Outsiders

So I can't believe that it's been a whole two months since I've bogged but I've been busy plus I'm typing this from my iPhone, so I'm sure it's going to take me a while. But I wanted to give you an update- just in case you haven't heard. So I got a job (thankfully) at holy cross catholic academy here in Amarillo. The interview wasinteresting cause I knew right after the interview that working at this school wa exactly what I was supposed to be doing. It's different from what I've been doing but I really like it. I teach 7-11th graders. My classes are algebra 2 ( a class of 4 & another of 6), algebra 1 a class of 12, 7th & 8th advanced science (10 students but it's fun and REALLY HARD FOR ME to plan lessons for), 7th math class of 12 and a math mastery class which at the moment has one student. But in some ways it's my favorite class cause if you're a teacher I'm sure at some point you've had at least one student that you just thouht if you could work one on one eith him, he'd get it. Well, the steps this student has taking in just the ten days we've been in school are amazing! Plus, I've been playing some of the games I learned with everyday math with him and I think for the first time possibly ever he's having fun in math! I've even asked my principal to order a games kit for us and he's working on it! Something funny that the actress in me misses about fourth grader is audience participation and reaction. I use the kids facial and body language to test how well the lesson is going and some of the students just dut there. But- one thing I'm really excited about, just wish it were working in practice as well as I thought it would be is my homework incentive. I didn't want to give homework passes cause they need practice, so if all of the class does their homework for acweek then they get one night of free odds or free evens. But I just thought maybe they need something more immediate, but I don't know if I want to let them do half each night, but right now there's only one class that's earned it, the class of six sophomores... So I guess I'll have to work on that.
On other news, I also found a fairly cheap apartment that isn't very far from my school, and they're really pretty nice. But I with the help if my family have my stuff moved in, I still have boxes everywhere cause I'm trying to get done more furniture and arrange rooms how I want. But it's mine and I live like three minutes from school, literally, which is amazing!! As soon as everything is ready we will be having dome dirt of celebration.
Oh, to explain the blog title: I became a fan if needtobreathe after buying the soundtrack to ps I live you, I went on to buy most if their songs. Well last Tuesday they had a new cd come out and it's AMAZING!!! like I want you all to go find it and listen to it!!! But it's title is "the outsiders" it's also a song title, but there aren't any songs that I dont like on it. It's classified as rock but it could br classified as many other things too. They have guitars, drums and a banjo! And a unique awesome lead singer!!! Give em a chance!
Well that was my first official blog as a twenty five year old!!! Just because I'm two months late doesn't mean it's any less special! Well if you're a teacher or parent or student, I wish you s fantastic school year. If you're not any of those then, I Hope your year sucks! Jk not really but I do wish you well and I'm glad to have you as a reader! :)

As the Campfire Fades...

So this may be the last chance I get for a while to blog this month, so I decided to write it on this the last night with campers here at Camp Kiwanis. I've also been inspired by recent events to write this blog, so feel free to comment with agreements and disagreements. I hope I can remember all of my talking points as I write this...

So to give you what may be a little bit of unneccessary background when I leave Camp Kiwanis this Saturday afternoon I will be completing my 9th summer on staff and 17th overall summer. So needless to say, it's a big part of my life! It's come to a point that even though some of the staff that I worked with have gone and moved, I couldn't imagine doing anything else! I remember feeling that way after maybe my 4th summer on staff! My camping experience has also helped me in all areas of life! The most recent being my move from Midland to Amarillo! I'm not sure how many of you have ever packed up and moved on your own-but it's pretty freaking stressful!! Especially when things don't go according to plan! There were several times during the weekend that I was exhausted and worn out and just didn't care! I just wanted to call my mom and say "I know I said I could handle it, but I can't so come down here and help me RIGHT NOW!" But I would immediately talk myself out of it and gave my self, several, peptalks similar to the ones that I give homesick campers! Yes I threw alot of stuff away, and I was completely exhausted by the time I got my car loaded and was ready to drive away! But the sense of pride and accomplishment at the fact that I DID IT!! ME ALL BY MYSELF!! ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING! Not just because "I had to" not because someone was standing there telling me to, but because I KNEW I COULD!! I thought I would completely just crumble into pieces when I started driving but I didn't- and I honestly think that if it weren't for my many years at camp, I would have been able to honestly say that. So that's my story~

The growth that I've seen in the young girls that come out here is something that there really are no words for. Last summer, for example, a large percentage of the staff were either staff that had worked here before or grew up going to camp here- almost all of whom I was their counselor at some point in time! To see the things these children do without their parents judgements or advice is AMAZING! Talking a child onto a horse, off the diving board, teaching her how to shot a bow and arrow and MAKE A BULLSEYE! Lighting a one match fire, using a knife for the first time, helping other campers! Oh, the list could go on but I'll stop there for I think you've got the point! Now on to my next point~

As hard as we've worked, there have unfortunately been 3 children who've gone home before the departure date! All three of the times, if we, the camp staff, had an opportunity to help the child through the initial homesickness, the camper would have made it. There's a certain gleam a camper gets in her eye after being homesick and you can tell that she's going to make it. Unfortunately, the parents didn't even give their child a chance! As a parent (and yes I realize I'm not one so saying is probably much easier than action) I believe it's your responsibility, partially, to help your child gain confidence in themselves. I know there have been times growing up that I would go and complain to mom and dad about something saying I couldn't do it, or didn't want to, and it wasn't an option! I was going to do it, and now because of that I know that if I think it through, look at all sides, and believe in myself- I CAN DO WHATEVER IT IS! I can make smart decisions. I believe that the 3 campers who went home will always have an underlying thought that their parents don't believe they CAN do something. So even though all of these parents thought that they were doing the right thing- IT WAS WRONG!! I mean if the child calls mom in November of their Freshman year in College and says, "mom I can't do this. it's too hard." even if the mom says to stay, the campers not really going to believe that she can do it! Now, some of you may think that I'm stretching this, but I'M NOT!! Camping can be SUCH an important part of childhood. If you're going to say, camp life may not be for everyone~ you may be right, but you'll never know if you don't even try!!

I'll now put my soapbox away until another parent does something stupid! :)

My bologna has a first name

Well, June's almost over, so I figured you were all "jonesing" for a new blog from me. And before I go on, will someone please tell me that they've heard that phrase before "jonesing or jonsing" well brilliant me decided to just google it...and it's slang, but here's what "urbandictionary.com" says "jonesing: craving; wanting I'm jonesing for some sushi. " so at least now I know i'm not crazy...well at least not because of that word. ANYWHO! The summer's been pretty good so far. I've realized in the past few days that I'm like a grown up now! That's kinda crazy! It's different this summer for another reason too: my friend Oscar, aka Betsy, isn't here. I've worked at camp since 2001, and Oscar and I have worked together since 2002. Two years ago, Oscar was just here part-time, but she was still at least here part time, and last summer we both stayed in the same cabin. Now, here's the grown up in me talking cause I'm okay with it, I'm not like over emotional or anything like I was when Socks or Neon left. And I'm having a great time at camp. But summer is like the MAIN time of year that I hang out with Oscar, I'm pretty sure we've hung out like EVERY 4th of July since like 2003 or so! AND NOW SHE'S IN AUSTIN! :( I don't know how to explain it, but here's a video from last summer (please excuse the profanity- nobody said we were perfect) When I took this video, we both laughed for about a good 15-20 minutes, and I crack up every time I watch it....but just for all you visual learners out there...



I'm not sure if that really helps explain anything, but I think it's funny!

Oh, on to the next subject! I HAD MY FIRST "REAL" INTERVIEW THIS MORNING!! I know!! IT'S EXCITING!! I went to a regional job fair on the 12th and talked with a local district, Pampa ISD, and gave them my resume and had a nice, short conversation with the recruiter. Well, before I even had a chance to put my application in, the high school principal called me! So I went this morning for a job interview with the math dept head and both of the asst principals, as well as the principal. It wasn't a brilliant interview, but for me it wasn't awful either- and I've had some awful ones! So they have another person to interview like next week or something so they said I should here from them in a couple of weeks or so! For people unfamiliar with Texas Panhandle-Pampa is a town about 45 minutes away from Amarillo. So I'm really glad I have some time to think about it. Yes IT'S MUCH CLOSER THAN MIDLAND, but it's still not in AMARILLO! Or even Canyon...I don't know. I'm just not sure if I want to live in Pampa, yeah I can come to town, but if I come for a weekend or something, I'll still have to stay with my parents......BUT I think it could be a really neat opportunity!! IN CASE YOU CAN'T TELL, I COULD USE A FEW PRAYERS, although I know most of you are already helping me with that! Well, I better get back to work....or playing farkle...haha..anyways! THANKS FOR READING

Until Next Time!

i know, i know...

So as I'm sure most of you know I'm currently [attempting to] pack up all of my belongings and move on home to Amarillo. And yes in true Lizzy fashion, I'm procrastinating! But considering this morning I only had one box packed and I now have 8 boxes packed-I'd have to say I'm doing pretty good. I have the living room almost completely done, just a few blankets and things. My bedroom is complicated; I'm trying to pack for 2 occassions: Moving and Camp. So I've been a little distracted in there, but I do have 3 boxes of clothes packed. I'm avoiding the dining room, aka the computer room because it's the place that most of my junk has found its home. The kitchen will be easier so I'm saving it for the end. I have more than when I moved down here cause obviously I've purchased quite a bit of stuff in the past 2 years. Plus I'm feeling like an ultra pack rat, I'm afraid that my mind is not in the right place to throw things away so I just haven't thrown anything away, with the exception of actual trash. Of course there's still my classroom, but I have 18 wonderful helpers in my room that get to help me :) And they're actually really excited to help me!

I'm sure many of you are wondering how the job hunt is going and so far I'm an official candidate for Amarillo ISD, so I have a feeling that I'll be sending around some emails or making some phone calls to schools and principals to see what my options are. Please say an extra prayer or two to help me find a job. My goal is to have a job before camp is over, that way I can move out. If I don't have a job, I'll have to stay with mom and dad!!! So maybe say four extra prayers for me, LOL. Well, this will probably be my last blog until after camp starts so I hope you have a wonderful end of the school year (for those in school) and a FABULOUS SUMMER!

Have a Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Oh, and let me know what's going on with you guys. I talk and talk and talk....so say something, make a comment or send me an email or something-OH

And OF COURSE, there is this neat thing called the "postal system" and people out at Girl Scout Camp are BIG FANS OF IT. So send some mail and help a girl scout-she writes back :)

Teddy Pace

802 N. Girl Scout Road

Amarillo, Tx

79124

I'll be at camp June 1st through July 18th

sum-sum-summertime

So there are lots of things that are kind of good news/bad news right now. I guess it just depends on who you are, where you live and how much of "me" you can really..tolerate. In a short 24 days, I will be moving out of my apartment and classroom. I ordered some boxes from uhaul and they got here yesterday and I'm excited but also not, because that means that now I have to actually pack cause I have no excuse! I'm not looking forward to it, but I think I also need to make a plan, along with a list or two so I know exactly what I'm packing and where and how and stuff. Mostly cause I have school Saturday morning, I have to be out of my apartment on Saturday and camp starts on Monday morning! Yeah! Fun times right!?! I really wish there was a way that I could teach at my school and not be so far away from my friends and family. I know there's probably a few Jones STARS reading this right now- and YOU'RE AWESOME!! You have been my second family and I hope that we are friends for a VERY LONG time! I expect invitations to all weddings, baptisms and bah mitzvahs. Your attendance is required should there ever be any sort of event that I have...not sure what that might be, but I'll let you know! :)
I don't remember being THIS ready for summer! I was thinking about it earlier this evening and sometimes I just wish I could stay at girl scout camp year round. I really feel like that's where I'm my best, my happiest, my healthiest, the most confident. I mean I guess it's like wanting to stay at a retreat but I guess after 8 years of working at camp, it just becomes a part of you! Of course that's not even including the years I went as a camper. I just really can't believe that more parents today don't send their daughters to camp. There's just something, especially these days, about being around a bunch of girls and not worrying about what boy likes who or who you like or what outfit you're not wearing. It's funny to have parents out at camp with their kids, especially if you've ever had that kid alone at camp. You should see the things the kids do without mom or dad right there, but as soon as mom is in sight-BOOP that's it! They like shutdown. It's one of the most surreal things ever. I don't know, I didn't mean for this to be a lecture about camp, but I just didn't want to write about packing cause that would mean I would have to know what I was talking about!! I know there's a few things this summer that I should see you Amarilloans at, and as for you Midlanders- I will be visiting and facebooking and myspacing, but if you're EVER up North...well :) you know where to find me!

I thought it meant important

Well, I think I have just had one of the best weekends in this apartment that I've EVER had! I think that's fitting considering it's one of my last; well, there's like 6 more but at least 3 of those I won't be here. It started during the school day on Friday. I was just generally in a really fantastic mood AND I still have ALL of my text books!! (Last year a few were misplaced and my intern was not happy with me. So this was A BIG DEAL TO ME)

It continued with Friday night and a new hair color. I've had LOTS of new hair colors, but I like this one. I think it makes me look older, but in a good way. Maybe mature is the right word, I don't know. On to Saturday, where it started with some good old fabulous Saturday school. Okay, so it wasn't really THAT fabulous, but I think it gave us a really good idea of what we still need to work on before the TAKS. I was really tired when I got back from school, but it was SUCH A BEAUTIFUL day outside that I couldn't waste it. So I went for a walk, even jogged a bit, got some sun. Then came back and sat on my patio and read for a few hours, watched some movies. I went to sleep feeling a bit exhausted but also quite content.

Unfortunately this morning I did not accomplish much. I made it up to school this afternoon to do some grading and I brainstormed some review stuff for this week. Then I came home and just HAD to take a walk again. So since it was already on the dark side, I took a different route, staying on Midkiff. I HAD SUCH A FANTASTIC WALK!! I think I have found the PERFECT song to jog/run to: Misery Business by Paramore. OH MY! I just feel so AWESOME! I mean the songs worked out perfect, I ended on two Kris Allen songs!

Anyways- that was my weekend. I'm now going to get ready for bed. Thanks for reading! I hope you all have a FANTASTIC WEEK! If you have students/children that you're getting ready for TAKS then I'm sending you lots of well wishes! Just let them know how AWESOME they are and let them know that YOU KNOW that they can do ANYTHING!

simple times

So thankfully, this has been a short week, although it has been a pretty long, short week. After Spring Break I went out and got an antenna so I could actually WATCH TV. And it's been fun, although I really only have like 3 channels, its fun. What do I really need with a hundred channels?? But every night at like 9 I think, this show comes on CW that I can't decide if I like or not. I think it's growing on me. It's called "Style By Jury" and I'm not sure how many people actually watch it, but i'll explain so you can at least understand where I'm coming from. It's kinda like "Extreme Makeover" (not HOME) without the heart really. Every episode I have seen has some "youth-challenged, unstylish" woman with LOW self-esteem, who think they're auditioning for a makeover show, and they have a jury hidden behind a mirror. They jury pretty much MURDERALIZE the people, saying the first thing that comes to mind, without any thought for feelings. I've watched it about 3 or 4 times and only the one tonight has NOT cried when hearing what the jury says. I really just don't like that, but today I watched an episode that is changing my mind. This 42 year-old Personal Trainer came on wearing baggy sweats with gray roots. Her makeover was REALLY neat, she had so much confidence at the end that it made me realize that the show had a purpose, however self-serving it is. I just don't like the begining, it's like they want to make sure that you REALLY FEEL LIKE CRAP before the makeover so you can feel REALLY GREAT afterwards. So I'll let you know what my final decision is about the show after a few more episodes.
I'm getting really nervous about the TAKS test. I'm just not sure about so many of them. There's only 12 more class days until the TAKS TEST!!! I mean GEEZ!!! We're taking a practice test tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes. We're going to have a Saturday school next weekend too, plus all the after school tutorials. I just felt ALOT better about my kids last year, of course that didn't turn out as well as it could have so I JUST DON'T KNOW!! The kids just seem so laid back and not concerned, even after they get a low test score back. So just pray for them, and me! Well, I guess i should like pack and clean and stuff so that I can go home tomorrow as soon as tutorials are over... HAVE A HOPPY EASTER WEEKEND!!