Believing in Karma

I've believed in a lot of things during my life time.

God.
Jesus.
Santa.
Myself.
Other people.
The fact that I couldn't believe in other people.
Other people again.
That maybe what I've believed in, isn't something I should put belief in at all.
A love that lasts a lifetime.
That I could do anything I set my mind to.
That I could never do anything.
That I could do anything I set my mind to again.
The tooth fairy.
That my dog can read my mind.

Some of these things turned out to be things I could have faith in, others not so much.
(Man was that whole Santa thing a bummer.)

But one thing I wasn't ever quite sure about was Karma.

It's a nice idea.
If I do something good, eventually I will benefit from this action and receive good on my end later on.

I've always had faith or religion, but I've never really put too much thought towards Karma. I always just tried to do good things because hey, that's nice.
And if I caught myself doing something "bad" I stopped myself because, well that's bad.
And I didn't want to be bad.

And of course I use phrases like, "I guess Karma's a bitch!" and "This will definitely bring you good karma."  But it never really meant anything. I guess for me, Karma meant, okay I didn't something good, and I mean if I wait long enough something else good will happen because well, I waited long enough and that's just bound to happen.

What I think I'm trying to say here is as an early twenty something year old who has had my own beliefs in how the world works through my own faith, and then lost some faith, and then maybe found it again, I didn't give much thought to this idea that seems to make sense but also seems a little silly to believe in.
Never mind the fact that it's closely related to another faith that is widely different than mine. (You know the one that I've been lost then found, then lost, and now maybe finally found again?)

But then last school year happened.

And it was really, really, really hard.

Both professionally and personally.

At school I was creating a curriculum up on the fly that should have been divided into two separate classes, and then trying to teach it to some of my most behaviorally and academically challenging students I'd ever had.
At the end of every day I was physically and emotionally exhausted.
I kept on giving every single ounce of what I had to my career and my students both in and out of school. I tried to look at the positives. I had wonderful teammates that always had my back and tried to celebrate the little things that went well at work.

My personal life was a break and relief from what was going on at school. But I didn't take care of myself the way I should. I wasn't taking enough time off, I wasn't working out, I wasn't focusing on family, friends, my faith or even my marriage the way I'd like to. I was so consumed in surviving the school year that everything else took the back burner.

But, I continued to work hard. I put in my best effort. And the only way for me to get through that was by staying positive, and trying to do the right thing by my students everyday just because it was the right thing to do.

Now I didn't really think about the word Karma much during the school year. I think the closest I got to it was thinking, "What did I ever do to deserve all of this." More of a whoa is me, why am I being punished when I'd just had a bad day.

The school year ended and I moved on. I slowly started to feel like a person with a life outside of work. I knew that I'd learned a lot but it was hard for me to put the year into perspective. I mostly focused on making some extra money and trying to take care of everything that had fallen to the wayside during the school year.

Then September rolled around. I got anxious. I was nervous. If last year was like last year would I make it? Was it always going to be that hard?

I went through the first day of school.
And it was the easiest first day of school yet.
But I wouldn't hold my breath because hey, it's just the first day of school.

And then I made it through my first week of school.
And it was the most pleasant first week of school yet.
But I wouldn't hold my breath because hey, it's just the first week of school.

And now I've made it almost through my first month of school.
And it has been probably the best first month of school yet.

Now the schedule this year confusing, with few breaks, and from what I've been told by some of the veteran's in the building the hardest one to follow that they've seen; and I am still creating a new curriculum because I'm teaching Humanities again but this time to 7th graders; and of course there are always going to be students not on grade level; and there are always going to be students that take every ounce of patience and positivity that I can muster to make it through the day.

BUT.

Something's different.

The problems are manageable. The solutions are easier to find. I'm happier. The lessons and units are coming to me easier and unfolding more smoothly.

And at home? I have more energy. I'm taking care of more things like I vowed I'd try to. And I'm finding more time to take care of myself. I'm working out. I'm eating better. I'm keeping in touch with friends and seeing my family much more often than I did last year.

Maybe things are easier for me this year because I grew as a teacher.
Maybe things are easier because I spent so much time trying to come up with things that were positive to reassure myself that it just comes naturally.
Maybe things are easier because things this year are just easier.

But after those first few days of school one word kept popping up in my head.

Karma.

I knew it.

No matter the reason, I felt like whatever was happening to me and my life starting this school year had to do with the word Karma.

I knew that I was somehow now receiving whatever hard work and good that I'd sent out into the world last year.

And it was exactly what I needed.

Is life perfect? No. Because that's not how life, or at least I think, Karma works.

Do I think that I'm a little happier this year because of the good I put out into the world coming back to me? I sure do.

So tomorrow, or maybe even sometime later this week or the next when things get tough. When you don't feel like giving to others because you would like to give to yourself. When what is good and right thing to do isn't easy. When you'd like to put your needs in front of the needs of someone else.

Think about Karma. 

It may not come your way when you want it, but it will most definitely come your way when you need it.

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Think good thoughts, and do good deeds this week.
I'll send some good Karma your way. ;)

A List Of Things I've Been Doing Lately

It occurred to me the other day when I woke up from my super casual two hour nap after school the other day that I have a blog.
That blog is this blog and I also simultaneously realized that I hadn't posted in that blog for about three weeks.
Which also just by chance happens to be the amount of time that I've been in school.

Juuuuust a coincidence. Right?

While I could be all "Blah blah blah OMG TEACHING IS JUST SO SUPER HARD AND BUSY LET ME GIVE YOU MY SCHEDULE FOR THE LAST WEEK TO JUSTIFY WHY I'VE BEEN GONE." I feel like that is pointless and you could find it elsewhere.
Like any teaching blog you follow.
Or this blog right here. Go ahead, see any post I have on teaching it's probably of the above flavor. (That's right, I'm not above calling myself out.)

So instead I'm going to give everyone a general overview of things I've been doing lately in my favorite way: list form.

Sweating

The weather is still hanging out between 70 and 80 degrees. When you're in a classroom that's on the second floor with 30 year-old carpeting you have a recipe for some pit stains.
As far as my teacher clothing goes, I have 3 outfits that are comfortable in that sort of weather. And only one that I'd actually want to wear. So I've been rotating a few t-shirts in with my one pair of capri's and dress pants into my outfits and then just dabbing myself with tissues the rest of the time.
Needless to say, I'm ready for the fall weather to set in so I can start wearing what most of my wardrobe consists of: COMFY SWEATERS!

Yoga

I haven't been going to classes, but a couple of days a week (when I can peel myself out of bed at 5 am) I've been ordering the hour video on our demand channel. On the mornings that I do yoga before I head to school I literally feel like nothing can shake me. And let's face it I feel a little less guilty about not working out if I get home and am too tired to move.

Telling Jokes

At some point over the summer I forgot how hilarious I am.
I also forgot how hilariously lame I come off to 7th graders, especially when I'm intentionally making  horrible jokes on purpose to set their standards low.

Channeling My Inner Camp Counselor

Because we have 7th graders this year that we will have next year as well, my team and I have been really focusing on team building for the first two weeks of school. This means that we were doing a lot of name games, problem solving, and cooperative challenges.
So for the past three weeks I've been switching back and forth from being a super professional 7th grade teacher to my old camp counselor days. All 8 years of running games and creating activities at summer camp for 8 years really paid off, and was kind of a blast.

Become My Mother, My Father, And Every Other Adult Who Put Me In My Place

When you get a group of students that you know you're going to have for two years, you have to put your foot down right from the get-go. That will cause a lot less heartache down the road. It makes me giggle a little when I hear myself use phrases and get after students for things that people used to get after me for. The circle of life goes on.
But don't worry, I haven't gotten to the point where I've had to use, "Because I said so," yet....

Being Useless When I Get Home

*Insert joke about my husband doing all of the housework because I catch narcolepsy when I walk into the apartment.*
I'll be used to being back at work again soon right?

Eating Fresher, And Cleaner

I've been finding cleaner recipes for dinners and lunches.
We've been getting our produce, hummus, and even some meat from our local farmer's market.
Not only do I feel better about buying local, but I feel better because I'm eating good food.
Oh and it's been super yummy.
THANKS PINTEREST.

Keeping Up With Family

The weekends have been family get togethers, sleep overs at parent's houses, and trying to make it to XC meets and soccer games. Sometimes successfully, and sometimes not so much. The weekends have been full, and that's been just fine.

Sleeping. Lots of Sleeping. 

Naps. Going to bed early. Sleeping in late.
If I'm not in the middle of a cup of coffee or in the middle of a lesson plan you can probably find me dozing off with some drool leaking from the corner of my mouth.

Figuring Out HOW I Want To Reach My Fitness Goals

I have fitness goals. This summer I wasn't that great at motivating myself. I have found my motivation, but am finding that with school starting and just my preferences changing, the way I've always gone about fitness just isn't working for me anymore. So I'm exploring changes I can make to my workout routine to get myself out of this workout-rut.

Painting My Nails

If I don't paint my nails I tend to chew them, which is gross.
But if they chip then my new nervous habit and picking the polish off.
Soooo I've been doing a lot of painting and retouching.
This week it's light purple and glitter on the the ring fingers.
(But if you followed me on Twitter you'd already know that!

Answering Nervous Questions About How School Is Going

Last year if you asked me how my school year was going I would get this crazy look in my eyes, tell you it was alright, and then look like I was about to cry.

I learned a lot from my students last year. I think I got a lot of really great skills and I would like to think I made some difference for some students. I also got my first taste of teaching Humanities and integrating language arts and social studies. I developed a curriculum and learned what I liked and what I didn't like about how I taught it.
BUT GOD WAS LAST YEAR HARD.
So when people ask me how my year is going so far, I can tell they're a little nervous about what sort of reaction they're going to get from me. I think they're pleasantly surprised when I smile and say, "Actually, really well!"

Becoming A Real Person At Home

For those of you whom aren't regulars here, my husband is most likely going up for sainthood within the year. Since I started teaching he picks up a lot of the slack on the home-front.
This especially went for last year (please see above category) when I could barely keep my head above water at school.
During the summer it was much easier to do my part, but alas summer is over.
But this school year, I'm anticipating a the year to be a little less exhausting and trying my darndest to not only be a real person at school, but also a real person at home that cooks dinner at least 3 times a week.
I know, I know, it's a lofty goal, but I think I can make it!

Pretending I'm Organized

I am not the most organized person in the world.
Actually let me rephrase that.
I'm not an organized person.

BUT

I have organized my desk drawers at school for the first time in my life.
I have organized my jewlery, make-up, hair elastics, and hair clips all onto rings and into zip up bags and lotions.
I have organized all of my student information and important lists for school into a binder.
I am not expecting any of this to last long.
But it sure does feel nice to pretend!

Forcing Myself To Read

This sounds like I hate reading.
I love reading.
But often find myself saying, "Man I wish I had time to read during the school year. I feel like I can only enjoy a book during the summer!"
Which in a way is true. I go to work, come home, eat dinner, and more often than not do some more work.
But, I also watch television.
I also read blogs, and check facebook, and pin away to my heart's content.
So realistically, could I read more? Yes. I just have to force myself. So I've downloaded a couple new books to the kindle and am ready to cut some other stuff out so I can enjoy a few good books.

That, in a little nutshell is what I've been up to.
Time for me to read some of my favorite blogs, because that is something that I have NOT been up to and need to do.
Stay fabulous this week!

It's OK, OK?!

Thanks Neely and Amber for giving me a chance to affirm my life choices no matter how unhealthy and diluted they may be.

It's OK that I did a link-up yesterday and I'm participating in one again today. And guess what, I love Friday letters so I'm probably going to do that one too! And that's OK.

It's OK that if I didn't join this link-up today I was probably going to write about the West Nile Virus and other things on the news that scare me.
So just be happy I decided to do a link-up today.

It's OK that I'm addicted to my iPhone. And it's OK because everyone else is too.

It's OK that I decided to forgo the gym all week and have done Pilates and Yoga videos instead. AND I'm going to do it again today. I just hate having to pack up all of my stuff and get to the gym when I have to rush to work after. We all know what happens when I do that.
And if anyone would like to argue that I'm not getting a work-out, then you can just do Vinyasa yoga with me and we'll see how much you sweat!

It's OK that my school changed websites and I still have not created my new one. Like blogging I have to be in the right mood to get that sort of thing done. Because if I'm not there would be mucho swearing going on up in here.

It's OK that I'm a little sad for my summer job to end. Not only will I miss the paycheck, but I'll also kind of miss hanging out with college and high school kids handing out cones of frozen custard. It's a good time I promise.

It's OK that I pinned one of my own posts. I crafted and I'm not really a crafter so I feel like I'm allowed to be proud and pin that thing. (PS you can follow me on Pinterest here.)

It's OK that recently I have been watching the Youtube Vlog "Daily Grace" on a daily basis. She is ridiculously funny and the type of girl that when you watch her videos you're just like, "Yep, we should be best friends that make awkward jokes at each other." If you've never seen her, click the link above and check her out so you can spend an hour of your life watching a bunch of her videos. (Which is OK because I have.)

It's OK that I'm going to casually drop into school this morning to drop off some books when I really just want to check to see if my room's been vacuumed yet. Because if it hasn't then I'm probably just going to do it myself sometime this weekend.

It's OK that yesterday I took a 3 minute video of my cat meowing at me after my shower so I'd turn on the faucet, which may or may not also featured me talking back.
I have a dog (that I think I love more) so I officially can't be a crazy cat lady.

And finally, It's OK that I might try to squeeze in one more fun read on my Kindle before school starts, because we know that's not going to happen very often once it does!

What's OK with you today?

Friday's Letters 8/3/2012

Friday is a day to write some letters.

Dear Summer,
Only three  full weeks of you left. If you go a little slower then I promise I'll use you to your full capacity. A couple more beach trips, a few more fires, and at least one more book that's just for fun. 
But I need you to slow down!

via Pinterest

Dear Chinese, Romanian, and Russian female gymnasts in the Olympics :
The 90's called.
It wants its scrunchies back.

via

Dear  Sister's Bachelorette party this weekend,
As the maid of honor I am SO ready for you.
There may be a huge concert going on that night in the city and a huge race going on that day as well, but that will not stop us from getting into whereever we want. There's a blinking sash involved, we have to be let in everywhere right?
 BRING IT ON!

Dear books on kindle,
After I blew through 3 of you in two weeks I've decided that I'd like you to be free. This is a habit that I can't afford to support.

Dear Husband,
I'm an outrageous and ridiculous person. Thanks for putting up with me.

Dear Pinterest,
You and your educational pins are making this summer girl a little excited for school this fall. Congratulations on that and confirming my total geekhood. 

via Pinteres

Dear Customers at the summer job,
You've all been quite heavy handed with the tips lately.
I've been heavy handed with the online shopping lately.
Soooo keep making that happen. Please and Thank you. :)


Dear Readers,
I only posted once this week, but it took me 2 days to finish so I think that makes up for it.
I've been watching the Olympics non-stop so obviously it had to be about that.
Read my post on The 7 Reasons Why You Love The Olympics (And Why You're Lord Voldemort If You Don't) here!

Happy Friday all!

What I'm Loving Wednesday/Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday

It's Wednesday...

You can find these link ups here and here.

 Here's What I'm Loving This Wednesday...

I'm loving... that I've officially made it to the beach more times than I did last year...and counting! I'm feeling relaxed and fairly tan!

I'm loving... that I'm working a double today. Okay, not the fact that I'm working a double. But whenever I start to feel bad for myself about working a double I try and remember that I'm doing it to make some extra money. For extra expenses this summer, bills, and all of that shopping I've been doing lately. I do like the extra money. So yeah, let me sugar coat it for myself and say that I'm loving it as a remind that if I wasn't working I would not be ready for the end of the summer!

I'm loving... that the olympics start this weekend. When those start up I am a serious couch potato, cheering on the good old USA in sports that I otherwise probably wouldn't be super interested watching on TV. Can not wait!

I'm loving...how sweet and thoughtful my husband is. Yesterday after he left for work I woke up these.

Nothing special. Just a note and some fresh cut flowers from the back yard. But it's the little things that remind me why I decided to hang out with this guy for a really long time. It's the little things that make our marriage go round.

I'm loving... that I've been finding some awesome deals on clothing. My back to school shopping is almost finished. (Just need to find a nice pair of casual khakis that come in long. Leave a comment if you have a pair you can't live without.) Here are my most recent deals and steals.

At a Van Huesen outlet I got this sweater whose original price was $82. I got it for $25!

And this scarf whose original price was $30. I got it for $8!

Add a comment

There's no photo, but yesterday I got another cardigan from Maurices.
Now they're having this super awesome sale where if you just try on a pair of jeans you get $5 off.  So, the sweater was already in clearance, and I tried on a pair of jeans because this girl ain't stupid. What did I end up paying?
Original price was: $35. I paid $2.50. 
I walked out feeling like I stole the sweater from them!


I'm also loving the shirts I have arriving in the mail today from American Eagle!

I'm loving... leftovers. Healthy leftovers that is.
When you work at a frozen custard stand all summer it's hard not to snack on junk food and the frozen custard itself ALL THE TIME. Unfortunately, I've gained the 5 pounds  I lost at the end of the school year back. Maybe even plus some. BLERG!
On the other hand,  the hubby and I have been trying to make healthy dinners all summer that are filling and low fat. So how do I solve my insane munching problem at work to match up my goals at home? Yummy leftovers of course! Today for lunch I'm having some delicious Taboulleh that we made last night! Thanks pinterest for the idea!

Speaking of Pinterest...

Oh, How Pinteresting...

Before I share my favorite pins, yesterday I wrote a post that is the first in a series of a few called "Pins Awkwardly In Real Life".  All of the posts are going to be about me trying out pins that I have done in real life, for better or for worse! My first post in the series is on a recipe for Butternut Squash Lasagna. Check out the post here!

Okay onto my recent favorite pins!

Some food:

A recipe for breakfast cookies. I've made them twice, they are both yummy and hearty.

Stuffed pork loin. Have not tried, but just looking at the photo makes my mouth water!

Some teaching pins since the school year is indeed just around the corner

This teacher has classroom decoration tips and organization ideas. I could sift through this for ages because my classroom needs to get itself organized this fall!

Rubric ideas for journaling.

And a few words that inspired me to move on and be positive about what could be ahead at a time last week that I was feeling a little down.

Here.

Here.

Here.

Thanks for stopping by today. If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest you can find me right here.

Happy Wednesday, and stay fabulous!

I'm Thankful It's Okay

Today, not only am I going to make myself feel better by repeatedly telling myself it's okay, but I'm also going to practice some thanks.
So I linked-up (is that the past tense of link? Or is it lunk? I'll just bounce back and forth between the two because that's just how grammar gangstah I am) at A Complete Waste of Makeup with Neely, and Brunch with Amber with Amber to verify to myself that I'm actually okay. And of course I also need to lunk-up with Tracy to be thankful because that's just healthy and good for me and stuff.
Man do I love days where I have lunk/linked-up.






(I couldn't find the linky box for being thankful so I just stole the box that goes directly to her website. WHOOPS!)

I'm thankful.....

 I'm thankful for the fact that I get to GO TO THE LAKE TODAY. For those of you who aren't super duper awesome New Englanders (we can still be friends) it has been between 90-100 degrees here and humid. I have stupid windows that don't accommodate for air conditioners* so it's setting up 3 fans in one room to blow hot air around for me.
So am I thankful to visit a friend's lakehouse? UM YEP!
*Oh and let's all just be honest, it's not like I could afford that electric bill anyway honey, you hear?


I'm thankful for living in Maine. Because this only happens like 10 days out of the year. I know my friends in the south and west have to suffer through much worse. Oh and I have the ocean and a plethora of lakes here too.


I'm thankful for all of the proffesional opportunities that I've had and have in the future. When I think about it (and I've been doing a lot of thinking about it), my teaching career has been pretty cool and I've had the opportunity to experience a lot of different stuff that other teachers my age haven't been able to. I've taught both Language Arts and Humanities(which people get super excited when they hear because teaching humanities is SUPER COOL), I've taught different grade levels all at the same time and just one at a time, I've been a part of tons of commitees, gone to a conference in DENVER COLORADO, and experienced project/service-based learning on a large scale. I've also taught students from a huge range of socioeconomic, cultural, and academic-ability groups. This all might sound lame/stupid for some of you, but I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to do all of this in my first three years of teaching.

I'm thankful for having a summer job, in air conditioning, with super cool kids, and with the best frozen custard ever. Now the calories on the other hand....

Now, with all of that said, It's okay....

It's okay that my "The Temper Trap" radio station on Pandora has been on repeat for the past two days. With other bands like Vampire Weeekend, The XX, Foster The People, The Naked and The Famous, etc. It's like an indie pool party and you're invited.

It's okay that I haven't showered in like 24 hours. Whatevs. The lake is nature's shower.

It's okay that when I packed my room up for the summer I just kind of shoved things in boxes to deal with in late July.

It's okay that I'm trying to eat healthier and take care of myself better AGAIN.  (Cross your fingers it'll stick this time...) I deeeeefinitely need to get my act together before the next school year starts again, because it all tends to fall apart around January. Can we say stress?

It's okay that when I go to my summer job I totally revert back into an immature high school kid. At 24 I can only handle being a responsible adult for 9 months of the year.

It's okay that I am addicted to painting my nails in bright colors or with tons of glitter.

It's okay that yesterday I thanked a reader that stopped following my blog in a post. That's just how I roll.

It's okay if you thought you'd accidently thought you stepped into a Lady Gaga/Nicki Minaj concert when you came to my page because of its new look. I mean, I feel like there are worse things for my blog to emulate right?

It's finally okay that the song Titanium by Sia and David Guetta is that one song that I listen to on full volume repeatedly at the gym, and get weird looks because I mouth along to it from the person on the elliptical next to me. And you know what it's also okay that I get a little hipster about the fact that I've been listening to Sia for like 7 years and own all of her cds. She is awesome, I've known about her for a super long time, and yeah I'm just a little cooler for it. Here's the video, mostly so I have an excuse to listen to it again, but also to share it with you because the video is almost as cool as the song.
 Almost.

ADIOS

So while packing for my impending vacation, we discovered that I am about as good with space management as I am with my time management.


Like I said here, we leave Friday afternoon to catch a flight in the weeee hours of the morning on Saturday. This was our luggage Wednesday night at 9 PM

 Fast forward to 11 PM on Thursday night when we finish packing and then discover that we are 30 pounds over the weight limit.
Gulp.
So instead of sharing baggage we are each getting our own piece of checked luggage. Because I'm apparently a diva now that needs space for things?
Either way, we're about finished, I probably forgot something important like underwear or my right foot but I'll be in Mexico so I'm over it.

Don't worry, what I lack in the planning and organization department, I make up in sheer geekery and ability to read fluffy books and trashy magazines.

Tada!

Because my flight will not go on until I know whether Charles and William's horrible teeth will be passed forth into future generations of Fairy tale politicians.

I realize I have quite the eclectic book collection.
And some of you may be thinking, why does this girl have so many books? She's going on VACATION.
Well friends:
1. I'm a geek.
2. The bar doesn't open until 10 AM so I've got a couple of hours a day to let Chelsea Handler make me laugh so hard I pee my swimsuit a little with her one-night stands and general debauchery.

I told my students I was bringing 6 books. They looked at me like I had two heads.
And then they swiftly changed the conversation to ask me if I was going where all of those Mexican Drug Cartels were killing people.
I couldn't quite figure out if they were worried for my safety or wanted to start a conversation in class about beheadings.
Ohhhhhhhh my little adolescents. 

By the way, if you ever want to experience true stress, pure exhaustion , or the phenomenon of time slowing down,then head on over to your local middle school a couple of days before April Break.
 I think my latest speech to my students was about how I was probably as, if not more excited for my vacation as they were but I wasn't walking around ruining every body elses day so they shouldn't either. ( I think that's when we started to talk about gangs in Tiajuana?)

I digress.

So the bags are packed, I'm ready for school tomorrow, and hubby is in bed.
I decided after my last post that I'd set myself up with a couple of short posts that I'd prepare before so you all don't forget me. And because I think it's a pretty cool idea and want to see if it ACTUALLY works.

Until then, I guess this is Adios. If you're out and about traveling or in Mexico I'll be the girl speaking spanglish, sunburnt, and with Margarita salt on my lips.
It's not pretty but someone's gotta do it.

Stay fabulous.

It's Okay, It's Thursday

...

Hello there friends! I'm not dead! I just feel it.

Well not really, all of my body parts and my toes are only cold because of my bad circulation. I'm just real tired.

What a better way to take some time out to blog tonight with It's Okay Thursday with Amber and Neely!

It's okay...

... that I get all panicky when ordering from Chinese food menus. I have no idea how to navigate the menu and almost always get it wrong when I make the phone call. It all goes so fast.

...  I'm going camping this weekend with my husband and some friends and have made the somewhat wimpy  decision to bring a "real" pillow to sleep with. I'm just not feeling one of those tiny ones with my fleece for extra help. I mean come on, let's get serious.

... whenever I see photos from someone else's wedding I ALWAYS compare theirs to mine. And always like mine better.

... that I haven't plucked in my eyebrows in about two months. Just call me Brooke Shields.

... I'm typing this while in a snuggie. It's a long story, the short version: I ended up in a Boston Bruin's snuggie. It's fine.

... that even I'm in my third year of teaching I still get nervous for open house. I don't know about all of you other teachers out there, but even though I know what I'm talking about, but parents for me are so intimidating. Whether they're asking about what I'm teaching or if they can have a permission slip, I am always so nervous that they're judging me.  It went smoothly, but I was still nervous and sweaty. You're welcome for that visual.

..... I haven't gone to the gym in 2 weeks. I'm pretty sure I've been walking 23209842 miles at school these days.

... I still have school work to do tonight. I needed a break.

.... that I want fall weather to settle in. Summer was great, and I'll miss it. But now that I'm molding the minds of angst-filled teenagers in part polyester/part cotton dress pants I am ready to stop sweating and sip on my pumpkin spice latte watching the leaves fall out my window.

.... I may or may not be immersed in yet again another Law and Order SVU marathon. I'm just trying to help Detective Stabler solve his case one screamed out prediction at a time. 

Man I love this link-up. What's okay with you today?

Day of Stories: How I Remember September 11th 10 Years Later

When it comes to history lessons, what piques one's interest is usually not the mountain of dates or the required memorization of useless facts.

What makes those lessons interesting and worthwhile to learn are the stories. The different perspectives of an event or time period attached to feelings and emotions of real people who are just like us. These are what people learn from and take with them as they relate history to how they look at their modern day world.

That's why sitting at the kitchen table with your grandmother listening to her stories about the war effort are much more interesting than reading about it in a textbook.

A couple of other teachers and I shared our stories about September 11th, 2001 with my eighth graders this past Thursday and Friday.

This group of students, many of whom are like light-up bouncy balls that come with their own soundtrack, (love-able ones at that) sat absolutely still and solemnly asked us questions about that day, before that day, and how the world has changed.

They were 3 and 4 when the twin towers fell.

Both days, the students asked us about where we were when it happened.

I was in World History with Mr. Cooper my freshman year of high school. Coincidentally,  we were at the beginning of our world religions unit.

An announcement came over the intercom that one of the towers had been hit by a plane. We were safe, but our school was going on lock-down because of our proximity to a major city in Maine.

I had study hall right after that class, and shuffled into the lecture hall to watch what was happening on the T.V. some teachers had set up.

I watched the clouds of smoke billow out of the buildings. I watched the repeat footage of the planes smash into the towers over and over again. I watched people running down the streets covered in debri crying and trying to flee the dust and office papers floating down from the buildings.

And then I watched the towers fall.

I tried to explain to my students that before this event, "Osama Bin Laden", "Taliban" and "War in Iraq/Iran/Afghanistan" were not household words.

They were surprised. They thought we'd always been in a war. They were never told otherwise

I tried to explain that one morning I woke up naively thinking the United States was loved and respected by all, and woke up another morning realizing that the way I looked at our country and the rest of the world had completely changed. 

September 11th for me, signifies my loss of innocence.

And as the conversation with my students lasted the entire period, they asked a few logistical questions about people and places that they hadn't wanted to ask other adults in fear of looking stupid.

But even more so, they were interested in sharing stories they had heard. From family and freinds who remembered the day, from news articles, from T.V. specials.

They were sharing the stories that had touched them and were the stories that they took with them to be their truth to explain the events of that day.

As we remember those who passed on September 11th, as well as those that continue to pass in the fight for our freedom and protection from those who try to hurt us, it's important not to just talk about the numbers: the times of each event, the number of people who've died,  years since the event has passed.

The numbers are important, but aren't what should be our focus. We should share our stories. The stories of those who watched from afar on their televisions hopeless and speechless, the stories of the New Yorkers who evacuated the city,  the stories of those who passed that day, and the stories of the families who lost loved ones and moved past the events to live a life of remembrance and love. Those stories tell us what really happened that day, and why that event is so important.

I'm going to leave you today with a story. I found it on my google homepage this morning. I watched this quick clip and decided it was one worth sharing.

Because, as horrific as the events and ideas that surround that day were, many stories, including this one,  reminds us how important it is to never forget, and to always cherish those around us.

What I'm Loving and How Pintresting Wednesday

Not only did I survive good ole Irene, but also my first three days of school!
So, promise I'm still alive despite the extreme hiatus. Neither have gotten me. Yet.

I'm linking up with both Jamie and Michelle. And none of you can stop me.

First, what I'm loving.

I'm loving that the big storm didn't hit as hard as the weathermen had predicted.

Irene? Knocked over a few small dead branches near the driveway, and knocked our power out overnight. But it came back overnight, and most importantly we're all safe. Oh, and my classroom fish is pretty excited about all the new spring water!

I'm loving that I have survived through the majority of my first week of school with students!
I have quite the active group of students this year. When I say active, I mean completely devoted to never stop moving.
Which don't get me wrong, I love it, they keep me on my toes. Especially when we've been team building with all 80 of them in one huge room all day, every day.

BUT HOLY CRAP AM I EXHAUSTED.

There has not been an afternoon yet this week where I don't come home late cleaning up my room, mumble some stuff at Dave about how I need a coffee drip hooked up through IV, and then collapse on the couch resulting in a deep saliva pooled coma before my late dinner.

Which brings me to my next love: My husband.

Because, you know, not every guy gives you: a great big hug when you get home and  are sweaty and sticky smelling like teen spirit; tucks you in on the couch; wipes the saliva off of your face; makes you dinner; and then lets you watch Sex and the City while you paint your nails because if you open up your school laptop you might just have a panic attack about all of the work  you have to do. (Please enjoy the run-on that just happened there.)

Long story short, Dave is pretty fetch. 

I'm loving that twitter is so easy! I got an account a few weeks ago and got all nervous about whether it was worth it/if I had time. I've tweeted much more often than I've blogged in the last week. I think it's because my brain is just a mix of 90234897 different 1-3 sentence thoughts that don't make sense together. So, I don't hate it. Feel free and follow me here!

Finally, I'm loving that despite my rude behavior as a fellow blogger that totally has not been  active with my comments as well on other posts, that not only did I not loose any followers I actually gained one! 48? Um excuse me? I guess I'm doing something right! 

It clearly must be my dashing good looks and my knack for finding a pair of sweatpants within 30 seconds of entering the house.




And I shall leave you with some of my favorite pins that I have recently come across. I apologize ahead of time for any repeats from last week. Just follow me on pintrest and it'll be all set.

It's Okay, I Have a Fish!

Linking up today with just Neely and Amber since I don't have much time today. Or time in general, if you haven't noticed from my lack of posting, or rude behavior of not getting back to people on comments etc.

I'm a hot commodity, what can I say!






Let's get started

It's OK that I'm using my lunch to blog instead of do the bulletin board that I wanted to get done today.  I'm going to have enough working 20 minute lunches this school year that I feel no guilt whatsoever that I'm actually relaxing.

It's OK that I still roll my eyes when something drives me nuts.

It's OK that I might have to spend some time this weekend in my classroom getting all of my "ducks in a row.

It's OK that I'm a little nervous for my little guy Bruin. We brought him to the vet the other day since he's been coughing, which I chalked up to either a minor case of kennel cough or a cold. The vet prescribed him some antibiotics, which it's no big deal. BUT, when listening to his chest she mentioned she heard some heart murmurs. She wants us to come back whether he's feeling better or not with the coughing in a couple of weeks to check again to see if it's still happening. She's worried his heart's size might be effected or possibly struggling because of the heartworms he had in February.

So yeah, I think it's okay to be just a little worried about my poor guy.

It's OK that while I'm a little nervous about my guy, in order to keep myself sane I'm telling myself that these "heart murmurs" were strictly the product of the fact that he had a thermometer up his butt about 5 seconds before she checked out his chest! Because I don't know about you, but that might get me going!

It's OK that I am super pumped about the fabric and bordering one of the other bulletin boards in my classroom.

Yes that's the cat in the hat and some bubbles, and no the colors are not that ugly.

It's OK that most of this post is about school. Because, school is my life. Surprise!

It's OK that I bought myself a Betta fish for my classroom last night!!!

I apologize for the crappy phone photo. You'll be inundated with pictures of him and my dog on my fancy camera later so enjoy the blurriness and horrible lighting while you can.

And it's OF COURSE OK that I have named him Professor Albus Dumbledore!

And finally,it's clearly OK I that I have already set up rules that only staff members can call him Albus, and students can either call him Professor or Professor Dumbledore.

Don't worry, I'll be searching for some sort of castle, wizards hat, or mini-Phoenix to keep him company!

What is OK for you today?

Tail Wagging Tuesday

Today is officially my first day back to school. No kids, just lots of teachers running around like crazy people trying to get their rooms together! So this morning only a short little post as I sit here waiting for the bright pink nail polish I just applied to my toes to dry.

Wouldn't want to go to my first professional day at school with my toesies all exposed and looking like Frodo's feet on middle earth, no would I?

via

(For those of you who hate feet, I apologize, I probably just regurgitate breakfast, ruined your morning, and caused you to never return to this blog again. For those of you whom are LOTR fans, I probably just made your morning. You are just so very welcome.)

So I shall be linking with with the fabulous CMae and precious Aspen over at Happiness Is...

Today's topic is funny photos of your dog.

Here's the problem: I have already shared all of my funny photos of the Bru-man because I am in love with him and post any and every picture I have of him all the time. So get ready for some repeats kids.

I could go with the classic, "I love to be swaddled like a baby when it's cold outside and I sneak up on your bed," photo.

Or the "Shhh don't bother me my favorite show is on," photo.

Of course there is the, "This is the embarrassing photo I keep as my background which causes awkward moments whenever I show it to people photo,". (You can read the whole backstory on this one here.)

You might also get a kick out of the series of photos where Bruin wears a bunch of hats. I won't repost because I am running out of time, but you can see them all here. You are just so very welcome.

Alright, time for my all time favorite squirt milk out of my nose photo of Bruin. If you're a regular here at my blog, then you've seen it, but I'll share background first.

So I'm a teacher. An middle school Language Arts teacher to boot. Which means I have to somehow make parts of speech somewhat interesting for my students. So after watching School house rock I have the kids write songs and make music videos about a part of speech.

But not before Lady Gaga subs for the day and shows the class her own song about parts of speech. Last year it was, a song about Adjectives to the tune of, "Telephone.

Needless to say, I made the kids call me Gaga all day, did a live performance of my song "Telephone" which is about Bruin calling me from home and how I can't answer my phone because I "gotta teach those adjectives", and wear a bright red lace outfit that is appropriate for school.

I'm crazy, it's fine.

Back to Bruin.

So the night before, I was getting the outfit together and took a picture of myself with the lace to show my Facebook friends just how cool I am. Bruin was nearby, so I plopped him in my seat, draped the lace on him, and took a picture. The result?

Can we just talk about how he looks like he is singing in this picture? Or could we talk about the fact that he is making perfect eye contact with the camera? Or maybe just the head tilt? It's unbelievable.

And that is why I'm pretty sure I own the coolest dog on earth.

Happy Tuesday!