Man, so much drama over the past few weeks. Our levy didn't pass, so that means I might not have a job next year. I think I should weather the storm this time, but maybe not again next year. I'm getting the resume ready and asking for letters nonetheless. Better to be ready to jump if something good comes up. I don't necessarily mind leaving, not that I WANT to, but the issue is that we've gone and bought a house. There are other places we could have gone last year, including Forest Lake or back to Bemidji, but we chose to stay here. That's what gets me - we finally decide to settle down and now we might be screwed for it.

Other drama: big shakeup in my department. There was a swap between two people, with one being sent to an undesirable and illogical place, while another gets what (as it appears to some) she wanted. It's weird, and it has brought someone down to my plaza who I don't quite know what to do with.

Long story, but still sort of crazy to have someone who you wrote off (for a number of reasons, not the least of which is snubbing me, and others, in favor of those with more $ and power) working in close proximity to you after not really speaking for 6+ months. It's just weird.

There have been ups and downs with the team-taught class. We're ironing out the details of our teaching style differences (I'm apparently far more type A than I'd ever imagined, especially in comparison to someone who is so highly abstract/random...which I always thought I was...). We've basically given up on those who don't care about the class, which is evidenced by their lack of work being turned in, bad attitude, disruptive behavior - need I go on? It's funny that I don't really have these major of issues in my own classes. I think the inconsistency between our different styles is responsible for some of the issues, but honestly, these kids just don't give a shit about their grades in our class, let alone if they will walk at graduation or not.

I don't get it - passing is so ridiculously easy - you just have to show up and do some of, if not all of the work. You don't even need to do it well. You can do it half-assed, or even less than in some cases, but if you do NOTHING, I cannot help you. Even when you lie to your parents about me and my class, so that when I call them to see if I can get them to help set their kid straight (shouldn't it be the other way around???) they yell at me because, according to their kid, I am not doing one or even possibly all of the following:

• not modifying enough or at all (even though I modify the shit out of most everything and even do so when THERE ARE NO MODIFICATIONS LEGALLY IN PLACE!)
• telling them their grades frequently enough,
• giving too much homework (when in truth I technically don't give any - they have TIME IN CLASS!), etc., etc., etc.

If any parent happens to be reading this - do not always take your child's word for everything that happens at school, if you have a question - call/e-mail the teacher and ASK, make sure your kid is doing their work in school - if they are not, take something away!

Sorry for the rant. This is just an iota of what I've got inside right now, but you know what? I still love my f-ing job.

Mock Trial has begun: I have far too many freshman, although they appear motivated and bright, if not annoying. We'll have to whip them into shape - a nice haircut and a suit jacket does wonders on pubescent boys who love science and debate.

The video club has recieved initial funding - enough to buy us a sweet Sony 40g camcorder, some accessories and our editing program. The 'preview' showed at the pepfest, and it seemed to have gone over very well. We just need to have our meeting scheduled and our advertisements go out in the form of flyers, announcements, and another video during advisement and we should be golden to begin holding meetings, which should prove to be interesting. We're going to work up some type of constitution, mission statement, offices, etc. I shall be the "Executive Producer." Isn't that cute? My boys are so excited, and I'm excited for them. I just hope that we can be somewhat organized in this venture so I can remain sane, what with Mock Trial absences coming up, and a new semester just around the corner.

As Borat would say, "Wa-wa-wooie!"

Here's to hoping Thanksgiving comes quickly!