It's Come To This

Blogging once a week. It's all I've got time to do. Again, I don't know how everyone else who works the daily 9am-5pm does it. Maybe I just suck at time management.

The work week seems neverending to me. I'm like a newbie all over again trying to get used to the daily grind of a work routine. What a wuss! Actually, my body has adjusted to the early morning disturbance of the annoyingly cheap alarm clock from Target. I have gotten used to skipping my breakfast (not good!) because I'd rather use that time to prepare my clasroom. And thankfully, my whole lower body has adjusted quite well to the whole being-on-your-feet the entire day. Nice. I guess my complaints revolve around the planning-correcting part of the job. It's every teacher's nightmare...when that immensely huge pile of papers NEVER seem to get smaller! You've heard the saying and I tell you quite honestly that it's true: a teacher's job is never done. Yah, yah, you've heard that about other jobs, too, but c'mon, really, I feel like it's some cruel trick being played...right when I think that I'm done correcting a pile, there's always something else. Always.

Our Open House/Back to School night was last Thursday. I always tend to feel sorry for parents on that night because not only are they required to come straight from work, but they have to endure a general presentation from the principal AND the teacher. I have nothing against Open Houses, but in order to keep everyone happy, both parents and teachers, let's keep it short and sweet! In the past, I have always brought a light snack and drink for the parents. I remember the first year that I did that, the gesture was truly appreciated. By that time in the evening, many have not had dinner yet and even a little cookie helps curb the growling tummy. And I also thought to myself, hey, if that were ME, I'd like to have something to snack on, too! So the idea to bring snacks was born...and happy to say, many other teachers have decided to adopt the idea as well.

Open House is always nerve-racking for teachers. Standing in front of 28 pairs of lil' bodies is one thing...standing in front of 28 pairs of adult eyes is another. Those same pairs of eyes that stare you down, that try to analyze and nitpick about everything single thing, that look at you and have to understand and accept that the person standing before them is the one and only person that is taking care of their perfect little angel is not an easy thing to stomach. Sure, I can do the whole smile and nod reasssurance dance, but it's almost as if I have to convince each and every parent that I am worthy to be their child's teacher. And today's parents are of a whole different generation from when I was a child. The OG parents of long ago looked up to the teacher and backed up whatever the teacher had to say. Teachers back then had the full support of the parents behind them. Unfortunately, that is not the case of today's generation of parents. Not to say that is how ALL parents are. On the contrary! I'm just saying that somewhere down the line, there was this attitudinal shift that took place where the teachers lost that respectable place in society. I'm not saying that teachers should be put on top of a mantle or anything like that, but for goodness sake, recognize the fact that teachers are the ones molding today's kids. Some people do not realize the extent of what a teacher does in a classroom. Some may have this conception that learning means that their kids can memorize information and spit it back out. That ain't teaching to me. That's just plain regurgitation. Some think that the more homework we give to kids will make them smarter. But it's all about QUALITY, not QUANTITY. And lots of people just don't get it. So to those parents who just don't get it (and by goodness, I would LOVE to say the names of those in MY class!), get a grip. Stop your sorry ass complaining and use all of that energy to being a good, nurturing, and encouraging parent. And for God's sake, keep in mind that your kid is only 8 years old....give 'em a break.

ANYWAYS....whew..where did THAT come from?! =) The rest of Open House was okay. I wish that I could say that I was a dynamic speaker to my parents, but I wasn't. Instead, my presentation was often interrupted by my bouts of coughing, hacking, and clearing my throat. Sucks to be sick. Sucks to be sick AND required to be present. Ugh. As was my plan, I used my sickness to keep my presentation short and promised them that I would have them out as soon as possible, but well, it never turns out that way. I will say this though. I had my students make a card for their parents and that brought a smile to the parents' faces. But as a closing activity, I had the parents write a note BACK to their kids. Not only did the parents think that was a good idea (I stole it from my niece's teacher!), but if you saw the students' faces the following day as they walked into the classroom, all of the naughtiness or whatnot just seemed to fade away in the background! I did get a chance to read the notes that morning (they were on sticky notes on top of the desks) and some of the things that the parents wrote totally touched my heart. They ranged from the "Good morning son!", "Don't forget to turn in your homwork today!" to the "You're the best kid I know!" and the "I'll always love you no matter what." It was a great way to start the Friday, not only for me, but for the kids as well. It also made me see those kids in a whole different light and I'm grateful to that. Sometimes I have to admit, it's hard to erase the previous day from my mind. So if Kid #1 was naughty yesterday, I have to pray really hard that day to wipe his/her slate clean. But I do and it makes all the difference.

And ultimately, that's what I want to do. Make a difference.

If only everyone else could see it the way I do...

Shout-Outs

*My Apu (grandmother) turned 89 years old last week. Had lunch at her house yesterday and 'twas great to hang out with the lil' (not so lil' anymore!) cousins. Apu is still going strong for 89, but gradually slowing down. She looked happy and content to have lots of family around and it was just so nice to see her. Happy 89th Apu..and many more to come!

*My lil' cousin Rod is going off to UCLA this week. Up and leaving the nest and going off to be that college kid. Damn. Where did the time go? All of the lil' cousins that I remember being born are all in college now...heck, one of 'em was even drinking a Corona at the party and I had to ask her if she was old enough! (She's 23.) When did THAT happen? Aiya...where does the time go? In any case, good luck in UCLA Rod...kick some ass!

*Mr. Stud Muffin Gee turned the big 3-0 last Wednesday! Welcome to da club, my friend. Sorry I couldn't make it to the birthday picnic...but glad to hear that ya'll had fun. Happy Happy 30th you old man!

*Belated anniversary wishes go out to EastBay and AI. They celebrated their 2nd wedding anniversary last week. So guys...when's the baby, huh??? I'm sure Doh wouldn't mind being Ninong! (wink, wink)

*Belated birthday wishes go out to Mr.Francis G, our former choir director at Epiphany. His position at Gap relocated him to London for a year! Although he is coming back, it still won't be the same without him here. In the 6 years that he's directed, the choir has grown from a handful of people to an altar full of kids. Congrats and best wishes...say hello to the Queen for us!

*Speaking of the choir, just wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Gee, MeAnn, and Bhic da Man for coming out and having lunch today. Ate at the new Hawaiian joint on Sloat Blvd, Ono Hawaiian BBQ. 'Twas alright, huge portions, decent prices, but I've had better mac salad. We headed to Ocean Beach afterwards to enjoy the sun...yes, SUN in San Francisco! Thanks for hanging out today, guys...let's not wait too long for the next get-together.

*Belated birthday shout-out goes to J.Cabrera. Old friend from my Larawan days who I just reconnected with via Friendster...that thing really works! Lol! Hugs to you!

*Wanted to wish one of my best galpals, VirgoCapri, much love and happiness as she tied the knot to her man yesterday. The wedding was in Atlanta and as much as I wanted to go, unfortunately could not. I did talk to her on Friday night and she was busily preparing the bouquets for the following day. Love and congrats to you!

Last, but Not Least....

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is still fresh and I just wanted to take the time to ask ya'll to remember the victims in your prayers. It's easy to take for granted the everyday necessities that we've been blessed with, but for many that which has been destroyed and taken away. The destruction may be halfway across the country, but it affects us all. In today's world, we may feel helpless in terms of what we can do or how we can contribute, but I have found that prayer is a powerful thing. The list may seem endless- the poor, the sick, the hurricane victims, the tsunami victims, the homeless, war-torn countries, and so many more. But if it's the only thing that we CAN do and afford, then by all means, do it. It will make a difference.