tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8679049966181597272024-02-19T04:52:36.690-05:00Ginger on the Move Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-2382021249152339642015-07-20T15:13:00.003-04:002015-07-20T15:13:46.905-04:00Must Read Monday. {what's on my shelf?} <br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwoccbKzBsYKY7SOLe4EeveTCBOIlg0_QjqZRsz-xAFGe_6C5cdx1ApAKzFiwDFBEvTi528W1h83qDHLULovRcrdMbHgVE3wtAUaNXBLRuq-Ql37uTLSzBUt_pNkQGyO7b-wRUwSUtHw/s1600/Must+Read+Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwoccbKzBsYKY7SOLe4EeveTCBOIlg0_QjqZRsz-xAFGe_6C5cdx1ApAKzFiwDFBEvTi528W1h83qDHLULovRcrdMbHgVE3wtAUaNXBLRuq-Ql37uTLSzBUt_pNkQGyO7b-wRUwSUtHw/s200/Must+Read+Monday.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday - here we are again + if your Monday has been anything like mine, it's dragged on forever and left you dreaming of your bed and being pantsless in your apartment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bright spot in my Monday is I have 2 books on hold at the library + that is life changing for a nerd like myself. With two new books to start and finish, here are a few of my summer recommendations to keep the Monday blues at bay - </span><br />
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yjHGuEXYL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yjHGuEXYL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="133" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Pretty Ugly</i> by Kirker Butler was a quick read for me for so many reasons! Taking on the world of beauty pageants and reality TV obsessions, Butler creates identifiable characters in Miranda Miller, Bailey, and Ray - I instantly could relate his fictional characters to real life people in the lime light. Using satirical humor, Butler pokes fun at the state of reality TV and the need to live up to the Joneses'. If you're looking for a darkly humorous, yet perfect beach read, check this one out. </span></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-nk0AyXCL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-nk0AyXCL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="132" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another quick read was <i>Read Bottom Up</i> by Neel Shah and Skye Chatham - it took me a day, a literal day, to finish this hilarious gem that is written in e-mails and text messages. Chronicling the relationship of Madeline and Elliot, it resonates so many relationship realities that we face in the 21st century. Too long text messages, not texting enough, texting too much - <i>Read Bottom Up</i> takes on social media's impact on relationships and does it in a cute and romantic way. </span></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P1e92CpYL._SX400_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P1e92CpYL._SX400_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remembering my mid year resolution to try a new recipe each week, <i>Food Network Magazine: 1,000 Easy Recipes</i> has become such a helpful guide. It comes complete with grocery lists and most of the dishes require minimal cooking skills. It is separated by sections, making it easy to plan by the ingredient that you plan on using for dinner. While I borrowed it from the library, it's been added to my purchase list, so I can track the changes I make to the recipes. </span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are just a few of things on my shelf - enjoy your week, loves! </span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, </span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-73816876453031331962015-07-06T14:39:00.005-04:002015-07-06T14:39:48.783-04:00Motivation Monday {Mid Year Resolutions.} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9n-rS_zAVe16vqpQPrt3S5OW45ziD44yHS9U1dCaUDP9PShwQU-Pi_72-QlIyeD0cGhkJpWL3sxU4AtYcae3u671BZ2PQA5zIYGEt9jWQ0IQqc145uEoodPmz2tR5HpSRGyEntp6piRA/s1600/2015-07-06_1422.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9n-rS_zAVe16vqpQPrt3S5OW45ziD44yHS9U1dCaUDP9PShwQU-Pi_72-QlIyeD0cGhkJpWL3sxU4AtYcae3u671BZ2PQA5zIYGEt9jWQ0IQqc145uEoodPmz2tR5HpSRGyEntp6piRA/s320/2015-07-06_1422.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you have new year resolutions? I did. My list was actually pretty exciting - save $500, take one big trip, and be a more present friend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, I find myself in the middle of 2015, like everyone else and my list has one resolution completed. I took a big trip with my co-workers to Harry Potter world, and it was worth not being able to save $500. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July has made its appearance, with it's over excited confidence that the year is half over, and Christmas countdowns can start, but what about our resolutions? What about our promises to ourselves or family or friends to be a better person? Do they get erased, marked through, or marked with an asterisk, because you <i>might</i> get to it? In my quest for constant improvement - perfectionist problems - I have taken July's appearance as an opportunity for a clean slate. By the way - you can always start over - don't believe otherwise. My clean state are my <i>mid year resolutions </i>- clearly short term goals that I want to reach in my last six months of 2015. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <i>Pay off my credit card, my car, and short term debts.</i> Being a twenty something, debt is like an iPhone - everyone has it and few people know what to do with it. I crave financial independence. I got it from my parents when I was 15, and now I want it from Capital One and Suntrust. By creating a sound and realistic financial plan, I plan to be short term debt free by the end of 2015, leaving only my student loans and that's an entire blog post in itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <i>Try a new recipe every week</i>. God bless my boyfriend's heart. He doesn't ask for much - he doesn't even require that I cook every day, but blame my traditional gender roles and my need to be like my mother, I like cooking dinner for us and having somewhat of a routine in the evening, since we both work long hours. With all of this being said, I have to expand my recipe book. Between my mom's cooking blog (check it out <a href="http://kellyiscooking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) and Food Network magazine, I want to try a new recipe every week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <i>Plan a vacation</i>. I love traveling. My boyfriend loves traveling. There are so many places to see and so many things to do, and I can't let the second half of 2015 pass me by just staying in North Carolina. Whether it's domestic or foreign, another adventure awaits me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Three goals, six months - the game is on, 2015. The first half of 2015 was nothing short of amazing and I have no doubt that the second half of 2015 is going to be equally amazing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another Monday, another chance for a fresh start, but don't let July slip away without thinking about the big picture and thinking about what you are doing to reach the goals you set for yourself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's to a marvelous Monday + mid year resolutions! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-38879312758854596942015-05-23T14:55:00.006-04:002015-05-23T14:55:57.388-04:00Strategy Saturday {looking towards 2016.} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64g9Eo_h0JJtwz1L-jz5fuygT60bPuStA8doowULXAOcI9xG_gwkOvHwkjs15ml7cYBEwtUxmUS-U5hfYRkJyyqKRzUUOFE020tQyAvDSP-OhrQ1zBLUJZehB-Zfoy6MnHQ9nipc2rwI/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64g9Eo_h0JJtwz1L-jz5fuygT60bPuStA8doowULXAOcI9xG_gwkOvHwkjs15ml7cYBEwtUxmUS-U5hfYRkJyyqKRzUUOFE020tQyAvDSP-OhrQ1zBLUJZehB-Zfoy6MnHQ9nipc2rwI/s320/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Saturday of a long weekend has to be one of my favorite feelings </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- endless possibilities and knowing that I have another day for shenanigans, which is beautiful. This long weekend was so necessary. At this time, this long weekend was needed for everyone. When we go back to school, we will have 5, FIVE, days till the EOGs start and that is mind-blowing. My babes and I have been working so hard to read word problems and practice close reading strategies, and we are tired, so we were all grateful for our three day weekend. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the end of the year approaches, we have 14 school days left, it's time to start thinking about next year and how you can better prepare your physical space for success next year! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most schools have end of year expectations, and their own checklists to complete, but there are some simple things you can do to make the next year start smoothly! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. <i>Purge, purge, purge!</i> My mother is a teacher, but God bless her, she still has filing cabinets full of good ideas and great lesson plans, but in this digital age, it's a lot easier to keep electronic copies and digital files than it is to keep color coded file folders and paper copies, so my advice to you is purge those filing cabinets, center buckets, writing folders - recycle it all! My rule is if I didn't use it this year, I don't need it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be selective in your anchor chart choice</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. Anchor charts are a necessity, especially in elementary grades, but darn, don't those things take up a ton of space! The great thing about anchor charts are that you can create new ones each year to fit the needs of your class. My suggestion for these beautiful learning tools is keep a select few if they are foundation skills, and recycle everything else. Students benefit from helping you create the anchor chart, so look forward to those memories with your new babes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <i>Organize your library</i>. All good classrooms have a library, but great classrooms have an organized library. Take a few minutes every day from now till the end of the year to label, categorize, and level your library. If you spend the money to create a library, please spend the time to keep it up. <i>Book Retriever</i> is a great app for iPads and iPhones that helps you create an electronic database for books and provides information about their levels (Lexile, DRA, and Guided Reading.) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <i>Give away at least 5 things</i>. Part of teaching is sharing and collaboration, and we have all started with nothing, so make sure to create a donation box for new teachers who are new to your building or just to share some gently loved items. Great things for donation are boarders, extra organizational supplies, teaching resource books, and extra copies of books for libraries. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <i>Label all your boxes</i>. This sounds silly, but when packing up your stuff create specific labels to clearly identify what is in there. This will make unpacking a breeze, especially if you are in the same classroom, and you know where you keep things. I use blank name tags from Dollar Tree to label my boxes and it quickly lets me see what's in the box, so I can make sure my time is spent well when unpacking. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know it sounds crazy to start thinking about next year, but what separates good teachers from great teachers is planning in all aspects. Follow these quick easy steps to ensure an easy start to the next school year! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy your three day weekend, loves! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, - </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo </span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-18673069141427108522015-05-09T14:55:00.001-04:002015-05-09T14:55:04.791-04:00Strategy Saturday {How to Survive the End of the Year.} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLALzWxbJ_XbRVTJCKISeRCCeoDUBYfrAvud83Zq8XWMmsSMvrLtBWIxyqdd7dG4mZy4EHvNkceC2vLQN6fkVB4uIG1pUFpcbam51aIeX9w4_JSiaO4c6916A51ux7pDJTekhy8Qu5FIA/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLALzWxbJ_XbRVTJCKISeRCCeoDUBYfrAvud83Zq8XWMmsSMvrLtBWIxyqdd7dG4mZy4EHvNkceC2vLQN6fkVB4uIG1pUFpcbam51aIeX9w4_JSiaO4c6916A51ux7pDJTekhy8Qu5FIA/s320/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If your life is anything like mine right now, the speed is hyper-drive, and you are just trying to hang out for dear life, while maintaining some sense of professionalism and appearance of having your life together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before you start to say, "Lucy, it's so hard.", "Lucy, I am so tired." - let me tell you one more important detail - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have everything I have ever asked, wished, and prayed for and the gratefulness in my heart pours out daily. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, you read that right - despite my long days due to supervising an after school tutoring program, despite my weekend drives to another city to see my boyfriend, and despite my inability to make it home to my parents, because I had been busy with grad school - y'all, I am sublimely happy (in my Cher Horowitz voice.) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I completed my first semester of grad school at UNC, and I found it mentally challenging and I was eager to learn, which means I made the right choice. Academics is my only claim to fame - I am as uncoordinated as a baby giraffe and for some reason, Hollywood hasn't rang up your girl yet, so academics is the one thing I am holding onto. When I chose UNC, I was looking for a challenge, and I found it and I loved it. I am mind blown to think that very soon, I won't be someone's teacher anymore, but it's exactly where I want to be. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to finishing my first semester, I have been supervising an EOG tutoring program at my elementary school, and it has been a great learning experience for my future as a school leader. Coordinating transportation, handling parents and discipline, and ensuring teachers are doing what they need to do has been a great learning experience, and while I am very ready to have my Monday through Thursday afternoons back, I am glad to have received another great highlight for my resume. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The end of the year is quickly approaching, and when I say the end of the year, I mean our time with students is numbered. I know very few teachers who will take the complete summer off - whether it is for financial or professional reasons, the summers that teachers will have will be short. The end of the year is such a difficult time for so many reasons - the sense of urgency is realer than ever, and all emotions are running high. Just remember: this is what you have been working for. The journey you have been on with your students for the last hundred and something days has prepared for them for nothing but success. Know that when I say success, I am talking about growth and their readiness for their next experience, and nothing to do with their performance on standardized assessments. That is not where the beauty in teaching is - not at all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just remember: to breathe and keep your eyes open, because your time with your students will be over before you know it. Soak in their corny jokes, their endless questions, and their love for you. Every class is special for a million different reasons, and just remember to love them so hard for these last couple of weeks. Also remember, that your worth and their worth are not tied to any test, assessment, or evaluation - if students are walking out of your door with growth, you did your job. Teaching is about growing students and making them better and more capable every day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the year wraps up, be as fabulous as you were at the beginning! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, loves - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-61468335799222438852015-03-25T18:53:00.003-04:002015-03-25T18:53:51.623-04:00confessions of a full time everything. {two days till spring break, y'all.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can think of a million sayings about hard work, success, and never quitting - I can think of quotes by business men, coaches, and celebrities about never giving up on your dreams. I am sure you can too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ask yourself: Can you think of any quotes that talk about how hard it is? Can you think of any quotes about the sleepless nights, the missed calls from friends, the declined invitations for dinners - can you think of any? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you can, the number of those quotes is probably far less than the ones about success and never quitting. People are rewarded in public for what they have practiced in private, and the world forgets that - I forget that. How many years did Bill and Melinda Gates eat Ramen and watch basic cable? How many years did Jay-Z still sell drugs, because rap wasn't making the ends meet yet? How many dinner invitations will I decline before I can say yes?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what it's all about, right? Right. Accomplishing one goal to move to another, to achieve the life you have dreamed of for forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, today, with two days before spring break, all my full times are wearing me thin. As I sit in my Wednesday night graduate class, (yes, I am updating my blog during class), I am drained emotionally and physically. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With spring here, the days are long and the hours are longer, and the reward seems far off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you are in education, business, finance, customer service, retail - it doesn't matter - spring fever is real. It is real. It is here. It's here, set up shop for a while - so, how do we do it? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's so important to take time for yourself and for the ones you love and the things you love. With the sense of urgency reaching it's breaking point, it's important to take time to recharge for yourself and the people around you. How do you do that? How are you taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of all the things that need you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <i>Unplug</i>. Put the phone down. Turn your notifications on silent. Close the computer. Walk away. With constant connection, it's hard to be okay with being alone and be unattached, but I am here to tell you - it is okay. It is okay to leave your phone on the dining room table and cook dinner in the kitchen and watch TV in the living room. Being able to be alone and enjoy solitude is a positive character trait. Unplug. Let yourself detach from constant updates and be okay with being with yourself and the ones you love and the things you love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <i>Do an activity</i>. I love to read. I love to color, paint, and be artsy. What do you love? What do you love that is separate from your job, separate from your children, separate from your spouse - what do you love? Whatever it is, do it. If you need a nap, take it. You want a glass of wine? Drink it. You want to read that <i>US Weekly</i>? Do it. A key to renewing yourself is providing yourself a time to fill yourself back up after you have depleted what you have for others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <i>Eat your favorite meal</i>. I realize that food should not be a reward - you're not a dog, spare me the dietary facts. The reality of the situation is that good food and good friends, or one of each can change your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <i>Dress up</i>. Male or female, a good outfit can change your outlook on life, so tomorrow, dress up, show up, and never give up! (: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friends, <i>Ginger On the Move </i>is a year old, and y'all have been rocking with me the whole time - I am so grateful! I hope your spring fever gets a vaccination soon! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until then, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Lucy </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-26648627939427785192015-02-21T11:04:00.004-05:002015-02-21T11:04:48.844-05:00Strategy Saturday {How to Use Volunteers + Tutors.} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG1R4Q_1WWV4gVBz_hGJQ9Jsukm3dFCQqXpcEzJ-h8r67z_GBMXMqH4GA8-IyFkqIOb0Nlyc1xzaIvsdfmn1XI2T7f0VjYU4dhaK9l72ccnDgWSMYZRQfZuBTSY4vExu_o9H3gsWA6O8/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG1R4Q_1WWV4gVBz_hGJQ9Jsukm3dFCQqXpcEzJ-h8r67z_GBMXMqH4GA8-IyFkqIOb0Nlyc1xzaIvsdfmn1XI2T7f0VjYU4dhaK9l72ccnDgWSMYZRQfZuBTSY4vExu_o9H3gsWA6O8/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I need a <i>Strategy Saturday </i>in my life after not seeing my students for a WHOLE week. I feel my heart breaking into a hundred pieces - my life without them isn't really much of a life at all. So, hopefully a <i>Strategy Saturday</i> will make me feel warm and mushy about school, because I miss it way more than I should. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's topic is about how to effectively use volunteers and tutors who find their way into your classroom with their eager smiles and helpful hands! I am blessed to have 5, that's right FIVE, tutors in my classroom at various times throughout the week, and without them, my classroom could not run efficiently. Tutors and volunteers, when you have them, can make your life and your classroom so much easier as long as you know how to use them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most volunteers, parent or otherwise, come with little education experience, but a desire to help in any way possible, which is why they are so amazing! Someone who wants to be in your classroom and to help you and your students is such a positive influence in the learning environment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to effectively use volunteers, you, as the teacher, needs to identify the areas of need that they can logically address. Obviously, you are the first source of instruction, but volunteers can be used for review, one - on - one tutoring, fluency activities, basic math fact review, writing conferences, and literature circles. Volunteers can be a great intervention for students in tier II and III of the RtI process, and it allows for more interventions that you may not have time to deliver. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once you have identified the needs that you want your volunteers to help with, tell them. I know that seems logical, but talk them through the activities and tell them a little about the students that they may be working with. If you're asking a tutor to complete an oral reading fluency drill, show them how to mark miscues and record retells. If you're using them to facilitate a literature circle, show them how to question and guide conversation. Again, volunteers are there to make your life easier and to help grow students, and you would be doing yourself and your students a disservice by not being clear about the expectations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, you've identified the needs, discussed the activities with the tutors, and now the sessions have started. The key to making sure volunteers are true intervention and are truly assisting with student growth is to document their activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Documentation is such a dirty word in education, because it instantly takes a negative connotation, but I've created some easy templates that you can use in your classroom to document time in and out, as well as, the activities completed and with who. I use something very similar in my own classroom and just add copies to my student's intervention folders and my Title I crates. The truly easy thing about this documentation is that the tutors can complete it by themselves and you can easily keep track of frequency of interventions for those who need a high level of help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have made the volunteer packet available for download for <i>free</i>, so check it out <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwds8eu6eKRaTjVvWjZvUWQ2aUE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ultimately, whether volunteers are reading to students, helping you file papers, eating lunch with your babes, or reviewing multiplication tables - at the end of the day, it really doesn't matter. Volunteers will make your classroom a fun, exciting, and multi-dimensional environment. I love my volunteers and I hope you find volunteers who make your classroom more fun and exciting! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to update one more time this weekend. I need to get better at controlling my life, so that I show how much moving the Ginger is doing! Great things are happening, loves and I hope great things are happening for you too! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-82487590348359189692015-02-07T12:02:00.004-05:002015-02-07T12:02:38.447-05:00one down, thirteen to go...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNO5-ALGyad-b-EtWDcWktbix1E4_nG_KSTTM4yg7pOSZbjiqy3IgZwkN3kfXx0Ugb5OL7BYijApA2afJ3-n3YHEREhc_oOImZzce-AfrEoJO5rHCkut42_nDtrrY-BojX-CGejLe_NQ/s1600/Dissatisifaction.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNO5-ALGyad-b-EtWDcWktbix1E4_nG_KSTTM4yg7pOSZbjiqy3IgZwkN3kfXx0Ugb5OL7BYijApA2afJ3-n3YHEREhc_oOImZzce-AfrEoJO5rHCkut42_nDtrrY-BojX-CGejLe_NQ/s1600/Dissatisifaction.jpe" height="232" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: Google Images </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, my second class in my new master's program started. The first hurdle out of the way - my first class done and I would like to think that I was more than successful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite my academic success in this class, a doubt that this is the right path for me has crept in anyways. My professor proclaimed, on the first day, that part of his job was weeding out those who didn't truly want it. He said, on more than one occasion, that there are great students who don't become great principals, and it's human nature to wonder if I was one of those he was talking too. I already felt a level of apprehension coming into the program, and after all he said, the feeling still lingered. That feeling that I am meant for great things, but maybe just not this has been rolling around in my mind. Then, something happened. Well, a few things happened. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. I received a great observation from my principal. Say what you want about the evaluative measures of North Carolina, and how effective they truly are, but the reality for me, right now as a classroom teacher, is that these evaluations mean so much more than a few boxes with check marks. My principal is someone I have grown to respect and value her professional opinion, and having her give me a great evaluation meant a lot. I already know that I am doing what I need to for my students and at any cost, but having someone you respect say that to you can make your day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. I was honored with being chosen as the monthly spotlight educator for my district, which is, as my friends and coworkers tell me, a big deal. Believe it or not, being praised and complimented is something I still struggle to accept, and this is an unbelievable honor that I am so grateful to share with my students, my team, and my school. Teaching is not an individual sport - the sheer complexity of my task as a teacher can only be carried out with a school and team that has a culture of excellence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. My teammates, both who are new teachers, got glowing evaluations too. This, again, speaks to the testament of the atmosphere and environment we have created for each other and for our students. When one of us shines, we all shine. 5th grade is an all or nothing team - we all get it or we all don't. Having them feel empowered and successful is, by far, the greatest victory so far. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I write this long over due post on the lunch break of my Saturday class, I think of my future - I am sure a lot of us do. What will it look like, who will be there, what will I be doing, and for once, one thing is for certain. Regardless of the physical space or the people who occupy it, I will be educating someone in some way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My classmates are starting to straggle in, so I am sure this is a natural wrap up for me. I hope you find your Saturday productive (: Stay tuned for a special edition of <i>Strategy Sunday</i> tomorrow! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Until next time, loves... </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-14046142552308515352015-01-19T08:38:00.004-05:002015-01-19T08:38:47.185-05:00I can't spend my days watching Netflix + reading Harry Potter. [Motivation Monday.] <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, hello there.. Did you think I had forgotten you? My last update was almost a month ago, and in that short time, I have started both schools again - one where I am the teacher and one where I am the student. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could list how amazingly busy I have been, or talk about the length of my assignments, but that would be lying. To be honest, I've been in a magenta place. Magenta being the adjective that I use to describe a 'meh' feeling - it's a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R05uvTBBzo" target="_blank"><i>Golden Girls</i> reference</a> and one I find to be so true. I hate magenta, but it accurately describes my feeling I have right now. Winter break took a toll on me - totally wrecked my hard working spirit, and I have been struggling to get that back. I hadn't realized how hard I had been working, or how tunneled my vision had been. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Winter break hit me hard in the face with rest, good food, and family, and I have struggled to gain my drive back. I binged watched <i>Peaky Blinders </i>(check it out by the way - 1920s, gangsters, and British accents -swoon), I reread <i>Harry Potter</i> and feel even more in love with Draco Malfoy and the Deatheaters (spare me on the greater good lectures) and I snuggled with my cat much to his chagrin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order for me to regain my drive and my relentless pursuit of greatness, there has to be a mind shift. There has to be a change in how I am pursuing the situation, and I am sure, for many of us, that is a daily conquest. It is a daily activity to remind yourself why you do what you do and for what purpose - T.D. Jakes says that to hold on, in spite of everything, is a winner's quality. Well, today, my friends - let's be winners! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is also the celebration of someone who changed our country and hearts, and it is so important that we remember the real struggle that he faced, the real challenges that he endured, and cast aside the glamorized notion that his pursuit was filled with constant high moments. My favorite quote by Dr. Martin Luther King is below, and let it serve as a constant reminder for today and every day that your mind has to change, you have to decide that will pursue what you want at any cost, and you will hold despite the challenges. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzlWrHI80aNQBIwUANrjiqnY44VEoRvpN4sfHx_S9lnzRrKhrN7s0Uv6a6ODDW9oOX-QMH3P2ftXpp5Oz-bwxOW9jJvi4bhAJyzYvWW_qMb9pLZjPtbtbnTRd0rRSlWOsUSZgVcVU5Ew/s1600/2015-01-19+07.48.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzlWrHI80aNQBIwUANrjiqnY44VEoRvpN4sfHx_S9lnzRrKhrN7s0Uv6a6ODDW9oOX-QMH3P2ftXpp5Oz-bwxOW9jJvi4bhAJyzYvWW_qMb9pLZjPtbtbnTRd0rRSlWOsUSZgVcVU5Ew/s1600/2015-01-19+07.48.25.png" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-34580189774066908852014-12-28T15:46:00.001-05:002014-12-28T15:46:02.183-05:00Sunday Sentiments. {last Sunday in 2014.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The holidays are over. The leftovers are almost gone, the wrapping paper already recycled, and unwanted gifts returned, and slowly but surely, real life is starting to work it's way back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have successfully put work on the back burner for almost five whole days, and the idea of starting the endless to do list again is a bit overwhelming, but young minds must be shaped and the world needs to be saved/taken over (whichever you prefer.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The holidays at our house were wonderful - my brother and I are older, so it was definitely about family and love, and less about presents and stockings. I am very grateful for my family this year. I was constantly asked what I wanted for Christmas, but the things I want and have can't be bought, and I am just so grateful for the quality time I got to spend with my family, as I am sure everyone was and is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the year wraps up so quickly, today is the last Sunday in 2014 - I have started to think about what the new year will hold and what am I going to do with the rest of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This morning, the sermon at church was so poignant - one of those moments where you are stopped and the truth you needed to hear was spoken to you. The message that everyone needs to hear (regardless of your faith) is that: everyone has a gift + you have to use it to better the world for yourself and others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the constant topics of <i>Ginger On the Move </i>is motivation and making sure you are making a difference all the time, and in 2015, that is such a driving force in my life that it is, slowly but surely, becoming more of my identity and that is nothing to be ashamed of. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, you have something to offer the world - maybe you have been offering your gift or gifts, and this year you need to continue to make them sparkle and shine, and perfect your talents. Maybe this year, you need to find out what your talent and gifts are, so that you can start making the world and yourself a better place. Maybe this year, you face the greatest challenge: figuring out how to use your talents and gifts to make the world and yourself better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is the one most people (including myself) struggle with - how do I take this amazing gift and turn it into a skill, service, or offering that will enhance the world? That, loves, is the million dollar answer, because it's different for everyone. How you choose to show, display, and use your gift is different. Even if someone has the same gift as you, how you use it is going to be different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For 2015, your resolution shouldn't be lose ten pounds or save $20 every week, your resolution should be filling the void of the world that only you can fill with your gifts and talents that only you have. There is no one like you on the Earth (which is an amazing fact); therefore, you have to be faithful to your gifts and talents, and you have to show the world what it's been missing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the new year comes, be ready - be ready to be more assertive and to give more and more each day - those who give much will receive much. As the year winds down, start that journey of using your gifts, and making sure they aren't gathering dust. Don't miss out on a chance to be great. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGheOM5q6aVKkGdKQybduiK9qwEyTr2cRpWPaPlzpxh-lM4rWOQt8yT_r7zgAgPW0b4K1J4oG2qehyphenhyphenWpVcITa6TBretPIh6S6JCzwmEzApKGUtGF_uvyiNn8HzHTjYYxXivr1n1yX7M8/s1600/latterchatter_gp22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGheOM5q6aVKkGdKQybduiK9qwEyTr2cRpWPaPlzpxh-lM4rWOQt8yT_r7zgAgPW0b4K1J4oG2qehyphenhyphenWpVcITa6TBretPIh6S6JCzwmEzApKGUtGF_uvyiNn8HzHTjYYxXivr1n1yX7M8/s1600/latterchatter_gp22.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Google Images</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, loves -</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucy </span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-10206663979075152222014-12-14T12:47:00.004-05:002014-12-14T12:47:48.780-05:00Five Wonderful Things. {bye bye, 2014}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Sunday, loves! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a little less than three weeks left in 2014, and I've been constantly asking myself, "Where did it go?" I remember NYE 2014 like it was yesterday - I went to sleep crying, because I was alone - at that moment, I thought the year would be a bust, but 2014 has been anything but a bust. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have conquered more fears in 2014 than I could have ever imagined, and became more of the woman I am meant and want to be. My milestone birthday of twenty five came and went, and it was more fabulous than words can describe, and as I prepare for one week of school and three weeks at home with my wonderful family, I can't help but feel grateful and blessed for this amazing life and amazing year that I have been given. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope, as 2014 disappears before us, you can also find tiny moments of gratefulness and contentment. I also encourage you clean house and prepare yourself for next year. Part of a new year is that you can shed old skin, literally and figuratively, and clean out space for better blessings. These blessings can take the form of people, jobs, or material goods, and you need to be ready for them. You can't accept a gift if your hands are still holding onto trash. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With these last few weeks, find the time to make a literal list (on paper or electronically - I realize not everyone likes to hand write these days) and list the things you are most proud of in 2014 and the things you are most excited for in 2015. Hopefully your list will make you realize how wonderful you are and how hard you worked for those proud moments. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week marks the last week of school before winter break, and energy and emotions for all are running high, so as I take this Sunday and use it to recharge and do the things Lucy wants to do, I want to remind myself (and you) of <i>Five Wonderful Things</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <u>I babysat a puppy this weekend</u>. I don't like dogs anymore. I loved one dog, Mocha, and she was perfect. We put her to sleep when I was 21 and I never knew the loss of a pet until her. After her death, dogs were no longer welcome in my heart. Petty, I know, but we all deal with grief differently. My best friend, however, has a puppy and he's snuggled his way into my heart and I had the privilege of baby-sitting him this weekend. I had the best time walking and snuggling and playing fetch with him. My love for all dogs hasn't quite returned, but it was a nice weekend spent with a four legged friend. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <u>I did Christmas cards</u>. This seems like a routine activity for some, but this year, was my first year doing Christmas cards for my friends and coworkers and it was such a sweet, loving feeling to write how much I loved each of them in a card decorated with a cat dressed in Christmas attire. I hope they enjoy them as much as I did. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <u>I planned my babes' winter celebration</u>. My babes have earned a winter celebration, and they voted between a present party (a white elephant party) or arts and crafts, and my heart sang when they chose arts and crafts. We will have a ginger bread house contest, make ornaments, color scratch art, and make ugly sweater ornaments. My aunt is graciously providing pizza for our celebration and I can't wait to spend Friday afternoon just being their friend instead of their teacher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <u>I made a financial plan for 2015</u>. I wrote down my financial goals for 2015, and the best way to achieve them. I may be cutting back my wants in the short term, but the long term gain will benefit me more. Being an adult isn't an age, it's a mindset - a mindset that you have to be willing to sacrifice in the present to reap benefits in the future. I will go back to Ireland in 2015, and I will begin to conquer student loan debt. Fabulous girls manage their whole life, including their money! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <u>I chose a MSA program that fits my lifestyle</u>. I had previously written about applying to a MSA program at a prestigious Southern institution, and while that was a great experience, I have chosen a different path. I already have a Master's and there is a program that will allow me to add on to my license without going through a three year program, which is fantastic for so many reasons! So, come January, I will be a full time teacher and a part time student and I couldn't be more excited! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As one o'clock creeps up on this Sunday afternoon, my sense of urgency is low - a Sunday well spent bring a week of contentment. My lesson planning will be done in an appropriate amount of time and my book will be read for pleasure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take this Sunday for yourself and bask in your fabulous life! (: Enjoy your Sunday, loves! Until next time, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- xo, Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-55672863284866589742014-12-06T11:17:00.002-05:002014-12-06T11:17:37.943-05:00Strategy Saturday {seating arrangements - no place cards needed.}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64g9Eo_h0JJtwz1L-jz5fuygT60bPuStA8doowULXAOcI9xG_gwkOvHwkjs15ml7cYBEwtUxmUS-U5hfYRkJyyqKRzUUOFE020tQyAvDSP-OhrQ1zBLUJZehB-Zfoy6MnHQ9nipc2rwI/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64g9Eo_h0JJtwz1L-jz5fuygT60bPuStA8doowULXAOcI9xG_gwkOvHwkjs15ml7cYBEwtUxmUS-U5hfYRkJyyqKRzUUOFE020tQyAvDSP-OhrQ1zBLUJZehB-Zfoy6MnHQ9nipc2rwI/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good morning, loves + welcome to the most recent edition of <i>Strategy Saturday</i>! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's topic is something that seems thoughtless; however, it can reflect your classroom culture, your values in the classroom, and significantly impact the learning that takes place in your room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's topic is <i>seating arrangements</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From what I remember in my time school, there were lots of rows or whatever seemed to be convenient to the teacher, the furniture, or the size of the room. My reality is probably one of many of you can relate too, and our reality is far from what seating should be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The layout of your classroom is a true reflection of what you value in that room. If you value engagement, your desks should be grouped into collaborative learning teams and facing the learning materials (anchor charts and the board.) If you value order and routine, I suspect your desks are grouped in rows, possibly rows of two for minimal interaction between students. Ask yourself: which one is more desirable, can you have both in a perfect mixture? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The answer is: YES. You can have order and collaboration and true learning can take place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some simple steps for successful seating arrangements: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>Group desks into heterogeneous learning teams</b>. I have five groups of four desks to fit my twenty babies. I also believe strongly in heterogeneous groups - all students have strengths and deserve to have them amplified and nurtured in the classroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Here is a radical idea for older grades: <i>Let students group themselves. </i>I teach 5th grade, and when it's time to change seats, I give them parameters (can't sit with all boys or girls, some students have to sit in the front, etc.) and they group themselves. I've been doing this three, almost four years and I have ever only had to change two seats from self selected seating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If we think about one of the true purposes of school, it's to create independent and self sufficient learners and people. At ten and eleven years old, I need to give my babies a chance to identify their strengths and group themselves within a safe environment. I set the tone of our classroom culture, and they have accepted it and embrace it. When it's time to pick seats, they reflect our classroom values when they show their independence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>Arrange seats so that all can see the learning materials</b>. My students all face our boards and learning maps (full scale advanced organizers.) These are two things that are integral to our instruction, and all students need to be able to see them without struggling. I am in a mobile unit, so if I can make this happen, you can too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b>Provide a supply caddy for each group</b>. This is so necessary to uninterrupted lessons and a smooth transition to each subject. Each group has a dollar store caddy that is filled with colored pencils,markers, crayons, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, and pencils. This is to cut down on searching during the lessons or noise from constantly sharpening pencils. Each group has whatever they need and whenever they need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>Change often</b>. Student conversations should be the corner point of your instruction - if you want students to remember it and practice it, they have to talk about it. With all this talking and learning going on, students get bored of their seat mates and quickly learn each other's personalities. By changing seats often, conversations stay fresh and the incidents of misbehavior are decreased by new faces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, as winter break approaches, think about changing up your layout for when students come back. A fresh layout will lend itself to a fresh start in 2015. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy your Saturday, loves + stay fabulous! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-70025650122598751602014-12-05T10:30:00.002-05:002014-12-05T10:30:28.578-05:00Where have you been all my life? {post-surgery fabulousness + other musings.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One major holiday and surgery later, the Ginger is back + with a plan. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The stretch to Thanksgiving was easy to tolerate in some ways - I had gallbladder surgery and missed a week from school (an awful thing to do, I don't recommend it), so I only had two days to separate me from school and the holiday. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanksgiving was amazing - being home with my family is an experience that I cherish, especially now that I am out on my own for almost five years now. I desperately miss my time with them, but moving back to eastern Kentucky is not on the radar at all or even anywhere close to what my five year plan looks like. My family does influence my professional choices; however, as any twenty-something will tell you, it's not the deciding factor by any means. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was so nice to be surrounded by love and good food and a mom who takes care of you, especially post surgery. I am already counting the days till I am back for Christmas. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My surgery, which preceded all of this, was easy, with a single rough day of recovery (which I am blessed so much for.) I stayed overnight in the hospital the night after, because all the air that they inflate you with was the worst pain I had ever felt. Thank goodness for IV medicines, moms, and good nurses. My recovery has gone well - being without an organ has forced to me cut out fast food completely, which is another great thing. For any of you who thought positive thoughts, vibes, or prayers - thank you, I appreciate it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In other news, I am waiting to hear about acceptance to the MSA program that I applied for. I should be hearing, informally at least, towards the middle of this month, and formally, in January. After considering my options, I truly feel that this is my best interest professionally. I am slowly becoming okay with the idea that I am ready for different work - not less, but different. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I became a teacher, I knew I would never retire after thirty years in the classroom. Number one, that is a ridiculous notion. Number two, I get bored easily. Number three, I get attached easily and the list could continue. As I move towards my fourth year of teaching, I am ready for new and different responsibilities. It might mean being a principal, working for a non profit, starting my own non profit, working for a consulting firm - I don't know right now, to be honest, but I know it's there and it will happen very soon. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have started to do some research about the other opportunities that exist for teachers who are built for more than lesson planning and data talks - my true passion and drive is to make others love teaching as much as I do, and to make sure they are effective while doing it. Our students have suffered too long without true, effective educators and it's up to a group of determined people (who aren't associated with charter schools or politicians) to make that difference. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, as my students wrap up their second district test this week, I leave with the attitude of excellence on this Friday and I hope your weekend is just as fabulous as you are. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I have to thank God and Ice Cube for Friday, because we like to party." - J Cole </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBroMTbv29CeRo2MVBviMQ5tf8vrYUEUmz74uEr_RdtsxljINUzVvqjBoLMUBo0SvRSOwA-TSyR46iGkHS-NuNYhQSvglELVJMavqtJ1fLx4Mbc3AKYLDfkgTfrDnpK5CaAmPmQLEKYQE/s1600/friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBroMTbv29CeRo2MVBviMQ5tf8vrYUEUmz74uEr_RdtsxljINUzVvqjBoLMUBo0SvRSOwA-TSyR46iGkHS-NuNYhQSvglELVJMavqtJ1fLx4Mbc3AKYLDfkgTfrDnpK5CaAmPmQLEKYQE/s1600/friday.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Google Images</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-57433718806786532402014-11-15T21:18:00.003-05:002014-11-15T21:18:38.413-05:00Strategy Saturday - {how to maintain your sanity.} <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jcp_lYoWNHfBo-_ngS9f8Oaj2X-14zLKCA5qzWmmuFeMh65Qx4wDUWKKAZGBSwG-RJfPTyaONxQ4RS2rER3-eiN62EiONeSmig2r0fvs-vU734O7D6qkBWfaZxzbGkjqEKO7ycvXjas/s1600/thanksgiving-charlie-brown-snoopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Jcp_lYoWNHfBo-_ngS9f8Oaj2X-14zLKCA5qzWmmuFeMh65Qx4wDUWKKAZGBSwG-RJfPTyaONxQ4RS2rER3-eiN62EiONeSmig2r0fvs-vU734O7D6qkBWfaZxzbGkjqEKO7ycvXjas/s1600/thanksgiving-charlie-brown-snoopy.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Google Images </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The road to Thanksgiving break is a long stretch for teachers and students alike, and every year, I swear it gets longer and longer, and this year is not any different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I love my teammates and my students, the year seems never ending around the end of October and beginning of November - the work is hard, the days long, and everyone's tired. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Deadlines come faster than you can write them down in your expensive planner, and the turn around time for anything seems immediate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The million dollar question at this hour is - how do you maintain your sanity and work ethic when the hours and days get long? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, I have found myself trying to balance work and life appropriately - I have two teammates, who are brand new teachers, and I don't want them to think the only way to be an effective teacher is to let it consume you, because it's not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have joined the Y, and started going to work out classes. I have read 3 (almost 4) non school books in the recent weeks, and there are many nights of the week that school work stays in a bag by the door. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If this, however, was the only way to keep your sanity, then every teacher would be a pro at it, but it's not. So, as the holiday season approaches, here are some simple things that you can do to improve your mental health and make the road to the holiday break even easier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <i>Move</i>. I am not talking about exercising every day for two hours, I am talking about a short walk around the block, yoga while watching TV, stretching while you're making dinner - some sort of physical activity to keep your body from growing cobwebs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <i>Journal. </i>This one is a little more personable, but keeping a journal doesn't have to be a <i>Dear Diary</i> sort of situation. You can keep a journal for personal, professional, or religious reasons. I journal for all three, and it's very therapeutic to write down thoughts, dreams, ideas, and situations that are clouding my head. I am a very emotional person and keeping things from bubbling in me makes me a better person, not just a better teacher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <i>Enjoy a hobby</i>. I realize that as this list progresses it becomes more and more clique; however, these are truly things that I do in real life, and I want other teachers and professionals to experience the same freeing feeling of separating life and work. I encourage you to find something you enjoy and keep doing it, despite your professional obligations. I like to sew, write, read, and play <i>Sims</i>, but you have to find what works best for you. I have a friend that takes herself on weekly dates that involve dinner and a movie. I have another friend that enjoys arts and crafts. Whatever you decide to do separate from your job, enjoy it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <i>Take care of your body</i>. This one is more than important, and not just for teachers. At this point, we are in our twenties, and we should start loving ourselves, which means watching what we eat, washing our faces, and getting at least seven hours of sleep. You can't run your body into the ground and expect that it will turn out excellence. We have to take care of ourselves. Ditch the fast food, grab an apple, and go to bed at 9 PM like a normal person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As the weekend disappears quickly, and the week peers from around the corner, remember that a break is almost here - we can see it! Remember, the work you are doing is noble and not for the faint heart. There's a reason you are in your classroom (or office.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time loves, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-15968515744396879182014-11-09T21:22:00.003-05:002014-11-09T21:22:23.079-05:00That time I was internet famous {ode to a season of who I was before.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today was such a good day for a handful of reasons. Let's recap as I wait for <i>The Walking Dead</i> to come back into my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. I meal prepped. I was doing so amazing at staying healthy and keeping my shape, and I feel off, so let me get back on. I meal prepped for two days, and on Tuesday, I'll meal prep for the rest of the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. I accomplished taking over the world by 11. I completed whole group plans, and just feel in a very good place for tomorrow. It might have something to do with the fact we are out on Tuesday, but either way, I feel ready for tomorrow and that never happens. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. My best friend surprised me with a visit. That's self explanatory. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgI-gWiSVR4Mg2oyxkdANTZEMyuW5GQEbLkEKdyiTKNQH-mo9jG-sNh8P4nIDV5seU4M1ZZti10Jpff1S37jLJOrcRgFvQDDw2zaIuHsiXTViwywtzsb6CkpJiQEjkROyj7ym-e914_E/s1600/growing-up-gotti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgI-gWiSVR4Mg2oyxkdANTZEMyuW5GQEbLkEKdyiTKNQH-mo9jG-sNh8P4nIDV5seU4M1ZZti10Jpff1S37jLJOrcRgFvQDDw2zaIuHsiXTViwywtzsb6CkpJiQEjkROyj7ym-e914_E/s1600/growing-up-gotti.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. A TV show from my childhood had a marathon today. <i>Growing up Gotti</i> was literally my life a chunk of time in my early high school years, and it's been ten years, so A&E is rerunning it to prepare for a reunion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The marathon brings me to my topic of today - being internet famous and who I (we) were before our adult selves took over. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's the back story to my obsession with this obscure show. I was and still am in love with organized crime, a huge factor in loving this show so much (they are John Gotti's grandsons + daughter), and I found any guy who didn't look like the boys that went to my high school attractive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The show premiered and I was hooked. I couldn't get enough. I taped their pictures to my wall and notebooks, scribbled my name with <i>Gotti</i> added to it, but there was something missing. So, I did what any teenage fangirl would do - I Googled them and entered the world of forums and fellow fangirls. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I quickly found myself submerged in forum and fan life - making posts and meeting other girls who loved the show and it's tanned, obnoxious boys as much as I did. Then, one faithful day, I stumbled upon the <i>fan fiction</i> section, and took a step into the light. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A quick vocabulary lesson for those who might be struggling: <i>fan fiction</i> are stories that are created by people, but they use celebrities or already created literary characters. (Fun fact: <i>50 Shades of Grey was originally written as Twilight fan fiction</i>.) I had always had a knack for creative writing, and I knew I loved the Gotti boys, so let's put them together and use them to bring the world happiness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Months passed and the show got better and so did my writing and my relationships I was building online - I met some who were a little less than the brightest crayon in the box, but I connected with girls all over the world. I had friends from England, Canada, Australia, California, Pittsburgh, Jersey - you name it and I knew someone there. It was a great feeling to know that I had these real relationships that I had built based on three guidos from Long Island. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My stories were getting a ton of attention, as well as the stories by my friends - we were spotlight writers, our request threads were the longest, and we were being nominated for competitions. For a brief period of about five years, I was internet famous - thanks to fan fiction and the Gotti boys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I share this now, as a period of reflection - thinking about who I was before my professional self took over, and who I really am at the end of the day. Watching the marathon today, and tweeting the girls who I met so many years ago, made me so nostalgic and it warmed my heart to remember that for a moment, we were internet famous. As I reread the stories we wrote then, I laugh at how absurd some of them are, but mostly, I smile and remember that nerdy teenage girl who built friendships that have lasted her a lifetime. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, as I get ready for a week of my real life, I smile and say thank you to the Gotti boys for my moment of internet fame and my friends who have last far longer than that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- xo, Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-34318611040393671742014-10-29T19:45:00.002-04:002014-10-29T19:45:47.292-04:00Working Woman Wednesday {degrees as wallpaper.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First, let's acknowledge that it's been about a million years since my last update. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9-GRJTBU3-b9V5wHll4JeT9A7onHhyphenhyphen-fjcA637W_1RYOpazT36wlXXu4duwWe_gNN3uznuJKhVr2Vo9BWvPSKH4CsrPjZSrGY7B4WRzi9VYlTmGkKcw1XXFXvkSrzoNgzJt6S2ceE8/s1600/quote-Paul-Farmer-for-me-an-area-of-moral-clarity-13898.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev9-GRJTBU3-b9V5wHll4JeT9A7onHhyphenhyphen-fjcA637W_1RYOpazT36wlXXu4duwWe_gNN3uznuJKhVr2Vo9BWvPSKH4CsrPjZSrGY7B4WRzi9VYlTmGkKcw1XXFXvkSrzoNgzJt6S2ceE8/s1600/quote-Paul-Farmer-for-me-an-area-of-moral-clarity-13898.png" height="219" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Photo Credit: Google Images<br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, that's out of the way - let's get down to business of <i>#WorkingWomanWednesday</i>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I completed my application for a prestigious MSA (Master's in School Administration) and as I was writing my statement of purpose, I got so inspired about my purpose and my profession again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's so easy when you're in the trenches to forget why and how much you love something and today, I remembered and it felt amazing. To remember that there's a larger purpose that I am working towards - to remember that upwards of 50% of high school students in urban America won't graduate high school, and to remember that the achievement gap for under-served populations is growing by the day. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm sure some of you read those things, and think it can't be changed or it's such a daunting task that surely could crush someone with the pressure and sense of urgency, but honey, I was made for this. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was made for small group instruction, I was made for data analysis, I was made for advocating for little people who can't speak up for themselves yet, and I was made to love them unconditionally. The true passion that lives inside of me to make other teachers great and to be a great teacher is unparalleled. My work ethic is comparable to Beyonce's - we all have the same twenty-four hours. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So,what are you doing with yours? Are you solving a problem? Are you adding to the world, instead of taking away? Are you enriching others and sharing your gifts? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you answered yes to all those questions. If you didn't, you need to reevaluate your purpose and plan. We all have to be in this together - the world already has enough negative, make your little corner bright and better with your attitude and purpose. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe, you haven't found your true purpose - you might be sitting there thinking, "Lucy, I don't know what I am meant to do." Boo, that's okay - as long as whatever you're doing right now is making something or someone (including yourself) better. Don't waste anything, especially your time and resources. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, on this Wednesday, a quote from my freshman reading (which I reread all the time) embodies my message on <i>#WorkingWomanWednesday</i> - "</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/p/paulfarmer292682.html" style="color: #222222; font-style: italic; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="view quote">For me, an area of moral clarity is: you're in front of someone who's suffering and you have the tools at your disposal to alleviate that suffering or even eradicate it, and you act</a>." - Dr. Paul Farmer </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">That wraps it up, cupcakes - if you see someone suffering, and you have the tools to fix it, you need to do it. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Keep being fierce, loves! Until next time - </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 26px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">xo, Lucy </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-55375178688395468262014-10-20T20:57:00.001-04:002014-10-20T20:57:38.605-04:00Moral Monday {separating self worth from test scores.} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, our grade level took our science district assessment, and in a blink of an eye, sixteen questions made me feel so worthless - knocked the breath out of me and made me feel like a quarter's worth of work was wasted. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On paper, it was. On paper, this quarter was mildly successful - only a medium percentage of my students performed proficient and at the end of the day, all of my students will be judged on a benchmark of fifth grade expectations and it will be a hit or miss. There won't be an A for effort or a check plus, because you tried your best - no, it will be a pass or fail. You made the cut or you didn't and that, my friends, is the scariest part of my job. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You want to know real life teaching? This. This is it. This moment when you cry a Kim K ugly cry and ask yourself what could you have done better and where you went wrong. You can sugar coat it for yourself, and say you tried your best, but when only forty and some odd percent get it, you didn't try your best. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the even harsher reality sets in, and you have to face your fears and separate your self worth from test scores, and reevaluate the plan for success. Success, even for my students, doesn't have an elevator and sometimes, we have to back a few floors after we realized the door we were working towards was locked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even after three years, this is a hard lesson. It's an even harder lesson knowing that I have two amazing teachers on my grade level who are going to feeling the same feelings I am, and I cannot and will not let them attach their effectiveness or their worth as a teacher to these , numbers. No one told me not to do it, but I will tell them - I will tell all new teachers: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You aren't your test scores. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You aren't your data. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You have to remember you had a purpose long before anyone had an opinion, and sometimes we have to go back to the drawing board and erase some lines and redraw our masterpiece. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, the moral this Monday: You aren't your test scores and if no one tells you, you're a good teacher. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-88331408246619037792014-10-19T19:21:00.001-04:002014-10-19T19:21:39.564-04:00Five Wonderful Things. {difficult takes day, impossible takes a week} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I sit here and sip my hot chocolate and enjoy a peaceful moment from being prepared for the week, I can't help but be so excited about this place I am in. This season of self-confidence and self-assurance is so needed after feeling so unsure and so unclear about myself and my purpose. Whether it was twenty-five or my own attitude change, I am grateful for a new set of experiences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week is going to be equally as great, another opportunity to take over the world a little bit more, and change a little bit of the darkness to light. As I reflect on my week, I am overwhelmed by the compliments and encouragement I have received from my administration and my team that let me know the changes I am making, both personally and professionally, are noticeable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's to a new week, with a weekend full of fun waiting for me at the end - hope your week is as great as you are! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <u style="font-weight: bold;">I got a powerful observation</u>. As a BT 3 (beginning teacher, year 3), we still have to have so many observations a year, and I had my first official observation a few weeks ago and had my post conference this week. The lesson that was observed was okay (in my opinion), but my administrator had nothing but powerful and positive things to say about me. She let me know that my lesson was well-paced, engaging, and my students were empowered and they knew the material. Those simple things are so powerful to me, and are so meaningful as a teacher in a high-needs school. Being able to say all my babes were engaged and able to verbalize what we were doing is a powerful statement, and I hope that's the first of many positive observations that I have this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <u style="font-weight: bold;">Homecoming is this weekend</u>. My undergrad's homecoming is this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited! I haven't seen some of my friends in years, which is awful to say, but friendships as adults has to be intentional and sometimes, life gets in the way. This weekend, responsibilities get put on hold for a mini-vacation that is well deserved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <u style="font-weight: bold;">A new teacher is going to observe my literacy block</u>. Again, seems simple on the surface, but it's a powerful motivator for me as a professional. I want to make others better teachers - that's a true passion. I want other people to love it as much as I do and I want teachers to be experts at best practices, not just what looks good. A cute classroom does not mean a thing if true learning isn't taking place, so hopefully this is the first step in a path of leading other teachers to great teaching. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <u style="font-weight: bold;">I turned down a guy</u>. This sounds so petty, but again it's so meaningful in my growth as a woman and as a person. I won't go into many details, but I stood up for myself and my principles as a woman. Being a born again good girl isn't easy, but what's the point of having standards or ideals if you aren't going to stick to them? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <u style="font-weight: bold;">I delegated responsibility.</u> I realize all of my moments are very simple, but simple moments that are powerful are life changing - that's what makes life so wonderful. This one was hard to do, but makes me proud to admit it. I have a team this year who craves excellence as much as I do, and is willing to put in the repeated long hours to see results. In order to achieve that, I have had to pass out responsibility and be okay with it. It seems like an easy task, but anyone who has led before knows, giving out that first task is difficult, but you have to be empowered that you have created an attitude of excellence and not compliance that will carry over to their work too. I am so blessed to call these ladies teammates, because they make breaking up responsibilities so very easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my goals this week is to update <i>Ginger On the Move </i>mid-week, because there are a few issues I want to write about, so stay tuned! Until then, stay fabulous loves! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-8675565898132418952014-10-13T19:05:00.000-04:002014-10-13T19:05:02.148-04:00Five Wonderful Things. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past weekend has been, by far, one of the best weekends I have had in a long time, and not for any particular reason other than, I am finally enjoying this season of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turning twenty-five was a mentally agonizing time for so many reasons. I realize that, for some, turning twenty-five was such a blink of an eye that my reservations about it are silly, but as a Southern woman, being twenty-five is a milestone. You should be married, or at least engaged, and you should be set in your career. Again, for some this doesn't bother them, but for me, not having all of that equation was a struggle. Very recently, however, my opinion and viewpoint has shifted dramatically. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have come to be in love with every minute of my life - key word: my. I have not a single obligation to anyone or anything other than myself and my profession. To be honest: I don't have an obligation to my profession per say, but I do have an obligation to my professional goals that I have set for myself. So, here's to a fabulous weekend that was simply fabulous, because I did what I want, with people that I love. As I bask in glow of a half-way successful Monday, here's to five wonderful things for this past week</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I hope your week is as fabulous as you are, darlings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>I had mid-week drinks with my friends. </b>For a teacher, this is such a big deal - we are not the profession to meet at 5 for happy hour. We are the profession who stays at school till 5 and then goes home to work some more, and fall asleep before prime time television. This past week was different though. We shopped, laughed, and enjoyed ourselves like the young professionals we are. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b><i>Walking Dead</i> premiered. </b>I love zombies. Yes, pretty girls can be nerds too. My best friend turned me on to the show, and I haven't been able to look away since. Last night, we had our annual zombie party to commemorate the premiere. While I felt the premiere was lack luster (personal opinion), it was nice to have zombies back in my life and time with my best friend is always a plus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b>I got my hair straightened</b>. This seems like a tiny detail, but I never straighten my hair. I've had it straight less than ten times in my whole life, so when it happens, it's a big deal. A friend of mine straightened for a girls' night out + a friend's concert at a local club, and it just changed my world view. Simply having my hair straight changed me, just for a weekend - loosened me up for a bit. Call it silly, but it's nice to pretend to be someone else for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>I balanced my work load</b>. This has been a long time coming, and I am still not very good at it, but the key to true success is balancing work and life effectively and this week, I did all right for myself. I worked on things for a little bit on Saturday and it made my whole weekend better. There wasn't a rush on Sunday to do all plans for the week, and there wasn't this overwhelming feeling of dread. It was a nice balance. I hope I can make it stick. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b>I am sticking to my budget</b>. October is such a busy month for me, with a ton of activities that I want to do with all my friends and those activities cost money. My undergrad's homecoming is this month and I cannot wait to spend time with all my college friends, but that costs money. I made a budget at the beginning of the month, and here we are, almost halfway through, and I am sticking to it! I feel so empowered that I am in control of my money and don't feel anxious about where that money is going or how I am going to pay for x, y, and z. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday can be sand paper or sparkles - I hope your's was sparkly all over! Until next time, loves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- xo, Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-17963530811407276242014-10-02T06:53:00.003-04:002014-10-02T06:53:41.112-04:00a lesson in patience, perseverance, and self love. <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday was nothing short of amazing, and as I sit here and sip my coffee, recovering from a mid-week late night with dear friends, I am suddenly grateful that I have a great reason to be tired and slow moving this morning. Yesterday was amazing for all of the most normal, mundane reasons, but it was so important - so necessary for my season that I am in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started <i>Ginger on the Move</i> to chronicle my journey through job searching and possibly relocation, and at the end of it all, I ended up staying right where I was. This summer, I felt very indifferent to my situation - emotionally exhausted from the roller coaster known as soul searching, and just gave up - resigned to the fact that I would work my current job until something better came along. I wasn't particularly enthused about starting a new school year at the same place where I felt so many up and down emotions, but I still helped out with interviews, still worked on plans and then something happened, I started to love it again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started to feel invested in the common good at this elementary school that I had developed a love-hate relationship with. My administration changed, my attitude changed, and our school changed (18 new hires!), and before you knew it, I loved it again. Fast forward to yesterday, a pretty defining moment in my professional career and it feels amazing to be so stable in my professional career! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday was one of those moments where you feel your season change and your ultimate goal/dream/passion/purpose gets so much clearer. It started in PLCs (professional learning communities.) My team was analyzing data from a recent district assessment, and were looking at subgroups. We noticed a trend with some of our kids, and wanted to speak with our administration further. When they came by, they were so proud of the conversations we were having and so supportive of our intervention plan - they asked to film our next PLC! We (5th grade) were beyond flattered - I love knowing I'm doing the right thing and I love being able to take what I am doing and help others become better teachers. That's the ultimate goal - love your passion so much that others are inspired too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward to a late afternoon conversation with my principal - she asked me about my future goals and where I see myself, and I shared with her my new interests. While being a superintendent is an ultimate goal, most recently, I've developed a true love for leading others to be better teachers - most specifically in the role as principal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most people are going to groan and say "I'd never do that job." To that I say, I'm glad you're not a principal. When I think of being a principal, I think of a true humble servant. You are the driving force behind the quality of education that takes place at a school, and you have to want to help teachers become better. It's not easy, but to quote Jay-Z - "difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week." Teaching has never been for the faint of heart, and I most certainly am not scared at this opportunity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, there it is folks, the next phase in Lucy's lesson plan shawty journey - a principal. I've already started applications to a few schools, and hope to start in January or soon after. This realization comes on the wave of a difficult, emotionally trying season. I didn't love myself, I didn't love others the way I should, and I didn't stop and celebrate where I was. Instead, I wished and tried to move myself before I was meant to and at each turn, I met a stop sign or a road block or was blatantly told no. I was forced to sit and wait - endure, preserve and rely on my own self to weather the storm, and let my blessings (which you should never chase) come to me. Believe what you will about higher powers, but the universe will bring you to opportunities meant for you. This was meant for me. Yesterday was the literal end to a cold, sad season and the start of a journey to a place where I appreciate myself and my current place (instead of wishing for the next.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, on this Thursday (my favorite day) - enjoy your season, don't wish for another or different portion. Have enough love for yourself to celebrate where you've come from and where you want to go. Have enough of a humble attitude to be okay with the fact you aren't where you want to be and the fact that you don't know everything, and probably never will. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, loves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- xo, Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-5306650457628660062014-09-27T11:18:00.002-04:002014-09-27T11:18:22.844-04:00Strategy Saturday. {Strategy Reading Groups.} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFLMIjbYXWRER3VJhNIbRAZv_8Sxw91AUZZIY3r3h3hbW8twUcnBfQU9umtx-MzJ2BBd78KpB_JnMg2Ia6TISpXeCMTiTz-H5cPL34-GDOTmyR7OuccsXKZtrgvh1N7AfNiTfGytN0yU/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFLMIjbYXWRER3VJhNIbRAZv_8Sxw91AUZZIY3r3h3hbW8twUcnBfQU9umtx-MzJ2BBd78KpB_JnMg2Ia6TISpXeCMTiTz-H5cPL34-GDOTmyR7OuccsXKZtrgvh1N7AfNiTfGytN0yU/s1600/Saturday+Strategy.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday mornings were made for cartoons, coffee, cereal, and being lazy in pajamas, unless you're a teacher. (or another profession that works around the clock - any Christian Grey's around?) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This morning, for <i>Strategy Saturday</i>, is dedicated to strategy reading groups - the big brother to guided reading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every practicing professional should be aware of guided reading - it's a buzz word in education. The basis of guided reading is small group instruction on a student's instructional reading level (determined by running records or mClass) to improve reading proficiency - to improve the literal act of reading with assistance in phonics, phonemes, and showing students word attack strategies, but what happens once the student can read? What happens when they know how to break apart the words, but don't know how to determine meaning? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, that's where strategy groups come into the rotation. Strategy groups are the big brother to guided reading, at least in my opinion. Once students can read and apply simple comprehension skills, strategy groups help up the ante by focusing on a standard or a strategy instead of word decoding or a foundation skill. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strategy groups are also more flexible with grouping. Guided reading groups are homogeneous by design - every child is on or around the same level, so that the skills taught are relevant to the level. For example, if you have a group of children reading at a level G, the statement can be made that all of those children will need assistance with specific vowel patterns, like cvcc or cvc silent e. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strategy groups are a little different - they can be a variety of levels. The guideline is anyone reading over a level M/N can be in a strategy group, because they have the basic foundations of reading down pat. The basis for a strategy group is a comprehension piece or a standard, so any level can participate. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When setting up a strategy group, here are some thing to consider: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> 1. <b>What are the needs of my students?</b> Look at mClass data or running records, any common assessment data from your grade level or district, or any assessment data from ticket out the doors or quick checks you have done in class. This is where you will pull your strategy and/or standard from. A need might be inferences in informational text or comparing character responses to events, or even something as simple as visualization (if you have ever tried to teach it, you know it's not really that simple.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> 2. <b>Who needs it? </b> This sounds like a stupid question, but gauge the proficiency level of each student who appears to need a strategy group. For example, if you are preparing a strategy group for finding main idea and key details, there may be differing needs in that broad topic. Group A may only need to remember how to distinguish important details from unimportant details. Group B might need assistance finding more than one main idea, and Group C might need the whole strategy retaught, because they can't do any of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> 3. <b>Pick texts</b>. Pick texts based on the strategy you're teaching and the reading levels in your group. Strategy groups are heterogeneous by level and homogeneous by need, so if you're teaching character responses, everyone needs a book on their level that addresses character response. This is probably the most time consuming step, because you want the connection to be explicit and the text to be appropriate. Don't try to stretch it. If you're having a hard time connecting the skill to the text, your babes will too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> 4. <b>Plan the lesson</b>. Planning the lesson is the easy part, because it's short and sweet. Reading groups are twenty to twenty-five minutes, at best, so you have to get the most bang for your buck. Start with a book introduction (picture walk, etc.), set a purpose for reading (introduce strategy), model it (use a different text or their text), and give them the after reading assignment (a question.) Wham, bam, thank you ma'am - your lesson will now run itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember to take notes on individual students during the lesson - anecdotal reading notes are some of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can produce for a child's progression or lack of progression. You can have a reading chair (I am partial to that myself), where two children read to you every reading group, so that you can spend time with each individual. While you aren't listening to every child every day, you are spending more meaningful time with each child, which is much more powerful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZjZtr-JXObB-vNpU-31hERoS6Wc5pdLphk7FqdoWnu5WApQjMAHcNaaCzEpyEa8ayNltbuDLtHdBXY_XCeOrG6mxUmYg7yZwTYnTHrilxMP6rL0T7RoD5_tXjH1JNYiik1yOOjp-7qg/s1600/Strategies-TMIA.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZjZtr-JXObB-vNpU-31hERoS6Wc5pdLphk7FqdoWnu5WApQjMAHcNaaCzEpyEa8ayNltbuDLtHdBXY_XCeOrG6mxUmYg7yZwTYnTHrilxMP6rL0T7RoD5_tXjH1JNYiik1yOOjp-7qg/s1600/Strategies-TMIA.gif" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: Learning Focused</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can also change it up - add a graphic organizer to increase the rigor or assist with practicing the strategy. You can really step it up when you ask students to write from a graphic organizer. A graphic organizer is a great comprehension tool in any subject, but asking students to take that organizer and write from it to answer questions or summarize (another big score) is priceless. According to Marzano (see table), <i>advanced organizers</i> (writing from a graphic organizer) will produce a 28 point percentile gain and <i>summarizing</i> will produce 34 point percentile gain - together that's a 62 point gain from one activity, while they are also practicing an essential reading skill or standard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strategy groups are essential to reader success in the upper grades. While guided reading still has a place for low achieving students, strategy groups are the best for most upper grade students. Think about adding one to your small group reading rotation and see what happens - you should see a gain in comprehension in all subjects. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope <i>Strategy Saturday </i>can change your week and your classroom! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until next time, loves - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo, Lucy </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-82613517189247116682014-09-26T06:35:00.003-04:002014-09-26T06:35:15.598-04:00Five Wonderful Things + Freebie Friday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqw-UiSg22KPU197K6NMSvqVYtrip0CIdcJUtY0hyphenhyphen-JftPA8katJtUaWJv8zUX5UcQvQWtt7pa-IOhVedQVzvLZ1p-obhM9EjvRjkZE0jpkJF4B-pCG4apVgu4mTgWA7fz2bW9fV-vj0/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You would think after the first month of school that I would have this "plan a time to write my blog" thing down, but I don't, and that's so frustrating, because it's so hard (and other teachers, especially younger ones will agree) to separate life and school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's so difficult to find that balance when there aren't set guidelines or parameters for when is it okay to work on school stuff and when it's not okay. The world seems to be content with the passion of teaching swallowing up your whole being and never truly giving it back, which means we (teachers) have to find a way to separate ourselves from our profession and passion, because we don't want to burn out or give up or lose ourselves. My teammates and I have resolved to work together to help each other separate school and life - one day a week, our school bags do not come home with us. We are all young and deserve a time for ourselves, even it's one day a week - we all deserve that chance to pursue the other interests in our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, to top it all off, it's Friday - thank God and Ice Cube - the day that every professional craves from Monday morning to now, and boy do I need it. As the eternal optimist, I need time to regroup and be better than myself the next week, and that's what the weekend is for. So, here are <i>Five Wonderful Things</i> that have happened this week or are going to happen this weekend: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>I have my guided reading groups</b>. Any teacher or any school that uses mClass as a universal reading screener will tell you that getting all the testing in before the window closes is one of the hardest tasks ever, but I have my finalized reading groups and REAL instruction on their level has started, which means I can start to see growth very soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>I have a friend staying with me from college</b>. She needed a place to stay while waiting for her new apartment to open up, and I am more than happy to help out a friend. Even though we both kept "teacher" bedtimes (before 9), it was nice to have her here and have someone to chat with, if I wanted, when I came home. It made me consider a roommate for a hot second, but I still don't like wearing pants in my apartment, so it probably isn't for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b>I am thinking about going back to school in January</b>. Yes, you read that correctly! I am thinking about going to back to school in January. I miss it - I am such a nerd, and I don't care. I will wear my thick rimmed glasses and carry a stack of books before I do anything else - I love learning. My professional goals are shifting slightly, so who knows what the future holds for this little ginger? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>Fall started</b>. This is something wonderful that happened for everyone, so don't you dare say nothing wonderful happened to you this week! I don't like wishing time away - it seems pointless and wasteful, but fall holds a special place in my heart. I am from the mountains of Kentucky and changing leaves and the smell that fall has will always warm my heart. I can't wait for sweaters and boots every day, and hot chocolate instead of coffee. Fall is my season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b>I read this week</b>. Again, this is not a monumental event, but that's what <i>Five Wonderful Things </i>is truly about - taking small moments and realizing how important they are. This week, during the school week, I read. I sat down and read TWICE. After I completed my daily teacher tasks, I read for fun, and it was a book I wanted to read. This was so meaningful to my psyche and being able to set away from all obligations to just read and relax. So, I guess I took the first step in separating myself from school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also - it's <b>Freebie Friday</b>! Anyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win something special from me! (: I want to meet my readers and bring some sparkle into your life! So, make sure you comment! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpz_-Docc3Dy5NNoszLHK5-zp_3CkYRPGGLBJjqNR7b5Qi6XaHgObrNKR442uBbZDBNIm9WwAJYuChBmG0FIHlzrDug3Bov-aIliLXo6V4_UrbwyCe4h9kNphUMF_Ih7OJNjtmQzDa10/s1600/Freebie+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpz_-Docc3Dy5NNoszLHK5-zp_3CkYRPGGLBJjqNR7b5Qi6XaHgObrNKR442uBbZDBNIm9WwAJYuChBmG0FIHlzrDug3Bov-aIliLXo6V4_UrbwyCe4h9kNphUMF_Ih7OJNjtmQzDa10/s1600/Freebie+Friday.jpg" height="135" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Until, next time (tomorrow for <i>Strategy Saturday</i>!), </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Lucy, xo </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-88671354074762086702014-09-19T06:15:00.002-04:002014-09-19T06:15:08.943-04:00How do you measure success? <div>
<div class="def-set" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; padding-bottom: 17px;">
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div class="waypoint-wrapper header-row header-first-row" data-href="source-luna" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 13px;">
<h1 class="head-entry" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; float: left; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px; padding-right: 20px;">
<span class="me" data-syllable="suc·cess" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="js-headword" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="syllable" style="box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 2;">suc</span><span class="last-syllable" style="box-sizing: border-box; z-index: 2;">cess</span></span></span></h1>
<div class="audio-wrapper" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; float: left; padding-right: 20px; width: 26px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="header-row header-middle-row" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 25px;">
<div class="pronounce" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left;">
<span class="pronset" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="pron spellpron" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">[s<span class="dbox-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-style: italic;">uh</span> k-<span class="dbox-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-weight: bold;">ses</span>] </span></span></div>
</div>
</span></span></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">favorable</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">prosperous</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">termination</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">attempts</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">e</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ndeavors;</span></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">accomplishment</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">one's</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">goals.; </span></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">attainment</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">wealth,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">position,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">honors,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">like.; </span></span></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">performance</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">achievement</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">marked</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">success,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">attainment</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">honors: </span><span class="dbox-example" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; quotes: '"';"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">The</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">play</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">was</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">an</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">instant</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">success.; </span></span></span></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">person</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">or</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">thing</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">has</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">had</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">success,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">measured</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">attainment</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of</span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">goals,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">wealth,</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">etc.: </span><span class="dbox-example" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; quotes: '"';"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">She</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">was</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">great</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">success</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">on</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">talk</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">show.; </span></span></span></span><span class="dbox-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Obsolete,</span> </span>outcome<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
This morning, I am mildly brain dead. This past week, I have spent more hours at school than at home, and more hours in front of my work computer than my own. I have neglected my monthly ritual of fashion magazines and coffee on Saturday mornings in bed (and my baby - this blog) for early Saturday mornings that revolve around guided reading, math small groups, and finding science experiments that don't involve latex of any kind.</div>
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have poured my heart into starting a new school year with 19 (yes, you read that right!) new cupcakes, and two new teammates who are proving to be the perfect matches for fifth grade, but yet, most recently at a grade level chair meeting, when my principal asked for qualities of effective and quality teaching, my mind drew a blank...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This has led me to a reflection period of sorts about success, because ultimately, that's what she is asking for - how do you measure successful teaching in a classroom? But, I am more concerned with how do we measure success at all, any where, in any profession?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is it making partner? Being promoted? Making more tips or having more tables than your co-worker? Being your own boss with your own hours or rules? Managing a company or companies? Having lots of money? Loving what you do? Saving lives?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do we measure success? Is it measurable at all? If you Google "success quotes", it comes up with years old adages and common sayings, and up until recently, I believed every single one, but this morning, not so much. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Success and its achievement is such a personal endeavor. I think that's my final say so on the matter. Being successful comes from the completion of things you desire, because if you don't want them, they will never even come close enough for you to grasp. Success has to be personal or we would all be Warren Buffets and Jay-Zs; we would all have this high status level from achieving generic success, but we aren't. Most of us are regular, chill ass people who have built a life for themselves with the things we seek out, with things we think are success. I have sought out positions in life to make me successful in my own personal way that may be different than someone else, because my own dreams are so much a part of me that I cannot simply follow the crowd and get a degree in business and join a company - that's not me, but if it's you, you better be running that company in five years. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On this Friday, while I am feeling very existential, I am going to reach out and speak to an admissions counselor about doctoral school for next year, because that's what successful people do - one goal accomplished and it's on to the next one. So, ask yourself, my dear friends - how are you successful? Are you where you want to be yet? Are you even on the path? Do you even know how to get there? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We can all be Warren Buffets and Jay-Zs in our own fields and own way. Make your mark and show the world success comes in lots of different ways - show them what your's looks like. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a fantastic Friday, loves!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until next time, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the Jay-Z of teaching (: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-8393509767906260932014-09-11T06:32:00.000-04:002014-09-11T06:32:01.357-04:00Anchors Away! {thoughts for Thursday} <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Think about your own classroom (and if you're not a teacher, think about a childhood classroom.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Are/were there posters? Are/were there hints or clues posted on the wall to what you have been learning? Can you see them from all locations in the room? Are they color coded? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Visual material is so important in classrooms, and I am not just speaking of a print-rich classroom, which is a classroom with lots of print material for students to access. I am speaking of a classroom that has visual learning material present on the walls for students to refer to while learning or in centers. This could include word walls, student learning maps (Learning-Focused based), I can statements, and of course, anchor charts! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyp8ixnXVOmqtOPMNkEQLHK6gOMc8_uMHvG5Unak8DS3-02O0npveCglgPsHsS6GQ4QuBr63utwbS59zPP7OpdIT-VbcrTuZMOS4wN-I8rsYkOreKSyAsOHbrD1kuIKHlHCGMhihNaxg/s1600/image(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="copyright gingeronthemove2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyp8ixnXVOmqtOPMNkEQLHK6gOMc8_uMHvG5Unak8DS3-02O0npveCglgPsHsS6GQ4QuBr63utwbS59zPP7OpdIT-VbcrTuZMOS4wN-I8rsYkOreKSyAsOHbrD1kuIKHlHCGMhihNaxg/s1600/image(2).jpg" height="320" title="anchor chart 4 " width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anchor charts are a personal favorite in mine - I love the creativity and creating a short statement about learning for students to refer to throughout a lesson or the day. If you haven't been using anchor charts, you need to start tomorrow - regardless of your grade or content area, anchor charts are a great way for students to be reminded of the content or prerequisite skills needed to complete a task at hand. Whether you are an elementary school teacher, a high school history teacher, or a drama teacher - you can benefit from posting an evidence of learning for students, especially when you are holding them accountable for the knowledge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some guiding expectations for anchor charts: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>Make it neat!</b> This is a pet peeve of mine - anchor charts (especially in K-2) posted that have messy handwriting, poor letter formation, and it looks sloppy. These are permanent records of learning for students - how can they read it if it looks like a serial killer penned it? If this means you need to practice your handwriting and watch a few Zaner-Bloser videos, please do it - make sure students know correct letter formation and the anchor chart is neat and organized in a clean manner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBeXC5qfvkrsw9Yf97I50pvLYkoO96q1tDXOHskz0DZ4x_BLb57MkSCWBYNKIx9G3kq10A8CYySrkSqqrI4NjIKMe4KUtfqmqbx7wNFICUFCEkM_M6bzgBabl_Qqomw3UiooWMZ4Sd1Q/s1600/image(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright gingeronthemove2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBeXC5qfvkrsw9Yf97I50pvLYkoO96q1tDXOHskz0DZ4x_BLb57MkSCWBYNKIx9G3kq10A8CYySrkSqqrI4NjIKMe4KUtfqmqbx7wNFICUFCEkM_M6bzgBabl_Qqomw3UiooWMZ4Sd1Q/s1600/image(5).jpg" height="320" title="anchor chart 3" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make it short.</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Anchor charts are reminders - visual cues for students to remember - not dissertations. Keep the information short and sweet, but highlight the main points. A good designed anchor chart can serve as an example for good poster making skills if you choose to create posters for projects. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <b>Make it colorful</b>. This is a personal guide line, because I like to use to color to draw attention to different parts of the chart. I change colors when I use a vocabulary word, show a difference in place value, or a difference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>Post it where lots can see it until it's no longer relevant</b>. When the anchor chart is relevant, being used for instruction or needed for the current unit, post it high and try to ensure that all students can see it wherever they are at. Once the skill is no longer needed or a current topic of study, move the anchor chart to a less obvious place in the room - still accessible by those who need it, but not taking space away current charts. I use an easel and a key ring (creating a big book of sorts) so that students can keep referencing in centers or as needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love making anchor charts - I love them! I have posted some examples below to see how anchor charts can be used in your classroom. Here's to <i>thoughts for Thursday</i>! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm3UwpJsrxbE3nCAC3zxgnk4SgHamx08ukeAjaWntLRPU1ijMHtupDlP1CcI31rKpmFtxJ_5tbNWM407AfxLv2UVx9wxrnhCkOZq2xVMXkYc-jvlnextLHP-verDF2VnzZkCzF064MZ4/s1600/image(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright gingeronthemove 2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibm3UwpJsrxbE3nCAC3zxgnk4SgHamx08ukeAjaWntLRPU1ijMHtupDlP1CcI31rKpmFtxJ_5tbNWM407AfxLv2UVx9wxrnhCkOZq2xVMXkYc-jvlnextLHP-verDF2VnzZkCzF064MZ4/s1600/image(4).jpg" height="320" title="anchor chart 1 " width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Vue6imE2WwNjs3NyiKVzKFFxhS5sXYUnb66VWad5Wn0gppt1gsho9nzhTk8IvLP1W0F8wRsSReAu0OrxSyJ0d1BeJLGSifHDDw3Sh6bHqCnpLm6V3DpbUcfPcIrapOzDk_FhAoEfxY/s1600/image(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Vue6imE2WwNjs3NyiKVzKFFxhS5sXYUnb66VWad5Wn0gppt1gsho9nzhTk8IvLP1W0F8wRsSReAu0OrxSyJ0d1BeJLGSifHDDw3Sh6bHqCnpLm6V3DpbUcfPcIrapOzDk_FhAoEfxY/s1600/image(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Vue6imE2WwNjs3NyiKVzKFFxhS5sXYUnb66VWad5Wn0gppt1gsho9nzhTk8IvLP1W0F8wRsSReAu0OrxSyJ0d1BeJLGSifHDDw3Sh6bHqCnpLm6V3DpbUcfPcIrapOzDk_FhAoEfxY/s1600/image(3).jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="copyright gingeronthemove 2014" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Vue6imE2WwNjs3NyiKVzKFFxhS5sXYUnb66VWad5Wn0gppt1gsho9nzhTk8IvLP1W0F8wRsSReAu0OrxSyJ0d1BeJLGSifHDDw3Sh6bHqCnpLm6V3DpbUcfPcIrapOzDk_FhAoEfxY/s1600/image(3).jpg" height="320" title="anchor chart 3" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-aUsYF1vuH-8%2FVBF5GmqFSLI%2FAAAAAAAAAo0%2FW4mFBOtDdgI%2Fs1600%2Fimage" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0Vue6imE2WwNjs3NyiKVzKFFxhS5sXYUnb66VWad5Wn0gppt1gsho9nzhTk8IvLP1W0F8wRsSReAu0OrxSyJ0d1BeJLGSifHDDw3Sh6bHqCnpLm6V3DpbUcfPcIrapOzDk_FhAoEfxY/s1600/image" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-52696964662530241292014-09-07T09:58:00.006-04:002014-09-07T09:58:59.714-04:00I can't afford my lifestyle. {a confession of fabulousness.}<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQgS6z6rfhU_CEtg-q6J-_b9zQr6LcqE3EtwWaukY5EXMyhTENAvv7PUIFy4-EfTv0GAmaKr3eJgBlgpoP7m7J4DBFZSTkFARqmF6Qw_JJPucs7NZIqqtSVlw_FNR1caB7JBZvO1LD4Q/s1600/NYFW-Blog-copie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQgS6z6rfhU_CEtg-q6J-_b9zQr6LcqE3EtwWaukY5EXMyhTENAvv7PUIFy4-EfTv0GAmaKr3eJgBlgpoP7m7J4DBFZSTkFARqmF6Qw_JJPucs7NZIqqtSVlw_FNR1caB7JBZvO1LD4Q/s1600/NYFW-Blog-copie.jpg" height="153" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: </span><a class="_ZR irc_hol" data-ved="0CAcQjB0" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=mZq-VRcH4_3SNM&tbnid=XYeBjN0weKB4mM&ved=0CAcQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhellodearlula.blogspot.com%2F2013_09_01_archive.html&ei=uF0MVKjGKPKQsQS77oGICw&psig=AFQjCNErTh2qEkQyRd8VKHZX24B80bpY5w&ust=1410182968751356" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">hellodearlula.blogspot.com</span></span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i>Every year the women of New York leave the past behind and look forward to the future... this is known as Fashion Week</i>." - Carrie Bradshaw </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's here - it's finally here, <i>New York Fashion Week</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why is this important, you may ask to a girl whose posts revolve around teaching, changing lives, and seeking her future and better self? Because, while this girl is changing lives and seeking her future self, she is dressed in </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">(sometimes couture) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">vintage and carrying the most fabulous handbags. Fashion and the desire to be fabulous (and not necessarily on trend) is something I am in love with. I grew up in a lower middle class family, we had enough, but for a teenage girl who poured over <i>Town and Country </i>and <i>Vogue</i> from her earliest years, it was never enough. My first job at fourteen (and every job there after) funded my obsession with the mall and having new clothes. My parents and other loved ones supported my habit with loving birthday and Christmas gifts in the form of handbags that come with dust bags to protect their leather and fabric, and now at twenty five, I scour online boutiques, thrift stores, grandmother's closets, and the mall to find the key pieces (and look alikes) to create the looks I lust over in my fashion magazines. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">You may ask yourself at this point: Why are you writing this? Why are you confessing to what appears to be a super materialistic lifestyle? Why do you have a savings account dedicated to handbag? (<a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&es_th=1&ie=UTF-8#q=celine%20bag" target="_blank">Celine</a>, if you're wondering.) Because, it's about so much more than that. <i>It's about being fabulous and making a statement about who you are, and being proud of what you have to offer the world</i>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">This isn't a fashion blog, or even a fashion post - it's a short Sunday sentiment about how you dress affects how people treat and perceive you. At the end of the day, fashion should be used a vehicle of self love and declarations of your identity to the world. You should dress how you want people to treat you. You should dress for the success you ultimately want in life. You should dress for the career you want, the relationships you want - wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVJ-jIS6FqUdjRrdCJOWJlNSxU5ICRMaJjbl0NqxC-KK5Pdu1spXpVfpUYAwkR2pgDbK1_SIRJqq4WDux_-FIa1oS0n8BlLjoe91BAGjEWGAeSUGszL6NN2J90jg4a0MVFmyzjaB0NiQ/s1600/ralph-lauren.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVJ-jIS6FqUdjRrdCJOWJlNSxU5ICRMaJjbl0NqxC-KK5Pdu1spXpVfpUYAwkR2pgDbK1_SIRJqq4WDux_-FIa1oS0n8BlLjoe91BAGjEWGAeSUGszL6NN2J90jg4a0MVFmyzjaB0NiQ/s1600/ralph-lauren.png" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Pinterest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">You don't have to lust over $3,200 handbags or <i>Cartier</i> panther rings like I do, but you should think about the message you're sending to the world through your clothes. Some of my readers may be thinking this is such a silly point and not worthy of a blog post, but you can't argue with the message: <b>dress up and show out every single time</b>. </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejlVmZ5vUspmYpILxtgsi_lqlmptH73M0m20zya_WEvgwAPf6skhyphenhyphenqmmi-PpW-3sfpZ_BQqPjr20fAjM92aHj8ssEBM_Lb4MpS9pr1LkH-CFiecXHReSy7QJRKIE0OF-NTb2ExKoSNJI/s1600/3326927_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejlVmZ5vUspmYpILxtgsi_lqlmptH73M0m20zya_WEvgwAPf6skhyphenhyphenqmmi-PpW-3sfpZ_BQqPjr20fAjM92aHj8ssEBM_Lb4MpS9pr1LkH-CFiecXHReSy7QJRKIE0OF-NTb2ExKoSNJI/s1600/3326927_orig.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Pinterest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">On this Sunday, after my lesson plans are squared away, I will be at the local thrift stores searching for <u>my</u> key fashion pieces for fall: vests, chunky sweaters, printed oxford shirts, and dresses (of course.) I will take tips for my favorite designers and seek out look alikes (until I can afford the real thing.) I will sneak NYFW updates when my students are in their specials classes and read my fashion blogs late into the night. All of this, so that my message to the world will be clear: <i>My name is Lucy and I am fabulous</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Take some time to think about your fashion message, and most importantly: every time you leave the house, dress like you're meeting your prince charming or your worst enemy. </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRVqcZHkYc_1UYAFOBNyrSyh-5tAgNCY6mcKKBY9cMTZqYmjZnVnSDki-hMl0lBkrPmhA5ukHF_j23CwVAtt8p8cD6SD9Txd3uFNFqB7GvxF-IP6dNbiUDcO-hPWns3cGrJbwacnpN0U/s1600/12eae81e2ee7308fd9ff3184311519cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRVqcZHkYc_1UYAFOBNyrSyh-5tAgNCY6mcKKBY9cMTZqYmjZnVnSDki-hMl0lBkrPmhA5ukHF_j23CwVAtt8p8cD6SD9Txd3uFNFqB7GvxF-IP6dNbiUDcO-hPWns3cGrJbwacnpN0U/s1600/12eae81e2ee7308fd9ff3184311519cc.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Pinterest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-867904996618159727.post-33312567051637525502014-09-01T17:53:00.002-04:002014-09-01T17:53:19.147-04:00Five Wonderful Things. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVthhbBcMc87tJ7RJqY6SfOfBTNxGWmAB6WrBu7FvTr-WHrPPQfJC_umlTo2jpayKfckZ7SPR6aTBBDcrKLPOvAacLcKXUlDz0BAk9cOniAObj94QUBmRKidGJ0PoGhb4377beOFXUoWQ/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVthhbBcMc87tJ7RJqY6SfOfBTNxGWmAB6WrBu7FvTr-WHrPPQfJC_umlTo2jpayKfckZ7SPR6aTBBDcrKLPOvAacLcKXUlDz0BAk9cOniAObj94QUBmRKidGJ0PoGhb4377beOFXUoWQ/s1600/5+Wonderful+Things.jpg" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, hello there - it's so good to see you again, after about a million years. Life has been a crazy, tiresome, amazing whirlwind for the past two - three weeks, but I cannot complain. I've been living my passion and I had a birthday. All of these most recent events make up my <i>Five Wonderful Things</i>. I hope as we reconnect over this post, you take time to remember five things in your life that remind you how blessed you are or how you are living your passion day to day. Without further adieu, let's catch up...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAGr38G1ueaMvJSZHcvVt11FUUSDoic_SkAWQvJlJhqwtBFLQ1NS8rY_rN2QxLX5xFUy_2gmAPs8smse20tyu30hOBTvibvaHDxIm0ORI0xhDQPZ40uDGGRRrBvH4SLX29KaAj6ij4eI/s1600/IMG_20140822_221058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAGr38G1ueaMvJSZHcvVt11FUUSDoic_SkAWQvJlJhqwtBFLQ1NS8rY_rN2QxLX5xFUy_2gmAPs8smse20tyu30hOBTvibvaHDxIm0ORI0xhDQPZ40uDGGRRrBvH4SLX29KaAj6ij4eI/s1600/IMG_20140822_221058.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <b>I turned twenty five</b>. That's right - I turned twenty five and so far, twenty five has been beautiful and fabulous. The opening week for teachers was the week of my birthday, so I had a nice dinner at a local Mexican restaurant with some of my closest friends. I got a repeat birthday celebration with my best friend (he had to work on my real birthday) this past weekend, and it was equally as amazing. Twenty five was something I was afraid - call it vanity, call it a quarter life crisis, call me whiny and over dramatic, but twenty five meant something to me. It came and left quietly, but reminded me that even if my life doesn't look how I want it now, that's okay - that's what my thirties are for. Twenty five is for late nights, less than frugal budgets, and memories of life as a single, passionate young woman. So, here's to being twenty five... </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSD4U_8-fQ4jreWY233M5TR8StctAbE-rlveeYpJekbrizAwKeHMilSkTZucqpEUBlsTmw-hbCKgfPegVJANudPVL_wkC3ii0HdzVonNqsmMKANq_YUSe-6BHU6i_LouTOxmxMgYeTQA/s1600/20140823_124453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSD4U_8-fQ4jreWY233M5TR8StctAbE-rlveeYpJekbrizAwKeHMilSkTZucqpEUBlsTmw-hbCKgfPegVJANudPVL_wkC3ii0HdzVonNqsmMKANq_YUSe-6BHU6i_LouTOxmxMgYeTQA/s1600/20140823_124453.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMh2fDnqUKGv2eooULA7kRjF0qeBT9zlzyV6PetVcJLAkpEUfHAcRQnrA1g2pOXNRP9k0IqLWqA8uLYvFNGB00j58iV1b6ylBG-O-4mbXClM6KH7QfMSR_AWjKoIuC81worn2OLJ7oN0/s1600/20140823_124515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMh2fDnqUKGv2eooULA7kRjF0qeBT9zlzyV6PetVcJLAkpEUfHAcRQnrA1g2pOXNRP9k0IqLWqA8uLYvFNGB00j58iV1b6ylBG-O-4mbXClM6KH7QfMSR_AWjKoIuC81worn2OLJ7oN0/s1600/20140823_124515.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <b>My classroom was ready ahead of schedule</b>. Yes, you read that right - my classroom was ready ahead of schedule. Any teacher or friend of a teacher knows that this is such a beast to get under control at the beginning of the year. You have to dust and clean, move furniture, hang bulletin boards, laminate until you are high from the smell, and make sure your space is right for all the little humans who are about to invade. I was blessed that my principal asked me to set up my room early for our new teachers (we had eighteen new hires), so that they could see what a Learning Focused classroom looked like, and I jumped at the chance. That meant I started school a little earlier than most, but I was grateful for a chance to be settled before the rush of meetings and deadlines started. I also used my new sewing machine (a birthday present to myself) to sew some bookcase covers for my new room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.<b> I have nineteen wonderful, I already love them students</b>. I have nineteen students this year! I'll pause for the shock and awe to set in. Anyone who teaches upper grades knows that after third grade, class sizes can skyrocket. I had thirty students my first year teaching, so having nineteen students is such a luxury that I cannot completely comprehend right now. There is a strong possibility I can see everyone in a small group twice a day (once for reading and once for math) and that is a mind-blowing concept. They are so sweet and love school so much, and I can already feel how amazing this year will be, which is exciting, because it <i>might </i>be hard to top last year's bond. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <b>My teammates are heaven sent</b>. This year, our school had eighteen new hires, between classroom teachers, instructional assistants, and support staff, and two of those hires were new fifth grade teachers to join my team. I had two great teachers last year that I was blessed enough to work with and learn from, and I was hesitant to be too excited about my new teammates, but that quickly dissipated. My new teammates are wonderful and so enthusiastic and hard working and love this life as much as I do, which is an exciting, but nervous thought. As much as I love teaching and education, I have to remember to set a balance and let myself have time to breathe, so I hope that, as a team, we can find this balance together. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DQwfW9NbGG_zI9ssyjUSWA79Px5aie8PSgf_KOvEz4hNcZkXjYRq-lSHlgiqLsgZRQD_8APMNaCyamLhMkji36eLzXL0DGCD7Q_Vji0rRHU-2GT3Rx8WM8HO7Fej8BEnZq6fOYcYRVE/s1600/20140901_175003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DQwfW9NbGG_zI9ssyjUSWA79Px5aie8PSgf_KOvEz4hNcZkXjYRq-lSHlgiqLsgZRQD_8APMNaCyamLhMkji36eLzXL0DGCD7Q_Vji0rRHU-2GT3Rx8WM8HO7Fej8BEnZq6fOYcYRVE/s1600/20140901_175003.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. <b>I got a Dooney + Bourke purse for my birthday. </b> This is very materialistic, I know that, but if you know me personally, you know how much I love purses and how much I love high-quality designer purses, and my wonderful best friend got me one for my birthday and it's gorgeous and I love it. He (yes, I have a boy best friend and no, I don't care what you think) did a fantastic job at picking out something that I love and I can't wait to carry it into the fall - it's the perfect fall bag! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, ladies and gentlemen, it's been a crazy few weeks and the ride is about to get even faster and crazier, so let's enjoy this together! Until next time, friends - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucy </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701459960728873717noreply@blogger.com0