Fleet Week and American Idol

I stayed home from work today. I have been sick for about 3 weeks now and this morning it all caught up to me. Robert has been studying around the clock for all his finals, so today has actually been pretty boring. I was pretty excited when I saw some of the Navy ships coming down the Hudson. It has been fun to watch all the huge boats and see all the sailors hanging out around the city.

American Idol! I do have to say I was SHOCKED that Kris won but very happy. Now that American Idol is over... now what am I going to do? Good thing I have visitors for the next 2 weeks!

Teacher Applicant ...the truth is often stranger than fiction !!!

Ha, ha! My grandma sent this email. It counldn't have explained teaching in urban NYC schools more perfectly.


After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

'Let me see if I've got this right.
'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their t-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.
'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride. 'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.
'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps. AND 'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . . I CAN'T PRAY?'

While getting this job was an enormous blessing in my life it has also been THE HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE. These posters are hung up all around the school and keep me motivated through the days!!!!

Jaime, The Queen of Drap-air

Mom, we sincerely apologize if this embarrasses you in any way but we are your family and you should love us anyway. We love every fiber of your being. You have always hated Mother's day and the huff and puff that goes into it but just soak it in for a second and say "I am a freakin' good mom!"


PS Jaime and Denice.. there are homemade cards on the way.. here is a sneak peak:

Downpour

Saturday morning at 4'AM Robert and I were on our way to work at the temple. On our way out the doorman said, "It's raining out there." We nodded our heads and said "yea, thanks" and thought "we know, it's been raining for 2 days." We walked outside to raindrops the size of my fist. We couldn't even make the two blocks to the subway because we were completely drenched. We ran back to our apartment and the doorman looked at us like, "you idiots, I told you it was raining."
Robert was upset that I was taking pictures so early in the morning but I had to… it was hilarious.

Teacher Appreciation Week!!!

I have always loved teacher appreciation week. All the tears and hard work pays off when you get fuzzy notes and hugs from your kids. Sometimes teaching makes me want to tear my hair out and sometimes it makes me cry because it is so worth it!

Our principal emailed us videos from our students this morning to start off teacher appreciation week!

Viva Manhattan!

Robert and I will be out of the country July 26 until August 20th. We are going to sublet our apartment for $70 a night (a REALLY good price for NYC). 2 bedrooms one bath, full sized kitchen, and living area, AMAZING view of the George Washington Bridge and Hudson. It is just a few minute walk from the A/C and 1 train (which is just a 15 min. ride to central park, time square, ect.)

I am sure it will go fast, but I wanted to post it on the blog first because ideally we would love it to go to someone we know.

Upside: It is fully furnished with a queen sized bed, full sized futon and plenty of extra room for whatever (air mattresses). It would be a great situation for a family trip or whatever.

Downside: Although there is an amazing view, Washington Heights isn’t my favorite neighborhood in Manhattan. It is safe but it is located by Presbyterian Hospital. It is really close to all the main attractions on the subway but if the subways are running local it would take a little longer.

Like I said… first come first serve. I am going to post it on craigslist in the next couple of days and am sure it will go fast. Please email me at Lindsay_smith84@hotmail.com if you have any questions!

Viva Manhattan!