Wednesday, August 26, 2015

What's Up Wednesday: August 2015 Edition

In all the craziness of back to school, I almost forgot this post was coming until this morning when I saw another blogger posting about it. I actually had to make a note and put it on my computer to remind myself to do this post when I got home from school today. So here goes....

What we're eating this week:
I've been trying to find quick, but healthy, dinners. I hardly cook when I'm back at school. OK, so maybe I hardly cook at all. I totally can, and I'm great at it but......Anyway, a friend told me about this place called "The Fresh Market." Thursdays they have a meal bundle for $20. This last week it was a noodle bowl. We (by "we" I mean Mr. B) cooked it yesterday, and there's enough for today and tomorrow.

What I'm reminiscing about:
2 things: School has started, and I'm already missing summer. Just a little over a month ago Mr. B and I were lounging on a beach in Mexico being waited on all day.

Since school has started, I'm really missing our #dreamteam of 7! One retired, one had a baby, and one moved to 2nd grade. It's a rarity to find 7 women who can get along and work together without drama. I'm glad that all 7 of us still text. 3 of them still have to work with me every day (let the evil laughter ensue).



What I'm loving:
This may sound strange, but I'm loving getting up at 5:30 instead of 6:30 on my workdays. Last year, I would get up, get dressed, and head out the door with my cup of coffee. I'd eat breakfast at school. Waking up a whole hour earlier gives me time to chill in the mornings and not be so rushed. I thought I would try to make myself do a quick workout first thing, but that only lasted 3 days. #fail #storyofmylife
I get up and have a meal replacement shake while I'm getting ready. That only takes me about 20 minutes. Then I have my coffee while I'm reading my devotional and blogs, checking email/Facebook, and watching the news. I leave my house a little before 7 and am at school around 7:30. That gives me enough time to eat a morning snack and do any last minute prepping before the kids arrive.

What we've been up to:
Since the beginning of the month it's pretty much been back to school prep. We did manage to finish watching all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls. I wasn't impressed with the ending. I think they could've given us a bit more closure with Lorelai and Rory's love lives.

What I'm dreading:
Those that know me know that I love routines. I dread the beginning of the school year. This is when I have to teach routines and procedures. I pretty much have to start at ground zero. It takes them a couple of months before they really turn into "first graders." By October I'm usually in my groove. The first six weeks are brutal. You almost forget that you have to do this before it gets better. I got spoiled with my class last year and how quick they picked up everything. Every year is a new journey.

What I'm working on:
Routines. Routines. Routines. We are practicing rules, procedures, and routines for six weeks. This first week is crucial. I'm also working on trying to be a bit calmer when students may frustrate me. I really wish I didn't have to show my crazy so early on. However, sometimes they need to see the "Browning Crazy" to really understand.

What I'm excited about:
My classroom! I decorated it all in Texas Tech! You can check out the full classroom tour here.

What I'm watching/reading:
I'm still watching the Bachelor franchise. I love who they chose for the new bachelor, so I'll be watching when that comes on. Fall TV and football season is right around the corner. Until then, not much is going on. I haven't read all summer (shocking, I know). I need to get back on the reading bus. I have a Nook and Kindle full of unread books. I should probably crack one open while I'm waiting for fall TV to start up again.

What I'm listening to:
My car jams playlist. It has a lot of country, one rap song, a few pop songs, and some classic rock.

What I'm wearing:
OK, where have these pants been all my life!? I bought several pairs of palazzo pants when they would go on sale so I would have comfy pants for work. I mean, who likes to wear confining clothes when it's hot, you're working all day, and you're chubby!? Not me! I wear these pants with a plain T-shirt. My solid pants I can pair with a printed shirt. I got several compliments on these pants today.


What I'm doing this weekend:
Right now our schedule is wide open. I'll probably be recovering from the first week of school. Laundry and grocery shopping will probably make the "To-Do" list.

What I'm looking forward to next month:
Cooler temps (hopefully), Labor Day 3-Day weekend (already want that 3 day weekend), and hanging out with the gang. Oh, and football!!! I'm a Texas girl, so I'm a Cowboys Fan. If you see my classroom, you already know my college team....Red Raiders!

What else is new:
Last Saturday I went with my neighbors to visit at a retirement home that specializes in Alzheimer's. My neighbor is a DJ, so he brought his sound system and played all kinds of music. Though, they enjoyed the country music the best. I got to sing (yes, he gave me a mic....plugged in even) and dance with the sweet people. I even taught them the chicken dance. One sweet man got up, walked over to me with the most excited look on his face, and started dancing with me. The joy on their faces made me so happy and thrilled that I could be there and join in on that experience. I plan on going with them every other Saturday.

Favorite back to school tradition:
I love having my mom come down for a few days and help me decorate my room. I always try to have my room ready the first week of August. This way, I can take the whole second week off before I go back officially that third week. I'm so thankful for all the hard work she puts in to make sure my sweet students and I have a great room to be in all year.

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