My Blessed Little Life

  15 of 31 for the Slice of Life Challenge from Two Writing Teachers In our weekly team meetings, we often have a question of the day.  Something along the lines of "What was the best part of your Christmas (Winter) break?" or something silly like "What would your pro-wrestler name be?"  We go around the table and give our answer.  Since we are a pretty tight knit group, we can usually predict what is going to be said. This week our question of the week was "What career would you choose to start if you no longer were a teacher?"  Because we had so much business on the agenda, we didn't get to go around the table like usual.  I started to think about this question after leaving the meeting. What would I be? I taught sixth grade for two years, and then I took a break from teaching for 8 years after the birth of my son.  Growing up, I really only had one career choice. I was going to be a teacher like my mom and dad.  In the back of my head, ...

  14 of 31 for the Slice of Life Challenge from Two Writing Teachers Today my oldest leaves to go to the state Stuco convention.   This is the first time she has ever left for more than one night and is traveling hundreds of miles away from home...well, without it being at her grandparent's house.  She will be staying with someone that I have never met, and even though I know that she will be well cared for, I can't help but worry.  Will she remember to use her manners?  Will she be safe and respectful? All of these nagging feelings come up.  I know I have taught her well, and have seen the way she behaves at school, so I shouldn't worry so much.  She will be in good hands with her advisor, and is going with a great group of students.  So why does a small part of me dread her leaving this morning?  I know she would say, "Mom, chill out.  I'm going to be fine."  Logically I know that.  My heart just wants the best for h...

  6 of 31 for the Slice of Life Challenge from Two Writing Teachers Do you have any quirks that make you a little special?  A little different than everyone else out there?  There are certain habits that we all have that might be peculiar to others around us.  My kids remind me of this all the time. Every time we go any where that has an escalator, my kids make fun of me.  For some reason, I apparently have the same routine.  I always let the kids go on first...I suppose this comes from the mom in me making sure they are all on and safe.  And then I will wait at least one step before I get on.  I'm not sure why, but I do this.  I wouldn't even know that I do this without my kids being so kind to point this habit out...and by kind, of course I mean they ridicule me endlessly. I also have strange driving habits, such as never turning left unless it is absolutely a necessity.  I will turn right and go around the block before having ...

What a year! It has been a busy few months since school started in August. I started out the year as a Special Ed. Instructional Assistant, and am now working as an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher. While no one could have predicted the events that have led to this place, I am truly enjoying being back in the classroom. It has been a big transition full of changes for everyone though. It has meant that my free time is now consumed with planning and grading, instead of other activities, and I have learned quickly that finding a balance is going to be even more important than in the past. Between school, my master's classes, and the activities of three busy kids, I am worn out at the end of the day! That doesn't even include keeping a house in order and finding time to have some me time. However, I am very lucky to be able to be teaching again, and feel very blessed!