Weekend Bites the Dust

I remember a Queen song from the early eighties, it went "Another one bites the dust..." I also remember my cousins running that song backwards and hearing it say something that may have sounded like: Wah-shmoo-schna-Smoke Marijuana, or it could have been Was-smoo-sna-smo-kee-mar-eewa-nana...either way it was spooky shit for a nine year old. Of course, I digress. Yet, the idea of the weekend biting the dust, a phrase usually describing something dying without a spark of hope, totally fits the end of this weekend.

Where did it go? I could tell you what we've done. I could explain in excruciating detail, and yet, you might ask, "why didn't that take longer?" Hell, I'd ask the same question...wait, I AM asking the same question. Where the hell did it go? REALLY!! It doesn't seem like we spent any time on anything!

Cora did the taxes and started the process of renewing our immigration documents and home study...both of those were depressing. Basically: before doing taxes and the home study renewal, we thought we were poor and had no money to spend, but now there's no doubt. Like Cora said, Yea US!

We went to the tri-cities today to return something to a store down there. Also we got to visit with her sister and brother-in-law. I got some time in the book store and she got to walk through the mall with her sis. As usual, the tri-cities was sunny and warm...at least compared to our little piece of heaven.

Still, the weekend went WAY too fast. Tomorrow, I get to teach middle-schoolers again. I will be giving out tests tomorrow. I just hope that one of them does eat another's hair. That's what happened Friday. Without getting into specifics, let's just say it was a mildly uncomfortable experience for everyone, except the hair-eating child, who seemed to think there was nothing unusual about that.

In fact, the child indicated that the hair from that particular classmate tasted really good. One assumes the hair-eating child has done some research into who's hair tastes best. I still prefer not to give any credence to this research as it may be unethical...no use giving support to those without ethics.

On that note, I leave you to ponder the nutrition of human hair.

Hero Takes a Fall

I suppose every teacher has a few embarrassing moments. I have had a few. The worst was having to leave the room of fourth graders so I could go to the hall and vomit in a wastebasket.

This morning wasn't much better, though. I was in an art class. The teacher's desk was on a raised dais. Two steps is all I had to descend. Well, the gripper on the step and the tread on my shoes apparently never met, and I ended up rolling my ankle to the side. When that happened, I had been putting most of my weight on it. Needless to say my weight had to go somewhere when the foot/ankle combination stopped supporting it. My other foot, airborne for the moment, could offer no help and down I went. Coffee in one hand and air in the other, I hit the ground.

The class, which had been talking and somewhat noisy, chose to stop everything they were doing to observe the idiot who could not walk. For my part, I struggled to my feet (even the now reluctant problem child left foot), and explained that I was ok, but twisted my ankle. Once they had ascertained that I was still able to carry out anything necessary, they went back to work and talking. I am sure a few looked forward to a teacherless hour momentarily while I was still out of view. I managed to walk around the room with a minimum of wincing and since I ignored it so did they.

That did not stop it from hurting like all get out!

And this is what I don't get: Most times time slows down during moments like that, this time it sped up! I swear, one moment I was up and stepping down and the next a woosh of air and I was flat on the ground trying to brush off the embarrassment! Weird!

Math

I hold to the notion that mathematics in everyday life are patently necessary, but higher order mathematics are a complete waste of my time. With that in mind, I want you to think a moment on how I feel about substituting for math classes. I openly admit that I was somewhat vexed a few months ago when, in a fifth grade classroom, I ventured into a lesson requiring some minor algebraic calculations. I quickly sorted it out and continued, but it brought to mind the question of just how many people actually use the higher order mathematics.

Now, I know a few of you will say, "What about engineers and designers and people who build rocket ships?" I would ask you, "What percentage of the population actually falls into that category?" An overwhelmingly small one, I would guess. So, what do you use your higher math skills for? I mean anything over Algebra.

So, armed with my theory of the Futility of Teaching Mathematics, I enter math classes with a certain mix of dread and disdain. I dread that a kid will ask me a question that I am unable to figure out, especially considering that I cannot remember the difference between an integer and a real number, or if there is a difference at all. The disdain comes from the discovery that, in adult life, I have managed not to need that information. When the kids ask why I don't like math, I say, "That's why I chose History!"

This week, I was in a high school math class. I loved this teacher. My job fell into the category of "start the video"...even though they were not watching movies. All they were doing was working on some worksheets. I hardly even glanced at the worksheets other than to note that I might have chucked them in the bin if some teacher had given them to me. The kids were awesome, though. They had a strange culture among them. They...helped...each other. Yes, those that got it willingly helped those who struggled. I suppose my own classmates might have done that for me in school, but I tended to ignore such things at the time and don't remember such a camaraderie in math class. I was totally impressed.

When I handed out one sheet, I told a class, "...and if you need any help..." and I chuckled a mirthless chuckle, "good luck, that's why I'm a history teacher." If we had been in an auditorium, I think I may have gotten a standing ovation! The kids all laughed at that. They were great though, and I DID try to help as best I could.

Much of my time was spent relaxing and watching them work. They were surprisingly diligent.

So, yeah, I'm not a big fan of higher order mathematics. I don't do much myself, but I respect those who do, even though I think it's a bit of a joke to teach it writers, historians, and cashiers. I AM a fan of spaceships, bridges, and cellphones, though.

Did I mention I have rarely met a cashier that actually even used lower math? Yeah, well, maybe I'll write about stupid cashiers next time.

Good News and Bad News

Well, I got my computer back last week, but, we were struck again with tragedy. I dropped our camera...and it...well, it still works, but the lens cover, which usually automatically covers the lens is no longer working. So, I will need to take it in to have it fixed. We can't afford a new camera, and really, it isn't broken that badly. Still, it will be rough on both of us to NOT have a camera in the house.

Oh, the good news...well, I suppose it depends on your point of view. It snowed tonight. Not a lot, but enough to remind us how pretty it can be when there is a white blanket covering the crap that is our poor excuse for a lawn in the month of January. Above you see the last picture taken by out beloved camera...I walked out to the car bare foot.

So...we will see how successfully I can get the camera fixed. Let us all hope it will be sooner and cheaper than later and expensively!

Internet Friends!!

I had written a very long and very beautiful post concerning the Computer and Internet revolutions and their similarities to the television revolution. I also cited how they were not bad, even though it is possible they have lead to less personal contact in relationships. They are still good. Here's why: I have found many, many new friends on the internet, some of whom I have never net face to face. As proof I offered a recent gift we received from an internet friend in Australia.

However, none of you will ever see that post, because even though I saved it, BLOGGER ate the damned thing. I can't find it and can't get it back, so after a long bit of cursing, some of which caused a small black cloud to appear over my head complete with lightning and rain (I saved the computer, no worries), I am writing this extremely short post instead. Cora may have become a victim of my tantrum, too...but she will survive.

We got a wonderful package in the mail from Peta Marie. She sent Aiden a stuffed Koala! But, what's best, she sent cool stuff for Cora and me, too! Cora got a couple of very beautiful Australian tea towels(is that the same as a kitchen towel?), and she sent me an Australian Weather Gage, and a neat list of Aussie Slang! So, I wanted to say: Peta, you ROCK!! Which is American for: You're Bonzer! That sheila, Peta, is Ripper! The gifts are grouse! We were RAPT to get them! THANKS!!!

I found the perfect place for the weather gage...at least until the weather clears up(hmmm, is that bad? I want to protect my weather gage from the weather?). It was a perfect gift! I was laughing my head off while reading it! Besides, this particular room sometimes has fog issues and I think this might help me.:

Oh, you can't see where it is...let me back off a bit:

I've Been Absent

I have been gone and lots of things have happened.

We had a birthday party for my favorite niece (Still safe to say that). She is six years old now! It's unbelievable! Seems like yesterday (or at least the day before) that we flew up here from California to see my new niece! Now, you can see she is treated like Royalty.
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She knew exactly what she wanted. She instructed each family on how they should present their gifts to her.

Cora made my sister a dress for my beloved niece for her birthday. See the results? Cora is a mean dressmaker, seriously, when she's making dresses, she gets all mean. Well, not really...but it sounds good.

That little niece of mine make the dress look pretty fun!

Speaking of dresses, one of the men decided to wear one to the party, but I won't name names (Cough, Scott).

Of course it could be because he won best costume...even though I worked all week on mine. I had the idea to approximate the dress of European royals from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (note the sash and cane)

Cora looked pretty dazzling, too, though. Note the fluffy toes:

My nephew came as "Peetah" from the Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe...couldn't he just double as Prince Charming?

Here is Cora and me after we had stepped through the door...it was raining outside.

The next few photos are from Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This was the view into the Gap.

The fog from our side was spilling into the Lower Valley. It even came over the top of the hills.

I think it looked pretty cool, actually...

Well, those are the pictures you missed. We don't have any big plans for the weekend...probably some cleaning and relaxing with any luck. I hope the rest of you get to relax, too!

Ahh, Life!

I get my computer back and then don't post at all...how's that for a fine how d'ya do? I guess I have been busy trying to get what I had on it back on it. Last night I kind of took the night off and played my submarine game...it was nice to get back to it. I still have a couple things to add, but it's getting better.

I have worked all week, well, not Monday, since the schools observe Martin Luther King Day. That gave me time to do some running around and make some calls and things. I took the car in for the oil change. I called the agency to see if they planned on answering an email in the next week or two. I waited around for my computer NOT to show up. all in all it was a sucky day until I picked up my computer.

The rest of the week has been better. I think Cora and I both need a breather, though. A vacation somewhere warm would be nice, but I think we'll have to wait until the warm comes to us.

Today, I worked sped at one of the elementaries. I forgot just how tiring it is to work with some kids. Both physically and mentally. Still, it was a good day! I enjoyed their greetings! Some of these kids I have been around for over two years! Their greetings are often exuberant. I have not been over to that particular school for a couple months. The students there, not just the SPED students, seemed to have missed me...really missed me. Now, I am just a sub, but that kind of reception has a tendency to make a guy feel pretty good. Of course, the ladies I worked with were pretty nice, too!

One little girl, well, she isn't a little girl any more, I think she's in fourth grade now, has moved on from SPED to life skills and I did not see her until the end of the day. She dropped her bag and came and gave me a great big hug...that's the kind of greeting that makes you smile.

Tuesday, I was working at WHS and my phone vibrated. I called the number back and it was the nurse at the El. She answered and said that she was big fan of my art work. I know someone blowing smoke up my...well, I knew I was being charmed. I am, however, inclined to listen to praise of my art work. She said someone close to her was having a birthday and wanted to know if I would make a drawing for her. I told her I would. About 6 feet long? I said yes.

Today, she called again to see if I would. I told her yes. I was actually in the area. So, after work, I dropped by and found a note. She asked that I draw "Maxine" holding onto a rocket...I managed it. It looked pretty darned good. I made her two to choose from...I suspect she will use both. They aren't quite six feet long, but I think she'll like them...and I did manage a pretty good Maxine.

Tomorrow is Friday!!! I will be working with some third graders that I will have for a full week in February. Should be interesting.

This weekend? I think I will wait until it gets here before I make any rash decisions.