With time to spare.....

Wow, a first for me.......in all my years of college classes (going on my seventh), I have been one to procrastinate on writing papers of any nature. But for some reason this time it is different. I am done with both, with a day to spare!! I was able to choose the topic, which I think is vital when any student tries to take an interest in the paper. Usually I pull an all night-er, and believe me, at my age it wreaks havoc on my stress levels. Something I can definitely do without!!

So, one topic I chose was class sizes. I wondered if class sizes matter in the educational setting. After much research, I have found that during the primary years of K-3rd grade, small class sizes are extremely important for students. There was no evidence to prove that it helps in the secondary level. I am determined that it does, especially in the alternative setting. My district, as other districts, try to cut costs. This year we lost and DID NOT replace one teacher. So that means dividing the students up among the remaining teachers. Needless to say much larger classrooms, with 18-22 students in some classes. These students have not acquired some key skills and still managed to pass up to freshman level. Many have trouble with simple fractions. This is key to other mastery of higher mathematical skills. So, to try to bring them up to level to master standardized testing, it requires more one on one time. With 18-22 alternative students, I have found my challenge!! Most times I find myself being a mom and disciplining more than I should. Heck, if I didn't understand something and I had to wait until the teacher helped 10 other students, I might disengage too, especially if I had ADHD!!!





The other topic I chose was character development in the school setting. I found an article, I was to summarize, that talked of government making it a requirement for all schools to help develop strong moral character in all students. They felt this was a key ingredient to make kids successful in life, by having a good work ethic and strong moral beliefs. I couldn't agree more! That is why I love my Service Based Learning class, the emphasis is just that. I have seen proof, through the involvement in this class, of students thinking of others and changing to help rather than hurt others.

I have been blessed to be a part of that transition!

As William Edward Hartpole once said,

"One of the most important lessons that experience teaches is that, on the whole, success depends more on character than upon either intellect or fortune".

I just had to put that quote in my paper too!

Now, lets just hope I get A's on both!

So many choices.....

I love to change my backgrounds, and am always searching for new sites that offer them for free. I was pleasantly surprised with my last search, I found some new sites. I have listed them here (along with some I have frequented before). Just click on the picture and it will take you to their respected sites.

Lee Lou Blog Backgrounds




Blogger Boutique Backgrounds




The Cutest Blog on the Block



Simply Chic Blogs



Smitten Blog Designs Gallery




Maybe there will be one you will like too! Some have fall designs and others will be coming out with some soon.

Teenagers must translate differently......

You see, it started out as quick trip to get a bite to eat. On the way home we drove by our local Dodge dealership and my husband spotted this and said, "hey buddy, you want to take a look at that Challenger, isn't it smokin' hot?"






But, I think teenagers must hear things and come up with a totally different meaning than what was explained to them, cause what he focused on was this............

Well, it soon became a fun little test drive, with no intention of buying anything (well explained in advance). Heck, he just turned 15....has no means for income.

Oh, boy did we open a can of worms. He's got it all planned out as to how we can buy this now for him, he'll take over payments (in July when he actually turns 16 and can get a job) and for Christmas we can get him a nicer stereo system for it.

Oh, I do agree it was a nice car (Dodge Avenger), and yes....it does look like a smaller version of my husbands Charger.

But, we need to wait for one key ingredient........a regular drivers license!

Not to mention it was a 2008 with over 35,000 miles on it already......WOW!

So, now...........we'll not turn into any dealerships until well into 2009!!

Movie Madness

It has been a week of movie frenzy in the Ditto Abode. With the cooler weather starting to come, we have gone into our 'homebody' mode. Each night after dinner we have gone to rent a movie. Everyone (my son, husband and I) took turns choosing what we will watch. These are one of my all time favorite things to do......movie night with my two favorite men. Well, a few nights Colton was gone so we could watch the "not for younger viewers" type.

Monday night was this.......of which I really wasn't too fond of. Just a few funny parts, some that really had my hubby cracking up and rewinding over a few times!

Tuesday night this...........I really liked this! With both my hubby and I home by 3:30, we are able to get new releases on the day they are out!

Wednesday night this...........cute movie. More of a chick flick, but the hubby enjoyed it too!

Thursday night this...........this was good, very suspenseful! Kept us engrossed!

And tonight it was this.........I thought it was good, but not the best we have watched this week.

Well, I have to enjoy it while I can, it is back to the grindstone tomorrow. I have lots of homework for my masters program, papers to write ...............and oh, how I hate to write papers (maybe that is the reason for the procrastination). Well, one more week till they are due and a book to read before next weekend. Yep....tomorrow is the day....I will buckle down!