Master Brandon

Sometimes while I'm sitting at the computer, or watching television, or faking interest in someone else's conversation, it dawns on me. I have my Masters. It truly is an amazing feeling. Being the first person on either side of my family (with the exception of my Dad's Dad) to graduate from college was a huge accomplishment for me. Now, being the first person on either side (period) to graduate with a Masters is even more important. I am so grateful that I had parents who encouraged me to succeed in Education. It is my love of learning (even though Casey would disagree with that statement...he thinks I'd rather watch reality television than pick up a book) that has brought me this far. I just wish having your Masters was recognized somehow. If people with Doctorate degrees are called "Doctor," why aren't people with their Masters' degree called "Master?"In some ways, having the “Master” title might be more awesome than being called “Doctor”.

“Hello, I’m Master Brandon. Pleased to meet you.”

I feel like I've earned that title, and people should start using it. I also feel like I've earned the right to start wearing bow ties. And so I have been. A bow tie is grown up and sophisticated, just like a person with a Masters degree is.

From now on please refer to me as Master Brandon, especially if you see me in a bow tie.

I'm back...

It has been far to long since I have blogged about anything to do with my life. This will be a quick catch-up blog for those who are interested.

I finished up with my student teaching. YAY! It was a wonderful experience in the long run. Even though it was one of the most stressful and difficult things I have ever had to do, it proved to me how much I love teaching. I had such an amazing class and each and every one of them touched my heart in some way. I could not have asked for more. They were a handful at times(to prove to me that teaching is hard work and you have to be a disciplinarian), they were hysterical at times (to prove to me how great it is to be around children all day), and they were challenging at times (to prove to me that I have to be on top of my game if I am going to succeed). On the last day of student teaching my kids surprised me with a tee-shirt that they had all signed the back of, a book of letters they had each written to say good-bye, and a little going-away party. Knowing I would be an emotional wreck by the end of the day, the last thing Casey had said to me that morning was, "Don't cry. It's not good for the kids." Well, I was doing quit well until my mentor had me sit in a circle of my students and asked them each to say one thing they liked about me. I was a mess by the end. They had the greatest comments for me...everything from, "You have the coolest shoes" to "You are the greatest teacher I have ever had." Needless to say the waterworks came and as soon as they all saw me crying, they started to cry. I made 22 8 year olds cry in a matter of seconds. I'm a MONSTER!

Since student teaching ended I've gone back to work full-time and am trying to substitute for my school district whenever possible. It is a great way to get your name out there and to network. So far I have been back four times to sub and it is going well. Substituting is far different than student teaching. As a student teacher the kids took me serious and treated me with respect. As a "substitute" all rules go out the window. Even the classes I taught as a student teacher treat me differently now. What is it about the word "substitute" and the need to push the boundaries of human decency? It is crazy what these kids will try to get away with. I'm not in love with substituting. Perhaps if the money was better I would try to do it more often, but for now once or twice a week will suffice.





Christmas is just around the corner and I must say that I am on fire this year. I already have Casey completely gifted and wrapped sitting underneath the tree with the exception of one additional gift I had to purchase because of poor decision making on my behalf. I'm still waiting for this said gift to show up at my door from China. Christmas is my favorite time of year and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE gift wrap, ribbons, tags, and wrapping. Wrapping presents is therapeutic to me. It is honestly one of my great loves in life. I would love to work in the mall wrapping presents for people, but unfortunately the free gift wrap they supply you with is not up to my standards. I believe in beautiful packages...not paper covered in "Barnes and Noble" or "Layton Hills Mall" logos. It just doesn't do it for me. With that said this year I am hand making tags and doing a whole black and white theme for each gift. They look fantastic sitting together under the tree. Yes...my tree is up already! As controversial as it may sound, it has been up for almost a week now. We are hosting Thanksgiving this year for my family and I didn't have time to get it up the night before so that it could look festive for this lame holiday, nor would I have time to do it ON Thanksgiving (which is usually the standard) since we'd have everyone to deal with, and food to cook and clean up, so we put it up early. Besides, if I didn't have a tree then all of Casey's gifts would still be sitting on the new bench we bought for the kitchen. Not a cute look.

(Not mine...but you sort of get the idea)

Oh yeah...we updated our kitchen in the last few months. We finally got some color in there to help make our semi-newly painted cabinets pop. We went with a Restoration Grey and Blue scheme and it looks great. We also hung a chandelier, some new art work, and bought a bench and table to make the wall across from our dinning table a little more cozy and useful. The changes look great and we couldn't be happier with them. All that is left is new counter tops, a back splash, and updated appliances and the kitchen will be practically perfect. All in good time.


Well, there is not much left to talk about. At least not in this blog.

HaPpY hOlIdAyS fRiEnDs!

2 Reasons Why I Love Teaching...

#1 The third grade teachers in my school teach rotations of science and social studies lessons. Today I had to go next door to teach my first science lesson to the other third grade classroom. When I was walking back to my regular classroom a student of mine said...

"Hey Mr. Christensen, how did your lesson go?"

My response to this completely adorable and totally off the wall question was...

"It went well buddy, thanks for asking!"

#2 I was teaching acrostic poems to my class the other day. Our first poem was an example based off of a story we were reading about penguins. P-E-N-G-U-I-N-S were the letters my class had to fill in with descriptions about the Antarctic birds. Later I had the class create a poem using their own names. I wrote my last name going down the white board as an example, and asked the students to help me think of clever, descriptions for myself. I told them I wanted to use things like onomatopoeia and alliteration. When we got to the letter "T" in Christensen I asked my students to help me. Their response was...

"T-alented, terrific, teacher!"

I swear I almost shed a tear! My students make me smile everyday! I love my job!

I loathe late work!

So far student teaching in 3rd grade has been a blast. I am learning so much from this experience and I am very grateful to have such a wonderful mentor who is open and honest and knows what she is doing. It has been amazing to see her wonderful teaching skills at work and to gain such useful techniques for my own teaching experience.

However, I do have one major problem with student teaching so far. Late work!!! Well, actually, it's the way my mentor handles late work. I understand that you need to teach children to be responsible when it comes to turning in their assignments. I don't think anyone should get a free ride, so I agree that students need to be held accountable for getting their homework in on time. The problem that I am having with late work is that my mentor holds these fun projects over the student's heads in order to bribe them into turning in their work on time. I don't know how she normally carries out this plan, but because I'm in the classroom this is how it has taken place the last two weeks....

Mentor- (tells the students) "If you have all of your assignments turned in you get popcorn and a fun art project to work on this afternoon. If you don't...you are in for recess and you will sit and work until they are completed."

Me- (thinking to myself) "Oh, that sounds reasonable."

Students- (thinking to themselves) "OH MY GOD! I HAVE TO GET MY WORK DONE RIGHT NOW! IF I DON'T FINISH THIS MATH ASSIGNMENT AND TURN IT INTO THE CLOSEST OBJECT THAT RESEMBLES A HOMEWORK BASKET IMMEDIATELY MY LIFE WILL END!!!"

As you can imagine, this causes some major panic and drama for an 8 year old. For the next three hours all I hear is..."Do I have any missing work? What do I need to do now? I turned that in already, why don't you have it? I put that in the basket! I swear I've turned that in! What does it look like? What am I missing still? Can I have my fun project now? Why don't I get to work on the art project? "So and So" is eating their popcorn in front of me and it makes me sad! What am I missing still? Did you get that assignment yet? Can I start my art project now? What am I still missing? I'm done with that assignment where do I put it? Am I missing anything? Is this the right assignment? I can't find my assignment, can I have another one? Can I cross my name off the board and start my fun project?" ETC. ETC. ETC.

By the end of our "Fun Fridays" I want to blow my brains out! I don't understand what my mentor used to do before me to keep this process on track and running smoothly? Right now, they all come running to me with their questions because they don't want to ask her and be in trouble for not knowing what to do. My problem is that I can't handle 20 kids asking me questions all at once, and have to know what has and hasn't been turned in yet, and who is or isn't prepared, and which kids do or don't get to start the fun projects that we dedicate our "Fun Fridays" too! Right now fun Fridays are not much fun at all. In fact they are more like nervous breakdown Fridays for me. There has got to be a better way to handle this late work issue. I am open to any and all suggestions. PLEASE!!!! SHARE YOUR WISDOM WITH ME!

3rd Grade Shenanigans

Student teaching is far more complicated than I ever thought. With all the lesson planning, paper grading, faculty meetings, and photo copying to accomplish it is amazing to me that I still have time to get in my 2 hours a night at work (my real job that actually pays me). The issue I have with student teaching is that you don't REALLY get to teach things your way. Sure you get to be in front of the class and be in charge of the kids, but you are basically a guest in someone else's house and they like things done their way. I understand this completely. I wouldn't want some "kid" coming into my well established classroom and making up a bunch of new rules, regulations, and rewards based on their own beliefs that alter what I have already taught. It is just strange to see things in the classroom that you are fundamentally against, and yet you have to carry them out because you are the "guest." It sounds like I am complaining about my placement, but I'm really not. I am learning so much from my mentor teacher. I know there is a rhyme and reason for the things she does, and for some reason, even when she pulls those cards or disciplines the kids, they come back the next day loving her. They are sort of like dogs in that aspect; you punish, but they still show you unconditional love.

My class is fantastic this year. I could not have asked for better students. The majority of them are super bright and have these fantastic little personalities that I can't wait to get to know better. Like every class though, we do have some low kids, and there are definitely some behavioral children, but honestly nothing you couldn't handle on a day to day basis. I really lucked out with this classroom. They are polite, well spoken, funny, and seem to enjoy both school and learning. It's going to be an exciting ten weeks. Well... eight actually. I can't believe it, I'm two weeks down already.

Moaning Myrtle(s)...

I had two separate experiences with moaning woman on Sunday. For most men that sounds as if it would be a rather enjoyable afternoon, but for me it was just uncomfortable. Let me explain...

First, I had breakfast at Cafe Normandie on Sunday where I sat across from an older woman (mid 40's I'd say) who kept moaning every time she raised a leg, or stood, or sat, or even slightly moved her body; including raising her fork. I later learned (by the shear volume of her voice during conversation) that she had gone on an "intense" 40 mile bike ride earlier in the day. This I can only assume explains why she showed up to brunch wearing a hot pink and black sports bra. Her and her "girls" had a hell of a time working out that morning, and apparently she was feeling the results at brunch.

Later, I went to the Broadway Theater to see the film Food, Inc. and there was a woman two rows behind me who kept making moans of enjoyment at the fact that she was either sitting in a cool theater, eating a bucket of delicious popcorn, OR about to see a film she was very excited for. I couldn't really tell what the moans were about, but those are some suggestions.

For the remainder of my Sunday everything I did involved a moan of delight...

"Let's make some cookies."

"MMmmm okay!"

"Want to watch the new Design Star?"

"MMmmmmmm definitely."

"How do you feel about burritos for dinner?"

"MMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sounds good!"

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. It got a laugh every time!

PRAXIS Makes Perfect!

I am taking the PRAXIS on Saturday. This is the test that is required by the state of Utah for teacher licensing. If I happen to not pass the test I have the first three years of my career to retake it so that I am ensured a position and license. While studying for this test I have realized that no matter how prepared Westminster has made me for teaching in the classroom, they have done NOTHING to refresh my memory on the material we learn as children. I can't believe how much I have forgotten when it comes to mathematics. Some of the questions I am completely blown away by. Do you remember how to convert improper fractions? WHAT??? It has been quite the awakening for me to have to remember all of the different formulas for solving equations. It's not that I can't do the math, I just have to figure out how you do it.

Also, I have forgotten how ridiculous high stakes test taking really is. It has been years since I have had to take a bubble sheet test. The study book I bought gives you all of these suggestions for making the test taking experience as pleasant as possible. Suggestions such as...Read the newspaper everyday the week before, this will help your brain become used to words and sentences you may not be familiar with...Start an exercise routine and make sure you eat healthy the week of...Map out a route and conduct a dry run of the time it takes you to get to the testing center, this will ensure you know how to find your way and that you can arrive at the testing site (not the parking lot) at least 15 minutes before the testing begins. As helpful as these suggestions are, they really freak me out! Is this a test or a life style change they are asking for? I can't imagine the pressure today's students feel when taking high stake tests in school and knowing that they affect their future outcome.

Even though I am a little apprehensive about taking the PRAXIS I keep hearing that it isn't as bad as you think, and that it is quite easy to pass. I hope that is the case for me, and if it isn't, at least I have three years to work on it.

My Dog Is Cuter Than Your Dog...My Dog Is A Member Of The Honor Roll...My Dog Can Beat Up Your Dog!

I never thought I would become one of those people. You know the ones. They are obsessed with how smart, cute, funny, personable, talented, attractive their dogs are. I had dogs growing up, my very own dog in fact, and I was never one of those people.

However, with the addition of Serena, our little Cocker Spaniel, I have totally become"One of THOSE people!" She's perfect.

BTW...everywhere we take Serena we hear, "Oh my gosh, she's so-o cute. I had a Cocker growing up." We've decided (and by "we" I mean my shit head friends who tease Case and I for how much we love S) that Cocker Spaniels were the dog of the 80's. Everyone had one "growing up," but how often do you see them now? (Oprah doesn't count)

She may be the dog of the 80's, but thanks to Casey and I the 80's are back. We are starting the new trend of Cockers as current pets. Jump on the bandwagon while it's still hot people!

2nd Proposal

The ring...it's a much darker color in person.

So...Casey proposed to me this weekend. Well, sort of. I sent out a message saying that he did, and I got a lot of confused responses back. Mainly, "Didn't you already do that?"

Well, the answer is, yes I did. I guess I don't know what to call it. He gave me a ring in return for the ring that I gave to him. I've been responding to the confusion by saying that in our relationship we both have to ask, but really there was no "Will you marry me?" involved.

I'll tell you what happened...

Saturday night I was exhausted and went to bed around 11:00. At 2:00 am I was having a very strange and vivid dream. I felt something tugging at my finger and it startled me awake. When I opened my eyes I saw Casey hovering over my face and felt him holding my hand. I immediately reacted by shouting, "What the fu** are you doing?" and pulling my hand away violently! He had honestly scared the crap out of me! He said that he was just trying to say goodnight. Well, I thought that was odd and responded, "Why were you holding my hand? What are you doing?"

Casey was trying to put the ring on my finger so that I would just wake up and it would be there in the morning. He was pissed that I had woken up and caught him in the act because he had been practicing and never had I awoke before this. He was so mad at me for waking up this time, and since I wouldn't drop my questioning of what he was doing, he just gave up and said, "Here! Goodnight!" and slid the ring on my finger.

So...call it what you want, but I have a ring of my own now...AND...a proposal story that involves the "F" word! How romantic!

Mam, I'm sorry but you need a license to operate that pregnancy...

I am a firm believer that people should have to require a license before they are able to breed. They should have to take parenting courses, and fill out some type of paper work that proves they will be able to raise a child in a comfortable upbringing. I have been bombarded this week by stories of people having children out of wedlock with numerous partners. On the radio, in magazine articles, and a particularly close-to-home story of a co-worker of mine. I think it is fantastic if you want to have a child because you have all the love and means that it takes to raise them. I don't really care how you go about procreating in those particular cases. But when you get pregnant intentionally to trap a man, or the make yourself feel better about the life you are living, or because you are some skeezy guy who doesn't want to wear a condom it is a sad sad situation for that child. I can only hope that one day I will be able to be a father and there are people running around out there getting knocked up, or knocking people up for sport. It is ridiculous. I think that being a parent is the hardest job in the world...shouldn't you have to meet certain qualifications before you are allowed to enter that career? Think about it.

Summer Life...

Things have been going pretty well since getting back from my Mexico trip and being cleared of the Swine Flu. I didn't catch it, praises!

I finished my intense semester of the MAT program with a 4.0 still, thank you very much. I rock!

I was able to have a few weeks off to enjoy the start of summer. Very nice.

BUT...it didn't last. I had to begin my Diversity class, the LAST official MAT class that I will have to take. From the end of June on out it's just STUDENT TEACHING REQUIREMENTS and that's it! Woot Woot!

I received my placement for student teaching and I am going to be working in a 3rd grade class in the school district I was really hoping for. I am excited, but a little worried about my Mentor. She was not so thrilled to be mentoring me, particularly because I was a Westminster student, whom she referred to as "slutty good-for-nothings" because of her past experiences with inappropriately dressed and disorganized student teacher alumnae. Thank you ladies. I think by the end of our conversation she had warmed up to me a little bit, but I really couldn't tell considering the fact that the last thing she said to me was, "I don't want to see or hear from you til August 24th." Which just happens to be the first day of school. We'll see how it goes.

I was able to break away for a quick New York trip with my best friend Leslie, and some new friends from school. That was pretty damn exciting! We had a fantastic time exploring the city, shopping, eating, and witnessing many acts of depravity while visiting a NYC dance club! Good times.

I have been trying to enjoy as much of this summer as I possibly can. Spending some time in St. George, attending the annual PRIDE fest activities in the pouring rain, walking the dog at night, and reveling in the fact that it is BBQ season and we tend to have some crazy BBQ's in my little group of friends, has made this summer pretty fun so far.

I must say though that I am sick to death of the rain. When is the warm summer weather going to arrive? Last night was the Kelly Clarkson concert and we were soaking it up all night...not her spectaclular voice...but the freezing cold rain. No more rain. "I can't stand the rain...wikki wikki!"

Paranoid Much?

When did my life become the storyline for a bad "Made-for-Television Mini-Series?"

"A group of education students travel to a third world country where a mysterious pandemic breaks out. No one has the answer. No one has the cure."

What a Circus...

Last night was Britney's Circus concert and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! It was a fantastic show. Britney looked amazing and the costumes, the stage, the dancers and the circus performers were all awesome to watch. My one gripe is that I wish Britney would put her whole heart into performing the way she used to. I was a little disappointed in her lack of enthusiasm while on stage, and wish she was her old self again. With that said she still did a great job! It was fun to see her perform again, and as always she is a wonderful entertainer. I loved the set list, and I really enjoyed a few spectacular moments throughout. One highlight was when Britney was lifted into the air and spun around while sitting on a human couch made of two buff dancers. I also loved her Marilyn Manson "Sweet Dreams" montage video. Classic Britney...looking very innocent while strutting around in underwear as a giant orgy of dancers bumps and grinds behind her. It was really hot!



Britney's Opening Outfit!



Britney Flying High Above The Stage!

The Stage From Our View!



My Favorite Outfit! Stripes, Fedora, Sparkles!

"Sweet Dreams" Montage

Britney In The Cage...

She Looks FANTASTIC!

Our seats were amazing also! We were kiddie corner to the stage on the front row of the first balcony. I am kicking myself today for not taking my camera with me because I would have gotten some amazing photos. I did have my cell phone, but with no zooming action it looks like we are way further away then we actually were. I loved the show though and I would see her again in a heart beat. Hopefully she will learn to love touring again and put her all into the next show!

An Engagement Story

I had decided that after dating Casey for six years this May it was time we moved to the next step. I did what any normal man would do and tricked Casey into a jewelry store to find out what kind of ring to buy and what the correct size would be. This was not an easy task, but with some help from my friend Melanie, and under the disguise of Pearl Necklace shopping, we got the deed done.

I bought the perfect ring for Casey and had been holding onto it for about 4 weeks. My plan was to pop the question on our six year anniversary in a big memorable fashion, but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to do something extravagant. I really wanted to just catch Casey off guard and have it be that much more of a surprise. I decided on Friday that Sunday, March 29th would be the day I would ask.

Sunday morning I awoke with the intention of asking first thing. Usually on Sunday mornings Casey is on the couch snuggled up in his California Raisin blanket watching political shows like "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." My idea was to surprise him during this perfectly mundane routine. However, I woke with the worst sore throat of my life (thank you Graduate School Colleagues) and I was worried I would not be able to make my big surprise happen. I decided to go back to bed and do it at a later time.

Two hours later, my throat still sore but a lot less swollen, I got up and brushed my teeth (you can't have morning breath when you propose) put on clothes (you can't be naked either) and stuck the ring box in my pocket. I went to the couch where Casey had fallen back asleep watching his "shows," and nudged him awake.

"Hey, move over. I want to lay with you." I said sweetly.

"NO! Go to the other couch." Casey responded.

"No, c'mon, I want to lay with you?" I whined.

"NO! Leave me alone. Go over there!"

It is super funny when you hear this part of the story, but I knew this would happen. It was my plan all along actually. You see, Casey is a brat, and I knew there there would be no sharing of the "sweet spot."

I said, "Fine, I'm just going to lay on you then."

I lay down with the ring box positioned to dig into Casey's leg.

"Ow, ow ow! What the hell is in your pocket?" Casey cried out!

"What? Oh, this?" I responded, while pulling out the ring box.

Sitting up, Casey looked at the box nervously and then shoved me in the chest and shouted "Shut up!" just like Elaine on Seinfeld. Casey then asked, "What is that?"

"Open it." I replied.

"Are you serious?" Casey asks once the box is opened.

"Will you marry me?" I counter.

"Are you serious?" Casey questions again?

"Absolutely. Of course I am." I say.

"Yes." Casey says, as if the question didn't even need to be asked.

This was followed up by trying on the ring, a kiss, and then a few more "Are you serious-es?" and some "What does this mean-s?" and then another kiss.

SO...We're engaged. The surprise went perfectly. I am lucky to have someone who loves me unconditionally. The date is sometime May 2010.

Excitement is in the air...

Life is pretty fantastic right now! I woke up with a new spring in my step this morning and I wanted to share some reasons for it. There is a lot that I am excited about, and with excitement in the air I always feel a little warm and fuzzy inside. Here's a list of what I am excited for:

*My clean car, it has been months since the "mouse" has sparkled.

*Spring and warm weather, it is so nice outside right now. I love driving around at night with my windows down, it feels awesome!

*Britney's concert, I can't wait! It looks like so much fun!

*Student teaching applications, this means I'm almost done with my program.

*The Jonas Brother's song "Lovebug." I know it's totally lame, but I love that damn song!

*Casey's Kindle. Despite my complaining the thing is actually pretty cool.

*Lesson planning. I'm finally at the stage where I'm ready to teach in my first grade placement.

*Kelly Clarkson, her album comes out next Tuesday and I just bought concert tickets.

*New York in May.

*My 6 year anniversary. Wow!

*Wicked.

*Mexico...sort of. I'd be more excited if I knew a certain someone was going. Hint, hint!

*Summer. Swimming, shorts and flip flops, tan, lounging, vacations, no school, Sugarhouse Park, walks @ night, hot days, warm nights, fun parties, bbq's!

*A change of wardrobe. I get sick of wearing sweaters.

*Gossip Girl, when oh when is it coming back?

*Camping! I am determined to get Casey camping in the woods this summer. None of this KOA nonsense!

*MY CAR IS PAID OFF IN APRIL!

*Having my nights free again. I can't wait for May when I no longer have night classes.

A Blog By Nate

So lately my cousin has been sending me lists of "Things that Must Go," via text message. I decided I would put one of his items on my blog because I thought it was funny...

"Things that need to go part two...I'm driving down the road and I see a license plate that said "2kwl4u," basically saying, "Too cool for you." I could understand this on a Bentley, but on a KIA with cheap decals of flames on the side and a tribal skull license plate cover that was purchased at an Auto Zone. C'mon, people! I see this all the time...personalized plates on piece of crap cars. LOL. I don't know though, maybe it shouldn't go because it makes me laugh every time. I saw an El Camino once with a license plate that said "paid4" on it. I was surprised at this because I never thought anyone paid for those. I always looked at them as more or less a curse that somebody had given to you as a last resort so you wouldn't need to ride the bus. Hmmmm...anyway...things that need to go." -By Nathan

Happy Lent

I am aware that I am not Catholic, but that doesn't mean that I can't participate in a little tradition now and then. I am talking about the Season of Lent. Lent is a forty-day period of fast, prayer, reflection and sacrifice before Easter. Traditionally you skip Sundays when you count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection, so technically Lent begins on the 25th of February, Ash Wednesday, and ends on 11 April 2009, which is the day before Easter. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on 9 April (Holy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. I honestly don't know all the details about this holiday, but it doesn't keep me from participating. I think it is good to sacrifice something now and then, so that you are aware of going without. Even though in the past I have given up silly things (like french fries, or eating at Arbys) I have also made some pretty big commitments, like the year I did absolutely no shopping unless it was a necessity. This was really difficult for me. I couldn't buy cd's, or i-tunes songs, or clothes, or anything that didn't involve food and shelter items.

This year Casey and I decided we are giving up eating out for Lent. No breakfast, no lunch, no brunch, no dinners, no nothing for 40 days. Just home cooked meals. I am determined to make it the for the entire long haul, but I think it is going to be difficult, but isn't that the point.

I want to be a 1st grader again!

Today was my second experience at first grade and I must say that it went much better this time around. I am now known as Mr. Chen to my students. Don't ask me why? They just thought it was hysterical when a student called me Mr. Chen, instead of Mr. C, by mistake. It was actually the Asian boy in the class that pointed it out, saying, "ha ha ha Mr. Chen, that is so funny!" The students continued to call me Mr. Chen no matter how much I protested. I am hoping by next week they will no longer remember this new nick name, but I highly doubt it.

This class is a lot of fun I must admit, but I am still having severe classroom management malfunction. They all seem to have the attention span of a nat, and cannot stay quiet for longer than 30 seconds of instruction. They are intelligent kids and seem to understand what I am teaching, even with the surrounding chaos, but they make me nervous and seem really unruly in my eyes. I guess they are all used to it and I am the one who will need to adjust to the way they do things.

These kids crack me up! They do and say some outrageous things. Today, during their bag pipe lesson (yes, these kids learn about bag pipes), the guest speaker was explaining kilts to the students and he said, "Now the most important thing to remember is that this is not a dress." One of the boys from my class (who is slowly becoming my new favorite) shouted out, "But it's a man skirt!" The entire first grade (all three classrooms) erupted into an uncontrollable fit of laughter! I couldn't even keep a straight face after hearing this zinger and busted out laughing myself.

The school that I am at is amazing. Today I was shown my classes's science fair project and it is the same work I spent last semester teaching to fourth graders at a completely opposite school. My school is so far from Title One I was shocked walking into it's prestigious surroundings. It is strange how blatantly obvious it is that funding effects education so dramatically. The fourth graders I worked with had nothing, and the science project we did with them was completely over most of their heads. My first graders are reading and writing at a higher level already and we aren't even half-way through the school year yet. Their classroom is full of manipulatives, they have constant parent volunteers and support, there are tons of books for them to choose from, and that type of accessibility to learning in our school systems really pays off.

The reason I say that I want to go back to first grade is because I experienced a Friday in the life of my students. They came to school at 8:30 and spent the first 15-20 minutes learning about their art project for the day...then it was another 20 minutes of free reading and being read to...next was singing practice for their big program, followed by centers (where they actually had to work on some math), recess, bag pipe lessons, brunch (not lunch, BRUNCH, because today was their early out day), another recess, probably more art (I'm not sure as I had to leave for class) and then they get to go home at 12:45 OR they get to load up on a bus and hit the ski slopes for their school provided lessons.

Oh what a life. I guess if I can't be a first grader again I will just have to try to get a job teaching in a school with this sweet of a set up!

Fingers Crossed!

I think I'm starting to like first grade afterall. I still have a lot of work to get done though, so we'll see how it goes.

It's Official...

I'm fat!

No. Really. I must be because I met my first grade class yesterday and after spending a good 25 minutes distributing a make-up math test to a student whom I thought I was building a rapport with, he decided to shout out to the entire class, while turning in his completed test, "What are you lookin' at Chubby?" (Picture a really mean 7 year old with a Bronx accent as you read that line in your head, cause that's what he sounded like).

Yes, I know children can be brutally honest at times, and in the past their remarks about my bald head, or the occasional acne, or the fact that boys are not supposed to have earrings, have stung a little, but this was a brand new blow to my ego that I was NOT expecting! I guess it's a good thing he used the word "chubby" instead of "fatty" since fatty would obviously mean I am having a problem with Obesity, whereas Chubby infers I merely have a few pounds to lose.

Needless to say I was completely thrown off guard by this remark and had absolutely no response back to this child whom had just verbally assaulted me on my first day. Thank goodness my mentor teacher gave him a stern, "What did you just say? We do not talk like that in this classroom. He is a teacher in this class and you had better show some respect. Now go apologize." (ha ha ha Vengeance!)

So, first grade is not off to the best start. I knew it was going to be different from my last experience of having a class full of, what I now look back upon and realize were perfect third grade students, but I had no idea it was going to be this different. I'm not sure if it is the age group, or the school I'm at, or my mentor's teaching style, but these kids sort of frighten me. I have never seen such a rambunctious class before. They talk all day long, they do not stay in their seats, they are constantly leaving the classroom at whim, and they just seem to be all over the place. My mentor did warn me that they were "highly unruly" today, but I am worried my classroom management skills may not be up to par. I'm going to have to start looking into ways of keeping 24 seven year olds in check at all times. Any suggestions are highly encouraged.

Even though the kids were a bit of a shock I can tell that there are some definite good eggs in the bunch. I may have been thrown by my first day experience, but I still have hope. There are quite a few bright students whom I'm really looking forward to working with, and getting to know better. It's funny how you seem to gravitate to the two polar opposites when you first meet a class. You instantly learn the names of those students who are going to make your life difficult, and also those who are going to help you to remember why you got into teaching in the first place. But don't worry, that doesn't mean I leave out the kids in the middle. In fact, it is the kids in the middle that usually impress me the most.

My last blog said "Watch out 1st grade, here I come," but now that I've experienced my first day I'm going to have to change that motto to, "Better watch out for those crazy first graders." Wish me luck!

1st Grade Watch Out!

Well, I got my new placement for the semester and this time I am moving down. From 3rd to 1st grade that is. I am super excited for the change since 1st grade is one of the areas I am highly interested in teaching. I had such a great experience in my 3rd grade class last semester that I have been leaning towards that, but it is such a difficult curriculum. Cursive, multiplication, division, Native American studies...Holy Cow it's a lot to learn/teach. Who knows, maybe I'll end up in the middle like my friend Jessie and I'll teach the 2nd grade. Only time will tell.

500 Days of Summer

I had the pleasure of seeing another fantastic Sundance film this weekend. It was called "500 Days of Summer." I have attached the synopsis of the film and I must say that it was pure entertainment. GO SEE THIS MOVIE! It was heartwarming, funny, creative, thought provoking, well acted, and wonderful. Also, Joseph Gordon Levitt stayed for this afternoon showing to discuss the film afterwards. Pretty cool in my book. 

The freshness of Marc Webb’s love-me/love-me-not love story is epitomized by its perfectly framed tag lines…Boy meets Girl—Boy falls in love—Girl doesn’t. What else can you say about a postmodern love story? Not only is this delightfully surprising dissection of a romance structured so that it catches us continually off guard, but the classic tale of love unrequited is turned as topsy-turvy as a Shakespearian farce. Directed with verve, pace, and confidence by first-time filmmaker Webb and replete with Los Angeles settings that are distinctive and interesting, 500 Days of Summer never descends into ordinary romance. The typical premise of the love story—that we want what we can’t have—is fueled by a role reversal (it’s the woman who doesn’t want to commit) and energized by dance numbers, split screens, and two dynamic performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. That Tom, a hapless greeting-card copywriter, and the alluring Summer, his temporary office mate, fluctuate between the highs and lows of infatuation, dating, sex, and separation is the conventional aspect of an unconventional tale of self-discovery and relationships. For a new generation of storytellers, 500 Days of Summer is destined to be a template for the future of romantic inspiration.
CAST
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel

Photos

Hey friends, so I have pictures up on Facebook of my Mexican Riviera Cruise if any of you are interested.

FYI

Rudo Y Cursi

Casey scored some premiere tickets for a Sundance film tonight. We went to the new Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna film entitled "Rudo Y Cursi." It was actually a really fantastic film about two brothers who make it big in Mexico City as soccer players. The film was introduced and followed up with a Q&A by the directing/producing team that made such films as Babel, Pan's Labyrinth and Y Tu Mama Tambien...AND...Gael Garcia himself was there! OMG! He is super short in person. 

I highly recommend this very entertaining film when it hits regular movie theaters, especially if you are as big of a fan of GGB as I am. Here's a synopsis if you are curious.

Y Tu Mamá También costars Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna are reunited on the big screen in Rudo y Cursi, a delightful romp of a comedy drama deftly directed by Carlos Cuaron.Beto (Luna) and Tato (Bernal) are a pair of rivaling, dim-witted brothers who work on a dusty banana ranch and play soccer for their local team. Beto, a goalie whose hot temper on the field earns him the nickname of Rudo, dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, while Tato wants to be a famous singer. They both share the dream of building a big house for their mother, Elvira, but all of their desires seem completely out of reach, that is, until a talent scout, Batuta, discovers their skill on the field. To Beto’s chagrin, it is Tato, whose curlicue field play earns him the nickname of Cursi, who is chosen to become a star player. Not to be bested, Beto scores a goalie position on a rival team, further intensifying the competition between them. But success makes the brothers confront their own personal demons and sets them on a chase for more than just soccer balls.Cuaron keeps the energy high and the laughter rolling even as he crafts a moral into the story. But even if the dueling brothers do find a way out of the banana ranch, will the banana ranch ever find a way out of them?
CAST
Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, Guillermo Fracella

A New Year Cruises On By

I don't know about everyone else, but I can't believe we are already into 2009. I guess having Christmas, New Year's, and then a next day departure for a 7 day cruise made the beginning of 2009 fly by. I haven't blogged since before Christmas so I have a lot to catch up on.

Christmas- Christmas was really fun this year. It seemed to go by super fast, but it was memorable. We had a very family-oriented Christmas this year, spending time with both my family and Casey's on more than one occasion. Normally this is something that drives me insane...family dinners full of screaming nieces and nephews, my moody brothers, and Casey's insanely loud siblings, but this year I was quite surprised by how nice everything was. It was really pleasant to be surrounded by both of our families and I felt grateful to have so many people in our lives who care about us. I was also spoiled with lots of great gifts, including clothes, shoes, and a laminator (thanks Mom and Dad).

New Years- We rang in the New Year with a bang as usual. We began the night with a fantastic dinner at Cafe Molise, and ended it with Fireworks, Champagne, and an annual middle-of-the-street sparkler dance by our good friend Darrell. It just wouldn't be New Year's without sparklers and dancing! Happy New Year!

The Cruise- January 2nd we took off for our 7 day Mexican cruise. We drove to Vegas where we spent the night at a friend's house after dinning at a local sports bar and watching the U of U game. GO Utes! The next morning we were up bright and early in order to make it to L.A. where we departed for the open water. This was my first cruise, and before hand I didn't realize that once you are on that ship, there ain't no where to go! You are STUCK on that ship. Everyone always talks about how much fun cruises are, and although I did have a lot of fun, I don't know that I would do another cruise. The food was not all that great, the entertainment was terrible, and being on a ship for two days straight after all of our Mexican ports were finished with, got a little old.

With that said, I'm not trying to be a complainer, the trip was still a blast. Mexico was a lot of fun and every port we went to was something new and exciting.

CABO- We first stopped in Cabo San Lucus. It was an overcast day and it wasn't super warm, which was a little disappointing, but pulling up to the port and watching the famous Arch go by definitely got me excited to leave the ship. Once we were on land we decided to take a glass bottom boat tour of Lover's Beach and the surrounding area. We had been warned not to take the glass bottom boats since you really can't see anything, and although that turned out to be true (other than some coral and a few tropical fish) it still only cost us $10 and we did get to see quite a bit of the surrounding area, including pelican perches and a colony of sea lions. We also had the option of being dropped off on Lover's Beach for an hour to frolic in the sand and sea. After exploring the caves and swimming in the ocean our hour was up. Once back on shore we decided to walk around the port area and explore Cabo a little bit. I must say that I wasn't all that impressed with Cabo. I thought the city seemed really dirty and super congested with local merchants selling crap. I'm sure there are much nicer areas to visit, but we didn't have time to find any of them.

Mazatlan- Our second stop was my favorite day of the entire trip. Mazatlan was very different from Cabo, including the much needed warmer weather. We got off the port and a large group of us (18 to be exact) decided to hire a personal chauffeur for the day. Humberto had "the biggest van in Mazatlan" and he was willing to be our private driver for a very reasonable price. We hired him and took off to see the city. After exploring the "old town" we went and watched cliff divers risk their lives for a few tips from the American tourists. We saw statues and old churches and went shopping in the markets...but the best part was the hours we spent at a resort swimming in the pool and laying on the deck that overlooked the ocean. Humberto was in cahoots with this hotel and we were able to take full advantage of the bar, pool, and facilities that lay right on the beautiful beach side.

Puerto Vallarta- Our third and final stop was Puerto Vallarta. Although Mazatlan was my favorite day of fun, Puerto Vallarta is definitely a city I would like to travel back to and stay awhile. We ended up going to the Blue Chairs section of the beach and hanging out for quite awhile playing in the ocean and being trashed by the massive waves. After we were done with the sand and surf we walked through town admiring the city and its old-world charm. Puerto Vallarta is really beautiful. We met a very sweet American from Milwaukee who lives in PV during the winters to escape the cold. After offering to take our photo he struck up a conversation about the city he loves, the best hotels and bars to visit, and why we should come back and visit again. We asked him for a recommendation on a restaurant for lunch, and instead of giving us the name of something to find, he walked us four blocks down the street and pointed it out directly. The restaurant was amazing Mexican food and the strongest Margaritas I have EVER consumed. After walking and shopping for a few more hours we headed back to the ship exhausted.

The cruise was a great experience, and I am glad I had it. It was an amazing time and we had a great group of people to hang out with; 28 is quite a large number to try to organize, but it seemed to work out really well in the end. Variety is the spice of life afterall.

What's Next- So...no more holidays, no more cruises, no more fun to look forward to. I am back to school and work and the mundane, and my memories of better times will have to suffice until I get another break away from all the stress in my life. Poor me! I do get to visit Mexico again real soon though. My school is traveling there in April on a teaching trip. We will be in Cuernavaca teaching in the local schools and staying with Spanish speaking families. I was a little nervous about this trip, but now that I have experienced more of Mexico (other than TJ) I am really looking forward to it.

Oh yeah...and my Birthday is on Saturday! Even though I'm not REALLY looking forward to turning 28...I'm sure it will be fun!