PAISIE’S PERUSALS

That’s a fancy title, but I couldn’t come up with anything more fitting at this late (early?) at night. I realized I haven’t blogged for awhile and the only news I have for today is that I gave blood at the Cary Red Cross office.  Why do I let myself be stuck with a large needle and watch (not really - I watch the TV) a pint of my blood drain into a bag?

     I didn’t start doing this until after I had kids.  My mother mentioned she was a donor, and I thought it was a small thing that I could do that could possibly help somebody else. And it was a “golden rule” kind of thing: I’d like someone else to donate blood if one of MY family members needed it, so I would do the same thing.  I’ve continued for years, so I believe I’m on my 4th gallon at this point.  That’s pretty cool to think of.

   You have to be 17 or older, at least 110 pounds, and then a bunch of other medical details (like no tattoos in 12 months, no hepatitis, no mad cow, and more).  Does it hurt? There’s a bit of a sting at first, and I do notice that the needle is there, but it’s not something that lasts.  Plus you get cookies and juice- - so they know you aren’t going to faint or feel lightheaded before you drive home.  That’s uncommon, but it can happen, so drink lots of fluids the 24 hours or so before you donate, and then keep it up for another 24 hours afterwards.  You can donate every 8 weeks. 

   I don’t have much time to volunteer, or I’d be at the ASPCA or the U.S.O at the airport. Blood donors are volunteers, too, though!

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Ah, nothing to say that is meant for students, although I hope some stop by to read what their ‘old’ teacher is thinking about.  I just got back from a trip to Columbus Ohio with my daughter, who’ll be going to grad school there starting in July. This is her first apartment, so it’s been fun watching her decide on things like dishes, a couch (or a loveseat? or a couch? it’s on sale! Is it big enough? Let’s go home and measure and then look around before we decide). And my son is now assigned to Camp Lajeune (he’s a Marine linguist) for now, until he’s set for deployment somewhere. He also announced he asked his girlfriend to marry him!! THAT’s very exciting!! He had such a rough time in middle school and early high school - he was one of those kids who was constantly picked on and labeled a nerdy little kid with glasses (short, wore glasses since 14 months old, taught himself to read in preschool) - that it hurt to see him so unhappy.  But let that be a lesson to all of you middle schoolers who think this is the suckiest time of your life.  Yes, it is. But it does, and it WILL, get better. 

    My big summer project is helping my husband rebuild our deck. We both love to work with our hands, and we save a lot of money that way.  Have you ever made or built something that you could have bought, but that you decided to try making yourself? How’d it come out?

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Wanna bet?  Look at this video - be sure to watch it all the way to the end, as the first part with the girls eating their meal will play a part in what comes next.  I am interested in reading your comments which, I hope, do not include words like “gross, ewww, etc.”    Now here’s a problem-solution situation that would be worth writing about!

http://www.cultureunplugged.com/play/1081/Chicken-a%20la%20Carte

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This will be the last post of the 08-09 school year. We have had some sad times and we’ve had to help each other through. I know Mrs. Schuster needed all those hugs and smiles you have given her the past six months. And I know Mrs. Brackett wil love to read - for many, many years -  what you have written in Travis’s yearbook.  You’ve had a lot of growing up to do.

    With summer comes… freedom!  From books (but come on, read SOMEthing!), homework (ick), and having to find your backpack every morning.  I hope you find something new to learn and enjoy this summer. Maybe some of you will go on a trip, some might vist relatives (or have them visit you), maybe log some miles doing laps for swim teams or soccer practice.  Be safe, have a blast, and maybe I’ll see you while I’m walking my dog through MacArthur. She’s really friendly and would love to have you pet her!

   If you’re so inclined, check out my summer reading list and see what I think of the books I finally get to read.  AND feel free to add comments of your own; I’d love to hear from you, too. (yes, really).  If you make a new blog of your own, post it as a comment on the “new blog addresses” page on paisiespage.

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So the county is thinking of saving money next year by thinking they’ll cut off five days at the end of school. Their ‘reasoning’ is that kids zone out those last few days anyway, so just let the kids stay home, don’t pay the teachers to come in, and… problem solved.  The next year they’d take away five more days. Remember that “LOGICAL” reasoning I’ve been preaching for your problem-solution papers?  What are they thinking?!  There are always  “last days” no matter when school ends. 

  How about this idea?  Make “end” of grade testing truly the end.  After kids pass the tests, their school year is finished.  Pack up, go home.  Teachers remain to review with those kids who didn’t pass.   Since we (teachers) will have a relatively small group, like PAC, the kids who need more help really get it.  Plus there is definite incentive (getting out of school earlier) to pay attention during class and put effort into the EOGs.

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