the best stress buster ....

is kissing the cutest pumpkin in the world.

yeah, i've been mum for a while. not for lack of anything to blog because believe you me virginia, a lot has happened. but i can't put a finger to it. what parts of my last two weeks can i blog about without compromising people's identities? hence the long absence.

anyway, i figured i can at least write about the mundane stuff and the gp stuff. so here goes.

i've been helping out my co-teachers in school as an in class support for a few inclusion classes as i've mentioned in earlier posts. i assist in two math classes, 3 science classes, 2 research paper writing classes and a sixth grade language arts class. my schedule is pretty much like it used to be -- averaging five classes most days.
i've been making progress in math. i was so thrilled to learn and actually understand the slope and math similarities. i wish i had this understanding in math when i was in high school. it would've made a whole lot of difference.

the research paper writing classes are the most rewarding for me because these classes make me feel very needed indeed. i have several students with learning disabilities and it is really quite a struggle for them to read, much more write a research paper. i have a lot of respect for their teacher. it is very very difficult not to lose one's head with a class like that.

i've befriended a 7th grader who just transferred from saudi arabia. i can only imagine how miserable it must feel to be transplanted from one's home to a totally new place where one does not understand the language. a smile from this kid was all i needed to decide that he will be my next gratis ESL project. i feel good to be able to help him in what little way i can.

this whole inclusion in class support thing has also opened my eyes towards the special ed kids. i've always thought i can never teach special ed kids because i lack the patience to deal with them. i think i'm getting better with relating to them. ah, must be my sense of humor that wins them over. these days i hang out with k and her kids. they are a crazy group, and they drive her nuts sometimes, but she loves them dearly. i'm beginning to fall in love with them too, because deep inside they are kids after all, they just learn differently.

i made a new friend. he just blows my mind to say the least, but it's been good so far. i enjoy the company and meaningful conversations. it's also a good feeling to have someone i can spend hours in the bookstore and ikea with as well as walks in the park.

here are the top pics and moments of the past 2 weeks....

sunday service at the times square church -- gospel choir extraordinaire

a walk in central park

beef goulash with dumpling



jonah's cute halloween costume

a water/lightshow in ceasar's in AC


a gigantic chupa chups from AC's biggest candy store


breathtaking fall foliage in dunkerhook park

and

sticky rice with green tea ice cream.



we're having a long weekend due to the NJEA's teacher's convention in AC. i'm going out with moonshine and pumpkin this morning, and meeting up with candy hopefully this afternoon.

i can't wait for chocnut's visit in the big apple. durga, chocnut and and moonshine will have a sleepover, a tour of the city's display windows, and lotsa lotsa talking.
screeeeee!!!!