Summer Updates

I am sorry I have not blogged in over a week. Unlike most of my teacher friends in Miami, I am still finishing off the school year! We have 5th graduation on Friday and the very last day for me is June 15! It seems forever away because I have so many loose ends to complete before the school year ends and my little ones head off to middle school! So far, I will continue to teach 5th grade next year. I never thought in a million years I'd ever be teaching the upper level and how much I would love it. There is something extremely special about getting the tweens ready to head to middle school. I know I will get extremely emotional on their graduation day! I've been so busy, I haven't even purchased an outfit to wear. (I am going this afternoon!)

I just wanted to fill everyone in. My mom called me yesterday and was surprised I still haven't finished the year out yet! I guess those Snow Days weren't so great after all....we had to make up 3 days! I will return late this week and hopefully share some pictures of Graduation.

In other summer news, we are possibly heading to Los Angeles in late July. Or more like DISNEYLAND! I don't want to get too excited...yet. But Ronnie might be going to California on a business trip and I hope to meet him there to spend the weekend. It is not official until his boss approves the trip. But I am a DISNEY GIRL all the way and this has me extremely anxious! California might mean more to other people (Hollywood, beaches, shopping), but for me its Disneyland. The last time I was anywhere near a Disney property was our engagement in Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World in 06'. (I know "la pobresita". haha!) I never thought my next trip would take so long (it has never been more than 2 months between visits) and it might be DISNEYLAND? WHAT?! Life is good. :)

teacher appreciation week!

I teach 5th grade. It is extremely stressful and, most of all, exhausting!

Teaching is hard work and it is easy to forget about the little things and what its all about with the many responsibilities and demands that are expected from me on a daily basis. Not only from parents, superintendents, principals, the state ,etc.... but most of all, from each one of my students. All are different and have different needs. And I am only ONE person. I must do this not during an appointment every 6 months, or an hour consultation. I must meet their needs EVERY DAY, for 7 hours, for 10 months out of the year. Yeah..talk about pressure!

Teaching is the most rewarding job. No one can argue that. I make a difference. I know this is true. But so easily forget with the demands and responsibilities. (mom, counselor, lawyer, nurse, tutor, mediator, advocate, teacher...you get the picture!)

So, with that said I want to acknowledge that this is National Teacher Appreciation Week. My students have SPOILED me with chocolate, flowers, fruit, notes and hugs every day this week. They are so thoughtful. I love it and I wanted to share this poster one of my students created for me.

This totally moved me because of the student who wrote it. He has struggled this year and has shown so much improvement. I know I made a difference!

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

A Teacher's Remedy

I have to admit, lately, teaching 5th graders has been kicking my butt. They are totally hormonal. They are so mean to one another and no matter how positive I am and/or how much I praise those that are doing a great job, they still seem to wear me out and the DRAMA continues to catch on fire. Well, the good news.....18 more weeks left! If I've made it this far, I know I can make it. I do happen to have the most supportive colleagues I could ask for, which has been my sanity. But seriously, I get so overwhelmed I just want to cry! But I don't do that, of course. I do, however, find solace in 2 things....

a warm bubble bath!

an a cup of hot tea!
Occasionally I opt for a glass of wine...but I leave that for Friday nights!
Ahhh....feel a lot better! Now for a good night's rest.....

I am concerned.....

After a long day of teaching, I get home and I don't want to lift a muscle. What is wrong with me? I try to accomplish things early in the week. Then Wed. and Thurs. comes, and I lose it. I have no motivation. I used to love to work around the house and keep it tidy and organized. I used to LOVE to cook. Now, I loathe to do it. I am so backed up with the laundry, its not even funny. I still have to change and wash the sheets in our guestroom from our friends visit in late December! I do my best to catch up during the weekends, but I can't catch up. Weekends seem too short. What do I need to do to get more energy? This is very concerning. I don't know what else to do! What will happen when we have children? I need to get a grip on myself. HELP!

it hurt. a lot.

Sometimes I wonder if I were really supposed to be born a blonde. Seriously. I mean, these things only happen to me. I am sure when you read this you will probably end up cracking up. I am used to it already. You will also think "AY ERIKA!" or ask "She did what?!" ... so yes, I did...I totally walked into a pole.

BADLY!

I was walking and talking to a student to the bus when all of a sudden my glasses went flying and I began to cry....I had just ran into a pole. And no, I didn't turn to look (there wasn't time). I just smacked my head right into it. When I called my mom she responded with "Pero que? You drove into a pole?" No. no. no. Believe it or not I walked and bumped right into it myself. When I called my dad he was concerned with "who I was voting for" and "which was my favorite baseball team", to which I responded with "OBAMA" AND "THE RED SOX", and therefore my dad concluded that I was "JUST FINE!" Yeah, yeah, yeah. I sure as hell should write a book called "All the Things that Can Happen to You as a First Year Teacher" and none of the advice would be about actually TEACHING the children.

Ronnie zoomed to the school to pick me up. I went to the closest clinic to get it checked out and x-rayed. Everything is fine. Thankfully. I have my big bottle of Tylenol next to me. And I have to go for a check up next week. I hope I sleep OK. So far, so good though.

There is the bump. On the top right side of my forehead. It's gone down a lot. But it's not pretty and it doesn't feel like it, either.

My 5th Grade Classroom

Well, I did it! I have worked hard for 5 days straight at around 10 hours a day to get my very first classroom set up. I survived my first Open House. I am in love with my kids! And believe it or not, I am still not finished! But, it's all worth it. I took some pics of the room today. I will take some more next week. But take a peak and tell me what you think? :)


More Photos here!

I'm a 2nd Grade Teacher!

Good news, everyone!

I did it! I am a 2nd grade teacher!!!! Wooot! I am so excited. I got the call this morning. I had the interview yesterday. The school is just 20 minutes from my house. It's such a GREAT school. I've never seen anything like it. I am glad I can have my foot in there. The job will start in the early Spring. I will be taking over for a teacher who is going on maternity. But it works out really well. I will be a substitute teacher in the meantime. But I am hoping this job can open a door for next year! YAY!
You can check out the school here, http://schoolcenter.gcsnc.com/education/school/school.php?sectiondetailid=108&sc_id=1169869895

I am so thankful.....:)

PS Are you just as excited as I am about IOWA today? Who will they choose?! LOL

life in nc

hey guys!

I can't believe I am blogging! I must admit, though. I was easily convinced! And I have several reasons why I was persuaded so easily.

First, you all know, I am still on the job hunt. So, what did this mean for me during the time I am not applying/looking for openings? I've kind of been indulging in things I love to do. and I have found some more things I have learned to love. I've been crafting, scrapbooking.....and cooking! Yep, now, not only do I watch and learn to cook by watching Rachel and Martha, but I am putting my learning into practice! And I LOVE to cook...like tonight I made Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a side salad which I contracted together, too!

Here's the recipe: