All's Well...

Everything is fine here in NY, even with our budget tanking and cash about to disappear from school districts mid-year...

I'm checking in with the blog-roll, but haven't been inspired to say much outside of my four classroom walls. I may have something to say about my plans for next weekend, so I'll be back.

Hello, New School Year!

A quick update to let anyone who still stops by here that all is well.

It took me about a week to unpack and set up my new classroom. As I said a few months ago, I am trying to look at this change as an opportunity. Boy, did I have a lot of stuff stored that would be better recycled! I am settling in fine and only have one box-of-badness to go through before back to school night in October. This year's grade is a bit smaller than we're used to, although next year the numbers should go back to normal. I am working with a 6th grade class for one period (my 5th assignment), which has been kinda fun so far.

I am working at completing a professional development article on one of my summer reading books, Teaching English by Design and submitted a proposal to go to NCTE in Philadelphia.

I can't believe one year has passed since my dad died. When I was writing my introductory letter to my students this year, and when I was reading it, it sounded so odd to my ears, even more so than it did last year.

Thanks to all of you who may have stopped in at Ms. Chili's place a few weeks ago. I know how much it meant to her. Thanks also to those who drop in to read here. A blessed school year to us all...

A little help from my friends

Last year, when my father died on the third day of school, you were all so lovely to me. Although we've not met and are not likely to (in most circumstances), I was strengthened by your kind words after his long struggle with Alzheimer's was finally over.

A fellow teacher lost her mom today and if you care to, please lend her the same kindness. She has had a rough time...

Reading Update

So I've now finished reading the seventh book by Charlaine Harris, All Together Dead. Which means that the second book in the series that I was in the process of reading was finished by the 9th of August. You may wonder if any of the other books in progress were finished. You know those books that I've been reading for awhile and needed to finish? Yeah, about that.

I still have one more week.

I love summer reading.

What I've been reading...

On my completed-reading list so far this summer:

Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn (don't let the bodice-ripper cover put you off- this is seriously good stuff, but I'd start with her first two so you can catch up)

Exit Music by Ian Rankin (yes, I read the UK version)

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Audio CD for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince read by Stephen Fry

Reading Harry Potter: Collected Essays by Giselle Lize Anatol

A Good Hanging and Other Stories by Ian Rankin

In progress:

Teaching English by Design by Peter Smagorinsky

Ten Easy Ways to use Technology in the English Classroom by Hilve Firek

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Beggars Banquet and Other Stories by Ian Rankin

Tangerine by Edward Bloor (this is a re-read to develop the unit for this fall)

Getting it Right: Fresh Approaches to Teaching Grammar, Usage, and Correctness by Michael W. Smith and Jeffrey Wilhelm

I love July. I love reading my New Yorker the week it arrives. I love thinking about nothing except the next read. Now that it is August and I'm back to trekking Bear to football practice four days a week, it is time to get back into gear for September. I have books that I've been reading since February that I must finish so I could put their ideas to use. I still have fun books though. After all, it is still summer for a few more weeks... I hope yours is going well. Compared to last year, mine has been great! I think I deserve that for a change.

No, I haven't seen it yet.

I'm in NC with my Beloved Sister and my Favorite Nephew.  We have plans to see the new Harry Potter on Friday.  On our way down here, the Beloved Offspring and I listened to the UK audio book of Half-Blood Prince.  I enjoy Jim Dale, but Stephen Fry is outstanding to listen to.  

Just to let you know,  I've already had two workmares.  The fact that it is only July 13 is creeping me out.  I usually don't get the 'I can't find my classroom' dream until mid August.  Sigh.  

Have a great summer, everyone!

The Last Set of Sunday Night Nerves (for awhile...)

School will end officially on Friday, but we still have two finals to go: mine and Social Studies.   My collab class's portfolios will be finished Monday so that I can start packing and moving boxes to my new room.  This week will be busy, to say the least.  I already have my Summer Reading started (The Time Traveler's Wife) and my Summer School Reading just arrived (two grammar books).   Tut, tut, it looks like rain all week here in NY.  I hope it is sunny somewhere.  

To all you dads of all kinds out there: Happy Father's Day.  

To my Beloved Bitter Half:  I love you and I hope you liked your presents. 

To my dearest Daddy:  Happy Father's Day in heaven with your Dad.  We miss you terribly.