Math Aarghhh!

Ok so this whole going back to school thing has been quite an adjustment especially since I have been out of school for about 10 years. I wasn't the brightest student then and so it makes it a lot of fun now! Most of the classes are ok as long as you actually read the chapters in the book. This is new to me, but I'll be darned if the answers to the tests really aren't in there! The one class that has been my biggest worry is the Math for Elementary Teachers. You would think it would be easy, and for most it is, just a bit of a refresher course and learning the teaching techniques. I am what they would call math challenged though and have been my whole life. As many of you probably know since you are all parents yourself a lot of schools are now going to a new method for teaching math which involves using "manipulatives" and the "base 10" blocks. Let me just tell you that I had a hard enough time learning the basics as it was now they want us to teach the kids how to show how math works. Fractions in particular are my newest pain. We have to show with blocks what 1/2 of 2/3 looks like. Back in the day this would be a multiplication problem that you just multiply and reduce if possible. Not so much now! It's been fun! I drive to Willcox every Monday and spend 4 hours learning this stuff because the teacher at EA is a Freak! Seriously 4 of us are driving and I know that 3 others just dropped the class because he's so special! The teacher over at Willcox is awesome though and totally understands my math anxiety! In fact she even gave me a paper on it with the Math Bill of Rights. I have to share these because if any of the rest of you feel the way I do about Math you will love these! At the end of the semester I will do a blog just on this class as well because it is a very small class being offered my Cochise Community and each person it that class is quite interesting. So I'll keep you posted on that as well.

Math Bill of Rights

* I have the right to learn at my own pace and not feel put down or stupid if I'm slower than someone else.
* I have the right to ask whatever questions I have.
* I have the right to need extra help.
* I have the right to ask a teacher or tutor for help.
* I have the right to say I don't understand.
* I have the right to not understand.
* I have the right to feel good about myself regardless of my abilities in math.
* I have the right not to base my self-worth on my math skills.
* I have the right to feel view myself as capable of learning math.
* I have the right to evaluate my math instructors and how they teach.
* I have the right to relax.
* I have the right to be treated as a competent person.
* I have the right to dislike math.
* I have the right to difine success in my own terms.

Here's a quick run down!

Ok so it's been a while! I did a little slide show of some pictures that I meant to post oh...two months ago! I have left Varsity Gold after 4 great years and decided to go back to school. Not just any school but the hallowed halls of EAC! Yep that's right! I am hoping that whole 3rd times a charm thing is legit! The pictures are from my last day there, which everyone really made me feel loved and decorated my cube and made me a really awesome poster that was signed by my co-workers. It has been a big adjustment to not have that has part of my life anymore! Especially the money!! Lucky for me though the awesome girls in the neighborhood were there for me and suprised me with a trip to California for a "Wicked" weekend and cupcakes! Singing and butter cream, who could ask for more! As soon as I got home from my last day at VG there were all the girls ready to road trip! I had no time to feel sorry for myself! I really suck at Thank you cards so girls, this is a pathetic thank you and long over due, but you will not ever know the support you were to me that weekend and it meant a lot to me! The fact that Wicked is about true friendship and sisterhood and that I got to see it with my "clique" it couldn't have been better. I got to go to the ocean which it had been about 15 years since I've actually swam in the ocean. Jenn and I got to be bed buddies and we had cupcakes seriously I was spoiled! Thanks again ladies!
School has been going for little over a month now which in itself deserves its own blog which I will do. For those of you lucky enough to be EA Alumni you know exactly why it needs it's own blog! 10 years has passed since I went and it's funny how some things haven't changed! I am living at home with my parents which has been a big change too! It's cheap which is great, definitely humbling, and pretty fun I have to say! Since I have no social life nor plan to it works out pretty good. The fair is coming up which much like EA will get it's own blog! After the pictures you will understand why! For those of you that know about the "Your Team" Game let's just say it's a free for all! I moved down with the intention of working at the new Marriott Springhill Suites and up until the 2nd interview pretty much thought it was a for sure deal. Not the case though and really it was a blessing in disguise! After finding a few things out I don't think I could have worked there, and my school work would have been neglected. I did find it funny though that after they didn't hire me they asked my Dad to cook for their staff! How funny is that?! FREAKS!! I got even more humbled when pretty much the crappiest grocery store wouldn't even hire me to stock! It's true! I am currently waiting for my background check to clear though at Lafe Nelson to be an aide. I am excited and can't wait! Apparently I get to help with lunch time duty! How fun is that going to be! Thanks to Donelle, Alene, and Tracy for being my references! If this doesn't pan out I may very well have to start selling body parts because we all know I have no hair to sell!
I also got to go to Utah and spend a week with my sisters and some friends which was great! I got to ride up with the Winingers which was awesome! I love Jenn's boys they are great! My sister and I met up with them at Lagoon which is another happy place of mine. Josh rode with us and I was impressed that he didn't mind hanging out with the old spinsters! I just wish I had taken pictures! Hangin out with Jenn is always a good time and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to bond with her and talk Gerry since we drive everyone else crazy with it! I rode back with her sister which was fun too and the trip went by really fast. Thanks Jenn for the good times!
Well that is about it as far as what I've been up to. Stay tuned for the Graham County Fair post it should be a hoot!

Shock and Awe I'm posting!!!