To Teach . . . Or Not??

I taught preschool for well over eight years before I had my daughter. I loved every second of.
Yes. Yes, I am sick and twisted, why thank you for noticing!
When I began my current degree plan, becoming a teacher, for some reason or another, never even really crossed my mind . . . too much.
But there are some circumstances that have changed that.
I have an opportunity to receive an accredited "alternative teacher's certification" for the state of Texas through a university.
Translation: I really could be a teacher.

But the question remains:
Do I want to?

I get so frustrated with my 14 year old son . . . How could I handle a room filled with teenagers?
And on the other hand, if I DO get my certification . . . Is there any real guarantee that I would be able to find a position, let alone an internship, anywhere?

And yet ANOTHER question: What to get my certification in? English? History? Special Education? Early Childhood?

I am praying about this decision, REALLY praying. But I have yet to gain any insight or sign from God. So, I'm putting it out there for you, my readers, to advise me.

To teach, or not to teach. That is the question.

15 Years In the Making . . .

I am excited.
I am nervous.
I am anxious.
I am graduating.

I think I must have the world record for longest time taken to get a bachelor's degree.
15 years.
Actually, I think now we're officially up to 16.
I started in 1995. It is now 2011.
You do the math.

I know, I know I've said it before "It's near! I'm getting closer!!"
But this time, I really REALLY am.
2 classes left.
This semester.
C or better.

As excited as I am, I just don't think I'll know what to DO with myself when it's all over!!
I'm scared I won't find a job.
Or worse, that I WILL find a job, and hate it.

Of course . . . There's always Graduate School . . .
Of course that might take me another 20 years.
I am sick, aren't I?

End of the Semester - YEA!!

Yesterday I finished my last final
FINALLY
This semester has been BRUTAL
Not only have I had two history classes - both with a ton of reading and papers
But this semester:

I've had to make two 100 mile trips to a gastroenterologist for my daughter
We've had five trips to our primary doctor
We've moved, having to clean TWO houses top to bottom (still working on unpacking)
We've had school troubles with two of the kids
I've had food poisoning
We've had tire problems

Now if I can do ALL that AND still pull a B in both classes this semester then I'll be a happy girl!!

I am glad it's over though, but looking forward to next semester. Next semester will (prayerfully) be my FINAL semester - I hope to be graduating in May!

I learned a lot this semester.
One of my classes was on the Renaissance and European Reformation.
Did you know that Galileo and Michelangelo wrote?
I had no idea!
Did you know that Martin Luther wasn't the only religious leader to preach against the catholic church?
I didn't know that either!!
I also learned a lot about other denominations - specifically the Mennonites and the Catholics.

The other class was Texas History.
Interesting - most of what I learned either a) contradicts some of what is taught in Texas primary and secondary schools and/or b) is NEVER taught in Texas primary and secondary schools!

It has been an eventful - and exhausting - semester, but it's been one of my best in a very, VERY long time!

Random thoughts and ramblings . . .

This morning I realized that the summer is almost over. I can't believe it. In about a two weeks, my six year old will be a first grader and my 14 year old will be an 8th grader. In about three, I will be beginning my final year as a college student. Changes - big changes - are happening this year, and I am embracing and looking forward to the challenge.

I've had issue with the Financial Aid department at my school. For the second year in a row I have been "randomly" selected for a verification. Why, I don't know. But sense they take FOREVER to email me, don't call, and rarely answer their phones, this is taking forever. I didn't get my award letter last year until the 26 of August - just one week before classes started. Hopefully this year I got on it early enough where that won't happen. I did have to apply for an emergency tuition loan last year, so I did it again this year - just in case. Thankfully, we had enough money set aside where I could afford to go ahead and by some of the books I'll need and my parking pass (almost $200 total).

Along with a new school year comes new expenses. Of course, there's the gas for me to commute about 100 miles round trip twice a week, then there's school lunches, fundraisers, book fairs . . .Let's not even go into school supplies. We have decided that this year for school clothes we are thrift-storing it. I can get 5 pairs of GOOD (Levis, Old Navy, Gap) jeans for less than $20 at a thrift store whereas I'd be $150 in store for the same things. SO, buying school clothes for two children this year should only cost me (total) about $200.

Other changes this year - we are moving sometime this fall. We're not entirely sure when, and we're okay with that (long story and interesting circumstances). My 14 year old step son is coming to live with us - that's one thing I am very anxious over. We have plans on making a small room for him on the porch area (enclosed and insulated) so he can have his own space. There will be lots of scheduling, teeth gnashing, fussing, moaning, groaning, tears, laughter, hugs and smiles this year.

Here's hoping it's a good one!

Supermom Soapbox: What are We Feeding Our Children?? (Alternative Recipes Included)

I have been inspired.  Jamie Oliver has always been one of my favorite chefs in the world, and now he has just been upped a notch in my book.  I recently watched the premier episode of his new show "Food Revolution" and I am in shock and amazement.  So much so, that I decided to do my own bout of research into the food and nutritional system of our country.  If you visit the school guidelines (section 210) of the FDA regulations you will see that they appear to be pretty standard.  At first glance.  But further inspection reveals something almost sinister.  According to the FDA, a student age 14 or older is allowed up to 846 calories per meal! And the fat allowances are up to three grams.  What concerns ME is this.  I just took a peek at the school meal plan for my kindergarten.  What's on the menu? Frito chili pie.  Chicken fried steak.  Steak fingers. Pizza, hamburgers, lasagna . . . And the vegetables? Almost non-existent.  Corn, potatoes, beans, peas (all starches, BTW), MAYBE carrots or green beans.  And salad?  It's OFFERED (as a substitute) but is STILL loaded with fat and calories from the meats, cheeses, and dressings added to it!

This is a problem in my child's school, obviously. But what about across America?  Not much different.  The problem IS, not only the food and nutrition guidelines written by the nation, but the food budgets.  Schools would rather spend less money for a box of cheap chicken nuggets then shell out the extra cash for fresh meats, fruits, and veggies.

This is a problem that needs to be solved at the root.  The FDA.  The FDA needs to have stricter guidelines, first of all, on fat and calorie consumption.  They also need to add in their guidelines that at least one fresh, raw fruit/veggie should be served with each meal. Not to mention whole grains - which right now are NOT even mentioned in the guidelines. Second, the FDA needs to crack down on schools and do more investigations and checks on what is being served.  I can almost guarantee that the meal being served today at my child's school is NOT well within those guidelines.  They also seem to be under the misconception that JELLO is a FRUIT.  Uh, REALLY??

So, what can WE do about it, as parents?  Well, first and foremost, don't spend your hard earned money on that junk. Send your kids with good wholesome meals from home in their lunch bags.  My daughter today chose her own lunch - peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat with carrots and apples. She DID chose to carry cheetoes with her, but I only gave her about 1/4 of the typical serving size (serving size 26 puffs, I gave her 8 puffs). I can guarantee she's getting more fiber, more nutrients, and less fat and calories than what she would have eaten at school. So, boycott your school lunch!  Encourage other parents to do so as well! Perhaps, if no one is letting their kids eat the school lunch, the "powers that be" will take notice.

Second, write your school board.  Tell them you're unhappy with the current nutritional status of your districts lunch program.  Give specifics.

Third, write your congressman.  Sometimes change needs to be made at the top.

At home, teach your children how to eat.  Offer them fresh fruits and veggies.  Don't give them unhealthy alternatives.  The more they see the "good stuff" the more likely they are to at least try it.  When they DO try it, reward them! Kids THRIVE on praise and recognition for a "job well done". Look for healthier alternatives to their favorites - make home made chicken nuggets, add a whole grain crust to your pizza and throw some mushrooms and peppers on top while your at it.  Put a salad in front of your child once or twice a week.

The bottom line is this.  Our kids, our schools, our COUNTRY is UNHEALTHY.  We have a higher percentage rate of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes than ANY OTHER NATION IN THE WORLD!  There is a reason for this.  Let's make the change!

ALTERNATIVE RECIPES:

Home Made Chicken Nuggets
Serves 4


1 lb Chicken tenders, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 c flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking spray

Spray a baking sheet well with cooking spray.  Cut the tenders in half, then half again to get bite size pieces.  Put the flour and salt and pepper into a large baggie and drop the chicken in. Shake the bag to coat well.  Dredge the chicken pieces in the egg, then in the bread crumbs, and lay them on the baking sheet in a single layer.  Spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, turn and bake for another 5-6 minutes, until crispy.


Better Sloppy Joes
Serves Four


1 lb ground chicken or turkey breast
1 can sloppy joe sauce of choice
4 whole wheat hamburger buns

Brown the meat in a skillet over medium high heat.  Add sauce and stir to combine. Serve over hamburger buns.


Whole Wheat Pizza Crust


1 package yeast
1 C warm (91-102 degrees) water
1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 1/4-2 1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
pinch salt

Combine yeast and water in a bowl and allow to sit for five minutes.  Add all-purpose flour and oil and mix well to combine.  Allow to sit for another five minutes.  Add salt. Add wheat flour 1/2 cup at a time until you can no longer mix in any more flour. (If using standing mixer, add flour until it forms a sticky ball on paddle attachment). Remove from bowl.  Coat bowl with cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil. Return dough to bowl and turn to coat (will be sticky).  Top with moistened kitchen towel or paper towel.  Allow to rise one hour, or put in fridge and allow to sit up to 24 hours.  When ready to make pizza, divide dough in half, roll out to fit sheet pan and par bake five minutes in pre heated 375 oven. Add toppings as desired and bake at 375 10-15 minutes.

AND THE GRADES ARE IN . . .

Weeell . . . lets just say I didn't do as well this semester as I'd hoped. I actually did BETTER than I thought I would, but not what I had hoped.

See, last semester, I had the bright idea to try to have computer science as one of my concentrations.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!
Yeah, that was pretty dumb on my part.

So now, I have two "D's" and an "F" on my record. YIKES.

That's okay, really I was expecting to fail everything, so I was actually pretty stoked about the "D's".

So where do I go from here? Where I should have been all along.

History.

Medieval British and European History to be exact.

Why you may ask?
Simple -

I am an English major. I have over 60 hours of literature under my belt. Over half of those hours are in British or European literature. And what goes hand in hand with Literature? History! Why? Because every writer in history has written about the society at that time. Weather they meant to or not, every piece of the written word is steeped in historical context and meaning. Therefore, I already have a head start.

Plus, c'm on . . . I'm a RENNIE!! Medieval history is my thing, man! :-)

It's so quiet around here . . .

Em's first day was today. LOL, she put her backpack up and went right over to the table to start her cutting work. Completely forgot me until I said, "hey, can I have a hug please?" And Jake said, "Ai-yi-yi-yi-da-do?" Which sounded suspiciously like "I-I-I-dat too?"

The silence is almost deafening, b/c he is taking a nap. NICE, but deafening. And I've gotten to do some much-needed cleaning. And reading for class. All I have are computer classes this semester, and I'm STILL doing more reading than in any of my Lit classes!! What gives??

And it begins . . .

Tomorrow the school year officially begins. My first class is at 9:30 am. I am taking three classes this semester - all computer. This is the first semester in my ENTIRE COLLEGIATE CARREER that doesn't entail an English or literature class. It's going to be very strange for me. But I digress. I am looking forward to this semester. It promises to be a great one. A class on networking. A class on database design and matenince. And a class on Java programming. It's going to be a challange. But I am up for it.

Em's first day is Tuesday. Pre-K. One more year until the dreaded Public School Kindergarten rears its ugly head and I have to allow my little bluebird to fly completely on her own. I don't know what I'm going to do when that day comes. Thank God I don't have to think about that . . . Yet. That won't stop me from worrying though. *sigh* - two days is hard enough. Will I survive with five?

So now it's another year, and more learning. In may I graduate from college, and my baby girl graduates from Preschool. A year ahead of growth. I am looking forward to it.

Anxioties and Creationism

I am freaking out over the prospect of my precious little one starting school. I was okay with preschoo, I could walk her to class, hang up her back pack, give her a kiss, give her a reminder, have a brief hello with her teacher, that kind of thing. Kindergarten? Different story. I have to leave my precious bundle at the front door (if even that close) to fend for her self with the possibilties of her getting lost, hurt, beat up, robbed, sad, have an accident, blow up in the middle of the hallway WHATEVER in the midst. Just thinking about it last night made me cry myself to sleep. What am I going to do? I know I can't be there for her ALL the time - she's going to have to learn to fend for herself in that dark, bleek jungle out there that we call the public school system. But it doesn't make it any easier.

See, I have two major fears. One, that my child will follow in her momma's footsteps and be an outcast. Two, that the school will fill my child's head with a whole lot of BS that I can neither fostor nor prevent.

Okay, so the outcast thing. This is why I'm worried.

I watch my child interact with other kids. She always seems to be the one shunned. She will be off playing by herself. "Emmy," I'll ask. "Why aren't you playing with the other kids?" "Because they don't want me to play." "Well did you ask?" "They told me to go away".

This happens every time. In school, at parties, at family functions, in the park. I just want to bawl my eyes out to think about it.

My little girl is the sweetest child on the planet (to other kids, anyway). She wants to play, and doesn't mind doing anything that anyone else wants to do. She just wants to PLAY. She is so beautiful and smart and sweet and I just want to scream to the world "WHY can't you see what I do in my baby??" Jake, I have no fears for Jake. He's a flirt (you should have seen that infant making eyes at his cousin yesterday, LOL). He's a tough kid. He'll be alright. Emily, well, she kinda wears her emotions on her sleeve. If they get stepped on, she'll crumble. We're working on this through Love and Logic Paranting (I'll go into more detail about THAT in another blog . . . after I finally get the book). But it doesn't change my fears. Maybe I'm too overprotective of her . . . but it breaks my heart.

Now, as for the other reason I am afraid of public school, that's another blog. Maybe I'll get to that later in the day. I'll leave you with this thought, though - Atheists rule our school's curriculum. Don't believe me? Read your child's science book when school starts. There is a particular theory that you will see is being taught as fact. The theory of creationism (here's a link for you to read up a bit) is not even being brought up b/c it is a CHRISTIAN CONCEPT. Hmm . . . don't get me started. I have to go make breakfast and a cup of much-needed STRONG coffee. I'll rant about that later.