Run for the River

If you know me at all, you know that the words "fun" and "run" don't occur in the same sentence. I HATE running...always have and thought I always would. But I am surprised to say that this running thing might not be so bad. Now don't get too excited, I have only been "training" (and I use this word loosely...) for a few weeks and I have only run 1 mile at a time, but it's more than I ever have before.

Today, my friend Wendy and I (and several other friends from school) completed the 1 mile Fun Run in Kinston. And I have to say, it was actually fun and energizing and played into my competitive spirit quite nicely. My overall time was just under 10 1/2 minutes...not great, I know, but better than it was when I started!

I don't think "I'm hooked" ... I don't think I'm going to train to run marathons...but I do think I'm going to keep this up. I wouldn't mind doing another fun run or even a 5 k in the future. We'll see and I'll keep you posted.

Now that's Dedication...

Friday afternoon, Wendy and I, along with other faithful teachers, showed true dedication. Just in time for bus riders to make the trek to their large yellow friend, the bottom fell out and we were right in the middle of it! Our school is under construction, which means we have long walks every where we go and our bus circle doesn't have shelter... (even if it did it wouldn't have mattered because it was a windy rain).

Being the teachers we are, we hung right with our little ones...making sure each and every one boarded the right bus. I even picked up a child I had last year who was standing in the middle of the bus circle bawling! It was a true sight to see! I wish I had a picture of my bus list. Imagine me walking, with 15 or so little ones trailing behind, POURING rain, glasses soaked, can't see, and my paper bus list is disintegrating before my very eyes...I would search for the bus number and the students who rode that bus and my paper would tear into little pieces...It was so funny.

The funniest thing about the whole process was that if we had just waited 2 minutes, we would have been dry as could be! It was literally the quickest down pour I have ever witnessed...it was like the rain Gods were watching and laughing!

Thankfully, all our children could wait on their buses and they didn't get so wet...and also, thankfully it was Friday, and we didn't have a meeting or parent conference waiting! I will leave you with a few more pictures for you to laugh at...and please do! Please laugh, because we did when it was all said and done!

Vacay!

I live for Vacation in the summer! Every year, since before I was born, my parents have ventured to the beach for a week in the summer. For the past 20 + years we have spent our time at Sunset Beach, NC. If you have never been there, you should go. Sunset Beach is the very last beach in NC before you enter SC. For as long as I can remember, the only way on the island is by venturing over the one lane swinging bridge...to some, this is a hassle...to those who live there, this is what make Sunset Beach.

Sunset Beach is a quiet, serene spot that has somehow escaped the surge of tacky beach businesses...you know what I mean, a wings or waves on every corner... not here. This place offers an escape from the busy life...a huge beach during low or high tide...and a time for our family to bond and make memories each year.

Enjoy the montage I have created...makes me wish we were back. Thank you Mom and Dad!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I Am Woman!

I once worked for a superintendent who wouldn't allow you to complain or criticize about anything unless you provided ways to improve upon the problem or had alternate strategies. My husband is this same way, and to an extent, I am as well... I say all of this to warn you... This post may have complaining and criticizing and IT WON'T have solutions! :) But, because this is my blog, I have a right to vent.

If you have kept up with my blog then you know I am getting anxious about going back to school. Well, Wednesday we had our school wide planning day (which was fantastic) and I took a moment to peek into my classroom. Here is what I saw:


Each year, a "floor crew" comes through and waxes and cleans our floors. I know it is a tough job...one that I do not want. But from the looks of the second picture, they had a fun time TOSSING my things on top of each other and making it very difficult to make heads or tails of what was where. I don't get it. I had a lamp broken, computer wires twisted together, magnets strewn across the floor, etc...I felt like my room had been vandalized!

Again, I know this is a tough job...moving furniture and cleaning and then moving it again and cleaning... but come on! A team of 3 to 4 MEN come to do this and they leave a room in this shape....in which, 1 WOMAN is going to have to re-create a visually appealing and effective learning space.

Instead of letting this make me even more anxious and stressed about beginning of school, I decided to TAKE CHARGE! :) My co-worker and one of my best friends Wendy and I went to school yesterday and we, with the help of her 18 year old son, got our space back to normal! Now I can focus on planning, decorating, organizing, etc. So, are you ready....here are the after pics!

Wordless Wednesday - Butterball to the Rescue!

You know, these wordless Wednesday posts kill me...because it's hard for me to be "wordless"... Anyway, we ran into Rusty (my bestie's husband) on the waterway Saturday and we "rescued" him! How funny that we were there when he needed us...Sorry for the pics Rusty, but I knew Kira would appreciate this!

School Mode

My mind is operating in school mode.  I get like this every year.  Normally not this early, but nevertheless, it happens.  I can't sleep, I can't focus on anything but school, and I feel anxious. Some people call this "habits of a good teacher"... I call it FRUSTRATING!  

I love my job...absolutely love it.  I love the challenge of working with 6 year olds, the glimmer in their young eyes when they are excited about learning new things.  I love the fact that I get to sing, dance, read, and sit Indian style every day of the week.  I love meeting new parents that are just as excited and fearful as their children on the first day of school.  I love field trips and playgrounds and I even love the intimidation of "testing" and "meeting standards".  I love children and I love seeing them reach their potential and beyond.  (Notice that I didn't say "I love having my summers off..." - This is because I work summer camps during my "off" time to make money... yes for those who think we just "have off" in the summer - WRONG - we don't get paid!  Off my high-horse now and back to blogging...) 

Having said all this...I HATE beginning of school jitters and planning.  Partly because it CONSUMES me and my mind and partly because I am just as nervous as the children.  

Each year I think, next year will be easier (preparation for the first days at least).  And each year, it's just as difficult.  I am the type of teacher and person that likes to keep things fresh and new.  I constantly evaluate my programs and methods during the year and tweak or change things for the following year....yes, I know this is what "good teachers" do... but it always makes for long hours and drained minds come August!  

I feel better having written this out... If there are other educators out there in the blogging world or parents with great resources, I would love your ideas for beginning of school, classroom layouts, routines, etc.  

Until then, I will be here, at my computer, searching for great ways to teach writing and exciting ways to integrate technology, and ways to end beginning of school nerves ;).  Happy Learning to All! 

 

Happy Anniversary...

To Us!

Six years ago today, I married the love of my life...and it's so nice to report that I only love him more today... I know, I know, mushy...but true! We have accomplished a lot in 6 years...we both have careers we love, we have a loving and healthy extended family (and dog), we bought our first home, and we invested in a turkey farm. I hope that this is just the start of the many wonderful things that life has to offer for us. We love each other and enjoy each other's company...and these days, what more could you ask for? Here we are 6 years ago today.


Jim and I had the best weekend at the coast celebrating our anniversary. We took a long boat ride Saturday where we explored the Morehead City waterfront and Adam's Creek. It was the perfect day for boating. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch came along with us and we all had a great time.

Saturday night we headed to Beaufort to eat at the Spouter Inn. We had never eaten at this particular place before but it was very good. We were drawn to this restaurant because it offers waterfront deck dining and boat docking. The original plan was to drive the boat to dinner, but the weather interfered with that. It was a nice, cool evening...perfect for dining outside. Here are a few pics from dinner.

After dinner we walked around the Beaufort waterfront. I love how everyone at the coast lives as if there is no time restraints...there were bands playing, crowds enjoying the evening on huge sport fishing boats that were lit up like Christmas trees, and couples walking hand-in-hand... just a serene, peaceful place.

What a perfect day and evening. Happy Anniversary to us!