Saturday, January 31, 2009
Steel City Pizzeria
Tonight we decided to check out "Steel City Pizzeria" in Spring, Tx. It's about a 45 minute drive to Spring (just south of The Woodlands). We were already heading over to Target about a 1/4 of the way, so we said, "What the heck." The Steelers are all set for the Super Bowl tomorrow, so we wanted to get some good karma going.
The place was great. Black and Gold everywhere. Lots of flat screens with the Penguins game on and lots of Super Bowl coverage. As we looked around the place, it was pretty obvious that there were a lot of displaced Pittsburghers in there. They had that hardened Western Pa look. Norma said, "I feel like we are in Pittsburgh."
The food was excellent. We got a large Deluxe Pizza (it said, "Look Out Loretta!" under the title in the menu - a nod to Pens announcer Mike Lange.) The pizza was loaded with tons of toppings. Aidan ate a few of the cheesey bread sticks and then a couple of pieces of pizza, too. He was real hungry.
The best part for me was all of the memorabilia throughout the place. The posters, signs (the best were the "You are in Steelers Country" ones just like the ones I grew up seeing at Three Rivers Stadium.), and hats that lined the walls. I had to ask the waitress at the end of the meal how long this place had been open. She said this was their second year. I was relieved because I used to work like 5 miles away from the place five years ago in The Woodlands. I don't think I would have been able to live with myself if she would have said, "Oh we have been here for like 10 years." :)
They were erecting a huge tent in the parking lot for the Super Bowl tomorrow. I'm sure it'll be packed with people. There is no doubt that we'll go back again sometime for a baked hoagie and some pop. (Only people from Pittsburgh would understand that's a heated sub and soda) Now we just have to hope a little bit of good karma rubbed off and it helps the Steelers beat the Cardinals tomorrow. :)
The place was great. Black and Gold everywhere. Lots of flat screens with the Penguins game on and lots of Super Bowl coverage. As we looked around the place, it was pretty obvious that there were a lot of displaced Pittsburghers in there. They had that hardened Western Pa look. Norma said, "I feel like we are in Pittsburgh."
The food was excellent. We got a large Deluxe Pizza (it said, "Look Out Loretta!" under the title in the menu - a nod to Pens announcer Mike Lange.) The pizza was loaded with tons of toppings. Aidan ate a few of the cheesey bread sticks and then a couple of pieces of pizza, too. He was real hungry.
The best part for me was all of the memorabilia throughout the place. The posters, signs (the best were the "You are in Steelers Country" ones just like the ones I grew up seeing at Three Rivers Stadium.), and hats that lined the walls. I had to ask the waitress at the end of the meal how long this place had been open. She said this was their second year. I was relieved because I used to work like 5 miles away from the place five years ago in The Woodlands. I don't think I would have been able to live with myself if she would have said, "Oh we have been here for like 10 years." :)
They were erecting a huge tent in the parking lot for the Super Bowl tomorrow. I'm sure it'll be packed with people. There is no doubt that we'll go back again sometime for a baked hoagie and some pop. (Only people from Pittsburgh would understand that's a heated sub and soda) Now we just have to hope a little bit of good karma rubbed off and it helps the Steelers beat the Cardinals tomorrow. :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
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Thursday, January 29, 2009
Teaching (Steelers) History
All week long I have been giving my kids 5 minutes of "Steelers History" in World History class. Tomorrow I'm going to kick it up a notch with a few video clips about these very important topics:
The Terrible Towel, from the perspective of Steelers Fans:
Food - Primanti Bros. Sandwiches:
I've also given them the lowdown on why the Steelers are the only NFL team with only one logo on their helmets. 1956 the logo was introduced and they wanted to "try it out" to see how it went over with the fans. So they used it on one side only. They went 9-5 and made the playoffs. It's stayed ever since. (Although the helmets changed colors to primary black)
You have to educate the youth! :) I'm just doing my job. Otherwise I'd be negligent in my duties as a history teacher.
The Terrible Towel, from the perspective of Steelers Fans:
Food - Primanti Bros. Sandwiches:
I've also given them the lowdown on why the Steelers are the only NFL team with only one logo on their helmets. 1956 the logo was introduced and they wanted to "try it out" to see how it went over with the fans. So they used it on one side only. They went 9-5 and made the playoffs. It's stayed ever since. (Although the helmets changed colors to primary black)
You have to educate the youth! :) I'm just doing my job. Otherwise I'd be negligent in my duties as a history teacher.
Economy Got You Down... watch this
Great depression II? How can it be with crap like this to cheer us up?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Coke Polamalu
This is going to be great!
For those of you too young to remember the original...
Mean Joe is the man!
For those of you too young to remember the original...
Mean Joe is the man!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
San Antonio AVID Trainer of Trainers
I went to the "Trainer of Trainers" sessions in San Antonio this weekend. I was recovering from the flu, so the whole experience has left me pretty drained. But, it was a wonderful training. There were folks there from all over Texas and parts of Washington state, Kansas, Colorado and California. It is quite energizing to be in a room full of some of the best history teachers in America.
Walking away I can now train teachers in my district on AVID techniques and classroom strategies. I'm now "certified." So on April 8th and 9th, me and two other colleagues will be training a room full of social studies teachers in our district. Should be fun.
I missed three days of work last week due to my illness and the training, so I am looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow and seeing my kids. :)
Walking away I can now train teachers in my district on AVID techniques and classroom strategies. I'm now "certified." So on April 8th and 9th, me and two other colleagues will be training a room full of social studies teachers in our district. Should be fun.
I missed three days of work last week due to my illness and the training, so I am looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow and seeing my kids. :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Goodbye. Hello. Thank goodness!
Goodbye George. I can't believe I'm saying this... I am SOOOO GLAD you are coming back to Texas. :)
44.
The Man.
I'm so glad to see you.
I loved the speech. It paid tribute to those that came before, to our nation's history and values. Yet it set a path forward in a very serious and solemn way.
Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.As I watched today in Norma's classroom at lunch, we both just sat silently, tears in our eyes. It was hard to believe what we were watching. We knew this day was coming, but the excitement was so incredible.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
The speech was firm, but optimistic.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.Much of this speech was a repudiation of Bush's 8 years in office. Announcing firmly that the problems of the past 8 years are going to be solved. He pinpointed the areas and shined a light on what needs to be done. I particularly enjoyed his comments regarding education and science.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.I love it. We "will restore science to it's rightful place." What must have W been thinking?
The speech was really strong. It warned critics that they don't understand that the "ground has shifted beneath their feet" and that if you question the bold plans you have a short memory of the accomplishments of this nation. The speech also spoke directly to our enemies. To terrorists: "we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." Very strong. Maybe the strongest line of the speech.
With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.Equal parts poetry and strength. Perfect for our time. Perfect for our needs. A good day today. A new path is forged ahead.
Monday, January 19, 2009
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Sunday, January 18, 2009
P-O-L-A-M-A-L-U
The Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!
Defense is the reason. Wow, what a job today. #43.
My team is the Texans - 1a. The Steelers are 1b. So I always root for my hometown Pittsburgh roots (unless they are playing Houston - my current and permanent hometown). I just hope the Texans were paying close attention today. Each team in the conference finals had a pro bowl safety. Polamalu - Steelers. Wilson - Cards. Reed - Ravens. Dawkins - Eagles. The Texans need a big time safety in the draft. It makes a huge difference. It was the difference for the Steelers today.
When the third quarter started getting tight and the Steelers lost their momentum, I turned to Norma and said, "The team that scores a defensive touchdown is going to win." Troy took care of business.
It did have a bitter sweet end after that massive hit on McGahee. Let's hope Willis is ok. That was an incredible hit. It was an incredibly tough and physical game.
I played this video for Norma and Aidan before the game. It pretty much says it all for this game...
Careful. It'll get stuck in your head.
Defense is the reason. Wow, what a job today. #43.
My team is the Texans - 1a. The Steelers are 1b. So I always root for my hometown Pittsburgh roots (unless they are playing Houston - my current and permanent hometown). I just hope the Texans were paying close attention today. Each team in the conference finals had a pro bowl safety. Polamalu - Steelers. Wilson - Cards. Reed - Ravens. Dawkins - Eagles. The Texans need a big time safety in the draft. It makes a huge difference. It was the difference for the Steelers today.
When the third quarter started getting tight and the Steelers lost their momentum, I turned to Norma and said, "The team that scores a defensive touchdown is going to win." Troy took care of business.
It did have a bitter sweet end after that massive hit on McGahee. Let's hope Willis is ok. That was an incredible hit. It was an incredibly tough and physical game.
I played this video for Norma and Aidan before the game. It pretty much says it all for this game...
Careful. It'll get stuck in your head.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Another Car Accident (Almost)
Yesterday we got a call from Aidan's preschool. His fever was back. He was ok, just looking miserable. So we sprinted out of school as quickly as we could at the end of the day and went to get him. After we picked him up, we headed home. The plan was that I would go out and get some fast food and Aidan and Norma could sack out on the couch and rest.
Well, that changed pretty suddenly.
An elderly woman in a big grey boat of a car pulled across three lanes and ran us off the road. We were about a mile from home. Our car hopped the curb and just barely missed hitting a light pole.
It was pretty scary and thinking back on it, we were very lucky to not hit the pole or have someone rear end us. I smelled a "smokish" smell and we hit the curb so hard, I thought we had hit her at first. But, it was just the smell of the brakes burning and probably psycho-somatic. We relieved the experience of the car accident in August in our minds and it really shook us up.
Then the lady kept going and never stopped. So I laid on the horn for about 2 miles behind her. Finally she got caught in school traffic and I ran up to her car screaming. I was pretty sure my tire was going to be flat. But, it wasn't. Just had a mark on the alloy rim from the tire coming back onto it. The really awesome part of this story is that a guy was falling behind us and he followed us and gave us his information. He said, "I'll be a witness if you need one. She was totally at fault - cut across three lanes. I can't believe you didn't hit that light pole."
I called my insurance company and they said to get an estimate to see how much damage was done. If it was significant (we have a $500 deductible) then to file a claim. We'll see. Since it's MLK day on Monday, I'm sure no one will be open.
The crazy part? We are still settling with All-State (the other guy's company) after our accident in August. Although we are close to finishing. I will probably call today and give them our final piece of information that they need to make a settlement number. I've talked to like 10 different freaking people from that company and I'm sick of them.
But, we are really, really lucky. Norma was certain that we collided (because of how hard we hit the curb). Man, I slammed through brakes through the floor. It just pisses me off because I love my new car and now it's gone through this trauma. It doesn't feel brand new anymore.
We are all safe and sound and that's all that matters. And today Aidan is feeling 100x better than yesterday. So now it's time to pick up some Chinese and enjoy our Saturday! :)
Well, that changed pretty suddenly.
An elderly woman in a big grey boat of a car pulled across three lanes and ran us off the road. We were about a mile from home. Our car hopped the curb and just barely missed hitting a light pole.
It was pretty scary and thinking back on it, we were very lucky to not hit the pole or have someone rear end us. I smelled a "smokish" smell and we hit the curb so hard, I thought we had hit her at first. But, it was just the smell of the brakes burning and probably psycho-somatic. We relieved the experience of the car accident in August in our minds and it really shook us up.
Then the lady kept going and never stopped. So I laid on the horn for about 2 miles behind her. Finally she got caught in school traffic and I ran up to her car screaming. I was pretty sure my tire was going to be flat. But, it wasn't. Just had a mark on the alloy rim from the tire coming back onto it. The really awesome part of this story is that a guy was falling behind us and he followed us and gave us his information. He said, "I'll be a witness if you need one. She was totally at fault - cut across three lanes. I can't believe you didn't hit that light pole."
I called my insurance company and they said to get an estimate to see how much damage was done. If it was significant (we have a $500 deductible) then to file a claim. We'll see. Since it's MLK day on Monday, I'm sure no one will be open.
The crazy part? We are still settling with All-State (the other guy's company) after our accident in August. Although we are close to finishing. I will probably call today and give them our final piece of information that they need to make a settlement number. I've talked to like 10 different freaking people from that company and I'm sick of them.
But, we are really, really lucky. Norma was certain that we collided (because of how hard we hit the curb). Man, I slammed through brakes through the floor. It just pisses me off because I love my new car and now it's gone through this trauma. It doesn't feel brand new anymore.
We are all safe and sound and that's all that matters. And today Aidan is feeling 100x better than yesterday. So now it's time to pick up some Chinese and enjoy our Saturday! :)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Feeling a little "home sick."
I was jumping around the internet tonight looking for some Steeler news. I came across this somehow and it made me feel a little homesick (although a lot of it is poorly done and hard to read). Brings back memories.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Aidan - Ben 10 Jacket
This picture will give you an idea about what the actual jacket looks like:
Learning Targets Presentation
Today we did a school "Gallery Walk." Teachers used presentation poster boards and highlighted new ideas that they have been trying for Assessment for Learning and other new initiatives. At first, I was worried I'd be one of a handful of teachers to participate. But, we had over 30 people. It was really great to see all of the cool ideas people had and what they were doing in their classes.
This is my poster board:
My topic was "Target Sheets." The basics behind them is that it is a "unit plan" or "game plan" for what we will learn in each chapter. I pass them out on the first day of the chapter and on the sheets they have objectives (targets), vocabulary words, "big ideas," quotes to understand and possible essay questions on them. I also include the 10 questions from the chapter that are due for homework.
Students have liked them because they have a clear plan on the first day about what they are learning. It gives them a chance to see the "whole" before we put the parts together. I have seen some students achieve a higher level of with them this year. At first, I was sure it would be too much work for me to do. But, I was wrong. It really didn't take that much more time.
Now I have them for next year as well and I'll be able to tweak and change them and hopefully make them better. The presentation went over pretty well and I also had my laptop there while I played our fall video for World History. It highlighted all the cool projects we did (like the castle project, rock art project, and religion
project).
During the morning we had tons of people walk through the library and check things out, including our superintendents. As I walked around I was really proud of my school and all the effort the faculty has undertaken to improve instruction and learning at our school. I am really lucky to work there.
This is my poster board:
My topic was "Target Sheets." The basics behind them is that it is a "unit plan" or "game plan" for what we will learn in each chapter. I pass them out on the first day of the chapter and on the sheets they have objectives (targets), vocabulary words, "big ideas," quotes to understand and possible essay questions on them. I also include the 10 questions from the chapter that are due for homework.
Students have liked them because they have a clear plan on the first day about what they are learning. It gives them a chance to see the "whole" before we put the parts together. I have seen some students achieve a higher level of with them this year. At first, I was sure it would be too much work for me to do. But, I was wrong. It really didn't take that much more time.
Now I have them for next year as well and I'll be able to tweak and change them and hopefully make them better. The presentation went over pretty well and I also had my laptop there while I played our fall video for World History. It highlighted all the cool projects we did (like the castle project, rock art project, and religion
project).
During the morning we had tons of people walk through the library and check things out, including our superintendents. As I walked around I was really proud of my school and all the effort the faculty has undertaken to improve instruction and learning at our school. I am really lucky to work there.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thinking of my Dad
I miss my Dad very much. October 8, 1947 to January 14, 2006. I can only hope the time I spend on this planet is filled with as much passion, hard work and energy.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lightning McQueen... finally.
For Christmas this year, Norma researched like crazy and found a Lightning McQueen car for Aidan. She read reviews, she tracked one down... and we picked it up and brought it home.
On Christmas Eve, I went to put it together. No steering column. So what to do? Certainly giving it to Aidan on Christmas morning and saying, "Well, Santa and his elves couldn't get it to work," that's not going to fly. Aidan would say, "Santa can fix it, call him up." So we decided to wait until the part came in and show it to him then.
So today we put everything together and after his nap we said, "Hey, let's go outside and play." We went through the garage and Aidan saw his surprise. He loved it. Of course.
On Christmas Eve, I went to put it together. No steering column. So what to do? Certainly giving it to Aidan on Christmas morning and saying, "Well, Santa and his elves couldn't get it to work," that's not going to fly. Aidan would say, "Santa can fix it, call him up." So we decided to wait until the part came in and show it to him then.
So today we put everything together and after his nap we said, "Hey, let's go outside and play." We went through the garage and Aidan saw his surprise. He loved it. Of course.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Back 2 Work
Back to work tomorrow (Monday). No kids, but I still have a lot to do. We have a nice breakfast from Chick'fil'a in the morning and then a faculty meeting. Then department meetings and lunch. Then we pretty much have the rest of the day to ourselves.
We are going to be doing an "Assessment for Learning" gallery walk on Thursday morning for administrators and faculty to share ideas. So I am going to put that together tomorrow morning, too.
We start back with the "Renaissance and Reformation" Ch. 12 in World History and it's one of my favorite chapters of the year. I may actually do more art than last year. I have a new book that I want to use on Renaissance art that is awesome. I'll also be introducing my Human Rights Project and I am super pumped about that one. It is always great.
It will be fun to see everyone tomorrow and get back into the swing of things. We had a GREAT Christmas and New Year's break. Now it's on for the spring semester. I have a ton of things going on this spring. Lots of trainings (one in San Antonio this month) and lots of classes to teach at night. But, it will fly by because it's so busy. Just like usual.
Aidan had a super great break. He has grown up a lot over the past couple of weeks. You can really see it. He has lost all of that 'baby fat.' He's now a lean and strong four year-old. Today I asked him if he missed his teachers at preschool and he said, "Oh yes. I miss them a lot." So it'll neat for him tomorrow, too.
We are going to be doing an "Assessment for Learning" gallery walk on Thursday morning for administrators and faculty to share ideas. So I am going to put that together tomorrow morning, too.
We start back with the "Renaissance and Reformation" Ch. 12 in World History and it's one of my favorite chapters of the year. I may actually do more art than last year. I have a new book that I want to use on Renaissance art that is awesome. I'll also be introducing my Human Rights Project and I am super pumped about that one. It is always great.
It will be fun to see everyone tomorrow and get back into the swing of things. We had a GREAT Christmas and New Year's break. Now it's on for the spring semester. I have a ton of things going on this spring. Lots of trainings (one in San Antonio this month) and lots of classes to teach at night. But, it will fly by because it's so busy. Just like usual.
Aidan had a super great break. He has grown up a lot over the past couple of weeks. You can really see it. He has lost all of that 'baby fat.' He's now a lean and strong four year-old. Today I asked him if he missed his teachers at preschool and he said, "Oh yes. I miss them a lot." So it'll neat for him tomorrow, too.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
The Year in Pictures - 40 Style - Part III
Wow, beautiful.
[click on pictures to see the full version]
[click on pictures to see the full version]
The Year in Pictures - 40 Style - Part II
What a wonderful life I have. :)
[click on pictures to see full version]
[click on pictures to see full version]
Year in Pictures - 40 style
These are collages from the 2008 year. Lots of great pictures. What a great year for us. :)
[Click on the picture to see the full version]
[Click on the picture to see the full version]
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