Today Betsy and I have been packing most of the morning. We’ve have slowly been packing and preparing things, so it really wasn’t that bad. We’ve got all the major items packed and ready. We’ll disconnect the computer and a few other things tonight and then be ready for moving the big things tomorrow.
We can’t wait!!!
By the way, Happy Anniversary to Us!!!!! Thanks to all of you for your support over these 3 years.
This is a picture of the Grimace, just because he’s funny. One of my students (you know who you are, if you are reading this) wrote their last writing assignment on him. The assignment was to write a fake interview with a celebrity. He chose Grimace. One of the questions was “¿Por qué no tienes pantalones?” He responded “Soy Grimace. ¡No necesito pantalones!” It cracked me up.
On a different note, I am so ready for the weekend. Yesterday was the last day of the classes that I am taking, so now I just have to complete a few final exams and I’ll be done with them. With the classes that I am giving, I have one more week. So, it’s nice that things are wrapping up!
Betsy and I might go see a movie or something tonight and try to get in some relaxation before we have to move and start a new job all at once. (hehe, sounds familiar, I know. So, I don’t expect any sympathy.)
Thank you, Betsy, for 3 great years!
In one week from today, Betsy and I will have our 3 year anniversary! Dad and Mom just got us a new digital camera as a gift! Thank you very much. I’ve got to take some pictures with it and put them up online. I had stopped because our last camera broke. I bought that camera sometime around 1998-9 (right when they were coming out), so I had that digital camera for about 7-8 years! That’s a pretty long life for a piece of technology.
Too, in one week and 2 days, we will move into our new apartment! Last night, I slept very well! Lots of good news. Now, off for some coffee.
(That last post was kind of depressing, so I had to liven it up a bit.)
(AKA. When did I start to dislike school? Or have I always disliked it?)
I know that I love learning. But, when did I start to dislike school? Did I always dislike it? I’ve got to ask my parents. Is this just the end of the semester talking?
When did class become this war between teacher and student? I thought we were on the same side, namely that of learning. So, at the end of a normal day of schooling, why do I feel beaten down and berated? Why do some of my teachers use sarcasm and humiliation as basic tenets of their teaching? The last time I checked, the word “sarcasm” came from Greek meaning “to tear flesh.” When I teach, I try my best to encourage, build up, lead along. Sometimes I don’t always succeed, but I surely don’t try to beat down, tear apart, depress.
Further, where are the checks and balances so that an incompent person does not become responsible for 30 students? And not just any students, but education students. What does a teacher-to-be do when their teacher is incompetent? What power does a student have when a teacher is ineffectual? What if I’ve paid money for this but I am not learning, despite my honest attempts to do so? What does a student do when he encounters blatant hypocrisy? Does the person barking “Do not be late!” arrive late? What if a student is berated when questioning the teacher’s authority in response to this hypocrisy? Even more, what if the teacher not only fails to teach, but in fact leads students down the wrong path, only to test them on things not taught? What if a teacher never grades a single test all semester long? What if you are haven’t received a clear honest evaluation until the last day of class?
I am full of questions, but no answers. This semester has left me stupid-er than I started. If not stupider, then surely more depressed. And is not “emotional intelligence” just as important for success as traditional intelligence?
Oh well, now to my “stable base”: my wife and home. There I find emotional security, even in this turbulent educational environment.
