Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Night three of conferences. I love that I am to the point in my career where I actually really enjoy them. It makes the very long nights much more tolerable (even if I do have I sinus infection and I am losing my voice)!
One of my favorite moments tonight was when I told a family that their child has missed a LOT of school and that she is not progressing as well as a result. (She missed 12 days 1st trimester and 20 so far this trimester). They said she had been sick and that they had car troubles...and then casually ended the conferences with, "Oh, and she will miss two weeks of school-we're going to Florida." Ummm....so you didn't get any of what I just said then? And isn't that what Spring Break is for?
One of my favorite moments tonight was when I told a family that their child has missed a LOT of school and that she is not progressing as well as a result. (She missed 12 days 1st trimester and 20 so far this trimester). They said she had been sick and that they had car troubles...and then casually ended the conferences with, "Oh, and she will miss two weeks of school-we're going to Florida." Ummm....so you didn't get any of what I just said then? And isn't that what Spring Break is for?
Monday, February 22, 2010
10 days
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tonight I realized that I have not posted to my blog in 10 days...
Tonight I realized that I should probably catch up on lost days...
Tonight I realized that it is conference week and that I have zero energy...
So, tonight I decided to give you the top ten of the past ten days...
1. I bought a guitar! Matt went shopping with me on Saturday (2/13) and helped me find a pretty one that sounds great! (It does, I don't yet).
2. I learned Ode to Joy and serenaded my parents after they made a yummy Valentine's Lunch for us on Sunday.
3. President's Day + No school= teaching myself how to play guitar almost all day.
4. (2.16.10) I walked into my classroom to find a GIANT portion of my floor taped off with blue tape...apparently my classroom will be 1/4 of it's current size after Spring Break.
5. (2.17.10) On a crazy day of whacked-out students who can't handle a change in their schedule (which included a Valentine's Party on Friday, no school on Monday, and blue tape on the floor on Wednesday) I was somehow able to FINALLY make a meaningful connection with a student who I have been trying to connect with since August. (It's amazing how important a relationship with a student is! She now loves coming to school and talks to me every single morning. I could hardly get a word out of her before and now she constantly smiles and is engaged in everything we do!)
6. (2.18.10) Today I had surprise visitors to my classroom! Kelly called and said she was in the neighborhood and asked if she could stop by. To my surprise she had Nathan in tow! I was so excited because I rarely get to share my teaching world with my friends. Even if it was just for a few minutes it means a lot to me to share such an important part of my life. :)
7. (2.19.10) We went out to Sushi Hai and Fado's tonight to celebrate Nathan and Emily being in town from D.C. We witnessed impressive coverage (and cheesiness) from "That Eighties Band" and then headed to Opal to see Brian spin.
8. (2.20.10) Kelly, Mike, Nathan, Emily and I met up with Carter and Lynette in Evergreen. We spent the morning pretending we were better ice skaters then we actually were and laughing at our skills. It was a beautifully frosted morning followed by a wonderfully filling lunch at Beau Jo's. Perfection...and sore feet.
9. (2.21.10) Snowy day, warm bed, cozy Beth.
10. (2.22.10) I leave for Michigan in exactly one month! Can't wait to fill my heart with the laughter of cousins and the love of my most precious family!
Tonight I realized that I have not posted to my blog in 10 days...
Tonight I realized that I should probably catch up on lost days...
Tonight I realized that it is conference week and that I have zero energy...
So, tonight I decided to give you the top ten of the past ten days...
1. I bought a guitar! Matt went shopping with me on Saturday (2/13) and helped me find a pretty one that sounds great! (It does, I don't yet).
2. I learned Ode to Joy and serenaded my parents after they made a yummy Valentine's Lunch for us on Sunday.
3. President's Day + No school= teaching myself how to play guitar almost all day.
4. (2.16.10) I walked into my classroom to find a GIANT portion of my floor taped off with blue tape...apparently my classroom will be 1/4 of it's current size after Spring Break.
5. (2.17.10) On a crazy day of whacked-out students who can't handle a change in their schedule (which included a Valentine's Party on Friday, no school on Monday, and blue tape on the floor on Wednesday) I was somehow able to FINALLY make a meaningful connection with a student who I have been trying to connect with since August. (It's amazing how important a relationship with a student is! She now loves coming to school and talks to me every single morning. I could hardly get a word out of her before and now she constantly smiles and is engaged in everything we do!)
6. (2.18.10) Today I had surprise visitors to my classroom! Kelly called and said she was in the neighborhood and asked if she could stop by. To my surprise she had Nathan in tow! I was so excited because I rarely get to share my teaching world with my friends. Even if it was just for a few minutes it means a lot to me to share such an important part of my life. :)
7. (2.19.10) We went out to Sushi Hai and Fado's tonight to celebrate Nathan and Emily being in town from D.C. We witnessed impressive coverage (and cheesiness) from "That Eighties Band" and then headed to Opal to see Brian spin.
8. (2.20.10) Kelly, Mike, Nathan, Emily and I met up with Carter and Lynette in Evergreen. We spent the morning pretending we were better ice skaters then we actually were and laughing at our skills. It was a beautifully frosted morning followed by a wonderfully filling lunch at Beau Jo's. Perfection...and sore feet.
9. (2.21.10) Snowy day, warm bed, cozy Beth.
10. (2.22.10) I leave for Michigan in exactly one month! Can't wait to fill my heart with the laughter of cousins and the love of my most precious family!
Friday, February 12
"Happy Valentimes Day Ms. Mrphy. LOVE LOVE LOVE Ainsley"
This Valentine (and many others like it), a white teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers from my class is all I really need. Feeling oh so loved and blessed.
This Valentine (and many others like it), a white teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers from my class is all I really need. Feeling oh so loved and blessed.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I went to the Impact on Education awards dinner tonight. Take My Teacher Home is funded by Impact, so they invited us all to attend the dinner and present our project. It was fun to see all the "big wigs" in the district and to share the success we have had in our project with people who stopped by our table to find out more. After dinner and the exhibit they presented the awards to the 5 teachers in BVSD who received the Impact on Education award this year. It is so inspiring to see such amazing teachers and administrators and it makes me want to be more like them. Here's to hoping that one day I could be that great and maybe even get an award. (Ha!) :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 5-9
Friday, Feb. 5:
100th Day! I can't believe it is already the 100th day of school. Wow, it seems as though every year flies by faster and faster. It wasn't my favorite 100s Day celebration I've thrown...I was a bit grumpy due to the fact that we had another 7:30am staff meeting and I found it to be a complete waste of time. I've enjoyed some of the formative assessment stuff we have been doing, but lately the things we have been talking about are annoying me because I already do 95% of it and I feel like if you are a good teacher who is with it, you should be doing it anyway. I was also grumpy because the giant fabric 100 that I made and hung over our classroom door was torn down when I came in this morning. Not happy about that especially since I specifically asked if it would be in the way for construction and they told me no. So yeah, I wasn't quite my peppy self and our celebration was interrupted by vision and hearing screening, so my poor kids didn't get the full experience I usually give. (Not that they know the difference!)
I went from grumpy to giddy by the end of the night though. Kelly and I drove up to Ft. Collins to go see Dear John (sigh) with Anna, her friend, Amy and her sister, and our friend Lindsey. I have never seen so many girls in line before! It was insane. I felt really bad for the 5 guys who got suckered into going on the opening weekend...especially since the theater was filled with giggling girls. Kelly and I really liked the movie but the rest didn't seem to enjoy it quite as much. I guess Kelly and I really had no other expectations then Channing Tatum would be hot and the movie would be a cheesy Nicolas Sparks story. Done and done.
Saturday, Feb. 6
I spent the night at Kelly and Mike's last night. (By the way, they have the BEST couch to sleep on! I love spending the night there!) Kelly, Mike and I were going to go see the ice sculptures in Breckenridge today, but we woke up later then planned to clouds and decided it probably wasn't worth the long drive and the bad ski traffic through the tunnel on the way back down. Some year I want to go though! We decided to go to lunch at Red Robin and then go see Avatar instead. I really liked the movie, but found the 3-D glasses annoying and yet, totally hilarious! (As were some of the people sitting around us).
Sunday, Feb. 7
Super Bowl Sunday...was supposed to go to a Super Bowl party at the Vinson's, but I woke up feeling icky. Anna and I decided to just stay home and watch movies and the commercials online. (I'm not going to even pretend that I cared about the game this year. I most definitely did not).
Monday, Feb. 8
Only got 3 hours of sleep last night... being sick is no fun. Had a curriculum council meeting at the Ed Center after school. It was no fun. BUT Lis is fun and since I rarely get to see her anymore I was happy to sit by her and not pay attention. :)
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Jamila and I watched My Sister's Keeper tonight. I read the book a long time ago and had really liked it. I thought the movie was pretty well done, but you can never really get to know the characters in a movie the way you can in a book. I had a hard time with some of the movie because it made me miss my uncle all the more. It doesn't seem to get much easier with time...Love and miss him dearly.
100th Day! I can't believe it is already the 100th day of school. Wow, it seems as though every year flies by faster and faster. It wasn't my favorite 100s Day celebration I've thrown...I was a bit grumpy due to the fact that we had another 7:30am staff meeting and I found it to be a complete waste of time. I've enjoyed some of the formative assessment stuff we have been doing, but lately the things we have been talking about are annoying me because I already do 95% of it and I feel like if you are a good teacher who is with it, you should be doing it anyway. I was also grumpy because the giant fabric 100 that I made and hung over our classroom door was torn down when I came in this morning. Not happy about that especially since I specifically asked if it would be in the way for construction and they told me no. So yeah, I wasn't quite my peppy self and our celebration was interrupted by vision and hearing screening, so my poor kids didn't get the full experience I usually give. (Not that they know the difference!)
I went from grumpy to giddy by the end of the night though. Kelly and I drove up to Ft. Collins to go see Dear John (sigh) with Anna, her friend, Amy and her sister, and our friend Lindsey. I have never seen so many girls in line before! It was insane. I felt really bad for the 5 guys who got suckered into going on the opening weekend...especially since the theater was filled with giggling girls. Kelly and I really liked the movie but the rest didn't seem to enjoy it quite as much. I guess Kelly and I really had no other expectations then Channing Tatum would be hot and the movie would be a cheesy Nicolas Sparks story. Done and done.
Saturday, Feb. 6
I spent the night at Kelly and Mike's last night. (By the way, they have the BEST couch to sleep on! I love spending the night there!) Kelly, Mike and I were going to go see the ice sculptures in Breckenridge today, but we woke up later then planned to clouds and decided it probably wasn't worth the long drive and the bad ski traffic through the tunnel on the way back down. Some year I want to go though! We decided to go to lunch at Red Robin and then go see Avatar instead. I really liked the movie, but found the 3-D glasses annoying and yet, totally hilarious! (As were some of the people sitting around us).
Sunday, Feb. 7
Super Bowl Sunday...was supposed to go to a Super Bowl party at the Vinson's, but I woke up feeling icky. Anna and I decided to just stay home and watch movies and the commercials online. (I'm not going to even pretend that I cared about the game this year. I most definitely did not).
Monday, Feb. 8
Only got 3 hours of sleep last night... being sick is no fun. Had a curriculum council meeting at the Ed Center after school. It was no fun. BUT Lis is fun and since I rarely get to see her anymore I was happy to sit by her and not pay attention. :)
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Jamila and I watched My Sister's Keeper tonight. I read the book a long time ago and had really liked it. I thought the movie was pretty well done, but you can never really get to know the characters in a movie the way you can in a book. I had a hard time with some of the movie because it made me miss my uncle all the more. It doesn't seem to get much easier with time...Love and miss him dearly.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Aging in the Anti-Aging Aisle
I tried to buy moisturizer at Target tonight. Wow. Did you know that there are about 30 different ones made by Oil of Olay alone? Illuminating, firming, repairing, hydrating, restoring, smoothing, lifting, pore-minimizing, fast absorbing, discoloration fighting, micro-sculpting, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, anti-spot, anti-oxidant, SPF 15, tinted, fragrance free, DNA superstructure, + concealer, night recovery, night, day, self repair serum, roller, lotion, cream, gel, foam...and the list goes on.
It took me so long to figure out what one to buy that I think I may have developed some new wrinkles... finally settled on the total effects daily fragrance-free one...it claims to have 7-in-1 anti-aging something or others...it was the simplest one I could find. Seriously? I just want my face to not be dry. Can't they make it simple (and a heck of a lot cheaper)?
It took me so long to figure out what one to buy that I think I may have developed some new wrinkles... finally settled on the total effects daily fragrance-free one...it claims to have 7-in-1 anti-aging something or others...it was the simplest one I could find. Seriously? I just want my face to not be dry. Can't they make it simple (and a heck of a lot cheaper)?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
In the morning I will sing of your love.
I love how God knows me so well...I am not a morning person, so when I have more than one 7:30am meeting in a week, I am less than thrilled to roll out of bed and start my day. Let's face it, when I am tired and it is early, I am downright grumpy. On meeting mornings I usually grumble all the way to work and get annoyed by just about everything. I usually shake it off by the time I get to work, but the old bumper sticker my mom had always flashes in my head "I may rise, but I refuse to shine."
This morning I woke up early to the most wonderful gift. My entire drive to work was bathed in the warm, welcoming, glow of the rising sun. The silhouette of downtown Denver was incredible and by the time I merged onto I-25 I was singing praises of God's love. So many times I forget that in life there is beauty in the pain. I know waking up early isn't really painful (for most), but it is not pleasant for me. This morning God reminded me that he always has something amazing waiting for me, and all I have to do is open my eyes and appreciate it.
This morning I woke up early to the most wonderful gift. My entire drive to work was bathed in the warm, welcoming, glow of the rising sun. The silhouette of downtown Denver was incredible and by the time I merged onto I-25 I was singing praises of God's love. So many times I forget that in life there is beauty in the pain. I know waking up early isn't really painful (for most), but it is not pleasant for me. This morning God reminded me that he always has something amazing waiting for me, and all I have to do is open my eyes and appreciate it.
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love. --Psalm 59:16
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It's February! (2/1 and 2/2/10)
I can hardly believe it is already February! I guess the groundhog saw his shadow today...more winter. I kinda like the winter though, and it's not like Colorado plays by the weather rules anyway, so no complaints here.
In other news... a facebook update encouraged me to look up my name on urbandictionary.com, and since I often cave to these silly demands, I did. Here is what I found:
Beth
2. Beth
A popular nickname of Elizabeth or Bethany. Made famous by the KISS song. One of the nicest people I have ever met.
3. Beth
a person who is fun and makes you feel all "fuzzy" inside. i think mine is the specialist ....... may have a small pirate fetish.
4. Beth
That girl who you just cant find anything to bitch about. Always really nice, but never too nice. Generally quite smart and can be blushingly nerdy, but the type of nerd that everyone loves. Has an awesomely wicked sense of humour that's so witty and can burn people to the ground. Someone everyone wants to be friends with.
Also the famous kiss song
and the name of the sickly beth in little women.
Often the shortened name of Elizabeth or Bethany but Beth's loathe being called anything but Beth (especially Elizabeth nicknames like Lizzie and Betty)
5. Beth
1. A 1976 hit from the Kiss album Detroit Rock City,
2. The "Little Women" sister who croaks,
3. A name usually belonging to sweet, sexy girls who keep their edge hidden (but it's there)
So true, so true... :)
In other news... a facebook update encouraged me to look up my name on urbandictionary.com, and since I often cave to these silly demands, I did. Here is what I found:
Beth
1. beth
gem like, shim-shimmering like a precious stone, awe-inspiring and captivating.
adjec; to bling, or razzle dazzle.gem like, shim-shimmering like a precious stone, awe-inspiring and captivating.
2. Beth
A popular nickname of Elizabeth or Bethany. Made famous by the KISS song. One of the nicest people I have ever met.
3. Beth
a person who is fun and makes you feel all "fuzzy" inside. i think mine is the specialist ....... may have a small pirate fetish.
4. Beth
That girl who you just cant find anything to bitch about. Always really nice, but never too nice. Generally quite smart and can be blushingly nerdy, but the type of nerd that everyone loves. Has an awesomely wicked sense of humour that's so witty and can burn people to the ground. Someone everyone wants to be friends with.
Also the famous kiss song
and the name of the sickly beth in little women.
Often the shortened name of Elizabeth or Bethany but Beth's loathe being called anything but Beth (especially Elizabeth nicknames like Lizzie and Betty)
5. Beth
1. A 1976 hit from the Kiss album Detroit Rock City,
2. The "Little Women" sister who croaks,
3. A name usually belonging to sweet, sexy girls who keep their edge hidden (but it's there)
So true, so true... :)
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