Is it Murphy's Law that states anything that can go wrong, will go wrong? I don't remember but that's the notion I had in mind when I was invited to participate in the Fulbright Exchange. I had just bought my own place (agreeing to be the sole resident for the first full year - that didn't happen), committed to a mortgage that made me gulp, and finally settled in when Ann came to me with the good news. Buying a place or even participating in this exchange are certainly far from "things going wrong" but I think you understand. I was about to give up my new digs to a complete stranger and continue to pay my cringe-worthy mortgage while living abroad in a country that has an exchange rate that really makes me excited to shop at home. On top of all this, my BB, Megan, announced last New Year's that she was engaged to her boyfriend Bruno and honored me by asking me to be in the wedding. So between my new homeownershipness (??) and bridesmaid obligations, it should have been a no-brainer that this would be the year of the Fulbright. And it was!
I am surviving the financial ramifications of paying my mortgage and the UK exchange rate better than could be expected. Go me! Megan's wedding was another issue and I felt awful when it became apparent I would not be able to make the Brazil wedding in January. The US reception, however, fell on my only 4 day weekend of the year and I was determined to make that trip to the states to celebrate with my dear, dear friend. So "blupity blupity' time warp and we are back to President Day's weekend and the start of my (well, Megan's) wedding journey.
The weekend prior to the wedding, most of you will remember that it snowed a whole bunch in the DC (and Northeast) area. Tuesday and Wednesday of that next week saw another foot (?) of snow. Gillian's parents were supposed to fly out to see her on Tuesday but due to two days of flight cancellations, were now leaving (hopefully) on Thursday. When I awoke at 2:30 AM on Thursday, February 11, the lovely internet informed me that my 6:10 flight was cancelled. But to do anything about it, I would still have to make the trek to the airport to check out potential solutions. Convinced I would get to the airport, immediately have to come back to Freuchie, and email Megan I could no longer be a bridesmaid, I was pleasantly surprised when I was put on another flight that only got me in 3 hours later than originally planned. (coincidentally, Wilma and Ron's flight!!).
Five hours in the Amsterdam Airport later, I was settled in to the worst flight ever. My throat started to kill when I swallowed, I think I ate something with onions (and therefore got a bad headache and nausea), my legroom was cramped with an emergency box, I had the chills, and there was a baby crying two rows in front of me for five out of the eight hours in the air. I just had a feeling things were off to a bad start.
But things started to go right...I had very little customs wait and ran into Gillian on my way outside (she was waiting for her parents). So that was nice. I was delighted to have a working cell phone as it was difficult over Christmas to function without one. Melissa, who frankly (that's a gift word for some of you) has been a lifesaver for me this entire year - I owe her a big b-day present next year, was already enroute to pick me up. The fresh air outside the airport relieved me of most of my ill flight feelings. I found my car was 90% dug out for me by Gillian and my kind neighbors. And though I would have still liked to have visited Holly and the boys, she informed me that I would have been arrested for driving in the state of Delaware due to the hazardous road conditions. So I was free to eat Firehouse sub and get to bed early on Melissa's couch. Maybe this blitzkrieg of a weekend wouldn't be that tough after all.
In a continuing trend of good luck, I went to run a million errands on Friday morning and had a small DMV miracle. My car needed an emissions test for an expired (only two weeks - come on!) registration. After a quick trip to a gas station, Melissa and I braced ourselves for camping out at the DMV. Well, I was going to camp out, she was going to go shopping. Four minutes. That's it. Four minutes. I was only in the DMV for four minutes. After waiting a minute in the line that gives you a number to wait in the real line, I was alarmed when A. I saw how packed the DMV was and B. there was no teller who even had a matching letter (much less matching number) to my ticket. In the two seconds it took for me to say to Melissa (who was halfway out the door into the mall), "I'm not sure where to sit," my number was called. As if there wasn't enough resentment towards me from the rest of the customers, I had make it worse by grinning broadly and stating with unintentional lack of tact, "That was only like 30 seconds!" It was awesome!
Back to the wedding...
After a full day of whatnots (and a movie - yay!), I headed to Sarah's where I was a guest in the Brizendine's newly finished attic bedroom. I stopped by long enough to throw on a dress and race over to Megan's parents where they were hosting the rehearsal dinner/buffet gathering-thing. I met Bruno's family for the first time as well as Megan's German relatives. It was also nice to catch up with the other bridesmaids, too. I finally called it a night around 10 and headed over to the Sikfords for a little catching up. I got back to Sarah's around 1 and the two of us, despite the fact I was getting my hair done at 9 the next morning, stayed up until 3:30 talking. It was all good productive chit chat but I was wiped out when I crawled out of bed four hours later. Ugh...
Now, I have been a bridesmaid a number of times. Every time I've been asked, when getting my up-do, to please not wash my hair as it makes it easier to actually put up. So I was surprised when the first thing they did was wash my hair. And my stylist was surprised as well - and not in a good way. More in a "why would you wash her hair before an up-do" sort of way. She did make my hair look pretty in a nice up-do (I'm sure I have a picture somewhere) but at one point, the woman who was getting her hair done behind me stated, "Oh! That does look nice. I was wondering for a while what you were doing to that poor girl's hair."
And now begins the great time crunch. I raced to get my toes done at my usual place in Merrifield. Nancy worked on my toes and was understanding, but sad for me, when I told her there was no time for a leg massage. She gave me pretty feet and a quick manicure rundown (no polish) in less than an hour. It was at that point I realized I brought no cash with me - and they do not accept credit card tips. So I vowed to get back to her the next day with a good tip - $10. I raced to Maryland where we were meeting to get our make-up done. I've never had someone do my make-up so I was keen to see what they would do. After $40 and 30 minutes, I was underwhelmed. It looked fine but lesson learned, right?
Since make-up took so long, we forewent pictures, raced to Megan's grandparents (on awful, awful streets), got changed, threw heavy jackets over our summer strapless dresses, boots on our feet, and headed to the country club. We were treated to champagne and appetizers in a secret waiting room upstairs before getting introduced to the guests. And that took about an hour/hour and half? No one was quite sure about the delay. All I know, is when we were finally whisked downstairs, it was decided that we were going to enter through the front door of the club, not the inside door. What that meant was all of us, in our high heels, with no wraps (because we were not planning on going outside), had to navigate an ice covered parking lot in 30 degree weather (without killing our flowers). I can't believe we look comfortable when we were introduced. The important thing, however, was the Megan looked beautiful and so very happy.
I enjoyed great crabcakes and crab soup, chatted with the wedding party, and drank a few drinks. My favorite part of the night, however, was sitting down with the MEH table and catching up with my friends. I am embarrassed to announce that I only danced to one song. No one danced much but I love dancing at weddings. In fact, I look at it as my workout for the day. I requested my up-do to be so strong that I could crazy dance and not have it come down. I kid you not. "Single Ladies" with Layton was the only song that got me up and, honestly, half the reason it got either of us up was because we had to fetch our own pieces of wedding cake from the table next to the dance floor.
To be continued...I have to go to class...
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Fundraising Flexibility
I am going to miss having my own class next year. I have long forgotten the joy of a flexible schedule that allows time to throw certain subjects out the window if need be. Case in point (is that the right phrase?)...a few weeks ago, Auchtermuchty Primary School, like many other schools across the world I imagine, decided to hold a fundraiser to aid the victims of the Haiti earthquake. When I suggested the concept of Penny Wars (surely familiar to many teachers) everyone gladly jumped on the bandwagon and we were off and running. When a student enters the school, they are put into one of four houses (for those who think I work at mini-Hogwarts, I sort of do!): ruby, emerald, sapphire, and amber. So Penny Wars was a 4 way competition between the houses (instead of being a grade vs. grade competition). I would ask that Falls Church consider the house system as I can see many positive implications - fundraisers, field days, Spirit Events, etc. So fun! But I digress...
Inspired by Penny Wars*, two of my girls, Emma and Molly, asked on a Monday if they could sell cupcakes that Friday as an additional fundraiser. How sweet and wonderful! Naturally, I agreed. The next thing I know, all my kids wanted a piece of the action - "Can we sell smoothies? How about a toy sale? Let's make bookmarks and sell them!" In the course of one Monday morning, all the plans I made for that week were thrown out the window. The best part about this...it was entirely on my students. Everyone in the class ended up making a baked good. We also sold gently-used books and toys as well as beautiful homemade bookmarks and word finds. They are learning about money so they created the price list for all items (each baked good, against my suggestion, had its own price - hard for adding up totals but great for my mental maths lesson of the week) and ran the 'register' with no help from me.
For those who have talked to me about my class know that they drive me crazy beyond belief. I have some really wonderful kids but there are enough bad eggs that I don't really enjoy teaching them on a daily basis. This is the first year my class has left such a sour taste in my mouth. With less than a week to pull this together, I was very nervous that we were not going to be terribly successful. But my kids proved me wrong and were absolutely focused and passionate about making this work. At the end of the day, we had no toys or food left over and raised over 130 pounds! Additionally, I was able to tweak my targets for the week so they fit into this fundraiser.
First, each class is expected to complete an Enterprise project throughout the year where they raise money, create community awareness, or something of the like. I was very stressed about coming up with something to do and now I don't have to. CHECK! As I mentioned, this incorporated a lot of math and mental math (adding up totals, figuring out change, counting bags of money to deposit in the bank - a lot of how many piles of 10p coins make up 5 pounds). CHECK! As far as art went, we were able to discuss the components of a successful poster (lettering, colors, key words, etc.). CHECK! We also have listening and talking targets. My students had to share ideas, be patient (not a strength) as we brainstormed and organized sale items, and present a "commercial" to each class encouraging them to buy our wares. CHECK! And if nothing else, this was a great exercise in showing compassion.
I had to give up a fair amount of class time (something that would be hard to do at MEH) to make posters, plan the sales, visit the other classes, etc. but it was so worthwhile! It is this type of experience that students bring with them throughout their lives. It was more than just a simple fundraiser - we turned into a mini-business. One my kids took pride in running. Could I have done this at MEH? I'm really not sure. What do you think? This was hardly an exercise in conventional learning but, at the end of the day I was able to check off my targets and my kids had a truly authentic learning experience. In a world of standardized testing, I am not convinced the masses would see the benefit of such an undertaking (especially with 8 and 9 year olds). Is this where MEH is headed through arts integration? All I know is that there is something to be said about finding that spark in your students and having the freedom to let them run with it.
I hope when we compete in the dance competition next month my students are equally inspired. But that'll have to be another story.
*Penny Wars - All copper coins (1 and 2ps) are positive face value points for your house so you want to put tons of those in your own buckets. Silvers (5, 10, 20, and 50ps) are negative face value points so you should put those into other houses' buckets. 50p worth of coppers is cancelled out by one 50p coin. At the end of 1 1/2 weeks, count up all the coins (my class is running the school bank so we had that pleasure) to determine the winner. Amber won since they were the only team with positive points (and because the Amber teachers, namely Janice and Dorothee, encouraged little P1 kids to put their silvers into other buckets - I kid you not. Janice made up for this by putting two categories of movie questions on that week's lunch quiz - I rocked it and she is somewhat forgiven!). Including the 130 my class earned, the school raised about 700 pounds - a record breaker apparently. Yay!
Inspired by Penny Wars*, two of my girls, Emma and Molly, asked on a Monday if they could sell cupcakes that Friday as an additional fundraiser. How sweet and wonderful! Naturally, I agreed. The next thing I know, all my kids wanted a piece of the action - "Can we sell smoothies? How about a toy sale? Let's make bookmarks and sell them!" In the course of one Monday morning, all the plans I made for that week were thrown out the window. The best part about this...it was entirely on my students. Everyone in the class ended up making a baked good. We also sold gently-used books and toys as well as beautiful homemade bookmarks and word finds. They are learning about money so they created the price list for all items (each baked good, against my suggestion, had its own price - hard for adding up totals but great for my mental maths lesson of the week) and ran the 'register' with no help from me.
For those who have talked to me about my class know that they drive me crazy beyond belief. I have some really wonderful kids but there are enough bad eggs that I don't really enjoy teaching them on a daily basis. This is the first year my class has left such a sour taste in my mouth. With less than a week to pull this together, I was very nervous that we were not going to be terribly successful. But my kids proved me wrong and were absolutely focused and passionate about making this work. At the end of the day, we had no toys or food left over and raised over 130 pounds! Additionally, I was able to tweak my targets for the week so they fit into this fundraiser.
First, each class is expected to complete an Enterprise project throughout the year where they raise money, create community awareness, or something of the like. I was very stressed about coming up with something to do and now I don't have to. CHECK! As I mentioned, this incorporated a lot of math and mental math (adding up totals, figuring out change, counting bags of money to deposit in the bank - a lot of how many piles of 10p coins make up 5 pounds). CHECK! As far as art went, we were able to discuss the components of a successful poster (lettering, colors, key words, etc.). CHECK! We also have listening and talking targets. My students had to share ideas, be patient (not a strength) as we brainstormed and organized sale items, and present a "commercial" to each class encouraging them to buy our wares. CHECK! And if nothing else, this was a great exercise in showing compassion.
I had to give up a fair amount of class time (something that would be hard to do at MEH) to make posters, plan the sales, visit the other classes, etc. but it was so worthwhile! It is this type of experience that students bring with them throughout their lives. It was more than just a simple fundraiser - we turned into a mini-business. One my kids took pride in running. Could I have done this at MEH? I'm really not sure. What do you think? This was hardly an exercise in conventional learning but, at the end of the day I was able to check off my targets and my kids had a truly authentic learning experience. In a world of standardized testing, I am not convinced the masses would see the benefit of such an undertaking (especially with 8 and 9 year olds). Is this where MEH is headed through arts integration? All I know is that there is something to be said about finding that spark in your students and having the freedom to let them run with it.
I hope when we compete in the dance competition next month my students are equally inspired. But that'll have to be another story.
*Penny Wars - All copper coins (1 and 2ps) are positive face value points for your house so you want to put tons of those in your own buckets. Silvers (5, 10, 20, and 50ps) are negative face value points so you should put those into other houses' buckets. 50p worth of coppers is cancelled out by one 50p coin. At the end of 1 1/2 weeks, count up all the coins (my class is running the school bank so we had that pleasure) to determine the winner. Amber won since they were the only team with positive points (and because the Amber teachers, namely Janice and Dorothee, encouraged little P1 kids to put their silvers into other buckets - I kid you not. Janice made up for this by putting two categories of movie questions on that week's lunch quiz - I rocked it and she is somewhat forgiven!). Including the 130 my class earned, the school raised about 700 pounds - a record breaker apparently. Yay!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Groundhog's Day - A Day for Movies!
I was going to blog today about what is going on in my class but then Oscar nominations were announced and I have opinions!! First and foremost, any other disappointment in the nominations has been forgiven by the simple fact that District 9 made the Best Picture cut. I felt like somehow this was a personal triumph though I had very little to do with its success - I didn't even pay to watch it in the theater. "Free" on a plane. It won't win. I'm not delusional (but would not be opposed to it winning either) - just grateful for the 10 Best Picture nods this year.
Perhaps I should start and end my Oscar update there but...no such luck for you. Along with District 9, the other Best Picture nominations included gimmes, nice surprises, and an out of left field or two. The Hurt Locker, Avatar, Up in the Air, Precious, Up (second animated film in history to be nominated for best picture - anyone know the first?), and Inglorious Basterds were all among the 10 - no real surprises there. The Blind Side definitely blind sided me. I know Sandra Bullock has been getting rave reviews for her performance but the movie has not been in the thick of things this awards season. I was very surprised about that one. The nomination of An Education was a pleasant addition - wasn't sure it was going to make it so yay them! The completely out of left field picture for me is A Serious Man, the latest work by the Coen brothers. Where did that come from? Looking at IMDB I see it has received a handful of Best Picture nominations here and there (more for Best Screenplay) but not the recognition so many others have earned. I imagine a lot of other movie buffs are pondering this one (or rejoicing even?) but I'd be surprised if there weren't a lot of "Who was robbed?" stories popping up soon (or already as I just checked). What do you think? (side note: The Blind Side has received even fewer award season accolades than A Serious Man so both are a bit out there.)
Best actor/actress - no surprises. Everyone who has been nominated all awards season. Sandra Bullock stands a chance of winning both an Oscar and a Razzie (for worst performance by a female lead in All About Steve) this year - that's pretty funny. And a grand old shoutout to Vera Farmiga - Jersey girl does good. She, the lucky dog, received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for acting opposite George Clooney (she previously made out with both Matt Damon and Leo DiCaprio in The Departed). For those not in the know, Vera went to school with Erica (and I think somehow we were all friends with someone in the Farmiga family in high school - there were a lot of them. Her younger sister, Nadia, was a friend of mine) and acted opposite Tim in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. He might claim that he has played a pivotal role in her success over the years and, frankly, who can argue. I mean, no one I've been in a play with has earned an Oscar nomination. So well done Tim - your protege has done you proud.
Best Animated Picture has one of the best collections seen in this category in years. I thought I knew what all 5 would be but I was wrong. Up - check. Fantastic Mr. Fox - check. Coraline - check. Princess and the Frog - check. The Secret of Kells - um... I'm going to go look this one up for everyone too. Maybe this is a bi-product of not being in the US - am I just a little behind? Oh my...just looked it up. Ha ha!! It hasn't been released in the US yet but actually takes place right in my neck of the world (as of current). The one nomination that confuses me the most is the one about my backyard. Anywho - maybe it's great!
A concern - as the only animated picture to receive a Best Picture nod, I don't see how Up could actually lose here. Maybe someone more in the know could fill me in. Shouldn't it win? Isn't its inclusion in the Best Picture race a testament that it is better than any other animated movies this year? What am I missing...
Other interesting notes: Kathryn Bigelow is the 4th woman in history to be nominated for best picture. She and ex-hubby James Cameron (you can't make this sort of drama up) have the two films with the most amount of nominations (9 each). Thank goodness they're already divorced - this would have caused it otherwise.
The best part for me...I have friends who want to do an Oscar party with me!! I am going to try to tape it, not watch the news the next day, and have people over for a Monday night viewing. Wish me luck! I will be back next year for those who will be missing my stellar Oscar hospitality - it is, after all, MY Superbowl.
(was the game this weekend - who played - who won? I don't really care that much but thought I'd ask.)
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