mylack of a passport is preventing me from paying my internet bill. So I may go quiet soon.
Enjoy this. It's beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring at the same time.
http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/content/dontdivorce
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Someone tell me why
On my first day, I was given my schedule, and saw I had 5 phonetics classes. I mentally went over our e-mail conversations, and couldn't recall ever claiming any knowledge of phonetics, so I explained that I, like almost every native speaker, wasn't familiar with phonetics, and was woefully ill-equipped to teach such a class to a group that probably had a decent grasp of the subject. They were skeptical, but eventually seemed to accept that natives don't use the phonetic alphabet. I was told to just help them work on pronunciation.
I then focused on visa issues, not getting paid, etc.
Today I was toldthat myplan to give them an oral final exam wasunacceptable. They need to have a written final, and it must involve translating wordsinto phonetic symbols as well as the opposite, and marking stresses and intonations. Further, the final exam must account for at least 60% of their final grade. I cannot grade on a curve, with me taking the test and using that as an A (Almost every student would have well over 100% my way. I never do this stuff). If I refused to do this, I would be dismissed andthey would take the test anyway, and I would forfeit my airfare money (which might lead to litigation).
So, they are pretty happy, as I've been outwitted and lost an argument, something that hasn't happened much.
Of course, I was not told that I can't give an oral exam as well, and make that count for 80% of the final exam. So tomorrow and Friday the students will be told what the school wants, and given a choice of taking a final that day which is most of their final exam grade, which in turn is most of their final grade. I'm 99.9% sure it will be unanimous we do it my way, and my boss will be kept in the dark.
Last week, I endured an unpleasant lunch in order to help my superiors save face in front of their boss, masking my dislike for the school and not airing my long list of complaints. This week, they are willing to see 200 students have their grades suffer in order to exert some sort of control over me, as far as I can tell purely to stroke their own egos.
There are times I can't wait for July.
I was also told to go next week for a singing competition in Guangzhou. This does entail skipping a day of class, right before finals when i should be reviewing. My immediate response was to say I was going home to sleep. It's difficult to argue that its important I go to class when I am sick and need the rest while telling me I need to skip the same class the next week to entertain some VIPs. As they were unwilling to grant me the day off, it has been decided I will not be wasting a day of my life on that crap.
I'll be spending tomorrow with some students, who wantedto hike in the hills near school. I thought it was about 5, turns out to maybe be 50. I dolike them, and I'm happy to donate time to this group. They were worried I'd be lonely on Christmas. Sweet kids. I might see others at night, but they sound like a fun afternoon
I then focused on visa issues, not getting paid, etc.
Today I was toldthat myplan to give them an oral final exam wasunacceptable. They need to have a written final, and it must involve translating wordsinto phonetic symbols as well as the opposite, and marking stresses and intonations. Further, the final exam must account for at least 60% of their final grade. I cannot grade on a curve, with me taking the test and using that as an A (Almost every student would have well over 100% my way. I never do this stuff). If I refused to do this, I would be dismissed andthey would take the test anyway, and I would forfeit my airfare money (which might lead to litigation).
So, they are pretty happy, as I've been outwitted and lost an argument, something that hasn't happened much.
Of course, I was not told that I can't give an oral exam as well, and make that count for 80% of the final exam. So tomorrow and Friday the students will be told what the school wants, and given a choice of taking a final that day which is most of their final exam grade, which in turn is most of their final grade. I'm 99.9% sure it will be unanimous we do it my way, and my boss will be kept in the dark.
Last week, I endured an unpleasant lunch in order to help my superiors save face in front of their boss, masking my dislike for the school and not airing my long list of complaints. This week, they are willing to see 200 students have their grades suffer in order to exert some sort of control over me, as far as I can tell purely to stroke their own egos.
There are times I can't wait for July.
I was also told to go next week for a singing competition in Guangzhou. This does entail skipping a day of class, right before finals when i should be reviewing. My immediate response was to say I was going home to sleep. It's difficult to argue that its important I go to class when I am sick and need the rest while telling me I need to skip the same class the next week to entertain some VIPs. As they were unwilling to grant me the day off, it has been decided I will not be wasting a day of my life on that crap.
I'll be spending tomorrow with some students, who wantedto hike in the hills near school. I thought it was about 5, turns out to maybe be 50. I dolike them, and I'm happy to donate time to this group. They were worried I'd be lonely on Christmas. Sweet kids. I might see others at night, but they sound like a fun afternoon
Sunday, December 21, 2008
flu
Man, does the flu suck. Thankfully, it seems to be fading. Hopefully I'll be back in class tomorrow.
Cancelled plans to meet a friend for dinner yesterday, so she popped up at my door with vegetables and cooked. So, Tuly is now possibly my best friend. I was hungry, but the thought of standing up for a while and focusing on cooking without hurting myself or starting a fire was overwheliming.
I spent much of yesterday laying on my balcony, enjoying the unexpected warmth and trying to sweat out my fever. I'm not sure it worked, but it felt good.
Watched the Orphanage for a while last night after dinner. The challenege was that its in Spanish, and we could choose between English or Chinese subtitles. We went with English, and I did a surprisingly good job of following along. I've seen it before, so that helped, but apparently my Spanish is much better when I'm delirious. If I'm lucky, I'll be a little ill if I make it to Mexico in February.
Now, my bed is calling
Cancelled plans to meet a friend for dinner yesterday, so she popped up at my door with vegetables and cooked. So, Tuly is now possibly my best friend. I was hungry, but the thought of standing up for a while and focusing on cooking without hurting myself or starting a fire was overwheliming.
I spent much of yesterday laying on my balcony, enjoying the unexpected warmth and trying to sweat out my fever. I'm not sure it worked, but it felt good.
Watched the Orphanage for a while last night after dinner. The challenege was that its in Spanish, and we could choose between English or Chinese subtitles. We went with English, and I did a surprisingly good job of following along. I've seen it before, so that helped, but apparently my Spanish is much better when I'm delirious. If I'm lucky, I'll be a little ill if I make it to Mexico in February.
Now, my bed is calling
Friday, December 19, 2008
looking up
Seem to be overcoming the flu. My fever broke last night. Had two friends invite themselvesover for dinner. Since they cooked dinner, i can't complain. I was lousy company, and they didn't stay long, but sure enough, about an hour after they left, I felt much better. I guess I do needto eat, even when laying in bed sounds preferable.
And yes, I do have the sort of friends who hear I'm, soto the market, buy food, and come over to make sure I'm eating. I complain about some aspects of my life here, but I know I'm lucky.
Hmm, I was feeling extra happy because i found that wolfgang's vault works quite well in China, and now it abruptly seems to have stopped. It used to be a site full of concerts by classic rock bands I wasn't really a fan of, but after I abandoned it, they discovered there was music after the Allman Brothers, and it turned rather good. Maybe it just hates The Cure. British Sea Power andThe Gutter Twins were fine. Free concerts streaming makes me happy. Not as happy as free food perhaps, but close.
I believe this area is officially subtropical. It gets chilly at night, and will be kind of cold in february, but it's still pretty nice. So I'm fortunate that I can probably head out to the park in a bit and soak up some sun. I'm still a bit tired, and probably should cancel all my plans with friends who have small children, as I'm guessing they don't need the flu for Christmas. Not drinking due to illness and avoiding people with children really frees up my schedule.
May go hiking tomorrow with some students. If my energy level is up to it, that is. Living in the countryside means I am surrounded by endless green hills. I really should take advantage of that. the students raised all different types of hell when rumor said we might leave, so it becomes harder and harder not to like them.
And yes, I do have the sort of friends who hear I'm, soto the market, buy food, and come over to make sure I'm eating. I complain about some aspects of my life here, but I know I'm lucky.
Hmm, I was feeling extra happy because i found that wolfgang's vault works quite well in China, and now it abruptly seems to have stopped. It used to be a site full of concerts by classic rock bands I wasn't really a fan of, but after I abandoned it, they discovered there was music after the Allman Brothers, and it turned rather good. Maybe it just hates The Cure. British Sea Power andThe Gutter Twins were fine. Free concerts streaming makes me happy. Not as happy as free food perhaps, but close.
I believe this area is officially subtropical. It gets chilly at night, and will be kind of cold in february, but it's still pretty nice. So I'm fortunate that I can probably head out to the park in a bit and soak up some sun. I'm still a bit tired, and probably should cancel all my plans with friends who have small children, as I'm guessing they don't need the flu for Christmas. Not drinking due to illness and avoiding people with children really frees up my schedule.
May go hiking tomorrow with some students. If my energy level is up to it, that is. Living in the countryside means I am surrounded by endless green hills. I really should take advantage of that. the students raised all different types of hell when rumor said we might leave, so it becomes harder and harder not to like them.
the good and the bad
D neglected to go to work yesterday, and by 9:30 rumor had it that he was leaving. I wouldn'ttalkaboutit,only making cryptic commentsthat we might leave soon despite our fondness for our students.The support we received from the students is amazing. Not surprising perhaps, as I believe we are bothexcellent teachers and rather likable, but still feels pretty good.
As a resultof no showing, the schoolpaid us today,only 4 days late. I'm sure we should have been on our knees, showing gratitude, but somehow we retained our self-control.
We have been e-mailing since before we arrived about some things, and they still haven't been resolved. A few thingscan be resolved by the school alling others and making them do their job, but it hasn't happened yet. Neither of us has cable tv working. My doorbell cannot be answered,so anytime it is rung, it continues to ring for about 5 minutes. We can't get the bastards to buy a pot. Oh, and my visa expired last week, meaning I'm here illegally. I also haven't seen my passport in a few weeks, greatly restricting my mobility. To those who know how badly I wanted to come back here, consider i could wind up deported due to the incompetence of our liasion.
Quick note to prospective teachers worldwide: do not, under any circumstance, work for the Guangdong Radio & Tv College or the Guangdong Polytechnic college. Dishonesty and incompetence will stopyou from getting much of what the contract calls for, and you will be labelled ungrateful for not being thankful for what you do get.
How comfortable is my bed? I slept about 10 hour last night, and have bruises to show for it. I've been limping all day due to back pain, made worse by the flu.
Question of the day: what is a 10 x 10 foot room with a window and a few boxes in an apartment? Is it a bedroom? An office? a dining room? a wine cellar? Or is it nothing until it is furnished and given a purpose? Apparently, a room with no furnishings is a second bedroom.
Again, I am loving the classes, and it's nice being back. Its awkward in some ways, as you feel bad not being able to see friends because you haven't been paid, hate having people over because your home looks like a doctor's waiting room (Minus the pictures and magazines), and I can't travel easily as I have no papers and am here illegally, but I still wouldn't goback to the States.
So, to answer the obvious question, I will be talking to people about switching schools after the winter break. It is much more difficult than it was years ago, but now i have e-mails that more or less say the school does not intend to live up to its half of the contract, so i shuld be able to get out pretty easily. I also have no intention of submitting a lesson plan or copy of my final before things get resolved, so I may be let go anyway.
As a resultof no showing, the schoolpaid us today,only 4 days late. I'm sure we should have been on our knees, showing gratitude, but somehow we retained our self-control.
We have been e-mailing since before we arrived about some things, and they still haven't been resolved. A few thingscan be resolved by the school alling others and making them do their job, but it hasn't happened yet. Neither of us has cable tv working. My doorbell cannot be answered,so anytime it is rung, it continues to ring for about 5 minutes. We can't get the bastards to buy a pot. Oh, and my visa expired last week, meaning I'm here illegally. I also haven't seen my passport in a few weeks, greatly restricting my mobility. To those who know how badly I wanted to come back here, consider i could wind up deported due to the incompetence of our liasion.
Quick note to prospective teachers worldwide: do not, under any circumstance, work for the Guangdong Radio & Tv College or the Guangdong Polytechnic college. Dishonesty and incompetence will stopyou from getting much of what the contract calls for, and you will be labelled ungrateful for not being thankful for what you do get.
How comfortable is my bed? I slept about 10 hour last night, and have bruises to show for it. I've been limping all day due to back pain, made worse by the flu.
Question of the day: what is a 10 x 10 foot room with a window and a few boxes in an apartment? Is it a bedroom? An office? a dining room? a wine cellar? Or is it nothing until it is furnished and given a purpose? Apparently, a room with no furnishings is a second bedroom.
Again, I am loving the classes, and it's nice being back. Its awkward in some ways, as you feel bad not being able to see friends because you haven't been paid, hate having people over because your home looks like a doctor's waiting room (Minus the pictures and magazines), and I can't travel easily as I have no papers and am here illegally, but I still wouldn't goback to the States.
So, to answer the obvious question, I will be talking to people about switching schools after the winter break. It is much more difficult than it was years ago, but now i have e-mails that more or less say the school does not intend to live up to its half of the contract, so i shuld be able to get out pretty easily. I also have no intention of submitting a lesson plan or copy of my final before things get resolved, so I may be let go anyway.
Monday, December 15, 2008
So, how are things going?
Won't be posting much for a fw days. I'm attempting to switch jobs, which is time consuming. Visa problems and not paying me will do that
Friday, December 12, 2008
a quick lesson on English & culture
read the following and state the second person's main idea:
1. "Can you come to our English Corner Saturday morning at 9:00?"
"I'd like to, but I doubt I can come. It's too early. Maybe I'll come next time, but I think I'll miss this time."
2. "Can you ask any friends to come?"
"I would, but I doubt I'll go, so my friends won't. Besides, none of my friends are going to leave their house at 8:00 on Saturday to help people they've never met practice their English for free. Maybe saturday afternoon someone might come, but not saturday morning."
Bonus question: At what time Saturday morning should the first person begin calling the second? How many times should she call, and what is the maximum amount of time she should wait between calls (answers should be expressed in terms of nanoseconds)?
On an unrelated note, to the friend who stopped by yesterday afternoon to buy drugs after our conversation about how I was asleep, not a drug dealer, and not interested in helping you buy drugs at 3pm, thank you for the vivid lesson on the perils of ketamine. It's much appreciated.
stupidity is apparently a top import and export
1. "Can you come to our English Corner Saturday morning at 9:00?"
"I'd like to, but I doubt I can come. It's too early. Maybe I'll come next time, but I think I'll miss this time."
2. "Can you ask any friends to come?"
"I would, but I doubt I'll go, so my friends won't. Besides, none of my friends are going to leave their house at 8:00 on Saturday to help people they've never met practice their English for free. Maybe saturday afternoon someone might come, but not saturday morning."
Bonus question: At what time Saturday morning should the first person begin calling the second? How many times should she call, and what is the maximum amount of time she should wait between calls (answers should be expressed in terms of nanoseconds)?
On an unrelated note, to the friend who stopped by yesterday afternoon to buy drugs after our conversation about how I was asleep, not a drug dealer, and not interested in helping you buy drugs at 3pm, thank you for the vivid lesson on the perils of ketamine. It's much appreciated.
stupidity is apparently a top import and export
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday
Had a quiet weekend. Not much money, so I stuck around. Did some more reading, graded a bunch of papers, planned for the next few weeks, and did some thinking about the finals I need to write.
We're kind of isolated here. "Here" is Wuguishan. In English, that's 5 Goat Mountain I believe. When I first lived here, this was empty countryside. It's now mostly empty countryside. It seems there are 3 foreigners living here, including me & D. Of Course, we're from 3 different countries.
We faced a serious problem Monday; neither of us had any beer at home. We were on our way to the little convenience store across the street when we decided w could just start exploring the little side streets. About 2 blocks away, we found a convenience store with a few pool tables, and cold cheap Harbin Beer. A few hours passed, and we were a bit tipsy. The Canadian decided he needed meat on a stick, and we set off looking. We took the most convoluted possible path to the main market area. No meat on sticks, which was fine by me, as they had spicy boiled veetables on sticks, which is infinitely better.
Nearby was a loud club, so we wandered in to take a look. Turned out to be karaoke only (KTV from this point on). Nothing but private rooms. Fine for drinking with friends, not so great to meet people. Unless someone opens a door to go to the restroom and is surprised to see two foreigners asking the staff where a club might be found. This led to us being whisked into a room and givn beer at a young ladies birthday party. My ability to sing Happy Birthday in Chinese was much admired. That w could speak some Chinese amazed everyone. Photos were taken, and friend called in the hopes they could come meet us. We rediscovered the unpleasantness that is beer and birthday cake together. Ultimately, we left, after promising that if we were ever to go back, we would contact them so they could join us, perhaps in the hope I'd sing "My Perogative" again.
So now we like living in the sticks
We're kind of isolated here. "Here" is Wuguishan. In English, that's 5 Goat Mountain I believe. When I first lived here, this was empty countryside. It's now mostly empty countryside. It seems there are 3 foreigners living here, including me & D. Of Course, we're from 3 different countries.
We faced a serious problem Monday; neither of us had any beer at home. We were on our way to the little convenience store across the street when we decided w could just start exploring the little side streets. About 2 blocks away, we found a convenience store with a few pool tables, and cold cheap Harbin Beer. A few hours passed, and we were a bit tipsy. The Canadian decided he needed meat on a stick, and we set off looking. We took the most convoluted possible path to the main market area. No meat on sticks, which was fine by me, as they had spicy boiled veetables on sticks, which is infinitely better.
Nearby was a loud club, so we wandered in to take a look. Turned out to be karaoke only (KTV from this point on). Nothing but private rooms. Fine for drinking with friends, not so great to meet people. Unless someone opens a door to go to the restroom and is surprised to see two foreigners asking the staff where a club might be found. This led to us being whisked into a room and givn beer at a young ladies birthday party. My ability to sing Happy Birthday in Chinese was much admired. That w could speak some Chinese amazed everyone. Photos were taken, and friend called in the hopes they could come meet us. We rediscovered the unpleasantness that is beer and birthday cake together. Ultimately, we left, after promising that if we were ever to go back, we would contact them so they could join us, perhaps in the hope I'd sing "My Perogative" again.
So now we like living in the sticks
Saturday, December 6, 2008
new week.
that was quite a week. High points included being robbed, replacing my missing phone, changing my locks, finding out we were applying for a visa incorrectly and needed to begin the process again, a friend going into the hospital (he's fine now I hear), and having a really drunk friend take a swing at me. Oh, and I found a Papa Johns in Guangzhou.
So I'm glad that's over. I'll be writing more whn times are good.
On the whole, it's a blast. Seeing old friends and teaching extremely motivated hard working students seems to agree with me. Hopefully my luck improves this week.
Oh, and my students now believe me. I can't sing. At all. Will the rest of China hed their warning?
So I'm glad that's over. I'll be writing more whn times are good.
On the whole, it's a blast. Seeing old friends and teaching extremely motivated hard working students seems to agree with me. Hopefully my luck improves this week.
Oh, and my students now believe me. I can't sing. At all. Will the rest of China hed their warning?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
further adventures in wifi
For 30 seconds earlier today, i had a decent connection.
Soon, there should be a web connection worthy of the name.
Soon, there should be a web connection worthy of the name.
Monday, November 24, 2008
hmm
I seem to have an internet connection, but I'm at home. It's rather slow, but nonetheless it exists. full of existence, this connection. Unless it disappeared again. Let's see what happens tomorrow.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
update
still working on getting the internet for my house. Sounds like it might be happening this week, or early next week. Then you can hear more fascinating details of my life
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
classes
Had two more classes today. My classes are really long (1.5 to 2.5 hours) so it seems like a light loud, but there's a lot of time in those rooms.
So far, they are a very pleasant surprise. They tend to speak English better than expected. Many ask questions, admit when they are confused, and are actually providing feedback. Mostly I'm hearing I need to talk louder and slower. If you've ever taught ESL, particularly in Asia, it's shocking they will suggest I'm anything other than perfect.
According to the schedule, we were doing Unit 5, which is about HIV, safe sex, drug use, and homosexuality. 90% of them are women, so I was supposed to walk in and try to get them talking about the safest ways to have sex with a strange man listening them and critiquing them. Didn't happen, and is unlikely to. I'm sure they need sex education in this country, but not from me.
Instead, we repeated Unit 4, which many were confused by. It was about effective communication with some of it focused on job interviews. They were supposed to role-play out a good interview and a poor one. It's difficult to be confident and knowledgable with a roomful of people listening, but some did very well. When it was time for the bad interviews, they were awesome. One was late because he forgot his glasses, so he could drive fast or find the office. One wanted to work for a toy company because he didn't have enough toys as a child. In each class, one applicant thought it ok to light up. The best was probably the one who asked out the interviewer on a date, because "I have few skills in business, but many in the bedroom."
The challenge is generally getting them talking. I feel much more relaxed about that now.
In other news, I love pugs. Ok, that's not news, but I want a pug. Ok, not news, but I wanted to find out if they have pugs in China. In my mostly empty apartment complex, there lives an elderly couple and their pug. He taught me how to say "Pug gao" (Pug dog), and the dog seems to like me. The old man apparently does as well, as he called me over to let me know that the sign on the door says there will be no water from now until 8:00 tomorrow morning. Since I get picked up at 8:05 by a bus that doesn't wait, tomorrow's lesson my be an accidental lesson in the importance of bathing in interpersonal communication. Not every story is modelling and weird students
So far, they are a very pleasant surprise. They tend to speak English better than expected. Many ask questions, admit when they are confused, and are actually providing feedback. Mostly I'm hearing I need to talk louder and slower. If you've ever taught ESL, particularly in Asia, it's shocking they will suggest I'm anything other than perfect.
According to the schedule, we were doing Unit 5, which is about HIV, safe sex, drug use, and homosexuality. 90% of them are women, so I was supposed to walk in and try to get them talking about the safest ways to have sex with a strange man listening them and critiquing them. Didn't happen, and is unlikely to. I'm sure they need sex education in this country, but not from me.
Instead, we repeated Unit 4, which many were confused by. It was about effective communication with some of it focused on job interviews. They were supposed to role-play out a good interview and a poor one. It's difficult to be confident and knowledgable with a roomful of people listening, but some did very well. When it was time for the bad interviews, they were awesome. One was late because he forgot his glasses, so he could drive fast or find the office. One wanted to work for a toy company because he didn't have enough toys as a child. In each class, one applicant thought it ok to light up. The best was probably the one who asked out the interviewer on a date, because "I have few skills in business, but many in the bedroom."
The challenge is generally getting them talking. I feel much more relaxed about that now.
In other news, I love pugs. Ok, that's not news, but I want a pug. Ok, not news, but I wanted to find out if they have pugs in China. In my mostly empty apartment complex, there lives an elderly couple and their pug. He taught me how to say "Pug gao" (Pug dog), and the dog seems to like me. The old man apparently does as well, as he called me over to let me know that the sign on the door says there will be no water from now until 8:00 tomorrow morning. Since I get picked up at 8:05 by a bus that doesn't wait, tomorrow's lesson my be an accidental lesson in the importance of bathing in interpersonal communication. Not every story is modelling and weird students
Sunday, November 16, 2008
the best part
I left out the best news. I'm told my dear friend Snow had her second child last night. Some of you know her, and she sends her love.
it begins
Made it here.
The house is nice enough. A little small, and kind of far from the center of the city, but the building is new, the area seems safe, and a bus runs from the front of my house to downtown, so no real complaints.
The other foreign teacher seems very cool, and has been a blast. It seems we'll be living our separate lives, but hanging out together some of the time, which is the ideal. He also seems to be a competent teacher who plans on taking no bs from the school, so we seem to be on the same page.
I found out you can own and operate an elecric scooter in town without a driver's license or license plate, and they cost less than 1/3 of a month's pay. Being off the beaten path means its likely I'll have one in a month or two, maybe earlier depending on how my career as a model goes.
What's that you say? Yeah, I've been approached about modelling. I thought it was my rugged good looks they wanted, but it seems they just want to show that even I can sit on a chair without it breaking. Still, how many of you were offered a modelling job his week. They might also use me in a Harley Davidson ad campaign, which is far more respectable. It also means I'll be buying an electric scooter with money from Harley. Odd. Hopefully, modelling and teaching won't interfere with my career writing a tv show.
Oh yeah, I might be writing a tv show about a foreigner adjusting to life in China, a topic i understand fairly well. It's in the idea stage now, but it seems to be a serious idea. I'd like to be able to take China, show how its seen through our round eyes, and distort that through a funhouse mirror. I'm 95% sure my favorite ideas will end up on the cutting room floor, as they wouldn't entertain the Chinese people involved. I'll probably discuss it further as we plan my career in film.
Yeah, I'm likely going to have a very minor part in some Chinese comedy. I think I'm a gambler in Macu or something. They wanted to know if I'm happier delivering a few lines in Cantonese, Portugese or English. Odd question.
I had my first class today. Most of them seem bright and enthusiastic. Some seem painfully shy. A little better than expected. I didn't get the books until this morning, so it was tricky teaching for 90 minutes with no real plan, but I think it went fairly well. I only have about 5 or 6 weeks of class, but would like to accomplish something useful this term. I worry sometimes that perhaps only the students and i care.
The University didn't do a lot to instill confidence before I came, and aren't doing much to do so now. I had a monstrous time getting a visa, and they are in no rush to convert my visa into a multiple entry visa. Meaning that if there's any problems that arise after I have made plans to travel outside the country, I may not be able to be here when classes begin. I also received an apartment that had no means of cooking in an area with no real restaurants. Getting an advance on my pay is proving tough as well.
I guess if things don't work out, I can try to become a full time actor/writer/model.
That's my first four days in a nutshell. Should be a good time.
The house is nice enough. A little small, and kind of far from the center of the city, but the building is new, the area seems safe, and a bus runs from the front of my house to downtown, so no real complaints.
The other foreign teacher seems very cool, and has been a blast. It seems we'll be living our separate lives, but hanging out together some of the time, which is the ideal. He also seems to be a competent teacher who plans on taking no bs from the school, so we seem to be on the same page.
I found out you can own and operate an elecric scooter in town without a driver's license or license plate, and they cost less than 1/3 of a month's pay. Being off the beaten path means its likely I'll have one in a month or two, maybe earlier depending on how my career as a model goes.
What's that you say? Yeah, I've been approached about modelling. I thought it was my rugged good looks they wanted, but it seems they just want to show that even I can sit on a chair without it breaking. Still, how many of you were offered a modelling job his week. They might also use me in a Harley Davidson ad campaign, which is far more respectable. It also means I'll be buying an electric scooter with money from Harley. Odd. Hopefully, modelling and teaching won't interfere with my career writing a tv show.
Oh yeah, I might be writing a tv show about a foreigner adjusting to life in China, a topic i understand fairly well. It's in the idea stage now, but it seems to be a serious idea. I'd like to be able to take China, show how its seen through our round eyes, and distort that through a funhouse mirror. I'm 95% sure my favorite ideas will end up on the cutting room floor, as they wouldn't entertain the Chinese people involved. I'll probably discuss it further as we plan my career in film.
Yeah, I'm likely going to have a very minor part in some Chinese comedy. I think I'm a gambler in Macu or something. They wanted to know if I'm happier delivering a few lines in Cantonese, Portugese or English. Odd question.
I had my first class today. Most of them seem bright and enthusiastic. Some seem painfully shy. A little better than expected. I didn't get the books until this morning, so it was tricky teaching for 90 minutes with no real plan, but I think it went fairly well. I only have about 5 or 6 weeks of class, but would like to accomplish something useful this term. I worry sometimes that perhaps only the students and i care.
The University didn't do a lot to instill confidence before I came, and aren't doing much to do so now. I had a monstrous time getting a visa, and they are in no rush to convert my visa into a multiple entry visa. Meaning that if there's any problems that arise after I have made plans to travel outside the country, I may not be able to be here when classes begin. I also received an apartment that had no means of cooking in an area with no real restaurants. Getting an advance on my pay is proving tough as well.
I guess if things don't work out, I can try to become a full time actor/writer/model.
That's my first four days in a nutshell. Should be a good time.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
quick Hong Kong notes
Notice is hereby given to the guys on every street corner in the tsim Tsa Tsui area: I do not wish to buy a copy Rolex, regardless of how cheap it is. Feel free to ask other people.
Addendum: I am interested in buying smelly tofu. Very interested.
Imagined conversation a few weeks back.
"Hey, do you think we could make a lot of money selling bootleg Obama merchandise?"
"Why, yes, we can!"
Addendum: I am interested in buying smelly tofu. Very interested.
Imagined conversation a few weeks back.
"Hey, do you think we could make a lot of money selling bootleg Obama merchandise?"
"Why, yes, we can!"
The stench of home
I am sitting in a place with free, fast wifi, so you know I didn't make it to the mainland. Being in Hong Kong isn't something I'm gonna complain about.
I spent the flight pushing a large guy off me. Consider my build, and imagine what he must look like. So after 16 hours of him oozing into myspace, I'm rather stinky. I missed being on the last bus to the mainland, so some lucky folk dodged a bullet there. I wouldn't want to share a bus with me for 5 hours.
So, tomorrow I'm off to Zhongshan. No idea when I'll post again, but hopefully it will be next week. I think I'll be wanting internet access soon
I spent the flight pushing a large guy off me. Consider my build, and imagine what he must look like. So after 16 hours of him oozing into myspace, I'm rather stinky. I missed being on the last bus to the mainland, so some lucky folk dodged a bullet there. I wouldn't want to share a bus with me for 5 hours.
So, tomorrow I'm off to Zhongshan. No idea when I'll post again, but hopefully it will be next week. I think I'll be wanting internet access soon
Monday, October 13, 2008
in passing
I still am in the USA. I (perhaps foolishly) believe I will be in china soon.
Voted today. Give it a shot, particularly if we agree on most issues.
Voted today. Give it a shot, particularly if we agree on most issues.
Friday, June 13, 2008
that's that
Back after a few days off. And we're now done. Time to frcye myself to wii, drunkenness, the china trip and sleeping I til noon. Check back in August.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
uhhhhhhhh
I'm at home, laying on the couch enjoying my new favorite drink: nyquil. I am very happy that most days I didn't want to go to work, I sucked it up and went, because I may take the last 6 days off. This lung infection is no joke.
I'm also pretty glad I went to work the last two days. Yesterday was a field trip to clean up a beach. I was not in charge, just tagging along as a chaperone. They did a crummy job, but apparently that was expected. Afterwards, there was a barbecue and basketball, when they rediscovered their energy. It's not often I can watch them just act like normal teenagers.
Today, we went to a small art gallery, where they were very well behaved.we then went for Chinese food, which was great. They ate weird things, tried to use chopsticks, and tried to use Chinese words the waiters and I taught them. We went to a park, and they played ball again, before we went home. Two kids had tried to leave (a story that is long and makes me far too angry to tell), but were brought back safely. Prior to that, it was one of my favorite days with them, despite the illness. If I don't improve enough next week to return to work, it's a great end to the school year.
Hopefully, no one notices the missing paperwork, or it's forgotten in the fall. Cough cough cough.naptime.
I'm also pretty glad I went to work the last two days. Yesterday was a field trip to clean up a beach. I was not in charge, just tagging along as a chaperone. They did a crummy job, but apparently that was expected. Afterwards, there was a barbecue and basketball, when they rediscovered their energy. It's not often I can watch them just act like normal teenagers.
Today, we went to a small art gallery, where they were very well behaved.we then went for Chinese food, which was great. They ate weird things, tried to use chopsticks, and tried to use Chinese words the waiters and I taught them. We went to a park, and they played ball again, before we went home. Two kids had tried to leave (a story that is long and makes me far too angry to tell), but were brought back safely. Prior to that, it was one of my favorite days with them, despite the illness. If I don't improve enough next week to return to work, it's a great end to the school year.
Hopefully, no one notices the missing paperwork, or it's forgotten in the fall. Cough cough cough.naptime.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
eww
I seem to have some sort of lung infection. When you combine that with the mold that infests this building, you get a very ill teacher. Hopefully, I'll make it through the day, finish entering missing attendance, enter grades, update goals, and spend the next two days on field trips. Or I'll miss most of the last week. Whatever
Saturday, May 31, 2008
near the end
Only two weeks left. The last few have been somewhat eventful.
Prom was last weekend. The kids were great. One had a seizure, and I spent 3 or 4 hours in the hospital with him. Poor guy.
I got my clasepom back. We're reading Our America, and most really like it. They believe they've found a way of outwitting me. They can read the book and discuss it until the bell, and then it's too late for me to make them write. I can't say I mind. There has been some writing still.
Between their love of discussion and the amount of time I spent out of the classroom doing office work, they had very few written asignments this quarter. They tend to be happy about that, but it really bugs me. I think they're being cooperative now in part because they were bored. Next year, I don't expect this problem.
Finally, the lsc chose a new principal. Not our AP. But someone new. We'll have to see how that goes. I've often felt our AP was far tougher on me than on most others, but still respect her immensely and hope she stays. Speculation is that she will leave, which means two new prole in the top two spots. All I really want is to be left alone to teach, to have an aide who does his/her job, and to know that we have a system for disciplining students. As usual, the students have been saying and doing weird stuff. I've just been slackinh off about Blogging any of it. Next time...
Prom was last weekend. The kids were great. One had a seizure, and I spent 3 or 4 hours in the hospital with him. Poor guy.
I got my clasepom back. We're reading Our America, and most really like it. They believe they've found a way of outwitting me. They can read the book and discuss it until the bell, and then it's too late for me to make them write. I can't say I mind. There has been some writing still.
Between their love of discussion and the amount of time I spent out of the classroom doing office work, they had very few written asignments this quarter. They tend to be happy about that, but it really bugs me. I think they're being cooperative now in part because they were bored. Next year, I don't expect this problem.
Finally, the lsc chose a new principal. Not our AP. But someone new. We'll have to see how that goes. I've often felt our AP was far tougher on me than on most others, but still respect her immensely and hope she stays. Speculation is that she will leave, which means two new prole in the top two spots. All I really want is to be left alone to teach, to have an aide who does his/her job, and to know that we have a system for disciplining students. As usual, the students have been saying and doing weird stuff. I've just been slackinh off about Blogging any of it. Next time...
Monday, May 12, 2008
time goes by
I've been in the office a lot lately, so I've been very bored. I'm back in a classroom tomorrow. My classroom is the in-school suspension room, at least for now, so there are issues. Always issues...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
update
We spent the week testing for the most part. So it was somewhat quiet. I'll probably be pulled froM the clasepom for a few weeks to help get records in order. So I may post less.
Oh, I did wind up eatting out my side for his nonattendance. I had to throw a student out of the room when he attacked another student with a chair. There was blood and I decided to risk grabbing him, so my injured elbow is killing me again. A month of wearing the brace and not using the arm was wasted. plus I had a bloody student. Considreing my injury, the nature of the school and the erviering problems with students lying about things they do and how I respond leading to discipline hearings for me, I'm an idiot for continuing to work here. I just assume a student will get hurt and air, or I'll be hurt, or they'll tell more lies, getting me in more trouble. I like most of my students, and they like me, but it might be time to go. It seems there will be no consequences for the side, and I highly doubt he will do his job.
Sadly, I probably won't leave until I'm hurt too bad to continue or forced out due to an incident that didn't happen. And that asshole will continue to get a check while neglecting the needy kids long after I'm gone.
I left out the big story, because it hurts to think about it
Oh, I did wind up eatting out my side for his nonattendance. I had to throw a student out of the room when he attacked another student with a chair. There was blood and I decided to risk grabbing him, so my injured elbow is killing me again. A month of wearing the brace and not using the arm was wasted. plus I had a bloody student. Considreing my injury, the nature of the school and the erviering problems with students lying about things they do and how I respond leading to discipline hearings for me, I'm an idiot for continuing to work here. I just assume a student will get hurt and air, or I'll be hurt, or they'll tell more lies, getting me in more trouble. I like most of my students, and they like me, but it might be time to go. It seems there will be no consequences for the side, and I highly doubt he will do his job.
Sadly, I probably won't leave until I'm hurt too bad to continue or forced out due to an incident that didn't happen. And that asshole will continue to get a check while neglecting the needy kids long after I'm gone.
I left out the big story, because it hurts to think about it
Friday, April 18, 2008
the office
I spent most of today in the office helping get ready for the PSAE test next week. A day teaching definitely beats a day copying stuff.
I learned my colleagues are surly and the people in the office honestly are no problem with keeping vital information quiet until the last minute. If I hadn't been there all day, I wouldn' hear that we're in homeroom all day Tuesday until Tuesday morning. Stuff like this is aging me rapidly.
Concreation highlight of the day:
"hey, where did the videos on the computer go?"
"I deleted all the porn."
"I didn't watch porn on there. Put the videos back"
"what videos?"
"uh, the one with the girls."
" you mean the porn?"
"shut up and put it back"
He didn't get his wish. I was told this is why my aide is cooler than me. He doesn't care if they watch porn. Thankfully, my soul dies a bit every day, so I'll stop caring soon.
I learned my colleagues are surly and the people in the office honestly are no problem with keeping vital information quiet until the last minute. If I hadn't been there all day, I wouldn' hear that we're in homeroom all day Tuesday until Tuesday morning. Stuff like this is aging me rapidly.
Concreation highlight of the day:
"hey, where did the videos on the computer go?"
"I deleted all the porn."
"I didn't watch porn on there. Put the videos back"
"what videos?"
"uh, the one with the girls."
" you mean the porn?"
"shut up and put it back"
He didn't get his wish. I was told this is why my aide is cooler than me. He doesn't care if they watch porn. Thankfully, my soul dies a bit every day, so I'll stop caring soon.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
weird
It was kind of odd. My really good clases today were fairly uncooperative, while my obnoxious class did all the work with no trouble.
I might lose my room. We haven, had an in school suspension room for a month or more and one is sorely needed. It may be my room. I'm not sure why they want the room over the office. I get complaints on noise when they do anything that makes any noise.it would seem a poor choice for the most out of control kids.
I might lose my room. We haven, had an in school suspension room for a month or more and one is sorely needed. It may be my room. I'm not sure why they want the room over the office. I get complaints on noise when they do anything that makes any noise.it would seem a poor choice for the most out of control kids.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
boredom
i've been at the report card pick up for about 4 hours and seen 2 parents. So for the first time, I'm bored here.
Maybe I'll punch someone to liven up our day
Maybe I'll punch someone to liven up our day
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Ending the week
Man, what a week. Three days this week, the second floor was mostly out of control, with kids running around, loitering, fighting and knocking on doors. My classroom tended to be quiet most of that time, but it's distracting and rather annoying. One of the other days, I had a student blow up and trash my room, followed by another student flipping my desk over again two periods later. My aide almost had to get off the phone and restrain him, but luckily he calmed down after doing nothing more than destroying some of the other student's work, scatering the papers on my desk everywhere, wrecking some posters, tearing off some of the information I need posted (fire plan, accomodations and modifications for students, etc), and threatening and shoving me. Good thing I don't have any injury I need to protect to avoid half a year off recovering from surgery, or the aide might have needed to cut off the call. Unsurprisingly, I was lectured on not insulting rampaging students. He has so far avoided punishment. Par for the course.
Friday, many of the students were gone on a trip. I had smaller classes and worked one on one with some students. Mostly, we focused on getting missing assignments completed. A lot of the students were in a good mood, so I could spend time joking around with them. I spent some time chasing a guy around who was sticking post it notes on people, trying to stick a note on him. Had a game of what I'll call slap tag until a real name emerges (run up and slap a guy on the back of his neck. Point and laugh). When a studnet complained he was kicked, an aide and I took turns kicking him, trying to determine how and where he was kicked (these are playful kicks, not the hard type). there was also a lot of joke telling and goofiness on their part. I sincerely hope that the guy who was singing his new R&B song about his desire to tear the clothes off his English teacher and lose himself in the teacher's beard forgets to sing it to me again on Monday. It was a mixture of hilarious and creepy.
Sadly, this week marked the return of the forgotten personality of one of my students. he was a flat out asshole most of the time, constantly instigating trouble with other students and trying to provoke me. he then improved and became fine for the last few months, but has gone back to his old ways. From talking to other teachers, apparently he had only improved in my class. I plan on just banning him until his parents at least call me back, or I am forced by someone to allow him back in the classroom. A therapeutic school shouldn't have students habitually provoking other students.
I wonder why I always type "studnets" instead of "students."
Even sadder, the grandmother of one of my studnets passed away, and he seems devastated. he was also really unpleasant earlier in the year, and has since become one of my favorites. He's not my best studnet (there it is again!), but is an above average one, and is just a really likable guy most of the time. I'll say that even though he's the one who broke my thumb and vowed to make my life a living hell. He's also the one who punched someone who attacked me. Hopefully, he doesn't revert to old ways. He's come so far this year, I hope he continues to grow. I hope his family sees the positive changes he's made. His grandmother was a huge influence in his life, and I hope she was proud of what he was accomplishing.
In much happier news, I talked to the student who was hospitalized after the fight a week or so ago. he sounds great, and tells me he will be back next week, which is unbelievable. I'm kind of worried about him, since he must have some injuries still, and there's no guarantee he won't be attacked. He's generally popular and respected, but has a habit of jumping between guys in a fight to try to stop them, and I worry about him. Hopefully, he'll be more thoughtful.
Oh, I had a dvd stolen from my room. I forgot to lock it up when I had to go to a meeting, figuring my aide wouldn't let them go through my desk. I never learn. I told them I was disappointed in them and was not buying another copy, so they would be reading longer, since we couldn't skip over any parts of the story by just watching the movie. A day or two later, a student returned the disc and admitted he took it because he was annoyed at me for giving them too much work (they don't like daily assignments, and too many of my colleagues are happy giving weekly assingments). he apologized, and I said I'd keep him anonymous. According to him, it was worse hearing I was pissed than it was hearing that Romeo & Juliet would go on longer. This might be progress
.
Friday, many of the students were gone on a trip. I had smaller classes and worked one on one with some students. Mostly, we focused on getting missing assignments completed. A lot of the students were in a good mood, so I could spend time joking around with them. I spent some time chasing a guy around who was sticking post it notes on people, trying to stick a note on him. Had a game of what I'll call slap tag until a real name emerges (run up and slap a guy on the back of his neck. Point and laugh). When a studnet complained he was kicked, an aide and I took turns kicking him, trying to determine how and where he was kicked (these are playful kicks, not the hard type). there was also a lot of joke telling and goofiness on their part. I sincerely hope that the guy who was singing his new R&B song about his desire to tear the clothes off his English teacher and lose himself in the teacher's beard forgets to sing it to me again on Monday. It was a mixture of hilarious and creepy.
Sadly, this week marked the return of the forgotten personality of one of my students. he was a flat out asshole most of the time, constantly instigating trouble with other students and trying to provoke me. he then improved and became fine for the last few months, but has gone back to his old ways. From talking to other teachers, apparently he had only improved in my class. I plan on just banning him until his parents at least call me back, or I am forced by someone to allow him back in the classroom. A therapeutic school shouldn't have students habitually provoking other students.
I wonder why I always type "studnets" instead of "students."
Even sadder, the grandmother of one of my studnets passed away, and he seems devastated. he was also really unpleasant earlier in the year, and has since become one of my favorites. He's not my best studnet (there it is again!), but is an above average one, and is just a really likable guy most of the time. I'll say that even though he's the one who broke my thumb and vowed to make my life a living hell. He's also the one who punched someone who attacked me. Hopefully, he doesn't revert to old ways. He's come so far this year, I hope he continues to grow. I hope his family sees the positive changes he's made. His grandmother was a huge influence in his life, and I hope she was proud of what he was accomplishing.
In much happier news, I talked to the student who was hospitalized after the fight a week or so ago. he sounds great, and tells me he will be back next week, which is unbelievable. I'm kind of worried about him, since he must have some injuries still, and there's no guarantee he won't be attacked. He's generally popular and respected, but has a habit of jumping between guys in a fight to try to stop them, and I worry about him. Hopefully, he'll be more thoughtful.
Oh, I had a dvd stolen from my room. I forgot to lock it up when I had to go to a meeting, figuring my aide wouldn't let them go through my desk. I never learn. I told them I was disappointed in them and was not buying another copy, so they would be reading longer, since we couldn't skip over any parts of the story by just watching the movie. A day or two later, a student returned the disc and admitted he took it because he was annoyed at me for giving them too much work (they don't like daily assignments, and too many of my colleagues are happy giving weekly assingments). he apologized, and I said I'd keep him anonymous. According to him, it was worse hearing I was pissed than it was hearing that Romeo & Juliet would go on longer. This might be progress
.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Something I learned today
If you're one of my friends who works in law, please don't read this.
Come to think of it, if you're reasonably well informed on legal matters, don't read this.
I had a student attempt to enter my class, trying to get to another student. I told him no, of course, and stood in the way. He tried to shove me out of the way. One of the benefits of teaching freshmen is that they find it hard to move me, so it didn't work. He then backed up and charged me, knocking me back a bit. Someone then grabbed him and threw him to the floor. (I'll give you a hint who it was. He's a white guy with a beard).
The police said there was no need to arrest him or fill out a police report, as it wasn't battery. He wasn't trying to harm me. He was trying to get into the room. The reason he wanted to enter the room was to assault someone, but that's not particularly relevant. You might think that it would be illegal to strike someone, but it's not. You might think that teachers are a protected class, so assaulting a teacher means you're in more trouble, but it turns out that's completely wrong.
So, I don't follow the March Madness stuff, but like the idea of betting pools. I seriously want to start one based on when I will be hospitalized. I have a few little tears in my elbow now and strict orders to not use that arm. I also have students crashing into me in order to attack other students. Earlier, I had to decide whether to get physically involved in stopping a fight or let the kid who had heart surgery a year ago get slammed into a locker a few more times, and chose to risk injury. I am reasonably certain I'll need surgery before June, and would like the chance to win a few dollars. Anyone interested in a wager?
Come to think of it, if you're reasonably well informed on legal matters, don't read this.
I had a student attempt to enter my class, trying to get to another student. I told him no, of course, and stood in the way. He tried to shove me out of the way. One of the benefits of teaching freshmen is that they find it hard to move me, so it didn't work. He then backed up and charged me, knocking me back a bit. Someone then grabbed him and threw him to the floor. (I'll give you a hint who it was. He's a white guy with a beard).
The police said there was no need to arrest him or fill out a police report, as it wasn't battery. He wasn't trying to harm me. He was trying to get into the room. The reason he wanted to enter the room was to assault someone, but that's not particularly relevant. You might think that it would be illegal to strike someone, but it's not. You might think that teachers are a protected class, so assaulting a teacher means you're in more trouble, but it turns out that's completely wrong.
So, I don't follow the March Madness stuff, but like the idea of betting pools. I seriously want to start one based on when I will be hospitalized. I have a few little tears in my elbow now and strict orders to not use that arm. I also have students crashing into me in order to attack other students. Earlier, I had to decide whether to get physically involved in stopping a fight or let the kid who had heart surgery a year ago get slammed into a locker a few more times, and chose to risk injury. I am reasonably certain I'll need surgery before June, and would like the chance to win a few dollars. Anyone interested in a wager?
Monday, March 31, 2008
ow
Finally saw a doctor about my nagging pains. The finger that was caught in a door while trying to stop a fight is healing fine. The broken thumb sustained breaking up another fight is healing fine. My elbow has a few small tears in it, giving me tennis elbow. Hopefully, it will heal without surgery. Hopefully I can avoid injuring it further. It's really hard to let students attack each other without getting involved.
One might think it's the job of the ESP to break up fights. Mine was out of sight three days last week, out sick one day, and in the class one day. I haven't seen him in my room yet today. I've voiced my concerns, and made it very clear that I do not plan on stopping any fights until I get a clean bill of health (I have a follow up appointment in late April, but shouldn't expect to be fine until late May, assuming there won't be a need for surgery). Hopefully, no one gets hurt. I'd bet the other way.
Last Friday, the student previously named Grapefruit was antagonizing a girl, who became enraged and wanted to fight him all day. He is as tough as they come, but not a violent guy (in my experience, the really tough ones don't need to prove anything), so he was just ducking her. I found out they take the same bus home, and raised my concerns. Unsuprisingly, I wound up being the one who volunteered to drive him home after school.
Grapefruit: "Is the jaguar yours?"
Me: "You've lost your mind. That one's mine"
G: "Tell me that thing at least has a stereo."
M "Of course. How else would I make you listen to country music ?"
G "Hell no!!!! I'll walk home!"
M "Isn't it 5 miles to your house?"
G "See, there's five miles walking, and five miles of country. Five miles walking is much easier to take."
M "You know, I do listen to hip hop also, right?"
pause
G "Ok, I'll let ou drive me home, but ONLY if you play hip hop. You play country, and I'm jumping out of the car."
He was kind enough to let me drive him
One might think it's the job of the ESP to break up fights. Mine was out of sight three days last week, out sick one day, and in the class one day. I haven't seen him in my room yet today. I've voiced my concerns, and made it very clear that I do not plan on stopping any fights until I get a clean bill of health (I have a follow up appointment in late April, but shouldn't expect to be fine until late May, assuming there won't be a need for surgery). Hopefully, no one gets hurt. I'd bet the other way.
Last Friday, the student previously named Grapefruit was antagonizing a girl, who became enraged and wanted to fight him all day. He is as tough as they come, but not a violent guy (in my experience, the really tough ones don't need to prove anything), so he was just ducking her. I found out they take the same bus home, and raised my concerns. Unsuprisingly, I wound up being the one who volunteered to drive him home after school.
Grapefruit: "Is the jaguar yours?"
Me: "You've lost your mind. That one's mine"
G: "Tell me that thing at least has a stereo."
M "Of course. How else would I make you listen to country music ?"
G "Hell no!!!! I'll walk home!"
M "Isn't it 5 miles to your house?"
G "See, there's five miles walking, and five miles of country. Five miles walking is much easier to take."
M "You know, I do listen to hip hop also, right?"
pause
G "Ok, I'll let ou drive me home, but ONLY if you play hip hop. You play country, and I'm jumping out of the car."
He was kind enough to let me drive him
Thursday, March 27, 2008
to follow up
The student who was seriously injured called another teacher last night and left a message. He's not doing that well, but they didn't have to induce a coma, as was feared. No idea when he'll be back or anything, but it sounds like he'll live. That's enough to make me happy for now
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The return
This is shaping up to be a long 3 months before summer comes.
I believe I tore something in my elbow Monday. A student ran into my room and flipped over a table for no real reason. I grabbed him to stop him from running out of the room, using my already injured arm, and dear god did it hurt. Thankfully, another student was there and began berating him for messing up my room and being disrespectful. he ordered him to clean everything up, so I could focus on not injuring myself further.
Yesterday we had a bunch of VIPs visit. Generally a nervewracking experience, since our kids feel they need to clown around more since they have a new audience. My students instead cooperated and did some pretty impressive work. They was actually some of the best classes I've had all year (apart from the one class that never works at all. All my severe cases are bunched together). I'm pretty proud of them, and rather disappointed my room wasn't visited. Hopefully things go as well when the state comes in a few weeks.
I stopped writing just now for a few minutes to talk to another teacher. The student who I mentioned chasising the guy who flipped over the table is apparently in the hospital. He was in a fight away from the school, and it sounds like he's not expected to live. He's had a tough year, but has really pulled his act together lately, which has made a lot of us feel really proud of him. I hope he proves his doctor's wrongs
I believe I tore something in my elbow Monday. A student ran into my room and flipped over a table for no real reason. I grabbed him to stop him from running out of the room, using my already injured arm, and dear god did it hurt. Thankfully, another student was there and began berating him for messing up my room and being disrespectful. he ordered him to clean everything up, so I could focus on not injuring myself further.
Yesterday we had a bunch of VIPs visit. Generally a nervewracking experience, since our kids feel they need to clown around more since they have a new audience. My students instead cooperated and did some pretty impressive work. They was actually some of the best classes I've had all year (apart from the one class that never works at all. All my severe cases are bunched together). I'm pretty proud of them, and rather disappointed my room wasn't visited. Hopefully things go as well when the state comes in a few weeks.
I stopped writing just now for a few minutes to talk to another teacher. The student who I mentioned chasising the guy who flipped over the table is apparently in the hospital. He was in a fight away from the school, and it sounds like he's not expected to live. He's had a tough year, but has really pulled his act together lately, which has made a lot of us feel really proud of him. I hope he proves his doctor's wrongs
Sunday, March 23, 2008
almost back
Back from the West Coast. Somewhat ready for class. Almost.
Spring Break was way too short.
Spring Break was way too short.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Field Trip Eve
Not much going on the last week or so. Was attacked by a student, but that's fairly uneventful here, and I don't have much else to say. The students have been acting out more over the last week I think. Maybe it's because Spring Break is almost here, or maybe because my aide is generally elsewhere. There are reasons this is a two person job.
Tomorrow, I'm running my first field trip, which is kind of weird. I've been teaching for years, but never had to take minors anywhere. My adult classes had outings, but there weren't permission slips or anything to worry about. So far, about 6 have turned in their forms, which is somewhat worrisome, as we are living at 8:30 tomorrow and I ahve 18 tickets. Making things more interesting was the announcement Friday afternoon of a mandatory meeting for seniors planning to graduate this year on Monday. I teach freshmen English, but a few seniors are in the class for various reasons, and several others had been asked to go if not enough freshmen were going (suspensions, attendance, whatever). So I may wind up with a small crowd.
On the plus side, saw the play yesterday, and it's pretty cool. Romeo & Juliet done at high speed, with a lot of the humor and action coming across real well. There were a couple of high schools there on a Saturday, and they seemed to get it and really like it, so I'm optimistic. I'd actually prefer my class not be an ordeal
Tomorrow, I'm running my first field trip, which is kind of weird. I've been teaching for years, but never had to take minors anywhere. My adult classes had outings, but there weren't permission slips or anything to worry about. So far, about 6 have turned in their forms, which is somewhat worrisome, as we are living at 8:30 tomorrow and I ahve 18 tickets. Making things more interesting was the announcement Friday afternoon of a mandatory meeting for seniors planning to graduate this year on Monday. I teach freshmen English, but a few seniors are in the class for various reasons, and several others had been asked to go if not enough freshmen were going (suspensions, attendance, whatever). So I may wind up with a small crowd.
On the plus side, saw the play yesterday, and it's pretty cool. Romeo & Juliet done at high speed, with a lot of the humor and action coming across real well. There were a couple of high schools there on a Saturday, and they seemed to get it and really like it, so I'm optimistic. I'd actually prefer my class not be an ordeal
Friday, February 22, 2008
List
Student referrals I've wrriten in the last two days:
7 students-entering room and refusing to leave
2 students- smoking (keep in mind the windows don't open in my room)
assault
throwing chairs
throwing trash cans
throwing books
theft
unauthorized use of phone
stealing sub's radio and cursing over the airwaves
2 students- fighting
cursing at substitute teacher
running out of classroom
runing out of school (The kid didn't think about how he'd get home. he had no money for the bus, so he had to come back)
vandalism
I also sent two kids to the nurse who were too intoxicated to function in my freshmen English class.
So, how was your day?
7 students-entering room and refusing to leave
2 students- smoking (keep in mind the windows don't open in my room)
assault
throwing chairs
throwing trash cans
throwing books
theft
unauthorized use of phone
stealing sub's radio and cursing over the airwaves
2 students- fighting
cursing at substitute teacher
running out of classroom
runing out of school (The kid didn't think about how he'd get home. he had no money for the bus, so he had to come back)
vandalism
I also sent two kids to the nurse who were too intoxicated to function in my freshmen English class.
So, how was your day?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Art v. Student
"You went to New York?"
"Yeah, we were there last weekend."
"Partying?"
"Some sightseeing, some shopping. A lot of museums."
"Museums? Even in New York you're lame?"
"Yeah, we were there last weekend."
"Partying?"
"Some sightseeing, some shopping. A lot of museums."
"Museums? Even in New York you're lame?"
Thursday, February 14, 2008
spite
The two problems I had today:
1. Forcing kids to read the Manga Romeo & Juliet for class.
2. Stopping my division kids from stealing copies of Manga Romeo & Juliet to read on their own.
Some of the kids are enjoying the class more, but a lot still find it lame, gay, boring, hard, pointless, etc. A lot of other kids want to read comics.
I've given up on pleasing them, and will settle for thwarting them
1. Forcing kids to read the Manga Romeo & Juliet for class.
2. Stopping my division kids from stealing copies of Manga Romeo & Juliet to read on their own.
Some of the kids are enjoying the class more, but a lot still find it lame, gay, boring, hard, pointless, etc. A lot of other kids want to read comics.
I've given up on pleasing them, and will settle for thwarting them
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Shakespeare & drugs
There are two things I taught today that I suspect will stay with my students for years.
1. R&J Act One: "Give me my long sword ho!" is a line that they will not be forgetting soon.
2. Ecstasy dehydrates users, and dehydration is the main health risk it poses for users. Drinking plenty of water greatly reduces that risk.
I think we got a little off topic in one of my classes. I blame the movie.
1. R&J Act One: "Give me my long sword ho!" is a line that they will not be forgetting soon.
2. Ecstasy dehydrates users, and dehydration is the main health risk it poses for users. Drinking plenty of water greatly reduces that risk.
I think we got a little off topic in one of my classes. I blame the movie.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
ahhhhh
Today we're back in classes. The kids came in, grumbled a bit, reluctantly did the warm-up question, and then did the assignment. They had to finish revising their updated sonnet, and a few turned out to be pretty good.
It's weird how it feels when they act like students and I act like a teacher. I like it
It's weird how it feels when they act like students and I act like a teacher. I like it
Monday, February 4, 2008
The punishment
I do enjoy my job most of the time, but there's two easy ways to change that. One, the students can fight, leading to someone getting hurt. Second, we can be self-contained, meaning 6 hours of sitting in a room with nothing to do.
Thursday afternoon, we were supposed to be self-contained. While heading to my room after lunch, I saw two kids starting to fight. While breaking up the fight with a few others, One of the students got angry at us and attacked me. He was rather unsuccessful, failing to land a single blow on me, but did successfully punch a 50 some year old man in the face, leading to eye surgery. Hopefully, the student will not be returning to this school. If he does, there are a lot of angry kids who like my colleague, and he may be hurt.
Friday's snow led to us being self-contained all day. Today quite a few teachers are out, so we are self-contained again. It's like torture. I'd much rather be teaching.
On an encouraging note, I brought in a bad of Manga Romeo & Juliets on Friday, and some of the kids began reading it. I didn't stop them, but wasn't too encouraging, since we'll be reading it as a class beginning this week (assuming we're not self-contained all week, in which case I don't care, because my sanity will give out long before Friday). A few wanted to borrow it, and most thought it seemed kind of cool. This is a skewed sample, since the kids I tend to win up with when we're self-contained tend to like me and are not my problem children, but it's still enough to make me optimistic that teaching Shakespeare might be something other than the painful chore I fear it may be at times (To clarify, I love Shakespeare. I've read alll the plays and sonnets several times. I just expect resistance from high school kids who don't like reading)
Gave out grades today to a couple of guys, who danced around with joy because they hadn't failed any classes. yeah, they should be striving for more than a D, but it's hard not to enjoy the sight of a few gang bangers dancing around because they didn't fail African American History or English Literature. Seriously, how many of you had someone dance for joy at your job today?
Thursday afternoon, we were supposed to be self-contained. While heading to my room after lunch, I saw two kids starting to fight. While breaking up the fight with a few others, One of the students got angry at us and attacked me. He was rather unsuccessful, failing to land a single blow on me, but did successfully punch a 50 some year old man in the face, leading to eye surgery. Hopefully, the student will not be returning to this school. If he does, there are a lot of angry kids who like my colleague, and he may be hurt.
Friday's snow led to us being self-contained all day. Today quite a few teachers are out, so we are self-contained again. It's like torture. I'd much rather be teaching.
On an encouraging note, I brought in a bad of Manga Romeo & Juliets on Friday, and some of the kids began reading it. I didn't stop them, but wasn't too encouraging, since we'll be reading it as a class beginning this week (assuming we're not self-contained all week, in which case I don't care, because my sanity will give out long before Friday). A few wanted to borrow it, and most thought it seemed kind of cool. This is a skewed sample, since the kids I tend to win up with when we're self-contained tend to like me and are not my problem children, but it's still enough to make me optimistic that teaching Shakespeare might be something other than the painful chore I fear it may be at times (To clarify, I love Shakespeare. I've read alll the plays and sonnets several times. I just expect resistance from high school kids who don't like reading)
Gave out grades today to a couple of guys, who danced around with joy because they hadn't failed any classes. yeah, they should be striving for more than a D, but it's hard not to enjoy the sight of a few gang bangers dancing around because they didn't fail African American History or English Literature. Seriously, how many of you had someone dance for joy at your job today?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Slow
My computer went down a week or so ago, so I've been quiet.
We had a hearing, and it turns out I'm not someone who throws racial slurs around. I had suspected as much. A few of the people who had falsely accused me recanted before the hearing, admitting they made it up because they were angry. They now seem to feel I owe them, since they got me out of trouble. They ignore the part about getting me into trouble that could ahve derailed my career.
One of my colleagues is leaving to work at Oprah's school. Neat.
I knew i dislocated my thumb before the break. I'm now pretty convinced I actually broke it. I was hit in the hand a little while ago separating two students and nearly blacked out. That seems unusual.
CPS has no record of my enrollment in the insurance program. Thankfully, this was discovered before I broke anythi...nuts. Anyone have an x-ray machine I can borrow?
Moving on to why i teach:
Today is the first tiem I am giving them Shakespeare. It's a historic day, as I don't think I've ever given a class Shakespeare before. I taught history, then ESL, then little kids, then took over a class that had just finished Romeo & Juliet. We're starting R&J next week, but looking at a few sonnets today (18, 29, & 130 if you care). They are supposed to write an updated version of one of the sonnets, changing either the language or the language and content. I read an example of what they were supposed to do, and some thought it was kind of cool. Not the guy I'll call Grapefruit ("So what are you doing this weekend?" "I'm going to find Mexicans and throw grapefruits at them!" "Why?" "I hate grapefruits and Mexicans!")
"Man I'd never be telling some b**** that she's got eyes like the sun or nothing like that."
Glare
"Sorry. I'd never tell no girl that stuff."
"Fine, write what you would tell her. That's the point"
"OK. How about 'These nuts!!!!"
Glare
"Ok. Can I say she has a big old ass?"
Glare
"I hate poetry."
We had a hearing, and it turns out I'm not someone who throws racial slurs around. I had suspected as much. A few of the people who had falsely accused me recanted before the hearing, admitting they made it up because they were angry. They now seem to feel I owe them, since they got me out of trouble. They ignore the part about getting me into trouble that could ahve derailed my career.
One of my colleagues is leaving to work at Oprah's school. Neat.
I knew i dislocated my thumb before the break. I'm now pretty convinced I actually broke it. I was hit in the hand a little while ago separating two students and nearly blacked out. That seems unusual.
CPS has no record of my enrollment in the insurance program. Thankfully, this was discovered before I broke anythi...nuts. Anyone have an x-ray machine I can borrow?
Moving on to why i teach:
Today is the first tiem I am giving them Shakespeare. It's a historic day, as I don't think I've ever given a class Shakespeare before. I taught history, then ESL, then little kids, then took over a class that had just finished Romeo & Juliet. We're starting R&J next week, but looking at a few sonnets today (18, 29, & 130 if you care). They are supposed to write an updated version of one of the sonnets, changing either the language or the language and content. I read an example of what they were supposed to do, and some thought it was kind of cool. Not the guy I'll call Grapefruit ("So what are you doing this weekend?" "I'm going to find Mexicans and throw grapefruits at them!" "Why?" "I hate grapefruits and Mexicans!")
"Man I'd never be telling some b**** that she's got eyes like the sun or nothing like that."
Glare
"Sorry. I'd never tell no girl that stuff."
"Fine, write what you would tell her. That's the point"
"OK. How about 'These nuts!!!!"
Glare
"Ok. Can I say she has a big old ass?"
Glare
"I hate poetry."
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
oh yeah
One of the kids who complained that I used a racial slur Friday recanted yesterday. The other told another teacher it never happened, and he'd tell the principal that for $40. I suspect tomorrow's hearing will go pretty well, since I seem to be guilty of stopping students from beating each other while not using inappropriate language, which is generally held to be a good thing
The Filth and the Furry
"Hey, I don't get this thing. What's he trying to say?"
"The author's saying that some people think that Shakespeare might not really be Shakespeare. Maybe someone else wrote the plays using a fake name, so the guy in the drawing might not be the best writer in English. it could be someone else. The next paragraphs explain some of the possibilities. Does that help?"
"I'm sorry, I can't pay attention to anything you say so long as you're wearing that beard, Dan from Roseanne."
How does a guy born in the early 90's know about Roseanne? How did the other guy start making Castaway references as soon as he saw me?
If you ever think that your students aren't very creative, grow a beard and listen to their comments. Delightful
"The author's saying that some people think that Shakespeare might not really be Shakespeare. Maybe someone else wrote the plays using a fake name, so the guy in the drawing might not be the best writer in English. it could be someone else. The next paragraphs explain some of the possibilities. Does that help?"
"I'm sorry, I can't pay attention to anything you say so long as you're wearing that beard, Dan from Roseanne."
How does a guy born in the early 90's know about Roseanne? How did the other guy start making Castaway references as soon as he saw me?
If you ever think that your students aren't very creative, grow a beard and listen to their comments. Delightful
Saturday, January 19, 2008
In violation of SAG rules
Thursday was my acting debut at school. We had our MartinLuther King Day celebration, which included a play perfformed by teachers. If ever the offer comes to perform in such a play, be aware that "White police offer" is not the hero of the play. It is easily the most fun role in the play. I was able to beat teachers with a stick and deprive an old woman of water. Over the top supervillainy is fun. It's like being a wrestling bad guy.
Oddly enough, the next day, someone complained that I used a racial slur. Not true, of course, as anyone who knows me should know. I'm basically incapable of using the N word without an act of will, and don't use other slurs either. It is true I threatened to beat the student severely. I was somewhat annoyed, as he was choking another student while other kids rifled his pockets. I tend not to approve of that. So I'm in trouble, but for the wrong reason. I'm not particularly worried about it.
If you ever feel unappreciated at work, let a rumor circulate that you might be leaving. When I did quit, the response from staff and students was a factor in my mind changing. I have no plans to disappear now, but apparently there was a rumor, so i had staff members and students encouraging me to stay. It's easy to make them happy, since I was staying anyway. Still it's pretty touching when some of the bad ass kids quietly and secretly encourage me to stay. Consider it done.
Oddly enough, the next day, someone complained that I used a racial slur. Not true, of course, as anyone who knows me should know. I'm basically incapable of using the N word without an act of will, and don't use other slurs either. It is true I threatened to beat the student severely. I was somewhat annoyed, as he was choking another student while other kids rifled his pockets. I tend not to approve of that. So I'm in trouble, but for the wrong reason. I'm not particularly worried about it.
If you ever feel unappreciated at work, let a rumor circulate that you might be leaving. When I did quit, the response from staff and students was a factor in my mind changing. I have no plans to disappear now, but apparently there was a rumor, so i had staff members and students encouraging me to stay. It's easy to make them happy, since I was staying anyway. Still it's pretty touching when some of the bad ass kids quietly and secretly encourage me to stay. Consider it done.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Hmm
Our school has reward activities for students. If they are behaving, they get points every day. if they get enough points, they get one free class, where they play basketball, playstation, cook or do something else as a reward. This week, we're giving everyone a reward day. The idea is to hook them, so they all want it again (A strategy used by drug dealers as well.). This is making the day somewhat chaotic, and has some of the kids boiling over with energy (some are like that every day).
Last period was my prep period, and today it was dedicated to monitoring the few kids who picked surfing the net as their reward activity. We were going to use a computer room, but couldn't find a teacher in either oom, and they were so few we returned to my room. They mostly wanted to play music and dance around, which didn't seem too harmful.
After 20 minutes, the door open and a few administrators wandered in, looking the room over. I have an ugly room which needs me to decorate it more (I'm lazy in that regard), but I do have all the lesson plans, fire codes, school mottoes, and other stuff up, so i wasn't too concerned.
After a few minutes, the assistant principal asked me what the kids were supposed to be learning. It wasn't until then that I realized they thought my class might normally consist of listening to Soulja Boy and dancing. I assume that would make me the most popular teacher here.
Moral of the story: I'm dumb
Last period was my prep period, and today it was dedicated to monitoring the few kids who picked surfing the net as their reward activity. We were going to use a computer room, but couldn't find a teacher in either oom, and they were so few we returned to my room. They mostly wanted to play music and dance around, which didn't seem too harmful.
After 20 minutes, the door open and a few administrators wandered in, looking the room over. I have an ugly room which needs me to decorate it more (I'm lazy in that regard), but I do have all the lesson plans, fire codes, school mottoes, and other stuff up, so i wasn't too concerned.
After a few minutes, the assistant principal asked me what the kids were supposed to be learning. It wasn't until then that I realized they thought my class might normally consist of listening to Soulja Boy and dancing. I assume that would make me the most popular teacher here.
Moral of the story: I'm dumb
Friday, January 11, 2008
Sommelier
Today we were self contained. That means we sit in our division room from 7:43 to 1:58, with a break for lunch. This wasn't planned, so we didn't bring anything to keep them occupied, other than wit and charm. My aide was there, and only three of our students came, so it should be easy, but kids always escape other rooms and seem to wind up with us. I believe we're better off with a bunch of kids who don't belong there than with a bunch of kids wandering the halls, so if their teacher allows it, most are welcome. Of course, once they talk their way in, most decide to try sneaking out to go elsewhere.
At lunch, a student (I'll nickname him MD, for reasons that amuse only me) asked if he could come upstairs to my room after lunch. He's a favorite and generally no trouble, plus I hadn't seen him since before the break, so I sent him off to get his teacher's permission.
We swapped holiday stories, and I eventually asked him where he had been the other four days this week.
"Uh, there was an incident."
"MD, what did you do?"
"Why do you assume I did something wrong? I ain't like that. You gotta trust me more."
"So you weren't suspended or anything?"
"A little."
long pause
"I'm sorry. Did you just say you were 'a little' suspended?"
"Ok, look. I was out at the hotel party with some friends last weekend, and I brought one of those twisty things there, then forgot it was in my hoodie. When I got here, they saw it, and suspended me for bringing a weapon. It's bogus."
"Twisty thing? You mean a corkscrew?"
"Yeah. You drink wine? I shoul have known. Know why?"
"Why?"
"Cuz you got CLASS man."
pause
"Actually, I have 5."
longer pause
"Huh?"
"I have 5 classes."
longest pause ever
"Even for you, that's a stupid joke."
At lunch, a student (I'll nickname him MD, for reasons that amuse only me) asked if he could come upstairs to my room after lunch. He's a favorite and generally no trouble, plus I hadn't seen him since before the break, so I sent him off to get his teacher's permission.
We swapped holiday stories, and I eventually asked him where he had been the other four days this week.
"Uh, there was an incident."
"MD, what did you do?"
"Why do you assume I did something wrong? I ain't like that. You gotta trust me more."
"So you weren't suspended or anything?"
"A little."
long pause
"I'm sorry. Did you just say you were 'a little' suspended?"
"Ok, look. I was out at the hotel party with some friends last weekend, and I brought one of those twisty things there, then forgot it was in my hoodie. When I got here, they saw it, and suspended me for bringing a weapon. It's bogus."
"Twisty thing? You mean a corkscrew?"
"Yeah. You drink wine? I shoul have known. Know why?"
"Why?"
"Cuz you got CLASS man."
pause
"Actually, I have 5."
longer pause
"Huh?"
"I have 5 classes."
longest pause ever
"Even for you, that's a stupid joke."
A Brief Yet Triumphant Introduction
A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary. ~Thomas Carruthers
Today, something odd happened. I stopped by another teacher's classroom to offer a few words of support to the sub who was there. The students were in their homeroom all day today, because a lot of staff were out, so this woman had to spend 6 hours with a bunch of ed/bd teenagers. The kids get bored, the teachers get bored, and everyone gets testy. To their credit, the kids were pretty good today. No problems in my room, and the rest of the school seemed pretty calm. I go to relax and just talk to students at times, which is nice. I wouldn't want to do this often, but today was ok.
I'm supposed to be talking about the sub. I've subbed a lot, and it can be a lonely job. Our school is especially challenging, so we try to be supportive of subs that seem good. So, I popped in to say hi and encourage her to return. We got to talking, and I mentioned the school I was at last year at the end of the year. Coincidentally, she'd taught the same students. A teacher had gone on maternity leave, and they hired her while they looked for an English teacher, who turned out to be me.
We spent some time talking about old students, and I realized I was having trouble remembering some of their names. I only taught them for 6 weeks, but they were important to me at the time.
So I'm starting this blog. I want to record what I do, so I can rememberthem in a few years. The kids are often amusing, sometimes intentionally so. Hopefully, this will help answer the question some people must ask: Why do I do this?
Today, something odd happened. I stopped by another teacher's classroom to offer a few words of support to the sub who was there. The students were in their homeroom all day today, because a lot of staff were out, so this woman had to spend 6 hours with a bunch of ed/bd teenagers. The kids get bored, the teachers get bored, and everyone gets testy. To their credit, the kids were pretty good today. No problems in my room, and the rest of the school seemed pretty calm. I go to relax and just talk to students at times, which is nice. I wouldn't want to do this often, but today was ok.
I'm supposed to be talking about the sub. I've subbed a lot, and it can be a lonely job. Our school is especially challenging, so we try to be supportive of subs that seem good. So, I popped in to say hi and encourage her to return. We got to talking, and I mentioned the school I was at last year at the end of the year. Coincidentally, she'd taught the same students. A teacher had gone on maternity leave, and they hired her while they looked for an English teacher, who turned out to be me.
We spent some time talking about old students, and I realized I was having trouble remembering some of their names. I only taught them for 6 weeks, but they were important to me at the time.
So I'm starting this blog. I want to record what I do, so I can rememberthem in a few years. The kids are often amusing, sometimes intentionally so. Hopefully, this will help answer the question some people must ask: Why do I do this?
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