Taking a breath...

Whewwwwww....

Thursday was my official last day in my first year in the Bronx. 180 days of learning a growing and understanding something completely different is done for now.

I could write a book on everything I learned this year but now I am going to enjoy my summer break. In the past week, I have read three of the books on my summer reading list. The one I just finished was amazing. Right up there with the "Life of Pi" as my favorite piece of fiction to date. It is called "Song yet Sung" by James McBride. A truly great read. I have brought in the summer by listening to my latest music fave. Check out Justin Nozuka. Very talented musician for a teenager.

This summer is about returning to some priorities. I got my profession going now I need to concentrate on getting Jakey healthy. Can't wait. Expect more blogging this summer. Now that I have 2 months to chill. Got to love teaching!! (Photo is of my and some students on Crazy Hat Day, we are cats meowwww)

Republicans are ridiculous!!

For anyone else out there who is supporting the no flag pin wearing, refusing to put hand over his heart during the pledge, believes everything and anything his former pastor said with no educated opinion of his own, has a wife or shall we say "baby mama", and Muslim radical Barack (who's sane) Obama, here is a website that will help.

The Republican National Convention already said, out right truthfully, that they will begin very soon a complete smear campaign against Barack. They are going to make the junior senator look sketchy by associating with anything and everything left left left liberal liberal liberal radical radical radical.

Barack Obama has now created this website: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome/

It will tell you the truth about anything ridiculous thing you have heard such as:

Michelle Obama using the word "whitey" in a speech (come on, now that is funny)
Barack being a muslim
Obama refusing to say the pledge
and him refusing to release his birth certificate.

If you are tired of this type of politics then stay informed. John McCain is running a dimwitted campaign and his days of being a "maverick" are long gone.

I swear if our country falls for this again I am moving to Norway (where I can legally get married by the way). We were in a war in 2004 with an administration that has no respect for the law or constitution and everyone voted for Bushwacked because somehow gays wanting basic legal rights was somehow worse.

STAY INFORMED!!!!!!!

Your feeling political this Friday,
Jake

The Final Countdown!!!!

Thats right people, as of this Friday we have 9 days left. It is almost over!! Wooooohoooooo!!!!

Love my students, but the time has come. I am just beat. It has been quite busy with all kinds of end of the year data and cleaning up. Jakey needs a break. I taught all last year (yes most jobs work all year but not with 18 children), then we moved(kicked my a**), and then I have had my Boogie Down Bronx experience. I feel accomplished and proud with how the year ended. Next year, a new group of children.

In my spare time, I have been hanging out indoors. Our recent NYC heatwave was unreal!! Over a 100 degree heat with humidity. In the words of Paris Hilton "Thats hot". It finally cooled off with a wicked lightning and thunder storm last night. Today is much better.

While hanging indoors, I have been researching and writing poetry. I find it very relaxing. I have started with sonnets and cinquains. I will end this blog with a couple. I also have been listening to music. If you get a chance check out the British artist, Duffy, I have really enjoyed her. She is a way better version of Amy Winehouse, minus all the drama and crack.

That is all I have for now, Peace!!

Poem #1: Inspired by class 1-100. It has been an up and down year but these kids will always hold a special place in my heart.

Wating

They sing,
Just waiting, WAITING, waiting for our world to change
Walk to school amongst the wolves
Poverty playing out in front of them
waiting, WAITING, unaware.

Trash blows, music blares, horns blow
voices carry, cars speed, their world.

A school with no walls
filled with frustrated hollers
creating a choir deafened to them by now
mouths move, eyes narrow
they drift to that place where no noise is necessary
waiting WAITING, unaware

The battle to change their setting
A visionary, a prophet needed
it must walk amongst them
coming from within
going to the core then explode

A script etched across their faces
their needs "tagged" for all to see
always a missed priority
and them...
waiting, WAITING, unaware

They sing,
waiting, WAITING on their world to change
Walk to school amongst the wolves.

Poems 2 and 3: A couple attempts at Cinquain.

HOPE
constant necessary
uplifting comforting unyielding
between my thoughts and logic
belief

CHANGE
rocky uneven
winding freeing releasing
to follow ones heart to awareness
peace

Thanks, me