It just occurred to me that I've been using Twitter and Facebook as a blog. Why do that when I have an actual blog? I've enjoyed going back and reading previous posts so I really need to make an effort to post more often. Even if it's just for me. 

It's been two months since my last post. I have to say that I am feeling so much better. Do I have bad days? Of course. I miss Matt. But for the most part, I'm doing pretty darn good. I've managed to keep myself busy and that has been a life-saver. 

What has kept me so busy you ask? Being a teacher and arts and crafts. I've thrown myself into my work trying to be a better teacher. And I think my class really benefited from this. We are as close as a teacher and class can be. 18 peas in a pod (17 kids and me). Then my re-commitment to crafting. It makes me so happy so why not do it more consistently?

It's not a bad thing either that I'm extremely focused on the Spurs and their NBA Playoffs efforts. GO SPURS GO. I noticed my mood wasn't as pleasant since they were resting for over a week waiting for their next opponent. Yes, sports affects me that much. It's a great feeling actually.

As to the current status of my empty room...well today my BIL brought an old exercise bike for me. It's actually the one my parents had when I was growing up. It's made its rounds to various homes and now came to live with me. Hopefully, I can start slowly and get healthy. For reals this time. "Slow and steady wins the race", right?

As I end my post I want to wish all the mamas the Happiest of Mother's Days. And someone tweeted that for mothers struggling with infertility it's the hardest day of the year. So a prayer to all the mamas to be and women hoping to be mamas. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Til next time! Happy upcoming week to all!!!!

Teacher support

I saw this a few weeks ago on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Thought it was thought provoking.

The Daily Show - Crisis in Dairyland - Apocalypse Cow
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Hello Again

The most amazing thing has just happened to me. I'm not really sure why I feel compelled to write a post about this especially since the few followers I had don't read this blog anymore. Which, let's be honest, is completely my fault. I suppose I'm compelled to write this down so I can remember this feeling for as long as I can and access it whenever I want.

I was having dinner with one of my co-workers. She's a ton of fun and I can't wait to do it again. (Thanks Maria!!!!) Let me say that it must've been fate or something that I even answered my phone. If I don't know the number I usually let it go to voice mail. See, back in 2006 I moved home from San Antonio. I currently still have my SA number. When I get a call from an unknown SA number I assume it's the wrong number. Yet, this time I answered. One, because one of my students this year moved to SA earlier this year and I thought there was a chance it was his family. Two, I answered because "something" made me. The voice on the other line came from someone much older than my student. (I teach second grade :)) He asked if I knew who it was and of course I didn't. He went on to say that it was D, a student that I had 7 years ago in fifth grade while I taught in San Antonio. As stated in the post that I linked to this one, D left a lasting impression in my life.

Naturally, as educators we aspire to inspire everyone of our students. But not often does the student inspire us. I was lucky enough to have had this happen my second year of teaching. I kept in touch with D for the rest of my time in SA. Taking him to movies and dinner. He even helped me move into my last apartment. I was his unofficial "Big Brother". As D got older, he needed me less and less, and found other great and positive teachers that helped him. Finally, I moved home and D and I kept in touch through an occasional email here and there.

I have to admit that when I realized it was D I internally cheered like a little girl. Here was this student that had changed me and my teaching 7 years ago. He went on to mention that he was graduating this year. He told me all about school, picking a college, his girlfriend and family. And then it happened...that amazing moment. He finally said what he had wanted to say. His reason for calling. With the help of one of his teachers he tracked down my old co-worker/best friend/"sister" and was able to get my contact information. He said he wanted to send me pictures. Pictures of important events in his life. He also mentioned something I had completely forgotten. He said he had my contact information in a journal I gave him back in fifth grade that he had kept until just recently. (He thinks his girlfriend misplaced it.) But it was what he said next that moved me to tears. Tears that have kept streaming down my face for the last hour and half. He said that he wanted to find that journal because it meant a lot to him. So much that he never wrote in it. All that is written is the page I wrote on where I had dedicated the journal to him. Can you believe that I didn't remember that? But the emotion behind his voice when he said he was sad he couldn't find it made me lose it. I told him how much I appreciated that and how proud of him I was.

There are so many things that I can share about D that will help you all understand how incredible this student was. But in the end, what matters is that I know. And now, you all know a little bit more.

I am just about to end my 10th year of teaching. I've had tough classes, demanding students, and emotionally draining work environments. But to me, all of that is worth the struggle when you hear from a student like D. I can only pray that every teacher have his or her D sometime in their career. It's the most amazing feeling!!!!

Are You Ready For This?

Da run, da run, da....Okay well I can't exactly write the Spurs song but it's that time again!!!! Tomorrow is the first game of the new season. And to my great surprise, Jen alerted me that as part of our Say No to Drugs pledge at school, we can wear jeans and our team shirts. What luck! And the best part is that Manu Ginobili is back and healthy. So shout it with me...

Go Spurs Go!!!!!

Hmmm. Well unless you follow another team. :)

Elbow Sneeze

I always teach my kids to elbow sneeze. Actually, I hassle adults and nieces and nephews to do it too. Check out the link below.

Yucky, yucky!

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

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.

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! :)

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.

Things to Ponder

What kind of tired is it when you think you're not hungry yet when you take a bite of food you find you really were starving? That is me. I feel like I'm not thinking clearly. I'm in somewhat of a zombie state. Although I'm a good faker. I'm giddy. My feet, legs, arms, shoulders, back and eyes hurt. My brain knows I'm exhausted. Yes it's true that usually at the end of the school year my body lets go and I'm tired anyway. But this time it's beyond that. Of course it's because of my house.

I plan on moving and staying in my new house on Saturday. That means that I've been packing at school then coming home to pack as well. The most tiring part is that at least twice this week I've packed the car, driven to work, packed at school, driven to the opposite side of town, unpacked my car, driven home, and continued packing at home. I have to say that it's a different feeling to be constantly busy. I guess I'm still in good spirits because it's for my new house. Yet I hate the feeling of exhaustion. I try not to put myself in those situations where I'm SUPER tired. It's been like this for the past couple of weeks.

That reminds me. The end of the year went great! I teared up once in front of my kids yet I cried like a baby when I was talking to Matt about my kids. I also cried when I mentioned it to a friend. My class was just so cute, sweet, giving, and smart. I've been so attached to them and it's hard to see them go.

I have to say that this was some year in the life of Patty. Not sure if any other class will be able to top this one.

Well off to packing some more...

I Found It

I have feared that I lost my voice. I've been distracted lately by many things currently going on. (Why Spurs, why do you put me under a spell?) I kid. But in all seriousness I feel like I hadn't posted many Patty-quality posts. I'm back! At least I hope so.

I was reading my current issue of Glamour and came across an article called "6 Little Ways to be a Better Friend". My first thought: I'm a great friend, but I think there's always room for improvement. Then the next thought is: Hmmm, what about the friends in my life.

I've been blessed with many wonderful friendships in my life. Past and present. Each person brings their unique personality. Yet when I saw this article I thought of my best friend, Edie. Am I a good friend? And how can I be better? Sadly, when I moved back home almost 4 years ago I had to leave Edie behind. (Believe me...I tried to bring her but no luck!) Although our friendship is still strong as ever, and when I visit or she visits, it's as if nothing has changed, it was hard for me when I first moved back home.

A little history about our friendship. I was hired a year after Edie at my old school. Both January hires. She taught 3rd and I was in 5th. Our paths never crossed much, even though our school was tiny. Then in May we found out that she would be moved to 5th and my fellow teammate would go to 3rd. I was a little worried because by nature I'm a super dork and Edie seemed so prim and proper. No fun at all. Summer came and went and when we got back we found out Edie was pregnant and was due in March. Yikes...TAKS. But bottom line, our principal had her reasons for moving teachers around and Edie was there to stay. As the year went on Edie and I engaged in our own "bromance". She become a close friend. That was year one. Unfortunately, thanks to the Texas education system one 5th grade section was cut and Edie went back to 3rd. Our friendship was solid and we just became closer.

I guess to explain why I missed Edie so much I have to mention that I became a part of her family. I had Sunday dinner at her mom's with all her family. Her mom (Connie), her aunt (Ida), Edie and I had breakfast every Saturday and Sunday mornings followed by some kind of shopping. Sundays were grocery shopping day, which we did together also. I ended up renting from Ida and she became my landlord. Actually, sometimes Ida and I went out together. And during the week we sometimes went to dinner and we always had at least one weekly run to either Target or Wal-mart. All this time her son, Nathan, also came with us so he became like my family too. I attended all their family occassions such as birthdays, baptisms, and even took a day off to help with her twin brother's wedding. All in all, I felt right at home. Edie became more like a sister than a best friend. And to tell you the truth, I always consulted with Edie on things from boys to buying furniture. I could count on her to tell it the way it was.

I appreciated that Edie took me in. My dad even joked one time that Connie was going to claim me as a dependent on her income tax because I was there so much. After a couple of years of this I think I began to grow a home-sickness. Spending all this time with her family made me miss my family all that much more. So I decided to move home and I left my best friend and sister behind. We're still very much in each other's lives but it's a little different. I guess I miss her a lot right now while I'm on my house hunting adventure. She'd be right there with me, viewing every house by my side.

So back to the article. I hope you guys find these tips useful in reflecting. I know I did. (Sorry I was so long-winded, but I hadn't really talked about Edie much and she's a huge part of my life in San Antonio.)

Tip 1
Put her (or him) on your to-do list
This made me sad because I have been guilty of letting weeks go by before I call Edie or a few other out of town friends. Shame on me. But I think using a to-do list will keep us focused on what makes us healthy. Glamour recommends not letting life keep you too busy and to try to plan a weekly gathering with friends.

Tip 2
Be there in the bad times
This is hard for those of us that don't always know what to do or say. However, just being there is enough most of the time.

Tip 3
Don't over advise
Ha, I'm super bad at this one. I'm one of those say exactly what you're thinking at the time you're thinking it kinda gals. I just feel like I'd want people to be brutally honest with me so I think that's what everyone wants. It's not! Only give advice when it's requested. Otherwise, shut up.

Tip 4
Accept her weaknesses
Go to certain friends when you're looking for something in particular. If someone is too playful then go to them when you're looking for a distraction or for a fun night out on the town. But don't penalize people if you know that's how they are. Me: bad listener most of the time. But I try!

Tip 5
Be cash-conscious
Go to places that will make everyone comfortable. Don't go to ritzy places if your buddy is on a tight budget.

Tip 6
Look out for her even when she's not looking
I don't need to explain this one. Thanks Jen, for scouting out potential houses for me.

Random Randomness 3

I've had bits of random things running around in my head. Some are statements, some are questions, and some are just thoughts. Whatever...here goes.

Dear San Antonio Spurs,
You're down 3 games to 1. That means that one more game and you're out. I knew the day would come when you weren't the best but honestly, it's not this year. We get it...Manu is out but the rest of you have to help poor Tony. He can't keep scoring 43 out of 90 points. HE'S ONLY ONE GUY! Please help him!!!! Poor guy probably doesn't have any energy for Eva when he gets home.
Your obsessed and devoted fan (even when you're about to lose),
Patty

Why do people think they need to get their point across by resorting to violence?

R.I.P. Bea Arthur. I grew up watching Golden Girls. Even though I didn't understand all the sexual innuendos until I watched the reruns as an adult.

NFL Draft...it's going to be interesting for sure next year.

Will all the stuff I own fit in the wonderful future house I buy? Oh no....what about Matt's stuff?

Two migraines in one week really SUCKS!

Why does it have to be such a busy time right now? The end-of-the-year for teachers is an insane time! What else will they ask us to do?

Tomorrow is our first Biggest Loser weigh-in and Patty has not fared well. Yuck! I wish I was more like Bonnie. But...I am eating healthier.

When did my font change? I was typing this post with one and now it's become another.

House hunting is exhausting. However, when you find a great realtor like mine, it makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Even my brother likes this family. And he doesn't like anyone.

I probably should've saved more money.

Why aren't cupcake shops in Austin open on Mondays? What do they have against Mondays?

Oh my, Matt just called me. Love to hear his voice. He's a sweet guy. I wanted to see how he felt about having parties at our house. Can I say: Best.Boyfriend.Ever. Everyone that knows me knows I'm big on entertaining so the fact that I didn't know how he felt about this made me nervous. And guess what? He's totally okay with it. As long as it's not all the time. Yeah, even I can't party all the time. Karaoke at Patty's. OMG at my very own house.

Last random thought: What am I going to eat for dinner? Update: I ate some of my yummy new cereal, a banana, and whole wheat toast. Scrumptous!!!

Color, Color, Everywhere There Is Color

I've talked about my obsession with pens, sharpies, grading markers and gel pens. The past two nights I've the priveledge to hang with Jen at a training. The only unfortunate thing was that it was after school from 4:30 - 7:30. Yucky! We both were so tired.

Back to my reason for this post. Whenever I attend trainings I get so excited because I get to break out and use my fabulous assortment of Paper Mate markers. I know that I didn't express this in my previous post about the markers but...when I use them I'm careful not to pair up colors of rival sports teams. It doesn't matter what sport. You'll never see me put purple with yellow or orange (boo Lakers and Suns) or red and yellow (boo Redskins). I know, it's strange. Just ask Jen. Sometimes she laughs about it, although sometimes she might be rolling her eyes. Regardless, I can't help it. Just just like I can spot sports decals on people's vehicles. I just zone in on them. I told everyone...I'm a tomboy-girly girl!

It's best summed up by Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. I feel for him like I do LeBron James. I really like them. They are charismatic and nice. But when they are playing the Spurs they are my enemies. Anyway, watch the Vitamin Water commercial. Y'all can watch the whole thing but for sure watch from the 15 second mark to the 40 second mark. This is exactly what I think of when I see colors.

2 Hour Lunch...WHAATTTT????

Today I am at a social studies training. I have to say it's a good one. But the highlight of the day so far...2 hours for lunch. I got to come home. Yay!!!! To a teacher this means the world. No rushing to walk my kids to the cafeteria, walking to the lounge, heating my food, going to the bathroom, and finally getting the chance to sit and eat. Oh and let's not forget we have to pick the kids back up on time.

2 hoursssss! Sweet!

Tired but Happy

I'm having one of those exhausting weeks. Maybe it's because I've been doing a few different things the last two weeks at school. It could be that my body is just getting ready for spring break. Whatever the case may be I am pooped.

Yet....

I'm so blessed and happy and in love. What could be better? Today my fellow second grade teachers and I were talking about how "off" we felt. Like we were in the clouds. We all were doing things uncharacteristically like ourselves. Even forgetting to do things. One co-worker laughed at me and said: your head is "in love" in the clouds. Ha ha! So true. I just thought I'd share my enthusiasm and happiness with everyone. Oh and I haven't written too many specifics about my boyfriend because I want to make sure he's okay with it. I've never thought to ask.

Weekly Rewind

This week was unsual but refreshing. In preparation for the upcoming TAKS test (sigh) our principal offered teachers in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades the opportunity to have primary teachers work with their students. I have 6 years of TAKS experience so I offered to do this. At first it seemed that I was only going to work for about an hour with 4th grade writing on Tuesday, while Jen worked with my second graders. Then it turned out that while Jen was out having an hour and a half for lunch (kidding...she was at a training) I would cover her classes and her sub would be in my class for the day. This would be on Wednesday and Thursday. As it turns out I ended up being out all day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I got to work with many of my former students. I wanted to share a few of the tings that I heard them say. I never realized how much they remember about what you said to them or what happened in class. They are so cute and too funny.

Tuesday AM: Work with 3rd graders on TAKS reading: I worked with C, T, and H. C was in my class last year. He always was my favorite. Everytime I did something he would say: "Miss Garcia doesn't like that, Miss Garcia likes it when..., Stop, pay attention because Miss Garcia is going to teach us..., or I remember you taught us to...." He cutely remembered that I LOVE the San Antonio Spurs. When we played a fact and opinion game and his statement said: Basketball is a sport, he thought I gave him that one on purpose. It made me realize that even when you think they aren't paying attention they are.

Tuesday PM: Work with 5th graders on TAKS reading: I worked with C, I, A, and a few others. C and I were former students in 3rd grade. (C is the former student that brought me cupcakes for my class on my birthday). This is a conversation between the two.
C: Yes, the best teacher I've ever had.
Me: Shhhh! (because his current teacher was about 3 ft away.)
I: I know. It's a shame you didn't win teacher of the year.
Me: Shhhh!!! Giggle, giggle, giggle.
I did manage to get their attention long enough to do the fact and opinion and main idea activities.

Wednesday and Thursday was fun because I got to work with teachers I usually have little or no interaction with. And I got to see more students that I had before. It was a tiring schedule because it's constantly walking. I also realized that now that I teach a primary grade I really am getting my little ones ready for the upper grades.

In the end it was a rewarding experience. I will say that I was SO HAPPY to be back in my own class with my own kids on Friday. D, the same girl that write about so often, would come up to me whenever I came into my room to get something. She would take a big whiff of me. (I don't know why she likes to smell me.) And then she would ask...Who hugged you? I would tell her no one and she would be relieved. She would say: Good! Only we can hug you. So cute how possessive kids get of their teachers.

M.I.A.

So sorry to all my new readers. I have been so busy and tired lately that I haven't gotten around to writing a new post. I have managed to visit other blogs so that's been nice. I did want to write a post about my experiences this week but my brain is mush. So till tomorrow. I have some great and funny stories to share.

The New Patty

I'm sure I've kept everyone in suspense (kidding) with the latest "New Patty" stuff. I have to say that I'm pretty excited about it all. I feel highly motivated and inspired. So here are the components that I've come up with for the New Patty. After a few staff developments, conversations, reflections, and I suppose divine intervention I'm living life to the fullest and without regrets.

• Health: I have chosen not to follow any particular weight loss program. Instead I am doing my research and just being healthier. I am including my return to Curves, my evening walking dates with my dad, my better eating habits, getting the right amount of sleep, and the necessary visits to doctors, dentists, and dermatologists to ensure I'm on the right path. The difference this time around is that I have no set goal, only to be healthier. My issue with goals, in my experience, is that when I don't reach it I get discouraged. So I don't have a target weight in mind. And let's be real here, at this point any weight loss would be a success. I'm just going to enjoy the work outs and walks and the wiser eating choices. Below is one of the most recent pictures of me. It was taken at my birthday party in January. See what I mean by any weight loss would be a success?
  

• Entertainment: I will admit that I have become rather lazy. I am typically on my laptop, watching TV (Go Spurs Go), movies, or something of the sorts. Something new my cousin and I want to do is go out to eat at local places, and not the chain restaurants. At the same time, even though it will be so hard, I want to learn to eat healthy while I'm out. Secondly, there are also so many opportunities to see different shows and bands. Lastly, I want to go to movies alone. I've always wanted to and hey...I'm independent and confident so I am going to do it.

• Recreation: I want to get out in the city and do things that I know are out there. And the thing I'm feeling great about is that I may have to do them alone and I don't mind. I also want to get to know my city so when my friends from San Antonio or my boyfriend come into town I can show them the best places to go. I'll be sure to post some great finds in my city. The other recreational thing I want to do is consistently work on my scrapbooking, card making, and jewelry making. When I get to do my arts and crafts I find it very therapeutic. But once I start I can't stop and then that takes the fun out of it. So I figured if I limit myself to one a weekend then I can concentrate on what I'm making and it'll be enjoyable.
  

• Personal Growth: I love to read. I love to read children's books, magazines, and a few adult books. I also want to volunteer at different places. I already donate money to many causes so now I should look into donating my time. A couple of places I've considered are the local Breast Cancer branch and the local USO and work with the military. Honestly, I've been too lazy to do it. But since I'm embarking on a new adventure and I guess this is the best time to do it. I've thought for a while that I need to spend a little less time on my computer too. Filling up that time with reading and volunteering will help my soul become healthier.
  

• Professional Growth: I need to continue to read books or attend staff development that will help me be a better teacher and future administrator. How ironic that some of these same staff developments are what inspired me to become the New Patty. So in the end it's not just about becoming a better teacher or administrator but a better me.
  

• Financial Fitness: What can I say? I need to save, save, save for a rainy day. I guess my entertainment and recreational components better be cheap...yeah right!

Question. Do y'all think I should write a weekly post journaling my weekly progress? Maybe it would help me to reflect on what I did and what I can do better. Let me know what y'all think.

These are my components for a healthier and happier Patty. I challenge all of you to check up on me and keep me accountable for any of them. As I like to think of it...even if I am physically alone on this adventure I am not alone because I have the support of my friends. So thanks for caring.

Let the adventure begin!!!

Little Miss Sunshine

Again. My class knows that the top two loves of mine are the Spurs and Little Miss Sunshine. Today my student D came into the class. She waited until I walked over to her area. Then she says: "Miss G. I went to Target and bought a present for you." I love presents so I was thrilled to see what it was. She goes on to pull out a cute, retro looking Little Miss Sunshine bag. Even though I didn't mention it I actually already bought the bag myself so I kept the one she got me at school. I love that my class thinks of me when they are out and about. They're a cute bunch.

Later in the day another student, J, made me a card on yellow construction paper and with Little Miss Sunshine on it. Then later, D made me a similar card. She drew Little Miss Sunshine and wrote a very sweet and cute note. Then on the back it said:

Ms. G....
+
D.....
Friends Forever

This cracked up Jen and I so much. D also said: "I know why you love Little Miss Sunshine. It's because you're like her. You're both...(at this point I'm praying she's not going to say because we're both round)...your smiles are the same. And your cheeks. You have the same cheeks". (Hmmm....Little Miss Sunshine has dark spots on her cheeks. Either I need to get new make-up or my face is always dirty.)

In the end I understood what she meant which is exactly why I love Little Miss Sunshine. She totally brightens up everyone's day.

Hello All

So sorry that I've been M.I.A. Once I finally missed a day of posting I kind of didn't feel that pressure to post daily. And I felt like the quality of my posts was in limbo. So I'm back and sort of refreshed. I have so many things to talk about but then I'm so tired. We have one day left of school before we go on Winter Holiday. At this point my body knows it's about to get a break and it wants to relax.
With that being said I can't wait to share with y'all how my day goes tomorrow. Already I can tell it's going to be different. First of all, I only had to make rice krispy treats today. Usually I have to make or put together a lot of things. I rather like this feeling. I can actually relax before tomorrow. Next, my kids at school are surprisingly well behaved. Sure they are excited but they are being good. My classroom looks good. My kids have been working hard making decorations for our holiday party.
So I'll share tomorrow with all my fun moments. (Not at all related to this post...Spurs lose 2 in a row...boo hoo).