How can it possibly be 19 days since my last post? Ridiculous. I think it's a testament to how crazy my life has been. I know everyone has their own brand of crazy, but July has been even wilder than wedding season in full swing. Jeez la peez.
Anywho I have officially completed my first week as a real, grown-up teacher. My students seem to be doing okay, and I am making it. Definitely no miracle prodigy teacher, but I think I am getting better. My little bees didn't heckle me out of the room in tears, which I was a little afraid of. There are still lots of things I need to work on (pencil sharpener--why didn't someone tell me what a huge deal that was?!?!), including the fact I have a couple of bees who will just jump up in the middle of my lesson and start dancing. However, overall, I am feeling positive. That sentiment is after 7 days of instruction. Let me just say that no one can understand the EXTREME nervousness the night before and the morning of your first day of teaching. I was nearly irrational and shaking I was so nervous. I am not a crier, but I almost broke down the night before I was so freaked out. I was trying to pray through it, and I know God was watching out for me. But I was a nervous wreck...
Today, I finished up taking my Praxis tests (5th and final, as long as I passed!) and finished up my 6th certification/masters class. (4 classes to go!) Earlier this week, I submitted my portfolio to apply for certification. These were all huge projects that were really weighing on me. Whoosh. Now, SJ is married. M is about to be back from her summer job in Louisville, and LL is getting pumped up for WKU and rush. I have 5 more days of summer school! Woohoo!! Then, I get until August 7th off! The fam may even be planning a spontaneous vacay. I am suuuper pumped.
I am really enjoying this weekend. Today, I saw Despicable Me (in 3d), which was AWESOME and ate at Carraba's for the first time. This past week, I have been in survival mode. Up at 4:50 am, to school by 6 and home around 7pm. I am also getting to know (and love) two new roommates, so we have had some rommate time. With all that, plus the jazz i listed in the paragraph above, I have not had time to turn around, much less water my geraniums. Today, I finally caught up with EF and LW. Now, I need to send some RSVPs and mail some bills. Unfortunately, it's 11:30 pm, and I just got brownies out of the oven and am falling asleep. Woot woot for paryting on Saturday night!!
Sleep well!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Back to School, back to school!!
Yep, that's right. My school goes back July 1st. This has all ready been a crazy start, as I had to lead a professional development on school culture this past Thursday. Suuuuper stressful--my school's whole leadership team was there. I did okay--maybe a little too silly and definitely too fast. On Friday, we had professional development all day, then I was home in the BG all weekend. Our counselor strong-armed the principal into giving us today (Monday, 7/5) off. It has been fabu. I came back to Nash around noon and have been cleaning and doing odd jobs since then.
I also (FINALLY!) returned some emails that I've been meaning to send. I am mega-pumped that some good friends are going to visit in the next couple of weeks (EF, BC, and hopefully KB!)and trying to focus on that and the reason I'm teaching to stay positive. I mean, I'm not down, but I'm definitely a little bummed. Most of my other teacher friends are looking forward to another whole month of poolside relaxation and I am back to school. I mean, it's nice to get back into routine, but getting up and teaching in July is kind of an adjustment.
Our kids come July 12th, so we have 4 more days this week of just faculty and staff PD. This is nice since it gives me a chance to get my classroom ready and whipped into shape before I get my new little bees. I am excited but nervous about my first days legit teaching a whole class. Plus, our summer school schedule is pretty scary with only a 25 minute lunch break from 8-2pm. It's going to fly by.
On a different note, I am very excited to welcome 2 new roommates to my little Nashville abode. O and L moved on to greener pastures (and I miss them!), and L and T moved in! They seem awesome so far, and we are settling in together. It's interesting to see how 2 new people change up a house. Since the 4th and final roommate just moved in today, I will have to keep you posted on what things change.
In other news, LL got a job at a salon in BG which is verra verra exciting. It's a little out of her comfort zone, but I think it's good for her. EF is coming back to the US for awhile. So, July is shaping up to be a pretty awesome month even if I am working 8-5 the whole time. Maybe I'll burn a CD with "9-5" on it. I do love me some Dolly.
Happy Independence Day lovelies!
I also (FINALLY!) returned some emails that I've been meaning to send. I am mega-pumped that some good friends are going to visit in the next couple of weeks (EF, BC, and hopefully KB!)and trying to focus on that and the reason I'm teaching to stay positive. I mean, I'm not down, but I'm definitely a little bummed. Most of my other teacher friends are looking forward to another whole month of poolside relaxation and I am back to school. I mean, it's nice to get back into routine, but getting up and teaching in July is kind of an adjustment.
Our kids come July 12th, so we have 4 more days this week of just faculty and staff PD. This is nice since it gives me a chance to get my classroom ready and whipped into shape before I get my new little bees. I am excited but nervous about my first days legit teaching a whole class. Plus, our summer school schedule is pretty scary with only a 25 minute lunch break from 8-2pm. It's going to fly by.
On a different note, I am very excited to welcome 2 new roommates to my little Nashville abode. O and L moved on to greener pastures (and I miss them!), and L and T moved in! They seem awesome so far, and we are settling in together. It's interesting to see how 2 new people change up a house. Since the 4th and final roommate just moved in today, I will have to keep you posted on what things change.
In other news, LL got a job at a salon in BG which is verra verra exciting. It's a little out of her comfort zone, but I think it's good for her. EF is coming back to the US for awhile. So, July is shaping up to be a pretty awesome month even if I am working 8-5 the whole time. Maybe I'll burn a CD with "9-5" on it. I do love me some Dolly.
Happy Independence Day lovelies!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Home alone...
Why do I hate being home alone? Why do I get scared? It makes me sad that I can't even have faith in my own home. I mean, "He's got the whole world in His hands..." and I'm worried about myself. It's like I hear noises and start freaking myself out.
For example:
Oh, that delivery man was definitely a killer. He'll be back tonight.
Or, craigslist killer. I did give my address to the girl who never came or called.
Shaz. A serial killer (like Silence of Lambs) is going to come and get me...
I mean, the list goes on and on and gets more and more irrational. It is a running joke that I'm paranoid, and I know to some degree, God made me creative and able to see small details. However, I know that worry does not do any good.
As I'm home tonight (by myself), I think about some other things going on in my life. I think about being around some very sick people recently. I mean, very. These people are able to have faith and not be scared. Yet I am scared in my own home. What will I do when life really storms on me?
About six months ago, as I was talking about what I would do if a person held a gun on me, one of the people in the group (who had recently been mugged at gun point) asked me what I was so afraid of. It made me think. What am I so afraid of? Loss of control? Death? Losing someone I love? I mean, these are sad thoughts for bedtime, but it helps me to put everything in perspective. I need to be able to have peace in the good times (like right now) and the bad.
God, help me remember that you are always watching. No matter how much I allow myself to get freaked out, you are there. Everything is according to your plan.
Sleep tight bloggy friends. Say a prayer for this big baby! Back to school soon!
For example:
Oh, that delivery man was definitely a killer. He'll be back tonight.
Or, craigslist killer. I did give my address to the girl who never came or called.
Shaz. A serial killer (like Silence of Lambs) is going to come and get me...
I mean, the list goes on and on and gets more and more irrational. It is a running joke that I'm paranoid, and I know to some degree, God made me creative and able to see small details. However, I know that worry does not do any good.
As I'm home tonight (by myself), I think about some other things going on in my life. I think about being around some very sick people recently. I mean, very. These people are able to have faith and not be scared. Yet I am scared in my own home. What will I do when life really storms on me?
About six months ago, as I was talking about what I would do if a person held a gun on me, one of the people in the group (who had recently been mugged at gun point) asked me what I was so afraid of. It made me think. What am I so afraid of? Loss of control? Death? Losing someone I love? I mean, these are sad thoughts for bedtime, but it helps me to put everything in perspective. I need to be able to have peace in the good times (like right now) and the bad.
God, help me remember that you are always watching. No matter how much I allow myself to get freaked out, you are there. Everything is according to your plan.
Sleep tight bloggy friends. Say a prayer for this big baby! Back to school soon!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
1 Down...
The first wedding of wedding season was perfect! I loved being able to watch (up close and personal) as my sister married JP. I am so excited about my new B-I-L, and it was such a wonderful day.
It really couldn't have been better, and I wouldn't change anything. (Well, except for getting some kind of gel insert for my wedding shoes.) We had so much fun.
Sunday was a very chill day and then on Monday, we moved M up to Louisville for her summer job. This made sweet Nadine (my mom) a littlle blue since two daughters were now more or less gone for the summer. We have all been a little off, not down necessarily, but just different. It was like the wedding took over our lives for the past year, and now it's over. You kind of don't know what to do. I think even SJP is a little bored on the honeymoon. She has been FBing me all the jobs she needs me to do. Somethings never change--no matter what country you're in.
I have to head back to Nashville tomorrow and next week for 1-2 days. Then, I'm back for good starting June 30th. This will be a HUUUGE adjustment for my mom since there will be 3 of us gone for the summer, which is usually our family time. LL is heading to WKU in August, and mom is seriously going to need a new project.
I am feeling a little more on top of things since my last post. I have spent pretty much all day today working at Panera in BG and have knocked out most of my paperwork requirements. Now, I'm staying ahead on my Lipscomb work before meeting my girlies (J, Sh, and Brit!) for dinner. Things are good.
Plus, huge answer to prayers--we have found a roommate! We may even have found 2! This is wonderful because it means I don't have to move. It also means I have no excuse to not beautify my house. I have several projects, including weeding, cleaning the garage steps, and (finally!) hanging pictures in my room to do before I head back to school. I am pumped on getting ahead of things and not stressing so much. July is going to be hard enough--starting TEACHING in the classroom, that I don't want additional drama.
Hope you're enjoying your Tuesday!
It really couldn't have been better, and I wouldn't change anything. (Well, except for getting some kind of gel insert for my wedding shoes.) We had so much fun.
Sunday was a very chill day and then on Monday, we moved M up to Louisville for her summer job. This made sweet Nadine (my mom) a littlle blue since two daughters were now more or less gone for the summer. We have all been a little off, not down necessarily, but just different. It was like the wedding took over our lives for the past year, and now it's over. You kind of don't know what to do. I think even SJP is a little bored on the honeymoon. She has been FBing me all the jobs she needs me to do. Somethings never change--no matter what country you're in.
I have to head back to Nashville tomorrow and next week for 1-2 days. Then, I'm back for good starting June 30th. This will be a HUUUGE adjustment for my mom since there will be 3 of us gone for the summer, which is usually our family time. LL is heading to WKU in August, and mom is seriously going to need a new project.
I am feeling a little more on top of things since my last post. I have spent pretty much all day today working at Panera in BG and have knocked out most of my paperwork requirements. Now, I'm staying ahead on my Lipscomb work before meeting my girlies (J, Sh, and Brit!) for dinner. Things are good.
Plus, huge answer to prayers--we have found a roommate! We may even have found 2! This is wonderful because it means I don't have to move. It also means I have no excuse to not beautify my house. I have several projects, including weeding, cleaning the garage steps, and (finally!) hanging pictures in my room to do before I head back to school. I am pumped on getting ahead of things and not stressing so much. July is going to be hard enough--starting TEACHING in the classroom, that I don't want additional drama.
Hope you're enjoying your Tuesday!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wedding Season==Full Swing
We are down to just over 48 hours before the big day. At 5:30 pm this Saturday, my oldest sister will be walking down the aisle. Here's praying I'm not in full boo-hoo mode when I see her. Oh my--last night we watched Father of the Bride. We were all blubbering--mom ended up having to leave the room to vacuum because she just couldn't handle it.
What do I want do? I want to go get wedding pedicures, spray tanned, and enjoy the next two days. What will I be doing? Well those things, PLUS more stuff. Not fun stuff.
I mean, I just want to do nothing but wedding/sisters/family. However, my blasted real life keeps intruding. I'm taking a Master's class at Lipscomb, and it's super easy. But having to find time to submit the feeble assignments (and wireless!) is not fun. On top of this, I am down 2 roommates. I am having to try to recruit from KY and may or may not have to sling out to a new house July 1st. Plus, I keep having teachers call me to want to talk school. And, just like that (without even a pause), I am SUCKED back in. I am now sitting at Panera. I should be at home sleeping in and enjoying this cloudy (restful) day with my sisters. But no, assignments and phone calls had to be done. I just spent THIRTY minutes talking to a teacher from work. In that time, my mom came to show me her new hair, a lady from church came in with her baby, and the BTB (bride to be) called me four times. What happened? DID I HANG UP?!?! DID I TELL HIM I WOULD CALL BACK?! No! I didn't. I couldn't, since I all ready put him off three days. (He originally called on Monday and then sent me an email on Wednesday to call me out on being shady!) I had to talk.
What happened during our 32 minute convo? Well, mom held the baby, mom rocked the baby, mom left, baby left, and SJ is not answering her phone.
Bleakness. I mean I am trying to stay positive but I want be OFF.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Deep breath in, deep breath out.
Ok, I am feeling better. Thanks for listening bloggy friends. Say a prayer that this MOH can keep her act together--at least until Post-I-Do. I will report back sometime next week.
P.S. On a huge upside, I thought this post deleted just now, but it was saved in my drafts. YAY!
What do I want do? I want to go get wedding pedicures, spray tanned, and enjoy the next two days. What will I be doing? Well those things, PLUS more stuff. Not fun stuff.
I mean, I just want to do nothing but wedding/sisters/family. However, my blasted real life keeps intruding. I'm taking a Master's class at Lipscomb, and it's super easy. But having to find time to submit the feeble assignments (and wireless!) is not fun. On top of this, I am down 2 roommates. I am having to try to recruit from KY and may or may not have to sling out to a new house July 1st. Plus, I keep having teachers call me to want to talk school. And, just like that (without even a pause), I am SUCKED back in. I am now sitting at Panera. I should be at home sleeping in and enjoying this cloudy (restful) day with my sisters. But no, assignments and phone calls had to be done. I just spent THIRTY minutes talking to a teacher from work. In that time, my mom came to show me her new hair, a lady from church came in with her baby, and the BTB (bride to be) called me four times. What happened? DID I HANG UP?!?! DID I TELL HIM I WOULD CALL BACK?! No! I didn't. I couldn't, since I all ready put him off three days. (He originally called on Monday and then sent me an email on Wednesday to call me out on being shady!) I had to talk.
What happened during our 32 minute convo? Well, mom held the baby, mom rocked the baby, mom left, baby left, and SJ is not answering her phone.
Bleakness. I mean I am trying to stay positive but I want be OFF.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Deep breath in, deep breath out.
Ok, I am feeling better. Thanks for listening bloggy friends. Say a prayer that this MOH can keep her act together--at least until Post-I-Do. I will report back sometime next week.
P.S. On a huge upside, I thought this post deleted just now, but it was saved in my drafts. YAY!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Approaching the finish line -- or not?
My principal says all the time that you never really get to the finish line. You only have completed one leg of the marathon. Perhaps this is true. But I am still going to celebrate making it to this first finish--or benchmark, I guess I should say.
This first year has been really great. There have been a couple of low points (mainly revolving around my insecurities as a 1st year teacher), but overall it has been happy. I am so thankful for my little bees and all the fantastic people I work with. I find myself also getting more and more excited for next year. I am still nervous, but I have some great ideas.
It is Tuesday, and we dismiss for a half-day on Thursday. So really, after today, I have 1 and 1/2 days left in this school year. It's really crazy. Now, don't think I will be gone for a longgg summer break. Oh no--at my school, we report back for PD July 1st and summer term begins the 12th. Really I just have June (and all the weddings!!) to be off, and I plan on beginning my vacay Monday, May 31st. I will not think about school until at least June 15th. That's my goal anyway. That gets me through SJ's wedding, which will be the most stressful.
I do still have a couple stresses, mainly involving where I'm going to live next year. I am in a really happy place that's pretty cheap. However, two of my roommates are ready for a change, and one has asked me to move with her. No idea what I am going to do, but I need to decide pretty quickly. It's almost June, and our lease ends June 30. Hmmm...
So tomorrow we have school and Thursday involves farewells and an Awards Ceremony. Tonight I have an End of the Year party, too! The end of the year is happy, and even if it is not THE finish line--it is still A finish line. I think we should celebrate. :)
Hope you're having a lurrvely day wherever you are!
This first year has been really great. There have been a couple of low points (mainly revolving around my insecurities as a 1st year teacher), but overall it has been happy. I am so thankful for my little bees and all the fantastic people I work with. I find myself also getting more and more excited for next year. I am still nervous, but I have some great ideas.
It is Tuesday, and we dismiss for a half-day on Thursday. So really, after today, I have 1 and 1/2 days left in this school year. It's really crazy. Now, don't think I will be gone for a longgg summer break. Oh no--at my school, we report back for PD July 1st and summer term begins the 12th. Really I just have June (and all the weddings!!) to be off, and I plan on beginning my vacay Monday, May 31st. I will not think about school until at least June 15th. That's my goal anyway. That gets me through SJ's wedding, which will be the most stressful.
I do still have a couple stresses, mainly involving where I'm going to live next year. I am in a really happy place that's pretty cheap. However, two of my roommates are ready for a change, and one has asked me to move with her. No idea what I am going to do, but I need to decide pretty quickly. It's almost June, and our lease ends June 30. Hmmm...
So tomorrow we have school and Thursday involves farewells and an Awards Ceremony. Tonight I have an End of the Year party, too! The end of the year is happy, and even if it is not THE finish line--it is still A finish line. I think we should celebrate. :)
Hope you're having a lurrvely day wherever you are!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
6.5 DAYS LEFT!
As I'm sitting here across from one of my most difficult little bees, I am reminded of why I am here. This little bee epitomizes disrespect, frequently asking me "Can I go now?" "Do I have to?" He has also taken stickers and colored on my folders without permission. Mainly, he has just been a little ridiculous this 4th quarter since I have worked with him. He struggles with respect for women in general.
Anyway, we are doing our end-of-year testing. He has been reading for the last 20 minutes. This test involves listening to him read aloud, silent reading, and then comprehension questions. I didn't really think he cared what his level was--I thought he just wanted to get it over with. He came in and had to wipe his hands off on his pants. Then, he had to go to the bathroom. He was so nervous--he asked me a GAZILLION questions about what he should do. He read much more carefully than I have ever heard him read and has moved up a level. He is now attempting to move up another. He has unlimited time to do the silent reading (this was one of his first questions) and is reading each 2-3 page passage (about 7 regular book pages) 3 times! He wants to make sure he is ready for my questions.
This obviously means much more to him than I thought. It just goes to show that you never really know. I know most of my kids are invested, but this week has shown me how important reading has become to them. I have had countless requests to call parents, put names on my Reading Club posters, and make signs (!!!) for them to wear around for the day. They are precious, and I am so thankful.
This week of testing has been a blessing! Hope you have had a good week so far!
Anyway, we are doing our end-of-year testing. He has been reading for the last 20 minutes. This test involves listening to him read aloud, silent reading, and then comprehension questions. I didn't really think he cared what his level was--I thought he just wanted to get it over with. He came in and had to wipe his hands off on his pants. Then, he had to go to the bathroom. He was so nervous--he asked me a GAZILLION questions about what he should do. He read much more carefully than I have ever heard him read and has moved up a level. He is now attempting to move up another. He has unlimited time to do the silent reading (this was one of his first questions) and is reading each 2-3 page passage (about 7 regular book pages) 3 times! He wants to make sure he is ready for my questions.
This obviously means much more to him than I thought. It just goes to show that you never really know. I know most of my kids are invested, but this week has shown me how important reading has become to them. I have had countless requests to call parents, put names on my Reading Club posters, and make signs (!!!) for them to wear around for the day. They are precious, and I am so thankful.
This week of testing has been a blessing! Hope you have had a good week so far!
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