I'll tell you what...I have to give the Marine Corps credit, because it seems to me that they're going out of their way to make sure that this is one hell of a Deployment Practice. They must really want to challenge me.. considering the fact that despite the lack of phone availability where my husband is.. he has managed to wander around in the dessert every night to find a phone signal to call me. These phone calls are really quite a joy considering that the connection drops every 2 minutes and the wind in the dessert blows so hard that even when hubby puts his head in his shirt I can still barely hear anything he says over the noise of the whipping wind. As you can imagine, communication has been really great.. (she says sarcastically!)!!!
Speaking of fun deployment practices, did I mention that I was attacked by a swarm of bees today? Okay, so maybe the bees don't have anything to do with deployment practice, but I just REALLY want to tell you about my experience with the bees.
Today we had a field day to celebrate the end of the school year. I was supervising a 6th grade game of soccer, and in order to see the game play from a different angle, took a stroll down to the other end of the soccer field where not many people were. All of the sudden, I heard someone shout "BEES!" -- and suddenly I was surrounded by bees. It was hundreds, if not thousands of bees. If you've ever seen My Girl use that as a frame of reference and multiply the size of that swarm of bees by like 10. So, here I am surrounded by a swarm of bees. These bees were flying over me, around me, under me, they were touching me, buzzing in my face, and I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I looked up for a moment and saw that the students and teachers on all of the surrounding fields had vacated the area.. and the 5 or so 6th graders left on my end of the soccer field had hit the deck. They were on the ground, everyone else was gone, and there was me.. standing in the middle of this bee swarm in a complete and total panic. I did NOT know what to do. I seriously thought that I must be getting stung repeatedly, but I was probably just TOO SCARED to feel the stings. Finally, I made my decision and hit the deck with the 6th graders. And, we laid there together.. until the swarm was gone.
Seriously, it was one of the scariest things that has EVER happened to me. And, I still to this moment cannot believe that I was so panicked in that situation that I had to take my cues from my students.
And, get this... despite the attack of hundreds of bees on my school's field day.. no one got stung.
Not even me.
Unbelievable, I know.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
The OTHER Kind of Deployment Breakdown
This weekend I spent an evening with my long lost deployment buddy. She was the wife whose husband was in the same squadron as mine with whom I spent most of my weekends while our marines were gone over the summer.
Just tonight.. I was reminded of one of the conversations we had on Saturday.
Another military wife currently undergoing her first deployment was telling us a story about packages her marine "desperately" needed.. and a not so understanding postal worker who would rather go home on time than let a poor marine wife send her husband 3 large packages she had spent the morning rushing to put together. This of course, led her to have her first big deployment cry in the middle of the post office parking lot. This is what I will call a Classic Deployment Breakdown. Ask any military wife; we've all had one.
My deployment buddy proceeded to say that her deployment breakdowns come in a little bit of a different form than breaking down in tears in parking lots. Hers consisted more of things like getting so aggravated with the fact that Jiffy Lube had their lights on (unnecesserily) during a sunny summer day that she felt the need to scream at the person manning the front desk and give him a lecture about saving electricity.
I thought of this tonight, when hubby called me and told me that his "deployment practice" was being extended an extra week. Moments after he told me this, I began to notice a loud sucking noise our pool filter was making and proceeded to yell at him for leaving me here without explaining to me how to deal with our new pool vacuum because... it doesn't work and the pool is starting to turn green and it's all his fault for leaving me UNPREPARED! AGAIN!!!!
............
That's when I realized that instead of dealing with the crapiness of yet another precious week away from hubby on the eve of his deployment.. I was yelling at him about something that was really neither here nor there. I realized I was having the OTHER kind of deployment breakdown, the kind where instead of looking like a sad wife who misses her husband, you just look like a depraved maniac.
I can't tell you how hard I laughed when deployment buddy told me about yelling at the man at Jiffy Lube for having their lights on. But, I'll tell you what... now that I think about it.. it makes sense. I can understand why she did it. And, this deployment, I can't promise you I won't be doing the same thing.
Just tonight.. I was reminded of one of the conversations we had on Saturday.
Another military wife currently undergoing her first deployment was telling us a story about packages her marine "desperately" needed.. and a not so understanding postal worker who would rather go home on time than let a poor marine wife send her husband 3 large packages she had spent the morning rushing to put together. This of course, led her to have her first big deployment cry in the middle of the post office parking lot. This is what I will call a Classic Deployment Breakdown. Ask any military wife; we've all had one.
My deployment buddy proceeded to say that her deployment breakdowns come in a little bit of a different form than breaking down in tears in parking lots. Hers consisted more of things like getting so aggravated with the fact that Jiffy Lube had their lights on (unnecesserily) during a sunny summer day that she felt the need to scream at the person manning the front desk and give him a lecture about saving electricity.
I thought of this tonight, when hubby called me and told me that his "deployment practice" was being extended an extra week. Moments after he told me this, I began to notice a loud sucking noise our pool filter was making and proceeded to yell at him for leaving me here without explaining to me how to deal with our new pool vacuum because... it doesn't work and the pool is starting to turn green and it's all his fault for leaving me UNPREPARED! AGAIN!!!!
............
That's when I realized that instead of dealing with the crapiness of yet another precious week away from hubby on the eve of his deployment.. I was yelling at him about something that was really neither here nor there. I realized I was having the OTHER kind of deployment breakdown, the kind where instead of looking like a sad wife who misses her husband, you just look like a depraved maniac.
I can't tell you how hard I laughed when deployment buddy told me about yelling at the man at Jiffy Lube for having their lights on. But, I'll tell you what... now that I think about it.. it makes sense. I can understand why she did it. And, this deployment, I can't promise you I won't be doing the same thing.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
My Week in Review
This week was a big week for me. It was the week I've been preparing for all year long, the week of my 8th grade students' graduation. Graduation is a big deal for ME because I had the wonderful task of planning graduation AND announcing graduation. If I thought planning it was a doozy, announcing was quite the task for me. I didn't think I was nervous about it until I had to sit through an hour long mass beforehand. During the mass I did my very best to keep myself calm and collected. I think I succeeded in atleast LOOKING calm and collected, but my insides definitely did not match my outside.
I generally get very nervous before getting up in front of a large group of people. But, I had NEVER spoken in front of such a large crowd before (my guess is 200 people were in attendance.. including all of my co-workers, boss, and parish priests). So, as I waited for the big graduation moment to arrive.. I practiced deep breathing... and for the first time in my life was actually so nervous that I was afraid I would faint. I actually felt that warmth that rises in my face when I'm about to pass out. It was THAT bad.
But, it was good moment for me. I spoke beautifully (from what I could tell) and did not stumble over my words once. I stood tall and straight, folded my hands on the podium, and in my mind looked and sounded quite more professional and mature than my 26 years of life experience.
The sad thing of it all... none of my loved ones were there for my "big" moment. My husband is out of town for our "Deployment Practice", and that night was mine alone... with no one to share in my fear and joy.
*Sigh. And, here is where military life gets hard. When your spouse misses out on these big landmark moments in your life.. it's tough.
But, that is one of those things that makes military life different than normal life. When your spouse is gone you lead two separate lives. You experience life separately and have experiences that you can share with one another, but the reality is, you will never fully understand what it is your spouse has been through. It actually goes against the very definition of marriage of growing together.
I do feel proud and validated in the knowledge that though the adjustment was not easy at first, when my hubby returned from his first deployment, our marriage grew and strengthened more than ever. I know that we are stronger than anything that comes our way; because, let's face it.. we've been through more together than most married couples will go through in their lifetimes together. And, when I hear about the struggles that some couples that I know face, I thank my lucky stars for a husband who has changed and grown with me.. and who loves me more every day.
I generally get very nervous before getting up in front of a large group of people. But, I had NEVER spoken in front of such a large crowd before (my guess is 200 people were in attendance.. including all of my co-workers, boss, and parish priests). So, as I waited for the big graduation moment to arrive.. I practiced deep breathing... and for the first time in my life was actually so nervous that I was afraid I would faint. I actually felt that warmth that rises in my face when I'm about to pass out. It was THAT bad.
But, it was good moment for me. I spoke beautifully (from what I could tell) and did not stumble over my words once. I stood tall and straight, folded my hands on the podium, and in my mind looked and sounded quite more professional and mature than my 26 years of life experience.
The sad thing of it all... none of my loved ones were there for my "big" moment. My husband is out of town for our "Deployment Practice", and that night was mine alone... with no one to share in my fear and joy.
*Sigh. And, here is where military life gets hard. When your spouse misses out on these big landmark moments in your life.. it's tough.
But, that is one of those things that makes military life different than normal life. When your spouse is gone you lead two separate lives. You experience life separately and have experiences that you can share with one another, but the reality is, you will never fully understand what it is your spouse has been through. It actually goes against the very definition of marriage of growing together.
I do feel proud and validated in the knowledge that though the adjustment was not easy at first, when my hubby returned from his first deployment, our marriage grew and strengthened more than ever. I know that we are stronger than anything that comes our way; because, let's face it.. we've been through more together than most married couples will go through in their lifetimes together. And, when I hear about the struggles that some couples that I know face, I thank my lucky stars for a husband who has changed and grown with me.. and who loves me more every day.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tooting My Own Horn!
Teaching junior high is generally, by its very nature, a thankless job. During the past two years of teaching junior high, I have come to the conclusion that no group on the earth complains quite as much as teenagers. Teenagers complain about pretty much everything. So, you can understand then, why when I receive some postitive feedback from them, it causes me to explode with joy. Recently, I received just that feedback, and please do not think less of me for wanting to shout it from the mountaintops.
I recently received letters of thank you from many of my 8th graders, and I will be sharing some of my favorite excerpts from their letters.
From a boy who rarely smiled at me and for whom I would go to embarassing lengths to try to pry a smile out of....a boy who I often proclaimed "hated" me (as a joke(to try to make him smile!))
"I would like to thank you, Mrs. Sorry. You have done so much for me and positively influenced my experience here. You have made a difference in my life. I want to acknowledge you for everything. Although you may think I despise you, I don't. I wouldn't despise someone who is kind hearted, caring, and loving. You do so much for us. Although you may be unusual sometimes, you are my favorite teacher, and almost like a parent. Thanks to you I was able to get this far. I learned more and more from you gradually. You made things easier for me, and I got to be able to ask you anything. I gained your trust, and I knew I could trust you with anything. You were always there for each and every one of us. Thanks to you, the 8th grade class has changed. We became the mature students you taught us to be...."
From a boy who often gave me trouble with his poor attitude in class...
"Mrs. Sorry, I just want to let you know that I am very thankful for everything you have done for me. I know I don't always show my appreciation, but I do appreciate everything. I just want to say I'm sorry for everything I've put you through like all the stress and headaches. I know there were mean looks, the non-smiling, and the sutff like that, but I'm sorry. I know this may seem hard to believe, but I really did enjoy having you as a teacher, I may not have shown it, but I did...."
And more kind words for other students...
"Thank you for being my teacher. You are the coolest, funniest, and best teacher. You are like a mom to us kids. You are always keeping us kids in line, making sure we do the right thing. You care about us and want the best for us. You have made this year fun and exciting for us 8th graders. You tell us when we are not acting good and respectfully so we can improve ourselves. Without you, our class wouldn't be what we are now...."
"These past two years, you have been an amazing teacher. You have given us paragraphs, candy, fun assignments, pizza parties, free time, and so much more. Personally, I will never forget your bell. I know that probably in high school whenever I hear the word "paragraph", what will pop into my mind will be Mrs. Sorry and her bell. From you I learned that school can be both fun and educational at the same time. I'll never forget a lot of things, but one thing I'll always remember is how you would make jokes during class. You are truly a great teacher...."
"I am glad to say that you have been one of the best teachers that I have ever had. I have learned a lot from you like grammar, literature, american idol, and a lot more weird sutff! I know you're my teacher, but that doesn't mean I only see you as a teacher. I really have seen you as a teacher, second parent, and friend. I can honestly say that without you being one of my junior high teachers, I would not be where I am today. I will miss you as my homeroom teacher. No, cross that out. I will miss you as my teacher. No, cross that out. I will miss you as a very mature friend....."
"Dear Mrs. Sorry AKA Power Puff Girl Buttercup Betrayer, coolest 7th and 8th grade Grammar, Literature, and Homeroom teacher, Snazzy Dancer, interesting opinionator (made up word), and weird generous candy giver. Ha-Ha! Okay, enough with the titles. I have a feeling I am going to go all writing prompt with this letter, Mrs. Sorry, and whose fault is that?! Yours! That's right; you're the reason why I am so inspired to express and unleash my writing ability creatively into my own thoughts and words. And that's not all either! You constantly remind the class to get along and lecture us on things we SHOULD be lectured on. Mrs. Sorry, you are a very inspirational instructor, teacher, and friend. As my class and I leave Sma with a tear and a smile, we will surely not forget what you have taught us through these two school years. Proceed with your skills, nosiness, and joke telling....."
And last, but not least...
"Dear Someone Who Has Had a Positive Effect on My Life,
Mrs. Sorry, I am completely grateful that you are my teacher. In the last two years, you were able to learn exactly who I am and where I fit into class. Besides being a teacher, you are a big sister. Especially in the ways that you know everything about the class, laugh at our jokes, and let us laugh at you. A very easy way of putting it is just letting you know that you are part of the class of '08 more than any teacher could ever be. I can't really tell you anything really big that made me realize that you had a positive effect on my life; because, it's not like I had some sort of epiphany realization. It's just that 7th and 8th grade are my favorite years at (this school). I am so thankful that Mr. H chose such a lovable teacher who took care of her students like her kids. There has been no other teacher in whose classes I can remember so many happy/crazy/fun/weird/silly memories. Even when I am old and gray I will always remember my 7th and 8th grade teacher. I just want you to know that the OLP teachers I will get will have a very high bar set for them compared to you..."
And, that, my friends is why teaching is, afterall, very worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it.
So, next time anyone shudders at the statement that I teach teenagers, I will remember these letters of thanks and tell them that it is not such a bad job afterall. Not bad at all.
I recently received letters of thank you from many of my 8th graders, and I will be sharing some of my favorite excerpts from their letters.
From a boy who rarely smiled at me and for whom I would go to embarassing lengths to try to pry a smile out of....a boy who I often proclaimed "hated" me (as a joke(to try to make him smile!))
"I would like to thank you, Mrs. Sorry. You have done so much for me and positively influenced my experience here. You have made a difference in my life. I want to acknowledge you for everything. Although you may think I despise you, I don't. I wouldn't despise someone who is kind hearted, caring, and loving. You do so much for us. Although you may be unusual sometimes, you are my favorite teacher, and almost like a parent. Thanks to you I was able to get this far. I learned more and more from you gradually. You made things easier for me, and I got to be able to ask you anything. I gained your trust, and I knew I could trust you with anything. You were always there for each and every one of us. Thanks to you, the 8th grade class has changed. We became the mature students you taught us to be...."
From a boy who often gave me trouble with his poor attitude in class...
"Mrs. Sorry, I just want to let you know that I am very thankful for everything you have done for me. I know I don't always show my appreciation, but I do appreciate everything. I just want to say I'm sorry for everything I've put you through like all the stress and headaches. I know there were mean looks, the non-smiling, and the sutff like that, but I'm sorry. I know this may seem hard to believe, but I really did enjoy having you as a teacher, I may not have shown it, but I did...."
And more kind words for other students...
"Thank you for being my teacher. You are the coolest, funniest, and best teacher. You are like a mom to us kids. You are always keeping us kids in line, making sure we do the right thing. You care about us and want the best for us. You have made this year fun and exciting for us 8th graders. You tell us when we are not acting good and respectfully so we can improve ourselves. Without you, our class wouldn't be what we are now...."
"These past two years, you have been an amazing teacher. You have given us paragraphs, candy, fun assignments, pizza parties, free time, and so much more. Personally, I will never forget your bell. I know that probably in high school whenever I hear the word "paragraph", what will pop into my mind will be Mrs. Sorry and her bell. From you I learned that school can be both fun and educational at the same time. I'll never forget a lot of things, but one thing I'll always remember is how you would make jokes during class. You are truly a great teacher...."
"I am glad to say that you have been one of the best teachers that I have ever had. I have learned a lot from you like grammar, literature, american idol, and a lot more weird sutff! I know you're my teacher, but that doesn't mean I only see you as a teacher. I really have seen you as a teacher, second parent, and friend. I can honestly say that without you being one of my junior high teachers, I would not be where I am today. I will miss you as my homeroom teacher. No, cross that out. I will miss you as my teacher. No, cross that out. I will miss you as a very mature friend....."
"Dear Mrs. Sorry AKA Power Puff Girl Buttercup Betrayer, coolest 7th and 8th grade Grammar, Literature, and Homeroom teacher, Snazzy Dancer, interesting opinionator (made up word), and weird generous candy giver. Ha-Ha! Okay, enough with the titles. I have a feeling I am going to go all writing prompt with this letter, Mrs. Sorry, and whose fault is that?! Yours! That's right; you're the reason why I am so inspired to express and unleash my writing ability creatively into my own thoughts and words. And that's not all either! You constantly remind the class to get along and lecture us on things we SHOULD be lectured on. Mrs. Sorry, you are a very inspirational instructor, teacher, and friend. As my class and I leave Sma with a tear and a smile, we will surely not forget what you have taught us through these two school years. Proceed with your skills, nosiness, and joke telling....."
And last, but not least...
"Dear Someone Who Has Had a Positive Effect on My Life,
Mrs. Sorry, I am completely grateful that you are my teacher. In the last two years, you were able to learn exactly who I am and where I fit into class. Besides being a teacher, you are a big sister. Especially in the ways that you know everything about the class, laugh at our jokes, and let us laugh at you. A very easy way of putting it is just letting you know that you are part of the class of '08 more than any teacher could ever be. I can't really tell you anything really big that made me realize that you had a positive effect on my life; because, it's not like I had some sort of epiphany realization. It's just that 7th and 8th grade are my favorite years at (this school). I am so thankful that Mr. H chose such a lovable teacher who took care of her students like her kids. There has been no other teacher in whose classes I can remember so many happy/crazy/fun/weird/silly memories. Even when I am old and gray I will always remember my 7th and 8th grade teacher. I just want you to know that the OLP teachers I will get will have a very high bar set for them compared to you..."
And, that, my friends is why teaching is, afterall, very worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it.
So, next time anyone shudders at the statement that I teach teenagers, I will remember these letters of thanks and tell them that it is not such a bad job afterall. Not bad at all.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Deployment "Practice"
Today my husband left for three weeks of training in 29 Palms. I know that there are those people out there who believe that when the Marine Corps makes its marines leave for weeks at a time before a deployment they are being cruel. I, however, happen to think of it in a different way. I don't think the Marine Corps is being cruel by robbing me of the few precious moments I have left with my husband, and I certainly don't think that the 3 weeks he will spending away will be purely for the benefit of the Marines who are training. Actually, I think these 3 weeks of training are a rather ingenius way of giving those of us on "operation homefront" an opportunity to have a deployment practice. That's right, you heard me. I'm pretty sure that even though hubby will call during these 3 weeks pretending to be tired and aching from sleeping in tents for 3 weeks.. he will in actuality be living the good life and biding his time until my 3 weeks of deployment practice are over.
So far, deployment practice is going rather smoothly. Nothing in my house has broken or fallen apart in the 24 hours that hubby has been gone. Neither one of my dogs has run away, my cars are still running just fine, and my pool has yet to turn green. Oh, and most importantly, wild fires have yet to break out in Southern California leaving me homeless and fearful.
Because of all this, when I lay my head down on my pillow tonight, I will do so with a contented sigh. Not only is my deployment practice going very well, but I will again be able to sprawl out in my bed.
See, the Marine Corps really isn't as silly and impractical as they're made out to be. Afterall, someone in their ranks did come up with the incredible idea of Deployment Practice. Oorah!
So far, deployment practice is going rather smoothly. Nothing in my house has broken or fallen apart in the 24 hours that hubby has been gone. Neither one of my dogs has run away, my cars are still running just fine, and my pool has yet to turn green. Oh, and most importantly, wild fires have yet to break out in Southern California leaving me homeless and fearful.
Because of all this, when I lay my head down on my pillow tonight, I will do so with a contented sigh. Not only is my deployment practice going very well, but I will again be able to sprawl out in my bed.
See, the Marine Corps really isn't as silly and impractical as they're made out to be. Afterall, someone in their ranks did come up with the incredible idea of Deployment Practice. Oorah!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Scary
If you look at the last date that I posted a blog, you'll notice that it's been 20 days since I last wrote. And, it wasn't for lack of having anything to say. Believe me, it was just the opposite. It was having too much to say and not quite knowing how to say it.
You see, last week while not feeling so great my sister went to the doctor. The doctor took a blood test and when the results came back the next day called and told her to go to the nearest emergency IMMEDIATELY. Her platelets, it seems, were so low that even a small cut could have caused her to bleed to death. That's scary. But, what's scarier was that upon further examination they noticed abnormal lymph nodes.
I will probably never look at the movie The Kite Runner quite the same ever again, because last week as I was hunkering down excitedly to watch that movie on my ON DEMAND service, my mom called. She was having some trouble getting her words out, but finally was able to tell me that my sister would be having her lymph nodes and bone marrow biopsied to check for cancer.
My brother was sick with the flu, and not knowing that anything peculiar was going on was not answering my mother's phone calls. So, she asked me to call him and tell him what was going on.
It wasn't the first time I had to be the bearer of bad news for my brother. When my dad's mom died we were home alone, and I was the one to inform my brother. When my grandfather was slated with only a short time to live with his leukemia.. I was the one who told my brother. And last week, once again, I was giving my brother news that was less than easy to swallow.
Before I hung up with my brother after telling him what was going on with our sister.. he ended the conversation with an "I love you" --
And, to be quite honest with you, if I hadn't realized something was terribly wrong before that phone call.. after his I love you, I knew for certainty this was something to be worried about.
It was awful spending those few days thinking that something terrible might be wrong with my sister. It was hard being across the country and not being able to visit. It definitely made me realize how very much I love and appreciate her...
So, when the news came back All Clear, NO CANCER! You can imagine the relief. I don't know why my sister had to go through this terrible experience. But, I do know that it will be something that she will not soon forget. And, I.... well, I will never forget how it felt for those moments thinking that my sister might be terribly sick. Let's just say.. maybe I will be remembering her birthday from now on. :O)
I'm glad you're feeling better, Aim! :) Love you!
You see, last week while not feeling so great my sister went to the doctor. The doctor took a blood test and when the results came back the next day called and told her to go to the nearest emergency IMMEDIATELY. Her platelets, it seems, were so low that even a small cut could have caused her to bleed to death. That's scary. But, what's scarier was that upon further examination they noticed abnormal lymph nodes.
I will probably never look at the movie The Kite Runner quite the same ever again, because last week as I was hunkering down excitedly to watch that movie on my ON DEMAND service, my mom called. She was having some trouble getting her words out, but finally was able to tell me that my sister would be having her lymph nodes and bone marrow biopsied to check for cancer.
My brother was sick with the flu, and not knowing that anything peculiar was going on was not answering my mother's phone calls. So, she asked me to call him and tell him what was going on.
It wasn't the first time I had to be the bearer of bad news for my brother. When my dad's mom died we were home alone, and I was the one to inform my brother. When my grandfather was slated with only a short time to live with his leukemia.. I was the one who told my brother. And last week, once again, I was giving my brother news that was less than easy to swallow.
Before I hung up with my brother after telling him what was going on with our sister.. he ended the conversation with an "I love you" --
And, to be quite honest with you, if I hadn't realized something was terribly wrong before that phone call.. after his I love you, I knew for certainty this was something to be worried about.
It was awful spending those few days thinking that something terrible might be wrong with my sister. It was hard being across the country and not being able to visit. It definitely made me realize how very much I love and appreciate her...
So, when the news came back All Clear, NO CANCER! You can imagine the relief. I don't know why my sister had to go through this terrible experience. But, I do know that it will be something that she will not soon forget. And, I.... well, I will never forget how it felt for those moments thinking that my sister might be terribly sick. Let's just say.. maybe I will be remembering her birthday from now on. :O)
I'm glad you're feeling better, Aim! :) Love you!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
quotable
I am a sucker for the perfect phrase, and just moments ago I discovered one that is perfect for ME. It is...
"Blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken."
As both a military wife and a teacher, all I have to say is, "Amen to that!" - So true.
"Blessed are the flexible for they will not be broken."
As both a military wife and a teacher, all I have to say is, "Amen to that!" - So true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)