It’s a well known fact: teachers don’t get paid a lot of money. What money we can make comes in several forms:
1. We can work extra duty, coach a sport or sponsor a club, or even be department chair and attend 8 extra meetings a year and be the Bearer of Bad News for our departments. I do the last one. It pays an extra grand. Woo Hoo.
2. We can choose to not have a planning period and teach straight through the day (and pee only when we have our 20 minute lunch) and make 10% of our salary. I don’t do this. It pays a lot.
3. We can take classes and earn a set amount for each class we are taking to move up on the pay scale the following year. I do this. You know this.
The problem with the last one is that there is a cap. A limit on the number of courses you can get credit for until they just hold onto the other hours for the following year. This year, I’m eligible to move over 3 spots, but I only get to be paid for 2 of them. I’ve taken 24 credit hours this year and won’t get to the next level until I’m done with a master’s degree.
That chaps my ass.
While I’m on the topic of education, I have to admit that one of the universities that I attend recently screwed up. Big time. If someone out there has my information, I certainly hope they read what I wrote above because I’m a teacher. I don’t make that much money. That’s why we educators can sometimes get a break. For this, I love Apple even more.
I think I’ll lick Jayne today and show my appreciation for her.
Now, to feel better I will remind myself that I have some things going for me. While I try to come up with a list I will practice my training in becoming a Jedi knight. Ok, not really. I’m thinking of a place where it’s always enlightening and stimulating, yet, when I leave I always feel like the dumbest person on the planet because I never get any of the questions right. Still, head on over to Big Guy On A Bicycle’s place and play the trivia game he has going every Thursday.
Every Thursday. Which means that I get to forget to remember every Thursday and then on Friday yell, “Oh, crap. I forgot the Trivia game at BGOAB’s!” But, in my head I say it as Bee-Go-Abs.
Another fun thing to do is to Wikipedia something. Yes, I did just use that as a verb, thank you very much. Perhaps it’s also a gerund. I can’t remember right now. So, my friend RW over at Chasing Vincenzo did this meme and it was pretty cool.
And I did my birthday like he said.
And I looked to see what happened on that date in history. (Martin Luther King’s famous speech)
And I noticed that some interesting people were born on my birthday. (Eddie Murphy, Tony Orlando, and Doris Mary Ann von Kappelhoff - what? You do too know her!)
But I was struck dumb to notice that, of all people in the history of the world, Jesus would be the one who died on my birthday.
When I told Mallory this fact she stepped away from me like my face had broken out in exploding hives or I was standing near water holding an electrical appliance. It could be worse bad luck that I actually linked a sentence that had the name Jesus in it.
No. The worst thing could be that someone gets to my site by searching for Jesus Ass Chaps.
I’m pretty sure they’re not going to let me into Heaven now.
July 6, 2006 @ 5:04 am | Filed under Education, Entertainment | Permalink |
Tom Stormcrowe Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 5:13 am
You know what’s truly ass-chapping? A 150 mile ride on a hot day!::GRIN:: Wow, first comment! I….I…….I’m stunned!
Mocha Momma Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 5:16 am
Are you more stunned to see that I’m still here publishing this entry when I noticed a comment?
ImHir Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 6:17 am
I was with you girl, right up to the death of Jesus thing. Then, I, like Mallory, moved very slowly away from the screen…..Hey, it’s cloudy out, didn’t want any accidental lightening strikes ok?
But I came back see… very cautiously though as I furiously type out this comment while watching for any wayward thunder….
Hilarious as usual.
Take care of you,
V
deannie Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 6:19 am
Kelly, quick, head over to my latest post: there is a ‘Get out of Hell Free’ card posted. Print it and you are good to go.
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4491/2313/640/getoutofhell.jpg
Hugs,
Jill Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:08 am
Hehe Kelly, Teachers and Barista’s never make enough money… think they should pay teachers way more than they do for the simple fact of having to put up with some people’s kids…..
and as for the other… ummmmm don’t think there could have been a better person to have died on the same day you were born….
Jill
DeeJay Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:12 am
This morning I Wikipediaed a town close by that I had never heard of before. How fun is that?!
Steve Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:17 am
As tempting as it was to visit Google to key in “Jesus ass chaps”, I decided to go to Wikipedia instead. My birth date didn’t turn up anyone as notable as your own matches, but I may have you on variety. Can you beat prominent German historian, Golo Mann; Brazilian television personality, Xuxa; and American professional wrestling valet Valerie “So Cal Val” Wyndham? I seriously doubt it.
Good to see that you survived your busy academic day and are now back on topics like blistered butts and humorous nonsense.
Aafrica Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:18 am
heaven is over-rated anyway. stay on Earth, here is beer
Nora Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:18 am
I have to admit I am a Wikipedia virgin. I think I will correct that.
I was trying to think of a thoughtful and insightful comment to yesterdays blog, it made me think, and like Forrest, that is all I have to say about that.
After much thought I still love you the same, after all it is technically not your fault that Jesus died on the same day you were born. Especially since it was thousands of years later, your birth not his death. ; )
Nora
Tom Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:24 am
Don’t dismiss your Jedi Knight training Mocha Mama, it will help you on your quest to defeat the evil trivia game. Use the Force Mocha Mama, use the Force.
Also, you may want to unplug Jayne before you lick her.
Nora Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:28 am
Oh yeah and teachers get totally screwed. Why have been thinking more and more about joining the profession. Am I a masochist?
Dana Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:30 am
I call him Be-go-ab too! And my Doug laughs at me. He says I’m a dork.
Juli Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:45 am
To Nora and Tom:
Thanks for the LOL remarks. In fact, they were SNORT out LOUDs in my little quiet cubicle world. I’m embarrassed.
deannie Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:59 am
Oh, and here is a link for you today as you contemplate shiny clothes to maintain the attention of that man of yours:
http://www.ericisgreat.com/tinfoilhats/index.html
Hugs,
Cordaville Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 9:06 am
Thank you! I needed a good laugh today. I love this entry!
Hugs,
Cordaville
QofS Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 9:23 am
I so wasn’t getting into heaven anyway. So it works out for me.
Bree Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 9:54 am
uhh…I’m just catching up on your blog after the holiday weekend…WOW imagine my surprise when I found out we are both datin the same person (Mos Def) He’s just to good to give up so I guess I have to share!
Oh and let me tell you I LOVE to Wikipedia everything! I actually send myself text messages of things I want to remember to Wiki (thats what I like to call it!)
babyoog Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 11:27 am
You’re definitely taking the short bus to hell. Sorry!
AlAl Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 12:02 pm
On my birthday:
Lincoln was shot (but he didn’t die until the next day)
AND
The Titanic hit the iceberg (but didn’t sink until the next day)
AND
Taxes are due (but not until the next day)
I thought my birthday was bad, but now I think YOU “win”.
Mocha Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 12:38 pm
V - Should I be worried? It’s cloudy out. You were smart to move away from me.
Deannie - Got it. Also commented on the FABULOUS MARY J. Am now listening to it. Don’t worry. My voice isn’t too bad. Want to harmonize on “One”? I can’t believe you with the shiny hats. I shouldn’t have told that story. HA.
Jill - How do Baristas get raises? I mean, you’ve got all that free coffee. I could totally be paid in coffee.
DeeJay - And? What were the results? You’ve gotta tell us! Now I’m going to Wiki my town.
Steve - I guess I do humorous nonsense well, eh? Oh, and I love your list and ADORE Xuxa!!! I wanted to be her when I was, ok, all of 19 years old. Maybe I still do. She was a bizarre yet lovable personality.
Aafrica - But what if they have really good coffee there? I’d leave it for all the beer on earth. Now, if there are no mojitos or margaritas in heaven I’m going to have to take issue.
Nora - Much love back atcha, girly. And get to Wikipeding. Or is it Wikipediing? It’s got to have 5 syllables, right? Oh, hell. Go there. Wait, not to hell. You get the picture.
Dana - Do you play Be-Go-Abs game? It’s awesome, but very hard. I promise that I don’t cheat either now that everyone know I’m a Wiki Whore. (Hey, do you see a t-shirt in the making there?)
Juli - You snort? How did I not know this? Is it because we’re usually drunk when we get together? No, that’s not it. That reminds me, let’s get drunk at your sister’s pool soon, ok?
Cordaville - Oh, you thought it was funny? I was being serious. How awful to find out that Jesus died on my birthday! SERIOUSLY. I’m a marked woman. So, what, did Moses disappear on your birthday? Fess up.
QofS - Why doesn’t that surprise me? I think it’s because you’re having a lot of sex lately. I mean a lot.
Bree - Dear me. Another reader who thinks Mos Def is HER boyfriend. Tsk. Tsk. What am I gonna do with you girls? I will soooo take out my earrings and fight for my man. I’m very South Side Chicago that way. You can have “Wiki”. I’ll take Mos Def.
Babyoog - Puh-lease. That bus is long to accomodate the other folks. But it’s definitely a party bus. Are you driving us there?
AIAI - No, no, no. You can win. Really. Mostly because of the taxes.
Mocha Momma Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 12:44 pm
Tom - Ok. I unplugged Jayne. She tasted dusty. That was a bad idea. Talk me out of it next time, ok?
Jeff Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
I wish we had iMac digital hubs when I was in school! When I was a kid…
hulagirl Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 3:01 pm
This is my first comment. I’ve been reading you since MSN. You are sooo funny! You make my day!
Mocha Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 5:06 pm
Jeff - iMacs just rock my world. Everything Apple does. Do you remember FORTRAN? Are you old enough? I’m sorry to say that I am…
hulagirl - Welcome! I’m glad when people comment to tell me this stuff. I really never know so it’s always great to hear from readers. That comment you just made? That made MY day.
Mandy Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 5:33 pm
Hey, you’re not going to Hell for that one! I think your hubby and the home video comment aimed at your Mom is worse! And don’t you just love the bizarre searches that will lead folks to your site? I’ve had some interesting ones, as I’m sure we all have!
You have a wonderful site and I am very glad I stumbled apon it!
Tom Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 7:45 pm
WOW, what a strange picture I now have in my head. Lets hope it doesn’t show up on flickr.com !
TJ Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 4:11 am
Teachers rarely make enough money considering what they have to deal with on a daily basis. You should quit teaching and go play basketball. You could make a fortune!
By the way, is Western Illinois the Saluki’s?
Dana Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 5:57 am
I played the trivia one time, and I got two out of five. And BeGo laughed because one of my answer’s was “Casper the Friendly Ghost”. But that man is awesome. I adore him. And if you make a T-shirt “Wiki-Whore”, I’m so buying one — just to see the looks on people’s faces!
Caffeinated Librarian Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 7:26 am
I gotta tell you honey, the teachers in our state are always getting raises, even when the rest of we public servants get shut out. Not that I don’t think they deserve it (I remember my mom bring home tons of work nights and weekends, taking classes, lots of stuff she really never got credit or compensation for) and they’re still underpaid by national standards. But as a librarian, I think people forget the educational work that WE also do and it’s a tad annoying. It’s like we’re teachers when they need us for something but we’re menial paper pushers when it comes to salaries. After all, why would anyone need a masters degree to put some books on a shelf.
Sorry, feeling a tad bitter this morning. I’ll get over it once I have a cuppa.
Btw, unlike you and Dana I don’t call BGOAB “BeGo” - I must not have gotten the memo.
He’ll always be the “Big Guy” to me. And yes, the trivia regularly kicks my butt. Very annoying when you just KNOW you could find the answer in a minute with the right reference book/website. *sigh*
Hope you have a good Friday.
Mocha Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 7:53 am
Mandy - How does one stumble upon my site? More importantly, does it hurt?
Tom - I, for one, would LIKE to see it. Come on. Get your flickr on.
TJ - At 5′11 I’m a little short to play b-ball except in front of my house. WIU men are The Fighting Leathernecks. We WIU women are Westerwinds. Oh, joy. Salukis are SIU.
Dana - I’m on the Wiki-Whore shirt now. My friend Lisa is designing some for me.
Libby - Oh, I feel you, girl. You couldn’t be more right. I passionately defend Librarians. And I truly believe they know EVERYTHING, so because you, too, get your butt kicked by Be-Go’s trivia I feel a little better. I hope you do, too. Chin up!
MuMo Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 5:14 pm
Hey… you are so NOT going to hell. The Jesus that I know and love has a marvelous sense of humor and He also gets very tired of all the seriousness. Otherwise, He would not put up with me and I would not keep getting pulled back from the brink!
I also keep forgetting Trivia Thursday (SIGH!)
Hugs,
MuMo
Elizabeth Said,
July 8, 2006 @ 4:17 pm
My Mom got a Master’s Degree when she is her Fifties so she could move up on that damn pay scale. Some of her original college credits were no longer transferable, so she had to take a few FRESHMAN classes. She would get put in a study group and the rest of the group would call her Ma’am. Teachers, like waiters, should get paid a LOT more money.
Also, why shouldn’t Wikipedia be a verb. You can say you “Googled” something, or “Flickred” a photo, or “Netflixed” a movie, why not say that you “Wikipediaed” something? Look at you, making up what will surely be the next hot new catchword!
Steve Said,
July 11, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
FYI: gerund form of Wikipedia = Wikipediaing
FYI: Heaven is over rated. All the reall cool people are heading the other way.
(I’m just saying…)
Just curious: Have you gotten in Googles on “Jesus Ass Chaps” yet?
(note to self: do a google on “Jesus Ass Chaps” I know I’ll get at least ONE hit…)
s.