One more thing:

    I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!

   

        

        

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/16/nyregion/16crash.html?th&emc=th

Hooray for SNOW DAY # 2!!!!

  Allow me to express my gratitude for my dearest friend Snow Day.

 Dear Snow Day,

 

   Thank you for visiting me for the second time this year. I appreciate all you do for me. Although you can be inconsistent at times, you are still a good friend to me. I know you may feel as though you are doing all the work in this friendship. Fear not my friend, I will be visiting you at the end of this year. I think I owe you a two-day visit. Well, I hope you know how much I am grateful for you.

 See you soon,

  Miss Becky

*************************************************************************************

  Thank you for that exhilarating experience. I feel much better now. On the same subject, I am bittersweet about this snow day. You see, yesterday, when the wind chill was -25, we still had school. I believe a lot of the parents called the superintendent and complained. FYI- it's not just the superintendent's decision. Anyway, a part of me believes that we had the snow day today to make parents happy. Well, what some parents fail to understand is that some kids NEED to be in school, for their homelife is nothing short of a disaster. Some kids do not have the luxury of staying cozy warm in their houses all day.  So as much as I truly appreciate the day off, I still worry about some of my kids and hope their safe. 

*************************************************************************************

  I CANNOT BELIEVE I FORGOT TO MENTION THIS!!!!!!!!

     I must have been  a VERY good girl this year. Santa granted my wish of a new camera!!!!! :-)  I look forward to taking wonderful, clear pictures (without the battery running out.) Stay tuned!!!!

   I did however, receive a refurbished camera from the OTHER camera company. Technically I now have two cameras. They will be used, fear not. With all of this good news, I simply do not know what to do with myself!

    I think I am so excited that I will do my laundry. Have a great, safe day!!! :-)

I love to find humor in most things. Without humor, what is there??? Allow me to share my humorous story. 

I have been sick for two and half weeks (not so humorous...). My parents have been pleading with me to go to the doctor. I, being stubborn, keep putting it off and putting it off. Well, today, I had enough and finally broke down. I went to the doctor. As I fought the blizzard, crazy drivers, and not coughing myself into a ditch, I finally arrive. I had to navigate my way through an empty building, following signs through many  deserted hallways. I fully prepared myself to wait a long time to see the doctor. I walk in and there's two people in line. 'Perfect', I think. I sign my name and wait in the lobby. I sit and find myself coughing until my chest hurts and sneezing myself into dizziness. The young lady who called my name to take my insurance information proceeds to ask me, 'How are you today???'.  

Yep. Real funny...

Appreciation. 

What does it look like: A card, smile, handshake, head-nod, hug, a thank-you? 

How does it feel: warm, fuzzy, disappointing, confused?

  Yes folks, appreciation can come in many forms; some better than others. I like to show my appreciation towards others, genuinely. For example, I was at a Starbucks (not local) and there were only two people working. The lines were awful. People were complaining they were not being served quick enough. When it was my turn, I did wait about 30 minutes for my beverage, however I proceeded to thank the men who were working so diligently. In fact, they even made my beverage extra well. I am very amazed that even under pressure, these men still produced a great product. When I thanked them and complimented them, I can saw their faces light up like a Christmas tree. Yes, gentlemen, you deserved the appreciation. 

 Everyone should feel appreciated. Some people do go above and beyond their duties to make one's day. I appreciate their efforts. If there are readers out there who haven't felt appreciated lately, please know I appreciate you. 

  I like to make people's day. There is nothing more rewarding than to see somebody's face light up because you sent them a card, said thank-you, or even smiled.  I like to show people that I care about them, I do these things from my heart.

  I care. Genuinely. 

 Take a few moments to tell somebody how much you care about them, how well they do something, you are thinking about them, you LOVE them...etc. Let them know YOU care. 

Dear Readers,

   I finally have done it! After all of these years, I have sat down and changed the background of the blog. Hooray! I am super excited because I love it! I am always up for a change.

 Today has been wonderful. I received a phone call at 5:30 this morning to tell me that school has been cancelled. Good 'ol-fashioned snow day. Yay!  I am guilty of staying in my pajamas and lounging around the house. Okay, I know I am supposed  to be doing things, but considering my 'holiday break' has begun early, I now have 15 days to complete my tasks. One of the major task I would like to get accomplished is to get a new camera. This one I have is driving me bonkers. I would love to post pictures from my classroom, but I can't :-(. Maybe Santa Claus will bring me another one. We will see!  

 For now, I am going to rejoice in this day and be thankful I do not have to drive in this icky weather. Have a happy day!

Patience is a virtue. 

  Well, with my little guys ( two in particular) my patience is being stretched to it's limits. I know they do not know any better, but I am so exhausted after their group! Their behaviors are absolutely unacceptable. They have such behaviors like non-compliance, mocking, swearing, hitting, kicking..etc (boy, the list goes on!) I love them both very much, but boy, do I ask God everyday to renew my patience with them. When they are separated, each are both angels, perfect students even. When they are together, it's awful. Unfortunately, they are grouped together most of the time because of ability level. My hopes for them are they learn to grow and grow to learn. I know all they need some TLC, but it's sometimes difficult to deliver that loving feeling when their behaviors are so awful. I love the challenge, but I need to do some serious reflecting on how to approach this situation in a loving manner. At this point, one little saying comes to mind.:

  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

 As the holiday season is upon us, take time to enjoy the snowflakes on your fingertips, the winter air in your lungs, and the beautiful spirit that comes with the holidays. Smile!

 With something to think about, I must tend to my laundry and lesson plans. 

 

Happiest Thanksgiving to you!

   I know it's a tad early, but I will be out of town for Thanksgiving. My mom and I are driving to Missouri to celebrate the feast with friends of our family. We get to spend time on the farm, eat, drink, and be merry.

  As I like to do every year, I wish to make a list of things that I am thankful for this year.

  

   *I am thankful for my family, they are always there to support me in anything I do. They are the best!

   * I am thankful for my friends- (Edgar)- they are always there for me when I am in need.

   * I am thankful to have a new sister-in-law. I have never had a sister before so this is a good change in life.

  * I am thankful for a wonderful boyfriend. He and I have been through a lot over the years and I couldn't be happier to be with him!

  * I am thankful for the job of my dreams. I am doing exactly what I dreamed I would be doing. I am fortunate to have my talent with kids. The kiddies make me want to go to work everyday.

  * I am thankful for my health. I do monitor it and try to make the right choices. So far, I am doing a good job.

 * I am thankful to be me. I love who I am and who I have become as a person. I certainly look forward to the person I will be in ten years. (Stay tuned!)

 Now, it's your turn, what are you thankful for? Think deeply this year.  Are you thankful for the person who serves you coffee in the morning? The person who you let you merge into traffic when you are running late? The person who puts a smile on your face? The book that you simply cannot put down? The movie you can watch over and over again and still laugh/cry?

 Remember one little piece of advice: Smiles are contagious. I encourage you as the holidays are upon us, to make eye contact with somebody and give them the most sincere smile you can. Watch their response.  9/10 times, that person will return the gesture. (Pay it forward???)

Have a good week. Enjoy the holiday feast. Happy Thanksgiving!

 Have you told anybody lately that you loved them?  Try it. Not only will you feel better, but you will certainly make that person's day. Guaranteed. (Thanks, Dave!)

  On another note. I need to do a little shot-out to my Dad. He is like my super-duper number one supporter. Not only is he a fabulous cook, a patient listener, great adviser, but he is MY DAD! I am a lucky girl to have a Dad like him. He always looks out for my best interest, even when I don't want to hear it. He is also super flexible too. This past week, I had to take my car in for some repairs. My Dad took it upon himself to wake up early and make sure I had  a ride to school. He is so super fabulous. (He also picked me up too.) So, Dad, much Kudos to you. You are a great Dad, a leader, role model, and a friend. Thanks, Dad. I LOVE YOU!

 P.O.H.F

 Dear Readers,

   It has been brought to my attention that the link I posted earlier is not working. Thank you for your comments and concerns. I strongly invite you to try this link. It should work and it will be worth your time.  Check out the comment section, it's posted there. 

  Feel free to leave me your thoughts on this.  Also, if you have any videos of the like, I would be interested in viewing them. 

  I will post more at a later time. I must tend to the dinner dishes. 

 Enjoy!

             

  

This week has been a bit rough. Meetings, paperwork, collaboration, lesson planning.. AHH! There is not enough time in the day. I am still learning, and I have to remember that. I love my job. It's ironic because I have always found myself to be an 'instant-gratification' kind of gal but in this instance, I love the challenge of seeking out little improvements. Boy, does it take patience! Most people say it takes patience to do my job. I agree. I must admit, though, there are those times when I feel myself becoming less patient with my kiddies. In those instances, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and re-group. If I didn't do that, I probably would be pulling my hair out. These kiddies need so much support in and out of the classroom. I love all of my kiddies and I would take them all home with me, if given the chance. 

 I am lucky to have a great support system for myself. My parents have been wonderful about letting me talk about my day and getting it out of my head. Dave has been fabulous about listening when I need to talk and providing encouraging words to keep me going (thanks!).

 Thanksgiving is coming up and I plan on posting about things I am thankful for. I have begun the list already. I am very lucky to have great friends, family members, my dream job, chocolate... etc  the list will go on! Stay tuned.

 For that I bid farewell. I must tend to my lesson planning. (Yes, teachers do lesson planning on Friday nights.)

 Enjoy the cold weather! (I NEED SUNSHINE!)

Dear Readers,

   I was just checking my email, as I do on a daily basis and I came across this last one. I do enjoy forwarded messages every so often and some I do in fact ignore. This one, I could not pass up. It drew my attention to it. Please click on the link and watch the whole thing. This is something close to my heart.

 Thanks,

 Becky 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-gkg0

  

Oh My,

  I feel as though I have not done this in awhile. Oh wait, I am right, it's been almost three weeks. Yeeps. I can probably come up with a thousand-and-two reasons as to why I haven't written but bottom line, I am just lazy. Let's see.. a lot has happened since the last post:

 

 My brother got married.

 I got my hair cut.

 My boyfriend took me to a fabulous crab dinner.

 A new student joined my class. ( I may be losing another...)

 I got an ipod shuffle.

 I attended NIU's homecoming (Go Huskies!)

 A lot has happened since my last post, but a lot more is to come. I am planning a vacation for spring break (may be  even Christmas too!). I need one already. Summer cannot come quick enough.

Speaking of weather...umm... snow??? In October?!?!  Grumbles. Time to move to a warmer climate.

Well, this is brief, but I will elaborate on some topics at another time. It's dinner time!

 

 

Time to get on my soapbox, watch out.

  Student loans? They're awful. I am sorry I even had to utilize them. Well, I did not have  much of  a choice. Anyhow, since I graduated, they gave me (and everybody) a  grace period of six months. Well you do not have to be a math major to figure out that my sixth month mark is quickly approaching. I tried to call and consolidate my loans today.  Guess what?!? They stopped consolidating loans in April 2008 (before I graduated). Lucky me. The lady said I would have to make many payments a month. Keep in mind they all equal to over 5oo dollars a month!!! 5oo dollars a month?!?!?  Who has that kind of money laying around. I don't So after crying and pleading with the lady, she offered me to lower my monthly payment. So I did and now I pay significantly less than 500 dollars per month. PHEW! Payments begin in December. I know it extended the amount of months I will be paying, but at least the amount per month is lowered for awhile. 

  The point of me explaining all of this is to lead into my ranting and raving moment. You see, I went to college to better myself.  Making better wages, saving more money, goal-setting, developing financial independence...etc...  As much as I appreciate my college degree, I certainly feel overwhelmed by this debt. If it were in fact were to stay at 500 dollars (plus) per month, that would have taken up most of my income per month. That's not exactly what I imagined financial stability to be.  This deserves a 'grumbles' moment. ::Sigh::  I know all will be fine, but until I truly get things figured out, I am totally lost in the world of numbers and negotiation.

 Life must move on.

 Speaking of lives, my brother is getting married in 6 days.  Wow, time does fly by. It seems like yesterday they just got engaged. That's going to be quite a party. I will be sure to write about it after the event. 

With that, enjoy the evening. Mine will be filled with laying out clothes for tomorrow and heading to bed.  

  What a weekend!  Friday night my friend from California came in, so I took her out. Before we went out, I must mention that my boyfriend made dinner for me. He prepared crab legs...yum! He surprised me!!! What a sweetheart! (Thanks, Dave!) Saturday was my boyfriend's parents' 25th wedding anniversary party AND my brother's soon-to-be bride's bachelorette party. Needless to say I am wiped out today. This week is forecasted to be not as busy as previous ones, so I hope to be home at a decent hour after school. 

   I have to do laundry and get ready for the day tomorrow. Enjoy what's left of this weekend!

 I just want to document this day in history. This is the longest my hair has ever been in my life. I love the length some days, but others I cannot wait to shave  my head. After my brother's wedding, I plan on shortening the length (despite some peoples' opinions) I value people's opinions, but these people are not with me in the mornings when I have to actually style my hair. It's not naturally straight and leaving it curly all the time is boring.  I have found a few styles that I like so maybe I can compromise.

 Also, this week I am heading back to the gym. I haven't been there in a month and half and I truly miss it.  I am going tomorrow, right after school. I NEED to do it. I worked really hard over the summer to build my fitness level and I do not want to see my efforts go to waste. 

  I have  a new blog game. It's called I DID NOT.  Here's how it is played: make a list of statements of events that actually happened. These statements are things you wouldn't like to admit otherwise. 

 Here's mine:

1.) I did not eat two Oreo cookies today, after knowing I ate a cupcake earlier in the day.

2.) I did not buy two new pairs of shoes.

3.) I did not take a well-needed nap.

4.) I did not accidentally trip over my kitty cat this morning.

5.) I did not curse out the rude lady  when she didn't hold the door open for me, as I was holding a bunch of groceries. 

 Phew. I feel so much better. Try it, hopefully you will feel better too.

 Well, I am actually staying home this evening. I plan on laying my clothes out for tomorrow and then cuddling up in bed. I am sure my kitty cat will join me.  I hope to be sleeping by 10p.m. Let's see how well that works out. . .

Have a good week! 

 And the Cutest Kitty Award goes to...

    

  Umm.. who else besides my kitty cat?!?! Her name is Natasha. I call her Kitty Witty, Tossseeey Wosseey.  Isn't she not the cutest, chubbiest kitty you have ever seen? This is what I come home to everyday. She loves when I come home and take a nap!!! She doesn't like it when I come home and check my email. Hence, the pictures above. Apparently, I wasn't paying enough attention to her. I love this little kitty!

 On a side note, this has been a busy week. I have been coming home from school at 6, minimally.  I am wiped out!!! I cannot wait for FRIDAY.. IT cannot come quick enough.  I have a dentist appointment tomorrow that I forgot to cancel. Oops! I guess I will have to face getting a couple cavities filled...after work, of course. Is it summer vacation yet???

what a fabulous weekend! The weather has been absolutely wonderful. I hope the higher temperatures last just a little longer. I am not ready for winter season.


I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with my boyfriend. I always look forward to it. His sense of humor can be quarky at times, but some of the things he comes up with has me laughing for hours, sometimes days. He's definetly a good person to call when I am having a bad day.

I know this is a short post but I am about to go out for dinner. We are then going to my brother's new apartment. I'll post again later.

Oh yes, this thing that casts shadows on the ground returns today. I am informed that it is called sunshine. This concept is fairly new, seeing as how we haven't had sunshine in days/weeks. Hooray for sunshine!

 I miss the sunshine in California.  It was 110 degrees and bee-a-u-ti-ful. I layed out and tried to soak up as much of it as possible. I wish it was  still summer. This fall stuff has got to go!

The meeting went fairly well with the principal today. I still know that there is more conflict to come, but I will deal with that as it comes. School is getting busier. Behaviors are becoming more of an issue with my kiddies. My one little guy cannot seem to hold it together. I really feel sorry for him because I know he cannot help it, but in the same way these behaviors have to be minimized ASAP.

I have to say I have bug bite on the the bottom of my jawline, closer to my earlobe. It's a little obtrusive, itchy, and obnoxious. Plus, at first glimpse, it looks like a hickey..bad for business..lol  

I know this post if full of randomness. I don't really have much going on this week. I have been waking up at exactly 6am (before my alarm) and going to bed at 10:00.  My kitty cat has enjoyed the stability of my schedule. She enjoys me coming home around 4:30p.m. and going to bed at 10pm. She doesn't really like me waking up early, though. Often times it's tempting to lay in bed 5 minutes longer, just for her.  

 Enjoy the rest of the week.... Friday is just around the corner.

 

I need help. I saw this thing today. It has been around all day and I cannot figure out what it is. Ya see, when I walk outside, it makes everything bright and causes everything to have a shadow. This is a strange phenomenon to me. I feel like I have seen it before, but I just can't put my finger on it.... hhmm any idea?

Today has been a bit stressful. Because I am a new teacher, I feel the need to build a good rapport with the other teachers in the building. I would also expect my principal to support me. Well, today wasn't so. It's very frustrating to be in my field because everything changes. Because of that, I often seek out my principal to clarify what's what and who's who. Long story short, I have a meeting with my principal first thing in the morning to discuss this matter. In my mind, simply not acceptable.

This is going to be a long week. God, help me get through this.

I feel like a million bucks! It's amazing what a little Tylenol, Nyquil, Vicks, cough drops and sleep can do!!! YAY!
The week just started and already I am ready for the weekend. I have been in meetings, but I would rather be with my kiddies in the classroom. I missed them today. I won't see them again until Wednesday. It seems so far away!!!!

Things have been well lately. My boyfriend (just recently..long story) took me out to dinner on Friday night. THEN went shopping with me on Saturday. He is so fabulous for doing so. In return, I took him to go see the new Nicholas Cage movie, Bangcok Dangerous. He totally deserved it. Men and shopping do not always make a good combination. If you are reading this, thanks so much for being so wonderful!!!

Well, the countdown has begun: 27 days until my brother gets married. Yay for him.

Hope everybody is able to get to where they are going without having to swim or use a canoe.