September 21, 2012: failure

Yep, I didn't take a picture today.  The first day that I missed one.  In my defense, it was a rough day full of distractions.  I am definitely going to ask for a little cheese with my whine and write about my excuse for not getting a picture in.  If you don't care, you can move on to September 22 where I have a nice picture of a vineyard. 

We were heading to Michigan this evening to celebrate a friend's birthday.  My intention was to get to the place we were staying and take pictures of the place when we got in.  However, my car broke down before we even got to the highway.  It had been making weird noises the week before, so I took it to the dealership.  They had looked it over and told me there was nothing wrong with it.  So I was a but upset when the entire car shut off and the dash read, "engine malfunction."  It was about 7:30 PM and we had originally planned to leave by 5:30.  So we tried to restart the car (successfully) and drove it back to my house.  We loaded up a friend's car instead, and made it safely to Michigan.  Taking a picture was not a priority.  Saying bad words about my car dealership was. 

September 20, 2012: Still loving the shirt

Unfortunately, this was the only picture I took today.  It was sent to Meagan to brag about my cool Chipotle shirt.  It's not exactly high quality or awesome enough to put on the blog, but I had no other options.  Life will go on. 

September 19, 2012: Don't trust Liza Alvarez

At kickball on Sunday, Liza pointed out that I hadn't removed my barcode sticker from my water bottle yet.  She assured me it comes off easily.

She is a liar. 

September 18, 2012: Team Victory

We finished the entire crossword puzzle!  

September 17, 2012: Heckled all day

As my dad said, how on earth did I have the power to continue the strike by an extra day so that we could go see the Tigers?  As much as I would have rather been in school, seeing the Tigers one more time this year was a pretty good time too.  Too bad I spent the morning being heckled by ill-informed Chicagoans thinking I was striking so I could get paid $100K and the afternoon being heckled by Sox fans.  Someone show some love!

September 16, 2012: The vent: part 2

Well, I told you I would inevitably forget to take a picture for the day and would most likely be putting another one up of the vent.  As promised, I tried to make this one a little more artsy.  

September 15, 2012: Cultivate Festival

Chipotle held a festival to raise awareness and educate people about fair farming.  This was by far the coolest festival I have been to.  We got to taste dairy product and vegetables, learn how organic cotton is made, plant tomatoes, make our own Chipotle tshirts, "learn" free burritos, and, of course, eat delicious Chipotle food!  It was fun to connect with other farmers and learn about how they choose to farm in an environmentally friendly way.  

September 14, 2012: Daphne

Spending the afternoon with Daphne was an awesome end to the week.  We worked on some lesson plans while watching a Law and Order SVU marathon.  She didn't get off my lap for the entire three hours.  

September 13. 2012: Rain Out

Tigers came into this game only one game behind the Sox.  After winning the last two games in the series, we were hopeful for a chance to tie it up! (And I was eager to see if my bad luck had truly worn off). Unfortunately, the skies opened up and the rain came down.  Game cancelled. 

BOO.

September 12, 2012: Strike: Day 3

After 3 days of striking, negotiations seem to be coming along.  Teachers are still receiving quite a bit of support from the community, but there have been new propaganda commercials coming out that describe the teachers as greedy and selfish.  They misrepresent the issues at hand.  We are starting to see hostility from community members, most of whom are greatly misinformed.  

I want to be back in the classroom so badly.  But I want it to be fair for all students and teachers just as much.  It is a tough spot, and I can only pray that both sides approach the issue with grace and respect for one another.

September 11, 2012: Who's your tiger...?

...Miguel Cabrera!

We all know that my family believes I am the Tigers' bad luck charm.  After watching nearly 20 games, I have only seen them win twice.  

I am happy to say, after tonight's game, we can make it THREE times!  Tigers (and Mandy) VICTORY!  The best part of the game was when a foul ball was hit straight at us.  It ricocheted off of the seat next to us and went flying at Katie.  In a combined attempt to defend herself and catch the ball, she swatted it with her hand and sent it sailing a few seats away.  The entire time I stood by jumping and yelling, "OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! YOU TOUCHED IT! THAT WAS AWESOME!"  I gained my composure and turned around to see the entire row behind us laughing at me.  I apologized and explained I tend to get over excited.  The lady behind me laughed and said, "That's ok.  That was cute as hell!"

GO TIGERS!!

September 10, 2012: The Strike begins

Teachers of STEM stood along Ashland and Taylor to show our support for the CTU.  This little man belongs to one of my coworkers.  He was so full of enthusiasm as he held a sign supporting his mom and his future teachers.    We got some great support from the city of Chicago.  So many people understand the importance of this movement and what it means for the students and teachers.

September 9, 2012: CTU Strike

Karen Lewis announced tonight that the CPS teachers will be going on strike tomorrow morning.  The board of education has had months to negotiate and it has not happened.  We are fighting for a fair contract, which includes a cap in class sizes (some classes have over 45 students in them!), a fair evaluation system, adequate compensation for the longer school year, and equal opportunity for all students in CPS, regardless of which school they attend.

I had mixed feelings about the strike.  Coming from a private school, I am already receiving more pay and resources than I did at my other school.  My new school is phenomenal, and I was worried that striking would make it look like I was ungrateful for the new blessings I found.

However, I realize that not all CPS teachers are in as great of a school as I am.  And that is not fair.  All schools should have the same benefits and resources that mine does.  Those children are just as valuable as the children at my school.  I am willing to stand beside all Chicago Teacher Union teachers until the contract is agreed upon and ALL students are given the same opportunities to learn well.

The board of education has been given more than enough time to work with the CTU.  The negotiations have been unsuccessful.  Though the teachers would rather be in the rooms teaching students, this movement is about ensuring that what happens when the kids to school is the best it can be.  Let the strike begin.

September 8, 2012: Wicker Park Madness

Emma and I went to Wicker Park to get some frozen yogurt.  While at the park, we saw a grown woman who looked just like Lady Gaga hula hooping in the park.  Her friend was playing Bop-It next to her.  Kind of weird, but I loved it.  Across the park was a man sitting on a bench feeding a pigeon right out of his hand. Kind of gross, but I loved it too.  As Emma and I walked to the car, we saw a zombie bride walking across the street.  Very strange, but I loved it too.  A few minutes later she had joined up with her zombie husband and they were chatting and eating hotdogs together.  Over the next 15 minutes, we saw 10 more zombies walking randomly down the sidewalks.  Some growled at the non zombies on the sidewalk.  Others acted like it was totally normal to be in dead person attire.  Either way, it was really bizzare; and I loved it.

September 7, 2012: Friends Helping Friends

Though it's always fun to meet up with friends, after a long week it's difficult to keep your eyes open past 9:00PM.  That's when friends come to the rescue.  Thanks, Byron.

September 6, 2012: Garden friend

This is my bug story of redemption.  I was picking green beans from our garden and stumbled upon this rather large grasshopper hiding in the leaves.  I didn't get scared.  Not even a little.  Go me.

September 5, 2012: Night biker

I couldn't get my flash fixed quickly enough before this man rode out of sight, so the picture is a little dark.  I saw this elderly man riding down the street with 4 twelve packs of Coke in his bike basket.  Impressive.

September 4, 2012: Faces of 303

I survived my first day!  The kiddos were great.  I have a really diverse room of second graders.  There are 29 of them, and each one has a big personality.  This is going to be a fun year.  

My favorite quotes thus far:

-"When I grow up I want to work in an office and work from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM"

Student:  Ms. Kiss, I have to go to the bathroom

Me (aka Miss Kiss):  We have break in 10 minutes can you hold it?

Student: I think so.  (goes back to his desk and returns in 5 minutes).  Miss Kiss, I am floating in my own shoes right now.

Me:  Did you have an accident?

Student: (looking like I am the dumbest adult he has ever had to converse with) No, it's just a figure of speech.  It means I still really have to go.

September 3, 2012: Last day of summer

My first day at STEM starts tomorrow.  

September 2, 2012: Tubing ANTM

You needed to be able to see the whole modeling portfolio, so I couldn't pick just one picture.  I am still working on finding the light, and working all the angles.  My booty tooch was nice though, right?  Tyra would be proud.

September 1, 2012: Tubing Zen

No better place to reach enlightenment than on a tube in Pure Michigan.

August 31, 2012: Jungle

Don't go into the long grass!

(Name that movie)

Our lawn is a jungle.

August 30, 2012: Most disgustingly freakish creature I have ever seen

Before you read on, know that I am not usually afraid of bugs.

But this guy was NASTY!  When I saw it run across the carpet, I thought for sure it was a mouse.  I screamed, Katie jumped away, and Ryan flew onto the couch.  Kate and I cornered it but it took me a good minute to conjure up the guts to smash it.  House centipedes are known for their speed.  They tend to run toward their attacker in an attempt to hide from their line of view.  

I  finally threw a shoe at this one and got him.  I nearly pulled my leg muscle from the disgusted convulsions my body went into afterward.  

August 29, 2012: Tech Savvy

The second drawer in my desk is filled with the technological toys they give us at my new school.  Inside you will find:  A palm pilot, a digital camera, a movie camera, a SMART board remote, a document camera, some weird cube thing that I almost threw away but it's a good thing I didn't because it takes a 3-D image on the SMART board and moves it around, and our SMART table magic bracelet things.  I am so pumped.

August 28, 2012: Joel=Funny

I finally got to see Joel perform at Second City!  All my friends agreed that he was one of the best in the show (and they weren't just being nice; he totally was)!  I was so proud!  Well done, Joel.  Well done. 

August 27, 2012: Bike to Work Day

My first day at school for our professional development days.  Since my school is only .89 miles from my house, I thought I would help the environment and my body and ride to work.  However, I had 32 picture books I needed to bring to school, along with a large posterboard.  I loaded them in my saddle bags and pedaled to work.  My bike was a lot heavier than I had anticipated and the ride took a lot longer than expected.  I was almost late to work, arriving tired and very sweaty.  I am sure it was a great first impression!

August 26, 2012: FLOOD!

This is what I saw when I went into the basement to put my laundry in the dryer.  Our entire basement had flooded.  Like we have said before, floods seem to follow Katie and me.  At least this time it didn't soak everything in our apartment!  I do not miss those days!  

August 25, 2012: Greek Fest

The Spartans are off to defeat the Persian Army.  I will go eat a gyro in honor of them.  Or a kabob. 

August 24, 2012: Ridin' Solo

I am unashamed to go to a movie solo.  Even when I go to the theater that assigns you seats ahead of time, and they happen to sit you right next to the only other two people in the movie theater, who happen to be madly into one another and unafraid to show it.  

Single and Proud