Worm Farm

So I have really been getting into gardening and composting with my students this year. They really seem to be enjoying it. So my next door neighbor, we shall call him Science Guy, showed me his worm compost (poop) bin and I thought it was so cool. So cool I wanted to start my own poop bin. Now Science Guy had a huge tupperware bin and I wanted something smaller and more doable especially since worms make me dry heave. So I grabbed a little file container I used in the past to put the new worms in. Science Guy told me I would have to drill holes all over the box in order to give them oxygen, he offered to bring in his drill to get it done. I kindly declined since our custodial staff had one. I decided to approach our custodian whom we shall call Bam Bam. I asked Bam Bam to help me drill holes throughout the box, he being the generous custodian he is kindly accepted. The first day the drill died on us so now holes were put in. The next day he came to help me out again and place holes on the box. Little did he know his own strength..... below are two pictures of the first hole he put inside my box. The three tiny holes next to the giant hole is what I was looking for.

One week down!

This week was really fun to spend with this new class. I really missed my kids from the last 2 years for the first few days, but I got over that quickly. This new class has so much personality, they really like to get into the "what if's," I love it for the most part until they go off on it for longer than I like, but heck they are curious. We built some solar ovens this week and cooked pizzas in them and plan to make some smores next week. I will have to get some pictures of their ovens and post them. They are really quite clever. We brought in three items that described ourselves as well and the kids really got into it. I taught them table rumbles (thank you Convergys for teaching me that one). Overall a really get introduction week with this class. I think this year will be a fun and creative year for us.

Something to be grateful for...

I am so grateful I found my purpose in life.....Serving others. I am so inspired this year and can't wait to get back into the groove with my students (AKA my kids). I love giving to them and watching them succeed. I got my test scores back this week and am so proud of my little babies from last year. They all rocked at EVERYTHING! I wish I could have another day with them to celebrate their accomplishments. I wish I could go with them to middle school and show the other teachers they will encounter the greatness they possess. I can't wait to bring out that in this year's class. I love teaching and am so happy I found where I belong. I am so content and happy with my life. I am so lucky. I am stoked to start some of my volunteering this year and bring back to the class. Look for updates and hilarious stories to come!

Yellowstone

I had a great time with my family in Yellowstone a few weeks ago. We had tons of fun together as a family. Lots of sun, fresh air, delicious food, and time together. Here are some pictures I took with my G1 phone.

What is this song trying to tell me?

Last week was a total drag. First, my favorite band screws me over with money. Then at the concert I get blisters all over my feet which are still there but the worse is the huge one under my little pinkie toe. Hurts like a mother... Then my phone line is shut off so I call the company only to find out not only did they disconnect my phone line but my Internet. Then I discover there are hurdles to be jumped before I get either back, what's worse is it all had been done by a company with little or no sympathy for making it up to customers for their mistakes. They also sent me a defective cellphone a few days before. Anyways, here is my point. I was listening to my first OK Go album and re-stumbled upon this song which I felt was written for me this week. Here is just a few lines:


Makes you sick, makes you ill,makes you cheat, slipping change from the till.
Had it up to the gills... makes you cry while the milk still spills.
Ain't it just a bitch? What a pain...Well it's all a crying shame.
What left to do but complain? Better find someone to blame.

(Hey!) Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Get over it, get over it.

Love this song. I would recommend for anyone having a bad day.

A new me.

It has been almost a month since school got out and although I am teaching summer school I find I still really need something to do in my spare time. I have always been busy. I have worked and gone to school since I was 16 and really love to keep myself occupied. Don't get me wrong I love having summers off but I usually keep myself busy with trips. Since I am going to get my master's degree over these next two years I will need to really cut back and prioritize my life (AKA no more expensive trips). Anyways to my point, this week I took 2 days to rework my kitchen. Yes 2 days only! It looks incredible! I love it as does my roomie. I am so close to being finished with my condo only a few more things to be done but they can wait and aren't noticeable. So I am posting some pictures on my condo for those of you who have yet to see it. I am not including my roommates room (it's her private life) and of course the bathroom, it's not perfect yet. Tell me what you think. :)

My wicker chair! I love it and it took forever to get right.


My bedroom.

Living room. First are my pictures I bought in Paris, brought home and framed myself.



The clock I painted and designed myself.



Two pictures of my living room as well.

My dining room. I love my table.

The kitchen! The first is a picture of my kitchen before.



The next two are pictures after all work was complete.


New coat of paint on cupboards, new hinges, knobs, and wall color.



Last are my new spice magnets. I love them so much, so much fun and adds a pop of color-WorldMarket 1.99-great investment.

Time to reflect...

Today was the last official day with my students. Boy will I miss them. What an amazing class, full of so much life, energy, humor, and personality. I can't wait til next year. Here is a reflection of some of my good times with my kids this year:

• First day-they were totally over the honeymoon period at 10 am that day (little brats), since I had half of them the year before. Speaking of which I remember going home every night my first year of teaching and just crying. I had no idea what I was doing and was so afraid of messing them up. Norberto my sweet little Norberto who came to me speaking no English and first day in a new country said to me today, "Miss Mantas thank you for teaching me to read, write and speak in English these last two years." Best moment of my life to date!
• fraction cookies- nothing like setting off the fire alarm!
• Coraline- educating students in more way than one that day, academics and street smarts.
• Mini solar system activity- designed by my student teacher, great activity with toilet paper, bad weather....
• Math activities with the Random Name Picker-boy do the kids love their probability.
• CRT week- many games and nicknames discovered, I was there after known as Mint
• Classic skating- I died my hair pink and bladed all day
• June 8th- water fight and class video need i say more?

Amazing class with amazing memories. They will be missed. I look forward to seeing great things from them in the years to come.

This week I couldn't wait to get back...

I was so worried and anxious this weekend. I was so excited to have 4 days off until Thursday after school when a student of mine approached me and told me about her depression. I couldn't understand what she was talking about, she said a girl in our class was giving her "looks" and talking about her although she had no proof and no idea what was said. I kept probing her until I could get a full idea of what she meant by 'depressed.' Her definition was she is always contemplating suicide over this situation, that she would rather be dead than deal with it. It was like a slap in the face, I was so shocked and stunned at what she was telling me. I quickly referred her to counseling, and my counselor referred her for medical help. I was so glad to see her at school today back in my class. I kept thinking about all that was said to me Thursday and kept running things through my head and thinking about how to solve this situation. The only thing I need to know is-why would a 'look' make you want to end your life? I know we all react so differently and there are chemical unbalances, but it is a look! Why do we build things up beyond what they are? People will always give you 'looks,' especially girls. I just hope she can cope with the things that will hit her in her life to come.

When all is said and done.

11 more days! I just can't wait. I will miss them so much, but I am starting to see the hormones kick in and they are driving me crazy. I swear if one more of them roll their eyes at me I will come after them. I got one from one of my favorites kids last week and boy he apologized quickly when he saw my face give him the "oh no you didn't (snap)" look. I think he thought I would strangle him, since he jumped a little. :) I definately loved and grew up a lot with this class. It will be a bitter, sweet good-bye.

There is one in every crowd....

This week was a crazy week. We started our end of the year testing called CRT's, and had my last meeting with mine and Tillie's greif group. Our last meeting went so well. We went to McDonald's and Tille gave them some notebook to write their thoughts and feelings inside when they wanted to. It was so great of her. I was the one walking back with the kids right after and heard them talking about making it into their personal journal and how they will write in it. It was a really good experience for me to hear all their thoughts about loosing a loved one. There is a lot of emotion they are carrying on their back and it was great to help them relieve some of their stress. I look forward to having this experience with them next year.

I don't think I can do this

I started writing my students their good-bye letters today for when they leave me in about 30 days and I just can't stand the thought of loosing them. I cried on a few letters and am really having a hard time coping with letting them go. Last year I was totally cool because I knew I would see them again in 6th grade. Now being a 6th grade teacher and knowing I won't see them again is really getting to me. I don't know if I can do it. Is it legal just to take them all and keep them for myself. Perhaps hold them back a year? Lol. I never would it is just a nice thought. I only got through 8 out of the 24 letters today. It will be a hard week I can feel really it.

Sister-in-law

Ok I only have one but I love to be around her. Here's why:

-She is hilarious
-She is kind
-She makes amazing cookies
-Has a yellow car
-Was a fun roommate
-Invites me to things
-Likes the office
-Can quote the office
-Likes Gordon Ramsey
-Married my brother
-Has great decorating skills
-Smart
-Works at Olive Garden
-Can take it as well as give it

Chris is back!

I never knew how dependent I was on my cousin Chris until he went to see some family in New Mexico....

Here are just some examples:

*Chris and I go to the gym 5 am in the morning during the week, apparently I won't go unless I know for sure he is going.
*I love the new pancakes at Village Inn, I won't go unless Chris goes with me.
*I was debating to go to a family party last week cause he wasn't gonna be there. I went, but thought about not going repeatedly.
*His wife is the only wife I can really get along with and enjoy myself. Amy (Chris' wife) is the type of woman that you are so comfortable around you want to grab a flavored soda, kick back and 'shoot the breeze' with. I love it when she is around and hate it when she works, just like Chris. :) If she wasn't married to Chris I would still want to be her friend. In short, she is really cool.
*I don't hold Office night unless there is a chance he just 'might' show up.
*He is the only person I will go to 5 or 6 different restaurants with on a Saturday afternoon.


Anyways I hope I am making a point here and Chris will read this. Those who know me know I am very independent and this is just becoming a handicap. :) I am glad he is home...

People you never forget

There are very few people in life who have left a mark in my life. They have left such a deep mark that I think about the times we have had together all the time. I strive to be like them and would pay good money to be around their energy. Here is the sad part, we move on and take new careers, make other friends, and begin to loose contact.

This week I had a blast from the past come to my school, Jamison. Not only was I able to see him again and be around everything I strive to be but he taught my kids too! It was so fun, he had so much energy and passed it on to my kids. Jamison brought his dog Rooger which was so much fun for the kids and taught them a lesson along with it, you see Rooger is a dog who searches schools for drugs, alcohol, and guns. It was such a great and positive impact for the kids not only to play with a dog but learn about how serious it is and the consequences their choices can bring.

I will never forget the impact it had on my students and to hear their excitement and energy around Jamison and Rooger.

Huge thanks to my friend Jamison and Rooger!

Woah! What a way to end the week! This last fall I spent a whole day planting some tulips. I love tulips and always have for many reasons. They main one is I am lazy and hate to plant so I figured since my parents tulips grow back every year with no work, it would apply to me. Another is their beauty, the colors they produce and the way they stand so straight is remarkable to me. The last is they are big in Holland and I went there 2 years ago and so it makes the memories more sentimental. Anyways, back to why this made my week; last fall I planted tulips that would bloom all throughout the year; I really planned ahead here, some in the spring, summer, and fall. I know get to the point.....they are starting to grow!

If she wants to ride she rides, if she wants to roll she rolls...

This always happens this time of year. I start to miss traveling. I miss sleeping in small hotels, traveling on a bus all day, having my closest friends with me, and picking out souvenirs. It sucks too; I will not be seeing another major landmarks for the next two years, since I will be journeying towards my masters degree. Not saying this will not be a journey in and of itself. I guess these pictures will have to remind me of what I love and will be counting down the next two years to doing again.

Reasons why I like hockey games....

1. The fights
2. The fights
3. The cute men on skates
4. The people I sit next to that I get to meet
5. Only 3 periods, not 4
6. The kids on the jumbo TV that dance like fools
7. You parents get on the jumbo TV and have no idea
8. The fights
9. Go into overtime
10. Go from overtime to sudden death shootouts
11. Free things come from the ceiling
12. Hitting your sister with the free things that came from the ceiling
13. Getting out for time with family
14. Pulling into the parking area, I love how they guide you through and you never know whether to stop or go.
15. The people that coach you into a stall and tell you where to park and you must pull through so you won't have to back up after
16. Screaming your head off

Everyone should experience at least one game. They are a ton of fun to be at and you can take my list and check them off as you go through out the day. Sounds like a challenge? :)

Master's Degree

I have found the next big step to take in my life. I want to get my master's degree. Of course that statement just terrifies the crap out of me. I am afraid for my students and how they will suffer, my sanity, my family, my friends, and my future. I am excited though because it will be in technology and in a small cohort, with lots of help, no thesis, no exams, will not start until hopefully the summer and will result in more money.
If things go as I am hoping and I get into this particular college it should result in the above. I am starting to think though I will definately need to stop the Europe trips for the next two years, plan a big one for when I am finished (this will definately push me through); also start looking into a job to start in the summer and the weekends throughout the school year. Any suggestions on where I should go in two years and what job I should look into? Post them here!

I read Kyle's goals for the new year.

Today I decided to log back into my blog and catch up on what has been going on in everyones lives. It of course took me an hour or so to remember my password, but at last I was able to over come that heep in my life and log in. Once logged in I started looking at my favorite blog by Kyle Mantas only to discover his goals for the new year, boy was I surprised.
Let me give you some background....Kyle is one of my favorite people for so many reasons:

1. He goes to the gym with me
2. He comes to Office night
3. He understands my dry sense of humor
4. Takes offense at my dry sense of humor
5. Is really great at getting along with my other favorite cousin Chris
6. Started cousin night which we haven't been the best at keeping up on but it isn't his fault
7. Has a contagious laugh
8. Smiles a lot
9. Helps out my kids and me at school
10. Can dance like you wouldn't even believe
11. Does stupid things to prove a point
12. Is one of those people you constantly want to be around because you know he can make you greater
13. Thinks Todd is cute just like me
14. He is a super rare person but has no idea
15. He always wants to better himself
16. Isn't afraid of looking stupid
17. Is genuine about helping anyone and everyone
18. Has talent like you wouldn't believe
19. Gives you goosebumps when he plays
20. Can conquer almost anything life gives him

If you already don't hate Kyle enough keep reading....

Anyways, Kyle announced to me this year that it was his goal to perhaps attend BYU; as you can imagine this crushed me. :) Only because I love him so much. So it was then that I decided to start a bet on how soon he would be married, since those who go to BYU usually go with some other agenda (don't get me wrong here, BYU is great and all but most people go there to get hitched. I am not saying that ALL people go for this reason, but it a reputation). It was a huge hit everyone wanted in on this bet we even had to start a google calendar to keep up with everyones month they choose. Kyle as you can guess acted less than pleased about this event even though I know deep down he loved the attention.

Anyways back to my original point. Kyle listed his goals as follows can you guess which one set me off today?

My goals: The Year Two Thousand and Mine

Move out of my parents house.
Write more songs.
Go back to school.
Find a woman.
Accept defeat.
Buy woman big ring.
Live happily ever after

Love you lots Kyle, but we need to talk.... Especially about the month I have money placed in on the bet....