Sunday, October 26, 2008
Another Week of Practice!
Yesterday was sub-state volleyball. It is an 8 team tournament, single elimination. You lose, your done. And not just for the day, for the year. It's the last chance. The winner gets to advance on to the state tournament next week. Our girls (I am an asst. coach) went in there seeded #1 with every chance in the world to take the win and continue on with our season. They played really really well. They met all expectations, and now we have another week of practice, get to leave on Thursday night and stay in a hotel, and all the teachers LOVE us because in-service has been cancelled so people can come to Salina to watch! What a great weekend! Although it also means another week of my house being a mess...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday Chatter
~ I had a great week. I have found that when I go to Church on Sunday my week seems to be better than it could be. I think there might be a pretty strong correlation there.
~ My sister came to Wichita this weekend and we went out to dinner Friday night with Ethan, and then did some major shopping on Saturday. I spent a lot of money, but that's what happens when none of my clothes fit and I have to buy smaller sizes... :)
~ I am in love with the new 3 Musketeers Dark Chocolate and Raspberry cream!
~ I was up at the school today, on Sunday, working on planning a new unit for the Election. I forget how much work I put into my first year of school when every unit of study was new and made from scratch. I spent 4 hours today on an 85 minute lesson. I thought I got so much accomplished until I realized that all that work was for one day...now I feel a little silly for spending so much time on it. Sometimes I wish I wasn't a perfectionist with school. But on a good note, it should be a really good lesson where the kids learn a lot! (They'd better, cause if it flops I'll really feel stupid spending so much time on it.)
~ I am loving volleyball season, I always do, but by about mid October I am looking forward to November and my weekends being a little more free. There are three weekends left in October and I'm at a volleyball tournament on all of them. (Which means more Sundays at the school...)
~ I spent a lot of money this weekend on new clothes (as mentioned earlier), meals out, gas, and other things I probably didn't need. I like to think that I am doing my part to help stimulate the economy! (At least that's how I justify it!)
~ I went swimming today. I have been trying to go on the weekends when I can, but it has been a while since I've been. It felt good, but I can tell that I am out of shape. It's amazing how fast the endurance goes away.
~ My sister came to Wichita this weekend and we went out to dinner Friday night with Ethan, and then did some major shopping on Saturday. I spent a lot of money, but that's what happens when none of my clothes fit and I have to buy smaller sizes... :)
~ I am in love with the new 3 Musketeers Dark Chocolate and Raspberry cream!
~ I was up at the school today, on Sunday, working on planning a new unit for the Election. I forget how much work I put into my first year of school when every unit of study was new and made from scratch. I spent 4 hours today on an 85 minute lesson. I thought I got so much accomplished until I realized that all that work was for one day...now I feel a little silly for spending so much time on it. Sometimes I wish I wasn't a perfectionist with school. But on a good note, it should be a really good lesson where the kids learn a lot! (They'd better, cause if it flops I'll really feel stupid spending so much time on it.)
~ I am loving volleyball season, I always do, but by about mid October I am looking forward to November and my weekends being a little more free. There are three weekends left in October and I'm at a volleyball tournament on all of them. (Which means more Sundays at the school...)
~ I spent a lot of money this weekend on new clothes (as mentioned earlier), meals out, gas, and other things I probably didn't need. I like to think that I am doing my part to help stimulate the economy! (At least that's how I justify it!)
~ I went swimming today. I have been trying to go on the weekends when I can, but it has been a while since I've been. It felt good, but I can tell that I am out of shape. It's amazing how fast the endurance goes away.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My Wednesday
You know those days where it seems like the world is against you. Nothing works out the way it should and you come home needed either a very big bowl of ice cream or a very strong drink (I usually chose the drink). Today was definitely not one of those days. :)
I had a fantastic day today. I got to sleep in because I am actually planned for the week and didn't have to set up my classroom for anything special. So I got to wake up at 6:30 rather than 5:30...big difference. It was a good hair day. I got my mail to see that my city bill was much cheaper than it usually is. The lesson that I had planned with the kids worked out really well, they learned and were just as fun as ever. THEN...I find out from my principal right before lunch that my 8th graders last year made the standard of excellence on their Social Studies state assessment. For those of you who are teachers you will understand what a BIG deal this is. Especially for someone who was giving the test for the first time, the year before I'm up for tenure...talk about stress. My good day doesn't stop there. I go to volleyball practice and my C team girls have probably the best practice they've had all year...we actually beat the JV team in a scrimmage type game. I was so proud of them. They are getting so much better, I find myself having to set even higher expectations! I love days like this :)
I had a fantastic day today. I got to sleep in because I am actually planned for the week and didn't have to set up my classroom for anything special. So I got to wake up at 6:30 rather than 5:30...big difference. It was a good hair day. I got my mail to see that my city bill was much cheaper than it usually is. The lesson that I had planned with the kids worked out really well, they learned and were just as fun as ever. THEN...I find out from my principal right before lunch that my 8th graders last year made the standard of excellence on their Social Studies state assessment. For those of you who are teachers you will understand what a BIG deal this is. Especially for someone who was giving the test for the first time, the year before I'm up for tenure...talk about stress. My good day doesn't stop there. I go to volleyball practice and my C team girls have probably the best practice they've had all year...we actually beat the JV team in a scrimmage type game. I was so proud of them. They are getting so much better, I find myself having to set even higher expectations! I love days like this :)
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Little Bryson
My little nephew, Bryson, turned one this week. I cannot believe how fast the last year has gone, or how big he has gotten. It has been so fun to sit back and watch him grow up through the pictures his mom posts. As I picked out his birthday present (an array of bath toys his mama said he needed) I started thinking about the time before he was born and how all lives have changed since.
When my brother found out that he would be a father, it was not the "picture perfect" scenario that everyone wants. Joe was going to school at Pratt and had just started baseball practice at the end of January. I was in my first year teaching at Cheney about an hour away, and was coaching basketball on a Monday night. After a game I saw that I had a missed call from Joe and naturally called him back. It was late, I was tired, and already laying in bed planning on wishing him a good night and talking to him later. The phone call lasted much longer than expected. He told me that Andrea was pregnant and that he was going to be a father. My heart sank...this is not what I expected. He was the LAST person who was ready to have a child. All his dreams of playing baseball out of state, trying to get through college, and living the life of a normal college student were going to disappear. I was devastated for him. I held my composure during the phone call, being as supportive as I possibly could and told him I loved him and I would talk to him again tomorrow. After hanging up the phone, I cried and cried...I was so sad for him. I prayed that night...for the first time in a long time.
Within the next 9 months everyone slowly started to come to the realization of the situation. Ready or not it's coming and whether we were happy, sad, mad, or still in shock a baby would be here soon. I watch Joe and Andrea grow up considerably in that short time. They picked out a name, planned baby showers, and moved to the same town. I waited anxiously for the phone call of my new little nephew...and he came on October 1, 2007. I looked at the pictures that night and saw my brother become a different man. It was obvious the pride he felt holding little Bryson and how proud he was of Andrea and all that she had went through.
In the last year, I have watched Joe and Andrea deal with so many ups and downs of raising a new born. And you know, the aren't perfect...both of them make mistakes. But that is true of anyone trying to raise a child. They have grown up, learned through mistakes, and loved Bryson with all their hearts. Whenever people meet Bryson, the reaction is always a good one. He is such a HAPPY baby, good with people, and loves attention. His parents have done a great job, and it would be impossible to think of life without him.
The last year has been a whirlwind of firsts for Joe, Andrea, and Bryson. And the great thing is...each year will bring more and more "firsts" with it.
When my brother found out that he would be a father, it was not the "picture perfect" scenario that everyone wants. Joe was going to school at Pratt and had just started baseball practice at the end of January. I was in my first year teaching at Cheney about an hour away, and was coaching basketball on a Monday night. After a game I saw that I had a missed call from Joe and naturally called him back. It was late, I was tired, and already laying in bed planning on wishing him a good night and talking to him later. The phone call lasted much longer than expected. He told me that Andrea was pregnant and that he was going to be a father. My heart sank...this is not what I expected. He was the LAST person who was ready to have a child. All his dreams of playing baseball out of state, trying to get through college, and living the life of a normal college student were going to disappear. I was devastated for him. I held my composure during the phone call, being as supportive as I possibly could and told him I loved him and I would talk to him again tomorrow. After hanging up the phone, I cried and cried...I was so sad for him. I prayed that night...for the first time in a long time.
Within the next 9 months everyone slowly started to come to the realization of the situation. Ready or not it's coming and whether we were happy, sad, mad, or still in shock a baby would be here soon. I watch Joe and Andrea grow up considerably in that short time. They picked out a name, planned baby showers, and moved to the same town. I waited anxiously for the phone call of my new little nephew...and he came on October 1, 2007. I looked at the pictures that night and saw my brother become a different man. It was obvious the pride he felt holding little Bryson and how proud he was of Andrea and all that she had went through.
In the last year, I have watched Joe and Andrea deal with so many ups and downs of raising a new born. And you know, the aren't perfect...both of them make mistakes. But that is true of anyone trying to raise a child. They have grown up, learned through mistakes, and loved Bryson with all their hearts. Whenever people meet Bryson, the reaction is always a good one. He is such a HAPPY baby, good with people, and loves attention. His parents have done a great job, and it would be impossible to think of life without him.
The last year has been a whirlwind of firsts for Joe, Andrea, and Bryson. And the great thing is...each year will bring more and more "firsts" with it.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Simple Things
In this fast-paced world many times we get so caught up in the major things (economy, election, work) going on we forget to stop and enjoy the simpler things in life. I like to think of myself as a "simple things" kind of girl. It's the simple things that really mean the most and make me happy. For example...
~ Not having to set the alarm on Saturday mornings. Yes, I still get up around 7 or 7:30, but for someone who usually gets up at 6 or even earlier that's sleepin' in.
~ Hugs. Nothing like a big old bear hug to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...and depending on who is doing the hugging, it can bring a goofy smile to my face just to think about it. :)
~ A cup of coffee in the morning. Simple and satisfying.
~ Sales. I'm not too much of a shopper, but when something is on sale and it actually fits...my day is made!
~ Friday night dates with pizza and a movie! So simple, yet perfect during this busy time of year.
~ Clean sheets on the bed. How I wish I could afford a maid to clean my sheets and make my bed everyday for me! Alas...this is why it is a simple thing that makes me happy...it doesn't happen as often as I would like.
~ A baby's laugh or smile. Even the Grinch's heart would melt to that.
~ The fact that Thanksgiving and the general "holiday season" is coming closer. I love that time of year and can't wait for all those feelings it brings.
~ Not having to set the alarm on Saturday mornings. Yes, I still get up around 7 or 7:30, but for someone who usually gets up at 6 or even earlier that's sleepin' in.
~ Hugs. Nothing like a big old bear hug to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...and depending on who is doing the hugging, it can bring a goofy smile to my face just to think about it. :)
~ A cup of coffee in the morning. Simple and satisfying.
~ Sales. I'm not too much of a shopper, but when something is on sale and it actually fits...my day is made!
~ Friday night dates with pizza and a movie! So simple, yet perfect during this busy time of year.
~ Clean sheets on the bed. How I wish I could afford a maid to clean my sheets and make my bed everyday for me! Alas...this is why it is a simple thing that makes me happy...it doesn't happen as often as I would like.
~ A baby's laugh or smile. Even the Grinch's heart would melt to that.
~ The fact that Thanksgiving and the general "holiday season" is coming closer. I love that time of year and can't wait for all those feelings it brings.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
I Love Hump Day!
I love my Wednesdays...During this part of the year my schedule gets crazy. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday I'm off coaching volleyball somewhere, which means I'm getting home after 9 at night (that's an early game night...sometimes it's later). Friday mornings (and some Tuesday mornings) I'm up for 6 AM practice with the girls. But Wednesdays are mine! Due to religious classes throughout the area being on Wednesday nights there are no sporting activities, and we have to be out of practice in time for the girls to get there. Wednesday night is the only night I have to come home, pick up my clothes off the floor, do laundry, cook, make my bed, grade some papers, enjoy a TV show or two, and just chill out before it gets dark. Tonight I am painting my fingernails and catching up on my laundry. Every girls dream...
PLUS...another great reason to love Wednesday...only two more days until the weekend, and I love my weekends even more :) Then again...who doesn't???
PLUS...another great reason to love Wednesday...only two more days until the weekend, and I love my weekends even more :) Then again...who doesn't???
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