Five For Friday!

Happy F-R-I-D-A-Y!

I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching again for the Five For Friday linky party!

Here are five very random things about my week...

This week, Sam & I found out where we will be staying in San Diego!  I'm going out on a bit of a limb here by sharing this with you, as you never know if this information will change, but as of now, we will be living here for about 7 weeks:

This is the Residence Inn located in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is right by the harbor.  Kayla and I stayed in this same area a couple of years ago, and I LOVED it! The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic downtown area filled with restaurants, pubs, boutiques, theaters, and museums. Sounds pretty fabulous, right?

Kayla and I had the absolute best, but also a very short-lived trip to San Diego. 

Even though we only had one full day in SD, we made sure to check out the zoo, of course! I was crushed to leave so soon  after arriving, and remember thinking, 'I HAVE to come back here someday!' I can't believe it's actually happening!

Yesterday I posted my most recent product, Grade 4 Common Core Math Vocabulary Posters, which goes along with Topics 9-16 of the enVision MATH program.  Between division, fractions, measurement, and geometry, the second half of the 4th Grade topics are very vocabulary heavy.  These posters are eye-catching and are fab to use as visuals during your lessons and/or as a reference on a math bulletin board or word wall!

I think you can see from the collage above, how language-based this program can be.  Craziness!

For more information about the Grade 4 Common Core Math Vocabulary Posters, head to my product description on TpT.  You can also head here to read about the posters for Grade 4 Topics 1-8, and/or read my blog posts about Grade 3 Topics 1-8 and Topics 9-16.

I am participating in another GIVEAWAY which starts TOMORROW and runs until Saturday, February 8th!  This time I am donating The Blustery Blizzard Roll & Sort, a hands-on noun, verb, and adjective activity with a winter theme.  If you'd like to read  more about it, hop over to my TpT store here or check out last week's Five For Friday post.

Check out the S.O.L Train by Pam & Brittany if you'd like a chance to win The Blustery Blizzard Roll & Sort as well as MANY other fabulous prizes.  

I subbed in a Kindergarten classroom this morning, and was able to attend the K-2 school's Olympic-themed "All School Meeting".  It was so fun, I just have to share it with you!  The school was split into teams or "countries" that participate in the Olympic Games. A Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade classroom joined together to represent each of the chosen countries.  For example, the Kindergarten class I was with represented Australia, along with a 1st and a 2nd Grade classroom.  The assembly began with a song, in which each country greeted the school in their own language. 

Of course each team was decked out with their country's flags.  (Click on the picture above to head to print out a variety of flag coloring pages). 

The little Australians also wore a DIY hat, like the one above, to represent the Sydney Opera House. Too cute!

During the assembly, the principal gave a brief background of the Olympics and explained their school would be completing a large bar graph on the gymnasium wall to keep track of each country's winnings in the real Olympics.  It looked very similar to the display seen below.

He also announced their school would be holding their own MATH version of the Olympic Games.  Go MATHletes! :)  After each team was revved up, a real Olympic torch was used to "light" a large DIY "torch" that will be "kept lit" for the length of the competitions.

The school-wide assembly concluded with some traditional Opening Ceremony music.  Winners will be announced at their next school meeting in about a month. :)

Last, but not least, my little bro's birthday was earlier this week.  Happy 26th, Jeff!  I remember peeking at you in your bassinet at the hospital on the day you were born, when I was only 3.  I was very excited to finally be with you, and Mom & Dad again...I was also mesmerized by the smokestacks I saw out the hospital window at the end of the hallway.  The things we remember! Love you, J-Bear!

That's all for now...

XO <3, C

I'm Still Alive!

Hey everyone,

I've been wanting to post something new for a while now, but miraculously I been SO BUSY!  It's hard to imagine how busy I am considering I'm not working full time, but there hasn't been a dull moment around here in a while!  There is too much going on to explain everything in full detail, so instead I'd like to make a list to recap the past month:

-I have been subbing a fair amount.  Usually 2-3 times a week.  I typically go to the same PK-2nd grade school, and I am really loving it there.  I feel like I've been there enough to now feel comfortable in the building and with knowing my way around.  Most of the children recognize me, know my name (or some version of it, hehe), and say hi to me when passing by.  I have learned many teachers' names, where their classrooms are, and some of the routines and procedures of the school.  I am starting to feeling at home there, and I am incredibly thankful for that!

-A few weeks ago, I hosted a Stella & Dot trunk show party.  I was a bit apprehensive about this because I didn't want any of my invitees to feel they were being conned into purchasing jewelry.  I thought the party would be something to look forward to and keep me busy since about a month ago I was feeling bored and lonely. 

I'd say the party was a success!  A small group of friends attended, and it was nice to have a relaxing "Girls Night In" filled with yummy appetizers, a wine cocktail, and fabulous jewelry!  The S&D stylist who attended the party is super nice, and because of her, I am now thinking about joining her team and becoming a stylist  myself.  If all goes as planned, I would consider registering and hopefully hosting my own trunk shows this spring after returning from California.  Hopefully, my very good friend, K, and I will find a way to embark on the S&D endeavor together, although we're not sure it is possible to sign  up as a twosome.  Wish us luck, and let us know if you want to host a trunk show!  We need some very kind and thoughtful friends and family members to help us launch our "store"...hint..hint.. ;-)

a. Bardot Hoop Earrings, b. Eden Bangle, c. Janie Flower Studs, d. Garden Party Chandelier Earrings

Above you will see my Stella & Dot purchases.  Well, I guess they aren't technically considered purchases because I received them for free thanks to all of the points I earned from my friends' purchases!  Thank you, friends!  I did receive a couple other pieces for free as well, but those ones are gifts for certain special people. :)

-The night of my jewelry party I decided we absolutely MUST paint out kitchen.  The house was almost immaculate at that point.  Every room had been dusted, vacuumed, scrubbed, and organized for the trunk show, and less than 12 hours later, the whole house was torn apart.  Yup, the following day Sam agreed to my idea, and we started knocking down beams and tearing bead-board down! I have to admit, the demolition phase was the best part!

Since then, we have been busily at work, in a complete rush to finish the job since we are hosting Thanksgiving in 2 days! EEEEk!  Luckily, we FINALLY completed our 2nd coat of paint on the walls last night, and boy, do I feel RELIEVED!  If anyone saw my Facebook status the other night, you know how incredibly overwhelmed and frustrated I was!  I plan on doing another blog post soon once all of the final details are complete, so you can see our kitchen's transformation.  Until then, the only other piece of info I'd like to add is I ADORE our new kitchen wall color!  Any guesses on the shade we chose?

-The weekend after the S&D party, Sam & I joined our friend, M, and several other friends on a private tour of Flag Hill Winery, and it was AMAZING!  I've been there a couple times before, each time learning and picking up on new information about the wine-making process.  This time, we had the opportunity to wine taste in a room all to ourselves!  We were given a checklist of the wines, spirits, and liqueurs we were able to try so we could take notes as we went.  My new favorite (still second to the Apple Cranberry Fruit Wine) is the Red Plum Fruit Wine.  So sweet, incredible, and delicious, people!!! Too bad it's seasonal only. :(

-My last new bit of information is I signed up for and began YOGA!  I thought about trying yoga for a long time, but never felt comfortable going ahead with it as I hate trying new things on my own.  Recently, my tension headaches came back with a vengeance! Out of nowhere, I was clenching my jaw every day, all day, even in my sleep.  My head, jaw, and neck, throbbed for almost a month straight, when I finally decided enough is enough! I forced myself to go to yoga all alone and discovered I really enjoy it (so far at least).  In fact, going on my own wasn't a big deal in the least bit!  It gets better though, after trying out a couple classes I discovered a friend of mine, L, was also looking for someone to go to yoga with!  PERFECT!  Hopefully we can keep it up together. :)

Adios chicos and Happy Thanksgiving!

XO <3, C

P.S. My tension headaches disappeared after the 2nd yoga class! :)

Monday Subbing!

It's official!  I had my first day of work on Monday!  I substituted in a K-2 school about 10 minutes away from my house and it was awesome!

I was a little nervous because I didn't know any teachers or students at the school, and certainly did not know my way around.  With about 3 maps in hand, I navigated the maze that it is, (seriously, it is a maze!) and picked up various children to work with back in a special education room.  It was a lot of fun working with the kids one-on-one.  Such a different feel than balancing 24 students! Towards the end of the day, I spent about an hour or so with a first grade class.  I was really impressed by them.  I thought for sure it would feel drastically different than 3rd grade, and it did feel different, but everything flowed.  It came with total ease.  Maybe that is due to my early childhood background and many hours working with 3-5-year-olds?!

It was strange to be the "odd man out", and have most people think of me as a sub and not a teacher.  Many people asked if this was my first time subbing.  Over and over, I explained a little bit of my story and where I came from.  I want people to know I have experience.  I want to be valued like a regular teacher.  Luckily, I met many friendly teachers who told me they were happy to have me be a part of their district. :-)

I'm excited to get my next sub call...eeek!  I have to say, subbing just one day, and working with those cute little faces helped fill a little hole in me that has been empty for the past few weeks. 

I saw a great Chrysanthemum display in the First Grade hallway that showed off the children's names and how many letters each of their names have in them.  I didn't snap a picture, because I didn't want to be rude and assume the teachers would like their work posted on my blog.  Instead, I found some great Pinterest pictures / activities that remind me of the display.  They are too cute! 

Check out the Chrysanthemum ideas I was able to find:

In the center of the hallway display there was a poster very much like this...

Courtesy of First Grade Wow

With it was a name chart similar to this...

(I'm not sure where this pin originated from.)

What a great beginning of the year activity to help everyone get to know each others' names!

Here are some additional  ideas I found on Pinterest:

I love the idea of wrinkling a large heart each time Chrysanthemum's feelings are hurt, and then showing the children how the wrinkles will never disappear even after trying to smooth them out.

Courtesy of First Grade Wow

This one includes a story map, comprehension questions, and a sheet for students to write/draw about their own name.

Courtesy of First Grade Fanatics

In this craftivity, children draw a portrait of themselves inside the chrysanthemum and then write about what makes them "wilt" and "bloom".  Love it!

Courtesy of Hollie Griffith

This is an activity for children to complete at home with a parent.  It helps the children to learn where their name originated from and what it means.

Courtesy of The Techy Teacher

Finally, this free packet has the materials you'll need for the First Grade Wow activities I posted above, along with additional ideas.

Courtesy of First Grade Wow

Enjoy, everyone!

P.S. We were supposed to receive our dates for San Diego today, but no such luck.  Now, we're supposed to hear tomorrow.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

XO <3, C

Catchin' Up

Hey everyone!  I am feeling a little out of the loop with my own blog, if that is even possible!  I have missed writing over the past week or so.  We have a lot to catch up on.

First thing is first- the sub interview.  I finally received an e-mail today from my town's district inviting me in to do the fingerprinting and fill out paperwork for the background check!  Hooray!  After all of that is processed, I should be good to go, and will just need to wait for someone to be out sick...Sorry to whoever that may be! 

But wait...

there is more! I actually ended up having a second interview on Friday with a different district that is right around the corner and pays well!  I was psyched to have two interviews in one week, but dreaded having to get myself all nerved up again.  This interview also went well.  I didn't have that same immediate "love at first sight" feeling, but I would say I walked out feeling very positive.  My second interview was short and sweet, as the principal I met with said, "Well, you're a certified teacher with experience so I'm not going to bring you through the whole rigamarole of an interview.  I'm going to to ahead and approve you for everything".  He then introduced me to the school secretary and insisted I go to the *top* of the list since I am certified! Yay! He also told me that subbing at his school would be a great way to get my foot in the door in his district...Definitely food for thought. :)

Coincidentally, the principal I interviewed with actually knew my assistant principal from last year, who is now the current principal of my old school.  I knew she had been the curriculum coordinator of the town I interviewed with, but had no idea she actually worked with that principal in his particular building!  Always a small world! Now, I am waiting for my invitation to do the background check for this school district as well. I just love having my fingerprints taken... :-)

I am feeling really excited about starting to get myself back into a school setting.  I am so ready for this after the long summer break, and can't wait for the opportunity to work and interact with children again.  I really really REALLY am starting to go STIR CRAZY!

You know, I'm just remembering a part of the reason I started this blog was to document life as a newlywed, and so far I've kept that to myself.  This is partially because there hasn't been anything all that interesting to say, as the past few weeks have been consumed by my thoughts on school, processing my choice to leave, and how to feel now that the school year has begun.  I also haven't seen so much of Sam because he was working a crazy shift the other week, leaving me by myself much of the time. The truth is, though, all of this processing I've been doing has impacted him as well.  He is happy for me, and 100% is behind me, knowing this is the right decision, but he feels badly that I haven't had as much to do, that I've been lonely...and bored...and lonely...and as I said, STIR CRAZY!  I think it has been hard for him to see me feeling down.

On Friday, I planned a day trip for the two of us, so we could have a little family bonding time with the Dudley-boy, and try something different...that is also free!  We went to Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Mass.  I first discovered this park when I was incredibly bored with mono.  One of the only things I found helped keep me sane was to research places I could visit once I was well again.  Anyway, if you're around the North Shore area, I highly suggest the park.  There are a few walking trails, one of which goes around an old granite quarry which was in use from 1840 to 1929.  The granite from this area was used for roads, monuments, and buildings, including The Customs House in Boston. Right behind the view of the quarry is the ocean, which you can also take trails to see.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  Sam and I had a great time, aside both of us feeling under the weather, and Mr. Duds had a fabulous time, beside the fact he was not allowed to swim in the quarry.  The Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Friendly's sundaes on the way home weren't all that bad either...

Thanks for catching up with me!

XO <3, C

Y.O.L.O

Yikes, what a day!  As you may know, I had my interview today and I LOVED the school I visited!  I was immediately overcome with a very welcoming feeling, mostly because the lobby was cozy and aesthetically catered to little children.  It had large oval Alphabet rug, bookshelves of picture books, and purple walls decorated with alligators holding books.  It was too cute and such a different feel from "my" school where I previously worked.  The principal seems absolutely fabulous- laid back, calm, and really just a nice guy.  My first impressions were fabulous, and I think I must have made a somewhat similar impression as well, because  when the principal led me on a tour, he introduced me to his staff by saying, "This is Colleen.  She is going to be on our substitute list."  Why haven't I been working there the past five years?!?! God, my life would be very different, I'm sure! Now, I just need to wait about a week for my references to be checked, and then I should receive a phone call with an invitation to complete a background check.  Yay!

I was so excited about the interview, I accidentally broke my California news on Facebook, without even realizing it.  My close friends and family members have been in the loop for months.  Most of my coworkers from my previous school have a good understanding as well, as California is the reason I gave for my resignation. Others, however, were shocked.  Lots of people commented with "Are you moving?" "When?" "Where in California?" "For how long?"  Ooops.  Just to reiterate, I am not moving, I am visiting for an extended period of time.  We will not sell the house.  Sam will not be transferred, he is just going on travel and I am joining in on the fun! We still don't know the dates of the trip or the length of the stay. We should find out in about a month, so for now we are still playing the waiting game...

Lately, as more and more people have been finding out about my resignation, I have been receiving many mixed reactions.  Some are very positive and others make me feel like I've been a disappointment by throwing away my income and making an illogical decision.  The negative reactions, or the ones that feel negative to me, have been tough, because I am already hard enough on myself.  I know everything those people are thinking, and trust me, I imagined those conclusions months ago.  Ultimately, it's my life and my decision to make with Sam.  I do know anyone who is concerned and questions my decision really just cares about my well-being, but still this is the first kind of "crazy" life-choice I've ever made...so could they get on the YOLO train with me just once? 

Thank you to all of my friends, family members, and coworkers who have been nothing but supportive and excited for me.  You guys keep me going with my head held high!  I love you!

XO <3, C

Money Vs. Time

I've been feeling a little down all day today.  A feeling that has slowly been creeping up on me.  I think I have too much time on my hands and haven't been having enough social interaction.  It's hard when I am by myself Monday through Friday pretty much every week.  Don't get me wrong, I do love free time and sleeping in, but this is getting to be a little much.  I have lots of projects I could be completing at home (organizing, cleaning, cooking, crafting, "Shutterflying", and creating products for TPT), but for some reason it's hard to stay motivated without a daily routine.  There are many other things I would like to do as well...try a photography class, take an education course at UNH, sign up for yoga, but I'm feeling like I just can't afford to do any of them.  It's funny how life works.  Before, when I was teaching and commuting, I had the money to do these activities, but not enough time.  Now I have the time, but not enough money.  Frustrating.

On a more positive note, tomorrow is my substitute teaching interview!  I'm starting to feel the butterflies and hoping I'll be all pumped up after it's over.  I'm going to make this short and sweet and sign off now, since I don't want to be too much of a downer in this post, but before I leave, one last thing.  I found a great freebie on Teachers Pay Teachers that could possibly be perfect for me if all goes well tomorrow...I hope it may be useful to one of you out there too (once people actually start to read this crazy blog). 

 

 

These two pages are included in the free Owl Theme Substitute Teacher Binder offered by:  Stellar in Sixth. I will not be downloading this until something works out for me.  I wouldn't want to jinx myself or anything. ;-)  Wish me luck!

XO <3, C