Wake Me Up

First Fire

2009-11-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

First fire in my house. Sending this via a phone blog. Nice.

Where has Mario Been?

2009-11-25T01:42:00.002-05:00

Blog,

You have been sorely neglected. You must accept my apology. No one has seen you I'm sure for quite an extended period of time. Not only has no one visited you, but you have had nothing to share. Well, I can't make any promises right now but I would like to see if that can be remedied. It will be somewhat challenging since the author finds himself enormously busy; especially during this Holiday season.

Life is in full swing right now. Currently, in the middle of a second year of teaching. Fourth-graders can be quite demanding and I find that I am constantly learning how to work with them, relate to them, connect with them on personal levels, and teach them all at the same time. In addition to this, I have taken on the responsibility of being team leader for my grade-level. This is another challenge all to itself. Learning how to serve your fellow peers in something you know they have much more experience in always presents hurdles. I am grateful however for our instructional coach who is continually offering her time, knowledge, and resources. The cherry on top this year has been a technology grant I applied for last year and I was awarded. I've been able to get some new tech toys in the classroom which is stretching the way we learn. I'm having fun playing around with these tools.

Outside of the work arena, I've stayed plugged in at church and continue to work with the youth. We are in the middle of putting a Christmas program together. We've also launched some Secret Santa's which is bringing out some creative juices.

I'm ready for Thanksgiving and spending some quality time with family. Kind of wish it wasn't a "get together with the whole family event." I don't think I'd mind something a little more low key. Anyway, not happening this year.

27

2008-06-10T12:29:00.002-04:00

I have had all these great things to post but no time to post them. Before I get to one of these great things though just thought I'd mention that I completed 26 years of life last week. To celebrate the occasion I had some friends and family over. We roasted hot dogs while sitting around a fire and played some croquet. It was a fun time.

What made the week even better though is that I was offered a 4th grade teaching position for next year. As of right now, I will be teaching at Mission View Elementary alongside my brother who is at the first grade level there. Pretty sweet birthday gift.

Sub Update

2008-04-14T00:34:00.002-04:00

Hey, I've been offered the long-term 5th grade sub position....so from now till June 18th I will be teaching 5th grade math and science at John Newberry elementary. Sweet.

Approval

2008-04-11T12:41:00.002-04:00

I have been approved. Two days ago I received an email from Washington state's OSPI stating that my Residency Teacher application had been approved.

"Congratulations. Your application has been approved. You should allow 8 weeks for OSPI to process and mail your certificate."

5th Grade Sub

2008-04-09T13:01:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow I have an interview for a long-term, half-day fifth grade sub position (teaching math and science). I'll let you know how it goes.

Marshmellow Roasting

2008-04-07T01:58:00.002-04:00

There is nothing quite like sitting around a fire on a cool evening, talking with family and friends, and roasting marshmellows and hot dogs. The best part: having smoke from the fire impregnated in all your clothes.

Engine Replacement

2008-02-08T12:59:00.002-05:00

Back in the Fall when I returned to my studies I had decided to take my Nissan out to Virginia. If I had known though what would have taken place before heading out I would have reconsidered my plans. Two days into my journey I was traveling through Wyoming. Unfortunately for me, it was the last day my car has run since then. Presently, I have been attempting to replace the engine in my car. Below is a picture of the new engine. For approximately the last two months my dad and I have made some slow progress on this engine replacement. I hope to find the necessary time within the next couple of months to complete this job. Also, it will probably be the last time I try an engine replacement. It's not fun not having your own car.

Snowshoeing

2008-01-24T15:59:00.001-05:00

Back in December I went on a short snowshoeing excursion with my brother and his father-in-law Greg. Not knowing where we would end up we found ourselves enjoying a "Plain" view.

Me, in the car, on the way up.

Greg, with a great background.

Armando, stopping for a breather.

Armando again, looking pretty fly.

Us, at the top with some view.

What we came to see: just a Plain view.

Eating at the 59 Diner

Number 1

2008-01-22T00:33:00.001-05:00

First post of 2008 and first one since Thanksgiving. That's sure a good span of time. I'm with Tim: my blog needs a little more attention. I've been back home for about a month and it has been great. It's nice to come back and see some snow. However, it hasn't snowed for a while now. This week we are looking at getting into some nice, cold winter weather. Right now it's about 6 F outside.

I'm slowly getting back into the groove of things here at home. I'm still waiting for my degree to clear and other paperwork issues so that I can begin substitute teaching. In the meantime, I'm flipping noodles at the Wok About Grill. I'm afraid that a permanent teaching position will have to wait until the following academic year since no positions are open right now. I'll work at getting some photos posted but it's all running a little slow right now.

Sleepless

2007-11-22T00:44:00.000-05:00

I guess it takes a sleepless night to get me to post again. And then who knows if anyone still visits my blog. It's been awhile since my last post. Not much has changed since then though, except that I only have 3 weeks of student teaching left, however, I'm not sure what to write about.

So I guess, if anyone does check this out from time to time and you would like to know something about what's been happening in my life or you want me to attempt a discussion on some interesting subject feel free to leave a comment about that. I'll see what I can do.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Internet Down

2007-10-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

Technology is superbly wonderful to have and be able to use but when it doesn't work it's the complete opposite. For about a week now my home internet connection has been inaccessible. Apparently it is an issue with the router--which I find hard to believe. In the meantime, I've been forced to using the internet where I work (which isn't so great because the school system has half the sites blocked) or at Regent (a fine alternative but I don't always feel like driving here to use it). Regardless, that is what must be until the issue is resolved.

In other news I have completed my sixth week of student teaching; only ten more to go! This weekend I need to finish planning for this upcoming week, organize my final assignments for my technology course, and start compiling my teacher portfolio. The half-way point to my student teaching is drawing closer; which I am completely stoked about.

Final Note:
Our 3rd grade classroom is looking at getting some guppies. We tried starting out with 5 late last week but they died overnight. Monday, we'll try again and hopefully the results will be more positive.

Truth

2007-09-22T11:40:00.000-04:00

Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked. -- John 18:37-38

the truth project

Whirlwind

2007-09-19T22:09:00.001-04:00

Week 4 of student teaching is on the downhill slope and it has been a busy one, yet I imagine the next three will be good and busy as well. Tomorrow I get observed. My supervisor will be coming in to evaluate me on my mid-term. Honestly, I think the sooner it's over the better. I will be teaching a lesson on matter. More specifically, what happens when you combine two kinds of matter and how do you classify that matter. My lesson will involve making some oobleck. Check out the video if you are unfamiliar with this crazy substance:

How about an Oobleck Pool:

Will it Blend?

2007-09-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

A new site I came across as I was browsing another site. Such a difficult video to watch if you're into the latest cell phone technology.

Semana Dos

2007-09-05T17:46:00.000-04:00

Where to begin...This week the students arrived to school and the past two days have been the initiation phases: stepping into 3rd grade. I have spent much of my time observing and getting to know the students as well getting to know Ms. Hughes's teaching style. She's a good teacher, one I believe I'll enjoy working with, but time will tell. I wrote a letter the other day which will be sent home to the parents of the students so they (the parents) know who's going to be feeding them their daily educational nutrition for the next few weeks.

I have to say that it looks like we have an exceptional class of students; which may not make teaching any easier but it may help when it comes to classroom management.

Alanton

2007-08-31T18:22:00.000-04:00

If you want to know a little more about the school I'm student teaching at you can check out their school site by clicking here.

Today, the third grade teachers went out for lunch at Atlas Grill and Bar. I had a Chesapeake Flounder BLT sandwich. Other than this my co-op and I discussed my schedule, went over some lesson plan stuff, and made some finishing touches in the classroom. To end the day we had our first general staff meeting to go over some logistical details before the first day of school this coming Tuesday.

Oh, I should say as well, that last night we had an open house. I was able to meet quite a few of the students and their parents. We are going to have a very diverse and unique third grade classroom. Many of the students are gifted and there are a handful of ELL (english language learners) students. One is from Singapore, another from Spain, one may be Greek, one has been living in Italy (mom is Finnish), and I think there are a couple of Chinese students as well. All of this makes me a little nervous.

Well, I'm going to try and enjoy the weekend.

Share-Point

2007-08-29T20:05:00.000-04:00

At school today, I had my first introduction to Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server. For the teaching profession I found it to be quite remarkable. I would imagine the same for other business or organizations that are seeking to communicate, collaborate and so forth digitally. For example, in my brief moments seeing the program work the principal can have the school calendar on there and make any adjustments at anytime should changes arise. Upcoming events/activities are listed right there for a teacher to see. In addition, the school has it set-up that you can send a document to a copy machine (pretty much as many as you want with x number of copies) and then at your leisure go to the copy machine, access the documents you have stored on there and make your copies. So instead of wasting printer ink, which is more expensive, you can use copier ink. Another feature which was cool but in which you would need everyone on board, were what you might call grade-level links (websites). Within these links that grade level can send messages to one another, upload documents to share, discuss, strategize, and so forth.

I know there were many other features included within this server software, but I was impressed with the digital collaboration and communication it provides for teachers.

Day One

2007-08-28T19:32:00.000-04:00

I awoke this morning extremely tired but with the realization that I had to get up because my first day of student teaching had arrived. In all reality you could say it was my second day. Monday was my true first day but I was forced to miss it since my '89 ford escort was not cooperating....so, after renting a car for a couple of days in order to give myself some time in determining the issue with my escort I was set to go.

As I said, I found myself struggling to get out of bed wanting to squeeze every last minute of sleep in as I possibly could. Yet the time came and I jumped up, got ready, and went out the door. I raced down 264, directions in hand, and thought to myself, "I have no idea what to expect today."

With no trouble, other than battling some early morning traffic, I made it safely to my destination, Alanton Elementary School. After having parked my car I made my way to the main entrance of the school. I reached to open the door and realized that it was locked. Fortunately, it wasn't the only door. There were at least three others and I eventually found the unlocked door. I entered the school and saw not a soul around. But alas, I knew there had to be other people in the building. Why else would the one door be unlocked and other cars in the parking lot, right?

In no time at all I found someone who was able to direct me to the room of Ms. Hughes, my cooperating teacher. Upon reaching the room, I found Ms. Hughes already busy getting her cluttered room ready for the new school year. She took a pause from her work, introduced herself to me, and my first day as a student teacher had officially and formally began.

The remainder of the day consisted of me helping Ms. Hughes continue organizing and prepping her room. Some of the tasks which I helped her with included hanging some curtains, putting up some words (continents and oceans) on the wall, creating some folder activities, and helping create a simple bulletin board to welcome the students for their arrival.

In a nutshell, with gaps in-between and all-around, that was day one.

Trying Times

2007-08-26T12:40:00.000-04:00

Student teaching has arrived. One could say this is it: after this stage of the learning process I will be a certified elementary school teacher; no more classified. For roughly the next sixteen weeks I will use this blog to jot down thoughts, happenings, and peculiar circumstances or situations which may arise throughout the course of my student teaching and life in general. I invite you, reader, to join the journey and come along for the ride.

Recently, I have been in some trying times. Approximately a week and a half ago I set out by car to drive across this great nation, America, in order to begin my student teaching here in Virginia Beach. My plans were to arrive in the area no later than last Sunday; however, plans changed. About 1,000 miles into my journey my car's radiator blew. A few days later when that problem was fixed it was diagnosed that my head gasket or head or both needed replaced. So which was it? Both. My head (not mine the car's) was warped beyond the point of being re-surfaced which left me with no other option than to leave my car at its present location and come by bus the remainder of the journey. Therefore, after being stuck almost a week, essentially in the middle of nowhere, and traveling 3 days by bus I finally arrived in the early hours of Saturday morning to Virginia Beach.

Results of my late arrival included missing my orientation meeting for student teaching which took place last Monday, and any planning time I could have used got thrown out the window. I now find myself trying to get up to pace with my technology course and gearing up for my first placement at Alanton Elementary School which begins tomorrow. Not to mention, the car I have here in Virginia Beach is giving me a little trouble right now as well.

Amidst the storm that I'm whirling around in I'm hoping the best, and that a season of increase will soon follow.

Here are a few photos from my journey which were taken from my cell:

Yellowstone

A few shots of the Mammoth Hot Springs

A couple of Buffalo on the road

Home of the St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Arch

Update

2007-06-09T19:01:00.000-04:00

Being back home is great. From the photos you can see there are some great outdoor activities. Aside from this I've been taking advantage of the great weather and we've been grilling/barbecuing like crazy.

Apart from this I've been working at a Mongolian restaurant called the Wok About Grill. We make some sweet food and I get to cook it for customers. And then of course I've been working with our church's youth and helped out in worship a couple of weeks. Needless to say, it has been a busy time, and it's difficult to fit in everything one would like to do.

Tonight is my youngest sister's HS graduation. At last we will all be graduates of Cascade High from Leavenworth, WA.

Well, granted, this is only a very brief synopsis of what life has been like, so my apologies and until next time.

Let the Hiking Begin

2007-06-09T18:15:00.000-04:00

Since being back home I've longed to do some hiking. Thus far, I've been able to do three hikes to: Stuart Lake, Colchuck Lake, and Nada Lake/Snow Lakes.

At the top of Stuart Lake.

Colchuck Lake

Nada Lake

My brother posing at Nada Lake

Crossing between upper and lower Snow Lakes

Shot of the upper Snow Lakes

View of Nada Lake on our way down from the Snow Lakes.

Fishing at Wapato Lake

2007-06-09T17:44:00.000-04:00

On my second day back home from Virginia, my dad, a friend, and myself went and did some fishing at Wapato Lake.

My dad with one of the four fish we caught this day.

My dad and his friend Efrain simply enjoying the atmosphere.

Me, displaying the four fish we caught.

New Thang

2007-04-23T12:36:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's been awhile since my last post. So, exactly where does one pick up after that while has passed? Well, by this Thursday I will be completely done with my semester. How do I feel? Great. A week after being done I'll be heading home to Washington. It will be a joyous occasion. What does this summer present? I'll have no classes to worry about (at least none I know of), I'll work as much as humanly possible....then again maybe not-- but it would be great to make some good dough, and I'll be home. Actually, I'm looking into climbing Mt. Rainier. The biggest road block right now is the date: I don't know when the expedition would take place, but if the date is good then I'll be getting prepared to make that journey.

For all those friendships which have been forged over this past year, those people will certainly be missed. But I'm not gone yet so let's enjoy the time that remains. Cheers!

Good Friday & Easter Eve

2007-04-07T10:36:00.000-04:00

"I'm a great sinner and Christ is a great savior." -- John Newton in the movie Amazing Grace.

It seems like God has been speaking something to me. Considering the last post I made, and now this, there is something apparent which He is communicating. It was reinforced through the Good Friday service I went to last night and then through the words of William Wilberforce in his book "A Practical View of Christianity."

There is a part in it where he is touching on the corruption of human nature and states in one of these chapters:

"Far different is the humiliating language of Christianity. From it we learn that man is an apostate creature, fallen from his high original, degraded in his nature, and depraved in his faculties; indisposed to good, and disposed to evil; prone to vice, it is natural and easy to him; disinclined to virtue, it is difficult and laborious; that he is tainted with sin, not slightly and superficially, but radically and to the very core. These are truths, which, however mortifying to our pride, one would think none would be hardly enough to attempt to convert. I know not any thing which brings them home so forcibly to my own feelings, as the consideration of what still remains to us of primitive dignity, when contrasted with our present state of moral degradation."

Let us not forget our fallenness and desparate need of a savior. Because on our own we accomplish nothing. However, on the flip side of things, let us not forget that He sacrificed Himself so that we could have eternal life. Therefore, we must receive this gift of his love, for to reject it would be to reject the sacrifice.

Enough said for now...so I woke up this morning to help some friends move and to my surprise I looked out the window and saw these white flakes falling from the sky. That was near 7 am. It's now close to 11 and it keeps falling. Unfortunately, it's not sticking but who would have thought snow on Easter Eve in Virginia Beach?