I've been consistent with posting to social media each day, but since I don't blog from my phone, this sometimes gets forgotten. I'm working on it.
For April's photography challenge,
Here are days 3 and 4.
Day 3
Yesterday was "shapes". I chose to rock my new Carly (Lularoe dress) which I got for free for hosting an in home party.
The geometric shape design reminds me of a mermaid, which quite frankly was a huge selling point. Additionally, I could wear a small, which was another boost for my ego. (On a side note, I didn't win the biggest loser contest at work, but I did lose ten pounds and am continuing with the small tweaks I've made to my diet.)
I'm also rocking my new {Younique} lipstain in speechless. It's got an orange-nude tone and I like it!
While it gets a tad annoying to have to wash all my Lularoe items on delicate, the fabrics are incredibly soft and it's like wearing pajamas to work...except it's socially appropriate. As the weather heats up, I'll be continuing to wear a lot of dresses to work. Plus it was a Monday, and new clothes seem to make Mondays go a little better.
Day 4
I actually snapped tomorrow's picture today too, so don't mind the matching outfit. Day 4 was "good together".
I've got some awesome parents this year and it seemed like the perfect time to brag about them. Between sending in extra supplies, making sure we're stocked for class parties, chaperoning field trips, donating to our {donors choose} projects, or sending our class post cards from their vacations, I've got some great support this year.
This post card is from one of my most supportive parents. Her and her fiancee went on an amazing South American adventure and sent us post cards from their journey! This one has a stamp from "the end of the world" which is pretty cool. Not only does it help us feel connected to others, but it provided an awesome authentic moment to do a geography lesson.
But that turned into a lesson on how the hemispheres have opposite seasons due to the earth's tilt. Which then turned into a lesson on the inner and outer planets. Then one of my students brought up Pluto and it's declassification as a planet, so then we had that discussion. Naturally, astronauts came up next...and that's just sometimes how learning unfolds in my classroom.
I so desperately wanted to show them this,
but realized it would be highly inappropriate. #thestruggleisreal
I get bored with repetition. So for the month of April, I thought it would be fun to participate in this photography challenge:
Day 1: Something purple:
I hosted a {Younique} Lipstains & Lularoe party this morning with one of my close friends. We were supposed to have it last month, but the whole bronchitis/sinus infection/ear infection situation got in the way of the event.
So we were all set up for brunch:
We aren't very good sales people because we were way more focused on mimosas and girl talk then selling make up and clothes. Hopefully our friends appreciate our super low key vibe (and we did make some sales).
Now here's the bad news...the lip stains are still on my arm a full eight hours later. I went bowling with the colorful streaks. The staying power is real.
August is off to a bit of a rocky start. The police report from last month's hit and run indicated that it was a Penske truck, not a Ryder one. The Ryder representative was extremely helpful and polite throughout the ordeal, but now I have to start another claim with Penske.
I know it's a long shot, but it's worth pursuing. I called the hotline and did not speak with the most helpful representative. She wasn't grasping that I don't have the driver's information, plates, or vin number because it was a hit and run. Eventually she just gave me the email address to start a claim online so I could send in the police report (which I did). To no one's surprise, I haven't heard back from them (not even a thank you for reporting this, here's your claim number email). So,I'll begin emailing them again next week to start.
I still don't have my car back from Chevy. I also got to visit Enterprise and pick up updated tags. My own car's registration and smog check is due later this month, so it'd be great to get my car back next week.
This week's social calendar was quite full! Here are some highlights:
Crepe Expectations
This charming family owned restaurant in the heart of Henderson is one of my favorite breakfast spots! I met up with two gal pals who were unable to attend last week's bridal shower and they treated me to breakfast. I never say no to mimosas and crepes!
B's Company Picnic
We took Waffles and she had a blast at the splash pad! Technically it's for children...but since she's well behaved and didn't go to the bathroom in the water, no one minded. I got to spend the day with my good friend Stephanie, so that's always a plus!
Speaking of our pup, she got a new toy!
She did manage to damage it several minutes later, so now it's in the never ending repair pile.
I also had a really productive meeting with my new and old admin team about our time frame for rolling out professional development on close reads.
I finished my future MIL's birthday wreath:
Her birthday falls two days after mine (at the end of the month) and I wanted to make sure I got it done before the chaos of the new school year. I used a new type of burlap this time (not wired, looser material) and it's not my favorite. The S is glued on, but since it's a larger one, I also used floral wire to attach it in several key spots. I then painted over the black floral wire so it would blend in with the S. My favorite part is that the flowers are just attached via clips so she can change them out seasonally. She wanted a wreath for fall and winter, but it's a little difficult to capture both. I went with a solid deep red and a soft white to compliment their front door. I'm sure I can find some pine cones in a few months to make this appear more "winter-y". She gets it on Monday and I hope she likes it!
Not pictured highlights?
I had another super productive planning session with Mrs. H. We've got another time next week to start picking specific passages to go along with our standards. Ms. P (wait, she got married, Mrs. H #2) is joining us because it's her first week with students. She joined our staff last year in the middle of the year, so she's eager to plan her first weeks with students. I don't know if I'll have any SPED students this year, but I still look forward to collaborating with her in grade level meetings!
Mrs. H (#2) and I also had a Starbucks gal pal catch up because she was camping with her new hubby during my bridal shower. She got me the most adorable table runner and place mats while I got to hear all about her fabulous honeymoon to Hawaii. She's adjusting well to married life and so happy, which makes me happy for her.
We enjoyed the 51s game with several of my coworkers. I wasn't aware there was a fireworks presentation after, so that added an extra dose of excitement to the evening.
Our officiant got her marriage forms, so she can legally marry us in 96 days (not that I'm counting or anything like that...)
I got to see Mrs. K, who just moved back to the neighborhood with her new hubby. They're still unpacking and getting settled, but I am very excited to help them decorate and organize when the time is right. (As much as I'd like to do it now, I realize it's impractical if they're still opening boxes.) She's also in the process of setting up her new classroom and posted this shot of her bulletin board yesterday:
She's a lady after my own heart with all the polka dots!
I finally picked up my under the wedding dress shape wear garments. Even better? I snagged them for half off! Hooray for the outlet mall! I've got them all set for today's bridal fitting (which is followed by lunch with a friend, so winning all around!)
I got a new ID badge and the picture is halfway decent. I however will need a new one in a few months and this badge was more for the teacher discounts rather than actually wearing it at my school site. Although with a new principal, I'm not quite sure how strict she'll be with the whole badge situation.
A former colleague started her {own store} on TpT and I've been able to share some helpful hints. She's got some super cute products up and is definitely one to follow (especially if you teach primary)!
However, this week has also been a bit rough:
I had blood work and paid my hospital co-pay ($400, yikes!). I still have a few more videos to watch before my surgery on Monday. B's mom had the day off of work and will be with me at the hospital. It's a one day procedure, but since I'll be under anesthesia, I need someone to drive me home. I have to be at the hospital (that's on the other side of town) at 6 am for a 7 am procedure, so she's spending the night tonight to make the process easier. I'm having a septoplasty to fix my deviated septum:
Nifty, right? I've heard the healing process is painful so I guess I'm super grateful that I've got lots of close friends who are promising to bring over soup and smoothies. I'm hopeful this will reduce or eliminate my chronic sinus problems and that I'll be able to breathe normally.
I also had to come to the realization that I have to go back to work and this means beginning to lesson plan. I busted out some large chart paper and started making a list of all the things to do during the first week. Once it's completed (and discussed at Tuesday's planning session), I'll post a picture!
Frustrations with other people aside (because I don't believe in airing dirty laundry on social media), I also had the added excitement of once again calling poison control because of Waffles.
A few weeks ago, she ate an eye drops bottle. The bottle was a sample size (2 mL) and mostly empty, so it didn't really impact her. She was more interested in chewing the lid.
This week? She helped herself to B's (brand new) stick of deodorant. Again, it was spit out on the carpet and the chew marks were on the lid. The deodorant was left on the bathroom counter, which must mean one of the cats knocked it off for her. The three of them are in kahoots to drive me bonkers! Luckily, she didn't ingest much (if any) and wasn't exhibiting any medical signs of poisoning. She actually looked quite pleased with herself...again.
However, it's really, really hard to stay mad at this face:
Yes, that is her pink stuffed unicorn and yes, she does cuddle it. I often wake up to her and toys in bed with me. I guess it's good practice for motherhood in a few years?
I also started my back to school teacher training videos.
Yup, we're expected to watch these and no, we aren't given contract time (paid time) to do so.
What I've done:
...and what I have left:
While the content hasn't changed, the format of the videos have. I can no longer press play and walk away. No, I must click the next button every minute or so. The system also logs me out if I've been idle for too long. Alas, this will be the next week of my life.
Up next for August? In addition to having my septum straightened and finishing those required videos, I'll be finalizing decorating for fall and ordering the groomsmen gifts. Yes, I know it's ridiculously early, but fall is my favorite season and I want to enjoy the pumpkins for as long as possible.
I've got two more thank you's to write and I'm done with my bridal shower ones! (Until my work bridal shower in October).
Naturally, I have help and yes, it's going quite well as you can tell:
Chloe is just upset that I took a pen away from her. I know, meanest pet mom ever.
I also should be getting copies of both engagement pictures (round 2) and my bridal shower this week.
I also ordered this month's {Younique kudos}:
I'm super excited for the light pink splurge shade! Plus Younique has teamed up with {defend innocence}.
I'll also be setting up my classroom (with B's help because I'm not allowed to lift anything heavy or bend over for weeks after surgery). I'm excited for the new year and want to get back in my classroom so I can get everything ready. B's excited because we'll have our garage back!
Most importantly?
I will get in all the naps I can!
Yesterday I {shared all about Reading Week}. I was exhausted. I still am exhausted.
Let's examine why:
1) The students have spring fever, big time. This need for a break manifests itself in lots of interesting ways. This week I dealt with theft (including the school police), citations, suspensions, bullying issues, depressed students, parents, vomiting, and more. Some days, I taught from the doorway of my classroom, privately solving behavior problems in the pod while simultaneously trying to teach multiplying fractions. I'm the queen of multi-tasking y'all.
2) I overheard a horrific car accident while at the gas station Tuesday morning. Six cars were involved, I think a pedestrian was hit, and crunching metal is a sound I never want to hear again. I called the police and waited for ambulances to arrive. I got to work thirty minutes later than I planned to and just in time for a meeting I'd forgotten about. I had fifteen minutes between the meeting and crosswalk duty to turn on my computer and set up for the day. Tuesday morning was rough.
3) The pets were naughty. Last week went amazing with Waffles. She didn't get into anything when we let her roam during the day. This week was a different story.
Monday she helped herself to some files:
Including her adoption paperwork. I guess she's ours forever.
Tuesday included altering a dining room table chair:
At least it's an old chair?
She's just one this month, so she's not quite ready for all that freedom. She didn't do it to be mean. She did it because she missed us, was lonely, and I'm sure the cats were playing without her. We'll try again in a few months.
Crooksie snuck into the pantry, ripped open a bag of dog food, and helped herself to extra food. She's not enjoying the kitty diet very much.
4) Grad School. I'm taking a one credit course right now and assignments are due every few days. Between now and May, I'm finishing up course work to be at masters +32 (yay) and earn a pay raise (maybe? That's still being negotiated.)
Wednesday night I spent writing a four page analysis of the text complexity of the chosen article. I had to watch videos, read thirty something pages, and address all sorts of questions regarding the validity of the article and if it would be appropriate for close reads and thoughtful discussion by students. Long story short, it was appropriate.
The topic? Dino poop. Snag it {here} fellow teachers! It comes from the 4-5 tool kit and is free for classroom use.
5) In addition to all the prep for reading week, we had Harney Middle School registration. This meant we lost our prep on Thursday, but were given prep during the assembly later that day.
6) I was observed for math. Not only was it the fourth time rescheduling (our principal is a very busy woman!), but it was after an assembly, at the end of the day (we normally do math first thing), on a Thursday, during reading week. Naturally, as soon as my principal left, they got the concept. Those glorious brain fireworks and light bulbs started going off...ninety seconds after she left.
7) It was also fifth grade's turn for First Friday treats. Each month a specific grade level does treats for the school. I came up with the "March Munchie Madness" theme. Ms. C took the lead on shopping (thank you teamwork), Mrs. J helped me decorate, and Mrs. H took care of clean up. I made fake snack brackets to give everyone something fun and different to do. We used popcorn bags that we found in our supply closet (score!) and picked up different flavors of chex mix, popcorn, m & ms, marshmellows, and cheese-its. Perfect snack foods to munch on. Last year we did St. Patrick's day, but since we're having a potluck on the 16th (because we have monthly potlucks), we went with something different. I sent out an email asking for college shirts to use as decoration and we used black butcher paper to define the space:
It must have went over really well because there were no left overs!
8) Both {Jamberry} and {Younique} launched new products, so I did my best to share this info with my Facebook groups. There's a lot of (unfair) pressure to hit certain quotas at times, especially with the launch of new goodies. I didn't meet these goals. But, I am excited for what came out!
I mean, how cute are these new nail wraps?
Dinosaurs? Yes please! I can match the Dino Poop article that I'll read with my students next week.
On the make up side...tinted flavored lip balms? New foundation brush? Yes please!
But...I'm in a sales rut. I've accepted that I won't be one of those direct sales people that makes thousands of extra dollars each month, quits her real job, and wins cruises around the world. I'm not able to devote that much time to these hobbies, but more importantly... I don't want to. I don't want to be that pushy sales woman that tells people they need this new make up product because really the underlying message is that they aren't pretty enough and need help. I'm not that person. I'm much more laid back about the products. Right or wrong (probably wrong in the marketing world), here's my philosophy: I like them, I use them, and if you have questions, I'm here. Want to try something? Sure, why not? I like to try before I buy too! No judgment. I may not make a lot of money with this attitude, but I also won't lose friends and will still be me. That matters.
9) I'm behind on grading. No, scratch that. I let a week's worth of assignments pile up because I was overwhelmed by student behaviors and now I'm paying the consequence. Eight different tests or quizzes to grade. That's 264 pieces of paper to look at, score, record on a spread sheet, and enter into the grade book before passing back to students. Not fun. Progress reports go home soon, so I should be all caught up so grades reflect all the work. That's fair to families, but it's a lot of work. In case you're a loyal reader (or new, welcome!) and aren't in education, know this: I tend to work an extra 15 hours a week, unpaid, grading and prepping lessons. Every single week. There's not enough time during the daily fifty minute prep (when it's not held up by SPED meetings, grade level meetings, surprise meetings, parent meetings, or any of the other events that happen often) to get everything done. So please stop blaming teachers for all sorts of problems. We're doing our best. I'm doing my best.
10) Meetings. There were meetings with admin. Meetings with special education (SPED) because a behavior plan needed to be tweaked. Three of my students are now on individual behavior incentive plans. Last month it was one. January? None. But..the plans are helping those students make strong behavior choices and that's ultimately the end goal. Meetings with parents. Meetings with the police. Meetings with the grade level. Meetings with other teachers that I'm mentoring. Meetings about being certified. Meeting with coaches. Meetings with students about cheating. Meetings about upcoming meetings.
All my meetings were important. I get that. They just all happened to at the same time.
11) Sinus infection. Because items 1-10 weren't enough of a struggle, my allergies became a full blown sinus infection. On the bright side, I used the new online telemedicine option. I called in, a doctor called me back within an hour, we had a nice chat about my mucus situation, and he confirmed I have a sinus infection. Considering I have several a year, for as long as I can remember, I'm pretty good at self-diagnosing this. Thirty minutes later, CVS called to let me know my antibiotics were ready for pick up. I didn't need to go to the doctor. I didn't need to take a sick day. Technology for the win!
Plus, Waffles brought me a toy to snuggle with:
To be fair, she tried to share with the cats first.
But...I'm trying to focus on the positives. We were pleased with our tax return. B enjoys gambling (he grew up in Vegas, what do I expect?) and did well this week. Because we're a team, we've talked about limits and what we're comfortable spending monthly. It's not my favorite activity, but he enjoys it. This week he hit a royal and came home with enough cash to buy a new water softener. Thanks babe! I've got two weddings this month, get to see my best friend, have found some cute things on Etsy, get to see my family soon, and have bridal appointments over spring break. There's a lot happening...and that's a good thing.
Nine days until field day. Ten days until spring break. I can do this.
Here we are, 31/366 days into 2016. How are you doing on your personal goals for the year?
I was recently asked about my goals and vision for 2016, so I decided to get crafty because I'm a visual (messy) person.
So here goes:
1) Grow my small businesses ({TpT}, {Jamberry}, and {Younique}). However, I want to do so in a way that feels authentic and genuine, and that means not morphing into one of those super naggy people. (Unless you're a student with an overdue form...then I shall nag away. Daily.) I just get really excited about things and want others to be excited with me.
2) Get married without spending all my money on Etsy, being a bridezilla, and scaring B with the copious amounts of glitter. I did hide my Joann's bag from him because I don't want him to see all the wedding decor...and glitter. That poor man.
3) Strive for this work-life-nap balance.
4) Continue having adventures with B, the fur babies, friends, and family.
5) Find joy in the classroom. Every day. Even when they are hormonal, puberty-stricken, hot messes. I love them. I just don't like each one of them at every given moment.
6) Continue to cultivate loving, healthy friendships where we inspire and support one another.
What are your goals for 2016?
Despite being sick, it was a weekend of firsts for me.
It was my first Thanksgiving not with my mom. It was my first one with B and his family. It was a little strange, not being with my mom, but his parents and extended family are incredibly welcoming. I realize this is part of growing up and that holidays are about compromise. We just saw my mom a few weeks ago and will see her again right after the holidays, so it'll be okay. Plus I talked with her a good half a dozen times this weekend (sorry mom!).
We arrived early and I helped in the kitchen (this is big for me people!). We brought a variety of bread, wine, and flowers for the table. His cousin made the whole duck-chicken-turkey situation which I was not brave enough to try.
Food was delish and I felt a bit like this:
Afterward, my allergies got the best of me and I napped. To be fair, I had a full stomach, a warm blanket, and my football team wasn't on television.
Friday was the first time that I did not go Black Friday shopping. We ventured out of the house around one pm to visit the post office (bestie's birthday is next week), pick up Chinese food, and some medicine from the grocery store. I know, I live an exciting life people! The rest of the day revolved around trying to grade, napping, and decorating for the holidays.
Saturday we did a Small Business Saturday vendor event at my house. I had {Jamberry}, Amy (my upline) had {Younique}, Lisa had {31} and Janel had {Origami Owl}. We split the set up, which worked out way better for everyone's budgets.
We had a great time and started brainstorming our next big Saturday event. We'd love to rent out our school's multipurpose room and have a Saturday shopping event...when things calm down. So, March?
Our set up is getting better and better each time!
Sunday I tried a flash sale for Jamberry online with a VIP group.
It went okay, but I have ideas how to make it better for next time. I'm thinking of doing a make up and Jamberry flash sale in the middle of December for those procrastinating gifters.
I did decorate and wrap gifts! (3 for my mom, 1 for his mom, 1 for my bestie, and 1 for Leah, my brother's girlfriend and one of my bridesmaids). Obviously solid progress.
The rest of the weekend involved napping, attempting to finish up this grading pile, snuggling with fur babies, watching television, yelling during football, and doing the minimum amount of school work that's required for Monday.
This week brings extra paperwork (student withdrew and we've got to get ready for parent-teacher conferences, which means sending out conference notes. I've learned my lesson, mine will be pink to clearly identify that they get returned to me.). I've also got Battle of the Books tomorrow (we're trying paper slide videos), a Discovery Ed meeting, and the possibility of visitors just popping in on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (no pressure there!). I'm already ready for next weekend.
I posted this message on my facebook wall, but felt it warranted appearing here too.
I wanted to say thank you to those who have supported one of my small businesses ({Jamberry}, {TeacherspayTeachers}, and/or {Younique Products}).
Your support helps pay for books and supplies for my students. (Specifically glue sticks, thousands of post its, and everything Rick Riordan writes in mass quantities. You'd figure nine copies of the same book would be enough, but it's not enough.) You helped pay for Waffles's pet adoption fees, shots, obedience school, and toys. (So many toys). You're helping us pay for our wedding, because we're trying not to go in debt for this fabulous dinner party we're hosting. Your support helped us afford the new computer B needed for college (because his laptop was eight years old). Your support helps cover expenses because teachers took a pay cut this year and well, that sucked. I need to double check my courses, but I'm pretty sure I just finished Masters +32, that I may or may not receive a pay raise for...so small businesses help cover the difference.
Thank you for supporting me.
I'm pretty sure I blinked at here we are in the beginning of October. I glanced back at my {September Goals} and realized I didn't accomplish all of them.
Here's the recap:
1) Catch up on blogging
This one is a work in progress!
2) Nail down a wedding date and venue.
Check! November 11th, 2016 at a gorgeous venue. Outdoor ceremony, indoor reception.
3) Finish Al Capone Does My Homework
...still working on it.
4) Put the house back together
It's in it's normal state of relative cleanliness.
5) Decorate for fall
Done! Now I need to get out my Halloween decorations! Yes, I have fall ones and Halloween ones. I'm not putting the fall ones away, just getting out more pumpkins...with faces.
6) Get Waffles to obedience school
We've paid for it, we've just got to schedule it. That's one of our weekend tasks
7) Long term social studies plans
Yes...and no. They're evolving as I'm getting more input from the rest of the grade level. We finished the intermountain region and I got some feedback on things to revise for next year. The format is way more consistent then last year's, so we're moving in the right direction. However, there should be more information on why each state has it's specific nickname, what makes a mountain and canyon, and more explicit instruction on the Rocky Mountain range. All totally valid ideas.
I'll need to tweak that and then re-upload the ppt {here}. The great thing about TpT is that if I upload a revised product, previous purchasers are able to redownload it for free!
The next region is the West Region. Ms. C is from California, so she was super eager to sit down and help me include lots of information on that state. We also imbedded earth quakes (CA), tectonic plates, glaciers (AK), underwater volcanoes (HI), calderas (OR), and volcanoes into the unit, so it hits both our science and social studies standards.
8) Finish thank you cards.
I need to give Katie hers tonight, but then I'm done!
9) Walking schedule.
In progress. It's still in triple digits in October. I've got a sinus infection, so being outside isn't pleasant. We're working on the walking.
10) Adjust the budget.
Another work in progress. I know feeling this financial crunch won't be forever. His truck is almost paid off, the security door and dishwasher are almost paid off, and we don't have to make another big wedding payment until July (hallelujah!). We are both working overtime on things and it's a nice feeling to have a partner who is also making sacrifices for our shared dreams. I'm working overtime on {Jamberry} and {Younique} parties and online fundraisers, having one here, selling my prep whenever possible (to cover another class that doesn't have a sub), and developing more products for {TpT}. He's working longer hours, on call for one weekend a month, and looking for grants to help pay for school. We used up Target gift cards to cut down on expenses and are eating out less. I didn't really buy any back to school clothes and luckily grading has me so busy that I don't have time to go shopping for fun.
So looking over September's goals, I accomplished about half...and I'm okay with that. I got sick (curse you nature!). I had work commitments. Life got in the way.
Time to revisit my list and make some {October Goals}.
