Spoilt

Last week I was subbing in one of the 5th grade classes. After they finished their work they were able to watch some of the movie, Wrinkle In Time.  I had to laugh at the kids - they really are spoiled by all the technology we have now.

Every classroom in the school has a TV mounted in the corner.  All are place nice and high for all to see. This  class was upset that I wasn't using the teacher's lap-top and had it projected onto the large screen.  (They didn't seem to understand that as I sub there was no way I was going to mess with the teacher's lap top. And oh, yeah. We subs? We're treated like the red-headed step-child: we have no passwords for said laptops.) One boy even gave me a sob story of how he can't see and has to wear  glasses, so we  really needed to use the large screen.

Yeah, right.

I'm sitting across from the room and I can still see the  TV fine.

But all the kids moved their chairs and sat right under the TV with their necks all the way back.

I just laughed.  Spoiled kids.

Tuesday

I had such a hard day at work today!! I had to be there at 12:30. First thing was to take a class of second graders to the computer lab and watch them play on the computers for 45 minutes, then I walked them a few doors down the hall for their special of the day. While they were learning all about Guam and the Chamarrow culture, I went back to the classroom and sorted through some coupons. After forty minutes, I went back to the Culture room and walked the children outside to the buses and parents.

And I got paid for it all. Too bad every work day can't be like that.

A New Day

By mid-afternoon on Thursday, Day 12 of the mystery-Guam-virus, William turned a corner and started to really irritate his brother.

A sure sign of him getting better.

So. Friday his butt was sent back to school and I actually got to go to work. It'll be nice to get a pay check with at least one day of work. A pay check with lots of zeros is very depressing thing.

Ben also returned to school -he still "off" some...not his best. In fact he's still blowing horrible numbers on his 'peak flow' test and is still on his asthma meds. He'll be going back to the doctor on Monday for a check up. It was to be his yearly exam and test out new numbers for his 'peak flow' test, but we'll be doing more of a follow-up visit instead.

Last night was a 5K sponsored by the school's PTO. We all were going to participate, but the boys didn't feel like and I agree - I didn't think they were ready for that much activity. But Melissa and I had a great time! Melissa ran the 5K in about 33 minutes - pretty close to her time at the Ho Ho 5K in December. I didn't run or walk the 5K - I stayed with the one mile group - and walked with a friend. It was a lot of fun.

Today we stayed around the house most of the morning as the kids played with friends. This afternoon we did some errands then went to see the movie "The Tooth Fairy". William and Melissa really liked it. Ben? Not at all.

There was one part where people were arguing and a teen throw down and broke his guitar. Ben really got upset at that. After that he sat in my lap and said he was ready to go...he did not like it! Poor thing.

But I guess the good side of that was that he doesn't like to see families argue.

Hm....too bad he can't like...stop arguring with his sister.....

The Rest of the Week

I worked Tuesday as well as Monday - I was in 4th grade. Because of the bomb drill none of the students were allowed to bring their backpacks home. It was a little odd on Tuesday to see no backpacks and most of the students carrying their lunches in brown or plastic bags. All in all, Tuesday was a good day of subbing. Wednesday was my normal Bible study and errands. Thursday consisted of my continuing Thursday first grade job.

Friday was a day off from the school by being a teacher work day. I took the kids to the beach. I was hoping some friends could join us, but most everyone had dentist appointments or other errands to be completed.

Friday night and Saturday we had good family time by just hanging out and playing cards with the kids.

Of course, it helped that I won both rounds of "Shanghai"....that's always a good thing! (Shanghai is a version of rummy that we have been playing since our first base....so. much. fun!! And we are thrilled that all the kids can play and are actually good at it!)

Saturday was a good day to stay in and play cards since it rained on and off, but we did go out for a family dinner.

Today was a gorgeous day in Paradise...but....sad to say, Drew worked. In fact its after 8:30 pm and he is still working. Not a great day for him.

The boys played together all day, Melissa was with friends, and I watched several good movies.

Not a bad day...just wished Drew had been able to be with us.

It looks like a good week for the first week of February. I am working two days...but not tomorrow....tomorrow is going to be filled with a few things around the house.

Bomb Drill

Today our base school did a bomb drill. Like a fire drill everyone is required to leave the building. But unlike a fire drill, we don't just get to stay in the parking lot until the "all clear" sign. Oh, no. We get to take the students to a "safe haven".

A safe haven - that's about a twenty minute walk away from the school.

But today was a beautiful day in paradise for a walk. A perfect day for a walk, in fact!

The first grade class I had did a great job. They kept walking and didn't complain too much.

After we arrived at the safe haven (a conference center on base), we sat and waited for parents to arrive to pick up the children (buses still went as well as the CDC was still open).

This has been an interesting event for us here in Guam. Every year the school here is required to practice either the bomb threat or an intruder drill. The intruder drill involves a "lock down" - everyone has to hide and lock the door - which they did last year.

All trying to prevent another "Columbine" - now this we did do at our previous school.

But at our past schools if there was a bomb drill, they did not evacuate and move over 1,400 students to a new location. (1,400 - that's the elementary and the next door middle school)

Quite ambition if you think about it. Of course, not every school will have a "safe haven" that will hold all the students and is in walking distance. And I'm still not sure of the safety of walking that many children through base housing. I mean - if there's a bomb at an on-base school, then were are in serious trouble....so do we want all our children out in public like that??


I'm glad it's over. No more speculation.

Of course, if the powers that be really want to test the schools readiness - they would do the drill again next week- this time with NO ONE knowing in-advance!

Over the Top

Just a normal day here in Paradise. I was off this morning and worked in third grade this afternoon. I wish I was in Benjamin's class, but I was not. Still, the class was a great class.

Even if I did make one boy cry.

But after being told three times to get a book and sit down! JUST GET A BOOK AND SIT DOWN!

After telling him for the third time, I also added that I would be leaving his name for his teacher to talk to him tomorrow about talking in class. He totally fall apart.

I was amazed.

I don't think I've ever seen an eight year old cry like that.

I'm so glad that my kids don't have this habit.

Monday Once Again

I have survived another Monday....at work...yes, I know. Late last night I said I wouldn't work today, but it's hard to say no. And it was for the Guam Culture class - an easy day. I really did want to get at least one day in this week. I doubt I'll work the rest of the week since we have half days because of parent teacher conferences.

So, it's been a busy day. Work did go well - but it's a good thing I didn't need to be with the same kids all day long because I just didn't have that much energy! After school we had several things to do - Melissa had running club, all the kids and I went to the library, and Benjamin had his first soccer practice.

Busy. I ended up just doing drive-thru for supper. But I did get the kitchen floor swept and mopped. And visit with two of my favorite ladies here that I don't get to visit with often.

And now? Bed. Really. Bed before ten...which is good for a night without Drew around.

Friday's Here

Or it is on this side of the world. And it's being met with great delight! I was to work today, but I cancelled because I have some chapel work to do. And I really should do a few things around the house...like change the sheets...meant to do that on Monday and got side-track...and now it's Friday....

We'll end our day with our last Dragon's soccer game. Deep sigh....It won't be pretty, but at least the season of losing will be over.

The situation I made worse on Wednesday got much better yesterday. So, thankful God runs this universe and not me.....

As of now we don't have too much going on this weekend....I'm sure we'll come up with something!

Busy Week

This can't be too long because I need to get the kids up and ready for school....it's amazing how fast the morning comes some days.

I have worked three days this week - all in first grade. Today the first grade class I'm in has an aide all morning - nice! I've already been told that she'll do most of the actually teaching since she knows the order and way of the class. Fine by me. Less stress.

William's soccer game on Tuesday was another not-so-good game. The refs were bad. Really bad. As in one looked like she was texting on the field during the game. True all the action was at the other end of the field, but still - hello! You're suppose to be working! And the other one didn't make calls against the other team. Like one of our guys receiving a head-lock...but the boy said he "didn't' mean to do it."

Hmmmm....so that makes it okay? New rule to me.

And when one of our players was kicked in the ....well...let's just say he'll wear a cup from now on, that didn't get called either - our parents and coach were none too happy. When you have a player laying down on the field, you really should STOP THE GAME!

Oh, and what got me - they never moved. As in they never really followed the ball and the play, but just stayed in their own little space. Like they didn't want to exert any energy.

After our coach yelled at the refs, the refs ended up calling the game making us forfeit. Great. Just great. I guess now you can't yell at the refs. And no, he wasn't even cussing or threatening them.

ANYWAY! We play again today and rumor has it, it's the same set of refs. Maybe we should ask for their cells phones to be left in their cars before the game starts.....

Okay, this is longer than I thought it would....but now I really need to start my day. Of course, I'm really regretting agreeing to work today....my Rebels are on TV beginning at 9:30 am. Well, at least, I know where I'll spend my lunch time!

Score!

As I said yesterday (at least I think I did), I was scheduled to subbed in a first grade class. As it turns out, this teacher had jury duty. And not just jury duty, but grand jury duty. Every Thursday for six months she is to report for duty to go over cases to see if there is enough evidence to go to trail.

Every Thursday for six months.

Guess who will be her sub for six month of Thursdays??

Little ole me.

Yeah! It's going to be so nice to know at least part of my schedule. Now...if the kids will cooperate and stay healthy...

Braggin' Rights

This first week of school has been busy - I never would have thought that I would have taught first grade for TWO days! In a month or so, but never the first week of school. But I did. The kids were a lot of fun - such a good class.

But working two days have put me what seems like two days behind in all my other stuff. After staying busy yesterday and making a few phone calls this morning, I think I'm just about caught up. I still need to make it to an off-base store to buy a few more school supplies that the BX is out of.

Drew has today off as a "down-day" or as his office calls is a "family day". He got to sleep in and right now is veggie in front of the TV...with the lap-top playing chess. His new game. We plan to do lunch out and finish up those school-supply errands.

Should be a good day! We plan to end it at the base party. Last base party I won tickets to a show downtown and two cases of canned coffee.

Which may not sound good to you, but this coffee is the BEST!! It's called Royal Mills Kona Black. I just call it amazing.

If you need some good encouraging reading go here. It's an interview of a daughter of one of my college roommates. Alana is on her way to making records in the running world.

Oh, yeah. She's 12. Just a few months older than William. Now, she's amazing!

Working Days

I got called into work today...the second day of school!! Seriously??!! Seriously. You would think the second day of school that I would have lesson plans.

No.

But let's not forget being locked out of the room until just as the bell was ringing. Nor about the room being messy - not ready for kids. And the fact I didn't have phone all day.

AT least the kids in the class were great - a really nice bunch of kids.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Monday Monday

Today was a good day to sub. It was "Bring Your Child To Work" day and so most of the students were with their parent at work. And the lesson I had to teach was very easy - the students had to make a drawing of the solar system. The kids had a fun time! And since it was fifth grade, I taught the lesson three times and was done!

Tomorrow I'll be in third grade....probably won't be as easy. But was only have about 18 more days of school. YEAH!!

Lost Children

I lost my two youngest children today. Only for about twenty minutes, but still...I really wasn't sure where they were. You see, we have two plans for after school.

"Mamma's not working today plan" is where they all meet where Ben's class lines up at, then walk all together to the corner where I'll be waiting. If I'm not there just keep walking down the street - I'll be there soon.

"Momma IS working today plan" is where they all meet where Ben's class lines up at, then walk all together to either the front of the elementary or middle school (depending on which school I'm at) and wait for me and we'll all ride home together.

Today they did the wrong plan. Not only did they do the wrong plan, they walked the wrong way home. Not good!

I was at the middle school and they just plain forgot and walked to the corner. No mom. So, they kept walking.

By 2:30 when they had no shown up, I figured they had forgotten and were walking home, so I drove our route home.

No kids.

And no kids at home.

Hmmm....yeah. At this point I wasn't too happy. Maybe Melissa had to stay late for some reason and that's why they were late. So, I drove back to the middle school, parked the car and walked around some. No kids.

I called the elementary front office from the middle's front office. No kids. And no kids answering the phone at home.

Hmmm...yeah. REALLY not happy now.

So, I drove back to the house. Where Benjamin was playing in the road and Melissa was on the phone with her Daddy crying.

Because she couldn't find her mother and it was a long hot walk home.

But after a few hugs and some explaination and a cool bath, all's well.

I'm Back? Really?

So the last post said I was back....really?? Because I can't believe that's its Tuesday afternoon and I'm just now posting again.

Life this week has gotten busy.

But that's normal now isn't??!!

I worked at the middle school again on Monday - same class as last Monday. And the kids were still working on the same project. I'm not really sure these kids are learning anything.

We are in our last week of cross country - yeah!! It's enjoyable, but will be glad when I know exactly when my oldest child will walk through the door. And that we'll only have one sporting event on Thursdays. This Thursday William will be downtown at a new venue to run and Ben will have a soccer game.

I'm still not sure where I'll be.....cloning would be very helpful at this point. Hopefully, Drew will be able to cover one event.....hopefully if no work comes up!

SO! All of you criminals on Guam - behave on Thursday!!

Opps

As I was laying in bed last night just about to drift off to sleep, I realized I didn't post. Opps - Sorry about that! All I can say it that Monday turned out to be a very busy getting ready for the rest of the week.

I ended up working at the Middle School again. One thing that always sort of startles me is the line, "HEY! You're Will's mom."

You see, I have never called William "Will". He doesn't introduce himself as "Will". He's William. Always has been, but time will tell if he stays that way. When people call him "Will" he answers and does not correct them.

Because correcting them would actually involve a conversation....not high on William's list of things to do.

So, "Yes, I am." is my usual answer....unless I'm feeling sassy, then the answer is "Yes, I'm William's mom."

Either way, I am.

And so glad to be.

Tiring Tuesday

Yes, I've very tired today. And have been since last night. I'm not sure why. I don't feel sick - at least not enough to be sick. But just ready to sit for a while. But not sure when I have time to just sit in an empty house and just be.

Yesterday I taught Spanish. And no, I don't speak Spanish...well...other than taco and salsa, but I don't think that really counts. It was probably one of the easiest classes I have ever taught!

Today was a different story.

I was one of the special ed aides. There was lots of confusion as to what schedule I was to follow, then in the afternoon I was in a kinder class that was on the wild side. Yeah....I don't think I'll take this job again.

BUT!! I'm not working the rest of the week. I don't work on Wednesdays, but I do have Bible study, commissary shopping, helping out at the book fair, and sewing class to take care of - so I doubt sitting and resting will be in the mix. Thursday I plan clean house - and hopefully some sitting and resting will be involved. Friday I'll be with Melissa on a field trip - and no, this one does not include Hard Rock Cafe.

What I'm really looking forward to is Friday afternoon when our ladies retreat begins. Girl time with Jesus! Should be fun.

Marching Onward

Our Easter Sunday was really a nice day. We had a great service - even if it was the last one lead by our chaplain. He and his family are moving on to a new base back in the States. He'll be attending school for the next 18 months. We're very happy that he has this great opportunity, but they will be missed - a lot!

The new chaplain arrived Friday night and the family seems very nice. Hopefully, we'll get to know them soon. They have a son and a daughter around Ben's age, I think.

Today was very busy!! I worked middle school. It's only the second time I was able to say yes when they called - Today I almost said no, but it all worked out and was a good day.

Tonight I had my monthly fellowship with the ladies group from the chapel. We watched an Anita Renfroe dvd. SO FUNNY! We laughed and laughed! You can watch some of her shows on YouTube - so if you need a laugh - look her up.

Monday...again....

Yes, it's Monday again. At least by the time most of you read this, Monday on this side of the world will be over. It wasn't a bad Monday. But still - it was a Monday...with first graders.... I'm still amazed at how chatty some classes are here in February. And how they can't seem to walk in a line.....I blame this on the administration in that they don't make it a priority so the some of the teachers don't. It wasn't a bad class - several sweet kids in fact.

I could have done without the fire drill, though.

It's really hot outside, you know. And of course, the class I had had to stay in the sun....no shade around what-so-ever.

On a totally different note....a conversation with a few other first graders teacher....It seems that many here on Guam don't use hot water.

Like ever.

I was like - "Yeah, but a hot shower?"

"No, I didn't grow up with hot water, so I'm use to it. Besides it's too hot here in Guam for hot water."

Um....well....not in my house!

Monday

Drew seemed to enjoy his first day of his pre-conference day by diving with his friends. They went to some wreck. The next day he went on a hike. 4.5 mile hike. I'm assuming that he'll get some work done...eventually.

Today I taught a first grade class - a really sweet class. Of course, if helps that I know half the kids from church!

One good thing about Drew being gone is that I don't cook. In fact I let the kids cook - corn dogs in the oven.

The thing I'm really looking forward to (other than Drew returning home Saturday!) is housing installing a working washing machine. Our current one decided to start sounding like an airplane taking off...then it decide to start producing a burning-engine-smell...I turned it off when it started to smell.

A fire would not be fun.

At. all.