Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, final, paper, lesson plans, parental contacts, school evacuation plans, meetings, chores, bills, etc. I feel, along with many others, I'm sure, that everything comes crashing down in December. Deadlines rise to the surface and I find myself praying during the day. I actually look to prayers to help me complete what I need to during this month. I am reassured only when I hear the stress of the others. I know that is not a considerate thing to say (or type in this case), but it is comforting to know I am not the only one. It is also comforting to know that things just have a way of working out and falling into place just as they have the previous December!
complete: finsh
etc.: "et cetera" and so on
parental: having to do with parents
evacuation:act of leaving somewhere
rise: come up
considerate: being aware of others
1You have to ____________________the homework.
2I like to eat turtey, mashed potatoes, gravy,__________ on Thanksgiving.
3We have an ____________________ plan that tells us the steps to follow when we leave the building.
4The will _______in the east.
5People should be____during the holidays.
6One should consider __________feelings if someone's child is hurt.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
La Famiglia
Thanksgiving is around the corner and soon to be followed by the other holidays that bring families together. When I was younger, I couldn't wait for these times. I would try to be as patient as possible while awaiting these joyous events. Soon enough the holidays would arrive. Without contributing any help in preparing, family members would arrive, the table would be so neatly arranged with fancy silverware , and dinner would be served.
However, my perspective of the holidays, partly because I am more aware of more, has changed. I am more aware of the tension that exists among family members. I am more aware of those that constantly do the inviting and those that only want to be invited. Over the years, I have seen the once young, rambunctious and vibrant generation grow old and now I am old enough to have seen loved ones pass on leaving behind drastic changes within the family structure and altertations of the routines of things.
Holidays have gradually become smaller for me. Instead of many family faces around the table I only see that of my nuclear family and it upsets me. I think it upsets me more because I see others with bigger guest lists and larger portion sizes at the holiday.
But before I dare say anything, I remind myself of others that are not as lucky, even lucky as me. There are many who are separated from their familes, big and small, because of their call of duty in the military. There are those grieving from the loss of family memebers and there are those dealing with seperation among their nuclear families from the simple shelfishness of one person.
This Thanksgiving I am glad to have the three people that mean so much to me: my mom, my dad and my brother....Grazie!!
patient:able to wait
aware:realizing something
contribute: give
rambunctious:noisy, out of hand
silverware: things at the table made of silver: plates, forks, knives spoons etc.
perspective: view
Be _______ and wait to open your gifts!
Please don't forget the _______________ when you set the table.
The class got in trouble for being ______________.
Were you _________that the Jets won.
At Christmas time many people_______________ to the Salvation Army.
From my _______________ I can not see the game.
A non-defining clause is when there is a phrase within a sentence, normally surrounded by commas, that is not necessary for the sentence to function. It acts as added information. Here are two examples:
1)However, my perspective of the holidays, partly because I am more aware of things, has changed.
2)A non-defining clause is when there is a phrase within a sentence, normally surrounded by commas, that is not necessary for the sentence to function.
One can also recognize a non-defining clause in speech by using an intonation. We may pause briefly between each information group.
However, my perspective of the holidays, partly because I am more aware of more, has changed. I am more aware of the tension that exists among family members. I am more aware of those that constantly do the inviting and those that only want to be invited. Over the years, I have seen the once young, rambunctious and vibrant generation grow old and now I am old enough to have seen loved ones pass on leaving behind drastic changes within the family structure and altertations of the routines of things.
Holidays have gradually become smaller for me. Instead of many family faces around the table I only see that of my nuclear family and it upsets me. I think it upsets me more because I see others with bigger guest lists and larger portion sizes at the holiday.
But before I dare say anything, I remind myself of others that are not as lucky, even lucky as me. There are many who are separated from their familes, big and small, because of their call of duty in the military. There are those grieving from the loss of family memebers and there are those dealing with seperation among their nuclear families from the simple shelfishness of one person.
This Thanksgiving I am glad to have the three people that mean so much to me: my mom, my dad and my brother....Grazie!!
patient:able to wait
aware:realizing something
contribute: give
rambunctious:noisy, out of hand
silverware: things at the table made of silver: plates, forks, knives spoons etc.
perspective: view
Be _______ and wait to open your gifts!
Please don't forget the _______________ when you set the table.
The class got in trouble for being ______________.
Were you _________that the Jets won.
At Christmas time many people_______________ to the Salvation Army.
From my _______________ I can not see the game.
A non-defining clause is when there is a phrase within a sentence, normally surrounded by commas, that is not necessary for the sentence to function. It acts as added information. Here are two examples:
1)However, my perspective of the holidays, partly because I am more aware of things, has changed.
2)A non-defining clause is when there is a phrase within a sentence, normally surrounded by commas, that is not necessary for the sentence to function.
One can also recognize a non-defining clause in speech by using an intonation. We may pause briefly between each information group.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Ouch!
I know I previously wrote about my effort to go to the gym but I am going to mention once again in this blog. Last week I was so prepared as to have the week planned out with my friend to go jogging two to three times after work around the middle school we work at. Well, Thursday night I slipped on the drain in my shower as I was entering. The drain is not attached and so ended up grazing the PVC pipe. As a result, I scraped away soome dead skin on the ball of my foot, leaving the area raw and painful.
To be honest, the first thing I thought to myself was that I would not be able to wear high-heeled shoes. Following that thought, was the disappointment of not being able to go running.
This past week has been difficult for me. It took me longer to complete tasks that are normally done so quickly like walking up and down the staircase to make copies at work, circling the classroom to make sure my students are on task, putting my (flat) shoes on and putting more weight and pressure on one side as I walked.
Finall, I am back to normal. Tomorrow I will finally begin my routine of jogging and hopefully slip into a pair of pretty shoes!
pretty: pleasing to look at
previously:at an earlier time
jogging: running at a slower pace; a kind of physical activity
Following: the next one
effort: trying hard to do something.
disappointment: not meeting your expectations
prepared: ready
enter: go in
complete: finish
drain: where water drips
graze: to scrape the skin from
painful:hurting
1.The bullet ________ his shoulder.
2.I __________ lived in New York.
3.On the ____________day she was able to eat normally.
4.She ___________the store as soon as it opened.
5.The soccer team__________ together every morning to keep in shape.
6.The student was__________for the test.
7.The shot was _____________.
8.He made an ___________ to be on time.
9.He ______________his test on time.
10.There is a __________in the sink.
11.The flowers in front are____________.
12.The food cost a lot of money and it ended up being a ______________.
A quantifier is expresses an amount. For example: I have eight cars parked in front of my house.
An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of other words. For example, AWOL: absent without leave.
Questions: is PVC from PVC pipe an acronym?
To be honest, the first thing I thought to myself was that I would not be able to wear high-heeled shoes. Following that thought, was the disappointment of not being able to go running.
This past week has been difficult for me. It took me longer to complete tasks that are normally done so quickly like walking up and down the staircase to make copies at work, circling the classroom to make sure my students are on task, putting my (flat) shoes on and putting more weight and pressure on one side as I walked.
Finall, I am back to normal. Tomorrow I will finally begin my routine of jogging and hopefully slip into a pair of pretty shoes!
pretty: pleasing to look at
previously:at an earlier time
jogging: running at a slower pace; a kind of physical activity
Following: the next one
effort: trying hard to do something.
disappointment: not meeting your expectations
prepared: ready
enter: go in
complete: finish
drain: where water drips
graze: to scrape the skin from
painful:hurting
1.The bullet ________ his shoulder.
2.I __________ lived in New York.
3.On the ____________day she was able to eat normally.
4.She ___________the store as soon as it opened.
5.The soccer team__________ together every morning to keep in shape.
6.The student was__________for the test.
7.The shot was _____________.
8.He made an ___________ to be on time.
9.He ______________his test on time.
10.There is a __________in the sink.
11.The flowers in front are____________.
12.The food cost a lot of money and it ended up being a ______________.
A quantifier is expresses an amount. For example: I have eight cars parked in front of my house.
An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of other words. For example, AWOL: absent without leave.
Questions: is PVC from PVC pipe an acronym?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Finally!
It's been two weeks and I finally got a chance to go to the gym. Normally I make it to the gym at least three times a week. Working out is a funny thing. While you are dripping sweat, aching of the muscles and gasping for air, you really question yourself. However, after you take your first steps out of the facility, you are filled with more energy and and can breath more easily. I am so happy I finally got to let off some steam. I am so guilt-free about the chocalte Teddy Graghms I couldn't stop eating.
chance: opportunity or possibility
gym: an athletic place for physical training
guilt: a feeling of deep regret
gasp: a short breath, when it is difficult to breathe
ache: feeling pain
facility: services and space and equipment that is offered for a purpose
1)"Were you ________ after the accident.
2)The school has a lot of sports' _____________.
3)There is a small_______that I will win the lottery.
4)The boy felt guilt after stealing from the store.
5)I lift weights and run at the _______everyday.
6)The runner _________for air after the marathon.
An ellipsis is when words or phrases are intentionally left of of sentences.
chance: opportunity or possibility
gym: an athletic place for physical training
guilt: a feeling of deep regret
gasp: a short breath, when it is difficult to breathe
ache: feeling pain
facility: services and space and equipment that is offered for a purpose
1)"Were you ________ after the accident.
2)The school has a lot of sports' _____________.
3)There is a small_______that I will win the lottery.
4)The boy felt guilt after stealing from the store.
5)I lift weights and run at the _______everyday.
6)The runner _________for air after the marathon.
An ellipsis is when words or phrases are intentionally left of of sentences.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
When it rains...
it pours!
When I took this new job I took a pay cut as well. I got over it when I realized a few thousand dollars a year is not a big difference when spread upon 25 pay checks. On another good note, I know myself very well to understand that the more I make the more I spend. So this year I know to be more cautious with my spending. So far, I have been saving even more than last year.
On a gloomier note, it seems I have more to purchase this year than I did last year. To give a few examples, tuition has increased. Now that I have entered a second year with a salary I can't expect my parents to pay for my two hundred dollar oil changes which are more frequent with my drive to work being further. In addition, I can not expect my parents to pay for their cruise celebrating their 25th anniversary in April. And to top it off, on Friday night my entire filling came out possibly forcing me to get a crown. Dental coverage is not close to decent.
And now, for those reading, I would like to apologize for being a drama queen and a bit self-centered. Everybody has financial burdens in addition to major ones that life offers. This is the moment when I count my blessings and hope that others who are not as blessed are able to get through their obstacles.
Few: more than two of something
Gloomy: depressing
Purchase: to buy
Salary: money you are paid in the year
Filling: what a dentist puts in the hole of a tooth
Burden: problem
1. Without sun the sky seems dark and _____________________.
2. There are only a ___________ clouds in the sky.
3. I have a cavity in my tooth and I need a ______________.
4. The women went to the mall to ___________ a dress for the party.
5. We all need strength to overcome the _____________ in our life.
6. My dad has a big________________ and therefore makes a lot of money.
If not irregular, a verb is written in the simple past tense by simply adding “ed” to the end of it.
When I took this new job I took a pay cut as well. I got over it when I realized a few thousand dollars a year is not a big difference when spread upon 25 pay checks. On another good note, I know myself very well to understand that the more I make the more I spend. So this year I know to be more cautious with my spending. So far, I have been saving even more than last year.
On a gloomier note, it seems I have more to purchase this year than I did last year. To give a few examples, tuition has increased. Now that I have entered a second year with a salary I can't expect my parents to pay for my two hundred dollar oil changes which are more frequent with my drive to work being further. In addition, I can not expect my parents to pay for their cruise celebrating their 25th anniversary in April. And to top it off, on Friday night my entire filling came out possibly forcing me to get a crown. Dental coverage is not close to decent.
And now, for those reading, I would like to apologize for being a drama queen and a bit self-centered. Everybody has financial burdens in addition to major ones that life offers. This is the moment when I count my blessings and hope that others who are not as blessed are able to get through their obstacles.
Few: more than two of something
Gloomy: depressing
Purchase: to buy
Salary: money you are paid in the year
Filling: what a dentist puts in the hole of a tooth
Burden: problem
1. Without sun the sky seems dark and _____________________.
2. There are only a ___________ clouds in the sky.
3. I have a cavity in my tooth and I need a ______________.
4. The women went to the mall to ___________ a dress for the party.
5. We all need strength to overcome the _____________ in our life.
6. My dad has a big________________ and therefore makes a lot of money.
If not irregular, a verb is written in the simple past tense by simply adding “ed” to the end of it.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A Most Needed Friday Afternoon
Normally on Fridays there is always a a Happy Hour to where the teachers are invited. Normally I choose not to go because of my distance I need to travel home or because of errands I need to run. Usually my boyfriend and I have plans and like to be home and ready before he comes by.
But this Friday was different. My boyfriend is taking a trip with his family for the entire weekend. Due to my fathers belief in no pre-marital vacations I was not granted permission to attend and sleep with his grandmother. But I guess four days without him is a good test on our relationship considering we have seen each other close to everyday since we've been dating.
So back to kicking back on Fridays after work with my fellow teachers...
As I was saying, today seemed like a great night to go out. Firstly, the destination was not at a random bar for Happy Hour. It was a big event called the "Fall Equinox" where a teacher was holding a wine and cheese event at his house. Every attendee brings a bottle of wine or a cheese.
Well upon I arrival my friend and I were in awe of the extravagant set-up of a tent, sophisticated music, glasses and cheese platters. I have to say that I was impressed. I am now re-conisdering the notion of kicking back on Friday.
1.errand: a short trip taken in order to complete a task
2.equinox: one of the two times a year when day and night are the same amount of time
3.distance: space between two points
4.usually: normally or ordinarily
5.due: because of
6.grant: allow to have
7.permission: approval
8.attend: go to
9.destination: a place
10.belief: opinion
11.event: something that happens
12.attendee: someone who participates in a meeting or event
errand equinox distance usually due grant permission attend destination belief event attendee
1. The ________ to the meeting all arrived on time.
2. Each religion has its own ________.
3. The daughter asked her father for ________ to go to the prom.
4. I want to ________ the party but I am unfortunately not able to make it.
5. We have to drive a long time before reaching our _________.
6. There are two _________ each year.
7. We _________ don't eat dessert but for my birthday we are making an execption.
8. The _________ between my home and school is very far.
9. I must run all my _______ before having fun tonight.
10. ________ to raising cost of fuel, I don't have a lot of money to spend on luxuries.
11. The genie wants to ________ you three wishes.
12. There is a big _______ at the school that is celebrating all the tenure teachers.
A verb is a process in a sentence.
Try to gues from the context what the following idiomatic expression means:
"kicking back"
But this Friday was different. My boyfriend is taking a trip with his family for the entire weekend. Due to my fathers belief in no pre-marital vacations I was not granted permission to attend and sleep with his grandmother. But I guess four days without him is a good test on our relationship considering we have seen each other close to everyday since we've been dating.
So back to kicking back on Fridays after work with my fellow teachers...
As I was saying, today seemed like a great night to go out. Firstly, the destination was not at a random bar for Happy Hour. It was a big event called the "Fall Equinox" where a teacher was holding a wine and cheese event at his house. Every attendee brings a bottle of wine or a cheese.
Well upon I arrival my friend and I were in awe of the extravagant set-up of a tent, sophisticated music, glasses and cheese platters. I have to say that I was impressed. I am now re-conisdering the notion of kicking back on Friday.
1.errand: a short trip taken in order to complete a task
2.equinox: one of the two times a year when day and night are the same amount of time
3.distance: space between two points
4.usually: normally or ordinarily
5.due: because of
6.grant: allow to have
7.permission: approval
8.attend: go to
9.destination: a place
10.belief: opinion
11.event: something that happens
12.attendee: someone who participates in a meeting or event
errand equinox distance usually due grant permission attend destination belief event attendee
1. The ________ to the meeting all arrived on time.
2. Each religion has its own ________.
3. The daughter asked her father for ________ to go to the prom.
4. I want to ________ the party but I am unfortunately not able to make it.
5. We have to drive a long time before reaching our _________.
6. There are two _________ each year.
7. We _________ don't eat dessert but for my birthday we are making an execption.
8. The _________ between my home and school is very far.
9. I must run all my _______ before having fun tonight.
10. ________ to raising cost of fuel, I don't have a lot of money to spend on luxuries.
11. The genie wants to ________ you three wishes.
12. There is a big _______ at the school that is celebrating all the tenure teachers.
A verb is a process in a sentence.
Try to gues from the context what the following idiomatic expression means:
"kicking back"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October 7th Make-up
I want to apologize for failing to blog this past Tuesday. I have been under much stress or maybe it is stress that I create. I tend to take on more than I can chew. I began my second year of teaching in a new school district. Although I don't feel that I am re-inventing the wheel once again, it's still a new environment I have to adjust to.
An opportunity for a home-tutoring came up this year. Two hours a week for the entire year seemed like a great opportunity to make extra money (over $3000 for the year). Instead of considering the hassle I could through I quickly accepted. These past two past weeks I decided to tutor fours each week to make up for the two weeks I missed in the beginning of September. It was during these two weeks that I realized it is difficult coming up with activities and assignments for him. So I made a point to contact the high school teacher. Who than told me it was recently decided that any home-tutoring exceeding two months will require the home tutor to provide a curriculum, work and a grade. I decided right then that $48.10 an hour is not enough for me to take on that load. So next week will be my last session.
This situation got me thinking, "How much can they expect this tutor to do?" Or maybe it's just that I have a lot to do: work with a new curriculum at work, go to school at night, make time for boyfriend and family and friends.
Well I am back to completing my assignments. In addition, I will make up the two blogging vocabulary exercises I failed to do.
VOCABULARY
apologize: to feel sorry
opportunity: a chance
stress: mental strain
assignment: a task to do
tend:to move towards doing something
contact: to be in touch with someone
boyfriend: a male that someone is dating
addition: adding one thing
blog: an online journal
exceed: outdo
tutor: teach a a student one-on-one
require: make someone do something
apologize opportunity stress assignment tend contact boyfriend addition
blog exceed tutor require
1)I do much more than you thought I would. Do I _______ your expectations.
2)He wants to __________ to his mom because he lied to her.
3)The teacher will have an _______ to travel this summer because she does not work.
4)The ________ of flowers created a peaceful effect.
5)Every night we go on the computer to ______ about our daily activities.
6) I ______ to be nervous before my exams.
7)I don't understand what I am doing in math class so I hired a ______ to help.
8)The parent ________ the teacher at school.
9)The teacher gave her class an ________ to do on the weekend.
10)The government _______ us pay taxes.
11)When I have a lot to do I begin to _______ a lot.
12)Her _______ took her to a nice restaurant and a movie.
GRAMMAR
Infinitives are when verbs have no subjects. In engish they tend to have the preposition, to infront of it. For example,"to run, to eat". I would love to eat less at night.
IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS: Based on the context, try to guess the meaning of these expressions.
"Take on more than I can chew"
"re-inventing the wheel"
An opportunity for a home-tutoring came up this year. Two hours a week for the entire year seemed like a great opportunity to make extra money (over $3000 for the year). Instead of considering the hassle I could through I quickly accepted. These past two past weeks I decided to tutor fours each week to make up for the two weeks I missed in the beginning of September. It was during these two weeks that I realized it is difficult coming up with activities and assignments for him. So I made a point to contact the high school teacher. Who than told me it was recently decided that any home-tutoring exceeding two months will require the home tutor to provide a curriculum, work and a grade. I decided right then that $48.10 an hour is not enough for me to take on that load. So next week will be my last session.
This situation got me thinking, "How much can they expect this tutor to do?" Or maybe it's just that I have a lot to do: work with a new curriculum at work, go to school at night, make time for boyfriend and family and friends.
Well I am back to completing my assignments. In addition, I will make up the two blogging vocabulary exercises I failed to do.
VOCABULARY
apologize: to feel sorry
opportunity: a chance
stress: mental strain
assignment: a task to do
tend:to move towards doing something
contact: to be in touch with someone
boyfriend: a male that someone is dating
addition: adding one thing
blog: an online journal
exceed: outdo
tutor: teach a a student one-on-one
require: make someone do something
apologize opportunity stress assignment tend contact boyfriend addition
blog exceed tutor require
1)I do much more than you thought I would. Do I _______ your expectations.
2)He wants to __________ to his mom because he lied to her.
3)The teacher will have an _______ to travel this summer because she does not work.
4)The ________ of flowers created a peaceful effect.
5)Every night we go on the computer to ______ about our daily activities.
6) I ______ to be nervous before my exams.
7)I don't understand what I am doing in math class so I hired a ______ to help.
8)The parent ________ the teacher at school.
9)The teacher gave her class an ________ to do on the weekend.
10)The government _______ us pay taxes.
11)When I have a lot to do I begin to _______ a lot.
12)Her _______ took her to a nice restaurant and a movie.
GRAMMAR
Infinitives are when verbs have no subjects. In engish they tend to have the preposition, to infront of it. For example,"to run, to eat". I would love to eat less at night.
IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS: Based on the context, try to guess the meaning of these expressions.
"Take on more than I can chew"
"re-inventing the wheel"
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