I Quit!!!

The good news: No confirmed casualties.

The bad news: Apparently, I have to do it again tomorrow!

They are still groggy from the holidays and recovering from the shock of realizing that they are stuck with me for the entire semester, so their behavior was tolerable today.
Thanks for all the love and encouragement! It means the world to me...

I think there's something to the concept of maintaining order amongst high schoolers by periodically shocking them off balance. My Dad taught high school for 13 years & used that "shock" tactic on me when I was a rebellious high schooler...
just when I thought I knew exactly what his responses would be to any given situation, and therefore how to "prepare" (my story) to him... he'd react in a totally unexpected way that would shock me off my platform shoes & leave me SPEECHLESS (which I'm sure was his goal)

I think there's something to the concept of maintaining order amongst high schoolers by periodically shocking them off balance. My Dad taught high school for 13 years & used that "shock" tactic on me when I was a rebellious high schooler...
just when I thought I knew exactly what his responses would be to any given situation, and therefore how to "prepare" (my story) to him... he'd react in a totally unexpected way that would shock me off my platform shoes & leave me SPEECHLESS (which I'm sure was his goal)

Will you send me his phone number?

My toughest class is my Advanced Band, and when I left today I said something to the effect of, "See you tomorrow." I heard someone mutter, "Gawd...I hope not!"

I couldn't help but laugh. They've had me in front of them 3 times now, and now know that I'm not going to change. Those boys are a royal pain in the ar$e right now, but I really think that we're going to have funn soon. I can't help but love them!

Ooh-- a quick story and I'll quit boring y'all with my work. There is one kid in there who has punched my buttons since he first saw me. He's a grayt drummer, and he's obviously bright. Today I didn't even let them get instruments out--I told them that they'll be learning theory this semester, like it or not. Of course he was right back at me with, "Why do I have to learn about pitches and intervals and key signatures? I'm a drummer!" I told him to can it--he is going to be more than some idiot who hit things with sticks when I was finished with him; he is going to be a musician.

Halfway through the class he starts answering all the questions I tossed at them--correctly! I looked at him and laughed...

It's so much FUNN to catch them learning something!

Congrats on this big decision, NoHall! I wish you the very best and definitely let us know how it all turns out (which I'm sure will be very well).

Not a drought orphan! Ironically, I have still had more business than I could handle even since the water restrictions kicked in. Of course, I do a lot of customized service--hand pruning, deadheading, detail work...

I started on my Master's last January, and was going to have to do student teaching starting this semester. That scared the begeezus out of me, because it's a minimum of 20 hours per week in the classroom. in addition to the time I would have to spend taking classes, in addition to working for a living. But then a job opened up at the local military academy--the band director is being deployed for a minimum of 90 days. I'm taking all his classes. On top of that, the drama teacher moved away, so the principal asked if I could do both jobs and save her from hiring two part time folks. It's a very strange mixture of jobs, but I'm excited about them both. (AND I'll get paid, AND it will fulfill my requirements for one semester of student teaching!)

Hopefully, the job will either turn into a long-term position or I'll find a job in another school in the fall. Either way, I'll have to find something to do this summer, at least part time. (I teach at a fine arts camp for two weeks, which is a nice little chunk but not enough to carry me for 3 months.) I may do some gardening again, but I hope to find some theatre gigs close by. Right now I'm not worrying about it. I have every reason to believe (and not blindly!) that things work out...

(p.s. Pruners aren't a good weapon. I'll take my shovel for that.)

I've got a summer job for you! Just bring gloves. ;-) Oh wait we provide those too, just need ratty clothes then. Pays anywhere from 20-40 bucks an hour.

Congrats gull! I'm with Mango...go out and party tomorrow night and report back. Better yet, drive over to The 'Ham and go see Carlos Mencia with us!

How was it? I'm so jealous.

I think there's something to the concept of maintaining order amongst high schoolers by periodically shocking them off balance. My Dad taught high school for 13 years & used that "shock" tactic on me when I was a rebellious high schooler...
just when I thought I knew exactly what his responses would be to any given situation, and therefore how to "prepare" (my story) to him... he'd react in a totally unexpected way that would shock me off my platform shoes & leave me SPEECHLESS (which I'm sure was his goal)

Pictures?