JediDefender.com Forums
Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: JediMAC on August 12, 2006, 03:13 AM
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Whenever this time of year rolls around and all the "Back to School" sales, ads, mentions, etc. start popping up everywhere, I still get the willies. There's no worse phrase in the English language than those three words, I think. Always makes me think back to the depression all of my friends and I would go through when we started realizing our summer vacations were over, and it was time to get back to our boring books and tedious studying (elementary school all the way up through college). School obviously doesn't really affect my life at all anymore, but that phrase just makes my skin crawl still. I suppose it's kinda like that ex-girl (or boy) friend that you had a real nasty split with, and the bitter taste never really goes away entirely after all those years.
I know that phrase actually still applies to some of our members here as well, so how do you guys feel when you start seeing that crap popping up in August (or even late July) each year? Bummed, or excited to hit the books again? Or maybe just excited to get back to the socializing aspect that comes with being back in school? That was really the only redeeming quality for that phrase for me back in the day...
Any other old-timers still get the creeps from hearing "Back to School", or is this something I should just seek professional counseling on...? :P
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Any other old-timers still get the creeps from hearing "Back to School", or is this something I should just seek professional counseling on...? :P
Nope, doesn't bother this old fart one bit! :P
My partner at work took the week off just to shop for school supplies & clothes for her 2 boys, great way to spend your vacation. :-\
I heard on the radio that back to school shopping is right at the top for the most stressful thing, more than being stuck in traffic, moving etc...
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I know that phrase actually still applies to some of our members here as well, so how do you guys feel when you start seeing that crap popping up in August (or even late July) each year?
As one of those members that it still applies to I can totally sympathize. Evertime I hear those three words a chill runs down my spine. Every year the commercials seem to air earlier and earlier in the year. It doesn't help that summers seem to go by faster as well. I've been moving in to my appartment the past few days and have to come to realize summer is already over. Sure it'll be nice to be on my own again and see all my friends, but now instead of earning money I get to spend thousands of dollars to do the same ammount of work I'd been doing over the summer.
I heard on the radio that back to school shopping is right at the top for the most stressful thing, more than being stuck in traffic, moving etc...
Ayup.
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The only thing that bothers me really is the fact all the stores put up their back to school areas seemingly 2 weeks after summer starts. I mean come on I know retail is always like 3 months ahead for seasonal stuff but that just ridiculous.
They should just keep everything up all year long the way they do it now. :-\
Oh and I really wanna punch that guy from the Staples/OfficeMax back to school commercial dancing around the store while the kids are pissed off. Jackass, if you hate your kids so much you shouldn't have gotten your wife knocked up. But thats a whole other story. :)
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(Having just started school on Thursday, I felt it was appropriate for me to add my $0.02 in.)
JediMac, I believe it was, mentioned the socializing aspects of returning to school being the only benefit of said return. To that point, I couldn't agree more! Over the summer, you tend to loose contact with those who aren't in your core-friend's circle, an unfortunate happening as loosing contact with some folks 'round here is tantamount to treason, or worse.
Aside from seeing and making friends during the school year, I find the entire process to be more than somewhat tiresome and, generally speaking, ill-planned. Most events and assignments seem rushed on the classic calendar that my (read: infamously inept) district employs, and I would like to think that one day South Carolina would expirament with all-year school...or at the very least, tinker with the Calendar so that it's not so confusing.
I do enjoy school though, perception presented in this thread notwithstanding. It's an honorable institution with noble roots, it's just ashame that our educational system (in South Carolina and the rest of the US, for the matter) is so mis-managed.
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Part of me wishes I could be still living the College life over "the real world"...the sleeping in, the no bills, the parties etc. That is the only thign I miss about school
My wife being a teacher has been getting lots and lots of razzing from yours truly about going back to school in a few weeks. She's none too excited to go back
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I love it, because it means all those annoying little brats won't be making a bunch of noise in the movie theaters on Tuesday nights for a few months.
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Yes, I used to hate seeing the Back to School ads back in the day. But then they started putting those banners up in the beginning of July it seemed like towards the end of my high school days. Then it was not so bad because at least I knew there was still at least half the summer to go.
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I know that phrase actually still applies to some of our members here as well, so how do you guys feel when you start seeing that crap popping up in August (or even late July) each year?
Uh, our local stores start putting out school supplies around the 4th of July. Even though the 4th is usually the halfway point of the summer, it still feels like it's almost over.
I usually dred this time of year, though like Vator, look forward to resociallizing with friends. This year though, I'm excited to go back, as I'll be a senior. Getting out earlier (would be even earlier than I already am if our schools could come up with a decent schedule ::)), partying, and all that other stuff seniors do, I'm looking forward to it.
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Yeah, you guys are right. This has been grinding on my brain for over a month now, since I actually started seeing and hearing all the "Back to School" crap as soon as 4th of July was over (brainfart on my 'late July' blurb there). It's pretty much identical to how the Christmas stuff has been appearing earlier and earlier every single year, to the point where it's hitting stores in September now. Ridiculous!
But yes, what I wouldn't give to go back to any year of school just for another day or two, to hang out with old friends. Ahhhh, the memories...
Ironically, I was actually thinking about taking a night course or two at our local Community College to get a general overview of a new professional industry that I'm thinking about switching gears into. Ugh, I may be going "back to school" myself soon! :P
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This reminds me. I've got to get my classes registered.
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Right now, I'm in a very unique situation. Next week, I am starting a new career as a High School teacher. I have been working as a children's book illustrator and writer since 1994, and I have made a good living at it. (I bought a house and what-not) but the writing and drawing is very unsteady. Now that I have two kids and a wife, I want my income to be steady (and have a pension and all that crap) so I stepped up and got my teaching license and I am a year away from my Master's degree.
So "back to school" has a huge role in my life right now. I'm very excited, I'll be teaching art in NYC, and I'll still be doing one book a year.
Proir to this career change, the phrase "back to school" would send shivers down my spine. I can honesly say that I hated everyday of school from 5th grade to 11th grade. In 12th grade I went to a vocational school art program that I loved.
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Good luck starting off in high school. Teaching is more demanding than anyone will ever know that hasn't done it before, but it's also well worth it.
As for me, "back to school" this year has been something I've been dreading. I've had a busy summer dealing with the passing of my father in law and purchasing a home, so I haven't really had a chance to rest from last year. I also transferred from one school district to another so I've had to move all my classroom stuff.
Teachers went back to work in my district on Monday, and many went back on the 27th of July if they were elementary or new teachers. Lucky for me, I've got some expirience and was able to miss out on most everything the new teachers did.
However, I'm getting more in the groove and ready for a new year of challenges. I really like the place that I transferred to and it is a more upbeat and less stressful school that where I was before. So, I'm having mixed feelings about school starting back. I'm excited for the new kids, but also still a bit worn out from a summer that didn't last very long.
Next year though, Texas teachers will have until about the third week of August for vacation with the new legislation saying kids can't come back until the 4th Monday of August. Woohoo!!
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I kinda like the "Back to School" ads and season in general because it means my favorite season, autumn, is just around the corner. I do agree that the ads seem to be coming out earlier and earlier, I saw back to school ads right around 4th of July which just seems WAY too early.
It's pretty much identical to how the Christmas stuff has been appearing earlier and earlier every single year, to the point where it's hitting stores in September now. Ridiculous!
I saw Halloween stuff at my local grocery store back in the middle of July!
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I saw Halloween stuff at my local grocery store back in the middle of July!
I went to Costco a week ago and they already had Christmas stuff out. Not a lot, but they had paper plates and napkins and crap.
This was in the first week of August. Over FOUR AND A HALF MONTHS from Christmas.
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I saw Halloween stuff at my local grocery store back in the middle of July!
I went to Costco a week ago and they already had Christmas stuff out. Not a lot, but they had paper plates and napkins and crap.
This was in the first week of August. Over FOUR AND A HALF MONTHS from Christmas.
I went into Garden Ridge the other day and they had all of their Christmas trees up and decorated ::). The front half of the store was already filled with Halloween and Christmas decorations. ???
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As a teacher I love back to school. It means that I get stand up before my kids and bore them, impose on them, and glare them into submission . . . .
No in reality I like back to school. I teach at a year round elementary (sixth grade) and I find that after 3 weeks off, I am ready to be busy again. Guess that comes from being in business for 15 years and not having a lot of time off anyway; that and combine with my type A drive.
I look forward to welcoming my new students and having them engage in learning. I love the fact that I have 1 computer for every 2 kids and a ton of bells and whistles that support my teaching efforts. More than anything I like watching the kids build a portfolio where they get to save their best work that shows their growth and learning.
As far as boring, there is a major drive in education now that students with support/scaffolding from teachers, should really direct more and more of their own learning. Harder to do, but much more rewarding as kids really engage in learning at that point.
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Where do you teach? I'd love not being forced to teach to a state test all the time. That gets drilled into us for the entire staff development each year.
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And that same stuff gets drilled to the students as well... ::)
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And that same stuff gets drilled to the students as well... ::)
Yup, but you try to be creative in your approach to teaching so it is interesting to the kiddos.
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OH NO, One week, I think I'll go hind in a dark corner. Summer can't be over.
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Don't go back 'til the 5th... Glad I still have a bit of summer left.
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You lucky bastard. ;)
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OH NO, One week, I think I'll go hind in a dark corner. Summer can't be over.
Based on that sentence, perhaps running TO school rather than away, might just do you some good.
Kevin
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Whenever this time of year rolls around and all the "Back to School" sales, ads, mentions, etc. start popping up everywhere, I still get the willies.
I totally know what you mean. I can't let go of those butterflies in the stomach, even if I don't get the severe depression/dread I got all through elementary and high school. Of course in my case I just think its connected to time passing, unwilling to let go of the past, etc. I love autumn, and football, and leaves changing, but its all too connected with that end of freedom feeling from school.
Actually Target setting up for these seasons like 2 months in advance makes it humorous and gives me some lead time to deal with it.
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OH NO, One week, I think I'll go hind in a dark corner. Summer can't be over.
Based on that sentence, perhaps running TO school rather than away, might just do you some good.
Kevin
Ouch dude, that's not cool. I'm sick of your insults, so just ignore me. Isn't there an ignore posts option too?? Maybe you should use that. >:(
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damn school .i have to go back in 2 weeks >:( >:(
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Next wednesday is the starting day for me. :(
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Ouch dude, that's not cool. I'm sick of your insults, so just ignore me. Isn't there an ignore posts option too?? Maybe you should use that. >:(
I bet if you were to start typing with a tad more care, you'd probably be treated with some respect for once.
Until then, well...
leik omg yew sond lke yer durnk.
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With all due respect, I don't type like that dude. I don't use 1337 speek. E.O.S. Ok give it a brake and just stop insulting me.
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I'm just giving you a hard time so you'll type with care. Don't take it too seriously.
I often have to re-read your posts more than once to figure out what your saying.
Kevin
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Sorry 'bout that cockbite. Just for you, I'll type a bit better. :P
Smarty
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Sorry 'bout that cockbite. Just for you, I'll type a bit better.
Smarty
Didn't you get a suspension recently for acting like that?
It's kids that act like you that make life so difficult for so many people. Just accept the statement for what it was worth, close your mouth and go about your business. Take a little criticism, grow some thicker skin, and get over it.
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Sorry 'bout that cockbite. Just for you, I'll type a bit better.
Smarty
Didn't you get a suspension recently for acting like that?
It's kids that act like you that make life so difficult for so many people. Just accept the statement for what it was worth, close your mouth and go about your business. Take a little criticism, grow some thicker skin, and get over it.
true so so true
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No, thats Kevins nickname... besides famine, look at his quick sig. Cockbite II
He knows I was just joking, and to an extent I know he is too(I think). ???
Chris M.
I think you should take a look at the context of my suspension, not the reason why I was suspended, but why I said what I said. There are some behind the scenes stuff that you don't know about as well that added to it.
Starkid are you an idiot or something, You get burned every day on this forum. I can't believe you just said that.::)
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Since no one likes that I suspended you, but everyone loves to complain about you- let me try this.
PLEASE STOP POSTING STUPID CRAP
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I'm just giving you a hard time so you'll type with care. Don't take it too seriously.
I often have to re-read your posts more than once to figure out what your saying.
Kevin
Anyone besides me see the irony here?
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Sometimes, irony is the only way to make a point.
It's like the quote of the week board we had at work. The owner pulled it down after 3 years, saying they were all just digs at people with whom I work.
You may take it as a dig because you have a guilty concience. I look up and see a way to better myself, and it gives me somthing to think about.
It's all how you percive things.
Kevin
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Chris M.
I think you should take a look at the context of my suspension, not the reason why I was suspended, but why I said what I said. There are some behind the scenes stuff that you don't know about as well that added to it.
You mean the same stuff you don't know about? ???
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Jesus Christ, I was just pointing out that he was acting like and ass in his post.
He was being a smartass and I was calling it how I saw it.
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Since this is going nowhere...
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For those of you with kids, do they get excited about heading back to school? Or is it the worst time of the year?
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For those of you with kids, do they get excited about heading back to school? Or is it the worst time of the year?
My son is VERY excited about returning to school. Though, of course, its preschool :)
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A little of both for my daughter. She and her mom had some great times on holidays this year and we've had a fantastic year weather-wise so that coming to an end isn't so much fun. But she really enjoyed kindergarten and is looking forward to grade 1 as well. Lots of friends she hasn't seen much of over the summer. The biggest bonus is she doesn't mind cold weather, so winter coming doesn't really bother her either.
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I was especially excited to be going back this year until my high school called me the other day and seriously ****** up ( >:( ) my schedule. My dream year has pretty much been shattered, but I'm still excited to go back and *gasp* learn something. :)
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It's that time of year again. I was closing at Target yesterday and they had already started putting out Back to School signs above the clothes racks and stuff. I'll give it a week before all the school supplies make an appearance.
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It's that time of year again. I was closing at Target yesterday and they had already started putting out Back to School signs above the clothes racks and stuff. I'll give it a week before all the school supplies make an appearance.
Walmart had them out last week. My oldest starts Kindergarten this year so its the first time in years I'll actually have to pay attention to it.
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AHHHH, It's tooooo soon, I still have a month and a half before school starts, I havn't even done half the stuff I wanted to. :'(
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Ahhh, how nice, teacher's don't have to report back here in TX until about the 20th of August. A month and a half still.
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My local Wal-Mart was putting Back to School stuff out at the begining of June...
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My little boy starts first grade next week!!!
:o :'(
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My Nieces start 3rd grade and Kindergarten this upcoming Monday. Can't believe how fast the years go by now that I'm older.
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You guys who have kids starting in the next couple of weeks, where do you live? Unless it's a year round school, that's crazy starting this early.
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year round school...
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I am taking a summer class, thats never fun.
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Yeah, back to school still gives me the creeps too.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/98/Back_to_school.jpg/391px-Back_to_school.jpg)