It definitely still hurts, even after six weeks of medication and being restrained by a sling. The emotional and physical pain comes with bouts of sleep depredation, with not having permission to drive even locally, and then enduring 12 sessions of physical therapy (non-weight bearing). Even with all that the worst part is being on Home Lockup. Don't get me wrong, I love my home and everything that goes with it but hey....being told that for six weeks I was to avoid crowds. End result,the weight comes on. Oh, yea, a good 10 pounds of spare tire has developed. My pants are now officially too tight. Not the new skinny jeans tight either. No, belly bulge tight.
The large electric ice box has become like a friend. There is always something in there to gain my attention. And most items found there if not already opened can be opened with one hand, very conveniently I might add. The refrig also serves as a night light during the long extended bouts of insomnia. So after putting a nice snack together and grabbing a cold refreshing beverage it is off to the TV set, my other late night buddy.Try to get comfortable, which is an adventure in itself at the sofa and then click the on switch while simulataneously changing the channel from NEWS12, I then proceed to faithfully watch "five seconds of everything" as my bride has exclaimed on more than one occasion. It should be noted that my bride has become like my own personal butler by helping me dress, loop a belt, tie my shoes, and of course drive me to my many appointments. She's a keeper and she prays for my medical clearance every moment...or at least that is what it sounds like.
After the morning sun and having my coffee it is off to the showers. Try washing your hair one handed or toweling off. Missed a few spots. You bet I did. Shaving is non-existent so it's off the Sal The Barber once a week for a HOT TOWEL SHAVE. I look almost human again. The bride smiles.
As a reward for both of us I suggest going out to dinner. Forgetting I only have one hand and can not cut steak, I order a Aha Tuna. Oh well. However, I do apply ice faithfully to the wound and throw a few down while I'm out to dinner. Both relieve the pain somewhat and aided in sleep that evening.
Six weeks and counting. Jazzbus@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Over 100 Years Experience
Just left a retirement party, one which celebrated local educators. Quite a gala event I might add, with over 170 paying guests. What is truly amazing is the sheer numbers represented this evening. Four teachers individually represented by 21 years of experience (26 overall), 31 years (33 overall), 33 years and lastly 34 years, totalling the 4 teaching in one building working for 129 years, 136 if you count prior experience elsewhere.
Not a math student but I will attempt the data: 129 years x 183 working days= 23607 days. Remove a few sick days, snow days, conference day and whatever days, let's round it off to 23500 teaching days. Now each performs at least 5 teaching periods a day, sometimes classes of multiple levels, different grade levels, etc, but still equalling a staggering 117500 class periods. That's 117500 lesson plans.
Each year budgetary concerns can influence an administrators determination for class size. Some districts have limits set by teachers contracts; this district does not. However, classes will never be under subscriped (less than 15), and over 32 is pushing it big time. So let's conservatively state average class size at 26. So 117500 classes taught times 26 students per class...3,055,000 student contacts. Homeworks corrected, tests written and graded, voluntary extra credit, extra curricular events, PTA meetings, Graduation, Prom Chaperon, trip organizer, cafeteria/ hall duty, attendance/homeroom, arrival bus duty, dismissal bus duty ...more student interaction time, some with additional day but most not.
This celebration was for only four people....of a school consisting of 123 teachers. Whew...my hat goes off to those in the "trenches", and to those who say "teachers are overpaid, cry babies"...well, another time.
Not a math student but I will attempt the data: 129 years x 183 working days= 23607 days. Remove a few sick days, snow days, conference day and whatever days, let's round it off to 23500 teaching days. Now each performs at least 5 teaching periods a day, sometimes classes of multiple levels, different grade levels, etc, but still equalling a staggering 117500 class periods. That's 117500 lesson plans.
Each year budgetary concerns can influence an administrators determination for class size. Some districts have limits set by teachers contracts; this district does not. However, classes will never be under subscriped (less than 15), and over 32 is pushing it big time. So let's conservatively state average class size at 26. So 117500 classes taught times 26 students per class...3,055,000 student contacts. Homeworks corrected, tests written and graded, voluntary extra credit, extra curricular events, PTA meetings, Graduation, Prom Chaperon, trip organizer, cafeteria/ hall duty, attendance/homeroom, arrival bus duty, dismissal bus duty ...more student interaction time, some with additional day but most not.
This celebration was for only four people....of a school consisting of 123 teachers. Whew...my hat goes off to those in the "trenches", and to those who say "teachers are overpaid, cry babies"...well, another time.
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