I think it's funny
The way men flip out their
Tails before they sit down,
Saving their suit from wrinkles.
It seems like such a dramatic
Gesture made to signify
Dignity and class.
Because gentlemen don't
Wrinkle or crease,
And they always flip out
Rather than tuck in.
Women don't have that
Luxury or dramatic statement.
Imagine the reaction
Received if a woman lifted her
Dress before sitting down,
Letting it fall around her but
Not under her,
Bare legs sticking to the plastic
Chair and underwear peaking.
That just wouldn't do.
How unfair life tends to be,
Keeping tails flipped out and
Skirts tucked in.
These expectations I am supposed to be
Confined to tighten around my
Neck like the tie I'm
Self-conscious to wear.
Because sitting with your legs
Squeezed together is uncomfortable and
Impossible for eight hour days
And going to the ballet with no
Bra is socially unacceptable.
And it doesn't seem to matter my
Desire to stick to chairs and
Let them hang once in awhile.
I find myself longing for
Luxuries that don't come with my
Body or sex or gender,
Kept from comfort and convenience by a
Vagina and boobs,
When sometimes all I want is to
Flip out my tails.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Buckets and Ramblings
I am revising my bucket list for the semester:
1. Ride on all colors of trains. So far I've crossed red, blue, and pink off. That leaves green, yellow, purple, and brown.
2. Green Mill Poetry Slam. I've been here eight weeks and still no poetry slam at the founding bar.
3. The Brew and View Movie Theatre. I'm most likely going to watch the last Twilight movie tipsy. Hopefully it will make it better. Or at least more enjoyable.
4. Ice Skating in Millinium Park. I've never gone ice skating. It may kill me. But I want to try anyway.
5. DuSable Museum of African American History. It's only free on Sunday, so it may be my afternoon outing today.
6. Jane Addams Hull House Museum. Always free, just need to take the time and actually go.
7. Blue Man Group. If you volunteer to usher, you can see the show for free. My roommate and best friend went last night, I was jealous.
8. Museum of Mexican Art. Also always free, just need to take the time and actually go.
9. Have one drink in the Hancock Building Signature Lounge. Because buying a drink is cheaper than paying to go to the observatory, and the lounge is higher.
10. See as many shows for as little money possible. My goal is actually one every week, but that might be stretching it a bit. It's possible to get cheap seats, but I don't know if it's possible to get that cheap of seats.
It's been an interesting week. Monday I had my first really awful day of school. Week seven is pretty good for my first awful day. And then Tuesday was great, so it all turned out fine.
I went to a ballet. Beautiful. But I'm realizing that my attention span isn't long enough for ballets. It's very hard to just focus on what is happening on stage. It's lovely and moving, but often times I'm watching and thinking about something completely different. I think it's because I'm such a lover of words that it's hard to pay attention when there aren't any.
I've been struck by the first homesick twinges for awhile. Like Monday after my awful day, I just wanted to go home. I also made pizza casserole for Andrew that night and ate his mushrooms; if I was home, I would have been eating my brother Brad's mushrooms. Stupid things like that. Or going to a show on my own yesterday made miss walking into the theatre department and finding someone who would go see a show with me. I'm also missing friends who don't require going out and drinking every night to have fun. Not that I'm against drinking, but I don't want to do it every, single night. Not my scene at all. Strangely enough, I found myself a little homesick after talking to my dad on the phone about farming and my absentee ballot.
The desires to go home pass quickly, but they are there nonetheless. I'm excited for Christmas so I can go home for a bit. I'm not excited for Christmas, because I have no idea what my life is going to look like after December 7. I need a Chicago roommate.
My weeks in Chicago are over half over. By the time November comes, I'll have missed it. Halloween, then I have friends coming the first weekend of November, then the elections happen, then Aleah is visiting, then I think Heather and Lynda are visiting, then it's Thanksgiving, then I have two weeks of teaching left. Bah. Crazy to think about. So I'm not going to think about it.
Until next time.
1. Ride on all colors of trains. So far I've crossed red, blue, and pink off. That leaves green, yellow, purple, and brown.
2. Green Mill Poetry Slam. I've been here eight weeks and still no poetry slam at the founding bar.
3. The Brew and View Movie Theatre. I'm most likely going to watch the last Twilight movie tipsy. Hopefully it will make it better. Or at least more enjoyable.
4. Ice Skating in Millinium Park. I've never gone ice skating. It may kill me. But I want to try anyway.
5. DuSable Museum of African American History. It's only free on Sunday, so it may be my afternoon outing today.
6. Jane Addams Hull House Museum. Always free, just need to take the time and actually go.
7. Blue Man Group. If you volunteer to usher, you can see the show for free. My roommate and best friend went last night, I was jealous.
8. Museum of Mexican Art. Also always free, just need to take the time and actually go.
9. Have one drink in the Hancock Building Signature Lounge. Because buying a drink is cheaper than paying to go to the observatory, and the lounge is higher.
10. See as many shows for as little money possible. My goal is actually one every week, but that might be stretching it a bit. It's possible to get cheap seats, but I don't know if it's possible to get that cheap of seats.
It's been an interesting week. Monday I had my first really awful day of school. Week seven is pretty good for my first awful day. And then Tuesday was great, so it all turned out fine.
I went to a ballet. Beautiful. But I'm realizing that my attention span isn't long enough for ballets. It's very hard to just focus on what is happening on stage. It's lovely and moving, but often times I'm watching and thinking about something completely different. I think it's because I'm such a lover of words that it's hard to pay attention when there aren't any.
I've been struck by the first homesick twinges for awhile. Like Monday after my awful day, I just wanted to go home. I also made pizza casserole for Andrew that night and ate his mushrooms; if I was home, I would have been eating my brother Brad's mushrooms. Stupid things like that. Or going to a show on my own yesterday made miss walking into the theatre department and finding someone who would go see a show with me. I'm also missing friends who don't require going out and drinking every night to have fun. Not that I'm against drinking, but I don't want to do it every, single night. Not my scene at all. Strangely enough, I found myself a little homesick after talking to my dad on the phone about farming and my absentee ballot.
The desires to go home pass quickly, but they are there nonetheless. I'm excited for Christmas so I can go home for a bit. I'm not excited for Christmas, because I have no idea what my life is going to look like after December 7. I need a Chicago roommate.
My weeks in Chicago are over half over. By the time November comes, I'll have missed it. Halloween, then I have friends coming the first weekend of November, then the elections happen, then Aleah is visiting, then I think Heather and Lynda are visiting, then it's Thanksgiving, then I have two weeks of teaching left. Bah. Crazy to think about. So I'm not going to think about it.
Until next time.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Homecoming Humbug
I have never been a part of a school so anti-homecoming as Kelvyn Park.
Maybe anti-homecoming isn't the right way to phrase it.
I have never been a part of the school where students aren't excited about dressing up everyday. When the weird student teacher is one of the most decked out, there are issues. Why wouldn't you take the opportunity to dress like a complete fool if it was given to you?
I've worn quite a few funky things this week, things I never thought I'd get to wear to school, such as:
-Star Wars cut off shirt
-Neon blue leggings
-Purple skinny jeans
-Light blue swim trunks
-Denim floral button up shirt
-Orange paisley tie
Sadly, the weird days are over, leaving Kelvyn Park Spirit Day (wear gold and black) and Twin Day (gross...). I must say I made a pretty decent nerd, a really awesome '80's chick, and went all out for wacky-tacky day. It's been fun. If nothing else, I've given the kids something to talk about.
It's been so interesting realizing the feelings of animosity and frustration that your teachers hold, your students are going to pick up on. Where there is disfunction and stress, it's no wonder the students don't show a whole lot of school spirit. Hard to force spirit in a place that seems pretty spiritless.
However, despite the chaos still happening all around us, we are doing our best to create a classroom of safety and stability. I don't know how well it's working, but we sure are trying.
The most important thing for me is that I am having a good time with the students, and I think they feel the same with me. They give me a hard time well enough, I would hope they enjoy me.
They've discovered that if they're funny and make me laugh, I often loose a lot of my intensity and seriousness, obviously. So I'm trying to figure out how to keep control but still have a good time. The proportions are tough to figure out. Mom told me the other day that it's better they know me as the teacher they can make laugh than the teacher they can make cry. I've gone seven weeks without crying. That's gotta be some sort of record for a student teacher, right?
So I'm starting to wade into the deep end, teaching three classes every day and planning a couple lessons a week. I also have the unit plan to create this weekend, so that should be lots and lots of fun.
Until next time.
Maybe anti-homecoming isn't the right way to phrase it.
I have never been a part of the school where students aren't excited about dressing up everyday. When the weird student teacher is one of the most decked out, there are issues. Why wouldn't you take the opportunity to dress like a complete fool if it was given to you?
I've worn quite a few funky things this week, things I never thought I'd get to wear to school, such as:
-Star Wars cut off shirt
-Neon blue leggings
-Purple skinny jeans
-Light blue swim trunks
-Denim floral button up shirt
-Orange paisley tie
Sadly, the weird days are over, leaving Kelvyn Park Spirit Day (wear gold and black) and Twin Day (gross...). I must say I made a pretty decent nerd, a really awesome '80's chick, and went all out for wacky-tacky day. It's been fun. If nothing else, I've given the kids something to talk about.
It's been so interesting realizing the feelings of animosity and frustration that your teachers hold, your students are going to pick up on. Where there is disfunction and stress, it's no wonder the students don't show a whole lot of school spirit. Hard to force spirit in a place that seems pretty spiritless.
However, despite the chaos still happening all around us, we are doing our best to create a classroom of safety and stability. I don't know how well it's working, but we sure are trying.
The most important thing for me is that I am having a good time with the students, and I think they feel the same with me. They give me a hard time well enough, I would hope they enjoy me.
They've discovered that if they're funny and make me laugh, I often loose a lot of my intensity and seriousness, obviously. So I'm trying to figure out how to keep control but still have a good time. The proportions are tough to figure out. Mom told me the other day that it's better they know me as the teacher they can make laugh than the teacher they can make cry. I've gone seven weeks without crying. That's gotta be some sort of record for a student teacher, right?
So I'm starting to wade into the deep end, teaching three classes every day and planning a couple lessons a week. I also have the unit plan to create this weekend, so that should be lots and lots of fun.
Until next time.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Student Substitute
Student teachers shouldn't be left with substitute teachers. Bah. Crazy.
Really, it wasn't terrible. The students were a little chaotic at times, but we kept them in check and on task for the most part. It wasn't until eighth hour that it got really interesting. And by interesting, I mean mass chaos.
The task for the day was creating islands in their groups. It was to give the group a way to solidify themselves. Little did we know when I was planning this activity that today would be the day when most of the students would get schedule changes. So the groups will all be different tomorrow. Frustrating.
Anyway, they had to name their island and capital; name a national flower, animal, and colors; write an island motto; give their island a mission statement; appoint a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer for the island; write a history of their island; and create a flag. So they were supposed to be creative, have fun, and get done by the end of class.
Here's some of the highlights:
- At least five groups asked if their national flower could be marijuana. No.
- No, "Sex Island" is not an appropriate name, nor is "XXX" for the capital.
- YOLO (You Only Live Once) is the most over done motto I've ever heard. Seriously, be more creative.
- DOLO (Dinosaurs Only Live Once) is a bit more creative. It made me laugh.
- Don't tell me your head phones don't work. I know you're lying. You wouldn't have them in your ear if they didn't work.
- You're a sophomore. Go to your own class.
- "A shipwreck" is not a good enough history. Come on, be creative, tell me a story!
- You don't get candy everyday. And you have to earn candy.
- Hey, you're too loud. Bring it down.
- "What's your name again?" "Ms. Trease." "Tree?" "Trease" "Tree?" "Trease." "Tree?" "You can call me Ms. T."
- Writing curse words on the desk with dry erase markers is not approriate behavior. I don't care if it wipes right off.
- Oh my goodness, stay in your seat!
- "Sit." "I'm not a dog." "I know you're not. Sit down, please."
- No, he doesn't "look gay." There is nothing wrong with being gay, but don't call him gay if he's not.
- No, Adhall can not be your national animal. He's a human, pick an animal. And you don't spell his name Adel.
And the cherry on the sundae:
I broke up my first fight.
Kevin had his bag and coat in the chair next to him, made it look like a person, they called him Bob. Jordan wanted to sit in Bob's seat. Kevin pushed Jordan's arm away. Jordan grabbed Kevin by the shirt and shoved him out of this seat into the table behind them. That's where I jumped in, breaking them apart and taking them to the hall. The sub made sure they didn't kill each other, I pushed the button for security. In the mean time, I went to the hall, talked them down. Kevin calmed down, went back in the classroom. I calmed Jordan down, gave him a minute, he went back into the classroom. They both went back to work just fine. Five minutes later, security showed up. Little late, guys. I had it handled by that point.
It was crazy. One minute I was reading about Barney's Island, the next I was prying fists from a kid's shirt. I just hope the students didn't notice the panic on my face.
All in all, I feel good about the day. I think I handled everything very well. It was just not how I expected my day to end. Crazy. Welcome to inner city schools.
On a positive note, I got to talk to a student about not dropping out of school. I hope he stays. I think I convinced him to at least wait until Friday so he can talk to Ms. Holzmann tomorrow and the councilors on Friday.
I love my placement. Always an adventure.
Until next time.
Really, it wasn't terrible. The students were a little chaotic at times, but we kept them in check and on task for the most part. It wasn't until eighth hour that it got really interesting. And by interesting, I mean mass chaos.
The task for the day was creating islands in their groups. It was to give the group a way to solidify themselves. Little did we know when I was planning this activity that today would be the day when most of the students would get schedule changes. So the groups will all be different tomorrow. Frustrating.
Anyway, they had to name their island and capital; name a national flower, animal, and colors; write an island motto; give their island a mission statement; appoint a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer for the island; write a history of their island; and create a flag. So they were supposed to be creative, have fun, and get done by the end of class.
Here's some of the highlights:
- At least five groups asked if their national flower could be marijuana. No.
- No, "Sex Island" is not an appropriate name, nor is "XXX" for the capital.
- YOLO (You Only Live Once) is the most over done motto I've ever heard. Seriously, be more creative.
- DOLO (Dinosaurs Only Live Once) is a bit more creative. It made me laugh.
- Don't tell me your head phones don't work. I know you're lying. You wouldn't have them in your ear if they didn't work.
- You're a sophomore. Go to your own class.
- "A shipwreck" is not a good enough history. Come on, be creative, tell me a story!
- You don't get candy everyday. And you have to earn candy.
- Hey, you're too loud. Bring it down.
- "What's your name again?" "Ms. Trease." "Tree?" "Trease" "Tree?" "Trease." "Tree?" "You can call me Ms. T."
- Writing curse words on the desk with dry erase markers is not approriate behavior. I don't care if it wipes right off.
- Oh my goodness, stay in your seat!
- "Sit." "I'm not a dog." "I know you're not. Sit down, please."
- No, he doesn't "look gay." There is nothing wrong with being gay, but don't call him gay if he's not.
- No, Adhall can not be your national animal. He's a human, pick an animal. And you don't spell his name Adel.
And the cherry on the sundae:
I broke up my first fight.
Kevin had his bag and coat in the chair next to him, made it look like a person, they called him Bob. Jordan wanted to sit in Bob's seat. Kevin pushed Jordan's arm away. Jordan grabbed Kevin by the shirt and shoved him out of this seat into the table behind them. That's where I jumped in, breaking them apart and taking them to the hall. The sub made sure they didn't kill each other, I pushed the button for security. In the mean time, I went to the hall, talked them down. Kevin calmed down, went back in the classroom. I calmed Jordan down, gave him a minute, he went back into the classroom. They both went back to work just fine. Five minutes later, security showed up. Little late, guys. I had it handled by that point.
It was crazy. One minute I was reading about Barney's Island, the next I was prying fists from a kid's shirt. I just hope the students didn't notice the panic on my face.
All in all, I feel good about the day. I think I handled everything very well. It was just not how I expected my day to end. Crazy. Welcome to inner city schools.
On a positive note, I got to talk to a student about not dropping out of school. I hope he stays. I think I convinced him to at least wait until Friday so he can talk to Ms. Holzmann tomorrow and the councilors on Friday.
I love my placement. Always an adventure.
Until next time.
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