100 Days of School

Believe it or not, today marks 100 days kids have been in school in Gwinnett county.  And if you have a child in elementary school, then you've probably heard something about a "100th day of school project." Right?  Basically, 100 days is a milestone worth celebrating at school, and kids get to practice their math and counting skills...by creating a project and using 100 items of their choice.

Well.  After pondering several options, here's Buddy Roller's project which involves one of his favorite vegetables...

When You Share a Birthday

Chica (left) and me (right)

Every birthday I think of her. I know it's because I was born on her second birthday. So...for as long as I've been alive, my special day has always been hers too.

Growing up, we shared birthday parties, and you know what? That never bothered me. In fact, it was all we knew.

So on this my 42nd birthday, it's no surprise the first person I think about...is her.  My sister. Growing up, we were close. During our teens, we fought. As adults, it seems we've managed to accept each other...for who we are.

This past weekend, I attended a baby shower for one of my dear friends. During her shower, she thanked her sister and told her she was her favorite sister (even though she's her only sister).  I loved what she said about her sister. It was sweet, and it was the truth.

So. Happy birthday Chica! You are my most favorite sister.

Chalk Talk - Teaching Principles

Throughout my teaching career, I've accumulated several "tools" for my teaching toolbox...tried-and-true principles that have worked for me.  I started to compile them this school year as a way to journal one of the most fulfilling careers I will ever have.

Here's a recap of my teaching tips so far (all in one post) if you'd like to see...

House Rule

New Year. New Rules. Right?

I think Buddy Roller has outgrown time-outs. That's for 4-year-olds.  Now it's time for the big leagues. And that's why we've implemented a new rule in our house...

Tip #8 - Count Your Rainbows

The teacher who shares an adjoining room with me gave me a beautiful calendar, full of wisdom, for Christmas. And this month's inspirational words are very timely. Especially in this second semester of the school year.

So.  Here goes tip number 8 from a so-called veteran teacher...

Favorite TV Show

What's your favorite TV show?

I didn't have a "current" favorite show until a few weeks ago, and it all started with a bit of curiosity...

This One Got Me Thinking

I finished reading this book last night and cried the last four chapters or so. I had started reading it months ago, but because of life, it just sat on my night stand for a few months waiting to be reopened.  For so many reasons this book has resonated with me, and despite it's surprise ending with a huge twist, it's left me thinking and thinking.  Now a book that has the ability to do that, long after you've finished reading it, is a good one, wouldn't you say?

I promise I won't spoil it for you if you decide to read it...which you should. Really.

Mondays with Roller

One year ago, during this exact time, I started posting Six Word Memoirs.  This first post explains what they're all about. And then I came across this one...Mondays with Roller...which pretty much sums up how fast Buddy Roller is growing up, and how I'm savoring these years every chance I get.

That's all this Monday.

Monday Humor

A friend of mine posted this cartoon to my Facebook page. These are my sentiments exactly. It's so hard to go back to reality after more than two weeks off. I know. I know. I get no sympathy because teachers get a lot of time off. But. Just saying.

It's still hard.

What I Want to Gain in 2016

Now that 2015 is old news, I'm looking forward to 2016 with some anticipation.  I'm not big on New Year's resolutions; here's how I feel about that.  While some people are planning to hit the gym to lose those unwanted pounds (Really? Why do you need a new year to decide to be healthy?), I'm more focused on what I want to gain this new year.