Fun school day!

Tuesday was a fun day. The half day of school before Christmas Break is always one of my favorite days at work. This year it snowed a ton the night before. It was pretty but driving to work was challenging. I went sideways as I tried to stop for the stoplight near my house and some idiot pedestrians jaywalked right in front of me. Sillies.

I helped mop up the mess from snow covered shoes, so the kids wouldn't slip as they came in the door. We also did our traditional cheer for each kid as they came in. Their faces of confusion are always one of my favorite things.

We did the usual writing of Christmas letters to former students who are now serving in the military. It was fun to be able to write to my former students. I am very proud of them. We then had games down in the gym. I was in charge of running a three on three basketball tournament and it was a hit and very fun. The day really went fast.

We then had our work Christmas party at Magelby's. It was a blast with an ugly sweater contest(Matt pictured above won fair and square!!!) We also had a white elephant exchange and I was sorely disappointed that I did not get a new elephant. ha ha. I loved my present though...an original painting by one of our instructional assistants. I picked it because I thought the wrapping with left-handed writing was hilarious.

Later, Jane, Janette, and I went and delivered our turkeys that the school district gave us to three of our students' families. (What are single people to do with a turkey anyway!) It was fun to give in this way and I hope the three families we gave the food to use it to have a good holiday this weekend! We saw that really tall and cool snowman while out and about.

I also received my lifetime membership at Weight Watchers. You can read about it here. It was fun to make this big goal and I am proud of my journey.

Later that night, I had a date after much picking on by my friends and leaders at the WW meeting. I love those sillies.

It was the best date I have been on in years. I won't give you too much detail here because I don't want to jinx anything and really I don't think this is the venue for it. Just know I had a great time and hope to hang out with the nice man another time next week! The END.

Let's hope Monday starts better than Friday did...

World English Dictionary
racism or racialism (ˈreɪsɪzəm, ˈreɪʃəˌlɪzəm)

— n
1. the belief that races have distinctive cultural characteristics determined by hereditary factors and that this endows some races with an intrinsic superiority over others
2. abusive or aggressive behaviour towards members of another race on the basis of such a belief

*Definition found at dictionary.com

I do not practice racism. I do practice idiotism. If you are an idiot, or are acting like one, I may call you on it. Within thirty minutes of class on Friday, one of my students was accusing me of racism. This was because the two girls, who were kicked out of my class for using the f-word while talking at me, are Latinas. If I were a racist, I am pretty sure I would not teach at a school that seems to have a majority of minorities, don't ya think?

Here is how it went down. One of said girls decided to sit out of playing in PE class for about five minutes. I did not call her on it because any time I do call her on her inactivity, she gets very upset and ends up yelling at me. I just let it go and took away participation points. She then eventually came into the dodgeball game that was already going on, and threw a dodgeball at a girl on the other team. Apparently, the girl "did not try hard enough" to dodge the ball so said angry girl disrespectfully told the other student she wasn't trying hard enough. I then stepped in and told angry girl to worry about herself. She was okay for about one minute and then would not let the issue go. I then pointed out that she probably shouldn't be accusing others of not participating when she had herself just sat out for five minutes. This turned into an argument about the other girls in class not ever trying which apparently, in today's teen mind, means your own behavior doesn't matter and that your teacher is racist against you. This caused angry girl's friend, also a Latina, to get into the argument and she really went off. I couldn't even talk or get a word in and when they started to use vulgarity, I told them to leave. So maybe I am a vulgarist.

I am really tired of racism and people using it still today as a crutch to be idiots. People who continue to practice "reverse racism"(the term I use for minorities continuing to make racism exist because they falsely accuse people of being racists, which actually makes people, who aren't racist, almost change their minds. This also refers to the racism that exists now towards the white people because minorities still think that ALL white people are bringing them down even when it isn't true!) I hate that people continue to blame their bad behavior on some contrived idea that is in their mind.

I was angry for more than four hours on Friday because of this. I do not look forward to dealing with these young ladies during class tomorrow. I will try to be adult and deal with them fairly and nicely but inside I probably will still be very angry. The end.

P.S. The girls who didn't get kicked out of class did happen to be white. I do not favor them because of the color of their skin, I may favor them on occasion because they do what the are supposed to be doing. I am a participationist. The End for Real!

I struggle...

I really wanted to have a new layout for Christmas, but I am totally Macbook challenged and have no clue how to make this all pretty and festive. So please, enjoy the festivity of my Christmas tree very little on the top of my blog. Don't you feel the holiday spirit already? Oh and off to the sidebar, there is a manger picture. I bet you are feeling much more Christmas ready, aren't you?

I don't need nice backgrounds and pictures to feel festive. I have it in my heart. Who needs a fancy, schmancy background? Not this kid!

A letter to Santa

Today I had my 4th hour Leadership class write letters to Santa. They thought I was crazy but some of them really got real and were honest about what they really want in their lives. It was fun. I also wrote one and read it to them. They were so cute and even supported me when I got emotional at parts. I feel like it really helped them bond a little with me. Here is my letter:

Dear Santa,
I haven't written you in a while. Some people think that it is silly to do this, but I believe it is important to check in sometimes.

I'd like a few things for Christmas, even thought I feel like I already have more than enough for what I need. I really wish for the good feelings that I have right now to continue thought this whole holiday season. I wish for the opportunity to see many family and friends during the holiday and that the weather will be good for travel so I can have a special lady's night dinner with my 85 year old grandma, some aunts, and a few cousins! I also wish that I'll get to see my sister and even though it is a stretch, I'd love to see my brother. It's been way too long! And if I don't get to see him, please help that he and his family will have a very happy Christmas and that they know I love them!

I also wish that my students will have a great break. Help them to get the desire to pass more classes and to be graduates in 2013! Help them to have peace in their hearts and much happiness in their lives!

I really do have all the material goods I need. I guess iTunes gift cards or some blu-ray discs would be nice. But I don't really NEED them! And if you'd help the Packers make the playoffs, I'd be thrilled!

I'm so luck and blessed in my life. I have great friends and an awesome family. I'm also thankful for all the new babies in my life that remind me of big love!!!

Oh, you could bring some tall, handsome man into my life. I wouldn't complain about that. I'm totally ready to be swept off my feet! I'm just sayin'!

Good luck on your journey this Christmas Eve and thanks for all you do to make this world a happier and better place.

Love,
Alice

P.S. World peace would be nice too and the world needs it now more than ever!!! Cheers!

The Week in Alice.

The countdown to break had begun. Only 6.5 school days left. Yipee. I go home to mama on the 22nd. I am so very excited to go home and party with my Wisconsin people. I have started the plans. One of those plans is sledding with friends and going for Sam's Pizza!

I had fun this Thursday as I went to The Judds in concert. My friend, Jane, and I first ate at a fabulous Japanese restaurant, The Naked Fish in the heart of Salt Lake City. The sushi was so pretty and delicious. We then walked over to The Energy Solutions Arena for the concert. The Judds are amazing. I have been a fan since my mother took me to a free concert at the Wisconsin Valley Fair, in Wausau. They have always touched me with their music and love for each other. That truly is still alive. It was so nice to "Rock to the Rhythm of the Rain," and be told "about the good old days!" They were hilarious too. Wynonna lost some of the words a few times because her mother, Naomi, distracted her. It was funny. It makes me want to listen to more Judds music lately. I think I might!

I have been out and running this week. It has been so fun to be able to run again and to not hurt. Well, at least the area of gallbladder surgery doesn't hurt anymore, but my legs aren't used to it. I actually was able to run three miles on Friday and it felt so very good. I think I am being spoiled because I can run outside. We are snowless so far. Is it bad that I like this? Snow is alright, but when I can be out in the world and running without having to worry about slipping, I am way happy.

Friday I attended my Ward's(Church) Christmas party. It was actually quite pleasant even though sometimes I have a hard time getting myself to social events. I sometimes feel a bit awkward! I sat with some newish friends and it was fun. The food was great and there was a bagpiper. Hello, life is great when a bagpiper shows up! :)

Work is going well. I sure am liking my students this year. I feel like I am in a good, positive place when it comes to my job right now. I am enjoying the journey to Christmas Break. I am counting down the days but I am remembering to enjoy the journey too.

Here is to this week being amazing and that you will all take the time to enjoy the moments!