My Space: Confessions and Laughing Sessions

Teaching Manifestation #21: Sometimes Kids Don't have Toothbrushes

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:25:00 +0000

My mom taught me to brush my teeth at 3 years old. My sister and I were taught that it was unsanitary to leave the house without brushing your teeth/tongue, not washing your face, wearing the same underwear twice, not cleaning your ears, and a few other random mama-knows-best-mandates.

So, yes, you can call me crazy and you can call me naïve: I thought everybody's mama, dad, grandma, auntie, guardian, foster mom made them/told them to brush their teeth.

Well, folks, that ol' brush yo' teef strategy is not happenin' with Generation Right now. These little buck toothed monkeys have the nerve to roll out of bed, walk to school, and stroll into my classroom with breath smelling like hell warmed over. By 8:15 AM my room smells like a sulphur factory mixed with a batch of last week's scrambled eggs. No lies. No fables. True story.

I've had kids complain day in and day out that a certain student smells like fish, pee, old eggs, and carne asada. Basically, she is a taco truck. Little homegirl does stink. My prediction is that she pees in the bed and comes to school without showering. However, I've reminded the students not to tease, laugh, or make fun of people, blah, blah, you know the rest.

However, something came over me on Thursday. Maybe it was X's dirty finger nails. Or, maybe it was X's snotty nose. Wait, it could have been because of X's ogre breath. I can't pin point it exactly, but the spirit of my mother overshadowed me and prompted me to give a lesson on hygiene.

Yes, I made it funny. The kids said, "Ewwww," when I said you shouldn't dig for gold and eat your treasure. They laughed when I pretended to pass gas and didn't say, "Excuse me" Then I sucker punched them: "Make sure you wash your face and brush your teeth before coming to school. If you don't have a tooth brush, let me know." Silence. Feet shifted. Then one brave soul raised his hand and said, "I...I don't have one." Then another! And another! Until 12 students admitted that they have never brushed their teeth, do not own toothpaste/toothbrushes, or simply use their finger.

A stunned Ms. Lockett asked, "Why?"

+My mom says wait 'til they all fall out
+I use my dad's toothbrush
+My mom says I'm too little

I sighed, and explained the purpose for brushing teeth. I discussed plaque, cavities, decay, bacteria, bad breath, yellow teeth, and tartar. I'm pretty sure all of these kids had at least four, or all of the symptoms of nastiness.

The lesson went well. I discussed why you should change sheets when you accidentally have an accident while you dream, how to clean out your ears, and why you cut your nails and wash your hands.

I took to Facebook and proclaimed my aghast. One friend took it upon herself to petition her dentist to donate toothbrushes to my students. Next week 20 little ogres will go home with a brand new toothbrush, and a squeezable tube of toofpaste.

I can hear it now: "My second grade teacher was Ms. Lockett. She told me my breath was funkier than a raccoon's and then gave me a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste."

Yup. That's me. Changing Generation Right now one small rotten tooth at a time.

Teaching Manifestation #20

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:59:00 +0000

Teaching is hard work. Well, teaching is hard work for good teachers. This job is not a joke! The actual mothering that goes into teaching is mind blowing. I am honestly a "mother" to 20 kids. This, my friends, is the ultimate birth control.

I have been blessed with 25 years, and my time with church chirrens, Sunday school kiddos, and Sunday school bus ragamuffins already reminded me that birthing and taking care of children was no walk in the park. But any flame or passion I had about possibly having my own spawn has been put out by the 20+ kids that have coughed on me, scuffed/stepped on my shoes, whined, complained, talked back, rolled their eyes, stolen my pencils, lied, didn't bring their homework, didn't complete their homework, and have begged to be rewarded.

But wait! Trinity just wrote that she loved me. Angelique gave me a Valentine's day gift in the middle of January. Diego said I was the most "beautifullest" teacher he knows. Joel finally realized that 4 quarters makes $1.00. Pedro brought his homework back. Yuvia and Diana just greeted me with a hug.

Ohhhh. The spark is back. Yeah, ok. I guess the ultimate BC isn't so ultimate. I love teaching and Chandra D lurves the kids.

Tax season

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:46:00 +0000

It's here. I'm not too excited. I didn't have an actual job from April until November, and feel like I'm going to owe money! Yech!

In other news, I kept all my receipts and will write off sales tax, fuel for school, tuition, all the stuff I gave to Goodwill, and I do believe teachers get deductions.

Am I missing anything?

A Quote

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:39:00 +0000

God wants full custody, not weekend visitation.

New blog a-comin!

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Stay tuned dear, blogosphere! I've decided to create a new blog. I
will keep this current blog, but need a new one to tell all of you
about my teaching tales. I don't want to be a liability for my
district, so I won't discuss my teaching strategies/ideas/students on
a public blog. The forthcoming blog will be private.

Once I figure out the name yadda yadda, ye shall know!

Two days ago:
I asked the kids for a synonym for the word angry. Everyone yelled out
mad, furious, upset, & outrage. One lovely boy screamed "menopausal"!
He said he grandma was always menopausal. She cannot eat or sleep, and
everything makes her menopausal.

Yesterday:
The kids kept saying something or someone smelled of "olive juice" or
"deviled eggs". At the end of the day one girl yelled out, "Miss
Lockett! I figured out the problem! It's Lizzy! Lizzy smells like
olive juice!" A boy yelled, "No! It's a deviled egg smell!". Another
boy sighed, shook his head, and said, "Miss Lockett it's pee. Lizzy
smells like pee." Lizzy and I both stood there with mouths agape. I
wanted to laugh; Lizzy wanted to die. I had to regain my thoughts and
admonish the other students for not telling me in private.

Last week:
I have a huge prize box with tons of stuff: lipgloss, pens, pencils,
yoyos, candy, chips, juice, Hot Wheels, Play-doh, erasers, High School
Musical notebooks, Hannah Montana folders, Jonas Brothers
stickers--you name it, I've got it. The kids flipped out when they saw
I had a blueberry muffin in the prize box. "Miss Lockett, is that a
real live muffin?!" "Omgosh! Miss Lockett has a true muffin in the
prize box!" My favorite line? "There's a muffin in the prize box!" The
first thing to leave the box that day? The blueberry muffin.

All this and more coming to an RSS feed near you.

CDL

Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:46:00 +0000

I use the micro-blogging site, Twitter, and one person who calls himself an "atheist" made this statement: "I'm thankful for my nephew!".

I laughed to myself and shook my head. What I wanted to ask was, "Just who exactly are you thanking?"

I don't profess to be the smartest girl. I don't profess to be biblically sound, and prophetic. However, on Thanksgiving I am thankful for the truth; I know that I must repent of my sins, be baptized in Jesus' name, receive the Holy Ghost, and live an overcoming life in order to be saved. Furthermore, Jesus is God manifested in the flesh and in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead (Col 2:9).

I've mentioned before that our church has footwashing & communion on Thanksgiving Day. Many churches take communion multiple times throughout the year, and have footwashing on New Year's Eve. I always feel like I have a fresh start every Thanksgiving. Our FW&C service is special & tight knit. It's not a time for games and laughing; we are reminded weeks in advance to prepare for the service by making sure our lives are right. We do not want to take communion in jest.

As my pastor read from the book of 2 Timothy this verse stuck with me: "Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" v 7 NIV.

Wow! There are people that pride themselves on being well versed on a number of subjects; these are smart people! Yet they deny the power of God because they have yet to experience His power (made me think of the "thankful" atheist!)

2 Tim Chap 3 is great chapter, and I suggest you read it.

I try my best to be thankful on a daily basis and not just on Thanksgiving Day. In a time where people gripe, complain, and are rarely thankful, I am glad to set aside 24 hours to celebrate Thanksgiving as a Christian who knows who God is.

He is my provider--I quit my social work position in April without another job in order. Bye, health benefits & bi-weekly salary! Right when my savings got pretty low, God blessed me with a teaching job.

He is my protector--I have over 105k miles on my car, and have never been in a car accident.

He has extended grace & mercy towards me--He has given me what I do not deserve, and held back what I do deserve.

He has given me strength--I made a career change, and was nervous about the transition. I completed a teaching program in less than 7 months with a 4.0 GPA and couldn't have done it without Him.

I can go on...and...on...and on! We all can! In everything give thanks. God has our best interests in mind and we should always be cognizant of this!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ps. 1 pic is in my front yard & the other is of me & my sis before church this morning.

PPS. I'm thankful that I can blog from my phone, because I rarely get on my computer!

Christmas Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:04:00 +0000

I am in need of Christmas gift ideas for my Sunday School bus riders. Every year the three of us (those apart of the bus team) usually buy cloths/toys, but I'm trying to focus on something a little more memorable. We have about 60 kids total. I saw some KJV Bibles at Dollar Tree and was considering getting each of their names engraved on the Bibles. However, I am open to better suggestions! The ages of the kids range from 3 1/2 to 17, with the bulk of our kids falling in the 6-10 category.

Sigh

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:21:00 +0000

I'm faced with a decision: continue "blogging" or set my blog to private? Do you read private blogs? The hassle of signing in/out can get old. At any rate, let me know.

New York! (& a 2nd grade teacher)

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Woo! In NYC celebrating Brandon's bday (Nov 4 btw! Happy 26th, Brandon!)! Us Californians (B, Carissa, & Fabe (now living in NYC)) are walking, walking, walking, eating, eating, eating, and shopping, shopping, shopping. Well, Carissa & I are shopping. I tried on some Christian Louboutins, Lanvin heels, Gucci pumps, & other designer duds but could not force myself to splurge (i.e. Go bankrupt). Carissa bought some amazing Betsey Johnson heels (last pair in her size) & they are beauties. I was going to be a copy cat, but my size was too big!! BOOOO!

This is not my 1st time to NYC, but I'm not jaded yet! We saw Mary Poppins on Broadway (6th row seats!), and the show was PHENOMENAL! I was like a little girl; my mouth was agape, I was pointing, singing, and not acting 24 years old.

Have I mentioned my feet? They are in pain. Walking uptown, downtown, all around!

Today is department store day. B & Fabe are NOT thrilled. Carissa and I are happy. Century 21 makes my head hurt (massive dept. Store), but we're going to dive right in at Macy's, Lord & Taylor, & Barney's (ha! Mostly looking). We hit up a few sample sales, will be going to a JCrew sample sale today, & will go thrifting tomorrow & Saturday. Church in Brooklyn on Sunday!!

While here in NYC, I got word that I was selected for a 2nd grade teaching position, and I accepted. I recently declined an intervention teacher position in Gilroy, and that was a hard decision. I've been wanting to move to the bay area/northern cal for many, many, many, many, many years (5+) & thought this was my chance! But I instead accepted a job here in Delano. I am excited to be a 2nd grade teacher!

Hasta Luego!

The Good Mood Gig Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:26:00 +0000

"Chandra, why have you become more annoying than usual? Why do you keep flooding my inbox and wall demanding that I vote for you? I also follow you on Twitter and you are persistent on that website, too!"

On October 2, 2009 I applied for my 1st ever online contest. This contest is sponsored by Nature Made and Sam-e products. Nature Made manufactures and sells a plethora of vitamins (prenatal, Vitamins A-Z, etc.). In an effort to promote health & wellness, Nature Made decided to sponsor the Good Mood Gig.

FAQ
1) Ok, yeah. Good Mood Gig?! What is that?!
This gig is a fabulous gig. The winner of this contest will be hired to write 5 blogs a week for 6 months about their good mood. The blogs must motivate others to have and maintain a good mood. Oh, by the way. The gig pays $5,000/month! Yes, $30k for 6 months. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

2) Fine. But why all the spam?
Phase 1 of the contest mandates that all contestants must get votes in an effort to win. The top 20 vote "getters" will advance to Phase 2. Phase 2 requires those top 20 contestants to write a 250 word essay and create a short video. They still need to get votes from their friends and family, but a panel of judges has the final say on the winner.

3) Chandra, I've voted for you once! Isn't that enough?
Thank you! However, one vote is not enough. You can vote for me once a day, but it must be from a different IP address. You can vote from your laptop at home, your computer at work, or your iPhone.

4) I've tried voting, but it won't work!
Bummer, right? That's one part of the contest that has a few kinks in it. Some people vote multiple times, and others cannot vote at all. It stinks, it's annoying, and I've been in contact with the CEO of the company regarding this matter.

5) When do you stop tweeting, blogging, and using Facebook to annoy me about this Good Mood Gig?
Ha! The last day for Phase 1 is Oct 31. I'm unsure about Phase 2.

6) Hmm? Any last words?

Vote for me every single day! Don't forget! Send out mass emails, text messages, status updates, morse code, carrier pidgeons, snail mail, & smoke signals!

http://www.sam-e.com/job/profile/42

http://bit.ly/w4aLq

Vote 4 Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:50:00 +0000

Wow. Feels like my elementary and high school campaigning days all over again!

Dear, Readers,
I need your help! I'm participating in a contest and need your votes in order to make it to the next phase!

Please vote for me and tell youur friends! Pass the word! http://bit.ly/w4aLq

Love,
Chandra

God is Not Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:07:00 +0000

This song by Mighty Clouds of Joy, says everything I need to say on September 27th, 2009 8:08 pm.

Verse 1
If God is dead, what makes the flowers bloom?
If God is dead, what makes summer come in June?
If God is dead, who is listening and answers prayers?

Chorus
I'm glad I know He lives, He lives,
He lives, He lives, He lives, He lives.
I can feel Him moving through the trees,
In the wind, and the breeze.

And I can see Him shining through the night,
In the stars that shine so bright.
If God is dead, what makes my life worth living?
I'm glad I know He lives, He lives,
He lives, He lives, He lives, He lives.

Verse 2
If God is dead, who mends a broken heart?
If God is dead, who keeps night and day apart?
If God is dead, who can tell me where his body lies?

Chorus

Fall lalalalalalala

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Hurry up, Fall! I've got a great pair of boots that are tired of being held hostage! (Thank you, B!! hehe whatta guy!)

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

You know, I've been thinking (actually, I think quite often). In Pentecostal churches we love to sing. I remember bringing a visitor to church and she couldn't believe how many songs we sang (and that was a low key night!). But do you ever stop to think about the songs you sing? One song that got me on a thinking mission is one that says
"I went to the enemy's camp and I took back what he stole from me...he's under my feet, he's under my feet, Satan is under my feet."

Woo! Let the shouting and aisle running begin! But wait! Did Satan really steal your joy? Did he really bop you over the head with a baseball bat and steal your victory? You're telling me that Satan put you in a choke hold and stole your _______ (insert stolen item here)?

While I do believe that Satan is the father of lies, and is seeking to destroy us, I also maintain that whatever the devil has in his possession is because we willingly gave it to him. He didn't steal your joy, you gave him the opportunity to convince you that you had no need to be joyful. No, he didn't jump you for your victory; in a moment of weakness you caved and made the choice that having the victory wasn't worth it for anger, backbiting, etc.

We have a choice. We can choose to do right and we can choose to do wrong. I have chosen to do wrong things MANY times this week alone! Why, just this morning I made the choice not to read my Bible and decided to check my email instead. That supposed 2 minutes of time turned into 45 minutes and now I am here blogging. Did satan scream, "Chandra D., put your Bible down and run toward your laptop! I'm stealing this time from you!" No, he didn't. I had the opportunity to read the book of Proverbs or check my Gmail account. I went with the latter and the devil is quite happy with my selection.

I can go into a tirade about why we need to own up to our decisions, and why we need to stop casting blame, but the book of Proverbs is calling my name. The next time you feel the need to blame the devil for a choice you made, remember that you are an heir to the Kingdom and have the authority to rebuke the deceiver at anytime; no questions asked.

Coming SoOoOn!

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:58:00 +0000

More Modern Modesty (best known as MoMoMod): stylish & savvy up to date modest clothing ideas for fabulously frugal fasion mavens.

Visit www.momomod.com To sign up for email updates as we get closer to our launch date, or follow our Twitter updates: @MoMoMod.

Content written by Brenda of www.dittodos.com (follow her as @CtrlB on Twitter) and Chandra (that's me!). You can follow me on Twitter as @ShiftC.

Website/blog will be cunningly crafted by my best friend, @shiftb, and Brenda's awesome techie hubby, @Wompy.

See you on the interwebs!

Accountability to the Word of God

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:26:00 +0000

My pastor taught Bible study Wednesday night, and God sliced me up and pierced my heart in the process.

*God loves everyone. He does not befriend everyone. There is a widespread charismatic notion that God is a friend to every single person. False. In order to be a friend of God you must enter a blood covenant, and adhere to His Word.

*I am answerable to the word of God. His words must abide in me in order for me to prosper spiritually. I am not perfect, but I am striving to be perfected.

*His word holds me accountable for my actions. I cannot use the excuse, ''Well, I didn't know'', because ignorance to Word of God is not tolerated by Him.

*It doesn't matter how often I call upon the name of God; It matters if I honor His Word.

*There is more to the Word of God than Acts 2:38. My pastor stated that Acts 2:38 is a great launching point, and lists the requirements in order to be saved. However, God's word is so much more and my walk with God requires me to study His word because He is the word (John 1:1).

At any rate, I've a lonnnng way to go and I was very thankful that I heard this message.

Poor Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:26:00 +0000

After playing tetherball, 4 square, basketball, and jumping rope these few weeks with my 1st graders (during recess/PE), I've come to a conclusion: children in the 21st century lack motor skills, hand/eye coordination, and the ability to play the simple aforementioned sports.

These girls (and boys) CANNOT jump rope for NOTHING in the world. They can't even jump through an entire version of ''Cinderella Dressed in Yella''!

I feel like screaming, ''WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!! Don't you know how to dribble a ball and run at the same time?''

Alas, I cannot scream. I do not yell. I do not sigh. I say, ''Nice shot, Ivan!'' and ''Aw, better luck next time, Crystal'' and ''Wow, Lawrence! You almost made that basket!''

I remember the good ol' tetherball days with no swinging, no roping, and no stopping. I got a little excited while in the process of whipping a student's tail in tetherball, and yelled, ''YOUUUUU'REEEE OUTTTAA HERE!'' The response, ''No, Teacher! That's a violation! We get 3 violations before we are out.''

And, yet, these kids don't understand that 3 strikes means you're out in baseball.

Woe to this generation of Call of Duty encumbered couch potato internet surfin' cry baby motor skill lacking children.

Miss Lockett still loves ya'll, though. Never fear. I will teach you how to read, write, and kick a ball from Delano all the way to Kentucky.

First Grade Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Mrs. Jones: Boys and Girls, today you will look in your glossary and define the vocabulary words. For example, the word danger is defined as something that can hurt you. What can hurt you, Boys and Girls? Tell me something dangerous.

Eduardo: A cholo.

Natalie: A kidnapping man.

Fabian: A rifle.

Luis: The pig flu.

Miss Lockett: *cough*laugh*cough*maintainstraightface*

And so. I enjoy children.

Swine Flu Schmine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:28:00 +0000

They once said that a black man would be president when pigs fly . His first 100 days and * bam!!! * SWINE FLU!!!

Chandra's Praise Report

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:41:00 +0000

I’m a self proclaimed recessionista, budget queen, and bargain shopper. I try not to spend more than $25 on an item, and most days my clothing/accessories/shoes do not exceed $25. I’ve purchased $5 Kate Spade shoes, $7 Stuart Weitzman shoes, $6 wrap dresses, and the list goes on. I’m that person. However, this is not to say that I won’t spend over $25 on “things”. I just like to get more bang for my buck, and use the internet to achieve this goal.

Well, Tuesday was a hot central California day and I decided to turn on my a/c. My a/c was cool for about 5 minutes, then it died, and I was confused. To make an incredibly long story short, my dad popped the hood of my car and the cause for my confusion was a busted “thermostat housing unit”. Apparently, this apparatus handles the cooling operations for the car and if it messes up it can cause problems for the engine. I JUST knew that I was about to spend $5000.

A call to the dealer revealed that the part was recalled, because it was plastic. Chevy realized that plastic doesn’t perform well with heat and the parts break over time (like mine). I was very upset because I try to make sure my car is always maintained as I commute on a daily basis. When I get oil changes, service technicians supposedly inspect every inch of my car. LIES. I had no water/antifreeze/coolant and my dad was surprised my car hadn’t blown up! These service technicians had been checking off a multi-point inspection list for months stating that my car was in a-ok condition. The service technician went on to state that the part would not be given to me, because I would have to know about the recalled part and request a replacement (as if I check recalled parts/bulletins on a daily basis). The service tech then said that the thermostat housing unit would cost $85 and over $168 for labor!!

I wasn’t having that! I prayed, told God that this was an unacceptable price, and told Him that he needed to handle this situation for me.
I got online that night, found the part for $11.97, and had it shipped to my house. I got the part 24 hours later. The $11.97 was supposed to get me the SAME plastic part, until I could go buy the aluminum part the dealer said I needed. Imagine my surprise when I opened the box today and found a shiny, aluminum thermostat housing unit instead of the plastic one I had ordered.

I couldn’t believe it! Instead of thanking God, I questioned why the company had sent the wrong part and was about to become angry. A closer look at the invoice revealed that the plastic part was no longer available, and the company had sent me an aluminum part for the same price as the cheaper plastic version.

A quick look online showed that the price had jumped from $11.97 to $58, and somehow God allowed me to get this part at a great deal AND get the part I really needed!!

WOO! I’m so happy, thankful, and know that God cares about all aspects of my life. I’d love to think that my quick internet skills and bargain-minded ways was the cause for this good fortune, but I am wrong. This is not good fortune. This was a blessing, and God most definitely showed up on time!

Testing 1 2 3

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Well, well. Look who’s decided to grace her blog after some time away. I’ve been lazy. Oh, and busy.

1) I am no longer a social worker (well, paid at least). I had to resign my position so I can finish my teaching credential. The county was unwilling to give me a leave of absence for educational purposes. Boo!

2) I am student teaching in a first grade classroom and I LOVE IT!

3) I am working as an intern for http://www.insectlore.com/

We had an awesome Easter (@ church)! The bus kids and church kids learned 5 songs and sang them on Sunday morning (Kidz Choir). I was so happy/proud. I cried!! The bus kids griped and complained. Some said they weren't coming and wouldn't sing, some said singing was "dumb", others tried to lie and say they didn't know the words.

Nevertheless, they got up on the platform and sang their little hearts out. I went and did the bus route last Sunday and a few kids still had the CDs playing for the world to hear. The kids are still singing the songs instead of the ridiculous mess they try to bring on the bus, and for that I am thankful.

Proud Products of the Westside! Xzena has been riding since she was about 6 or so (11 now), Katrina since she was 6 (11 now), Shonnie (3 yrs), and Jasmine...are you ready? 2 yrs old and she's 11 now. I love these girls.

Me and my faithful girls

Ernestina in the background. Ernestina has also been riding the bus since she was about 5 or 6 and she’s 10 now. Neveah is in the foreground. Neveah didn't say one word when she first rode the bus. Now, I can't get her to stop talking!

Yes, we have boys that ride our bus. Jr and Isaiah are also old timers. Johnny (far right) has been riding for a year. Apparently, he loves church so much that he wakes up at 6am on Sundays, and waits outside at 7:30am. We don’t roll through his neighborhood until 9:45!

Oh, the Children

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:19:00 +0000

Me: So, tell me. If I went to your house right now, would it be clean or dirty?

Child: Clean.

Me: Good! That's what I like to hear. How do you know it's clean?

*child sighs and rolls his eyes*

Child: 'Cause I been in it.

Can't argue with that answer.

Calling All Fashionistas

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:12:00 +0000

Calling all shoe fiends, fashionistas, members of the skirt mafia, DIY-ers, shop-o-holics, recessionistas, clearance maidens, and bargain hunters!

Who's ready to participate in an online garage sell, swap/exchange, and bazaar of sorts (men's/women's/children's clothing)?

I will start:

I need to get rid of this Vintage Gucci Purse. Make me an offer.

Brand New With Tags Faux Croc Pumps by Guess. These are size 10. Keeping the other pair I have for myself!

Have something to post/sale/swap? Looking for a particular item? If there is enough interest maybe we could all start a new blog and promote via a social networking site. If not, I will post/blog about your item on my own blog.

How to Deal with _____ (insert annoying trait) People

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:54:00 +0000

I consider myself a pretty easy going laid back individual and can get along with almost anyone. As I get older I realize that there are just some personalities that I'd rather not deal with (whining, complaining, bragging). I think my tolerance level for idiocy is waning.

One recent type of personality that has presented itself is of the extremist variety. Examples follow:

1) If this person is sick, or has sick children, they are the sickest of all. Other pains and sicknesses are no match.
2) Oh, a broken leg? You can bet their leg was shattered in 60 different places, and required the surgeon general to fly in to give recommendations.
3) A research presentation for school? That's right! Their professor is the hardest professor within the state and the research is the most demanding.
4) New computer. They own the fastest, the best, and the greatest on the market!
5) Cough? They've got whooping cough. Pox? They've got small pox. New restaurant? They've eaten there 65 times within the last month, and will gladly give you a review. Service at a restaurant is sub par? Don't worry. They are quick to gripe, complain, and make someone's life extremely miserable.

Even though my tolerance is waning, I still understand that I will always have to work (at church, school, home) that are different. After some thought I decided to compiled a list of ways to deal with annoying character traits.

Don't take a difficult person's behavior to the heart. Their taxing behavior is consistent and affects many people with whom they come in contact.

Don't fight back (or even try to beat them at their own game). That is just as annoying and immature as the trait in question.

Don't try to change them. The only change that should occur is one’s response to a certain behavior.

Do look for the lesson. What are you supposed to learn from this person?

Do surround yourself with people that you are compatible with and can restore positive energy.

What else can you add?

A New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Chandra) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:18:00 +0000

I thought I'd let you know about a new blog I've started. As you may know, I am currently a social worker. After undergrad I decided to test the social working waters and found it to be a very interesting field. I initially applied to grad school to obtain my Master's in Public Administration with the idea to run a non-profit organization. However, after some prayer, I decided to put the MPA on hold and obtain my multiple subject teaching credential.

I am currently in the teaching credential program and plan to have my credential by summer and teaching by fall. I'm currently finishing one of three phases and begin phase two within the next month. Phases two and three involve half and full day student teaching. I decided to create a blog about the experience; I plan to post lesson plans I've created, reflect on my assignments/readings, and network with individuals in the educational community.

I have also created a Twitter account, and you can follow me if you wish.

The blog: http://thinkteachlearn.edublogs.org
Twitter: ThinkTeachLearn
Website: under construction www.thinkteachlearn.com