The Truth is...

I really didn't know much about the computer when I arrived to purchase it.  I just knew I was finally willing to lay out the money for a M@C , and for me that meant the cheapest entry level version.  (well, not including the mini m@c, but a "real" m@c).  I have to say I am blown away, and I'm sure it does much, much more than I've already discovered.   When I walked into the show room, I was shocked by the HUGE monitors.  When I was approached by a sellsperson, I said I wanted the 1200.00 version.  I was surprised when he said I was looking at it; I couldn't believe the size of the thing.  It is 20"  while it seemed sooo large, I couldn't believe how SMALL it was as the computer, speakers, DVD drive are all built in to the monitor (can you see the DVD slot in the photo?).  WOWSA!

Did I also mention built in wi-fi.  Seriously it was out of the box and online in 
10 minutes!

Why the new computer?  Well, I've been kicking myself every since I purchased my 
new PC 3 months ago.  I received a scholarship/ free funding to go to school in the spring.  I still hadn't purchased Micros*oft office and figured it was time to get on board now with M@c before I purchased new software.  I also received enough extra money to cover most of the cost.

The only down side to all this is that I have to take FOUR classes in the spring because my state is changing the endorsement requirements and it will go from 8 credits for a mid level math/science endorsement to 30, yes THIRTY credits for each mid level subject endorsement.  so for both it will go from 2000.00 to 15,000.00  how is that for insane?  So during my first year of teaching, I'm also going to tackle a pretty big academic load.

Also coming this spring at school is a very, very intensive program we do with our kids.  I can't go into specifics or my blog will lose it's anonymity.  But it is a big, BIG deal and a nationally recognized program, not only in education, but in another organizations as well.  I've heard it is so intensive and time consuming that it has driven many, many teachers from my school....hummm (it would take a lot to drive me from my wonderful, wonderful 6th graders!).   So, looks like Summer will be here before I know it with all this on my plate.

Everyone at my school has been sick lately, including Declan and me.  So, it has been nice to have a 4 day weekend :) .  It will be a short work week as I leave on Thursday for an educational conference with other new teachers.

As for work, the kids are great, the administration is great, the parents are great...but there is some stress happening and I really don't know how to deal with it.  It's been on going since summer...but I have been very hesitant to blog about it should anyone at my work discover my blog...(and a big hello if anyone from work is reading )

So, what I'm doing to take some of the stress off, is writing 1/2 of my papers before Spring quarter even begins.  My school gives wonderful outlines of the assignments in their syllabus, and the program admissions people have been very helpful in getting me set up.  I've almost finished my first paper...and I've started on my 2nd!

Well,  guess that's enough for now.  I guess it's time to pull myself away from my new toy and play a game with Declan.