Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

Mom - you've been a fabulous Momma is me and Mandy. You always support us, love us, and accept us NO MATTER what we do or how we live our lives.

Hope you were able to enjoy your day -

Love ya lots!

PS Sorry about the old picture - I think we need some recent pictures! Maybe when I'm out in IL for Christmas we should take some photos. :-)

Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure to attend a showing of a documentary called Traces of the Trade at the House of Seven Gables. The documentary is about filmmaker Katrina Browne's discovery that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. From 1769 to 1820, the DeWolf family was involved in the slave trade (Interesting fact: In 1808, a law was passed prohibiting the importation of slaves and it wasn't until 1820 that participating in the slave trade was an act of piracy and punishable by death).

The film follows Browne and nine members of her family on a journey that retraces the steps of her ancestors and their involvement with the Triangle Trade. They start their journey in Bristol, Rhode Island, move on to slave forts in Ghana, and then onto Havana, Cuba to visit the ruins of a family plantation.

I found the film interesting since we have been taught to believe in our history that it was the Southern states that were the evil ones when it came to the topic of slavery. The film forces us to stop and think about our history and the damage that has been done to African-Americans and the involvement and the role of the Northerners during this time period.

After we viewed the film, we had a walking tour - compliments of the National Park Service - throughout Salem. As we walked through Salem, there was visual evidence of the role of historical "Salemites" and their involvement in the Triangle Trade. For example, the Derby family is a HUGE historical name in Salem. The Derby family made their wealth off of the slave trade. Again, makes you stop and think about our history and how we should be teaching it to our students.

This past week, I purchased this book. The book is about the unique story of Thomas Norman DeWolf's experiences during the making of the documentary feature film Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North. The book is a nice companion to go with the film. I highly recommend reading the book if you are interested in this topic.

One of the reasons why I enjoy History so much is that it makes you think and question our past. Attending this seminar last Saturday did just that - made me question and think about the involvement of North and South during the slave trade. The film also made me question what is the legacy of slavery and what history do we inherit as individuals and as citizens. Also, how does the Northern involvement make this topic much more complex? And, finally, the topic of reparations - should African-Americans receive some form of payment?

If there happens to be a screening of the film, please check it out. Also, check with PBS. They were showing the film throughout the summer.

Veteran's Day

American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Personal Photo - July 2005.

This photo is what Veteran's Day is all about . . . men and women that gave up their lives for MY freedom.

Read more here and here about the history of Veteran's Day.

Don't forget to thank a Vet for what you have today!

Remember to get out there and VOTE on Tuesday!

Hi folks!

Just want to do a quick reminder to those few of you that are still reading my blog. :-)

Please get out there and VOTE. It is so important to voice your opinion in this election. It has been a very long battle for the White House. Hopefully as of Tuesday, it will be all over. Educate yourself about all the candidates (I'm speaking of local elections and topics as well) and make an educated vote.

Spoken like a true History teacher . . . .

Etc, etc, etc. . . . . .

It's been a productive yet insanely busy few weeks in the life of M-Dawg.

Where do I begin?

*Volleyball season officially ended on Friday with a rematch for varsity against our rival. We won! Life will settle down a bit for a while. No more riding on a school bus with 40 screaming teenage girls trying to sing the Barney song at the top of their lungs. Are you not just so jealous of me as you read this?

*Had a fund raiser for Harvard Model Congress on Saturday. A local business donates their parking lot to our school to charge tourists during the month of October that are visiting our lovely city. We made $880! All money raised will deter the costs of the conference over Feb break. It was a little chilly on Saturday - I sat outside 8-5 all day. I was so numb that I thought my fingers would break off.

*Still enjoying having my weekends off. I'm still doing stuff on the weekends - like proctoring SAT's or doing fund raising stuff for my groups that I advise but it's different. I'm not stressing out about it or getting annoyed which is a good thing.

*My former roommate from a few years ago is living with me until Jan 1st. She's looking for a place to live permanently. She sold her house to her son and daughter-in-law. Today, we went looking at places and I think she found a place that she likes and is reasonably priced.

*I signed up for a local history seminar on Wednesday that I'm excited about and they are paying $125! Bonus!

*The ecomony is soooo depressing . . . how's everyone holding up?

*Wish I had some news on the love front. If anyone has any suggestions on how to meet a nice guy, let me know.

OK, that's about it for updates. I somewhat have limited of computer access since my roommate is using the second bedroom (my computer is located in that room).

Here is Maddy!!!!

This is Maddy!!!! My sister adopted her a few weeks ago. Maddy is half Yorkie and Havanese. Isn't my niece just the cutest thing you've ever seen?????????

Where do I begin with my crazy schedule and life?

It's been a crazy few weeks at school and at home. Where do I begin?


*Volleyball season is almost over - I have two more games this week and my JV season will be over. Varsity will have to play in tournament so I'm expected to help out with varsity practices and games. It's been a wonderful yet exhausting experience. I will probably coach again next year (the varsity coach already told me he wants me back).


*It's been a weird school year thus far. The freshman this year are interesting - especially on my team. We have a lot of kids that can't read or write. Behavior is out of control (had one of my 14 year old boys' suspended out of school for carrying a huge bottle of vodka and bag of pot in his back pack). We have four students that "suck their thumbs" (they are 14 years old). Add to this that I was already formally evaluated, have had way too many meetings with parents, and administration is finally holding teachers accountable (I'm not knocking it but it creates for a more stressful working environment). Luckily, I'm a teacher that follows rules but I'm still afraid that I'm going to mess up.


*I now have a roommate in my condo. My former roommate sold her house to her oldest son and wife and needed a temporary place to live until she finds somewhere to live. The extra money will be nice but I didn't realize how small my place really is until you get another person in it.


*The economy has me (and everyone else in the world) all stressed out. I'm so afraid of looking at my 403B - I'm sure I lost a ton of money the past few weeks. Good thing I won't be needing my retirement money any time soon.


*Mom and Dad finally had the closing on their house last week. So they are officially living in the camper full time now. It just seems weird to me that they will be retired soon and traveling full time. This is their dream and I'm happy for them but I'm still having a tough time dealing with it.


*A lot of my friends at school are pregnant. Although I'm happy for them, makes me feel lonely and sad about my own relationship status. Sometimes, it still bothers me that I don't have a wonderful guy in my life. On a funny note: we think there may be something in the water at my school since everyone is getting pregnant. :-)


*Really miss my friends. I'm feeling isolated and lonely. It seems forever since I've chatted or seen a lot of them and I could really use a quality gal's night out soon.


*So far, I've been able to financially survive by not working on the weekends at the doggie store. I've been able to find other forms of income to help out. Proctoring SAT's and PSAT's, babysitting, and the coaching has been good. I was thinking maybe during the month of December working on Sundays only but I don't know if the owner would go for that or not. I'm concerned about having money for Christmas which is why I might work on Sundays. I've been looking for other jobs but there is not much out there since the economy is so bad.

My head spins just thinking about my schedule for the month of October!

It's going to be a busy month. Volleyball, HMC stuff (Harvard Model Congress), and school stuff will keep me quite insane.

Progress grades are due this week (Wednesday). I have done NO correcting since the beginning of the school year. Ugh. And I have a volleyball game on Tuesday.

If you don't hear from me, it's because I'm officially changing my mailing address and sleeping at school. :-)

So, does anyone have any relaxation techniques they are willing to share with me? I may need something soon - the lack of sleep is starting to catch up with me.

Happy Birthday Lorie!

Just wanted to wish my friend Lorie a very happy birthday today!

Lorie and I met at Western Illinois University and we lived in the dorms together. Our group used to call her Little Lorie (since I'm tall Lori and she was short Lorie).

We had some fun and amazing times in college. Too many memories to write down here but I will always remember how Lorie was (is) always a good friend to me.

Lorie has a great hubby and two kids (girls). She's been very blessed to have a great family.

Happy b-day kiddo! Lots of hugs!

I live for weekends! :-)

I have to admit it's been nice having weekends off. No second job. Just relax. Enjoy time with friends. Enjoy time with Ellie the Cat. Enjoy time with me. :-)

Other news:

*My sister adopted a dog! A friend of hers had a friend who's boss just had a baby and they were having a tough time with the baby and the dog. The dog is two years old. It's a half Yorkie, half Havanese mix. She tells me Maddy is a cutie pie! My sis said she would email me a pic of her baby soon. My sister (like me) is a HUGE dog person so she's going to make a GREAT MOM! How cute is this: My sister Mandy now has a Maddy baby! :-)

*School is good but busy. My colleagues are amazing and so supportive (not that they were not supportive in past years). Being in the freshman house is such a great support for me. We all look out for each other. My school has a different feel this year - almost like we are a REAL school. It's a good thing since there have been a lot of issues that the school needed to work on regarding teachers, students, and administration. Here is hoping to a wonderful school year.

*Volleyball is good too. My girls are improving and getting better each day. Last night we had a match and actually played three games (we play best out of three at the JV level). They were SO excited that I can't begin to describe it. I'm proud of them. They are happy and so am I. :-)

*Lots of old friends are contacting me through my Facebook account. Especially my high school friends. I only started the Facebook account when my former students from my first school encouraged me to set up an account. It's been nice getting in touch again with old friends (even a few old boyfriends!) :-)

*Ellie the Cat is wearing her new Halloween collar and she looks boooeatiful! :-)

Plans for the weekend: Going to go yard sale shopping with my friend Aileen today and do some cleaning around the condo. Sunday: rest and relax. Do some school work. I'm behind in my correcting. Ugh.

What are your exciting plans for the weekend????

I know . . . . it's been a while since I've checked in.

What can I say???? It's been a VERY busy few weeks between school and volleyball.

Life is good. Busy. It has been an exhausting few weeks getting back into the swing of things at school. The good news is that I no longer work on weekends so I can relax a bit. I still have tons of school work but at least I can sleep in on the weekends.

I have a normal teaching schedule again. No more 40 minute Preps (planning periods) on one day instead of the contractual 80 minutes per day like last year. The administration fixed all schedules so that the teachers have 80 minutes per day planning (at my school, we have block scheduling and by contract, we are supposed to have an 80 minute planning block every single day). I have A Block (first block of the day) as my planning block on red days and H Block (last block of the day) on white days. I'm teaching the same classes - World Studies (4 sections) and the local history class (one section per semester). We changed the curriculum a bit in World Studies so we hope to get further in the curriculum by the end of the school year. We cut five units out at the beginning of the year. We are now starting with the Middle Ages and hope to get to the end of the Cold War if not to the present day.

The freshman this year are VERY slow (academically and behaviorally) - even the Honors are not true Honor students. Reading and writing levels are terrible so we have our work cut out for us this year. My co-taught class is interesting . . . lots of behavior problems and serious learning disabilities. I have three students in that class that need a para (aka aide) with them plus there is a SPED teacher in the room with me. The good news about the co-teaching this year is that the social studies folks were given a new SPED co-teacher!!!!!! She's great!!!!!! VERY hands-on and from the looks of it, I think for the first time since my time at this school, my students will actually get their accommodations and the help they need to do well in the class!!! I'm so pumped that I can't contain my happiness! She's been working with the kids, helping me, and even doing discipline (remember my co-teacher from last year used to fall asleep in the back of the room and fart and did nothing but complain how horrible the kids were - in front of the kids).

I am having a tough time adjusting my time management during the school day. Since I'm coaching after school, I don't have all that time to get ready for the next day so I need to get better at being more productive during my Preps. It doesn't help that I spend my entire planning aka Prep at the one photocopier in the building that actually works trying to copy my stuff! We have five photocopiers for teacher use and only one has been working since the beginning of the school year. I need to point out that there are 160 teachers in my building and we all use the photocopiers. Ugh.

The building looks great! Most of the construction and renovations have been completed. The school looks like a real school! My classroom has a new LCD projector installed from the ceiling, new MAC computer, new teacher desk, new computer desk, new filing cabinet, and new student desks. On Thursday, my LCD decided to die on me so now I'm back to using my own LCD projector for my PowerPoints. I emailed the tech dept. about it so hopefully they can try and fix it. I think the projector might need to be sent back to the dealer to be fixed though. I tried to troubleshoot the problem online and the problem seems to be the cooling fan. It should be under warranty so it won't cost the school anything.

Volleyball has been fun. This is only the second year of the program so it's been a lot of working getting the girls ready to play. Varsity is doing well. My JV's are still learning to play the game and the skills. All of my girls have never played volleyball before (PE doesn't count since it's not real volleyball). So, I have my work cut out this season. They are having fun and working hard and that is all that I ask of them. The league we are playing in requires a lot of traveling for away games so I'm not coming back to school until late and then I have the 45 minute drive home afterwards. My days start at 5:00 am (I wake up at this time), get to school by 6:45 am, and I'm not getting home until after 9:00 pm! Of course since there is always stuff to do at home and getting ready for the next day (make lunch, school work, lay out clothes for school, reorganize my duffel bag for a practice or game, etc) I'm going to bed after 10:30 sometimes 11:00 pm. LONG day! And, since I'm exercising so much, I'm losing weight - which is a good thing. I went clothes shopping and I went down a size! Let's hope the weight loss continues and that I can maintain the loss after volleyball season ends. :-)

Since I'm not working on weekends, I've been trying to relax and enjoy myself a bit. Today, I'm going apple picking with my friend Michelle and her daughter.

To my teacher friends from the blog world: I hope you all had a great start and wishing you all a wonderful productive school year! :-)

I've been tagged! :-)

I've been tagged by this silly girl. . . I am supposed to write 6 quirky things about me. Here we go!

1) I have major OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). I'm a major neat freak and can't go to bed at night unless everything is where is needs to go and/completed (Ex: dishes done, lay out my clothes for the next day, make lunch for school night before, etc.). I can't leave at the end of the day at school unless my classroom is neat and organized for the next day too. Yes, I have issues! :-)

2) I hate it when drivers don't use their turn signals (Ex: switching lanes, exit ramps, right or left turns, etc). Drives me absolutely batty!!!!! I notice it more now that I'm commuting on the highway. Oh, the other thing is slow drivers in the fast lane. Another pet peeve of mine!

3) I listen to my Itouch at night in bed - it helps to relax me and helps me go to sleep.

4) Hate it when my students use inappropriate words in school (the "N" word, Jew, swearing, etc). Bugs me!

5) Since I adopted Ellie the Cat in 2001, I have this thing about buying collars for her that match the time of the year. For example, for the summer, she wore a watermelon collar. I already bought her a Halloween and Christmas collar. She is one stylin' kitty! :-)

6) I'm a huge movie fan so I'm always matching movies - I subscribe to Netflix. Huge fan of documentaries and foreign films. My dirty little secret: cheesy old TV series! Here is a list: Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Dallas, Love Boat, etc. You get the idea. Again, I have issues. My Queue in Netflix has a pretty wacky selection of films. I currently have 211 movies in my Queue.

I tag anyone that would like to comment. :-)

Almost time to go back to school . . .

As I logged into my blog this morning, I looked over at my counter and realized that I have only seven days left until the first day of school. My goodness! Where did the summer go?

Since I've been coaching volleyball since last week, I've been able to have a little time getting my classroom ready (we've had double sessions so I usually have a two hour break in between practices to get stuff done). However, yesterday the workers started waxing the floors in the halls so I couldn't get into my room. I have a ton of boxes to unpack. The head guy of building and grounds (major control freak) refuses to give us (the teachers) our keys until the 1st official day of school so I can't get into my own desk or cabinets to organize them. Plus, the building is still in construction so they are hoping to finish everything up over the Labor Day weekend (I'll be VERY surprised if it happens). You can't use the main entrance of the school so it's a huge walk around the building to get into the building. I have a ton of stuff that needs to come back to school but I'm waiting until I can carry it through the front entrance. And, the poor custodians and construction guys . . . the elevator broke the other day so they've been having to carry heavy furniture up and down the stairs! They seriously don't get paid enough . . . .

This year, we only have one professional day until we get the kids. So, that means only one day to get everything ready if a teacher doesn't come in this week to get their room and office ready. I don't want to complain too much about the loss of a PD Day since I've been reading a lot of horror stories of other teachers across the country that have already started school and had to sit through pointless and waste of time type of meetings. Our union voted in a horrible contract last year and one of the "bonuses" was one less PD Day. Now, I'm hearing the teachers that voted that contract in complain about how little time they have to get their rooms ready! Did they not THINK about this when they were voting????? Duh! All they saw was one day off from school. Ugh.

The PD Day focus: all the new technology in the building. All the classrooms now have a LCD projector installed from the ceiling and a new MAC computer for the teachers. We are going to be doing attendance online now too. The faculty needs training on the technology. The majority of our faculty doesn't use any form of technology so it will be interesting to see how that PD Day works out. We also have three new computer labs (30 new MACS with LCD projector and SMART boards). A faculty of 160 - only 20 uses various forms of technology in our classes. Scary thought in 2008! Three years ago, I came from a school that did everything technology so I felt like I was going backwards in time by working at this school. I ended up going out and buying a lot of my own stuff (Ex: LCD Projector).

So my homework the past week: I've been trying to update and change the homework blogs for the kids and organized my curriculum binders. I need to work on my syllabus for my two courses (World History and the local History class). I already have a rough idea of the first two days of school - it tends to be all the administrative paperwork and getting to know you stuff anyway. A working photocopier would be nice so I can start copying stuff.

I think I'll feel better once my classroom is ready. With coaching volleyball this year, I won't have all the time like I normally would to set everything up.

I love my job . . . . I love my school . . . . . keep repeating until next June! :-)

Started volleyball on Thursday . . . . bump, set, spike!

Started volleyball on Thursday. I'm the JV coach - my school started a volleyball program last year and they decided to build up the program by establishing a JV team this year. I was asked by the varsity coach since I used to play and coach. And, yes - it's a stipend position. :-)

It's been an interesting transition to be helping out with a program that is only in its second year compared to my 1st school that had an established program for over 30 years. We have a lot of work to do with the program.

We only had two freshman and three sophomores come out for the team. We have a total of 18 girls. Some girls will end up swinging between JV and varsity due to the fact we have small numbers for JV.

We started pre-season with double sessions (2 three hour practices). I've been trying to get into better shape over the summer to prepare myself physically for coaching again. I can't do the hands-on stuff like drills because of my shoulder. It's killing me to not spike that ball!!!! :-(

For pre-season, we've had to use the facilities at the local college since our high school gym is in construction until the end of September. College facilities are SO MUCH nicer than our facilities at the high school. Once school starts on September 2nd, our practices will be at one of the elementary schools. All our games for the month of September will be away.

We have a scrimmage next Friday against our rival school. The girls are VERY excited about it but I'm a little nervous. It's been so long since I've coached volleyball. I'm hoping to get into the swing of things soon. The varsity coach has been great. And, a lot of rules have changed since I've coached (I coached volleyball for four years in NH). It should be an interesting season to say the least!

Bump, set, spike!

Happy B-day Jacob!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Jacob is the son of my friend Cheryl from IL. Isn't he a cutie? He's grown up so quick! I remember when he was a little baby.

Jacob - Enjoy your extra special day and tell Mom and Dad to take you out to dinner to celebrate!

Lots of hugs! :-)

Off to the beach for the day . . . .

Finally! Some rest and relaxation (at least for the day) for M-Dawg.

Getting a pedicure this morning. Major relaxation!

Then, I'm off to the beach! One of my friends from school is renting a house on the beach for the next two weeks and she invited me to spend the day with her and her family. I live 15 minutes from the ocean/beach and this is the first time all summer I've been there. Wow.

Have a great weekend everyone -

Happy belated B-day to Mark and Happy Anniversary to Mark and Traci!

OK, I'm losing my mind. It's official. I think you all know this about me already. I'm late on b-day and anniversary greetings.



Happy belated birthday to Mark! Mark is married to my friend Traci from IL. Traci and I have been friends forever. It's so nice to know she has a great guy in her life. :-) Happy b-day Mark!

And, happy Anniversary to Mark and Traci! You guys rock! Hope you get to enjoy some quality YOU time with each other.

Lots of hugs and love!

Picture of Mark, Jeffrey, and Traci (missing is the new little guy, Joseph).

Busy week . . . .

It's been a busy yet productive week.

Working at second job (30 hours). Appt's. Meeting at Witch House to incorporate service learning into my local history class. Planning first unit of World History. Getting stuff done around the condo. Oil change. Meeting with friends for quality time (included a lobster dinner - Yummy). :-)

I signed up for an organization class which I'm excited about taking next week. It's online and lasts for about four weeks. It cost $50 (normally $100). I have to pick one small project (I think I'm going to pick my closet in my bedroom) to organize. I'll try and remember to post before and after pictures. :-)

How was your week?

Check off the list . . . . one paper and lesson plan DONE!

I did it!

The lesson plan for emailed on Friday and the 10 page thematic essay was emailed on Sunday evening.

Done.

FINALLY!

Now I wait for my grade.

My summer can officially begin . . . . . .

Two Birthday Wishes to Two Great Friends!

Picture of Lauren and I taken at my condo.

Picture of Traci and I taken at her house in IL.

Happy B-day Ladies! :-)

Traci - We've been friends since high school. Lots of parties!!! We've been through a lot of ups and downs over the years but we've stuck through them together. You've been a wonderful friend to me. I've watched you over the years become an amazing wife and Mom to those handsome boys of yours and you are great!!!!!! Happy birthday and enjoy your extra special day! I love ya!!!!!! Hugs!!!!!!

Lauren - Remember our crazy days at Pagenet???? Seems like yesterday when we (you, Janet, and Me) used to eat lunch together and talk about TV programs. There has been a lot of drama in both of our lives (namely over men) over the years but we hung in there. You've found the love of your life (Mr. Rich) and have the "bestest" doggie eva' (hugs to Giz)!!!!! Happy B-day kiddo! I love ya!!!!!! Hugs!!!!!!!

I am so proud to call both of these gals my friends. Enjoy your day ladies!!! You both deserve it!!!!!!

PS Sorry about the old photos. I don't have any recent pictures of us together.:-)