One of my former students, Destin, was in a serious car accident tonight. At this point all I know is that there is swelling around the brain, his lungs are bruised and he is on an oxygen machine for his breathing. He has not woken up at this point. I would appreciate it if any of you would be willing to say a prayer for him and his family. His mom is currently in Kansas City because her father is dying. I am sure this family would appreciate any prayers. Destin is a great kid. He also ran track for me. Thanks.
I got an update at 11:30pm. Destin is in a drug induced coma at this point. They said the next 48 hrs. is crucial.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Topless Women
I had a student ask me the following on Wednesday. "Ms. Leonard, how come in if a man has his shirt off in a movie the movie can still be rated PG. If a woman has her shirt off the movie is rated R." The following conversation than took place.
Me: "Well, probably because in our culture it is not proper for women to have their shirts off. Do you ever see men with their shirts off in the summer?"
Student: "If it is hot"
Me: "It is okay in our culture for men to do that. In other cultures it is okay for women to have their shirts off."
Student: "What about nude beaches? I think women should be able to go around with their shirts off"
Me: "There are some of those in America. So, what you are saying is that you would like me to go around without a shirt on?"
Student: silence
Me: "Or your mom?"
Student: silence
Me: "I ruined this for you, huh?"
At this point his friends started laughing at him and the conversation was over. This is not the first time he has asked me some weird questions. Last year he asked me what date-rape was and what a hysterectomy was. Oh, the adolescent male mind!
Me: "Well, probably because in our culture it is not proper for women to have their shirts off. Do you ever see men with their shirts off in the summer?"
Student: "If it is hot"
Me: "It is okay in our culture for men to do that. In other cultures it is okay for women to have their shirts off."
Student: "What about nude beaches? I think women should be able to go around with their shirts off"
Me: "There are some of those in America. So, what you are saying is that you would like me to go around without a shirt on?"
Student: silence
Me: "Or your mom?"
Student: silence
Me: "I ruined this for you, huh?"
At this point his friends started laughing at him and the conversation was over. This is not the first time he has asked me some weird questions. Last year he asked me what date-rape was and what a hysterectomy was. Oh, the adolescent male mind!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A Kansas Thanksgiving
This year I spent Thanksgiving with my sister, Heidi, and her family in Garden City. I had a great time playing with my nephews. One night, Adam put both his feet in one of his Dad's shoes and then tried hopping around. It was pretty funny.
We also had to be aware of the 3 year old Ninja Turtle that was ready to attack at any moment! By the way he is also wearing his Dad's shoes.
Well, I have never gotten up at 4 am to go shopping on Black Friday but this year I decided to go with Heidi. We woke up at 4 to about 1 inch of snow. After a cup of hot chocolate we headed to Walmart. I also became a Black Friday criminal. Heidi wanted to get some hoodies for the boys and we were not allowed to take them from the crate till 5 am. I took them at 4:50 and snuck away. I know, I know... I am becoming a harden criminal. So, what did I end up buying this early in the morning...a travel tube of toothpaste. The clerk was surprised I would get up that early for toothpaste but I know my dad would be proud. We also went to Sears and Penny's. I ended up with a new pair of flannel Christmas sheets, a sweater, and a mock turtle neck. Not much, but I had a good time with Heidi.
Later on that day, the boys and I went outside to play. I built a snowman and then after the picture the boys destroyed it. We had fun jumping on the snow covered trampoline and having a snowball fight.
I was jumping with Matt on Wednesday and I thought his hair looked so funny that I took a picture.
This is my hat for jogging. Matt took it off my head and put it on. I kind of think he looks like a punk band member. Watch out Linkin Park.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Ninja teacher strikes again
I have one student that calls me "Ninja". Why you may ask. Well, I have the ability to be invisible and sneak up on the most unsuspecting student right as they are about to use profanity, hurt another student, or do something they will probably regret later. The usual response when they realize I am right there is "I didn't see you. You blend in." Which of course is exactly what a ninja is suppose to do. Well, tonight my cloak and dagger abilities helped me to accomplish yet another mission.
Every day after school one of my track kids and I lift weights and then go run. While were on the track I noticed a young man and a young lady together. As they neared the young man's car, the young man sat down in the drivers seat. The young lady then sat on his lap. When Sean and I were heading back to the school, this young couple in love decided it would be more comfortable to cuddle in the back seat of his car. And seriously, that is all they were doing. Well, being the responsible teacher that I am, I thought it would be extremely funny to sneak up and scare them. So, in my ninja like fashion, I snuck up and banged on the window. To my delight I scared the crap out of both. Mission accomplished.
Actually, this is the second time I have done this to a couple enjoying each others company in a car. But the first time it was one of my roommates and they were doing more than cuddling. Good thing the chastity police, aka me and another roommate, showed up.
Every day after school one of my track kids and I lift weights and then go run. While were on the track I noticed a young man and a young lady together. As they neared the young man's car, the young man sat down in the drivers seat. The young lady then sat on his lap. When Sean and I were heading back to the school, this young couple in love decided it would be more comfortable to cuddle in the back seat of his car. And seriously, that is all they were doing. Well, being the responsible teacher that I am, I thought it would be extremely funny to sneak up and scare them. So, in my ninja like fashion, I snuck up and banged on the window. To my delight I scared the crap out of both. Mission accomplished.
Actually, this is the second time I have done this to a couple enjoying each others company in a car. But the first time it was one of my roommates and they were doing more than cuddling. Good thing the chastity police, aka me and another roommate, showed up.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A boring life
Yes, my life is pretty mundane and boring and that is why I am posting once again my bench press max: 105 lbs today.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
PI Trip
On November 6, I flew down to Arizona to go on a field trip with my old school, Oakwood. Since we weren't leaving for the trip till 10:30 pm, I flew in early and spent the day with my friend, Marge Hunter. Marge asked me to go with her car shopping. That is the second time I have been shopping for a car and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Marge is in her seventies and her kids are helping her buy the new car. The salesman offered her the lowest price so far but she would have to put a down payment right then without talking to her kids. I asked him if someone was spending his money on something wouldn't he want them to discuss it with him first. He said he could give her this deal now because they were not busy but next time she comes in they might be busy. I have yet to see the logic in the comment. Anyway, she did not put buy the car, but she did find that they were willing to give her the car for $2000 less than others. Now she can take her son in and get an even better price. It was interesting to see how desperate they were to sell her a car.
Marge and I also went to have dinner with our friend, Jane Placencia. All three of us worked together at Oakwood. I had a great time visiting with them and seeing some other former co-workers. I also got to see a handful of former students. I love to here what they are doing and were they are headed.
Now, you maybe asking why I would be going on a field trip with my old school. Well, my friend, Linda Cooper, runs the gifted program at Oakwood. I had been on four previous field trips with her and she asked if I would like to go again. Hmm, free trip to California and I get to miss two days of school. Count me in.
So, at 10:30 pm we loaded up 43 7th/8th graders and 8 adults and drove all night to California. Our first stop was Santa Cruz Island, one of the eight Channel Islands. Santa Cruz is off the coast of Ventura, CA. We took a one hour boat ride and during our trip to the island we saw a BLUE WHALE. It was amazing. We first saw its spray and then we could see part of its body come out of the water. The Blue Whale is the largest mammal on the earth. It was not a full size one, but is was large. If you look closely to the picture you can see the mist from the spray.
Blue Whale: Look for the mist
Santa Cruz Island
My friend, Linda Cooper and me
Once we got to Santa Cruz we went on a three mile hike. Parts of Santa Cruz are owned by the Park Services. It is so beautiful and peaceful out there. You can actually camp there and kayak. After hiking, we headed back to Cali on the boat. One our return drip we saw dolphins. They would swim with the boat. This is probably my best picture of them. My camera is just not quick enough to get a good picture. The kids loved it though.
The next day we went to Cabrillo Aquarium and Long Beach Aquarium. I am not sure why but that last two groups of kids I have had at Long Beach Aquarium have participated in a parade meant for little kids. The funny thing this time was that the parade had eneded and the girls were oblivious to it; they just kept marching.
After Long Beach we headed home to Arizona and I flew home on Sunday. I had a great time being with my old school, I always feel at home when I am there. My principal told me that they "retired my classroom" since it is empty this year. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work at Oakwood.
Marge and I also went to have dinner with our friend, Jane Placencia. All three of us worked together at Oakwood. I had a great time visiting with them and seeing some other former co-workers. I also got to see a handful of former students. I love to here what they are doing and were they are headed.
Now, you maybe asking why I would be going on a field trip with my old school. Well, my friend, Linda Cooper, runs the gifted program at Oakwood. I had been on four previous field trips with her and she asked if I would like to go again. Hmm, free trip to California and I get to miss two days of school. Count me in.
So, at 10:30 pm we loaded up 43 7th/8th graders and 8 adults and drove all night to California. Our first stop was Santa Cruz Island, one of the eight Channel Islands. Santa Cruz is off the coast of Ventura, CA. We took a one hour boat ride and during our trip to the island we saw a BLUE WHALE. It was amazing. We first saw its spray and then we could see part of its body come out of the water. The Blue Whale is the largest mammal on the earth. It was not a full size one, but is was large. If you look closely to the picture you can see the mist from the spray.
Blue Whale: Look for the mist
Santa Cruz Island
My friend, Linda Cooper and me
After Long Beach we headed home to Arizona and I flew home on Sunday. I had a great time being with my old school, I always feel at home when I am there. My principal told me that they "retired my classroom" since it is empty this year. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work at Oakwood.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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