I said I wouldn't talk about this however....

Alright, some people might know this story already, but for those of you who don't here goes. Last year I planned the block club party. The group (which is a group of old bitties who have nothing else to do) suggested that each household donates $10 for the party. Long story short, there were about 8-10 households with children that donated money and 2-3 house without children that donated.

I purchased most of the items for the children on the block. These items were school supplies for each house that donated. The $100 + was used for snacks, candy, nachos, etc. The block party was a huge success. It was the Saturday after Labor Day. Low and behold at the next meeting I was accused of stealing from the people who donated. (First of all, why in the devil would I take $30?!) Never mind the fact that I spent my own money on the supplies and did not ask for a penny from the group. (By the way, I did not buy cheap school supplies.) One of my neighbors (who was hosting the meeting) told them that for all the stuff they got for their 4 children, they owed me some money. (I'm still waiting.)

Fastforward to this year. I haven't gone to any meeting because I don't want to be bothered with these ladies and the foolsihness that comes with it. Well, I spoke with this one lady about being the business manager. I told her I'd do it but I can't come to all the meetinbgs. How about they have already set a date for the block party. I should let them plan the party themselves!

Forever-french enhancements

These are a set of OPI AXXIUM GEL NAILS.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Yesterday, my school had a copy cat incident with a threat. For those of you who don't know; there have been a series of threats in the Chicagoland area for the past few weeks. I guess what I don't understand is this: If you are calling in or writing threats on the wall so you can miss school, why don't you just stay at home? I don't think people really think about the resources that are wasted everytime a fake call is made. I hope we realize that in the end we are only hurting ourselves. It reminds me of the story about the boy who cried wolf. When there is an actual wolf, no one will believe us.

Let the count down begin!!

Alright, as of Monday, April 28, 2008, there will be 33 days of school left. Yippee!!!!

It's a good day!

So far today has been a good day, and I thank God for it. On days like today it makes me really want to teach. Then I think about all of the times I have to fuss with the students about bringing their materials to class. I am not sure why the students don't think they should bring anything to class. Who knows? If I had the answer I'd package it up and sell it.

Test results

I got my test results from the mammogram and everything was good. I have to go back in 6 months for a follow-up. I am glad everything is all good!

Pet peeves

Alright, I have a few things that I need to address. I can't stand when I call someone to speak to them and they are watching television and trying to converse with me. Either hang up the phone or turn off the television. How about don't answer the telephone if you are busy.

Another pet peeve is when I am driving down the street and it is a nice day and some nit wit comes along and has the music up so loud. I want to know, why in the devil do you need that music up so darn loud? Are you deaf or something? Then I wonder do these people think I want to hear their stinkin music? How rude!!!

Oh what a day.

I am so glad I am going back to school. I like to have options. Friday I had a student to call me a name. Well, here is how it happened: I use an online grade program. The students can send messages to me regarding assignments. Well, this one student was upset with the percentage on the program (which was her actual percent) and called me a b$%#^. Yea, I was really shocked. I would not have expected it from this student. If there were others in the class that did it, I would not have been so surprised. I told the student I would remember that when averaging the grades.

Fast forward to Sunday: The student sent me a message apologizing. I told the student everything was good and I was surprised because I don't have any problems out of this student. To top it off, I gave this student a "C". Silly rabbit.

Returning to school

Okay, I know some of you already know that I am going to go to cosmetology school. I still had a few nail clients I was servicing, but when I go to school I won't be able to service them. I mailed out letters informing them of the new changes. So far most of the clients were okay with this. I also included references for them to consider. A few of them seem to think that I should have still kept them on as clients. I don't know how that would be humanly possible. I'll be in school 3 nights a week and all day on Saturday. When will I have time for myself or my child. What are these people thinking? How rude and inconsiderate of them. I guess I can take this as a compliment, but I also think it is selfish on their part. The nerve.

Why nail services are sooooooooo cheap!!

As many of you already know, I am a licensed nail technician. I don't know if you've ever wondered why nail services are so cheap at those fly by night places. Well, I'm going to tell you. Many of those shops do not have licensed nail technicians working in their establishments. Most states (with the exception of Connecticut, no license is required for manicures) require some type of license or certification. Also, if you live in Illinois, you can contact www.idfpr.gov to see if someone has a current license in their area of expertise. (This site is not only for nail technicians, it is for anyone who is licensed by the State of Illinois.) You can also go to www.nailsmag.com/pdfs/handouts/NAStateBoardsDir.pdf for more info.

Anyway, many of these "chop shops" use a product call Methyl Methacrylate (MMA). MMA is banned by the FDA because it is unsafe to use on nails. Many of these places purchase large quantites of this product containing MMA because it is cheap and that is why they charge such low prices for nail enhancements. Most of the people in these places wear masks because the smell is so pungent; however that does almost nothing.

Here are some of the warning signs that a technician may have used MMA on you:
Damaged nails beds, tingling or numbness in the fingers, whitening of the fingers, irritated skin around the nail bed, difficulty in removing nail enhancements, and of course the low price.

Many people don't think about the long term health risks involved in going to these "chop shops." I always say, price is what you pay and value is what you get. It is better to pay more for a quality service in the beginning. I would not want anyone to have long term health care issues due to visiting these places. For additional information go to www.hooked-on-nails.com/mmaandyou.html

The Glass Slipper Project

As many of you already know, I volunteer with the Glass Slipper Project. The glassslipper is an organization that provides high school girls with prom dresses and other accessories. This is totally free to the girls. The news media here came out to cover the event. There are two more boutiques. The next one is on April 26 and the final one is May 3 @ 5055 S. State Street (Farren Elementary). They are still in need of items for prom. Remember how your prom was, don't you want to make some young ladies prom as memorable as yours was?

You can still drop off donations at the school. Check the website for additional information. http://www.theglassslipperproject.org/

If you are donating a dress, please have it dry cleaned before you bring it in. Hoisery, accessories (new dressy earrings, necklaces and bracelets), purses, shawls/wraps, and new formal shoes.

My Appointment

I had my test yesterday. I think all is well. The technicians and doctor believes it is a cyst or some other type of non-life threatening mass (it begins with an A). Also, since the mass moves around, it is believed to be a good sign.

I just want to encourage every woman to get checked. It was not a bad as i thought. There was a little pain during the process, but it was o-kay.

Today is the big day

It is the big day. I am still a little uneasy, but I am trying to relax. I have a good friend going with me to my appointment. I am glad about it. It's not like I've been thinking about my appointment, but it has been in the back of my mind.

Mammograms

Ok, I don't know how many of you know, but I have my first mammogram tomorrow. I am a little nervous about it. I am still in my early 30's and there is a small mass in my right breast. I just want everyone who believes in the power of prayer to keep me in your prayers. My appointment is scheduled for 1:30p CST. Thank you in advance.


PS Cancer Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Calling all teachers

I just wanted all teachers to know that I currently use an online grading program that is totally free to use. You don't have to be one of the first in your school to sign up for this program. All you have to do is go to www.engrade.com


It is the best!!!!! The students and parents can log in and check their grades from anywhere there is Internet access.

Fighting vs Writing Pt. 2

Ok, so my next group of sophmores just came in and the same people who were fighting earlier, just had round 2. Where is DON KING when you need him? If anyone knows of a boxing talent scout, have him or her to contact me. I am sure some of these students here can benefit from some formal training.

Once again, I am so disturbed by this "entertainment" they like. I feel so sad for them because many of them will probably never know what it means to truly be entertained.

Fighting vs Writing

Ok, my sophmores are in class and they were more concerned about a fight which just occurred. The biggest question on their minds is "Who won?" What is wrong with this picture? I can honestly tell you that many of them are not doing their best in my class and they are worried about a fight. When will all this foolishness end? Why do our inner city children enjoy watching people inlict bodily harm on one another?

How about no one in my class did the assignment. Wake up people!!!! This is our future. I am so frustrated with them. Then they tell me they are going to go to college. It is a sad scene that plays over and over again. I sometimes feel like I'm in the movie Speed. Remember the scene when they put the tape in and it kept playing over and over? I feel like that sometimes.

Knitting

Last night I went to my knitting/therapy group. I had a good time. I really enjoy getting together with this group. All of the ladies have various backgrounds but we all seem to connect. I am so glad I picked up this new skill. It is enjoyable and I'll be making some items real soon.

Saturday, I am going with my book club to The Glass Slipper Project. This organization gives away for free (I know that is like an oxymoron) dresses and other prom accessories.

My day

Today I had to give my students a test because our school is a High School Transformation School. This means we received money from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. As a part of the agreement, whe have to follow this curriculum and give a number of assessments. It saddens me to know that so many inner city students have been set up to fail and when they are given a task they complain about it.

They were supposed to write an essay and many of them wrote one HUGE paragraph. There is no beginning and no end. What is even more disturbing is this is OUR future. What is really going on? I don't get it.

Oops!

Ok, I thought I posted a picture for the Resurrection Sunday post, I guess I didn't do it right.

Resurrection Sunday

This is me on Resurrection Sunday or as most people call it, Easter Sunday.

Virgin Blogger

Ok. I am new to this blogging, but I've heard it's the rave and I don't like being out of the loop. I don't know how much time I can devote to this, but I'm going to try and be faithful. I've go a lot on my plate right now. I'm a full-time mom, and I work full-time. I am learning how to knit. If you like knitting, check out www.ravelry.com I am new the knitting game also. I had to learn something new. I am enjoying it so far. Ok, until later.