Tybette's blog

Okay, I know that the good ole' day were probably not that good, but right now I just want my chalkboard back.  I started teaching in 1971 and the most innovative thing I had to use in my classroom that year was colored chalk for my "green" blackboard.  Now I am still teaching and there is not a blackboard in sight.  There are white boards with markers that are seldom used because we are doing power points and projecting them directly from our laptops.  We walk around with our complete hard drive of information around our necks on a travel drive the size of a Bic lighter.  I love the changes.  Students have no reason not to learn---technology has made it easier.  Or so I thought until enthusiastically volunteering to teach a class on-line this semester.  This is the first time the class has been offered on-line. It will look so good on my professional development.  However,I am losing my mind and beginning to hate the sight of "You have mail." 
I am trying to manage 41 students who are preparing for a state required reading test.  They must pass the test to be able to graduate.  No pressure there!!!!  Today, I fielded 40+ emails, 4 phone calls, three office visits, and a 35 minute call that turned into a tutoring session during my down time tonight.  Yesterday, I spent 6 hours on the computer creating and grading work for next week. That is just for one class.  I have three other classes that I am physically present for 8 times a week.  I thought this would be easy.  I don't have to go to class, I don't have to try to remember all the student's names, I don't have worry about getting to class with all the right papers.  I can sit at home on my couch in my p.j.'s, snacking away anytiime and educate tomorrow's leaders.

Right now I want a piece of chalk to throw!  I need to take erasers outside and beat them against the wall until there is no dust left in them.  WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!!! 

Since only my family really reads this, I have not taken the time to post anything lately.  However, I just have to say that walking in the morning just before sunrise is giving me a chance to mediate.  Nothing like watching the sun rise.  Since the sun does not rise until 7:00, it is not much of a challenge to be up.  Wonder if I will do the same in the spring after the time chang?

I have missed my chance to write the great American novel.  I am sure that all the craziness of our move would make a great read for those contemplating moving or those who have just moved themselves.  However, the moment has passed and I can't remember all the gorrie details.  For instance, we had to replace the microwave over the stove.  The repairman would do it for an additional $50 after paying $35 to tell us it was better to buy an new one.  But no----I wanted to save $50.  (Based on what I have been spending during this move, that amount of money is nothing.)  After about 4 hours, my husband said he would just pay the repairman to come to put it in.  I would not give up and today we have a new microwave nicely installed in our kitchen.  WE DID IT.  We laughed, we yelled, we got irritated, we grunted, and we groaned during the process, but we succeeded.  Lesson learned--I would starve as an appliance installer.  No one could afford to pay me by the hour.

I now know what it would be like to roll a body into a rug and carry it to the car.  I rolled up a 9 X 12 rug and wrestled it to my car where I creatively figured out a way to get it in.  I could not help but think of ex-cop Peterson and how he might could have disposed of his wife's body. 

I now know that regardless of how much space one has, the space will become filled in a short period of time.

My children need to settle down (closer to their mother) so I can give them all the stuff that I have stored now in three houses for them.  I know they will be thrilled that I have saved all their ribbons from swim meets when they were 4 and 5 years old. 

The next time I move, I am going to take my toothbrush,  pictures of family and friends, and  little else.  Traveling light has it advantages.

For a full sit-down dinner with several guests, would you rather be the one cooking or do you prefer to just show up and eat?

I would rather be cooking.  I always have preferred to pamper others. Also, it puts me in control.

What's the best thing you ever bought off of Ebay or Craigslist?

2002 White Thunderbird with 1,000 miles!!!!!!!

If I ever decide to take two 7000 level reading courses that usually are 15 weeks long and have been condensed into 5 weeks with no reduction in the amount of work to be done---just take me out and shoot me.  

One of my favorite television shows is Brothers and Sisters.  I love watching the children and the mom interact and react.  It is nice to know that there are families crazier than ours.  And soon, all of my children will be within three miles of each other and most of them will be staying at my house.  Between Don and I, we have 4 children who each have significant others, two large dogs, two grandchildren, and a partridge in a pear tree.  I can't wait for the chaos.  It will be southern family at it best.  I may just have to get out my baton and lead a parade to welcome them.  Bring on the bands!!!!!

I received an email about my class reunion this week.  It is our 40th.  40 years since I have been in high school.  40 years since I have lived in my hometown.  I once thought someone going to their 40th reunion would be old.  I don't feel like I have been out of high school for 40 years.  What do you say to people you knew well 40 years ago but have rarely seen since?  I already have a commitment for the night of the reunion but with extra effort, I probably could make it.  Do I really want to be reminded that it has been 40 years?

What's something you should throw away, but can't?

I have my baton from high school (40 years ago) I used as a majorette.  Some day I might want to lead a parade.