One-a-month

Hey ya'll! So, I got word that there are some of you (whoever you are) that actually do read this. Well, for those of you who do...what the heck for?! (c;

All right, here is an update.

School is going well. My students are good, and we're making progress. I've had to deal with a couple of issues, but it's gone well so far. We have Spring Break in two weeks, which will be nice. Well, I guess what is nice is that I'm not that anxious for Spring Break, which means that it will just be a nice break, instead of something that I desparately need, you know?

Work at Il Spazio is going well, too. The club is fun, and both places are great places to hang out at.

Bookcrossing is going well as well. (Man, I lead a charmed life, don't I?) I've gotten a few other people involved, and that's great. (If you don't know what bookcrossing.com is, visit the website! (c:)

I've started seeing a really cool girl. We're still in that new, somewhat awkward phase, but she's really cool, and it's great just hanging out with her. We went out of town this weekend together, and it was just really comfortable. We talked the whole way, both there and back, but we don't HAVE to talk--there aren't any uncomfortable silences, just comfortable ones. A week ago, we just hung out while she was studying for one of her classes (she's at Truman) and I read a book. So, yeah, that's really nice.

Anywho, besides that, not much is going on. I've got a busy week, but it should be fun. We'll see if I stay on top of this thing now, right?!

Have a great day...

Weekend

Hey! Well, it was a great weekend. I worked Friday night and that went well. I decided to go home after work instead of going out, and man, what a nice change! I was in bed--and ASLEEP!--by ten o'clock. I don't think that's happened on a Friday night since I came to Kirksville. Saturday I spent the day at the coffee shop and read, and then worked again. A bunch of people went out after work, and that was fun.

Oh, this may come as a shock for some of you (I have NO clue who reads this) but I have been a smoker for the past 4 years. Well, I have been without a cigarette since New Year's Day! Whoo hoo!

Ok, later!

Tommy

Weekend

Hey ya'll! Well, I am done for the week. Well, kind of. I have work tonight, which should be fine. I'm kind of tired. This week really took it out of me; which, you know, it shouldn't have, because we haven't had a full week yet.

Today was good. We're reviewing for a test that I'm going togive on Tuesday, and one of the classes really seems to get it, while the other one doesn't...at all. So, we'll have to work on that Monday.

All right, well, this is short, but then...so am I.

Tommy

sorry!

So, yeah, leave it to something like a blog to show you just how boring your life REALLY is. So, for all of you who are keeping up with me by reading this...I apologize. Man, I need to get out there and do more...STUFF!

All right, so it's been a week, and in that time VERY little has happened. An old friend sent me a new CD, which is great, and I LOVED it. It's of a band from Philadelphia that is really good, and I had the opportunity to hang out with last summer.

I've been hanging out with friends lately, but we've not done anything to exciting. I've been reading a lot lately (but that's not new). Oh, just a heads up, if you've not been to the website www.bookcrossing.com, you really should. It's awesome.

I did some thinking over the past couple of days, and I've decided not to go on my roadtrip this summer. I really don't have the money, and it would be really irresponsible of me (darn it!) so I'm going to post pone it. My check book and my dog will thank me, I'm sure.

It's funny how quickly things can change...yesterday was fantastic, I woke up and came to school all smiles, and had just an amazing day. Today, well, it started the same, but right before school, I found out that one of my kids had been making racial comments to another student...I know I live in the middle of rural America, and that should unfortunately not be that surprising, but it really was! This is a good kid, and it really just killed me to know that he had been doing it. However, I really didn't have to come down to hard on him, as he really didn't know what he was saying...so I just explained, in no uncertain terms, what it was he was ACTUALLY saying, and he felt really bad, so hopefully, the problem is solved. Ugh.

Well, hopefully more later, and I'll try not to wait over a week next time! (c;

Tommy

Snow/Ice Day

Whoo hoo! Another snow day! (In case you can't pick up on the sarcasm that I intended, trust me--it was there.) I REALLY don't want to make up any more school days! Ugh!

Ok, so last time we met, it was Monday morning. Monday was a great day--students were fantastic, and we got a lot accomplished. Monday after school I went home and relaxed, watched some tv, and read. Then, I got a very welcome surprise...an old friend, one who is very special to me, called out of the blue. We chatted for over an hour about all kinds of topics, and it was just very pleasant. She is someone that I can talk to about almost anything, and our conversations range from the mundane (which you just can't beat sometimes) to the deeply intellectual, spiritual or otherwise stimulating topics. It was just a really excellent way to end the day.

Yesterday morning I woke up and found that school was cancelled. I went to the coffee shop, hung out, read, and relaxed. Then a couple of friends came over and we went to Il Spazio for lunch. There I ran into an ex girlfriend. That was interesting.

You see, she's the first girl that I thought about marrying. We "courted" actually, and it was a really good relationship, and probably the second most pleasant break-up ever. However, she's married now, and she is expecting her first child. Don't get me wrong...I'm happy for her...it's just hard sometimes. I'm 26, which in Kirksville means that you're old. REALLY old. I'm older than most of the med students for crying out loud. So, to see someone that I almost married, living the family life, happily married and moving onto parenthood, well, it can be difficult.

Went to karaoke last night and saw Flight of the Phoenix. Class is going well today.

Anywho...more later. God bless ya'll...

Tommy

Monday Morning

Hello all! I know it sounds silly, but man I love Monday mornings. A new week, a fresh start, a brimming cup of steaming coffee. Mmm....coffee. My weekend was good, too! I worked Friday night, and that was fun. We were not busy, so I got cut fairly early, and then I was able to read for a bit before I had dinner. I'm reading "A Man in Full" by Tom Wolf. It's ok...he's a bit circumloquatious, but it is an interesting story.

Anyway, so I met up with some friends after work and we decided to go to 'Toons, which is Kirksville's version of a dance club. There was about fifteen people there, but it was still pretty good.

I woke up Saturday and rushed to make my appointment to get my car worked on. I then spent the morning reading and planning my next road trip, which will be this summer. (It's going to make last year's trip look like an afternoon drive--needless to say, I'm looking forward to it!) I worked again Saturday night, and then decided to give the movie, Napolean Dynomite, another chance. It's starting to grow on me. It's not great, but it's growing.

Yesterday I did a little grocery shopping, and finished watching the series "Freaks and Geeks". Man, great show, just great. I've now started watching the episodes with commentary. (Oh, watched Resevoir Dogs last night too--intense!!)

All right, I'm going to get ready for the morning....have a great day everyone!

Tommy

Friday

Hey ya'll! Well, winter has officially struck in the midwest. We came back from Christmas Break on Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday were called off due to inclement weather. We came back today, which was almost silly, but the kids have been fantastic.

So, over the last few days I've been reading, relaxing, and watching a lot of DVD's. I got the Series Freaks and Geeks for Christmas, and I'm watching that. It was a fantastic show. I also got the fifth season of the Simpson's, and that's been great, too. I rented Napolean Dynomite last night, and I gotta be honest, I really don't see what all the fuss was about. It was ok, but not this masterpiece that everyone says it was.

So, yesterday, at the coffee shop, i finally worked up the nerve to ask this girl that I've been chatting with there out on a date. Well, it was movie scene-esque. She got up to leave, waived good-bye to me, I paused...took a deep breathe and ran outside after her. I called to her, "Hey, so-and-so..."...she turned, I smiled, and said, "hey, what are you doing for dinner tonight?" She smiled and said, "I"m going home to my boyfriend." And I, the quick wit that I am, responded, "Hey, have fun with that."

Ugh.

Well, more later! I'm working at the restaurant this weekend, and I'm getting my car worked on tomorrow. As I look around my classroom right now, it really is good to be back. I LOVE this job...it's awesome.

Peace out!

Oh the weather outside...

Well, the talk of the ville is the impending snowstorm that has everyone thrown for a loop. I don't get it...so, it snows a bit. Big deal. However, school will MOST likely be cancelled tomorrow, as we're the only school in a one and a half hour radius that hasn't cancelled yet. yeah! School was fantastic today...the kids were awesome. We discussed the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre and the Boston Celtics. Well, not the last one, but it was still good. Started reading Maniac MaGee, which is a fantastic book. Man, I've just had a great day!

More tomorrow! (Maybe!)

Break is Over

Hey ya'll. Wow...it's been too long, eh? Well, too much has happened, and not enough of it is noteworthy, so we'll just sum up the break, instead of giving you the play by play.

Let's see....break started almost two weeks ago, and I got hit by a deer on my way home. No biggie, but it's the second time for my car. Stupid deer. Went home, hung out with friends, spent time with the fam, and then came back to Kville. Good times. Got lots of cool stuff, and enjoyed being with friends and family. New Year's was good, although I got waylaid in CR because of a freak ice storm. Although, in all honesty, it was pretty funny watching people slide all over the place.

This morning, I woke up nice and early, thermosed my coffee, made my lunch, and when I went outside, I foudn that Kville had received the long end of an ice storm as well. I made it about half way up the walkway to my car, when I, quite humorously, slid all the way down. It took me about five tries to realize that I should walk on the grass. (Yeah, that's right...I'm a genius.)

All right. Well, I've got grade cards to work on. I'll try to write more frequently.

God bless, and have a great start to 2005.

Tommy

End o' the week

Hey ya'll! Sorry, but it's been a week, ya know? It however has been a great week. Tuesday night was fun...I went to Karaoke for a bit. Wednesday was a great day. I dressed up, which always tends to make me feel better, so my kids were in a great mood as well. My students' pen pals came by, which was great, because they are all in a sorority. So, needless to say, that was fun. Twenty three coed's in my classroom...no complaints here. And then, Wednesday after school I was able to help a friend out with his complicated proposal senario. I was the driver in the whole complex situation, and it went off without a hitch. God bless and good luck Becki and John.

After that, I went home and put on my Santa costume, because I played Santa for a group of neighborhood kids. That was awesome. I had one moment where this cute little girl came up to me, and I swear it was like talking to little Cindy Lou Who, who was no more than two. She asked me how the elves are able to make all the toys. But, you know, I was so slick...I thought up a tale...and I thought it up quick. Ok, that's enough Dr. Seuss for one blog.

So, that was a lot of fun, and the kids really got excited. There were nine little kids, all under the age of 5, and it really meant a lot to their parents as well. So, that was fun. And then, being the great big geek that I am, I passed out at 8:30. Yikes! How old do you think I am!? Man.

Yesterday was fun. We had our DARE graduation in the morning and then we went to another class' Christmas play in the afternoon. Last night I worked, but it was fun. BUSY, but fun. Today is just a half day, which is cool. We have meetings this afternoon, but then I'm off to Kansas City for a weekend of debauchery and good times. More next week!

Tommy

good days

Well, today has just gone swimmingly. Really, it has. I think there is a distinct possibility that last night's events may have indeed colored todays experiences...however, that is to be expected.

The students were good, classes went well, and once again my students were cracking me up. I have somewhat of an obsession with chocolate; and when I give spelling tests I try to make most of the sentences revolve around chocolate. (It's actually quite challenging...imagine creating sentences about chocolate using the words archaeologist, hemisphere, and disorderly.) Well, today I let one of my kids give the spelling test to some students who weren't here yesterday. He has somewhat of a fixation on pigs...so, his sentences were all about pigs. (He actually made up a song about pigs to the tune of Stand by your Man. "Pigs by my side...they are so soooooft and cuddly." I was, needless to say, quite amused. (c; )

A friend send me the following link:
http://www.playerappreciate.com/pimphandle.asp

It was at this particular location that I found my "pimp name", which, if I do say so myself, fits me to a "T": Reverend Tommy Flow and Dopetastic Estlund Love. Either one sounds tasty to me. Feel free to hit me up with a little o' that flava, freel. (c;

I'm off to the coffee shop to relax. I'm going to read and enjoy the last night of relative ease before the madness of the holidays strikes full force. Argh.

Later ya'll...

reverend tommy flow

The Morning After...

Well, as promised in my last post, I will now inform you all about last night.

I had a date. My friend who is in med school is dating this cool girl who happens to have a twin sister. He decided that he would set this girl up with me. It was very fun...a LOT better than my last date. (Let me just say, that date ended with her saying, "I'll be in touch" with a quick pat on the shoulder." Ugh.)

We just had a really good time. Ate at Spazio, and had great conversation. We then went and hung out with her sister and my friend. It was cool, laid back, not stressful at all. We didn't have any of the usual nonsense that comes with a first date, at least from my perspective. I'm definitely going to call her again.

All right, I'll write more later and fill ya'll in on what's up in the K-ville. The busy-ness commences tomorrow, so tonight I'm going to just enjoy myself.

tommy

A New Week

Well, the weekend was good. Very relaxing, much needed invigoration. Today was good as well.

My students were well behaved, and we got all we needed to get done (and more!). I woke up earlier than I have the past week, which was a nice change of pace. I had been oversleeping by a good 45 minutes. However, as I try to get up WAY earlier than necessary, it wasn't making me LATE, just later than I'd like. So, today was good.

I have a special evening planned tonight...which, if it goes well, I'm sure I'll write more about tomorrow. However, I don't want to say too much now, as I don't want to jinx things. Anyhow...off to the coffee shop to get some reading in before tonights activities. (c;

More tomorrow.

And thus starteth the weekend...eth.

Well, today is done. It was great. I am a bit chilly as I write this, because I just got done with bus duty, but it was fun anyway. Good times were had by all, I'd wager. Good day. Tonight, a good night? I think it should be. We'll see. Man, how 'bout an award for least interesting blog EVER. Well, maybe I'll run into some scary space monkeys tonight...maybe they'll ransack my house and take my dog hostage. Nah, nothing exciting ever happens to me. More monday.

TGIF

Greetings to the one or two of you that are reading this. (It's interesting--in all of my writing classes, I was always told to be mindful of your audience--and I don't think the teachers knew about the wonderful world of technology that stood just offstage waiting in the wings.) I told myself when I started this I would write every day. However, things just are't always that feasible. Last night was one of those times. I had a meeting at 5:15, and I had to rush home in order to get back into town to make it. I did, rest easy, make it on time. But, the night just seemed rushed. However, I did go to karaoke last night which was--as always--an interesting experience. Here in Kirksville going to Toons on a Thursday night is like an episode of Jerry Springer with a two drink minimum. (In other words, if you gathered any five people together, you MIGHT have a complete set of teeth. )

Yesterday was good though. My kids were cracking me up. They're so funny sometimes. And this group is cool because they can usually read me well, so they know when to back up and focus, and when the can kind of "let go". That's great.

Today we're having our first read-in of the year. For those of you who don't know what that means, let me explain. We start by moving all the desks out of the way. Then, the entire class (me included) spreads throughout the room and relaxes with a good book/books for the entire day. The kids bring in snacks, I sip my coffee, and everyone just enjoys a good read. And this is an especially great activity on a day like this--cold, dreary, and gray. (One might even say it was slightly despressing--if today weren't such a great day in the first place.

Well, I need to go. My book is calling my name. Tonight I work at the restaurant. Shouldn't be too bad. I do enjoy working there, and I don't work tomorrow which will be really really nice. All right...so long from cyberspace...

Tommy

Hump Day

Well, today was an awesome day. I got up a little later than I usually do, but I got to school with plenty of time to check my e-mail and to do my normal morning routine. I graded both of my tests from yesterday, and my kids did great, which is always a good feeling. Social Studies was especially good today...I made up an analogy for the French and Indian War that utilized Brian Regan's "calling the back seat" bit. I know, it doesn't seem to connect, but trust me, it did, and the kids laughed--and more importanly--they understood.

I'm kind of getting a bit of the holiday stress lately...I usually love the holidays, music, trees, etc, but the financial obligations are just so pervasive...I mean, you gotta donate to this fund, and you gotta give this person that thing, and that person this thing, and well, I understand that it's good to give of yourself, but I'd like to not feel guilty for putting some money into the "grocery" fund, and the "gas-so-Tommy-can-get-to-work" fund. You know, luxuries like those. (c;

Anyway, I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing night at home. I'm going to kick back, read a little and go to bed at some odd hour like...oh, I don't know...six sounds good. Later.

Tommy

Quickie

Hey there. It is Tuesday after school. Today was, as I suspected, a good day. The kids were good, the hours were good, the coffee was good. I have a staff meeting tonight and those have been short--lets not break the cycle now, right?

Karaoke tonight later. That'll be fun. Always is, anyway. Oh, and my chilli last night? Awesome. Just awesome. You might want to ignore the previous post...i was trying to add a picture to my profile, and that didn't so much work. I promise more tomorrow, but for now...

Me 

Definitely a Monday

Today has been a Monday...it's been dreary, drizzly, and autumnal--all in a non serene kind of way. In discussing the day with another teacher, I've found that both of us were a little short with our students. I feel bad when that happens because they're so good. However, even as a Monday, my students did great work today. We have two tests tomorrow, so that means the day will not be very tasking on me, which you know, is nice.
I'm still struggling with separating my classes out. I have had three distinct groups of students, each one filled with unique, challenging and exciting students...and it's difficult to understand that while I know what I want from my class and for my class after three years, my students now are not that familiar...I can't expect them to respond like classes prior to this one. (For some, that's a good thing.) It's a life lesson, I guess...and one that I will probably continue learning for some time. At least until I get it right.
Making chilli tonight for dinner...mmmm....chilli.

Later.

A New Beginning

I know, I know...it's not time for a new beginning yet. I'm supposed to wait until next month when everyone else is doing it. Well, too bad...I feel like doing it now. So, there. I've started one of these before, but I forgot my log in info, so I oculdn't do it again. Oops. (c; However, in the span of time from then until now, I've had to think about what I would want my blog's purpose to be...and I think I've got it.
This journal will be my catharsis from my daily grind as a fifth grade teacher. In writing the previous statement, I think I was unnecessarily harsh. I don't want to give the impression that I don't love my job more than anything else. I thank God everyday for my job--to think, that not only am I able to spend my days with inciteful, creative and energetic people everyday, but...I get PAID for it too! It's amazing! However, as I imagine it would be with a spouse, there are aspects of the job that are unattractive--things that are slightly less than desireable. Through this blog, I would imagine that those things will from time to time come out. I do want to underline and reiterate that I have so much joy here...I wake up everyday with a huge smile on my face and it usually stays on until well after I leave the building.

Ok....more later...the day begins.