The World According to Leslie

I guess it's better late than never, right? HAPPY EASTER! Spring Break started here on Friday.... Good Friday.  The day care was also closed, so the Princess and I didn't even have to set an alarm!  IT WAS AWESOME!  She's out all this week.  That means NO ALARMS all week!  So nice! It also means that when she goes back to school on April 24, there are only 34 days of school left! You all know how I love my countdowns!  (Yes! I still do them...even though I'm not in a classroom full time!) I may even put it up on the wall in the house.... this has been a tough school year! Anyways.... Saturday, we went to a few yard sales. Then we went to find the Princess a semiformal dress for some stuff she has coming up. Sunday, EASTER, we went to church. Since everyone was all dressed for Easter, the pastor had it set up for one of the ladies at church to take pictures of families. Since my parents and my sister and brother (and all most of our kids) we...

At this point in the school year, I’m not doing anything new.  I teach an elective class, so I get the privilege of writing my own exam. I don’t have a state exam.  So, in that case, what do you do with 20 days left in the year?   You give them a 3 page study guide with specific instructions for how you expect it to be completed.  Then you give them time in class for two days to complete it so that they can’t whine as much about the amount of work.   Then you give them the answers to the study guide, assign them a specific part of it, and have them reteach that part of the information to the class.  That is the beginning of the review.   Then we play games (that they come up with and that I already have) for about 2 weeks.    Then it’s time for exams!    20 days of school left….. 15 teaching days/5 exam days!  This is the best part of being a teacher…. reviewing to get to the exam!

As of today, there are only 24 days of school left for the kids. That means that I have 26 days of work left.   Updates:   1. In February, my Principal told me that my job may be on the line. The class I currently teach is funded by a Federal grant that runs out in June. (There are 5 of me—one at each High school in the district. Each of us was in the same boat.) There was only one difference.  Each of the other teachers (at the other schools) had been hired as an English teacher. So, they had higher rank in their departments because I was hired FOR the grant position.  A couple of days before Spring Break, my Principal came to me to let me know that they added some sections for next year, and I get to keep my job.  It was awesome!   2. In March, Tony and I got a letter that we were going to owe $1600 to the IRS for something that was on our taxes in 2012. (YES! TWO years ago!) So, our tax lady (my awesome sister in law) did some research for us...

Today begins that last quarter for the school year.  I’m kind of excited!  Actually…. I’m really excited.  With all the snow days and, therefore, snow make up days, we haven’t had a break since February.  It gets kind of tiring for the teachers and the students.  But, now, we are in the home stretch.  If we can survive 9 more weeks, we will make it until Summer Break!   This weekend, the Softball Fairies were not on our side. We didn’t get to start the season as planned. We are hoping that there will be no rain this coming weekend so we can get the season started!  Our team is starting to shape up very well, I think.  I know that we are going to have some tough games, but we are going to have a good time doing it.   Countdown Update: 6 days (counting today) until Softball Opening Day 14 school days (counting today) until Spring Break 9 weeks until Summer Break

Yesterday, I couldn’t get my Windows Live Writer to work.  I tried in the morning and last night.   Yesterday, March 12, was a morbid anniversary. On March 12, 1997, my Grandfather died….my mom’s dad.   I was a freshman at Appalachian State University. I was about 2 hours from home, and it was the first time I had ever been away from home that long.    That morning, mom called to wake me up, as usual. I went to all my classes, but I couldn’t get ahold of mom during the day. It was before cell phones were so readily available, and not everyone had one.  So, I would use payphones on campus to call collect. I tried a million times—or so it seems.   As I was getting ready to head out to my concert band class for the night, my phone rang. My dad told me to come downstairs and let him in. When I got downstairs to let him in, I saw our pastor with him. I knew something was wrong because as soon as I saw mom’s face, I could tell she was crying....

Considering that I feel as though I haven’t slept in about 3 weeks, Daylight Savings Time did not really affect me.    To be perfectly honest, we had cookie booths all day yesterday.  The troop is down to about 61 boxes of cookies to sell (total)!  The Princess is only 36 (total) boxes away from her iPad mini goal of 1000 boxes!  OMG!  I can’t believe it will be 2 years in a row with 1000 boxes!  She has worked her tail off….again!   Saturday, we started softball.  Which means that for one more weekend (this one coming) The Princess has cookies and softball.  Then it will only be softball until June….maybe longer.    Sunday morning, I had the alarm set for 8am.  I forgot to reset the clocks.  Tony always does that.  He forgot too.  We talked about it, but we both crashed before it was done.  So I got up with the alarm at 8am.  I came in here to the computer and started working on some t...

February has ended.  Here in NC, it ended with nice weather. March has started.  On Sunday, it was 70 degrees.  Yesterday started at 55, but by noon it was freezing.  Today is starting in the teens and will hopefully defrost during the day.   We had sleet and freezing rain last night.  I really thought we might get a delay this morning.  I guess not.   I was hoping.  I could have slept another 4-5 hours.   I picked up a writing job…30 articles.  I need to get those completed ASAP.    We are in the MIDDLE of cookies.  The Princess isn’t close to her 2500 box goal yet.   We are hoping she will still get 1000.  This year, for 1000 boxes, you get a free iPad mini.  She really wants it, but we shall see.  She’s still trying to sell cookies.    The countdown is still on for everything around here.   Countdown updates: 11 days until the Art Gala and Auction at the Pri...

It seems as though we may be in for a “normal” week here in NC.   I haven’t listened this morning, but I don’t think we are expecting any of that strange white precipitation (snow) to fall this week.    The Princess should be getting her softball info this week.  We should know (for sure) the coaches and the team name.  My brother should be one of the coaches, but we never know until after the draft.    Girl Scout cookies (and booths) are in full force.  I feel as though my world is surrounded by them!  And…that could be because they are in 2 of the main rooms of my house—living room and dining room.   I have a couple of meetings this week, so that makes it even more normal.   The countdown for everything is still on.  As soon as we get our softball schedule, we will get to add more things to it… like first practice and first game!    As long as we keep doing what we are doing right now, this w...

I guess since we didn’t have school on Monday, this week has flown by.  However, since we have to make up two of the snow days, we have school tomorrow.  It’s only for 3 hours, so I’m good.  (Just wish it would be later in the day….lol  I’m not fond of mornings!)   All of the girls have come and got their cookies from my house.  The Princess should be able to get her cookies delivered to people this weekend.  Last weekend was crazy and still had ice on the ground.  Yesterday was almost 80 degrees.    Yes, I do live in NC where you can have a snow storm and 80 degrees all in the same week!  The funny thing is that there is still some snow on the ground.  People (including the city and major shopping centers) plowed snow into huge mounds.  It’s melting, but only slightly every day.   We only have two booths this weekend, so it should be an easy weekend.   Countdown Updates: 22 days until the Art ...

In the state of NC, we rarely get that BIG SNOW. They used to be more common.  We used to get one huge snow a year.  Now, we are lucky if we get one every 2-3 years.    However, schools are cancelled, delayed, or let out early for weather all the time here.  We haven’t heard anything today about our schools, but we shall see.    It’s all about waiting to see what happens.  Sometimes, I think that God is sitting up there showing us HIS sense of humor.  He lets the weather people tell us whatever they want to tell us.  Then HE decides to have some fun with the weather.  (That’s just my 2 cents!)   Countdown Updates: 0 days until I pick up cookies!  TODAY is the day! They are still calling for “weather,” but they are pushing back the start time to later today. My scheduled pick up time is 6pm. So, we shall see.  It should be fine. Tony is going to drive me there so I’m not having to do it alone.  Then ...

Sometimes, I feel like it has been forever since I have written here.  I wish I could get my fingers back in the habit of writing ever day.   On top of that, I wish I could get a few writing jobs going so I’ll be set up for this summer.  I don’t want to have to scramble for jobs this summer.  I have some applications in, but I’m just waiting.    Here are my countdowns: 1 day until I pick up about 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies—It’s tomorrow.  However, the weather people are calling for snow and ice.  We have been told that we have to pick up cookies no matter what, but I’m not sure I’m “risking my life” to get cookies to my house! (LOL ) 4 days until cookie booths start (2.14) 5 days until my birthday (2.15) 32 days until the Art Gala and Auction at the Princess’s school ~11 weeks until Spring Break starts (April 18th) ~11 weeks until Easter ~14 weeks until EOGs start for the Princess ~16 weeks until Memorial Day ~17 we...

You all know I love a good countdown.  I countdown to Christmas, vacation, Friday, the end of the work day…. EVERYTHING!   Well, I think it is part of how I deal with stress.  When I am aggravated about something, being able to countdown to the end of it makes it easier!    So….here are a few countdowns (some are fun/others not so much)! (Some are vaguely close to the real dates….they will get more specific as the time comes!)   5 days until I pick up about 1000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies 8 days until cookie booths start 9 days until my birthday 37 days until the Art Gala and Auction at the Princess’s school ~12 weeks until Spring Break starts (April 18th) ~12 weeks until Easter ~15 weeks until EOGs start for the Princess ~17 weeks until Memorial Day ~19 weeks until school is out!   I’m a little stressed out this year with all the stuff I am doing.  I haven’t been able to scrapbook with my DIVAS since Sept. or Oct....

Today is the last day I have to teach my kids anything.  On Monday, their exams start.  That means that if they don’t know it today, they had better study it and learn it this weekend.      Because students may not come to school every day next week like they are supposed to, we have a bit of a strange schedule.  Monday thru Thursday, the kids take one exam a day. They get out of school at 1/2 day.  On Friday, we have a full day of school.  If all of our students took their exams, we have literally nothing for them to do.  Some teachers are telling the kids that they will have work for them.  I’m telling my kids that we will have a movie that day.  Seriously…. no need for them to come if they are finished with exams.  (BUT….some of them will!)   So for the past few days (since Tuesday) my kids have been teaching my class.  I gave them the Study Guide over the weekend.  I gave them the answers to it on Mon...

I haven’t written in what seems like forever.  In reality, it’s only been a little more than a week….but….seriously….  what can happen in a week?   Nov. 30th—Mom and Dad’s party went over really well.  I’m waiting for the photographer to get me the pics.  I’m excited to see them.   Dec. 7th—My Girl Scout troop won first place for decorations at the local Christmas Festival.  It was exciting. We have tried for 4 years.  Next year, everyone will be trying to beat us!   I think my parents are already working on an idea, but I’m not sure.   We have 9 school days until Christmas break. Friday, Dec. 20th is our last day until 2014. We have 16 school days until exams start. We have 21 school days until the new semester starts.  That means I only have 21 days with the kids I have currently. Then I have to “train” a new set of kids to do things the way I want them done!     The best part about being a high school te...

So, I have plenty to say this morning.  However, I’m trying really hard to operate under my mom’s philosophy of “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!”    Something happened at my church on Sunday.  When I am calmer, I will explain it.  I just found out yesterday who did it.  (I pretty much knew because this is the only person stupid enough to do it!)   Anyways, this person’s actions sent my Dad into a lot of stress.  So Sunday afternoon, he had a really bad episode with his heart.  He is still not up to 100% yet, and it’s Wednesday!    My parents have actually asked me to keep my mouth shut.  I’m trying.  But, something needs to be said/done.  I’m not a member of the church, so they can’t really run me off.  Tony and I have been thinking about leaving for a while now.   So, I’m going to be having my say.  Then…. I’m not going back.  I hate to leave my Dad hangi...

Today is one of those days where I really don’t have much to write about. At work, there won’t be many kids because there are only 3 days left.   Tomorrow I’m going to the Princess’s school for her awards.  Shhhhhh!  She doesn’t know!   Other than paying some bills and trying to find some writing jobs, I really don’t have much to do this afternoon.   I really just don’t have much at all to talk about.  Is that weird?  (For me….YES!)

Today, since we are giving new state tests (Common Exams/Measures of Student Learning) in NC, the English teachers at my school are all going to be in one room all day.  (That should be fun!)  We have to grade the tests.    YES!  You read that right!  The teachers are grading the state required tests!    Each test had multiple choice and a written part.  The MC is being sent off to be graded—that’s easy!  Each of the written responses is going to be read by at least TWO teachers today.  Then we will give them a grade.    Does anyone else see an issue here?  I grade differently that other teachers at MY school.  I know that teachers at other schools grade differently than we grade at our school.  So the test results (other than the MC) will be biased/skewed at each school…. or so I fear.    I guess we will see.  I hope that this works the way the state has planned, but we will s...

I know you guys are probably getting tired of hearing about my countdown.    I’m just so excited that the Princess is almost finished with this year at school.    So….today is THE LAST MONDAY for her (and me).  After Friday of this week, she can hang out, watch TV, play/read on her Kindle Fire, and relax……until August.   Of course, she LOVES to read, so we will see how many books she reads this summer.   I’m still trying to get some writing jobs for the summer. Just to make a little extra cash.  There are some that are for doing book reviews.  I would love to do those.     But….for now, I’m going to enjoy my last Monday.  Even though it’s pouring rain outside.

Daycare graduation went well today.   This Saturday I have to work graduation for work.  Since I teach at a high school, I have to be there for graduation.  Not so bad when it’s IN town and not 90 minutes away!!  Still keep part of my Saturday for ME!   The Princess will have her Championship softball game on Saturday.  Depending on the time, I will have to miss some or all of it. Hopefully…. only SOME!     Tonight, though, I’m heading to bed.  Only 5 days with the kids left!   6 days total for me….. I have ONE teacher workday the following week.

WOW!  You know the old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun?”  Well, I must have had a blast this year!  Today is the last TEACHING day for my kids.  Exams start tomorrow.   Between tomorrow and Monday, I will give all of the exams I am giving.  Then the grading starts, but still….. WOW!  By Tuesday of next week, I will have finished all of my grades for kids.  I will not have any paperwork for the kids left to do!   After Monday,  I have many kids that I will not see again.  Those that I do see will be watching a movie.  I really only have 3 more 90 minute classes to teach.    Then…..  it’s over!   The Princess is taking her exams yesterday and today.  She won’t get the results back until October! WOW!  That’s FOREVER!   I’m taking the paperwork to her new school today.  (I just need to get 2 things from her doctor and everything will be in!)   Countdo...