You Should Celebrate Friendship |
 It may have been a good year or a bad year, but no matter what, your friends helped get you through it. And you can't imagine celebrating New Year's Eve without your closest friends around. You are always happy to catch up with old friends on this night, and you're hoping to make some new ones too. So this year, raise a toast to old and new friends. They make every day of the year a little brighter. |
So, earlier this week my plans fell through. Then I asked my sister to do something but she begged off. I was all set to pout my way into the new year when Dad called to invite me out to dinner with his crew. Yippee! Now I have plans!
Wishing a safe and happy New Year to all!
In 2009, I gained: wanderlust.
I lost: respect for administration.
I stopped: being as intense.
I started: decluttering.
I was hugely satisfied by: my health.
And frustrated by: how stagnant my life has become.
I am so embarrassed that I: was afraid of that.
Once again, I: didn't develop healthy habits.
Once again, I did not: win the lottery.
The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is: my hair is shorter.
The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is: working through false thinking.
I loved spending time: with my family and friends.
Why did I spend even two minutes: worrying.
I should have spent more time: reading.
I regret buying: nothing. I've gotten better with my finances.
I will never regret buying my GPS even though with that money I could have spent more on shopping with my sisters.
I worried way too much.
I didn’t exercise enough.
Celebrity news stories reported as news (seriously--Tiger Woods and Michael Jackson are news??) drove me crazy.
The most relaxing place I went was the couch.
Why did I go to boring workshops.
The best thing I did for someone else was forgive them.
The best thing I did for myself was monthly pedicures.
The best thing someone did for me take care of me.
The one thing I’d like to do again, but do it better, is road trip to my sisters'.
The Three Threes
1) Three things that have changed since the beginning of the year reconnecting with dear friends from my childhood, decluttering--well, starting to, and conquering fears
2) Three things that didn’t change my health habits are still kind of nonexistent, my profession, my lack of love life
3) Three things you want to change next year my health habits, my financial outlook, have a more interesting social life
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? my multi-state road trip
2. What was the most challenging thing that happened? living in a dorm during the AP Institute
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year? reconnecting with my nieces and nephews
4. What was an unexpected obstacle? being overwhelmed with contract negotiations
5. Pick three words to describe 2009. adventuresome, thoughtful, independent
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you). ok, so I don't have a spouse...
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking). skipping this one, too
8. What were the best books you read this year? The Help, The Lost Symbol, The Art Of Racing In The Rain, People of the Book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society... lots of really good books this year
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships? my sisters, my parents and my therapist
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? working on OCD with my therapist
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? by exploring my vulnerability
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually? more reflective
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically? no changes there, really
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? asking for more help when I needed it
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? starting on the decluttering process
16. What was your most challenging area of home management? the clutter
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Farmville on Facebook
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year? reading
19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? at the AP Institute, I realized it's going to be a good fit with my style
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you. It's a new day--from the Will.i.am song
Thank you for shining today. Otherwise the six below zero temperatures would have felt even worse. Come back often, ok?
xoxo
Dear Downstairs Neighbor,
Sounds like you're having quite an argument. Door slamming and foot stomping don't win arguments. Just so you know.
You Are Creative and Artistic |
 You are the type of person who has a very active imagination. You live in a bit of a dream world. Whenever you are able to channel your creativity, you are very productive and successful. You are a very visual person, and you appreciate beauty and design. You feel anxious in the wrong surroundings. You love luxury, and at times you can be an extravagant spender. You have no problem spoiling yourself. |
Ten New Year quotes:
1) Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn
2) Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go. ~Brooks Atkinson
3) Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey
4) But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits. ~Andre Gide
5) One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs
6) New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions. ~Mark Twain
7) I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's. ~Henry Moore
8) A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest
9) A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. ~Author Unknown
10) May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. ~Joey Adams
1. Will you be looking for a new job? probably not another teaching job
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship? sure
3. New house? no
4. What will you do differently in '10? uhm... I'll pay more attention to finances and the paper tiger
5. New Years resolution? I'd like to focus on some little things around the house... organize my CDs and DVDs and books and stuff like that
6. What will you not be doing in '10? the list is looooooong
7. Any trips planned? nothing planned but I will probably go visit my sisters in PA & VA again
8. Wedding plans? not for me
9. What's on your calendar? I don't have a calendar yet... so nothing
10. What can't you wait for? getting my car starter
11. What would you like to see happen differently? I'd like to be less cluttered
12. What about yourself will you be changing? I'd like to exercise more often
13. What happened in '09 that you didn't think would ever happen? AP Institute
14. Will you be nicer to the people you care about? maybe I'll be more expressive of my feelings to them
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in '09? no
16. Will you start or quit drinking? I might drink more
17. Will you better your relationship with your family? it's really great as it is
18. Will you do charity work? I already do
19. Will you go to bars? no
20. Will you be nice to people you don't know? I already am
21. Do you expect '10 to be a good year for you? yes
22. How much did you change from this time last year til now? not substantially
23. Do you plan on having a child? no
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with now? I hope so
25. Major lifestyle changes? maybe eat more healthfully
26. Will you be moving? not that I know of
27. What will you make sure doesn't happen in '10 that happened in '09? save more money
28. What are your New Years Eve plans? nothing yet
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight? no
30. One wish for '10? contentment & motivation
You Would Be a Conventional Santa |
 Truth be told, you're pretty happy with Santa and Christmas as they are. Why mess with a good thing? Traditions are traditions for a reason. And you're happy to participate in all of them. You even believe in Santa a little. You think that old fashioned holidays with old time values are nice. It's all about family and togetherness. You think that too much commercialism and greed are naughty. It breaks your heart when the holidays bring out the worst in people. |
You Are Sending Christmas Cards |
 You are a nostalgic and caring person during the holidays. It's important for you to feel connected to other people this time of the year. You do your best to stay in touch with everyone who is important to you. Even a little note shows you care. Nothing delights you more than getting a card from someone you haven't heard from in a while. That's the true spirit of Christmas for you. |
1. Classified :: top secret
2. Praised :: honored
3. Censored :: banned
4. 2010 :: new year, new decade
5. Lamp :: light
6. Alternate :: switch
7. Script :: rote
8. Handsome :: hunky
9. Eager :: excited
10. Meeting :: appointment
#361
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.
(click the icon to play along)
Sam's Last Stand of 2009
1. What did you think of 2009? it had some real highs and some low lows
2. What do you think was the news story of the year? Barak Obama's inauguration
3. What happened this year that you never want to hear another word about? it's a tie between Michael Jackson and Tiger Woods
4. What was your favorite song of 2009? anything by Lady Gaga
5. What did you accomplish this year? two road trips outside my comfort zone
6. Did you learn anything new this year? I learned a lot at the AP Institute I attended, and it boosted my professional confidence
7. What are you looking forward to in the new year? taming the paper tiger
8. What are your plans for New Year's Eve? I don't have any, yet
9. What's the best thing you ever did on a New Year's Eve? New Year's Eve for the new century was a terrific blast--we ate, we sang, we played games, we drank!
Lots of laughter and love today. A very, very laid back day. Wonderful meal, great conversation, many memories shared.
Family, food, fun. Does it get any better than this?
Plus, I got gifts!!
# 156
1. My boots are drying by the front door.
2. One decade down this century.
3. Imitation is supposed to be the greatest form of flattery.
4. Is it so hard to walk and talk?
5. I'd like a merry Christmas.
6. Will you get over it?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying a Merry Christmas with my family, tomorrow my plans include hanging around and Sunday, I want to watch movies!
If you could pick one gift that would cost under $10 for someone to give you, what would it be?
1. What song gives you the most holiday cheer? I really like the music to Good Christian Men, Rejoice
2. Who is the hardest person to shop for on your holiday list? my dad, he usually buys what he wants and doesn't really need anything
3. When do you start your holiday shopping? as soon or often as I find the right gift, so... really anytime
4. When are you finished your holiday shopping? I shop right up until the last minute
5. What food or drink do you love when it's cold out? (Recipes and recommendations, please!) a hot cocoa with whipped cream
10. The hours, the weather and the trend toward smaller chimneys.
9. Nike won't give him a lucrative side-contract.
8. Reindeer and elves have unionized.
7. New tax on flying sleighs.
6. Sleigh fuel has gone through the roof.
5. Needs extra cash to cover off-season gambling losses.
4. New air traffic controllers.
3. Cost of living increase at the North Pole.
2. Children don't leave as many cookies as they used to.
1. Mrs. Clause told him to.
Your Holiday Wish is Being with Family and Friends |
 The holidays are near and dear to your heart. You don't need much to make you happy this time of year. As long as you're able to be near the people you love most, you are content. It's really that simple. You want nothing more than a full house of people celebrating the season. It doesn't matter if it's your house or not, just as long as everyone is there. And if someone doesn't happen to be around during the holidays, you think about him or her often. You get very sentimental this time of year. |
Your Holiday Personality is Caring |
 Your holidays are all about connecting and sharing. This is a sacred time of year, and you like to spend it with those who are special to you. You like to make sure everyone around you is comfortable, full of love (and goodies!), and healthy. You love to surprise people with the best Christmas gifts ever. You will search high and low for that perfect present. You are always reflecting on the true meaning behind the holidays. You appreciate all that you have been given in this world. |
We fucking had school. The drive over was not great--going about 40-45 mph. I hated every minute. At least the beastly students didn't show up. It snowed about three or four inches during the school day. The ride home was like the ride over. I'm glad to be on vacation.
Ten traditions for the holiday season:
1) Gathering at Dad's for a family sing-a-long. The first year he suggested it we all thought it was too corny. Now it's fun, festive and filled with laughter and joking. We love it.
2) Dad's concerts. The variety of music and the showmanship is wonderful. Really fills me with the Christmas spirit. He is a remarkably gifted musician and conductor. Plus it is fun to see him doing what he really loves.
3) Cuppa-cuppa-cuppa. A family tradition. Best dip. Ever.
4) Driving around to look at Christmas lights. I do this every Christmas Eve. Usually in my fuzzy pajamas. The city sparkles. Some streets are lined with luminaries and it's lovely.
5) Wrapping on Christmas Eve. Every year I save it all for after the light drive. I stay up until I'm finished.
6) Christmas movies--Miracle on 34th Street is generally my wrapping movie. I kick off the season with Christmas Vacation. Elf usually is viewed a couple of times. Love Actually has become a tradition, too. Sometimes I watch that on Christmas night.
7) Breakfast with Becky. She and her family are here for the holidays and we always get up early in the morning on Christmas Eve for breakfast and last minute shopping.
8) New Year's Eve with Valerie. That's been our big night out for a few years. Sometimes we play cards. Or dice games. We have Chinese food and watch chick flicks. And gab.
9) When Harry Met Sally. Always at the New Year. Either during the day of New Year's Eve or on New Year's Day. It's my must-see.
10) Early morning shopping. Usually I get up at my regular school time to hit the stores before 7 on the weekends so it's not crazy-hectic. This year I really didn't do much shopping (not in stores, a lot was done online) so I didn't get up to go early.
A snow day tomorrow would be the best early Christmas present ever!!!!!
... Winter Storm Warning now in effect until 7 PM EST Wednesday...
The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until 7 PM EST
Wednesday.
Steady snow will continue into Wednesday. The snow may be heavy at
times late this afternoon through Wednesday.
Storm total snow accumulations across the area are expected to
range from 12 to 20 inches. The highest amounts are expected to
occur along an axis stretching from the Allagash towards Mars
Hill. At this time, the lower amounts are expected in the St John
valley. Residents should continue to monitor the latest
forecasts... since any deviation in the forecasted axis of the
heaviest snow can result in a sharp variation in the heaviest
snowfall amounts.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
This storm will have a high impact on the warning area. Heavy
snowfall across the region will frequently limit visibilities to
less than one half mile for an extended period of time. Snow
removal crews may have a difficult time as snowfall rates exceed
1 to 2 inches per hour later tonight and into Wednesday. As a
result travel will be difficult at best.
I don't know who's more excited for vacation--the students or me. Today was difficult. For some reason, the kids seem to be under the impression that all we're going to do this week is play. They were incredulous that I expected to do work this week. It's HIGH SCHOOL for cryin' out loud. Of course we work. Tomorrow's going to be rough.
You Are a Cute Christmas Card |
 You love the holidays, and it's hard for you to feel any sort of seasonal burnout. You're the person who thinks the holidays don't start soon enough. You have your Christmas cards picked out months in advance. The holidays make you feel happy and content. You're tickled by every gift you receive and every old friend you reconnect with. You are a thoughtful gift giver, and you take the time to make each object you give unique and special. You like to see someone's eyes light up when they open your present. |
You are Brightly Optimistic |
 During the holidays, you're the one who has a bit of cheer for everyone. Even when things get hectic and chaotic, you keep on smiling. You believe it's important to have a spirit of generosity and gratitude all the time... but especially this time of year. You get more satisfaction from giving than receiving. You're always going out of your way to improve someone's day a little. |
Just got home from one of my dad's concerts. This one is my favorite, it's got such a variety of traditional and newer Christmas music and he always shows off by playing something fancy on the organ. The choirs sounded very nice. I thought I felt some holiday spirit moving in me earlier this afternoon but now I'm floating on it.
Although I'm not finished shopping and haven't wrapped what I do have, I am not worried at all. I'm feeling quite laid back about everything. This is how it's meant to be.
Now to suffer through the next three days of school.
Q1. Which department store figures prominently in the 1947 classic "Miracle on 34th Street"?
1. Gimbel's
2. Marshall Field's
3. Macy's
4. J.C. Penney
Q2. Which of the following statements is not part of "The Code of the Elves" that Buddy references in the movie "Elf"?
1. Brush and floss twice a day
2. Treat every day like Christmas
3. There's room for everyone on the nice list
4. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear
Q3. In "Scrooged," a modern retelling of "A Christmas Carol," the Ghost of Christmas Past is:
1. A TV news anchor
2. A Brooklyn cab driver
3. A disbarred lawyer
4. His former personal assistant
Q4. In "It's a Wonderful Life," Clarence Oddbody is this rank of guardian angel:
1. First Class
2. Second Class
3. Third Class
4. Fourth Class
Q5. What does Clark Griswold get instead of a year-end end bonus in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"?
1. A membership to the Jelly of the Month Club
2. An engraved pen and pencil set
3. A gift certificate to the Men's Hair Club
4. An I.O.U.
Q6. In "A Christmas Story," Ralphie desperately wants to find this under the Christmas tree:
1. A Spy-Master Command Belt Set
2. An Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Ring
3. A Red Rider BB Gun
4. A Red Raven Magic Mirror Movie Set
Q7. In "The Polar Express," when a young boy is chosen by Santa to receive the first present of Christmas, he chooses:
1. A Playstation 3
2. A Shining Star
3. A present for all the world's girls and boys
4. A Silver Bell
Q8. The Grinch of "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" spies on the Whos in Whoville from his lair, known as:
1. The Hair Lair
2. Sneetch Mountain
3. Mount Crumpet
4. Mount Maximillian
Q9. Adam Goldberg played the lead in this comedy about a Jewish superhero who must save Hanukkah from the evil son of Santa Claus:
1. Menorah Man
2. The Hebrew Hammer
3. The Star of David
4. The Lethal Latke
Q10. The recently released "The Nativity Story" made history by being:
1. The first film to tell the story from the Magi's point of view
2. The first film done entirely in Aramaic
3. The first film to have its world premiere at the Vatican
4. The first film to use historically accurate settings
Q11. Jack Skellington may have wanted to experience Christmas in "The Nightmare Before Christmas," but his full-time gig was:
1. Town Gatekeeper
2. Grim Reaper
3. Mayor of Halloween Town
4. Pumpkin King
Q12. The establishment that Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) try to save in "White Christmas" is called:
1. Holiday Inn
2. The Columbia Inn
3. The Vermont Inn
4. Snowed Inn
Q13. In Adam Sandler's "Eight Crazy Nights," Davey's parents died in an accident on Hanukkah. The one thing saved from the wreck was:
1. A Hanukkah card to Davey
2. Hanukkah Gelt
3. A hand-carved Dreidel
4. A family-heirloom Menorah
Q14. In "About a Boy," Hugh Grant's character is independently wealthy thanks to his father's penning of this inane Christmas song:
1. "Reindeer Rap"
2. "Foxy Frosty"
3. "Winter Wipeout"
4. "Santa's Super Sleigh"
Q15. In the Christmas favorite "The Bishop's Wife," Dudley the Angel was played by:
1. Fred Astaire
2. Cary Grant
3. David Niven
4. Paul Newman
::answers will be revealed in the Comments in a couple of days::
1. Interest :: intent
2. Chase :: catch
3. Itch :: squirm
4. Soothe :: ease
5. Lamp :: light
6. Tutor :: assist
7. Nicole :: Nicky
8. Sloth :: weekend me
9. Burn :: conflagration
10. Bug :: pester
#360
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.
(click the icon to play along)Minimum number of checkpoints Mary and Joseph would face today from Nazareth to Bethlehem: 10
............
According to surveys, percentage of people who embarrass themselves in some way at their office Christmas party: 17
............
Percentage of Americans who sing holiday carols to their pets: 58
............
Percentage of Americans who re-gift: 52
............
Percentage who wait until Christmas Eve to finish their shopping: 20
............
Percentage of Americans offended by the phrase Merry Christmas: 5
............
Percentage offended by the phrase Happy Holidays when spoken by someone who is afraid someone else will be offended by Merry Christmas: 46
............
On Christmas Eve in 2001, the Bethlehem Hotel had 208 of its 210 rooms free.
............
It's "God rest ye merry, gentlemen," not "God rest ye, merry gentlemen."
............
It's Donder, not Donner. Well, it started out as Donder...
Take the Christmas Pledge:
1. Remember those people who truly need my gifts
2. Express my love for family and friends in more direct ways
3. Redirect myself to the spiritual growth of my family
4. Examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas
5. Initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends.
White Christmas
1. If you live where you get winter weather, do you prefer your Christmas to be white? If you never see snow, do you wish for it? we get tons of snow... it makes everything magically beautiful
2. How many holiday cards did you receive from people you hadn't sent cards to, after the "mailing deadline?" Did you send a card anyway? there's a mailing deadline?? I sent cards to everyone that sent one to me, but they were on my list anyhow
3. When the clock strikes Midnight on New Year's, will you be at home, at a party, or somewhere else? probably fast asleep
4. Have you ever taken the keys and driven home a friend that you felt was too drunk to drive? If not, do you think you would attempt to if that situation ever arose? once... but I wouldn't hesitate to do it
5. Tell us about a gift that you either bought or made for someone else that you wanted for yourself! regularly, I give people things that I would like, I can't think of something specific
6. What chores do you have left for the holidays? pretty much everything
7. If you could buy one gift for yourself where money was not an obstacle, what would it be? new living room set
8. What is one of your family’s favorite holiday traditions? Dad has a gathering and a sing-a-long usually right before Christmas
9. If you could give a fellow blogger a holiday gift, which would it be and what would you give them?I'd give The Gal Herself a hot cabana boy at the spa retreat she goes to ;-)
You Love the Holidays More than Anyone |
 The holidays are a special time for you, and you try to keep the holiday spirit going all year long. You believe that this season is all about giving, and you love the chance to practice generosity. Whether you're making someone smile with the perfect gift or feeding everyone cookies, the holidays always elevate your mood. Just putting on your favorite holiday song always warms your heart. Even if it's July! |
Oy. My car door lock was frozen and I couldn't get into my car. What a disaster. So glad I've got AAA. They came in about a half hour. And I got home.
# 155
1. No, we will NOT be having figgy pudding.
2. We used to play games at the old kitchen table.
3. I watched the steam rising from the hot cup of coffee (or tea) and thought: about dreams coming true.
4. Everything is going to be okay.
5. I'll take an adult beverage now.
6. It's too soon for Christmas, at least from my point of view.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to wrapping presents, tomorrow my plans include mailing the presents and the Breakfast Club and Sunday, I want to mentally prepare for the week!
Just so glad I finally got my hair taken care of today. I love catching up with my hairdresser of 19 years, she's a friend and confidante.
Name 5 Favorite Christmas Songs
* Diana Krall's "Christmastime Is Here"
* Michael Buble's "My Grown Up Christmas List"
* Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas"
* Clay Aiken's "Mary Did You Know"
* Donna Summer's "Christmas Spirit"
Name 4 Gifts You Plan To Buy For Others.
* can't say
* because my family
* and my friends
* might see this
Name 3 Things On Your Christmas Wish List.
* CDs
* spending time with family & friends
* peace
What 2 Places Do You Plan To Be On Christmas?
* Dad & Barb's
* home
What Is 1 Important Person, Place or Thing You Love About Christmas?
* I love the energy in the air, the sense of wonder, the time I get to spend with family & friends, the lights and the music
CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE PSYCHIATRICALLY CHALLENGED
Schizophrenia -- Do You Hear What I Hear?
Multiple Personality Disorder -- We Three Queens, Disoriented Are
Amnesia -- I Don't Know if I'll be Home for Christmas
Narcissistic -- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
Manic -- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and...
Paranoid -- Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me
Borderline Personality Disorder -- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
Personality Disorder -- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll tell You Why
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells
Agoraphobia -- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Answer the Door
Senile Dementia -- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My House In My Slippers and Robe
Oppositional Defiant Disorder -- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus So I Burned Down the House
Social Anxiety Disorder -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate
Substitute uses jump rope to tie up talking students
By Sarah Newell Williamson | Hickory Daily Record
A substitute teacher at Southwest Elementary tied up four students on Friday when they misbehaved in class.
The four students were supposed to be working on writing, said Kyle Ivanko, one of the four students involved.
"She said we whispered when we were in writing, and told us not to talk," he said.
Kyle, 8, admits that he and his three friends said a few comments.
"We talked a little -- maybe three times," he said.
During recess, which is after writing, Kyle and the other three students who talked were tied up by the substitute teacher with a long jump rope — Kyle described it as the kind that two people swing so another person can jump.
The substitute teacher tied the rope around the four students' waists.
"During recess, she tied us up and said, 'This is what it's going to be like when you're in jail,'" Kyle said.
The four students were tied up for about 30 minutes. One of the children who was tied at the end of the rope managed to free himself.
"We tried to get untied because it was hurting our waists," Kyle said.
The substitute noticed the student who untied himself, though, and came over and tied him back up, Kyle said.
At the end of the recess period, the substitute untied them. One of the students went directly to the office to tell the principal, Kyle said.
Kyle's mom, Christine Ivanko, is outraged.
"I don't even like the idea of parents putting leashes on their kids," she said. "This is ridiculous.
"The school system has rules. If something was going on where the boys were getting into this much trouble, the principal should have known about it," Ivanko said. "The school system isn't doing its job. I don't want my kid going to a school like that."
Tracy Hall, public information officer for Hickory Public Schools, said a teacher and a parent notified an administrator at the school on Friday that a substitute dealt with four children in an inappropriate manner.
A letter went home to every parent at Southwest Elementary on Tuesday that stated a substitute at the school "inappropriately managed students during class time" on Friday, but does not state what the substitute did. The letter reassures parents that the substitute will no longer work in Hickory Public Schools.
Hall said the person has worked with the school system as a substitute since 2004.
Background checks are conducted on all substitute teachers. No red flags were raised with this person.
Angie Smithey is a mother of a Southwest Elementary student and a substitute teacher. She said she was surprised to hear about what happened.
"It brings tears to my eyes," she said. "I'm shocked, because I'm also a sub."
Sandra Brooks was picking up her granddaughter at Southwest Elementary on Tuesday when she heard about it.
"If I was Mrs. Willis (principal), I would not have her in school anymore, either," she said. "If I was his grandmother, I would be very mad. I wouldn't like it one bit."
Ivanko said Southwest Elementary's principal, Sherry Willis, called to apologize to her. She said she's happy Willis did, but that doesn't change some things.
"Now my kid doesn't want to go to school," she said. "I had to make Kyle go to school today (Tuesday)."
Kyle's side was also rubbed red, Ivanko said, from where the jump rope dug into his waist.
"She had persuasion over these kids," Ivanko said.
She said she plans to have a talk with Kyle about not letting anyone do certain things to him -- like tie him up -- regardless of what authoritative position the person holds.
Letter sent home to parents:
November 17, 2009
Dear Parents,
In order to keep you informed about our school, I feel it is important to address a situation that recently occurred.
Last Friday, I was informed that a substitute at our school inappropriately managed students during class time. I investigated this incident by obtaining statements from students and teachers who witnessed the situation, and I also reported this information to Dr. Cox, our Superintendent. No students were physically harmed; however, this person will no longer substitute in Hickory Public Schools. The safety of our students is my primary concern, and it is my expectation that the adults who work in our school treat our students appropriately.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sherry R. Willis, Principal
Ten Christmas quotes:
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. ~W.T. Ellis
Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. ~Carrie Latet
I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. ~Harlan Miller
I do like Christmas on the whole.... In its clumsy way, it does approach Peace and Goodwill. But it is clumsier every year. ~E.M. Forster
May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~Author Unknown
Wouldn't life be worth the living
Wouldn't dreams be coming true
If we kept the Christmas spirit
All the whole year through?
~Author Unknown
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss
Santa is very jolly because he knows where all the bad girls live. ~Dennis Miller
My hairdresser is wonderful! I can't wait to be pampered Thursday. Fantastic when I can be so overdue for a cut and call and get fit right into the schedule.
You Are An Elf |
 You are highly creative and artistic. You are good at working hard. While you love to work, you also love to play. You have a naughty side to you! You love pulling pranks and teasing people. You always seem to be getting into some sort of trouble. People can rely on you to be industrious and responsible... but you're going to have fun while you're getting stuff done. |
This is the story of a modern-day slave, an international art dealer and the unlikely woman who bound them together reads the subtitle of this remarkable story, which unfolds as the narration switches point of view between the two main characters: Denver and Ron. The transformation these men undergo through the power of friendship is inspiring. They learn from each other and grow together. The web site has a video clip and photos that tell more of their story.
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week. This week more than one spoke to me.
1. Up :: higher
2. Scram! :: beat it!
3. Smell :: scent
4. Belong :: possess
5. Doug :: boy
6. Collar :: neckline
7. Squirrel :: nuts
8. Chinese :: yummy good
9. Tracker :: planner
10. Apartment :: home
#359
(click the icon to play along)1. Hot chocolate or apple cider? chocolate, lately I've been wanting a splash of Bailey's in it...
2. Turkey or Ham? I'm not fussy... either is fine
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself Christmas tree? fake
4. Decorations on the outside of your house? no, though if I had my own house, I would
5. Snowball fights or sledding? well, truth be told, neither--I'd rather make a snowman or snow angel
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping? absolutely
7. Favorite Christmas song? I love the music to "Good Christian Men Rejoice"
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies? love them, although not too sappy
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? July
10. Stockings before or after presents? before
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them? I love carolers and going caroling
12. Go to someone else’s house or they come to you? I go to Dad's
13. Do you read the Christmas Story? no
14. What do you do after presents and dinner? after cleaning up, we hang out in a food-coma
15. What is your favorite holiday smell? cranberry orange, I think... or gingerbread
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall? walking around the mall... I'm an indoor gal
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? as kids we used to get to open one gift on Christmas Eve
18. Favorite Christmas memory? all of them
19. Favorite Part about winter? when it's over
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe? yes
Don't Talk To Strangers
1. Tell us about a night that you spent with someone who was a stranger, yet by the end of the night you were very close. on a train in Spain, I was chatting up a guy from Denmark... we're still friends today
2. When is the last time you rode the bus? I rode a school bus in November, chaperoning a group of students on our way to a conference
3. Describe the last time you stood up for a cause. World Aids Day on December 1st... we did an awareness activity at school and I posted on my blog
4. What is something you would like to do, but you're afraid of the risk(s)? I often dream of other careers I would like to pursue--I don't know how many more years of teaching I have in me
5. What would you most like to accomplish before the year is over? I would like to get holiday cards out in time
6. Name something you'll miss about 2009. uhmmmmmmm... it's been a good year but I can't think of I'll miss
7. If you could invent something, what would it be? the ability to think of something for dinner and have it magically appear and clean itself up
8. What first got you started blogging? my therapy
9. How did you find this meme? I used to do the Saturday 8
# 154
1. Good times: are what the holidays are all about.
2. I need to decorate my home.
3. Sleigh bells ring and the sleigh ride was c-o-l-d.
4. Live a little.
5. Once more it's time to be festive.
6. Does stress ever end?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include grocery shopping and Sunday, I want to get my Christmas cards done!
As much as I love Christmas, I can't believe I've never read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens until this year! There's a darkness and a richness to this story and I'm so glad I've finally read it. The book is better than the movie.
Can't wait for the finale of Top Chef Las Vegas!! And although I adore the brothers, I really want Kevin to win.
insightful horoscopes and articles--well worth a click!
