Syracuse

I need to start doing this whole blogging thing on a daily basis because I am waaaay behind. I went back to Syracuse for barely 2 days and what an adventure. One of the main reasons why I was home was to get my hair done. $135 later and lots of tears I walked out with a horrible color job. It was so streaky and not at all what I wanted. I'm getting used to putting my hair up and using a lot of shampoo to wash out the color. I was also able to see my dog Lucy, drive my car, get some pants and shoes fixed, and eat some amazing sushi. Syracuse was a success and I can't wait to go back!

It snowed when I was in Syracuse too! I looooooveee the snow and it was such a nice surprise to wake up with as much snow as there was. It didn't stop either! I loved it! It did make my bus back to NYC two hours late, which was the downfall but I survived.

Mid Winter Recess

Friday-Saturday

I’ve been so bad about keeping up with my blog. I have absolutely no excuse considering this week is the kids “mid winter recess” so I’ve had all week off. It’s been absolutely wonderful. Friday I went to Barnes & Noble after school to pick up a study aid book for my certification tests. I had some homework to do Friday night and spent the rest of the night cramming for my second certification test, which was early Saturday morning. There are three tests to take in order to earn your NYS teaching certificate. I have already taken and passed the LAST (Liberal Arts Science Test) last fall, and next on my list was the CST (Elementary Ed Multi Content Test). Even though I didn’t have much time to study and work on the practice test I felt so much more confident having prepared for that test than I was for the LAST. These tests are supposed to be easy if you are an education major and go to class. Preparing though is always a good thing. I have one more test to take, which is the ATS-W, which tests more of your skills on classroom management and situations that arise while teaching. I’ve been told this is best to take at the end of student teaching since I will have had all semester of classroom experience. I will most likely be taking that test April 21^st. Anyway, although we had to report to the High School the test was administered at at 7:45 am it wasn’t that bad since two of my roommates were also taking it and we were able to wake up early and go together.

I couldn’t stand the thought of sitting still for another minute after the test was over. I went home and did a sort of “spring cleaning” on the apartment. Two of my roommates left for the day so I was able to vacuum, scrub, disinfect, and toss all dirt and garbage collected in the short 5 weeks we have been here. It’s surprising how dirty 4 girls can get a place. It actually wasn’t even that bad I’m just crazy OCD about messes. Saturday night was a relaxing night and I spent it at the apartment with my roommate Celia, her boyfriend John, and my friend Zach. It was so nice to know that the following week was free to catch up on sleep, lesson plans, and anything else needing to get done.

Sunday

Sunday I was going to catch a train to Syracuse so I spent all morning looking up times and prices, which made me miss church. I was about to be out the door when I found a ticket for Thursday to Saturday for about half the price, and decided to wait a few days. I was able to make my way to Penn Station by around 4 o clock and catch a 4:40 train on the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) to my cousin Tyler’s house. My cousin Tyler just recently graduated medical school and is living in Long Island with his beautiful wife Kim and their handsome son Benton. It was only about 30-40 minutes down the island before I arrived at their stop. Kim made a wonderful meal of sweat and sour chicken, rice and beans. I can’t put into words how refreshing it was to be out of the city, in a real house, with family, and eating something other than ramen noodles and grilled cheese. I didn’t realize how much I miss family until I saw them. I am so happy they are as close as they are and I can’t wait until my next visit back.

I caught the second to last train back to the city just in time to make it to a fundraising event for an upcoming play. Ok, so this world is so small. My new friends that I have been hanging out with are all aspiring actors and actresses. Just a couple of weeks ago I met one of these aspiring actresses at a gathering in the upper west side and we started talking about where we were from and she knew someone from Park City! She knew a girl that I went to high school with and was actually having her perform (play guitar and sing) at her upcoming fundraiser for a play that is opening in a few weeks. Luckily, I was able to make it to her fundraiser Sunday night and see my friend from Park City perform! This girl used to perform at the outdoor concerts at Deer Valley and at all of our High School talent shows, etc. Anyway, it ended up being an awesome night and I think a real success. They raffled off tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman, Broadway Tickets, Massages, Free Headshots, etc. All the bands that performed were so fun and entertaining, I loved it, especially because I didn’t have to wake up at 5:30 the next morning. 

Monday

Didn’t do much. Pretty much enjoyed the day off.

Tuesday

My boss from J Michaels was in town to attend a fashion show and buy for the store. He called me Tuesday morning inviting me to join him and my manager Erik at the show. Obviously I got ready right away and headed to the show. I was able to help him shop bags, shoes, and clothes for the store! It was so much fun I loved every minute of it! We picked out some BEAUTIFUL shoes by Steve Madden’s new, higher end line called Freebird. They are very western style boots, which is right up my ally. Also, we ordered some Jeffrey Campbell shoes and I got to meet the designer himself. He was so modest and shook my hand saying, “Hi I’m Jeff”. It’s like umm yeah I know. It was probably the highlight of my week. I have always wanted to go to NYC with John while I worked for him in Syracuse, but I always had school, or some other obligation and it never worked out. I was so happy to finally do this with him. We went out to an amazing Italian restaurant for dinner and spent the entire evening catching up. I miss J Michaels so much. He told me after looking at the taxes and end of the year information he saw that I worked over 900 hours for him last year. I can’t believe that. It has never felt like work while working at J Michaels. I love shoes and clothes and selling them is just fun for me. No wonder I cried on my last day working there. Amazing store, amazing merchandise, and amazing people.

Wednesday

Yesterday I was planning on going back to the show to do some more shopping with John and Erik. I started to look into nannying jobs for this coming summer for the first time all week, which is what I was supposed to be doing all week long and got a little overwhelmed. I canceled my plans to go back to the show and spend the day looking up nanny agencies, filling out applications, and packing for my Syracuse trip.

Thursday

Today I woke up at 5:00 to catch at 7:15 train from Penn Station to Syracuse. I am thrilled that I was able to fill up a giant suitcase with clothes, shoes, and bags that I have never worn or only worn once since being here. It’ll be nice in May when I have to move out of the Bronx and I already have a large chunk of heavy sweaters, skirts, and boots that I don’t need. I’m currently sitting in the dinning car on the train with wifi trying to video chat with my dad. I can’t wait to see my mom. Although I am only there until Saturday afternoon it’ll be so nice to sleep in my big bed, do some laundry for free, and see old friends. 

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day in third grade is too much fun. I was up all night making 24 different Valentines and was very proud of how they came out. Adorable. I also received two cute cards from two cute kids. Although the day started with an anxiety attack on the subway (effing anxiety), it ended with a dance party with the principal! Such a great day.

How did this happen?

I'm not sure how I went so long without blogging. I feel so ashamed. So many great stories I wish I could remember them all. I'll start with some of the unforgettable ones.

Story 1
It was either last Thursday or Friday the cutest thing happened. I was sitting at the classroom conference table (a larger table next to the teachers desk) working with a student when Ms. J stopped everyone from their work and made a clear announcement. She went on to say, in a very stern voice, that there is NOTHING wrong with liking someone. It is perfectly healthy and normal to like another person. She continued to say if you like someone "you've got game" especially with Valentine's Day around the corner. I am obsessed with this lady. During her lecture I noticed that J was crying and I so I assumed that someone was making fun of him for liking someone. I wasn't sure about what exactly happened so I asked her after she was finished making her point. She told me that people were making fun of L, which confused me because L looked fine and J was the one balling his eyes out. I asked her, so what happened to J? She looked over at him and rolled her eyes acting like, what now. Supposedly J was crying because HE was the one making fun of L for liking someone and he felt bad. His exact words were, "I feel so ashamed of myself" (keep in mind these are third graders!) Mrs. J asked if J needed to go out in the hall to calm down, and he did. She brought L out so that J could apologize. J and L met in the hallway and J was still crying. She said they were standing very close and Mrs. J asked if they needed to be left alone. L put his hand on J's shoulder and said, "Yes, Mrs. J we should be alone right now". I know this story is super confusing because I don't want to spell out the kids names, but I'm mostly writing this so I can remember this story. I don't give it justice. It was adorable and I don't think I've met a male as sensitive, considerate, and with as big of a heart as J, and he's nine. I hope he keeps that big heart of his as he grows up.

Story 2

Thursday afternoon I went to meet a friend to hang out. We ended up meeting at a sushi restaurant in Hell's Kitchen with a couple friends. It was so nice to walk in and see three people at a table I consider my new friends. I still can't believe I've only been here 4 weeks and I have already met some amazing people. Anyway, after the restaurant my friend suggested that we try to go to a concert that night. Keep in mind this concert was to see Jack's Mannequin, which was already sold out. Although I have never really listened to Jack's Mannequin I have listened to Something Corporate and may say was a little obsessed with the band in high school. Well Jack's Mannequin is the same guy from Something Corporate it's just his new band or "project" or whatever. It was pretty much amazing. I love piano rock and it is so much fun to watch. I fell in love with the guy once again and stayed up a little too late for a school night. It was so worth it though. Video from the show above. I am pretty sure I was about 2nd row on the farrrrr right. Ugh. SO good and SO hot. Why are musicians so sexy?! haha.

Story 3
Dave came to town! Yep, my friend from upstate came to visit for the weekend. He got a hotel right in Times Square at a really nice place called the Paramount Hotel. We were able to go out to dinner at two amazing restaurants. Thank you UrbanSpoon for providing great reviews. One restaurant was in Soho and the Italian was amazing, it was called Piccola Cucina. The other restaurant was closer to his hotel called B. Smith's. It was so nice to eat something other than Ramen noodles or PB&J. We also were able to go to the Apple Store on 5th Ave and get me a new phone (my old iPhone was cracked), went shopping for new jeans at Nordstrom Rack, and shoes in Times Square. I don't think he like's shopping without my amazing fashion advice. Anyway, it was fun to see an old friend and hear about all my friends back upstate in Syracuse.

There was obviously a lot of other things that has happened since the last time I have blogged and I am so upset I haven't kept up. Hopefully having a new phone with a screen that I can actually see will help me blog more often, on the go. One of the best feelings this weekend had to be on Saturday when I was sad that I wasn't going to school. I really did miss the 23 third graders that I see 5 days a week. I don't even want to think about leaving my classroom, host teacher, and students. I have never been happier with what I get to do everyday. Everything from my super cute green tile bathroom where I shower every morning , to the crowded rush hour subway ride, to my school, and commute back to the Bronx, I am in love with every part of my day.

Hotel mirror tells the weather

Times Square

My schoolyard 

Happy Birthday Bob Marley

Today we had a little celebration for Bob Marley's birthday. Some of the students' families are from Jamaica and so they knew a little about Bob Marley already. We read them some poems by Bob and then played three little birds for the students. They had copies of the lyrics and were able to sing along. 

After going to sleep late, seeing a GIANT cockroach this morning on the way out of the apartment, and barely staying awake all day, the singing at the end of the day was very needed. Third grade is where I need to be. I love them. 

Happy Birthday Bob! Thanks for your legacy. 

Super Sunday

Lauren Stanek was in town again this weekend, which is always so amazing. We hung out with friends from Park City on Friday. It was crazy to be walking through times square with three other people I went to high school with so many years ago. Saturday night she had a small play reading, which we invited our friend we met a couple weeks ago to join. It was fun to watch them read together, both very talented. We had an amazing weekend.
Today we woke up and went down to Museum Mile for lunch and spent a couple hours at the Met. She had to take a 5 o'clock train so I dropped her off at Grand Central and headed back to the Bronx. I had dropped off some laundry earlier in the day and when I went to pick it up the nice Mexican lady said it would be $16. Considering I only had $13 cash on me I bartered a bit and got my laundry washed and folded for $13 instead of $16. Love it. I made it back home just in time for the start of the Super Bowl and made some yummy Dixie Chili for dinner. I was finally able to paint my nails, write my cover letter for my resume, and clean MY dishes. It was great to have the place to myself since all my roommates are out watching the game somewhere else. Hopefully I can get to sleep soon before they all get home so I feel well rested in the AM. Monday mornings always come so quickly. With all of that being said I would say today was a very Super Sunday.

Walking back to the 6 line after staying with our Park City friends

Play reading, Saturday night

3 guys restaurant near the Met

Cute

One of my favorites 

Grand Central, saying goodbye.

Oh, and GO GIANTS! Eli Manning is such a southern hottie... but really best commercial had to be David Beckham selling undies from H&Mmm. Also, loved Madonna's dress in the halftime show but not so crazy about the dancing and performance in all. 

Oh well, go Giants!!!

Saturday

A student read this poem to me this week. I saved it for my post for Saturday. Sick
by Shel Silverstein
"I cannot go to school today," Said little Peggy Ann McKay. "I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I'm going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I've counted sixteen chicken pox And there's one more--that's seventeen, And don't you think my face looks green? My leg is cut--my eyes are blue-- It might be instamatic flu. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, I'm sure that my left leg is broke-- My hip hurts when I move my chin, My belly button's caving in, My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained, My 'pendix pains each time it rains. My nose is cold, my toes are numb. I have a sliver in my thumb. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what? What's that? What's that you say? You say today is. . .Saturday? G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

Assembly

Today was frustrating. So many things bugged me I called my mom and vented for about 30 minutes after school. It was a lot of very small things that I was able to blow off until the last straw happened. I don't need to relive it by typing and complaining but I'm just happy to have my momma to call when times get tough. Even after how annoying things were I couldn't help but say I had an amazing day. I love what I am doing and who I am surrounded by, but just like my Dad's quote for the day... sometimes, it requires a little bit of work. 

The best was the fifth grade assembly. Our school is fortunate enough to work with the Rosie O'Donnell's program called Rosie's Theater Kids, which is pretty amazing. It is a program that comes into schools that may not be fortunate enough to have many performing art opportunities. It provides instructors to come and teach the students broadway songs and dances. The fifth graders were amazing today. It gave me chills. There were about 60 kids on stage all singing at the top of their lungs (in key too) while dancing to a choreographed dance they all knew pretty well. It was quite impressive. 

Happy February 1st! 

Today I was able to redo the calendar for February, which is next to the daily calendar that makes the day fly by. I love the organization of my classroom, and I'm keeping notes for my future one. 

While waiting for the subway I stalled a bit before putting on my headphones and enjoyed some live music on the subway platform. Yesterday, there was a boy playing the cello. 

I <3 this town.