I got to sub as an aide today. It was perhaps one of the most boring things in my life. I had to bounce between 2 classes and help where they needed it. However it being the day before Spring Break and the teachers had to have grades in there wasn't really much to do. The teachers basically told me that they would not be needing me. I did remember to bring my pajamas today for reading day at the 4th grade class where I did my student teaching
All they did today was hang out in their pajamas and read book. They were also celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday so there was an abundance of Seuss books. Since I had no other obligations I put on my pj's and joined the 4th graders in reading. I think I ended up reading Dr. Seuss' "Sneetches" 5 or 6 times. It was ok though because that is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books along with "There's a Wocket in my Pocket". It was a rather good end to the week.
No one took the class hamster home for Spring Break so I volunteered to do it. The students keep a journal on what Tigger(the hamster) does when he goes home with people. I have no real plans for Spring Break so me and Tigger are going to hang out and make up our own adventures. If the weather is nice we might spend a lot of time out at Zilker enjoying our freedom. Maybe fly a kite or go for a jog. We'll see what happens. I definitely want to go kayaking during Spring Break.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
What is your super power?
Today I went back to subbing. It was only a half day mind you, but I was glad to be back. It has been 5 days since I last subbed and I was really missing it. Having the choice to work and not to work is a huge responsibility. I could just sit around the house and watch movies all day. But that is not the life for me. Those kids need me as much as I need them. I can't imagine the life of a shut in. I would literally die of boredom.
I subbed in a kinder class today for a friend. I wore my Incredibles t-shirt today and the kids loved it. One asked me where I got it from and I told him that I got it from Mr. Incredible himself. Then later in the day we went to the library and I overhead this child telling a few other students that "Mr.Sosa is seriously Incredible". A few minutes later I had a few kinders ask me what my super power was. I told them super strength to which their reply was; "I knew it, you do look really strong". Then I spent the rest of our library time picking small children up demonstrating my super strength. It was actually a good little work out for me. After subbing for my friend today I admire her more as a teacher. Her class requires a great deal of patience. I was able to handle it but I was definitely worn out at the end of the day. I have never had to repeat myself so many times as I did today. Each class is different and will require a different approach to classroom management. That is one thing subbing has taught me, many approaches to getting kids attention and to be on task. I would love to have my own class right now, but subbing has offered me the unique opportunity to not only learn something new everyday but to also try something new everyday.
After school today I received a call from a close friend to hang out. This close friend also happens to have a blog here called: l0stnaustin.blogspot.com I recommend you check out her blog. We went to Starbucks and played Mancala and chatted. Then we went to dinner at Olive Garden. I enjoy spending time with person and am fortunate to have a friend as great as her. She has really been there from me and I appreciate it more than she'll know. Plus she often has gift cards for us to dine on!lol
I subbed in a kinder class today for a friend. I wore my Incredibles t-shirt today and the kids loved it. One asked me where I got it from and I told him that I got it from Mr. Incredible himself. Then later in the day we went to the library and I overhead this child telling a few other students that "Mr.Sosa is seriously Incredible". A few minutes later I had a few kinders ask me what my super power was. I told them super strength to which their reply was; "I knew it, you do look really strong". Then I spent the rest of our library time picking small children up demonstrating my super strength. It was actually a good little work out for me. After subbing for my friend today I admire her more as a teacher. Her class requires a great deal of patience. I was able to handle it but I was definitely worn out at the end of the day. I have never had to repeat myself so many times as I did today. Each class is different and will require a different approach to classroom management. That is one thing subbing has taught me, many approaches to getting kids attention and to be on task. I would love to have my own class right now, but subbing has offered me the unique opportunity to not only learn something new everyday but to also try something new everyday.
After school today I received a call from a close friend to hang out. This close friend also happens to have a blog here called: l0stnaustin.blogspot.com I recommend you check out her blog. We went to Starbucks and played Mancala and chatted. Then we went to dinner at Olive Garden. I enjoy spending time with person and am fortunate to have a friend as great as her. She has really been there from me and I appreciate it more than she'll know. Plus she often has gift cards for us to dine on!lol
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Dominoes!
Another relaxing day with nothing to do. One thing about not having a job is that I have to find things to do rather than having something to do. It can get old fast.
With all the time I have on my hands I was thinking about the summer and what I am going to do for income. So I went to fill out an application at a daycare. I have worked in daycares before and had a blast. I just hope I don't have diaper duty.
On my way home from the daycare I was passing by an old friend's house so I decided to stop. I haven't seen Amber in over a year and she lives less than 10 minutes away. It was great to sit and chat with an old friend about our lives and the changes that have happened in a year. She had a new baby girl who is so precious. This would have been another missed opportunity if I had a job. I guess I keep mentioning not having a job because I am trying to convince myself that it is ok. That when the time is right my job will come. I think I am doing a pretty good job at fooling myself.
When I got home I found my parents and two aunts and an uncle playing dominoes. They play a game called Mexican Train. Each player puts in a quarter and the winner of each game get the money. It's a short game so they play it many times. I decided to join them. It is amazing what goes on in this simple game. There are strategies being formed while reliving old stories and defeat set in motion while sipping coffee. It was fun sitting there watching and listening. It was even better beating a handful of senior citizens at their own game.lol
With all the time I have on my hands I was thinking about the summer and what I am going to do for income. So I went to fill out an application at a daycare. I have worked in daycares before and had a blast. I just hope I don't have diaper duty.
On my way home from the daycare I was passing by an old friend's house so I decided to stop. I haven't seen Amber in over a year and she lives less than 10 minutes away. It was great to sit and chat with an old friend about our lives and the changes that have happened in a year. She had a new baby girl who is so precious. This would have been another missed opportunity if I had a job. I guess I keep mentioning not having a job because I am trying to convince myself that it is ok. That when the time is right my job will come. I think I am doing a pretty good job at fooling myself.
When I got home I found my parents and two aunts and an uncle playing dominoes. They play a game called Mexican Train. Each player puts in a quarter and the winner of each game get the money. It's a short game so they play it many times. I decided to join them. It is amazing what goes on in this simple game. There are strategies being formed while reliving old stories and defeat set in motion while sipping coffee. It was fun sitting there watching and listening. It was even better beating a handful of senior citizens at their own game.lol
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Grandma Hugs are the Best
Today was a great day. I got to hang out with twin and father all day today. It is kind of nice not worrying about work, even if only for a moment. I guess things do happen for a reason. That's why I don't have a job yet. If I was teaching like I wanted to then I would not have had the day that I had today. Score 1 for being a sub!
Since twin was in town we went to San Antonio to visit our grandparents. I love seeing them and even though they are so close I don't get to go as much as I should. One reason is partially because they only speak Spanish and I unfortunately do not. Somethings I do pick up on but a lot of it goes over my head. I really need to learn Spanish, but it just doesn't stick with me. My grandparents are along in age and are doing fine. They have a helper that comes 5 times a week , 4 hours each time to help them, which I am glad. I have heard that they both have been having problems falling. I worry for them, a lot. I know death is inevitable, but still I love them so much and don't want anything to happen to them. I like going to visit them because when I am there memories come back to me as a kid. They live in a house that my grandfather built himself. Nothing has changed since I was a kid. Everything is the way I remember, except for pictures. I see new updated family photos placed next to the ones from years passed. They are all over the living room, on tables, walls, and coffee tables. I just like seeing the progression of just about everyone in my family from child to adult all in one room. Hugs from my grandma are magical. Just for that brief moment everything is quiet and I am at peace.
After the grandparents we stopped by my sisters house to pick up my step-mom's keys that she left in my sister's car last weekend. Then it was time for the drive back home. I hate driving through crowded cities. It didn't help that my dad and twin fell asleep. I was left with Reba to sing duets.
Since twin was in town we went to San Antonio to visit our grandparents. I love seeing them and even though they are so close I don't get to go as much as I should. One reason is partially because they only speak Spanish and I unfortunately do not. Somethings I do pick up on but a lot of it goes over my head. I really need to learn Spanish, but it just doesn't stick with me. My grandparents are along in age and are doing fine. They have a helper that comes 5 times a week , 4 hours each time to help them, which I am glad. I have heard that they both have been having problems falling. I worry for them, a lot. I know death is inevitable, but still I love them so much and don't want anything to happen to them. I like going to visit them because when I am there memories come back to me as a kid. They live in a house that my grandfather built himself. Nothing has changed since I was a kid. Everything is the way I remember, except for pictures. I see new updated family photos placed next to the ones from years passed. They are all over the living room, on tables, walls, and coffee tables. I just like seeing the progression of just about everyone in my family from child to adult all in one room. Hugs from my grandma are magical. Just for that brief moment everything is quiet and I am at peace.
After the grandparents we stopped by my sisters house to pick up my step-mom's keys that she left in my sister's car last weekend. Then it was time for the drive back home. I hate driving through crowded cities. It didn't help that my dad and twin fell asleep. I was left with Reba to sing duets.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Anchored Word Instruction
Happy Anniversary!!! To my day and step-mom. 19 years today that they have been together. Kudos to them. I don't think I have been in a relationship that has lasted 19 months let alone 19 days. Oh well I am no hurry. Guys are fertile longer.lol
This morning I woke up at 5:30a because I had to go babysit my 1yr and 2yrs old nieces. I don't really spend that much time with them so it was good to get in some face time. Working with school age children I forget how tiny 1 and 2 yr olds really are. The 1 year old one woke up first so we chilled out on the couch watching t.v. We played take the remote and change the channel unexpectedly a few times. She was so freaking cute. I loved her wobble and baby talk. I couldn't understand a word she said but it seemed "juice" always worked. It was about 7am and we started to watch "Bridge to Terabithia". She fell asleep, barely taking up a couch cushion laying length ways. Then I began to nod off as well, but I was really into the movie. I remember reading the book. Sleep over came me and I fell asleep. Next thing I know I hear baby giggles and tiny feet are kicking me in the face. It was the most precious thing I have ever seen. She seemed purely happy with kicking me in the head, which I know a few people who would be too. So we finished watching the movie and she started to get fussy. So I changed her pamper and made us some breakfast. And by made us some breakfast I mean poured us a good size bowl of cereal and shared it. Then my other niece woke up. I thought she, being 2, was capable of having her own little bowl of cereal by herself, but I was mistaken. I spent the next 2o minutes cleaning cereal off the couch and out of the 1 yr old's hair. All I could do was laugh.
After babysitting I went home and watched a movie with twin. I am going to miss vegging out when I have to get a real job. Speaking of jobs that interview I went in for the other day, well congrats to my friend Wendy Lee for getting it. I am happy for her, I really am. I did get a call for another interview at Double File Trail Elementary in Round Rock. It was one of those interviews where everything that came out of my mouth was gold. I was really happy with that interview. I will know by weeks end what they decide either way. Fingers crossed again!
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to pure laziness. I made a nice dinner for my parents anniversary and then I started rereading a teacher book. It is "Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write" by, Cunningham and Allington. I came across a term I had either not known or forgotten. It was Anchored Word Instruction. In my attempts to remember it in the future I will define it for you. "Choosing important words from reading, printing them on cards, and focusing specifically on their meanings is what Juel defines as anchored word instruction(pg. 6)". Easy enough, but who is Juel? I guess back to reading to find out.
This morning I woke up at 5:30a because I had to go babysit my 1yr and 2yrs old nieces. I don't really spend that much time with them so it was good to get in some face time. Working with school age children I forget how tiny 1 and 2 yr olds really are. The 1 year old one woke up first so we chilled out on the couch watching t.v. We played take the remote and change the channel unexpectedly a few times. She was so freaking cute. I loved her wobble and baby talk. I couldn't understand a word she said but it seemed "juice" always worked. It was about 7am and we started to watch "Bridge to Terabithia". She fell asleep, barely taking up a couch cushion laying length ways. Then I began to nod off as well, but I was really into the movie. I remember reading the book. Sleep over came me and I fell asleep. Next thing I know I hear baby giggles and tiny feet are kicking me in the face. It was the most precious thing I have ever seen. She seemed purely happy with kicking me in the head, which I know a few people who would be too. So we finished watching the movie and she started to get fussy. So I changed her pamper and made us some breakfast. And by made us some breakfast I mean poured us a good size bowl of cereal and shared it. Then my other niece woke up. I thought she, being 2, was capable of having her own little bowl of cereal by herself, but I was mistaken. I spent the next 2o minutes cleaning cereal off the couch and out of the 1 yr old's hair. All I could do was laugh.
After babysitting I went home and watched a movie with twin. I am going to miss vegging out when I have to get a real job. Speaking of jobs that interview I went in for the other day, well congrats to my friend Wendy Lee for getting it. I am happy for her, I really am. I did get a call for another interview at Double File Trail Elementary in Round Rock. It was one of those interviews where everything that came out of my mouth was gold. I was really happy with that interview. I will know by weeks end what they decide either way. Fingers crossed again!
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to pure laziness. I made a nice dinner for my parents anniversary and then I started rereading a teacher book. It is "Classrooms That Work: They Can All Read and Write" by, Cunningham and Allington. I came across a term I had either not known or forgotten. It was Anchored Word Instruction. In my attempts to remember it in the future I will define it for you. "Choosing important words from reading, printing them on cards, and focusing specifically on their meanings is what Juel defines as anchored word instruction(pg. 6)". Easy enough, but who is Juel? I guess back to reading to find out.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Happy Birthday StepMother!
As you can tell today is my step-mom's birthday. Today she turned 70! Can you believe it?! She has live through 7 decades! That is 25,550 days she has been alive, not counting leap year days. Wow.
Sundays are usually uneventful for me. Today was no exception. I went to church with my dad. Oh here is something out of the ordinary. I got asked to teaching Sunday School at a Catholic Church and a Junior High Bible study on Monday Nights. That's right, me! Teaching little people about Jesus and being in charge of the spiritual development of people! I am kinda excited. It is a nice feeling being wanted and asked to do such a honor. Many people don't know this about me but I happen to know a lot about the bible and scripture. When I was younger I was really into church. I feel bad about saying this but when I moved away for college I kinda lost the passion of church. But have no fear I am starting to get back into it.
After church we went back home to get ready for a wedding shower. My sister Maryann came into town from San Antonio. It is always a pleasure to see her. I had to run an errand with my twin before the shower so we arrived late. My friend Vanessa just got back from a mission's trip and needed a ride home. So I gave her ride. It was funny though because when we got to the shower my dad was in the other room on the computer. Someone failed to mention to us that it was a girl thing. Oh well. We went to Waffle House instead.lol
I hadn't been to the Waffle House in ages. It was nice hanging out talking with my dad and twin. I really liked our waitress whe was friendly and called people sugar and hun. She is one of those country diner waiters you would see in the movies who actually cares about people and their problems, whether they are her table or not. I enjoyed watching her interact with all the people in the diner. It was refreshing meeting someone like her. If I was to become rich all of a sudden I would totally hire her to be my personal assistant. I believe her name was Luan. Isn't it amazing what an impression someone can have on you? It makes one think about the impressions we leave people even in a brief encounter.
The rest of my Sunday was pretty blah. I vegged out with my family the rest of the day watching movies and eating. I really need to start working out. I am setting my alarm as we speak so I can get up early to go running. And by running I mean jogging. And by jogging I mean walking.
Sundays are usually uneventful for me. Today was no exception. I went to church with my dad. Oh here is something out of the ordinary. I got asked to teaching Sunday School at a Catholic Church and a Junior High Bible study on Monday Nights. That's right, me! Teaching little people about Jesus and being in charge of the spiritual development of people! I am kinda excited. It is a nice feeling being wanted and asked to do such a honor. Many people don't know this about me but I happen to know a lot about the bible and scripture. When I was younger I was really into church. I feel bad about saying this but when I moved away for college I kinda lost the passion of church. But have no fear I am starting to get back into it.
After church we went back home to get ready for a wedding shower. My sister Maryann came into town from San Antonio. It is always a pleasure to see her. I had to run an errand with my twin before the shower so we arrived late. My friend Vanessa just got back from a mission's trip and needed a ride home. So I gave her ride. It was funny though because when we got to the shower my dad was in the other room on the computer. Someone failed to mention to us that it was a girl thing. Oh well. We went to Waffle House instead.lol
I hadn't been to the Waffle House in ages. It was nice hanging out talking with my dad and twin. I really liked our waitress whe was friendly and called people sugar and hun. She is one of those country diner waiters you would see in the movies who actually cares about people and their problems, whether they are her table or not. I enjoyed watching her interact with all the people in the diner. It was refreshing meeting someone like her. If I was to become rich all of a sudden I would totally hire her to be my personal assistant. I believe her name was Luan. Isn't it amazing what an impression someone can have on you? It makes one think about the impressions we leave people even in a brief encounter.
The rest of my Sunday was pretty blah. I vegged out with my family the rest of the day watching movies and eating. I really need to start working out. I am setting my alarm as we speak so I can get up early to go running. And by running I mean jogging. And by jogging I mean walking.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Keep Moving Forward
Good morning March! Today is the first day of March and I can't wait to see what wacky adventures March has for me. If today is any precursor then March is going to be a good month.
I woke up obnoxiously early this morning. I didn't know what to do with myself so I just googled some random stuff. I came across all 6 seasons of Captain Planet! I used to love that cartoon. I watched a few episodes from the first season before I fell back to sleep. I didn't realize how corny that show was.
After waking up from a Captain Planet inflicted coma I realized I missed a call from my facebook wife Erin. She called to let me know of a free beer tasting going on at Independence Brewery here in Austin, Tx. Since Texas independence day is coming up next week the brewery opened its doors for free tours and beer. Erin and some mutual friends were going so I decided to hook up with them while I waited for my twin to come in town. It was a very beautiful day and the brewery has a band set up outside. It was nice to just hang out with friends and enjoy some brewsky.
I came home to await the arrival of my twin. Little did I know that I would be waiting a while. So while I was waiting I popped in the DVD player "Meet The Robinsons". I am a big Disney fan and hadn't seen it yet. It was a really cute movie. I even found myself laughing a few times. I am just a big kid at heart. I thought it had a good message about not dwelling in the past. I even shed a single tear at the end of the movie. It made me really think about my own life. I can either sit here and be Debbie Downer about all the interviews that didn't pan out or I can keep my head up high and await my future with open arms. I think I am going to go with choice 2. "Meet the Robinsons" ended with a quote from Walt Disney himself that I would like to share:
“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
–Walt Disney
I woke up obnoxiously early this morning. I didn't know what to do with myself so I just googled some random stuff. I came across all 6 seasons of Captain Planet! I used to love that cartoon. I watched a few episodes from the first season before I fell back to sleep. I didn't realize how corny that show was.
After waking up from a Captain Planet inflicted coma I realized I missed a call from my facebook wife Erin. She called to let me know of a free beer tasting going on at Independence Brewery here in Austin, Tx. Since Texas independence day is coming up next week the brewery opened its doors for free tours and beer. Erin and some mutual friends were going so I decided to hook up with them while I waited for my twin to come in town. It was a very beautiful day and the brewery has a band set up outside. It was nice to just hang out with friends and enjoy some brewsky.
I came home to await the arrival of my twin. Little did I know that I would be waiting a while. So while I was waiting I popped in the DVD player "Meet The Robinsons". I am a big Disney fan and hadn't seen it yet. It was a really cute movie. I even found myself laughing a few times. I am just a big kid at heart. I thought it had a good message about not dwelling in the past. I even shed a single tear at the end of the movie. It made me really think about my own life. I can either sit here and be Debbie Downer about all the interviews that didn't pan out or I can keep my head up high and await my future with open arms. I think I am going to go with choice 2. "Meet the Robinsons" ended with a quote from Walt Disney himself that I would like to share:
“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
–Walt Disney
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