So This is the New Year?

My grandma died on Sunday morning. I was at the movies. I came home and my mother told me that my uncle had called while I was out and said she had passed around 11:20am. That was about the time I was driving west on the Southern State Pkwy wondering if I would make it to the Farmingdale theater on time. I made it. The film was ok. When in a rush and driving, I tend to look at the clock frequently. I have a feeling that I will always think of what I was doing and where I was headed when my grandma died.

My grandma's passing was not unexpected. She had been ill for several weeks and spent some time in the hospital. She had Congestive Heart Failure. I wanted to go visit before she passed, but was not able. What I mean is that my mother and father were going on the same weekend that my oldest brother and his family were going, and, due to the fact that my oldest brother and I are in no way close -- we haven't spoken in well over five years -- I was unable to go. I know, you are probably wondering why we didn't put our differences aside for my grandmother. It's not that simple. It never is, I guess. My decision to stay home was made because I didn't want there to be any tension in my grandmother's presence. I considered traveling to Pennsylvania this past weekend, but then heard that my grandma was in-and-out of consciousness and having trouble recognizing people. This is not the last memory I wanted to have of her. As I expected, she passed before I could say goodbye. This will be another regret I will carry with me.

I am not a religious person. I guess I never have been. My mom loves to tell the story about how I talked about the Big Bang theory in Sunday School when I was six-years-old. I admit, I like to tell this story too. Perhaps my lack of faith is what caused me to see a great deal of irony in my grandma passing on Easter... the Resurrection.

Lately, I feel like my life is a book and I am a slow reader. Interpret that however you choose.

The funeral is on Saturday in PA. I'll be there.

xo

Teaching and such

Happy September! We only have a few months left in 2008. It's crazy how fast the year goes. In less than two months we'll be voting for a new president (my fingers are crossed for a Obama victory). I have been following the race closely for the past year. Am I obsessed? Perhaps. But this is a historic race. If you would have asked me about my thoughts on McCain a few years ago, I would have said he was the only Republican I would consider voting for in a presidential race. Since his switch from an intelligent free thinker, I have lost any and all respect for him. He now wants to overturn Roe s. Wade? He has now become a typical right wing conservative? Thanks, but no thanks. Obama impresses me. I like his ideas. I like his approach to politics. Though it's true that no one truly knows what kind of president any candidate will be until he/she is in office, but I am willing to take my chances with Obama. McCain's views do not sit well with me. And now that he has Palin on the ticket, with her anti-abortion and eco-ignorance, I am angered to think that McCain even stands a chance of being elected. I feel like I did in 2000 when I told my college English teacher that I planned to move to Canada if Bush won. Well, I didn't move, but it has been a rough 8 years. I can't imagine living in the US with McCain running the show. Ugh!

As for my current job status, I have a full-year leave replacement position teaching 9th & 10th grade English. In fact, there is a chance that I may get upgraded to a full-time, tenure track position in a few days. Apparently, one of the people who beat me for a tenure track position has decided to resign. Since I was the 1st runner up for the spot, it may got to me. It is not definite yet, but I have my fingers crossed. Please cross yours as well. Thanks.

That's all for now. I'm watching House and it's getting exciting. Until next time...

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
Bloc Party - Better Than Heaven

July, July, July

I survived three rounds of interviews for a teaching job. At the start of the last interview, I was told it was for a .4 position (one class in the High School and one in the Junior High School). Originally, I was informed that I would be interviewing for a full-time position. Eh, whatever. I was disappointed at first, but now I'm alright. Even if I don't get the job, I will not be completely disappointed. I decided that if i don't get the job, I will begin subbing in schools a little more west on Long Island and begin looking for a leave replacement position. I'm just happy to have survived the three rounds of interviews.

I saw The Dark Knight three times in the first week it was out. Do I have a Batman obsession? Yes I do! I'm planning a IMAX viewing for some time this week. It has been a while since I have been this excited for a film.

Seeing Batman Tech and similar shows on History Channel makes me happy. I feel like a youngin. It's quite wonderful.

Ok, South Park is on. I have to go. Later.

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin - Heers

Five months later

Five months without a blog. Time flies when you're working nonstop. I haven't had much to write in months. I work full-time as a sub during the day and full-time at the shoe store at night. At least, that is how it has been for the past month and a half. I'm quite exhausted. I have off tomorrow, which is nice. It will be the first time in a while that I can go to sleep without setting an alarm. I don't plan to get out of bed until after noon.

The quest is on for a full-time teaching position. I miss having my own class. When I was a student teacher, I felt like I became the teacher. I guess this is to be expected, since I was teaching the kids every day. But even the kids told me they felt like I was their teacher. They didn't treat me the same as other student teachers. On Monday, my former cooperating teacher at the high school asked me to stop by and see her at some point during the day. When I stopped by her office during 6th period she told me about a descriptive writing assignment the kids had one day. They had to write nice things about people in the class without using "nice," "good," "very," etc. Some of the kids asked if they could write about me. I haven't been with them since January, aside form the few times I had the chance to stop in and hang out during my off periods. I was really touched to hear that the kids wanted to write about me. I stopped by to visit during 2nd period on Wednesday and was given nineteen little notes, some mounted on construction paper. Several of the notes mentioned my funny stories about my friends and crazy dance moves. Other notes discussed how they missed having me in class and how they will never forget me. When there are moments that I find myself exhausted from waking up at 4:45am after falling asleep after midnight, I think of these students and the affect they have had on my life. It's better than a cup of coffee.

As for music, I have been downloading a lot lately. I know it's wrong, but I find it helpful in finding new music. If I truly like it, I will buy the album. I have been good so far. The new DCFC is fantastic. It reminds me of "The Photo Album" if it were conceptualized like "Transatlanticism." Aspects of it remind me of "We Have the Facts..." as well. I'm also enjoying Pinback's "Summer in Abaddon." How I slept on this band for so long I have no idea. 2008 has been a good year for albums so far. Bands I never thought I would like are impressing me. Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin surprised me with "Pershing," as did Tokyo Police Club with "Elephant Shell." The year is almost half over already and there will plenty more good albums to come.

In addition to new music, we will have a new president elected by years end. Granted he won't take office until 2009, but I will sleep better, I hope, knowing that someone new is in office. First off, I feel comfortable saying "he" because I highly doubt Clinton has a chance at this point of winning the nomination. At one time I would have been happy if either Obama or Clinton won the nomination. These days, I would be somewhat disappointed if she were leading in the polls. I'm tired of the "tell them what they want to hear" politics. Too many politicians say whatever they need to to get elected. I once respected McCain for his non-status quo approach to republican politics. Once he became Bush junior in order to win votes, I lost all respect for him. Clinton plays the game the same way. I'm tired of being treated like an ill-informed moron. A Gas tax holiday? I'm sorry, but it won't solve anything. If economists are saying it won't help, then politicians should listen. If a mechanic tells me that sticking a bucket under a car leaking oil won't stop the leak, then I'm going to listen. The same should apply to economic problems. I should stop here before I go on a rant. Well, a longer rant, that is.

Absolut Pears is delicious. I bought a bottle tonight.

Ok, I'm off to watch a movie. I'd say I'll write again soon, but I never know. Fingers crossed that I won't be too lazy.

Later on.

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
Death Cab For Cutie - Cath...

A New Year

2008. It's funny how so much changes in the span of a year. When 2007 began, I was preparing for my last semester of classes. By September I began student teaching. For the first few weeks, I counted down the days. After a while I stopped counting. Eventually, I counted the completed days to have an idea of when I would finish. As this day approached, a part of me did not want student teaching to end. Earlier today (yesterday, technically) was the day. My last day of student teaching. I didn't sleep well the night before. As I walked into the High School on Friday morning, I wondered how the day would go. I kept reminding myself that I would still see my students when I returned to the school as a substitute. Then it happened... As I stood around pretending that my presence would help heard students to their first period classes, one of my students, Nicole, walked up and handed me a note. She said, "I can't look at you. I'm going to cry." Then she walked away. As I read her note, I could feel a lump forming in my throat. Nicole had forged a bond with me. Her Dad is going through chemotherapy and she would often share her feelings with me. I knew she was under a lot of stress brought on by her dad's illness and the extra responsibilities at home. She told me that every year she finds one teacher she can tell everything to and that I was that teacher. I was later surprised by a giant card from my classes. The students wrote me notes. I also received a poster some of them made. One girl gave me the comic book she was making about me. Leaving was not easy. I'm really going to miss them.

Later, in the Junior High School, I wasn't sure how I would tell my 7th graders. They are extremely energetic, so I was afraid if I told them at the start of class they would be distracted all period. I was planning to wait until the last few minutes. When those minutes arrived, I was surprised by them. My cooperating teacher pulled out a giant gift basket filled with various items, including personal notes from each of my students. I was in complete shock. When I though of becoming a teacher, I liked the idea of having a positive impact on the lives of the students. I never imagined the positive impact the students would have on me.

Goodnight.

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
Band of Horses - Detlef Schrempf

A New Decade

Holy crap! I'm 30-years-old! How the hell did that happen? It feels like only yesterday I was playing on the playground at Idle Hour Elementary School. Ok, that's an exaggeration, but it is weird. I sort of miss being in my 20's. It was a good ride. I had a lot of good times. I met amazing people. It would be nice if I can slow time though. I'd like to make things last longer. Every day spent waiting for the next day to come is another day that goes by too quickly. Enjoy what you have while you have it. Nothing lasts forever.

Student teaching is almost over. I have three more weeks (not counting the Christmas break). I should be finished by the end of the first week of January. This will be weird. I've grown attached to my students. They treat me like I'm their teacher, not their student teacher. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this experience has been. My seminar class ended last Wednesday also. It was my final class in the Master's program. I can't believe it's over... almost. I'm going to miss being a student. I've been one for so long it has become a part of me. B ut I know myself. I'll find an excuse to take classes. My seminar professor gave me some fantastic compliments as well. I was surprised. I only hope I can be as good a teacher as some of the teachers I have had.

Hmmm... what else. Magdalene bought me a Firewire Solo for my birthday. Now I can record guitar and vocals on my computer. I can't wait to start writing and recording songs again. It's not like I'll be playing them at shows, but I love writing songs. Karen and I have tossed around the idea of starting a band. I definitely want to do this. It's just going to take some effort and extra free time. I miss playing. But for now, at least, I have my new toy for recording.

Ok, well, I guess that's it for now. Later on.

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
matt pond PA - Until the East Coast Ends

October

I'm almost halfway through student teaching. Originally, the plan was to be in the High School until October 25th, then switch to the Junior High to complete my student teaching experience. My cooperating teacher in the High School decided she wanted to keep me for the entire time because it would be better to stay with the same class for the entire time (I liked this idea). Of course, due to State regulations, I am required to have teaching experience on the Junior High School level in order to be certified. As a result, I am teaching in the High School and Junior High School simultaneously. I spend my mornings in the High School teaching periods 2, 3, & 4, then I drive down the road to the Junior High School where I teach 8th period. 10th grad honors in the morning and 7th grade Regents in the afternoon. needless to say, I am exhausted by the time I leave; and getting up at 5am doesn't help. But it has been fun thus far. The kids are great. I'm definitely going to miss them when student teaching ends.

I had my first two student teaching observation last Friday. I was nervous, but they went well. My seminar professor told me that I remind him of himself as a young teacher. I was surprised and flattered. Perhaps I'm not so crazy for choosing to become a teacher.

Magdalene and I went to 4 shows in a week and a half: matt pond PA, The Good Life, Minus the Bear, and Jeremy Enigk. We were exhausted, but the shows were fantastic. This Saturday, we're seeing Owen @ Southpaw. Should be a fun time. The time we hung out with Mike Kinsella (Owen) we were at Southpaw seeing Maritime. Next it's The Color Fred, then Jimmy Eat World, and then Brand New.

Saturday, Magdalene and I went to Rembrandts in Hicksville to see Speed Speed Speed for Steve's b-day. They were amazing. Such a good show. We narrowly escaped getting sprayed with beer several times. I swear, no one brings the rock like they do.

Ok, I have to get ready for bed. I'm getting up at 4:50am tomorrow.

Later on.

-Sergei xo

Song of the Day:
The Good Life - On the Picket Fence