Hi ChiKat! Miss you. How's school (except for the horrible not-letting-us through- the-filter-ness)?

Oh, no. I've thoroughly embarrassed myself twice this week already, once with a case of mistaken identity, and once by breaking one of my own rules about when to keep my mouth shut. I wish to spend the next few days curled up in the dark, hoping everyone forgets about me.

Nora! Welcome home! Hugs to you and Tom. That was a rough trip in many ways, I'm sure.

School is going well. I've got a couple of classes that are having behavioral issues that we're working through. One is a squirrelly, hyper 6th grade class that I think I can get working okay pretty quickly. The other is an 8th grade class where they tend to dump problem children. The students and I are working on a system in that class and it seems to be working.

My 6th graders are working on puppet shows right now and they are so cute it's killing me. One of my girls drew me a "I LOVE DRAMA" picture. In my more advanced 8th grade class, we're blocking our fall play and the kids are so into it and having fun. My 7th graders are working on radio shows and some are really into it and others think they are way too cool for it.

I'm amazed at how much support I get from the administration and district. After student teaching in a district where support is really non-existant, this is a pleasant change.

All in all, good. Once I move next week and shorten my commute from 75 minutes to 5 minutes, I think I will be loving it.

Teachers are brave.

Yay Joejob! May they be very beneficial to each other.

The editing discussion had me laughing and 'oh, woe'-ing. I read aloud...I read backwards...and still, I can't avoid the errors. Usually my dyslexia is funny (misreadings of signs can be hilarious) but sometimes, mortifying.

David, I went back and had my hair cut even shorter today. The faboo stylist agreed that, while excellent, the cut was just not going to do what I needed for more than a week or so. The sides stick out (purposely) and any growth at all would become quickly bozoesque.

She didn't charge me for the recut, even though it was a preference thing. (though I did ask for shorter at the time, we both misjudged the durability of the cut) I gave her a big tip for being so kind...and doing such a good job.

Aw Zen, one of the great things about embarrassments like that is they seldom ever last. And, in my experience, are often less slighty to the recipient than I assume in my own mind. I hope the discomfort passes quickly. Your mouth needn't be shut! I always enjoy hearing (seeing) what you have to say.

Also, welcome to BigDuluth, since you seem to be new. Or are you delurking?

Thx Windsparrow, I'm Steve. I'd've lurked first but quite frankly I don't think I'm capable. In short this place feels comfortable. I made Coffee On My Moniter last night and was thoroughly pleased with myself.

To all of those dumping toxic relationships, hells yeah! The ones that've gone on for a long time are hard to shake.

Someone tell me to get my ass in gear. I need to do some work on Halloween Horror Nights while I'm stuck in a hotel tonight and I'm having issues getting myself started.

UtilKilts count as gear.

Unfortunately I don't have a utilikilt with me.

I'm with Drew. ugh.

I should be packing up to leave for the retreat tomorrow morning. So much to do getting both me and Bartleby ready...but I just haven't been able to get too it.

Do not WANT!

That's the long and short of it, but Really, Really NEED at the same time.

I'm tempted to go to bed now and risk getting it all done in the morning, but that would probably lead to insomnia...and madness.

Blergh. 11pm is no time to be looking for inspiration.