Thursday, November 09, 2006

cobwebs

Ever notice how the cobwebs keep you from writing a coherent post?

And, does it ever stop me? (Please, be gentle...)

I've had the cobwebs the last couple of days. It's either related to the full moon, or the female cycle, imbalances, or a little bit of all. I can't even sign my name on a check today, darn it. But tomorrow is payday, they should be good.

Really, I have days when I would rather not talk to people because it seems I cannot open my mouth without sounding like a blathering idiot! Names, facts, figures...it's all a blur.

It doesn't help when the cobwebs are exacerbated by a couple of sources. One of them, parent teacher conferences...I stared one teacher down, left without any pleasantries. I'll write her a note when I feel more coherent, but even then it won't be too nice. But I was distracted by other sources...

And, well, I have other cobwebs that must be cleaned out. Indifference, inactivity and all that...and indignation...oh well, I'm off with my dust mop...

And, by the way, Calvin knows more about science than the rest of his class put together. Just because he didn't put the assignment together just the cookie cutter way they wanted it... sheesh...

Can I quit my job and unschool now? Oh newly elected officials, (or even incumbent lord of our state, please listen), the system does not fit all.

Mama rant. Alone mama rant. Because no one feels the way I do, I guess.

11 comments:

LauraHinNJ said...

Happy cleaning!

Get some fresh air, it will help.

Anonymous said...

So true, no one feels like you- and you have that right. Maybe this weekend will refresh you. We have snow here this morning- and for some reason I welcome it...

R.Powers said...

I can see it from both sides of the parent-teacher conference table.

Some assignments, mainly those where we are learning a set procedure or a method, may not allow much flexibility. An example might be writing a lab report on an experiment.

Sometimes no flexibility is allowed. That's a life lesson, not a science lesson.

Good teachers recognize that "one size does not fit all". On more flexible assignments they FLEX on the product, as long as the student is getting the concept and has put forth a good effort.

I confess, I enjoy flexing more when the student comes to me early on and asks to do it a different way. It helps me to give advice and also be fair to the other students. It's a balancing act.

Teaching is an art. Not every teacher is an artist.

Deb said...

lauraH- thanks!

prairie chick- wow, I saw the weather map, you really got dumped on, didn't you! If we had that here I'd be waxing up my skis today.

FC- I knew you'd have something to say re: conferences. Actually it was about something other than the science assignment, although that really irked me. The teacher (4th grade) brought up a sensitive topic that I think should have been dealt with in a special meeting outside of the normal conference. I was totally unprepared for it and perhaps got a bit defensive.

You're right, teaching is an art. And every parent wants their child's teacher to be Michelangelo. :)

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Deb-

-insert picture of a kitten hanging by its paws-

The fog will clear.

I understand what floridacracker said, but sometomes it's hard to reign in the mama bear response. We're hardwired that way.

Anonymous said...

I can never be sure of signing my name right. Ever since I got married, there are just too many bumps in it (the name, that is).

Cobwebs - yes, that's a good name for it. Threads across threads, across threads, and none leading where I need to go. I sit in the middle and spin. I'm having trouble writing anything lately, because I am more and more aware of the time I spend reading a bit of this and writing a bit of that, and meanwhile the really significant reports aren't getting read and essays aren't getting written. And on top of that, there's that whole autumn snowball of school-related and church-related busy-ness. Mind you, if the kids keep talking more and more about being home-schooled, my life could be in for a big change...

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean by not being able to sign your name properly. I was like that a few days ago, my handwriting was all jerky and cramped and broken - and unfortunately when I needed to write a letter. If anyone did a handwriting analysis on it, I'm sure I'd come off as some kind of psychopath.

Those cobwebs mean there are spiders, and I'm pretty sure spiders are good luck.

Rurality said...

Oh dear. Well as long as your cobwebs aren't having hot flashes, you're still way ahead. :)

robin andrea said...

I remember the cobwebs, but I swear they lifted once I retired. I never had to do parent-teacher conferences, so I'm out of the loop on how those go these days. I hope you work it all out and clear away the webs. A nice long walk in the woods with the dog might help!

Deb said...

rurality- no, they're still having the chills. :)

I started writing a clarification comment, which is turning into a post in itself, so I will make it so.

Deb said...

robin andrea- you commented as I was in the midst of writing a novel which turned into a post of its own. Yeah, if I could spend every day like today things might be a little more clear. Maybe I'll take Togo out later, if I can get away from the wood stove!