Our life as an Air Force Family *Retired*, in words and photos.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Confessions Of A CF Husband: Tricia/Gwyneth Update
Confessions Of A CF Husband: Tricia/Gwyneth Update Tricia still needs prayers if you can spare them. The cancer has spread and she is starting a stronger round of chemo treatments.
Shots Saturday
We got up "early" (late for Jerry, early for the rest of us since its summer), and took the kids in for thier school physicals.
They all checked out fine. DJ and Natalie both need to go to the dentist, but we already knew that, its just a matter of getting a dentist that will take Tricare/United Concordia, and not have us pay up front/wait until I get paid so we can pay up front.
I have to get DJs well baby though before they will give him his shots (plus he's not 4 until tomorrow, so there is that too). So they gave me his shot records with a 30 window on it to get them.
However I gave the guy my ID so he could pull DJ's information, and I NEEDED A SHOT!!! I had to have my MMR booster, they werent supposed to be doing adults today, but since they all ready had it pulled up they went ahead and did it. Now my arm is going to hurt at work tonight.
Both of the girls are caught up again on thier shots, they both needed two. One of which was the garadsil that they were behind on, and the other was their Hep A.
The girls will be making a Blues Clues cake tonight when it starts to cool down outside. DJ wanted Spiderman, but they somehow convinced him that he wants Blue. It will be interesting to see how it comes out. ;)
They all checked out fine. DJ and Natalie both need to go to the dentist, but we already knew that, its just a matter of getting a dentist that will take Tricare/United Concordia, and not have us pay up front/wait until I get paid so we can pay up front.
I have to get DJs well baby though before they will give him his shots (plus he's not 4 until tomorrow, so there is that too). So they gave me his shot records with a 30 window on it to get them.
However I gave the guy my ID so he could pull DJ's information, and I NEEDED A SHOT!!! I had to have my MMR booster, they werent supposed to be doing adults today, but since they all ready had it pulled up they went ahead and did it. Now my arm is going to hurt at work tonight.
Both of the girls are caught up again on thier shots, they both needed two. One of which was the garadsil that they were behind on, and the other was their Hep A.
The girls will be making a Blues Clues cake tonight when it starts to cool down outside. DJ wanted Spiderman, but they somehow convinced him that he wants Blue. It will be interesting to see how it comes out. ;)
Life With My Special Ks: Our last day in Philly (and a Kennedy update)#links
Life With My Special Ks: Our last day in Philly (and a Kennedy update)#links
Please keep Renee, Frank, Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy, and Keeghan in your thoughts and prayers as they travel home, and back to Afganistan (Frank).
Keep praying that the skin around Kennedy's pins for her Halo heal so that she can keep the halo for the recommended time frame, that gives her the best chance of success.
Please keep Renee, Frank, Kassidy, Kameron, Kennedy, and Keeghan in your thoughts and prayers as they travel home, and back to Afganistan (Frank).
Keep praying that the skin around Kennedy's pins for her Halo heal so that she can keep the halo for the recommended time frame, that gives her the best chance of success.
DJ
We have been going on lots of evening walks lately, just him, me and my camera. Mostly looking for the redheaded woodpecker that likes to make us look for him. LOL So I know its lots of pictures of him by himself lately thats the reason.
He is so his father's son, running around without shoes on. 
He wanted to mushroom bounce like they do in Sunny Patch (Ms. Spider), until he realized that they squash if you step on them. 
The elusive redheaded woodpecker. 
Once again no shoes. 
Friday, July 25, 2008
If I had $50,000...
I found this post through my friend Alison at This wasn't the Plan. If you have not been by to visit her blog yet, go check it out.
Hank at My Investing Blog is wondering what I'd do with it if I did have it. He has a contest going on right now where all you have to do to enter is answer the following question "If you were given $50,000USD (tax free) today, what would you spend it on?". Unfortunately he isn't giving away $50,000, but a chance to win either a $150, $100, or $50 gift card will do.
If we were to suddenly have $50,000 I know what we would do. Pay off the debts that we have incurred with this crosstraining and move adventure that we have been in for the last year. It's really scary to think that we need about that much just to get to an almost even keel, when just over a year ago, we were doing really well money wise.
Then we would hire someone to do the fixer upper things that need to be done to the house in Florida to get it listed with a real estate agent.
And then hopefully have enough left over to buy a new to us car, that either I can drive to school every day, or that Jerry can drive to work.
Now, if you were given $50,000 what would you spend it on? Go visit Hank at My Investing Blog and let him know that I sent you!~
Hank at My Investing Blog is wondering what I'd do with it if I did have it. He has a contest going on right now where all you have to do to enter is answer the following question "If you were given $50,000USD (tax free) today, what would you spend it on?". Unfortunately he isn't giving away $50,000, but a chance to win either a $150, $100, or $50 gift card will do.
If we were to suddenly have $50,000 I know what we would do. Pay off the debts that we have incurred with this crosstraining and move adventure that we have been in for the last year. It's really scary to think that we need about that much just to get to an almost even keel, when just over a year ago, we were doing really well money wise.
Then we would hire someone to do the fixer upper things that need to be done to the house in Florida to get it listed with a real estate agent.
And then hopefully have enough left over to buy a new to us car, that either I can drive to school every day, or that Jerry can drive to work.
Now, if you were given $50,000 what would you spend it on? Go visit Hank at My Investing Blog and let him know that I sent you!~
Slim Down Summer Final check in~Sky watch is down below
I am down 17 from the spring slim down, and 8 for this one. :)
I didnt figure to lose any much at all with the whole on crutches for 2 weeks. LOL
Thanks for everything Christie!
I didnt figure to lose any much at all with the whole on crutches for 2 weeks. LOL
Thanks for everything Christie!
Sticky Post~Carnal Bliss live at Mirror Image Studios~Sticky post
Matt's Band Carnal Bliss live at Mirror Image Studios
Hosted By: NOTSANE henderson
When: Friday Jul 25, 2008
at 7:30 PM
Where: mirror image studios
1254 n.
la loma circle
anaheim, California|5 92806
United States
Description:
NOTSANE henderson
Hosted By: NOTSANE henderson
When: Friday Jul 25, 2008
at 7:30 PM
Where: mirror image studios
1254 n.
la loma circle
anaheim, California|5 92806
United States
Description:
NOTSANE henderson
Thursday, July 24, 2008
More progress made
Today was the new employee orientation at the school district.
Can I say, WOW?
Yes we are a small, low income district, but WOW, the board and the superintendents are trying to make sure that we have top kids.
The benefit package, is really good. Better than anything I had in Florida.
The Assistant Superintendent of instruction is a treasure chest of information, and help.
The Superintendent fights for more for the schools. More money, more help, just more.
The board staff, all seem like if you need anything just ask, and they will help you find a way to get what you need, or to answer any questions.
Needless to say, I left that meeting even happier about this teaching position than when I walked in, and I was pretty happy when I walked in.
Plus I met 2 of the 3 other 3rd grade teachers. I think we are going to get along great! We already have discussed doing lots of planning as a team, sharing ideas and lessons.
After the meeting we were supposed to meet with the payroll/HR person, to make sure everything was in order to get paid next month. The line was out the door, so I ran to my classroom and worked for just over an hour.
The fabric and border are up on the board outside of my room.
The fabric is up on the star puzzle board.
And I have started placing the fabrics for the big board.
I think I have figured out why I have about a thousand books in my room. Last year the 3rd grade was departmentalized. So I think that I have the room that was reading. Which means I am going to have to share the wealth, as far as the books go, but that is fine by me!
My meeting for tomorrow was cancelled, so my plan right now is to go get the girls information to transfer them. Then go out and work on my room/register them for school. Hopefully if I do that I will be able to get the boards done plus get started on organizing the books.
The only downside to my day, was Lowes.
I had to work from 4-9 and I didn't get back in town until 330. So I didn't have time to come home and change. I didn't even think about it being a big deal, except I didn't have tennis shoes. I didn't even realize until I was pulling in the parking lot. Literally at 4. So I went in, clocked in and then told K about it. She told me to go home and change shoes. Going home meant missing an hour of work, plus 20 miles on the Trailblazer. Lots of gas.
Luckily J happened to be in the parking lot, and she had rain boots in her car that I borrowed. I just had to run to Walgreens and get a pair of socks. I looked like a dork, rain boots, and a dress with pearls.
Then there is the fact that they didnt change my availability, so this next week I am scheduled to open 4 days. As soon as the schedule came out I told them that I couldn't do it and they needed to fix it. K misunderstood me, I guess, because she didnt change it, and then tonight gave me crap about it. I told her that on the original availability form that I turned in a month ago that as of July 25th this was my new schedule.
I can't be there during the week.
I really don't want to close on Sundays, but they wont work with that. Plus she is purposely scheduling me to close on Sundays now. I close the day before school starts, plus the following Sunday. I swear to you I think she did it on purpose. I think if I hadn't requested this Sunday off for the Welcome back reception at school,(that has been canceled) I would be closing.
Oh yeah thats the other thing K gave me a hard time about. The fact that I changed my availibilty to weekends only, but need a day off.
Jerry told me tonight to give my notice. Well really he told me just to quit. But until I am getting real pay from school we cant afford for that to happen. Hopefully by October, but I am not holding my breath.
Can I say, WOW?
Yes we are a small, low income district, but WOW, the board and the superintendents are trying to make sure that we have top kids.
The benefit package, is really good. Better than anything I had in Florida.
The Assistant Superintendent of instruction is a treasure chest of information, and help.
The Superintendent fights for more for the schools. More money, more help, just more.
The board staff, all seem like if you need anything just ask, and they will help you find a way to get what you need, or to answer any questions.
Needless to say, I left that meeting even happier about this teaching position than when I walked in, and I was pretty happy when I walked in.
Plus I met 2 of the 3 other 3rd grade teachers. I think we are going to get along great! We already have discussed doing lots of planning as a team, sharing ideas and lessons.
After the meeting we were supposed to meet with the payroll/HR person, to make sure everything was in order to get paid next month. The line was out the door, so I ran to my classroom and worked for just over an hour.
The fabric and border are up on the board outside of my room.
The fabric is up on the star puzzle board.
And I have started placing the fabrics for the big board.
I think I have figured out why I have about a thousand books in my room. Last year the 3rd grade was departmentalized. So I think that I have the room that was reading. Which means I am going to have to share the wealth, as far as the books go, but that is fine by me!
My meeting for tomorrow was cancelled, so my plan right now is to go get the girls information to transfer them. Then go out and work on my room/register them for school. Hopefully if I do that I will be able to get the boards done plus get started on organizing the books.
The only downside to my day, was Lowes.
I had to work from 4-9 and I didn't get back in town until 330. So I didn't have time to come home and change. I didn't even think about it being a big deal, except I didn't have tennis shoes. I didn't even realize until I was pulling in the parking lot. Literally at 4. So I went in, clocked in and then told K about it. She told me to go home and change shoes. Going home meant missing an hour of work, plus 20 miles on the Trailblazer. Lots of gas.
Luckily J happened to be in the parking lot, and she had rain boots in her car that I borrowed. I just had to run to Walgreens and get a pair of socks. I looked like a dork, rain boots, and a dress with pearls.
Then there is the fact that they didnt change my availability, so this next week I am scheduled to open 4 days. As soon as the schedule came out I told them that I couldn't do it and they needed to fix it. K misunderstood me, I guess, because she didnt change it, and then tonight gave me crap about it. I told her that on the original availability form that I turned in a month ago that as of July 25th this was my new schedule.
I can't be there during the week.
I really don't want to close on Sundays, but they wont work with that. Plus she is purposely scheduling me to close on Sundays now. I close the day before school starts, plus the following Sunday. I swear to you I think she did it on purpose. I think if I hadn't requested this Sunday off for the Welcome back reception at school,(that has been canceled) I would be closing.
Oh yeah thats the other thing K gave me a hard time about. The fact that I changed my availibilty to weekends only, but need a day off.
Jerry told me tonight to give my notice. Well really he told me just to quit. But until I am getting real pay from school we cant afford for that to happen. Hopefully by October, but I am not holding my breath.
Thursday Thirteen: things that I would like to have for my classroom
 |
1. Table Lamp 2. Floor Lamp 3. Carpet 4. 24 Math Game Especially the addition/subtraction, and the multiplication/division ones. 5. Bean Bags 6. Music Wands 7. Clever Catch Balls |
8. Felxitables Multiplication tables for those of us who need to manuver them.
9. Easel
10. Mini-refrigerator
11. Fabric Storage Cubes to help organize all of those books!
12. Space place
13 Rolling organizer Ok so this one would have been nice to have the year I was a traveling teacher in Florida! But still is nice.
I know that a lot of these items are "pie in the sky" things, that are not "must haves". Others people probably will wonder why I have them on a "dream sheet", because they are low cost, or things that I should be able to do. But when you consider that I am in a low income district, and that I personally have been out of work (teaching work) for a year, even the low cost items are big money items.
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
In honor of DJ's upcoming birthday, an all DJ,wordless!
For more wordless visit 5 minutes for Mom here and Wordless Wednesday here
For more wordless visit 5 minutes for Mom here and Wordless Wednesday here
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
If I was in charge of Lowes training and management....
I would have every employee start off at least their first month or so in their store as a cashier!
For that matter, I would not hire people to be CSA's right off the bat, if a CSA position opened, I would open it up to cashiers and loaders first, then if none of the cashiers/loaders wanted the position, I would look outside of the store (after asking myself what is so wrong with the position that no one in store wanted it).
I would say that 75% of the cashiers want off the register, and want a chance to grow with the store. But they are not given the chance, because the position that they would like to try has been filled by a new hire.
The new hire who has no clue about how Lowes is ran, what Lowes expects from them, or how to ring up that big sale that they just got, so that they get credit for the sale.
I am tired of hearing from CSA's that they do not know how to run the register so there by they can not help out when the cashier has to wait on an item number or an override.
I am tired of CSA's telling me that if someone orders/buys something "big" from their department to call and get their man number for the sale, even if they did not help the customer at all!
My favorite line from customers is: "This guy back there in the plumbing department told me to give you this card. I don't know why." Normally this is accompanied by a large order of some kind.
When I respond that it is so he gets credit for the sale, even though its not a special order.
Then the customer 9/10 times says, "But he didn't help me, he just saw me leaving the department with my cart and asked me to give you the card."
AND
I don't think that its fair that just because we are cashiers that we can not benefit from some of the special order comps and other spiffs ($)! There should be a way to designate in the computer when we actually "sell" the product, verses just ringing up the product.
I personally have sold 6 riding lawn mowers for the guys in seasonal since April, when I have been getting buggies, or running returns. Which I know is not a lot, but considering I am not even supposed to be in that area, its more than 2 a month.
I have been the one to answer the questions, to look up information all of that, but I don't get crap for it. Where as one of the CSA's or specialist would have gotten a spiff for it. Depending on who is working the department, determines if I finish the sale or if I turn it over to the department so they can get the spiff for it, because if they treat me like crap for being a "lowly" cashier, I am not going to pad their paycheck for them.
Maybe if they had, had to start out as a cashier, they would realize how hard we work!
CSA's, specialists, and even department managers don't realize that most days cashiers do not get a 15 minute break. Plus just to run to the little girls room is a production, because someone has to watch your register. Cashiers can not just pick what time they are going to lunch, and if your replacement is late, you are not going to get off work on time.
Cashiers get the grouchy customer who is ticked because there was no one in the department to help them.
Cashiers are the ones to get the brunt of the customers bad day, because a pipe busted, that was made worse because instead of helping them, the CSA/specialist was on the phone.
Cashiers are the ones that have to tell the customer that the CSA quoted them the wrong price, and then try to sort it out, while the CSA doesn't answer the department phone or overhead page.
Cashiers are the ones that look like idiots when trying to figure out what screw, nut, bolt, pipe, pvc elbow, plant, fan belt etc it is that doesn't have an item number, because as always when the CSA/specialist is called they are "busy with a customer" but while we are still trying to sort it out, they come out of the break room, or training room.
Cashiers are the ones left making appologies for a pick up later that should have taken them 10 minutes at the most turning into an hour, because none of the CSA/specialist will go pull the order out of recieving. Or even better yet, the CSA/specialist that was supposed to put the order back in recieving "forgot" so now the front end loader has to go pull the order, and we have to cross our fingers that the merchandise is still in the store.
For that matter, I would not hire people to be CSA's right off the bat, if a CSA position opened, I would open it up to cashiers and loaders first, then if none of the cashiers/loaders wanted the position, I would look outside of the store (after asking myself what is so wrong with the position that no one in store wanted it).
I would say that 75% of the cashiers want off the register, and want a chance to grow with the store. But they are not given the chance, because the position that they would like to try has been filled by a new hire.
The new hire who has no clue about how Lowes is ran, what Lowes expects from them, or how to ring up that big sale that they just got, so that they get credit for the sale.
I am tired of hearing from CSA's that they do not know how to run the register so there by they can not help out when the cashier has to wait on an item number or an override.
I am tired of CSA's telling me that if someone orders/buys something "big" from their department to call and get their man number for the sale, even if they did not help the customer at all!
My favorite line from customers is: "This guy back there in the plumbing department told me to give you this card. I don't know why." Normally this is accompanied by a large order of some kind.
When I respond that it is so he gets credit for the sale, even though its not a special order.
Then the customer 9/10 times says, "But he didn't help me, he just saw me leaving the department with my cart and asked me to give you the card."
AND
I don't think that its fair that just because we are cashiers that we can not benefit from some of the special order comps and other spiffs ($)! There should be a way to designate in the computer when we actually "sell" the product, verses just ringing up the product.
I personally have sold 6 riding lawn mowers for the guys in seasonal since April, when I have been getting buggies, or running returns. Which I know is not a lot, but considering I am not even supposed to be in that area, its more than 2 a month.
I have been the one to answer the questions, to look up information all of that, but I don't get crap for it. Where as one of the CSA's or specialist would have gotten a spiff for it. Depending on who is working the department, determines if I finish the sale or if I turn it over to the department so they can get the spiff for it, because if they treat me like crap for being a "lowly" cashier, I am not going to pad their paycheck for them.
Maybe if they had, had to start out as a cashier, they would realize how hard we work!
CSA's, specialists, and even department managers don't realize that most days cashiers do not get a 15 minute break. Plus just to run to the little girls room is a production, because someone has to watch your register. Cashiers can not just pick what time they are going to lunch, and if your replacement is late, you are not going to get off work on time.
Cashiers get the grouchy customer who is ticked because there was no one in the department to help them.
Cashiers are the ones to get the brunt of the customers bad day, because a pipe busted, that was made worse because instead of helping them, the CSA/specialist was on the phone.
Cashiers are the ones that have to tell the customer that the CSA quoted them the wrong price, and then try to sort it out, while the CSA doesn't answer the department phone or overhead page.
Cashiers are the ones that look like idiots when trying to figure out what screw, nut, bolt, pipe, pvc elbow, plant, fan belt etc it is that doesn't have an item number, because as always when the CSA/specialist is called they are "busy with a customer" but while we are still trying to sort it out, they come out of the break room, or training room.
Cashiers are the ones left making appologies for a pick up later that should have taken them 10 minutes at the most turning into an hour, because none of the CSA/specialist will go pull the order out of recieving. Or even better yet, the CSA/specialist that was supposed to put the order back in recieving "forgot" so now the front end loader has to go pull the order, and we have to cross our fingers that the merchandise is still in the store.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Making progress on the first week of school.
Well I am making progress on my first week of school ideas and plans.
I have decided that the whole "theme" for my classroom is going to be Shooting for the stars/Superstars. :)
I know its probably over done, but Wallyworld had some cute star fabric that wasn't too expensive.
On the board outside of my room I am going to do something to the effect of Welcome to Mrs. C's Super Stars. With a shooting star (that Kelsey has said she will help me make) and all of the kids names in stars.
Then on the bulletin board that is across the room, and the easiest to see when you go into the room, we (meaning Kelsey) are going to turn that into a star. The bulletin board part we are going to turn into a giant puzzle. The center piece on the puzzle will be a bit larger than the rest, and be my piece. The rest of the pieces the kids will turn to all about themselves pieces. I am trying to decide if I want to pass out thier pieces at Open House on the 1st to have them work on over the weekend with help from home, or if I want that as my morning work on the first day of school. I am leaning toward morning work, so that none of the pieces get lost.
The large bulletin board on the back of the room will be divided into 3 sections. One for a Word Wall, one for an Election center, and one for the calendar. I think. LOL that one is the least decided.
I am getting so excited for Thursday and Friday! I actually hope that Thursday when I get done with the district level orientation that I can go work on my room for a while. I am not counting on that time though, because Dr. S requested that we didn't go in this week, so I will just see what happens.
I have decided that the whole "theme" for my classroom is going to be Shooting for the stars/Superstars. :)
I know its probably over done, but Wallyworld had some cute star fabric that wasn't too expensive.
On the board outside of my room I am going to do something to the effect of Welcome to Mrs. C's Super Stars. With a shooting star (that Kelsey has said she will help me make) and all of the kids names in stars.
Then on the bulletin board that is across the room, and the easiest to see when you go into the room, we (meaning Kelsey) are going to turn that into a star. The bulletin board part we are going to turn into a giant puzzle. The center piece on the puzzle will be a bit larger than the rest, and be my piece. The rest of the pieces the kids will turn to all about themselves pieces. I am trying to decide if I want to pass out thier pieces at Open House on the 1st to have them work on over the weekend with help from home, or if I want that as my morning work on the first day of school. I am leaning toward morning work, so that none of the pieces get lost.
The large bulletin board on the back of the room will be divided into 3 sections. One for a Word Wall, one for an Election center, and one for the calendar. I think. LOL that one is the least decided.
I am getting so excited for Thursday and Friday! I actually hope that Thursday when I get done with the district level orientation that I can go work on my room for a while. I am not counting on that time though, because Dr. S requested that we didn't go in this week, so I will just see what happens.
An answer to an anonymous challenge question
Anonymous said...
Would you like a challenge?
Alan saved $115 more than Ben. After Alan gave $17.50 to Ben, the ratio of Alan's money to Ben's money was 3 : 1. How much money did each of them save?
I think I have it figured out!
Alan saved $115 more than Ben. After Alan gave $17.50 to Ben, the ratio of Alan's money to Ben's money was 3 : 1. How much money did each of them save?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
Alan saved $115 more than Ben. After Alan gave $17.50 to Ben, the ratio of Alan's money to Ben's money was 3 : 1. How much money did each of them save?
Step two: List the varibles:
Alan's savings
Ben's savings
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Alan's savings[][][]
Ben's savings[]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem we need to determine how much money Ben started with, and how much Alan started with.
Alan's money [][][] + 17.50?
Ben's money []?
Step five: compute the problem
I went with what I knew:
Alan's $ to start with was = Ben's starting $ + 115
Ben's $ + 115 + 17.50 = 3:1
Alan's $= 22.50 + 115 - 17.50 = 120/4 = 30
Alan's money [30][30][30] + 17.50?
Ben's money [30]-17.50?
Alan's money to start with would have been $137.50, Ben's money to start with would have been $22.50.
I used a lot of guess and check on this problem to get the answer. I knew that I had to add
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Singapore Math model drawing
Another problem that I would have had a hard time with before learning about model drawing this past week:
Johnny bought 6 hotdogs and 10 hamburgers for the baseball team for $36.00. Each hamburger cost $.40 more than each hotdog. How much did Johnny spend on hamburgers?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
Johnny bought 6 hotdogs and 10 hamburgers for the baseball team for $36.00. Each hamburger cost $.40 more than each hotdog. How much did Johnny spend on hamburgers?
Step two: List the varibles:
Johnny's Hotdogs
Johnny's Hamburgers
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Johnny's Hotdogs [][][][][][]
Johnny's Hamburgers [][][][][][][][][][]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem that is what we are not sure of. We know that our total is $36 and we know that each hamburger cost $0.40 more than each hot dog. So we can add these to our problem.
Johnny's Hotdogs [][][][][][]
TOTAL COST $36
Johnny's Hamburgers [][][][][][][][][][]
+ 0.40+ 0.40 +0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40
Now we know that the hot dogs added $0.40 time 10 to our cost more than the equal cost of the hot dogs to hamburgers so we know that the hamburgers added $4.00.
So we need to subtract $4.00 from $36 giving us $32.
From here we can look that we have 16 parts that make up the $32.00.
So we can divide the $32 by 16 to give us $2.00
Which means each hot dog cost $2.00, and each hamburger cost $2.40.
So our answer to the question would be:
Johnny paid $24.00 for the hamburgers.
Another example of this:
Stacy bought 3 chocolate cakes and 2 vanilla cakes for $18.20. If each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake, what was the total cost of the cakes?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
Stacy bought 3 vanilla cakes and 2 chocolate cakes for $18.20. If each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake, what was the total cost of the cakes?
Step two: List the varibles:
Vanilla cake
Chocolate cake
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Vanilla cake [][][]
Chocolate cake [][]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem that is what we are not sure of. We know that our total is $18.20 and we know that each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake. So we can add these to our problem.
Vanilla cake [][][]
TOTAL $18.20
Chocolate cake [][]
+ $1.20 + $1.20
Now we know that the choclate cakes added $1.20 times 2 to our cost more than the equal cost of the chocolate cakes and the vanilla cakes, so the chocolate cakes added $2.40 to our cost
So we need to subtract $2.40 from $18.20 giving us $15.80.
From here we can look that we have 5 parts that make up the $15.80.
So we can divide the $15.80 by 5 to give us $3.16
Which means each Vanilla cake cost $3.16, and each chocolate cake cost $4.36
All of the vanilla cakes would cost $3.16 x 3 = $9.48
So our answer to the question would be:
Stacy paid $9.48 for the vanilla cakes.
I am telling you before this training I would have been lost when I read "each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake"!
Johnny bought 6 hotdogs and 10 hamburgers for the baseball team for $36.00. Each hamburger cost $.40 more than each hotdog. How much did Johnny spend on hamburgers?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
Johnny bought 6 hotdogs and 10 hamburgers for the baseball team for $36.00. Each hamburger cost $.40 more than each hotdog. How much did Johnny spend on hamburgers?
Step two: List the varibles:
Johnny's Hotdogs
Johnny's Hamburgers
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Johnny's Hotdogs [][][][][][]
Johnny's Hamburgers [][][][][][][][][][]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem that is what we are not sure of. We know that our total is $36 and we know that each hamburger cost $0.40 more than each hot dog. So we can add these to our problem.
Johnny's Hotdogs [][][][][][]
TOTAL COST $36
Johnny's Hamburgers [][][][][][][][][][]
+ 0.40+ 0.40 +0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40 + 0.40
Now we know that the hot dogs added $0.40 time 10 to our cost more than the equal cost of the hot dogs to hamburgers so we know that the hamburgers added $4.00.
So we need to subtract $4.00 from $36 giving us $32.
From here we can look that we have 16 parts that make up the $32.00.
So we can divide the $32 by 16 to give us $2.00
Which means each hot dog cost $2.00, and each hamburger cost $2.40.
So our answer to the question would be:
Johnny paid $24.00 for the hamburgers.
Another example of this:
Stacy bought 3 chocolate cakes and 2 vanilla cakes for $18.20. If each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake, what was the total cost of the cakes?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
Stacy bought 3 vanilla cakes and 2 chocolate cakes for $18.20. If each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake, what was the total cost of the cakes?
Step two: List the varibles:
Vanilla cake
Chocolate cake
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Vanilla cake [][][]
Chocolate cake [][]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem that is what we are not sure of. We know that our total is $18.20 and we know that each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake. So we can add these to our problem.
Vanilla cake [][][]
TOTAL $18.20
Chocolate cake [][]
+ $1.20 + $1.20
Now we know that the choclate cakes added $1.20 times 2 to our cost more than the equal cost of the chocolate cakes and the vanilla cakes, so the chocolate cakes added $2.40 to our cost
So we need to subtract $2.40 from $18.20 giving us $15.80.
From here we can look that we have 5 parts that make up the $15.80.
So we can divide the $15.80 by 5 to give us $3.16
Which means each Vanilla cake cost $3.16, and each chocolate cake cost $4.36
All of the vanilla cakes would cost $3.16 x 3 = $9.48
So our answer to the question would be:
Stacy paid $9.48 for the vanilla cakes.
I am telling you before this training I would have been lost when I read "each chocolate cake cost $1.20 more than each vanilla cake"!
Setting up my classroom
The kids and I went out to school Friday morning, my first time out that direction since picking up my teacher editions.
I finally got my contract signed, they wanted to wait for all of my verification forms to return, plus for me to take that computer test.
Doing so I found a big advantage to teaching here in Georgia.
Teacher salaries are set at the state level. So that even though I am teaching in a small county school, I am making the same that I would teaching here in the big county with all of the big resources. The only part that is different is the local supplement, but that is almost the same, close enough that I am not complaining. I am going to be making almost what I made with DoDEA, and I think that is with my extras that I did. I know I have 2 years more on my steps and that helps getting me that much, but considering that I made $16,000 less the first year we were in Florida, this is a definate positive step.
We also got my room pretty much set up, thanks to Kelsey. I said something about wanting to get it done, and she made it happen. There are a few adjustments that I am sure I will make next week, but for the most part it is done. The part I really don't like is where my computer desk is, but I don't think that I can change that, because it is next to the only drops for the network.
I need to do some sorting of books, and decide if the students will have their books in their desks or if I will assign them all a cubby space to keep everything (of course that means a lot of movement, hum, maybe not!)
Plus I need to do bulletin board and the like.
I wanted to do my bulletin boards with fabric as the backdrop, instead of paper, because it lasts longer and is more durable, but the fabric store here in town sucks. There is one other store that I know of for sure that sells fabric, so I am going to run and check there, but if all else fails I guess I will use paper.
DJ got to see a pre-k class. They run a summer school pre-k program that we got to go down and see. He was "shy", meaning scared, because the kids are all about to go into Kinder, so bigger than him. Plus they were doing Musical Movement, which is loud (hence how we knew they were there, you could hear them from my classroom at the other end of the school), so he wasn't too sure what to think about it.
Natalie has decided that she wants to attend the middle school there. Kelsey is undecided, because they don't offer as much in the way of electives. Their hours are about the same as mine, and it is maybe 1/4 a mile from my school, so there would not be a problem, and they would be able to watch DJ for the most part if I am in a meeting. It would be neat to have all 3 kids within touching distance. LOL
This should tell you how small of a district/county it is..
Yesterday when the girls talked more about going to school out there, we ran over to the middle/high school to get more information before going to lunch.
While we were there talking to the graduation coach, we asked about middle school band for Natalie.
The graduation coach was not sure, so she called over another gentlemen to ask him. Dr. P, who is the Superintendent of schools for the county! He talked to us for over 20 minutes, taking time to answer questions that the girls had, and telling me that he had heard great things about me, then praising the girls for being able to communicate their concerns about moving to the school, and being able to ask great questions to get the answers that they needed to make informed decisions.
That would not have happened in the district we live in, nor in the districts in Florida that we have been in. I never saw the superintendent of schools at either district (the first one I taught in, and the one that the girls went to for 2 years.)
I finally got my contract signed, they wanted to wait for all of my verification forms to return, plus for me to take that computer test.
Doing so I found a big advantage to teaching here in Georgia.
Teacher salaries are set at the state level. So that even though I am teaching in a small county school, I am making the same that I would teaching here in the big county with all of the big resources. The only part that is different is the local supplement, but that is almost the same, close enough that I am not complaining. I am going to be making almost what I made with DoDEA, and I think that is with my extras that I did. I know I have 2 years more on my steps and that helps getting me that much, but considering that I made $16,000 less the first year we were in Florida, this is a definate positive step.
We also got my room pretty much set up, thanks to Kelsey. I said something about wanting to get it done, and she made it happen. There are a few adjustments that I am sure I will make next week, but for the most part it is done. The part I really don't like is where my computer desk is, but I don't think that I can change that, because it is next to the only drops for the network.
I need to do some sorting of books, and decide if the students will have their books in their desks or if I will assign them all a cubby space to keep everything (of course that means a lot of movement, hum, maybe not!)
Plus I need to do bulletin board and the like.
I wanted to do my bulletin boards with fabric as the backdrop, instead of paper, because it lasts longer and is more durable, but the fabric store here in town sucks. There is one other store that I know of for sure that sells fabric, so I am going to run and check there, but if all else fails I guess I will use paper.
DJ got to see a pre-k class. They run a summer school pre-k program that we got to go down and see. He was "shy", meaning scared, because the kids are all about to go into Kinder, so bigger than him. Plus they were doing Musical Movement, which is loud (hence how we knew they were there, you could hear them from my classroom at the other end of the school), so he wasn't too sure what to think about it.
Natalie has decided that she wants to attend the middle school there. Kelsey is undecided, because they don't offer as much in the way of electives. Their hours are about the same as mine, and it is maybe 1/4 a mile from my school, so there would not be a problem, and they would be able to watch DJ for the most part if I am in a meeting. It would be neat to have all 3 kids within touching distance. LOL
This should tell you how small of a district/county it is..
Yesterday when the girls talked more about going to school out there, we ran over to the middle/high school to get more information before going to lunch.
While we were there talking to the graduation coach, we asked about middle school band for Natalie.
The graduation coach was not sure, so she called over another gentlemen to ask him. Dr. P, who is the Superintendent of schools for the county! He talked to us for over 20 minutes, taking time to answer questions that the girls had, and telling me that he had heard great things about me, then praising the girls for being able to communicate their concerns about moving to the school, and being able to ask great questions to get the answers that they needed to make informed decisions.
That would not have happened in the district we live in, nor in the districts in Florida that we have been in. I never saw the superintendent of schools at either district (the first one I taught in, and the one that the girls went to for 2 years.)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mental Math Strategies, compatible numbers- Singapore Math
This is a strategy that I think a lot of people use, without realizing that they do it.
In this strategy you look for compatible numbers, or two numbers that you can add, together to reach a ten.
For example:
17 + 379 + 13=
the 7 and the 3 are compatible and add to make an additional 10 turning the problem into
10 + 379 + 10 + 10=
or
379 + 30 = 409
Another example:
42 + 612 + 18 =
the 2 in 42 and the 8 in 18 are compatible, making
40 + 10 + 10 + 612 = 60 + 612 = 672
Or another way to do it is using the left to right method:
12 + 16
break out your addends to their place values:
(10+10) + (2+6)
finish adding
20 + 8 = 28
another example
25 + 23
(20 + 20) + (5 + 3)
40 + 8
48
In this strategy you look for compatible numbers, or two numbers that you can add, together to reach a ten.
For example:
17 + 379 + 13=
the 7 and the 3 are compatible and add to make an additional 10 turning the problem into
10 + 379 + 10 + 10=
or
379 + 30 = 409
Another example:
42 + 612 + 18 =
the 2 in 42 and the 8 in 18 are compatible, making
40 + 10 + 10 + 612 = 60 + 612 = 672
Or another way to do it is using the left to right method:
12 + 16
break out your addends to their place values:
(10+10) + (2+6)
finish adding
20 + 8 = 28
another example
25 + 23
(20 + 20) + (5 + 3)
40 + 8
48
HELP! First day/week of school activities
It has been a LONG time since I have done the first week of school at an elementary school level.
I need ideas for activities that I can do with my thrid graders that first week of school, while we are getting to know one another, and setting up our routine.
So I am asking you my fellow bloggers to help me out here!
You do not need to even be a teacher! You can be a parent, or just a former student!
If you are a teacher, what are some of the things that you do in your classroom? Games, activities etc?
If you are a parent, what are some of your children's favorite first week of school memories?
What is your favorite thing that a teacher did that made you as the parent feel good about where your child was going to be for the next 180 days?
What would you want me to tell you that first week?
What is something that you remember doing the first week of school?
What was the worst thing that ever happened to you the first week of school?
I want to make this a memorable week, and I want to get the year off to a great start!
I need ideas for activities that I can do with my thrid graders that first week of school, while we are getting to know one another, and setting up our routine.
So I am asking you my fellow bloggers to help me out here!
You do not need to even be a teacher! You can be a parent, or just a former student!
If you are a teacher, what are some of the things that you do in your classroom? Games, activities etc?
If you are a parent, what are some of your children's favorite first week of school memories?
What is your favorite thing that a teacher did that made you as the parent feel good about where your child was going to be for the next 180 days?
What would you want me to tell you that first week?
What is something that you remember doing the first week of school?
What was the worst thing that ever happened to you the first week of school?
I want to make this a memorable week, and I want to get the year off to a great start!
Friday, July 18, 2008
More Prayers for Kennedy please
Little Miss Kennedy could use some extra special prayers and positive thoughts tonight and this weekend please everyone!
Singapore Math Strategy Area Model to solve Multi-digit Multiplication
Another concept at the Singapore Math conference that I attended this past week was using what is called the Area model to solve multiplication problems.
You set the problem up as such: 3 x 77
Step one: Draw a box with two parts
[ ]
[__]
[ ]
Step two: write the single digit multiplier at the top of the box.
3
[ ]
[__]
[ ]
Step three: write out the second multiple breaking it out into place values down the side of the box
3
70 [ ]
[__]
7 [ ]
Step four: multiply
3
70 [210]
[___]
7 [ 21]
Step five add
3
70 [210]
[___]
7 [ 21]
______
231
Your answer is 231
Here is another example, but this time both of the multiples have a digit in the tens place
You set the problem up as such: 54 x 68
Step one: Draw a box with four parts
[ ][ ]
[__][__]
[ ][ ]
Step two: write the first multiple at the top of the box, breaking it out into place values.
50 4
[ ][ ]
[__][__]
[ ][ ]
Step three: write out the second multiple breaking it out into place values down the side of the box
50 4
60 [ ][ ]
[__][__]
8 [ ][ ]
Step four: multiply
50 4
60 [3000][240]
[____][___]
8 [ 400][ 32]
Step five add, on problems like this it is easier to use the Z method,
50 4 3000+240+400+32 = 3672
60 [3000][240]
[____][___]
8 [ 400][ 32]
_______________
Your answer is 3672
You set the problem up as such: 3 x 77
Step one: Draw a box with two parts
[ ]
[__]
[ ]
Step two: write the single digit multiplier at the top of the box.
3
[ ]
[__]
[ ]
Step three: write out the second multiple breaking it out into place values down the side of the box
3
70 [ ]
[__]
7 [ ]
Step four: multiply
3
70 [210]
[___]
7 [ 21]
Step five add
3
70 [210]
[___]
7 [ 21]
______
231
Your answer is 231
Here is another example, but this time both of the multiples have a digit in the tens place
You set the problem up as such: 54 x 68
Step one: Draw a box with four parts
[ ][ ]
[__][__]
[ ][ ]
Step two: write the first multiple at the top of the box, breaking it out into place values.
50 4
[ ][ ]
[__][__]
[ ][ ]
Step three: write out the second multiple breaking it out into place values down the side of the box
50 4
60 [ ][ ]
[__][__]
8 [ ][ ]
Step four: multiply
50 4
60 [3000][240]
[____][___]
8 [ 400][ 32]
Step five add, on problems like this it is easier to use the Z method,
50 4 3000+240+400+32 = 3672
60 [3000][240]
[____][___]
8 [ 400][ 32]
_______________
Your answer is 3672
Thursday, July 17, 2008
And its getting crazy with school things already!
Gotta love it!
I had the Singapore Math conference Monday to Wednesday of this week. While I was there I met a couple of my new collegues, can not wait to get to know them better!
I was reminded Wednesday afternoon that I needed to call the district office and ask if my employment verifications were all back, so that I can sign my contract.
When I called, I found out that they were all in, but...
DoDEA messed up on my years. The last year the have down something like August 2004 to June 1908. The HR rep from the district has called and left messages at DoDEA to get a corrected copy sent to her, but has never had a call back, and has not recieved the corrected copy. So she is going to call again this afternoon.
Then there is a computer class/test that the state of Georgia requires teachers to take to get their professional level certificate. When I tried to sign up for the class/test in June all of the sessions were full, or else I was doing something wrong. I meant to call the HR rep and ask her about it, but it slipped my mind, until today, when she asked me about it.
Crap... thats a big jump in pay if I didn't get it done.
So I went on the website that she gave me, and I got signed up to take it today at 1 p.m., only problem? I have to work today from 6 am until 2 pm. I called Lowes, and talked to A about not taking a lunch, plus leaving at 1215 so that I can make it to Macon by 1 pm A said it shouldn't be a problem.
I called the HR rep at the district back and told her when I am taking the test, and I go to sign my contract/work on my classroom on Friday morning at 8. Mrs. F said that I should get a paper after I am done with the test to prove that I took it, and that is all I will need.
But then I got there to take my test and I had read the website wrong! I was supposed to bring a credit card with me to pay for the test.
The credit card is with Jerry running to Atlanta to pick up one of the guys coming back from being TDY. Crap.
Luckily I had cash with me, and the proctor of the test offered to put it on his card if I gave him the cash.
Great!
But, I only had $33.00.
Crap.
I started counting the change in my change purse and was up to $1.60, figuring I would run out to the truck and see if I could scrounge up the extra $0.40, when the gal in line behind me handed me $2.00. When I tried to give her the change that I had she told me not to worry about it.
Whew!
Plus I passed the test!
Whew! One less stressor...
Until we checked the mail...
I knew that I had a school, new teacher orientation next Friday, and I arranged with Lowes to be off.
I got my welcome back letter from Dr. S today, though and there is a district new teacher orientation on Thursday that I didn't know about. I am supposed to work on Wednesday and Thursday at Lowes. So I am going to need to see if one of the people that is scheduled to work Monday or Tuesday and not working on Thursday can switch with me. I am going to try and get an idea of who can maybe switch with me, and then see what my online tutoring schedule is, because that normally opens a few more people that I can see about trading with.
Then there is also parent information sessions on the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th that I have to ask about, so that I can arrange with Lowes and tutoring online as needed, plus the staff retreat that is the 8-9th (possibly).
So if you are with me here is my schedule from the 14th until who knows when...
July 14-16 Singapore Math Training
July 17 Lowes and Certification test
July 18 sign contract/work in classroom
July 19-20 Lowes
July 21/22 Lowes/online
July 23 Lowes/online
July 24 new teacher orientation
July 25 new teacher orientation
July 26 Lowes
July 27th Lowes/Welcome back reception for Teachers/DJ's birthday
July 28th First day back for teachers
July 28-August 1st teacher work days, August 1st is open house at the school
August 2-3 Lowes
August 4th 1st day of school
August 8-9th staff retreat (need to ask about this, because I will have to see about getting the 9th off of work).
Busy much????
Plus I have to add in that someone at Lowes "misplaced" my new availiblity form that I filled out and put in the admin managers box 3 weeks ago, so that it would be in the system for the week of the 26th. I got there this morning, and I am scheduled to open 3 weekday mornings the week of teacher work days. AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I had to fill out a new form, and the will just have to change the pending schedule.
But the positive side of all of this, is that school is starting, I am more excited about this upcoming school year than I have been about teaching in a LONG time. AND since the year is starting we are that much closer to being in a spot to start working our way out of this huge money pit that we have gotten into this year.
I had the Singapore Math conference Monday to Wednesday of this week. While I was there I met a couple of my new collegues, can not wait to get to know them better!
I was reminded Wednesday afternoon that I needed to call the district office and ask if my employment verifications were all back, so that I can sign my contract.
When I called, I found out that they were all in, but...
DoDEA messed up on my years. The last year the have down something like August 2004 to June 1908. The HR rep from the district has called and left messages at DoDEA to get a corrected copy sent to her, but has never had a call back, and has not recieved the corrected copy. So she is going to call again this afternoon.
Then there is a computer class/test that the state of Georgia requires teachers to take to get their professional level certificate. When I tried to sign up for the class/test in June all of the sessions were full, or else I was doing something wrong. I meant to call the HR rep and ask her about it, but it slipped my mind, until today, when she asked me about it.
Crap... thats a big jump in pay if I didn't get it done.
So I went on the website that she gave me, and I got signed up to take it today at 1 p.m., only problem? I have to work today from 6 am until 2 pm. I called Lowes, and talked to A about not taking a lunch, plus leaving at 1215 so that I can make it to Macon by 1 pm A said it shouldn't be a problem.
I called the HR rep at the district back and told her when I am taking the test, and I go to sign my contract/work on my classroom on Friday morning at 8. Mrs. F said that I should get a paper after I am done with the test to prove that I took it, and that is all I will need.
But then I got there to take my test and I had read the website wrong! I was supposed to bring a credit card with me to pay for the test.
The credit card is with Jerry running to Atlanta to pick up one of the guys coming back from being TDY. Crap.
Luckily I had cash with me, and the proctor of the test offered to put it on his card if I gave him the cash.
Great!
But, I only had $33.00.
Crap.
I started counting the change in my change purse and was up to $1.60, figuring I would run out to the truck and see if I could scrounge up the extra $0.40, when the gal in line behind me handed me $2.00. When I tried to give her the change that I had she told me not to worry about it.
Whew!
Plus I passed the test!
Whew! One less stressor...
Until we checked the mail...
I knew that I had a school, new teacher orientation next Friday, and I arranged with Lowes to be off.
I got my welcome back letter from Dr. S today, though and there is a district new teacher orientation on Thursday that I didn't know about. I am supposed to work on Wednesday and Thursday at Lowes. So I am going to need to see if one of the people that is scheduled to work Monday or Tuesday and not working on Thursday can switch with me. I am going to try and get an idea of who can maybe switch with me, and then see what my online tutoring schedule is, because that normally opens a few more people that I can see about trading with.
Then there is also parent information sessions on the 2nd, 3rd, and 7th that I have to ask about, so that I can arrange with Lowes and tutoring online as needed, plus the staff retreat that is the 8-9th (possibly).
So if you are with me here is my schedule from the 14th until who knows when...
July 14-16 Singapore Math Training
July 17 Lowes and Certification test
July 18 sign contract/work in classroom
July 19-20 Lowes
July 21/22 Lowes/online
July 23 Lowes/online
July 24 new teacher orientation
July 25 new teacher orientation
July 26 Lowes
July 27th Lowes/Welcome back reception for Teachers/DJ's birthday
July 28th First day back for teachers
July 28-August 1st teacher work days, August 1st is open house at the school
August 2-3 Lowes
August 4th 1st day of school
August 8-9th staff retreat (need to ask about this, because I will have to see about getting the 9th off of work).
Busy much????
Plus I have to add in that someone at Lowes "misplaced" my new availiblity form that I filled out and put in the admin managers box 3 weeks ago, so that it would be in the system for the week of the 26th. I got there this morning, and I am scheduled to open 3 weekday mornings the week of teacher work days. AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I had to fill out a new form, and the will just have to change the pending schedule.
But the positive side of all of this, is that school is starting, I am more excited about this upcoming school year than I have been about teaching in a LONG time. AND since the year is starting we are that much closer to being in a spot to start working our way out of this huge money pit that we have gotten into this year.
Thursday Thirteen: I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for ___________.
Christie is at it again with her post challenges. Silly woman!!
The challenge today was to write a post on either:
-I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for ___________. (Fill in the blank--and it can be serious or not so serious, you decide!).
Or:
-If I were a superhero, I'd be _____________.
So as you can see I chose the losing weight prompt. LOL
Here goes it:
-I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for:
1. Stress, now one would think the exercise would be good for the stress, and it would be but.....
2. My knee injury
3. Dark Chocolate M&M's, just say they are my down fall.
4. Lack of time, time is better now that I am only working 2 jobs, but I am still finding time to be a factor.
5. Gas prices, I know for me to get a good kick start to really see results I need to get over to the gym on base, which takes gas.
6. Mosquitos, they ate me alive on our walk tonight.
7. Hills, our neighborhood is appropriately titled H------- Hills.
8. Motivation
9. Mental health, I have to feel good to want to look good, and part 1, and part 8 both play into this one.
10. Food prices, fresh food prices in the store have gone through the roof here, and money situation here is not going very far.
11. Stress, can I use that one more than once?
12. Um yeah those M&M's, those definately should count for more than one reason.
13. Time....
Ok so reading this post makes me really realize how many excuses I have been making, and that I really need to get my hind end in gear!
The challenge today was to write a post on either:
-I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for ___________. (Fill in the blank--and it can be serious or not so serious, you decide!).
Or:
-If I were a superhero, I'd be _____________.
So as you can see I chose the losing weight prompt. LOL
Here goes it:
-I'd have no problem losing weight (or keeping it off) if it weren't for:
1. Stress, now one would think the exercise would be good for the stress, and it would be but.....
2. My knee injury
3. Dark Chocolate M&M's, just say they are my down fall.
4. Lack of time, time is better now that I am only working 2 jobs, but I am still finding time to be a factor.
5. Gas prices, I know for me to get a good kick start to really see results I need to get over to the gym on base, which takes gas.
6. Mosquitos, they ate me alive on our walk tonight.
7. Hills, our neighborhood is appropriately titled H------- Hills.
8. Motivation
9. Mental health, I have to feel good to want to look good, and part 1, and part 8 both play into this one.
10. Food prices, fresh food prices in the store have gone through the roof here, and money situation here is not going very far.
11. Stress, can I use that one more than once?
12. Um yeah those M&M's, those definately should count for more than one reason.
13. Time....
Ok so reading this post makes me really realize how many excuses I have been making, and that I really need to get my hind end in gear!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day three of the Singapore Math conference
My brain feels like it is about to explode!
Three days of math, and I am on math over load. I still say that if they had taught these skills this way when I was in school, we could have taken over the world.
Its a giant conspiracy project!! LOL
I promised yesterday to give more examples today, so here we go! (PS anyone know where I can get something to make blocks on the page? Hummm...)
Ratios, who in their right mind, has been able to just do ratio problems? All of you math geeks need not answer that question!!! Until this week, I am telling you this required a great deal of thought on my part and lots and lots of stress. Even after teaching it online the last two years I have struggled with how to do ratio problems. It was just something that I could not wrap my mind around. After this week, all of that stress is in the past!
Here's what I mean!
The ratio of pancakes orders to waffle orders, to egg orders is 4:2:1. If the eggs were ordered 13 times, how many times were the waffles ordered?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
The ratio of pancakes orders to waffle orders, to egg orders is 4:2:1. If the eggs were ordered 13 times, how many times were the waffles ordered?
Step two: List the varibles:
Pancake orders:
Waffle orders:
Egg orders:
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Pancake orders:[ ][ ][ ][ ]
Waffle orders:[ ][ ]
Egg orders:[ ]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem we know that there are 13 egg orders, so each [] represents 13, we need to know how many waffle orders there are so we will place the question mark at the end of the waffle orders.
Pancake orders:[ ][ ][ ][ ]
Waffle orders:[ ][ ] ? [ ] = 13
Egg orders:[13]
Step five: compute the problemIn this problem we would now multiply 13 by 2 giving us an answer of 26.
Step six: Answer the problem in complete sentences to ensure that you understood the question.
Waffles were ordered 26 times.
Here let me show you a different one, that isn't quite as straight forward.
There were 150 animals on the farm. The ratio of horses to cows is 3 to 2. How many horses are there? How many cows are there?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
There were 150 animals on the farm. The ratio of horses to cows is 3 to 2. How many horses are there? How many cows are there?
Step two: List the varibles:
Horses
Cows
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Horses [ ] [ ] [ ]
=150
Cows [ ] [ ]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem we know that we have a total of 150 animals, so to determine the number that each [ ] stands for we need to divide 150 by the number of [ ], so we need to divide 150 by 5, which equals 30, so each [ ] stands for 30 animals.
Horses [30] [30] [30]
=150
Cows [30] [30]
Step five: compute the problem
In this problem we would now multiply 30 by 3 for 90 horses, and 30 by 2 for 60 cows
Step six: Answer the problem in complete sentences to ensure that you understood the question.
There are 90 horses, and 60 cows on the farm.
This is just one example of the processes that I learned over the last 3 days. I am going to try and share a different example a day for a few days. Even if no one else gets anything out of it, it helps me get it through my thick skull.
Three days of math, and I am on math over load. I still say that if they had taught these skills this way when I was in school, we could have taken over the world.
Its a giant conspiracy project!! LOL
I promised yesterday to give more examples today, so here we go! (PS anyone know where I can get something to make blocks on the page? Hummm...)
Ratios, who in their right mind, has been able to just do ratio problems? All of you math geeks need not answer that question!!! Until this week, I am telling you this required a great deal of thought on my part and lots and lots of stress. Even after teaching it online the last two years I have struggled with how to do ratio problems. It was just something that I could not wrap my mind around. After this week, all of that stress is in the past!
Here's what I mean!
The ratio of pancakes orders to waffle orders, to egg orders is 4:2:1. If the eggs were ordered 13 times, how many times were the waffles ordered?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
The ratio of pancakes orders to waffle orders, to egg orders is 4:2:1. If the eggs were ordered 13 times, how many times were the waffles ordered?
Step two: List the varibles:
Pancake orders:
Waffle orders:
Egg orders:
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Pancake orders:[ ][ ][ ][ ]
Waffle orders:[ ][ ]
Egg orders:[ ]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem we know that there are 13 egg orders, so each [] represents 13, we need to know how many waffle orders there are so we will place the question mark at the end of the waffle orders.
Pancake orders:[ ][ ][ ][ ]
Waffle orders:[ ][ ] ? [ ] = 13
Egg orders:[13]
Step five: compute the problemIn this problem we would now multiply 13 by 2 giving us an answer of 26.
Step six: Answer the problem in complete sentences to ensure that you understood the question.
Waffles were ordered 26 times.
Here let me show you a different one, that isn't quite as straight forward.
There were 150 animals on the farm. The ratio of horses to cows is 3 to 2. How many horses are there? How many cows are there?
First things first, read the problem sentence by sentence underlining the who and what
There were 150 animals on the farm. The ratio of horses to cows is 3 to 2. How many horses are there? How many cows are there?
Step two: List the varibles:
Horses
Cows
Step three: draw a unit bar to model each varible, make these all the same size
Horses [ ] [ ] [ ]
=150
Cows [ ] [ ]
Step four: determine what each unit bar represents and where you need to place a question mark.
In this problem we know that we have a total of 150 animals, so to determine the number that each [ ] stands for we need to divide 150 by the number of [ ], so we need to divide 150 by 5, which equals 30, so each [ ] stands for 30 animals.
Horses [30] [30] [30]
=150
Cows [30] [30]
Step five: compute the problem
In this problem we would now multiply 30 by 3 for 90 horses, and 30 by 2 for 60 cows
Step six: Answer the problem in complete sentences to ensure that you understood the question.
There are 90 horses, and 60 cows on the farm.
This is just one example of the processes that I learned over the last 3 days. I am going to try and share a different example a day for a few days. Even if no one else gets anything out of it, it helps me get it through my thick skull.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day Two of the Singapore Math Conference
Talk about a good day!!!
I am once again amazed at what a difference doing math this "way" makes in how easy it has been for me to "see" the answers to problems.
I can honestly say I hated ratio problems until today, but the way he had us doing them, I GET IT!
We did a lot of Model Drawing problems today, and wow, just wow.
We also had time to explore centers, using the program. I will share what we learned later on.
I am once again amazed at what a difference doing math this "way" makes in how easy it has been for me to "see" the answers to problems.
I can honestly say I hated ratio problems until today, but the way he had us doing them, I GET IT!
We did a lot of Model Drawing problems today, and wow, just wow.
We also had time to explore centers, using the program. I will share what we learned later on.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day one of the Singapore Math Conference
I just got home from day one of the Singapore math conference.
The table I was at and I all said that if they would have taught math this way when we were in school we would have taken over the world. :)
There are some things that we did today that made me think strike me with the music wand (his attention getters that I thought were cool!) because that was the sound going off in my head when we did the problems.
For example:
97 + 54= Put circles around all of the tens so around 90 and 50
/\ /\
90 7 4 50 then break down your ones so that you can regroup them as tens
/\ 7+3=10 and circle that problem, now you know that you have
90 7 3 1 50 16 tens or 160 and 1-one, for a total of 161.
Or for adding fractions
1/3 + 1/2 draw a rectangle and divide it horizontally in fraction for the first fraction (pretend this is a true retangle with three sections
______________________
a
______________________
b
______________________
c
______________________
And shade in the fraction needed
______________________
a xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
______________________
b
______________________
c
______________________
Next divide the rectangle in the fraction from the second fraction
So in our example one line down the middle of the fraction.
__________(____________
axxxxxxxxxx(xxxxxxxxxxxx
__________(____________
b (
__________(____________
c (
__________(____________
Now color in the number of squares you need for the second fraction.
__________(____________
a xxxxxxxx(xxxxxxxxxxxx
__________(____________
b ssssssss(ssssssssssss
__________(____________
c ssssssss(
__________(____________
Count up the number of boxes colored in, and put this number over your total number of boxes, so in this case it would be 5/6.
This would so show up better if I had paint on Jerry's computer and could do it on there. ;) But hopefully you get the idea.
Hopefully the next two days are as helpful and interesting.
I ran into Kelsey's second grade teacher at the conference too. She came up to me at the end of the day and said, are you Kelsey's mom? Talk about a small world. I promised to take pictures tomorrow to show her. :)
The table I was at and I all said that if they would have taught math this way when we were in school we would have taken over the world. :)
There are some things that we did today that made me think strike me with the music wand (his attention getters that I thought were cool!) because that was the sound going off in my head when we did the problems.
For example:
97 + 54= Put circles around all of the tens so around 90 and 50
/\ /\
90 7 4 50 then break down your ones so that you can regroup them as tens
/\ 7+3=10 and circle that problem, now you know that you have
90 7 3 1 50 16 tens or 160 and 1-one, for a total of 161.
Or for adding fractions
1/3 + 1/2 draw a rectangle and divide it horizontally in fraction for the first fraction (pretend this is a true retangle with three sections
______________________
a
______________________
b
______________________
c
______________________
And shade in the fraction needed
______________________
a xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
______________________
b
______________________
c
______________________
Next divide the rectangle in the fraction from the second fraction
So in our example one line down the middle of the fraction.
__________(____________
axxxxxxxxxx(xxxxxxxxxxxx
__________(____________
b (
__________(____________
c (
__________(____________
Now color in the number of squares you need for the second fraction.
__________(____________
a xxxxxxxx(xxxxxxxxxxxx
__________(____________
b ssssssss(ssssssssssss
__________(____________
c ssssssss(
__________(____________
Count up the number of boxes colored in, and put this number over your total number of boxes, so in this case it would be 5/6.
This would so show up better if I had paint on Jerry's computer and could do it on there. ;) But hopefully you get the idea.
Hopefully the next two days are as helpful and interesting.
I ran into Kelsey's second grade teacher at the conference too. She came up to me at the end of the day and said, are you Kelsey's mom? Talk about a small world. I promised to take pictures tomorrow to show her. :)
She doesn't know how good she has it...
My friend and co-worker M's girl friend that is.
M and his girl friend have a 1 year old little boy, who has special needs. I am not sure of all of his needs, but I know that they are pretty intense.
He is the sweetest most cuddly little guy though. Every time M brings him into work with him and I am there he curls up in my arms and gives me the best cuddles.
M says he doesn't do that with just anyone, and he definately doesn't do it with a lot of the others at work.
But M's girl friend does not know how lucky she is.
From what I can see, M is there for her and the baby every step of the way. He goes to all of the baby's therapy appointments, and doctor's appointments as long as he is off of work or does not have a class (M is in college). Everything M does is for that baby and that girl.
M has not done what a typical guy in his situation would have done, which is cut out and run. And his family has been super supportive with the situation as well. They babysit for the baby when both the kids have to work, and just when M's girl friend needs a break.
M asked me for advice last night at work. His family has planned their first family vacation in a few years, and have invited his girl friend and the baby to go along. They really want the baby there, and from the sounds of it the girl friend as well.
M's girl friend had planned to go, but then scheduled therapy appointments for when she knew they would be gone, and "forgot" to ask for the days off of work, so she is scheduled to work.
M is upset because now the girl friend wants/expects him to cut his vacation short and drive her back home half way through the vacation.
M's parents are ticked because they have planned and arranged things around having the baby with them, gladly from the sounds of it, and she is throwing a wrench in the plans. Plus if she/the baby doesn't go, she will have to find other care for the baby while she is at work.
M asked me what I thought about the baby missing his therapy.
My question was have you been to enough of his therapy sessions, both speech and physical that you think you could do the exercises with him while you are gone? And do you think that the therapists would give you a list of things to work on with him if you called them?
His answer to both questions was yes, and that he and his family already do the at home exercises with the baby. So he was going to call both therapists today to see about rescheduling the appointments and getting exercises that he could do with the baby while they were gone.
I told him that he should talk to his girlfriend again and explain to her how important it is to him that they go, and that if she is worried about missing work, then letting the baby go, or stay while she is at home. (He keeps the baby over night without her several times a month.)
I hope it all works out for the baby to go with them.
I wish there was a way to show her how lucky she has it with M as that baby's father, and M's family as that baby's family.
I think about M and the baby daily, because I know they both need the strength.
M and his girl friend have a 1 year old little boy, who has special needs. I am not sure of all of his needs, but I know that they are pretty intense.
He is the sweetest most cuddly little guy though. Every time M brings him into work with him and I am there he curls up in my arms and gives me the best cuddles.
M says he doesn't do that with just anyone, and he definately doesn't do it with a lot of the others at work.
But M's girl friend does not know how lucky she is.
From what I can see, M is there for her and the baby every step of the way. He goes to all of the baby's therapy appointments, and doctor's appointments as long as he is off of work or does not have a class (M is in college). Everything M does is for that baby and that girl.
M has not done what a typical guy in his situation would have done, which is cut out and run. And his family has been super supportive with the situation as well. They babysit for the baby when both the kids have to work, and just when M's girl friend needs a break.
M asked me for advice last night at work. His family has planned their first family vacation in a few years, and have invited his girl friend and the baby to go along. They really want the baby there, and from the sounds of it the girl friend as well.
M's girl friend had planned to go, but then scheduled therapy appointments for when she knew they would be gone, and "forgot" to ask for the days off of work, so she is scheduled to work.
M is upset because now the girl friend wants/expects him to cut his vacation short and drive her back home half way through the vacation.
M's parents are ticked because they have planned and arranged things around having the baby with them, gladly from the sounds of it, and she is throwing a wrench in the plans. Plus if she/the baby doesn't go, she will have to find other care for the baby while she is at work.
M asked me what I thought about the baby missing his therapy.
My question was have you been to enough of his therapy sessions, both speech and physical that you think you could do the exercises with him while you are gone? And do you think that the therapists would give you a list of things to work on with him if you called them?
His answer to both questions was yes, and that he and his family already do the at home exercises with the baby. So he was going to call both therapists today to see about rescheduling the appointments and getting exercises that he could do with the baby while they were gone.
I told him that he should talk to his girlfriend again and explain to her how important it is to him that they go, and that if she is worried about missing work, then letting the baby go, or stay while she is at home. (He keeps the baby over night without her several times a month.)
I hope it all works out for the baby to go with them.
I wish there was a way to show her how lucky she has it with M as that baby's father, and M's family as that baby's family.
I think about M and the baby daily, because I know they both need the strength.
Our first real harvest
I think the cucumbers are going to be our bumper crop, we got three off already, and by next weekend we should be able to get at least 5 more.
DJ eating one of the yellow pearl tomatos
DJ eating one of the yellow pearl tomatos
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