Dear Readers,
Are you still there? I hope so. Yes I have sadly neglected my blog and I know it. I sit there from time to time and think about writing but then I go on about my insanely busy life. The thing is, I really don't think that I have anything exciting or blog worthy to write about. I get up, go to school, go home, go to bed. Same thing day after day. Except on weekends, then just replace work with school. But then I realize that maybe I want some record of the things I think and feel as I go through this time in my life. So here goes!
I realized recently that I love 2nd graders. I have had the privilege of working with them for three of the four semesters I spent in an elementary school classroom. My first experience was 30 hours of straight observation. Then I got to work directly with them for my first field experience and now I get to work with them again for my last field experience before student teaching. I never thought I wanted to teach the younger grades. I always said 3rd, 4th or 5th whenever I was asked what grades I wanted to teach. In fact, until recently, my perfect grade was 5th. That has changed. I want 2nd grade. If a principal were to ask me what grade I wanted, 2nd hands down. I love their desire to learn. I love their thought process and how they navigate life. Would I still be happy teaching another grade? Yes! I can't wait to have my own classroom!
Ok that was long :) If you are still here, thank you! I will write more later. After all, writing takes practice and to be good, you should practice every day.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Things I've learned from making simple, healthy changes in my life
I have been trying to change to a healthier lifestyle over the last several months. I think I am doing much better and have learned some valuable lessons!
I started in January with my simple changes. I had physical goals that I set. My idea was to start slowly. So I did; drink more water, walk the dog, etc. Then I discovered that the college had a fitness center and I could use it since I was a student. So I rented a locker and added weight training three times a week. I loved it! I was starting to feel better!
I slowly changed my eating habits and really started making better food choices. I have cut back on the processed foods as much as I can and have increased the amount of water I drink daily.
Then school got out. No more fitness center. So I decided to run. I love running. I am happy to say that I have slowly increased my exercise levels and now get a good workout in 6 days a week. I take Sundays off.
So what have I learned?
Lesson 1 It's ok to go slowly. I learned that I couldn't just jump in and go gung ho. I needed to slowly work up to working out 6 days a week. Even still my workout are slow. I've been running since April and am still only on week 2 of my 8 week training program.
Lesson 2 Listen to my body. I learned to listen to what my body needs. There have been times when I could only complete a portion of the workout. I learned that stopping did not mean I quit, I still got some exercise in and to avoid injury, it is best to listen to what the needs of my body are.
Lesson 3 Eating healthy is key! I learned that making better food choices is essential to overall better health. My body had no problems letting me know when I stopped paying attention and made bad choices. I am to the point where even my 1 soda a week doesn't sound good. I don't deny myself anything and I am not on a diet, I just changed what I was eating. More whole foods and less processed and junky types of foods.
Lesson 4 I like how I feel now. I really like me now. I feel better, happier and more healthier. Some of my physical aches and pains have gone away, my joints don't ache and I sleep better. I still have problems with my knees but I am learning how to modify exercises and take proper preventative measures to insure I don't have problems later.
Overall I am very pleased with my progress and can't wait to continue. I have participated in 3 5k races already this summer and found I really enjoy them. My goal is to be able to run the entire Kohl Elementary 5k next May.
I started in January with my simple changes. I had physical goals that I set. My idea was to start slowly. So I did; drink more water, walk the dog, etc. Then I discovered that the college had a fitness center and I could use it since I was a student. So I rented a locker and added weight training three times a week. I loved it! I was starting to feel better!
I slowly changed my eating habits and really started making better food choices. I have cut back on the processed foods as much as I can and have increased the amount of water I drink daily.
Then school got out. No more fitness center. So I decided to run. I love running. I am happy to say that I have slowly increased my exercise levels and now get a good workout in 6 days a week. I take Sundays off.
So what have I learned?
Lesson 1 It's ok to go slowly. I learned that I couldn't just jump in and go gung ho. I needed to slowly work up to working out 6 days a week. Even still my workout are slow. I've been running since April and am still only on week 2 of my 8 week training program.
Lesson 2 Listen to my body. I learned to listen to what my body needs. There have been times when I could only complete a portion of the workout. I learned that stopping did not mean I quit, I still got some exercise in and to avoid injury, it is best to listen to what the needs of my body are.
Lesson 3 Eating healthy is key! I learned that making better food choices is essential to overall better health. My body had no problems letting me know when I stopped paying attention and made bad choices. I am to the point where even my 1 soda a week doesn't sound good. I don't deny myself anything and I am not on a diet, I just changed what I was eating. More whole foods and less processed and junky types of foods.
Lesson 4 I like how I feel now. I really like me now. I feel better, happier and more healthier. Some of my physical aches and pains have gone away, my joints don't ache and I sleep better. I still have problems with my knees but I am learning how to modify exercises and take proper preventative measures to insure I don't have problems later.
Overall I am very pleased with my progress and can't wait to continue. I have participated in 3 5k races already this summer and found I really enjoy them. My goal is to be able to run the entire Kohl Elementary 5k next May.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Dear Son
Dear Son,
Today I want to write to you. I am so glad that you are my son! I want you to know that I love you very much! I am proud of you for doing well in school this year. I know you struggle sometimes but you always do well. You are making some wonderful plans for your future. Remember them and work hard to fulfill them.
You have a great heart and a wonderful, kind spirit. I am happy when I hear of the good things you do for your sister, dad and friends. I hope you will always stay this way.
I enjoy the times we get to spend talking and I love hearing about your day and anything you want to tell me. I love you Buddy!
Love, Mom
Today I want to write to you. I am so glad that you are my son! I want you to know that I love you very much! I am proud of you for doing well in school this year. I know you struggle sometimes but you always do well. You are making some wonderful plans for your future. Remember them and work hard to fulfill them.
You have a great heart and a wonderful, kind spirit. I am happy when I hear of the good things you do for your sister, dad and friends. I hope you will always stay this way.
I enjoy the times we get to spend talking and I love hearing about your day and anything you want to tell me. I love you Buddy!
Love, Mom
Friday, May 31, 2013
Hardest Part About Growing Up
30 things I want my kids to know about me
Day 13
Hardest part about growing up
Growing up isn't easy. There are many hard parts I think. For me, one of the hardest parts about growing up was not feeling that I belonged. I didn't feel like I belonged at church or school, two very important places for a child/teenager. It didn't bother me so much as a child, it really started about the time I turned 11. I went to a different school than most of the people I went to church with so it was hard to talk with them about school. I didn't know most of the people they were talking about, I wasn't there for such and such event and I didn't have the same teachers. I even lived in a different part of town so we didn't know the same people.
My best friend Jenny really helped. She knew I didn't know people so she would tell me about them and include me in the conversation. I love her to this day for all she did to help me feel wanted at church.
School was a different story. I am shy and do not like big groups of people. So I kept to myself, had a few friends and did my school work. I got good grades too. No one likes the good students though so I got teased quite a bit. It was hard to ignore some of it. I made it through though, learned a lot of hard lessons and I feel that I am better know. I know where I belong and have gotten to the point where I am very happy with my circumstances. I don't need large groups of friends to be happy. I belong with my family and few close friends that I have.
Day 13
Hardest part about growing up
Growing up isn't easy. There are many hard parts I think. For me, one of the hardest parts about growing up was not feeling that I belonged. I didn't feel like I belonged at church or school, two very important places for a child/teenager. It didn't bother me so much as a child, it really started about the time I turned 11. I went to a different school than most of the people I went to church with so it was hard to talk with them about school. I didn't know most of the people they were talking about, I wasn't there for such and such event and I didn't have the same teachers. I even lived in a different part of town so we didn't know the same people.
My best friend Jenny really helped. She knew I didn't know people so she would tell me about them and include me in the conversation. I love her to this day for all she did to help me feel wanted at church.
School was a different story. I am shy and do not like big groups of people. So I kept to myself, had a few friends and did my school work. I got good grades too. No one likes the good students though so I got teased quite a bit. It was hard to ignore some of it. I made it through though, learned a lot of hard lessons and I feel that I am better know. I know where I belong and have gotten to the point where I am very happy with my circumstances. I don't need large groups of friends to be happy. I belong with my family and few close friends that I have.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A Day in the Life
30 Things I want my kids to know about me
Day 12
A Day in the Life of Me!
What does a typical day look like for me? Well that depends on the time of year. Right now I am on summer break from school so a typical day now looks very different from a typical day during the school year. So we'll focus on a typical day during the summer.
I wake up when the dogs wake me up. It can range anywhere from 6:30-8:15. If they wake me up at 6:30, I feed them, put them outside and go back to bed.
If it is a more reasonable time, like 7:30-8ish, I get up, get dressed and stay up. My morning routine looks something like this.
Feed Dogs
Eat Breakfast
Check and fill water bottle my Husband
Check all things on computer while waiting an hour
do my exercise for the day. I run 3 days a week and work strength training the other 3 days.
Then I quietly read or chat with my sister until my husband wakes up
Then it's lunch, dishes, pick up house, other things that need to be done.
Make dinner, sometimes watch a movie or read or whatever needs to be done. then shower and bed.
Not the most glamorous life but I love it and am very happy :)
Day 12
A Day in the Life of Me!
What does a typical day look like for me? Well that depends on the time of year. Right now I am on summer break from school so a typical day now looks very different from a typical day during the school year. So we'll focus on a typical day during the summer.
I wake up when the dogs wake me up. It can range anywhere from 6:30-8:15. If they wake me up at 6:30, I feed them, put them outside and go back to bed.
If it is a more reasonable time, like 7:30-8ish, I get up, get dressed and stay up. My morning routine looks something like this.
Feed Dogs
Eat Breakfast
Check and fill water bottle my Husband
Check all things on computer while waiting an hour
do my exercise for the day. I run 3 days a week and work strength training the other 3 days.
Then I quietly read or chat with my sister until my husband wakes up
Then it's lunch, dishes, pick up house, other things that need to be done.
Make dinner, sometimes watch a movie or read or whatever needs to be done. then shower and bed.
Not the most glamorous life but I love it and am very happy :)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Pet Peeves
30 Things I want my kids to know about me
Day 11
Pet Peeves
I have pet peeves and today's prompt is to list 10 of them. However, as I was thinking abut this topic this morning, I decided not to list any. I came to the conclusion that pet peeves are nothing more than behaviors of others that annoy you. Everyone is different! We all like to do things differently. Just because I may not like something you are doing, does not mean it is wrong.
I've noticed that some of the things that used to be considered a pet peeve, don't bother me any more. I find myself trying hard to exercise self control over these feelings and look at the person differently. It's a part of who they are and if I say I love them then I should love all of them. I'm sure there are things I do that could be considered a pet peeve to someone. I know I am not perfect.
So today I will focus on the good in others and not small, insignificant behaviors that in the grand scheme of things, are not important.
Day 11
Pet Peeves
I have pet peeves and today's prompt is to list 10 of them. However, as I was thinking abut this topic this morning, I decided not to list any. I came to the conclusion that pet peeves are nothing more than behaviors of others that annoy you. Everyone is different! We all like to do things differently. Just because I may not like something you are doing, does not mean it is wrong.
I've noticed that some of the things that used to be considered a pet peeve, don't bother me any more. I find myself trying hard to exercise self control over these feelings and look at the person differently. It's a part of who they are and if I say I love them then I should love all of them. I'm sure there are things I do that could be considered a pet peeve to someone. I know I am not perfect.
So today I will focus on the good in others and not small, insignificant behaviors that in the grand scheme of things, are not important.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Embarrassing Moments
30 Things I want my kids to know about me
Day 10
My most embarrassing moment
I can honestly say I don't have a most embarrassing moment. That's not to say I don't get embarrassed. I do. I am known for opening my mouth and inserting foot. I say or do things that make me embarrassed but I laugh about it and move on.
Sorry for the very short post but there is nothing to say on this topic! :)
Day 10
My most embarrassing moment
I can honestly say I don't have a most embarrassing moment. That's not to say I don't get embarrassed. I do. I am known for opening my mouth and inserting foot. I say or do things that make me embarrassed but I laugh about it and move on.
Sorry for the very short post but there is nothing to say on this topic! :)
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