I tempted fate and got kicked in the head

I tempted fate and got kicked in the head today. I'd stayed up doing what else--fooling with photographs--not even playing--just organizing until 3:30 a.m. and who calls at 6:15 a.m.?--my new employers--the local grammar school district. Could I substitute in a bi-lingual first grade class today? Ugh, sure just remind me who I am. Oh yeah, right, sure I'd love to.

I was running strictly on adrenaline and staying on my toes trying to remember my high school Spanish. Some of these little darlings couldn't speak a word of English! And though there was s'posed to be an assistant in the room--there wasn't. Other than some goofy lesson plan I winged it.
My part went okay though the very last class of the day--music--the little darlings managed to tick off a diva of a music teacher so she kept 6 of them after class for 10 minutes and they all missed their bus home. And they are bussed--as in live far away and this is an "integration" situation. The music teacher was really out of line. Keeping in mind this was only the second time she met with them--and that they don't understand what she's bitching about--she just lost it and if she's losing it already--how ever will she make it through? And will the little guys survive? I hope so. They seem to have an advocate with another bi-lingual teacher who was livid that these little kids were forced to miss their bus. There had to be a better way. But that's the beauty of substitute teaching--it's not my problem now.
Honestly, if ever you want to know how your child's school operates volunteer there or better yet, substitute teach. You will get a ton of information--like today's "assembly" where the principal droned on to these 6 year-old's about earning points and getting food coupons etc. if they behave. Even I couldn't follow the guy. He can't have kids or he would have realized that you've got to tailor your message to your audience. A teacher sitting by me said that he's given the exact same spiel to kindergarten through grade six. Ugh. Fortunately my class sat quietly whilst they were on display on the floor of the multi-purpose room.

So I'm wiped out as my book business has been on fire since I got back from Cali and there's just tons going on with my broken car and the kids (with the oldest not driving he may as well be 15 years old when he needs to get somewhere during the day with no public transportation--I don't indulge him--he walks a lot).

Wish you all well!

--Cyn