JPY Survivor : Out Teach...Out Wit...Out Last

This post is inspired by Heather, a fellow blogger & JPY Survivor.

Here we go...Late Night's Top Ten meets SURVIVOR. Back in '93 we had no clue there would be a reality series where contestants would try to OUT PLAY...OUT WIT...& OUT LAST. It is somewhat ironic...these three phrases describe my first regular classroom of 6th grade middle school students. I am entering my 13th year of teaching. I spent 10 years as a regular classroom teacher. I am now an instructional technology resource teacher serving two K-5 elementary schools. I am happy to report that they have not voted me off the island. Below is my updated TOP TEN LIST.

Top 10 JPY Quotes of the Year… Then

Top 10 Quotes from My “Teacher” Life… Now

Then: One of these days I’m gonna trip over this thing and kill myself!

NOW: One of these days… I’m gonna have enough money to take a nice trip!

Then: I love George!

NOW: I love Chuck!

Then: We have miles to go before we sleep.

NOW: Who needs sleep?

Then: What is due today?

NOW: If your name is on the board, your work is past due!!!

Then: I am an emotional slob!

NOW: I am an emotional eater!

Then: Be professional.

NOW: I’ve Got it Going On!

Then: The teacher as decision maker.

NOW: Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.

Then: I have another revised timeline.

NOW: I have another aligned pacing guide.

Then: What’s on your neck?

NOW: Emily, What’s on your neck?

Then: Is that clock right?

NOW: Faculty Meeting…Is that clock right?

Hey Wait a Minute… Chuck is MY Character!

Lately, you may have noticed that Hollywood is using the name “chuck” as a character name in more that one production. There is the Chuck who is the leader of the Nerd Heard. There is some guy Chuck trying to break some curse, and THE CW has a new teen soap, Gossip Girl , that has a Chuck that reminds me of the James Spader character in Pretty in Pink. None of the personality traits possessed by these fictional characters even come close to MY CHUCK!

Let me take you back …to a youth group bus heading back to our church. It was dark and Chuck and I were talking. Cupid pointed his arrow... “Pa-diddle”, Chuck whispered.

*Note:Pa-diddle is a game that requires a couple to kiss if they see an oncoming car with only one headlight.

We looked at each other, smiled, and shared our first kiss. Next thing, I know Chuck is scrunching down in the seat & tilting his head. He said, “You know they all look like Pa-diddles from this angle.” My stomach did a flip-flop, and I my heart smiled because I knew he wanted to kiss me again. What a line! Well, It is exactly 18 years later… Chuck is still delivering lines with great timing, making my heart smile, and filling my life with laughter. He is my ultimate partner in crime. Happy Anniversary, Chuck!

Pictures: Senior Prom… Engagement Night… Our Wedding… Chuck Making my Heart Smile

Homecoming 2007

Emily is off at her 2ndHomecoming Dance. Chuck & I are sitting at home alone watching TV. Emily looks great in her dress! I especially like the price tag...FREE! I know- Amazing! We spent $56 on shoes, a purse & jewelry. This a bargain compared to last year! Look at daddy's little girl. Notice the body language. She is very much like her daddy! I know she is off having a great time dancing the night away! Be good, Emily!