September Rain

Lots and lots of it.
Rain began Thursday night- still going. Sometimes light and misty, other times a bit strong. Continues through Monday with a flash flood warning. Humidity at 90% and uncomfortable. Windows are fogged over.
Chicago and 'burbs seem to be getting the worst of it. Highways closed due to flooding.

This weekend is supposed to be the art fairs, but looks like it is not going to happen. Tomorrow is supposed to be lighter rain. Perhaps I will swing by then.

But it could be worse, I guess.
Hurricane Ike hitting Texas and Louisiana today. Only a category 1, but it's a big one. We will get the remnants maybe on Monday.
Last week Gustav hit New Orleans. Much more organized this year, after last year's fiasco. Still, the mayor of NO was arrogant and pointed fingers.

School this week pretty much OK.
The Spanish books from DonorsChoose.org should be arriving soon. I received notice that the books have been purchased. How much to I donate? How much to I keep? I think I will keep the cultural books and The Giving Tree. The others, hopefully, will become part of the AR series.

I thought parent night (Thursday) was pretty successful. I met a lot of parents and the majority of students did the introduction- some good/ others not. I have more of a sense of the parents that pressure and those that do not. In addition, I've found out that I have many students with Spanish-language heritage.

And then there was Jill's father (from last year). I guess there was a review quiz on verb conjugations in Wachlin's class and all of the students did poorly. When I saw Jill's father, he was very short with me, stating that Jill said Wachlin said that I taught verb conjugations wrong. Of course, I said something to Mikkelsen.

I am still teaching without the text. It has been a bit difficult, but, for the most part, it is working. I do not believe my students realize how different it will be when the needed textbooks and workbooks arrive. The pace will be quicker and much more homework.

I am supposed to have my observation next week. I sent Nick my schedule for next week. I am not sure when he will come. Hopefully, it will be Monday- my presentation on El Grito- and an easy day. Otherwise, Tuesday and Wednesday will be classroom vocabulary and phrases, Thursday we will have review and project day (chips and salsa), and Friday is the first test.

Friday is also my scheduled treat day. My team is not very good, but workable. I think I will make a lasagna (goat cheese), bread, a salad, and chocolate chip cookies (Vosges- chickory, bacon, and olive).

No FLIC this week, and probably not next due to Homecomming. I wanted to meet next week, but Cheryl said it will be a very busy weekend. I have an agenda planned for our next meeting. I've asked Cheryl to work on the Mexican Museum trip. We'll see if she will do it.

None of my Viajero students came to see me last week, as requested. I am thinking that the bulb fundraiser is a bust. I will not plan another- the students can raise money on their own. Out next meeting will be on the 30th.
Still unsure about organizing another one.

Money stress not so bad. The small increase for second-year seems to help. I do not know if FB study hall is included, or even if I am being paid for it.

Otherwise....
Going to gym every AM. Still no PM.
Weight still hovering around 200. I know I need the latter to bring this down. I would like to drop 20-25. Maybe next week. I am just so tired.

I find myself returning to not doing much when I get home; sofa time. This needs to stop.

Busy weekend. Another long TTD list.

Election year in full-swing. Now that McCain has chosen Palin for his VP, things are much more interesting.
With Palin, McCain has gained a lot of attention and percentage points. Perhaps it is the "women" vote, or perhaps it is, with Palin, a demonstration that he is willing to change politics as-usual. Who knows.
Palin, not without baggage, is getting the brunt of a lot of bad press. Still, she seems to hold her own. We shall see.
Obama seems to have faltered a bit. Maybe he will change his VP choice (Biden).
I think the election will become less Obama v. McCain, and more Obama v. Palin.
As an "undecided voter," I am looking forward to the debates.