tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57376285478121142812024-03-13T07:23:33.205-05:00Teaching in MemphisChristianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-24868492915141709812010-12-06T22:26:00.002-06:002010-12-06T23:20:50.401-06:00Worst Decision Ever....<span style="font-size:85%;">Let's back up to July....<br /><br />I got an email from David Montague encouraging residents to sign up for the 2010 St. Jude Marathon in December. I had been feeling dissatisfied with my body, and decided this is the motivation I needed to start exercising. It worked for about 2 1/2 months. I went running at least 3 times a week and was working up my mileage... but then the life of a teacher happened. I began working super long hours and was unable to run anymore.<br /><br />However, something crazy came over me this past Thursday when I got a text from David asking if I wanted him to pick up my packet for the race I had signed up for in July. I decided I wasn't going to let school stand in the way of my social life any longer. I had to follow through with this commitment.<br /><br />Saturday morning I woke up bright and early and headed to Autozone Park. I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I was running on 5 hours of sleep, ate a heavy dinner, and didn't even have the pins to pin on my bib. I had to ask a stranger how to do it. I also had no clue what a D-tag was and how to put it on. I aimlessly wondered out to the starting line and stood waiting to see anyone I knew. I finally found some MTR kids. I stood around pretending that I was pumped when really I was terrified. I began having flash backs to 6th grade Cross Country. I hated 6th Grade Cross Country, but if there was one thing my mom and dad taught me from that was to not quit once you've committed. I was committed.<br /><br />It was brutal. Around mile 2 I made a friend with a woman that was an expert on half-marathons/marathons. I was so impressed with her knowledge. She is the one that helped me through. She walked with me even when I couldn't walk at a faster pace than a crawl and beat me to the finish line just so she could be there waiting for me.<br /><br />This half-marathon quickly became one of those moments where the Lord reminded me of my place. As I rounded the first mile and a half I began to feel the pain. I was thinking I was crazy for even thinking about doing something like this. Then I came down the hill down to riverside drive, and I saw thousands (and I mean thousands) of people that were going before me, paving the way. Tears immediately came to my eyes as I realized the reality of this in the world... Thousands of people have done life before, and as I make my way through life I will have people on the side cheering me on, people walking beside me to encourage me and help me make it through. So here I am tearing up with each step I take, and I continue running until around mile 7 1/2.<br /><br />Around that mileage, my feet began developing terrible blisters. My meniscus was also beginning to pull and felt like it's going to break on me at any moment. I slowed down and began to walk. The further I went the more painful it became. Soon I was in tears not because of this profound revelation, but because of the pain I was experiencing. Every muscle, every step.. I was limping by this point. People were giving me crazy looks, because of the amount of pain they could see on my face. Then I had the realization that this is how I should be at the end of life. Exhausted, hurting, broken, and humbled. Needing mercy and grace. The amount of relief I felt as I stumbled through the finish line was almost unbearable. I was so choked up I was unable to talk.<br /><br />After taking a few pictures with my friend I made in the race, she escorted me to the medical center. A nice student nurse treated my blisters (that covered the pads of my feet), and my friend Jessica and her family came down to check on me. I finally got some food, got something to drink, and my swelling finally got better after a few hours. I walked home and soaked in the tub.<br /><br />The last few days have been extremely painful. I pulled almost every muscle in my body. I have trouble walking because of the blisters on the bottom of my feet, as well as my pulled leg muscles. Making this the worst decision I have ever made, but I wouldn't trade it. It felt like I was given the opportunity to bear a physical burden and have my eyes awakened to the life that Christ calls us to live. Victory through the hard things.<br /><br /><br /></span>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-12300253354924650512010-08-28T09:04:00.002-05:002010-08-28T09:25:51.275-05:00A few funny thingsI haven't posted since I started school. I am teaching at a Middle School. I thought I was only teaching 8th, but I also have one section of 6th. Boy are these kids funny. Here are a few stories....<br /><br />1. I was lecturing about the Aztec Indians, and I was trying to build up the anticipation for the Religion part of the Aztecs. The whole lesson I was saying "Wait until we get to the end of the Aztecs! They did some CRAZY things." We finally get there and I write on the board, the gods required. I stopped and pretended that they didn't want to hear it, and that it was dumb. They were so upset "Please Ms. Cogdill tell us!" So I wrote living, and acted like I was going to stop and the kids shouted out again. I wrote human. The kids started guessing what it was "organs!" "arms!" "legs!" They all got quiet and had these funny grins, and a boy in the back yells, "PENIS!" The whole class laughed and I said "NO! Hearts! It's just Hearts! Y'all are trifling! Stop putting your minds in the gutters!" It was so funny. 8th graders are so hormonal. It's ridiculous.<br /><br />2. This is again my 8th graders. They had done so well working on their study guide for a long time. They started to get restless the last 20 minutes, so I told them they could ask me any question within reason the last 5 minutes of class if they worked really hard the next 15. They did. They worked so hard. When I told them time was up hands shot into the air. The first 3 were the usual.... Are you married, do you have a boyfriend, and do you have any children. After each question the kids would freak out because my answer was no, no, and no. The next question was "If you could eat anyone in history who would it be?" "You mean, if I could eat with anyone in history who would it be?" "No, for example, I would eat Santa Claus, because he would taste like candy and cinnamon!" I didn't answer the question, because I just didn't know how. I had never thought about eating someone before. So weird where their minds take them.<br /><br />3. Background: 6th graders are so small! I don't know if you have seen one lately, but that is still the age range where girls are taller than the boys. It's ridiculous. So most of my boys do not come up to my shoulder.<br /><br />I have this cute little boy in my class. He is one of the littlest and really quiet in class. He listens pretty well. The other day I was walking past his desk to help the girl behind him, and he grabbed my hand. "Ms. Cogdill! You're not married?!" "No, I'm not." "Why Ms. Cogdill, why aren't you married?" "I'm just not" "Well, don't you have any kids?!" "No." "Why?" He was so worried about me not being married, me not having kids... It was cute.<br /><br />A lot of this is a cultural thing. In their neighborhoods, girls get pregnant at a really young age. Everyone has at least one child, or is in a relationship with someone. It's interesting to see the difference in this particular neighborhood even from Whitehaven. There are much higher rates of poverty and higher interdependence. The kids share everything, walk home in groups (mainly for safety), know all the same people... I don't know if there is true correlation between poverty and interdependence, but it's interesting to see the way that it has changed the dynamic of the classroom. Most of the time, it's for the better.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-86509005361534567522010-07-14T08:59:00.003-05:002010-07-14T09:16:37.114-05:00School is Near!I finally got a job! I will be Ida B. Wells Middle school's 8th grade History teacher!<br /><br />Now it's time to get all the work done...<br /><br />Wednesday-Friday I am hoping to break the standards down for at least the first two eras of time period. This means from the "beginnings" to settlement in America. It will be interesting to see how long this takes me. I am going to learn a lot along the way. If you have any ideas for supplemental resources in my classroom I am all ears.<br /><br />While I am breaking down standards I am listening to <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/David+Crowder+Band/Illuminate">David Crowder's Illuminate</a>. Last night I decided it was going to be my cd for the year, so this morning when I began working on breaking my standards now, I got very into it. I realized an hour into it that it even felt like an act of worship. It made me stop midway through and praise the Lord for caring so much for us and allowing me to be a part of His story.<br /><br />School work has never led me to anything but prayers of help me get through this, but this morning I was humbled and completely gracious that the Lord has given me this opportunity. The placement to impact lives is always a blessing, and I pray that I will always be willing to follow. Praise God that He invites us to those places.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-59020153608857367932010-07-11T09:14:00.002-05:002010-07-11T09:21:47.094-05:00Great OverviewThe I love Memphis blog does a great job of explaining why Memphis is such a great city. I've found myself thinking a lot of the same things about Memphis.<br /><br /><a href="http://ilovememphisblog.com/2010/07/reason-38-to-love-memphis-memphis-makes-you-stronger/">Check it out!</a>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-48795161931784639542010-07-07T10:09:00.007-05:002010-07-07T18:38:54.393-05:00Maybe more on Dramatic side...But I promise it has a great point.<br /><br />Yesterday Matt found out one of his students was killed while robbing a man. <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/03/robbers-pick-wrong-target/">Read the article.</a> (Hint: Don't read the comments. It will only make you angry and sad)<br /><br />Lately, I have not wanted to work on school or even go back to the classroom. I feel burned out on teaching. A lot of it has to do with the fact I was so tired of talking about education and teaching towards the end of the residency year. I needed a break.<br /><br />Then something like a student getting shot, or sitting down with a friend that encourages me to seek purpose refreshes my thoughts about entering the education world in 20 days. It gets me on fire for the work that I am doing. By providing my students with a solid education I am proactively fighting for their lives. (Dramatic, I told you... the point is coming).<br /><br />By caring and giving an education to a student, it tells them that they are worth more than the life society tells them to live. It is the only way out of some of the situations they live in. It enables them to establish themselves and have purpose in life. Whether they choose education over other things is up to them. It is this thought process that brings me to my own depravity.<br /><br />Every day I have a choice when I wake up. I can choose life and true greatness by denying myself as being able to do anything without Christ, or I can choose a life of ignorance in self greatness that leads to death. This changes everything! It changes how I wake up in the mornings (my 1s and 2s) and what trajectory I place my life on (8s and 9s). It changes how I teach in the classroom, and how I see my students (5s and 6s). It allows me to mourn for a student while being encouraged to seal the cracks completely, so that my students will have the choice.<br /><br />Pray for Matt and the boy's family. Pray for MTR and the work being done. Most of all pray that every day we wake up choosing life in Christ, because it <span style="font-style: italic;">truly changes everything</span>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-13406869157014617532010-06-27T22:09:00.009-05:002010-06-27T22:42:37.972-05:00Summer Adventures!Matt, Kaci, and I went on an adventure Saturday.<br /><br />Kaci and I met Matt in Collierville, because I was getting new tires put on my car (I desperately needed them). Matt picked us up and we headed to bass pro shop. We looked at the kayaks there, and got a price range. We decided to go to Outdoor Inc in East Memphis to look at kayaks there. Matt drove us to East Memphis. I didn't like any of the kayaks there, but we needed to get the stuff to stabilize the kayak on top of my car. We looked into an official kayak rack, but I decided that was too much money to spend in one day. We walked out of Outdoor Inc with <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.rei.com/media/662048Lrg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rei.com/product/662048&usg=__JY2BhsJVRcGKfJJSxzjh40dg5Qw=&h=440&w=440&sz=24&hl=en&start=7&sig2=UpZJ2kprbLMNN4tMa5-lHA&itbs=1&tbnid=QgiTPCirRaG9PM:&tbnh=127&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkayak%2Bon%2Bcar%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=_BMoTL2QFISdlge60ZyPCQ">2 styrofoam Vs and 3 straps</a> to hold the kayak in place. Matt drives us back over to Bass Pro Shop. I buy the kayak (plus a dry bag and paddle), we put it on Matt's car. We go to pick my car up from getting new shoes! We go to strap the kayak down. Unfortunately, the kayak bent in my roof. This was terrible news. With my ingenuity I did something I needed to do...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgVPTrzT0I/AAAAAAAAAFs/9wkfXaU9MSw/s1600/kayak.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgVPTrzT0I/AAAAAAAAAFs/9wkfXaU9MSw/s320/kayak.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487659498677161794" border="0" /></a><br />It was time. This was the perfect way to fit my kayak. I no longer needed to get a rack or have V supports. Doesn't it look great? I have been thinking about buying a new car for a while now. I have plenty of money in savings to put a great down payment on the car. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's blue.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am just kidding. I don't have that kind of money. I wouldn't get an Xterra. I would get a new <a href="http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/index.html">Subaru</a>. I did the logical thing and made the investment in a kayak rack. It took us another hour to drive to Outdoor Inc on Union and then it took two hours to put it on my car (very tedious work I must say).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I spent a ton of money yesterday, but I really believe I will fully enjoy my kayak. I already went out in it once today, and my family had a blast on it. Here are a few pictures (Sarah is in all, because sarah posted them on facebook).<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgVICwAphI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3MOHpXajhI4/s1600/kayak+on+car"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgVICwAphI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3MOHpXajhI4/s320/kayak+on+car" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487659373872326162" border="0" /></a>Taking it off of the car to put it in the pond.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgXQgi5RZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/WITuytdqbmk/s1600/Bubba+in+Kayak"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/TCgXQgi5RZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/WITuytdqbmk/s320/Bubba+in+Kayak" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487661718332589458" border="0" /></a>The Kayak got played with in the pool. It was fun to watch everyone.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Matt and Kaci deserve an extra special shout out. They did so much to help on Saturday. Matt drove us around, helped me pick it out, put together the kayak rack, and as if that wasn't enough he unloaded it to the basement the same day. He did so much.<br /><br />Kaci was there for me all day. She helped me make decisions, and comforted me when I felt sick because I had spent so much money. And then she played with me and the kayak.<br /><br />I have really great friends. They are pretty spectacular.<br /></div><br /></div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-48909180649866322632010-06-18T20:01:00.002-05:002010-06-18T20:31:07.718-05:00Thinking Long-TermFew random points that all seemed to pull together....<br /><br />I had an interview Wednesday. It was a weird interview. They asked some of the most random questions. I don't think I got the job, just because I feel like I had no measure to base my performance on. I think I gave good answers, but i don't really know. However, whether or not I get the job, I will still be working in Memphis Schools this next school year.<br /><br />In the Vietnam war, one of the main reasons we lost was we had no plan. We were extremely short sighted. We had no definite plans. Also, our soldiers were only required to serve on year. So literally when they reached the shore they were counting down the days until they were allowed to leave. (This wasn't the case of all the soldiers, but majority).<br /><br />The problem with short-term:<br /><br />If I was considering teaching in Memphis as a short-term profession, just somewhere to hang out for a year, I would not be as dedicated our put my entire being into teaching. I would find ways to make short cuts and not be investing as much energy as I do now.<br /><br />These short-term soldiers were often more considered with themselves rather than the betterment and protection of their group. It changed their entire mentalities about war. It made them less effective and it was a constant supply of men who needed training, so there was little experience on the field. (yet another problem with why we did not succeed)<br /><br />The greatness of long-term:<br /><br />By committing and planting myself, I am able to insert my self into the story of God in a deep way. I am able to spend my time becoming as effective as possible. Stats say it takes a teacher 3 years to become effective, 5 to become good, and 7 to be an expert. That's a long time, but it's an investment well made. My returns on my investment will be greater because of the amount I invested in the beginning. It's the theory of compounding numbers (don't ask me to explain. I was trying to type it out, but it got too confusing).<br /><br />Long-term leads to success. Hopefully I will maintain this mentality. Short term things are very lucrative.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-45792431592802174802010-06-14T11:40:00.005-05:002010-06-14T17:21:44.604-05:00Lessons from History<div>Hindsight is 20/20. Seeing the failure of event after event is brutal.<br /><br />This is what my Vietnam class has been like. The United States will do something in the name of defending freedom of all people, and it will be no better than the alternative evil (communism). Today I got angry. Many of the officials seem to be pursuing Vietnam for pride and pride only. However, it goes deeper than that....<br /><br />1834 a Journalist claimed that it was our "Manifest Destiny" to become the largest, best nation in the world. God had ordained us to accumulate as much land as we can and to share our freedom and ideals with them.<br /><br />Without using the term Manifest Destiny this is what we do even today. We did it with Vietnam, we did it with South America, we did it with the Middle East.<br /><br />The Puritans desired America to be a "City on a Hill" for all to look at and use as an example.<br /><br />It sounds great. It sounds legit, but humans are corrupt. We gravitate towards chaos. Knowing the depravity of myself and those around me, the thing I should be looking up to is Jesus Christ. My pure motivation and example of what "freedom" and "liberty", "grace" and "mercy" looks like is Jesus.<br /><br />The Soviet Union and China aided Vietnam in the belief that communism would free the people.<br /><br />So which was right at the moment? Now we have hindsight to determine that obviously the communist triumphed in Vietnam, but overall capitalist outlasted.<br /><br />Being a citizen is a hard job. You have to constantly sift structures and bureaucracy to see what is true and in line with the gospel and what is not. Then chase after those things that give glimpse into the life Christ desires for us. With the grace and mercy of Christ one day his kingdom will come and it will be restored. In that is my patriotism and conviction.<br /></div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-67030046395871286702010-06-13T20:51:00.003-05:002010-06-29T09:20:47.729-05:00Summer Update...I promise there will be more of these sooner or later. It's been kind of crazy these past two weeks, just because of the amount of reading and homework I have had to do. Also, I have gone out of town the past two weekends. Here is a recap:<br /><br />Interesting facts about Vietnam War:<br />--- We were way over our head before the beginning<br />--- The French are lame.<br /><br />Interesting facts about Civil War:<br />--- There have always been cultural differences between Southerners and Northerners. It started in England.<br />--- It was inevitable.<br /><br />Interesting Facts about the weekends:<br />--- MTR Barn Dance was fantastic! Memphis is fun and I love Emily's nephews<br />--- Any time spent with the Robertsons is always a good time.<br /><br />Interesting facts about this week:<br />--- Test Monday<br />--- Test Tuesday<br />--- Will (Kaci's 12 year old brother) is staying with us! It's going to be great.<br />--- June is back!! (the dog, not the month)<br /><br />Interesting books I have read or am reading:<br />--- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Battle-Cry-Freedom-Oxford-History/dp/019516895X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276480660&sr=8-1">Battle Cry for Freedom</a><br />--- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Longest-War-Vietnam-1950-1975/dp/0072536187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276480683&sr=1-1">America's Longest War</a><br />--- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Jane-Austen/dp/1453605738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276480704&sr=1-1">Pride and Prejudice</a><br />--- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276480741&sr=1-1">The Book Thief</a><br />--- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cause-Comrades-Why-Fought-Civil/dp/0195124995/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276480761&sr=1-1">Causes and Comrades </a>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-81735389299312667532010-06-02T22:04:00.003-05:002010-06-02T22:12:26.700-05:00Back to school againAfter a great last week in Memphis, a super fun weekend at the beach, I am back to school at Mississippi State once again.<br /><br />This first term of summer I am taking a Civil War and a Vietnam class. I think they have great potential. They seem like funny people. Here is my homework list for this week (due by Friday):<br /><br />-- Read prologue and 3-21 of <span style="font-style: italic;">America's Longest War</span><br />-- Read <span style="font-style: italic;">Ho Chi Minh's 1946 Appeal for Help </span><br />-- Complete a take home quiz<br />-- Read chapters 1-3 of <span style="font-style: italic;">Battle Cry of Freedom</span> (110 pages)<br />-- Read half of <span style="font-style: italic;">For Causes and Comrades<br /><br /></span><span>Basically </span><span>it's a ton of reading... all summer.<br /><br />Greater news, I am learning new things and new ways I can present information to my students. I am loving that part of it. Already I have been really excited about the class room.<br /><br /><br />Since I am not teaching over the summer, I have decided to review the other books I am reading for pleasure on the blog. That way I will have something else to blog about than the aforementioned classes.<br /><br />P.S. I have a friend that is starting to sell headbands. <a href="http://bustyourbutton.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-being-so-free-it-sure-is-hard-to.html">Check her blog out! </a> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://bustyourbutton.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-being-so-free-it-sure-is-hard-to.html"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></a><br /></span>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-79259098025065425612010-05-28T09:35:00.000-05:002010-05-28T09:35:21.095-05:00Education and IndiaEducation is a big deal in India too. This sounds a lot like our mission in Memphis. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/shukla_bose_teaching_one_child_at_a_time.html">Shukla Bose: Teaching one child at a time | Video on TED.com</a>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-13970649645014735792010-05-28T09:18:00.003-05:002010-05-28T09:23:49.697-05:00The video is up!Want to see one of the takes of the trolley ride? Here it is:<br /><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="embedded_player" name="embedded_player" bgcolor="#ffffff" quality="high" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://media.scrippsnewspapers.com/corp_assets/asphalt/swf/trinity_embed.swf?sid=MCA&sl=hotel-memphis---star-micey-jeremy-stanfill" height="324" width="576"></embed><br /><br /><br />For some reason it doesn't show up all the way, but here is a hyperlink... <br /><br />trolley ride <a href="http://btop.commercialappeal.com/videos/detail/hotel-memphis---star-micey-jeremy-stanfill">Hotel Memphis - Star & Micey with Jeremy Stanfill</a>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-6112541243763935792010-05-26T10:26:00.005-05:002010-05-26T10:44:05.394-05:00Trolley nights are always crazy!Any time you want to be wowed ride the trolley in Memphis. The most random things have happened to me on the trolley. Last night Erin and I got 3 dollar sushi, ate awesome Cheesecake, and then rode the trolley:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-DUTZA2I/AAAAAAAAAEk/K_VhYD-Y9XA/s1600/S7300191.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-DUTZA2I/AAAAAAAAAEk/K_VhYD-Y9XA/s320/S7300191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475600948662960994" border="0" /></a><br />We thought it would be a normal ride on the trolley, but we were wrong....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0_LVWAf-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/2ct4JF5yfmM/s1600/S7300196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0_LVWAf-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/2ct4JF5yfmM/s320/S7300196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475602185892954082" border="0" /></a><br />A band jumped on the trolley.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-n-VPJTI/AAAAAAAAAFM/n21Vv0Fihe8/s1600/S7300195.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-n-VPJTI/AAAAAAAAAFM/n21Vv0Fihe8/s320/S7300195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475601578420282674" border="0" /></a><br />The trolley driver started to do the drums and counted them off. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-mJfV4mI/AAAAAAAAAEs/AOn7FDJPk6U/s1600/S7300197.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 217px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-mJfV4mI/AAAAAAAAAEs/AOn7FDJPk6U/s320/S7300197.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475601547055719010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0_L936P3I/AAAAAAAAAFc/v1gU-guK9fs/s1600/S7300194.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0_L936P3I/AAAAAAAAAFc/v1gU-guK9fs/s320/S7300194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475602196772568946" border="0" /></a><br />People were dancing all throughout the trolley! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-nTLN5uI/AAAAAAAAAFE/-M8FDJ9fgdg/s1600/S7300193.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-nTLN5uI/AAAAAAAAAFE/-M8FDJ9fgdg/s320/S7300193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475601566835533538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-myIi3rI/AAAAAAAAAE8/yfMZiy7qZwg/s1600/S7300192.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_0-myIi3rI/AAAAAAAAAE8/yfMZiy7qZwg/s320/S7300192.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475601557965954738" border="0" /></a><br />And everyone was enjoying themselves thoroughly.<br /><br /><a href="http://jeremystanfill.com/new-song-cold-hard-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-38">Check them out! </a><br />You have to click the play button<br /><br />They were filming for the Commercial Appeal, so we might be on a video soon. Go to Hotel Memphis. That's the only instructions I have. It should be up in a few days!<br /><br /><br /></div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-54913344959096194342010-05-26T09:57:00.013-05:002010-05-26T10:24:45.379-05:00Graduation!!Last days at MTR with everyone:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08MPWOmLI/AAAAAAAAAEM/BRTpJHQVaC0/s1600/-3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08MPWOmLI/AAAAAAAAAEM/BRTpJHQVaC0/s320/-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475598902928251058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08h6Y7QvI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TEX29pkX4lM/s1600/-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08h6Y7QvI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TEX29pkX4lM/s320/-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475599275259544306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08WyY9bUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AaXs-QCYRM0/s1600/-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_08WyY9bUI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AaXs-QCYRM0/s320/-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475599084133641538" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Friday night I had MTR graduation. It was so fun. David talked to us and we were presented with an MTR scarf! Here's a picture from the night:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_047c30elI/AAAAAAAAADM/ngOdEv8RKJc/s1600/MTR+grad"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_047c30elI/AAAAAAAAADM/ngOdEv8RKJc/s320/MTR+grad" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475595315966147154" border="0" /></a><br />It was really fun. Then Saturday we had a long day of graduation at Union's campus. It was one of my more fun graduations. We all got to sit together and we talked throughout. It was fun.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_05Uonn7JI/AAAAAAAAADU/5UuCXYQqyAI/s1600/masters+graduation+053.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_05Uonn7JI/AAAAAAAAADU/5UuCXYQqyAI/s320/masters+graduation+053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475595748616170642" border="0" /></a><br />This is me walking to my seat. Terri and I were talking about how test scores work.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_06CMOp96I/AAAAAAAAADk/ugcBGrMEvXw/s1600/masters+graduation+058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_06CMOp96I/AAAAAAAAADk/ugcBGrMEvXw/s320/masters+graduation+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475596531269236642" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is Ashley, my roommate last year. I don't know what we are doing and why she's sitting down. Mom liked taking pictures of lots of people.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_06qg_PnUI/AAAAAAAAADs/RZTDSfLwYe4/s1600/masters+graduation+061.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_06qg_PnUI/AAAAAAAAADs/RZTDSfLwYe4/s320/masters+graduation+061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475597224036506946" border="0" /></a>The group up on stage with our diplomas!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07CTSJtmI/AAAAAAAAAD0/cBnMB4EbvHY/s1600/masters+graduation+066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07CTSJtmI/AAAAAAAAAD0/cBnMB4EbvHY/s320/masters+graduation+066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475597632674575970" border="0" /></a>Throwing our hats!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07SI9tLbI/AAAAAAAAAD8/FsPIRvvj_2w/s1600/masters+graduation+070.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07SI9tLbI/AAAAAAAAAD8/FsPIRvvj_2w/s320/masters+graduation+070.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475597904782372274" border="0" /></a>Sarah and Henry came to see me!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07qYJaYpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Ev0jR9m1w8w/s1600/Siblings_grad.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-9X5n4il7_A/S_07qYJaYpI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Ev0jR9m1w8w/s320/Siblings_grad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475598321174864530" border="0" /></a>Me, Sarah, and Robert<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-16807747491055416062010-05-20T11:20:00.003-05:002010-05-20T11:42:25.273-05:00The Good and The Bad<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Good.</span><br /><br />We got our test scores today. My classes got a <span style="font-weight: bold;">92% passing rate</span>. This means 92% of my students got Proficient or Advanced on the End Of the Course exam.<br /><br />Over half the kids are missing, but the ones that are here have been really funny:<br /><br />-- One girl tried to spin an umbrella like steppers spin canes.<br />-- Another student coming in and dancing because he made a 37 on his test.<br />-- Another boy grabbed me and practically picked me up because he was so excited that he passed.<br />-- One girl accidentally spewed water over two other boys.<br />-- I have a kid that isn't in my class, but in Erika's. She's told me lots of stories about how he's just a cute, sweet little boy. He's been hanging out in my classroom the past few days because I have been watching Slumdog Millionaire with the kids. He came in today and took a chair and set down in front of the T.V. He turned on the movie and spaced out the rest of everything else that went on. He's now been here for 3 periods. If you've ever seen 101 Dalmatians it's like the puppy that stands on the T.V. and gets left behind because he is so engrossed. It's cute.<br />-- 92% of my kids passed. 32% of my kids got Advanced.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Bad.</span><br /><br />-- I had <span style="font-weight: bold;">5 students</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">not pass </span>the test. They barely missed the mark, but they missed it. I also had <span style="font-weight: bold;">4 students</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">not show up</span>. It's not surprising. I had never seen one of the students all year, and the other 3 have been missing for the last 3 months for different reasons. I have a total of 114 students. I think this puts me at a 92% passing rate. Looking at who failed the class, <span style="font-style: italic;">3 of them never come to school </span>mainly because of <span style="font-style: italic;"> children at home</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">suspensions</span>. Another<span style="font-style: italic;"> transferred</span> in to my class in March, and the fifth has <span style="font-style: italic;">severe disabilities</span> (mainly with comprehension). So this is where my cracks are.<br /><br />-- As with all bad. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lessons were learned. </span><br />I need to provide a better way of integrating the students into the classroom in a short amount of time. I also need to prepare packets for students to take with them if they are suspended or out of school for an extended period of time. <span style="font-style: italic;">I should have pushed harder</span> with the SPED teachers to get me the information I need to help make accommodations to those students that need extra support.<br /><br /><br />Worst moment of the day was having to tell the child with severe comprehension problems that she failed. She looked like she was going to cry. She's already been told she failed all her other end of the year tests. She deserves opportunity just like the rest. She is just as smart she just needs a different method of being taught. I almost cried when she walked out of the room (and still tearing up now). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Teaching changes students life. I am messing with their life, when I don't give it my all and seal the cracks. </span><br /><br />Thankfully I can take this data and run with it. Next year, I won't make the same mistakes again.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-43711689497500206092010-05-14T22:03:00.003-05:002010-05-14T22:16:35.068-05:00Are you hungry for spaghetti?"Boys are like waffles, girls are like spaghetti"<br /><br />This might be a little random, but it all is one flow of thought....<br /><br />Yesterday I went mountain biking with my friend Matt. It was LEGEND- (wait for it) DARY! I have been yearning to be outside, in the woods, by water... something not in the city. I love love love the city, but I have lived here an entire year without being outside away from the city for longer than a few hours here and there. I mean out playing in nature. I have been contemplating working at summer camps again just so I can spend an entire summer outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mtidachamber.com/Business_Pictures/camp_ozark.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 226px;" src="http://www.mtidachamber.com/Business_Pictures/camp_ozark.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In fact, what I have really been wanting to do is hike to the cross at Camp Ozark. One of the best things ever. (I could not find a picture online of the view from the cross and was too lazy to get my external)<br /><br />So when I got on the bike and was going through the trails I felt alive again. It was so refreshing. It was exactly what I needed. It is definitely something I am going to be doing more often.<br /><br /><br />Tonight I cleaned out my papers from MTR. I threw away lots, and condensed it to one binder (impressive I know). While cleaning I found this written on a sheet of paper...<br /><br />faces places people always find bind grind saw wall suspension each six weeks verbal conference iss tardy consequences recess assignments com back to class gross pepto diet coke love grapes goodness keep up clue half day work to do don't plan extra work competed sheets NO VACATION<br /><br />I had just written down whatever word came to my mind at the moment. It was during our first MTR class, Classroom Management. I obviously felt my need to be outside very early on in the program. Unfortunately, no vacation was quite literal. Good times.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-10531430356978166972010-05-13T09:49:00.004-05:002010-05-13T10:15:23.242-05:00Best Day Ever.That is a slight exaggeration, but it has been terrific (why does no one use that word in everyday conversation anymore?)<br /><br />Woke up a little early and took a shower. It had been a while and was necessary. I got ready so much earlier than usually. So I got to fix some coffee and leave with my roommate.<br /><br />She was running late, so I got to see Frank (the doorman) for longer than usual. He's a nice man.<br /><br />I got to school a little before the bell, and I brought <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/">Slumdog Millionaire</a> for the kids to watch. Here is why this movie changed my thoughts about today...<br /><br />1. I get to tell all my kids about India. <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">If you don't know how much I love India... It's A LOT. I'm kind of obsessed in some ways. </span></span><br /><br />2. All my kids were thoroughly enthralled. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >They would linger after the bell rang to see what was coming next. They were asking many questions about things that were happening in the movie. They were laughing and commenting throughout most of the movie. </span><br /><br />3. I got to tell all my kids about India. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Because it provoked questions I got to go more in depth with what is going on in the slums of India. </span><br /><br />So all three of these reasons are why I have enjoyed today so much. Discovering this will help me to integrate more of my passions into my classroom. Hopefully they will all have awesome movies to go along with it. ha.<br /><br />The movie has won lots and lots of awards and really does give a fairly accurate idea of life in the slums as well as some of the things children in the slums go through.<br /><br /><br />Other notes: I passed MTR officially and student teaching. I will graduate with a 4.0. Somewhere along the way I have developed into what semi resembles an adult <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(minus one set back which might be discussed later)</span>.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-60262356065036813532010-05-06T22:40:00.003-05:002010-05-24T09:31:30.415-05:00Follow...NOW!<br /><br />Two new great blogs:<br /><br /><a href="http://erinsmisadventures.blogspot.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Great times with Erin</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sarahareaves.blogspot.com/">Great times with Sarah</a><br /><br />I love my friends are making blogs. And they're super funny!Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-84130787559881598552010-05-06T09:31:00.002-05:002010-05-06T09:43:24.762-05:00You FAT!So Erika and I are not doing anything today while the kids are testing. We were talking about some of the highlights from the year, and I forgot to share this on my blog. It was pre-blog.<br /><br />My fourth period class on B days are a mess. They are some of the craziest kids. This one kid in particular always made me laugh. One day I was talking to him before the bell rang.<br /><br />"John, what are you going to do when you get home"<br /><br />"Probably going to watch T.V. and get some pizza for dinner."<br /><br />"That sounds delicious. What kind of pizza are you going to get?"<br /><br />"Probably the works. All of that stuff on it."<br /><br />"Have you ever had pineapple on your pizza?"<br /><br />"OH Yes! That is so good!"<br /><br />"Heck yeah it is! I love pineapple on my pizza, and sometimes I get pepperoni, with a hand tossed crust and with cheese that's melting off the slice..."<br /><br />"Ms. Cogzdill, YOU FAT!"<br /><br />"Uh, Ph or F?"<br /><br />"Ms. Cogzdill, you a fat at heart. You don't look fat, but you are! Listen to the way you described that pizza. See you fat."<br /><br />"Uh, thanks John..."<br /><br />"Ms. Cogzdill, I might look fat on the outside, but underneath here I'm skinny. Really! I have abs under here. I really am a skinny person."<br /><br />"John, why don't you try and show that off?"<br /><br />"Cuz Ms. Cogzdill I'd have to miss that pizza you was describing."<br /><br />There we go. I'm a fat kid at heart. I don't know if my student had ever heard that expression, but he called me out on it. Later he told me Weed does his body good and lowers his blood pressure. I don't know how much of that is true, but he believes it wholeheartedly.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-84642758055667984162010-05-05T21:33:00.003-05:002010-05-05T21:54:39.843-05:00EndoftheyearitisAll schools cause it. It is the expectation and desire to be done with school. If we didn't have breaks, I don't think it would be a problem. Motivation would hit lulls throughout they year, but it would never be this bad....<br /><br />Symptoms:<br />--- Frequent thoughts of calling in sick *cough, cough* (WARNING: too many thoughts can cause follow through. Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.)<br />--- Bloodshot eyes<br />--- Shortened attention span<br />--- Longing looks outside<br />--- Forgetfulness<br />--- Desire to listen to fun, upbeat music (or country. it swings both ways) much like summer<br />--- Change in schedule (go to bed later, wake up later)<br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, me and all my students are experiencing these symptoms. Each morning I wake myself up and look in the mirror. "You can do this Christian. You are changing lives each day. There is nothing better you could be doing at this moment. You're an adult now. You're being responsible. Now Go Kick Some BUTT!" (Refer to How I Met Your Mother Marshall runs a New York Marathon speech)<br /><br />Side note: I played tic-tac-toe with a student today. It's the most real he's been with me all year. He beat me 13 games to 9 and supposedly he gave me two of those games. It was so fun.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-73527567962028645592010-04-23T22:38:00.005-05:002010-04-23T22:50:25.507-05:00Let it Rain! Let it Rain!I have been wearing my new raincoat for the last 3 days hoping it would rain. Today it did. Unfortunately I was inside. The one time I was outside and it started sprinkling, I didn't have my coat on. Seriously, any time I was out of the house I wore my jacket with high hopes that it would rain on it. Hasn't happened yet. Hopefully one day it will. <div><br /></div><div>Greater note.... I just ordered SEASON TICKETS! to the Mississippi State Bulldogs Football games. You can only order 3 games though. They make you order tickets for the Alcorn, Georgia, and you get to choose the third. I chose Arkansas on November 20th. Hopefully it's not too cold. I could order individual tickets for the other 3 games, but we will see. They are playing Memphis for the opener. I am excited about that! </div><div><br /></div><div>School wise... I have been having problems with a certain supervisor. We have clashed in all ways possible, and I have begun to give up. I don't say anything in the meetings and she tells me every time I am going to fail (not that I even know what I am failing). This week she came in my room and loved loved loved my lesson. I swear I did nothing different (other than let her give input during my class), and she said, "this is the best lesson I have seen so far. I just knew you were going to fall on your face and fail when you got to the classroom next year. I thought I had done you a great disservice. But you have grown so much in the last 2 weeks... You are going to be an excellent teacher!" </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>PEOPLE!! Only the Lord could have changed her mind like that. Seriously. My lesson was not that awesome and I did nothing different. There was no reason for her to change her mind like that. I have been praying about this for the entire year. Finally the Lord delivered and it was just in time. He is so good. (I'm not going to fail... ha.) </div>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-20636601723004489702010-04-20T15:47:00.003-05:002010-04-20T16:04:15.971-05:00HeartbreakingQuote from the <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/apr/13/memphis-city-council-delay-vote-alcohol-impact-zon/">commercial appeal</a>...<br /><br />"In spite of our best efforts to curb aggressive panhandling, Downtown is losing its customers because the <span style="font-weight: bold;">foul-mouthed petty street hustlers</span>, most of whom are not homeless, are still scaring off the trade," said CCC president Jeff Sanford.<br /><br />It made me want to throw up just because of how harsh of language he was using. They are still people, even if they panhandle.<br /><br />However, here are a few facts I know:<br /><br />1. There is a problem with panhandling downtown<br />2. They usually show up during the weekend. You won't see them during the week (which means they aren't the homeless guys)<br />3. I don't have a solution.<br /><br />So based on those facts I have mixed feelings. So tell me what you think. I really am interested.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-59351198518463082442010-04-19T13:22:00.002-05:002010-04-20T15:47:33.850-05:00"This is worse than Chuckie Cheese"This weekend I went to Starkville. Here are a few highlights:<br /><br />1. Arts Festival! It's always fun to walk around the arts festival in the spring time. It is one of my favorite Starkville events.<br /><br />2. Sno Cones: New awesome flavor Spiderman (Blue Raspberry and Cherry)<br /><br />3. June: The puppy is cute. real cute.<br /><br />4. Seeing the Robertson family: I got to go to Meridian to watch Will and Mason play soccer. It was cute. I enjoyed it a lot<br /><br />5. Eating at Outback: It was my second time to eat at Outback. I like it a lot. All these little kids flooded the restaurant from the soccer tournament so it was insanely loud. Only a slight headache.<br /><br />6. Getting to hang out with Kaci is always fantastic.<br /><br />7. Fire at Campus Trails. This was not such a highlight. Maybe more like a low light. Two more apartment buildings at Campus Trails was burned down on Sunday morning. Two of my friends are now homeless. It's okay though, because they are definitely being provided for.<br /><br />8. Hanging out with Sarah. I only got to see her for a little bit, but it was still good.<br /><br />This was my weekend in a nutshell. It was overall really great.Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-12027720850943860982010-04-13T09:08:00.002-05:002010-04-13T09:50:53.960-05:00TransitionsSaturday I got to move into my new apartment. It should be set up with the stuff I have now before this weekend. I will take some pictures and post them on here. The best part of my apartment is the view. I wake up and look out my bedroom window to see the sun rising over the Memphis skyline. When I fix my breakfast, I get to watch barges go down the river. In the evening when I come home I get to watch the sunset over the river. Again, the best part of my apt... the view.<br /><br />In other news, things at school are wrapping up. These three days we are doing mock end of the course testing. This means students are taking a 2 hour test while the rest of us chill out. I am sitting in the classroom with Erika watching a movie. It's super <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/chillax">chillax</a>. It's a good break. Next week is senior trip (mentor teacher out). The following week I have MTR professional development. The following week is end of the course testing.<br /><br />Oh and this morning I registered for summer classes! Super exciting!Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5737628547812114281.post-32020893425726465802010-04-07T21:25:00.003-05:002010-04-07T21:30:46.680-05:00Summer is coming!!Tonight we had the first spring thunderstorm. It was so great. It makes me excited for the next few months. The air was still warm. Rain was pelting me as I ran through it. Thunder was cracking loudly. Lightening was lighting up the entire sky. I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> thunderstorms.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/473920107_b9f018b76b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/473920107_b9f018b76b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Christianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08995327116531420704noreply@blogger.com0