning activities. This week, we focused on retelling the story. In this fable, there was a distinct timeline of events... and a specific person that the character meets on each page. Each person has a a specific role, and each role must occur in order. We had the students draw out the sequence of the story, who the main character met, and what that person provided the character. 

Day Five - Started out with a spelling test over the words that they had been studying all week. Then we followed along to the audio of the story again. After the story, we do the assessment from the curriculum packet to see how well the material was learned... and how well the students understand the words meanings. 

I'm not a huge fan of the assessment method... but I do like the order of the week... although I'd choose to think a little further "outside the box" when learning the story and the words... and definitely to assess their learning of the material. 

Here we go again...

I know it's been a few days -- but I'll do my best to catch you up with what's been going on. 

Thursday was pretty uneventful. Nothing too spectacular to report on. When I went home, I pulled a box down from my closet, and discovered my metal Chinese Checker board. When I say discover... I mean that I found it when it slid off the box and hit me in the nose. Yep, felt just as good as it sounds. 

Friday morning, I woke up to a nice swollen nose and pounding headache! I called Mrs Z, told her I wasn't coming in, and made an appointment to get an X-Ray. Drum Roll please.... minor fracture. It didn't dislocate, but had a slight fracture... and it's sore.. and swollen. So... I get the day off... but OUCH! I slept most of the day and enjoyed my Costco bottle of Ibuprofen. I think the headache is worse than the nose. 

Now, it's Monday, and boy... is it ever! The students are tired, complaining about aches/pains and not super motivated to do anything... but are too tired to fight it. The schedule did change a little bit, thanks to the principals control issues, but nothing too drastic. Mrs Z called me last night and asked me to teach the second health/nutrition lesson tomorrow. And now, I'm sitting here at 11:10 on Monday morning and I have no idea what I'm going to do. Guess I'll talk with Mrs Z at lunch and figure something out.  

Pretty simple day

Thank goodness for that simple unit plan we did this summer. Granted, I didn't use it much -- but it did give me a good jumping off point. I found a video clip that introduced the food pyramid and food groups. I made a poster to put up in the classroom and put some examples of foods along with the poster. Not my best lesson -- but I think I got my objective across. 

Anytown School also follows a form of classroom management called ENVoy. I'm not sure if I completely agree with it, but I don't really have a lot of choices. The ENVoy coach came in today and wants me to learn at least 3 of the main points. The first point is called "Exit Directions". The second is "Influence Approach". The third is called "Freeze Body". I'm going to go ahead and make copies from the book about these three points and put them in here. Who knows -- maybe something will benefit my classroom later on. 

My Big Mouth

It's going to take a little while to get the hang of this schedule. Tuesdays are devoted to the majority of the students specials. From 12:30 on, they're gone, and only come back into the classroom to get their backpacks, coats... and then leave. This is the same schedule for all of the third grade classes. Starting next week, this time is called "imbedded PD" or (imbedded professional development). I'm not really sure what that means... but I guess I'll figure it out next week. Today, this time was spent catching up on paperwork, making copies, and all that other junk. I spent the time going through magazines to find pictures for my design journal (see entry for September 6th). 

Once the kids had left for the day, we were talking about the schedule for tomorrow. Mrs Z mentioned that she wanted to start a health/nutrition... and guess who opened her "big fat mouth"!!! Yep.. that would be yours truly. So, I'm teaching health class tomorrow. Big-Mouth Me mentioned that this summer I did a unit of study around "food" and that my lesson plan specifically focused around health/nutrition and the Food Pyramid. Well... guess what I'm teaching tomorrow... YEP!

Week 2

Today went so much better. I think that by adding the specials, a more set routine and the curriculum, the students seemed much more focused and seem to be getting into the groove a little better. No, that does not mean that all the problems have ceased... or even diminished at all... but I'm hopeful! Having more stuff to do throughout the day seems to keep them focused a little more. I'm sure having a dance class in the middle of the morning did a lot to help the behavior of the day. During math class, using manipulative blocks allowed them to use their hands more, and I think that was very useful with this group. 

I got "called" down to the office to meet with the principal and the vice principal this afternoon. Talk about intimidating!!! She seemed a little upset that I had called my Field Placement Advisor to ask about my still undetermined Winter placement. 

Side Note: this is what I am supposed to do!!! The reason this rule has been put into effect is because not all student teachers are doing both of their authorizations at the same school. 

Ok, back to what I was saying. She wasn't really happy that I had (in her eyes) gone over her head. I've been told that she has some control issues... and I guess she wanted me to go to her first. Oh well.. that's not what I was supposed to do.... so there! My Field Placement Advisor told me that she was going to put me at the school's field study Kindergarten, which.. of course... would be super convenient for me transportation-wise. I don't think it would have been a valid experience for teaching though... since it's a field study, and only has 10 students. The Anytown principal decided that she didn't like that idea... so she's finding me a place here in a Kindergarten class. I don't think this was an indicator of her changing her opinion of me... but more a desire to control the situation. 

Design Journal & Self Identity Project

For my practicum class.. we have 4 assignments to do between now and December.  Most of the assignments are pretty generic: clock your hours online,  respond to others postings online, and read several articles. 

The other two are pretty cool. 

First, we have to do a "self identity" project. Basically, we need to develop a creative project that shares/builds/enjoys the identity of your students. The identity must contain and demonstrate an anti-bias curriculum lens and multicultural/urban ed practice. Along with the creative portion, I have to share this with my college class in some way, preferably as a “document," PowerPoint visual or video experience. Sheesh! I decided to do a collage project combined with silhouette. I want students to go through magazines and find pictures and words that describe them, their families, their classroom, their friends, etc. Then, they'll fill in their "heads" with these pictures/words. I'll write more about as it gets closer. 

The second project is a design journal. My cohort leader's (aka practicum teacher) focus is on the environment, and how the environment can be another teacher in the classroom. So, since the environment is another teaching tool... we have to put together a design journal with ideas of fabric, colors, textures, furniture, and other elements that come together to create a classroom. It's kind of a fun activity. Since I've been in many classrooms, I've definitely narrowed down certain things that I want to do in my own room. I know that teachers come into a school with little/no control over color schemes, desks/tables, chairs, and storage capacity... so I chose to focus on  things that I can control (curtains, classroom policies, extra furniture, etc). I'll write more about that as it gets fuller. 

TGIF to the highest degree!

Wow, it's only Friday?!?! This has been a VERY long week already - and I've only had students for 3 days. We finished up the "All about Me" posters, and I hung those up this afternoon. We introduced the students to the Word Wall and got some great additions from some of the words they were using on their posters.

Yesterday, Mrs. Z asked me to come up with some sort of activity or lesson to do with the kids today. I pulled out my "5 minute warmup" book and decided to expand one of the activities. Since we'll be starting next week with curriculum, I decided to do an exploration of the reading book to help students get familiar with the layout of the book. Once we had gone through the book, I started a scavenger hunt to help them find specific things (pages, stories, poems, definitions, etc). For those of you who I grew up with... think Scripture Chase (books closed, hands off, and GO). The first two didn't grab their attention, but I'm sure that's because they were getting the hang of it. After the first few, they got really excited about it... and really joined in. One things that came from this was the obvious need for more work on a Table of Contents and Glossary/Index searches. I personally need to figure out some more enthusiastic ways to teach and to help them be responsible and to follow the rules. 

On a side note... the building I'm in is a "Green" building... welcome to Oregon! We have these solar panels for lighting... and we have this 1 really STUPID feature in the building. We have 3 long flourescent lights in our classroom. The one closest to the window goes on and off all day... depending how much light is coming in from the window. It's SO annoying! Ok... frustration vent complete!

Stand Up!

I stand up for my dear mom, Vickie, who lost a much too short battle with cervical cancer on July 16, 2004.

I stand up for my dear friend and mentor, Carol, who lost her brave battle with pancreatic cancer on February 17, 2007.

I stand up for my friend, Gary, who is a survivor!

I stand up for everyone who is battling this disease... and won... or lost!!!

I stand up for a cure!

I pray for everyone who is fighting this disease... themselves, or with a loved one! 

WE WILL WIN!

Please call and STAND UP with me! 

www.standup2cancer.org

Day Two

We're still not doing anything academic, but we're focusing more on getting to know each other - as well as the routines. We had a school orientation conducted by the VP and one of the teachers. The largest part of the "tour" was spent on bathroom behavior and procedures. I'm still surprised at how much emphasis is placed on teaching bathroom behavior and procedures for walking around the school and eating in the cafeteria. 

I am also surprised with the time and energy placed on teaching basic social skills. I guess I had always assumed that things like emotions, feelings, and reading facial cues was a natural part of maturation, but I guess it's only a natural step if the student sees it through modeling. Anytown uses a program called Second Steps. This program uses large photos, videos, and teacher scripts to teach many of these social skills and analyzing of feelings & emotions. 

The dynamics of this class are going to be interesting: ADHD, Autism, mental retardation, tourettes, ESL, communication disorders, etc. 2 are recent refugees, and 4 are considered behavioral issues. 

We have rearranged the seats 6 times already... but I think we finally figured out one that will work. I have 2 little girls in my class that I have coined my "diva's-in-training". I have a firm rule about running/jumping down the stairs... and when this rule is broken... they start over again. I asked T to do it... and I got full blown diva attitude: the lip, pouting, snapping fingers, dirty looks, head bop and stomping.... the WHOLE thing! I feel like I've walked into an episode of Maury Povich. Wow.... and to think.... she's 8! I've gotten similar reactions to my requests for tying shoes, putting shoes back on, putting materials away... and pretty much everything I've asked her. Sheesh... selective hearing at it's very best!!!

First Day of School

WOW, this is going to be very interesting! There are 3 adults in the class, and 24 students... and boy, are we going to need it. It's hard to say exactly how these students are going to be this year.. but it took me close to 15 minutes to convince one little boy to color a poster! Seriously! We have a lot of children with special needs and an equal number of students that are potential discipline problems. I think the most interesting part of the day is the focus on the bathroom. We have to schedule 3 times a day to take everyone to the bathroom, because the school policy is that students are not allowed to go by themselves. I asked Mrs Z, and she explained it. Apparently, last year there was a problem with some students acting out sexual behaviors with other students. These children were obviously victims of sexual abuse and were acting out the behaviors they had learned on younger students. There is also an issue with allowing them to be in the restroom unattended. I guess last year there was also an issue with students "decorating" the walls/floors and toilet seats with...."bodily fluids" and writing graffiti on the walls. I just have a hard time realizing that these are K-5th graders! I think it's sad that this is the case, but I guess if it's necessary, it's better than the alternative. 

Prep Day

After a 15 minute jaunt at the district office, and a combined total of  hours in transit from home to the office, and then up to Anytown... I finally got there! I met with Mrs. Z; she seems nice. We also have an aide in the classroom, Ms D, to help with those students with special needs. I was told today that we have 25 students: 7 with special needs, 6 who are ESL, and 3 who are undocumented special needs. That leaves us 9 who are not in resources... and of those 9, only 3-5 are on level for reading/math/writing. WOW! If anything, this will be a VERY big eye-opener for me this year!

I'm guessing that I really didn't miss much when it comes to setting up the classroom. Mrs. Z isn't much for decorating... in fact, most of the classrooms that I've seen, decorating doesn't seem to be a concern in the classroom. I've seen one or two that have decorative elements in the classroom, but not many! 

This school is called a "neighborhood" school. This means that classes are in 4 groups of 6 (K-1, 1-2, 3-4, 3-5). Each group, or neighborhood, is given a color (Red, Blue, Yellow, Purple) and has a lounge/learning area outside of their rooms. This area is designated for small group help, large group meetings, etc. There are chairs and tables, lots of curriculum materials, a resource room, and a very large carpeted area. Once a week, all the classes in the neighborhood gather on the carpet for the Pledge, the school motto, a story "Word of Wisdom" that talks about choices and any announcements that need to be made. It's a cool feature...I'm interested to see how it presents itself during the day. 

Reverse Racism

I am absolutely furious (as if you didn't get that from the post title)!!! After class today, I rode with one of my cohort members (who's placed at Anytown also) up to the school for my meeting with Mrs. Z. I got to Anytown at about 12:10 or so.

The secretary introduced me to the principal. The other member of my cohort (C) and I were standing in the principals office... well, I was in the doorway while they were talking. C worked at Anytown last year so knows everyone already... and has a very good connection with the principal. The principal made comments to C such as "I didn't really want another student teacher... but I had to take her," and "doesn't she know what an inconvenience this is."

The secretary asked me about my security badge (what badge????). I told her I had never heard anything about a "badge". Apparently, we all need a badge from the district office in order to be allowed into the building. By now, it's 12:25... and get this... the district office closes at 12:30 on Thursdays. I know... seriously?!?!?! I heard the principal tell C, "why doesn't she know about the badges... she should have known." Well, I asked C, and she told me that the only reason she knew about them was because she worked there last year.

I told the secretary that I had a meeting with Mrs. Z, and I would get the badge before the students started. Well, Mrs. Z went home for lunch -- and they wouldn't let me stick around and wait for her. I was told that without a badge, and without a "chaperone", I wouldn't be allowed in the building beyond the front office. What?!?!? There's NO students in the building... and I'm being treated like a terrorist.

Should I mention that everyone involved in this is African-American? Should I mention that the 2 other student teachers that they allowed (and were excited about) are African-American? Should I mention that this school is in a low economic area with a dominant African-American population? Should I mention that the school is named after a Civil Rights activist? Nope.. didn't think so.

First Contact

Mrs. Z called me this afternoon. She's in meetings today and tomorrow, so we're going to meet on Thursday. I'm disappointed that I'm not getting a lot of time with her before school starts. She's going on vacation for the long Labor Day weekend, so I'll only get Thursday and next Tuesday to work in the class before the students start.

Placement

I got my email this morning about my placement. I'll be at Anytown School (all names/locations have been changed to protect the innocent & the guilty) in Anytown, Oregon (that's broad enough I felt pretty safe with that one).

I'm going to be in a 3rd grade class with a teacher named Jane Doe. The email from my school's Placement Advisor told me to contact Mrs. Z immediately to set something up for this week. Well, she's in meetings all day, so I'm stuck simply leaving a voice mail, and I'm not expecting to hear anything from her until tomorrow... which means I probably won't get a chance to go over there till at least Wednesday.

I'm so frustrated that it's taken this long to get placed. I feel like I'm missing out on so much "preliminary" time with my teacher, and at my school... and now it's gotten pushed back even further. Other members of my cohort have started at their schools today, and are going to be working there all week... setting up the class, becoming familiar with the curriculum, learning their way around the school, etc! I'm missing out on all of this. And.... school starts in ONE week!! Sheesh - Way to bring it down to the wire!

My friends ETSY site!!!

Hey everyone! I know that most of you have little girls, so this is perfect for you. My friend designs, makes and sells hairbows on ETSY. I've seen them in person, and they are great!!!!

Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5983853

Happy Sisters Day!!!

My life may be pretty chaotic right now with school... but I just wanted to give a quick "Love You" to my three sisters! I may not say it enough (and even less lately), but I do love you all!!!

We are, and always will be... the 

ORIGINAL GOLDEN GIRLS!!!

Grad School Blog

After 13 years, 5 schools, 3 states and more addresses than I care to count.. I've finally graduated college, and am on to grad school!!! I decided to keep a "journal" to chronicle the ups and downs of classes, student teaching, readings, students, research projects, and all the numerous other "hurdles" I need to jump before I become a licensed teacher.

Although classes don't start up for another few weeks, I'm chugging my way through the 20+ recommended readings for the program... and am finding myself with so many thoughts about them... that I had to find an outlet. I would love to get feedback about these, and hear what you all have to say!

Check out my grad school blog at: http://imagradstudent.blogspot.com/

Love you all!!!

Remember When?

I saw this on my friends Myspace... and I loved it! Talk about bringing back some great memories.

How much was gas when you started driving?
$.98

Did you ever own a record player?
You betcha!

What year did you graduate high school?
1995

Do you own any Oldies Music? If so, what?
Oh yeah... 80's, 70's, 60's... you name it.. I've probably got it

Where did you go on your first date?
Roller Haven

Do or did you own a pair of roller skates?
Yep... my first pair looked like a pair of tennis shoes on wheels!

Have you ever played skip-it?
Yea, but I wasn't blessed with movement coordination. Sport's coordination... that's another story.

Do you remember moon shoes?
Of course!

Did you ever do the Macarana dance?
Who didn't?!?! But it took me a LONG time to get it down.

What was your first pet's name?
Cookie

Have you ever dyed your hair a weird color?
Not extreme... but I did go from blonde to a deep dark auburn over night

Did you ever play four square?
4 square, AND 2 square!

What about Hopscotch?
Yeah, but not my favorite

Or Dodgeball?
Yea

Have you ever won a goldfish at the fair?
Nope

Where did you meet your best friend?
My neighborhood... 2 years old... Lori T.

Do you know how to do the Electric Slide?
No

Did you like strawberry or chocolate milk better?
Chocolate... but sometimes you're in the mood for a change

What was your favorite food as a kid?
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat.
Lunch: turkey sandwiches
Dinner: homemade spaghetti and salad at my grandma's house

What was the 1st video game console you owned?
I can honestly say I never owned one. I think we acquired the original Nintendo sometime in the 90's... but I was already out of the house.

How old were you when you got your first car?
17... 1973 Yellow VW bug... Thanks Sanchez!!!

What was your 1st job?
That's a toss up... 1988 I started teaching swimming lessons at AHS.... and in 1992 I ran rides at Pixie Playland in Concord.

Have you ever had a fuzzy steering wheel?
Yep... my young women surprised me by decorating my car for my 25th birthday. Not only did I get the fuzzy pink steering wheel cover... I got the matching mirror cover.

Have you ever made rice krispy treats?
you bet

How old were you when you got a house key?
9 or 10… around the same time my parents left me to babysit.

Ever met Geoffrey the giraffe?
No, but I did meet Ronald McDonald

Did the robots on the chuck-e-cheese stage scare you?
No

What was the first rollercoaster your rode?
Not really sure... either the Jet Starr, The Loggers Revenge or the Big Dipper (all at Santa Cruz... we went ALL the time).

What is your favorite arcade game?
Skee Ball and Air Hockey

Who was your first sleepover with?
I'm sure it was Lori... we did everything together!!!

What is your favorite ride at the fair?
When I was young it was the Scrambler... Now, I don't know... it's been a while since I rode rides at the fair.

What's the best fair food?
Corn Dogs and Pretzels

How old were you when you got your piercings/tatoos?
Ears at 13, again at 15, again at 17..but now I'm back to 1.

What were your school colors?
Elementary/Jr. High: green/gold (Bears and Spartans)
High School: black/gold (AHS) and blue/white (PHS)
Community College: gold/maroon (LMC)
University: green/white (PSU)

How long can you make it on a pogo stick?
Back to the movement coordination thing.

Did you have a red wagon? A Motor powered fisher price car?
no... to both.

Did you ride the school bus? Was it short?
Nope... walked (or rode my bike) 2 blocks to Elementary... and "up the hill both ways" to Junior High!!! :-)

What was your favorite toy as a kid?
Sit n' spin... and my bike

Do you remember the 'My Buddy/Kid Sister' theme song?
My Buddy... My buddy.... yes, unfortunately.

What do you miss most about your childhood?
The closeness of my old neighborhood, the friends, the innocence, the ability to go/do/explore, the ability to be kids.

What friend of yours have you known the longest? How long?
Lori and I have been friends since we were 2... We're 31 now... so I think that definitely qualifies as the longest. I've almost known her longer than all 3 of my sisters.

Have you seen every episode of Full House?
Heck yea. Funny story: I was the same age as DJ, my sister was close to same age as Stephanie... and my twin sisters are the same age at Michelle. We watched that show religiously.

Where there any shows you were forbidden to watch as a kid?
no

Do you have a limit as to how much tv you could watch per day?
no (and didn't when i was a kid either)

Were you allowed to have sweets before dinner?
probably not... but I don't really remember it being an issue

Did you parents tell you the walking barefoot, up and down the mountain in the snow to school story?
no, but I can when I have kids.

Turner, Oregon

After having such a big day yesterday, and having such a late night last night, you can imagine my hesitance toward getting up at 7 to head to church but, I did it! I was so looking forward to seeing all my friends who were unable to make it to the party and who had been such a great support to me during these last 2 years. Poor Bishop Cluff came to me, all excited about getting my announcement and looking forward to the party. When I told him it was the previous night, you could see the disappointment in his face. I told him it was fine… we’d be having another one next year for my Masters, and we’d pull out all the stops. Since I’d been dealing with a sore throat for the past week or so, I decided that it wasn’t the best idea for me to go work in the nursery during the second hour, so I had the opportunity to go to all of Sunday School and Relief Society. It was just a nice little “breather” from the last week of insanity.

On my way home from church, I called the twins (who were just beginning to stir), and Beckie (who was shopping… enjoying the ability to walk to the mall). Once everyone had been fully showered, dressed, and caffeinated we were off to Salem to have a nice Sunday afternoon with “Uncle” David and his family. We had SO much food left over from the night before, that we carted it all down there and it made for a great “miscellaneous” buffet. Everything from potato salad, lunch meat, cheese, to corn dogs, pizza bites and rolls… it was obviously more about the company and the conversation (as it should be when family gets together).

I happen to keep in touch with David and his family quite regularly… but it had been close to 16 years since my sisters had seen him, and they had never met his wife and children. It was a nice reunion for everyone. After lunch/dinner we wandered around the property (6 acres) and the barn (basketball hoop, motorcycles, 2 cows & a horse) and the backyard (trampoline)… for the sake of ease… let’s just refer to this as 5-year-old’s heaven on earth!!

We rode the horse







Petted the cows (one who got very acquainted with my rear end)



Jumped on the trampoline


Shot hoops, petted an iguana, fed apples to the horse (Willy), and turned several shades of red when Bryan was forced to take his shirt off and strut his “Popeye” muscles and his “6 pack skeleton”. I’m pretty sure the “video” demonstration of his Napoleon Dynamite dance was the final step toward pushing him into isolation for the rest of the day. Sorry about that Bryan. Thanks for being willing to “strut” for us girls. ☺ It was so hard to leave cause we were all having such a great time... and can't wait till we can do it again!!



Sunday evening, Beckie met up with some friends from the Bay Area… Alex crashed out pretty early, and the twins bleached their hair (not their best work… but I’m sure they’ll fix it when they get home). I was on Alex’s timeline… I was ready to crash around 11 or so. From what I’ve heard since, I missed a late night pajama run down the halls in my apartment building between the laundry room and my apartment. Sounds fun… but so did sleep!

Graduation Day!!!!

This one is long.. but it's totally a big deal for me... so suck it up, or move on. There is a funny story in here... so I do recommend reading it. You'll enjoy it!

Can it really be the day that I’ve looked forward to for the last 13 years… and especially for the last 2 years!?!?! Although I’m excited, I’m remaining relatively cautious until next Wednesday when grades are posted. I just hope that the whole ceremony won’t be for naught. I dragged myself out of bed at 6 (a situation that would prove valuable with 4 girls sharing 1 bathroom… and 1 bathtub... no shower) and tried to make sure I didn’t forget anything (a concept that would later prove futile). Once everyone had gotten up, showered and fed, we headed over to the Rose Garden Arena. It was pretty chaotic there, but we found a great parking space (bonus points!!). It was so invigorating seeing everyone in their caps/gowns… and very exciting seeing those in their Master’s and Doctorate’s hoods. I have to say, I have since become very tempted to consider going on for a Doctorate. I know, I know… one step at a time.

As I was saying, we got to the arena, and my family went to find some seats, and all the graduates went to the holding cell, oh um… I mean the “exhibit hall” to get into groups by major. It was so great seeing former classmates, advisors, and friends that I hadn’t realized were graduating. A huge bonus for me was being able to spend time with all the advisors I worked last summer with as an Orientation Leader. Lots of hugs, lots of congratulations, and lots of “since you’re staying here for grad school, you better come visit’s”. While I was in the hall, I noticed everyone wearing honor cords, sorority sashes, multicultural sashes and masters/doctorates hoods. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten my gratitude sash, and was feeling very plain. I considered having my family going home and getting it, but thought they’d get lost, or miss everything. Just as I had given up hope, I learned that they were selling them at the other end of the exhibit. AAAAH. I quickly text messaged my sister to see if she could bring me my wallet, but alas, they were too far away. AAAH. Guess I’ll just be plain! We were lining up, and my time was running out. I jumped out of line (thanks Candy for holding my spot), and ran over to the booth to see if they’d “loan” me one and I could pay them back when it was all over. They said no, but I could give them a credit card number over the phone. I don’t think I’ve ever spoken that fast on a phone in my life. I called my sister and had her confirm my credit card number. I turned around… and my line was walking toward the door. I gave them the info, grabbed my sash, and ran back to my line. You ever try to find your spot in line with 1700 students all in black caps/gowns… not easy! Thanks to Candy for waving her arms which made it easier to find my spot! If I had only known it would take another 10 minutes to get out the door, and then 15 more minutes of walking before we were in the arena… I could have actually got a potty break in there too. Oh well.

How did we live before text messaging. Thanks to texting, I knew right where to look to find my family, I could tell them when I was entering the arena, and I could chat with them during the ceremony when things got a little long-winded. We even send pics messages back and forth.. ☺

Where's Jenn?!?!

There were video cameras everywhere, and I was so nervous that I would be caught not smiling, that I don’t think I stopped smiling the whole time (until the moment when I should have been smiling). Throughout the ceremony, we were all trying to determine what we were going to do when we went in front of the video camera. We reminded each other to smile and wave… but when it came time to get in front of the camera (after getting my diploma), I totally forgot about the camera!! Figures!

Afterward, as I was walking back to the courtyard, I ran into 2 of my “advisor” friends. It was so great seeing them, and sharing my day with them! Love ya Becky and Karen!!! I met my sisters up at the courtyard… took tons of pictures, and headed home for lunch.


I opted for a simple lunch at home, while I relaxed a bit before my party. Beckie helped me set up the institute and get the food ready while the twins wandered around Portland (getting lost several times). Although only a few people came to the party, I’m so glad they did come. They have been such great friends and such an awesome support to me, that I’m glad I got to share my special day with them. Angela, Syd, Jeri… thank you for your friendship!



Colleen, I don’t think you can possibly know how much your friendship, love and support has meant to me over the past 3 ½ years.



Chris, you rock… and I'll always be your Grace!



Once the party had been cleaned up, Chris, all my sisters, Alex and I hit the Student Union for a few rounds of bowling, Xbox, and Wii bowling/tennis/boxing/baseball. It was so much fun! I called my dad to tell him about my day, and he said that I should go on for my Doctorate, and he wanted me to know how proud he was of me. For those of you who know my dad, this was unusual on several levels: 1 being the idea of higher education as unnecessary; 2 being the rarity of his expression of being “proud” of my accomplishments. Double kudos Dad.

Thursday and Friday

Thursday (June 12th):
Initially wanted to sleep all day, but decided to get my butt in gear. Worked with the 1st grade teacher to clean up her room for summer and purge out all the stuff she’s not using anymore. Apparently, my organizational skills "inspire her". Go figure!! Plus side for me… I get all the stuff she’s getting rid of (only good condition stuff, of course). Also a good opportunity for me to see the “bones” of a classroom and how to best arrange everything. Came home and slept!

Friday (June 13th):
Seriously… is it really the 13th already!?!?!? Tomorrow’s the big day. Family comes in tonight. This morning I treated myself to a hot cider, pedicure and manicure! Do you have any idea how GREAT that felt! This last year has kicked my butt… and I felt it was drastically deserved!!! Once I had felt sufficiently pampered, Colleen and I spent the afternoon terrorizing WinCo to prepare for family to come in. I’ve been a devoted customer for close to a year, but this was the first time for Colleen, and I’m pretty sure, I’ve brought her over to my side! ☺ Sisters and nephew came in earlier than expected (7ish) which left plenty of time to do some walking around campus and swing by the local pizza joint (thank goodness for decent Portland weather!!).



On the way back from pizza, we cut through a few of the school buildings. Here's Alex and I in the "...ology" building (geology, psychology, sociology, etc).
We're the Class of 2008!!!


Here's Alex scooter'ing down the basement of Cramer Hall (the 'ology building).


Sisters couldn’t get over how “cute” my apartment was, or how “downtown” it was. It was fun to watch them get all excited over the urban living thing I’ve got going on.

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Monday (June 9th):
GeoSciences Final… Not bad, pretty confident that I did well.
Diversity presentation… Power Point slide show of ASL activity I did with my 1st graders. Bound book of pictures and ASL dictionary with my students hands. Potluck! Anyone want an ASL alphabet book for their kids , email me, and I'll send it to you.. it's in powerpoint.

Tuesday (June 10th):
Math Final… studied hard… did alright. Studied so much that I forgot to finish homework assignment. Oh well, I’ll beg for mercy later.
Biology Final… Heaven help me! This has been my nemesis all term, but I think I did alright on the final. Keep those fingers crossed!
Speech… online final. YUCK!

Wednesday (June 11th):
Spent the day writing a 6 page paper for my speech class and finishing my term long project. Didn’t really do the project, so I ended up faking it… which I felt I did a pretty good job at! Slept a little too much today… so found myself typing like a madwoman at 11:00pm to finish this paper which was due at midnight. Thank heavens for Dr. Pepper!!!

Graduate! Celebrate!

It came to my attention that I haven't updated in a while. I can't believe how busy these last few months have been. This last term I’ve taking 21 credits (many of which are the boring/difficult ones that I’ve been putting off for the last 13 years). Between the massive course load (which includes 2... yes 2 science’s, 1 science lab, a math, a speech and a psychology class), preparing for grad school, working at the elementary school, and still trying to eat/sleep/study/shower, etc… it’s NOT been a fun term!!!

Yes, I am graduating this Saturday (heaven willing). My family is driving up for the ceremony this Friday, and I’ll be heading to Utah for my first mini-vacation the following Friday! My second mini-vacation will be in mid-July, down to CA, and then returning home in time to start my graduate school program on July 21st. Yep… seriously! It’s just been ridiculous. I finally had to go to the doctor yesterday and hear him tell me I have a “throat virus” (because my “immune system is low due to all the stress and lack of sleep”)…. DUH!!!! I knew all that, and only went, hoping he would give me some strong antibiotics to make it go away. I was pleasantly surprised when he offered me a prescription of vicodin for the next week instead of an antibiotic. SILVER LINING! Now, I can force myself to go to sleep ignore the world. Let’s just hope I don’t ignore it enough that I sleep through a final or 2.

As of today… 9:30am on Tuesday, I’ve already taken 3 finals, and finished 2 projects/presentations. I have a final in 45 minutes, and another one tonight. Tomorrow I have another final, and 2 more papers due by midnight. THEN I’M DONE!!!!! It’s kind of exciting to know that tonight will be my last class as an undergrad… EVER!!!!

From now on… I’m a grad student!!!

Oh… So, for those of you who I have a physical address for, you’ll be getting my grad announcement this week. For those of you who I don’t have one for… you can either check out my new “note” on Facebook or you can see it here. Since I’m traveling this summer, I’m having parties in Portland, Utah, and Antioch… so I hope to see you all this summer!!!!!

AHA Moment

I should be doing my homework right now, but I just had to post this. It's my A-HA moment, and it's pretty delayed, but it still struck me really hard.

While I'm doing my homework, I've got the TV on (I know, turn it off and study, but oh well). So, as I was saying, the TV is on. Tonight's "Wonderful World of Disney" is the "Chronicles of Narnia". Let me preface this by saying, I've seen this before, but it's been over a year, at least. So, I'm sitting here watching it, and I just realized something. This is about the sacrifice Christ made for us. Now, I know C.S. Lewis was very religious minded, and I had heard that the Narnia series was about spiritual matters. I even remembered the "Sons of Adam" and the "Daughters of Eve" reference... but I hadn't really been paying much attention when I saw it last time (apparently). So, tonight I'm sitting here, studying, and it occurs to me. ... Aslan is Jesus Christ. When he tells the children that he must "go on alone" and goes to the White Witch, he is representing the Savior when He gave himself to those who crucified Him. When he is shamed (by having his hair cut) and is tied down and taunted... that's the Savior going through the city carrying the cross. Then, of course, there's the Resurrection depicted by Aslan's return to life., and the promotion to Kings and Queens of the children at the end.

I'm not quite sure how I didn't see this before... but maybe it's like reading the scriptures. Certain things pop out at certain times, and others do not. I guess it would have also helped had I read the books as a kid. All I know... is that I'll be reading these books and watching the movie again VERY soon!