That's how January seems to be going thus far... These full work weeks (I subbed both last and this Friday) really make the days fly by, even with MLKJ Day squeezed in there! As I'm too impatient with myself to organize by topic, I'm going with a chronological rundown of life since last blog.
Friday I (See II after "Thursday")
First time subbing ever!! What a strange and delightful experience. Working with a totally new group of students for the first time in 5 or so months provides much insight on my progress so far as a teacher. It took a while to settle into the rhythm; my class knows my routines and pace and I know their personalities (and names!) and abilities... Though both part of the NYC public school system, my school (PS 43) and the other one (PS 75) are run very differently. At 43 we have uniforms, very structured hallway procedures, school-wide rules to reference... 75 doesn't seem to have any of those. Obviously different populations require different educational atmospheres, but I'm pretty confident in saying my school is better than their school. =) Hard to succinctly communicate the comparisons here, so as always, I'd be happy to provide further details upon request!
Saturday
Marathon friendships! Lunch with a teacher friend formerly of ETM (she recently was offered and accepted a full-time position in NJ... actually makes her commute shorter!), coffee with a friend from high school (Timmy!), and dinner with Meghan at Sally's. Goodness I love sustained human contact. =)
Sunday
More enjoyment of people at the monthly (free!) bagel brunch at church. For the first time I really felt part of the group, like I was contributing to conversation and general atmosphere as opposed to being the new kid that everyone's nice to because she's the new kid.
Monday
Laundry, lesson plans, Laura Skype, Lincoln Center concert. "L" day. The concert was pretty sweet, particularly insomuch as I haven't really done any cultural things in the city since about summer. Meghan got free tickets to the otherwise moderately pricey event from her agency and invited me. The performance consisted of two hour-long choral works with orchestra and soloists and loosely thematic video clips... All in all an intriguing multimedia display. I discovered I had never before witnessed a full choral work--orchestra, band, sure, but extended choral compositions? That's a first. Thanks, Little Sisters of the Assumption in East Harlem!
Tuesday
Professional Development. SOOOOO nice to actually be friends with teachers now!! Not surprisingly, the sessions didn't so much pertain to me, but I love a good puzzle, so I always have fun coming up with connections to the music classroom. Expect more writing and reading comprehension activities to find their way into music lessons from here on out. That is, if you visit my classroom. (Takers??)
Wednesday
Supervisor visit (all good), crazy testing schedule switching, and probably my best lesson ever with my most difficult class. Some days I feel like I have this teaching thing down...
Thursday
...And sometimes not. No epic fails, just less engaging lessons than I anticipated. There's always next week.
Friday II
Another day subbing at PS 75. Sat in on a lesson from one of the position's candidates... Let's just say some people click better with middle school & high school and some with elementary in terms of style and content goals. We'll see how she pans out...
Aaaaand scene. Three weeks until another break (what?) and I'm feeling energized about my lesson arcs for that duration. And my developing social life in the city. And my cooking skills and products. Life is good. =)
KP
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A New Chapter
As of approximately 8:40 pm on Tuesday, January 13, 2010, I am over American Idol.
I suppose it's been coming more or less for about 8 years... I've grown increasingly impatient with various aspects of the show--emphasis on appearance, lack of technical critique, predictable and often low-flying banter and punchlines, aggrandized sense of self-importance--but 10 minutes into the viewing and the joys of a knockout performance or a particularly witty Simonism just couldn't provide enough counterbalance any longer. I noticed headlines regarding an earthquake in Haiti on the neighboring screen (no, I have not increased my TV ownership from 0 to 2; I was watching whilst ellipticizing), and with a flip of the channel I was listening to coverage of a devastating natural disaster in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Probably one of the starker contrasts of programming one could imagine, right? The situation just shot squarely into perspective what an ill fit American Idol has become in my current, ever-evolving worldview. Natural living, service-oriented vocation, substance over style... Of course, I'll still tune in occasionally if there's nothing better to watch on a Tuesday exercise night; right now that's not a problem because of the witty, under-watched (like, Quick--WATCH THIS SHOW before it experiences an untimely demise ala Arrested Development), brilliantly written Better Off Ted. But I have no problem missing out. In the wise words of Meghan Smith, "Sometimes it's easier to let go of old skins we've already nearly shed with a little nudge." Or an earthquake. =P
Onto material a little less self-serious...
Things That Are Awesome (An Ongoing Series)
Elementary school assemblies
I find myself perpetually beaming with pride over my students, both in and outside of my classroom. Reading poems and short paragraphs--and RAPS--on Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn't on the whole the most riveting piece of programming I'll ever see, but it's so fascinating to witness my students' performance in areas other than music. So. Proud.
Fruit that ripens after cut open
That was an oops on my part; I misjudged the readiness of the avocado. But 3 days in tupperware, slice off the browned flesh, and voila! Guacamole.
Meeting friendly neighbors
Mastering the art of cooking eggplant so it tastes like something
Garnering my first subbing job...
Filling in for another ETM teacher tomorrow. Actually, we'll find out if this is awesome or not. But I have high hopes.
Sally
More free dinners, more babysitting jobs. Love this woman.
Three day weekends followed by a professional development day
2-day teaching week!
March 27-30 in Waverly
Plan accordingly. =)
Responsibly assembled lists of organizations working to provide relief to all involved in the Haitian earthquake... Please consider offering your support!
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
Love & Hugs!
KP =)
I suppose it's been coming more or less for about 8 years... I've grown increasingly impatient with various aspects of the show--emphasis on appearance, lack of technical critique, predictable and often low-flying banter and punchlines, aggrandized sense of self-importance--but 10 minutes into the viewing and the joys of a knockout performance or a particularly witty Simonism just couldn't provide enough counterbalance any longer. I noticed headlines regarding an earthquake in Haiti on the neighboring screen (no, I have not increased my TV ownership from 0 to 2; I was watching whilst ellipticizing), and with a flip of the channel I was listening to coverage of a devastating natural disaster in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Probably one of the starker contrasts of programming one could imagine, right? The situation just shot squarely into perspective what an ill fit American Idol has become in my current, ever-evolving worldview. Natural living, service-oriented vocation, substance over style... Of course, I'll still tune in occasionally if there's nothing better to watch on a Tuesday exercise night; right now that's not a problem because of the witty, under-watched (like, Quick--WATCH THIS SHOW before it experiences an untimely demise ala Arrested Development), brilliantly written Better Off Ted. But I have no problem missing out. In the wise words of Meghan Smith, "Sometimes it's easier to let go of old skins we've already nearly shed with a little nudge." Or an earthquake. =P
Onto material a little less self-serious...
Things That Are Awesome (An Ongoing Series)
Elementary school assemblies
I find myself perpetually beaming with pride over my students, both in and outside of my classroom. Reading poems and short paragraphs--and RAPS--on Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn't on the whole the most riveting piece of programming I'll ever see, but it's so fascinating to witness my students' performance in areas other than music. So. Proud.
Fruit that ripens after cut open
That was an oops on my part; I misjudged the readiness of the avocado. But 3 days in tupperware, slice off the browned flesh, and voila! Guacamole.
Meeting friendly neighbors
Mastering the art of cooking eggplant so it tastes like something
Garnering my first subbing job...
Filling in for another ETM teacher tomorrow. Actually, we'll find out if this is awesome or not. But I have high hopes.
Sally
More free dinners, more babysitting jobs. Love this woman.
Three day weekends followed by a professional development day
2-day teaching week!
March 27-30 in Waverly
Plan accordingly. =)
Responsibly assembled lists of organizations working to provide relief to all involved in the Haitian earthquake... Please consider offering your support!
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/
Love & Hugs!
KP =)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
One Up on New York
I know I occasionally come down hard on the Midwest and especially the state of Iowa for all sorts of perceived deficiencies in the realms of culture, transportation, open-mindedness... But seriously, y'all are winter champions. In this winter of mid-20s and 30s defined by local newspapers as an "unusually frigid cold spell", I salute to the Iowans and often Illinoisans who brave weeks of frozen eyelashes and perpetually chapped lips and apocalyptic winds for what seems to be the entirety of January. And sometimes February. New Yorkers may have their museums and ethnically rich neighborhoods and superb (if not infallible) public transportation system... but they are wimps when it comes to cold weather. Kudos, Midwest. Kudos.
Back to school and getting back into the rhythm with surprising swiftness. I actually started writing next week's lesson plans at school this week--a new method I hope can become a semester trend... makes weekends a lot less stressful! I can't help but stand in awe at the contrast between my first week teaching in 2009 and that of 2010... I feel like a totally different teacher: confident in my lesson plans and discipline strategies; familiar with the names, personalities, and abilities of my students; friendly and talkative with teachers... I like not being the new kid. =)
Things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks and months despite the inevitable winter blahs:
-Developing my repertoire of delicious/healthy/vegetarian recipes
-Music lessons totally free of concert preparation
-American Idol. To be sure, my enthusiasm has waned significantly since college and the departure of Ms. Abdul, but you can bet I'll be on an elliptical for the season premiere!
-TWO week-long breaks before April, the second of which will include a visit to both my childhood AND collegiate homes... Yessss.
-Surreptitious giggles at the habits of literal fair-weather New Yorkers
Love, Hugs, and Mild Winters!
Kate =)
Back to school and getting back into the rhythm with surprising swiftness. I actually started writing next week's lesson plans at school this week--a new method I hope can become a semester trend... makes weekends a lot less stressful! I can't help but stand in awe at the contrast between my first week teaching in 2009 and that of 2010... I feel like a totally different teacher: confident in my lesson plans and discipline strategies; familiar with the names, personalities, and abilities of my students; friendly and talkative with teachers... I like not being the new kid. =)
Things I am looking forward to in the next few weeks and months despite the inevitable winter blahs:
-Developing my repertoire of delicious/healthy/vegetarian recipes
-Music lessons totally free of concert preparation
-American Idol. To be sure, my enthusiasm has waned significantly since college and the departure of Ms. Abdul, but you can bet I'll be on an elliptical for the season premiere!
-TWO week-long breaks before April, the second of which will include a visit to both my childhood AND collegiate homes... Yessss.
-Surreptitious giggles at the habits of literal fair-weather New Yorkers
Love, Hugs, and Mild Winters!
Kate =)
Friday, January 1, 2010
Oh Hey, Blog
Happy New Year, kids! 2010... That's a weird one.
1) It seems like one of those years everyone has always referenced as "The Future"--like, "In 2010, we'll all be riding hover cars".
2) The last-two-number abbreviation is not multisyllabic.
3) We've gone back to saying years in terms of two-digit numbers. Twenty ten.
4) It's one year past 2009, a year beyond which I had no need to fathom for the duration of my school years.
So yeah, it's weird.
It was GREAT to be home, although it definitely feels more like "home" than home. My home is my apartment, and my old room is now a redecorated guest room (stepping into which was the weirdest moment of my LIFE, btw). I feel I've moved on, literally and figuratively, so while it's great to have a break and spend time with my family, I don't cling to it the way I did in college.
Other musings from the past week or so...
I missed walking everywhere. Seriously.
I drove a car for the first time in over 6 months--in snow, no less. Just like riding a bicycle. With four wheels and an engine.
You know you're a grownup when a vacuum and a blender are among the most exciting gifts of Christmas.
Old apartment building boilers are designed to literally roast tenants. At least that's what it feels like--even with both windows wide open. Jose, my super (read Super Jose), says the settings cannot be altered, so currently my at-home wardrobe consists of tank tops and shorts. If only I had bags of sand and an inflatable pool...
Christmas letters next year.
Roof=Best possible location to countdown a new year.
I'm partway vegetarian now... I've cut out purchasing meat from the grocery store and ordering it at restaurants (with the exception of sushi--sorry, eels). Delicious recipes welcome!
I should probably start preparing for that teaching thing that starts up again Monday... Or watch Pirates. Or both...
KP =)
1) It seems like one of those years everyone has always referenced as "The Future"--like, "In 2010, we'll all be riding hover cars".
2) The last-two-number abbreviation is not multisyllabic.
3) We've gone back to saying years in terms of two-digit numbers. Twenty ten.
4) It's one year past 2009, a year beyond which I had no need to fathom for the duration of my school years.
So yeah, it's weird.
It was GREAT to be home, although it definitely feels more like "home" than home. My home is my apartment, and my old room is now a redecorated guest room (stepping into which was the weirdest moment of my LIFE, btw). I feel I've moved on, literally and figuratively, so while it's great to have a break and spend time with my family, I don't cling to it the way I did in college.
Other musings from the past week or so...
I missed walking everywhere. Seriously.
I drove a car for the first time in over 6 months--in snow, no less. Just like riding a bicycle. With four wheels and an engine.
You know you're a grownup when a vacuum and a blender are among the most exciting gifts of Christmas.
Old apartment building boilers are designed to literally roast tenants. At least that's what it feels like--even with both windows wide open. Jose, my super (read Super Jose), says the settings cannot be altered, so currently my at-home wardrobe consists of tank tops and shorts. If only I had bags of sand and an inflatable pool...
Christmas letters next year.
Roof=Best possible location to countdown a new year.
I'm partway vegetarian now... I've cut out purchasing meat from the grocery store and ordering it at restaurants (with the exception of sushi--sorry, eels). Delicious recipes welcome!
I should probably start preparing for that teaching thing that starts up again Monday... Or watch Pirates. Or both...
KP =)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Things That Are Awesome
#1: Being DONE forever with my first concerts ever!!!!
They were pretty amazing. Dress rehearsals--crazy, crazy, crazy. But that's how it goes, right? Although next time, I would like to have a stage for my dress rehearsal; let's not double book it with a music dress rehearsal and H1N1 vaccinations next time, ok? Thanks. But seriously, I could not be prouder of my kids! They were so professional and definitely delivered all those invitations we wrote out because there were LOTS of parents at each concert (my principals were all surprised, that's a good thing!). And my teachers and supervisor all seemed impressed with the performances. Also a good thing!
Other things that are awesome, in no particular order:
Sing Off
A nationally televised acapella singing competition with Ben Folds as a judge? Neat. Don't spread this around, but I may or may not believe it to be a far more legitimate operation than a certain other seasonal, singing-based reality show... Mr. Lachey, however, is no Seacrest.
Listening Lessons with 4th Graders
They're really astute listeners--it's so interesting to hear them communicate what they hear in a piece of music. Also, when you are told that Usher is singing when it is, in fact, Clay Aiken, that's always a fun time.
Purchasing a week-long Metrocard instead of a month-long pass
Because a week from today, I WON'T NEED ONE!!! ...for 7 days. =)
Homemade pizza: Half-White, Half-Caprese edition
Delicious. Although, I must add that baking pizza and pumpkin muffins in the same sitting makes for some interesting flavors licked off of one's fingers...
The smell of pop-up Christmas tree vendor fences
Mmm, pine.
Celebrating the conclusion of concert week with apple strudel and Chardonnay
Self-explanatory.
=) Kate
They were pretty amazing. Dress rehearsals--crazy, crazy, crazy. But that's how it goes, right? Although next time, I would like to have a stage for my dress rehearsal; let's not double book it with a music dress rehearsal and H1N1 vaccinations next time, ok? Thanks. But seriously, I could not be prouder of my kids! They were so professional and definitely delivered all those invitations we wrote out because there were LOTS of parents at each concert (my principals were all surprised, that's a good thing!). And my teachers and supervisor all seemed impressed with the performances. Also a good thing!
Other things that are awesome, in no particular order:
Sing Off
A nationally televised acapella singing competition with Ben Folds as a judge? Neat. Don't spread this around, but I may or may not believe it to be a far more legitimate operation than a certain other seasonal, singing-based reality show... Mr. Lachey, however, is no Seacrest.
Listening Lessons with 4th Graders
They're really astute listeners--it's so interesting to hear them communicate what they hear in a piece of music. Also, when you are told that Usher is singing when it is, in fact, Clay Aiken, that's always a fun time.
Purchasing a week-long Metrocard instead of a month-long pass
Because a week from today, I WON'T NEED ONE!!! ...for 7 days. =)
Homemade pizza: Half-White, Half-Caprese edition
Delicious. Although, I must add that baking pizza and pumpkin muffins in the same sitting makes for some interesting flavors licked off of one's fingers...
The smell of pop-up Christmas tree vendor fences
Mmm, pine.
Celebrating the conclusion of concert week with apple strudel and Chardonnay
Self-explanatory.
=) Kate
Saturday, December 12, 2009
End in sight!
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel... and it's a string of Christmas twinklers =)
I'm actually really getting into the holiday season this year... In college it seemed to get lost in finals and CWW (burning out on endless rehearsals and interdirector passive agression does not exactly put one in the holiday spirit), but now in full-on concert mode and all of New York decorated, I've been given the opportunity to embrace the season. The pinnacle may be tonight, when I decorate my apartment while watching Elf. Now if I only had the energy to make cookies...
The Week in Review
The catalyst for my newly discovered holiday cheer would have to have been the Christmas Spectacular Day on the Town in which Meghan and I partook Saturday. Though the Radio City show was as cheesy as I'd imagined, it did have some nifty special effects and nostalgic musical offerings of the Christmas variety. After the (9am) show, we hustled ourselves around the city for the rest of the day--in the rain. I think for about 10 minutes it was snow... that's kind of festive, right? Anyway, we walked our way through many a holiday market and bookstore and surprisingly made a number of satisfying gift purchases. Best part: entertainment and food ALL paid for by my lovely grandparents. Good times =)
It's cold here. Winter accessories cold--but I do love winter accessories! Regardless of the temperature and wind though, it has yet to compare to Midwest winter. Every time I feel my thighs start to numb, I think, "How much colder would it have to be for my eyelashes and/or boogers to freezy?" The answer is always "Tens of degrees," so we're good.
I learned that the simple act of visiting a doctor cures most ailments. Well, that and getting a prescription for Z-pak (it's like my very own interactive Advent calendar!). But the ear thing DID solve itself. Thanks, ear. Also, thanks Duane Reade (think New Yorker Walgreens/CVS) for providing a walk-in doctor's office for those of us who don't have real roots. Yet.
I've consumed 2+ seasons of 30 Rock (for the second time, of course) in about as many weeks. I do have to say, the brilliant show is even better once you live in New York. So many geographically oriented inside jokes.
99 Cent Stores are a waste of time. I went to 3 today looking for stickers, construction paper, and non-religious wrapping paper (for my classroom door) with no results. Then I went to Target and got all of them for 99 Cent Store prices. Suburban-oriented amenities: 1. Urban-oriented amenities: 0.
Concerts this week! I do have an accompanist (that happened Monday--it's generally been a very good week!) and my kids seem excited and adequately prepared to perform. And that's the most I could ever ask for my very first concert endeavor.
The next door neighbors just began to belt Tiny Dancer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night. =)
Kate
I'm actually really getting into the holiday season this year... In college it seemed to get lost in finals and CWW (burning out on endless rehearsals and interdirector passive agression does not exactly put one in the holiday spirit), but now in full-on concert mode and all of New York decorated, I've been given the opportunity to embrace the season. The pinnacle may be tonight, when I decorate my apartment while watching Elf. Now if I only had the energy to make cookies...
The Week in Review
The catalyst for my newly discovered holiday cheer would have to have been the Christmas Spectacular Day on the Town in which Meghan and I partook Saturday. Though the Radio City show was as cheesy as I'd imagined, it did have some nifty special effects and nostalgic musical offerings of the Christmas variety. After the (9am) show, we hustled ourselves around the city for the rest of the day--in the rain. I think for about 10 minutes it was snow... that's kind of festive, right? Anyway, we walked our way through many a holiday market and bookstore and surprisingly made a number of satisfying gift purchases. Best part: entertainment and food ALL paid for by my lovely grandparents. Good times =)
It's cold here. Winter accessories cold--but I do love winter accessories! Regardless of the temperature and wind though, it has yet to compare to Midwest winter. Every time I feel my thighs start to numb, I think, "How much colder would it have to be for my eyelashes and/or boogers to freezy?" The answer is always "Tens of degrees," so we're good.
I learned that the simple act of visiting a doctor cures most ailments. Well, that and getting a prescription for Z-pak (it's like my very own interactive Advent calendar!). But the ear thing DID solve itself. Thanks, ear. Also, thanks Duane Reade (think New Yorker Walgreens/CVS) for providing a walk-in doctor's office for those of us who don't have real roots. Yet.
I've consumed 2+ seasons of 30 Rock (for the second time, of course) in about as many weeks. I do have to say, the brilliant show is even better once you live in New York. So many geographically oriented inside jokes.
99 Cent Stores are a waste of time. I went to 3 today looking for stickers, construction paper, and non-religious wrapping paper (for my classroom door) with no results. Then I went to Target and got all of them for 99 Cent Store prices. Suburban-oriented amenities: 1. Urban-oriented amenities: 0.
Concerts this week! I do have an accompanist (that happened Monday--it's generally been a very good week!) and my kids seem excited and adequately prepared to perform. And that's the most I could ever ask for my very first concert endeavor.
The next door neighbors just began to belt Tiny Dancer. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night. =)
Kate
Friday, December 4, 2009
We'll call the glass half-full...
Let's take a look at the week... Through BRIGHT rose-colored spectacles...
At least some songs on my concert will be accompanied... by children on bells and percussion...
Lost my accompanist on Tuesday due to some switching around of teachers at ETM. T-minus 10 days until the first dress rehearsal and I am totally without pianist. I have many inquiries out but no bites yet. Trying very hard to avoid panic...
The human body adapts well to a 50% reduction in aural capacity.
That's right, deaf in one ear. Sinus congestion? Wax? Infection? Hard to tell. But I can still hear things moderately well, so that's a plus...?
I could pretend that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is attempting to be ironic and/or satirical in its zealous presentation of holiday consumerism and outdated gender stereotypes.
The grandparents have surprised me with tickets to the leggy, saccharine-filled production and I have no way out of it. A detailed review will be forthcoming with contributions from my colleague in viewing, Ms. Meghan Smith.
Feces on the floor... I'm going to chalk this one up as a teaching rite of passage.
Much thanks to Ms. Brewster's Kindergarten class (I'm looking at you, Priest) for facilitating my induction into this privileged circle of educators.
Ufda.
Program polishing and concert procedures today, much Christmas fun with Meghan tomorrow (after Radio City we're hitting up pretty much every outdoor holiday market in the city!), and errands on Sunday... Well wishes for my sanity--and an accompanist!--are greatly appreciated. =P
KP
At least some songs on my concert will be accompanied... by children on bells and percussion...
Lost my accompanist on Tuesday due to some switching around of teachers at ETM. T-minus 10 days until the first dress rehearsal and I am totally without pianist. I have many inquiries out but no bites yet. Trying very hard to avoid panic...
The human body adapts well to a 50% reduction in aural capacity.
That's right, deaf in one ear. Sinus congestion? Wax? Infection? Hard to tell. But I can still hear things moderately well, so that's a plus...?
I could pretend that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is attempting to be ironic and/or satirical in its zealous presentation of holiday consumerism and outdated gender stereotypes.
The grandparents have surprised me with tickets to the leggy, saccharine-filled production and I have no way out of it. A detailed review will be forthcoming with contributions from my colleague in viewing, Ms. Meghan Smith.
Feces on the floor... I'm going to chalk this one up as a teaching rite of passage.
Much thanks to Ms. Brewster's Kindergarten class (I'm looking at you, Priest) for facilitating my induction into this privileged circle of educators.
Ufda.
Program polishing and concert procedures today, much Christmas fun with Meghan tomorrow (after Radio City we're hitting up pretty much every outdoor holiday market in the city!), and errands on Sunday... Well wishes for my sanity--and an accompanist!--are greatly appreciated. =P
KP
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