Currently August

My oh my, another month has come and gone too fast. Summer is almost over and another school year is quickly approaching. Schools have even started in some places! I have a friend who lives in Georgia, and her children started school TODAY! Yes, they get out of school earlier (in May), but it's only August 1st!!!! I'm glad I still have about two weeks left until school starts. I have my first meeting of the school year on Monday. I do not look forward to waking up early, but I am excited for what is to come this school year! Also, I look forward to seeing some of the kiddos that I had last year! Also, today is August 1st, and you know what that means....time for another Currently. Head over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade to link up with Farley for her monthly Currently linky party.

Here is my August Currently:

LISTENING to the television in the other room. Right now, my niece is watching Peg Plus Cat. It's about President George Washington, so I love it because it's educational! My nephew is having a friend spend the night tonight, and they are in his room playing XBOX right now. I keep hearing bursts of laughter every couple of minutes, and LOVE that they are having a great time!!

LOVING yes, you read it right, I'm sort of glad that Summer is coming to an end, and that Fall is closer to being here. I love colder weather, bonfires, the leaves changing colors, and cooking in the crock pot. It's also been so hot and muggy here lately, that I'm really looking forward to opening up the doors and windows and letting the air flow through the house while I have fall scented candles lit everywhere! I LOVE FALL!!

THINKING that it's awesome that I have completed day 1 of my diet. I just started today, and I'm doing a 90 day challenge with Body By Vi. I really needed to make a change and do something to get some of this weight off, and I've done the challenge before (but didn't stick with it), and it worked! So, I'm excited for this journey and sticking with it! (Despite the headache I have had all day, lol) I know I CAN do this!

WANTING to change up my blog design to something new, but I'm not sure to what? I like the design I have now, but I sorta want something different. I'm going to think about it over the next month, and who knows, maybe the next time you see my page you will see something a different!

 NEEDING to get my plans for the start of school down on paper! I already have a ton of ideas, and I know how I want to start out the new year, I just have to write it all down and make it official. I'm really excited for the new school year!

And last but not least, my official first day of all day prepping is August 11th, and the kids start on August 13th. That's less than 2 weeks away!!!! I do have a meeting this coming Monday, which will start the year out, but I have to go all day on the 11th, so I figured that is my "official" start day.

Good luck to everyone with the start of your school year! I look forward to seeing classroom pictures and reading blog posts of how the new school year is going for everyone!

Until next time,

Back to School Goals 2014-2015

Oh my goodness, is it already the middle of July!?!? Where has the time gone? I feel like school was just let out....but I guess that's how quickly summer vacation has come and gone. Only a few more weeks of sunshine and school will be back in session. I am linking up with Jess over at IHeartRecess for Back to School goals for the 2014-2015 school year. Last school year I didn't begin my career at the before/after-school program until April. It was a little stressful walking into the mess I did, but I was able to turn it around a little bit once the kids warmed up to me. I am really excited to start up this school year by being there on Day 1 and for the whole school year! I already have so many ideas planned, and things I want to accomplish with my students!

Here are my Back to School goals for the 2104-2015 school year!

Make sure you head over to IHeartRecess, to link up and to check out other teachers' goals for the upcoming year!

Until next time,

Currently June

It's already June and summer has officially begun! I cannot believe half of the year is almost over, but after a very cold and snowy winter, I'm glad that the sun is shining and summer is here! Here is my June currently!

LISTENING to "I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles. It's her newest song being played on the radio and I LOVE it. It is such a beautiful song. If you haven't heard it yet, you should have a listen! Check it out on Spotify....(it's my newest way of listening to music online!)

LOVING that summer has officially begun! Like the song....School is out for summer, and I'm ecstatic!! Well, "work school" is over, that is teaching. However, I am still taking a full course load of college credits this summer to get some classes out of the way. I'm still happy that I have a summer vacation away from work, so I can enjoy some summer fun with the family, and my nephews, and my niece!

THINKING about planning a trip to the zoo soon! I just bought a zoo membership so I can take the kiddos to the zoo as often as I want to over the next year! Plus, the giraffes and zebras are back (after being gone for a long time), so I'm very excited to go back to the zoo! I haven't been to the zoo in almost a year, so it's a trip that has been long overdue!

WANTING my Grandpa to get better soon....over that last couple months he hasn't been doing well at all. He's in his mid-80's, and has had a long good life. He fell a couple months ago and hurt his neck, and since then things just keep happening. He is confused, sometimes not able to talk, and has been fighting pneumonia. He was improving a few days ago, but he is starting to fall downhill again. I really just want him to get back to himself again. I don't want to see him in pain, and I want him to get better. So, I just keep praying that he gets better SOON! Our family needs something good to happen soon!

NEEDING to blog more than once a month. I think that says it all....after starting my new job and being in school it seems I've only made one post a month - the currently post (which I'm glad I have been able to keep up with at least that post!). I'd really like to aim to make a post at least once a week! I'll get there eventually....I just gotta keep working on it!

SUMMER BUCKET LIST First I'd like to lose 20 pounds and exercise more. I probably won't lose it all over the summer....I want to be realistic, but 20 pounds is my overall goal to shoot for. I am starting another ViSalus 90-day challenge! If you haven't tried ViSalus and are looking for a new way to lose weight, I can give you more details. The shakes are really yummy and there are a lot of different kinds of shakes you can make like coffee, fruit, vegetable, regular, and candy bar flavored shakes! I also want to walk/ride my bike at least 3-4 times a week. The weather is beautiful, and I should be taking advantage of it by getting outside and exercising! I also want to pinterest some ideas for the next school year (which is also FUN to do)! I LOVE Pinterest! Last but not least, I need to transfer to another college this summer so I can complete my bachelors degree!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer vacation so far (or will be soon)!

Until next time,

Currently May

WOW, not only is it May, but it's almost the middle of the month! There has been a lot going on in my personal life this month, that my post is a "little" late. But late is better than never. I love linking up with Farley at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade for Currently! So, here is my Currently May!

LISTENING to the birds chirping outside! The weather is beautiful! Maybe a little muggy, but it's so nice knowing that the cold winter weather is long gone, and summer is right around the corner! I'm ready to swim in the pool again and work on my tan!

LOVING that there are only 15 days left of school, counting today! I only teach at a before/afterschool program, but I am counting down until the last day! Even though my next semester at college starts in two weeks, it'll still be nice to have more time off in the summer so I can enjoy the wonderful weather!

THINKING that I need to order books for next semester. I've been trying to look on Craigslist to see if I can save some money. The cost of college books is somewhat ridiculous! Yes, it's worth it....but I don't think they should be soooo expensive!

WANTING to plant some flowers! I went shopping the other day, and bought a tomato plant and strawberry plant. I went to two different nurseries to see what types of flowers they had and I saw some very beautiful flowers! I cannot wait to get a flower garden started!!

NEEDING to get things ready for summer semester....like getting my books, buying some new clothes, getting supplies, and making sure that I have everything ready to go for the first day!

SURPRISE I love finding new school teacher blogs, especially new teachers! Thanks to another teacher blog, I found The Brown Bag Teacher. She is a first year 5th grade teacher, and I haven't explored her entire blog yet, but I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far! You should go over and check her out!

If you want to link up with Farley's Currently Linky Party, head over to her page Oh' Boy Fourth Grade!

Happy Blogging,

Currently April

Wow! I haven't blogged in over a month! Definitely need to change that, but a lot has happened this last month. I cannot believe that it's April already! I'm linking up with Farley over at Oh' Boy 4th Grade for Currently. Well, currently in April I'm....

LISTENING to Word World. My niece, thankfully, watches the educational shows! I think Word World is super cute, along with Wallykazam! Wallykazam hasn't had a new episode in about 2 weeks, so I'm hoping that they start showing some new stuff here soon. If you have a toddler at home, you should really check the show out! It is on Nick Jr (I think), and it's normally on at 1:00pm EST.

LOVING my new job! I was hired last month to work at a before/after school program. I work with elementary school students and am the director/lead teacher. I am responsible for EVERYTHING! I absolutely LOVE it! I'm grateful for the opportunity and experience, because it will help me in my career. All I've ever wanted to do is teach, so I finally get to teach kids every day, and I couldn't be happier right now!

THINKING about getting my hair cut....is always something I dread. Normally, this is because I'm always indecisive. I've had really short hair, and long hair, and every time I get my hair cut, I always go from one extreme to the other. My hair is past my shoulders now, but I'm thinking about going shorter. Then again, I think about keeping it longer because when I work out it's nice to pull my hair back into a ponytail. Decisions, decisions! LOL

WANTING to start summer semester already! My classes are scheduled, but they do not start until next month. I'm excited to get started on more of the main courses I need for my bachelor's degree. The real work is about to start, and I can't wait! :)

NEEDING to blog more often. I have really slacked over the last month. Honestly, starting this new job has been exciting, but it has taken up a lot of my time. I think I just need to plan a couple days a week and set a time aside to blog. I always love looking at other teacher blogs, getting ideas, "meeting" new people, etc. In order to do that, I need to blog more often and share the ideas that I have! It'll get better....I'm determined!

HOURS AND LAST DAY I work before school from about 6:45-9:15am, and then after school from about 3:00-6:00pm. The last day of school is May 30th. (But then my colleges courses will have started a week or two before that, so MY school isn't really over, LOL) However, I am looking forward to summertime and warm weather, and the chance to actually be outside! Maybe even start running!!

Now it's your turn! Make sure to head over to Oh' Boy 4th Grade and link up! And don't forget to follow the 3 rules! You need to go to the 2 blogs before yours, the 1 blog after, and leave a comment on all 3 of them!

Currently March

I am so VERY excited that Farley is still doing her Currently linky party!! I am still very new to the blogging community, and I loved this linky party and just joined for the first time last month. I have come across so many great teacher blogs through her linky party. If you haven't ever linked up with her before, you should! Here's my Currently March:

Listening: My niece loves dogs, and loves the movie Bolt! She could probably watch it all day! Normally she wants to watch Turbo....she LOVES LOVES LOVES Turbo! But she just saw Bolt for the first time, and I think her love for dogs has her hooked!

Loving: I'm SO GLAD the weekend is here! I have done a little bit around the house today, but for the rest of the evening I plan to blog a little bit, watch a couple movies, and relax! 

Thinking: Oh my, oh my, my 30th birthday is next Sunday. EEK! Seriously though, I'm not really freaking out....I feel 30, and I'm okay with the number. The only thing that I don't like is that I am STILL in college, but I guess that's a good thing too. I didn't give up on my dream, it's just taking me a little longer to get there. Switching my major a couple of times really hasn't helped, but it is what it is. I'm actually excited for the next chapter in my life. To celebrate, I want to go on a road trip somewhere. Not sure where though....any suggestions? I've thought about planning a trip for the summer, I just need to figure out where I'm going first!

Wanting: I rented a couple movies that I'm excited about watching. "Last Vegas" looks hilarious and I love all of the actors who are in it. I'm hoping it will be a great comedy. "Enough Said" also looks really good. It looks like a good mix between a romance and comedy. We shall see if they are any good....but I'm ready to relax and watch them tonight!

Needing: I am such a procrastinator when it comes to filing my taxes every year. It's silly too, because most people would want their money returned to them - and I do, I'm just slow with the process. I need to get my paperwork together and get it done ASAP!

????????: Can you guess what this is an answer to?? 

Thanks for reading my Currently March, and make sure you head over to Farley's page at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade to link up!

Currently February

So, this is my very first Currently post, and I'm so excited to link up with Oh' Boy Fourth Grade. I am VERY new to the blogging community, and I look forward to meeting new people in this linky party!

So, about my Currently......

LISTENING: I was obsessed with the Twilight Saga series when it first came out. Ironically, I knew absolutely nothing about the movie, even with all of the hype. I rented Twilight from Redbox, and I was hooked! I then went and bought the first book, and could not put it down! I read the whole series in about a month! Flightless Bird American Mouth is the song played at the end of the first movie. It is not a romantic song, but first became popular from this movie. I love the song - the music, lyrics, all of it. I could listen to it all day, no lie!

LOVING: My nails!! I gave myself a french manicure the other day, and I love them! Normally I just file them, rounded, and go on - but I was feeling girly the other day and decided to "go all out"! Now I'm thinking about painting them a different color. Maybe tan? Not sure yet....

THINKING: I need to start exercising....NOW! This has been a real struggle for me. I'm the person that says "I'm going to start my diet on....", and then it doesn't happen. Something always comes up that deters me from doing it. I need to stop letting things get in the way, and make it a priority. The treadmill is in the other room - I just need to get on it!!

WANTING: Warmer weather....Brrrrrr.....it's cold outside! Well, it's starting to warm up a little bit now, but it has been a crazy and cold winter! Living in Ohio, we get all seasons and I love it! My favorite season is Fall. I am a sweatshirt and jeans with tennis shoes kind of gal! I love summertime activities, but do NOT like the heat! I must say, with all of this snow and temperatures around 0 degrees or below....I am ready for Summer, which is very odd for me say!

NEEDING: I really need to get my class schedule ready for next semester. (I'm still working on my degree). Classes were posted the other day, and scheduling opens up on Monday - so I need to get a move on it -ASAP!

2 TRUTHS AND A FIB: Truth #1: I'm addicted to coffee! I LOVE it! My day is not the same without my morning cup of coffee. Truth #2: My favorite color is purple. Even as a little girl, my room was painted purple. If I buy my niece clothes, I'm always looking for something with purple in it. (I can't help it!) She looks so pretty in purple, but I'm also buying it because I love the color. :) Fib: I have not traveled all over the US. I have traveled to a few states, that surround Ohio and a little south....but not "all over". I really want to travel more though. I have been to KY, TN, NY, SC, NC, VA, WV, FL, and GA. (I think I got them all). I've never been anywhere west though....which is something I desire to do. I would love to visit AZ and CO - just to name a couple places. MN also looks very beautiful! I've seen so many beautiful pictures that have been breathtaking....but I'll keep dreaming until I can find the time and resources to make a trip!


Until next time,
Jen

Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner

Hello everyone! This weekend I was browsing through YouTube, and came across a video from Jamielynn Lake who posted a video showing off her life and teacher lesson planners she ordered from Erin Condren. I have always wondered where teachers get there organizers from, and have never heard of Erin Condren, so I was ecstatic after finding this video!! You can also visit www.erincondren.com to see more of her items for sale, but trust me, this stuff is awesome! I really like how Jamielynn Lake (who posted this video of her purchase) is planning to use her checklist in the organizer as her grade book. I love the idea of having everything all in one book! These organizers are a little bit pricey, but I think it is well worth it. I know I will be purchasing one for my first year of teaching! (I may even splurge and purchase a life planner for myself as well). One can never be too organized, especially when you're a teacher! :)







Until next time,

Jen

Blogging

Welcome to my first blog entry! (Well, my first entry written on my own anyway and not as a required assignment for a college course, lol). I am extremely excited to be a part of the blogging community! So far, I have explored some really great teacher blogs! I must say though, while it is all very exciting, I am a little overwhelmed. I guess I might be jumping the gun a little bit (starting this blog before actually being in a classroom), because I feel a little like an outsider. While taking the education technology course at college, I was introduced to some great technology and tools to use in the classroom that I have never heard of before. As I look at teacher blogs, I see link parties, and buttons/pins, and a ton of other things I have never heard of before. I'm definitely a newbie! :) But I think about when I first started this blog....and I knew NOTHING! I've never had a blog before (EVER), so this was all very new to me when I created this blog. I think I have come a very long way since then! And now for the "real blogging"....I want to get a jump into blogging and build a community around me, so when it is time to start teaching I have friends in this community that I can reach out to. I also want to share my experiences, ideas, etc. as well. I'm happy that my blogging journey has finally begun! I hope that you all enjoy my blog, and please always feel free to leave a comment - even if you just want to say hi! :)

One thing I want to start doing on every entry, is to leave a quote at the end. So, I hope you enjoy!

Until next time,
Jen


"There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fill you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies." - Robert Frost