Happy Halloween Everyone!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Girls in black dresses with red satin sashes
Ghoul that scare senseless, body that thrashes.
Brown leaves that stick to their shoes and they cling
These are a few of the scariest things.

When the wind bites,
And the ghosts glare
When I'm feeling scared
I simply grab onto my mother's right hand
Then frightening feelings I can withstand.

Trick or treat bags are filled with sweet candy
Garlic and crosses, come in quite handy
Pumpkins that glow in the dark, shining bright
There are things that go bump in the night.

When the wind bites,
And the ghosts glare
When I'm feeling scared
I simply grab onto my mother's right hand
Then frightening feelings I can withstand.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Random Saturday: Kids n' Things

Today, I helped my youngest daughter with her homework and realized that although she is a great decoder (able to read words), she has great difficulty with reading comprehension.  I bought her a second grade reading comprehension skills book.  She seems to get half of the questions correct.  I went over the problems she got wrong and she has a better understanding of what the question is actually asking.

I also got on my son's butt about a math project he should have completed yesterday in school.  Let me start from the beginning.  I went to parent-teachers afternoon conferences yesterday.  Fortunately for me, my son attends the very high school in which I teach.  Unfortuantely for him, he did not get rave reviews.  He is very intelligent, very creative but a bit of a slacker.  He waits until the very last minute to do projects and homework assignments.  So when I met with his teachers, it was the same comment over and over, "Your son has such great potential.  However, he fails to submit work."  Do you want to know the crazy thing?  He actually does the work but doesn't hand it in to his teachers.  So now I am micromanaging, which I hate to do but it's necessary for now.  No electronic devices for him until next report card in December.

My middle daughter is also in trouble.  She has become the social butterfly.  Last year she was in ARISTA honors society.  This year, she is getting barely above an 82 average.  Like really!  No electronics for her either.  I helped her to organize not only her room but her bookbag also.  We set up folders for each subject for handouts and whatnot plus put her notes in chronological order for studying.  What happens?  She couldn't find the folder with her work.  Her teacher is looking at me and I am looking at my daughter.  So now on Sundays, I do bookbag checks for my kids at home just like I do on Fridays for my students in study hall.

But not all is bad.  I go on a retreat with my school on Monday and Tuesday to determine how to move the school forward and decide on what are our "next steps."  Hubby is great and our relationship after ten years together and eight years married is wonderful.  Yes, there are ups and downs but for the most part, we are well.

I've been thinking of going back to school.  I need thirty credits above my master's to receive top pay as a teacher.  Not sure if I should major in Neuroscience: Developmental Disabilities or go for Educational Administration licensing to become an Assistant Principal.  Decisions, decisions. . .

Wordless Wednesday

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons: Dan Reynolds, Chicken Hitting Eggs.

I saw this idea on Cruella Collett's blog, http://thegiraffabilityofdigressions.blogspot.com/ , and I loved it!

Random Saturday: Protecting Yourself

This week, I had a serious discussion with my students concerning sex and protection. Don't ask me how the topic came up. One minute, we were doing global history and chemisty homework; the next minute, we are discussing sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

One student began talking about his sexual exploits. He mentioned that he engaged in sexual intercourse in a park. Yes, I said park. Now I don't know about anyone here, but I feel that if your going to engage in sexual intercourse in public, it should be with someone whom you trust and have plans of a serious commitment.  I may be old fashioned, shoot me.  However, I had  to ask the student several follow-up questions. He didn't know the girl very well and they were not seriously involved with one another. He also mentioned that he did not use a condom. This may be typical of teenagers today, I don't know, but I seriously have a problem with casual unprotected sex.  

For those who don't know, I lost my younger brother in 2007 to AIDS.  He was only 21 years of age.  He was diagnosed at the age of 16 but did not reveal his health condition to the family until 18 years of age.  He had also contracted Hepatitis C for which there is also no cure.  I watched him physically, mentally and emotionally deteriorate for three years.  Finally in November 2006 his was admitted to the hospital and never came home.  It tore my family apart.  I still have so many regrets but that is another post altogether.
 
Anywho, I don't know how many times I reiterated, "Use a condom every single time you have sex.  It only takes one time, one moment.  It's like playing Russian Roulette with your health.  USE A CONDOM!"    I don't think they heard me.  So, my assistant principal came out of his office and said something which I thought to be quite profound. He told all of my students, "Assume that everyone has it and act accordingly.  Protect yourself from every single person you engage sexual intercourse with because you just never know."  Wow!!!  Just assume everyone has something!  Go figure!


Image: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, "Coppia Di Amanti" by Arnold Bocklin, 1866.

The Trio at the Luncheon Boating Party- Part 3

Gustave: Gentleman in the Yellow Boating Hat (Bottom Right)

The water is glistening like silver beads of sunlight dancing at the height of each crest. I love the way the waves quietly lap against the wooden hull of the boat. It creates a sound so unerringly calm. One only needs to listen attentively to Mother Earth and she will soothe the soul. There is nothing more satisfying than a boating excursion. The salty, sea air cleanses the soul like nothing else can. This landscape of sea, land and air are awe-inspiring. I believe I have found my muse.

"I believe I will take a stroll alone along the riverbank."


Note: This was a wonderful project we did using a Renoir painting and telling the stories of various individuals in Luncheon of the Boating Party. My trio are the woman with the baseball cap (over to the right), the gentleman leaning over her and the gentleman wearing the yellow boating hat with ribbon. To see more, click here.

The Trio at the Luncheon Boating Party- Part 2

Adrien: Gentleman in the Cardigan Sweater (Far Mid- Right)

Angele is so undeniably beautiful. Does she even notice me? Let me move a little closer. Her skin glistens like alabaster marble. I can see her lovely mounds just waiting to be caressed. No. I must control myself. Why must she stare at Gustave? It is incomprehensible. He is not paying any attention to her flirtatiousness, yet there she is fawning over him. I could write serenades and immortalize her very name. Do you think she cares. Perhaps, I must divert her attention. Then, she cannot help but to reciprocate my feelings.

"Would you care to stroll along the riverbank?"


Note: This was a wonderful project we did using a Renoir painting and telling the stories of various individuals in Luncheon of the Boating Party. My trio are the woman with the baseball cap (over to the right), the gentleman leaning over her and the gentleman wearing the yellow boating hat with ribbon. To see more, click here.

The Trio at the Luncheon Boating Party- Part 1

Angele: Lady Wearing Baseball Cap (Far Mid-Right)

Honestly, does Adrien not see that I am trying to attract the attention of the most handsome and talented man on Earth. Gustave Caillebotte. He is just divine in ways that Adrien can never compare. For one, his breath does not smell like three day old garlic bread. Look at Gustave's angelic face gazing out into the distance. If only Adrien would not hover. Let him be utterly pathetic somewhere else. I wonder if Gustave will ever choose to paint me? I would love to see how I look through his eyes.

"Would you care to stroll along the riverbank?"


Note: This was a wonderful project we did using a Renoir painting and telling the stories of various individuals in Luncheon of the Boating Party. My trio are the woman with the baseball cap (over to the right), the gentleman leaning over her and the gentleman wearing the yellow boating hat with ribbon. To see more, click here.

Under a Brooklyn Moon

Under a Brooklyn Moon

All is blurred like the dreams of a child. The rain creates a mystical illusion of peace, happiness and harmony.
The ethereal structures in the backdrop are towers of wealth and abundance.
The graceful arches and cabled suspension, leave one in absolute awe.
This city of dreams is like a glass menagerie of infinite potential.
The lines between dreams and reality are obscured by enchanting lights and enticing romantic pleasures.
This exuberant place is like the little wisps of smoke with an ounce of hope. It impresses the notion that every romantic pleasure is here available under a Brooklyn moon.

Image courtesy of Castle Galleries: Jeff Rowland- artist, Under a Brooklyn Moon,
http://www.castlegalleries.com/artists/jeff_rowland/collection.asp

Pictures

This was a great show at Sea World. It had singing, sea animals, acrobatics and visual effects. Really wonderful show that the kids will love!




This is a picture of one of the shows at Sea World. It wasn't great, jokes fell short, but quite entertaining.




Beautiful moonlight on our anniversary in Disney. We've been married eight years and it feels like it was just yesterday that Gerald asked me on our first date. :D

 
And although I really hate posting pictures of myself, here is a photo of me and my husband. We were at a staff bowling meet. We didn't play but we did have several glasses of wine! It was fun to be out together with just adults!

Juggling Family, Health and Work

Who ever said that managing family, work and everything in between is easy? Since August, I have had constant struggles with time management. These are some things I have tried to get a handle on the situation:

1. Planner- I write down all appointments, meetings for work, etc.

2. Calendar- I have one by the computer and write just little short notes as a second reminder.

3. Family- I check with hubby and kids to make sure they know we have an appointment.

4. Meals- I have planned meals ahead of time for lunch at work or dinner at home. Breakfast for everyone is up for grabs (cereal, oatmeal, quick stuff).

5. Budgeting- I create a budget for myself and husband. He is terrible at this but I try to stick to it. I also make a list of bills and how much to allot for each one.

6. Bank accounts- I check them regularly for checks to clear and ensure that funds are available for spending.

7. To Do Lists- I make a list every morning at work to make certain that I get things done. Then I number the list in the priority that it needs to be done.

8. Grocery shopping- since I usually shop at Pathmark (supermarket in the Northeastern US), I go to the website and search through the circular. I print up a shopping list of sale items and try my best to spend less that $300 every three weeks.

9. Clip coupons- I clip coupons only on the items I actually use and take them with me to supermarket for even more savings.

10. Homework- Every night, I check the kids' homework. I spend about an hour either reading, looking through notebooks and helping them with difficult problems. I also have my own homework from work where I am planning lessons, gathering materials, meeting agendas/ notes and making phone calls (both good and bad).

11. Housecleaning- every Saturday is dedicated to cleaning the house thoroughly. The kids have certain chores to complete and I/ husband do laundry, organize/ shred papers, put away anything that's out of place, etc.

12. Family visits- I usually see my mom and grandmother every two weeks. I try to make it a point to cook for them and take care of things they can't do themselves (they both had strokes and are partially paralyzed).

Now, even with all these strategies, I am finding it difficult to juggle things.  However, it seems like there are just not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything that needs to get done. Any suggestions?

Halloween

Just because I am in the mood for dressing up:

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

Dark shadows and eery street lights cast elongated, shapes on the sidewalk.

Frightening pumpkins encase glowing candles that set an ominous mood to any dwelling.

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

Trick-or-treat bags are swollen with mounds of candy. Parents scour through the candy ensuring the safety of their children.

Children gorge on this delectable feast of sweets resulting in belly-aches and relentless moans.

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

Zombies, and ghosts and ghouls! Oh my!

*dusts off blog and resumes typing*