Ewww. Yucky!

I know they are supposed to make you feel better but I hate, hate, hate going to the doctors. Funny how one bit of news has such a tremendous effect on your life. Sadly, I don't think I'll be done with doctors for a while. So right now I'm feeling so ewww and very much yucky.

Today was a busy and hectic and honestly a bit overwhelming. Have to say life won't be the same anymore. And for the first time it hit me that when I got home I had someone to share it with.

OMG, I Found Someone Like Me!!!!!!

I have a new follower. Her name is Teresa and her blog is Teresa's Treasures. I am so excited that she found me because I finally found someone that is as passionate about Christmas decorating as me. Well, I think Teresa is more passionate but I'm a near second. Instead of writing about my first day of school I feel the need to give her a shout out.

First I want to thank Teresa for the compliment on my blog design. However, the genius behind it is my good friend Jen. She has her own blog design blog with many helpful tips that I'm always too scared to try so Jen helps me.

Currently, Teresa is having a giveaway on her blog. Although it would be awesome to win I wanted to direct y'all to her blog because she shares the same obsession love for Christmas decorating. Just to give you a small summary of my obsession love I'll share a few things.

• If I could live in "Christmas Town" forever I would.
• When I lived in San Antonio I would put my decor up early November because we had the entire week off for Thanksgiving and I went home for that. I HAD to have my tree up when I got back because that's traditionally when you put it up.
  
• The decor came back down mid January. My birthday is on the 17th and I always had parties so I HAD to take it down.
• At one point I thought about leaving it up year round and decorate it according to the current holiday.
• Every time I moved or last May when I was looking for a house to buy I can only get a place with a "Christmas tree window".
• I have 3 different dressings for my tree. I must have a theme every year.

Well those are just a few. I could keep going. And if I could do Teresa's job I so would. Although I'd totally be a beginner.

So please hop on over and check out Teresa's blog.

First Day Jitters

I kid, I kid. For those of you teachers you know that First Day Jitters is a book that many teachers read to their students on the first day of school. Summary: someone has the jitters about going to school. I don't want to ruin it so go out and read it.
I can't say I have any jitters. Matt was asking if I was nervous about the first day of school tomorrow and I honestly said I wasn't. I think a large part has to do with already meeting most children and parents. Our school holds an annual Meet the Teacher where kids get to see their classroom and meet their teachers. I have to say that this is a HUGE relief on both students and teachers. Because of this, the first day of school runs a little smoother.
About last week...IT.KICKED.MY.ASS. Everyday I was so tired. Matt was great! Cooking dinner and washing dishes. Not demanding a lot from me. I was in bed by 9 everyday and on Friday I was in bed by 6:45. YES!!!! You heard me right! 6:45! Needless to say that the next day I was up at 6:45 and well rested. I was also dealing with some car issues which I think weighed me down a bit more than usual. And I now have a 45 minute drive each way instead of my usual 30. So it's safe to say that many factors contributed to my ass kicking.
Even though I vowed not to I gave into the back to school shopping bug. Texas had it's annual tax-free weekend and I took full advantage. I have a stylish new wardrobe. Some more professional looks we in order. Honestly, I don't know what kind of bug bit me.
With that I have to bid everyone a farewell. It's 8:33 here and I am pooped. School's internet is down so I can't do lesson plans. Boo hoo! I was so looking forward to that.

Best wishes for a happy and great new school year!!!

Patty

You Be The Judge

Ok guys, here are the pictures of my centerpieces for my cousin's wedding. Be gentle. Remember it's my first time. But...according to her I may be getting some calls for flowers. She seems to think it may be a good side business which is exactly why I bought a house with a room I could convert into my craft room. Why not make a little money for doing the arts and crafts I love?


I ended up making all 12 vases. I started at about 6:00 and finished at about 1:30 in the morning. Now I see why florists charge so much. Not that I have a right to call myself a florist.

So Back

This is my first full week back at work. I'm already so tired. This morning I didn't set my alarm right so I woke up at 7 got reading in 15 and was on my way on my 45 minute drive to work. Now I have the amazing task of setting up my classroom. I'll tell you all more about my day tonight as well as post pictures of my flowers from the wedding.

Happy Birthday Jennifer!

Dearest Jen,
I hope you have a great birthday today. Too bad we go back to work today. Thanks for being a great friend and for putting up with my not so great moods.
God bless and we'll celebrate soon!
Love,
Patty

Picture to be posted soon. I have the perfect one on my school computer...

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!! Sort Of...

This Saturday marks my second summer wedding in three weeks. The first was fun. It was out of town and my family and I had a blast. The second wedding will be here in town and a very small affair. My cousin will be marrying her husband through the church and after she will have a small reception.

I suppose this is the part where I rave and rant about myself and how I am so crafty. I make my own jewelry, invitations (sometimes for other people), cards, scrapbooks, baking and now you can add florist. Yes that's right! Some how I went from providing input on what kind of flowers my cousin should have at her wedding as centerpieces to MAKING the centerpieces. And the thing that gets me is that she never asked me. It was all insinuated. I wouldn't have minded doing it at all. But she never really officially asked me.

As a result, I've created a fictitious wedding between Nina Garcia and Gino Emanuel over at the Knot.com. (I apologize if you are reading this and are an employee of The Knot. I love your website but thought it was unfair that you can only join if you are getting married.) How did I come up with those names? Nina is the nickname in Spanish for godmother and Garcia is my last name. Gino is for MANU GINOBILI and Emanuel is Manu's real name. (Manu is a nickname for Emanuel.) Note: I am obsessed with the San Antonio Spurs and in love with Manu Ginobili in case you didn't know. So there you have it...a fake bride and groom. I did it to get inspiration on how to approach my cousin's centerpieces. I have a general idea and started on prototypes yesterday. Well just the vases. Not the actual flowers because those are fresh flowers and I won't get them till Friday.

I've had a small panicking voice in my head since then. My cousin is very...particular and I fear her opinion on this. I mean come on...it's her wedding and I don't want to ruin it. She's been sweet telling me she has complete confidence in my judgement. In fact yesterday she used the words "creative genius". O.M.G. what pressure!!!! So I will do my best. No, I will try 150% because I want her to be happy. I'll take pictures for sure and post them. Y'all will be the judge.

YET, I can't help but wonder (paging Carrie Bradshaw...), if I do pull this off I guess I'll have something else to add to my creative portfolio. Flowers by Patty. Nah...it'll have to be more creative than that!

Welcome New Friends

This week I came out of my funk and rejoined the blogging world. I guess you can say I was in hibernation. Well I'm wide awake and back to posting, reading blogs, and commenting. I've began to follow many new and fun blogs. I've also come across many of new ones thanks to the SITS blog. What can I say? I have such a great feeling!

Here are a few new blogs I've come to love. Please check them out!

• Blogging Comes Naturally. Cleaning Does Not.
  
• God called me to be a Special Education Teacher
• A Little Blog About Nothing
• West Texas Wife
• Even the Nice Ones

I have come across some other awesome blogs. I wish I could mention them all. I love becoming a fellow follower of a blog. It makes me feel like I am a friend coming along on everyone's life journey.

Happy Reading!

Last Days

So here I am enjoying the last days of my summer vacation. This summer I'm a bit sad about summer vacation coming to an end. I know what you're thinking: "Duh, Patty! You're sad because you have to go back to work." Although this is true there is a different sadness to it that I can't quite put my finger on. (Wait, did I say that right, Jen? You know how I get my sayings all mixed up.) I've narrowed it down to a few possible reasons. Maybe if I ramble about my thoughts one of you can pin point it for me. Sort of like free therapy!

This summer I moved into my new house. (Yes, yes, I know I haven't posted pictures. So sorry. Will get those up soon...guess I better take them first!) I've officially lived here for a little over 2 months. A few of you were on the emotional journey with me of trying to find the perfect house for me. Now that I'm all moved in I feel like I'm leaving my child behind whenever I leave it. Then there is the addition of my boyfriend living here to add. I have to say that I've definitely had to adjust to that but things are going good.

Moving to my new house also brought me closer distance wise to my sisters. They both live out where I do and I've become closer to both. I spent so much time with my older sister and her boys. Have to say that right now I'm going through withdrawals because the boys have already started school, and my sister and I are both teachers so we start soon. My other sister and I talk on the phone more often. She's a crazy gal and cracks me up.

This summer I got the calling. I am FINALLY ready to leave the classroom. In 2005 I graduated with my educational leadership degree and passed my certification test to become a principal. Of course you have to be an assistant principal first but I hadn't heard the calling. And I felt like I needed to be an exceptional teacher myself before I could lead teachers to be the best they could be. Well this summer at a leadership conference I sat among assistant principals, principals and counselors. We held conversations and I have to say that I could hold my own. I was knowledgeable and had great input. Although I heard the calling too late and didn't apply for any assistant principal positions, I have applied for a couple of literacy coach positions available at some schools including my school. The thought of leaving the classroom deeply saddens me. But I have a passion and love for curriculum and feel that by helping teachers I'm still helping the students. I have to say that not being a classroom teacher feels like part of my identity is being taken from me. Also, if I were offered that position at another school then I would leave behind all the great people I met when I moved back home.

I will admit that there are some definite ups to going back to work. I do love my job. And if it is God's will for me to remain in the classroom then that is what will happen. I will gladly remain in the classroom. I have many things to be thankful for. A family I actually want to spend time with and miss, a job in a time when things can be uncertain, a boyfriend that loves me unconditionally, and now my very own house. I guess this was the summer of all summers and I'm sad to see it go.

Opps I forgot!!!
I have a fear...that this year will not compare to last year. I had the perfect class, with the perfect teaching situation with my co-teacher, the perfect student intern, perfect parents and perfect co-workers. Last year Jen and I carpooled and we had a blast. I'm sad to let all of that go and to be disappointed this year. So I guess I'm sad and afraid. Great!!!! Now it's two emotions. I'm a mess! :)

Ruby

How many of you watch the show Ruby? It comes on Style Network. When I watch the show I have mixed feelings and reactions. At first I refused to watch Ruby because I felt that by doing so I was joining in on exploiting her during her weight-loss journey. I honestly thought that people would just make fun of her and I didn't want to be a part of that. However, I've caught a few episodes and I have to say that I love Ruby. I love the show and I love her. I wish I had her courage to face things like she does. And let me tell y'all that all too many times I've related with her.
Those of you that don't read my blog or follow it I've faced weight problems all of my life. And there are things that Ruby says that really hit home. So if y'all haven't seen Ruby I highly recommend you watch it. She truly is inspiring and not to mention funny.

Jen's Teacher Swap

My good friend Jen is having her first ever Back to School Teacher Swap. I think this is a grand idea. I can't say that I ever do any particular year after year. I let the way I feel that year lead the way and guide what I do. This year I have to say that I'm still not in the mindset of a new school year. That's code word for "I'm still very lazy and my brain is still on vacation". I do have a book I love to read to my class, regardless of what grade and see what kind of a conversation we have. Before I share the book and activity I should first mention that I am currently a second grade teacher. I have also taught both third and fifth grades. I teach in Texas and have so all 8 years. I love something about every particular grade I've taught. However, teaching second grade is nice because I don't have the stress of the TAKS Test.

Now that I've gotten my background out of the way the book I love to read is The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolfe. Essentially the book is about a girl taking home a box of crayons that don't get along. Red hates yellow or something like that. But the girl goes on to show them that they need each other to create a beautiful picture. After reading the book I discuss the meaning of the book. I ask my class why they think I'm reading it. We talk about possible reasons we might face conflict throughout the year and what we can do to resolve it. Everyday of the first week of school we have several citizenship discussions. At some point I also want to point out that everyone in our class is important to the family. That no two people are alike and that it's our differences that make us so unique. During the week I may read other books that follow this same topic. My final activity for this book is creating a class social contract. I don't do this too soon because students need to feel a sense of ownership in the classroom. For the class social contract we brainstorm different words and phrases on how we want to be treated and to treat others. Then I use their words to create a paragraph that states how we will act, react, and resolve problems. At the bottom we all sign it. A social contract is not to be confused with your class rulles, consequences and rewards, which are non-negotiable. A social contract is more of a student/teacher buy-in on how we socially interact and deal with conflicts. And anytime a student (or teacher) strays from our contract we remind ourselves of what we promised.

On a side note, I've seen this same book used to teach about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream. I hope I've made sense and that this activity or at least this book is something you can use in your classroom.

Hmmm...Six Word Saturday

I was over at Rebecca Jo's blog and I noticed she did Six Word Saturday. I've always wanted to join in on these but never do. Not because I don't want to but because I forget and am too late. So here is my attempt.

Waiting for Matt to come home.

Yup, this girl that prided herself on being independent is missing her boyfriend who has been gone for a few hours. Never thought I'd think it much less say it. Day 11 of living together.

Happy August and OMG...300 posts!!!

I can't believe it's already August. Sad news: I go back to work in about 2 weeks. Happy news: this post marks my 300th post. Woo hoo! It's been fun. Although I haven't really posted in a while and it seems like I may not do it very often, I have to say that I love to blog. So Happy August to all of you.

And...since it is my 300th post I want to tell y'all 300 things about me. HAHAHA! Yeah right! I wouldn't do that to y'all. But here are some random things I'd like to share.

• Matt is all moved in. It's a major adjustment for us. Well, he's doing better than I am. He's such a good guy. He's good to me and with me. If that makes sense.
• Summer is almost over. Or I should say summer vacation is almost over. It's been a memorable one for me.
• I am officially addicted to the Disney Channel. I love Wizards of Waverly Place. Too funny!
• Nothing excites me more than the rush of buying new school supplies. Today I bought my new calendar for the year. I.AM.SO.EXCITED.!. I'm using my coordinating pens to write all over my calendar.
  
• I'm a little nervous about the new school year and new crop of kids. When you've had THE.BEST.YEAR.EVER. how can anything compare? It'll be hard to top last year.
  
• Thoughts of applying for new positions are finally dancing in my head. After 4 years of having my degree and certification in Educational Leadership I finally know I can do it.
• I think I broke my laptop. Well sort of...
• What is everyone having for dinner? I'm super hungry.
  
• Again, watching TV in High Definition is the greatest.
• First NFL preseason game: August 9th. OMG!!!!

Have a great August everyone. I hope to be on more often and to visit your blog soon!