You Know You’re an Elem.Ed. Teacher When…

You get grammar songs stuck in your head. Overnight. You arrive at work in the dark, and leave in the dark, and are still taking grading home. Eating alone is a privilege. You carry your phone in your pocket as much as possible because it counts your steps and that's the most exercise you're ever…

November 27th

I have a new nephew. Finally. His name is Castiel Xavier Ransom Johanni, and he's perfect.  And suddenly and without much fanfare, thanksgiving break is up, and it is time to return to the real world of teaching and eating moderately and going to the gym and not smoking and not staying up til 4+…

Disillusioned

I had the all's-right-with-the-world bubble popped for me at a young age. I can't say exactly if there was one particular moment or event, it was just everything. I can't even remember if I ever had the illusion that life was going to be easy or smooth sailing or full of flowers and unicorns and…

Invited

And then there's this.

People Change

As a teacher I think a lot about how the kids I teach will turn out as adults. I wonder how many of the smart kids will give in to peer pressure to be careless with academics. I wonder how many of the part time bullies will turn into full time bullies. I wonder how…

Respect is Dead

Respect is a learned behavior. At least in our day and age, respect is not found intrinsically, but rather in what one has been taught to respect. This applies to everything, from respect of parents, teachers, family, friends, and (perhaps most importantly) self. It also includes respect of laws, hierarchies, customs, traditions, motivations, goals, lifestyles,…

Truth?

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines truth as "the real facts about something." Although this is a good jumping off point, I think that the word itself requires a stronger set of parameters. I don't know that I could come up with adequate terminology at the moment, but I know that the way people think of truth today…

in love

As I was meaninglessly trolling the internet today, I came across this gem: Reading it, I found I disagreed with more than I agreed with. "I hope you fall in love with someone who always texts back and never lets you fall asleep thinking you're unwanted." Yes, I'd like to fall in love with someone…

Smiles

There's something to be said for smiles. In my opinion an involuntary smile is just about the greatest feeling in all the world. Thinking about it I truly can't think of a feeling I much prefer. Have you ever sat there and been staring off into space thinking of something, and either been told or…

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

Yesterday I did something that surprised me a little. (I say little because it takes a bit to surprise me.) I was at the grocery store, up at the counter making my purchases, and the lady asked me a question. Without really thinking about it, I straight up lied! What? Okay, that's not really like me.…