Friday, March 30, 2018

Let my break begin! #SOL18 March 30

Today was a great day. My students behaved. My mom came in and had lunch with me after she met my students. I walked out with my students, drive the entire one block home, and waited ten minutes for my husband to get home. We loaded the trunk with four suitcases, three backpacks, and a c-pap. Our moms climbed in as did my husband and me pulling my backpack in behind me. I slept for an hour and then listened to a book. Mom and I tried to play old maid but it’s hard with two people. We stopped to eat and are now in our room six and a half hours after beginning our trek. Not the room I thought I reserved but I don’t feel like arguing. We have to be up in less than six hours. Long day today and even longer tomorrow. But it’s okay. No it’s fantastic! Let my Spring Break begin!

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Best Day Ever #SOL March 29

Today was long. You know how it is-almost spring break and no one wants to be in school. Behaviors escalate. Tempers aren’t controlled. Friends become enemies in class just for breathing the same air. I went to a colleague and whispered, “This is the longest day EVER, until tomorrow.”

She smiled at me and I just knew she was about to agree with me because tomorrow is an early release for all of us. We get out at 1:30 and our spring break begins! Then, I noticed her smile wasn’t one of agreement or compassion; no, it was one of sadness. I know she didn’t mean it that way but it stopped me in my tracks. She opened her mouth and reminded me of a speaker we had seen at the Colorado Reading Conference two years ago. She stated, “Today is the best day ever, until tomorrow.” We heard this from Dr. Adolf Brown and it made an impact in 2016. Today, the impact was even bigger. I needed to get my attitude changed so my students’ attitudes would change. That way, we could end our week with the best day ever, until Saturday!

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

I don't like... March 28 #SOL18

Today, I was inspired by Michelle Haseltine at One Grateful Teacher to do a different kind of post for me. A list of things I don't like.

I don't like being cold. 
I don't like lies.
I don't like drama.
I don't like brussel sprouts.
I don't like putting away laundry.
I don't like teaching science.
I don't like negativity.
I don't like feeling like a failure.
I don't like when my students suffer.
I don't like when I can't help others.
I don't like crowds.
I don't like that my desk is always messy.
I don't like driving on slushy and icy roads.
I don't like hearing "I can't" and "I don't get it" before they try.
I don't like my panic attacks.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Peer Coaching Fail and Hopeful Redemption #SOL18 March 27

At a conference this past September, I attended a session on peer coaching which was really good. A colleague was with me and she started doing some right away. I was in awe of her and wanted to do it too but no opportunities presented themselves. After Christmas, I still hadn’t started but my friend was still doing it, just with a different teacher. I was jealous and wanted to but couldn’t didn’t find someone to talk with about peer coaching. On a road trip to the Colorado Reading Conference, my friend and the teacher she was peer coaching discussed it at length. Man was I green with envy and blue because I hadn’t found someone to learn from and with. I wanted to experience what my friends were experiencing. Then, they gave me an idea! Another teacher in our loop might be interested.  I had to talk with her!

When we returned, I spoke with her and was interested. I went to her room and observed her class several times. We debriefed what I noticed and she visited my room.  And then, nothing. I didn’t make the time because I was “too busy.” I failed her. I failed her students and mine. I failed myself. I didn’t even realize it until today when I was applying for a program at the University of Wyoming for coaching of preservice and early career teachers. I truly believe that we need to support each other and especially those teachers who are new to our profession. And yet, I didn’t do that for my friend and colleague. I feel awful. Tomorrow, I am going to apologize and get back on track. I hope she will accept my apology. I’m also going to pray I get into the program at UWyo so I can learn how to better help other educators. After all, I am a teacher and not just a teacher for the students in my grade book.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Snow Day! #SOL18 March 26

Since last Thursday the weather forecast for my town has been that a winter storm was going to hit Sunday night. They were predicting five to eight inches of snow. Knowing that we haven't had an accurate snow forecast in a LONG time, I tried not to get my hopes up. I really wanted a snow day, but I didn't plan on it.

Yesterday morning, it was snowing as we drove to mass but when we left there was nothing. All day it was chilly but no indication of any snow. Even when I went to bed, there was barely any snow falling.

At 5:00 this morning, my alarm went off. I turned my ringer on in hopes of the call saying we would have no school. It didn't ring. At 5:30, I crawled out of bed and into the shower. At 5:40, the phone rang to announce we didn't have school! I jumped from the shower yelling to my husband. Poor guy, he had to work. I did not! I sipped my coffee. I put on shoes and a coat and headed outside. I tramped through the snow with my camera. I took pictures and smiled in the silence surrounding me. I made cinnamon vanilla pancakes. I watched The Blind Spot. My phone rang again. My husband was being sent home. We cleaned. We did dishes. We worked on laundry. We opened our date box from UnboxLove and created a crossword of our favorite vacations. We enjoyed our time off together.

Today was just what I needed. Time alone. Time with my love. Time.







Sunday, March 25, 2018

Anticipation #SOL18 March 25

Since February of last year, my husband and I have been waiting for this coming weekend. We have a beach house rented in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for his siblings, their spouses, one of his cousins and her husband, and both of our moms. For the last month, I have been counting down the days. This week, I will be counting down the hours until we leave for the airport and then the hours until we see two very good friends of mine. I will also be counting the hours until we are at the beach house. The anticipation has given me hope through the cold, snowy winter. Now, as I look at the weather reports, though, I am not as pumped. It is supposed to rain and be dreary most of the time we are there. My eagerness to get to the beach is not as high as it once was. Don't get me wrong; I am still excited to go and be on the East Coast but I doubt I will spend much time reading in the sand.

At mass this morning, we celebrated Palm Sunday. This is Holy Week, a time to reflect and prepare for Easter. As we gathered to receive the palm branches in our parish hall, everyone was smiling and talking. I imagined that was how Jerusalem was over 2,000 years ago. Everyone was excited to be in town for Passover. Then, they saw Jesus entering on a donkey and they went crazy! I envision happy tears, maybe some cheering, and joy-filled people everywhere. They were anticipating great things. Yet, as the week progressed, that exuberance dramatically changed. On Thursday, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and held the Last Supper. Later that night, he prayed so hard that he cried tears of blood and then was arrested. On Friday, it seemed as though everyone had turned on Him. I can't even begin to imagine how Jesus was feeling. He knew it was coming. He knew his friends would leave him. The anticipation of what was coming was, well, overwhelming. He was beaten and humiliated. Yet, He stayed strong and followed God's will. After he died, he was placed in a tomb and his followers were devastated. They didn't know what was coming. Today, we anticipate Easter and are excited to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. 

Anticipation ebbs and flows. This week, my anticipation will grow as the minutes tick by. I cannot wait to spend time with friends and family! I also cannot wait to celebrate Easter. 

Saturday, March 24, 2018

And the blind shall see #SOL18 March 24

Last month, my husband and I went out of town for a night to attend a marriage enrichment with our Marriage Encounter team and our Bishop. The day we left was our World War 2 day where my teaching partners and I transformed our rooms and we dressed up. I was Rosie the Riveter and didn’t have time to change; I barely had time to pack. It wasn’t until the next morning that I realized I had left my make up at home. No biggie! I was amongst friends so I went fresh face for the day.

Last weekend, I went to see my mom. I had plenty of time to pack even though I overslept because Mom did too. I had an extra hour and watched NCIS I wasn’t worried as I grabbed my bag to drive an hour and a half to see Mom and spend the day hanging out with her laughing and shopping. As we got ready for bed, I realized I had forgotten my medicine and therefore did not sleep very well. No biggie! I drove home and then took a two and a half hour nap.

This weekend, my husband and I went to a meeting three hours away. I had packed early in the morning and double checked that I had my make up and my medication. Check and double check! Last night, we arrived at the home where we stayed and I opened my suitcase to get ready for bed. Unfortunately, my bag of bathroom items was not there. No soap. No lotion. No toothbrush. No glasses. No contacts. I can handle not having most of that but not having contacts or glasses is a big deal. My eye sight is bad, really bad. I’ve worn glasses since second grade and until four years ago, they got worse every year. My contact prescription is -8 and -8.5. I have to have help to see! The contacts I wear are dailies so I can’t wear them two days in a row. I had to do something so I slept in them hoping I’d be okay and they would work the next day too. This morning my eyes weren’t horrible but they didn’t feel good. I found some solution and rinsed them once we got to the meeting but tore my left one. I sat through breakfast and our meeting with one contact. I tried to pretend to be a pirate so I could see a little. I also sat with my eyes closed a lot. After lunch, I took out the other contact and made my husband drive home. I kept my eyes closed the entire way and even managed a couple of small naps! As soon as we got home, I ran in and found my bag with my glasses and put them on. The blind could see!

My husband told me I better make sure to have what I need for our trip next week to the Outer Banks! He wants me comfortable and able to see and enjoy spring break!

Friday, March 23, 2018

Spring Break Haiku #SOL18 March 23

Spring break jealousy
Facebook friends are sleeping in
Lucky ducks they are

Tweets all full of joy
For teachers celebrating
Naps, lunch, and more naps

Still have one more week
Trying hard just to make it
Spring break jealousy


Thursday, March 22, 2018

Writing Marathon #SOL18 March 22

Wind whistles through trees
Dogs barking down the hill
Voices chatter by the wall
Children writing all around

Laughter floats
Trucks rumble
Hair rises
Children write

Sun shining through white clouds
Water flows from melting islands
Nasty smells nearby swirl
Children writing all around

Tires squeak
Keys rattle
Rocks tumble

Children write

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Proud Teacher (#SOL18 March 21)

Some days as a teacher I get so frustrated and can't see the forest for the trees. Today, however, was not one of those days. Today was one of those, "HOLY CRAP! MY KIDS ARE EVEN MORE AMAZING THAN I EVER DREAMED!"

Let me set the scene: one of my students was diagnosed with a genetic disease that is already impacting her life. She is an amazing young lady from a strong family. I've known her and her family for eight years when I taught her oldest brother. This disease is not one I would wish upon anyone and I am sad and scared for her. I prayed long and hard that the diagnosis would be different, but for whatever reason, it wasn't. I have had several months to work through my thoughts, feelings, fears, etc. but my students have not. We had a class meeting when she was first diagnosed, but it didn't seem to stick.

Today, our school counselor came into our class and spoke with my students about what is happening with their classmate. Our counselor and my student had worked on this presentation for several weeks and my student was present for it. She helped explain things that will happen to her and let her friends know that she is still a kid and still the same person. I was so proud of her! Students asked questions and she and our counselor answered them. It was so powerful! Then, a student asked if our student council could do something in May to help raise awareness for her disease as well as to raise money to help find a cure. My teacher heart was full!

Later in the afternoon, one of the teachers in charge of our student council was in the hall. I grabbed my two student council reps and had them talk with her about what they wanted to do. Not only did they suggest having our annual Glo-Run support their classmate's disease and raise awareness, but they also asked about taking a field trip to plant flowers in a community area to show support for her and others fighting this disease. They also want to include our classmate and her mom when they plan the flowers. My teacher heart exploded!


Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Next Career #SOL18 March 20

Happy first day of Spring! My favorite season has arrived and I cannot wait for green grass and flowers and rain. The soothing sounds of birds in the trees makes me smile.

Today, I was also reminded that it seems as though some jobs don't have the same mandates teaching does. Teachers have to get their students to learn and pass tests. We are held accountable if that doesn't happen. Some teachers even get bonuses for high test scores while some can be fired for low ones. Not all jobs have that stress though. Meteorologists, in my opinion, do not. Why do I say that? Well, recess duty today explains it all!

Last night and this morning, I checked and double checked the weather report. I had to know what to wear, if I needed boots/shoes/sandals, which coat to wear, and if I had to find my gloves/hat/scarf. According the my weather app, it would be chilly but there was ZERO PERCENT chance of precipitation. I decided on pants with shoes; I also packed my gloves and put on my winter coat. I triple checked after I got dressed. Still no chance of precipitation. I smiled and then looked outside. SNOW! On the ground! I went to start my car so it would be warm on my drive to school-a whole block away! Before going to recess duty at 8:25, I checked the weather app and it said it was mostly cloudy and 30 degrees. I grabbed my gloves just in case along with my sunglasses and went to duty. IT WAS SNOWING! Like full on, pouring down snow. I pulled my hood up and shoved my hands into my gloves as I went into the white wasteland of our playground. Students were as shocked as me! Especially as we looked up and saw bright blue sky! There were dark clouds north and east of us; the snow was falling at an angle from the north and west. We decided a wind was carrying it from the northern clouds. I checked my app again only to read that it was mostly cloudy and still a ZERO PERCENT chance of snow. In about ten minutes, the snow ended and we just enjoyed the white covered icy blacktop for a couple more minutes before starting our day of learning.

Maybe I should teach more about the weather. Or just become a meteorologist for my next career! Less stress, even if you are completely wrong in your forecast!

There is snow falling in this picture but my camera didn't catch the flakes.


Fun making pictures in the snow. Can you see the person students stamped out in the bottom one?

Monday, March 19, 2018

Boxed Meals #SOL18 March 19

I love to eat. I mean, I REALLY love to eat. I am also quite picky. I don't like my foods to touch. Except for certain foods that can touch: meat and potatoes can but no other veggies can touch the meat, Chinese food can touch, gravy can't touch anything besides meat and potatoes. I even have divided plates so I can keep food from touching! I will prop up parts of my plate so sauces don't go where they are not supposed to be. I also have texture issues. I can eat mushrooms; I prefer them cooked. But, I cannot stand tomatoes; I even pick out chunks from spaghetti sauce, chili, and salsa. I also don't eat raw onions. I have come a long way in the last nine years. I will try new foods and have let some foods touch even if they aren't supposed to even come close to touching.

Why do I tell you this? Well, tonight I made dinner and only ate part of it because of the weird flavor and texture of one of the ingredients: chayote squash.

Why did I even make something with that ingredient? Well, my husband and I subscribe to Home Chef which is a meal prep service. We get three to four meals for two people every Wednesday. We love it because of the variety of choices and the high quality of ingredients. We select our meals in advance and then are surprised when we get them because we forget what we chose a month ago.

Tonight, I made chili-lime salmon with roasted chayote squash. The salmon was amazing! Salty and cooked to perfection with a lime-garlic sauce. So good! However, the squash was just weird. No flavor except for a kind of a dirt taste. I followed the directions and baked it after tossing the slices of squash with onion, salt, pepper, and olive oil. When it came out thirty-five minutes later, I added the cilantro and cotija cheese to it. It looked so pretty! (I should have taken pictures!) But, taking the first bite of the veggies made me want to spit it out. I tried again after finishing the salmon and adding some of the lime-garlic sauce to the squash and several onion slices. Nope. Nothing helped. I just ate the onions and cheese sprinkles. Luckily, that and the salmon filled me. For now.

Will I keep using Home Chef? Heck ya! It's so nice to not have to go to the grocery store except for breakfast and lunch items. Plus, everything is included except for salt, pepper, olive oil, and water. Even the spices are measured out! I've tried lots of new dishes and we have even remade some meals. And, honestly, it's so much easier than trying to get a meal ready at the end of the day. Just grab the meat/seafood/chicken/pork/turkey and the bag with all of the other ingredients. Read and follow the instructions on the card. Voila! Dinner is ready! Even me, the picky eater, enjoys 97% of the meals and wish there were leftovers!

Sunday, March 18, 2018

6 Word #SOL18 March 18

Today's post is just 6 words based on my day yesterday.

Background: My mom lives an hour and a half from me but we don't spend time together like we should during the school year. Also, over my spring break, my husband and his 5 siblings along with the six spouses, a cousin and her husband, his mom, and my mom are going to Nags Head, NC to spend time together in a fancy beach house. As I watch the snow fall today, I cannot wait to go--even if it's cold there; at least there won't be snow!

Also, this picture was taken before my purple hair.


Mom and me
Spring break shopping

Friday, March 16, 2018

Haircuts=Relaxation #SOL18 March 17

Yesterday's post was deep so today I am going lighter.

I had a hair appointment after school on Friday. I absolutely LOVE getting my hair done. My stylist is a friend so we chat and it takes longer than most appointments. But it is so worth it!

I never leave the chair the same. Some days, we cut off several inches. Other days, we go blond or back to dark brown or red. My eyebrows always look better when I leave!

Having someone else brush and comb my hair is great, but my favorite part is having my hair washed. It relaxes me so much that sometimes I feel like I have dozed off. It's a mini-massage!

Today's trip to the salon was no different except that I needed this more than ever. I was so looking forward to my scalp massage after a long week. My stylist did not disappoint! I came away relaxed and ready for the weekend. I also came away with purple hair! Not all over, just enough.

Best Part of Teaching #SOL18 March 16

Many people have asked me, "What is the best part of teaching?" For the longest time, I gave the answer, "Seeing the lightbulb go off when students figure something out." That moment is really great. I mean, after working hard for several days, watching a student realize that they understand a tough concept like area of irregular polygons or hearing them fluently read a book that a month ago was challenging or read a poem they wrote is pretty exciting. I also smile and feel my heart beat when I see students stand up to bullies or sit next to someone who is frequently alone. Those moments are huge and I love watching them. But, teaching to me is so much more. It always has been but after over seventeen years in various classrooms of various grade levels and abilities, I finally can put into words my true favorite part of teaching. It's actually just one word: Relationships.

Today, that really hit me. My co-worker and I organized a guest speaker, Sam Mihara, to come to our corner of Wyoming and speak at several different venues to teach about life at Heart Mountain Internment Camp during WW2. While we were at the high school where two of his speeches were held, I saw several former students. One is now a senior, so I asked if he would be graduating in May. He smiled and said he would. I told him I better be invited. He replied, "Oh, you will be! I will hand deliver that invitation to you at your school. You have to be there, Miss Schwartz!" I smiled as he walked away, and a feeling of peace and gratitude washed over me. I've known that young man for over six years--before I was married--and he still remembers me. I also taught one of his younger sisters. That family touched my heart.

I also saw three other former students and they all grinned and said hi to me. A student I didn't have but did teach her brother gave me a big hug. Why would high school freshmen greet and hug a former elementary teacher with such enthusiasm? Because we had a relationship. They are imprinted on my heart and I hope I am on theirs.

Last week, I was blessed to watch another former student sign to play college soccer. He, his mom, and his dad were happy to see me. I cried when he signed, but it was a proud teacher cry. When his mom asked for a picture with him and another of his elementary teachers, how could I say no?

On the way in to that same event, another student I had over two years ago saw me and ran up for a huge hug.  I had taught her and her younger sister each for two years and since the little sister wasn't there, we took a selfie and sent it to her. (She wasn't very happy with her sister!) Their mom also hugged me. We talked and laughed. Why? Again, we built a relationship over four years and continue it to this day.

Is this a recent "thing" that started when all of our fifth and sixth grade classes started looping? No, not at all. I've built relationships with students and families for years. I attended the graduation of two former students whom I had taught for four years in a self-contained special education classroom. Several students from my first class ever are friends with me on Facebook and I am able to see how they are doing.

Why do I take the time to build relationships with my students and their families? It's easy! I love my students; they are my kids from the time they are in my classroom until, well, I don't know when they still stop being my kids. See, I believe that students are more than test scores. I believe students have lives outside of our classroom walls. I believe that students are people. I believe I need to know my students on a different level than just a student; I need to know what makes them who they are. I believe that parents, families, and teachers need to work together to help children grow and become the most successful versions of themselves as possible. When I taught in special education classrooms, I believed those students were more than their disability. They were smart and funny and taught me more than I ever taught them. They helped me through a very difficult time because of their compassion and kindness. Without the relationships of my students and their families, I would not be the teacher, the friend, the wife, the daughter, the aunt, the sister, the person I am today.

So, the next time someone asks me, "What is the best part of teaching?" I am going to smile wide and tell them, "Relationships."

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Let's Party #SOL18 March 15

On the first day of March, another Slicer (@Teachr4) posted a party invitation and today I am accepting her invitation! I just don't have any good ideas in my head tonight.

For her party, she invited everyone but there is a catch: You have to bring five items with you-favorite book, favorite person, favorite food/beverage, favorite song, and a surprise.

Favorite Book: Too many to choose from! My all-time favorite book from fourth grade until the summer of 2017 had been From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. However, this summer, I read Swing Sideways by Nancy Turner Steveson and it is now my favorite. So touching and funny and just amazing!

Favorite Person: My husband! He makes me laugh and smile and has made me a better person. He is a great cook and is much more adventurous and fun than I am. He is also quite handsome!

Favorite Food/Beverage:  Popcorn and wine. The popcorn has to be what my mom makes because it is so good! She uses an old pressure cooker, melts Crisco, and then pops the popcorn. She also adds melted butter to the popcorn and some salt. It is delicious! The wine can be anything. I'm not that picky. Good wine is good wine!

Favorite Song: I don't know if I have a favorite song. One that always makes me smile and sing is "You're the One That I Want" by John Travolta and Olive Newton John. Grease is one of my favorite moves and that song just makes me happy!

Surprise: Cameras! I love taking pictures! Having snapshots to use for memories and to use for writing ideas would be great.

Thanks, @Teachr4 for this fun idea!

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Grateful Slice #SOL18 March 14

Today was the third Match day I’ve had this week. My students interrupted me 38 times in 20 minutes; I know because I made tally marks each time. One even made fun of me for making a mistake; that did not go over well! This afternoon, we role played how it looked and sounded when I was teaching and they were acting up. We followed up with a discussion that led nowhere. The students who misbehaved just blamed everyone else for their behaviors. In the end, I decided to have a new seating chart. It will be interesting as I put all the talkers together in one area.

After school, I had a meeting to discuss a delicate student issue. I cried multiple times because there isn’t more I can do except love and pray.

It was a rough day! To help me get through, I decided to write this and include a gratitude list in hopes I can let go of the stress and focus on the positives.


  1. My husband: He loves me no matter what. He also gives great hugs and makes me laugh. 
  2. My cat: He sits in my lap and gives me that pressure like a weighted blanket which calms me. 
  3. My dog: She is crazy and encourages me to play with her which makes me smile. 
  4. Students who give me hugs
  5. Students who ask for help and then listen
  6. Retweets and replies on Twitter
  7. Connecting with former colleagues and getting support from them!
  8. Sunshine
  9. Music
  10. Not having cable or satellite television 
  11. Quiet moments
  12. Having dinner made for me when I get home
  13. Colleagues who are friends
  14. Laughter
  15. Freedom
  16. Pie in Pu Day
  17. Coffee
  18. Wine
  19. Books
  20. Love
  21. Family
  22. Popcorn
  23. Chocolate
  24. Chips and salsa
  25. Traveling 
  26. Writing
What would you add? How do you cope with stress as a teacher?

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Table #SOL18 March 13

Stagger to room with backpack, 2 water bottles, coffee cup, and lunchbox
Manage to find keys while balancing said items
Lights brighten room
Table is cluttered 
Manage to find a spot for coffee.
Drop the rest on the floor.
Clean off table

Grade math papers and enter into grade book.
Look for lesson plan book that I just had!
Realize I need the papers for word study.
Organize for the day by cleaning desk again

Students enter.
Nurse forms, registration forms, notes go onto my desk.
Take attendance
Escort students to specials
Return to room
Clean off table again

Math lesson
Meet with students
Can't find my pencil
Need to clean my table

Lunch time!
Where is my water?
Phone rings
I need those forms
Look at my table
Clean it again

Literacy begins
Time to confer
Where is my table?
Forget the computer; sticky notes will work
Library time for students
Clean my table?
Nope. Not again.

Monday, March 12, 2018

True or False #SOL18 March 12

Today, I am copying a student's idea for his slice. His was hilarious! He included one about kissing a girl and my class of sixth graders were not having it! Thankfully, it was when he was in kindergarten. I already told him I was copying his idea.

True or False
I have lived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

True or False
I believe prayers do get answered.

True or False
My favorite beverages are coffee, wine, and water.

True or False
I am very protective of my students.

True or False
I have a master's degree in special education from the University of New Mexico.

True or False
I attended school on the Crow Indian Reservation.

True or False
I still am in contact with some of my students from the first class I taught 19 years ago.

True or False
I have lived in 5 states.

True or False
I am addicted to Amazon and Netflix.

True or False
I am a divemaster but haven't been SCUBA diving since 2000.

True or False
I am an introvert.

True or False
I was a complete and total fangirl when I met Stacey Shubitz, Aimee Buckner, Jeff Anderson, Meenoo Rami, Kylene Beers, and Bob Probst in February.

True or False
When I fangirled Meenoo Rami, Pernille Ripp was with her and I didn't even realize it until hours later and then it was too late to apologize.

Drumroll please!

All of those are completely TRUE!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Staring #SOL2018 March 11

Go ahead. Keep staring at me. I'm not moving. I can sit here all day. You have to make me move. I won't do it without you. I honestly don't have a problem being on the couch for days on end. It doesn't bother me at all.

I mean, really! Before this, I was nice and warm and surrounded by friends. And that was after you tried to drown me! Soap in my eyes and constant spinning. Even before that, I was on the floor where you left me after getting home. You wanted something better than me; something softer and less confining. I made you look good that day and you just dropped me like I was nothing.

Well, what goes around comes around, lady! I am just going to annoy you by taking up space on your comfortable couch. Until you decide to put me where I belong, I will be here watching you stare at me. I mean, I can't put myself on the hanger and then hang myself in the closet. I can't fold all my family around me. So I will be here staring right back at you until you get up and do something about me. 

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Saturday for me #SOL2018 March 10





Sitting on my couch and all I can hear are the wind chimes we bought in Jamaica on our honeymoon nearly 4 years ago and our year old puppy snoring slightly. Wearing sweats and sipping coffee are how I choose to spend my day today. I just want to spend time in the quiet so the tv is off, no music comes from Alexa, and my husband is gone for awhile. I am alone with my thoughts.

Outside it is snowing sideways again. Such a change from yesterday's 55 degree high. I look around and see piles of laundry to wash and fold (I wish clothes folded themselves), piles of jewelry to put away (I take off my pretties when I cook), and piles of writing assessments to score (I wish we didn't have to rate student writing). I know I can't sit and no nothing all day, but it sure would be nice. For now, though, I will relish the silence around me, sip my coffee, and pretend the wind I hear and white I see are ocean breezes and sandy beaches.

Friday, March 9, 2018

Celebration, Devastation, and Acceptance #SOL2018 March 9

Yesterday my first guest blog post was published and I wrapped up my first writing class as the only teacher for a group of educators in my district. Then, I witnessed a former student sign for our local community college to play soccer. I was on a high!

This morning, I opened my email and my high crashed down on top of me. The leader of our local Writing Project emailed to say that because of funding issues, we would not have our summer leadership institute. National Writing Project had their funding slashed which means grant funds don't exist. State help isn't possible because of budget cuts here too. I was shocked. I had to reread the email. I was sure I had read it wrong. Nope. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I couldn't move. All I could do was stare at my phone as tears pinged off the screen like spring rain drops. Big, fat, never ending. No rainbow at the end of that shower though.

I told my husband. I texted my mom and a friend. They all know how much Writing Project has changed me as a teacher, a friend, a wife, and a writer. They know how much I adore the people in our Writing Project and how much they have supported, challenged, and taught me. They tried to console me; I wasn't ready to be consoled. They tried to make me smile; I didn't want to smile. They told me I would be alright; I didn't know how that would be possible.

All day, I contemplated why this was happening, how to feel, what to do. Writing Project became my second family. Why would the government not fund it? Why isn't everyone as excited about writing as I am? How can I get them to be? I was so sad this morning. By lunch, I was better but still so uncertain. Now, I have accepted it. I reread the email again and saw that there may be a retreat for  teacher consultants. That gives me hope. I also accepted that this may be God's way of helping me to slow down this summer. I will keep writing. I will go on solo writing marathons around my town. I will write in my backyard. I will go camping alone and spend time writing in the mountains. I will work on a new research project on my own. I will share what I learn with my colleagues and my writing tribe. I will be okay, not the same, but okay.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Reflective #SOL2018 March 8


This morning, I woke up pumped to get online. My first ever guest blog post went live at 4:00 MST. It’s not my first blog post, but since I have exactly zero followers, I knew that this post would be more popular than my own. Imagine my excitement as I opened Facebook and Twitter and saw links to it! My heart raced. My hands shook. I clicked on it. There was my name in black and white! I admit, I teared up. Then, I saw that someone had already commented on it! Wow! I felt famous! I returned to Twitter and saw that I had several notifications. My writing tribe was already retweeting the tweet for my guest post. More tears! My smile spread across my face and made my eyes scrunch up until they were slits of light.

Why this excitement? Well, a year ago, there is no way I would have been brave enough to fill out a questionair to be a guest blogger. I wasn’t a writer. I didn’t have anything anyone would want to read so why waste my time. Now, I love to write. I love to blog. I love to share my new found passion. I love to teach teachers and encourage them to become teacher writers with me.

Today is also bittersweet. Six weeks ago, I started teaching a class for people in my school district called “Teacher Writers in a Workshop Model.” Tonight is the last class. I was so nervous to teach teachers at first. Now, I feed off of their energy and I am already thinking about a different class to teach. The teachers seem to be enjoying the class and I am sad to see it end. So, what am I going to do now? I have no idea and I am okay with that!

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Considerations (#SOL2018 March 7)

As an educator, I have many hats to wear, but I also have decisions to make on
a second by second basis. Many of those decisions require me to consider what
will happen because of my choices. I can handle those. After all, those are based
on what I decide. However, my decisions also need to be based on considerations
of students.
  • Did they get breakfast? Was it healthy? Was it enough?
  • Did they have water and heat at home today? Last night? All week?
  • Do they have clean clothes?
  • Do they have someone to teach them about hygeine? Do they have what they need to get and stay clean?
  • Was Dad home last night? Was Mom? Is there a mom or dad in the picture?
  • Why was that parent in jail? When will they get out?
  • Are the doctors helping? 
  • Will the treatment work?
  • With her diagnosis, how long does she have left?
  • Will his parents stay together?
  • How long does his brother have before leaving for the military?
  • Were the cops called last night again?
  • Whose house was she at last night?


If I don’t take those questions and more into consideration, my decisions will be
meaningless. My students won’t learn because they aren’t ready to learn. They
can’t focus on academics when their lives are in chaos. Every day, each and
every moment, I have to keep my kids and their needs ahead of the curriculum.
My job is to teach my students and some days, that means throwing the lesson
plans out the window and doing something fun or reflective or even just talking
and laughing for awhile. Knowing my students and taking time to consider all
aspects of them makes my decisions the most important ones I make each
and every day.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Incredulous (#SOL March 6, 2018)

Innovative student
Needed excuses to
Cover up
Real reason
Each assignment would not be
Done tomorrow
Until
Looking at the calendar
Only to see
 Understanding dawn that
Saturday was next

Monday, March 5, 2018

High Wind=Power Outage (#SOL2018 day 5)

The wind is howling today. Gusts well over 40mph and sustained winds over 25. We have no windows in our classroom but we can hear the creaking of the skylight when we return from lunch. We work on vocabulary and then read to ourselves. Lights flicker. A couple kids whimper but it’s no big deal. Then, the lights go out. As in total darkness.  Our emergency light comes on and I search for a flashlight. The first one, of course, is dead. I grab another one and instead of students typing their SOL, I grab The Perfect Score and we have extra read aloud time. Reading by flashlight is not easy! Thirty minutes later and still no power. It’s also getting a little chilly. Our STEM lab has windows nearby so we head there, taking our writing with us. SOL posts will have to wait. Students found spots where they can write. I monitor and help as needed.  We are off task but when several classrooms are lining the hallways, what else can be expected? Over 30 more minutes and still no lights. Back to the classroom where we work by the light of iPads. Our emergency light has gone out now too. All after school events are cancelled and teachers are told we can leave when our students are gone. Yippee! Then, 5 minutes before the end of day bell, the lights come on and the heat kicks in. Guess who didn’t get to leave with her kids?

Who am I? (#SOL2018 day 4--late again)

Idea taken from a fellow Slicer and modified for me today

Love it...

Spending time doing absolutely nothing or absolutely everything with my husband

The smell of the mountains in the summer

The sight of our dog and cat learning that the other is not the enemy

Watching the excitement of my students as they read and write something they truly enjoy

Loathe it...

Weather that delays Amazon shipments of new books for me and for my classroom

Not having enough coffee to make it through the day

Figuring out what to have for meals when nothing sounds good

The sound of whining from anyone who isn't trying

Sunday, March 4, 2018

The Cat Life (a day late for #SOL2018 day 3)

The other day as I was at home trying to heal from a virus and sinus infection, I attempted to sleep on my couch. My cat was just coming up the stairs. Eyes wide and tail bushed. He looked in a panic. He flew by me and jumped to his window seat where he promptly began meowing loudly and pawing at the window. He stopped suddenly and raced back downstairs. I could hear him meowing down there as well. As I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest, I did not investigate. However, when he jumped on my head awhile later, I did poke my head up far enough to see outside. He was watching a bird who was hanging out in our backyard. Apparently, I was a scary sight because the bird took off and my cat calmed down. I hunkered down into my blankets again and fell asleep. Some time later, I could feel something on my chest. The cat. He was kneading the blanket and it did not feel good as I coughed and hacked up a lung. He jumped down and I slept again. When I awoke and got up, I almost tripped on the cat who was sleeping in the sunshine on the floor. He was not happy I had stepped on his tail. I was not happy that he had such a fabulous life.

Friday, March 2, 2018

I Need Sleep (#SOL2018 Day 2)

Staring into the dark
Flat on my back
Can’t sleep
100, 99, 98, 97
DISHES!
Not washed
Should I get up?
No, I need sleep

100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95
MEETING!
I have one in the morning
Paperwork not done
Do I go do it?
No, I need sleep.

Counting isn’t working.
Pray
I believe in God, the Father Almighty
Creator of Heaven...
PACKING!
I didn’t pack!
I can’t do it now.
Bill would wake up.
And, I need sleep.

Where was I?
Hail Mary, full of grace.
The Lord is with…
How is Bill sleeping?
Why is he snoring in my ear?
Maybe I should go to the couch.
It’s not comfortable.
I need my sleep.

Count again.
100, 99, 98, 97, 96
Dr. Seuss! Tomorrow!
Nothing is ready.
Where is the book I am to read?
What time does it all start?
How am I supposed to be ready?
I should just get up.
No, I need my sleep.

But it’s so hot in here.
Leg out of the covers
Now I’m freezing.
Pull in my leg.
Count again.
100, 99, 98,

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!
Wait, I slept?


Thursday, March 1, 2018

Sick: Again (#SOL2018)

The walk in clinic. Not my favorite place to be but when the school nurse tells you to see a doctor as soon as possible, that’s where you go.

I signed in and put on a mask since I had flu-like symptoms. Whatever. I didn’t care. I just felt like garbage that had been run over a million times. Itchy eyes. Sneezing. Headache. I just wanted to feel better.

Amazingly, I only sat for five minutes before the nurse called for me. Vitals taken and explained my symptoms again. I could tell she didn’t believe me when I said I’d had a fever for four days and I knew because of sweating through my clothes at night even though I don’t own a thermometer. She just smiled that knowing smile that told me she thought I was making it all up. Before she left, I coughed at her for that one!

Another miracle: the nurse practitioner arrived after another five minutes! She asked about my symptoms, again! Really! Can she not read my chart? She also asks about my fever to which I explained AGAIN that I don’t own a thermometer but I know I had a fever because of the wet clothing and sheets nightly for the last four days. Then she listened to my chest and proceeded to tell me that I may have the flu but she doubted it. She did order the flu test anyway but was positive it was just a virus. After all, she knows more about medicine than I do about my own body and conditions. I mean, she only was in the room for less than five minutes.

The smiley nurse came in and shoved a cotton swab through my nose to my brain. WOW! I sneezed. I cried. Awful! Nurse Happy told me I could wait an hour or just go home to wait for my results. I went home.

Less than an hour later, I heard the smiling voice through my phone, “No flu; just a virus. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for pain, drink lots of fluids, and rest for a few days.”  Sure as a teacher, rest comes so easily! Plus, I wasn’t in pain so what would those pills do?

Lesson learned: Over $300 bill came just for a visit that was completely unnecessary. No more trips to the walk in for me: I was back at my doctor’s office six days later and I did have a sinus infection that was not diagnosed at the walk in clinic. Never again!