Ten for Tuesday

Tuesday's Ten...

1. Visited with my aunt.
2. Hung out with my favorite dog sisters.
3. Hugged my mom.
4. Read a professional journal article.
5. Finished 2 loads of laundry.
6. Bought a new shirt.
7. Watered my flowers.
8. Worked on operation organize file cabinet.
9. Created a summer to-do list for school, personal, and home.
10. Finished part of an assignment for my Teaching American History group.


Thankful...

Another School Year in the Books

A month or so ago, I mentioned to my dad that I wish I was a passionate about my job. That sometimes I feel bad when people ask how school is going and I can only sigh and say, "It's going," or respond with a, "please let me have a break." I've always wanted to be the type of teacher that lights up when asked that question. My dad laughed and I became confused. He was laughing because he said, "Don't you see, you are passionate, but also a realist." He pointed out that my passion comes out in my countless hours of working, in that I have come such a long way since I started, and all of the times that I share the good and happy stories. I may not light up all of the time because that's impossible. The realistic side of teaching- with all of the demands put on us- it truly is hard to keep up when you do every task to the best of your ability and not get down every once in a while. 

The beginning of this school year brought a lot of hope and promise of having a fresh new start. I was ready for a new adventure in a new school with all new kiddos. The first two days were two that I am sure to never forget. There was absolutely no honeymoon phase with this group. There were on fire from the start! I wasn't sure I was going to make it. Little did I know...they changed me.

So here I am, nine months later, getting ready to have my 4th class move on to middle school. I'd say we've all come a long way. I've learned a great deal this year from the students in my class. With the firecrackers in this bunch they have given me the strength to know that I can do anything I put my mind to. Thus, me being ready to put my National Board Certification goal into action. I feel like tomorrow's promotion is a sign of all of our accomplishments and hard work.


Even through the tough times when I am dead tired and ready to throw in the towel, I love what I do! I just need to remind myself of it every once in a while. I'll never forget my very first interview to get into the MAT program at UL that asked something about the many roles a teacher fills. One of the items I mentioned is that as adults we must never stop learning. There is always room to grow. I love learning and this group pushed me to learn! They pushed me to learn about a wide range of behaviors, they pushed me to learn about how important structure is, they pushed me to continually let my patience grow, they pushed me to let things go and start over, they pushed me to realize the importance of having a morning meeting EVERY day, they pushed me to make sure I would never give up, and they definitely pushed me to take deep breaths...literally take deep breaths, count to ten, and keep going. :)

These are the first thoughts that come to mind when I think of my kiddos this year.
IA- Things are not easy for all of us. Sometimes we have to work twice as hard as others to get the same results.
MB- No matter how tough life is at home- you can still find happiness and treat others how you wish to be treated.
SC- That you should always take your time.
AC- Sometimes it's truly impossible to focus, but that doesn't mean you do not care.
AC- You have to learn from your mistakes.
RC- It's important to always follow the rules.
JD- To always self-reflect.
AD- To remember the quiet kids.
RE- Helping other gives you happiness.
JF- You can turn any letter in the alphabet into an animal AND it's possible to completely comprehend and entire lesson while drawing a detailed picture of a sunset.
CG- It's okay to wear your heart on your sleeve.
PG- Always stand up for yourself.
DG- Love those around you...always.
MH- That you must always work to become better at something.
TK- You must be goofy every once in a while.
KL- We all want to be loved.
TM- Remember to always get enough sleep.
TR-You can learn something every day!
JJ- Crafts are important...even in 5th grade.
MR- NEVER STOP asking questions.
DR- In the midst of chaos, you can still learn.
JS- It's okay to be chill.
QW- God gave you one mouth and two ears. So, you should listen twice as much as you talk.

I think I know where my passion is....In the hearts of the children that I am lucky enough to teach.

They melt my heart.

"THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN"

I recently finished the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy and while it was pretty good, I felt the story was predictable and kept going in circles. It was also rather intense. I was looking for something lighter and something I could connect with. My aunt led me to- "The Art of Racing in the Rain" By: Garth Stein.  As many know, I am a dog lover, so this book being from the perspective a a dog, Enzo, captured my interest immediately. The lessons on racing can very easily be used in comparison to life. I appreciate wise words in books because I always look forward to learning new things. This book gave me laughs and a few tears. I thought I would share a few of my favorite lessons.

"I had always wanted to love Eve as Denny loved her, but I never had because I was afraid. She was my rain. She was my unpredictable element. She was my fear. But a racer should not be afraid of rain; a racer should embrace the rain. I alone, could manifest a change in that which was around me. By changing my mood, my energy, I allowed Eve to regard me differently. And while I cannot say that I m a master of my own destiny, I can say that I have experienced a glimpse of mastery, and I know what I have to work toward."

"The true hero is flawed. The true test of a champion is not whether he can overcome obstacles-preferably of his own making-in order to triumph. A hero without a flaw is of no interest to n audience or the universe, which, after all, is based on conflict and opposition, the irresistible force meeting the unmovable object."

"The race is long-to finish first, first you must finish."

"There is no dishonor in losing the race, there is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose."

"A winner, a champion, will accept his fate. He will continue with his wheels in the dirt. He will do his best to maintain his line and gradually get himself back on the track when it is safe to do so. Yes, he loses a few places in the race. Yes, he is at a disadvantage. But he is still racing. He is still alive."

"I know this much about racing in the rain. I know it is about balance. It is about anticipation and patience. I know ll of the driving skills that are necessary for one to be successful in the rain. But racing in the rain is also about the mind! It is about owning one's own body. About believing that one's car is merely an extension of one's body, and the rain is an extension of the track, and the sky is an extension of the rain. It is about believing that you re not you; you are everything. And everything is you."

Happy Reading!

Family

“You do not get to chose your family, they are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.“

　
I am truly blessed in the family department. I have amazing parents and awesome brothers. I even have the best doggie sister. Not only are those 4 people and 1 little doggie amazingly wonderful, but I have the blessing of a fabulous extended family. Not only do I have those families, but I have the family of friends, my school community, and the cpk crew. As I grow a bit older I am seeing how I appreciate and are grateful for the many different aspects of the individual relationships I share with these people. Here are a few things that I have learned.

My dad is the BEST listener. He will take in all of the information being said and only give input when asked for or needed. He never takes sides, but helps you to see another point of view. My dad is a hard worker and has instilled that quality in all of his children. Things in life do not come easy and effort must be put forth for goals to be achieved and growth to occur. My mom always wants the best for us “children.” She would do anything to help make days a bit easier and calmer. She is there to ask questions to make sure everything is taken care of. My mom is the regulator of things and is an advocate for any decisions we make. My parents have shown through their lives and in raising me that you should always be thankful for everyone and everything you may encounter.

I have learned from my older brother that life is short and meant to be lived. Do what you want to do, go where you want to go, be who you are, and love every minute you have because you never know when it is your time to leave. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given and live it up! My younger brother has showed me the effects of a good smile and a big heart. He is strong yet soft, kind yet firm, trustworthy, and honest. He is my idea of a gentleman. He is personable and cares a great deal about others. I’d say personality wise I am most like him because we tend to put others first. They are both very different, but similar in the idea that they are two great men in my life.

Lacie has taught me to think like a queen and act like a queen and you shall receive treats. She is loyal and loving and when given you shall receive those things in return.

I am lucky to know and have a close relationship with many members of my extended family. I appreciate how we all live different lives, but know and understand the love that is shared. I look forward to various events that I know I will get to see everyone. I am fortunate enough to have close relationships with many members of my extended family. I may not talk to them every day, but I know they would be there in the drop of a second. My aunts are like more moms! They are special in that they are caring, understanding, and nurturing. My cousins are not just cousins, but friends. I appreciate all of these relationships because they are all so different. They have taught me that family is family and you are to be there for each other through thick and thin.

My school family is amazing. I love my co-workers and know that they are there to make work a bit easier. I know that we can lean on each other through the daily obstacles we overcome in teaching. Being able to bounce ideas back and forth, plan together, debrief lessons, discuss difficulties, have “therapy” sessions, or simply share a smile in the hallway (which goes a long way) help me realize how lucky I am to be a part of my school community. My co-workers have taught me that teaching is challenging, but priceless!

My CPK family holds a dear place in my heart. Hands down, they make me smile. Old School CPK will never and can never be forgotten. Over the past almost six years this is where I have made many friends that are all awesome. I have met some of my best friends here. I may not hang out with most people I have become friends with through working here, but that doesn’t mean I cherish their friendship any less. I have seen great examples of how life is amazing through working with people from many different backgrounds. I like how cpk brings many different people together. The only thing I have in common with a lot co-workers is the simple fact that we work at the same place. That’s is really all you need though. I look forward to my few shifts a week. There are also a few customers that hold a special place in my heart and enjoy the time they take to stop in and have a conversation.  My cpk family has taught me to accept everyone for who they are and their life experiences. You can learn a great deal about life from others.

My closest friends mean the world to me and I cherish our talks and fun times together. The thing that fascinates me about my friends is that we are all very different. I have a few things in common with one, some other things in common with another, and so on. Most of my closest friends have been there for a number of my growing-up years and I know that I can look forward to those friendships to continue. My closest friends have taught me to always be myself.

Idea of today’s blog: I AM BLESSED

*Lacie*

Lacie will be turning 5 in less than a month and it feels like yesterday when I was telling my parents that we did NOT need a dog. I was not much of a dog person before then. It's not that I didn't like them, I just didn't spend much time with any particular dog. Growing up we had a few, but they were outside dogs and I was pretty young and never really became attached. Lacie is an entirely different story. She has turned me into a huge dog lover! I am amazed with her personality and love for our family. She is faithful, loving, loyal, stubborn, funny, and very lazy :). At times it is almost like she is human. I know a large part of her actions are because of my family, but she brings so much joy to our lives. I always look forward to seeing her because it is guarenteed she will bring a smile to my face. One thing I miss about living at home is her! I loved "talking" to her at night and she would always cuddle up at my feet and often try to take over the bed. We still have sleepovers, but I miss not seeing her on a daily basis. SO... here I am 5 years later writing a blog post about how a dog is one of the biggest joys in my life! lol She deserves it!

Snow day in 2009. She LOVES snow!

Christmas 2010!

She is my bestest pal!

Her Favorite toy!

Good Things Will Happen Today!

I love my job! I am still in the early stages of my life-long career commitment and I have a lot to learn. I would have to say that one of the hardest parts of being a teacher would be the many roles that I am expected to fill. Nowhere does it say in my teaching certification that I will need act as a mom, friend, doctor, psychologist, referee, interpreter, magician, miracle worker, saint, social worker, ect…, but I am EXPECTED to fulfill these role without questions being asked. Which I feel I am adjusting to pretty well. All the while I am walking in so many different shoes I am supposed to teach? You have got to be kidding me!!!

It took me a bit to make adjustments last year when I switched from my dream job of being a kindergarten teacher to the content and test driven 5^th grade. I went from singing songs on the carpet about the rules of the school to you need to try your best to ace the test in  a matter of two days. All of that feels like ages ago!! It is amazing how I never thought that I would get through that first year of that difficult content, KTIP and back talking, but here I am! I only have 3 ½ months before my second class is sent on to middle school.

I am so thankful for the support I have from family, friends, and my co-workers are amazing! Aside from that I feel as if others can only get you so far. You have to find the fight in yourself to be successful and keep working at things! I have always taken pride at being a rather optimistic person, but sometimes it is hard to keep up with staying positive. Sometimes you just want to be down, but that can only last for a short time because life never stops and you may miss something amazing. I made it through that first year and now nearing the end of year two, but the job doesn't get much easier. Sure I am a better planner, time manager, displininarian, but it's still difficult and I am sure it will always be difficult. I am bound and determind to be one heck of a teacher. I want to help students be successful not only in school, but in life. So hard days are sure to come my way and I have thought of way to ease the stress. My newest idea that I find to be helpful in making the best of any situation is to simply say, “Good things will happen today.” There is a picture with that quote behind my desk that I see every morning to remind me that no matter how many different shoes I am filling, how high the stack of to-be graded papers may be, the fact I have to give 3 district assessment in a week, attend EPD, teach ESS during planning, call parents, coach a team, find a minute to eat lunch, plan, make copies, stop the scuffle going on ect… GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN TODAY! They will!!

My 100's List

My 100’s list includes items in which I am grateful for/things that make me smile/things that I appreciate in others/things I take pride in ect... Some are serious and some are just plain silly, but these are the first 100 things that came to mind when I reflected on my blessings.

1.      Being alive

2.      Being healthy

3.       My mom

4.       My dad

5.       My  older brother

6.      My younger brother

7.      My dog sister, Lacie!

8.     A large family

9.    Being a teacher 

10.  Oneday having 2 wonderful sister-in-laws

11. Kindergarten
12.  Running

13.  Travel

14.  Free time

15.  Phone dates

16.  My second job

17.  Love

18.  My glass is half full

19.  My favorites! This includes many many many people!

20.  Students with open minds

21.  The sunshine

22.  My home

23.  Being an American

24.  SSM daycare days

25.  Patience

26.  Open ears

27.  Nicknames

28.  ½ marathons

29.  Books

30.  The parks

31.  Receiving hugs

32.  Patient customers

33.  Milk

34.  Drawn pictures or cards from students

35.  My optimistic personality

36.  Smiles

37.  Computers

38.  Shooting stars

39.  Cards in the mail

40.  The ocean

41.  Phones

42.  Manners

43.  Smell good candles

44.  My faith

45.  Rare naps

46.  Education

47.  Paper Routes

48.  The RV tailgates

49.  My car

50.  Determination

51.  Silly jokes

52.  Grocery trips with my dad

53.  Bubble baths

54.  Solid work ethics

55.  Mercy Academy

56.  Field trips

57.  My advisor in college

58.  New running shoes

59.  A good night’s sleep

60.  Pictures

61.  Special friendships

62.  Co-Workers

63.  Dancing

64.  Forgiveness

65.  Country music

66.  Random acts of kindness

67.  Freedom

68.  Games nights

69.  3 day weekends

70.  The beach

71.  UofL sports

72.  Coupons

73.  Prayers

74.  Good movies

75.  Hope

76.  The seasons changing

77.  Memories

78.  Nicknames

79.  Air conditioning

80.  Planners

81.  Uplifting words

82.  Felt tip pens

83.  Lacie kisses

84.  Dedication for my work

85.  Organization

86.  Good listeners

87.  Fleece blankets

88.  Thanksgiving mass

89.  Creativity

90.  Flexibility

91.  Inspiring quotes

92.  Being able to see students grow

93.  Mom’s cooking

94.  Spaghetti

95.  Comfortable bed

96.  No Tuesday Faculty meetings

97.  Sleeping in

98.  ‘You Can Call Me Al’ Dance parties

99.  Football

100.  That I am able to list 100 items and list 100’s more

I am truly blessed!