Mia

NO,  I have not changed my name. 

NO, I am not starring in a movie with all of Abba's greatest hits.  Although, I have to admit that it would be great to live in a world where it is normal to break out into song and dance daily. 

NO, I am not joining the military. Figuring out how to get around a barbwire fence does not sound like fun to me.

BUT I have hit a land mine. I have been a prisoner of war. I've had reoccurring nightmares of the scrutiny that I would face. The anxiety about what would happen next has grown. The reality of my fear became clear. Somewhere in the mix of everyday life, I have become MIA. 

Missing in Action

That's me, I admit it, I have broken one of the golden rules of blogging.  To be exact, I have broken Rule #4  according Word Press's Top 10 Rules of Blog Etiquette.....

"Be Regular. Nobody likes to visit a site only to see the same post from last month sitting there. Eventually they’ll just stop coming."

I've had school stuff, band stuff, working out stuff,  facebook stuff, tv stuff, movie stuff, reading stuff, and even birthday stuff! Clearly, the list could go on. I've had plenty of excuses but none of them are good enough. I have let my current readers down. Don't worry, I'm a realist. I do know that there are probably only three people who read my blog but those wonderful three people deserve to know that they are important! It is my opinion that blogging is on some level about community and sharing life. That is one of the reasons that I like to write!

 So I apologize.  I hope that you will continue to read and enjoy. As for me, I  will work on my  commitment to follow rule # 4.  

 

The Things They Say

Just in case you don't remember my special friend, Maxwell is one of my new students who has a bit of a crush on me. Disregarding how many times I have explained that I am happily married, he has made cards and planned dates. He has told countless people that I am his girlfriend. Maxwell has even gotten down on one knee and presented me with a ring made out of beads. It has been admitted that Mr. J is a problem in this equation but he has rationalized this detail. According to Maxwell:

" Mr. J is not going to be around forever"

Can I just say that this concerns me! I am little worried about what exactly he means. I am hopeful that I will not find out the answer to that statement. Maxwell has decided that he does not want to marry me, at least this week.

There are a few problems in the cafeteria. Maxwell has developed the notion that the lunch tables are drums. Throughout the week, this behavior evolved. The hallway walls became drums too. As you can imagine.... this is not good! He claims that he is allowed to "bang" on the tables at home?! After meeting his father, I am not so sure this isn't true.

In any case, it was explained to Maxwell that this was not acceptable behavior in school. He was given a couple of strategies to avoid this urge. He chose not to heed the warning and he did not earn enough "J dollars" to participate in Free Time Friday. Needless to say, he was upset!

Maxwell was so distraught that on our way to the buses at the end of the day, he told the police officer that I was a criminal! He explained that I should be handcuffed and taken away. I think it is safe to say.....

The engagement is off!

The Chipmunks Vs The Chipettes

So I made the point to watch The Disney Channel this weekend. It made me think about the shows that I enjoyed as a kid. There were so many shows, I can't begin to name them all but I do remember liking the Chipmunks! I enjoyed that every episode in some way was related to music! It, also, didn't hurt that the theme song was catchy. Alvin, Simon, Theodore, do do... do do do do! 

These guys were so much fun! In 30 minutes, they figured out how to get in and out of trouble.  Alvin always had good intentions but continued to find trouble around every corner! Thus the phrase  "AL.....VIN!!!" was born.

I have to admit though, as much as I liked the Chipmunks, I liked the Chipettes even more! What can I say, I am girl!  Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor were just so cool! Brittany was the stylish leader. Jeanette was the smart one yet she was a little absent-minded in some areas. Eleanor was kind and confident and seemed to always work up an appetite by the end of the show...who wouldn't after all that adventure? Their versions of "My Boyfriend's Back" or "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I want To" were unforgettable!

 I loved that somehow the girls were always right there to clean up the boy's mess. Miss Brittany was sassy enough to challenge the boys to duels! There was always a debate about who could get the job done faster? Who would be at the finish line first? Who would rock the songs bigger and better? The Boys or the Girls?! Here is one of my personal favorites:  

Well, I think you know who I was cheering for to win this battle of the bands! So, the question is: 

Who do you think rocked.....The Chipmunks or The Chipettes!? 

The Things They Say

This year I have set up a token economy in my class. Throughout the week the students can earn tokens for participation in class, transitioning, and good behavior.  At the end of the week, the students turn the tokens into the "Bank" to earn free time. Since teaching social skills is just as important as academics in my classroom, it is a learning experience for them too. During Free Time Friday's, they get to participate in an activity of their choice. Some students choose to make bracelets. They can look through magazines while listening to music. Some choose extra computer time, reading, coloring or crafts. Some students even lift weights. 

Personally, I love "Free Time Friday" because it gives me the opportunity to just hang out with my students and get to know them better. This week, I decided to make some bracelets with Janet. Janet had a super week and she deserved some extra attention. It is always fun to talk with her.  Here is glimpse into our conversation.....

"Hey Janet, would you please share some beads with me?"

"Yeah, J, sit here" 

"Thanks Janet"

"I really like the colors you are using Janet! It is very pretty. Can you show me how to make one?"

"Sure, why don't you use purple and white?"

At this point we started working together on our bracelets.

"So what are you going to do this weekend, Jan?"

"You First"

"Let's see, On Saturday, I am going to do some cleaning and laundry. I will probably run, workout, and possibly watch a movie with Mr J." 

"What else J?" Jan asked

"On sunday, I will go to church and play my bass guitar. How about you?"

"Well, I will eat steak and potatoes. " 

"That sounds yummy!" I responded 

"I am going to ride with my dad on his harley"

"Now that really sounds like fun! What does your dad's harley look like? " 

"Red and Black with Flames"

"WOW, That is too cool!" I commented.

 By this time, Jan had a had huge smile on her face now, you could tell she was getting into the conversation . 

"Oh and I will watch TV too" Jan exclaimed

"What do you like to watch on TV, Miss Jan" 

In a very causal and carefree tone she stated: 

"Disney and News"

The conversation continued with more details but I really loved her answer! Talk about hitting both ends of the spectrum! So innocent and yet serious! I think I will make a point to watch Disney this weekend. 

Save 2nd Base

Who can resist checking out this shirt? It causes you to do a double take! Weather you admit it or not, secretly, it makes you smile. While I was reading one of my fitness magazines, I came across  an article about this very neat organization. "Save 2nd base" is dedicated to raising money for breast cancer awareness. It was started by the friends and family of Kelly Rooney who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2006. Every story is touching. The diagnosis, the journey, the past, the future, and the outcomes are all personal and emotional. Every story is as important as the last but they are all unique. 

Let's be real though, no matter what the situation involves, it is hard. For those of us who have a loved one who is battling this disease or who had a loved one that h lost their battle to this disease, you know that it can difficult to keep a positive attitude. That is why I think "Pink With A Wink" is brilliant. It makes you laugh but at the same it still recognizes how important it is to support survivors and inform those at risk!  Research has shown that early detection of breast cancer, can save lives. Why not turn some heads while we help fight this battle! I will definitely sport this shirt.... How about you?

Here is the link to the site, I think it is worth checking out!

http://www.save2ndbase.com

Disclaimer:  

I apologize to all the boys for this blog! Although, I would be willing to bet that there were still some middle school chuckles that built up when you saw the shirt!  Just admit it, that's the first step! I am just joking, really... it's okay. In any case, I hope that you will  be able to pass this on to the special women in your life. I would also be willing to bet you your women would be excited that you care. I promise, it might just win you some points! 

The Things They Say

Have I mentioned that I am a teacher? Well, I am! I teach some of the most wonderful students in Virginia! At least, that is my opinion! My job is a little different than your average high school teacher, you see, my students are special. No really, I mean that literally! I teach students with different types of exceptionalities.... they have autism, mental disabilities, and sometimes multiple disabilities.

I feel that it is important to mention that my students are academically and socially on an elementary school level but they are still going through all those crazy high school emotions and changes. I teach all the core subjects, Math, Reading/English, Social Studies, and Science. Since our students have special needs, we have a big responsibility to teach social, behavioral skills and transitional skills which include job related skills, cooking, shopping and other independent living skills. The skills that we take for granted are extremely important to my students. Trust me it makes for an interesting day!

I have found there are fantastic things that come out of my student’s mouths. The things they say can be incredibly smart, funny, crazy, and logical, all in the same. I can not count the number of days that I leave school laughing over the events! The stories are too good not to share! So the saga begins...

Yesterday was the first day of school. I usually have about 11 students in my class. Some of my students are with me for a few years. This year I have two new students. New students are always fun! Enter Maxwell.

One of the first day activities is to draw pictures depicting the classroom rules. Matthew was supposed to be drawing pictures of students showing good manners. Here is how the conversation goes:

"Maxwell, can you tell me which classroom rule you chose?"

"Students will use Good manners"

" That's nice, can you tell me which good manner, you're picture is showing?"

"That's You, Sweatheart"

"Oh, thank you Maxwell, can you tell me which good manner is Mrs. J showing?"

" Well, your having a baby"

" Maxwell, Mrs. J doesn't have any babies and you are supposed to be drawing a picture of using good manners, Can you tell me an example of a good manner "

"Sweetheart, You are going to have babies" At this point, Maxwell has a huge smile on his face and is winking at me.

I am really trying hard to change the subject, and redirect him to the right path.

"We are supposed be drawing pictures of good manners. Your classmates gave some wonderful examples of good manners earlier. Do you remember any of those examples?"

At this point, he started to pretend that he was cradling a baby. He was not listening to a word that I said.

"You are my new wife"

I slipped, the laugh just rolled out of my mouth. It was just too cute. I've had students have crushes before but none that actually proposed marriage!

" Well, Maxwell, that is sweet but Mrs. J is already married. I have a husband and I like him a lot."

By his expressions, He looked taken back for a second but soon he was grinning again.

" Well, that is just too bad for Mr. J because I AM your sweetheart now. You are my wife."

Over the past few days, I have tried numerous times to let Maxwell know kindly that I am his TEACHER and that is as far as it goes. A few times I even, just ignored it, not wanting to reward him with more attention from this behavior. However, Maxwell is currently telling random faculty members in the halls that I am his wife. Yesterday, at lunch he tried to kiss me on the cheek while I was helping another student with their food! He did his best to take advantage of the situation! Since then, our class has focused on appropriate ways to greet people..... kissing teachers on the cheek is NOT one of them. During free time Friday, He made me a ring out of the beads! Oh my, I think next week, I am going to have to bring a few pictures of Mr. J to put on my desk. This year is going to be adventure!