My new year's resolution was to run in a 5k, a 10k and a 15k this year. It seemed like a nice progressive plan of 3 major runs in a year. Little did I know... those runs are several miles long!
There is no plan for my running, I just go and see how the run feels. I told myself not to have crazy high expectations and to listen to my body. Running has been a slowly building process in which I work hard every time and get better and better results each run.
Late December, I jogged for a full mile straight. Last week, I finally made it up to jogging for 2 full miles. I know that may seem like small potatoes for some people, but it was a pretty big accomplishment for me. I texted my sister afterwards that I had never run that long or that far, nor had ever thought about even trying much less actually doing it. When the nice lady on my Nike GPS told me that I had "Completed 2 miles" something in me broke and my legs just stopped jogging. I tried another little jog after I walked a bit, but could not get myself to go more than a few feet. I walked a mile to cool down and marveled at how I could have just jogged so far.
Yesterday, I began my run as usual. I thought to myself, "Maybe today, I could jog 3 miles" A few times I went back and forth between "I can't" and "Yes, I can!" until somewhere along the way the nice Nike GPS lady said "3 miles completed".
My sister and I have been sending each other motivational messages and pictures since December 1st when we promised to lose 5lbs each month until we reached our goal weight. The words and pictures that we've been sending fly through my head each run. "When your legs give out, run with your head/heart" "The run never takes more than it gives back" "The only workouts I regret are the ones that didn't happen"
Running has taught me never to doubt what I am capable of doing. I had never dreamed of running 2 miles and yesterday I completed 3 miles. My new year's resolution will happen, "I can't" is no longer part of my vocabulary. My beginning motivational quote was "No matter how slow you go, you're still lapping everyone on the couch". Now it's "PUSH YOURSELF - someone out there is warming up with your max"
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
New beds!
Over a year ago, Ryan and I got married! Woo!
I know I know, old news. But I have a reason for bringing it up. Ryan and I finally took my parents up on their gift of a new bed as our wedding present. We have moved so many times in our relationship that we were trying to hold out until we found a more permanent home (as in longer than a 1 year lease) but the uncomfortable bed could not stay another day. After some research and budget planning, we (mostly me) decided on a sweet memory foam bed and a platform from ikea!
It only took me 5 hours to build, but I love it more every day.
Also, the height works perfectly with our nightstands. We can finally stop bumping our heads and faces on the corners!
It only took me 5 hours to build, but I love it more every day.
Also, the height works perfectly with our nightstands. We can finally stop bumping our heads and faces on the corners!
Hazel lucked out because I couldn't handle the idea of tossing out a perfectly good (and expensive) memory foam topper and our apartment is way to cramped already to store it. So something had to be done with it.
We set up her cage,
but she has since grown out of her yellow bed from when she was a sick puppy.
A new bed was in the cards for her and I seized the opportunity to get crafty. I was still feeling on a high from the wallet, so I went for it full steam ahead.
Hazel wanted to be a part of every step of course. She wanted to be sure mom's lines were straight and that the cushion was, ya know, cushy enough.
I hardly had it in place before Hazy jumped in to test out her new digs. She approved!
but she has since grown out of her yellow bed from when she was a sick puppy.
Hazel wanted to be a part of every step of course. She wanted to be sure mom's lines were straight and that the cushion was, ya know, cushy enough.
I hardly had it in place before Hazy jumped in to test out her new digs. She approved!
fun things: my new wallet
Ever since I found this website: craftgawker, I have been trying to get around to all these projects that I've "oooohed" and "aaaahed" over but never actually attempted. Prior to my recent artsy-craftsy period, the most I had ever done was some straight line sewing of curtains. I haven't scrapbooked in a very long time, so it was a really good feeling to get into the crafting mode again.
First things first: a sweet little wallet you can find here. This wallet that fits perfectly inside my cute purse from etsy.
It took a few tries and since I'm new to the idea of cataloging my crafts, I only have pictures of the finished product. The first wallet took me about 4 hours and the second that I made for Nina took about half and hour! I am extremely excited about the results!
I'm hoping that blogging my craft adventures will help inspire me to continue starting AND finishing projects. More to come!
First things first: a sweet little wallet you can find here. This wallet that fits perfectly inside my cute purse from etsy.
It took a few tries and since I'm new to the idea of cataloging my crafts, I only have pictures of the finished product. The first wallet took me about 4 hours and the second that I made for Nina took about half and hour! I am extremely excited about the results! I'm hoping that blogging my craft adventures will help inspire me to continue starting AND finishing projects. More to come!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I am officially a teacher!
On Wednesday, January 5, I accepted a position as a 2nd grade teacher. Several years ago, I graduated from UF completely unsure of what I would do with my degree. After 2 years of searching and thinking, I observed in a 2nd grade classroom and decided right then and there that I was called to be a teacher. It took much struggling and many tearful and stressed out moments to get me to this point. I never dreamed of getting a job immediately after graduation, especially not in the grade I had always wanted to teach.
In order to get officially certified as a teacher, I had to forge past a couple of small mountains. It seems that not changing my name officially and having graduated too recently was causing problems. I have been praying for nothing but strength and patience. A moment before losing hope and patience, I realized something. I was wearing the same shirt on the day I observed years ago that I wore at my interview and was offered the position. This was completely unintentional, but it taught me something very deep inside. Aside from the fact that I obviously don't update my wardrobe very often, I realized that my prayers had come full circle. God had shown me that I truly was meant for this position and that I only needed to follow the path He laid out for me. So what if my transcripts didn't come through right away or that my name change slowed the process considerably? Who cares that I had to get hired as a sub for a day before I could be hired as an official teacher? Did it make a difference at all that I wanted these things to happen faster? In the end, God knew it would work out and He knew that I would need to learn patience and perseverance in order to become a truly good teacher.
Monday of this past week was my first day of school as a second grade teacher. It took everything I had to make it through this week! The first 4 days, I counted my blessings that even though we didn't get through all of the lesson plans and I only remembered to check their homework folders once, at least there was no blood or broken bones. Then Friday comes around. Just when I thought I was going to make it through the week, a bloody-mouthed child walked up to me near to tears. He had slipped in the bathroom and hit his already loose front tooth. His mouth was bloody and his eyes were teary. Fortunately, we were in mid-transition and all the other students were on their way out the door to other classrooms. I was able to walk him up to the capable and experienced hands of the angels in the front office.
In all other ways, my first week as a teacher was a complete success. Every day got better and better. The students are still testing the waters to see what they can get past the young, new teacher, but all-in-all we are all making the best of the transition. One dad said to another teacher, " I heard my kid's new teacher is hot, where is she?" =) I guess I'm in with the parents already!
I told Ryan that it was part of his husbandly duties to help his wife set up her very first classroom. I explained that it was part of the contract and it was signed, sealed and delivered when he said, "I do" and kissed my face. Unfortunately, he was incredibly sick that weekend and could barely bring himself out of bed. He was so sick, in fact, that he took his first sick day in about 3 years. I excused him from his duties and took the rain check for the weekend before my second week of school. Just as good I suppose. I promise to take pictures and share my new classroom once it is truly set up.
I must say that being a teacher is incredibly rewarding and apparently incredibly exhausting. I have been going to bed anywhere between 7:30 and 9:30 every night. Last night I had to work my second job and I could barely stay on my feet until closing. My very kind boss has offered to allow me to stay active on payroll by scheduling me one day per pay period. I only have to work 2 nights a month, get to keep my discount and have a back-up plan in case I don't get picked up right away for the following school year. She literally said the words, "We'd do anything to keep you. Any one of the other managers would hate to see you go." I was completely flattered and my job satisfaction climbed to new heights.
Things are working out better than I ever imagined. I am truly blessed and thankful.
In order to get officially certified as a teacher, I had to forge past a couple of small mountains. It seems that not changing my name officially and having graduated too recently was causing problems. I have been praying for nothing but strength and patience. A moment before losing hope and patience, I realized something. I was wearing the same shirt on the day I observed years ago that I wore at my interview and was offered the position. This was completely unintentional, but it taught me something very deep inside. Aside from the fact that I obviously don't update my wardrobe very often, I realized that my prayers had come full circle. God had shown me that I truly was meant for this position and that I only needed to follow the path He laid out for me. So what if my transcripts didn't come through right away or that my name change slowed the process considerably? Who cares that I had to get hired as a sub for a day before I could be hired as an official teacher? Did it make a difference at all that I wanted these things to happen faster? In the end, God knew it would work out and He knew that I would need to learn patience and perseverance in order to become a truly good teacher.
Monday of this past week was my first day of school as a second grade teacher. It took everything I had to make it through this week! The first 4 days, I counted my blessings that even though we didn't get through all of the lesson plans and I only remembered to check their homework folders once, at least there was no blood or broken bones. Then Friday comes around. Just when I thought I was going to make it through the week, a bloody-mouthed child walked up to me near to tears. He had slipped in the bathroom and hit his already loose front tooth. His mouth was bloody and his eyes were teary. Fortunately, we were in mid-transition and all the other students were on their way out the door to other classrooms. I was able to walk him up to the capable and experienced hands of the angels in the front office.
In all other ways, my first week as a teacher was a complete success. Every day got better and better. The students are still testing the waters to see what they can get past the young, new teacher, but all-in-all we are all making the best of the transition. One dad said to another teacher, " I heard my kid's new teacher is hot, where is she?" =) I guess I'm in with the parents already!
I told Ryan that it was part of his husbandly duties to help his wife set up her very first classroom. I explained that it was part of the contract and it was signed, sealed and delivered when he said, "I do" and kissed my face. Unfortunately, he was incredibly sick that weekend and could barely bring himself out of bed. He was so sick, in fact, that he took his first sick day in about 3 years. I excused him from his duties and took the rain check for the weekend before my second week of school. Just as good I suppose. I promise to take pictures and share my new classroom once it is truly set up.
I must say that being a teacher is incredibly rewarding and apparently incredibly exhausting. I have been going to bed anywhere between 7:30 and 9:30 every night. Last night I had to work my second job and I could barely stay on my feet until closing. My very kind boss has offered to allow me to stay active on payroll by scheduling me one day per pay period. I only have to work 2 nights a month, get to keep my discount and have a back-up plan in case I don't get picked up right away for the following school year. She literally said the words, "We'd do anything to keep you. Any one of the other managers would hate to see you go." I was completely flattered and my job satisfaction climbed to new heights.
Things are working out better than I ever imagined. I am truly blessed and thankful.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Oh baby!
Subbing in kindergarten is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get. I've had experiences in Kindergarten that have made me want to leave the teaching profession altogether and never look back. But then there are days like today when I have the sweetest, cutest bunch of kids that leave me not only wanting my own classroom, but also wanting to have my own little babies!
For now, I will settle for a classroom of my own. The Lord may be answering my prayers after the holidays, though. I found out on Monday that a teacher at my school may be moving away. The first person she thought of to replace her in her classroom was ME! It is still on the down-low that she is leaving, so they are not interviewing or posting the job, but the assistant principal has been making arrangements to observe me in a classroom when I am subbing. Some of the other people on the hiring committee have made it known that they fully support me and my abilities as a teacher. I am so excited at the opportunity and the support! My mom and sister are already putting in their prayers for me and I am fervently praying myself!
For now, I will settle for a classroom of my own. The Lord may be answering my prayers after the holidays, though. I found out on Monday that a teacher at my school may be moving away. The first person she thought of to replace her in her classroom was ME! It is still on the down-low that she is leaving, so they are not interviewing or posting the job, but the assistant principal has been making arrangements to observe me in a classroom when I am subbing. Some of the other people on the hiring committee have made it known that they fully support me and my abilities as a teacher. I am so excited at the opportunity and the support! My mom and sister are already putting in their prayers for me and I am fervently praying myself!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
New look...
It was apparently time for a new look. I finally had a minute to explore the blog design options. The controls have changed quite a bit since the last time I changed the look, much easier to use.
So it seems wasting time has not been my strong point. While I have been watching Sex and the City, it is more of a background thing while I work on other things. When Ryan and I were first discussing how much I should work each job to make a reasonable amount of money without breaking my back, I figured at least 5 sub days a month (you never can tell when you'll be needed as a sub) and then 20-25 hours a week at Target. As soon as I spread the word that I was subbing, I got about 5 jobs in the first hour. Now, teachers search for me in the various classrooms and schedule sub-days here, there and everywhere! I am so blessed to get so many jobs that I don't have to worry about how many hours Target schedules me. My sub calendar for the month was full by December 7 and I am still getting random phone calls from other schools and teachers! I have reserved 1 day a week to spend time in my internship classroom because I loved those kids and my cooperating teacher so much.
Being in different classrooms everyday hasn't been easy. The morning starts off with establishing myself with 15-20 students as a credible teacher worth listening to for a minute or two. Then we spend the day trying to get through the lessons and deciding when the kids are telling me the truth about what Ms. or Mr. Normal Teacher "usually does". I am, however, really enjoying getting to learn how each teacher sets up his or her classroom. I have learned so many tiny little things that make the classroom run smoothly and keeps it organized. Also, I am getting tons of experience teaching the new (nearly impossible) math standards that everyone is having trouble with teaching. It is very difficult to pick up the math lesson for the day and try to teach it to the kids. Most of the time, I am clueless as to how much of the previous lessons that the students understood. I just have to pray that they understood enough to make it through the next lesson that I have to teach. I'm glad that I am getting to go to different grade levels because the more exposure to the new math, the better prepared I'll be when I have my own math lessons to teach!
As far as the apartment looks, you wouldn't be able to tell that I have had much time off. Technically, I haven't since I've been subbing during the day and working target some nights and every weekend. The dishes have been caught up and the laundry is less of a mountain and more of a normal looking pile. There is still work to be done, so off I go!
So it seems wasting time has not been my strong point. While I have been watching Sex and the City, it is more of a background thing while I work on other things. When Ryan and I were first discussing how much I should work each job to make a reasonable amount of money without breaking my back, I figured at least 5 sub days a month (you never can tell when you'll be needed as a sub) and then 20-25 hours a week at Target. As soon as I spread the word that I was subbing, I got about 5 jobs in the first hour. Now, teachers search for me in the various classrooms and schedule sub-days here, there and everywhere! I am so blessed to get so many jobs that I don't have to worry about how many hours Target schedules me. My sub calendar for the month was full by December 7 and I am still getting random phone calls from other schools and teachers! I have reserved 1 day a week to spend time in my internship classroom because I loved those kids and my cooperating teacher so much.
Being in different classrooms everyday hasn't been easy. The morning starts off with establishing myself with 15-20 students as a credible teacher worth listening to for a minute or two. Then we spend the day trying to get through the lessons and deciding when the kids are telling me the truth about what Ms. or Mr. Normal Teacher "usually does". I am, however, really enjoying getting to learn how each teacher sets up his or her classroom. I have learned so many tiny little things that make the classroom run smoothly and keeps it organized. Also, I am getting tons of experience teaching the new (nearly impossible) math standards that everyone is having trouble with teaching. It is very difficult to pick up the math lesson for the day and try to teach it to the kids. Most of the time, I am clueless as to how much of the previous lessons that the students understood. I just have to pray that they understood enough to make it through the next lesson that I have to teach. I'm glad that I am getting to go to different grade levels because the more exposure to the new math, the better prepared I'll be when I have my own math lessons to teach!
As far as the apartment looks, you wouldn't be able to tell that I have had much time off. Technically, I haven't since I've been subbing during the day and working target some nights and every weekend. The dishes have been caught up and the laundry is less of a mountain and more of a normal looking pile. There is still work to be done, so off I go!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Wastin' Time Day 3
I never knew just how much time I could waste, until I had time to waste it! I turned in the last of my assignments on Wednesday, the first day of the month and the first night of official free time!
While I will not feel completely and totally unstressed until I get my actual grades and degree, I am feeling like a 3 story brick building has been taken off my shoulders. Just in time for full-blown Christmas relaxing. Well, that's not entirely true. As soon as I finished my internship and classes, I immediately picked up as many sub-jobs as possible and increased my availability at target by 300%. Even so, there is no greater feeling than coming home from my job(s) completely free to do anything.
Lately, Ryan has been asking me, "What have you been up to?" periodically throughout the day. I find it hard to answer that question. Hours pass and I have no idea what I have done. I'll probably start feeling guilty about not getting anything accomplished eventually, but as of now, I am enjoying the lazy-time that I have earned.
By day 3, I have wrapped up Christmas presents, washed a few dishes and hung a few clothes. I have started checking off items from me "Freedom List". This includes re-watching all of the seasons of Sex & the City - I'll round-off that item by watching both movies. Also on the list - read a magazine cover to cover. I've got issues from August that haven't even been touched! There are about 6 books on the list that I have been dying to read. I've found several art and sewing projects that I would love to try, too.
I figure by day 5 I will be ready to whole-heartedly tackle the things that actually need doing such as the laundry or the dishes or or changing my last name or calling my mom (just kidding, I did that on Day 1 - moms are important!)
In the meantime - pictures!
Our first Thanksgiving dinner as husband and wife: meatballs, ham, broccoli casserole and steamed green beans.
Homemade pumpkin pie for dessert:
After the meal, we put up the tree!
Cheesy picture! Hanging our first ornament together
All decorated:
While I will not feel completely and totally unstressed until I get my actual grades and degree, I am feeling like a 3 story brick building has been taken off my shoulders. Just in time for full-blown Christmas relaxing. Well, that's not entirely true. As soon as I finished my internship and classes, I immediately picked up as many sub-jobs as possible and increased my availability at target by 300%. Even so, there is no greater feeling than coming home from my job(s) completely free to do anything.
Lately, Ryan has been asking me, "What have you been up to?" periodically throughout the day. I find it hard to answer that question. Hours pass and I have no idea what I have done. I'll probably start feeling guilty about not getting anything accomplished eventually, but as of now, I am enjoying the lazy-time that I have earned.
By day 3, I have wrapped up Christmas presents, washed a few dishes and hung a few clothes. I have started checking off items from me "Freedom List". This includes re-watching all of the seasons of Sex & the City - I'll round-off that item by watching both movies. Also on the list - read a magazine cover to cover. I've got issues from August that haven't even been touched! There are about 6 books on the list that I have been dying to read. I've found several art and sewing projects that I would love to try, too.
I figure by day 5 I will be ready to whole-heartedly tackle the things that actually need doing such as the laundry or the dishes or or changing my last name or calling my mom (just kidding, I did that on Day 1 - moms are important!)
In the meantime - pictures!
Our first Thanksgiving dinner as husband and wife: meatballs, ham, broccoli casserole and steamed green beans.
Homemade pumpkin pie for dessert:
After the meal, we put up the tree!
Cheesy picture! Hanging our first ornament together
All decorated:
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Masters Degree - Elementary Education Comprehensive Exams
3 weeks.
3 questions.
3 research papers.
3 weeks starting 2 days after Ryan and I got married.
3 questions related to the Accomplished Practices of Professional Teachers.
3 in-depth research papers which must be in perfect APA style and use peer-reviewed articles from within the last 10 years.
I PASSED!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Love my cookbook!
Give me 2 days off in a row and I can get so much accomplished...except when I wake up on the first of the two days with a stuffy nose and a headache. We are now at day 3 of being a sicky. Tylenol for the headache, decongestion medicine for the nose and my cookbook for the soul.
Ever since the bridal shower, I have had my nose stuck in the cookbook at least twice a week trying out new recipes. My spices cabinet has pretty much doubled in size! This week we are trying a beef stew, rosemary chicken with wild rice and beef stroganoff. Yum!
I am so excited about all the new kitchen gadgets too! I remember shopping for my brother's weddding. I kept thinking, "If I buy this for them, I am certain they will never use it." That is not the case in my kitchen! I never knew what a pastry blender was until I started devouring the cookbook and now I am on the hunt for one!
I love my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook! Thank you to Ryan's beautiful parents for thinking of such a lovely gift!
Ever since the bridal shower, I have had my nose stuck in the cookbook at least twice a week trying out new recipes. My spices cabinet has pretty much doubled in size! This week we are trying a beef stew, rosemary chicken with wild rice and beef stroganoff. Yum!
I am so excited about all the new kitchen gadgets too! I remember shopping for my brother's weddding. I kept thinking, "If I buy this for them, I am certain they will never use it." That is not the case in my kitchen! I never knew what a pastry blender was until I started devouring the cookbook and now I am on the hunt for one!
I love my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook! Thank you to Ryan's beautiful parents for thinking of such a lovely gift!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Send me to the kitchen!
Tonight, for the first time since December 2009, I have no homework! Spring semester really, really kicked my ass. My hard work paid off as I finished off the semester with 3 A's and a Satisfactory in my pass/fail class. Woohoo!
On a whim, Ryan and I stopped by Borders after having a celebratory dinner and ice cream. As I shopped, I found a cute little lemon print apron on clearance. I have been thinking about making or buying an apron for a couple of months now, but haven't found anything terribly desirable. The apron was a bit too long, but I bought it anyway because it was just cute enough. Something about it inspired me. As I showed it to Ryan I realized that with a bit of effort I could trim off the lengthy bottom and use the excess fabric to create pockets. Sold! I am aware that the project is a minor one to any seasoned seamstress; for me, it was an honest-to-goodness sewing project!
When we got home, I set right to work. It took some re-acquainting with the wonderfully mysterious contraption (at least for me) that is the sewing machine. There was also some trying and re-doing involved as always with me and my sewing projects. However, I did not give up! I now have my very own semi-homemade lemon print apron, complete with pockets! Enjoy:
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Buried under homework!
While I should be doing homework, I am updating the blog in hopes of building some momentum to write my paper that is due by midnight tonight.
There is so much homework due this week and I cannot seem to bring myself to complete it! This semester has been quite a struggle. I had to complete 80 hours of observation in addition to working at least 10 sub days (around my classes and other job). I am embarassed to say that I have yet to finish 25 hours - all that must be logged by the end of next week.
Due this week:
1. Strand Assignment - Oultine all of the Next Generation/Sunshine State Standards from Kindergarten - 8th grade on one strand of Mathematics. Then find 3 hands-on activities for each grade level. My strand is about Geometry. I had completed about 1/3 of this gargantuan assignment, took a break and came back to find that all of my work had been lost! I considered dropping out of school at this point.
2. Position paper on my personal Philosophy of Discipline - Choose and support my choice for which discipline plan works best for my future classroom. Align my discipline model with one of the researchers we have discussed this semester and detail some of the strategies I plan to use. I am actually interested in writing this semester. The class has been my favorite by far because the information I learn is applied directly when I substitute. Some of the theories actually work, can you believe it?!
3. Complete 2 more Math problem sets - Design at least 3 "good problems for students" and provide evidence of their work. Complete 3 activities on the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, provide evidence. (This one is easy, but tedious).
4. Comprehensive Unit - Write a 10 day unit for a grade level of your choice on the topic of your choice. I chose 2nd grade subtraction to include basic subtraction, subtraction with regrouping, and multi-digit subtraction. The unit must have sunshine state standards listed and complete lesson plans.
5. Paper on Accomplished Practices - Following my almost finished 80 hours of observation I must write a discussion on 8 of the 12 Accomplished Practices of Educators. Using the Key indicators I have to discuss how the accomplished practices helped to shape the outcome of successful learning in a 4th and 2nd grade classroom.
These 5 things don't seem like such big monsters when I list them. However, this past weekend I had such a good time relaxing in Tampa with friends that it was hard to get back into the swing of my academic life. On top of that, the father of one of the teachers I have been observing passed away. She asked me to sub for her as many days as I could this week so that she could take care of everything and to help her get through this sad time. Between her classroom and the other school I sub at, I have subbed every day this week and will be subbing tomorrow. This included a half day immediately following my morning class on Wednesday. I am just happy that I only had to work 1 night this week at the other job. Early mornings have been rough this week and that does not make it easier for my brain to pump out accomplished practices or geometric activities or classroom management strategies!
Enough procrastinating...if you can't find me, just dig underneath the pile of books near my computer - I'm under there somewhere!
There is so much homework due this week and I cannot seem to bring myself to complete it! This semester has been quite a struggle. I had to complete 80 hours of observation in addition to working at least 10 sub days (around my classes and other job). I am embarassed to say that I have yet to finish 25 hours - all that must be logged by the end of next week.
Due this week:
1. Strand Assignment - Oultine all of the Next Generation/Sunshine State Standards from Kindergarten - 8th grade on one strand of Mathematics. Then find 3 hands-on activities for each grade level. My strand is about Geometry. I had completed about 1/3 of this gargantuan assignment, took a break and came back to find that all of my work had been lost! I considered dropping out of school at this point.
2. Position paper on my personal Philosophy of Discipline - Choose and support my choice for which discipline plan works best for my future classroom. Align my discipline model with one of the researchers we have discussed this semester and detail some of the strategies I plan to use. I am actually interested in writing this semester. The class has been my favorite by far because the information I learn is applied directly when I substitute. Some of the theories actually work, can you believe it?!
3. Complete 2 more Math problem sets - Design at least 3 "good problems for students" and provide evidence of their work. Complete 3 activities on the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, provide evidence. (This one is easy, but tedious).
4. Comprehensive Unit - Write a 10 day unit for a grade level of your choice on the topic of your choice. I chose 2nd grade subtraction to include basic subtraction, subtraction with regrouping, and multi-digit subtraction. The unit must have sunshine state standards listed and complete lesson plans.
5. Paper on Accomplished Practices - Following my almost finished 80 hours of observation I must write a discussion on 8 of the 12 Accomplished Practices of Educators. Using the Key indicators I have to discuss how the accomplished practices helped to shape the outcome of successful learning in a 4th and 2nd grade classroom.
These 5 things don't seem like such big monsters when I list them. However, this past weekend I had such a good time relaxing in Tampa with friends that it was hard to get back into the swing of my academic life. On top of that, the father of one of the teachers I have been observing passed away. She asked me to sub for her as many days as I could this week so that she could take care of everything and to help her get through this sad time. Between her classroom and the other school I sub at, I have subbed every day this week and will be subbing tomorrow. This included a half day immediately following my morning class on Wednesday. I am just happy that I only had to work 1 night this week at the other job. Early mornings have been rough this week and that does not make it easier for my brain to pump out accomplished practices or geometric activities or classroom management strategies!
Enough procrastinating...if you can't find me, just dig underneath the pile of books near my computer - I'm under there somewhere!
Friday, March 12, 2010
if I had time to blog...
I would:
1. Tell you all about my wonderful birthday which we celebrated almost a month ago!
2. Say thank you to all the people who sent me lovely cards
3. Talk about how difficult it is to pick a new app or ringtone for the iPhone with all the fantastic itunes/app store money I have been gifted with!
4. Talk about my new title and raise (woohoo!) at work
5. Regail you with details about all the wedding plans that are falling neatly into place
6. Post pictures
7. Talk about how the wedding is just barely over 6 months away!
8. Say how much I'm going to miss the cold, snuggle-inducing weather which has been replaced with rain and hot and humidity
9. Say "Happy Birthday Marcy" (it's not past midnight in my timezone, does that count?)
10. and, finally, I would talk about how I am back on track to get down to my fighting weight with Ryan's help!
Instead, I am exhausted from work and making a list of what I need to post about. As tired as I am right now, I am actually quite satisfied. Funny how a little raise can make the hours that much more worth it. It also helps that a lot of big details are set in place for the wedding. Goodnight!
1. Tell you all about my wonderful birthday which we celebrated almost a month ago!
2. Say thank you to all the people who sent me lovely cards
3. Talk about how difficult it is to pick a new app or ringtone for the iPhone with all the fantastic itunes/app store money I have been gifted with!
4. Talk about my new title and raise (woohoo!) at work
5. Regail you with details about all the wedding plans that are falling neatly into place
6. Post pictures
7. Talk about how the wedding is just barely over 6 months away!
8. Say how much I'm going to miss the cold, snuggle-inducing weather which has been replaced with rain and hot and humidity
9. Say "Happy Birthday Marcy" (it's not past midnight in my timezone, does that count?)
10. and, finally, I would talk about how I am back on track to get down to my fighting weight with Ryan's help!
Instead, I am exhausted from work and making a list of what I need to post about. As tired as I am right now, I am actually quite satisfied. Funny how a little raise can make the hours that much more worth it. It also helps that a lot of big details are set in place for the wedding. Goodnight!
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Full Cup
Last night, I got a call to substitute for a full day today. I immediately took the job for several reasons:
1. The school/teachers at the school prefer to use the same subs over and over because they learn the routine and the students and the students get to know the sub. Basically - the better sub you are, the more exclusively they call you.
2. The teacher calling has a pretty varied day and only works with small groups of children in Kindergarten and 5th grade - good variety.
3. Better pay day the more sub jobs I take.
4. It's the Friday before Valentine's Day and it's known that there is almost always a party - hello candy and treats!
So I got up early and got ready for the day ahead. The morning started off really easy. I had about 4 kids in a reading group and I really felt like a teacher. I used multiple strategies to try to teach the kids about autobiographies and biographies. I had a good handle on behavior despite the fact that the kids were very excited about their upcoming party. Next, I had a group of 8 or so for math. We talked about patterns and I really think I taught them something! It was a really good feeling.
After math, I went to a Kindergarten classroom. We colored and passed out Valentines. I watched 2 of the cutest little girls in the world read a story to me. They were almost reading better than some of the 5th graders I had earlier that morning. Some of the little ones gave me little valentines treats and sweet little hugs. 5th grade science came after Kindergarten. I just had to walk around and check their notes to make sure they were able to study them for their test on Tuesday. More candy and treats were passed out - yum!
My day ended at 11:30 when the big kids went to lunch. Their holiday party was after lunch and then they go to special area - neither of which I had to be present for. Sweet - still got paid the full day.I took advantage of the free afternoon and made my way over to the elementary school where I'm doing my 80 hours of observation. I made it just in time for them to pass out their Valentines and have their party. I helped the 2nd graders decorate cupcakes and passed out the other party treats. This class is just about the best behaved group of kids I have ever seen. They were so polite to each other and so excited about all their goodies. We played heads up 7-up and 4 corners to get some of their sugar-energy out and then my day there was over. I didn't log those hours as observation because it wasn't really academically informational. I mostly just wanted to see how a good teacher runs her class on a holiday.
I headed home to have a late lunch with Ryan before he headed off to work. We played our computer game for an hour and then I took a nap after he left. At 6:30 I had to go to work at Target. boo. It wasn't terrible though for a change. I was in a good mood from my sub job and observation. I felt well-rested after my nap.
I absolutely cannot wait to become a teacher and have my own classroom. For now, I'll settle for the mini-highs of teaching as a substitute and observing a great teacher in action. Overall, today was busy but very fulfilling.
1. The school/teachers at the school prefer to use the same subs over and over because they learn the routine and the students and the students get to know the sub. Basically - the better sub you are, the more exclusively they call you.
2. The teacher calling has a pretty varied day and only works with small groups of children in Kindergarten and 5th grade - good variety.
3. Better pay day the more sub jobs I take.
4. It's the Friday before Valentine's Day and it's known that there is almost always a party - hello candy and treats!
So I got up early and got ready for the day ahead. The morning started off really easy. I had about 4 kids in a reading group and I really felt like a teacher. I used multiple strategies to try to teach the kids about autobiographies and biographies. I had a good handle on behavior despite the fact that the kids were very excited about their upcoming party. Next, I had a group of 8 or so for math. We talked about patterns and I really think I taught them something! It was a really good feeling.
After math, I went to a Kindergarten classroom. We colored and passed out Valentines. I watched 2 of the cutest little girls in the world read a story to me. They were almost reading better than some of the 5th graders I had earlier that morning. Some of the little ones gave me little valentines treats and sweet little hugs. 5th grade science came after Kindergarten. I just had to walk around and check their notes to make sure they were able to study them for their test on Tuesday. More candy and treats were passed out - yum!
My day ended at 11:30 when the big kids went to lunch. Their holiday party was after lunch and then they go to special area - neither of which I had to be present for. Sweet - still got paid the full day.I took advantage of the free afternoon and made my way over to the elementary school where I'm doing my 80 hours of observation. I made it just in time for them to pass out their Valentines and have their party. I helped the 2nd graders decorate cupcakes and passed out the other party treats. This class is just about the best behaved group of kids I have ever seen. They were so polite to each other and so excited about all their goodies. We played heads up 7-up and 4 corners to get some of their sugar-energy out and then my day there was over. I didn't log those hours as observation because it wasn't really academically informational. I mostly just wanted to see how a good teacher runs her class on a holiday.
I headed home to have a late lunch with Ryan before he headed off to work. We played our computer game for an hour and then I took a nap after he left. At 6:30 I had to go to work at Target. boo. It wasn't terrible though for a change. I was in a good mood from my sub job and observation. I felt well-rested after my nap.
I absolutely cannot wait to become a teacher and have my own classroom. For now, I'll settle for the mini-highs of teaching as a substitute and observing a great teacher in action. Overall, today was busy but very fulfilling.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Why I'm marrying him - Reason #925
Most weekend nights Ryan and I are working. We've been trying to avoid eating out just for the sake of eating out, so I regularly pack our lunches. So the other day I was getting my lunch and Ryan's lunch together. I made our sandwiches as usual and gathered all the fruits and granolas bars that serve as sides/snacks as we go through our night. I poured some light sweet tea into a bottle for Ryan and added it to his lunch. He's been trying to stay away from diet sodas lately and has replaced soda with lots more water. I know water isn't his favorite drink so I threw in the sweet tea. Upon noticing the new addition to his lunch, he looked down at me, held me in his arms and said, "This is why you're going to be a good mother. You're so conscientious when you pack my lunch. Our kids are going to have great lunches. You're gonna be a great mom." I swear to you, I was positively glowing! I have always wanted to be a mom and have also always worried (like most moms) about doing a good job. Hearing the man I love tell me that I'm going to be good was just about the sweetest moment in our engaged lives.
Most people I work with have asked me about my relationship with Ryan. Several of my co-workers have been through a divorceor two. When I tell them that we have been together for over 5 years and our engagement means the world to me, the response is usually "you guys are doing it the right way, so many people just rush into it and get it wrong." I know this and have known it for quite some time. Too often these days, people aren't taking marriage seriously. Marriage has almost become the modern version of "going steady". People rush into marriage and rush into divorce and hop right back into another marriage like they're replacing their car. Ryan and I are getting married because we literally want to spend the rest of our lives together. We thought carefully about what it means to be married and thought carefully about future together. We did things our way such that our relationship is strong and trusting. And moments like when he tells me I'm going to be a good mom solidify in my mind and my heart that, yes, we are doing it the right way.
Most people I work with have asked me about my relationship with Ryan. Several of my co-workers have been through a divorceor two. When I tell them that we have been together for over 5 years and our engagement means the world to me, the response is usually "you guys are doing it the right way, so many people just rush into it and get it wrong." I know this and have known it for quite some time. Too often these days, people aren't taking marriage seriously. Marriage has almost become the modern version of "going steady". People rush into marriage and rush into divorce and hop right back into another marriage like they're replacing their car. Ryan and I are getting married because we literally want to spend the rest of our lives together. We thought carefully about what it means to be married and thought carefully about future together. We did things our way such that our relationship is strong and trusting. And moments like when he tells me I'm going to be a good mom solidify in my mind and my heart that, yes, we are doing it the right way.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
New semester, new year, new attitude
(Yes, I know it's been awhile...)
This semester started off at a running pace! I was so relaxed and stress-free during the Christmas/New Year break, so I was completely unprepared for the break-neck speeds of my classes! I was thinking that since 2 of my 4 classes are hybrid (some classtime, but mostly online work), it would be a breeze. Not!
This semester I am taking a Math class which has completely tedious, "busy-work" type of assignments. My teacher is very sweet, but wants a lot of hands-on work from us. It took me a couple of weeks to get into the groove, but I think I am caught up at last.
I'm also taking an ESOL class with another very sweet teacher. This is the second class I've had with the teacher, so I thought I knew what to expect. However, since its the sequel class it is much more in depth (read: more work!). But after getting through the tough weeks, I am back on track!
My third class is Classroom Management/Organization. We had a pretty big paper/presentation due in the 3rd week which is the cause of most of my disorganization and poor planning. This class was sort of the wake-up call that told me, "Get organized!". The teacher is very nice and we only have to actually go to class once a month. The rest is discussion board posting and responding. We have another major project due in April and I am already planning ahead!
The last class I'm taking is strictly observation in the field. I have to spend a total of 80 hours observing and writing about my observations. It sounds like a lot, but I'm looking at it as the constant reminder of how rewarding my future career will be. This is just the little step that I have to take to get there.
Today was my first observation day and I almost completely dropped the ball. I've been working really hard to go to bed early and get up well before Ryan so that I have time to do my homework. This morning Ryan had to be at work at 10:00, so I rolled out of bed just before he left to get his lunch together and then get my day started. I was lounging around in my pj's, eating breakfast and checking the usual websites before doing homework. Ryan texted me at 10:18 asking what my plan for the day entailed. As I'm detailing my lovely quiet morning at home, I suddenly realize that I'm supposed to be at the school for observation at 10:30! Fortunately, the school is about 4 minutes away from the apt, so I knew I could make it with some serious rushing. Also fortunately, my wake-up call from the rough start of the semester had prompted me to get prepared ahead of time. I brushed my teeth, got dressed in record time, grabbed my notebook and ran out the door. I made it right on time, but my teacher was held late in a meeting. The 10 minutes of waiting gave me time to collect myself and slow down again.
It must be my lucky day today because I ran into one of the girls in the program. I had been trying to get in touch with another teacher at the same school with no luck. She introduced me to the teacher and voila! I have my observation hours ready to go with the 2nd teacher! I'm positively glowing from my frantic yet very productive morning. Being around amazing teachers and working in their classrooms makes it very hard to go back to the retail job, but it's a means to an end and I'll get where I need to be eventually.
This semester started off at a running pace! I was so relaxed and stress-free during the Christmas/New Year break, so I was completely unprepared for the break-neck speeds of my classes! I was thinking that since 2 of my 4 classes are hybrid (some classtime, but mostly online work), it would be a breeze. Not!
This semester I am taking a Math class which has completely tedious, "busy-work" type of assignments. My teacher is very sweet, but wants a lot of hands-on work from us. It took me a couple of weeks to get into the groove, but I think I am caught up at last.
I'm also taking an ESOL class with another very sweet teacher. This is the second class I've had with the teacher, so I thought I knew what to expect. However, since its the sequel class it is much more in depth (read: more work!). But after getting through the tough weeks, I am back on track!
My third class is Classroom Management/Organization. We had a pretty big paper/presentation due in the 3rd week which is the cause of most of my disorganization and poor planning. This class was sort of the wake-up call that told me, "Get organized!". The teacher is very nice and we only have to actually go to class once a month. The rest is discussion board posting and responding. We have another major project due in April and I am already planning ahead!
The last class I'm taking is strictly observation in the field. I have to spend a total of 80 hours observing and writing about my observations. It sounds like a lot, but I'm looking at it as the constant reminder of how rewarding my future career will be. This is just the little step that I have to take to get there.
Today was my first observation day and I almost completely dropped the ball. I've been working really hard to go to bed early and get up well before Ryan so that I have time to do my homework. This morning Ryan had to be at work at 10:00, so I rolled out of bed just before he left to get his lunch together and then get my day started. I was lounging around in my pj's, eating breakfast and checking the usual websites before doing homework. Ryan texted me at 10:18 asking what my plan for the day entailed. As I'm detailing my lovely quiet morning at home, I suddenly realize that I'm supposed to be at the school for observation at 10:30! Fortunately, the school is about 4 minutes away from the apt, so I knew I could make it with some serious rushing. Also fortunately, my wake-up call from the rough start of the semester had prompted me to get prepared ahead of time. I brushed my teeth, got dressed in record time, grabbed my notebook and ran out the door. I made it right on time, but my teacher was held late in a meeting. The 10 minutes of waiting gave me time to collect myself and slow down again.
It must be my lucky day today because I ran into one of the girls in the program. I had been trying to get in touch with another teacher at the same school with no luck. She introduced me to the teacher and voila! I have my observation hours ready to go with the 2nd teacher! I'm positively glowing from my frantic yet very productive morning. Being around amazing teachers and working in their classrooms makes it very hard to go back to the retail job, but it's a means to an end and I'll get where I need to be eventually.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wedding Progress
Ryan and I have been engaged for about a month and a half now. Woot! Despite school and work obligations, we have managed to get some details worked out. It always helps me to have lists to see how far I've come and how far I have to go!
1. Centerpieces chosen - 1/2 the materials gathered (we're slowly gathering the pieces as we get the 50% coupons at Michael's - hooray for wedding on a budget!)
2. Wedding favors chosen - my mom's doing some serious baking the week of the wedding
3. Favor boxes ordered
4. Stationary purchased: Invitations, programs and thank you cards
5. Bridesmaids chosen
6. 1/2 the Groomsmen chosen
7. Colors picked (yellow for Ryan, pink for me)
8. Guest List finalized (I hope! We haven't added anyone in over a week, good sign)
9. Gift registries set up - www.thehoneymoon.com and www.target.com
--Please feel free to use these as gift ideas for Christmas and birthdays to come.... =)
--That was a fun day at Target. Ryan didn't let me use the gun at all! He said if he had to shop for this stuff, he got to be the gun holder. The second time we went, he let me use the gun because he's fair like that.
10. Wedding website in progress (stay tuned for links) - We just have to add some pictures and little bit of Ryan's flare to the website and it'll be up and running.
We're still workling out the wedding venue choices. We've seen some places that have pieces of what we want, but no one place has it all. There are a few more choices we're looking into, but I think I know which we'll choose if the last places come in over budget. We mostly just want a place where no one will feel cramped. We found place that has all the space we need at a good price, but all the decorations will have to be brought in ($$$). We found a place that has all the beauty for a bit over budget, but the room is sort of divided and some tables might feel separated from the party (no good).
And now it's time to do homework. Blah. The semester is over Dec 4 and that's right about the time Christmas shopping will be in full swing at work. No rest. But it's all worth it.
1. Centerpieces chosen - 1/2 the materials gathered (we're slowly gathering the pieces as we get the 50% coupons at Michael's - hooray for wedding on a budget!)
2. Wedding favors chosen - my mom's doing some serious baking the week of the wedding
3. Favor boxes ordered
4. Stationary purchased: Invitations, programs and thank you cards
5. Bridesmaids chosen
6. 1/2 the Groomsmen chosen
7. Colors picked (yellow for Ryan, pink for me)
8. Guest List finalized (I hope! We haven't added anyone in over a week, good sign)
9. Gift registries set up - www.thehoneymoon.com and www.target.com
--Please feel free to use these as gift ideas for Christmas and birthdays to come.... =)
--That was a fun day at Target. Ryan didn't let me use the gun at all! He said if he had to shop for this stuff, he got to be the gun holder. The second time we went, he let me use the gun because he's fair like that.
10. Wedding website in progress (stay tuned for links) - We just have to add some pictures and little bit of Ryan's flare to the website and it'll be up and running.
We're still workling out the wedding venue choices. We've seen some places that have pieces of what we want, but no one place has it all. There are a few more choices we're looking into, but I think I know which we'll choose if the last places come in over budget. We mostly just want a place where no one will feel cramped. We found place that has all the space we need at a good price, but all the decorations will have to be brought in ($$$). We found a place that has all the beauty for a bit over budget, but the room is sort of divided and some tables might feel separated from the party (no good).
And now it's time to do homework. Blah. The semester is over Dec 4 and that's right about the time Christmas shopping will be in full swing at work. No rest. But it's all worth it.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Weekend Away
This weekend will be half vacation and half wedding planning. Ryan and I will be galavanting about Jacksonville meeting with different reception location possibilities and spending time with my family.
After a very special email from Ryan's sweet mom and an attempt to put things into perspective, I have come off the cliff. I cannot control how others act, but I can control how I react to others.
We'll be traveling to Jacksonville tomorrow ready for a busy weekend of planning and hopefully a bit of relaxation.
In other news, I am buried in school work at the moment. One of the things that has always helped me to get things under control is making a list of everything that I have ahead of me. Once I finish an item on the list, I take a red pen and mark through it triumphantly. The list is quite long at this point, but I had the joy of crossing off 2 things this week. I have found my stride in this semester, at last. It helps to put the wedding stuff aside every now and then, even if it is just to do homework.
Ryan and I have decided that it might be best for me to slow down on school a bit. I'll be extending my program plan by one semester. This way, we will be able to actually take our honeymoon right after the wedding instead of 3 months later when my internship is over. Also, I won't have to take so many classes at once. We haven't had as much time together lately to really enjoy one another's company. What little time we do have is spent buying groceries, cleaning the apt and running errands. This weekend is much needed. Four whole entire days together is exactly what we need to keep the balance.
After a very special email from Ryan's sweet mom and an attempt to put things into perspective, I have come off the cliff. I cannot control how others act, but I can control how I react to others.
We'll be traveling to Jacksonville tomorrow ready for a busy weekend of planning and hopefully a bit of relaxation.
In other news, I am buried in school work at the moment. One of the things that has always helped me to get things under control is making a list of everything that I have ahead of me. Once I finish an item on the list, I take a red pen and mark through it triumphantly. The list is quite long at this point, but I had the joy of crossing off 2 things this week. I have found my stride in this semester, at last. It helps to put the wedding stuff aside every now and then, even if it is just to do homework.
Ryan and I have decided that it might be best for me to slow down on school a bit. I'll be extending my program plan by one semester. This way, we will be able to actually take our honeymoon right after the wedding instead of 3 months later when my internship is over. Also, I won't have to take so many classes at once. We haven't had as much time together lately to really enjoy one another's company. What little time we do have is spent buying groceries, cleaning the apt and running errands. This weekend is much needed. Four whole entire days together is exactly what we need to keep the balance.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Expectations, Obligations and Entitlement
I have always thought that wedding drama was overrated. In my pre-engaged mind, I could not for the life of me figure out what could be so dramatic or stressful. Sure, there are several hundred details that could be hashed out in making your "Big Day" the most special day possible. I just couldn't see how picking out colors or menu items could be stressful. Didn't the idea of marrying the man you love with all your heart oblilterate any possibilities to have stress in planning how to make the marriage happen?
Budgeting is just about the only detail that I could see as a stressful matter. But Ryan and I are so close in thought when it comes to budgeting, I figured we'd skate past that detail easily.
I never once realized that the number of family members you have is exponentially related to the amount of stress and drama you experience. I am Philippino with Catholic roots. Basically that means in this equation I am screwed. My father has 7 brothers and sisters. My mother has 6 brothers and sisters. Each of those aunts and uncles of mine has children and some of those children have children of their own. While there are several family members that still live in the Philippines (Thank you Jesus!), there are quite a few who live in the States.
I have an aunt who feels that simply because she is my aunt and I am getting married, she is entitled to be a sponsor in the wedding. I have a cousin who has a daughter who feels that I should be obligated to have said daughter be the flower girl, possibly because I was in her wedding. I have a parent who is getting hoity-toity about whose side of the family is more represented in the wedding, my mom's side vs. my dad's side. I am expected to have my sister as my maid of honor. This is the only detail that my family has imposed on this wedding that I feel is appropriate and appreciated.
When I think of all of the things that my family wants and compare it to what Ryan and I want, I just want to scream or hide under the covers and wait until September 26, 2010 comes around. There are people in my extended family who have declared that they are not coming to the wedding because of a tactless Facebook comment made by another family member. I am suspicious of the full reasoning behind this declaration. It may be because I have not chosen my cousin's daughter as a Flower Girl and because I have not asked my aunt to be a sponsor. Either way, they are trying to make this declaration of non-attendance as a statement of anger and to make a strong point of how hurt their feelings are.
In all selfishness on my part, I do not care. It doesn't hurt my feelings in any way, shape or form that they are choosing not to come. I see their absence as 4 less people that I have to supply dinner for.
These people that I call family are being ridiculous, plain and simple. If it comes down to it, we won't have any bridesmaids or groomsmen or sponsors or flower girls or ring bearers. Ryan, using his best manager voice, will just have to tell them all too SUCK IT! (Hi, my name is Bridezilla...)
In the grand scheme of things, does the flower girl or ring bearer or sponsor or bridesmaid or groomsmen or usher have any impact on whether or not Ryan and I are married at the end of the day? In a word, NO!
And that's not even mentioning the fact that Ryan has family members as well. He has sisters, and nieces, and nephews and parents and cousins and aunts and uncles just the same minus about 100. It may be that he is protecting me from drama on his side, but I'm thinking it's more along the lines of the idea that there is no drama coming from his side. My cousin doesn't stop to think that maybe Ryan has a niece that would look lovely carrying a basket full of rose petals down the aisle. Which he does and she would, by the way. All she sees is that her daughter is not included and that must mean I hate their family. Obviously. On that subject, however, it is a well known fact in my family that this cousin and I have not always been BFF. She was probably the last person to be told, and that wasn't a coincidence. Knowing this, why would she feel I would want her bad attitude in the wedding party at all?
All I have left to say is, don't be surprised when instead of getting an invitation to the wedding, you get an announcement of our marriage with pictures of me in a huge Princess ball gown standing in the front of a courthouse with Ryan. Just don't be surprised.
Budgeting is just about the only detail that I could see as a stressful matter. But Ryan and I are so close in thought when it comes to budgeting, I figured we'd skate past that detail easily.
I never once realized that the number of family members you have is exponentially related to the amount of stress and drama you experience. I am Philippino with Catholic roots. Basically that means in this equation I am screwed. My father has 7 brothers and sisters. My mother has 6 brothers and sisters. Each of those aunts and uncles of mine has children and some of those children have children of their own. While there are several family members that still live in the Philippines (Thank you Jesus!), there are quite a few who live in the States.
I have an aunt who feels that simply because she is my aunt and I am getting married, she is entitled to be a sponsor in the wedding. I have a cousin who has a daughter who feels that I should be obligated to have said daughter be the flower girl, possibly because I was in her wedding. I have a parent who is getting hoity-toity about whose side of the family is more represented in the wedding, my mom's side vs. my dad's side. I am expected to have my sister as my maid of honor. This is the only detail that my family has imposed on this wedding that I feel is appropriate and appreciated.
When I think of all of the things that my family wants and compare it to what Ryan and I want, I just want to scream or hide under the covers and wait until September 26, 2010 comes around. There are people in my extended family who have declared that they are not coming to the wedding because of a tactless Facebook comment made by another family member. I am suspicious of the full reasoning behind this declaration. It may be because I have not chosen my cousin's daughter as a Flower Girl and because I have not asked my aunt to be a sponsor. Either way, they are trying to make this declaration of non-attendance as a statement of anger and to make a strong point of how hurt their feelings are.
In all selfishness on my part, I do not care. It doesn't hurt my feelings in any way, shape or form that they are choosing not to come. I see their absence as 4 less people that I have to supply dinner for.
These people that I call family are being ridiculous, plain and simple. If it comes down to it, we won't have any bridesmaids or groomsmen or sponsors or flower girls or ring bearers. Ryan, using his best manager voice, will just have to tell them all too SUCK IT! (Hi, my name is Bridezilla...)
In the grand scheme of things, does the flower girl or ring bearer or sponsor or bridesmaid or groomsmen or usher have any impact on whether or not Ryan and I are married at the end of the day? In a word, NO!
And that's not even mentioning the fact that Ryan has family members as well. He has sisters, and nieces, and nephews and parents and cousins and aunts and uncles just the same minus about 100. It may be that he is protecting me from drama on his side, but I'm thinking it's more along the lines of the idea that there is no drama coming from his side. My cousin doesn't stop to think that maybe Ryan has a niece that would look lovely carrying a basket full of rose petals down the aisle. Which he does and she would, by the way. All she sees is that her daughter is not included and that must mean I hate their family. Obviously. On that subject, however, it is a well known fact in my family that this cousin and I have not always been BFF. She was probably the last person to be told, and that wasn't a coincidence. Knowing this, why would she feel I would want her bad attitude in the wedding party at all?
All I have left to say is, don't be surprised when instead of getting an invitation to the wedding, you get an announcement of our marriage with pictures of me in a huge Princess ball gown standing in the front of a courthouse with Ryan. Just don't be surprised.
Friday, October 30, 2009
who knew?
I feel like I just stepped into the new age of technology (about 5 years late). I have been thinking for awhile that I would like to have a new laptop. After about 2 months of thinking and thinking about it, I finally went out and bought one. I found a laptop for half the price of the last laptop I purchased 5 or 6 years ago.
I am actually sitting in Panera, sipping coffee. So I guess now would be an appropriate time to crack open the 10lb book about teaching little kids to read. Oh yeah, and study for the science extra credit quiz to make up for the one I bombed last week!
This laptop has a built-in webcam. I didn't even know that was an option. It was pretty reasonably priced, and since the wedding costs are pretty much taken care of, I don't feel too bad about buying one. My major reasoning for buying one now was that I need a reliable, fast-working portable means of studying. I get very distracted in the apartment, so I very rarely get more than 30 minutes of studying done at any one time. I envisioned myself studying in the library for hours at a time or sipping coffee at panera while typing up lesson plans and other projects that require some serious planning.
So far, I have used my new technology to take a picture of my new haircut. See?
I am actually sitting in Panera, sipping coffee. So I guess now would be an appropriate time to crack open the 10lb book about teaching little kids to read. Oh yeah, and study for the science extra credit quiz to make up for the one I bombed last week!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mid semester
This past week I had 2 midterms. One midterm went beautifully and the other felt like a scary disaster. Taking 3 classes in my undergrad felt like a breeze, midterms were never particularly hard and life was so much different. Taking 3 classes in Grad school is a bigger undertaking than I ever expected!
Following midterms, the bulk of my major assignments are due. We have a lesson plan to write, present to a group of students, record on video said presentation and write a report on the lesson plan experience as a whole. On top of that, we had to conduct an extensive reading assessment on an emergent reader and write a report on that interview. Aside from these assignments, we have to write weekly journals based on the readings (100+ pages sometimes) each week. The journals take about 5 hours to complete, no exageration. These are just for one class!
For my other classes, I have to write 3 more lesson plans and take 2 finals. The other classes are less intense, but still need attention.
There was a time when I was really feeling spread too thin. I was subsitute teaching and working at Target, pulling doubles across the 2 jobs. Studying for midterms and preparing for papers. Taking piano lessons. Trying to plan a wedding. Trying to spend time with my fiance. Trying to fall asleep at night after long, mentally and physically exhausting days and feeling unsure as to whether I would be able to keep my head above the water.
Things have calmed down quite a bit, mostly because I was about to break. I bought a planner and got organized, cut back on substitute teaching only on days when I don't also have to work at Target, my last piano lesson is on Tuesday (sad), and I'm taking the wedding planning in manageable chunks. A little organization goes a long way! Of course, I am always behind on the laundry and the apartment is in a constant state of disarry. We always have clean underwear and food to eat, so something must be going right!
Mid semester means I am running down the homstretch. I can't allow the homework and busy schedule become a mountain that I am afraid to climb. One week at a time, keeping a weather eye on what's coming up, but celebrating the little gains. I can do this without losing it.
Following midterms, the bulk of my major assignments are due. We have a lesson plan to write, present to a group of students, record on video said presentation and write a report on the lesson plan experience as a whole. On top of that, we had to conduct an extensive reading assessment on an emergent reader and write a report on that interview. Aside from these assignments, we have to write weekly journals based on the readings (100+ pages sometimes) each week. The journals take about 5 hours to complete, no exageration. These are just for one class!
For my other classes, I have to write 3 more lesson plans and take 2 finals. The other classes are less intense, but still need attention.
There was a time when I was really feeling spread too thin. I was subsitute teaching and working at Target, pulling doubles across the 2 jobs. Studying for midterms and preparing for papers. Taking piano lessons. Trying to plan a wedding. Trying to spend time with my fiance. Trying to fall asleep at night after long, mentally and physically exhausting days and feeling unsure as to whether I would be able to keep my head above the water.
Things have calmed down quite a bit, mostly because I was about to break. I bought a planner and got organized, cut back on substitute teaching only on days when I don't also have to work at Target, my last piano lesson is on Tuesday (sad), and I'm taking the wedding planning in manageable chunks. A little organization goes a long way! Of course, I am always behind on the laundry and the apartment is in a constant state of disarry. We always have clean underwear and food to eat, so something must be going right!
Mid semester means I am running down the homstretch. I can't allow the homework and busy schedule become a mountain that I am afraid to climb. One week at a time, keeping a weather eye on what's coming up, but celebrating the little gains. I can do this without losing it.
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