In the greater scheme of history blah blah blah

I hope this doesn't come off as petty or egocentric, but I am so unbelievably sick of being confused with the other white, female 8th grade teacher. I am not offended - despite the fact she has over thirty years on me - but by February you'd think my coworkers would have managed to learn to differentiate between the white people. If it was once or twice it would make sense, but every single time? She couldn't even hand me my testing materials today because she was convinced I taught the other teacher's class (assuming I was her) and it was preposterous that I was asking for a different homeroom.

Equally disturbing, my smart class that likes to learn did not know the difference between rural and urban.

And I'm so, so, so, so tired of hearing a string of profanities any time anyone says anything that isn't an answer to a question in class. I understand that middle schoolers are middle schoolers, however the presence of any adult does not curtail the language. Parents, administrators - no change. When did this become acceptable? My mom would probably still whoop my behind if I said some of the things I hear my students say. And I know I certainly use my share of foul language (and considerably more over the last two years), but it sure does make you sound ugly.

Before I go I need to know - is google taking over the world? I know can post through my google account, discussion of their workplace philosophy outlined our discussion of school reform last week at Hopkins and I have to admit I am more than a little enamored with these new documents and spreadsheets.

I'm going to go pray to the snow gods.