As you know I have been having a rough few weeks, but I thought I would look at those things that have made me smile this past week.
1
My leadership students got me these flowers when I came back to work last week. Yes, it was last week but they smell SO good. I kept them in my classroom because 8th grade boys do not smell good.
I think Allison would look smashing in a little bowler hat.
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My big blog win from Angi. Yes, I already posted about it, but that Alaska mug was perfect for my Delux Kraft mac and cheese last night. And the head band is fantastic.
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Dutch Bros. is an Oregon based coffee chain and they give away their stickers for free. I have never wanted one, but this one was way to cute to pass up. It's their breast cancer awareness sticker and I love it. I think it will go on my water bottle but I haven't decided yet.
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And the big one... I was in a flash mob during an assembly at school yesterday. Well, I guess technically I organized, choreographed and then danced in a flash mob at school yesterday. I was so freaking exhausted after wards.
If I get a better video, I might post it later, but this is the first one that hit facebook.
Have you ever been in a flash mob? Ever wanted to be in one? Which hat should I buy for my cat?
Ahh, Friday. We meet again. It has been awhile since I posted a High Five for Friday, but I thought what the heck, I might as well. Then I realized, my week was crazy. I even really thought it was Friday on MONDAY. Let me tell you, it makes for a long week. So, I thought I would take a different spin of my High Five this week, and make it I High Five for Friday: Treat Yo Self Edition.
Did you see that episode of Parks and Rec? Man I love that show...
In college I definitely treated myself. There used to be a commercial on TV that a guy said in college it was like he found a money tree, and all you had to do was shake it and money would fall down- from a credit card. I for sure took that approach to college. Luckily, I was able to get a job right after graduation. I ended up looking at my financial situation, and for a good 3-4 years, I put myself on a strict budget. I paid off my credit cards, and was able to loosen up the old purse strings again. Now, I am much more careful with my money, especially the credit cards.
Treat Yo Self
1. I take time for me.
It feels kind of funny saying that. I mean, I don't have kids or anything, but I make sure that each day I take some time being selfish. That might mean going to the gym without doing house work ahead of time or I might go Redbox a chick flick that the Mister has no desire to see or a bury my nose in a book (or google reader...).
2. I paint my nails.
I said in this post how I have never really been into make-up, which is true with one exception. I have always loved nail polish. I took an unexplained nail polish hiatus in college, but I am back at it. I wish I could afford weekly mani/pedis, but I can't. So I paint my own nails, and it makes me smile.
3. I let myself splurge.
I am blessed and fortunate enough that both the Mister and I have full time jobs. We both have an emergency fund, and we have pretty much no credit card debt. I realize how good we have it. So, if every once in awhile I want to splurge on a dress from modcloth or jewlery from etsy, I do it. This is not a monthly thing, but when the mood strikes, I let myself splurge.
4. I create.
This blog is one way that I create. And it is also how I share some of what I create. I enjoy projects like crafting and sewing. I like having an idea for something and making it come together. Cooking is another way I create.
5. I day dream.
I think about past vacations, upcoming vacations, vacations I will take someday, and vacations I can only dream about. I think about day trips to the coast, and weekend get aways to Bend. This little mental excursions make cleaning the kitchen and driving to work much more enjoyable.
Where does the time go? I promise I am not really trying to ignore my little blog, Things have just been busy busy busy.
What better way to join back to the blogging world with one of my favorites: High Five for Friday.
1.
Today is technically the first day of SPRING BREAK!!! But, due to half a foot of SNOW, we got an extra day off yesterday too!
In some parts of the country, snow in late March is normal, but definitely not here. On Wednesday we had a two hour delay, and then had to stay late for Parent-Teacher conferences. Thursday was supposed to be a 12 hour work day of parent teacher conferences, but Mother Nature had other plans. While I am high-fiving the bonus day off, I am ready for some sunshine!
2.
The Mister and I are planning our summer vacation! His parents are so generous and let us use their timeshare points for our vacation. We decided to go to Kauai in August. We went there last summer too. I feel so incredibly blessed that we are going back to Hawaii. I can't wait for some more of this
3.
These babies came in the mail!
I am so excited to see Aziz Ansari in person! I first saw him in 30 Minutes or Less and I couldn't stop laughing. Then we got into Parks and Rec and then we started to look up youtube clips of his stand up routines and his sketch comedy. It's two days after our second wedding anniversary, and it will be a fantastic way to celebrate!
4.
Birchbox!
I got my first one this month. I've never been really into make-up/products, but for the last 6 months or so I have been drawn to that stuff. This month I was graced with a yummy Kate Spade perfume sample, some Essie polish, and $10 off at Modcloth (among other thing!)
5.
My brother is here right now, starting to rip up our carpet and install the flooring that has been in our garage for months. So excited to get rid of the carpet!
I love me some coffee creamer, but I was feeling really weird about the amount of ingredients I couldn't pronounce on my usual creamer. This stuff is made with milk, cream, sugar and one or two other natural ingredients. AND it is super tasty!
three
Yesterday I had the best class with my leadership kids.
I finally found me some Girl Scouts. And I bought my usual order:
2 boxes of Thin Mints and a box of Samoas.
I did find out that the troop only gets like 50 cents from each box. That doesn't sound like it's sending too many girls to camp. #Girl Scout Fail
(Did I do the hash tag thing right? I just always wanted to hash tag)
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new babies
I met my friends new baby this week! So much hair!!!
For Friday!!!
It's that time to reflect back on the little things that made my week.
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Hallelujah the sun came out yesterday!
It's been so yucky outside and I am tired of going to work in the dark and coming home with it almost as dark. I have coming down with some serious SAD lately and this was just what I needed!
I stumbled on this fun little link up that makes you stop and think about the little things that made your week great! I haven't done a "Top 5 Friday" in a while, so here we go!
1. unexpected snow day!
Monday was MLK Jr. Day and we had a nice dusting of snow. Because of the holiday we already had the day off, but it was fun to spend it with my 2 favorite guys. (the dog and the Mister) As a bonus, the next morning we got a two hour delay! A little extra sleep AND a little extra (quiet!) work time? I'll take it!
I just feel so much better when I am in a regular exercise routine. Its so easy to fall out of, but I have been back in the swing of things for a couple months now and I am so happy!
5. Crockpot Dinner
I made PW's pulled pork in the Crock this week. It was so awesome to know that when I got home form work dinner was waiting for me. As a bonus, the house smelled fantastic when I got home!
Fall is officially here! Yeah! Fall, or Autumn if you are fancy like that, is one of my favorite seasons. Top 4 for sure.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte- yumm! However, all of October I was on my "no fast food" goal, and I included Starbucks as a part of. BUT its November 1st, I am getting a Venti!
2. Fall Fashion- sweaters, boots, scarves aah.
3. Holiday crafts!- I showed you all my Halloween crafts and I have a bunch of ideas for Christmas and some that I did last year that I want to share with you.
4. Pretty Leaves- they make me smile
5. My work Schedule- I teach 47 days in October, November and December. I love 3 and 4 day weekends!
This is brand new to my classroom this year, and it is a Game Changer. (yes, the capitals,bold and italics are on purpose) The red part goes away as the time goes away. I have really noticed it making my students stay on task more and focused. For example today, I asked them to write/brainstorm for three minutes, and I set the timer. I saw kids look up at it while they were working, and for the most part they worked for those three minutes. Pre-Time Timer, I have done this same activity and the kiddos whined and complained about how long it was taking. I also see that I stay on time more then I did before.
2. Big Binders
If you don't know AVID, this video won't mean very much to you, but it is entertaining anyway :)
As a teacher I have three big binders that I use everyday: one for my seating charts and attendance, a second for my lesson plans and a third for lesson materials (the last two are being combined, slowly). In my seating chart binder, I use folders as dividers. I put student work that I am ready to give back in those folders and it helps me to get it back to them promptly.
3. Getting ready the night before
Seriously, how did it take me 7 years to realize that picking out my clothes and packing my lunch the night before will make me 1000 times less stressed in the morning? It might be because the first two years I was teaching PE and wore workout pants and a Nike shirt every. single. day. (That was fabulous.)
4. My paper planner
Last month I was at the dentist setting up my root canal and I pulled out my planner. The receptionist said it was "cute" that I still used a paper planner. Really? Cute? I use my planner for both work stuff and personal stuff. I have meetings, assemblies, doctor appointments and my running schedule in there. When I plan things, I need to be able to look at what is going on before and after that day. I have tried to use the calendar on my iPod or my phone to plan things, but I need more than just a black dot telling me that I have something planned. I also use the margins to set reminders for when I need student volunteers for an activity or the month's birthday's that are happening.
5. GREAT colleagues!
E and I at the annual end of year staff golf tourney
I am so fortunate that my teaching "partner" is also my friend. This year, E and I each have our own rooms, and we are next to each other in the portable buildings outside the school. We have both talked about how awful and lonely it would be if we didn't like the person we were out there with. Everyday we have eaten our lunches out on our front porch together, and have just enjoyed the 30 minute break in our day. We also walk with each other into the building for our twice daily trip to check our boxes, use the rest room, etc. It's also nice to have someone to look at something (a lesson, room arrangement, etc) with a fresh set of eyes when I can't see how to fix the problem.
I don't want to leave out the rest of my staff. There are some great people that I work with, and I love coming to work!
BONUS!!!!
6. My students- For reals, there are some fabulous students that I teach. (There are some not so fabulous ones, and some days it feels like there are more of them but if I make a tally, the good ones win out.) They are truly the reason that I love my job. Middle school is such a funny age and I laugh every. single. day.
Teacher peeps- what is essential in your classroom? If you are not a teacher, what is essential in your life?
I live in a college town. Technically, its the town next to the college town, but really, its like one place. It is the same place I went to college in. (Go Wolves!) Sunday is move-in day for the incoming freshman. I remember my move-in day and how scared I was. I also remember how I was trying to be cool and not let anyone know how scared I was. After my mom left, I was unpacking and it was almost dinner time. My roomie played on the soccer team and was gone on an away game and I didn't really want to go to the New Student BBQ alone, so I just kept unpacking. Then a girl from the hall came up to me and asked if I wanted to go with her. That totally made my day :)
In honor of the few thousand freshman moving into my town this weekend, I present my Top 5 Things I Miss About College:
1. Valsetz Salad Bar
Valsetz was the name of my college dining hall. The salad bar was nothing extra special, but all the veggies were already chopped and ready for me to just put in a bowl. There is no way the mister and I could have that amount of fresh veggies around daily.
2. Knowing my neighbors
For three years in college, I lived in the residence halls. (Once as a freshman, and then two years as an RA.) I loved knowing all of my neighbors and always having people around to hang out with, go to Valsetz with, watch Joe Millionaire with. (Seriously, I couldn't get enough of it!)
Now, I don't really know my neighbors. We wave, and talk about the weather, the sheep that ran down the street, the neighbors truck that got stolen... you know small talk. BUT, I don't know them. Most of the people on out street are retired, or quite frankly, don't speak English, so it makes it hard to get to know them.
3. The ability to stay up past midnight and be functioning for an 8 am class.
For reals, how did I do that? Was I actually functioning or just kind of being a zombie? There is no way I could stay up past midnight and be able to function at work the next morning now. Although, I guess working moms of babies do this all the time. This might be a secret power of college students and moms.
4. Learning
I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about college and how we "wasted" some of those classes. As an 18-22 year old, I just did not appreciate what I was learning in class or even the opportunity I had. I don't think any one does. I really noticed this when I was a graduate student in combined undergrad/graduate classes. Those little whippersnappers...
5. Pretending to be an adult
That sums up college. A bunch of kids without bills, all their meals taken care of, someone cleans the bathroom, and fun activities planned for them every weekend. I miss that. Who wouldn't??
It's State Fair Time! I love seeing the animals, the demonstrations, the artists and all the hand made goodies. BUT mostly I love the food! Here are my Top 5 Fair Foods!
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Yummy! This picture is almost making me drool right now. I usually only sprinkle a little season salt on it. So tasty! Bonus, its usually around $1 and NOT a billion calories!
2. Fresh Squeezed Lemonade:
So maybe it doesn't look this good from the fair, but can anything else taste like summer in a glass? So fresh and tangy, de-lish!
3. Ice Cream!!
This is a picture of where I will be standing in line for a kids cone at the Oregon Dairy Women's Red Barn. Me and like everyone else at the fair. There are other ice cream stands and frozen treats at the fair, but this one is by far my favorite!
4. Corn Dogs
Hee. The mustard face kills me. I don't usually go for a corn dog, but I've gotta craving right now for a hand dipped, freshly deep fried hot dog on a stick.
5. Elephant Ears
No, not these ones.
More like this! The only problem is that the size of these has gotten out of control! The Mister does not like elephant ears, and it is just too much for little old me. I had one at the St. Paul Rodeo in July and I ended up throwing part of it away. If I could find a kids sized elephant ear that would be perfect.
As a teacher, coming back to school after the summer break, is a lot like going back to school as a student. One question that you get asked several times is: How was your summer? Do anything fun? Here are my top 5 things of Summer 2011...
1. Kauai- Duh
The Mister and are fortunate enough that we both have jobs, and have been able to take several vacations together. Neither of us had been to Hawaii before, and it was amazing. I realize that after we have kiddos traveling will get more expensive and much more difficult. Kauai was a fabulous trip. We snorkeled, went boogie boarding, hiked, kayaked and hung out on the beach. I would go again. Tomorrow.
2. Reading-
Growing up I loved reading. then in middle school it wasn't cool anymore, so I stopped. I didn't really start reading for fun again until I graduated college. Now during the school year, I'm pretty busy and I don't read as much as I want to, but during the breaks, I can't put them down. During the summer I read tons. True, it's nothing deep, in fact most of what I read is fluff. A lot of James Patterson, Madeline Wickham, Charlaine Harris etc. I did also finally read The Help. So good!
3. Lazy Days
I will fully admit there were a couple days I didn't get out of my jammies. I was reading, watching episodes of Dog the Bounty Hunter and CSI. Those days don't happen during the school year unless I am sick. Sometimes you just need them.
4. Taking Gus to the River
We didn't do this as much this year as we usually do. This summer has been cool and rainy. It really didn't warm up until this month, but Gus lurves the river.
5. Festivals
I. Love. Festivals. I like walking around outside, eating different/new foods out of trucks, people watching and looking at the stuff people have on display. Independence as a ton of these events throughout the summer and early fall. I am still looking forward to our annual Hop & Heritage Festival celebrating the hop harvest. And of course, I will be going to the state fair next weekend!
I've seen Top 5 Friday around the interwebs, so I guess I'll give it a shot :) Next week is the last week of summer break before I go back to work. Well, I guess this week is the last full week, since we have meetings on Monday and Tuesday, but there are still 5 open days after that (Weds-Sunday) + this weekend. So for my very first Top 5 Friday, I dust off my summer to do list and pick what I really NEED to get done.
Top 5 Things I Want to Accomplish This Week
1. Paint the hall- When the Mister and I got back from Kauai I decided I was sick of looking at the country stencils all over the house, and finally chose paint colors. I completed the living room in two days. The kitchen paint took longer... week and a half ish. (I took a lot of breaks.) I have a gallon of Manhattan Mist that has been sitting in the garage far about a month, so it's time to get-r-done.
2. Finish my new jewelry holder- I was inspired by this post on Better After. I have it started on the deck now. My first How To post perhaps?
3. Organize the Christmas Decorations- Yes, it is August. This may seem like a weird thing to have on my Top 5 now but let me explain. This summer we finally started to clear out our garage and after two large trips to the Goodwill drop off and filling our garbage can AND recycling bin to the brim we were tired. I told the Mister I wanted to go through and get rid of a bunch of the holiday stuff and to organize it. That was about a month ago. (During the same time that I bought the paint for the inside.) The Mister brings it up every few days. I'd like to get it done while he's at work one of these days.
4. Homemade Mac and cheese- When I mentioned I wanted to try to make this to the Mister, he said "I want shells." So I looked up some recipes, went to the grocery store, bought the needed things and now it's time to get on it.
5. Read The Help- Everyone and their mom is reading it right now. I hear about it everywhere. A woman in Costco actually told me it was the best book she ever read. I really don't read much during the school year, and I think this book deserves some attention.
