After a week in Kauai, Hawaii I returned to a full mailbox. I have been tirelessly working on finishing my final classes and turning in my master’s project in order to fulfill my summer goal of finishing my master’s degree. Without complaining, I will say that I did everything I could in order to achieve my goal. On the day before I went back to school I sent in my master’s project to my teacher. My teacher, through this whole process, has been very obviously knowledgeable but perhaps less than available. She constantly confused me with other students and lucky for me I was on top of things and worked very hard to make sure that I took care of my own ‘stuff’. After I sent in my final draft I heard back that I went too far in making my project a bounded book and should have just printed a sloppy copy to be approved. Oh well… a month later I received my bounded copy returned in the mail with the two signatures stating that my project has been approved. I won’t complain, but I will state that I would be COMPLETELY done with classes if National would have enrolled me in my final class in August. Oh well! I am finishing up my last two classes simultaneously and I will be done officially on September 26. Let it be stated here first, I will NEVER be a student again!!

Moral of the Blog from the perspective of a student: While I have hated my role as a student I have learned so much and will hopefully implement what I have learned to the nth degree!!

It’s almost time to hop aboard an airplane (still not sure which airline) and head out to celebrate my brother’s wedding. Scotty and I have spent the past week frantically trying to get things in order at work and for school so that we can just relax in Hawaii. Yeah, it’s a tough life! For me, school just started and I hit the ground running! I had to plan for a sub for a week, which unfortunately is the first week that all of my kids will be coming to see me. It was hard to plan for kids I have not establish routines for nor used the curriculum with. UGH! Scotty is working tirelessly on a new project that will eventually really help the government make money, but in the mean time he is bombarded with issues as it just became available for the employees this week.

Now that work is behind us, it’s time to start thinking about getting the dogs ready (ready for the babysitter) and getting our things ready for this trip. We figure we’ll run errands tomorrow- get some wedding attire perhaps?! We also have a wedding to go to that is out of town tomorrow afternoon. Should be an interesting adventure to see if we can get everything done (with perfection, as I prefer!) in time!!

Cheers!
PS Moral of the Blog- Is there ever enough hours in the day to get everything done and still have time for a glass of wine (or cocktail) at the end of the day?

Getting a new look is something fun for any girl. Scotty gave me strict directions this morning as I headed to our joint hair stylist. He said I needed to go short and needed to stay blond. I think, judging by the pic, I managed to follow both directions well. While in the chair for 4+ hours I sweated profusely and had slight tummy issues, but I think it came out well. I have never rocked the short hair, probably because I equate short hair with being a mom, but now-a-days there are some pretty cute short hair styles out there. I have to say, without my husband’s inner-voice I might not have gone as short or as ‘bold’ as I did– if you can even call it bold. Either way, I LOVE my new cut and can freely admit…. my husband knows best!!

Moral of the Blog- step out of your shell, even if it’s uncomfortable… it just might be worth it!

-Tiff

If Kooper were a real child he would be described as follows:
Kooper just began his first day in fourth grade. I bought him a brand new space trapper-keeper, a pack of #2 pencils, colored pencils, pack of lined paper, and a spiral notebook for each subject. Because he has so many school materials he has a rolling backpack (with light up wheels) to avoid any unnecessary back strain. He is a little overweight and the doctor has requested that any undo strain be avoided- it’s OK there is a note on file in the office! I packed him a lunch today and snack and enclosed a loving note- which he shared with his class. As a student, he turns in his homework every morning, although sometimes it is smooshed at the bottom of his backpack. He is a solid C- students and prefers to spend recess in the classroom helping the teacher. While his intentions are sweet, he often creates more work for the teacher because he puts everything in the wrong place. He asks that I drop him off 10 minutes early so he can go to the Library and help the Librarian. I pick him up right on time. In fact I get to school 10 minutes early so I can get a parking spot right in front so he doesn’t get scared and think I forgot him. My dear boy… a ladies man!

If Jinx were a real child she could be described as follows:
Jinx is a freshman in high school and wears leather on some part of her body every day. She has her nose pierced and will often connect the chain to her earring. She hangs out with the off-beats and often has a bad attitude. She seems to dislike mom but when dad comes home from work she always manages a smile… much more in fact. She loves to sit next to him on his small couch and fetch him his nightly glass of wine. She text messages her friends and usually is arranging for her brother, Kooper, to be beat up the next day. She never does her homework, which is the only blemish in her academics. She is a solid A student who does not like to answer to The Man. Daddy’s girl..

These personas have adapted through the years as my children have gotten older… not much has changed except the grade they are in… Love being Mom!

Well this has been my official first week back at work and geesh I am pooped! I am thankful for my ease back into work with a workshop on my official first day back to work- a Friday! This week my aide and I have been working to organize our already organized classroom and basically just figured out what we are going to do for the year. Every year at this time I feel so amped and ready to go! I am so motivated, so optimistic, and so energetic to face the year. This year, however, I am going into the year with too many students on my caseload. To simply explain it, every RS teacher (me) is not supposed to have more than 28 students with learning disabilities assigned to them. I understand and agree with this because of all of the paper work and meetings we have to hold within strict time lines. I am beginning this year with 30 students on my caseload. Every year we find students with disabilities and add to the number. With the budget cut so tight I don’t foresee me getting any extra help from the district. I guess I should just be thankful that I have a job and I am young enough to deal with the extra stress. With only one class left until I am officially finished with my masters, I can only hope that September comes and goes quickly… then all my time can be devoted to teaching.. my job!

Moral of the blog- even if you are over stretched, overwhelmed, and possibly under appreciated… be happy you have a job/career (and your health) in this tough economy…. :o)