Let the good times blow, I mean, roll....

It seems "blowing" is on my mind a lot as the dust storms seem to kick up out of nowhere.  Another one last weekend when we were at an endurance ride (another future post) left dust in my ears, my nose, my mouth, my hair, heck, I think I even had dust in my bellybutton!  If they had Christmas here, the song would be "Let it Blow, Let it Blow, Let it Blow!"  No kidding!

This is our second week with Anju, our wonderful new housekeeper/cleaning lady, whatever is PC, I don't know!  She has put us on the straight and narrow path of cleanliness.  She is a blessing....it's amazing how much stress having her come relieves!

Last week was my lesson observation.  I was worried about it, but decided since there wasn't much I could do about, worry wasn't worth it!  I did it the first day of the week to get it over with and received my score and comments by week's end.  I was shocked and soooo happy to have received wonderful comments and even the constructive criticism was so helpful!  My score was 17/18 or 4.72/5 on the scale that counts.  4.72-5.00 equals "exceptional" on their scale!  I have started to worry now that I am going to have to work twice as hard to STAY that way!  :)  I still have one group of students (similar to problems I had last semester) who are keeping my life interesting.  The group which was observed actually made me look good.  I can't take all the credit.  My observers were impressed that every student did the homework and participated in the oral report and discussion!  ALL of them.  I was so proud.  And then my other group...a few are making life difficult....simple little chatty Kathy's.  It's hard to be angry when they simply seem to be oblivious to their transgressions.  However, the warnings have been too many.....soon, they will be shown the door.  Such is life.  I have a few eager students who can't seem to learn enough from me and I have to keep their best interests first and foremost.  Chatty Kathy's can have their own party elsewhere.

What else?  Magic Corn.  I always say to myself whenever I buy some that I should tell everyone about it!  There are little stands in the malls and in the cafeterias at the university where they sell hot "magic corn."  They will mix it with whatever spices you like.....mine is simply butter and salt....and put it in a cup with a little spoon for you.  It is actually fresh and delicious as corn goes.  I always tell my students when I have some that my teaching will be magic that day!  :)  Who would ever have thought that something so simple and easy would be such a popular treat?  It's not cheap either!  It's about $2.50 for a small cup (maybe a half cup measure!).  But it's so GOOD!!  :)

I have been counting the days to our annual vacation.  I hope we'll be home by the 4th of July.  Which means we'll be leaving in about 106 days.  I remember when I started counting last fall for our January trip home that anything over 100 seemed like forever.  Once it fell below 100, the days seemed to race by!

In any case, this is my update for the time being.  I have been working hard, many hours in my office and many hours after I come home (though I did take a break and watched Erin Brockovich last night...I enjoy a feisty woman story now and then....quite empowering really).  My brain never seems to want to shut up.  I am awake with birds every morning!  Even when I CAN sleep in, my brain won't let me.  Maybe I should work first shift next fall.  I don't know if I could do it!  :)  Not EVERY day!  :)  Two days a week is bad enough!  

Take care all and I am looking forward to hearing from you!  

Maggie