Grads and other ramblings

  So, grad was last night... which means people dressed up and ceremonies were had. The actual grad ceremony was your standard - list the grads, speak, see people get awards, and clap lots :) In all seriousness, I feel fortunate to have worked with some of these students throughout the year. I taught Guitar and Photo and the 12 level, and had a blast. I know many of the staff who've been there since the beginning have always said good things about this group. If these guys run the world, it will be a happier place at least!

    Had a good time with the students (even met some parents... haha), and had a great day with the staff during the day. Speeches were phenomenal - way better than the speeches when I graduated (mainly because I'm pretty sure I fell asleep during the toasts back in the day). 

 

My grad, now teaching grads!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the staff I work with? I spent the entire day with them (coffee with one friend, lunch with a group, afternoon "tea" with some, then "staff collaboration" afterwards). Awesome conversations, I keep laughing and I feel comfortable being me. I'm so glad to return in the fall! Can't wait til Tues, that's for sure :)

  In other, non-work news... I did another 5k run today. And NO WALKING this time! At the Boogie, I walked for 5 minutes to catch my breath. Today I ran the whole thing - now, I did it slowly, but I did it. Even with this wicked cough/smoker's hack. Should I take up smoking to clear it up?

  Booked my ticket for the PhotoShop seminar this July. Good thing I'm teaching it again - it seems to justify me going to Calgary :) 

  Okay, so I should finish cleaning. Not that I should worry - family gathering with family that will be happy to be together rather than critique (at least to my face). 

 Hopefully the rest of my summer has moments filled with fun and adventure. I figure this weekend is a good kick-off!

One day more...

Okay, one final more, but had to throw in a Les Mis reference. Tomorrow is the last period final, then grad, then days of cleaning/planning. Then SUMMER!
Some of the students have really pulled their weight and pulled a credit. I've said this before - it takes more work to FAIL photo than it takes to shoot enough to pass. Don't get me wrong, I was lucky to work with amazing photographers in all grades this semester, but the stress comes from the few that figure I should give them a pass because they graced me with their presence most days.
I had grade 12's today, and this was their last final. Ever (well high school anyways). It was interesting to see their reactions. Of course, I gave them the hardest assignment in the world - breakfast potluck and a portfolio eval. Yup, I am such a witch. Their reactions reminded me of grade 12... but for Murray, it was more about yearbook signing. I have pics from that day (with lots of short hair after grad lol), and I have fun reading the comments from friends. The realization that you won't see these people everyday was scary and overwhelming.
But do high school students really need to "worry" about that? I'm not being cynical. Today there's Facebook (which I use to keep in contact with lost acquaintances), Twitter (which I use too, just for the heck of it), plus blogging, Flickr, Tumblr and any other social media thing I'm forgetting. Really, if you have all your graduating class on your account, do you miss them?
When I started facebook, that is what I did... found as many people as possible. But I quickly realized we are at different spots in life... or that if we didn't really talk in high school, why would we on Facebook? Don't get me wrong. I have made friends with high school people out of high school, but I have also removed a lot of people from my page too. Maybe that's why my class isn't planning a 10 year reunion (that, or I'm not invited). Really, the people I want to keep in touch with I talk to, and hear about others.
Does FB/internet replace real live people talk? Absolutely not. But still, the occasional contact is all most are looking for.

Okay, really should sleep... I'm sure falling asleep while delivering a final isn't all that professional...

25 Random Things...

So... I have a crapload of things running randomly through my head today. It's probably teacher-brain-meltdown, when your brain can't handle the late assignments, lame excuses and poor effort any longer. Maybe by writing them down, I'll be a better teacher tomorrow (that, or one of you will have me committed).
1. If I hear one more time some lame excuse about not handing in stuff, I will scream. I don't care if your dog had a haircut five months ago; it has nothing to do with your ability to have printing in your account.
2. I need to learn to play pingpong.
3. Why was I dumb enough to have all my students work with sharp utensils these last two weeks?
4. Related to 3: I need to get my first aid up-to-date.
5. I think it's funny that someone thought I was a popular girl in high school...
6. What would you dooo for a Klondike Bar? (I told you this was random).
7. I read my work ed. student's job reflection today. I loved it! Keeping a copy for when I need a teaching confidence boost.
8. I had a woman I have never met tell me I look like my father. Excellent... yay Mennonite genes.
9. How hard would it be to start working on my masters? I found a college online I like...
10. I hit another weightloss milestone, tied to numbers. I haven't been this weight since grade 11.
11. I really want to travel this summer, but don't have the money.
12. Related to 11: I need a rich guy.
13. I love living by myself. I don't know if I could live with a roommate (unless, of course, #12 comes true).
14. A grade 12 kid proved today that too many people believe FB is truth.
15. I'm freaking out about training advisor. HELP!
16. Marty Robbins: "A White, Sport Coat, and a... Pink Carnation.... (do-do-do)"
17. Blond or strawberry this summer?
18. I wish my iPod would work. The screen's been wonky.
19. My list of possible tattoos are way too long... so are my piercings.
20. All in one night, my sister was in the hospital for a test, I was at a mediclinic, and my cousin broke his ankle. Hmmmm, gotta love healthcare.
21. Mosquitos v. ticks.... who would win?
22. How many people still call their high school teachers by Ms/Mrs/Mr?? I still do... even though I have gotten 'yelled' at.
23. Staffroom quote: "Can we all go to 'Bad Teacher' and call it PD?"
24. My dad is Oscar: Oscar the grouch, and Oscar from Corner Gas (24.5: Meg is Hank).
25. "Unravelling the mystery... it all started with a Big Bang!! (*BANG)"

Maybe I should go find the padded room now :)

Good day for my self-confidence :)

     So... I will be returning to my current position in the fall. Long story short, the school is combining the mat leaves - I'll probably teach a bunch of photo term 1, with a guitar class; then term 2 will be at least a few guitar classes. Nothing is overly official (mainly because the guitar mat leave isn't technically covered yet until she files the paperwork). So, I'm happy - love the school, get to try the same thing twice (crazy, I know!), and really enjoy the people I work with.

    This summer I have to go to a few weddings (considering I'm the official photographer in one, and unofficial in another) and grad (at the request of my grade 12's :D).  What does that mean? I had to get a dress... which is usually a pain in the ass. And really, I had to; I tried one of my usuals on and it fell off (wow, that's a wardrobe malfunction that NO ONE wants to see). I tried a different store today, and when the salesperson guessed my size I laughed (why do they do that - seriously, I would've never tried to do that working retail!!). However, the joke was on me: she was right! The dress I got was a full 3 sizes smaller than the last dress I bought. Now I have to get shoes... blah (hate more than clothes shopping. Yes, I'm sure I'm really female lol).

     And then I went to the Dance showcase at school. I had one of my "problem" students from my contract from hell give me a hug (saying I was her favourite, yada yada yada). And my boss from my last retail gig was there and we talked for a bit. It felt good saying my life was on track *and that I wasn't wanting to go back for the summer... especially after finding out some students work there now.

    Just the little things added up today. Throw in a good visit with colleagues, staff bbq and a good mood... this is what I look forward to. Hopefully tomorrow is even better!