New York Subways

This is a video taken on our last subway ride in New York.  Always expect the unexpected!

Brain Overload

As our fellowship comes to an end, I have started trying to put into perspective all that we've experienced and learned over the past 13 days.  The overwhelming amount of knowledge we have gained during both our own self-guided experiences and the writing institute has my head spinning.  There have been multiple nights I haven't slept well because my brain just won't stop.  There is so much I need to do:  organize all the valuable information I've collected at the writing institute, set up meetings with my team and staff, begin planning lessons using our new primary sources, download and set up Evernote on the phone and iPad (the absolute best way to keep track of reading and writing conferences), and most importantly, prepare to meet my wonderful students on Monday.

I'd like to thank Fund for Teachers and PEF again for given us this invaluable opportunity.  I know the many "small moments" (writing verbiage) I have collected have made me a better, more knowledgeable person, and will definitely make me a stronger teacher.  Thanks to all that have followed us throughout our trip by reading our words.  The "I hate you" messages can stop now (Daniel Middlebrooks), since real life begins again Monday.  A big thank you goes out to Leigh for being my navigator, random fact holder, and support during this trip.  Thank goodness she MADE me finish revising the grant with her!  Finally, I'd like to thank my husband who had to survive without me for almost two weeks (although at times I'm sure he really enjoyed it).  He has shown tremendous support and patience while I've run around the US looking for better ways to teach.  What he may not realize is that none of this would be possible without him.

So, on that note, I am going to close my computer and start to pack.  I pray that my suitcase will still be under 50 lbs AFTER all the resources (and goodies) I've collected.  Thank goodness I had to bring along that extra bag at the beginning of the trip!

The New York Experience - A Note to Mrs. Hartley's Students

One of the most memorable experiences in New York is riding on the subway.  It's hot, it's noisy, and you get to see ALL types of characters on the train!  Watch the quick video below to see what it's like to get on a train during rush hour (in the morning or evening when people are going to/from work).

 

Below is a view of Time Square.  Look how busy it is!  Thousands of people are out on the street here at the same time.  There might be just as many cabs, too.

A quick view of Lady Liberty, the Statue of Liberty located on Liberty Island between New York and New Jersey.

View of New York from the Empire State Building.  Buildings and people packed in like sardines!

 

Me on top of Rockefeller Center with views of the Empire State Building.

Don't forget to scroll down and check out the responses to your questions from yesterday!

Mrs. Hartley's Class - Response to Questions & Comments

I was SO excited to receive your questions and comments yesterday (even the potty one)!  You have no idea how frazzled my brain was about missing the first day of school.  I am really glad there is a way to talk with you.

I took the "potty" picture while I was at the National Air and Space Museum in DC.  This is what the toilet in an airplane looks like (specifically an old Pan Am plane).  Have you ever thought about where everything goes when you use the restroom on an airplane?

Here is what the sign says:  Airplane bathroom waste has always gone into a storage tank in the airplane, which is pumped out after landing.  If the tank gets full, there is an overflow valve that discharges extra waste out of the aircraft - during flight (Yuck!).  The chemicals used to treat the waste turn it blue, and the waste freezes during its fall to earth - the infamous "blue ice."

So...if you are ever struck by "blue ice" while you are walking down the road, run for the shower quick.  You've just had airplane waste land on you! :)

In response to...
*  Sherry - I would have loved for you to eat with me also!  My meal was one of the best I'd every had (especially the coconut cream pie at the end), but also one of the most expensive.  For only me I spent $70!

*  Class - Mmmmm.  Gifts?  All depends on how good you are while I'm out.  Make sure I receive a great note about your behavior!

*  Jordan - You won the book?  Won the movie?  Won the game?  Can you write out a sticky for me and put it under the car (back closet) in the parking lot? :)

*  Rose and Jerod - Wouldn't it be nice if we were close enough to visit the Statue of Liberty as a class?  A couple quick Lady Liberty facts:  There are 357 steps inside the statue, she weighs 450,000 pounds and had to be sent to the United States in pieces, and her shoe size would be size 879.  And I thought I had big feet!