FOR TODAY… Monday, February 08, 2010
Outside my window… SUN!!! I’m so happy! Of course, we’re supposed to have rain tomorrow and into Wednesday. For right now, though, I’m glad the sun is showing its face!
I am thinking… about taking a day off. I deserve it.
I am thankful for… taking the time last week to get my ducks in a row. Sure, I missed seeing students, but I definitely needed the time to catch up on paperwork, organization, and meetings with colleagues. It feels good to have one small stack on my desk.
I am wearing… black cords, black cami, grey sweater, and black Mary Janes.
I am remembering… what a great teacher of writing I was last year. I mean, I’m still good at it, but this year I don’t see the same benefits of having one group to teach all year long. I’m making lots of little progress in many places instead of lots of big progress in one small place.
I am going… to get a haircut tomorrow! Time to get this helmet head taken care of!
I am currently reading… Taft by Ann Patchett. Will be done soon. I just love her writing.
I am hoping… that Z’s meeting doesn’t go too late tonight. I never settle until he’s home. I can do the “single mom” thing just fine, but I don’t really fall asleep or relax until he’s next to me… or in the same house, even.
On my mind… what’s taking so long?
From the learning rooms… using our senses to choose nouns, describing those nouns with adjectives, then deciding what those nouns do with verbs.
Noticing that… I am easily bogged down in the “stuff” of work, but as soon as I get into classrooms and around kiddos, I forget all the “stuff” and remember why I do what I do.
Pondering these words… Help vs. Do
From the kitchen… a whole week’s worth of meals are planned out. I have everything on hand and lists of what to prep. For example, tomorrow we are having pesto, chicken, and broccoli. Tonight I defrost the pesto and cut the chicken and broccoli. Other items on the menu this week: Italian Peppered Beef Stew and Burbon and Brown Sugar Steak.
Around the house… Z vacuumed everywhere yesterday. We folded laundry last night… so, I guess I will wipe down the bathrooms.
One of my favorite things~ morning runs. Yep. I said it. They’re on the treadmill and they can only last about half an hour (I refuse to get up any earlier right now), BUT! I feel better and look better when I do them. People notice. Like right away. It’s bizarre.
From my picture journal… One year ago… How time does fly!
1. I know that it’s months away, but I can’t wait for September 2nd!.
2. March is the longest month. Seriously. It’s that time of year when everyone is stressed about standardized tests, making AYP, and there are NO BREAKS until April. Not even one measly long weekend.
3. You can’t help but smile when you listen to “Jesus, Etc.” by Wilco. Something about its lilting beat and the violins in the background make it happy. Ironically, the lyrics are about sad songs and bitter melodies.
4. Kids aren’t making expected progress even though we’re trying something new. I’ve got other data and research to back my position; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked up and been amazed? I remember the first time I visited NYC and my sister told me to look down and close my mouth. Suburban bumpkin in the big city.
6. More of my time is now available. Feels good to complete the work I’m supposed to do everyday.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to drinks with my favorite Polack tonight, tomorrow my plans include hangin’ with my family and Sunday, I want to do some meal prep for next week!
Hooray for the weekend!
Arrived to this on my board this morning:
To which I reply:
FOR TODAY… Tuesday, September 2, 2010
Outside my window… cold and dreary. Rainy this morning and probably more for the rest of the week. EEW!
I am thinking… about the UPS man. I’ve got 3 big boxes with his name on them! I might just hug and kiss him tomorrow when he takes them away.
I am thankful for… friends who make me laugh when I’m on the verge of tears, teammates who make my work easier and put me on “Suicide Watch” when they know I’m on the ledge and about to jump, the Glee soundtrack, and my crockpot.
I am wearing… weird green, red, and black large-striped sweater, gray pants and black clogs.
I am remembering… to say please and thank you.
I am going… to go out of my mind if I don’t get a phone call soon!
I am currently reading… Taft by Anne Patchett. I’m a die-hard Anne Patchett fan. Somehow, I missed Taft when I had my read-every-book-she’s-written phase. So refreshing to jump back into her prose. It’s like spending time with an old friend.
I am hoping… that 2010 brings good fortune – in our hearts, in our minds, and in our pocketbooks!
On my mind… “superior genetic material.” ;o)
From the learning rooms… working with our 5 senses and adjectives this week. Using In November by Cynthia Rylant as a mentor text to learn how a writer uses her five senses to describe a scene or a moment in time. Adding adjectives to the things we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel to make them clearer. So far, so good. Now… to transfer this knowledge… we’ll see how that goes!
Noticing that… people can dish it but they can’t take it. Seriously. I don’t care how long you take for lunch or how hard you work. I work hard, too. I take my lunch break because it’s a LAW, and I cannot – WILL not – jump because you think you have an emergency on your hands. Not my problem right now. That’s why it’s called “Duty-Free Lunch.”
Pondering these words… Curriculum, Ed.S., Change
From the kitchen… threw some chicken and spices in the crock pot this AM… fingers crossed that it turned out edible.
Around the house… lots of playing and snuggling and talking. Guess I need to face the housework at some point, but right now being with my family is the most important thing for me to do.
One of my favorite things~ Having “neighbors” on both sides of my classroom who understand me. I love it!
From my picture journal… what my days have looked like lately. (Taken with my crappy “school” camera.)
FOR TODAY… Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Outside my window… cold, but it promises to be sunny today.
I am thinking… and breathing deeply a lot lately. Last week and into this week (I know, it’s only Tuesday!) have been a whirlwind. I’m overwhelmed at work and at home, but I’ve managed to carve out some time for me each day. I pray that once this big book project is finished I will have some breathing room. Books are due to me on Monday. Next Thursday the UPS wo/man picks them up and they are out of my hair. In the meantime, I have money to juggle, packets to arrange, and, oh yea, I still have my regular job responsibilities. It may be a week where I cut back on some classroom hours and spend more hours taking care of these little things that take up so much time!
I am thankful for… my school next-door-neighbor as well as other work friends who are always positive and caring – even when I look like I’m ready to burst. I’m also thankful for the extra time I’ve gotten to spend with Mara lately. I love ya, girl!
I am wearing… khakis, red and black flowered shirt, oxblood clogs.
I am remembering… absolutely nothing right now! Send me an email if you need something! If I don’t respond, send me another one… ;o)
I am going… to yoga this afternoon. It is much needed.
I am currently reading… American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. I am devouring this book. I can’t remember the last time I read a book this long so fast! I’ve only had it about a week, and I’m nearly done. Considering most of my reading happens in snippets these days, this is quite an accomplishment for me!
I am hoping… that Bella is in a better mood today, that I stop feeling like an elephant is sitting on my chest, that things hoped for come to fruition.
On my mind… information I found out last night: you do not need an advanced degree or any additional courses to become certified as an administrator in the state of Georgia. All you have to do is take a standardized test, pass it, and submit your information for the certification. I’ve been going back and forth over the past year about whether or not to become an administrator and the best way to go about doing it. Now, I think I’d rather get my degree in something else and use my practical knowledge to apply, should I choose to do so. And, yes, seriously… these are the new rules. Unbelievable, right?
From the learning rooms… books, books, books. Though I have been able to do some other work with the kids this week that are finished. I’ve given them some “free choice” writing and let them just write. It’s been nice, getting to confer with them about their choices and teaching to each of their strengths.
Noticing that… the daylight hours are getting longer. This is a good thing. The downward swing that leads to dark at 5PM always kills me. The weeks that follow December 21st are always very hard for me… I noticed that it was still light at 6 yesterday (we were in the throes of a sunset, but there was still LIGHT!) and I said a silent prayer of thanks. I need the light.
Pondering these words… coach, director, principal.
From the kitchen… spaghetti sauce in the crock pot waiting for us for dinner tonight. Yummy!
Around the house… quiet family time. It’s what we all need right now.
One of my favorite things~ Stacy’s Cinnamon-Sugar Pita Chips. Try them! They are, by no means low in fat or calories or anything else, but they’re yummy!
From my picture journal… the pictures are hiding in my camera…
FOR TODAY… Monday, January 18, 2010
Outside my window… sunny and beautiful! We wore sweaters to the grocery store this morning and promptly took them off when we got back into the car. Also, saw some sort of large bird in our yard as we pulled into the driveway. I got some pictures, but even my telephoto lens couldn’t get close enough. I’ll have to work some Photoshop magic and see if I can get zoomed in any better to determine exactly what it was.
I am thinking… a lot about the future: mine, Z’s, and Bella’s. What do the next 5 years hold for us?
I am thankful for… this quiet day at home, that MLK, Jr. worked in nonviolent ways for equality, and that my daughter will grow up in a world where there is less hatred and more acceptance.
I am wearing… plum colored sweater, jeans, Christmas socks (eek!), and my slippers.
I am remembering… to take care of all the medical BS/fallout from Bella’s accident in November. I do believe that all of the bills have finally made their way to our house and now it’s time to sort it all out!
I am going… to play with my daughter this afternoon and not think about the very busy week ahead.
I am currently reading… American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld, on recommendation from a few people. About 100 pages in and I love it!
I am hoping… that this sunshine continues! The snow was great; the ice was not. The rain ticked me off… and now I’m ready for some warmer weather (I’ll take high 40s!) and sunshine!
On my mind… those in Haiti, especially G’s family!
From the learning rooms… must.finish.books.must.finish.books.
Noticing that… it’s already the middle of January! When did that happen?
Pondering these words… As we look out across the years and across the generations, let us develop and move right here. We must discover the power of love, the power, the redemptive power of love. And when we discover that we will be able to make of this old world a new world. We will be able to make men better. Love is the only way. –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Yes, I’m channeling my inner-hippie today!
From the kitchen… a full menu this week and today for prep: BBQ beef, enchiladas, roasted chicken, chicken fingers and honey-mustard dip. Yummy! Using that crock pot as much as I can this week!
Around the house… finishing up laundry, need to straighten out the tornado that hit Bella’s toys, and kitchen cleaning after all this cooking!
One of my favorite things~ “Hooray!” is Bella’s answer to many things she’s excited about these days. As in, “Bella? Would like some soup for lunch?” “Soup! Hooray!”
From my picture journal… Our dusting of snow last week. OH! And check out the hat — a kiwi from our “family” in New Zealand! Love it!
Boom Boom. Boom Boom. I can hear the theme song from 2010: A Space Odyssey running through my brain. Can’t. get it. out.
FOR TODAY… Monday, January 4, 2010
Outside my window… cold, cold, cold, and cold. Did I mention that it’s cold? We’re supposed to get somewhere in the teens tonight.
I am thinking… about new opportunities that have cropped up and I’m considering my options.
I am thankful for… pants that still fit. Seriously. I am thankful that my clothes still fit after all the food I ate during the past two weeks!
I am wearing… jeans, black cami, gray sweater, slippers.
I am remembering… Laura’s bday crop from last year and how much fun it was… looking forward to this year’s event!!!
I am going… to yoga tomorrow and then running on Wednesday and then Zumba on Thursday and then running on Friday. (See a theme here?)
I am currently reading… the next Sookie Stackhouse novel (Thanks, Mara!). Can’t remember the exact title, but it’s the one where Eric has his memory erased.
I am hoping… that the new kindergarten starting tomorrow goes smoothly and that the new 5th grade teacher I begin work with will be open to trying out some new things.
On my mind… too much. I’m not a person whose mind races often, but it’s been going nonstop today.
From the learning rooms… g00d planning with a teacher today to get her kiddos on the right track. Working with groups this week on sketching/planning illustrations.
Noticing that… not too many people complained to my face today about the speaker I brought in. Yes, he was boring. No, it really wasn’t anything new. Yes, I booked him. No, it wasn’t my idea. Yes, I would have made it more interesting. No, I don’t work as a consultant. Yes, my knowledge is FREE!
Pondering these words… charter school.
From the kitchen… stew at the Compound tonight, chili in the crock pot tomorrow, talapia on tap for Wednesday. After that… who knows?!
Around the house… unpacking, rearranging Bella’s toys, trying to get back on East Coast time.
One of my favorite things~ My brother and nephew were playing with Bella tonight. They had her Dora backpack and were playing with the goodies inside. When Bella couldn’t find the Map, my bro started drawing his own. Next thing I hear is this: “Hey Bella! Look! Say it with me! Junkyard! Crack House! Igloo!”
From my picture journal… SNOW! Last week on the Iron Mountain Trail in Oregon.
FOR TODAY… Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Outside my window… fooooggggyyyy! It’s been foggy here for a few days. We had sun on Christmas Day, but, as Grandpa Fuzzy says, we’ve been “souped in” ever since.
I am thinking… that vacations and family visits are always too short, but time away from home is always too long. There’s no happy medium.
I am thankful for… Bella’s “international experiences” on this visit… family friends speaking to her in Spanish and Japanese on this visit.
I am wearing… My pajamas. I rolled out of bed about 2 hours ago. What a lazy arse!
I am remembering… That I need to check my work email and ensure that all is good to go for the class that begins 8:30 on Monday morning!!!
I am going… to Eugene today to see the Superhero exhibit at the Schnitzer Museum. I will also be feeling my LifeArtist groove as we hit Ali’s hometown.
I am currently reading… The Help. I’ve been savoring it during my visit here. It’s the only book I brought, so I’ve been trying to make it last which has been challenging. I have to force myself to put it down — it’s THAT good!
I am hoping… Bella naps a little today, that my nose stops itching/running, and that all works out well for Z at home. It’s hard to run a business from 3000 miles away.
On my mind… parenting skills, family differences and similarities, a few folks in NC, and work awaiting me in GA.
From the learning rooms… still on Winter Break… and I haven’t cracked a professional book since last week!
Noticing that… Bella’s language development is going a mile a minute. She has gained so much new vocabulary during the past weeks. She is also forming more two-word sentences and even attempting some three-worders. My favorite so far is “Daddy’s silly!”
Pondering these words… not many words to ponder these days. Perhaps I should begin considering Resolutions for 2010.
From the kitchen… what haven’t we eaten this week? Oh my! I’ll be on a steady diet of salad when we get home.
Around the house… lots of talking and reading and enjoying family.
One of my favorite things~ Bella going up to her Gpa F and saying, “Petzel!” because she knows that he always has one for her. Even better… Z and I picked him up yesterday to bring him here for dinner and, as we were leaving, he grabbed a small bag of pretzels that he packed to bring to her. Sure enough, soon after we arrived with him, she ran up to him and said, “Petzel! Peeeze!” and he produced one for her. Gotta love that man!
From my picture journal… Bella all bundled up before our short hike last Wednesday.
FOR TODAY… December 22, 2009
Outside my window… chirping birds and crazy squirrels hanging from the feeders. Crisp and cold. The rain has stopped and the sun peeks out every once in a while… but no snow!
I am thinking… about presents to wrap and clothes to wash.
I am thankful for… grandparents and great-grandparents, a happy child, a loving husband, and that the three flights are OVER!
I am wearing… jeans, red and black ¾ sleeve shirt, white socks.
I am remembering… to breathe, take one day at a time, and enjoy every minute of this vacation with my daughter.
I am going… to Great-Grandpa’s later for an outing to the Mexican restaurant.
I am currently reading… The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The CAFÉ Book by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser (“The Sisters”).
I am hoping… that this visit continues to be relaxing and fun.
On my mind… all my peeps on the East Coast. Families of 5, Families of 4, Families of 2.0000056, and my parents who drove through that awful snowstorm that hit the East over the weekend.
From the learning rooms… No learning from children this week! It’s winter break. Instead, I’m spending my time learning about the Daily Five and CAFÉ assessment, readying myself for the invasion of the really little people in January.
Noticing that… the right medication works wonders. This is my first visit here using Advair. My breathing has been much, much better than it usually is when we’re here and the wood stove is going. Could also be that my lungs are happier and healthier these days from Yoga and Zumba… hmmm….
Pondering these words… The exemplary teachers… [worked] in ways that evened out differences between the students. Fair is not always equal.
From the kitchen… No cooking for me! 2 weeks with a mil will do that for ya! ;o)
Around the house… Christmas music, lots of lights and garland… and A TREE!! Hallelujah!!!
One of my favorite things~ Watching Bella interact with her family – how easily she falls into the new routines and takes to the different/new personalities around her. I’m truly blessed!
From my picture journal… Bella outside feeding the birdies and squirrels with her Grandma.
