My Life

Things That Are Tough:
1. The fact that I just can't seem to muster enough strength and/or motivation to make dinner every night.
2. I can't quite figure out what I am doing at school. I feel like a first-year teacher all over again.
3. I am hungry because I haven't eaten dinner yet and it's 9:50, so it doesn't look like it is going to happen (see #1).
4. I want a pair of skinny jeans, but can't find a pair that isn't too tight on my calves.
5. My face is breaking out and I think it's the stress.
6. I think I might have to stop eating less because I am no longer pregnant and breastfeeding.

Thing I Really Like About My Life:
1. When my students eloquently explain how to solve a math problem, and I know they learned it from me.
2. Amirah is walking behind her push toy and I feel like such a proud momma.
3. Watching Parenthood. This is the best show since Gilmore Girls!
4. I am almost finished with my lesson plans from next week.

Things I Am Not Sure About:
1. Ysmaille is going to become a U.S. citizen on Wednesday. It's weird. I know nothing REALLY changes, but I kind of liked the fact that I was married to an islander.
2. I am done breastfeeding. My baby girl is growing up. I really wanted to continue until she was 1 year, but things didn't quite work out that way. I thought I would be so sad, but part of me feels relieved.

My Sister, My Hero

I babysat Natalie tonight. It started out well. And then it was dinner time. Angela had packed peas, rice, and applesauce. I put Natalie in the high chair and warmed up the rice and peas combo while I fed her the applesauce. Amirah was content playing in the living room until one ill-fated mood and then things fell apart.

With one slip of my hand peas and rice went everywhere! Have you ever tried sweeping up peas and rice? Let me just say it doesn't work very well. Amirah suddenly became interested in what was happening and headed toward the kitchen. I quickly moved her away and began sweeping Natalie's meal away. Natalie just looked at me with a look that said, "My mom NEVER sweeps my food off the floor and throws it away. What are you doing?" Natatlie ended up eating a turkey burger and bread.

How does Angela do this everyday? God bless her!

Making a Difference!

Six days in and things are going pretty well. I am determined that this year be different. I've always been a good teacher, but this year I want to make sure I am doing more than affecting their minds. I want to also affect their hearts.

It's going to be interesting. I have two students who can't spell their last names, a student who has been out performing third graders since first grade, a child who has peed his/her pants, several students with attention difficulties, etc.

In the midst of all the craziness their are 26 students who come to school everyday and whether or not they now it or not-- they need me!