Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Schpeal

Okay so every year I have to give certian "schpeals" to the children about important subjects in choir... such as: when it is appropriate to raise your hand...when to completely leave me alone because I look like I am about to murder someone....why we sing about God all the time in choir....why you must not wear too much makeup at the concert....why I get to eat in class and they don't etc. etc. etc.

Today I was about to give one out to my 8th grade girls and I started with "Okay here's an important schpeal so listen up-"

When I was interrupted- 
 (WHAT? Natalie- there is no way those sweet angelic junior high-ers would EVER interrupt you?)

Yes interrupted with a gal who said "What's a schpeal?  It sounds like a tasty drink." 

....

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Reading till 2 am

Last night I read a cheap book (cost and story) from Goodwill.  It was not some trashy novel.  It was pretty much a romantic comedy in book form.  I seriously read 90% of the book last night.  Why was it so important to me to get it finished last night?  I didn't go to sleep until 2am.   And I'm a 9 hour girl.

This morning, I had to get up and go to work...
My poor first hour had the worst of me.  I didn't want to talk to them.  Let alone smile, greet them and encourage them to sing their best.  One girl said... Mrs. Garner- you look really really tired today.  And you sound tired too.  Thanks, Sarah.  Very perceptive of you.  NOT.  (Remember when we would say "not" all the time?)

By second hour, I was loopy and not getting anything done.  I had woken a little but-  still dysfunctional.

I can't remember third hour, except I hadn't eaten yet because my stomach still thought I was in bed and my fingers weren't warmed up enough for me to create a bowl of instant oatmeal.  Anyways...
Third hour I made an Easymac and ate it while showing the girls how to sing an italian "ir".  All they learned is how I'm a jerk teacher who eats Easymac in front of them.

How lucky am I that I can run home for lunch?  And a little nap-cat... cat-nap... still can't get my brain straightened out. Where did that phrase come from?  It wasn't long, but I think it got me through.

I actually didn't eat at home.   So while driving to 2nd school of the day, I grabbed some Wendy's (late nights make for unhealthy eating the following day.)

My car was overheating- thanks, car.

So I was tired, smelling gross fast food, and my AC was off.

In the afternoon, I couldn't talk loud enough to get the children to realize that I WAS IN FACT teaching them.  My poor hazy voice had given up on trying to wake up.

The room seemed hot, humid and fuzzy all afternoon.  And I have a student with perfect pitch who loves to tell me when I'm playing a note wrong on the piano or when I'm singing off key... what a gift.

I'm totally into jogging (who AM I?) (future post) so I couldn't ditch my girl Kim for our after-school run.  I actually even broke one of my personal records... body shock probably.

So, again, what is my problem? Was this book worth it?  Have I ever done this before?  Will I ever do this again?  Why did I feel so compelled and enthusiastic about HAVING to read this 450 page book in one night?

Basically, I've learned my lesson and next time I will  call in sick when I read all night.