happy new year! when will i write about japan? later folks.

my life is a whirlwind of fire and water with a dash of storms and droughts. how do stay sane? how do i stay strong as the backbone of a family, while trying to be a driving force at my work, yet feeling as if i myself can barely hold my own ground? i'm tired.

here's something funny (probably only teachers will appreciate the humor, though):

HOW TO STAY AWAKE IN TEACHER IN-SERVICES: OFFERED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE...

Do you keep falling asleep in teacher meetings and in-services?

Here's a way to change all of that.

1. Before (or during) your next meeting, in-service or staff
development, prepare yourself by drawing a square. I find that 5" x 5"
is a good size.

Divide the card into columns-five across and five down. That will give
you 25 one-inch blocks.

2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block:
* no child left behind
* test scores
* core competencies
* communication
* standards
* multiple exposures
* benchmarks
* proactive
* win-win
* think outside the box
* action plan
* result-driven
* assessments
* knowledge base
* touch base
* differentiated
* retention
* skills
* background knowledge
* effective learning
* exemplars
* implementation
* reflection
* grade level expectations (GLE's)
* benchmark testing
* CRT's

3. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those
words/phrases.

4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally
stand up and shout "BALONEY!"