It has to be said that SNL's skits can be up and down like the tides in terms of humor. I know others might not agree with that statement, but that's how I feel. Well, this past week Neil Patrick Harris, AKA Barney from How I Met Your Mother, hosted the show. I have to say it was pretty funny. Two skits in particular struck my fancy.
First of all, everyone who knows me knows I pretty much love musicals. It's a surprising thing to find out about me, but I love them. I mean Cats was my favorite CD when I was 5 (and I never saw the show until I was 16, that's what is even sadder), I loved Rent way before I saw it live or it was made into a movie, Dominique and I experienced a Christmas miracle by getting seat upgrades when we saw Avenue Q which was great, I mean I could go on. Pretty much any chance to see a musical, that is good, I am pretty much going to take. MOST people want to go to New York to shop, see the sights; I just want to go to see a show ON Broadway. (Side note, Wicked is coming to the BJCC in April and I could NOT be more excited...another great soundtrack. Seriously, I'll stop.) Anywho, with the recent economic crisis, shows are closing down all over Broadway. As a result, this skit was made. I feel there is no need to explain. Hilarious.
This second skit marks the uprise of SNL. Digital Shorts were probably the best thing SNL ever thought to do. They're genius. And the fact that NPH isn't afraid to make fun of the fact that he played a teen doctor named Doogie is completely awesome to me. Hope you enjoy.
All right, so this was too good (to me anyway) NOT to share. So today was a pretty good day in my class. I exercised patience and self-control and my kids tried their best not to grate on my nerves. Well, during snack today, I was reading Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants. Great books, BTDubb, however, disclaimer, if Junie B. were in my class, that girl might have a black eye, but kids LOVE it.
ANYWHO, you all remember "Dylan," the little girl who spelled we W-i-i? (Which, by the way, she got one for Christmas and every thing she's written about since then has been about the Wii...which I can kind of appreciate) Well, she got called to the office, and, because it was her, I knew chances were she was probably in trouble. Most of the time my kids go to the office for misbehaving on the bus and they usually get suspended from the bus for 1 day WHICH usually means they don't show up that day...I won't lie and say I don't love it. Well, she left and then when she came back I asked her what they wanted and this is what she said.
Me: So, what'd they want in the office? "Dylan": Oh, I was in trouble. Me: Oh, well, what'd you do? "Dylan": Oh, we can't sit together anymore. Me: Who? What? "Dylan": My sister and me. Me: OH! On the bus? Did y'all fight? "Dylan": Oh, yeah. Yesterday she threw my back pack off the bus. They got pretty mad. Me: What?! While it was moving. "Dylan": Yeah. They had to stop and get it. But it's ok, but if she does it again, we're in more trouble. Me: Uhm, yeah. Finish your snack.
So yeah, I mean I thought that was hilarious. Then again, I think everything they say is funny. Hoped you enjoyed.
Now I'm not going to be so negative as to say that 2009 is the equivalent to that of a "crap sandwich." (A phrase I can thank Dominique for and one I'm sure my mother is clucking her tongue and shaking her head at, but oh well. Sorry moms. :) ) No, 2009 hasn't been long enough to reach that status. However, the past week 1/2 back at school CAN reach that status. Allow me, if I possibly can, to elaborate.
I was called to testify in court for reasons legally I can't get into, but know that I did not partake in some sort of B&E with any local hooligans, (that's breaking and entering for the "un-hip") but it had to do with one of my kids in my class. No big deal, I just had to plan to possibly be out of my room between this Monday and Wednesday (today); they said they'd let me know an hour before. I know most of you are probably thinking, "What? Why is that bad? Just suck it up and go," but you can't just "go" when you have 20 1st graders. You have to plan something for them to do, something for them to do when they've finished the other thing you planned for them, a detailed list of rules and procedures, another detailed list regarding who can't stand/sit with who in line/on the carpet, etc. (And that's just for being gone 1, maybe 1 1/2 hours. Just imagine a whole day). So yeah, I was not stoked. Plus there are other things to the situation that just made me feel like a craptastic teacher and like I was getting put right in the middle of something I did NOT want to be put in, but anywho. Well, they did give me a little notice, a whole 2 days notice, so I planned to be gone at 11 am today and return soon after I gave my little testimonial. WELL, I am about 15 minutes down the road (11:15. I testify at 11:30) when the school calls to tell me that the lawyer just called and said they don't need me afterall. Are. You. Kidding. Me. I mean, it is a blessing, don't get me wrong, but 15 minutes before?! Nobody has any respect for my time, I tell ya. So yeah, I planned and worried and lost sleep (truly I did) over NOTHING. Nothing.
I have had to plan double time for my class because I found out I have not 1 but 5 kids who are below where they need to be in 1st grade. Awesome. 5 out of 20. 1/4 of my students. I am the best and most awesome teacher ev-er. So I had to fill out 5 sets of paperwork to take them through testing, plan extra lessons plans to do extra work with them, schedule 2-3 more hours into my school day to fit all that schiesse in, and then turn average yarn into gold to be spun before the nights end.
I have a paper due for my 1st year evaluation coming up. SERIOUSLY, who has to write a paper after they graduate?? TEACHERS, that's who, because we always have homework, we are never not supposed to be doing something (though I quite frequently choose to ignore whatever it is).
I had to start making payments on my student loans. Thank you, Sallie Mae, for truly being a life ruiner. I am seriously forever endebted to you and all I get is a job where I am underpaid and underappreciated, but I love it. Catch damn 22.
Pro-freakin-ration. Apparently I picked the wrong year to become a teacher because apparently the government is out of money. I tell you, they say, be a teacher, they need you, there's a shortage, and there is, but we have the hardest time finding/keeping jobs. Lord, please don't let me loose my job. I'm too unmotivated to start that process all over again.
I spilled my Diet Coke all on the floor in front of my classroom yesterday. I went to turn my hand to unlock my door and as I turned that wrist, I idiocally turned the other and poured my DC all on my floor AND on my new lunch box (but don't worry, I got that crap out). Really put a damper to the start of my day.
However, 2009 has not been filled completely with crap sandwiches and all it's tasty fillings. There have been some very fantastic things happen.
The Wii. Which is video game-ese for awesome. My sister Leigh and her husband got a Wii from my mom, Amber, and me for Christmas and I tell you, I don't know what I did before it! It is seriously the most addicting thing ever. EVER. It. Is. Awesome.
24 and American Idol have returned. Two of my loves (one I have been without for almost 2 years) have returned from the dead and are now filling up 3 of my otherwise lackluster nights of television. Fantastic
Two of my best friends are engaged, which I could have put on the crap sandwich list because I am not, but let's be honest, right now, I would be an unfit wife. Iwould probably be get charged with verbal domestic abuse, if that's possible, I have no idea. So yay Eva. Yay Jillian.
I have Monday off school. No elaboration needed.
Cadburry Mini Eggs are being sold in the individual packages at CVS which only tells me the family size bags are soon to follow. Things are looking up! (One of those will soon be my weight)
I got some a new digital camera, new jeans, new school pants, a new cardigan, new lip gloss, new Mineral Viel (make up, and this one has SHIMMER, it's amazing), AND a birthday present from Sephora. And 4 of those purchases were made using gift cards, including the camera, which makes them even better. Ah, the simple things.
Leigh got a new shipment of Omaha steaks from her mother in law, which means I got the box of gourmet franks that go with it. Gourmet franks...also known as fancy hot dogs...also known as the best hot dog Lucy Burrett and myself have ever eaten. Leigh and Matt are sick of them, so they give them to me. Bless their souls.
So, as you can see the good outweighs the bad. As yes, I still know the Lord is good and He loves me and wants me to prosper, but that doesn't prohibit me from telling everyone about my crap sandwhich of a week and a 1/2. Let's hope the month of January doesn't turn into a crap salad, then I'd really be disappointed.
**Credit to Dominique Grant for all crap food references made.**
I just thought I would combine 2 delightful Christmas songs to create one awesome title. So, yes, Christmas break is coming to a close. I had a good first grown up Christmas break. Christmas is different when you're an adult. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is still wonderful and great and will always be my favorite holiday, but it's just different. You get excited about getting plates and robes and pajama pants (all of which I looooove, especially the robe).
Anyway, we did have some childlike moments on Christmas. My sister Leigh and her husband got a Wii (which is awesome and my arms are officially sore from playing it for 4 days in a row). My mom also got a bike (found by my sweet and kind brother in law). A beautiful baby blue old school bike. And she loves it. However, we forbid her to ride it until she went up the road to the Super Secret Wal Mart and bought a helmet. She says it's one of her favorite gifts ever.
We didn't get to stay and play with all our toys long because My mom, my two sisters Amber and Leigh, and myself had to drive to Harlingen, TX the next day at 5:30 in the AM. We were going to see my brother Sheldon, his very pregnant wife Kristin and my two nieces Karissa and Kamryn. In case you didn't know that is a 12.5 hour drive. A very long drive across 3 very ugly states. Sorry for the residents of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, but there is not much scenery to see along it's lovely coasts.
Throughout our journey we learned some interesting things. For example, Amber thought that when an exit off the interstate said EXIT ONLY, that meant you can only exit there and you cannot get back on the interstate from that location. True story. We also realized you cannot steal others wireless internet while going 75 mph through the city of Houston. We also realized it's important to not sing inappropriate songs while your mother is trying to navigate through the hustle and bustle of Houston. It may result in you being "cussed." In fact, this conversation followed after making it safely through Houston.
Mom: See, Leigh, we made it. You were a fine navigator And I did NOT cuss you. Leigh: Um, you said you were going to bitch slap me. Mom: Oh...well...hmm.
We did safely make it to Texas and had lots of fun. I taught my niece Kamryn some lines from Pearl the Landlord (non of the bad words...I'm not that bad of an aunt. However, I did teach her how to say, "I need to get my drink on" which I know is bad, but come on, it was funny). I had a great birthday and my brother grilled out steaks and we had cake and I got presents and it was awesome. We had so much fun together and I hated to leave...mainly because I didn't want to spend another 13+ hours in the car (yes, the ride home was longer than the ride there). There are some stories I could tell from it, but for the sake of my family and their reputation, I will keep them to myself.
And now I must get back to the real world of 1st grade, but before I go, I leave you with some pictures from our trip. Enjooooy.
How we spent most of our trip...well...how I spent most of mine. Watching friends and various movies.
Kamryn and Karissa helping me open my presents...they're so thoughtful. I think they thought the presents were theirs.
Brother and sisters. Amber, Sheldon, Leigh, and me.
Sisters. Karissa and Kamryn. They're the cutest.
We went to the park on my birthday. Kamryn loooves the slide.
Apparently Karissa gets in trouble frequently in her Pre-K class for this act. Well, since she was with us, we didn't care. However, when her dad got there and saw her doing this, he was not pleased. Whoops.
Karissa being silly at the dinner table. I just think this picture is so cute and funny.
Kamryn had no idea I was taking a picture. This is just her natural eating face. I have never seen a child love sweets more than me, but she does. I have met my match.
So the title can and should somewhat lead you to believe that this is a more serious post, and it is, to a certain extent. I was thinking the other night, as I sat and made Dominique and Lucy watch a very sweet and sad video, about the things that make me cry. Those of you who know me can attest to the fact that I, Mary Kathryn Shropshire, am not much of a crier. Tears will eventually flow over sad or extenuating circumstances, but it is usually a few days (and in some cases months) after the situation has occurred. I'm trying and have most definitely improved my connection to my emotional womanly core, but for so long and for a reason I cannot explain, I had no connection to it.
Sure I would get upset and cry over my feelings being hurt and things like that, but things like deaths and sadness and sacrifices and love and so many other things have never hit my emotional core. Slowly, the older I get, they are. I think the older I get, I am seeing more and more that death, sadness, sacrifice, and love are a definite real and tangible part of life. I suppose I never really connected them to my life, but I am seeing more and more how they are there, all around me.
NOW, I've decided to compile a "list" in no particular order of the many movies/books/situations that can make me weep like a small small child no matter what. Do not ask me why I am posting about this, I just want to see if everyone else is just as weak as I am when it comes to these things. And for some, I will even post videos (that's right, to get the FULL effect). 1. Stepmom (movie) This movie always always ALWAYS makes me cry and in the same exact spots every time. I caught it on ABC Family one afternoon when I first moved up to Birmingham and decided, like the emotional whore that I am, to sit and watch it. The two scenes posted below are the two inparticular that I generally loose it on. Restuarant scene (OH it's just so sweet and sad)
Ending of the movie (Christmas gifts. I can't even talk about it)
2. Steel Magnolias (movie) What southern woman does not LOVE this movie and does not cry and laugh throughout the entire thing. My sisters and I love this movie and quote it constantly and always cry uncontrollably while watching it, especially in the scene posted below. We think it's secretly because Sally Field in this movie reminds us of our mother (I mean, Sally is just a motherly person, ya know?)
Funeral scene (It's just SO GOOD. I mean you are crying, you are laughing, it's just classic)
3. The Crippled Lamb (children's book) Next week I'm reading this story to my class. I'm hoping I have enough control not to break down in front of them (though I did start crying last year to my kindergarten class when I read The Story of Ruby Bridges) If you don't know this story, you need to go and read it. Find it. It is truly the sweetest and most precious story I have ever read. It's about the Christmas story and the birth of the baby Jesus and this precious lamb named Joshua...JUST typing about right now has gotten me a little emotional, so I won't go into details. Just read it. That and The Story of the Three Trees. This is one of those situations that the older I get, the more I realize and see the beauty and the sacrifice and love of the Gospel. How this precious sweet baby came to save all who come to know Him.
4. The Polar Express (children's book/movie) It doesn't matter which it is, I pretty much tear up on both of them. It's such a sweet and magical book that, to me, is full of so much symbolism. The boy in the story longs to hear the bells, but he can't because of his unbelief, when finally he sees Santa and sees that he is real, that he is there, and finally he hears the sweet tinkling of the sleigh bells. I think of how I was before I was a believer. I heard everyone talk about the Lord, saw Him work in other people's lives, but didn't truly believe He would or could work in my life. However, in the simplest and strangest of ways, God has a way of revealing Himself in His own mysterious way, giving us the faith to believe in Him, even if we don't see Him. I am doing something really awesome with my kids with The Polar Express (courtesy of my mother) and once we do it, I'll post it and tell you about it
Where I cry...because it's precious
5. Hearing small children talk about Jesus (everyday life) I realize that most of these things have to do with Christmas and children, but maybe it's just the time of year that gets me a bit a emotional, I'm not sure. There is something, though, about hearing a 6 year old share with you the simplicity of the best and most wonderful gift the world ever received. What's even more sweet is that I never bring it up with my children (because I can't) but in small conversations at lunch or at recess, they'll say things that bring tears to my eyes and make my heart melt. My mom said to me the other day that teaching at Christmas time is one of the best and most wonderful things because you get to be 6 years old again. You get to remember what it was like to be a child, to have magic and wonder all around you. Of course, she said that, and I got a little choked up, but it's true. I love my job and I am so thankful that I get the opportunity to spend my day with some of the funniest little people God created.
And last...mainly because I can't think of anything else/don't want to create the longest post ever...
6. The Story of Teddy I really don't need to explain this one, you just need to watch it. This was the video I made Dom and Lucy watch the other night, and I just cried and cried as I watched it. I've heard the story several times. I heard it for the 1st time in my Classroom Management class and thought, oh that's sweet, that's nice. Then I saw this video last year during Christmas and it finally hit me and I wept like a child. I know the music is a little cheesy and the pictures are a little dramatic, but it's just one of the sweetest stories I've ever heard. Just copy the link and paste it in your search engine. It's worth it, I promise.
http://www.makeadifferencemovie.com/
I've left you with enough videos to have you crying for days now, so I'm off. I didn't post this stuff to be depressing or emotional, just to remind everyone it's ok to laugh, to cry, to embrace all aspects of life, the heartache, the struggle, the love, and the beauty.
So every Friday in my class we have a spelling test. It's not a normal I say the word, you write the word spelling test. We do dictation sentences (which I send home at the beginning of the week for them to practice all week, so it's not new to them). I say all that to say that Friday is not my students first exposure to any of these words. All of them are somewhat familiar. Got that?
As I call out the sentences and the words, I walk around the room to make sure the kids are on the right line and that they are somewhat going in the right direction. I am walking around, pretty proud of them because for ONCE I feel like they seem to be getting these words (Praise the Risen Lamb). Then I get to my good friends seat. We will call her "Dylan." We will call her "Dylan" because earlier in the week when we were writing our name on the back of some cute elves we made, she wrote "Dylan" all over the back of hers. Her name is not "Dylan" and is not even close to being "Dylan." It doesn't even start with a D. She just does things for the sheer joy of causing me to raise my voice. Sometimes I think because she knows I'm going to just look at her with my mouth ajar, shaking my head in utter confusion.
Anyway, so I get to "Dylan's" seat and the sentence I asked them to write was "We are here." Easy, simple sentence. I go one word at a time to make sure they get it. I get to good old "Dylan's" table and I see she has written the first word, which should be "We" but instead of writing the correct, English language spelling of the word "we" she has decided to write it the cool, 21st century way and spell it "Wii." She knew what she was doing. She knows how to spell "We." In no way was she confused and thought that I meant the awesome video game system that I secretly want.
I looked at her, with my head cocked to one side and said, "Um, 'Dylan,' Miss Shrop doesn't mean THAT kind of 'we.' " The whole class then starts to yell out, "What kind of 'we' did she write?" "Did she write like a 'Wii?!' " "I have a Wii, Miss Shrop!" "Santa said he's bringing ME one!" Mind you, this is all during the middle of a test. She just grins a mischeovous grin and looks at me with this sly look like, "Ah piss, I've been caught," and erases it to write the correct spelling. However, I shouldn't be surprised. This is the same kid who, at lunch last week, was pretending to be Kung Fu Panda and practicing "dominating" everyone with just a single flick of her pinky. Ay Dios Mios.
I love the smell of - laundry, Clean Cotton/Sunwashed Linen Yankee Candles, baked goods, whatever the name of this perfume that I sprayed on myself that for the life of me I can't remember. Dang you Sephora and your ridiculous amount of fragrances.
People would say that I - the most serious person they know...sike.
I don't understand why - children insist on telling me they have to go to the bathroom AFTER they've peed their pants. and why Edward Cullen isn't real.
When I wake up in the morning - I wonder if it is possible to sleep while showering, and then get depressed when I realize it is not.
I lost my willpower to - not decrease my intake of Diet Coke...it is my one true love...besides Jesus.
Life is - perfectly planned and ordained, yet not always (well never for me) what you expect.
My past made me - thankful Jesus found me when He did.
I get annoyed when - people don't like the music/movies/book/people I think are awesome.
Parties are not a good time to - yell FIRE!
Dogs are - wonderful...even though I hate their fur, but golden retrievers are really my all time favorite, so that's ironic, I guess? Non-shedding dogs all the way though.
Cats are - Satan's spawn...except for Mr. Kitty (You're welcome, Twins)
Tomorrow is - FRIDAY! Or as my kids in my class say, "Miss Shrop's favorite day." They know me too well.
I have a low tolerance for - posers. Yes, I just used the word posers. I just took you right back to the 90's.
I'm totally terrified of - being locked in a room with that clown thing from the Saw movies, or any other weird decrepit doll face...that or being attacked by a flock of birds.
I wonder why I thought my life would be - exactly like it is. Wait, because, it is.
I always knew that I would - be a teacher. Even when I tried not to, dang it.
Never in my life have I - met someone who thought Keanu Reeves was a good actor. Ever.
High school was - full of some pretty dumb choices, but hilarious stories and fantastic nicknames for weird people.
When I'm nervous - I avoid eye contact. Whoops. The cats outta the bag.
One time at a family gathering - I made everyone (mom, sisters, and brother) wear Harry Potter glasses for my birthday. I'm pretty sure I was like 19...too old to make people do things, or have anything Harry Potter themed, but yes, it's all true..
Take my advice - laugh. A lot. And be patient. And listen. And remember the One who gave you life. Ok, that was a lot of advice.
Making my bed - is great. I finally got a big people's bed after 23 years of sleeping on a twin bed of some sort. Tis so sweet.
I'm almost always - telling someone about something some kid did in my class at some point during the day, be it phone, face to face, email, blog, the list goes on.
I'm addicted to - Diet Coke. Twilight. Peppermint ice cream. and YouTube. The last 3 are always interchangeable, but the first is a constant.
I want someone to - fly me to New Zealand to see my precious Georgie.
Just livin' the dream here in Bham...teaching the youngins, enjoying creation, laughing with friends, loving the Lord (the best I can), and remembering fondly where He has brought me from and is always taking me.
