The Common Core Debunked

I received an email from one of my students' parents yesterday and it caused me quite a bit of alarm.  It must be said that I adore the parents of my students.  They are so supportive and are willing to work so hard for their children.

She was concerned about her son's understanding of math, but that's not what alarmed me (though I'm definitely concerned that he understand math, don't get me wrong).  She told me that the new common core program has done nothing to help her son understand his homework.
This is the third time in the last month someone has spoken about the common core in a way that shows a misunderstanding, and I thought it could be helpful for my friends and family to shed some light on this somewhat mysterious matter.
First off, let me set forth my credentials (for those who might read this who don't know me).  I'm a 5th grade teacher and I have taught for 10 years.  I consider myself a qualified educator, with the students' best interests at heart.  I don't profess to be an expert at anything in particular (other than awesomeness!), nor am I a doctor of education.  I am simply a teacher.
That having been said, the common core is a list of mathematical and language arts skills that must be introduced/mastered at a certain grade level.  Teachers are expected to teach only things that are in their grade's core curriculum, and their students are expected to master those topics.
A lot of people are angry about this idea.  "Is this communism?" they ask.
No.
Ever since I started teaching, I've had a grade-specific core curriculum to teach.  Literally, that first week of teaching I was given a paper list of all the ideas in all the subjects I was expected to help my students master.  And that's a good thing.  Several years later, in 2007, the Utah core curriculum changed (as it has several times over the last 25 years).  I went through all my materials and found out what was still relevant in my grade level curriculum, what was now given to another grade, and what new ideas I would be teaching.
So when the Common Core came out, and Utah accepted it, it was just another day in the life of.  I got out all my lesson plans and teaching tools, decided what I would be keeping and what I would be storing away for the next time the core changed (because it is inevitable it will change at some point in the future).
In my world, the Common Core is just another adjustment to what we've already been doing.  It just means that now, other states have the same guidelines we do.  That's all.  There's still just as much pressure to get kids to perform on standardized tests as there always has been for me.  Let's face it, that's never going to change.
In Utah, the state is focusing on not just learning how to solve problems, but how to represent those problems using pictures, objects and real life situations.  The focus is now not teaching a million things that the student was technically taught in the previous grade and will be taught again in the future grades, but on each grade level having their own "slice of the pie" that they are responsible for.  There are fewer ideas taught in each grade level, giving us more time to spend on the mastery of those ideas.  This is a good thing.  In the past, I was maybe able to squeeze the idea of multiplying fractions into one week (couldn't spend too long on any one idea because I had so many others I had to get to in a limited amount of time), but now I can devote an entire unit of time (3-4 weeks) on making sure my students have mastered not only how to solve a problem presented to them, but they can solve it in several different ways and represent it with a handful of pictures.
However, this scares the poo out of a lot of parents.  Where are the days when there was ONE strategy and ONE way of doing things? ONE textbook with ONE solution shown in the back for each problem? I understand, parents want to be able to help their children, but the point in all this is to make mathematical thinker/problem solvers, not just machines who spit out the answer (if they were lucky enough to memorize the formula correctly).  If a student learns to represent what's happening in a problem, they will be able to solve it, regardless of whether they remember the formula or not.

But if it makes you feel better, I still know of a lot of teachers at a lot of schools in a lot of states who haven't changed anything about what they teach or how they teach it (possibly for the past 20 years).

Moral of the story: let's not blame a Common Core for our problems.  Out of all the flaws in the public education system, it's not even a blip on my radar.

Do I still love being a public school educator?
Yes!
Do I feel the Common Core is changing education and possibly bringing about the end of the world?
Nope, not really at all.
Is it nice to know that 5th grade teachers in other states are teaching the same things as I am?
Yeah, actually.  Now I can get and share ideas with teachers all over the nation to provide an even better education for your child.
Do I still think that public education is the best bet for the majority of school aged children in America?
Without a doubt.

Things I've Learned From Being Pregnant

I realized today that I haven't posted in this blog for ages.  One of the reasons for that is that I've been very busy with teaching my 5th graders (and my school drama club, and my school chorus, and making presentations for the school district, etc).  Other of the reasons is that I'm pregnant. 

If you are my friend and this news comes as a surprise to you, I'm genuinely sorry and you should probably check Facebook more often.

For some women, being pregnant is an improvement of their condition.  Their skin and hair are all healthy and glowing.  They are so hungry all the time, and can finally stop counting all the calories.  They are filled with a deep sense of fulfillment and feel completely energized.

I hate those women (and again, if you are my friend and this sounds like a description of you, I'm genuinely sorry, but I do hate you right at this moment . . . with all the love in my heart.)

Ever since week 4, pregnancy has been pretty miserable for me.  Now, I do not want to waste your time simply complaining about being pregnant.  I do realize what a huge blessing it is to be able to even have a child, after seeing many friends struggle with the inability to do so.  But I figure I can express my condition using my favorite medium, a top ten list.

Things I've Learned From Being Pregnant

10. If I'm out of bed, and I am dressed, consider yourself lucky.

9. Guys don't get it.  I love Jon, but I'm pretty sure he looks at this pregnancy as a really expensive disease.  The symptoms are multiple and just not so relate-able.  Like when I feel like my lady parts want to fall out of my body.

8. Pregnancy is a guaranteed "Get out of Jail Free" Card.  It's amazing.  If I do a crappy job at something, it's excused because I'm pregnant.  If I get angry at somebody and say something mean, it's ok because I'm pregnant. The only place I can find that it doesn't work is ward choir.  They still expect me to go.

7. Pregnancy also entitles me to as many foot rubs, back rubs, shoulder rubs, etc that I feel I require.  And Jon is so great, he doesn't even gripe. Sometimes I don't even have to beg.

6. Spending money on myself has always been fun.  But I've discovered it's even more fun shopping for someone riding around in my tummy.  I have to stop myself from buying toddler toys and supplies. Literally.  I was walking around Target yesterday and thought, "He'll need a toy box in his room. Wait, he'll need toys to put in his toy box. Wait, it will probably be a while before he can even grasp things with his hands."

5. Mascara can last for three days if I don't wash it off. Sick, right?

4. I now possess a "Super Sniffer."  I can tell all sorts of things using my sense of smell.  I can tell what you ate for the past couple of meals, whether you bathed today, and where the nearest chocolate is.

3. Pregnancy is the doorway to an emotional floodgate.  I have always considered myself an emotional person, but have found myself exponentially emoting. My favorite quote from Jon when he came home and just found me sobbing on the couch, "You are so pregnant right now."

2. If it is food and it has been cooked on my stove, it is not good.  It has nothing to do with  my ability to cook.  It simply has to do with my ability to eat what I cook.  Taco Bell and I have become fast friends these past few months.

1. I have the power to send people to a "special place."  For example, when Jon stole a few of my chicken Mcnuggets, I told him about the "special place" where husbands go who steal from their poor, sick, pregnant wives.  There's also a "special place" for people who cut me off in traffic, try to tickle me, make me go to work, tell me what to do, invite me to nice events . . . pretty much, if you've spoken to me, you're going there.

I would post a picture of me being pregnant on here, but none such photo exists.  I'm the photographer in the family and can't find a way to take photos of myself in a way that don't look like ridiculous facebook profile pictures (oh look, I'm taking a picture of myself in a mirror!)

Top Ten Reasons I Can't Wait For Nov. 7

That's right, you heard me.  I can't wait for November 7 to be here.  I'm so sick of this presidential election and all the issues/crap that have come because of it. I'm a bit disturbed by all the animosity in this presidential election.  I feel I've never heard such mean things being said by everyone about people they don't even know.  Let's keep in mind that when the smoke clears and a winner is decided, we're all going to have to be friends, no matter what.  Expressing political opinions is fine, but don't do it at the expense of someone else. I'm planning on voting for Romney because I agree with more of his policies than I do of Obama's. It's not because he's Mormon, it's not because he's white, or because I hate gay people (which I don't, obviously) or because I hate Obama.  I don't hate anyone. (I believe I've mentioned that on here before.) I would like to think that Obama is a kind man who seems devoted to his family just as much as any other ambitious, full-time politician (which includes Romney).

So here they are, the Top Ten Reasons I Can't Wait for November 7

10. I love all odd numbered days.
9. I look forward to being friends again with all my pals on facebook.

8. I'm tired of conservative republicans being compared to terrorist leaders (if you haven't seen this yet, it's quite ridiculous).
7. My 5th graders can't even get through a day without an "Obama sucks" or "Romney is the best." Of course, those impressionable kids are just coughing up the positive things their parents are saying at home.
6. I think November 7th sounds like a good day for a peanut butter smoothie. Just sounds like a great idea.
5. It's a day before I perform for a Hale Theater event at the event center of UVU.
4. Even though it's always a hot topic online, I'll be glad when this wave of "Mormons are the Worst People in the World" has ebbed.
3. People in the faculty room can finally talk about something else. Like Korean dramas.
2. I'm exceedingly tired of celebrities (aka actors and actresses) pretending like they are somehow more qualified than any other person on the planet to tell me how to vote and who's unfair.
1.Elections make me break out.

So good luck, come November 6th. Let the man with the most votes win.

Back from the Dead With Something to Say!

General Conference was such a great experience. Every time I hear the prophet and apostles speak, my heart testifies to me again and again of the truthfulness of their words and the Lord's work here upon the earth.
I was interested in the announcement made about the new age of serving missionaries (18 for boys, if they choose, and 19 for girls). I say interested as opposed to excited because it doesn't really affect me that much. (Though I am excited for Avery, as he is now preparing to put in his papers immediately.)
I figured everyone would be excited about the news.  Imagine my puzzlement when I read an article written by a Mormon mother who felt cheated, and even somewhat resentful. You can read the article for yourself at https://askmormongirl.wordpress.com .  Apparently, and I never knew this, women have felt that marriage was pushed so much over serving a mission, that they got married, didn't serve missions, and now feel like their husband is the spiritual know-it-all of the marriage because they DID serve a mission. They talk about how their lives would have been so much better if they had served a mission at 19 (instead of getting married, I would presume).
Maybe I'm a little confused.  I didn't realize one had to serve a mission in order to witness miracles,  study the scriptures, and become strong gospel learners.  I'm sad that so many women feel cheated because they chose to get married instead of go on a mission.  (If this is you, I suggest you look at the man you love, who you married, and your kids because they might not have been yours if you served). 
This article talked about how marriage has been the only choice for young women in the church.

Whatever. 

I've grown up in this church, spoke at the pulpit, marked up my scriptures, and I didn't just wait around to get married once I turned 18.  I worked on my education. I studied hard in school. I dated, increased my talents, and made myself the best person I could be.  Yeah, I wanted to get married, but that wasn't the only goal I focused on. I had many friends who were set on going on missions, but fell in love before they turned 21. I had never planned on serving a mission, but I served in Pennsylvania.  Not because I couldn't get married, but because the Lord revealed that's what He wanted me to do.  My mission did not turn me into some spiritual zealot or religious giant. It solidified even more the rock-solid testimony I had already cultivated.
Sisters who didn't serve missions because they chose marriage instead shouldn't feel inferior to their mission serving husbands. I met plenty of Elders on my mission who knew less about the gospel at the end of their mission than I did as a Beehive in Young Women's. Serving a mission is not a sure-fire way to spiritual giant-ism. It can be a life changing event, if you let it. But then again, so can building a piece of Zion with a family in a righteous home environment. So can looking into your child's eyes, knowing the Lord has entrusted you with one (or more) of His precious children.

Sisters, don't ask the why's or the what if's. You will only find yourself confusing what might have been with what should have been.  They are not the same. Trust in the Lord, become the best and strongest woman you can be, love your life and be happy with who you have become. And if you're not happy. . .  well my friend, that is your choice. Please don't assume that taking a different road would have been made your life any better. Different, for sure. But not better.

Get Me to the Church On Time!

My mother called me up to let me know that it was time to blog again. I believe her exact words were, "I'm sick of looking at that Korean couple when I look at your blog!" I won't lie, I've been busy. Since I talked to you about "Playful Kiss" I have since watched "Boys Over Flowers," "You're Beautiful," "My Princess," "Winter Sonata" (I don't recommend this one), "My Name is Kim Sam Soon,""City Hunter," and several others that didn't actually make an impression. However, I stand by my opinion that Korean television is cleaner and more worthwhile than most of American tv. I highly recommend "City Hunter" for those of you into action flicks.

Now, to get to the reason of why I've actually been busy. You see, several months ago I met a man who is a bit younger than me. After an awful first impression, we became buddies, and eventually I thought I would enjoy him asking me out. Jon McManus (this guy)

eventually did ask me out after he accidentally threw a pen at my face.

Long story short, it was almost like a Korean drama. I thought he liked my roommate, he thought I wasn't interested, then he thought my roommate and I were fighting over him. I figured he wouldn't want to date an old woman. He was always doing homework. Eventually we got all of our ducks in a row (it turns out he liked me, and I liked him), and started dating.

Then, on Christmas Day, he proposed to me.

So, I AM GETTING MARRIED!!!!!!!

Yep. I always said that if it ever happened, I would drive around various cities

in a van with a bullhorn, shouting the news out to the world. Luckily, the internet has nixed out my need for the van.

I took him home to California at Christmas time and he met many of my best friends out there. Several of them knew he was going to propose before I did. (He proposed by wrapping the ring in a bigger box and giving it to me as my last Christmas present). I was completely surprised. We've set the date for the wedding on June 8th and we'll be married in the Provo Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I'm so excited! I never thought I would feel this way about anyone else on the planet. He's the best man I know, and I don't think I deserve him, but I sure do love him.

So far, he's taught me how to shoot a gun (a talent I never knew I had), clean ties, cook fajitas, and serve everyone around me. He even let me come up with ideas for how to cut his hair (see the top photo) after he was done shooting the New Testament films (he had grown out his hair and his beard to quite a respectable length).

And the best part? He watches Korean dramas with me. Even though they're not his favorite.

He's a keeper!

The Rock I've Been Hiding Under

I have a confession to make. I haven't been dead for the past couple of months, like you might suspect. I actually had some really good ideas for top ten lists that I thought about posting. But then something wonderful happened. I discovered Korean television.
And, in true Michelle Rotar fashion, I didn't just discover it, I became unapologetically obsessed with it. Yes, it's true. Korean dramas have gone the same way as New Kids on the Block, unicorns, Lord of the Rings, Val Kilmer and Viggo Mortensen.
I imagine that most of the people who read this blog (my friends and family) have never seen a Korean tv show before. Let me tell you how much you are missing.
It all started with Netflix. Having rated thousands of movies on the website, they're pretty awesome about recommending stuff to me. Last month, they recommended a Korean show called "Playful Kiss," which had been given 4.5 out of 5 stars. I added it to my instant queue and didn't think a ton about it until my friend DK (who happens to be Korean) came to visit with several other of our friends. We turned it on an were shocked to see the weirdest show ever. There were green meadows, a white horse, and this crazy music. Disgusted, we turned it off.
However, several days later, I was home alone and decided to give it another try. I mean, it had come highly recommended by Netflix.
After the weird meadow scene, the main character wakes from her dream and I got to see the real show.
It is amazing! Anyway, I became obsessed with a show that (and I'm slightly embarrassed to say this) caused me to feel more keenly than any other show I've ever seen in my life. It's not just because the main girl is so completely likeable, and the guy she has a crush on is so completely unattainable and gorgeous. I can't really put my finger on it. I just know I like it. A lot.
I showed it to several friends. Now they like it. A lot. I found out the main guy, Kim Hyun Joong, is a member of a Korean boy band. Now I listen to all their music. When I found out he was in another Korean drama, I put that one in my instant queue two days before I ordered the dvds. My Korean language books came in the mail three days ago and I've been working through the first couple of lessons. After I master the language to a tolerable extent, I'm planning on taking a trip to Seoul.
About Kim Hyun Joong. Several friends of mine have commented that he looks like a woman. And I will admit he is very pretty, but I can't help it. I have come to think of him as one of the most attractive men I've ever seen. Judge me if you want. So I've decided that my next post will be a top ten list about Korean shows, so, you have a little bit of time to check out "Playful Kiss" on Netflix or Hulu. 행운을 빕니다!

How to Catch a Husband

I just returned from Oroville. Which would normally mean that there would be a top ten list about Orovillian society or some type of social commentary. However, I made a promise several weeks ago that I would post the companion to my previous entry. So here you have it ladies: the sure fire way to get a man's attention and keep it!

How to Catch a Husband (a 12 step program)

1. Leap before you look. Having most of your dates in the dark will help you feel much better about the guys who ask you out.

2. Love is a battlefield. Take his hand by force if you have to.

3. Hum a hymn if your date says something inappropriate. This will allow him to see how spiritual you are, especially if you hum it in the language of your mission. (It will also illuminate any musical talent, which is also impressive.)

4. Call him as many times a day as possible. Leave messages. Text him every hour on the hour. This will tell him that you love/stalk him.

5. Sometimes it's difficult for guys to see the positive qualities of your personality. Therefore it is helpful to act them out through the art of interpretive dance or puppetry.

6. Low cut shirts. 'Nuff said.

7. Offer to pay for everything . . . including, but not limited to, the ring. He needs to know that you are willing to support him for the rest of your lives.

8. Become the jaguar. Feel the jaguar. You are the jaguar. Guys dig the full frontal assault.

9. When in the company of other men, latch onto your man with a vice like tenacity (like an octopus grabbing its prey). Don't give him any suspicion that you might stray.

10. Ask for his help with everything. Become incapable. Boys like to feel that they are smart.

11. Touch them as much as possible in public. Using baby talk at the same time will let the world know who "my little pumpkin face" belongs to.

12. If all else fails, they still do arranged marriages in Tibet.


Happy hunting!

How to Snag a Wife

Several of my good friends have found their spouses using online services. I have yet to determine if that is the route for myself. Instead, I found myself pondering whether anyone can meet and fall in love the old fashioned way: a club to the head (go cavemen!).
No, I was cleaning out some papers (my house is starting to look gorgeous, by the way, what with all the cleaning I've been doing), and I came across some lists I'd made a couple years ago. I read them over and they made me chuckle, so I figured I'd share them. I'll post one today and the next in a week.


How to Snag a Wife (*A 12 step program)

1. Girls love a good competition. When you're with a girl, you should point out (and possibly whistle at) other, more attractive women.

2. Roll your eyes when she talks. let he know she'll have to work to keep YOUR attention.

3. Quote every Jim Carrey/Adam Sandler/Zach Galifianakis/Will Ferrell movie you know. This will show her who the funny one in the relationship is.

4. Tell her what you are good at . . . often. Alphabetized lists can be quite helpful.

5. Women love a challenge. Whatever you do, don't tell them what you're thinking. Girls like to try and read minds. Besides, what would they have to to talk about with their pals in the bathroom if you were open?

6. Quote the scriptures to her daily (preferably in every conversation). This will show her that you have the stronger testimony and will be the spiritual director in the relationship.

7. Cry as often as you can. Women love men who are extremely sensitive and sentimental. The more you can be like them, the better.

8. Be sure to let them know, right up front, what your phsical expectations for them are. . . that way, they can start exercising immediately.

9. Whatever they do/say/think, let them know that you have done/said/thought that way before them (and in a more effective manner). Women need guys who are in charge of the world.

10. Call her "Mama." Chicks love that.

11. When you meet her family, if they say anything that could be considered remotely offensive, you have every right to throw rotten citrus fruits at them.

12. If you and your chick disagree. Just moo like a cow. This will shut her right up and let her know that you want her to lose some more weight.


So go, try them out! And let me know how that goes for you, alright?

I'm a Mormon and I Love My Life!

It's Easter Sunday, and I'm sick. Most likely just an awful cold that I'll get over this next week. I've been wanting to do an entry like this for a while, but never could find the time to sit down and say exactly what I wanted to say.

Thank goodness for colds.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been "LDS" all my life and I have been extremely blessed. Easter is a great time to think about my Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the director of this great work on earth. It is because of Him that we will all have the opportunity to return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father someday. How blessed I feel with this knowledge of a Heavenly Father and Savior who love me and know me personally.

I don't smoke, drink alcohol, and I believe in abstain

ing from sex until marriage. But those are just a few aspects of my religion. I also believe in being kind to others and showing charity to friends and strangers. I believe in honesty and acting with integrity at all times (even if the outcome would be less desirable). I believe that marriage is a sacred union, one not to be taken lightly. I know, that makes me quite the freak in the eyes of this world.

But guess what. I don't care.

In a time when people are scrambling around, desperate to know the answers to life's greatest questions, I know exactly why I'm here. I'm here to learn, to receive a physical body, and live a worthy life wherein I become the best person I can be and help others to do the same. Have I reached perfection? Nope. Do I plan on it? Nope. I know there was only one perfect person to live on this earth, and that was my Savior, Jesus Christ. However, I CAN dedicate my life to following His example and doing my best to become like Him. That is all that is asked of me. Seems pretty reasonable.

I feel that members of my religion come under a lot of scrutiny. More so than most other religions. You might feel this is deserved. I mean, we have the audacity to send representatives of our church out to tell other people about our faith (that was my sarcastic voice. See? Not perfect just yet!). I order to understand why we do this, let me ask you a few questions:

Have you ever gone to a store where the service and goods were superb?

Or eaten at a restaurant where the food was extremely delicious?

Have you ever read a book that you just loved? Maybe you even found it to be life changing?

Our first instinct is to tell people about great things that happen to us. I can't tell you how many times I've made recommendations to friends based on great experiences I've had. So, when I have access to a religion that I know provides many answers to heart felt questions, and is organized in the same way Jesus Christ established when He was on the earth, and has been the source of so much happiness in my own life. . . I'm going to tell people about it. I'm going to tell everyone about it. Shoot, I'm even going to blog about it.

The truthfulness of the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been confirmed in my heart time and time again. To deny what I KNOW to be true would be to deny all that I am and all that I hope to be.

And yeah, there are a lot of haters out there. A lot. And they are welcome to their opinions, just as I'm welcome to mine. I do get a little upset when the haters take their ignorant assumptions and try to tear down my faith. I've been a member of my faith for 3o years. I know a thing or two. Probably a lot more than someone who looked at a couple articles online and jumped to some pretty hasty conclusions based on the hasty conclusions someone else came to.

I'll end by telling you my conclusions. That my Savior, Jesus Christ, rose from the dead, and it is because of this miracle that some day all of us will be resurrected. That Jesus Christ Atoned for my sins, and the sins of everyone on this earth, and that by following His example, we can someday return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.

For more information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, please visit mormon.org

My Chemical Romance!

My favorite band is My Chemical Romance.

There. You see? You just made a snap judgement. Stop that.

No, I'm unabashedly interested in this band, and I don't look or act like the "typical" MCR fan. They came to Salt Lake City last night and performed at "The Venue." The place is so small, and I was so close (I mean, really, any place is close in the Venue) I could have chucked my cell phone at any member of the band.
The concert was amazing! There are really no Stephanie Meyer-esque adjectives to describe the experience or the performance. (Gerard Way's vocals were like velvet?) Kristina, my friend Rachel, and myself waited in line in the chill Utah air for about an hour. The types of people we saw really spanned the gamut. From gals wearing fluorescent tutus to guys with more piercings than I have limbs, and the age spectrum was all over the place. Some parents brought their kids, but most teenagers were just dumped off on the sidewalk.
Anyway, I don't feel you're interested in a play by play of the evening, so I will simply record the various realizations I had during the concert:
1. I am totally attracted to men with charisma. That's probably why I dig actors so much, because they command a stage. It's brilliant! However, my eyes did not just drift to Gerard Way (as I thought they would), but I was very impressed with Ray Toro (the guitarist) as well. He smiled so many times through the show.
2. I would be friends with Ray Toro.
3. If you want to jump up and down in a crowd like that, you must all jump up and down. It stops working if the people you are pressed against don't want to jump.
4. I was the only one (not a parent) that was wearing a watch on the floor.
5. Non-conformists will do anything the band tells them to do. And they'll do it all together. And they'll do it happily and excitedly. Ha! Gotcha!
6. Mosh pits that form around me turn me into a violent, angry sort of person. I was so mad with the pressing and pushing crowd already, that I punched a guy in the back after a girl next to me got trampled by their stupid moshing.
7. I love the band, I dislike most of the fans. I felt it was kind of like the feelings I have for snowboarders. I will tolerate their presence, but they'd better not be rude or cut me off, or that is it!
8. Some people are dumb enough to take their elementary aged children to a concert like this. Poor form, people.
9. This is a great band live. I've heard so many artists and bands really suck it up when they don't have all the fancy equipment to make their voices sound on key. These guys were fantastic.
10. Singing my favorite song ever, "I'm Not Okay," at the top of my lungs, while reaching out to My Chemical Romance, who is 15 feet away from me, while jumping in sync with the gal next to me, and sweating like I do after an hour on the stair climber, feeling like I'm sitting in a hot tub, and looking in a similar fashion, was some of the best 3+ minutes of my life.

So. . . you should like My Chemical Romance. They're a nice band.

It Must Be Said: Aspen Elementary is the BEST!!!

Life as a school teacher has been a bit stressful this month so far. In order to understand this stress, you must know a little of the history of our school. About 10 years ago, we had principal after principal after principal who sucked big time. We're talking being involved in various scandals and illegal behaviors. Needless to say, our school was labeled as a bad school because of it. For the past six years (at least. That's how long I've been there) we've been trying to rebuild the community's confidence in us.
Now, fast forward to March. Our principal informs us that people are moving into the area, but they are taking kids to other schools because they've heard about Aspen Elementary's reputation. Bogus! Thus, in order to build confidence, public relations, and in general remind people that we are amazing teachers, the principal planned activities throughout the month. We've had school wide read-a-thons, dress up as your favorite literary character day, Parent Day, Spirit Day, and tonight we had a pizza party/read-athon/teacher talent show for the community. Not just the kids in our school, but everyone else too.
Apparently the PTA didn't expect such a turnout, because we must have had over 600 people there (I'm sure much more), and the pizza ran out pretty quickly. Our principal (the amazing Brad Davies), in a desire to motivate the students, ran a marathon (of his own design and desire) around the neighboring cities, ending at our school during the party. The entire school and families were outside the building, cheering him on as he ran up the school drive. I won't lie, my eyes got a little misty. And then, after running over 26 miles (he had been running for the majority of the day), he still stopped and gave a tv interview and talked with so many students and parents. This is the day that I realized I have Superman for a principal.
After he arrived, we started the talent show. It was pretty fun and really short. I was originally planning on participating in three skits (out of six total), but cut my solo because we were already half an hour over time. It was epic. We started off with a small faculty group doing "Stomp" (which involved some very rhythmic choreography and carefully timed soundings of school items). To finish off the talent show, Jenn Fletcher, Randa Mortensen, Jessica Lux, and I did a synchronized swimming routine on stage (I was inspired by my ward variety show) wearing swimsuits over our t-shirts, shower caps, and underwater goggles. It was amazing.
Moral of the story: Tonight I realized how awesome my job really is. It's been stressful planning for all of these different things, but we all pulled together and made it a success. Public education at its finest.

Top Ten Things I Love About My Parents

I love my parents. They celebrated their anniversary this past month. My dad called me the day after to let me know I hadn't called them on their anniversary. I told him that anniversaries have never been a big thing to me, which hurt his feelings a little, I think. So I figured this could be a great way to make it up to both my mom and my dad, who have both had a huge hand in making me the well-adjusted individual represented digitally before you.

Top Ten Things I Love About My Parents

10. They go all out for the holidays. Especially Christmas. Even though it's really a LOT of work and they don't have the patience or mobility they had 20 years ago, they are always willing to make the house look amazing for the family (and friends) to enjoy.

9. I love how Mom will constantly surprise me by watching some of my favorite shows with me. It all started with various Jane Austen movies. However, I usually bring home a different series every time and Mom watches them with me. She's enjoyed "Arrested Development," "Vicar of Dibley," "Flight of the Conchords," and "Big Bang Theory."

8. My dad is a born leader. Being the eldest in his family probably helped a little, but being a marine, a sheriff, a lawyer, and so many other roles, Dad is always willing to step up to the plate when others hang back. Even if you don't agree with him, my dad is someone who people are genuinely intimidated by. Until they get to know him and realize how absolutely gigantic his heart is.

7. I love how much they push. Granted, I didn't always appreciate it. But looking back on high school and college, they gave me motivation to succeed when it would have been so easy to give up. I never would have stuck with playing the piano without them, and I'm eternally grateful for that.

6. They love to play. There are certain games I'm guaranteed to play if I go home. Among these are Yahtzee, Phase Ten, and Chicken Foot Dominoes. It's always cut throat. And it always ends with everyone ganging up on Dad (he totally has it coming).

5. My parents are avid readers. I know my love of reading comes from them. There have been many afternoons when all three of us are lying on different couches reading from our books, and alternately napping as appropriate.

4. I love how much they care about animals. People think I'm kind of a freak about pets, but meeting my parents puts it all in perspective. Dad once called the dog "Son" on accident.

3. Dad always gets to say the prayer. It doesn't matter what prayer, whether it's for a meal, or family prayer, or whatever, it's automatically assumed that Dad gets to pray.

2. My parents have so much faith in me. Much more than I do in myself. A few years ago, when I first got into community theater, Dad told me that I should think about Broadway and ask my voice teacher if I had a chance. He won't remember saying it, but I'll never forget how my dad told his college educated, elementary school teacher daughter to give it all up and look into acting.

1. Sincerely, they are the MOST generous people I know of on this earth. I've mentioned it before, but I don't think people in my home town are even aware of the secret and special acts of service my parents are responsible. They're definitely instruments in the Lord's hands. Most recently, my dad buzzed his hair as a fund raising effort for his local Rotary club.

The Joys of Camping!

Every year I get to go camping in the snow with my fifth graders. I love it. It's crazy tiring, but the kids have such a good time, I can't help but love it.
However, this year was a little interesting. It started the week before when life got a little strenuous. I won't go into details, but let it suffice that my mind was on several things at the same time. I didn't even pack for camping until the night before. It was around 10 o'clock at night when I tried to get everything together.
This was apparent by the next day, when we arrived at Clear Creek Camp and I started to unpack. Here are the things I forgot (you may determine the importance):
-toothbrush
-towel
-gloves
-hat
-fire wood (for our nightly campfire)

However, all of my makeup made it into the suitcase, along with hair supplies (curling iron, hairspray, thermal setting spray, split end repair, etc.). And I took complete outfits for every day I'd be there (three days= three ensembles)
Day one, I used paper towels to dry myself off from my shower.
Day two, I used my "Jem and the Holograms" sweatshirt.

We borrowed firewood for our first night's campfire and, after teaching the boys how to build the perfect fire, one of the dad volunteers dumped diesel fuel onto the logs to ensure a good blaze. At first I felt this was cheating, but I was willing to go along with it because the winds were crazy and the fire pit was covered in ice with several inches of snow.
With the gals, I was all excited because the wind had died down and nobody would be telling me that I had to pour diesel fuel in order for it to work. I built the fire up, it was burning awesomely. 5 minutes later, it was a pile of coals. I try again, start from the beginning. Get a fantastic blaze going that burns for 15 minutes before it goes to poo. By this time, all of the girls have arrived at the campfire and I'm supposed to lead songs and stories. I ask the other teachers to help out. One throws a log on (which would accomplish nothing), and the other pokes at it with a stick causing the entire structure to fall over. For the next 40 minutes we sang songs while two of the mom volunteers blew on the coals with minimum results.

Moral of the story: I might be a failure at campfires.

Things That Make Guys Hot

So, I was watching "Stardust" with several friends last week, and I was overcome with how easy it was for a very homely man to become an extremely studly man. Or at least more studly than he was previously. I realized that there are several things that men can do that will make me instantly attracted to them. And since there are so many men out there who are just chomping at the bit to know what to do to appear more attractive to me, here you go. A helpful list, just for all the men out there. (P.S. This is not a top ten list, because I think there are way more than ten things that make a guy hot.)

1. Play an instrument (other than the organ).

2. Drive a motorcycle and be willing to give me rides.

3. Sing . . . well. I've said it before and I'll say it a thousand times more. If a guy sings well, I am instantaneously attracted.

4. Sword fighting. Not fighting on the lawn of a BYU quad, rather fighting on stage. However, offering to fight with me onstage during a date at a restaurant is not desirable either. There's a fine line with this one.

5. Be comfortable around kids. Yay for good dads! Or uncles! But not grandpas.

6. Ride a horse. Viggo in "Lord of the Rings," Viggo in "Hidalgo," or really Viggo in just about anything. That's it, be Viggo.

7. Use a whip. Get your brain out of the gutter, I'm talking "Man From Snowy River" style. My roommates and I used to watch and rewatch some choice scenes.

8. Be confident. NOT ARROGANT! But confident. A guy that's comfortable in his own skin is extremely attractive. A guy that assumes most women are attracted to him, not attractive at all. In fact, arrogance usually kicks in my mean sarcasm mode as I feel compelled to take the man down a peg or two.

9. Be nice to animals. This one sounds a little weird, I'm sure, but how a guy treats animals is indicative of how he will treat other helpless, innocent things/creatures/beings.

10. Be well-read. Guys who are intelligent are hot. Having an intelligent conversation with a man is requisite. If there is one thing that is a huge turn-off, it's having to explain my vocabulary on a date.

Actually, this did turn into a top ten. Which is just fine with me. If I think of any other amazing things (which of course, I will) I'll be sure to post them.

Oh Where, oh where has Michelle gone?

I suck. Not a lot, mind you. Just a little. My school year has been relatively stress free (hear me knocking on the top of my desk), so I can't use that as an excuse as to why I haven't updated this for so long. It's not because I've become a professional actress (though I am taking voice lessons). It's definitely not because I'm going on dates (not going to dwell on it, though).
Laziness might end up being the overall culprit. That, and absent-mindedness, which if you've known me for more than an hour, you've already witnessed.
October was a grand month. I got to celebrate my birthday along with five other people (those were the other people celebrating their birthdays at our joint party, not the total number of guests), and my principal gave us permission to use the gym at my elementary school, so it was a blast. We played with the parachute, street hockey set, and wrestling mats (just to name a few).

It also was my favorite time of year. Not just because I was born, but because Halloween is the best in my book. I get a lot of odd looks when I say that most of the time, it beats out Christmas for me. I had the idea for my costume at the end of Halloween last year (and you might ask, do I know what I'm going to be next year. The answer is abso-freakin-lutely I do.). I dressed as Miss Piggy and my friend, Randa, at school dressed up as Beaker. The kids loved it, though there were a lot of students who didn't know who Miss Piggy is. That, I feel, is a tragedy in our times. Most years I have two costumes. This year was the same. On Halloween Eve, a few of us went to see "Dracula" in Springville. We decided to dress up like vampires from Twilight. I was Bella, and I will tell you it is difficult to dress as someone so detestable. I practiced speaking without expression and biting my lip for hours.

Reasons Why I Love Teaching

So, the new school year has started and it's going to be a fun year. These are things I can already tell. My students have a lot of personality, which for me is the sign of a good class. I feel I really have had some fun moments thus far in my teaching career. So many that I felt a Top Ten list would be ultra appropriate for this great time of year.

Top Ten Teaching Moments

10. Getting a note from a student that said: "Miss Rotar, I will miss you forever, even when I'm dead." There you have it, teacher love from beyond the grave.

9. After spending hours choreographing a 75 student dance to "Seize the Day," I watched all my cute fifth graders in newsies hats do the routine flawlessly for our Dance Festival. Best dance ever!

8. During our faculty softball game against the 6th graders, I was wearing my senior t-shirt from high school. Across the back is the year I

graduated ('98) in really large type. While I was up to bat, my students started chanting what they thought was my number. Ninety eight! Ninety eight! It was amazing.

7. After being sick and having to miss a day of school, a student presented me with a picture of me with horns and a tail being operated on by the devil. The caption at the top? "Get Well Soon" of course.

6. After telling my students about my favorite cartoon character from childhood (Jem and the

Holograms) one of them told me a few weeks later that she had been watching the episodes on Youtube. She finished them completely in another week or so. Two other students would follow suit. One of them even gave me a watercolor painting of Jem for Teacher Appreciation Week.

5. Being lovingly nicknamed "The Rotar" after the infamous Matilda character, "The Trunchbull."

4. Getting a note from my student with the name of his cousin and his cousin's phone number. The note said "Call him! If you have any questions, ask my mom."

3. Reading "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" a student was very confused during one part. "I don't get why the squirrel's head fell off." What? When we looked up the page she was talking about, the book read: "And then the squirrel completely lost his head." Yay for lessons about figures of speech, but I couldn't stop laughing for a few minutes.

2. When talking about dogs and how they give kisses, a student told me, "If people kiss like dogs, it's called french kissing." Such a great mental image.

1. Sincerely, when an old student of mine came to speak in front of all the teachers when my Teacher of the Year award was presented. I was crying pretty profusely, but they were good tears.

Being a teacher is too much fun. This is my 7th year, and I hope to have a whole other list in another few years.

How to Tell if You're in Oroville, CA

I recently had a chance to visit my hometown of Oroville, CA. Some of you will know exactly what I'm talking about, and some of you will find out some interesting tidbits of information.

You might be in Oroville, CA if:

* You wake up early and find coyotes outside your house (and no, it was not just my dog )

* You find many people are wearing underwear as tops

* You don't feel bad at all going around town with no makeup on at all.

* You look out to the horizon and all you see is yellow grass with brown spots (kind of like dalmation foothills)

* You feel embarrassed to ask at the store if there is any Oroville memorabilia for sale.

* You get to practice "Dodge the Cow-patty" on the family ranch road.

* You have oodles and oodles of time (and I mean oodles)

Any Orovillians out there are welcome to add their own in the comments section.

I love Oroville, even though I make fun of it a bit. It will always be home to me.

Sometimes I Forget About Blogging

But not today!

With all the different social media outlets these days, I can only focus on so many. Here are the latest things I've been up to!

1. Participated in "Bells are Ringing," a play in Springville. My character was relatively a small role, but my director really let me go nuts and ad lib all over the place. Plus, I wore three wigs for the show.

2. Became a Heritage Makers consultant. I've done digital scrapbooking for over a year now, so it seemed the best thing to do when my own consultant moved out of state. Love it!

3. I went on the best vacation to Boston! My brother, Mike, and his family provided us with a place to stay, meals to eat, and a car with GPS to get us around. We were there for the 4th and I have never seen such an amazing fireworks display! We also visited Salem, Lexington, Concord, and Plymouth.

4. Biggest accomplishment of the summer has definitely been the increase in bicycling activity. With the help of my friend Mike, I have embraced it and overcome several fears (such as riding around cars and semi-trucks). It even inspired a ward bicycling activity! LaNell would be so proud!

Stupid Things I've Done Over Guys

I recently found a box full of old letters and notes from my younger years. Not only did it help me reconnect with my past, it reminded me of all the absolutely rejected things I've done throughout my life because I was infatuated. Some of them are from high school days, but some are unfortunately much more recent. Luckily, I haven't done anything shaming for at least a year. And even though some of these could be considered quite embarrassing, let's face it, I don't care anymore! If you remember any good ones, be sure to include them in the comments section.

Top Ten Stupid Things I've Done For A Guy

10. I once asked my friend to take pictures of her ultra attractive older brother. One of these photos accompanied me to college in a heart frame.

9. Spent most of a night with friends serenading a guy outside his window.

8. Learned all about different types of big rig trucks. I was actually able to identify almost all models from 50 yards away.

7. Allowed a couple of guy friends to "break in" to my house late at night where we then watched an edited copy of "Silence of the Lambs."

6. Drove all the way to several guys' homes (in another city) with a couple gal pals while the guys were on their missions. We drove around their houses, took pictures, made scrapbook pages, and sent it all to the guys in the field.

5. In order to get over a guy, held a "sacrificial burning" of every picture/object I had that had anything to do with him.

4. Had a habit of naming a stuffed animal after the nickname I gave each crush object.

3. Was a secret admirer to not one, but two guys. One of them happened to be a student teacher. That was excessively stupid.

2. Told a guy that I cared about him when I knew he didn't care about me (unfortunately, this has been repeated several times)

1. Wrote top ten lists. I will admit that there have been several top ten lists that were created specifically to get the attention of a male (and some of them have been put on this website).

Yes Virginia, There is a Public Education System

I don't get on my soap box often. Well, at least I don't feel like I do. Today is one of those days.
I always think it's interesting when people complain to me about the public education system. They tell me how awful the teachers are and how their children are having a miserable time. Of course, this is interesting to me (and when I say "interesting" please realize I'm using my sarcastic voice) because I teach 5th grade in a public elementary school.
Let me say first that I love my job. I absolutely love it. Every day may not be trimmed in gold, but teaching isn't just an occupation to me. It's who I am, to some degree.
And yes, I know that not all teachers feel the same as I do. And yes, I know there are some teachers who deserve to be stuffed into bags and dropped into an obliging river. However, not all the problems in the public school system are the fault of the teachers.

Let me give you a glimpse of the public education system through my eyes. Every year, more and more responsibility is taken from parents and given to teachers. We have to keep track of whether a child's absences are excused or not. If they get a certain number, we're supposed to contact parents to tell them about the importance of getting their kids to school. If we don't do this, we can get in trouble. Our school can get in trouble with the state.
There is a large amount of information that we are required, by law, to teach. It's called the state core curriculum. It is expected that our students will master all concepts in the core by the end of the year. Every couple of years, they add things to the core, or change it completely.
The legislature of "No Child Left Behind" completely changed the face of education. The principle behind it would seem great: making sure every child is taught and doesn't fall through the cracks in the system. Sounds perfect, right? Unfortunately, in schools it translates as thus: If a child doesn't speak English fluently, or if they have a learning disability, or if they come from a family that doesn't put a priority on education, or if they've just given up, whatever the issues that their poor little souls have to deal with, they are expected to learn everything (in that awesome core curriculum) perfectly.
Isn't that possible, you might ask? Not really. I want all of my students to succeed. I want them to leave my class with all the knowledge they need in order to be successful in 6th grade. But kids don't learn at the same pace. I'm constantly trying to balance spending more time with struggling students, while not boring the students who mastered the concept within the first day of talking about it. There are some students that, even though we might spend a week on a subject, even if I work in small groups with them, even if I have a peer tutor work with them, or if I work one-on-one with them, they will still not retain any of the information. These students are not many, but they are there. I want them to succeed, but if they don't do as well as all the other kids on our end of the year testing, I'm considered a bad teacher.
And I internalize that.
So yeah, I love being a teacher. It is a tough job, where I feel the pressures of not only trying to educate every child regardless of their baggage, but the pressure of helping them become well-adjusted individuals with morals and a good work ethic. And yes, there are things within the system that are inconvenient for parents, but I feel the only reason it has become this way is because the government is constantly shifting more responsibility onto teachers. There are other options: charter schools, freedom schools, private schools, and home-schooling. Each choice comes with its own set of pro's and con's.
So, yes Virginia, there is a public education system. It might not be perfect, but we're trying.

Thus endeth the soap box.