Five on Saturday!

I'm alive! I survived high school teaching, and I LOVED it! So it's time to catch up.

1.  Putting in some work!
To earn my 9-12 English License I have to complete a teaching portfolio. That means I have to show proof of having the knowledge and/or capability of 65 standards. I've already started it, but it's my summer project!

2. Summer book list.
Last summer I spent a lot of time looking at all the new curriculum. After teaching classes I have a better idea of what I can adjust or add. I'm mostly looking at Young Adult and science fiction. This first book was great! I laughed and cried, it's very relatable for some of my students, and it isn't the stereotypical ending.

3. Prioritizing!
My husband worked his tail off and earned his goal job. I don't call it a dream job because it's law enforcement and while it's everything he (with our support) has worked for it doesn't come without struggle. Either way, we're over the moon excited. He has a schedule that's going to be more set and will allow us to spend more time together this summer. We already had a breakfast date, just the two of us!

4. My new show!
We ditched cable and have been using Amazon Prime for the majority of our TV entertainment. At first the idea of no Scandal, Grey's, or Chicago Fire and PD, was scary, but then I realized how much I wasn't actually watching. I love the Good Wife! I'm currently on Season 2, so close to finishing it.

5. Back in the pool!
I've backed off running a bit and have been back in the pool. It's weird how morning practice before school was always the worst in high school. I hated it and always felt tired. Yet now, getting in a few thousand yards before school makes my day. I'm also setting up a time to meet with a trainer to look at some strength training. I'm excited for this summer and having some time to focus on my health.

So I'm back! Can't wait to catch up with the world of blogging!

Five on Friday!

Only two more Fridays until I'm back to work, actually one since today is about done. I'm linking up with April for Five on Friday! Ready, set, go!

5. I'm starting up an Etsy shop. I've been playing with making some tassel necklaces and when I wear them I get compliments. I figured I'd give it a try. If I sell only one I'll still be pretty pumped. The shop is called SillySalleyCreations and will hopefully be up and running this weekend.

4. These Joules rain boots were on Zulily this week and I emailed my mama right away to request them for my birthday. Fingers crossed she snatched them up.

3. We're taking the boys to this movie this weekend. I purposely waited in hopes that the theater will be pretty empty since it's Ryker's first movie. I'm guessing he'll get a little squirmy so we'll see if we can stay the whole time or end up hanging out outside. 

2. I've mentioned this before, it was something we were considering. Two and a half months ago I worked out our budget. We had figured our debt snowball in January but a budget was our next step. For the last two months and on we've been following it. We recently took a weekend trip with the boys and paid cash, we track our spending, and are more accountable with where our money is going. I hope to write more on it later

1. My new classroom needs some attention. I've been in lots of meetings and have had the boys up at my school about five times now but all that keeps happening is me taking things out of drawers, cabinets, and closets. My teammates are so great, and keep sharing files (stories, lessons, assessments, etc.) but I haven't had the time to get things in the room going. I did clear out over 10 years worth of old yearbooks stashed throughout the storage area. Hopefully Sunday the Man is going to keep the boys and I'm going to hang out and get some stuff done. 

Have a great weekend!

Currently August!

I'm linking up again with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for the monthly catch up.

Listening: I am blessed with some amazing boys that play together so well! Throughout the day I hear so many different motor sounds, sirens, and war cries. They're hilarious and have really done well this summer.

Loving: We're hoping to paint the bathroom and I'm slowly changing our living room decor

Thinking: I've been in my classroom a little bit and have a better understanding of how much space I have. Not everything that I've had in previous classrooms is needed in high school, and I have a classroom versus the small office space like last year. I want to figure out what's needed and have it ready to go set up my room.

Wanting: I've met with my team mates at school, the Man helped me do my bulletin boards and drop off a load of things, the boys have run around exploring all the space, but never just time to get some solid work done.

Needing: While I'm super close with my contractor/ handyman, he's my dad, material doesn't come free. While we have no desire to finish our whole basement, we do have Tucker's room nearly set but I'd like to get his window framed. The playroom is also downstairs and I'd like to put some drywall around the bottom half.

B2S RAK: I definitely want to show my gratitude this year to my team mates this year. They've already been so amazing and generous. I hope to drop little thank you notes or sweet surprises as a thank you.

Happy August!

Job changes!

I'm on the Move!

I might have mentioned it before, maybe, but the school I've been teaching at for the last six years was about a 25 minute drive away. Definitely not horrible, but also not convenient if I ever forgot anything or just wanted to work at school for a little bit. I also knew that there wouldn't be a lot of movement within the district. There are only two buildings and if I were to head back into a classroom I think it would come with mixed criticism from some of my colleagues. While I loved some of the staff, our building wasn't very supportive. I know that everyone had the same goal of teaching students but we just struggled with our overall culture. My administrators always had my back and supported me, I loved our students and parents so the decision to move was always wavering.

Except when it came to the school district close to our home. While it isn't our local district, it's so close. Seven minutes close! There are a lot benefits to the district, not only for me but for the boys too. They offer more sports and their academics are driven.

I'm excited for a new challenge, but I'm worried about meeting the level of rigor that the school strives for. I'm teaching an English 9 class for 25 lowest achieving students, a accelerated English 10 class, then a couple electives.

 I know I can pick up the classes, the curriculum piece at least I know will come. I'm worried about my adjustment to teaching high school classes full time. I popped into a few classes last year and led some lessons, but this is different. I'm also going to be working on some college credits because I'm teaching on a variance. When I applied I was under the idea that I was licensed to teach English at the high school level, I was told that by our state licensing last year, however it turns out I'm only licensed to teach Reading. So I'm waiting to hear from two universities that I've attended. Hopefully plenty of my previous credits will count and I don't have to start over.

Either way this is a huge benefit for our family and I'm excited for the future! Onto bigger and better!

What's Up Wednesday!

I saw this a few times at Mix and Match Mama with Shay and Pinterest Told Me to with Scheaffer, today I decided to play along. 

1. What we're eating this week...

Ryker and I headed to the zoo so we had to make a pit stop on the way home for a yummy treat! So refreshing!

2. What I'm reminiscing About...

This week I signed a contract for a new teaching position in a different district. I plan on dedicating a separate post to the topic but I'm very excited yet it was tough to pack up and move after six years.

3. What I'm loving...

Summer! I'm a teacher, I'm straight up loving summer!

4. What we've been up to...

This weekend!! Clearing out some space and hopefully getting rid of a lot. 

5. What I'm dreading...

Nothing really, I'm hoping for some relaxation and continued good fortune. 

6. What I'm working on...

I meet with my new team mate tomorrow and she's going to go over my new classes and schedule, then I'm sure I'll be hitting the books!

7. What I'm excited about...

The Man has an interview early next week and some things in the works. I'm excited for him and some changes in his future. 

8. What I'm watching/reading...

I'm still working on this book, nonfiction always seems to take me longer. What I've read so far is so different from what was published early on. I was so young when it happened that I didn't follow the story for long and now I'm learning all that followed. 

9. What I'm listening to...

Rachel Platten's song is my favorite right now. I wrote down a couple lyrics in my planner and use it on my long runs.

10. What I'm wearing...

I love the C9 shorts from Target. They're great for chasing and playing around with the boys and amazingly comfortable for running, yet cheap!

11. What I'm doing this weekend...

Hosting a yard sale and making sure the Man relaxes on Sunday!

12. What I'm looking forward to next month...

Tucker is in his first year of baseball, there are a lot of games coming up next month. I'm so excited to see him growing into his own and making friends. 

13. What else is new...

Shoe shopping! Some nice, tan sandals would be great but it's time for a new pair of running shoes! While I hate spending the money, I love knowing that wore out another pair!

14.  What are we doing this July 4th?

A parade, catching up with family, and ending with local fireworks.

Summer reading!

I love our public library! I made a list throughout the year of books suggested by others or that I saw so that I could stock up. I have a line up for requested books and the first five were ready for pick up last week. 

First, The Glass Castle, this was a pretty quick read. I started it Wednesday evening and finished it throughout a long car ride Thursday. Jeannette Walls is a correspondent for MSNBC and the book is all about her crazy upbringing. Some of the stories are so crazy and hard to believe. Her family moved around a lot and saying they didn't have a lot is an understatement. It's hard to believe that she was able to achieve all that she has, but family is family and she shows an interesting take on why kids behave the way they do and continue to thrive.

Second, Columbine, Dave Cullen was a journalist that was one of the first to report on the high school tragedy. After years of research from all the compiled interviews, evidence, work with law enforcement, and more Cullen has shred more light on the situation and all the false reporting that occurred. This book pooped up on my suggested reading list and I intrigued. When I picked it up the Man was interested right away and it's become a book we read together. It's interesting to look at from my view point as a mom and teacher, while he reads it as a father and law enforcement point of view. There are so many procedures in schools today that came from this tragedy. While it's very tragic, the research and truth puts a different light on what really transpired.

Third, Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell was suggested by an English teacher I work with. We were considering it briefly for a new novel in the tenth grade. While it didn't make that cut, I was interested in it. From what I've seen it's a teen love story and a modern day Romeo and Juliet but less death.

Fourth, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs as been a book I've picked up a couple of times to read but never started. A student stopped me towards the end of the school year to ask if I've read it and was pretty crestfallen when I said no. Therefore, it must be good!

Meanwhile, Mr. Lemoncello's Library, by Chris Grabenstein was pointed out by the elementary reading interventionist. Tucker and I are going to read it together for fun.

Any recommendations?

Currently June!

I'm linking up with Farley again! Be sure to check her out and all the other links at Oh' Boy 4th Grade!

Listening: I love the wedding scenes at the beginning of the movie, they're so pretty! I also have someone curled right up next to me who was just saying, "I not ty-red mama." That same person is out cold, snoring, and I'm pretty sure drooling on our shared blanket. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Loving: Four days left of school! Teachers keep saying how things are gearing down but I really feel the opposite. I love how my new position this year as evolved and my schedule shows that it was definitely a step in the right direction for our building.

Thinking: Today when I got to school I started my list of what has to be done by Friday, I added throughout the day but I'm pretty sure nothing was marked off. I also want to make sure that I wrap up my two classes well. The students have come so far this year and I hope they realize that.

Wanting: The last two summers I was in school. This year I want to make sure the boys enjoy our time together. We created our family summer bucket list and we love crossing things off!

Needing: I've heard so many good books are out and I'm starting a list for the library. We love, LOVE our public library. Any recommendations?

Summer lovin': The Man has a new job that ensures we'll see him A LOT more this summer! LOVE THAT! We're going to spend some days relaxing and enjoying each other. Of course summer is also a great time to go through things and purge a little.

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