This is the last full week of school. Next week we will review for exams. It’s been a busy weekend. The spring dance went well. It got off to a “slamming” start as a student decided to hot dog through the parking lot with his girlfriend’s car…or that of her parents. Spinning out at the stop sign he decided to accelerate and take the 90 degree turn between the buildings at full speed. He ended up slamming it into the side of the building. No one was hurt, shockingly. Sometimes they just do not have a lot of common sense.

Lots to do…

Maybe in his dreams…

On campus today and took a few pics. I’ll share the rest later, but here are Leo and Una. Leo is doing what Leo does best. I think Una is posing…she was seriously interested in something.

I stated in my previous post that I know I feel frustrated at this time every year. I decided to check the archives to see if I was right. Yes, but there’s more. On this date in 2007 the biggest news in my life was the closing of a murder/suicide case. A former colleague murdered her husband and then later took her own life. It is tragic and disturbing. I can’t drive across the waterway where he was found without thinking of this event.

As I look at other posts I realize that my current feelings are totally normal. I’m as sane as I ever was…

…it actually feels like the world. Maybe I just need to take the camera, Tchaik, and the girls and go take pictures. Maybe that will improve my outlook. Right now I am about as far from motivated as possible. I went to get groceries yesterday and had to just leave. Too many people with too little control over their running, screaming children. My own children aren’t being too difficult, just constant. 26 days of school remaining. I know that it is always like this, but it doesn’t make it any easier. This group is the most challenged academically. I do prefer academic challenged to behavior problems. The major issue is that they not only can’t grasp the academic concepts, they have no desire to. It isn’t like it is difficult. It’s history. You listen. You read. You think…and there is the problem. Thinking requires effort and this is the laziest group of students I have ever taught. I rarely give homework, but if I ever do I guarantee that 80% will not do it. I had better results with the major grade homework. I gave a take home essay test this past week. Eighteen out of 95 students did not do it. Many who did complete the test did only the minimum. Seventy points possible, thirty (forty for “advanced” group) required. There were more in the “advanced” group, the students who are supposed to have greater ability and care more, who didn’t complete their required points than in my regular classes. The lack of effort is astounding.

Juggling the teaching of lazy students, planning the upcoming dance, the job hunt, the needs of my own children, the cluttered house, and life in general is more than I want to face right now. We do what we have to do and that is what I will do. I have an interview Wednesday and that is a bright spot. It means progress, hope. I can not remain at a school where I do not have a classroom and have to float. I just can’t. I don’t know what I will do next year, but I cannot float again. There is neither stability nor organization when you do not have a room to call your own. It hinders your ability to teach with maximum effectiveness.

Now…therapy session over. It is a beautiful sunny day. I am going to take my own advice and enjoy part of it.

Various tips for improving mpg:
http://www.howtoadvice.com/savinggas

The really funny part…I didn’t find a date on this article but the pic on the side shows a Shell station with the price of regular $1.72 (oh if only) and plus was an arm, premium a leg. Who here would be overjoyed to see 1.72 at the pump? Hate to admit it but I was a little excited when it dropped below 3.50 today. (3.43 down the road)

Nicole, I’m curious. In the heart of oil country what do you guys pay? I heard it was around $8 in England.

http://epa.gov/otaq/consumer/17-tips.pdf

We’ve all heard them. Slow down. Don’t floor it on start. Use the AC only when it is scorching and you can’t take the heat. Idle for long waits.

If you’re really desperate this guy has a solution that uses water for gas…
http://www.water4gas.com/2books.htm

I found this to be very interesting, even if a little strange. The mason jar blew it for me though. I think the technology has a little ways to go. Anyone actually familiar with this?

Testing the tips from 2005…
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/106842/article.html

Apparently the aggressive driving is the biggest waste of gas. Their recommendation? Stop driving like a maniac. Cruise control is another effective way to save. I am very surprised by the AC one. According to the test there isn’t a measurable difference. This one is actually worth the couple of minutes for reading.

I’ve seen a dog take in a cat, kittens, and a pig…but this is a new one. A local cat was acting down over the loss of her kitten. When someone dropped off the baby squirrel at the shelter they decided to give the relationship a try. Baby squirrel is being raised as a cat…litter box trained and all. It’s favorite mode of transportation? Momma’s back.