may not want to read again

The Encyclopedia Of Etiquette, originally uploaded by Shelby Nycole.

I will... I must overcome this mountain of work I have to do. I'm just so frustrated with the thought of it that I am having trouble starting. I got a ton done last Sunday, so it might be the same way this Sunday. As for now, I'm going to focus on what I can conceptualize, right now. Math reading and reflection, then an analysis of the math pre-assessment I did. I need to form my sub-groups and choose the kids to study.

Other than that, I need to get my lesson plan written for monday and figure out a way to get a book or four articles to read and reflect on for psych. I really don't want that to be all I get done though. I have too many psych reflections collecting and I want them gone, along with the psych observation write-up. This will not hold me back any longer!

School, you will be conquered!


Gems:
waking to Greg's voice (phone woke me up)
drama on Lost
heart healthy meals
having a plan
dinner with the parents :)

so much work and for nothing

Feathered Jewel 2, originally uploaded by C.A. Mullhaupt.

Today was a really rough day. I was buzzing around all morning trying to cope with the fact that Mrs. Gapasin was out yet another day. It was really frustrating to say the very least and I started to cry as soon as the kids left to lunch, cried again in my car, several times, and cried when I tried to tell Runi about it as well. *sigh* I am SO glad that tomorrow is Saturday!! I can just sleep in, stay in, and work on my hw until I go to dinner with my parents.


Gems:
waking up
completing my assessments
venting time
arrival of my math books!!
sleep!

honesty, the very best policy

Engagement Session in Portland, originally uploaded by evrimgallery.

It's difficult at times, but Greg finally spoke out about something that has been bothering him. He worries about me and my health, since I don't have the time to workout or eat right. I do eat better than I did as is, but I dance a whole lot less. It bums me out, but I call it a good day if I'm even able to get out of bed in the morning. It's such a struggle to get other things accomplished when I'm not even getting the proper amount of sleep. I just wish I could grab healthy meals that have been prepared already. I resorted to breakfast bars for the mornings, but I'm trying to make sandwiches to take to school and I can hardly manage to do that. So I'm going to try to do crunches whenever I watch tv. It's not very often, but it's something and that's what matters right now. I know it was difficult for him to say to me, but I really appreciated his honesty! :)


Gems:
running the classroom (sub)
doing a guided reading group (finally)
getting kids excited about math!!
attending yet another math conference/meeting :)
giving our gift to Brenda

please, just go ash yourself!

Got an ash-wipe?, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought"
- Matthew 5:5 (the Message)

What consumes my thoughts and plans?
Right now, the credential program and the paperwork that I'm trying to catch-up on. Each day, I have a bit more to do and a lot less time to do it. It's frustrating, but I know that life will be a MILLION times easier once the program is over.
What holds my dearest allegiance?
Relationships. I'm really broken right now and I'm sure a big reason for that is the lack of time that I have to build and foster relationships. I no longer have a life.
Who or what tells me who I am?
God. I know that I'm nothing without Him and made perfect with Him in my life... I just forget from time to time. I have experienced a closeness with God that surpasses anything else in my life. I miss that time, even though I was suffering more than I could handle on my own. He met me in my suffering.
What gives me security and comfort?
God, faith that I am following His plan, and love from the people that God has put in my life.
What makes me feel whole and complete?
God. No matter how much I enjoy spending time with Greg, swing dancing, the kids at school, they don't encompass who I am. Through Him I have found significance, wholeness, and a purpose. Nothing else can begin to compare.
Who meets my deepest needs?
God. I am still a single woman, a significant person, and in two relationships that mean so much to me. The difference between these two relationships are great now, but I have faith the God has me right where He wants me. Greg shows me each day how precisely God matched the two of us.

"By the sweat of your face You will eat bread till you return to the ground because from it you were taken; For you are dust and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).

Gems:
time to prepare
great observation
Brenda's confession
seeing Greg
LENT

it is about all i have time for

untitled, originally uploaded by Yvette Inufio.

IF I even have time for that.


I booked it to school this morning, after realizing that I should be just arriving. I nearly lost it, so I ran out without grabbing anything. I had no real breakfast. I had no lunch. I'm lucky that I was dressed. I'm getting observed tomorrow afternoon, so I did my best to figure things out in class today. Since I have the night off (no math class), I am going to get my math assignments done and turned in and write up tomorrow's lesson plan (possibly friday's as well!). Good luck to me.


Gems:
soda
math tools
prep time
no class
Lost

getting used to the classroom

New Calendar, originally uploaded by krista franklin.

I still haven't had many chances for reading small groups, but I led my first whole-group lesson. We did Base-Ten RIddles to practice our problem solving for the next three days of class. So the first of four lessons, down. Heh. Yay?


Gems:
soda
one-on-ones
problem solving
time to rest
GREG

i suppose we danced too hard

Emily and Joshua, originally uploaded by evrimgallery.

Greg and I are sore from dancing last night.
It was a good day of sitting and relaxing as Greg playing video games and I did homework. I got a TON done, even though I didn't finish the work I planned on getting done. I have all of my TESAs done and I'm ahead on my postings for PLC. I just need to be sure to get my math homework done sometime tomorrow or tuesday and the lesson plans for class written up ASAP. Overall, great day!


Gems:
breakfast and emails
being diligent
remaining relatively focused
good desserts
spending time with Greg

get down... get down, tonight

Portland Lindy Exchange, originally uploaded by evrimgallery.

My mom and dad are learning how to swing dance. They went to their first class on tuesday and it went so quickly that my dad got too flustered with the directions. After dinner with my parents tonight, Greg and I helped them out. We went over all the moves that they learned, made them flow better, and strung them together. They're looking pretty good now. I'm excited to see how much they learn! :D

Btw, I really need some good tights to wear. It's still too cold out and I don't have any nice pants to wear when I go to teach. If I had better tights, I might be more excited to wear dresses everyday. I'll get there eventually.


Gems:
sleeping in
watching new Lost
Greg's party
dinner with my parents
drive home

still home is where the heart is

Art Journal 4/08, originally uploaded by O!Rachew!.

Living arrangements are completely changing around.


Gems:
Starbucks
lesson plans
homemade pizza
dinner with Christy
falling asleep before posting

i suppose i am in a bit of a jam

untitled, originally uploaded by Celine S..

I would really like a homemade meal right about now.
I just really miss good food.
I wish I had a microwave here at the house.
I can make hardly anything quickly around here.

:(


Gems:
efficiency
finished TESAs
more one-on-one help
planned lessons
cleaning up

it's been a whirlwind of a day

unnamed, originally uploaded by Olivia Bee.

Sorry for the lack of a post. I had student teaching, went straight to class, then hurried out to the Firehouse to bid a friend farewell. It was a stressful, tiring, but good day.

Much love.


Gems:
reuniting with old cast member
intimidation avoidance
getting to class on time
having the energy to dance
organizing my life late at night

you can call me a techno geek

025 of 366days, originally uploaded by LJMoo.

I am determined to find ways to bring technology into the classroom. I want to incorporate powerpoint into most, if not all of my whole-group lesson plans. It is so useful to the classroom and essential for today's world. My first task is to determine how I will format it for a section of poetry lessons. I need to look at the different ways to format the slides for the second grade classroom. I WILL find a way though! Count on it!!

Also, VERY excited about teaching math. I got tons of good ideas and I can't wait to use them.

And thank GOODNESS, I finally made it through an entire day without getting too tired! WOOT!!


Gems:
clarifying meeting
time to collect thoughts
jeans, tank, & jacket
more math lesson ideas
catching up on Heroes

just in case you haven't noticed

Sweet Sweet Love, originally uploaded by {peace&love♥}.

The candy at the stores are at a huge discount now that Valentine's Day is over. If you haven't already, be sure to get on that! It's quite wonderful! :)

Today I got my blood tested, drank Robeks, finished a ton of reading, had my check up, got my med refill, printed copies for my Literary Connection, and went shopping for some groceries. It was a pretty dang good day. Now, I plan to get a bit more work done, then watch last week's and this week's Heroes with Greg.

Save the cheerleader, save the world.


Gems:
a hand to hold
splashing water as I drive
new ink and paper
comfort of familiar behavior
cheap sweets

i just chopped down ONE tree...

Caribou Coffee Money Mug, originally uploaded by Zillaphotography.com | PhilipRood.com.

Let me tell you, it is very difficult to try and think up a lesson plan about problem solving with money when I keep getting hung up on the details that don't matter. I am using the Lorax as the book for this math literary connection. It really is one of my favorite children's books. It just has an incredible amount to say about society, trends, and the environment! I think every child should know it and learn from at least one of the many lessons contained. I'm excited to write about it, just not excited to write. I hate it when I lose my motivation! :(


Gems:
candy
relaxing
love
leftovers
ideas

love's in the air, today & always

Love is in the air, originally uploaded by Lauren Alane.

I baked cupcakes for Valentine's Day and Greg planned a wonderful day for the two of us. It was fabulous. He helped me finish up the icing on the cupcakes, then we went to Balboa Park for lunch and the dinosaur museum. After that, we went back to his place, ate Pizza Hut pasta, and watched some of Lost Season 2. The last surprise of the day was the opportunity to create a painting together. It's looking really good... I just feel a bit bad because I got tired and cranky before we finished. Either way, he's taking me home now. It was a great day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!


Gems:
cupcakes & Kurt
fossils
respecting the environment
laziness
8 months of bliss

this is one more day stronger

青背藍桐 Like a Butterfly, originally uploaded by John&Fish.

I may still have much to do in regards to homework and write-ups, but I'm feeling a bit more free, a bit more confident, and just that much closer to the moment when I can really spread my wings in the classroom. I've been thinking a lot about upper-grades lately, but I am going to do my best to concentrate on what is at hand. We are getting into problem solving for mathematics and I will probably be leading my own lessons on poetry at the end of the two months. I love poetry... I just have to figure out exactly how I intend to teach it! LoL. But for the weekend (at least), my tasks are readings, reflections, and write-ups! SO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!


Gems:
interview time
group math time
counting money tips
valentine party
Blue Bella

rise and shine, oh love of mine

autumn series, originally uploaded by gia_365days.

So it's 7am and I have been up since 5:30 this morning. I am having a great day so far. What a difference a morning shower can make! I was out late last night, which sucked even though I was more than happy to get out and dance again, so I only got maybe 5 hours of sleep.

At the sound of my alarm, I got up and in the shower immediately. Since I was so quick to get in and out of the shower, I had over an hour of down time, so I got my breakfast and watched some tv on my laptop. Now, I'm going to spend another 10 or so minutes reading more TESA reports, then off to school.

... more to come...
... here it comes...

Everything went amazingly well in the classroom today. I got four out of the five TESA observations done and out of the way, so whenever I need to write about my observations, I can use my notes, rather than stress about the need to observe more. After my last half hour of observation, I am going to plunge into the teaching as much as I can handle. I'm nervous, excited, and just can't wait.

So, good notes over, after the minimum day and the teachers' meeting I had to get from Hancock to State in less than 30 minutes, to a classroom that was still unknown. It was lame and stupid and we were incredibly late. The only reason we even got there is because we started calling people who were in class! I'm just over State and its ridiculous need to expand outwards, rather than UPWARDS!! We met at another new classroom, above the Starbucks across from 7-eleven. The class was pretty... meh... but it's over and I'm glad to be home.

I can't wait for tomorrow. I have a bunch of things on my agenda to get done! :)


Gems:
SHOWER
breakfast & tv
finishing TESA's
talking with mom & dad
planning for 2nd semester

how should i accomplish this?

Rewire. Week Five., originally uploaded by Ally Jade.

I am determined to get a handle on this incredibly hectic life of mine. Sometime tonight, I hope to read the TESA information, dance, shower, and rest. I've been way too tired. Then during the break between our minimum day ending and Psych class beginning, I will read the two articles for class. I have a lot to do this weekend and although I am taking a break Saturday to celebrate Valentine's Day with Greg, I will also have monday to work, due to a holiday. YAY! :D

Teaching is fantastic so far (other than the tiredness)... I will be running small groups on my own tomorrow, but taking every opportunity for classroom observations during whole group class sessions. I can hardly believe the amount of work we need to accomplish with observations alone. Lame. :(

Alright. I'm going to try to nap. Till tomorrow...


Gems:
getting ready for teaching, knowing i have no class following
(it's a wonderful feeling!)
my peacock headband & "engagement ring" necklace
(they all ask)
being told I would be a good teacher
(by a student)
feeling supported by my master teacher
(I'm so lucky to be where I am!)
getting back out to go dancing!
(I miss it so much... but I'm too tired to enjoy it)

overwhelmed and flustered

String is king, originally uploaded by fixlr.

To be quite frank, it's late and I'm tired. Student teaching went well today. I got the observations for my Psych class done. Tomorrow, I want to start getting TESA observations done and I can hopefully start interviewing on Thursday. With all of this out of the way, I can just focus on the small work I have for class, the big projects still remaining, and student teaching.


Gems:
a great master teacher
having Priscilla with me
chatting with the kids
another presentation down
grocery shopping with Greg

i walk and God covers my path

[366/366] This is where I end, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

So tomorrow is my first day of student teaching. I'm both nervous and excited completely unsure of how to prepare. I suppose I needn't worry just yet, since I plan to observe for the first few days. If all goes as planned, I will be able to get all of my observation time done in this first week (for PLC and Pysch) and then I can observe for my own benefit of knowing the students.

I have already picked out the outfit that I will wear tomorrow. Since I have hardly anything that would be appropriate (I wear only jeans), I am wearing a 3/4 length white shirt over a green lace collared blouse, a grey skirt, black tights and white boots. I hope that I am warm enough.

I still need to figure out what I'm going to eat tomorrow, which means I have to go shopping, since I don't have anything at the house. I also need to get work done for my math class which I have tomorrow night. It shouldn't be too hard, but I need to get started, which IS the hard part. Well, this should be an interesting journey. One that I'm prepared for. May God be with me.


Gems:
hearing from Doodle
Wallace and Gromit
finishing a project
viewing new designs
peering into my near future

just mulling over a few things

window, originally uploaded by Creature Comforts.

I've been thinking lately.
After a lot of great sleep this weekend, I'm starting to realize that I may not be as much of a deep sleeper as I had originally thought. Instead, I'm often wake up when the rest of the family starts to make noise. I obviously don't get out of bed when it's too early, but I am unable to get back into a deep sleep. I think this could be depriving me of much needed rest. I might actually move home earlier than I had originally expected. It can't happen now, but I might do it during the week break between semesters. I haven't decided yet. We'll just have to see.


Gems:
sleeping in
reading my Bible
Song of Songs
Lil Sis
being humbled

why? because he is my love

S is for "stripes", originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I love him.


Gems:
convention freebies
taco bell
LOST
tickle fight
Gregory Dengler

do i really know what i want?

[342/366] Learn to Lindy, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Spent all morning in and out of lectures about teaching mathematics. It was pretty cool to hear new insights and gather quite a bit of manipulatives that I will be able to use in the classroom. No one else will be going tomorrow as well, but I figure it only makes sense since I haven't anywhere else to go, I need more ideas and supplies, and it was my specialization. I would like to have as much as possible to say for that. So after 9 hours of that, I was pretty spent and decided that I wanted to stay home instead of going out to dance. Well, I changed my mind... So, just after I finish writing this, I'm off. I've missed the dance floor... Far too much!


Gems:
being with peers
free manipulatives and texts
singing math songs
beautiful sights by the bay
dancing all night

singing in the rain, just singing

writing in the rain, originally uploaded by the twinkling of an eye.

If the rain could write
What would it say?
Something that comforts & soothes?
Something that stirs pity & woe?
If I could speak with the rain
What would I share?
My love and adoration?
My concern for poor drivers?
Either way, I love you, rain.
Don't leave so soon this time.

I wish I was awake and coherent enough to enjoy the soft pitter patter of the rain. School was long today. I'm burnt out. Why do I stress so much for so little. Glad one presentation is now finished. *sigh*


Gems:
shower before (and after) class
shower after due to rain
shopping with Greg
dinner and tv
raindrops

hey, i am out on a limb here...

Tree Fairy, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I spent far too much time changing plans about the various lessons that are happening tomorrow and next week. I don't have the time or energy for all of these rewrites. I'm over it already. Group work is tough.


Gems:
talking with Priscilla
educating myself
babysitting Lily
watching Shimshuns
going to bed early

i am making a lot of headway

[363/366] Doing my Best, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I am trying my best to get stuff done quickly this week so I can be less stressed next tuesday, when my student teaching begins. I have a presentation for psych on thursday, another on tuesday for math, then one next thursday for psych, and the last one on the tuesday after next for math. It's a bit daunting and I will be done planning thursday's presentation tomorrow. After which, I will get the write-up for that chapter done and get to work on either the other presentations/lessons or the readings and write-ups for the three chapters from last week. It might be a bit brutal, but I already feel lighter after finishing my PLC homeworks and math write-up. *sigh*


Gems:
new email
finishing math
planning the project
m&m lesson plan
pizza by Greg

i know a change is gonna come

35th Oderberger Str., originally uploaded by • MAH7.

Sometimes I wish I could have copies of a lot of the photos I find through flickr... Not for any reason other than inspiration and comfort.

This semester is going to be tough, but I am seriously looking forward to moving on once it's all over in July. This photo is incredibly inspiring... the photography, the art, the life, the living space, the ownership. I look forward to the time I will have to take photos again. Photos that mean anything. I look forward to finding enjoyment in the artistic process. In dancing. I look forward to owning my own space (although that won't be happening in July) and being able to decorate that space as I see fit, rather than fitting it where there is still space.

As for now, I'm trusting God and His plan for these next few months. Please, know that I love you all very much and although I don't have the time to spend with you now, I will do my best to write online and I hope to spend more time together once it's all over. All my love.


Gems:
falling back to sleep
not eating out
beautiful photography
relaxing a bit
time for homework

work, work, work... i love work

[358/366] Getting Organized, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I did so well at getting stuff done today! I'm pretty on track with the work for my PLC class now and there's a good dent in my laundry now. I have quite a lot to finish, laundry and homework alike, but I'm content. I'm just so appreciative of Greg for coming over to my place for a change. He got to play on the Wii as I got stuff done. Pretty good arrangement. :)


Gems:
sleeping in
Lost catch-up
laundry day
PLC homework
Gwrekkkhhh