Day Four

Day Four (Friday, March 25^th): Today we had an early start. Breakfast was opened early for our group because our bus needed to leave at 8:00 to take us to Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. We all gathered downstairs and went straight for the food. It turns out yesterday's full English buffet was a fluke. Today they were ready for us and we had a very simple buffet:cereal, yogurt, toast and coffee/tea. I took a little bit of everything. (Hey, why not?) We finished breakfast and loaded up onto the bus. Suddenly we realized that we were missing a student. Her roommates had left her in the room (while she was showering) and so she didn't realize that it was time to go (although we told every student the leave time the night before.)

Once everyone was in the bus we set off for Stratford-upon-Avon. We first needed to drop off a small group from the Colorado folks who weren't coming and pick up our guide for the day (Barry). This turned out to be a two hour trip, and Barry, while enthusiastic, is not exactly our students' “cup of tea” if you will. I slept most of the ride but when we were just outside of Anne Hathaway's cottage I had no problem getting up. :)

Anne Hathaway's cottage was beautiful and from here we went straight to Shakespeare's birthplace. Once again neither place would allow us to take photos inside, but I sat in seats Will may have sat in and touch things he may have touch. That was good enough for me. We left the home he was born in and then ran to the church he was buried in. Out of all 48 travelers only Brian, Mayren, Karyne and I were able to see it. Wow! We then grabbed a quick bite at a little cafe' called The Food of Love. Brian had a sausage roll(sausage rolled in a pastry). Brian says it is a big pig in a blanket. I had a delicious little spinach and goat cheese pastry and a small mochachino. The group met back at the meeting point (and for the second time so far our Caldwell group was on time) and we drove for 30 minutes to Oxford.

Oxford was beautiful. The idea of the colleges, history and libraries was enough to make me weak in the knees. We walked past places the help mold the minds of William Golding (Lord of the Flies), Graham Greene (The Destructors),J.R.R Tolkien, C.S Lewis and Lewis Carroll (woot!)

As we were walking down these cobbled alleyways, through chapels, and corridors I realized that one of our chaperons was missing. She had left to go to the rest room and she told a parent from the other group, but no one she actually knew. So I spent a good 20 mins looking for her before we gave up. And soon enough she walks up like it wasn't even an issue. In addition to this I was told that I needed to tip the bus driver form yesterday in addition the the city guide ( I was told I didn't need to tip bus drivers until Spain) and, of course, he was upset. So I started to cry. Brian calmed me down, I bought a super cute Banksy shirt and as we all gathered to get back on the bus we realized we were missing the other female chaperon from Caldwell. The group all walked to the bus and Brian, Daz and I stayed behind ot find her. Well it turns out a student who was counted for had decided to go back to a store and luckily we saw her or we would have left her behind too. Finally the other chaperon showed up and she had been confused about the meeting time. This was the third time today that someone was late or missing from the high school group and the second time it was a chaperon. I have not been this disappointed in people in a long time. This is only day four. I still have six days of this!?!?! Oh Dear. I honestly don't know if I can do this anymore.

At least the food was good, I had a vegetarian Mousaka with salad and rice. Yummmmmmmm. For dessert we had the most AMAZING slice of Banafy (probably spelled wrong). It was light and creamy and fluffy and chocolaty and bananay and awesome. :)

Day Three

Day Three (Thursday, March 24^th): We woke up this morning bright-eyed and busy-tailed at 7:15. Most of the kids were so exhausted last night that they just passed out when they got back into their hotel rooms. So this morning was a great change of pace because most everybody was well-rested. We ate an amazing breakfast which included beans and toast, a very traditional English breakfast dish. After breakfast we jumped on the bus and took a city tour of London. Daz was there but then handed the reigns over to Erik who became our guide for the rest of the day. We took a quick stop at St. Paul's Cathedral and I even stood on the steps that were in the film Marry Poppins were the bird lady was (Feed the birds tuppence a bag). Brian grabbed us a quick coffee (from a European coffee place called Pauls- soooooo good!!!!) then it was back to the bus.

From there when went to Buckingham Palace. The Queen was actually there to work today we could tell because her flag was flying on top of the place. We also saw the royal guard enter the grounds it was pretty cool. As we headed back toward the bus our guide Erik stopped us. He saw a royal car and said you never know it could be The Queen, and it was!!! I snapped a quick pic, it's blurry but The Queen nonetheless.

Then were we off to Winsdor Castle! It was about 45 minutes on the bus and we are sharing our bus (for the entire tour) with a group of 8^th graders from Colorado. The bus is always loud but our tour guide was entertaining enough and informative enough to hold most of their attentions. When we arrived at Windsor we took an audio tour of the castle. It was amazing, the history, the rooms, the decorations and the collections of everything, unfortunately we were unable to take pictures inside and we had little time for souvenirs. Time has been a serious issue. We have a very tight schedule and time is most definitely of the essence, but I find most of my kids and myself are getting a little frustrated with this. We have had too many instances when our kids were late (it started this way too). So that have been one major problem I have been trying to remedy.

When we left Windsor we headed back into central London. We ate dinner at an English Pub called Ye Olde Cock Tavern. Everyone was introduced to a traditional English meal of fish and chips. We even tried it with Vinegar and salt (in that order). I loved it1 Most of the students seemed to enjoy it, but of course everyone mention how small the portions were. It's funny that we are so accustomed to large portions while the rest of the world thinks we are crazy. (I'm beginning to feel that way too) :) For dessert we had an amazing stuffed pastry with a type of ice cream within it drizzled with caramel.

After dinner we split up into two groups. Group one (my group) headed to London's West End to see a little show called Wicked! I cried and sang along the entire time. It was amazing. I couldn't believe I had the opportunity to go. The best part is that is was half price Thursdays so not only did we get to see one of the most amazing musicals ever, but it was very decently priced. Brian stayed behind and took the smaller group back to Piccadilly Circus where they took a wrong turn and spent a couple of blocks in a very shady and very “red-light”sort of area. I hear they had quite the adventure :)

We all made it back to the hotel around 11:30 (after I had to stay back and wait for a chaperon to catch up. She decided to take the lift (elevator) while the rest of us took the stairs so I waited about 15 minutes for her to catch up. Fin times. :( In the end we all arrived back at the hotel and everyone crashed within minutes of returning. One things is for sure, busy days make sleepy kiddos. :)

Europe Trip Days One & Two

We made it though our first two days !!! Well we finally arrived in London and we are safe and , as the English say, shattered.

Day One: We started out this voyage bright and early in Boise (5:15am). After my last experience I knew I needed to do everything I could to remind these kids that to sleep on the last plane of the day because we would hit the ground running we we arrived in London. So Tuesday we had some very tired kids,and chaperons, roll into the airport. Most of the kids were still awake from the day before. Brian and myself also thought this was an excellent idea. We all were wrong, By the 4^th hour of our 6^th hour layover in O'Hare kids were dropping like flies. Sleeping on benches and even the floor in the terminals, trying to catch an extra 20 or 30 minutes of sleep. We ate some good good too (Rick Bayless' food is yummy!!!)

So when we finally boarded the last plane I figured it would be food, then lights out, but as always that was not the case. They kids were too excited and watched too many in flight movies ;)

Most of the kids slept, but not much more than an hour or two so by the time we landed in London they were already a bit sluggish.

Day Two: We arrived in Heathrow and were able to get through customs without delay. But of course this days has had it's fair share of issues, we had a student whose debit card wouldn't work, a student who arrive 30 minutes late at the airport and4 parents who didn't answer the phone so the phone-tree was delayed. but all worked out We then got onto a bus, met our tour director Daz and headed to our hotel on the other side of London. It took an hour and a half due to 8:00 rush hour traffic, but we were able to take a small city tour of London.

We got to the hotel and were unable to check in early so everyone ran into the hotel lobby bathrooms (loo) and got change and headed out to the Tower of London to meet up with my Aunt Wendy and cousin Zac who came from Pucklechurch (2 hours away) to spend the day with us.

The day was busy. We first went to Tower of London and then it was on our for lunch. I am have been encouraging students to not eat food that you can get in the states in Europe and so far we have had only a couple of cheaters (Subway eaters), but not too bad. But on a good note I did find a diet coke (yes!!!)

The Tower of London was gorgeous and full of great history, we didn't go in, but still wonderful. After that we made our way to Shakespeare's Globe theater. I died a little from pure enjoyment. I can't believe I got to see the Globe, we again not knowing our time constraints exactly, were unable to go inside but we made the most of it.

From there everyone went to the Tate Modern museum. This houses an enormous collection of modern art (which it turns out I don't really like, but I was able to see some original Dali's and Picaso which was amazing, as well as a very detailed ceramic sunflower seed interactive art exhibit.

We left Tate modern and headed to Trafalgar square and Picadilly Circus. Everyone then split into free time and were able to spend a couple hours shopping and exploring the city. Aunt Wendy, Zac,Brian and I went to a pub (no I didn't have a pint, but wish I had), bought some souvenir and walked around a bit.

After that it was dinner at Planet Hollywood. I know this breaks the “ don't eat food that you can get in the states rule” but I really had no say in the whole thing.

Then it was finally time to head back to the hotel then off to bed.

We made it through Day One and Two, but who knows about Day Three

Beatniks are cool

but not as cool as me.
Today we had our Creative Writing Coffeehouse and it was perfect.
Everyone brought food, we drank coffee/hot cocoa and everyone shared their poems. Some were heart-felt, some disturbing, some funny, and there was even one about a toilet.

This kids have so much creativity and enthusiasm I cannot help but love them all.



This class offers some of the best reminders of why I became a teacher.

Girls Night In

So since I graduated from college, got married, and had a kid, I noticed that I haven't been spending as much time with friends as I would like. There have been people slowly drifting out of my life and I decided that I needed to do something about it. It was then decided that we would attempt a girls night at my house.

Four of us Neely Hall girls (Danielle, Jessi and Kelli and I) got together and spend the night eating yummy homemade tacos, playing Life and busting out with Just Dance on the Wii. I have to say it was great. I was nervous at first, because it had been so long (years) since we had all been together just to hang out. I wasn't sure what would happen. We have all changed a bit since college, but that didn't seem to matter.

The night was great.

We had a taco potluck, everyone brought something and created their own delicious dinner. After that we played games. We started with the new electronic version of Life (Jessi was in awe) and after I placed dead last we moved on to dessert.

Kelly made Dulce de Leche (Oh my God it was amazing) to put on pound cake and top off with strawberries.











After that we played some Just Dance on the Wii.

Kelly and Danielle didn't even leave until after midnight. Jessi had a good excuse as to why she left early though ;)

Since it was such a success we have decided to do this once a month. What a great way to stay connected and have a great (and kid free) night with the girls.

I can't wait for April!!! :)

Another great idea...

I have decided to take this European experience one step further. So when we arrive at the airport I will give the following handout to my students...

European Scavenger Hunt

While we are traveling throughout Europe I have a game for you. You may work as individuals or in groups no larger than three. Your job is to find and photograph a picture of as many items on this list as you can.

For every item on the list you snap a picture of I will give you one point (two points if you or a group member are in the picture). When we return to the states you can email/bring your pictures in to me. The individual or group with the most points will receive a special prize at our “wrap-up” meeting.

You DO NOT have to participate, but I hope you do. Good Luck!

• a punk (In England)
• a jar of marmite (In England)
• a mini (In England)
• a baby on the tube (In England)
• a building pre-dating the London fire (In England)
• a key
• a cup
• a clock
• a cake
• a ticket
• a boat in use
• train tracks
• a scrap of paper found on the ground with something hand-written on it
• a dog on a bridge
• a street sign that you don’t understand
• someone in a large hat
• someone exercising
• something you would buy if you had the money
• something you wouldn’t buy even if someone paid
• a Princess Diana picture or figurine (In England)
• a stuffed animal
• an autograph (from anyone you meet while in Europe. preferably not anyone famous)
• a photo of the ugliest shoes you can find
• a door
• doorknob
• a sidewalk café
• someone drinking tea (In England)
• something Shakespeare (In England)
• someone riding a bicycle.
• a picture of a cobbled alleyway
• picture of the tube signs (In England)
• picture of the Metro signs (In France)
• someone texting in a museum.
• someone eating a crepe (In France)
• Nutella (In France)
• Someone drinking coffee (In France)
• European lovers in a kiss
• A French Euro (In France)
• A Pound (In England)
• A Spanish Euro (In Spain)
• A Carousel (In France)
• A street named after someone famous (In France)
• Someone wearing a beret (In France)
• A street vendor
• A street performer
• Something made in the USA
• Fish and Chips (In England)
• A fashionista (In France)
• Escargot (In France)
• Flamenco dancer figurine (In Spain)
• Something that screams “I’m a Tourist”
• A double-decker bus
• A London phone booth (1 point per person inside)
• Someone using an umbrella (In England)
• A statue (In England, France and Spain)
• Something soccer (futbol) related
• An artist

Readers- If you can think of something I should add let me know, I don't need to finish this until Monday:)

Awesome Teaching Idea (I think)

So sometimes I get these crazy ideas--slightly crazy lesson plans that I can't help but try and attempt. The other day I came up with a doozey.

Let me start by explaining that I live for my third period class-Creative Writing. This class is like a family, I mean it. We have 15 kids total- all different, like snowflakes. We have preps, jocks, nerds, cheerleaders, Indy kids, band geeks, and bookworms. Kids who would never talk to each other in a traditional classroom can't stop talking in this class. I love this class.

We are just finishing up our poetry unit and for some reason we decided to host a "Creative writing Coffeehouse." OK let me be honest, any chance these kids get to bring in food they are all over it. We have food all the time it seems. We've had a Halloween party where we shared original urban legends, A Christmas Party where we watched Alice in Wonderland and discusses fairy tales, we even had a food poem day where we spent all period writing poems about food and using the five senses.

Now the coffeehouse...

So on Tuesday we decided that next Monday (since I won't be there for the rest of the week-I'll be in Europe) we would have a poetry slam/coffeehouse day. That morphed into a coffeehouse/poetry reading with food, then coffeehouse with coffee and food and an all black wardrobe and berets. Before I knew it we had a plan. Monday all 15 (for the most part) of my students and I will dress up like Beatniks, drink coffee, eat cake and read poems.

How awesome is my life!?!?!

I can't wait!

A Day at the Park

So since I am leaving in 8 days to go to Europe for 10 days I figured I needed to spend some quality time with Alice. Now usually we just hang out at home, play with toys, read some books, watch a tv show, draw, ect, but today I decided to be adventurous and take her ot the park. There is a little playground located in our subdivision. It has a slide, some swings and a jungle gym area. I figured it would be a great little adventure for the two of us so I got us ready, and we headed out.
The first thing Alice wants to do is look at and touch all the trees and large bushes. After we spend 5 minutes talking about and touching all the trees we can we headed to the park. When we got there the first thing I saw was the little kids seat swings. Brian has taken her to this park before, but I hadn't, so I was really excited to see how she would like it. Well she loved it. The second I sat her in the swing she was all giggles and smiles. She laughed and pointed and giggled and had a blast!
Then we went over to the jungle gym. She slid down the slide, walked over the very sketchy bridge and scoped out the other kids and had a great time.
We finished up at the park and as we were leaving Alice darted back towards the swings. The other little kids had just jumped off and before I knew it the swing smacked Alice in the mouth. She fell straight backwards and started screaming and I picked her up and saw her lip was bleeding from where her toot cut it. I have never felt so bad my entire life. I have yet to see Alice get hurt so when I saw blood I freaked! I call Brian, cried, and hugged her so tight I thought she might pop.
She cried for a whole 45 seconds before she was OK again, but who knows when I will recover.

I lack...

I lack motivation and drive
to do what it is I strive
for. And yet I still wonder
can I do the things I long for?
I want to write-- no... NEED
to write, to feed
on words
and you
but I can't
seem to

Keep up the good work

So first I need to apologize to the people (if any) that read this. It has been a crazy couple of weeks and I fear it is only going to get crazier :)
With all the lunatic legislation and education reform bills passing my future as a teacher is looking grim. While I most likely have a job, the next couple of years look to be very stressful and even more demanding than they already are. Luna's education reform plans are hurting and in now way helping my situation.
Then there are of course travel preparations...Trying to get 15 students and 4 chaperons ready for 10 days in Europe is not an easy task. In addition to emergency contact forms, phone trees, flight/hotel information, and cutting 19 checks for my fellow travelers, my last couple of weeks have been hectic.
Then of course I spent 45 minutes on the phone with my monthly family drama (aka my biological mother). With all that, and work itself, I have found little time to stop, breathe and write, but I'm back!
Today was good day. It started as a student free work day and I was able to grade all my students' assignments and papers and put all the grades in the grade book. While I was finishing Brian stopped by with Alice for a night little break. We took a walk around the building and stopped by the prom committee as they were setting up for tomorrow's yard sale. We found an awesome activity cart for Alice and bought it. She started playing with it right away. Score!!!
For lunch my co-workers (Kim, Traci, Donna, and Brittney) and I went to Athena's and ate delicious Greek food. When we got back to school Donna and I decided to take on the task of cleaning the English work room and let me tell you, I was an organizing fiend. We are not done by any means but we kicked some serious butt.
After work I spent time at my book club and discussed the so-far-slightly-confusing book (I'm not finished yet) Great House by Nicole Kraus.
Finally I arrived at home where my daughter and husband were waiting for me. I ate some delicious homemade shrimp and wild rice soup, spent 20 minutes tickling my daughter as she laughed the sweetest laugh in the world, and decided to write a bit. I think maybe I'll watch a movie or read a book still. The night is young...