tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309752412024-03-07T13:12:19.427-05:00Who put me in charge?Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.comBlogger515125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-32172614466575689632015-05-11T15:26:00.002-04:002015-05-11T15:26:23.836-04:00Shiver me TimbersIt's been a long time! I have neglected my blog. That's putting it mildly.<br />
So much to do, so much to say...where do I begin? I guess let's just recap the past week. Here goes.<br />
Last Saturday was my youngest daughter's prom. Yes, you heard me correctly. Prom. As in, she is a junior in high school. Just yesterday, it seems, she was in pull-ups and mispronouncing everything. The very next day, my middle daughter moved home from her first year of college for the summer. The day after that, my oldest daughter moved out into her first townhouse of her own! On top of all that, I've been giving ISTEP for the past few days at work. Now, for those of you who have experienced any of those things yourself, you'll know how stressful each one is.<br />
After all of that, I am meeting a friend of mine at the local Mexican eatery for drinks and eats. I need a little ME time today.<br />
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-67821630805769282852014-06-10T22:57:00.001-04:002014-06-10T22:57:36.330-04:00ShewFinally! Graduation and all of it's entities are finished!!!! I can breathe just a little bit easier now. Just as anything else goes, there are always stressors that replace the ones you eliminate. So, now, I am taking a week long professional development course. I know, I know. I am a self-inflicting stress freak. My summers seem to usually slip away from me starting with the first week. This summer will be no different. I am going on a two night, three day retreat to Nashville, TN next week with the JCMS Victors. One last reunion tour! I'm super pumped for it!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-67575030575469944892014-05-27T14:05:00.001-04:002014-05-27T14:05:21.397-04:00End of ItToday marks the end. The end of another school year. One more in the books, people. I'm sitting in my classroom listening to Brian McKnight and trying to get everything squared away before I have to surrender my keys to the main office. Everything is off the walls, all of my novels are packed up, and there are no more infamous magnets on the boards everywhere. It has all been stowed away for the summer. I feel like I'm forgetting something, as I always feel. Oh, sure, I can always come back in if I do remember what I've forgotten, but who wants to do that? Not me!<br />
On a more personal note, I've been ridden with anxiety. <br />
My middle daughter is graduating high school in less than a week. Her open house isn't until June 8th, but I am overcome with anxiety. I can't even really tell you what I'm anxious about other than a looming scrapbook project I have to get done before the 8th. Yes, as expected, I've not started the scrapbook(s) I plan on doing for Cammi's graduation open house. I did them for my oldest daughter, and now I must carry out the tradition for my middle daughter. Along the way, in planning for this book, I noticed that I do not have nearly the photos of my middle daughter as I do my oldest. That's not a real newsflash for you mothers out there. As with each sibling, the number of pictures seems to dwindle. I have realized that. And I feel horrible about it. The other thing I am ashamed of is that I have roughly 1,000 pictures on my camera SD card that I need to go through/print. That is horrible! And I bet I don't get that accomplished before the scrapping takes place. I'll have to print specific ones like the prom and shot put throwing ones. So, yeah, there's that. Perhaps that's why I feel anxious. <br />
One thing out of the way is the traditional Tiffany & Co. graduation gift. I'm proud to say that I got that accomplished yesterday. I only hope it is something that my own girls can pass down to their daughters someday. That would be awesome. So I'll splurge on an heirloom. And I did. <br />
Well, the day is coming to a close here. It's time to check out with the main office and hand in the keys. Until we meet again, room 33. Until we meet again. <br />
Happy Summer To You All!<br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-28593250377475102452014-05-01T09:35:00.001-04:002014-05-01T09:35:26.785-04:00Long time, no seeI simply can't believe it's been since my birthday that I've written anything here. What a slacker! You know, I have good intentions of writing often, but it seems to fall to the wayside to other things such as kids, cooking, laundry, and the like. Plus, unbeknownst to me, I don't have the running thoughts to write about that I used to. Sure, I'm still a heavy thinker, but my mind runs so fast that I find it difficult to get things down in writing as fast as my mind can think it. I know, lame excuse. You're right. There should be NO excuse if I am a true writer.<br />
Much to my surprise, I am surviving being 40. It's not been the "golden year" that some thought it might be for me. I'm simply surviving, like I said. I do have some things to look forward to, however. My middle daughter is graduating high school in May. We will have an open house for her in June, about a week after graduation. Then, she jets off to Florida on vacation. This will be her first time flying. She's a bit nervous. The next item on the summer agenda is for us to go to Myrtle Beach. We do this as an extended family vacation, meaning my brother and his family go, as well as my family and my mom and dad. It's a fun time, and probably the last time we can do this all together. With my girls getting older and having their own lives, it gets more difficult for everyone to get off work, miss practice, etc. in order to go. I'm really looking forward to it this year.<br />
Right now, I'm stuck in the end-of-the-school-year blues. I am istep testing this week with my students, and that is always a bit stressful. Then you have the end of the year push to wrap everything up, too. With our extended school days, I seem to feel exhausted most of the time. I'm hoping that ends when we go back to our regular schedule next Friday. Student Council is keeping me busy this coming week, as well. We have the staff appreciation breakfast, 6th grader parent night, and Literacy Night all this week. I'm one busy bee!<br />
Lately I have been missing Grandma. She passed away about a month and a half ago. Lung cancer overtook her and she just couldn't fight any more. I find myself wanting to call her or just walk down to her house for a minute. I miss her.<br />
Well, friends, this weekend I am off to the Derby! Cam, Mak, my best friend Michelle, and I are heading down to Louisville to watch the best 2 minutes of racing. We have our derby hats made, rain boots purchased, and money ready to bet. Bring on the sunshine! I won't jinx myself by saying who is my favorite for the race. We'll just have to see if my horse wins or not. Psst...I'll tell you how it all turns out, later.<br />
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-26307139889680597632013-10-14T15:18:00.000-04:002013-10-14T15:18:22.975-04:0040 is the new 20?Well, I made it. I didn't honestly think I would, but I did. I made it to forty. <br />
What I've got to do now is really bang out the items on that Bucket List magnetized to my frig. I mean, I'm not getting any younger. I've got things I need to do!<br />
Who is in this with me? Anyone? Anyone?<br />
I've heard tell that 40 is the new 20. We'll have to see about that. Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-80677381081085749872013-10-07T12:45:00.002-04:002013-10-07T12:45:54.683-04:00MilestonesToday marks yet another life milestone. My middle daughter is getting her senior pictures taken. She, like my oldest daughter, is going to be a rep for Little Blue Owl Photography. Thank goodness it is not raining today like it has the past two days. It is actually chilly and sunny outside. Should be good weather for pictures. I hope all goes well. We are on a week long fall break. We have much to do. Multiple college visits and more. Tomorrow we head to my stomping grounds at IU Bloomington and at the end of the week we drive to North Manchester, Indiana. I am a little nervous about that one. My hopes are that over the course of the next few weeks, Cam steps onto a campus and just feels it...feels that at home feeling like I did when I stepped out of the car in Bloomington for the first time. That is my hope. Big milestones ahead!<br />
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-17148335734770219392013-08-20T16:10:00.000-04:002013-08-20T16:10:25.012-04:00ParentingParenting is the most difficult job in the world. Sure, teaching is a lot like parenting, but it isn't quite as difficult as parenting your own child. <br />
I want it to be easy; I'll be quite honest with you. But, it's not. <br />
I need a manual. I need constant support. I need sanity. Where can I find that?<br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-44202166372400698852013-08-12T16:17:00.001-04:002013-08-12T16:17:44.801-04:00Kill 'Em with KindnessSo, there are always those select few students that you know are going to be squirrels. You can sense it like a dog senses fear. That's just what teachers do; it's that innate talent, that thing we're born with. Then there are always a select few who you know could cause major problems. So what to do? Kill 'em with kindness. Let them know you care for them, no matter what. That's what I'm going to do this year. I'm not going to let my buttons be pushed. I'm not going to let them see me frown. <br />
I tried it today with a particular student whom I KNOW wants attention. She's just dying for it, either positive OR negative. So, I gave it to her. Despite me not feeling like I could trust her perhaps, I wrote her a pass and asked her to run an errand to the front office for me. And, I think it worked. Though she has already caused problems in other classes for other teachers, she isn't causing too much of a conflict for me. I think, or hope anyway, if I just keep it up, she might find that I am the ONE person she can count on to care for her even if she causes waves. I want to convey that I might dislike her behaviors if they get out of hand, but I will never dislike HER --- because she is a human being, just like me. <br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-2377989099944663232013-08-08T11:30:00.001-04:002013-08-08T11:30:53.107-04:00Dear Me LettersACTIVITY to do for the beginning of the year:<br />
(I do this with my 8th grade lang. arts class every year...they LOVE it!)<br />
<br />
Show the proper way to write a letter by having students write a letter to themselves! This letter will map out goals for their school year, fears, likes/dislikes so far, etc. After modeling how to do the letter, the teacher should collect students' letters after they seal them with a sticker. The teacher then puts them together by class period, saving them until the last week of school when the students get their letters back to read. They then write a paragraph in reaction to their DEAR ME letters. Did they accomplish their goals? Why or why not? How have they grown over the course of the year. Did their likes/dislikes change? Did they overcome their fears they had when school first started? The students love to see how much different they are in comparison to the start of the school year. It is a great activity that causes them to reflect and analyze themselves. <br />
Have fun with this!<br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-33870594324591701462013-08-06T15:08:00.000-04:002013-08-06T15:08:48.127-04:00First Day ActivitiesTomorrow is the first day for my students! Woohoo! I am looking forward to putting on my smile and greeting them at the door. I hope to start this school year with a BANG! <br />
A couple of first day (or so) activities:<br />
<br />
4X4 activity:<br />
Take a four by four square grid. Make the grid large enough for the students to write in the squares. On the left side of the grid, label each row with a category like lunch foods, things you'd find at school, girls' names, and school supplies. On the top row (across), put a letter. For instance, label the first column with an "R", the next with a C, an S, and a T. Put the students in groups of a few. The groups have to come up with words that fit the criteria. The idea of the game is to come up with something that other groups don't put down, therefore earning your group a point. The group with the most points, wins. <br />
<br />
Toilet Paper activity:<br />
Have a roll of toilet paper ready for the first day. After going over your policies and procedures, walk around the room to each student, telling them only, "Take as much as you need." Then, when finished, the number of squares of toilet paper that each student has is the number of comments he/she has to tell about themselves. Some take a little; some take a lot! That's the beauty of it!! It's a nice, fun way to go over introductions. <br />
<br />
I hope all of you teachers and administrators out there have a wonderful day! Smile, because you are beautiful!!<br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-77682042424480630452013-08-05T15:31:00.002-04:002013-08-05T15:31:51.590-04:00...back to school, back to school...Today it begins. The intense, nerve-wracking, jaw-clenching, sleepless nights lying awake worrying kind of thing called school. Being a teacher, even though one might consider me a seasoned teacher, is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Just think about it -- teachers are responsible for Every. Single. Profession. there is out there. We teach EVERYONE! Puts a lot of weight on our shoulders, doesn't it?? Yes, it does. And believe me, if a teacher is worth a darn, he/she takes that very seriously. That's why I have been tied up in knots for about the last two weeks. The start of school makes all the difference in the world. If you start off on the right foot, the year will go rather smoothly. If things get off to a rocky start, there may be no recovery from that. I worry about the first few days of school every year. You remember how you used to get butterflies the night before school started? Multiply that by a million. That's how it feels. <br />
I try hard to be a confident person. Sometimes it just doesn't work. I think maybe that is a strength in this case, however. Because if I am not continually examining myself and my teaching practices, how can I get any better at my craft? That little twinge of lack of self-confidence might be the key to getting better and changing bad habits. I hope so, anyway. <br />
I pray that this year is a great one! With a new textbook, I need prayers. <br />
To all of the teachers out there -- good luck this year! I hope your year ROCKS!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-47027652822824093182013-07-19T15:55:00.001-04:002013-07-19T15:55:54.073-04:00Chicago!I leave for Chicago tomorrow morning. This is the first time I have traveled without my children in about six years. I have been to Myrtle Beach with them and my parents the past several summers, but I've not really done any other traveling. And, for the record, I miss it terribly! I am the kind of person that wants to go and do things. I want to be spontaneous and pack a bag in ten minutes then take off to a destination. I want to plan an all-inclusive trip out of the country. I want to see shows, eat at nice restaurants and meet new people. But I'm afraid that just isn't going to happen.<br />
I'm very afraid of that.<br />
And it weighs on my mind constantly.<br />
What if I die tomorrow?<br />
What if I don't live while I'm alive?<br />
Then what?<br />
<br />Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-57707672863758518702013-07-14T21:07:00.002-04:002013-07-14T21:07:24.919-04:00MigrainesIt has been a very long time since I have had a migraine like the one I had Friday night through Saturday morning. I had to be taken to the hospital and given two rounds of medication. I was dry heaving, dehydrated, and very sick. I don't wish that kind of pain on my worst enemy. If you are a migraine sufferer, you will know what I am saying. If you aren't, just imagine someone having your skull in a vice, squeezing until you think it could squeeze no more before your skull cracks wide open. Then compound that with intense throwing up. Not a good combo! Thank God for doctors and drugs.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-24359386145509941042013-07-09T14:01:00.001-04:002013-07-09T14:01:59.921-04:00Minute by MinuteSometimes things just throw you for a loop. It can be a tragedy, or it can even be a nice gesture. In the past few days, I've had both. Examining myself, I find that my mind naturally focuses on the negative things that surround me. Call me a Debbie Downer. Judge me. Make assumptions. I don't mind. At least I'm big enough to admit my faults. <div>
So, today, I find myself in a constant state of tears. I simply can't help it. Just when I think I may be okay, I shed a tear. Instead of taking things one DAY at a time, I am going to have to take things minute by minute. </div>
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-11354446197994829102013-07-01T01:39:00.002-04:002013-07-01T01:39:52.473-04:00IHOPI love a good 1am IHOP run. I do. But, tonight the friends and I decided that we would just do our own IHOP version at home. So, I volunteered to cook an IHOP breakfast at the friends' house. We decided on a menu of s'mores French toast and over - easy eggs. It was a hit. I didn't eat the items on the menu... I'm not a breakfast person, per say. Had a beverage of choice instead. Everyone who tried the French toast, though, loved it. It was a fun time had by all. I may not be able to wake up very early tomorrow, but it is well worth it. I love cooking for other people when they greatly appreciate it. It makes me feel like Bobby Flay or something.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-3240652363169471392013-06-26T19:33:00.001-04:002013-06-26T19:33:22.723-04:00It's a twister!Taking cover for these supposed tornado activities reminds me of the time I saw and heard a tornado when I was little. We would always go over to my aunt and uncles house when the tornado sirens went off because they had a basement and we did not. We would hide out there and then go ride around town after it was all over to assess the damages, if any. That's what people do in small towns. Everybody knows everybody else's business. You couldn't fart without the whole world knowing it!<br />
There are times when small town living is a good thing, though. I will admit that.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-10395143455799323392013-06-24T13:01:00.000-04:002013-06-24T13:01:00.768-04:00Behind Enemy LinesYesterday was another milestone of sorts...I dropped my daughter off at Purdue University. Now, don't get all excited. I did not drop her off to get an education there...Oh, no,no,no. I wouldn't dare do that! Haha. Instead, I dropped her off to attend a Track & Field Camp there for four days. I still felt like I was a traitor of sorts. But, hey - if it comes to them wanting to give her some scholarship money, I guess I will have to re-evaluate. Who would turn that down??<br />
I am already finding it very difficult to be here without her. She is my rock. She keeps me sane. I am lost without her. I am looking at this as a reality check of sorts. she only has one more year of high school, so roughly one more year at home with me. I have to try and get used to the fact that she won't be here with me forever! It's a tough reality to face, though, let me tell ya! I just have to keep myself occupied. And with dance practices, tutoring, and laundry, I think I will manage to stay busy.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-21844992474031101982013-06-18T09:36:00.000-04:002013-06-18T09:36:24.836-04:00Legendary Artist<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sunday evening, on Father's Day, I was fortunate enough to attend a show at the Murat Theater in Indianapolis. This show was spectacular. By far, it is the best artist I have seen perform in my lifetime. Brian McKnight rocked my world!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Brian was witty, entertaining with his facial expressions, a great dancer, and comical in his delivery sometimes. He just really knew how to entertain. And his songs? Well, of course, his songs were mind-blowing. He is probably the best songwriter there is. His ballads will bring you to tears. If I could sit and listen to him playing piano on a daily basis, my stress would slip away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was lucky enough to get to meet him, too. I have a picture of us in my possession! He is handsome, tall, clean-cut, and has a beautiful smile. He can pique the interest of the females quite quickly! Sunday night's show was fantastic. It's one I'll never forget. </span>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-22747680078271523002012-10-13T13:03:00.002-04:002012-10-13T13:03:41.300-04:0039 and holdingToday I turn 39. Not the milestone like next year will be, but let's just say this day is unforgettable. Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-35080080640586588432012-10-10T11:18:00.000-04:002012-10-10T11:18:32.543-04:00Huber Winery and FarmsMonday I went with a girlfriend of mine to Huber Winery and Farms in Sellersburg, IN. We had so much fun picking out our pumpkins with our girls, getting a huge homemade cookie to eat, tasting wine, and more. They have a couple of award-winning wines. I tasted eight of their wines and really didn't have one that stuck out as undesirable. Take a little trip and stop by there! You won't be disappointed!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-69823899852958910762012-10-08T09:48:00.000-04:002012-10-08T09:48:14.850-04:00I Fall for Fall BreakOctober is my favorite month. The leaves change colors, the wind picks up, and the temperatures drop. Wearing shorts with a sweatshirt is my favorite way to spend the day. I've gotten all that and more this October already. Today I will extend my happiness to inlcude Huber Winery where I will taste wine, venture out into the pumpkin patch and pick out a perfect one. We will then bring out pumpkins home and paint our intials on them to display on the porch. No carving for this mama! The girls have grown out of that stage. <br />
My birthday is also this month. This weekend, to be exact. I really don't want to turn another year older, one more year away from forty. But I'm doing my best to face it, and get over it. I, however, need a huge life change in the next year. I need to crawl out from behind the mask and face the music. I need to see what the world outside my little circle is like. I need different surroundings. I'm not lacking motivation; it's the frightening part of change I'm worried about. So, let's start with today. I'll take my girls and go with my bestie to see the beautiful winery and bring home our artistic muses. <br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-36851586847177075712012-09-17T17:53:00.001-04:002012-09-17T17:53:32.916-04:00Tooth and NailHere goes: if a person doesn't eat healthy, their teeth will crumble with cavities. I have a daughter that's living proof of that. Dental visit today. Not good. I'm overwhelmed. <br />
Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-27239786444399017222012-09-12T21:26:00.003-04:002012-09-12T21:26:58.531-04:00Basic TrainingI am in training/seminar today and tomorrow called Bridges Out of Poverty. It is eye-opening. Look it up. Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-64836490680995157422012-09-05T19:01:00.002-04:002012-09-05T19:01:57.144-04:00Who Says Nothing Lasts Forever?I think I will forever love John Mayer's music. I'm just sayin'. Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30975241.post-87642867978580319382012-09-04T21:03:00.001-04:002012-09-04T21:03:25.062-04:00Who Says?Who says you can't eat chili when it's warm outside? Does that mean Skyline is only open during the winter months? No, didn't think so. Chili is good any time!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11277491164024112221noreply@blogger.com0