Not A Good Day

I'm still currently in a very weird and hard-to-explain mood after what has happened today. Which before I begin to write about it, I must share that I know it could be worse, however, it has still made for a low kind of day. Let me begin from last night.

So Dayna and I share a 1 bedroom apartment-our bedroom fits our two queen beds. Cheap rent and we're as close as sisters, what can I say? So anyway...we're on Spring Break, so we didn't go to bed until about 2 a.m. last night. Well, as soon as we turned off the lights-we heard a loud spraying kind of a noise. I said to Dayna, "Sprinklers? That's random." And she said something back and then I replied with "...or maybe a tire deflating?" <----Tire deflating was correct, had I only been 100% sure at that moment, we could have caught the morons! So anyway, I did look out the window and saw that our cars and the bush in front of our window was wet, so I assumed it was a random sprinkler going off, and just went to bed. (Note to self: From now on, whenever you hear noises at 2 a.m. that you aren't typically used to hearing, call the police.)

So, this morning, first official day of Spring Break, at like 9:30 I hear loud noises outside the window; someone is working on the truck that parks next to mine and Dayna's cars. I look out the window, slightly frustrated that this is ruining my sleeping in on a Monday morning, and see that there is a towing company working on this guy's truck. I think to myself, "Oh, that must have been that guy's tire last night." (Yeah Kaitlin, his...and yours...and Dayna's...and several others!)

Dayna and I had planned on going to Downtown Disney and some outlet malls today so we set our alarms so that we could get a decent start for the day. At about 11:15 we both get up and a few minutes later we hear a loud and firm knock on the door. We both look at each other with blank faces. Not many people come knocking on our door. We sit there quiet for a few seconds and I decide to very discreetly peer out the window. I can see the outline of a man standing between mine and Dayna's cars. I ran into the bedroom to look through that window so that I could get more of a look without being so obvious to the man standing outside. I see a police car. I come out of the room and tell Dayna, "It's the police." She puts her cereal bowl down and sits on the edge of the couch while I go to answer the door-in my pajamas still.

"Hi Ma'am. How many of these cars belong to you?" Before I answer, I look past the officer and see two flat tires, one on my car, and one on Dayna's...and the man's truck who parks beside us. "Two of them...the white and silver ones." Dayna and I put some flip-flops on and go outside. Sure enough...the noise we heard last night, that I even said sounded like a deflating tire, was the cause of this mess. Someone sure had some sick and selfish fun last night! The officer proceeds to tell us that about 10 cars in our apartment complex had their tires also slashed, including one car with all 4 tires slashed. Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Who does this kind of stuff?

My car


Dayna's car

The police officer was very nice and he took our information and we did tell him we heard the "sprinkler sound" at about 2 a.m. He told us that we had the most information so far compared to anyone else in the complex he'd already met with. Probably because we were up so late. And what I think is so interesting, is how soon it happened after we had turned off the lights. Something else I find interesting is that we've lived here since August '09 and have had no issues like this. We also have a police officer who lives 4 doors down from us, and his car is usually visible at the front of the complex. Well, he's either on vacation or has moved out because his police car, personal car and his boat aren't outside of his apartment. How interesting that this happened only a few days after the police car wasn't sitting in the front of the complex?

Dayna and I keep saying, "If only we would have called 911! If only! We could have caught them!" Unfortunately, we can't go back in time and do anything differently. But you can bet your bottom dollar if there are any "sprinklers" going off at random times from this point forward...the police will be called, car panic buttons will be pushed, lights will be flickered, blinds will be opened...all in attempt to get these childish people behind bars where they belong!

Our entire day was spent on the phone with insurance companies, waiting for towing companies to come change my tire (which I have a story about), and then going to four different tire places to find the cheapest tire. After four places, Dayna ended up with one at Sam's, but they didn't have the kind I needed in stock. I didn't care at the point anymore-I'll get the flippin' tire tomorrow. I was over it. What a waste of a day...especially on Spring Break! Ok, so about my story about the towing company who came to change my tire out. It was two guys who came, one in his late 30s and one in his 50s. The guy in his 50s didn't say much...but the guy in his 30s was all about flirting. He kept saying, "So what did you guys do to make these people mad?" We politely replied, "Nothing!!!" Inside we were thinking "We don't find this funny at all-please stop joking!" And then when they were finished, we offered them something to drink and as Dayna went inside to fix it, the guy in his 30s said, "So do you guys go to clubs?"

ATTENTION TOWING GUY: YOU ARE HERE TO FIX MY TIRE. THAT'S IT. I DID NOT CALL YOU FOR ANY OTHER KIND OF SERVICE. I DON'T CARE THAT YOU ONLY WORK THERE TO BE A "BOUNCER" OR WORK THE BAR. CLEARLY, THERE IS QUITE AN AGE DIFFERENCE ANYWAY AND I'M NOT INTERESTED!!! Thank you, and have a nice day! My insurance company will pay you!

I remain in a violated kind-of-mood. It's hard to describe, but it's just the way we're both feeling. Yes, it could have been much worse. We know that. Thankfully, it was only one tire. We weren't harmed. But, we have to pay the price for someone else's very inconsiderate and selfish act. I'm praying for safety tonight!

Weekend Fun

This weekend has been a lot of fun. Dayna and I shopped a lot, went to finalize which apartment we wanted at the complex we're moving to, and began looking at some furniture for our new place. We're not moving until the end of June, but we're just looking at the prices of some things to find the best deal. We really enjoy being roommates and because we're such close friends, we don't mind being honest with the other about what we like and don't like and it works well. We plan on being roommates until husbands come along or if I move out of state for graduate school. Anyway...here is a rundown of our weekend, in sequential order of course.

Friday at school was "Hats Off to Reading" Day! We celebrated by participating in reading activities-all day long! Teachers were encouraged to wear wild and crazy hats, but I don't put myself in the "wild and crazy" category, so I went with a more trendy/not-so-wild kind of hat, and I received a lot of compliments! Here is our class celebrating the day-I'm in the top left; I know I blend in! I'm told that all too often! Ha!


Here is our classroom door. I made book cut-outs and wrote different quotes on them pertaining to reading. During the day, I had students write what they enjoy about reading on their own book cut-out.


And then here is a picture of my classroom. I took this so that I can show my mom what my classroom looks like. She's a teacher too, and so she wants to see what her daughter's first classroom looks like! I have a huge classroom!


Friday night, Dayna and I had planned on going out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant, but to our disappointment this particular place that Dayna wanted to go to is only open from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. What kind of place, in this economy, can keep their business going when they're open for less than 3 hours a day? Seems rather pointless to me, but apparently not to them! We decided on Olive Garden instead and it was delicious! The waitress we had was a girl probably a few years younger than us and you could totally tell it was like her first night or pretty close to it. She was very nice and friendly, but there were so many awkward moments...where you could just tell she was thinking in her head, "Ok, what am I supposed to say now?" Haha-it was just really obvious. But we were totally patient with her and just went along with it. She'll be a great waitress in time. :)

Saturday was a beautiful day! It was warm, but not too warm, and the sun was shining! We went and laid out by the pool for about an hour and I have a pretty decent sunburn from just one hour. Shows that I haven't been in the sun since October. Ha!

We wanted to go in the sun again today after church, but when we were leaving for church we noticed it was overcast and it was still like that when we got out of church. So we canceled those plans and then I took a nap in the afternoon and slept through some of a storm but then it rained pretty hard for the next few hours! I love naps on Sunday afternoons. :)

Back to Saturday! After the pool, we had our Olive Garden leftovers for lunch and then got cleaned up and went over to Lakeland to get some of the Old Navy cardigans on sale for $15! Here are the two I got:



I'm typically not a huge fan of baby blue on me, but I thought the detail with the beading was pretty and it'll match well with some black dress pants I have. I'm all about building my professional wardrobe nowadays! Translated: Any excuse to shop! :)

We also went to Target. I have a few gift cards to Target and I want to add them together to buy some nice decorative things for my apartment so I just wanted to look around and see what there was. I got some ideas. I also got a shirt there on clearance for $7. Remember that professional wardrobe I'm building? Ha!


Now that summer season is basically here (well, Florida spring usually just means early summer)I decided that I needed a beach towel considering I don't have one of my own! I found this fun colored one at Target. I just love Target (and shopping)!


I also found some of my favorite Easter candy at Target that I've been unable to find until yesterday. So, I bought it too. :)

These are Hershey's Coconut Creme Kisses and they are delish!! They were the favors at my friend Tressie's wedding a few summers ago and I fell in love with them!

Cracker Barrel was our dinner and it's always so good! I always order the grilled chicken tenders with macaroni and cheese off of the kids menu with biscuits too, and my meal is always under $5! Yum!

Today, Sunday was started with a wonderful church service. I really felt the presence of God and just really enjoyed being there. Our pastor challenged us to think about one thing we have that God wants. I'll be thinking of that one thing this week and will surrender it to Him. This week is 'Holy Week' and what a powerful week it is! It is the week that changed us forever! I'll be going to my parent's house on Wednesday to enjoy some Spring Break in Sarasota and Easter with my family.

I bought a frame today at Walmart to frame my diploma. Here's what it looks like.


This weekend was so much fun! Tomorrow Dayna and I are planning on going to some outlet malls near Orlando and also go to Downtown Disney. I'M SO GLAD SPRING BREAK IS HERE!!!

Spring Break Eve

It is the night before Spring Break begins!!! I am so ready for this much needed break and I know all teachers are feeling this way! We've had a good week. My class is improving, slowly but surely. I hope the break doesn't go by too fast, which in all reality, I know that it will. I do think that this break will refresh me to finish out the rest of the school year strong for my students-and hopefully it does the same for them (wishful thinking, perhaps?) I do not have any major plans for this Spring Break-but next year, you can bet I will be traveling! I'll be going to Sarasota to visit and spend Easter with my family. Dayna will also come to Sarasota one night to see my sister Keleigh's circus show. It's become tradition. Hopefully, if the weather is nice, I'll be able to spend some time at this beautiful beach soaking up some sun...but with the weather this winter, who knows if I'll be visiting this place in a bathing suit. :)


Siesta Key, FL.

Today after work I went and placed a deposit at the new apartments Dayna and I are moving to when our lease is up at our current apartment. We looked at it a few weeks ago and really liked the atmosphere of the complex and the floorplans suited what we were looking for. You can visit the apartment complex's website here. We're looking forward to the move. The place we are at now has been fine to get us through college, but we feel that as hard-working women, we deserve to live in luxury! Haha, just kidding.

Well, I have plenty of papers to grade since there was a substitute in my class today because 5th grade teachers were in all day planning. So, I'll write some more substantial blog posts during my break. But before I go, I want to leave you with some pictures of me and my class at field day this past Tuesday. It was so much fun!!! The only thing I didn't like is that wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a hat to work on a Tuesday made me feel like it was Friday----for the whole week! Anyway-here we are! (Oh and P.S., I know my height and stature lends me to blend in with my students, but I'm the one in the white hat, sweatshirt and jeans!)


"The girls"


Ms. Kaliher with "The boys"


Ms. Kaliher participating in the limbo line


Our class (2 students absent)

Field Day was absolutely freezing. Fourth week in March. Supposedly Spring. And it was f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g. I would have layered had I known it was going to be so cold. Of course the kids could have cared less what the temperature was-they had a ball!

That's all for now. Spring Break-I'll see you tomorrow!!!

Not Me Monday!

A popular blog I follow, MckMama, posts a "Not Me Monday" every Monday about things she would certainly never dream of doing, or be found guilty doing. All sarcastically, of course. Enjoy my version of "Not Me Monday!"

As I was working with a small group of students at the back table in my classroom, while noticing some other students at their desks who were off task, I certainly did not raise my voice and demand that students follow directions the first time. I definitely did not shout, "First grade behavior, fifth grade classroom!!" Not me!

At lunch, I of course did not only eat a cheesestick, Trefoil girl scout cookies, cheezitz and pretzels all because I didn't have anything better to bring due to not grocery shopping this weekend. Nope, not me. I eat healthier than that. (Ha ha!)
To top that off, I definitely did not run thru the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru after I got off of work late. Not me...remember? I'm healthier than that!

In the checkout line at Publix on the way home from work, I definitely, most certainly, did not roll my eyes at the woman who was texting on her phone the whole time, and then decided finally she didn't want the cupcakes the cashier had just rung up. Me, roll my eyes? Never! Not me!

Finally, I wouldn't dream of coming home after an unhealthy day of eating and then make Rice Krispie treats. Not me. Too unhealthy. Oh and snacking on popcorn...definitely not my kind of diet! Nope, not me!

If you'd like to join in on the fun-hop on over to MckMama and follow her rules for playing!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Little holidays like today make it fun for teachers. Because today was our last day of testing-the schedule has been a bit off, so I read my students some fun facts about St. Patrick's Day, they did a word scramble, and then they wrote a St. Patrick's Day story-gotta grade those tonight. Anyway....testing is over, huge relief for teachers, and I suppose for the students, too! :)

I don't have much to blog about today, so I'm just going to answer some questions as part of a "blog parade." Enjoy!

1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?
I love the night. I love to stay up late and love even more to sleep in!

2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?
Chocolate, Ice cream, Boiled Peanuts, and Chick-Fil-A

3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?
To end child abuse. I'm so serious.

4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?
Well, Dayna is constantly teasing me if/when I trip. She thinks it's hilarious and she claims it happens often. Ha!

5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?
To spend my life in? That's intense! Um....I really have absolutely no idea on this one. I've never been big into movies and TV-so it's hard to choose someone I would "be," I'm pretty content being myself!

6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?
To play the piano or guitar.

7.If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?

I would like to visit a lot of places such as: Italy, Egypt, Australia, Hawaii and Alaska. Oh, and Fiji looks relaxing, too!

8. If you were an awesome singer, which genre would you sing?

I think I sing best when I sing worship songs because they have true meaning in my life!

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what would it be?

Oh my gosh. $10,000? Hmmm. Well, being new to the apartment life, and having a place of my own (well, I share it with my best friend&roommate) but I think I would want to spend that amount of money at like a home-goods store where I could buy nice things to decorate my home with! That's just what I'm into right now. So maybe Bed, Bath & Beyond...or even Target because they have just about everything. Too bad this is a "what-if!" Haha!

10. If you could live in any point in time, when would it be?
I always thought it would be fun to live during the times of the movie Grease-everything seemed so carefree back then!

11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?
Brown. Definitely brown. It's my signature color. ;)

12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?
I'd say Happy!


13. What's the last album you listened to?
Selah, I think.


14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?
In college, the grade I wanted to teach the least was 5th. But, I love, love, love teaching 5th grade now!


Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

Realization

I've come to the realization that I needed a more Spring-ish looking background for my blog...so here it is! I love these three colors together, so welcome to the "new look" at Tales of a 20-something!

Ok, so that's not really the reason this post is entitled "Realization." Lately, I've come to the realization that I'm living in the "real world" now. Finally. Is it really here? I know there will be days, as there may have already been if I can be honest, that I will wish to go back to the college life, or perhaps days even before that. What it would be like to be in the place of my students, sitting in 5th grade again...still living so young and carefree? What would it be like to be in high-school again, just having fun at the Friday night football games, and living in the drama that consumes most teenagers' lives? What would it be like to be a college freshman again, living in a dorm for the first time and doing the most random things ever just because you're a college student and can get away with it? Oh...the memories! However, I find myself completely content at this stage in life. Happy to finally be in the real world. Earning a salary. Having a "day job." Having a classroom and students to call my "own." I've worked hard to earn this new reality that I call my life. And I love it.

I may not be married, or have children, yet-but I'm content. I'm as single as they come (right now), and I'm okay with that. God provided me with a job before I officially had my degree-I have total faith He will bring a guy into my life that will one day become my husband...in His perfect time. I don't need to worry. I need to be content, and I am. I used to think I'd be the young 20-something that was a newlywed...but at this rate, chances are, I'll be over 25 before I walk down the aisle, and again, I'm okay with that. (Because 25 is still young, can I get an Amen?) God plans different paths for each of our lives, and I'm thankful He has a custom-made plan for me, too. I believe that someday when I am married, I'll see how this time of "singleness" was part of God's perfect plan for my life.

I'm so thankful to have a feeling of contentment in my life, and my prayer is that I will always (or most always-I'm human!) carry this feeling of contentment deep inside my heart.

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:10

Spring Forward!

It's that time of year again to turn our clocks ahead one hour to welcome the season of Spring!


I must admit(although I love winter)that I'm ready for spring to be here. Normally, Florida winters are extremely mild, but this winter has been different than the norm! It's been a cold few months here lately, and believe it or not, I'm ready for Spring. I like when it stays lighter longer...and it means summer is close! I just like this time of year. But, I never like losing an hour of sleep. Who does?

This weekend has been low-key so far. FCAT testing is an exhausting week, and I'm not sure why considering teachers aren't taking the test and really, the students should be the ones exhausted (which I'm sure they are!) but all of the teachers are just as exhausted! I think it must be walking on our feet during the whole testing time and doing nothing but circulating the classroom until time is called. Up one row of desks, down the next...over and over and over again! Thankfully, there are only two more days of testing this week and then it's over for this school year! Our school sure is anxious to see our improvements!

Last night Dayna and I went to good 'ole Frostbite in Frostproof. Great little restaurant for a quick dinner! Today, I slept in for a good while, got up, ate some waffles, and then went back to sleep for another hour and a half. Lazy? Some would say. But...what did I really need to be awake for today? Grading papers could surely wait! I had planned on creating a unit for my students to learn about the Census since 2010 is a census year and there are a lot of fun things we could do with that in 5th grade...but that will take motivation to do. Maybe tomorrow!

Today Dayna and I went to the Lake Wales lake and "explored." Today was a beautiful day here in Florida! We saw a gator...I think they're so intriguing! Then we went to Big Lots to look around...we truly are living the life in Lake Wales, FL! Ha! Then we went to KFC for dinner. I ate more biscuits than I should have. ;)

I really do need to get some school stuff done this weekend, so hopefully that will be done tomorrow. I need a productive day, but I also needed a day like today...a day to chill!

Pauline...

...is the name of the 7 year-old Kenyan girl I'm now sponsoring through Compassion. Compassion is a Christian based organization that exists to help children living in poverty in various countries throughout the world. Through the monthly $38 Compassion sponsors pay, these children are given educational opportunities, health care, social skills training, and opportunities to hear about the good news of Jesus...that they would not have had otherwise. I'm a follower of MckMama and she and her husband are currently on a missions trip in Kenya, blogging about their trip with Compassion. Jennifer is posting many powerful pictures that speak for themselves. In just this week alone while she and her husband have been in Kenya, they have led 398 people to become sponsors of children who live daily in conditions we would consider unsafe, unhealthy and just plain awful. I think that number, 398, is amazing. A week ago, 398 children were without sponsors, but thanks to MckMama's firsthand witness and the tug on many hearts, almost 400 children have just been given some amazing opportunities.

It was hard choosing one child to sponsor, as there were so many of them waiting for sponsors. I chose a 7 year-old girl named Pauline who is one of six children. She attends church activities and sings in the choir-two things that I was very much a part of in my childhood. I only know basic information about her now, but in a few weeks, I'll receive a packet in the mail with her picture and some more detailed information about her. I can't wait to "meet" her! I'll be able to tell her who I am too, after receiving that packet. I am so excited to have made this decision; I'm glad to know I'm helping a child in another continent have exposure to education, healthcare and the knowledge of Jesus and his saving grace!

I encourage you to stop by MckMama's blog and see for yourself just what her trip has been like in Kenya. People she's met, things she's seen, and most of all, how it's changed her perspective dramatically. She currently has 4 children and is pregnant with another. Her and her husband sponsor a young girl in Kenya, but during this trip they have made the decision to sponsor four more children- one Compassion child to sponsor for each of their biological children. Wow. Such an inspiration, right?

I'm not rich by any means...in fact, I'm a recent college graduate and have many bills to pay. But $38 dollars a month is something I know I can give up for a good cause, such as Compassion. I want to do it. I believe in the purpose of this organization, and I know my money is being spent directly to help Pauline. God calls us to be servants, and although I'm not directly, face-to-face serving Pauline, I believe she will be helped with my monthly donation.

If you feel led to sponsor a child in a poverty-stricken country, please visit here. You can browse by country, gender, and age of the child.

Thank you, God, for the opportunity to serve one of your children. My prayer is that Pauline will come to know you and in return, serve as many she can with the gifts you have given her.

Long Day

Today was a long day. It was the first day of FCAT testing. For those of you out-of-state readers, FCAT stands for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. It's a big and serious day, for both students and teachers. This post would bore you to tears if I completely explained the whole thing, so I'm not going to. Anyway...it was a long day as most days are as a school teacher when your normal schedule is off, even just a little bit. And so it was. I left school by 4:00. Earliest I've left work in the 9 weeks I've been teaching. Testing again tomorrow, and Wednesday...oh yeah, and then again on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, too!

Long days ahead.

So I leave work at 4:00. I had plans to deposit a check and then head home. Earlier than usual, I was stoked. I could have been home by 4:30, but wasn't home until 5:45. To say that I was frustrated would be an understatement. Nothing about that "going to the bank trip" was easy, whatsoever. I only work in Lakeland, don't live there yet. So when I venture off, I use my GPS to guide me, or so I think it's "guiding me." I type in 'Bank of America' in the GPS, and it takes me to a place that used to be a Bank of America. Thanks, GPS! So, I type in 'Bank of America' again, and it takes me to the one downtown. I drive downtown. Let me mention how terrible the traffic was. Oh, and then the train that literally had traffic backed up for 5 minutes. I'm sorry, but 5 whole minutes for a train is a little long. I just wasn't in the mood to watch a train go by. Sometimes it's cool, but not today. I finally get to the Bank of America downtown-they close at 4. By now, it's 4:30. Out of luck...again. Let's try this one more time. I type in 'Bank of America' (time #3) and it takes me like 7 miles away...but danget, I was depositing that check! (I know other banks that have drive-thru windows are usually open 'til 5..and how ticked I'd have been if I was wrong, but thankfully I wasn't!) So, as I'm following this new route, I need to switch lanes. I have my signal on, but no one wanted to let me in. So I missed the turn and had to make a u-turn up ahead. (Little things like that are usually no big deal...but by this point I was over it!) After that, I finally pull up at the bank's drive-thru and put my check and deposit slip in and literally like 30 seconds later, it's returned to me. That fast. It took an hour to drive around Lakeland traffic and find an open bank-all for a 30 second transaction. Not complaining about the quick transaction, just about the whole long process it took to get it done!

I think I'm rambling at this point. I typically don't like to focus on the little negative things, but...it's just one of those days.

Goodnight!

A Day in the Life of a New Teacher!

This week at Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life" is What Is Your Typical Day Like? I thought it'd be fun to share the typical day of my new life as a teacher, finally in the "real world!"

P.S. The reason I say "new teacher" is because I recently took over my class at the beginning of January-I just graduated college in December.

I get up each morning by 6:30. 6:20 would be the best time, but I'm not good at waking up in the mornings. I love my sleep and I love to sleep in. (I get to do that tomorrow, yes!!) But anyway, I wake up and use the restroom and things and begin my make-up routine, get dressed, pack up my lunch and walk out the door by 7:10-7:15. I have to be at work by 8:00 and I usually get there between 7:40-7:50. (I have a 35 minute commute to and from work.)

Once I'm in my classroom, I turn on my computer and SMART board, check e-mails, and walk up to the front office to sign in and check my mailbox. Then I go back to my classroom to get things in place for the day. My students come in by 8:15 and they have their own morning procedures...whether or not they follow them is another story! Ha!

8:30-10:30 I teach reading. We practice reading skills, read poems to practice fluency, find context clues for vocabulary words, and work on comprehension of stories and passages. The second hour of reading is spent at stations/centers for the students while I work with reading groups in a smaller setting.

10-30-11:30 I teach math. We begin with a mini lesson which focuses on FCAT related test material and then I finish with our regular math lesson. I enjoy teaching math!

11-30:1:00 I teach science. We begin with a mini lesson and then usually go to the Science lab for regular science instruction.

1-1:30 Lunch. It always goes by so fast. I am so looking forward to having my Coke by this point. :)

1:30-2:20 Monday-Computer Lab; Tuesday-Library; Wednesday-Friday- Math review/Writing/Social Studies

2:20-3:10 My students are at their specials and this is my planning period. This 50 minutes always goes by so fast!

3:15 Dismissal. I pick up my students from specials at 3:10 and the bell rings at 3:15...those last 5 minutes are C-R-A-Z-Y! Especially on days when they're coming back from P.E., they're just wild!

3:15-3:45 My duty to remain on campus, but I usually stay until 5-6 most days because I'm a new teacher and I'm just learning how to get everything done to be as prepared as possible each day!

After I leave, I drive home and either Dayna, I, or both cook something for dinner, **warm something up for dinner** or put the responsibility on someone else and pick it up through a drive-thru, ha! Hey, we're single girls in our 20s, we're allowed to eat out...healthy or not!

Then I normally just chill out for a little while, check Facebook and e-mail and read blogs. It's such a release for me, seriously! Then I'll grade papers if I need to, look over lesson plans for the next day, and other things like that. Sometimes I'll clean up the kitchen or put clothes away, run to Walmart or the store if I need anything, etc. By 10:00 if not sooner, I'm headed for the shower and like to be in bed between 11-11:30. Between that time, I pick out my clothes for the next day, do my devotions and read my Bible, and get everything packed up ready for the morning. I still am running on college student sleep mentality, but it's slowly taking its toll since I have to get up so early every morning now!

Well, that's my ever-so-exciting new life in a nutshell! I can't complain though because I like consistency and I'm so thankful to have a job! I love being a teacher!

American Idol!

Are you into this popular singing talent show?

Back in high school, I watched American Idol regularly with my family. Then, in college, I didn't stay as in tune with the seasons of the show. I'm not a big TV watcher in general, but I do find it fun and relaxing to have a show planned to watch for the evening. (I'm also into Glee and can't wait to see it again next month!) But anyway, I'm really enjoying "getting into" this season's American Idol.

My favorites of the girls are DiDi Banami and Crystal Bowersox. I think they both have natural talent and unique voices. Last night, the judges were so harsh on DiDi and I was so afraid that meant she would be cut tonight, but I'm so glad she wasn't! I felt sorry for her because the judges just didn't have anything nice to say at all and it wasn't as bad as they were making it sound...in my opinion. And of course, I do not have the title of American Idol Judge, but just sayin'. I'm looking forward to hearing her sing again next week! And Crystal is so unique and natural, too. She's her own person and does really well up on stage!

DiDi


Crystal

And my favorite of the guys are Andrew Garcia and Alex Lambert (I think.) Still not completely sure of my most favorites, but these are the two I'm going with for now. Andrew hasn't had the best song choices the last few weeks, but his awesome voice still shines through. Alex is good too and I could totally hear him on the radio someday. The mullet sure is interesting to look at, too! Ha!


Andrew


Alex

During American Idol tonight, Dayna (my roommate and best friend) and I had these for a snack...

They were gone in less than 5 minutes! They were so good! I told one of my students who is currently trying his hardest to show improvement in his behavior at school that if he had a good week, I'd buy him his favorite ice cream treat, and instantly he answered, "Snickers bar." Well, it was just a better idea to buy them in a package at Publix rather than pay $2 for one at the gas station; that's cheaper, right? ;) That's my rationale at least! It's a win-win situation for everyone! Anyway...back in high school when I watched American Idol regularly with my family, the ice cream truck would come by our street on Wednesday evenings, and my sisters and I would always get a sweet treat from our ice cream "lady" and save it until American Idol came on. So, I'm sort-of carrying on that tradition...and in reality, just making a new excuse to eat junk. Who am I kidding? I don't need an excuse! :)

We are one week closer to knowing who our next American Idol is going to be! Can't wait for next week's episodes! Who are your favorites?

ABCs of Me!

I saw this on another blog, and thought it'd be fun to post on mine. Enjoy!

a-Age- 23

b-Bed size- Queen

c-Chore you hate- Scrubbing the shower/bath tub

d-Dogs Name- My family's dog is Jack, however, I live on my own and do not (and probably won't ever have my own dog!)

e-Essential to start your day- Bathroom- including restroom, face, and teeth! :)

f-Favorite color- Purple

g-Gold or Silver- Silver

h-Height- 5'2"

i-Instruments you played- none...but I can sing, and I need to get back into it regularly, I miss it!

j-Job Title- 5th grade teacher

k-Kids- Love them, but do not have my own...yet!

l-Living arrangements- A cute little brick apartment with a green front door and green shutters with my amazing friend, Dayna!

m-Mom's name- Eileen (also my middle name!)

n-Nicknames- Kait, Kaiti, Kato, Kitten, Pringle, Poot

o-Overnight hospital stay other than your own Birth- None, thankfully!

p-Pet Peeve- People who pull out in front of me and drive soooo slowly, or people who drive way under the speed limit in general, just annoying!

q-Quote from a movie- "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"

r-Right or Left handed- Right

s-Siblings- Kiernan, Korinne and Keleigh

t-Time you wake up- 6:30 a.m. which is too early in my book

u-Underwear- all the time!

v-Vegetable you dislike- Cooked carrots, broccoli...here this is easier, let me tell you the vegetables I do like: peas, green beans, and corn!

w-Ways you run late- Mostly all the time I'm late or really close to being "almost late"...except to work. I manage to do that just fine...must be the pay. ;)

x-Xrays- I had one on my back in high school...and regular dental ones, but that's all!

y-Yummy food you make- Cake, Cookies, Pie...you see the trend? (Refer to my last post, I'm so healthy! ha!)

z-Zoo animals- Kangaroos!

This time of year means...

...Girl Scout cookies! Aren't they good?

I used to be a Girl Scout back in the day...for about 3 years and then I became bored with it. I'm not one for camping..and I was just over it. I always, always, enjoyed the cookie selling though. My mom has always been supportive of my siblings and I in any clubs, sports or organizations we were part of. (I love that about her!) So, anyway, during girl scout cookie "season" she always helped me achieve my cookie selling goal and we made a home assembly project of sorting through the cookies and delivering them once they had come in. I still remember exactly how we did it. She even went as far as making a paper slip that had my name on it, a mini thank-you, and the amount of money owed. We would rubberband that paper with the bundle of cookies. We had the system down pat. (This is making me sound REALLY nerdy, isn't it? It was forever ago, and at least I admit to it! Ha!) Oh and just to top off my nerdy streak here...I remember one year I sold around 400 boxes of cookies and won the top prize in my troop or something. You're proud, aren't you? ;)

This year I was asked by a student in another class at the school I work at, and I'm all about supporting students, of course, as that is the very nature of my job! I bought only two boxes of my favorite kind-Samoas and Trefoils.

A lovely coconut and chocolate creation!


Simple shortbread sweetness!

In so many ways, I cannot believe I just dedicated this post to Girl Scout cookies. I feel like the biggest nerd. However, I love cookies and these cookies are good! And Girl Scouts of America-you're welcome for the plug! ;)