Currently September!

Fall is almost here! My favorite time of the year! I just wish it actually felt like fall out here in California. I can't believe I let a month pass by without posting. This past month was so very hectic with changing schools and districts. We also just finished up our 3rd week of the school year. Wowsa!

The beginning of the month means it's time to link up with Farley at Oh Boy 4th Grade for the always fun Currently! Make sure you head on over to her blog and link up!

Listening:
I just got back from a pretty hard core mountain bike ride with the husband. I think my legs are going to fall off. So now I'm relaxing near the AC unit and listening to some awesome country jams. Yes, I am one of the few Californians that loves country. In fact, Sundays are my favorite because the local country station plays old school jams. I listen to everything though...my music collection is pretty eclectic. That is how is should be though! There is so much amazing music out in this world in all genres! Why limit ourselves?!?!

Loving:
The past two years have brought many amazing changes and opportunities my way. I'm just soaking it all in and enjoying living life to its fullest. I have been wanting to work closer to home and after 7 years of a very long commute (1.5 hours one way...unless of course the traffic was awful...then it would take longer). I am loving my 15-20 minute city street drive to work. I love my new school! Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. Looking forward to what the year will bring.

Thinking:
Who doesn't love the crisp fresh air that fall brings?

Wanting:
Now that I am saving a ton of time not having to commute to and from work, I want to start shooting more! Photography has always been a passion of mine. In fact, teaching wasn't something I had always wanted to do. I used to want to become a photographer. As it turns out life had different plans for me and I love teaching! But, I want to make time to allow for my creativity to flow.

Needing:
I need to find some motivation to plan and so forth. I always tell myself I will do it over the weekend. Ya, that never happens. Even with this three day weekend, I haven't found the time to plan for the week or month. Sigh....

3 Trips:
I can only pick three?!?! I have a serious case of wanderlust and want to visit every corner of this amazing world. There is so much to see and experience. I've been fortunate to have been able to do quite a bit of traveling. The only problem with that is, I always come back adding locations I want to visit to my long list of travel destinations. Right now my top three destinations are Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. Last year, I traveled to Abu Dhabi and fell in love with the Middle East. I want so much to head to Jordan and visit Petra! How amazing would that be. I'm fascinated with history and ever since I was a kid I have wanted to see the pyramids in Egypt. My husband says it is too dangerous right now for me to head that way. Hopefully one of these days. Morocco would be amazing! The colors, the bazaars, can I just hop on a plane right now?

Currently August

 

I can't believe it is already August! August marks the end of my summer and the start of a new school year! Linking up with Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for Currently.

 

 

Listening: We've been catching up with one of our favorite tv shows, Hell on Wheels. We got a bit behind with season 3. Lucky for us they had a marathon today and we were able to catch up before the season 4 premiere. Yes, we were glued to the couch all day. I'm not embarrassed to admit that. My sister gave me a hard time when she called and I told her I couldn't talk today because we were catching up on our show. I've earned it, I can be lazy for a day. :)

Loving: Goodbye commute! For the past 7 years I have been commuting to work and it was getting really old. There were times I was stuck in traffic for 2 hours and that was one way. It usually took anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half one way. Can you believe I spent at least 10 hours a week sitting in my car. Can we say waste of time?!?! I will now be embarking on a new adventure- I have a new teaching position and will be close to home! I have been dreaming of this for 7 years! Did someone say "side streets"? The icing on the cake it that I will continue to teach 5th grade. This girl is smiling big!

Thinking: This My husband is pretty amazing. On Friday he helped me pack up and move out of my old classroom.  My room was on the 2nd floor and I should mention the school doesn't have an elevator (which I find odd...what if someone had a broken leg?). He had to carry all my boxes down the stairs in hot and humid weather. It doesn't stop there...Monday he will be helping me move into my new classroom. Luckily my new classroom is floor level and close to the parking lot. A bit stressed...I have so much to do in such a short amount of time.

Wanting: The weather has been so strange lately. Not a fan. I'm ready for some nice crisp fall air.

Needing: I have no excuses. I've had plenty of time this summer to plan, but always found something else to do. I did read quite a few books and some of those were for professional development. I really need to get on the ball. Maybe once I am moved into my room I will be able to focus on some planning.

1st Day: First day with the kids is in 11 days!! Oh my goodness!

Currently July!

I can't believe it is already July! I only have one month left of summer vacation. Where has the time gone? Linking up with Farley over at Oh Boy! Fourth Grade for Currently.

Listening: I'm just sitting at the dining room table catching up on my blogging. Squeaky toys, hum drum of the dryer, random fireworks, and now the sprinklers....the noise that surrounds me on this wonderful evening.

Loving: My summer vacation has been great so far! I've gotten a lot of reading out of the way, relaxation, spending time with family and friends. I don't want it to end.

Thinking: I'm super excited one of my best friends is getting married! She will be a stunning bride! I will be a bridesmaid and I can't wait to share her special day with her. We've known each other since 7th grade-22 years of friendship! Wowsa! We have had so many crazy adventures together here and abroad. I treasure my old friendships.

Wanting: Hoping for a dream to come true.

Needing: I really need to start planning the next school year. I told myself that this year I wanted to really get organized and so forth. I still have a month to go, but I always find something else to do. That's it, this week I will get some planning done!

4th of July Plans: Who doesn't love a block party! We live in a cul-de-sac and last year the tradition was started....block party for the 4th! We really lucked out and have the best neighbors you could ask for. When we first moved into our home, we had stepped back in time. Everyone knows everyone, everyone helps out whenever you are in need of something, we even get home baked goodies during the holidays. Looking forward to good food and celebrating with fireworks.

Currently June

Where does the time go! June already and my summer break is hiding around the corner! Linking up with Farley at Oh Boy Fourth Grade! for the June Currently.

Listening: We rescued a third Doxie a month ago and he has finally come around. He had it pretty rough before he found us. It took him awhile to warm up to our other to  pups. I love watching and listening to them play with each other! Makes my heart happy.

Loving: Summer break is right...around...the...corner! I love my group this year, but who doesn't love a little time off?! My niece will be heading into town next week and I can't wait to show her the sights.

Thinking:  May was rough, I mean really rough. Some heart wrenching things took place and I am so thankful for my amazing family, friends, and blogging teacher friends. They were constantly there...providing their love and support. <3

Wanting: My darn knee still isn't back to 100%. I am such an active person, so this is killing me! I went to the gym last week and took it easy (at least I thought I did). However, the next morning I could barely walk and was in so much pain. Thankfully, the pain didn't last too long. But I'm afraid to head to the gym, biking, hiking, etc. for fear of hurting it again. Patience, I suppose.

Needing: I need to learn how to truly relax and do absolutely nothing!

Summer Bucket List: Of course traveling is on my bucket list! It's my addiction...seeing the world. I will be heading to British Columbia for some relaxation and outdoor fun! I can't wait! One of my best friends from Jr. High is getting married!!! Whoohoo! So excited for hear and her soon to be husband is the best! The wedding will take place in Porltand, where she lives. I LOVE that town! Hmm...which reminds me...I need to get the ball rolling on making my bridal bouquet. She wants us to make our own bouquets out of anything (buttons, paper, etc.). I've decided to make a crepe paper flower bouquet. 

Have a wonderful rest of the week!!

Currently...April!!! Whoohoo!

The school year has flown by!! I can't believe I have only 2 months left with my sweet 5th graders. A little sad...I really love this group. Now time to link up with Oh Boy Fourth Grades Currently Linky!

Listening: Nothing exciting goin' on here...just listening to the world around me. My pooches barking at nothing, the train that I usually have tuned out because I'm so used to it and the wind. Our weather has been really weird lately. One day it is in the 80's, the next day brings rain, today it's super windy. Not to mention last Friday we had a little earthquake that had my house rocking' and rollin'. It wasn't too big, a 5.1,  but we were a few miles from the epicenter and it was a bit nerve wracking. We actually had pictures fall off the walls, drawers opened up, knick knacks fell.  A water main near our home even burst. I hear the aftershocks are a good thing, helps relieve the stress and lessens another big earthquake.  However, they still make me really uneasy. I heard today that Chile experienced an 8.0 earthquake, which makes what I experienced a little less traumatic. I pray everyone in Chile is ok. I can't even fathom what that would be like. Got off on a little tangent...haha. See there ya go, now it is raining, yes raining. I hear the water drops...and this weekend we are back to highs in the 80's. Gotta love California. :)

Loving: We rescued another adorable Dachshund! We now have three little pooches running around our home.  He is 3 years old and came to us with the name Russell. We didn't feel Russell suited him, so we changed his name to Clyde. He gets along great with our other pups and is really such a sweet boy.  We have rescued all our little guys and have had the best luck with them. I'm such a proponent of rescuing dogs. Now we have Hans (aka Hansy) who is 10, Buster who is 6, and 3 year old Clyde. I guess you could say we are the crazy dog peeps, but I wouldn't have it any other way. These little guys bring us so much love and joy!

 

Thinking: My birthday is coming up and my husband has a surprise for me! He has told me the following: We will be heading out during the early evening and be getting home quite late. We will be in Malibu, but not on the beach/near the beach. Hmmm....so the mountains??? I'm stumped!

Wanting: Spring break seems so far out of my reach! I'm so jealous of everyone who already had or currently is enjoying their spring break. My two week countdown has officially started!

Needing: This kinda ties in with the above. I need a long vacation of just relaxing. You know, on a nice warm sandy beach, relaxing in a hammock while reading a great book.  A place where I can disconnect from all this tech stuff...no more phones, texting, fb, instagram, tv, etc. That sounds like heaven to me.

Hours and Last Day: I get to work at the 6:30 am, crazy, right?!?! I have quite a commute, so leaving early in the morning means I am not stuck in traffic for hours. I actually like getting to work in the early morning because no one else is on campus and I can get a lot done. School gets out at 2:19 and I am out the doors by 2:30. Unless of course I have a meeting with a parent or admin. I figure I get there super early and get all my work done, so why stay after school? We teachers also have lives! Our last day of school is June 5th!! Looking forward to summer vacation, but I am definitely sad that this group of students will be moving on. In my 7 years of teaching they are by far the sweetest, most thoughtful, eager learners I have ever had the pleasure to teach!

Currently March

February flew by and you know what that means....time to link up with Oh Boy Fourth Grade's Currently!

Listening: To the glorious rain! I heart the rain! Unfortunately living in CA means I don't get too many rainy days on the couch curled up with a book and coffee. It's been wonderful! 

Loving: I finally broke down and purchased an Erin Condren teacher planner. She had a 30% off sale which helped me justify forking over the cash for it. I can't wait to use it next year! Right now I carry around a 3 ring teacher binder and it is way too bulky. This little planner has it all! It also came with a free set of colored pens, labels, and coupons! 

Thinking: Since CA made the shift to Common Core this year, we won't be giving the state CST for math and language arts. However, the science CST (given in 5th and I think 8th grade) is definitely happening. I have one more unit to get through by the end of April (life science). I suppose this rainy day is a perfect day for planning. 

Wanting: To enjoy the day and do absolutely nothing!

Needing: My darn knee started giving me issues while on vacation during the beginning of January. Not fun! You don't realize how much you rely on your knees until one isn't working. I thought it would get better and put off going to the doctor. After a month and a half, i finally gave in. It looks like I have a problem with my patella and the tracking of it. I now have physical therapy four days a week for three weeks and then 3 days a week for 6 weeks. I've finished a week and a half of PT so far and it is starting to feel better! Not limping as bad.

??????????: Can you guess the question?

Currently February!

It's that time again! Linkin' up with Farley at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for Currently.

Listening: Lately, I find myself with the radio and tv (that thing is rarely on anways) off and I'm just taking in the sounds of the neighborhood. I live near a train track and I love hearing the trains rumble by. I also love hearing the neighborhood kids outside playing...riding bikes, exploring. It seems like nowadays, the kids are pent up in the house playing video games. I just find it refreshing when they are out having fun.

Loving:  It was hard for me to pinpoint one thing that I was loving right now. Life in general has been amazing. My husband and I were able to enjoy Ireland during the winter (a late anniversary trip). I have the best friends a girl could ask for. I enjoy heading to work everyday. I have THE best group of students a teacher could ask for. They amaze me everyday and it is so fun to share my love of learning with them.

Thinking:  I'm addicted to traveling. I guess it's not such a bad thing to be addicted to, minus the impact on my wallet! The day after we got back from Ireland I was online "researching" places to venture to. One thing I love about teaching is all the time off I get, so it allows me to venture off and explore this fabulous world of ours.

Wanting: I'm one of those crazy dog ladies, yup that is me. I am the proud mommy to two doxies and they are my life. We don't have kids yet, so Hans and Buster are my babies. Hansy is almost 11 years old and has started to have some health issues. Earlier this week, I noticed he wasn't himself. He wasn't eating/drinking, wasn't walking, wouldn't lift his head up and when the mailman came he didn't move an inch. My hubby took him to the vet yesterday and it turns out he has intervertebral disc disease. I had a feeling we'd encounter this some day, Dachshunds are known for having this problem. It just breaks my heart to see him in pain. He is the sweetest and most loving pup ever. Right now he is on four different kinds of meds/pain relievers and in a few weeks we have to go back to the vet for a check up. She said it can take 4-6 months for him to fully heal, but he will most likely continue having problems. I'm just happy that she said surgery isn't necessary right now. I'm just wanting my little guy to feel better.


Hansy Boy!

Buster!

 

Needing: I hate cleaning the house (I'm sure most of us do). It just takes up so much time and my weekends are sacred...they end too fast. Luckily, my husband helps out. I always give him bathroom duty. I despise cleaning the bathroom. So he cleans our one and only bathroom and I get the rest of the house. Which is totally fine by me...yup I hate the bathroom that much!

Two Truths and a Fib:

1. Truth! I may be the only person on this planet that loves Brussels sprouts as much as I do. I eat these things all the time, they are delish!

2. Truth! Last year, I started aerial arts and I love it! It is one of the best work outs ever and it's so much fun. Granted, I'm far from trying out for Cirque du Soleil, but maybe one day :)

3. Fib! I despise shopping, it's the worst thing ever! Especially window shopping...ugh. I only go shopping when I need something and even then make it quick. I'm such a tomboy and would rather be out getting my hands dirty...a little mud never hurt anyone. A fabulous weekend would be 4x4ing it in some offbeat no mans land, hiking, riding my Vespa.

A Very Late Currently December :)

Wowsa! Two posts in one day! I think that may be against the blogger rules, but I'm a rule breaker at times...gotta live on the edge once in a while!

Linking up with Farley for December's Currently! Oh and my normally photograph enriched currently posts, will be lacking this month.

Listening:  Why haven't I discovered Pandora sooner?!? While I was in Kentucky for Thanksgiving Break, my friend introduced me to Pandora. I love it! I love that I can type in an artist and they come up with a similar playlist. I do realize I've said "love" one to many times in this short paragraph! Oh well...

Loving: Winter Break is just around the corner! We get three weeks off for Winter Break! Wowsa! At my previous school we had two weeks off and I liked that better. Three weeks is great, but that means only one week for Spring Break versus two weeks of Spring Break. Since, I'm addicted to traveling, one week just isn't long enough for a long distance vacation. I shall make it work by golly!

Thinking: About how I really need to sit down and finish the opinion literacy unit before Winter Break. For some reason, I always seem to find other things that just HAVE to get done...you know the dishes, the lawn, walking my pooches...

Wanting: What can I say life is fabulous!

Needing: To get back into my gym/workout regime. Whenever we go on break  I tend to get a bit lax on my workouts, especially if I end up traveling. I've even gone to the extent of packing work out clothes with the intention of working out. Key word: intention! Hahaha..

Favorite Tradition:  Cutting down our own Christmas tree! There will never ever be a fake tree in our home! Ever since I was a wee child, my family would head off to the Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. My husband and I continue to do so. I love searching for the perfect tree with my hot coco in hand.

Did Someone Say November?!

Gosh, this year is flying right by! I have many things I want to blog about, but never get around to it. I gotta start making some time for that I guess.

Linking up with Farley again for the Currently.

Listening: Our boys (Buster and Hans) must be the most spoiled pooches in the world! They pretty much rule our household, but then again I wouldn't have it any other way. Such unconditional love they give us. Buster is super playful and loves playing tug o war with my husband. Hansy on the other hand is a bit older and prefers to snuggle with us on the couch.

Loving: I am BEYOND excited to be meeting up with some old school friends in a few weeks!! I will be Kentucky bound to visit my friend, Amber, and her cute little family. We've been friends since 4th grade..wowsa... 25 years of friendship! She moved to Kentucky a few years back and lives on a cute little farm.  She will be working a few of the days I am there, so I decided to rent a car and head down to Nashville. At first it was going to be a little solo adventure, but another long time friend of mine, Mike, and his wife decided to make a mini vacation and meet me there. They live in St. Louis and love that they are making a the trek to Nashville.

I've never been to Kentucky or Tennessee and am super excited to explore that beautiful area of the US!

So if any of you live or have been to Kentucky (the Louisville area) or Nashville and have any advice on must see spots, send it my way!

Thinking: So on Friday I was told that the previous mayor and the current mayor of Los Angeles will be visiting my classroom on Monday morning. Can we say STRESSED! I am super excited, honored, and nervous all at the same time. I'm sure all will go well and I normally don't mind having visitors in my room. I've just never had someone like the Mayor visit.

Wanting: Last week I was tricked into thinking cooler weather had arrived. We got a day of rain and cooler temps. I loved it! Then BAM, 80/90 degree weather hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. Sigh... At least the mornings and evenings can be a bit brisk. My fingers are still crossed...

Needing: Winter clothes! Here in CA we don't see much of a winter and I'm not sure if my "winter" clothes will be warm enough when I head to Kentucky/Tennessee. I did buy some rain boots (for a December holiday) last weekend and have a warm jacket. But I don't think that will suffice. And what is with the drab colors out in the stores right now. Goodness, just because fall/winter has arrived doesn't mean we all want to wear brown, black, and gray! A little color would be nice.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend fellow blogging friends!!

It's Currently October 3, yup I'm a Little Late...

Hello!!!

My favorite month of the year has arrived! I can feel a bit of that wonderful, crisp fall weather during the evenings and I'm savoring every minute of it. I heard that this weekend we are heading back into the 90's. I love the heat, but it's been a hot year and I am ready for a change!

September was a whirlwind for me and I had to forgo the Currently, but I am back! Linking up with Farley at Oh, Boy Fourth Grade for the October Currently.

Listening: A relaxing evening at home, just listening to the sweet sounds of nature. It beats dealing with the sounds of LAX. After school I had to pick up my husband and I think it is one of the worst airports ever!

Loving: My husband and I work a lot. His hours are crazy and at times he's working a 15 hour shift. There have been days during the week in which we don't see each other at all!! There have been times were he is gone before I wake up in the morning (and I wake up pretty early) and doesn't get home until way after I've fallen asleep. I wanted us to spend some time together and we both love the outdoors. So we've decided that every weekend we will head out on a hike. There are so many nifty places around that we have yet to explore. Last weekend we went on a hike down 512 steep and shallow stairs. Going down wasn't a problem it was hiking back up! It was a neat place with some weird history to it. Murphey's Ranch apparently used to be a Nazi supporter compound during WWII. It was eerie to say the least.

Stairs forever!                                                      

        

                                   Climb a water tower?! Of course!

The Powerhouse

Thinking: My husband and I will celebrate our anniversary in a couple weeks! Five years of marriage and 13 years together!! I can't believe how the years have just flown by. Marriage and relationships in general are a lot of work and we've had our ups and downs, but as they say: The grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's green where it's watered. 

Wanting: This government of ours to reopen the national parks and so forth! We had planned on taking our family (who is visiting from Germany) to the Grand Canyon this weekend. That 'aint gonna happen so on to plan number 2...hiking Solstice Canyon...oh wait, that area is also a national park area. Hmm....scratch that...back to the drawing board! I can't believe I'm not allowed to enjoy nature! I know that is nothing in comparison to the people who aren't working or have had wedding location changes, etc. I'm not a very political person, but this just doesn't make sense to me!

Needing: Sleep! This sleep deprivation is starting to take it's toll. I wish I could sleep in like my husband on the weekends.

Trick or Treat: Spending time with family who we don't see very often. :)

Currently: August!

I had no idea it was August already! That is until I saw everyone linking up with Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the August Currently.

My currently is short and sweet this month. I'm exhausted (but for all the best reasons) and just want to watch a movie right now. So where is that DVD remote.....

July Currently!!!

Linking up with Farly at Oh Boy Fourth Grade for the July Currently  a few days ahead of time! Which  actually works out perfectly because July is going to one hectic, but amazing month for me!

Listening :)

I am a lover of all types of music and find myself finding new artists and songs quite often. I now have Lorde's song "Royals" on repeat. Normally I don't listen to the radio and most of my new found music is found elsewhere. I left my iPod at home and was stuck listening to the radio. This song played and I was hooked! I love it and I can't believe a 16 year old girl sings it. Love her voice. 

Loving :)

I'm beginning to think I am the only one out here that loves the heat! We are in the midst of a heat wave  out here in Southern California. I suppose 100 degrees is hot, but I can't get enough of it! My friends and husband think I am crazy. I love to sit on my front porch, with a glass of wine and a good book.

Thinking :)

This month is going to be seriously hectic. In fact I am busy pretty much the whole month...crazy! I'm super excited for a few statewide trips I will heading out on. Heading to Portland, OR to visit with some close childhood friends. It seems most of them became Portland transplants and I don't mind one bit! I love visiting them. I'm back for 3 days and then gotta pack up for New Jersey/New York. I was chosen (along with my friend/colleague) to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher's Academy. It's a week long all expense paid trip in Jersey City. The academy is focused on inquiry/project based math and science concepts. It should be a lot of fun. Did I mention it is an all expense paid trip?!?! How awesome is that! Our hotel is located along the Hudson River with an amazing view of NYC. Jersey City is super close to NYC, so of course we will be heading out for a few nights on the town. I will tell you all about the academy when I get back. If you are interested check it out and apply. I believe you can start applying in October. Good luck!! Click this link --->>>  Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy

Wanting :)

I really want a cute, light colored summer purse. I'm not the kind of gal who has an array of purses. I've never been that way. I buy a purse and use it until the strap is broken or there is hole in it. I just never had the desire to continually have to switch all my belongings from one purse to the next in order for it to match my outfit. But right now I have a black purse and most of my summer clothing is light in color and the big black blob on my side is an eyesore.  Look at how cute the purses below are!

Needing :)

We've been (the hubby and myself) living in our place for 5 years now and have done absolutely nothing to the backyard. I call it the "backyard wasteland" because it is so gross and ugly! When we first moved in we focused on the front and inside of the house. It was a lot of work, we redid everything...from painting the inside and outside to gutting the kitchen (still need to complete the crown molding in the kitchen...but that's another story). So the backyard was put on the back burner. When we moved in their was no grass and there are no sprinklers. This means in the winter we have an overgrown wonderland of weeds (sometimes it's quite beautiful from a photographers eye) and in the summer well it's a barren desert oasis. My poor pooches I know must be yearning for some sweet, soft grass to run their paws through. They bring in all the dirt and weeds and I am the lucky one who is sweeping the floors on a daily basis.  The photos below tell the story. We are the proud owners of a few weeds that are taller than yours truly and I'm 5'5. We even have pathways that our boys (my pooches) have created in their wanderings...don't you agree...kind of embarrassing.... 

 
 

Tips, Tricks, or Hints :)

The only bit of advice I've got today would be to keep a positive outlook on life even when the going gets tough. I know it's cliche, but it is so very true. This year I've really tried hard to be positive and for the most part I think I did a pretty good job at it. When I was hit with some hurdles, I tried to look for the good in the situation and everything turned out well. I feel that when people have a positive outlook they are much happier. 

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! 

June Currently!

I'm new to this blogging world and I've notice a few of my blogging friends as well as blogs I follow have link up parties and such. So, I'm linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade for the June currently. Since I am new to this fabulous world of blogging it will allow me to get to know all of you!

Here is my Currently:

Listening: I am a lover of all kinds of music. My iPod is filled with such an eclectic mix of tunes from all genres. I do get quite a bit of looks and comments when certain songs come on. I guess people just don't expect me to listen to certain genres of music. Currently, I can't get enough of The Haunted Windchimes.  Check them out:

Loving:  It has taken me forever to finish my master's degree. I'm so excited that I finished! I started the masters program 7 years ago, yup you read that correctly...7 years. After the first year and a half I took a leave of absence because I was pink slipped and laid off. Life took over and I never went back. Last year, I decided I needed to finish, after all I only needed to write my thesis. Just one course, or so I thought. I was a semester late. Per my program, I was to finish within 5 years of my first course. Luckily, they didn't make me redo the whole program. They told me to take 2 more elective courses an then my thesis course. That thesis was a major pain!! It took up most of my weekends. But now I can relish in my awesome accomplishment. 

Thinking: It was a difficult decision, but I have decided to move on and I will be teaching 5th grade at a new school site in the fall. I will also be heading to the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy (MEMTA) in Jersey City this July. More to come about both of these adventures...

Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher's Academy Check out the link and if you are a 3-5th grade teacher apply! It is a week long academy focused on math and science (in interactive and fun ways). Did I mention it is an all expenses paid trip.

Wanting:  Vacation...who doesn't want that!?!? I will be heading to Portland, Oregon for a friend's engagement party.  Of course, Jersey City is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from New York City. So, when I am at MEMTA, I will take a little detour.

Needing: My whole house needs to be cleaned. I planned on doing a thorough spring cleaning last weekend. That didn't happen. It was postponed until this weekend, well it's already Sunday night. Looks like it is once again postponed. I might just have to hire someone...

Three Vacation Essentials: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! I have very fair skin. I will burn just by being out in the blazing sun for 20 minutes. 

~Chelsea