Snerk. An article about Jews and the werewolf mythology, which a bunch of Buffy references. (This article is making me roll my eyes, a lot, and remember a bunch of papers I wrote in college where my aim pretty much became "stretch this metaphor far enough that I can get another two pages out of it.") [link]

Nilly, doing well overall. I'm really sad about leaving my students and my department, though. It just is the best move for me, I think.

It just is the best move for me, I think.

Well, if you stayed there and were unhappy, it wouldn't be good to any of you, right?

The phrasing, putting in exact order, including imagining the responses of the class and how to take them from point A to point Z through all the relevant points on the way - that's more often more difficult than actually deciding what to say.

Yes! And figuring out that probably we'll run out of time, so deciding what I want them definitely to do and what they should do if they have time... and then, once I'd done most of that, I thought, they're going to get confused, so I'd better write somewhat detailed instructions. Not that I expect them to read them, but if they get lost they'll at least be there. And then I thought to myself, oh, fiddlesticks. I've got a couple of English learning students in each class who are having serious language problems (that is, they're really good English speakers, but throwing in math language as well is like saying, "Okay, time to take the water wings off and let you swim on your own! Also, do it with your hands tied. Go!"). Are these instructions going to be any help at all? Oy. So, we'll see. Mostly, tomorrow's class is explicitly to get them familiar with the software, so even if all they do is play around, it's okay. Except I also have to figure out what I'm going to say when my cooperating teacher asks, as he always does five minutes after class is over, "What would you have done differently?"

Um. Sorry, that's what happens when I get started. Two sections of basic Geometry. I need to take over at least one section of Algebra II probably this coming week, but I'm totally not ready.

And then I thought to myself, oh, fiddlesticks.

One of the disadvantages of Hebrew is that I can't thing "fiddlesticks" to myself.

that's what happens when I get started.

Which is what I had hopped would happen when I asked my question, because I sit here and nod in front of the screen in agreement to everything you post.

You're teaching them with a specific software, written for the subject?

Hang in there, Emily. It's never as hard as it is when you're student teaching.

Thanks Nilly. I really do like many things about the school, but a couple of the more patriarchal men in the admin have really pushed me out. Anyway, what's done is done. Positive attitude, ahoy.

One of the disadvantages of Hebrew is that I can't thing "fiddlesticks" to myself.

Hmm... no satisfying literal translation?

a couple of the more patriarchal men in the admin have really pushed me out.

Since it's a Jewish school, my "oy" is appropriate, right?

what's done is done

Now that you've decided, definitely. I hope the new place appraciates you better.

What's going on, other than work? I hardly ever get to post with you anymore - I have no idea how the West Coast treats you, other than your "Beep Me" posts.

[Edit:

no satisfying literal translation?

Nothing I can think of has the same feel, alas.]

Since it's a Jewish school, my "oy" is appropriate, right?

Oh definitely! And it's a pity because I so love so many aspects of the school and have learned so much from working there.

What's going on, other than work? I hardly ever get to post with you anymore - I have no idea how the West Coast treats you, other than your "Beep Me" posts.

It's too bad you aren't on LJ; I update there frequently. To sum up: Work is what it is. Loving the West Coast and the new North Hollywood guest house I moved into in December. Loving being with ND, who is my best friend as well as my SO. Loving the new friends I've made out here. Loving the warmer weather (though March was quite cool and rainy). I do miss my family and East Coast friends quite a bit, but I've never once regretted making the move.

Really, life is pretty good. It's just been a lot of changes over a short period of time, and I'm a bit exhausted.

Highlights of the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards (hosted by Jack Black) so far: Pink singing "Stupid Girls" with Lindsay Lohan and Hillary Duff in the audience, Jack filking "Saturday Night's Alright For a Fight" in an Evel Knievel jumpsuit, and Justin Timberlake and Hugh Jackman in a burping contest (complete with trash talk).