Friday, April 8, 2011

My Babies

Perhaps because I'm 24 and without my own children, I can frequently be found boasting about my students at school. I can't help it: they are adorable.*

*Adorable side bar: Last week one kindergarten class was doing a science experiment with worms. The worms came in a Styrofoam cup and when emptied, they dumped out in a giant clump. Not the most endearing site. Unless you think like Daniel who promptly shouted out, "Oh, they're adorable!" Sidebar over*

So at the risk of looking like the Applbys, always bragging about little Stevie, here are some pictures, notes, and quotes from some of the kids I work with.

If you get the chance, you should really view all the letters in person. They are all full of messages like,"You teach me how to do spelling sound. You help us do a syllables. You taught me how to do long vowels. You lets us play a game." Or, "Dere: t'echer I rede beter now becuse of you guys." Good stuff; really makes you proud of your role in their education.

Different birthday notes:
Note the difference in effort put in. The letter on top came as part of an elaborate gift, including an orange, pencil, nail file, a handmade bookmark, portrait of me, and paper floral bouquet.
The musings of kindergartners:

"Hey Peter, you like those rims? Man, those rims are tight!" -Marvin (he went on to explain why he doesn't like hydraulics and why he does love The Fast and the Furious.

"Miss Brown, I like you more."
"More than what?"
"...More than dogs."
-Conversation between Priscilla and me (We've had a great relationship ever since she decided I was skinny. She knows how to flatter me)

Now as a parting note I will leave you with this gem a kindergartner insists she made for me. This baby gurl can't write her own name, but is apparently some sort of art prodigy. We really need to find a way to tap into that in the classroom.

Be Mine in '11

Doesn't quite work as well as "in'09," but times are a changin' - literally.

With last week's 100+ temperatures, I am feeling a bit nostalgic for cooler, simpler times. Valentine's Day specifically. It's a particularly enjoyable, though busy, holiday if you work at an elementary school.

Preparations...

(160 homemade Valentine's masterpieces. I saw one trampled on the sidewalk the next day.)

Spoils...

(not pictured: 2 boxes on chocolate consumed before pictures could be taken)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Channeling Bob Villa

I currently should be outside helping my mother refinish some furniture. Instead, I'm here reminiscing about a time when I was productive and successfully completed a project. I'll keep the post brief so I can actually contribute to my current project and just post these old pics.
These are the proof of Katie and mine productivity over winter break. I still feel proud! I can't find the before pics, but trust me, we did a good job.

Like Sands Through the Hourglass...

Is it weird to write a post about your own birthday? It seems a little self-congratulatory, but whatever. If I was worried about publicly bragging or seeming self-involved I shouldn't have a blog, right?

Last week, as Zach put it, I became an adult. 24. There it is, I'm old. Officially. (Is it too soon to start lying about my age?) And since I am maturing in years, I looked to a very mature source for birthday celebration inspiration: Gossip Girl. More specifically Blair Waldorf. If anyone knows how to throw a fashionable soiree it's her. Or at least the creators of her character. But I'm splitting hairs.

After getting ready Hills style at my friend Emily's, we set out for Grand Lux in Scottsdale. This isn't Manhattan, but I think it served as a suitable substitute for Butter. We were a tad bit overdressed, but it wouldn't be a Blair style b-day party without everyone dressed to the nines. Again, no couture, but I think we presented a strong showing.

That was Tuesday, Wednesday was spent in a very non-Blair way: dinner with the parents. I was asleep by 9 (How do those Upper East Siders party so hard all the time?! It's exhausting!). Both were great nights.

(Super cute scarf my mama made.)

(not pictured, but deserves honorable mention: all three Jurassic Park films I've had my eye on for quite some time)

(Super delicious cake my mama made)

Everyone keeps saying 24 will be a great year, here's hoping!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Speaking of Identity Crisis...

Elementary school's track and field day always meant one thing to me: the reemergence of my "asthma." Putting on fake, heavy breathing, I would send myself to the nurse and eventually home with my mother. No one ever seemed to catch that the asthma always kicked in BEFORE I participated in any events and I felt enormous pride at my ability to avoid exercising in front of my peers.

Cut to 15 years later:


That's right, willingly participating in a relay race on track and field day! Yes, the students kicked the pants off the adults, but I can say I did run faster than the teachers. Score one for the classified staff!

Identity Crisis

It's been a long time coming, but a blog overhaul is on its way. Unfortunately, these are the only names I have been able to think of with the help(?) of my mother:
  • The Not-So-Innocent Now-At-Home
  • The Disillusioned Re-patriot (if this doesn't get me flagged on government databases nothing will)
  • Sucks To Be Me (all my mother's; nice to know what she thinks of my life!)
Please, save me from this blogger identity crisis. If you are still reading (you must be very devoted) share any suggestions you may have so that the blogging can recommence!