random update

Haven't much been in the mood to post. It's so freaking cold, all I've wanted to do is snuggle under the blankets and eat through a straw.

I'm still sporting what seems to be the remains of that cold sore on my nose. It certainly went through radical changes since its conception last Wednesday. Thankfully I had the weekend to work though it's ugliness before returning to a somewhat public job on Monday. I accidentally wiped my nose on Sunday and in the process tore off the scabby crusty layer. Now it looks much like any sore, just red and scabby. One student asked me today if it was my "Snort Sore," meaning a sore from snorting drugs. Nice.

I finally got the journalism and yearbook staff sweatshirts. Only a handful of students have actually paid for their sweatshirts, so I still have a big box of them in my room. For the most mart they are happy, though if I hear one more complaint about how static-y they are, I might cut one up. I am in charge of yearbook group picture day, which is on Friday, and I've asked all of them to wear their sweatshirts for the pictures. I've been working on a schedule for that picture day and have people to cover my classes while I'm gone. I'll be glad when it's over.

I'll also be glad when tonight is over. I agreed, beyond my better judgment, to host a Mary Kay party at my house tonight. A lady in my ward had one a few weeks ago (I was invited) but no one showed up so she called upon me to host it here. I was supposed to round up several "clients" and ended up only getting my super mom and grandma to come. I suppose I have a lack of friends. Either that or I figure the fewer people that show up the sooner the party will get over.

My 8th graders started a big culture research project today. It's probably the hardest and worst thing to teach because they just don't get it. I taught them about reliable sources and unreliable sources and asked them kindly not to use Wikipedia. But, what do you think the first website they visit? Yup. Wikipedia. I will have them turn their research into a PowerPoint by next Wednesday. It is painful to watch them type and I hope they'll all be able to crunch out an at least 5 page presentation.

I begin my last semester worth of ESL endorsement classes tomorrow. I will have class every Wednesday from 4 to 7. Then in April I will start an online course. Then they'll send in an expert to watch me teach and show how I can teach using ESL strategies. Then, by the end of the school year, I'll be endorsed and will have 20 credit hours to boost my salary a smidgen. I also spoke to my "guidance counselor" for my master's program today during lunch. He lives and works in AZ. He basically gave me the list of classes I will take starting in March. For the first 'semester' of master's classes, I am allowed to only take one so as to get myself used to the work load and all. I also applied for financial aid today, which was kind of nightmare-ish.

I'm happy to report that I have nearly passed all of the Guitar Hero songs on Medium. I have only allowed myself to play on the weekend so that I feel more productive during the week. Ben and I have had a few jam sessions.

A former WL student was shot and killed at a SLC SEARS on Sunday. I didn't know him, but he was a 9th grader last year. It's a tragedy and despite it being gang related, the students still don't see the problem with being in a gang. Teachers at school today, including myself, saw several signs, badges, and t-shirts saying things like RIP (and then the students name). They also try to put in the gang name, too, but have to be careful since that becomes a dress code violation.

Happy Tuesday!