Goal Diggers

Last weekend I had my first make up party for {Younique} and it went okay.  However, having the ridiculously overactive, hyper reflective brain that I do, I wanted to debrief with someone.

So I asked my friend (and fellow Y-sister) Amy to meet me at Starbucks.  I hadn't seen her in a few days, she lives super close, and I had to return a few things that I'd borrowed.  Besides, Starbucks makes my heart happy.

It was a really good catch up/bonding/goal setting session.

I've got some new ideas I'm excited to try and even more important, I have a fellow big dreaming, goal digger friend who lets me visualize where I want to be this time next year.  Amy and I both teach (which is a full time job in itself) and have multiple other businesses to build the lives we want.

 Who's in your tribe?

Half Time

I'm officially a few weeks into summer so I thought I'd pause and reflect back on my {June Goals} and {summer goals}.  Both posts are repeated (but shortened) in this post.

First and foremost, I want to follow through with the {Joyous June} challenge.  First post is up!

So far so good? I've missed a few days here and there, but for the most part I've found happy things to share each day.
 
Second, I want to finish deep cleaning the house...

I've cleaned? No further deep cleaning has begun.

Third, I'm going to commit to healthy habits.  

So one gym date has occurred and I've done some lifting at home.  I went line dancing, so I'm counting that as exercise!

Fourth, I'm going to try to cook more.  We're trying to save money and that means less eating out and more cooking at home.  

About that...I've tried!  We made our meal plan for the week.  Tuesday is {crockpot fajitas} which were delicious!  We're trying a new recipe on Thursday for {Hawaiian BBQ chicken wraps}.  I'll keep you all posted!

Fifth, I will attend all my appointments. 

There were a lot of them.  Waffles had her shots.  Cats are scheduled for next month. Trainings are done.  Ring is cleaned and repaired.  Wedding hair trial is this week.  Eye doctor and ear doctor appointments are next month.  Sinus surgery is tentatively scheduled for early August.  Check, check, check!

Sixth, I will find non-wedding things to craft.  One of my bridesmaids just got a new position within the school district and that calls for a new cute sign for her office!

Yup. Done. She gets it Friday.

Seventh, I will NOT turn to shopping for entertainment.  

Other than the {Shark Week shirt} I needed on Etsy, I've been really good.

Seriously, how cute is this:

B rolled his eyes, but I love Shark Week!  

Eighth, I will host a make up and nails party for a friend. 

Done! Everyone had fun.

Ninth, I will enjoy reading.  I've got two books for the classroom and one professional book on the coffee table. I'll try to get through all three this month.

First is finished, I'll start second tomorrow!

Tenth, I won't feel guilty for this earned time off.  

Working on it...

Lastly, I will be reflective on my teaching practices.  This year was rough.

Working on it...

What are your goals for the month?

Over halfway through and doing fairly well! Let's hop to summer goals...

 


So, because I'm all fired up (and well rested), I thought I'd carve out some time to do summer goal setting.

1) Craft for others.  I made a sign for my friend for her future job: (See above post)

And another is in the works done!  However, I won't see the lovely Erin until next month and I'm keeping it a secret.

2) Help others.  One friend wants me to help her decorate her mantle while another wants help redecorating her little boy's room.  My future MIL wants help redecorating their house.  I will happily lend my shopping services to others!

 I'm going shopping this week to help my future SIL with her upcoming baby shower. I've been tasked with a welcome wreath.  Burlap, I shall win!

3) Read.  

I'm working on finished with The Hidden Oracle and loving loved it.  I've got Al Capone does my Homework and Wonder on my night stand.  I also have Love and Logic to help me shift some practices in my classroom instruction.  

4) Get ahead for next year.

I accepted the position as a 4/5 literacy representative for my school.  This doesn't mean I'm out of the classroom.  What it means is all my preps have been bought out for what I assume are meetings, trainings, and observations.  I will have to make sure I get to work extra early to be fully ready for my day.

Um, I've looked on pinterest and bought a pencil shaped banner at Target.  That's enough.

5) Develop more products for TpT.

Right now I'm sitting at 177.  My end of summer goal is to be at 200.  I have a few that need to be cleaned up (now that I've field tested them with the fifth graders), a few in the works, and a few that are just floating around in my head. 

I posted three this week.  I also figured out (I think) how to group PDFs together to bundle products. 

6) Organize the garage.

Since a bulk of my teaching things had to come home for the summer because my classroom was being painted and used for summer school, the garage became the dumping ground.  I'd like to finish sorting through teaching materials and organize all our stuff into boxes.  

Yeah...haven't started.  We're in an excessive heat warning, so willingly spending time doing manual labor outside is out of the question.  I hope to get a garage fridge soon! (From his grandma because we aren't making any major purchases.)

 7) Organize the house.  

The pantry has fallen into disarray. I need to get read of clothes that no longer fit or shoes I haven't worn in years.  It's time to declutter and simplify.  I might as well deep clean while I'm at it.

Haven't really done this.  #sorrynotsorry

 8) Try new things.  Even if they're scary.

Tomorrow's is a whole series of selfies about a new lip stain.  Next week I'll try self tanner.  The week after that? New cocktail recipes.

I did a few videos for a make up post...that's all for now.  

9) Write more. I have a few new journals. I enjoy blogging here.  I need to get out of my head and onto paper (or screen) more often.

Work in progress...

10) Exercise more. Today was a good start! 

...but apparently it was a one day good start.  We'll try again tomorrow!

 What are your goals?  Do you have a time frame for accomplishing them?

I sit here at half way through the month (half time if you will) and I'm pleased with my work. I need to devote a little more time to exercise and reading, but I haven't completely abandoned any goals.  Cleaning will come when the mood strikes (which is right before company comes over.)

Simply writing down goals is part of the battle, but they become wishes if you don't do anything to achieve them.  

  

So Much Adulting

I'm going to pause all my adulting for the day to give myself a pat on the back.

What adulting did I accomplish?

I went to church with some girl friends, then brunch.  These two activities should go hand in hand.

I did laundry.

I un-decorated the house from yesterday's make up & manicures party.

I made a grocery list and meal planned for the week.

I finished another product for TpT. 

I paid bills.

I wrote down all my commitments for the week.

I got out coupons for upcoming purchases.

I resisted the "take a nap" urge.

I worked on thank you cards.

...and I'm now exhausted.  I'll combat the #adulting situation with popcorn for dinner. 

 

Fri Yay?

I struggled today to find things to be joyous about.  

Father's day brings up all sorts of unpleasant feelings.  Last year we conveniently adopted our puppy, so that distracted me as I overwhelmed the internet with pictures of my new baby.

Seriously, look how cute and little she was:

She's still cute, just not so little anymore. 

Father's day is rough.  B's dad is out of town on an annual fathers' trip but I still picked him up a card and gift from the both of us.

I had an appointment with my ENT this morning.  We are going to proceed with sinus surgery to correct my deviated septum and blocked sinus passages.  It's tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 8th (right after a dress fitting appointment).  It's an 8 day recovery time, which takes me right up until I can go back to work.  I have an appointment with my primary care physician at the end of July.  I'm optimistic that insurance will get things done in a timely manner and that I can have this operation before going back to school.  Because you know, breathing is important.

However, I also haven't had the best relationship with my teacher's health insurance, so I'm fully aware there's a possibility that this operation will take place in December.  I also have no idea what the cost will be, so that's a little terrifying as well. 

While I was super excited about saving money at Target, it was kind of an expensive trip.  We needed new light bulbs, trash bags, and a father's day gift, so that was a good chunk of change.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning in preparation for tomorrow's {make up} and {manicures} girl time.  Sunday will involve girl time and a nap.  

Even though I've been out for two weeks, I feel like summer "officially" starts next week.  I won't have any trainings or appointments (except at the hair salon for my wedding hair trial!).  I've got girl time next Friday with some of my bridesmaids to finish up bridal shower stuff.

I'm trying to still find some joy in this Friday.  What are you excited for?

Sneak Attacks

One of my aunts had a milestone birthday this year and was going to celebrate in Michigan with my other aunt.  My mom flew back to surprise the birthday girl and those three are off on a week adventure of shenanigans.

I was proud of my mom for keeping a secret from her sister, but what she didn't know is I kept one too.

I sent a check to go treat all my aunts (and a cousin) to a fun night out.  While I was hoping they'd get a little silly on wine, they went out to a fabulous lunch instead and used the left over money for shopping.

 I'm fortunate enough that I was able to spoil my mom and aunts.  They don't get together often enough and when they do, trouble ensues! 

Since my father is not in the picture, my mother got double spoiled!  

I got lots of happy selfies today. I'm glad my family is having fun!
 

 

Feelings

I finished the Hidden Oracle.

With help, of course.

I have a lot of feelings about it.  I also used a lot of curse words at the plot twists.

I very much enjoyed it, despite the profanity.  Rick Riordan may be my second favorite author, but no one tops J.K. Rowlings. She's number one, always.

So, I feel like this:

I hope to have the novel guide and chronological order sort done by Friday, so stay tuned.

I finished my training today. It left me rejuvinated and excited for the future, which is a feeling I've been lacking.  I'm not quite through processing my learning, so stay tuned for that as well.

My mama found a very pretty dress while out shopping with her sisters today for the wedding.  She looks happy and that makes me happy.

My dear friend (and officiant) Marlene became a first time aunt today.  Congrats to the growing Q family! 

I finished the end of Gilmore Girls (again), so the combination of the book and the television show has left me in emotional shambles.

 

Joyous June and steps in the right direction

Instead of sharing a long, rambling post about my frustrations with scheduling an appointment with the passport office (over an hour on hold y'all), I'll simply share this:

We have our appointment for Saturday, July 2nd.  

He's unable to take off work, which meant we needed to find a location that was open Saturdays.  Luckily the nearest one is at our post office, a mere two miles away.  His mom is looking for his birth certificate and we're taking our pictures this weekend.

Since I'll be changing my name next year, I was worried I'd have to pay for this again.  However, if it's within the year (which it will be), it's free to renew for a name change.  Hooray!

I'm joyful because:

1) One more wedding task is complete.

2) We're moving in the right direction for operation honeymoon!

3) I only have to pay once!

Joyous June Catch Up

I knew my streak of blogging every day wouldn't last.

Luckily it's catch up time!

Saturday my dear friend Erin got married to the love of her love.  Finances prohibited B and I from attending (plus it was in Ohio!), so we celebrated from a distance.  They are moving out here within a few months and will do a vow renewal on the beach next summer, so we will be able to celebrate with them again.

(I know she worked very closely with her Kari Humphrey, her {photographer}, and this was the first released shot. Can't wait to see the rest!)
 
I had such a joyous time planning my wedding while she was {planning hers}.  I know my bridesmaids and mom want to hear all about it, but it's nice to have someone I can talk to about all the little details because she's going through it too!  

She thought about each and every aspect of her wedding and it was truly a beautiful event. I had the privilege of attending her bridal shower at Disneyland a few months ago:

And it was a great girls weekend! 

The pictures keep flooding in on her wedding album and the joy radiating from her face is contagious.  Congrats Mrs. K, I can't wait to celebrate you in person!


Sunday, June 12th

Our niece turned seven and we celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese.  If you ever want to see what true joy looks like, it's B winning lots of tickets on silly arcade games.

However, he then giving them all to his niece.  He patiently counted the tickets at the machine with her and helped her decide against a large slinky (because they break easily) and in favor of both a Frozen themed make up kit and nail polish.

We also had dinner with friends as a thank you for helping Kendall move.  Yet another friend officially crossed another adult level and owns a home.  

After dinner we went to the East Side Cannery (where some of our guests will be staying).  I managed to make my free $5 in slot play last for over an hour (and three drinks worth!), so I'll call that a win.  The smoke was barely noticeable, which was a definite plus.

As always, B and I had some miscommunication about what type of faces we were making for a selfie:

#bluesteel and I missed it! 

Monday, June 13th

I'm not quite ready to debrief my training (and it goes on for two more days), but it's really informative and I'm excited for this new opportunity! I haven't left the classroom, I'm just toeing my way out of the classroom and up in the district.  We did learn it was a paid training (we'd previously heard it wasn't), so that was a joyous surprise! I like learning, but it's nice when I'm also being paid to attend 7 am classes on summer break.

Instead, I'll share today's simple joy.  Waffles decided she likes her dog food again and is eagerly eating it up!  All of last week was spent forcing (bribing with string cheese) her to eat.  Now it's the complete opposite.  I'll get longing looks in the morning and a "feed me" pout even though I know damn well B fed her before leaving for work.  I'm on to you pup!

She also played a little too hard with her new stuffed dragon and severed a limb.  

B is her knight in shining armor and reattached it for her.  See how patiently she waits?

The cats are also back to coexisting peacefully, which is a huge sigh of relief.  Crooksie went to the vet to get groomed last week and Chloe has been acting strange ever since.  Apparently this is normal pet behavior because of a change in scent, but it was still stressing me out that for the first time in five years, they weren't getting along.

Tomorrow and Wednesday my training will be done at 1 pm, so I'll still have most of the day ahead of me.  We voted to start at 7 am, thus beating the traffic and parking situation.  There are hundreds of middle schools in Las Vegas, but naturally, there are several different trainings scheduled at the same one, on the same day, at the same time.  High school parking lots can accommodate the parking, but middle schools cannot.  (Again, one of the things I would change if I was allowed to be in charge of everything!)

What's bringing you joy this month?

Favorite Things

For this {Joyous June} post, I thought I'd take a moment to share about some of my favorite things in my favorite place: home.

Yes, home is probably one of my favorite places. After being "on" all day and surrounded by people, I like to come home to a (relatively) quiet space to decompress.

The suitcases

One is currently being used as our wedding card box:

But the rest are stacked in a nook near the guest bathroom.  

Not only are they cute and add a whimsical vibe, but they also are great for storing seasonal napkins and table runners.  I found these at Marshalls (not all at once) and like how they coordinate, but aren't identical.

Batman

Since this is a pencil drawing and in a grown up frame, I'm counting it as art.  I found this years ago at a second hand book store in Arizona and knew it was going to be a staple in my home.  I snagged the frame on clearance at Target and have never looked back.  Batman stands watch over our library/den/future kids' play room.

Rivalries

It's not a secret that B and I have different football teams.  I love him, but that doesn't mean I have to love his team.

So, we compromise:

We also took some of our engagement pictures in our different jerseys,

Incorporated our love of football into the shots,

And will be incorporating it into the wedding. 

Instead of the traditional garter toss, we'll be incorporating the football we used in our engagement shots.  It says our wedding date and "you're next" on it. 

These legacy banners are a constant reminder that while we're on the same team in life, it's okay to still be ourselves during football season.

 Jack Daniels

I can see my mother's face now.  Yes mom, I shared a picture of the booze.  Let me explain why. 

Inside the fancy case are two bottles of Jack Daniel's 75th anniversary bottles.  One is reserved for when B graduates college.  The other is for our wedding night, after the birth of future children, and other big life moments.  Some people have wine or champagne on hand for these things; we have Jack Daniels.  

The And Sign

We picked this up on a weekend trip to Arizona.  We'll be incorporating it into our engagement and wedding shots.  It reminds me of family and makes me smile every time I see it.

The Vase

This truly was one of my better pinterest projects!  It's a little hard to tell from the angle, but this vase was signed by our loved ones at our engagement party last year.  Instead of hiding memories away in a box, it's a unique way to incorporate that special day into our every day landscape.

(Vase and sharpies from Target, flowers from Michaels)

There's lots more I love about my home (and who I share it with), but alas, it's time for the gym.  Here's to working on those summer goals!
 

Summer Goals

I just got done with a really inspiring conference call with some of the women in my {Younique} tribe.  We talked about goal setting and adding joy back into our make up posts, which perfectly corresponds with my {Joyous June} posts.

So, because I'm all fired up (and well rested), I thought I'd carve out some time to do summer goal setting.

1) Craft for others.  I made a sign for my friend for her future job:

And another is in the works!

2) Help others.  One friend wants me to help her decorate her mantle while another wants help redecorating her little boy's room.  My future MIL wants help redecorating their house.  I will happily lend my shopping services to others!

3) Read.  

I'm working on The Hidden Oracle and loving it.  I've got Al Capone does my Homework and Wonder on my night stand.  I also have Love and Logic to help me shift some practices in my classroom instruction.  

4) Get ahead for next year.

I accepted the position as a 4/5 literacy representative for my school.  This doesn't mean I'm out of the classroom.  What it means is all my preps have been bought out for what I assume are meetings, trainings, and observations.  I will have to make sure I get to work extra early to be fully ready for my day.

5) Develop more products for TpT.

Right now I'm sitting at 177.  My end of summer goal is to be at 200.  I have a few that need to be cleaned up (now that I've field tested them with the fifth graders), a few in the works, and a few that are just floating around in my head. 

6) Organize the garage.

Since a bulk of my teaching things had to come home for the summer because my classroom was being painted and used for summer school, the garage became the dumping ground.  I'd like to finish sorting through teaching materials and organize all our stuff into boxes.  

7) Organize the house.  

The pantry has fallen into disarray. I need to get read of clothes that no longer fit or shoes I haven't worn in years.  It's time to declutter and simplify.  I might as well deep clean while I'm at it.

8) Try new things.  Even if they're scary.

Tomorrow's is a whole series of selfies about a new lip stain.  Next week I'll try self tanner.  The week after that? New cocktail recipes.

9) Write more. I have a few new journals. I enjoy blogging here.  I need to get out of my head and onto paper (or screen) more often.

10) Exercise more. Today was a good start!

 What are your goals?

Joyous June, Day 9

Nothing particularly thrilling happened today and I'm okay with that.  After a jam-packed, week straight of activities, it was nice to have a low key day.

I found joy in sleeping.  Today, for the first time in who knows how long, I slept in until 8 am.  I got a full nine hours, which put me in a rather happy mood.  I worked out and caught up with a friend, then helped another friend with her first grant.  From there, a nap ensued and I'm spending the evening curled up with a book.

I'm finding joy in resting and not having a packed agenda.

What brought you joy today?

Joyous June, Paying it Forward

{Donors Choose} is one of my most favorite resources, period.  I've been fortunate enough to have multiple projects funded and my students have been blessed with new books and games.  

Now it's my time to pay it forward.  One of our new teachers is coming over tomorrow afternoon to write her own grant for her (our) sped kiddos.  I get to pay it forward and help her try to secure funding for new books for her classroom next year.

Help others. Spread Joy. Pay it forward.

Joyous June, the Bridesmaids Edition

I like things coordinated, but not identical.  For my bridesmaids, I gave them my parameters (marine, floor length) and let them pick the gown they felt most confident in.  My maids all picked ones with decorative necklines, so I got them matching earrings to tie their looks together.  Since the dresses can take a while to come in, I was getting a little worried that one of my maids hadn't purchased hers yet.

However, I also didn't want to be a bridezilla and keep nagging her.  When Facebook so kindly informed me that David's Bridal was having a sale, I casually passed that information on to her and to my mom.  

They went shopping over the weekend and she was able to order the one she loved for $50!  (Regularly close to $200.)  I'm filled with joy for her because I know finances can be tight (for all of us) and didn't want my day to be a huge burden.

David's Bridal quoted her way too much for alterations, so I told her we'd do much better closer to the wedding.

I get to check "bridesmaids dresses ordered" off my to-do list (and that brings me joy).  

Joyous June Day 6, Part Two

Birchbox, the gift that keeps on giving.

In this case, the box was mighty tempting and Waffles gave in.

To be fair, she brought me the make up samples from inside and then proceeded to destroy the box.  May the little things in life bring you as much joy as this box brought Waffles.

Joyous June, Day 6

I'm joyous that we have a kind and close vet.  Nothing major, just Crooksie has some matted fur on her tush and won't let me near her bum.  She's got a grooming appointment as soon as they open tomorrow. I'm thankful that they're close (under 4 miles).

B is home today so I don't have to crate Waffles when I run my mega errands today.  He worked an eight hour overnight shift and is currently sleeping it off. I appreciate that he takes extra shifts to help make our financial dreams possible (aka a water softener this summer).  Again, so much adulting.

I'm finding joy in coupons.  Between Target's Cartwheel app, paper coupons, my teacher discount, my red card, and the Ibotta app, I'm pretty set for saving on things I already need.  Granted, I'm not (and will not be) one of those shoppers that has a ridiculous stock pile of thirty things of laundry detergent, but it's nice to save.

I'm hoping a positive attitude will not only help me deal with the masses of Costco, but bring about happy shopping vibes.  Fingers crossed!

 

Joyous June, Day 5

 {Joyous June}, post 2

Yesterday we helped my friend Kendall move out of her rented town home.  She'll be staying with her uncle for a few months while he recovers from surgery and while the house she purchased goes through the short sale & closing process, but her landlord wouldn't let her do a month to month lease.  So on the hottest day of the year, we moved her out of her home and into a storage facility.  Between the heat and the wind, I'm not feeling so great today thanks to allergies.

But wait, this is a joyous post.  Today I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to relax and recuperate.  I have some house chores but for the most part, get to rest.  Tomorrow I get my face CT and am starting to get some answers for my chronic sinus infections.

I'm also joyous that Kendall is purchasing her first home.  With all the talk about finances and how my age group (us 25-34-ers) struggle and may never own a home, it's nice to see so many of my friends beating those statistical odds.  After our crafting night on Friday, four of us were chatting and the subject quickly turned adult.  We talked about home warranties and refinancing.  We talked about new appliances and five year plans for home improvements.  The whole adulting thing just snuck up on us and I'm not sure I like it.

 

June Goals

Ahh, summer.  The time when I get to take a moment to breathe, pause, and recharge.  Here are my top ten eleven goals for the month:

First and foremost, I want to follow through with the {Joyous June} challenge.  First post is up!

Second, I want to finish deep cleaning the house.  I'm redecorating by moving things around from room to room.  The house feels fresh without me having to spend any money (hooray!).  I'm also redecorating to make the house less "me" and more "us".   I don't need travel pictures of my study abroads up on the wall, I need space for our honeymoon pictures.  I'm not sure he's noticed, but it's making me happy.

I changed out our front door wreath:

I know I'm not technically married yet...but close enough.  It's just paperwork and a big party at this point. 

Third, I'm going to commit to healthy habits.  My friend and coworker has a gym pass and wants company to motivate her. I'm not committing to every day, but a few times a week will be nice.  I've got a tentative hiking date set up with another friend as well, so that will be nice.  We'll be taking Waffles, which will naturally be an adventure.  Speaking of my fur baby, I'll also walk Waffles early in the morning and do some yoga and lifting during the day. I've got time, so I might as well build healthy habits now.

Fourth, I'm going to try to cook more.  We're trying to save money and that means less eating out and more cooking at home.  With the help of pinterest, we're trying one new meal a week.  I'm hoping to use this time to find quick and easy meals that I'll want to make (or help make) after a long day of teaching.  

Fifth, I will attend all my appointments.  I have a face CT on Monday to figure out my deviated septum and see if surgery is an option to fix my chronic sinus infections.  I have a follow up with my ENT to go over results.  I have my one year post-Lasik appointment with the eye doctor.  I have a ring cleaning scheduled with Jared's and Waffles has to get her rabies vaccine.  The cats aren't due until July, so that's next month's task. I also have a three day training for the school district that needs to get done.

Sixth, I will find non-wedding things to craft.  One of my bridesmaids just got a new position within the school district and that calls for a new cute sign for her office!

Seventh, I will NOT turn to shopping for entertainment.  Summer is risky for the budget. I will go out shopping with a list and a specific purpose, not to pass the time.  Monday's shopping includes the grocery store, Home Depot for a new filter for the fridge, and getting a wedding present for a friend.  It does not mean I will wander into every single store at the mall.  I will practice self control.

Eighth, I will host a make up and nails party for a friend.  I haven't done one in months and am starting to miss it.  I never signed up as a consultant for {Jamberry} or {Younique} to become rich, I just like the products and want my own discount.  

Ninth, I will enjoy reading.  I've got two books for the classroom and one professional book on the coffee table. I'll try to get through all three this month.

Tenth, I won't feel guilty for this earned time off.  Summer break can be a touchy subject. I get very defensive about the break.  I'm not paid for this time off.  I have a nine month salary and 25% of my paycheck is withheld, then given back to me so the state doesn't have to pay teachers unemployment.  I consistently worked 3 extra unpaid hours each day (often more) and on the weekends.  This is my catch up time for when work took over my life.

Lastly, I will be reflective on my teaching practices.  This year was rough.  Next year I won't be an inclusion teacher.  That choice was made by my administration to give me a break. I'm trying not to take it personally.  I don't want to be a classroom teacher forever, so I will use this time to think about future career moves and make plans to achieve them.  

What are your goals for the month?

Joyous June, days 1-4

It's a few days into June and I'm challenging myself to find the little things to be joyous for each day.  Since I'm already doing a Gratitude journal, this was an easy challenge to accept.

Tuesday, May 31st:

The fifth grade promotion ceremony was held after a full day of teaching.  We cleaned the classroom and desks in the morning, had rehearsal at the middle school in the afternoon, and went to set up after students were dismissed.  We made a Google Slides presentation (instead of power point, we're stepping up our game!), had balloons, a guest speaker, programs, and awards for the students.  Families were amazingly respectful and I got some pictures with students afterwards.  It was a nice closure to the school year.


Wednesday, June 1st:

It's hot in Las Vegas.  My school is conveniently within walking distance of a recreation/aquatic center, so that's where we spend the last day of school.  The fifth graders who met their goals (and didn't cause any major behavior issues) spent two and a half hours in the water at the pool.  There are two water slides, a lazy river, and pool chairs all around.

Really, there are worse places to spend the last day of the school year.  

Once we returned, our parent chaperones had set up the grill and were making lunch for students.  After students were dismissed, we had a small staff party with a taco truck.



Thursday, June 2nd:

This day was devoted to cleaning out my classroom.  My room is being painted, so everything had to come off the walls.  My room is also being used for summer school, meaning all my personal items (books) had to come home.  Luckily I'd already started a bulk of the work and everything fit into one car load.  I was home by 1 pm to start summer break.

Break started with a nap, included Waffles getting a new kiddie pool, and a dinner date with B.

Cheers to summer break!  Year seven is in the books!

Friday, June 3rd:

My brain missed the "summer break" memo and I woke up with a ridiculous amount of energy.  I decided to channel that into beginning to deep clean the house.  I got the front entry way, one hallway, and den completely cleaned.  I did several loads of laundry.  I'm joyous that I had the time to tackle the project.

I had some of my bridesmaids over Friday night for wine and crafting night.  We assembled the bridal shower invites, worked on the wedding favors (there are two), and drank several bottles of wine.  Our next round of crafting is in a few weeks and as always, Waffles was an amazing helper. 

I removed the invitations first, so no damage was done. 

Saturday, June 4th:

I'm joyous that we have a home warranty because our air conditioning compressor went out.  I'm joyous that I do NOT have to go to Costco until Monday and get to avoid the weekend craziness.  I'm joyous that as soon as this post is done, my plans for the day include a pedicure and starting a new book.

I challenge you, dear readers, to find one thing each day this June to be joyful for.  Share if you'd like, but try to focus on the positives in life.  See what happens when you magnify joy.