Not for the Faint of Heart

This week I started a new writing unit on biographies with my first graders. Previously we have been working on just general information texts like: "All about Snakes" or "All about NFL teams" or "All about Lacross". We have talked at length and studied mentor texts to help us with how to convey good information, make the best pictures we can for our readers, and include non-fiction features that can help the reader to understand the information (ie, labels, maps, headings, table of contents, etc). It has been an exciting journey and they were more than excited to learn about a "new" type of book on Monday.

Sometimes kids set you up for just what you were hoping. A couple of students had begun planning a book about a person last week. I was able to capitalize on that in my intro to biographies. After making lists of potential subjects for our book, we then set about brainstorming what kind of information would be important and interesting to note in our books about other people. The conversation and ideas from these 6 and 7 year olds astounded me! (Now I wish I had taken pictures of our charts and web of ideas...)

Given the theme of biographies and the fact that today will mark my 100th post, I think I will attempt to document 100 "interesting" (okay, that's pretty subjective) facts about myself. After all, you may want to know more about me... (maybe).

Here goes...

1. I was born in Ohio, but have lived in Indiana for the past 10 years.

2. I have been a teacher for the past 6 years, all of them in first grade.

3. I have a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education.

4. My “first love” is students with special needs. I still hope to one day play the role as a special education teacher.

5. I live with the best friends a girl could ask for (4 years, and still strong!)

6. My mom and I talk every Sunday (at least). I look forward to it every week. Sometimes I can’t wait and have to call her on Saturday!

7. I am allergic to toothpaste and cinnamon gum.

8. I have never broken a major bone. (Does a toe count?)

9. When I was in first grade I was in a ballet class. I was so nervous about the recital, I made myself sick to get out of it. I never took another dance class.

10. My parents were divorced when I was 5. As a result, I have two wonderful step-parents in my life!

11. As a kid, we mainly had cats growing up. I can remember only one dog: Ubu- like the commercial “Sit Ubu, sit”.

12. I graduated high school in a class of 91 students. I currently only keep in touch with two of them.

13. My ten year high school reunion is this summer. I am still contemplating going or not.

14. I failed my driver’s license test the first time I took it. I cried on the couch for hours afterwards!

15. I don’t like coconut.

16. My favorite book is My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok, but I am always looking for new titles to love.

17. I played volleyball in high school but was never really good enough to pursue it later in life.

18. I have a serious weakness for ice cream.

19. Number 18 is why I had to give ice cream up for Lent.

20. Within one year I went to Cambodia, France/Spain, and Thailand. I loved them all!

21. In college, I actively pursued the option of becoming a missionary overseas.

22. I always tell my students that my favorite animals are giraffes and elephants. That is true, but also I say this because I can draw them when I have to model writing in writing workshop.

23. I didn’t learn to love non-fiction texts until I became a teacher.

24. South America and Africa are two continents I would still like to visit.

25. I got my nose pierced 4 years ago. I love it. No regrets!

26. I have short hair. I am a short hair advocate! I don’t think I will ever go back to long locks.

27. I started “running” this past summer. I ran in two 5k races and dressed up like a turtle in one. 28. I plan to run at least 3 more races this upcoming summer.

29. I have never considered myself an athlete or a runner. Still don’t.

30. I went to a Christian school from grades 5-12 and a Christian college. I loved my experiences at both!

31. Although, I have always wondered what it would have been like to go to a major university.

32. I wish I had had the courage to apply to an Ivy League school when I was looking at colleges. I probably wouldn’t have gotten in, but trying would have been the first step.

33. I have an amazing sister. She is 7 years older than I am, and now that we are both adults, we have a lot of fun together. Growing up was mainly one fight after another!

34. My step sister gave me three fantastic nephews: Kole, Reid, and Will. I wish I could see them more often.

35. I love to ride my bike. In the summers we like to ride and get ice cream!

36. Jimmy Fallon is quite possibly my dream man. I mean, he is funny, adorable, and SO talented. I wish I could stay up late and watch his show every night.

37. My mom DVR’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon for me. So, when I go home to Ohio, I have a ton of old episodes to pick from!

38. I have never bungee jumped or been sky diving, but I would like to try both!

39. I was once offered a teaching job in Korea. I seriously considered it until telling my family. Then I turned the job down.

40. From the age 16 until I was out of college I worked in a library. I loved it!

41. When I was young I wanted to be the first woman President. Now I don’t even have an interest in politics.

42. I can’t handle the idea of veins, or a pulse, or blood pressure. Talking, thinking, and even knowing about them sometimes make me feel like passing out.

43. I love spicy food!

44. I was pulled over twice last week.

45. I got a warning both times! J

46. I grew up in church, and believe that church and community in a church can be a powerful thing, but I haven’t regularly attended a church in a year and a half.

47. I wish I could find a church.

48. My first boyfriend was a twin.

49. My idea of “world news” is to read Yahoo! news articles or US weekly.

50. I hate to wear socks- even in the winter!

51. I have a small tattoo on my right foot.

52. Last summer my aunt taught me how to make jell-o shots.

53. I have taken several pottery classes and loved “throwing” on the wheel.

54. I can be a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to organization.

55. I am afraid of horses. They have such big teeth!

56. I never had a nickname growing up. I always wanted one.

57. My senior year of college I lived off campus with friends. It was one of the best experiences of my life!

58. I won a teaching award in college.

59. I once spelled the word spaghetti wrong while my principal was evaluating me. Oops.

60. For my 16^th birthday my dad gave me a Roth IRA. I thought it was going to be a car. I ran out of the room crying in front of everyone.

61. I wish I hadn’t started this list.

62. I am beginning to wonder if anyone will actually read all of these ridiculous things!

63. I have a pet Tarantula in my classroom. His name is Chester.

64. No, I don’t take him out and hold him. Gross.

65. When I was little I was playing house and decided to “iron” the bedspread. I ended up putting large iron marks in the carpet of my dad’s apartment. Years later I learned that because of me, he didn’t get his deposit back on that apartment.

66. I want to learn to sew. I am afraid that it is a dying art. Who will hem pants for the younger generation?

67. I used to think that the Classics were the only books worth my time. Rubbish. Now, I can’t remember the last time I read a Classic!

68. I love to travel. I am already having a hard time fitting all of my trips in for the summer.

69. I started my Master’s degree almost two years ago.

70. I will graduate this July! J

71. In high school I fell on risers in front of my entire choir class.

72. I didn’t start wearing glasses until I was a freshman in high school.

73. I didn’t start wearing contacts until I was a freshman in college.

74. I never used to wear dangly earrings. I was afraid it would rip my ear on accident.

75. Now I hardly go a day without a pair of big dangly earrings!

76. I started this blog because a friend made me create one. I kept it a secret for a long time.

77. I once saw a man get shot.

78. I used to have a rabbit when I was a little girl. I can’t remember his name at all. Neither can my mom or my sister.

79. I had twin baby dolls as a little girl. I named them Andy and Amy.

80. The password that I use for most things is a made up word from 7^th grade.

81. I have had the same email address since 6^th grade.

82. I have always wanted to adopt children someday.

83. Chap stick is my biggest addiction.

84. Two years ago I started going to a Zumba class. I still feel ridiculous, but it is exercise that puts a smile on your face!

85. I save tons of artwork from my students every year. In the summer time I get it out and look at all of it. It makes me happy.

86. I have never been water skiing.

87. I had to cheat on my Ohio Boating License. It took 4 of us and three computers (using Google) for me to pass!

88. I am new to twitter. I don’t entirely get it. I haven’t “tweeted” yet.

89. I learned how to play Angry Birds from a 2 year old.

90. Singing has never been one of my talents, but I was once in a Winnie the Pooh musical. I played Eeyore.

91. One of my collections as a little girl was of miniature tea sets. I think I still have them all.

92. This list took a lot longer than I expected.

93. My favorite movie is “Shawshank Redemption”.

94. I tell my first graders that my favorite color changes. I just don’t want to commit.

95. Retirement and understanding my finances is something that I worry about. A lot. (I am 27 years old currently).

96. If I ever get married, I am not sure I would have the traditional wedding.

97. I once put salad dressing all over an old boyfriend’s brand new car.

98. In first grade, I stole a mini stapler from my teacher. Later I lied to her about stealing it.

99. I hate diet pop.

100. The Slice of Life group is such a great community. I feel lucky to be a part of it!

 

Are you still there?

Click

Today after school I rushed home. L and I had a list of things to do, and time was of the essence.

While I was getting ready for a quick "run", baby j was in my room playing with my phone. Now, he is quite smitten with it. It cheers him instantly, he smiles at it, dances to its music, and even cries when he has to tell it "bye bye" and give it a kiss. But for just a split second today he was all snuggled in my covers, gazing at the phone with affection, and holding it up to his face. I just happened to glance over. I immediately ran for my camera...

I got a new camera last summer and spent the better part of the summer and fall taking a class and experimenting with my skills. I am not a great photographer, but it is something I am interested in and would like to pursue more.

Of course, when I grabbed the camera the battery was dead. And the kid had my phone, so what was I to do? I decided to just stand and observe. Capture the moment with my memory. Sure, I might not be able to pull up the picture later on my computer, or share it with others, but when I close my eyes, I can see him.

I can see the little toes wiggling back and forth on my yellow blanket. I can see the slight curls in his hair against my pillow. I can see the stubby little fingers trying to manuever the touch screen. And I can see the wide smile of a boy in love with technology.

This got me thinking. When I close my eyes, what other pictures do I see? What other events or places or people do I hold dear in my mind's eye?

Sometimes, just sometimes I have all of my witts about me and can actually click the camera. Here are a couple that are etched within my heart...

(My sister, Raeal and her fiance, Nick this past summer).

(Almafi Coast, Italy. Summer 2009)

(A Kindred Spirit, Carmen. Honduras 2010).

(A little Mardi Gras fun with mom and sis. New Orleans. 2011)

(Clown fish? Taken at aquarium in New Orleans 2011)

(The Bayou. Aren't these trees fantastic. New Orleans. 2011)

(Josiah Tucker Damien Shue. Summer Fun. 2012)

(Kayaking in Bar Harbor, Maine. July 2010).

(Ok. I didn't capture this one. But, I love that it was captured! Lake Tahoe. July 2012).

(The Girl with Personality. Honduras 2011).

(Dad, Sis and me. Athens, Greece. 2009).

So, whether you have a camera or not. It's always a good idea to capture the moment.

It Has Started

Today was a pretty ordinary day. I went about my classroom as I entered, clicking on lamps, pressing computer buttons to awaken the beasts, checking schedules and materials and plans. I even started to prepare and plan for next week. As I was getting some materials out of a drawer, I realized that it was in desperate need of re-organizing.

That's when it started. The film was lifted. The fog cleared. The rose glasses snatched away. The need was clear- a list was to be made!

Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I function purely because of lists and the need to cross things off of them. I make lists for groceries, plans, things to do, things to buy, things I wish I could do, things to accomplish by a certain age, things I wish, and things I don't want to do, but need to. I put them on my bathroom mirror, on sticky notes, in my car, on my phone, in my plan book at school, on the calendar and any other cutesy type of paper I have handy.

Once a friend even made fun of me for putting "read books" on my vacation list. I had to explain that if it isn't on the list, then I feel guilty doing it, so oftentimes I will put fun things on the list so that they get crossed of too! (I know I'm not crazy, I know there are others out there like me, right?)

 After realizing some things were in serious disarray, I dropped...err, placed everything neatly down and ran over to my desk to start before I forgot. Today started my Summer 2013 list. Before too long, the list had several more tasks at the end.

I already feel a sense of calm about the summer. Sure, I will make other lists for the summer, but my list for things to accomplish in my classroom has started.

Who knows, maybe I will even get to cross a few off before school even ends!

(Just Another) Manic Monday

Twice today I had to be tough.

Twice today I felt all a mess.

Twice today I wished to start over.

Twice today I had some regrets.

Twice today I pondered some choices.

Twice today I couldn't wait to go home.

At least it wasn't more...

Music for the Soul

I have mentioned before that I love music. It is still true. On Sundays I like to make my trip into school a little more enjoyable by streaming in Ryan Seacrest and hearing all of the "bubble gum pop" that the America's Top 40 has to offer. I like to sing along, dance a little, and feel good while I work through preparing and planning for the week ahead.

Other times call for different music. Lots of times when I am driving I like to listen to a playlist entitled "Traveling Tunes". Here are all songs relating to travel and moving from one spot to another. Songs like, "Many the Miles", "Life is a Highway", and "Route 66" might give you an idea of some that are in my collection.

Still other occassions call for different types of music. Another type, one I like to call "music for the soul" (not to be confused with soul music) is music that I enjoy while pondering life, doing mundane chores, hanging out alone, or working on the computer for an extended time. It is music that speaks to the core of me. It is often slow, melodic, and full of imagery. The words inspire me and sometimes puzzle me. The melody and cadence and lyrics all banding together.

One such band (my favorite!) that specializes in "Soul Music" is Over the Rhine. They are a husband and wife duo who have been making music for over 20 years. I have been fortunate enough to see them in concert several times and am never disappointed by a record or show. They have one song that I like to think was written for me. It is entitled "Ohio". Since I am from Ohio and visit there often, many of the lyrics and sentiments match my own life. This music truly speaks to my soul.

They have a lot to offer, but may not be for everyone.

Here is a link to my song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-c7ir1K_1Q

Here is a link to their webiste: http://overtherhine.com/

Happy Listening!

A Saturday Substitute

Generally, my Saturdays are my day of sanctuary. The work week is finished and there is finally time to catch up on some reading, laundry, other household duties, relaxing, and general laziness around the house. I know it doesn't sound that exciting, but to me, it can get me through the week.

Since I spend my week around little ones and colleagues, it doesn't bother me if these days are spent alone, and sometimes I may go the whole day not really talking to anyone else. Like I said: sanctuary. Time to rejuvenate for the week ahead.

However, today I was reminded that community and togetherness can rejuvenate the soul as well. I was lucky enough to be invited by a seven year old to his basketball game. Here I remembered the joys of little triumphs and a game well played.

Later I was again blessed by the company of a dear friend from college and her sister. If ever there were two people who speak Truth and Love, these two are it. We enjoyed a stroll through Goshen, giggled about various ridiculousness, and of course-- sipped on coffee together. It was refreshing, relaxing, and rewarding: all of the things a Saturday should be.

Drink in the richness. Let it rejuvenate.

Read On...?

I started a new book a week or so ago. I know, it is taking me a long time to get through this one. I have come to a stopping point. A hurdle. A chasm. A fork in the road, if you will.

You see, I grow to love these characters. I sometimes think about them during the day, and often wonder what will happen to them when I pick up their story again later in the evening. However, a couple nights ago I began to worry. I sense a change, a change from tragedy. I can tell these characters, my new friends, are about to have their world cracked open like an egg. I am hesitant to find out exactly what happens. I like how they have been molded and depicted up until now.

This next event has the power to really draw me in further or let me down altogether. I guess I won't know until I... read on.