Week 2 is Over

Yes! I've made it through my second week of student teaching.

I had my first evaluation, by my cooperating/supervising teacher, and it went quite well. She pointed out a lot of positive things I did and gave me some very helpful recommendations for things I can work on in the future. She's been SO incredibly supportive and because of her I haven't been nervous about teaching or lesson planning. I'm learning a great deal from her.

I'm going to a party tonight. The Deputy Principal of the school is throwing a shin-dig at her new home and she's invited all the staff. I'm excited about that, it should be a blast.

You'd think I'd have loads to write about. Maybe my poor brain is just tired of processing information. I can't think of anything terribly exciting to tell you.

I can say that I'm having the time of my life. I'm usually tired by the end of the school day, but it is a good tired. I think the constant energy of the kids and having to always look around and see & hear all, is the main drain on my energy. But! The kids are good and the other teachers are good. I've had lots of invitations to see other classrooms, though I've only made it to one other so far. There has also been a recommendation that I go see some of the other schools in the area.

I might go fishing again tomorrow night, depending on the weather. I'm definitely going over to J's place to watch a movie - Star Wars Return of the Jedi is on.

The most excitement I have outside of school is a guy I'm living with. Let me rephrase - I'm boarding in the same place as him - the one who loves to give me a hard time. We keep each other entertained.

I finally had time to read Aya's blog. WOOT Metallica & WOOT sleep-overs on the farm :) Sounds like you're having all sorts of fun. Hopefully you find time to sleep during training - as I recall that was a bit difficult last year.

Hope all my American friends & family are doing well. I miss you guys.

Greetings from New Zealand

The last two weeks have FLOWN by and I've been drowning in new experiences.

I spent the first week getting settled in and accustomed to the time difference. i explored the area a bit and learned the train system - since it's my only means of independent travel. I've finally adjusted to driving on the left side of the road... that took longer to get used to than I expected. I bought a New Zealand Oxford Dictionary so I could learn the slang words - there's hundreds of them. I told the lady I'm living with I appreciated her patience in answering my questions... they seemed endless there for a while. There's also another teacher from the school living their and a younger (21) guy who's sole purpose in life since I arrived is to give me a hard time. I think I'm finally getting the idea of what it must be like to have a little brother! His favorite thing is to turn the light off when I'm in the shower - the light switch is just outside the bathroom door. /sigh... He's a boy.

I've posted some pictures of my surroundings on My Photo Blog so feel free to have a good look.

The people have been very welcoming and I've made myself at home.

My first week of student teaching proved to be a bit more adventuresome than I had counted on. My cooperating teacher was out sick Monday - Thursday, leaving me with a sub. At one point, on Thursday morning, I was left alone with the kids for 45 minutes. THAT was interesting! The kids were a bit rowdy, as kids are when their teacher is away... but that's alright. I think they're really a good bunch and I'm looking forward to the next 11 weeks.

Today we're off for a field trip to a local "college," which is like their high school. The kids are getting their first look at a science laboratory. Speaking of, I need to get ready for the day.

I hope all of you are well, enjoy your day!

Today is the day...

Ten hours to go...

To all my friends and family I won't be in contact with for the next four months, farewell! You can always reach me by email.

Take care & enjoy your concerts and what-not ;)

Sleepless in Texas

Ugh! I'm so excited about my trip I can hardly sleep... literally!

Three days left and I'm averaging 4 hours of sleep a night. Not quite the 8-9 my body desires. I have a feeling I'll sleep on the plane and then for a day when I get there.

I called the Graduate Studies office to ask if they received my application online and the lady said they had. She also told me I should be receiving something in a day or two... does that mean by mail or internet? I should have asked but I was shocked to hear her say I would find out so soon. So I might actually know whether I'm accepted in the next day or so... before I leave! Woot!

I just finished a book by Hilari Bell called Flame. It is the first in a new series she is writing called The Book of Sorahb and I rather enjoyed it. It starts out kind of slow but midway through the book it gets going and then she leaves you hanging - big time at the end. I can't wait for the next one to come out! I checked Amazon and they say the next one, Wheel, doesn't come out until next May and apparently it's a trilogy. I'm still waiting for the 6th book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince which they have not set a release date for. Series books are evil! They get you wrapped in and then keep you waiting for the next installment! Hmmm... evil but soooo good!

Check out my About Aspen page for updates :)

Movies, Movies, Movies

I just got back from an advanced screening of the movie Without A Paddle and it was freaking hilarious. Best part was it was free!

I also saw The Village the other day and it was really good also.

Bought Hidalgo but haven't watched it yet, on account of the free movie thing.

4 days left.

Pssst Aya... there are signs all around...

5 days and 1 til Hidalgo

5 days left til I leave.

A list of things to do before I go, though the list is dwindling.

Hidalgo comes out tomorrow and I will definitely be buying that one! Loved it.

Getting nervous about the trip and beginning my student teaching. I think everything will work out but it's a big-important-step, the last in getting my bachelors degree.

Nothing else to report. Just wanted to update the countdown :)