Teacher... likes and dislikes

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure I really am a teacher. Ok- maybe not... the day to day demands of teaching serve as reminder enough.

I always knew deep down I would grow up to be a teacher. My mom said all along it was in my blood. In high school- I volleyed back and forth between teaching and nursing... strange I know. Inevitably I followed in my mother's footsteps. She retired from teaching the same May I walked across the stage with my teaching certificate. Often people ask me whats the best thing about your job? What's the most challenging? So... allow me to share a few..

Best...
- God blessed me with the absolute BEST team of teachers to "guide my through" my ILT experience. My first year I fell into the best setup with Melinda, Mary Beth and Mary. To this day we call ourselves the BFFs. We share a special bond that I know I'll never find again. My teammates were the ONLY reservation I had about leaving my first teaching job. God must have known how much I would miss my BFFs because he had a blessing in disguise waiting on me at my new school, Amy. Amy has been the epitome example of what a teacher is and should be. Along with the camaraderie we share in our profession we share a common faith. She is my "sounding board"... I love our daily walks around the track during recess.
-Sharing in your student's sucesses. Academic and extra curricularly.
-Parental compliments.
-Technology resources.
-Watching "the light come on".
-Learning with my students. You're never too old to learn.
-Former students keeping in touch.
-Hugs and high fives.
-Being able to joke around with my 5th graders.
-The funny comments and sayings students say without realizing how funny they are.
-5th grade- is a fun grade. Students are old enough to learn cool things, hold good discussions... yet young enough to "be a kid"... childhood innocence.
-I love reading aloud to my students.


Not so fun...
-Having to "teach to the test" (EOGs)
-Non supportive parents.
-NEVER ending to-do lists.
-NEVER enough time in the day.
-NOT having the resources to meet the needs of every child.
-5th graders can sometimes mature too quickly into "6th graders"


I guess the positives far outweigh the negative in the grand scheme of things...

Its ME! Take it or leave it!

This week- has a been a rough week! Several situations have all reminded me of one character trait- that I haven't always valued.... honesty. I was raised by two very moral parents who instilled honesty, among other defining character traits in me, all of which I am grateful for. Now morally speaking honesty seems like a given-its something you should strive for in all areas of your life. However- there's the carnal side of man which leads you to air on the side of dishonesty- in the sense that sometimes dishonesty can appear to be the "easy way out". I haven't always been this way- but situations have pushed me to be "black and white". "What you see- is what you get". I have always been a very intuitive person- a "gift" I value greatly. I hate nothing more than for someone to be fake with me. So in turn- what I want/expect from others... I should expect from myself. Honesty can apply to all areas of your life- social, work, relationships, spiritual, etc. Spiritual probably being the most important. Vulnerably speaking- this is the hardest area I have to work continually on. In regards to relationships- I consider myself very honest. Just this week a friend told me, "Jill- I like you. You are true to your word. You say you're going to do something or you're not going to do something- and you act on it." No greater compliment could be paid. Another friend today was debating how she should handle a situation- "I didn't lie, I just didn't tell her the whole truth". My response "NO! You either tell the whole truth! or lie the whole lie". With my "black and white" perspective- I sometimes come across in a "blunt" "know it all way"... I'm trying to work on that- however I will not cave for the sake of "saving face". I am what I am! Take it or leave it!

Yummy Ideas for the Upcomming Super Bowl

chicken wing dip...

1 package of cream cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese (your preference)
1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
large can/package of chicken

Mix everything in a crock pot and enjoy.
(Noe likes it!)

Cake Balls
click over to see
http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/03/cake-balls.html

Funny Comments...

Yesterday... "Jill, you need to get married so we can throw you a shower then a baby shower!"

"I can't even cut this steak with my silverware! How am I supposed to eat it? JUST GUM IT!"

Today: "Yep- she said none of the bridesmaids had the same measurements. A & S are top heavy and you and K have the biggest hips.".... just call me Big Bertha

"If Erin gets too loud- just shove one of those ornaments (hidden under the last row) in his mouth!"

"No, no Jen... that is fashion suicide! You don't wear cream colored/white colored shoes until AFTER Easter".... sorry I'm just too honest sometimes

Grandma G "You wearing your boots? Good I'm glad! I would have worn them when I was your age!"

Happy Birthday!

Today two special people in my life are celebrating birthdays.

Its Anna Beth's first- so let me share...

Anna Beth is a distant cousin of mine. Her parents Tim and Corey weren't married but a few months before they were sharing happy news of her upcoming arrival. After they were married they took a youth pastor position in Anderson, SC a 2 1/2 drive from home. Corey was to be induced on the 24th of January. That afternoon as soon as school was out Tona and I jumped in our cars hoping to make it before she came. We made it just in time. Anna Beth made her grand entrance a little before 7. There was such an excitement and joy in the air. Tona and I had a late night- we didn't get home until 12 or so- however the trip was worth it. All along we wondered how long it would be before the Davis' relocated home- not even a month after her arrival they were packing their bags and heading home to K-town. "There's no place like home. The closeness of family and friends..." It has been a short year- but oh what a year its been!

Table Talk

amusing bits of chatter from today's lunch

"Aeropostale is the new barbie"

"I made that outfit (Aeropostale) she's wearing. Aeropostale should pay me. I got the pants from Target and glued letters on them"

"A rats brain is bigger than than that"

"Miss Dancy you need to get married this year so I can come to your wedding" (as if I would invite my students)

"Miss Dancy- is that your engagement ring?" "Nope sweetie- its my class ring, it has a red stone and its on my right hand." "Oh- I always thought you wore engagement rings on your middle finger."

Funny Sayings...

So I had a parent (the very hard to please parent) tell me that her son always comes home telling her the funniest stories from his school day (I hope that's not a bad thing....) anyways he loves to quote me... up until this point I hadn't stopped to realize the funny things I say and how often I say them. I have a officially turned into my fifth grade teacher Mrs. M . Never the less these were a few of the quotes:

"I need a single file line, not a train wreck".
"We're not on Noah's ark, single file please".
"MYOB!!!" = mind your own business ( I have the nosiest group of kids this year)

Oh yeah, we had a problem with "Shut up" being said too much at the beginning of the year- so I borrowed a punishment... it worked! Each time they said it they had to sing to the tune of "Oh Be Careful"

"Oh be careful little mouth what you say (repeat)
For Miss Dancy is listening
and she hears your every word
So be careful little mouth what you say"


Funny moment from the day:
"Miss Dancy what do you change your eyelashes so much?" puzzled "What?" "You know those things on your eyelids"... "Oh you mean eyeshadow".... another student "Duh, she likes to match"

Historical Inauguration

Most of the time teachers LOVE Snow Days---- today... well I would have just preferred a delay. For 2 reasons- quarterly assessments which take an extended time and we were going to watch the inauguration. Regardless of rather or not I voted for Obama- this inauguration is going to be a historical one. This would be a historical event to watch- almost like some watching "the first man walk on the moon". One of the things I like about 5th grade is that you are able to have "discussions" regarding major events happening in the world around them. For months- we've talked about the election then the inauguration. We'd talked about how this was proof that "all men were created equal". I'll never forget one of my bright Hispanic students writing last week "one day I'll be the first Hispanic-American president". I believe him- and I'll be proud to say that I had some tiny hand in his early education.

Today we were going to eat lunch in the classroom (a rarity) and watch the Swearing In and Inaugural Address. I realize that some (not all) of them will take a break from playing in the patches of snow laying in their front yards to watch these events. Others will miss this great event- never realizing its impact on their lives. Tomorrow we will discuss the inauguration I'm sure, just not not in the present but rather the past. 

Reflections:

-Exactly a month ago today I was visiting DC one last time before Bush left office. I saw the moving vans (the start of the moving process) on the White House lawn, I saw the review stage being erected in front of the White House. I saw the bleachers along side streets being erected. I saw the Obama's portraits in the American History museum. 

- My very outspoken friend Ash this morning "Did you see Michelle's outfit this morning. On election night she looked like she stepped straight out of the hood in her black and red. Today- her gold inaugural dress is much more appropriate- except those black shoes! That's a fashion bloop! She needs me to be her fashion advisor".... this made me laugh!

- Students all over the world, not just American, are watching this historic event.

- I got a little teary eyed watching the Bushes leave the White House one last time.

- My friend Erin is going to their farewell departure at St. Andrews Air Force base.

-Former President HW Bush looks really frail.

-I have a much better view of events that most of the millions there in person.

-I find it very ironic that the inauguration of America's first "African-American" president coincides with the day we celebrate the life of MLK Jr.

-Maybe its better that I didn't watch this inauguration with my students the more I think about it... it would have been hard not to respond to "ignorant comments".

Mr and Mrs Ryan Beavers

For those of you familiar with the Lee University experience, you'll recall "Ring by spring or your money back" guarantee. Basically insinuating that everyone will meet their mate at Lee. Obviously this was not the case for me. Looking back- the two candidates I dated during my 4 years... well lets just say thankfully this cliche was not true! OK- back to the above picture. Last weekend, January 10th, I had the honor of attending the wedding of two Lee alums, Allison and Ryan. Allow me to take a stroll down memory lane...

Allison Groves! Allison and I, both Carolina girls, met our freshman year at Lee. We lived on the same hall 1 1/2 years. We worked together at First Baptist in the childcare department for 2+ years and we served in Starlite Ministries- particularly the Boys and Girls Club. We shared a lot of great memories. Allison and I spent a lot of time working with children together- its not surprise that her heart's desire and life's dream is to work overseas in an Orphanage.

Then there's Ryan Beavers- I met Ryan half way through my Lee experience when he became a "Big Brother" for my wanna be sorority Omega. Ryan was very easy to like. It was apparent too that he had desires for ministry in some capacity.

Both Ryan and Allison went to Lee- but never knew the other existed until after Lee.

Allison and I both graduated in 2006 and moved home to N.C. She to Raleigh and I to K-town. Allison's plans were to take some time off and then work on her Masters. A mutual friend of ours- AB (still in Clevegas)- was approached by a church looking for a children's pastor who already had the degree. AB racked her brain but the only person who came to mind was Allie G. AB knew Allie was perfectly content with her life in NC but thought she'd at least mention the job offer to her. Long story short- Allie G packed her things and headed back for "Good 'ole Rocky Top". Not only was a job waiting for her at her new church- but also the one she would spend the rest of her life with". Yes- Ryan was working on staff at this church. Long story short- they met fell in love and in a little over a year's time made the commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.

- When I first heard of their engagement I laughed "This is the girl who made it perfectly clear she had not intentions of marrying- bc she was called to the mission field".
-I knew the two of them separately- but now that I think about it- they fit each other perfectly.

I couldn't be happier for these two love birds!

Modest?

For a denomination that once prided itself on modesty- I find it ironic how unmodest my church is sometimes when it comes to clothing. Here are a few snipits of conversations that made me giggle today-

Joy in regards to her sweater and tank top shell "I'm violating Churchamagod standards this morning- this here tank-top keeps rolling up at the bottom- leaving too much clevage".

Maw Maw G in reference to my boots "Jill how in the world are you wearing those things with those 3 inch pen-hole heels?" "Good question- I do good to keep my balance in flat footed shoes"

Donna to mom "There you go again with your new clothes- I swear you're wearing something new every time I see you"... "you never wear the same thing twice" Mom's response "I never buy anything full price"... my response "You never leave a store without something". Mom to Donna "I don't think Jill likes my top, she greeted me "Mom! WHAT in the world?!"

On the way into church this morning mom to me- "Aren't you going to pull your hair up?"--- "Nope- I like it just some pulled back"...mom "Well just wear it down" me "Nope the curls make it look like I stuck it in a light socket".... five seconds later "Grandma J to me - "Oh! I love your curls!" me (turn and stick out my tongue at mom)

9 goals for 2009

In no particular order here are my 9 goals for 2009...

1. Work on my procrastination (school, masters, etc)

2. Prioritize my involvements.

3. Learn to multitask (this is where my ADD does not help)!

4. Go to the GYM at least once a week- NO excuses: its on my way home from work, I'm paying a ridiculous fee and I have plenty of friends that go there.

5. Organization (keep bills in one place, keep check book balanced, keep laundry up to date, etc)

6. Spend more time with those important to me (particularly my Grandmother as she continues to "slip away".)

7. Me, Myself and I! Learn to stick up for myself- learn that its ok to "say No" sometimes to other's wishes and wants. Learn that its ok to need "alone time".

8. Eat healthier.

9. Practice random acts of kindness.

Sunday Dinner Table Discussion

For as long as I can remember I've always looked forward to discussions around the Sunday dinner table after church. Rather it be in my momma's kitchen, the country club or a favorite restaurant. You see- the dinner table is where we as a family do our weekly catching up and dissect the Pastor's sermon. I have to give props to my Pastor's recent series of messages. They've been full of "meat"- meaning they provoke thought and leave me challenged. Today's message was right in line.

For those of you news junkies you'll recall last week's freak plane crash on the Hudson River. From this one event our Pastor drew many parallels. I'd like to share a few poignant ideas that resignated with me and made it into my family's discussion around the dinner table.

-Our church is like Flight 1549. God is our pilot. Our pastor leadership team makes up the crew members. Our church body makes up the passengers. A slight bump felt you might see as a knock, a challenge. Extended turbulence you might see as extended challenging circumstances. Just as Pilot "Sully" remained "calm, cool and collected" in the face of trouble- God remains "calm, cool and collected" through the stages of life. If Pilot Sully had reacted to the circumstances all 155 people most likely would have lost their lives. Along with Pilot Sully crew members and passengers alike had to make up their minds to work together to survive. They didn't jump ship. What are you going to do when challenges come knocking at your door? Will you flee in fear or will you stand in faith? Some of life's challenges that we view in the present as disasters- God sees in the future as blessings.

So- will you stand or flee?


**************************************************************************
A few weeks back Pastor preached a sermon on "Working our your own salvation".

At the time I didn't realize how God would reverberate this message in my life over and over. After that message different conversations and situations filtered through my path- that in reflecting where "Ahahh" moments.

Let me begin by saying how thankful, how grateful I am for the heritage that was bestowed to me. I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home and from an early age made a commitment to Christ. We often joke(d) that we got saved so many times (you went to the alter every service) we didn't know which one took. My family, generations back, has been a part of the Church of God denomination. Anyone that knows anything about the C.O.G. knows that sanctification and morality are distinguishing labels for the denomination as a whole. It has taken me a long time to understand, digest these labels. I don't know that I'll ever understand it all. Under these labels the C.O.G. adopted many outlandish rules (no make up, no jewelry, etc) that have have thankfully relaxed with time. Even so, I've had to have quite a few conversations with God, which was "me working out my own salvation". Growing up some of these rules were cut and dry-- you just didn't do them. (I sound like I was raised in a church that was dogmatic, where women wore bee-hives, no make up- that's not the case- if anything it far from it) When I went away to college (a Church of God institution) I thought for sure these same rules would be cut and dry- how wrong I was. If anything- while at this institution- during this time was when I really began to question the basis and purpose of some of these "absolutes", my own salvation and God's purpose for having relationship with him. Below are some ideas, snips, gold nuggets of thought I've gleamed from my pastor's sermon - I'd like to think God's spoken to me re: working out my own salvation...

- The day you get saved- is not the day all problems, temptations flee... if anything its the day they come a knockin'.

- Everyone will stand before God individually and give an account for how they lived their own life. You must work out your own faith.

-Religion will depress you, defeat you and destroy you.

-Christianity is the reason many never make a commitment to Christ.

- Grace is not a licence to sin.

-We must judge God by the same standard he judges us (through Jesus)... look at Calvary.

-C.O.G. had a measuring rod (the forbidden)- they demanded things that were not in line with the word and God. Their intentions were well doing- but their eternal consequences were not.

-Other's opinions are irrelevant to God' s opinion.

-Religion has is merits- just not when it becomes exclusive.

Giggles from a GNO

Bride Wars then to Chilis for dessert!

Bride Wars was a very cute movie if I do say so myself! Aside from the cattiness of typical girlfriends and foul language- I'd give it a 4 out of 5. Its one I'd save for DVD... don't rush out to see it if you haven't already!


"Risky Wiver" = Whisky River

"She'll just have to super size it (if reference to the bridesmaid dress)!"

"Control your bodily functions at the dinner table!" "

We'll just have her bachelorette party at the Bingo parlor!"

"In those dresses we'll look like the ocean- all we'll have to do is stand together and do the wave!"

"Didn't you know the pres and I were bff?"



*After viewing Bride Wars I think it is officially safe to say I am in the midst of my own version of Bride Wars--- yes between the 2 brides I'll be standing along side this Spring

"I'm getting married at 6- she can't!"
"I'm having my shower on this day- she can rearrange hers to be at mine!"
"I'm decorating the (reception site) that way- she can't!"
"I don't won't our mutual guests to think we have the same wedding planned."
"Jill- would it be ok to call her mother and explain why I want her to do it this way?"

Miss Dancy's Divas!

Java Java

Occasionally I treat myself to a cup of Starbucks on the way to school in the mornings. Its tempting to stop too often as it is directly on my way in the mornings. However- this morning was freezing- bitterly cold. I figured what the heck. I splurged... I made my own creation...

Tall latte with a shot of rasberry and a shot of vanilla... tasty if I do say so myself

Love his heart!

This kid is rotten to the core! Mean as a snake--- yet he has a special place in my heart! He's gone from calling me "Bill!!!! to Jill"You'll notice his bright red cast- that was a Christmas present! He has taken to saying the S words "stupid" and "shut up". Its hard not to laugh at him. Everytime he said it tonight I would try to divert his chatter with "PRAISE the Lord". Each time I said PTL he responded "Hallelujah"!  He'll be a shouter in no time!

"Oh no you just ditnt!" with a ghetto drawl

Early last fall while on a choir treat- E introduced me to the world of Bon Qui Qui via youtube. Watch it a time or two and you'll find yourself not only laughing at the stupidity of it but even quoting "Saaa cur ity!"

click here if you have not seen it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdcYlOn5M


Not long after I had met Bon Qui Qui- we were outside at recess one day when I hear some of my students yelling "Cuuuuhhht him! Oh NO you just ditnt! RUDE! Sa cur ity!" Oh yes they were.... not only quoting it but acting it out!! I found myself laughing at them- "Miss Dancy YOU know who Bon Qui Qui is???" There was no denying it!  

Silver Dollars...

Today during a Math lesson- I posed the problem you have a collection of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and silver dollars. You have equal amounts of the 5 coins. Your sum is $1,001,100.00. How many of each coin to you have?

My fashionista blurts out... "hold up Miss Dancy!!! you mean they spray painted a dollar silver!?!"

SERIOUSLY!!!!

Stinky, smelly, rank.....

*my fifth graders like to think they are a little more mature than they really are

Immediately upon my student's arrival this morning a strong an obnoxious scent wafted past me. "***** are you wearing cologne again?!"  "WHAT did I tell you about that?"

One student to another "is that the Play Boy stuff you're wearing?" (what in the world?!?)

Me to stinky student "Why in the WORLD are you wearing cologne?" --- "Oh come on Miss Dancy I only squirted it 5 times, ok maybe 6".

It didn't take long for my headache to set in!! 

this made for a good laugh through out the day...

Always a Bridesmaid....

I had trouble titling this post... here were my ideas "Always a Bridesmaid..." "27 dresses" "Bridesmaid Fund..."




Today I purchased my 2nd bridesmaid dress that I will wear this year. Luckily both dresses are being purchased from the same shop in town. The saleslady greets me "Hey Jill! You're in another wedding!?!" Don't worry about measurements I'll just use yours from the other dress. Your down payment will be ----". I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. Probably not a good thing that she knows me be name! Ahh... I sound as though I'm not happy about being a bridesmaid. Truth is I am. Costly or not its an honor to be considered that close a friend to someone. These 2 brides are childhood friends. I know I pick around- but sooner or later my day will come. In the mean time I'll just open a shop with "used bridesmaid dresses"--- ever noticed how hard it is to get rid of them? I mean its not like I'm going to wear them again...

(in deep purple)


Dress # 1 May 16th









Dress # 2 June 13 (black, with kiwi green sash NO gloves)

New Beginnings

Catch up on a few light hearted moments from Room 1 aka Miss Dancy's classroom from the 2008-2009 school year thus far....

Notice something a little off in the picture to the right???? Well I didn't until after I'd posted it on my school website and sent it to our pen-pals. Mery is missing an "r"! Yep that's right... I'm a teacher aren't I???? maybe I rely a little too much on Spell Check!

(Background) After months of anticipation my class finally received our promised SmartBoard. Unfortunately the first one was damaged upon arrival. You guessed it- we had to return it and wait for a replacement. Finally- we got our replacement setup (just not secured) and working.

Allow me to set up the scene- occasionally UNCC will send over students to observe teachers. I was teaching a Math lesson and I had an observer. Of course I had to "be on my best". I was using all the rich content vocabulary, showing off my interactive instruction skills... things were going smooth. BAM! I fell flat on my butt- sprawled across the classroom floor. That's right! The stand legs had not been secured and the power chords were strewn across the floor...perfect trap! A loud unified gasp from my students filled the room. I just laughed. Once my students realized I wasn't hurt they joined in my laughter. Yes it was embarrassing! Maybe even a little more so considering I had an extra set of eyes on me that morning!

We've been practicing writing business letters. I casually mentioned we should write letters to the president (I do have/ or had connections). Excited they were! I told them I would tell them more about it later. No sooner had I gotten the words out of my mouth than one of my students (who has selective hearing) starts asking questions again. "ERIN! What did I just say about that?" Puzzled look- "Um, Miss Dancy my name is *******, NOT Erin!"

At the lunch table today one student to another- "You eat the same thing EVERYday". "Yeah I know" "Ever had trouble eating (cutting) your cheese?" "Huh" "Well next time, let me know and I'll pull your finger". Maybe it was a tad funnier that the picky eater was oblivious to the pun.

A female student catches glimpse of my hand- my right hand ring finger. (I was wearing my college class ring)... "Miss Dancy!!! You didn't tell US!" ????? "What are you talking about".... oh "No, no sweetie... this is a class ring!"

One of my students is truly a fashionista. Everyday she wears something new- not to mention she is very observant of others' attire around her. This morning she looks at me "Miss Dancy you look like you are a teenager...or maybe you're in college".What do you think?

Stay tuned for more...