I was having dinner tonight with my "little" brother--he is actually a son of a co-worker. He only has a brother, so he has adopted me. We were discussing the upcoming election, and he made a comment that had me completely unglued. He stated "One of the teachers at school said she was going to vote for Obama but now she isn't because he is pro-abortion."
I'm sorry, but that is the DUMBEST thing I have ever heard. I don't know a single person in this world--AND IF YOU ARE OUT THERE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!--who is Pro-Abortion. I know people who are Pro-Life and people who are Pro-Choice, but NO ONE WHO IS PRO-ABORTION!!!!!!!
I asked him if he knew what it meant to be pro-abortion. He couldn't tell me. I asked him if he knew what being pro-life and pro-choice meant. Again, he didn't know. What a sad state our society is in when children have no clue what any of those mean, and we have EDUCATORS discussing it! (By-the-way, this is illegal, but I'm not going there.)
I consider myself pro-life and pro-choice. Yes, I can be both!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Pfun Pfootball!!!
Today was a football game day. But this one was EXTRA special!! First, it was jersey day for Red Ribbon Week. I was decked out in my Brian Urlacher, Number 54, Chicago Bears Blue jersey. I LOVE IT! I love wearing it to school. (I saw a TON of Tony Romo jerseys also...gotta root for a fellow Panther! GO EIU!!!!!) But, the best part of the day was the weather. For the first time all season, it was TRUE FOOTBALL WEATHER. The temperature at game time was 65 degrees. By the time we left for the evening, it dropped to 49 degrees. YEAH!!!!!! I have a number 20 (no name) Chicago Bears sweatshirt that I put over my Urlacher jersey. As the night went on, I added a scarf around my neck--you'd be amazed what a little thing like that will do for you--and a jacket. I did have 3 blankets ready for use. I used one for a seat cushion. The cheerleaders and some of the football boys were whining about how cold it was. I told them they were wimps, it was BEAUTIFUL football weather.
Oh-to-have-snow-flurries-too!
A person can wish, can't they??????
Oh-to-have-snow-flurries-too!
A person can wish, can't they??????
Monday, October 27, 2008
School Memories
While I was typing the post on Red Ribbon Week, I started thinking about school memories. I have a few that stick with me ALL OF THE TIME!!!! For example, everytime I start a sentence with "Well," I think of my Senior English III teacher Mr. C. He taught us every comma rule in the world!!! One of his favorites was "The Ronald Reagan Rule." This rule states that you use a comma after introductory words such as well. He named it after our President, because Mr. Reagan would start a lot of sentences with it.
I also remember something my Algebra Two teacher, Mr. A. said when I am teaching my students algebra. In Algebra, there is a property that states "If A = B , and B = C, then A = C." He taught us this by saying "If Archie takes the bus, the bus goes to Chicago, then Archie goes to Chicago." It is so true!!!!
Another memory is from my College Algebra/Trigonometry teacher, Mr. H. He would always say "QED that baby." That stood for "Quit and Eat Dinner" and meant we were finished with the problem. I've found myself saying that sometimes.
I think of these memories a lot when I'm teaching my students. I want them to remember something about me. I do A LOT of crazy things with them (such as using the word NerD to help them divide, using the story of The Three Little Pigs for fractions/division, using Blue's Clues for percents).
I hope they remember something!
I also remember something my Algebra Two teacher, Mr. A. said when I am teaching my students algebra. In Algebra, there is a property that states "If A = B , and B = C, then A = C." He taught us this by saying "If Archie takes the bus, the bus goes to Chicago, then Archie goes to Chicago." It is so true!!!!
Another memory is from my College Algebra/Trigonometry teacher, Mr. H. He would always say "QED that baby." That stood for "Quit and Eat Dinner" and meant we were finished with the problem. I've found myself saying that sometimes.
I think of these memories a lot when I'm teaching my students. I want them to remember something about me. I do A LOT of crazy things with them (such as using the word NerD to help them divide, using the story of The Three Little Pigs for fractions/division, using Blue's Clues for percents).
I hope they remember something!
Red Ribbon Week
This is Red Ribbon Week. It celebrates being Drug Free. Our school is celebrating with some spirit days. Today was Wage War on Drugs--Camo Day (I participated). Tomorrow is Choose the Right Team, Not Drugs--Sports Jersey Day (digging out the beloved URLACHER jersey!!!). Wednesday is Sock it to Drugs--Crazy Sock Day (gotta find some weird socks...I know I used to have some). Thursday is Put a lid on Drugs--Hat Day (which hat do I wear???? A Cubs hat? How about my Cat in the Hat hat? Or maybe my Sombrero. HELP!!!) Friday is Black Out Drugs--wear all black (well, that should be easy!!!)
How are you celebrating Red Ribbon Week????
Anyone know why we celebrate Red Ribbon Week??? How about the person who is credited with starting it?
How are you celebrating Red Ribbon Week????
Anyone know why we celebrate Red Ribbon Week??? How about the person who is credited with starting it?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Update on Saturday Evening
So, we are at this establishment. We are minding our own business. All of a sudden, I hear Ms. P. I look and there are two young men trying to talk to me. I look at the taller of the two, and he says "Do you remember me?" I couldn't see his face, and I turned to his friend. His friend says "I'm R. You didn't teach me, but you would tell me to go to the office." (I had no clue who he was!!!) I looked back at the taller one and told him I couldn't see his face. He moved to the other side, and I immediately knew who he was. I taught him when he was a little itty-bitty 7th grader. I commented how he was legal now (since he was holding a bottle of beer in his hand), and he said he had been for a while. He is 25!!!! YIKES!!!!!! Don't I feel old!
Had a great time listening to the band and people watching. However, the end of the evening wasn't too hot for one of the band members....he was told he was being replaced. What a crummy way to end your evening!
Had a great time listening to the band and people watching. However, the end of the evening wasn't too hot for one of the band members....he was told he was being replaced. What a crummy way to end your evening!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The last few days....
Whew! They are over! THANK YOU!!!!! Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were a blur. I worked late on Wednesday trying to get some work caught up...it didn't happen. I didn't get home until around 10:00 because I was out shopping after I left work around 7:45. (I had to get some props for our pep rally and pictures from the dance last week.) When I got home, I was able to connect to the internet, but not get my email. My password was incorrect. HMMMMM....how can I log onto the computer but not the email when the passwords are the same because they are both with the same ISP????? I found out Thursday. As I was headed back to get more props for the pep rally, I called the ISP. They told me my account had not been paid for three months. HOW IN THE WORLD DID THAT HAPPEN???? I HAVE IT SET UP TO MAKE AN AUTOMATIC DRAFT FROM MY CHECKING ACCOUNT!!!! The (VERY RUDE) man on the other end of the phone said my bank was blocking the charge. I asked why it took three months for them to notify me about this. (They never even contacted me until they blocked me!) We went round and round, and he told me to contact my bank. When I did, the (VERY NICE) lady said the only way for this to happen was for me to ask for it to be blocked. Now, WHY WOULD I DO THAT????? I called the guy back and we went round and round again. He kept interrupting me and didn't want to answer my questions. I almost hung up on him. Finally, everything was resolved. YEAH!!!
I stayed at work late again on Thursday--and then went to the choir concert. It was great! It featured 5 different schools from elementary to high school. I still had to type up certificates for all the kids who had perfect attendance for the first six-weeks of school. I figured I could do that at home without any problems. YEAH, RIGHT!!! The version of Microsoft Word that I have at home is a newer version than what I have at school. I couldn't get the mail merge to work correctly. So, I gave up, set my alarm for extra early and went to bed.
Friday started off just as bad. I woke up very tired and not wanting to get up. I finally did, got ready and walked out the door. About 10 blocks away, I realized I'd forgotten my medicine--for the second time this week. I turned around, took it and headed out again. What a waste of about 12 minutes--the exact same time it takes me to get to work. When I get there, I start typing frantically. I go to print and the printer starts acting up. By the time I finish typing all of the names--about 400 of them--the printer will only let me feed the paper in one sheet at a time. UGH! Then, I have to cut them in half, sort them and distribute them to the correct academic team. Then, I have to teach! During my planning time, I create little "can" people to represent our award winners and the theme at the same time. Then, came the pep rally. BOY-OH-BOY!!!
Our pep rallies are VERY draining on a person. Our kids did great!!! I didn't get home until late last night and didn't feel like blogging....like I haven't felt like doing for a few days now.
Today, I attended a wedding. I work with the bride's mom...it was beautiful. Now, I'm off to see a band at a local establishment. Some of the band members are friends of a friend. No drinking for me....Unless it is water!
See you tomorrow!
I stayed at work late again on Thursday--and then went to the choir concert. It was great! It featured 5 different schools from elementary to high school. I still had to type up certificates for all the kids who had perfect attendance for the first six-weeks of school. I figured I could do that at home without any problems. YEAH, RIGHT!!! The version of Microsoft Word that I have at home is a newer version than what I have at school. I couldn't get the mail merge to work correctly. So, I gave up, set my alarm for extra early and went to bed.
Friday started off just as bad. I woke up very tired and not wanting to get up. I finally did, got ready and walked out the door. About 10 blocks away, I realized I'd forgotten my medicine--for the second time this week. I turned around, took it and headed out again. What a waste of about 12 minutes--the exact same time it takes me to get to work. When I get there, I start typing frantically. I go to print and the printer starts acting up. By the time I finish typing all of the names--about 400 of them--the printer will only let me feed the paper in one sheet at a time. UGH! Then, I have to cut them in half, sort them and distribute them to the correct academic team. Then, I have to teach! During my planning time, I create little "can" people to represent our award winners and the theme at the same time. Then, came the pep rally. BOY-OH-BOY!!!
Our pep rallies are VERY draining on a person. Our kids did great!!! I didn't get home until late last night and didn't feel like blogging....like I haven't felt like doing for a few days now.
Today, I attended a wedding. I work with the bride's mom...it was beautiful. Now, I'm off to see a band at a local establishment. Some of the band members are friends of a friend. No drinking for me....Unless it is water!
See you tomorrow!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Donors...
My friend, T, posted something on her blog which is a link to another blog. She linked to this site. After reading this, I thought I'd share something from my history. In February 1999, my then-34-year-old sister had a massive heart attack and passed away. She left behind 3 children and a brand-new husband.
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As horrible as this was, something really great came from it. She was an organ donor. I don't remember all of what was donated, but I do remember some of her skin was harvested along with her corneas. She helped someone. I wish I could say I was involved in this decision, but I wasn't. However, I am very proud that she was a donor.
I'm not sure how to become a donor in TX. I do know in IL it was a matter of signing your drivers license. I looked on my DL and can't find anything. (I have to look into this!!!) But just in case, ALL of you now know that I wish to be an organ donor. So, if you ever are in the position to decide for me...you'll know what to do!!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Running....
Have you ever felt like you were running a marathon without actually running? It seems like just five minutes ago I was getting up to begin my day....but it has been almost 18 hours!
Here is just a brief glimpse to how my day went....
5:00 wake up to first alarm
5:20 actually drag my sleepy body out of bed for the day (yes, I have 2 alarms going off--one in the bathroom. This means that I get out of bed, walk to the bathroom, hit snooze, walk back to the bed and climb in.)
6:08 answer a phone call from a cheerleader who didn't pay attention last Thursday when we told them no practice today
6:20 Leave for work
6:35 Stop at Sonic for Route 44 Raspberry Tea
6:45 Arrive at work and let picture people in (Today was school picture day)
7:15 tell B about cheerleader who showed up for practice
7:25 Call J who was having a meltdown
7:35 hunt down almost all of my cheerleaders to give them an important note
7:45 put warm ups on the board for the day
7:50 hall duty
8:00 class begins. This is the first day in a long time that I have to teach the whole day! (I have a student teacher who will be out all of this week.) It was actually quite refreshing
9:30 take school picture/meet with rest of my team/run around doing different school errands (finish passing out notes to cheerleaders, meet with counselor, work on red ribbon week) surprise other counselor with a gift--more on that later!
11:00 class begins--run around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get projects finished...computers can be so difficult to deal with!!! take pictures of kids who have won awards
1:00 class begins--most draining class of the day--also the smallest math class I have Love the kids, but the routine wasn't set from the beginning...have to get them "in-line."
2:30 homeroom begins. We have chant practice
3:30 meet with a parent/do some record keeping
5:00 keep books at volleyball game
7:30 come home and eat dinner
8:30 talk to J on the phone...then talk to another friend J...text N and then talk to N on the phone.
9:45 check blog/email/website and catch up on my other blogs and daily readings
10:50-something post this message, log off and go to bed--I hope.
Even though I've been up so long, I know I will have a hard time going to sleep. I don't know why...I just can't sleep. And, I'll probably wake up before the alarm goes off at 5:00 again tomorrow!
Here is just a brief glimpse to how my day went....
5:00 wake up to first alarm
5:20 actually drag my sleepy body out of bed for the day (yes, I have 2 alarms going off--one in the bathroom. This means that I get out of bed, walk to the bathroom, hit snooze, walk back to the bed and climb in.)
6:08 answer a phone call from a cheerleader who didn't pay attention last Thursday when we told them no practice today
6:20 Leave for work
6:35 Stop at Sonic for Route 44 Raspberry Tea
6:45 Arrive at work and let picture people in (Today was school picture day)
7:15 tell B about cheerleader who showed up for practice
7:25 Call J who was having a meltdown
7:35 hunt down almost all of my cheerleaders to give them an important note
7:45 put warm ups on the board for the day
7:50 hall duty
8:00 class begins. This is the first day in a long time that I have to teach the whole day! (I have a student teacher who will be out all of this week.) It was actually quite refreshing
9:30 take school picture/meet with rest of my team/run around doing different school errands (finish passing out notes to cheerleaders, meet with counselor, work on red ribbon week) surprise other counselor with a gift--more on that later!
11:00 class begins--run around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get projects finished...computers can be so difficult to deal with!!! take pictures of kids who have won awards
1:00 class begins--most draining class of the day--also the smallest math class I have Love the kids, but the routine wasn't set from the beginning...have to get them "in-line."
2:30 homeroom begins. We have chant practice
3:30 meet with a parent/do some record keeping
5:00 keep books at volleyball game
7:30 come home and eat dinner
8:30 talk to J on the phone...then talk to another friend J...text N and then talk to N on the phone.
9:45 check blog/email/website and catch up on my other blogs and daily readings
10:50-something post this message, log off and go to bed--I hope.
Even though I've been up so long, I know I will have a hard time going to sleep. I don't know why...I just can't sleep. And, I'll probably wake up before the alarm goes off at 5:00 again tomorrow!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Countdown
Well, at midnight there will be 15 days until we vote for our next president. Early voting starts here this week, I believe. I have to decide if I'm going to vote early or wait until November 4. I REALLY like voting on Election Day, but I'm not sure I'll have the opportunity. Help!!! Someone please tell me what to do!
I HAVE TO VOTE!!! I just don't know when!
I HAVE TO VOTE!!! I just don't know when!
New Toy
I have a new toy. AND I LOVE IT!!!!!! It is a new cell phone. It is one that is being HEAVILY advertised. It is so cool!!!!! I've played with it all last night and today. I even tried to write this post using my phone. I could get the title written, but not the message. Oh well. Maybe I'll figure it out someday. (Afterall, I've learned a lot in the last 30 hours or so.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Is it just me????
I was thinking last night--yes, I do do that sometimes. If you take the letters in Sarah Palin's last name and rearrange them, they spell plain...Some may say this describes her. With Joe Biden, you get In Bed--which is where I should be right now.
Here's a challenge to all of my readers--what 3 or 4 of you??? What words can you come up with using the letters in John McCain and Barrack Obama. You have to use ALL of the letters. (You may use just last names like I did or both names. If you choose both names, you have to use all of the letters!) There just might be a prize in it for the most original
Happy rearranging!
Here's a challenge to all of my readers--what 3 or 4 of you??? What words can you come up with using the letters in John McCain and Barrack Obama. You have to use ALL of the letters. (You may use just last names like I did or both names. If you choose both names, you have to use all of the letters!) There just might be a prize in it for the most original
Happy rearranging!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Get to know me....Yeah, right!
Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to hit 'forward' so you can change the answers or copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!
1. What is your occupation right now? 7th grade math teacher, department chair, student teacher mentor, beginning teacher mentor, cheerleader sponsor, yearbook advisor, tennis coach, bookkeeper for volleyball and basketball, cadre leader, campus advisory team member, tech rep, webmaster, blogger and aspiring writer. HA HA HA to the last one!!!!!
2. What color are your socks right now? They are an incredible shade of Au Natural!
3. What are you listening to right now? My fingers typing away these answers, a fan, a radio in the distance and my computer humming. Oh yeah, can't forget the voices in my head.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? food. I'll bet you want to know what kind of food.....Chicken tender
5. Can you drive a stick shift? You mean a car, right? Absolutely!!! I love to drive standard transmission vehicles. It gives you so much power!
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? One of my BFF's who also has a blog...albeit it hasn't been updated recently. I'll forgive her--she's busy!!!
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? The truth or a lie? HA HA HA....Just Kidding, J! Of course--she roomed with me for a year and didn't kill me!
8. How old are you today? 13,644 days old
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? lots and lots and lots. Don't like WSOP though....they may as well be speaking a foreign language.
10. What is your favorite drink? Route 44 Raspberry Tea from Sonic
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yup...about the same color as this writing....
12. Favorite food? Almost anything! Especially what I don't have to cook.
13. What is the last movie you watched? Grace is Gone. It was very, very, very, very, very sad. But I liked it!!!
14. Favorite day of the year? One that I wake up for!
15. How do you vent anger? I don't. I never get angry. HA HA HA....Depends on what makes me angry.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Holly Hobby purse, green stuffed frog, Raggedy Ann and Andy table and chair. Don't have the purse, but have everything else!!!!
17. What is your favorite season? spring--it signifies BASEBALL SEASON!!!!!!
18. Cherries or Blueberries? For what????? food? color? fruit? Someone please explain!
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course--why else would you email someone? So they can ignore you? How fun is that???
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Those people who already reply to me...you know who you are or aren't!
21. Who is least likely to respond? Those people who aren't reading this. If they don't read it, how would they know to respond? As for those who ARE reading this???? Not many of you comment anyway, so what would make this any different.
22. Living arrangements? Bed and computer are in the bedroom; couch, chair and tv in the living room; sleeper sofa in the guest bedroom; table in the dining room. Bookcases are everywhere!!!!
23. When was the last time you cried? About 15 minutes ago...
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Not exactly sure....too many pairs of shoes piled up to see the floor in the closet
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Didn't you read earlier???? I didn't send it to anyone! (Of my readers.....mom would be the longest, followed by J and T--very close timewise, then M.O.M.--my new blogger friend!)
26. What did you do last night got soaking wet at a football game
27. What are you most afraid of the light at the end of the tunnel....don't want it catching me or anyone I love any time soon
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers depends on my mood, who made it and how they made it spicy
29. Favorite dog breed? stuffed--allergic to a lot of dogs--and mostly cats! Lots of dogs love me though!
30. Favorite day of the week? Every day I wake up
31. How many states have you lived in? Three--Illinois (Why can I spell that word verbally and when I write it by hand, but ALWAYS--and I mean ALWAYS spell it wrong when I type it?????), Missouri and Texas. Don't ask me to list them in favorite order.....(it's pretty close as it is!)
32. Diamonds or pearls? Why do you have to choose? I like Prince's idea...Diamonds AND Pearls!
33. What is your favorite flower? Living ones!!!!! (Or plastic. Or paper...Just ask my kiddos at school. You'd think a flower shop exploded in my classroom!)
1. What is your occupation right now? 7th grade math teacher, department chair, student teacher mentor, beginning teacher mentor, cheerleader sponsor, yearbook advisor, tennis coach, bookkeeper for volleyball and basketball, cadre leader, campus advisory team member, tech rep, webmaster, blogger and aspiring writer. HA HA HA to the last one!!!!!
2. What color are your socks right now? They are an incredible shade of Au Natural!
3. What are you listening to right now? My fingers typing away these answers, a fan, a radio in the distance and my computer humming. Oh yeah, can't forget the voices in my head.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? food. I'll bet you want to know what kind of food.....Chicken tender
5. Can you drive a stick shift? You mean a car, right? Absolutely!!! I love to drive standard transmission vehicles. It gives you so much power!
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? One of my BFF's who also has a blog...albeit it hasn't been updated recently. I'll forgive her--she's busy!!!
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? The truth or a lie? HA HA HA....Just Kidding, J! Of course--she roomed with me for a year and didn't kill me!
8. How old are you today? 13,644 days old
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? lots and lots and lots. Don't like WSOP though....they may as well be speaking a foreign language.
10. What is your favorite drink? Route 44 Raspberry Tea from Sonic
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yup...about the same color as this writing....
12. Favorite food? Almost anything! Especially what I don't have to cook.
13. What is the last movie you watched? Grace is Gone. It was very, very, very, very, very sad. But I liked it!!!
14. Favorite day of the year? One that I wake up for!
15. How do you vent anger? I don't. I never get angry. HA HA HA....Depends on what makes me angry.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Holly Hobby purse, green stuffed frog, Raggedy Ann and Andy table and chair. Don't have the purse, but have everything else!!!!
17. What is your favorite season? spring--it signifies BASEBALL SEASON!!!!!!
18. Cherries or Blueberries? For what????? food? color? fruit? Someone please explain!
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Of course--why else would you email someone? So they can ignore you? How fun is that???
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Those people who already reply to me...you know who you are or aren't!
21. Who is least likely to respond? Those people who aren't reading this. If they don't read it, how would they know to respond? As for those who ARE reading this???? Not many of you comment anyway, so what would make this any different.
22. Living arrangements? Bed and computer are in the bedroom; couch, chair and tv in the living room; sleeper sofa in the guest bedroom; table in the dining room. Bookcases are everywhere!!!!
23. When was the last time you cried? About 15 minutes ago...
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Not exactly sure....too many pairs of shoes piled up to see the floor in the closet
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Didn't you read earlier???? I didn't send it to anyone! (Of my readers.....mom would be the longest, followed by J and T--very close timewise, then M.O.M.--my new blogger friend!)
26. What did you do last night got soaking wet at a football game
27. What are you most afraid of the light at the end of the tunnel....don't want it catching me or anyone I love any time soon
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers depends on my mood, who made it and how they made it spicy
29. Favorite dog breed? stuffed--allergic to a lot of dogs--and mostly cats! Lots of dogs love me though!
30. Favorite day of the week? Every day I wake up
31. How many states have you lived in? Three--Illinois (Why can I spell that word verbally and when I write it by hand, but ALWAYS--and I mean ALWAYS spell it wrong when I type it?????), Missouri and Texas. Don't ask me to list them in favorite order.....(it's pretty close as it is!)
32. Diamonds or pearls? Why do you have to choose? I like Prince's idea...Diamonds AND Pearls!
33. What is your favorite flower? Living ones!!!!! (Or plastic. Or paper...Just ask my kiddos at school. You'd think a flower shop exploded in my classroom!)
Can't wait to see who comments--hope you learned something about me--and my voices.
TODAY!
Yesterday, I complained about the rain. After this morning, I think I'll re-think that idea. Here are some pictures.
Yes, that is a tornado that you see. The National Weather Service didn't even have a tornado watch/warning in effect! It just showed up!
Here is how it went down...well, it actually stayed up, but you know what I mean. I was in first period with my student teacher teaching and her university observer observing. I left to go mail a fundraiser check to T. As I enter the office, I hear our secretary tell the principals that a tornado has been spotted. I start off towards my classroom. As I get near, Mr. G. gets on the PA system (and knowing what is going on, I take off running down the hall...ok, so it was a jog) and announces that we need to begin Duck and Cover. He doesn't say that it is SUPER important, so people are taking their own sweet time. I'm in the hall barking at the students from across the hall to hurry into my classroom--which is and inside room. I'm also telling all of them to close their mouth and cover their heads.
These 12-, 13, 14, maybe even 15-year-old kiddos think they know it all and are invincible. They DON'T LISTEN!!!!! Finally, we resorted to bribery...works every time! If they were quiet, they got a piece of bubble gum...great treat to keep around!
Later in the day, the pictures started circulating. I'm not exactly sure where they originated, but it is a reputable source. I don't believe it ever touched down, but it did make us practice Duck and Cover without reviewing the kids beforehand!
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, WHAT NEXT????? (Or do I even want to know??????)
Yes, that is a tornado that you see. The National Weather Service didn't even have a tornado watch/warning in effect! It just showed up!
Here is how it went down...well, it actually stayed up, but you know what I mean. I was in first period with my student teacher teaching and her university observer observing. I left to go mail a fundraiser check to T. As I enter the office, I hear our secretary tell the principals that a tornado has been spotted. I start off towards my classroom. As I get near, Mr. G. gets on the PA system (and knowing what is going on, I take off running down the hall...ok, so it was a jog) and announces that we need to begin Duck and Cover. He doesn't say that it is SUPER important, so people are taking their own sweet time. I'm in the hall barking at the students from across the hall to hurry into my classroom--which is and inside room. I'm also telling all of them to close their mouth and cover their heads.
These 12-, 13, 14, maybe even 15-year-old kiddos think they know it all and are invincible. They DON'T LISTEN!!!!! Finally, we resorted to bribery...works every time! If they were quiet, they got a piece of bubble gum...great treat to keep around!
Later in the day, the pictures started circulating. I'm not exactly sure where they originated, but it is a reputable source. I don't believe it ever touched down, but it did make us practice Duck and Cover without reviewing the kids beforehand!
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, WHAT NEXT????? (Or do I even want to know??????)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Rain...
I will NEVER, EVER, EVER complain about rain...as long as that means I have a semi-guarantee that we won't have a hurricane. (Speaking of hurricanes, the Farmer's Almanac predicted Hurricane Ike to hit where and when it did. It has also predicted another hurricane to hit the gulf coast later this week. Omar, Tropical Depression Sixteen and Invest 90 are out there right now....please let them blow away!!!!)
Back to my subject. We had our 2nd football game this evening. Again, it was thundering and lightning this morning. Could we be as lucky as last week? OH NO!!!!! We were poured on! This was bad in the sense I wasn't prepared with my usual poncho to keep me quasi-dry. I was pretty soaked! But, it was great in the sense the cheerleaders thought they didn't have to cheer. Were they ever wrong???? We love to make them cheer in the rain! (We did have some drama tonight...while I was handling this, I told them "You should be having a great time...You get to play in the rain!" Don't we all wish we could do that from time to time??????)
Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day--When our roof is fixed and it won't damage thousands of dollars in electronic equipment!
Back to my subject. We had our 2nd football game this evening. Again, it was thundering and lightning this morning. Could we be as lucky as last week? OH NO!!!!! We were poured on! This was bad in the sense I wasn't prepared with my usual poncho to keep me quasi-dry. I was pretty soaked! But, it was great in the sense the cheerleaders thought they didn't have to cheer. Were they ever wrong???? We love to make them cheer in the rain! (We did have some drama tonight...while I was handling this, I told them "You should be having a great time...You get to play in the rain!" Don't we all wish we could do that from time to time??????)
Rain, Rain Go Away, Come Again Another Day--When our roof is fixed and it won't damage thousands of dollars in electronic equipment!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Bosses....
Recently an event happened on my campus--specifically with me. I have heard of countless other teachers say they have been verbally assaulted by students and their principals have done nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. NO punishment at all!
I am very fortunate that my princi-pals did something. Their response to the situation showed me how much they care for their teachers/staff. I'm very greatful!
If only EVERY school could have them...Sorry, I'm not letting them go.
I am very fortunate that my princi-pals did something. Their response to the situation showed me how much they care for their teachers/staff. I'm very greatful!
If only EVERY school could have them...Sorry, I'm not letting them go.
Rants....
I'm feeling better and ready to rant....several different topics today.
1. Slow Drivers. I grew up in the Chicago area where there is A LOT of traffic. I love traffic. I even miss the traffic of the Chicago area. I do not always like traffic here, where I currently reside. The traffic here isn't really the problem. It's the drivers!!! Late Saturday evening--between 11:00 pm and midnight--I was "blessed" to be around these particular drivers. On the highway, the speed limit is 65 mph. At one point, I passed 3 vehicles--without ever hitting the 65 mph mark! (At one point behind them, I was going 40!!!) Then, on the street live on where the speed limit is 30, I passed a car when I was going 25 mph. (Don't worry, it has two lanes in each direction, so I wasn't doing anything illegal.) My other pet peeve about slow drivers--even though this didn't happen on Saturday--is when a police officer purposely--in my opinion, because I would do the same if I was an officer--is driving below the speed limit and watching all the idiots who are too afraid to pass. I love "flying" past police officers doing exactly the speed limit. They can't pull me over for following the law!
2. Idiot Telephone People. Looking at my car insurance cards on Saturday--man was that just a bad day or what???--I realized I had two sets of cards. After scrutinizing both, I realized they were identical except for one little letter at the end of the policy number. LITERALLY, THEY WERE IDENTICAL!!!!!! So, I called the 800 number to ask which was the correct set of cards. The lady on the end--who did speak great English and sounded very American, as opposed to some of the phone people who sound from another continent--told me which policy was mine, c. So, I asked if I could throw away b. She said no, that she showed I only had one policy. What was the date on the other policy. I explained everything was identical. She said--in a voice like she had to speak slow and loud because I was mentally challenged--"What are the dates on the policy." So, using the same tone, I told her "It's identical (doesn't that mean it would be the same????) September 22, 2008 through March 22, 2009." At this point, she told me I would have to speak to my agent. Let's use some common sense here...if I have ONLY one policy and that ends in c, wouldn't the card which is the same except for ending in b be incorrect and can be thrown away?
3. Idiot Vandalizers. My BFF in IL told me this morning about some idiots in her small town. It seems that this past week someone spray painted the side of a business with some bad thoughts about one of our presidential candidates. (Because of the content, I choose not to repeat their ignorance--and the fact I could probably go to jail for it if I shared!) The shop owner painted over it on Saturday. Well, J drove past this morning to find some more graffiti. How nice! Since when do people have the right to deface the property of others because they have an opinion. My goodness, look at my opinionated self! I can't just spread my views on other's property without repercussions. If you want to voice your ignorant views, do so! ON YOUR OWN STUFF!!!!!!!
4. Commericals. I was watching a show this morning that I taped last night. (Didn't feel up to watching it due to headache.) One thing I've noticed lately is that shows are NOT desperate for commericals. I spend most of my time fast-forwarding through them. I know that is the way for the networks to make money, but every 5 minutes??? Here is a suggestion--lump all of the commericals together at the beginning, middle and end of your show. Everyone would know when they were coming and would be more accepting of the longer break--time to use the restroom, get a drink, make a call--without worrying about missing something.
1. Slow Drivers. I grew up in the Chicago area where there is A LOT of traffic. I love traffic. I even miss the traffic of the Chicago area. I do not always like traffic here, where I currently reside. The traffic here isn't really the problem. It's the drivers!!! Late Saturday evening--between 11:00 pm and midnight--I was "blessed" to be around these particular drivers. On the highway, the speed limit is 65 mph. At one point, I passed 3 vehicles--without ever hitting the 65 mph mark! (At one point behind them, I was going 40!!!) Then, on the street live on where the speed limit is 30, I passed a car when I was going 25 mph. (Don't worry, it has two lanes in each direction, so I wasn't doing anything illegal.) My other pet peeve about slow drivers--even though this didn't happen on Saturday--is when a police officer purposely--in my opinion, because I would do the same if I was an officer--is driving below the speed limit and watching all the idiots who are too afraid to pass. I love "flying" past police officers doing exactly the speed limit. They can't pull me over for following the law!
2. Idiot Telephone People. Looking at my car insurance cards on Saturday--man was that just a bad day or what???--I realized I had two sets of cards. After scrutinizing both, I realized they were identical except for one little letter at the end of the policy number. LITERALLY, THEY WERE IDENTICAL!!!!!! So, I called the 800 number to ask which was the correct set of cards. The lady on the end--who did speak great English and sounded very American, as opposed to some of the phone people who sound from another continent--told me which policy was mine, c. So, I asked if I could throw away b. She said no, that she showed I only had one policy. What was the date on the other policy. I explained everything was identical. She said--in a voice like she had to speak slow and loud because I was mentally challenged--"What are the dates on the policy." So, using the same tone, I told her "It's identical (doesn't that mean it would be the same????) September 22, 2008 through March 22, 2009." At this point, she told me I would have to speak to my agent. Let's use some common sense here...if I have ONLY one policy and that ends in c, wouldn't the card which is the same except for ending in b be incorrect and can be thrown away?
3. Idiot Vandalizers. My BFF in IL told me this morning about some idiots in her small town. It seems that this past week someone spray painted the side of a business with some bad thoughts about one of our presidential candidates. (Because of the content, I choose not to repeat their ignorance--and the fact I could probably go to jail for it if I shared!) The shop owner painted over it on Saturday. Well, J drove past this morning to find some more graffiti. How nice! Since when do people have the right to deface the property of others because they have an opinion. My goodness, look at my opinionated self! I can't just spread my views on other's property without repercussions. If you want to voice your ignorant views, do so! ON YOUR OWN STUFF!!!!!!!
4. Commericals. I was watching a show this morning that I taped last night. (Didn't feel up to watching it due to headache.) One thing I've noticed lately is that shows are NOT desperate for commericals. I spend most of my time fast-forwarding through them. I know that is the way for the networks to make money, but every 5 minutes??? Here is a suggestion--lump all of the commericals together at the beginning, middle and end of your show. Everyone would know when they were coming and would be more accepting of the longer break--time to use the restroom, get a drink, make a call--without worrying about missing something.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
migraine....
UGH!!! If you've ever had one, you understand. Not in the writing mood, but wanted to write so people (m, t, j) who check this out often know I'm still around....
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Writing Prompt
The last hour of our school day is called Team Time. We use this time to watch ChannelOne News, read our library books, do a structured assignment (Ex. Math Monday, Science Wednesday), and to work on homework if time permits. We also use this time to enrich/reteach, have Academic Pep Rallies and other assemblies. Today was Writing Thursday. Our language teachers gave each of us a different picture with three prompts. The children were to write a persuasive, narrative or descriptive essay. To encourage them, I told them they couldn't ask me for help for 15 minutes as I wrote my own essay to the prompt. It appears below. Before anyone comments on the spelling, I CHOSE to use the British spelling of the word center--for the creativity!
Our picture was of some kids washing a car.
The Crazy Car Care Centre is now open! Come stop and shop while we pamper your car! The Crazy Car Care Centre offers a variety of services for you and your car.
The first service offered at The Crazy Car Care Centre is our Automobile Bubble Bath, a top-to-bottom car bath. We will scrub your tires, shampoo your carpets, shine your windows and polish your engine. Our customer care consultants work to make your car look better than new!
We also offer the Fender-Bender-Mender. If you’ve been in an accident, stop on over. Our Fender-Bender-Menders are the best in the business. Automobile manufacturers fear us. We will take your bashed up, crushed and annihilated cars and give you a car that you will think just rolled off of the assembly line in Detroit.
In addition, The Crazy Car Care Centre offers a program that you won’t find anywhere else. We will babysit your car when you need to be out of town. No more worries about your car sitting idle at home getting sludge in the oil tank. We will wash, wax and clean all of your systems to make your car purr like a kitten.
But that’s not all! The Crazy Car Care Centre will pamper you as well. We offer full spa treatments, a restaurant delivery service, a bookstore and coffee shop. We also encourage you to take advantage of a unique entertainment feature. We have 60 personal audio-visual areas where you can enjoy your favorite movies in high definition and stereo surround sound. You will become part of the action.
So, when your car is in need, we are here for you indeed! Stop by The Crazy Car Care Centre to visit us soon. No appointment needed. Mention this ad and receive a 50% off coupon on all services.
After I read my essay outloud to the students, we decided we would give a copy to the two language teachers to grade--as they would in the fashion of the state test. I received a four! (The highest ranking.) AND, one of the language teachers asked if she could use it in her class to help teach the students how to write.
Not bad for a math teacher!!!!
Our picture was of some kids washing a car.
The Crazy Car Care Centre is now open! Come stop and shop while we pamper your car! The Crazy Car Care Centre offers a variety of services for you and your car.
The first service offered at The Crazy Car Care Centre is our Automobile Bubble Bath, a top-to-bottom car bath. We will scrub your tires, shampoo your carpets, shine your windows and polish your engine. Our customer care consultants work to make your car look better than new!
We also offer the Fender-Bender-Mender. If you’ve been in an accident, stop on over. Our Fender-Bender-Menders are the best in the business. Automobile manufacturers fear us. We will take your bashed up, crushed and annihilated cars and give you a car that you will think just rolled off of the assembly line in Detroit.
In addition, The Crazy Car Care Centre offers a program that you won’t find anywhere else. We will babysit your car when you need to be out of town. No more worries about your car sitting idle at home getting sludge in the oil tank. We will wash, wax and clean all of your systems to make your car purr like a kitten.
But that’s not all! The Crazy Car Care Centre will pamper you as well. We offer full spa treatments, a restaurant delivery service, a bookstore and coffee shop. We also encourage you to take advantage of a unique entertainment feature. We have 60 personal audio-visual areas where you can enjoy your favorite movies in high definition and stereo surround sound. You will become part of the action.
So, when your car is in need, we are here for you indeed! Stop by The Crazy Car Care Centre to visit us soon. No appointment needed. Mention this ad and receive a 50% off coupon on all services.
After I read my essay outloud to the students, we decided we would give a copy to the two language teachers to grade--as they would in the fashion of the state test. I received a four! (The highest ranking.) AND, one of the language teachers asked if she could use it in her class to help teach the students how to write.
Not bad for a math teacher!!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Football!
Football season FINALLY started for us. The girls were so excited. It was lightning and thundering and pouring down rain early in the day, but was very nice at game time. All four of our teams won...YEAH!!!!
Da Bears are in first place--maybe we'll win the Super Bowl! One can dream, right????
Da Bears are in first place--maybe we'll win the Super Bowl! One can dream, right????
Monday, October 6, 2008
Protocol at the Doctor's Office
Tonight I had a trip to the Doctor's office. It was a routine check up on my vitals--cholesterol, sugar, thyroid, kidney function...you know all the stuff that comes with getting old. (I'm doing great by-the-way, thanks for asking! All of my numbers were GREAT!!!!) I sat there for over an hour--I know it will be this long every time, so I stopped and bought a magazine to read before hand. (Also, he has late hours on Monday night, so I'm not complaining. I can see him without taking time off of work.) During that wait several different events happened that REALLY annoyed me--and some annoyed one of the nurses as well!
In the front waiting area....
1. A man, who was there with his wife--the patient, was listening to his ipod. He was a good 5 feet away from me, but I got to enjoy the likes of "She's a BrickHouse, mighty, mighty, just lettin' it all hang out" and various other song choices that I really didn't care for.
2. Same man took it upon himself to burp, LOUDLY I might add, at least 3 times. The people down the hall could EASILY have heard him. And, not one Excuse Me at all!!!!!
3. A boy about 10-years old walked around the chairs in a circle EVERY 2 minutes. I wanted to shout--sit your bottom down! (Don't have a clue who he belonged to.)
In the back waiting area...(they put you there and take your bp/heartrate/weight, etc before entering a room.)
4. A second man who was "in line" behind me. He couldn't sit still to save his life. Every few minutes he would get up and walk around. At one point the nurse commented to him saying "You have ants in your pants." He replied "I'm dying is more like it." Honestly, if that were the case, would you sit at a private practice for over an hour or would you head to the ER?????
5. A third man--I don't want to generalize, but I'm starting to think all the idiots out there are men--was in the little exam room for the bp stuff and was talking on the phone. It would have been kind of acceptable, but he kept dropping the f-bomb every few sentences. AND, HE WAS LOUD! Now, I watch movies that use that word, but in a public place where little kids could be roaming???? C'mon on now. After a bit, the nurse told him to sit down the hall where he could chat with his friend...which he did even louder.
6. Then, this is the best. A man, a lady and I were sitting there waiting to be called. There was one empty seat. The nurse--who is vicious!--brought back a couple. After they were finished in the little room, she came out for the lady. She told the couple that the lady could sit in the little room. The annoying man from #4 stood up and offered his seat to the lady--yeah, give him brownie points for that! However, the lady said "no, that's ok, I'll sit here." She proceeded to sit on her husband's lap! The fourth chair sat empty. On my way out--the doctor spent about 7 minutes with me....hmmmmmm....maybe I should bill him for my wait time??? Nah...he does keep good hours that I'm thankful for. ANY WAY!! On my way out three chairs were empty and she was still in his lap. Is it just me, or is that completely unacceptable behavior?????
I'm starting to think that we need to have better rules for public places...if you don't follow them, you go to the end of the line. Let those polite people advance through the line and the rude jerks have to wait 4 hours!!!!
In the front waiting area....
1. A man, who was there with his wife--the patient, was listening to his ipod. He was a good 5 feet away from me, but I got to enjoy the likes of "She's a BrickHouse, mighty, mighty, just lettin' it all hang out" and various other song choices that I really didn't care for.
2. Same man took it upon himself to burp, LOUDLY I might add, at least 3 times. The people down the hall could EASILY have heard him. And, not one Excuse Me at all!!!!!
3. A boy about 10-years old walked around the chairs in a circle EVERY 2 minutes. I wanted to shout--sit your bottom down! (Don't have a clue who he belonged to.)
In the back waiting area...(they put you there and take your bp/heartrate/weight, etc before entering a room.)
4. A second man who was "in line" behind me. He couldn't sit still to save his life. Every few minutes he would get up and walk around. At one point the nurse commented to him saying "You have ants in your pants." He replied "I'm dying is more like it." Honestly, if that were the case, would you sit at a private practice for over an hour or would you head to the ER?????
5. A third man--I don't want to generalize, but I'm starting to think all the idiots out there are men--was in the little exam room for the bp stuff and was talking on the phone. It would have been kind of acceptable, but he kept dropping the f-bomb every few sentences. AND, HE WAS LOUD! Now, I watch movies that use that word, but in a public place where little kids could be roaming???? C'mon on now. After a bit, the nurse told him to sit down the hall where he could chat with his friend...which he did even louder.
6. Then, this is the best. A man, a lady and I were sitting there waiting to be called. There was one empty seat. The nurse--who is vicious!--brought back a couple. After they were finished in the little room, she came out for the lady. She told the couple that the lady could sit in the little room. The annoying man from #4 stood up and offered his seat to the lady--yeah, give him brownie points for that! However, the lady said "no, that's ok, I'll sit here." She proceeded to sit on her husband's lap! The fourth chair sat empty. On my way out--the doctor spent about 7 minutes with me....hmmmmmm....maybe I should bill him for my wait time??? Nah...he does keep good hours that I'm thankful for. ANY WAY!! On my way out three chairs were empty and she was still in his lap. Is it just me, or is that completely unacceptable behavior?????
I'm starting to think that we need to have better rules for public places...if you don't follow them, you go to the end of the line. Let those polite people advance through the line and the rude jerks have to wait 4 hours!!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
World Series Championship
I've been thinking...Do we, as Cubs fans, REALLY need a World Series Championship? Would our lives be any better if they won it all? Are we deprived now because they haven't won? It's kind of like new technology--Can you miss something you never had? Yes, the Cubs had a World Championship, but how many people REMEMBER it? The 104-year-old fan who threw out the first pitch? He doesn't remember it! It happened when he was 4, AND he said he wasn't a fan until much later in life.
I say we, as fans, DEMAND the team NEVER to win. After all, it's our calling in the world. We can be the team that never wins. If we all band together and want them to NEVER win, they might just feel less pressure and ACTUALLY WIN IT ALL!!!! (I personally think they were trying too hard to win. That is why they couldn't hit, pitch or field. It was too much pressure because they wanted to do it for the fans. They weren't having fun and enjoying themselves.)
So, Men in Blue, listen to me--WE DON'T WANT A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!
I say we, as fans, DEMAND the team NEVER to win. After all, it's our calling in the world. We can be the team that never wins. If we all band together and want them to NEVER win, they might just feel less pressure and ACTUALLY WIN IT ALL!!!! (I personally think they were trying too hard to win. That is why they couldn't hit, pitch or field. It was too much pressure because they wanted to do it for the fans. They weren't having fun and enjoying themselves.)
So, Men in Blue, listen to me--WE DON'T WANT A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!
Over
Baseball season is over for the Cubs. I'm ok with that. After all, it is just a game. There are much more important things in life than baseball.
There are...
...countless numbers of people who are homeless.
...thousands of people in the world fighting a war.
...people starving to death in the world.
...people fighting diseases that will eventually kill them.
...people losing their jobs (and homes) to a bad economy.
Those are issues that we should be upset about.
We should thank the Cubs for...
...giving us hope that they might win it all.
...giving us something to cheer for all summer.
...for taking our minds off the real world for a while. (It helped me when dealing with a hurricane!)
...for the joy they have provided to a city who refers to them as "The Lovable Losers."
See you next year, Men in Blue!
There are...
...countless numbers of people who are homeless.
...thousands of people in the world fighting a war.
...people starving to death in the world.
...people fighting diseases that will eventually kill them.
...people losing their jobs (and homes) to a bad economy.
Those are issues that we should be upset about.
We should thank the Cubs for...
...giving us hope that they might win it all.
...giving us something to cheer for all summer.
...for taking our minds off the real world for a while. (It helped me when dealing with a hurricane!)
...for the joy they have provided to a city who refers to them as "The Lovable Losers."
See you next year, Men in Blue!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Fukudome
The following article made the home page of the Chicago Sun-Times. The school in question was my high school's biggest rival--and other high school in town. (My dad and sisters and nieces and nephews went there.)
Is Fukudome a dirty word?
HER SCHOOL THINKS SO Cubs jersey lands student in hot water
October 3, 2008
BY MIKE DANAHEY Courier News
What's in a name? Ask Chicago Cubs fan Jill Howe, 15.
The Elgin High School sophomore had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday because of a misunderstanding about how to pronounce the All-Star right-fielder's last name.
Elgin High School sophomore Jill Howe had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday.
"Someone stopped me in the hall and asked me what the back of my jersey said," Jill said.
She replied that it was the name of Cubs player, pronounced foo-koo-DOUGH-may. The school staffer wasn't so sure and consulted others.
Then a dean, Susan Matei, told Howe the jersey was inappropriate. Matei made Jill take it off and wear a gym shirt instead.
Jill called her mother after school to tell her what happened.
"She's a big Cubs fan, and we got the jersey at Dick's," said Jill's mom, Nancy Howe. "We were going to get a [Kerry] Wood one, but it cost more."
Nancy Howe called Matei, who confirmed what happened.
"I told her anyone's last name can be misconstrued," Nancy Howe said.
By late afternoon, common sense -- and proper pronunciation -- prevailed.
Associate Principal Alan Flota said students may wear Fukudome apparel at school.
"As long as it is a legitimate name, they will be allowed to wear it," Flota said.
Jill said she could see how the misunderstanding happened.
Students occasionally purposefully mispronounce Fukudome's last name, she said.
"Some people like to be stupid about it."
Now for my comments...first of all, WHERE THE HECK HAVE THESE PEOPLE BEEN????? HAVE THEY BEEN LIVING ON PLANET EARTH????? Kosuke Fukudome was signed by the Chicago Cubs last off season. He has played for them for the entire 2008 season. We are JUST NOW talking about his last name? People, get a grip!!!!
Is Fukudome a dirty word?
HER SCHOOL THINKS SO Cubs jersey lands student in hot water
October 3, 2008
BY MIKE DANAHEY Courier News
What's in a name? Ask Chicago Cubs fan Jill Howe, 15.
The Elgin High School sophomore had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday because of a misunderstanding about how to pronounce the All-Star right-fielder's last name.
Elgin High School sophomore Jill Howe had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday.
"Someone stopped me in the hall and asked me what the back of my jersey said," Jill said.
She replied that it was the name of Cubs player, pronounced foo-koo-DOUGH-may. The school staffer wasn't so sure and consulted others.
Then a dean, Susan Matei, told Howe the jersey was inappropriate. Matei made Jill take it off and wear a gym shirt instead.
Jill called her mother after school to tell her what happened.
"She's a big Cubs fan, and we got the jersey at Dick's," said Jill's mom, Nancy Howe. "We were going to get a [Kerry] Wood one, but it cost more."
Nancy Howe called Matei, who confirmed what happened.
"I told her anyone's last name can be misconstrued," Nancy Howe said.
By late afternoon, common sense -- and proper pronunciation -- prevailed.
Associate Principal Alan Flota said students may wear Fukudome apparel at school.
"As long as it is a legitimate name, they will be allowed to wear it," Flota said.
Jill said she could see how the misunderstanding happened.
Students occasionally purposefully mispronounce Fukudome's last name, she said.
"Some people like to be stupid about it."
Now for my comments...first of all, WHERE THE HECK HAVE THESE PEOPLE BEEN????? HAVE THEY BEEN LIVING ON PLANET EARTH????? Kosuke Fukudome was signed by the Chicago Cubs last off season. He has played for them for the entire 2008 season. We are JUST NOW talking about his last name? People, get a grip!!!!
Reasons for the Cubs woes....
The top ten reasons for the Cubs problems this series...
#10: Meteor shower over just Wrigley Field--how else do you explain all those errors???
#9: The possible sale of Wrigley Field separate from the pending sale of the Cubs
#8: Steroids--We're still being punished for Sammy Sosa
#7: The City Wide Pep Rally--These things should be saved for CELEBRATIONS of WINNING IT ALL!
#6: No beer sales after the 7th inning in Wrigleyville
#5: The White Sox are ALSO in the playoffs
#4: Black Cat Curse
#3: Billy Goat Curse
#2: Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx
#1: BANDWAGON FANS!!!
I can NOT believe how the fans at Wrigley are treating this team. Didn't this team win the division? Didn't this team go to the playoffs for the second straight year for the first time since 1908?
What is with the booing???????
Am I upset they didn't win? Absolutely. Would I EVER boo them? NO!! The crowds at Wrigley over the last two games are NOT true Cubs fans. They haven't cheered on the team like they did during the regular season. They are booing, which isn't the way true Cubs fans treat their teams at all. We should change the words to Go Cubs Go from "Hey Chicago whata you say, the Cubs are gonna win today" to "Hey Chicago whata you say, where'd you get these fans today?"
The real meaning of being a True Blue Cubs Fan is to support them through good times and bad. We are in the middle of the bad right now and there is NO support from those fans.
Hey, the Red Sox came from down two to win in YANKEE STADIUM in 1999--There is still hope. You just gotta believe Its Gonna Happen!
GO CUBS!!!!!!
#10: Meteor shower over just Wrigley Field--how else do you explain all those errors???
#9: The possible sale of Wrigley Field separate from the pending sale of the Cubs
#8: Steroids--We're still being punished for Sammy Sosa
#7: The City Wide Pep Rally--These things should be saved for CELEBRATIONS of WINNING IT ALL!
#6: No beer sales after the 7th inning in Wrigleyville
#5: The White Sox are ALSO in the playoffs
#4: Black Cat Curse
#3: Billy Goat Curse
#2: Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx
#1: BANDWAGON FANS!!!
I can NOT believe how the fans at Wrigley are treating this team. Didn't this team win the division? Didn't this team go to the playoffs for the second straight year for the first time since 1908?
What is with the booing???????
Am I upset they didn't win? Absolutely. Would I EVER boo them? NO!! The crowds at Wrigley over the last two games are NOT true Cubs fans. They haven't cheered on the team like they did during the regular season. They are booing, which isn't the way true Cubs fans treat their teams at all. We should change the words to Go Cubs Go from "Hey Chicago whata you say, the Cubs are gonna win today" to "Hey Chicago whata you say, where'd you get these fans today?"
The real meaning of being a True Blue Cubs Fan is to support them through good times and bad. We are in the middle of the bad right now and there is NO support from those fans.
Hey, the Red Sox came from down two to win in YANKEE STADIUM in 1999--There is still hope. You just gotta believe Its Gonna Happen!
GO CUBS!!!!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Curse of the Billy Goat
Ok. It's official. I truly believe in the Curse--more than I ever did before. Say what you want, but you can't tell me any different.
Events:
1945--Billy Sianis places a curse on the Cubs when they wouldn't let his Billy Goat come to Wrigley Field during the World Series.
1969--A black cat runs onto the field during a Cubs game. The Cubs blow a huge lead and the Mets go to the playoffs.
1984--The Cubs make it to the playoffs. While in San Diego, numerous missteps happen.
1989--Again, more miscues on the field.
2003--BARTMAN. Need I say more???????
2007--Swept in 3 games by the Diamondbacks.
2008--Did you see tonight's game? It was like a circus act. Grown men completely forgot how to play the game.
We all thought 100 years was enough. I guess ol' Billy Sianis meant 100 years from 1945!
Events:
1945--Billy Sianis places a curse on the Cubs when they wouldn't let his Billy Goat come to Wrigley Field during the World Series.
1969--A black cat runs onto the field during a Cubs game. The Cubs blow a huge lead and the Mets go to the playoffs.
1984--The Cubs make it to the playoffs. While in San Diego, numerous missteps happen.
1989--Again, more miscues on the field.
2003--BARTMAN. Need I say more???????
2007--Swept in 3 games by the Diamondbacks.
2008--Did you see tonight's game? It was like a circus act. Grown men completely forgot how to play the game.
We all thought 100 years was enough. I guess ol' Billy Sianis meant 100 years from 1945!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Pitching
What in the world happened to the Cubs pitchers tonight? Did anyone see any at Wrigley? I sure didn't. Don't get me wrong, they are my team, and I will support them no matter what. However, they have to do better than this! I thought October was going to be better.
Early Voting???
At least 8 states have opened Early Voting for the Presidential Election. When I was in college, I participated in early voting--I had to go through the process of Absentee Voting because I was too far from home to vote on Election Day, and didn't want to change my permanent address. I remember my friend, That Girl, and I were confused on what to do. We put our heads together and figured it out! (This was, after all, our very first presidential election to vote in. We weren't going to let a the confusing directions get the best of us!)
I LOVE going to the polls on Election Day. (Yes, it is capitalized. It's important!!!!) However, this past spring I participated in early voting due to a schedule conflict on Primary Day. I know my employer has to allow me to vote, but as a teacher, how can I justify missing instruction time?
This Election Day is becoming problematic as well. See, I'm the cheerleader sponsor at my school. As part of our program, we give demerits to teach responsibility. The girls are allowed to work off the demerits and are really not punished for them (maybe I'll post about that sometime!). Demerits are worked off before school on Tuesdays or they aren't allowed to cheer that afternoon. We have one of our last games that day--a good chunk were wiped out by IKE. We go directly to the games afterschool and they last until well after 7 pm. WHEN WILL I FIND TIME TO VOTE?????
Our campus has a block schedule and I have a 90 minute planning time. Maybe I'll go vote then. I'll be sure to keep you posted.
My question to all of you out there--When do YOU vote? Please share your voting experiences as well.
I LOVE going to the polls on Election Day. (Yes, it is capitalized. It's important!!!!) However, this past spring I participated in early voting due to a schedule conflict on Primary Day. I know my employer has to allow me to vote, but as a teacher, how can I justify missing instruction time?
This Election Day is becoming problematic as well. See, I'm the cheerleader sponsor at my school. As part of our program, we give demerits to teach responsibility. The girls are allowed to work off the demerits and are really not punished for them (maybe I'll post about that sometime!). Demerits are worked off before school on Tuesdays or they aren't allowed to cheer that afternoon. We have one of our last games that day--a good chunk were wiped out by IKE. We go directly to the games afterschool and they last until well after 7 pm. WHEN WILL I FIND TIME TO VOTE?????
Our campus has a block schedule and I have a 90 minute planning time. Maybe I'll go vote then. I'll be sure to keep you posted.
My question to all of you out there--When do YOU vote? Please share your voting experiences as well.
Welcome to October
It's here! FINALLY! I've been waiting for October since March. Over the last few weeks, we have been inundated with the commericials.
There is only one October.
AND, WE ARE THERE!!!!!!!
Yes, CUBS fans, WE ARE THERE!!! Here's to Game 1.
There is only one October.
AND, WE ARE THERE!!!!!!!
Yes, CUBS fans, WE ARE THERE!!! Here's to Game 1.
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