Where have I been?!

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been MIA for so long.... I went to Hawaii for spring break, and I think I caught a severe case of island fever! I long to be back in the sun, enjoying the beauty of the Kauai Island, eating coconut pineapple ice cream and shave ice while listening to the sounds of the ocean.  I do plan on posting pictures soon, but first I want to catch up with you!!

here's one picture from my trip... I promise to post more soon!  How beautiful is this waterfall?!

This past year I took a few weekend technology classes and started looking into getting an endorsement in educational technology. The week I returned from Hawaii, my district announced that they were starting an ed-tech program in the fall.... I was sooooo excited.... I got my nomination turned in, then got the bad news that they were only allowing 3rd thru 6th grade teachers to participate (insert super sad face here... I may have shed a few tears).... I emailed them, pleased my case, but got nowhere. Second grade teachers were not allowed... The. End. They told me if I wanted to even be considered, I had to switch grades....well, in an amazing twist of fate, just a few days after this whole ordeal began, not one, but TWO third grade positions opened up in my school. I was at a training that day, so I quickly emailed my principal and asked to have one of the spots.... I wasn't guaranteed anything in regard to the ed-tech program by switching grades, but in order to apply, I HAD to be a 3rd grade teacher. Now, let me just explain.... I began 9 years ago as a 1st grade teacher.... I did 1st for one year, then moved schools and began teaching 2nd.... I immediately fell in love with 2nd grade and have been there ever sense (I have taught second grade at 3 different schools now, and have always said I wouldn't move unless I could teach 2nd!) I have now been teaching second grade for EIGHT years and have TONS of materials for 2nd grade.... I had even worked for a few years as a math specialist for second grade...  This was a tough decision to make.... But I feel so passionately about technology as the future of education, that I was willing to make the change and see where it led.

The next few weeks were torture.... I submitted my application and had an observation looming over my head (they didn't make appointments or tell us when they were coming, just that they would be out during the week)... I waited, and waited some more.... Sometime around mid-May, I finally got the news that I had been ACCEPTED into the ed-tech program!! I was soooo excited! This two-year program includes a smart board for my classroom, and a class set of chrome books for the students.... So you can imagine just how excited I was..... Except, that my excitement was quickly replaced with a bit of panic along the lines of "What have I gotten myself into?" And "I don't know how to teach third grade!" So that's why I've been MIA lately.... The last 2 months of school were just pure "survival mode", followed by 2 weeks of training for 3rd grade common core (which kind of scared me!!)

Still with me? Sorry for the novel!! Anyway, so I am now home from all my vacations and can start focusing on third grade. Holy moly, there is SO MUCH to learn!! Between teaching a new grade, and doing the ed-tech endorsement, I really can't make any promises right now for how much I'll be around or how much I'll be creating. I have a list a mile long of things I would like to do, but right now, my top priority is figuring out my new grade and integrating technology into my classroom.

 With that in mind, I am so happy to share with you my latest project....except, wow, this post is already huge and you’re probably bored… SOOOO…. Come back tomorrow to read all about my latest product (annnnd, there might just be a little *giveaway* if you come back… just sayin’!)  If you follow me on Facebook and Instagram, you already know what I’m talking about.  Ok, see you tomorrow :)  I'm off to see WICKED with my mom, aunts, and cousin tonight.... EEK! I LOVE me some Wicked!!

GNO part II - my review :)

If you remember my post on burnout earlier this summer, you may remember that I set a goal to do more outside of school and have more of a life... so this post has nothing to do with teaching, but has everything to do with taking time for yourself and getting out of the classroom!

 

Have you ever heard of cardio ballet? Cardio Barre recently opened in Quarry Bend, so I rounded up a few friends and we headed out for a fun-filled, energetic girls night out.

 

I was super excited to try this workout, because I took ballet and pointe for many years growing up... However, as they called out "first position, third position" I found myself having to think for a minute or two... clearly I need to brush up on my ballet skills!

we were posing with our cell phones as part of their instagram challenge... so in addition to working out, we were trying to snap some creative photos to win prizes! It was very fun and creative for sure!

I had so much fun! Any workout that starts with Imagine Dragons, rocks on with Maroon 5, and ends with a little "blurred lines" (I know I shouldn't like that song, but dang it's catchy!!) is a win in my book!  Who knew ballet could rock?!

I am excited to go back and try it again.  I am definitely more comfortable in my weekly zumba class, because I have been going to that for over a year, so hopefully by trying cardio ballet a few more times, I will feel more confident in this type of workout as well.  It is totally different from zumba, and I could feel the burn for DAYS after the class.

I am in love with the vinyl tree in the kids play area... how fun would that be in a classroom?!?

Subway Sandwiches, smoothies from Red Mango, and loot bags (complete with socks, a plush towel, and a tank top... now I'm ready to go to a second class in style!)

Thank you Cardio Barre and Lole SLC for hosting us and providing us with a great evening, snacks, and loot :) If you live here in Utah, you definitely need to check them out!

 

GNO - Cardio Ballet

Have you ever heard of cardio ballet? Cardio Barre recently opened in Quarry Bend, so I rounded up a few friends and we headed out for a fun-filled, energetic girls night out. I asked one of my friends to write the post for this, because who doesn't love a guest post every now and then?! (And because I was too sick to care... this class was 2 days before I ended up at instacare... the rest of September is mostly just a blur!) So please welcome my friend C, who will be reviewing our trip to Cardio Barre!

A & C - sisters & guest bloggers for the day :)

 

One recent Thursday night, my friends and I were long past due for a Girl's Night.  What do you do for Girl's Night when you have a stay at home mom, a teacher, a medical professional, and a business professional all of whom work crazy hours.....find time to work out together, so we all can try to maintain some sanity in our lives.  I've been trying to focus on working out more (and not just more work!), so we decided to check out the opening of  the new Cardio Barre in Quarry Bend! 

I've been watching for these types of classes and was glad I got a chance to attend one at Cardio Barre.  The class is fast paced, with fun music, and new moves to keep you going.  I loved the soft carpeted floor and that they had the weights that you needed there.  There is a lot of space on the floor and the barre space which makes the workout more enjoyable. 

It was a fun workout and I can see this type of workout keeping me motivated to leave my work and go enjoy an hour to myself.

Thank you Cardio Barre and Lole SLC for hosting us and providing us with a great evening, snacks, and loot :) If you live here in Utah, you definitely need to check them out!