Transplanted: May 2015

Although I have no intention of reviving this blog in the near future, I have set a goal of writing 4 posts before August 15th. This will be the first. The main objective is to remind myself what my life was like on May 8th, 2015 and what life was like in general during this season of life.

4:45am - Alarm goes off

4:50am - Exercise. I typically exercise after school, but today is busy so it is at 4:50am or never. I use a 7 minute workout app on my phone to squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, wall sits, jumping jacks etc. Even though it is only 7 minutes, it is a good workout.

5am - Shower/Make-up/Hair/Get ready - rejoice that it is Friday and I get to wear jeans!

5:40am - My amazing and dear husband wakes up and starts on coffee and breakfast (he is the best!)

My favorite (and daily) breakfast. I started eating before I remember to take a picture.

5:55am - Eat breakfast while Ian reads something spiritual - usually the Bible or Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening.

6:15am - Leave for school. One habit that I am currently examining in my life is silence. It is not very often that I find myself in silence. I have been noticing how long I drive before turning on the radio. Usually the louder my thoughts, the sooner the radio comes on. So I have been driving in silence to and from work this semester. If I remember, I will pray for my students.

6:38am - Arrive at school. Prepare for the day. Say good morning to co-workers. Make copies. Check my mailbox. etc.

My office space at school. I don't have a classroom so I push my cart around to different classrooms throughout the day.

7:35am - Period 1 :: College Algebra - This is a class of seniors. I appreciate that they have figured out the system of high school. We are reviewing for their final next week.

8:32am - Period 2 :: Algebra I Part I - This is a class of freshman. I appreciate that they have energy. Most of the students have low math self-esteem (and self-efficacy). I attempt to transform them into math warriors that can conquer any math problem. I am rarely successful. This class makes me laugh because you never know what someone will say. They

9:29am - Period 3 :: Algebra II/Trig - This is a mix of sophomores, juniors, and a couple of seniors. I appreciate that this class is really well behaved and respectful. Algebra II/Trig is a really challenging class for the students, but I am impressed daily at the work ethic of some of my students.

10:27am - Period 4 :: Algebra I Part I - Another class of freshman. I have a teacher aide in this class - I am so thankful for Mr. Cole. He does a great job with students and it is so nice to have another adult in the room.

Not the best selfie, but it communicates what I look like on a Friday.

11:19am - LUNCH - I have a student who has been struggling on multiple levels stop by with his guidance counselor. We try to brainstorm ways to help Joseph be more successful. The meeting goes much longer than I expect (all of lunch). While the bell is ringing for 5th, I grab a cup of coffee and a larabar.

12:04pm - Period 5 :: Algebra II/Trig - Another class of sophomores and juniors. This class LOVES to waste time which means I tell a lot of stories (and they encourage me to savor my coffee). I appreciate how they pretend to be interested in my life so they don't have to do math. However, I always make sure we get through all of the material. This class also makes me laugh!

Whiteboard at the end of 5th - we were reviewing Rational Functions - so.much.fun. (for me at least)

1:01pm - Period 6 :: Plan Period - typically I am off 6th period, but today I am subbing for a teacher who is in interviews. I have subbed for him before - I have been blessed with the ability to memorize names fairly well - so I impress the class with remembering names from last time. The class is Tech Theater, so we work on cleaning the shop. I have learned to be as laid back as possible while subbing. As long as no one is in emotional or physical danger, I try to let it all fly.

1:58pm - Period 7 :: Algebra I - I get to end my day with 30 energetic freshman. I have a special ed. teacher in with me for 7th. I am so thankful for Mrs. K - she has taught me so much about the world of SpEd (special ed.). I can hold my own in an IEP meeting:) Throughout my day I have 21 students that have a variety of disabilities that qualify them for Special Ed services.

2:50pm - School day is done - head back to my office to pack up, organize, and head home. I can not leave until my desk is clean. Typically I workout at 3:15ish, but we have a meeting so I head out.

3:20pm - Leave school - TGIF! I will be back to tomorrow to catch up on grading/planning ahead for the next week.

3:48pm - Arrive home and eat a snack while talking to Ian about our days and the meeting.

4 - 6pm - Mission Team Meeting - Ian is the leading the Mission Team at our church right now. We love encouraging and supporting the missionaries that our church supports spiritually and financially as well as keeping our congregation informed about what is going on with our missionaries. Most of the time it seems a bit overwhelming, but we have a great team and Ian is doing an amazing job leading.

6:05pm - Change into yoga pants. Head to Dan and Sara's.

6:30pm - Arrive at Dan and Sara's - we have the best Friday night tradition. We go to our friend's house, hang out, and catch up. It is so relaxing and Sara and Dan are so much fun (and they feed us). We also love to see their son, Sean. You never know what he is going to say, but whatever he says will be hilarious.