What I have learned so far this school year...

I learned that I can go all day, and sometimes all night, with no computer access, but I don't like it.

I learned that when I am not able to e-mail Laughs-a-Lot throughout the day, he is even more affectionate and doting when he sees me the next time.

I learned that the day you have the worst headache is the day the quiet kid will surprise you and throw a temper tantrum in class.

I learned that the day you have a killer headache and the quiet kid throws a tantrum, the squirrelly kids will behave perfectly -- at least this time.

I learned that when health of a loved one fails, that is when the true colors of family comes out.

I learned that when you miss your exit on the way to my new school, I have to drive 12 miles to the next exit, in the next county.

I learned that my picture is no longer showing up on my blog.

I learned that the girl who had about 80 sick days at her previous school, is fated to get a bad cold her first week at her new school.

I learned that while I hate the $100 a week in gas, and my drive is killing me, and the parents I deal with are idiots, I still love to teach.

I'm not dead yet!

I have had two days of school with students. There will be many stories to follow. For now, I am working on school stuff, and getting ready to have Laughs-a-Lot spoil me a bit.

I hope all is well, and I hope I can get back to some regular blogging soon!

--Miss Bethie

THE TALK

Last Friday I spent the day with Bubbles. Her baby-sitter was out of town. She is 12, but Sir Laughs-a-Lot gets nervous with her at home alone, and since he just moved, they don't know any neighbors well enough to go there in an emergency, and the only neighbor who doesn't work during the day is Bosnian and doesn't speak English. It really doesn't relieve a father's worst fears about what would happen if the house caught on fire, or a rabid dog came in the yard, or an insane man with a hook for a hand broke out of the asylum for the criminally insane.

I am not making light of LAL's fears. I would be the same if it was my little girl, too. I think it is cute and endearing, and while she thinks she is old for a babysitter, she just rolls her eyes and takes it good-naturedly.

Anyway, we went out to lunch, and stopped by the craft store to get some metallic paints, then we painted up some plain wooden frames and used metallic fish stickers for her beach-themed room. (We haven't started it yet. She STILL hasn't unpacked everything, and her daddy won't start painting, papering and decorating until she is unpacked and cleaned up. I totally back him on this point.)
Bubbles is 12, and I have picked up that in the beginning of every month, she is moody an withdrawn, which is not her normal behavior. Having taught middle school the last 6 years, I know what that means.

Whenever Laughs-a-Lot's sister or myself tell him he needs to have some maxipad or something at the house because she is bound to start any day now, he shudders and mutters that he can't do it. He cannot have this talk or buy her feminine hygiene products. Supposedly her mama has had the sex talk with her and she knows what a period is, so really, the battle is half done. Her mama is preggers, so, as I always tell LAL, that takes a lot of pressure off of him, because Bubbles will naturally ask questions ask the pregnancy progresses.

Knowing my own period was working on me, I said, "Hey, Bubbles, I have an idea. I need to go to Walgreen's and get some things for my period. I know you haven't started that yet, but you are about the age I was when I started mine, so while I am getting my stuff, why don't we pick up some for you, too? Your dad is going to flip when he little girl walks up to him and says, "I started my period and need some maxipads, and you'll be embarrassed to tell him, anyway."
She looked slightly embarrassed, but nodded emphatically, with a sort of, "you got that right, sister!" look behind it.

we made our trip to Walgreen's and there I picked up a pack of regular maxipads and overnight pads. I then suggested that we get her Midol while we were there.
"What's that for?"
"Well, you'll have a day or two with some cramping. Mine range from
not-too-bad to very uncomfortable. It seems different for me every month. I get
headaches, too. This will help you out on those yucky-feeling days."
"Why don't boys have to go through this every month?" said with a heavy sigh.
"Well, honey, they get jock itch and can have a lot of hygiene issues."
"Girls can have hygiene issues, too."
"Yeah, but it is different for boys. Plus, they have their own embarrassing
things to worry about, like when they are nervous or something." (Thank God
she didn't ask for too much more details about that.)
"Besides, Bubbles, they have no manners, no sense of style and they are goofy.
Which would you rather have, a monthly inconvenience, or a lifetime of that?"
For the first time she smiled and even chuckled a bit. I then made her feel better by buying her candy. No wonder I fight my weight with that sort of coping mechanism!

Laughs-a-Lot was very relieved when I told him this issue has been dealt with -- for the time being.

From Trepidation to Relaxation in 5 Days!

I know, I know. I haven't been on here for a while.
Ooops! Sorry! Life happens!

So, last Thursday I had a training class for my new job. I had to learn the correct way to restrain a child when he tries to attack me. I was told by the social worker, in a chipper voice, "Oh, after the first quarter, they are over it and get on with school."

Sure, they are "only" 5th and 6th grade, but guys, I am only 4'11"! They will be my size of bigger!

But Miss Bethie, didn't you say you have a para in your room?

Yup. It is great that she takes it upon herself to do all the grading, but rumor on the street, she doesn't like to move from her desk and she is elderly.

The social worker then tells me that I have parent issues. They suspect one has Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and since I am in the trailer, she'll just walk in when ever the mood hits her. She also hates all the other parents in my room, and has a lawyer and an advocate for every meeting--and there are a lot of meetings.

I am hating my life. I sit there smiling stupidly and say in a perky tone, "Really? Well, I have been in the field a long time and I just go with the flow most of the time."

Monday I went to my school and finally met my principal, assistant principal and, the most important person in the building, the secretary. I met other staff members, as well, and everyone was lovely. I really liked my principal who was very reassuring, even though he felt the need to tell everyone, "She taught in St. Louis City District! She's ready for us!"
He was adamant, though, that I am a staff member, even though I am working through a co-op, and that he understands that normally my kids get in trouble because the "regular" kids use mine as scapegoats and like the antagonize them. I would have hugged him--but both principals are my age and nice looking. I don't want to get rumors started this soon into my year!

I am feeling better. Much better. And when I see my trailer, that is actually quite cute, roomy yet cozy, and well stocked with teaching material, I am a happy girl. The secretary told me she can procure just about anything I need, just ask, and I was given keys to my trailer and the building. Seriously. They gave me a key to the entire building!

Today I got a massage. A free massage, except for the tip, of course. I had a certificate. After having some of my fears laid to rest upon meeting my principals, I was able to love my massage and finally, for the first time this summer, RELAX.