Well, I haven't calculated but I'm pretty sure it's been months since I've updated! The reason has not been for lack of things to write about (quite the opposite) but I've actually had a lack of time to concentrate on putting my thoughts together. Here are my latest updates...
1. I'll start with the most negative (as everything else is good and I like hearing bad first so the good is even better). Work is work. I love teaching and I love my students but work is so stressful this year, it's almost unbearable. I have had to really think about my priorities as a teacher and my goals. Those have become my focus so that I don't spend ALL of my time working. I want to still love my job weeks, months and years from now. While it may be tough, my kids make it worth it. I love the days when we laugh and have fun in my classroom while learning something too. They really bring me so much joy and I go to sleep exhausted every night but knowing I get to love up on some struggling kids every day. God wanted me to understand that and it has taken some time for me to appreciate it, but through His patience, I have.
Now, the really good stuff...
2. I am one week and one day away from completing my first semester as a doctoral student. Hell, yes! I love it more than ever and have learned quite a bit this semester about the entire process of getting a PhD. I also feel like I've improved on my writing abilities. In the Spring I will be taking another 6 hours, beginning my statistics course sequence and conducting my own study with a classmate. Life is good and education is great. I'm so happy to be chasing my biggest dream and seeing it come alive every day.
3. I've taken on two extra jobs this semester that I really enjoy. One is tutoring local college students and grade school kids. Mostly I tutor in reading and writing but have been asked to help with some other subjects as well. I really love working with kids one-on-one and getting complete autonomy over what we do. It is so encouraging and satisfying, plus the extra cash is nice. The other job (although I haven't charged for this yet) is editing for friends and family. It started by a few friends asking me to edit important things for grammar and has just expanded. I enjoy helping others, and am a grammar Nazi so it's fitting. :)
4. Yes, I love school and yes, sometimes it makes me crazy and yes, I am getting a PhD...but, now, I'm also getting a second masters too! (This one is just for fun and yes, I am someone who uses the phrase "just for fun" to describe school.) I am getting a Master of Arts in English online from a reputable university. I have always been very interested in English (which is why it is my undergraduate degree) and wanted to further this love while pursuing my PhD. This will be something I do on the side that will not hinder my PhD but add to my understanding of what I teach and why I love literature, writing and grammar so much. Additionally, I feel this will aid in my future career endeavors by making me more marketable and competitive when I graduate.
5. Despite the craziness surrounding me, I have once again been reunited with my love for reading. Over the years, I have come to realize that if I do not read for fun, I am miserable and a not as nice of a person. I love reading and it is a way to unwind and relax for me. I have re-established my habit of reading every night before bed (which is so convenient with my ipad). Here is a list of my reads for this semester.
- the Nora Roberts MacKade series
- the Lisa Klepas Wallflower series
- the Twilight Saga (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn)
- The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
and now I am reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
6. Another hobby I have become interested in again is running. I got out of it for a long time and have the extra weight gain to prove it. Now, I am determined to lose those extra pounds and running is the only way I can do that consistently. Sometimes, I run outside to enjoy the fresh air, but a lot of the time, I run on the treadmill for convenience. Plus, on the treadmill, I can read on my ipad while I run and then I don't even realize how long I run for. Double win.
7. My house again is finally coming together. I'm still convinced that decorating and putting together a complete house is something that is never finished. I just purchased my brand new bedroom (for the master) and my old room is moving to the guest room. It's definitely getting there and now, when I have guests, they have a place to sleep besides couches and the floor. :) I still have some work to do on my office/study and now, I want to repaint my bedroom but I'll wait until summer for that.
8. The best thing of all, my family, my friends and Jack are doing well and prospering. My family is still very supportive of all of my crazy endeavors and they try to help me in any way they can. They are all healthy and doing well. I can't ask for more than that. My friends are also supportive and helpful and have made life so much more fun, especially when I am stressed. I know I can count on them with a phone call, dinner or a movie to make things better. Jack, my sweet boy, is also doing great. Begging for food, petting and walks constantly but always ready with kisses and snuggling. He's really a great dog and the best little companion to have around.
Well, this is long enough and that's a lot of updating, so I'll leave it at that. I'm happy, blessed and prospering forward towards my dreams! Can't ask for a sweeter life than that.
-Tracey
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Year 2 Updates!
Well, I have good news and more good news.
As anyone who read my blog from last year knows, last year was pretty terrible. It was hard, stressful and I felt like I was drowning all the time. I never felt at ease or really enjoyed what I was doing. This year, I can already say, is 1000 times better than last year. I enjoy my students much more as well as the content I am teaching. I actually feel like I am teaching and the kiddos are learning. I don't feel too bogged down and I enjoy going to work.
Now, I don't feel completely at ease because teaching is a stressful, all-encompassing, time-consuming job. However, I have made a few rules with myself that make things much easier. (Let's call it prioritizing.) Last year, my biggest complaint was that I didn't have time to do the things I enjoyed most. My changes for this year allow me to have a life outside of work.
1. I am only allowing myself to work on school stuff for a few hours each night after work. If it doesn't get done, life will go on...and I won't be upset.
2. I HAVE to work out during the week. I run/walk in the mornings on the treadmill and go to the Rec at night.
3. I have to read at least 3 novels each month for fun.
4. I have to work on PhD stuff most nights. (This is my favorite because that is what I enjoy most!)
5. I have to plan at least 3 nights to spend time with friends or family.
6. I am not allowed to eat out during the week (unless it is with a friend).
The point of this list is to maintain my sanity. To understand that work should not take up ALL of my time and that the things I value outside of work are equally important. So far, I feel less stressed and so much happier than last year. I am eager to see how the year progresses and learn more about what I can do to enjoy my time as a teacher. :)
-Tracey
As anyone who read my blog from last year knows, last year was pretty terrible. It was hard, stressful and I felt like I was drowning all the time. I never felt at ease or really enjoyed what I was doing. This year, I can already say, is 1000 times better than last year. I enjoy my students much more as well as the content I am teaching. I actually feel like I am teaching and the kiddos are learning. I don't feel too bogged down and I enjoy going to work.
Now, I don't feel completely at ease because teaching is a stressful, all-encompassing, time-consuming job. However, I have made a few rules with myself that make things much easier. (Let's call it prioritizing.) Last year, my biggest complaint was that I didn't have time to do the things I enjoyed most. My changes for this year allow me to have a life outside of work.
1. I am only allowing myself to work on school stuff for a few hours each night after work. If it doesn't get done, life will go on...and I won't be upset.
2. I HAVE to work out during the week. I run/walk in the mornings on the treadmill and go to the Rec at night.
3. I have to read at least 3 novels each month for fun.
4. I have to work on PhD stuff most nights. (This is my favorite because that is what I enjoy most!)
5. I have to plan at least 3 nights to spend time with friends or family.
6. I am not allowed to eat out during the week (unless it is with a friend).
The point of this list is to maintain my sanity. To understand that work should not take up ALL of my time and that the things I value outside of work are equally important. So far, I feel less stressed and so much happier than last year. I am eager to see how the year progresses and learn more about what I can do to enjoy my time as a teacher. :)
-Tracey
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Here We Go Again...Year 2!
Well, tomorrow I begin my 2nd year as a Middle School Language Arts teacher! I have to say, last year, I was just excited...this year, I feel excited, nervous and a little overwhelmed! Haha. There are a lot of changes happening at my school and in my life this year, so it will definitely be an adventure.
This year, I will be teaching 8th grade (so excited!) and I get to teach Pre-AP (my level of kids) and the special education inclusion class. I am so excited to practice what I have been learning in grad school while fine-tuning my skills as a teacher of high achieving students and students with learning disabilities. It's going to be great! I am also one of the cheerleading coaches at school (oh Lord!). So far, it is pretty neat...although people at my school find it hard to believe I was a cheerleader. (Is it really not obvious? haha)
Last year, I also finished my master's degree (WH11P!) and will be starting my PhD (double WH14P!) this month. This is what I have been working towards my entire life so I am beyond excited for it! I will only be taking 6 hours this Fall, and decided not to begin statistics, so that I will maintain my sanity. ;) (And, I'm counting down the days to 2014!)
Other than the above, I plan to get in better shape this year. My parents, generously, gave me their old treadmill, so I plan to run on it in the mornings to build up my mileage for the half-marathon I'm running in December. In addition to that, I plan to take advantage of the group classes at the rec most nights during the week. Hopefully through these endeavors, I will tone up, lose weight, be able to run my marathon and feel better all around.
I also plan to continue working on my book, reading lots of great literature, enjoying movies, playing video games and spending as much time as possible with my family, friends and Jack.
Here's to a great year!
-Tracey
This year, I will be teaching 8th grade (so excited!) and I get to teach Pre-AP (my level of kids) and the special education inclusion class. I am so excited to practice what I have been learning in grad school while fine-tuning my skills as a teacher of high achieving students and students with learning disabilities. It's going to be great! I am also one of the cheerleading coaches at school (oh Lord!). So far, it is pretty neat...although people at my school find it hard to believe I was a cheerleader. (Is it really not obvious? haha)
Last year, I also finished my master's degree (WH11P!) and will be starting my PhD (double WH14P!) this month. This is what I have been working towards my entire life so I am beyond excited for it! I will only be taking 6 hours this Fall, and decided not to begin statistics, so that I will maintain my sanity. ;) (And, I'm counting down the days to 2014!)
Other than the above, I plan to get in better shape this year. My parents, generously, gave me their old treadmill, so I plan to run on it in the mornings to build up my mileage for the half-marathon I'm running in December. In addition to that, I plan to take advantage of the group classes at the rec most nights during the week. Hopefully through these endeavors, I will tone up, lose weight, be able to run my marathon and feel better all around.
I also plan to continue working on my book, reading lots of great literature, enjoying movies, playing video games and spending as much time as possible with my family, friends and Jack.
Here's to a great year!
-Tracey
Thursday, August 18, 2011
I just wanted to share...
I read an article last night and came across this...I really feel like I need to share this (thanks for the push, Mom). Take it as you will.
How can we explain the phenomenon of "high scores but low skills?" Standardized tests by their very nature can only test a subset of useful skills. As a result, while a well-balanced effort at improving skills helps raise the test score, it is usually not as effective as a more focused approach: teaching/studying to the test. There is evidence that drilling students on content known to be on a test can significantly improve the students' performance on the test, but the resulting high test scores do not necessarily translate into corresponding knowledge and skills.
Liu, L. Neilson, W.S. (2011). High scores but low skills. Economics of Education Review, 30, 507-516.
How can we explain the phenomenon of "high scores but low skills?" Standardized tests by their very nature can only test a subset of useful skills. As a result, while a well-balanced effort at improving skills helps raise the test score, it is usually not as effective as a more focused approach: teaching/studying to the test. There is evidence that drilling students on content known to be on a test can significantly improve the students' performance on the test, but the resulting high test scores do not necessarily translate into corresponding knowledge and skills.
Liu, L. Neilson, W.S. (2011). High scores but low skills. Economics of Education Review, 30, 507-516.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Yes, I know this is an over-used phrase. Yes, I know it seems cliche. Yes, you are tired of hearing people use this phrase as motivation. However, it is the only phrase I could come up with that truly symbolizes how I currently feel.
When faced with blatant adversity, some people give up and run the other way. Some people stand their ground and fight with all their might. I am somewhere in the middle. I often stumble around a little bit and feel uneasy, then get back on my feet and quietly fight back.
I have three "bucket-list" items I would like to accomplish before I die. #1. Get a PhD. (in progress). #2 Have children. (I can't control this one). #3. Write a book that will make a difference. (beginning today).
My literary inspiration for years has been Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my all time favorite novels. It is fun to read, hits on important societal issues and makes a statement. Harper Lee was not popular in her day for writing this novel and faced a great deal of backlash, controversy and anger. I admire her, though, because she saw a fundamental problem in society and sought to change peoples' mindsets about that issue.
When I was about 11-years-old, I saw a problem in society that I felt passionate about. As I grew older and even watched my older sister struggle against this problem, I became more passionate about it. When I got to high school and college, I almost gave up because I didn't believe I could make a difference. Now, I feel more strongly than ever about this issue.
Last night, I came home and read a research article that reaffirmed what I believe and eased my frustrations, temporarily. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, blow-drying my hair, the inspiration came to me. Inspiration for a novel. A unique novel that takes a unique look at something in society that, if changed, would have lasting repercussions. I have never been so excited to embark on a new experience or project. I know this will take some time, so don't get excited just yet.
For the first time, I get to use my literary talents combined with my deep-rooted passions to create something that just might make a difference. Here's to happy writing!
:) Tracey
When faced with blatant adversity, some people give up and run the other way. Some people stand their ground and fight with all their might. I am somewhere in the middle. I often stumble around a little bit and feel uneasy, then get back on my feet and quietly fight back.
I have three "bucket-list" items I would like to accomplish before I die. #1. Get a PhD. (in progress). #2 Have children. (I can't control this one). #3. Write a book that will make a difference. (beginning today).
My literary inspiration for years has been Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my all time favorite novels. It is fun to read, hits on important societal issues and makes a statement. Harper Lee was not popular in her day for writing this novel and faced a great deal of backlash, controversy and anger. I admire her, though, because she saw a fundamental problem in society and sought to change peoples' mindsets about that issue.
When I was about 11-years-old, I saw a problem in society that I felt passionate about. As I grew older and even watched my older sister struggle against this problem, I became more passionate about it. When I got to high school and college, I almost gave up because I didn't believe I could make a difference. Now, I feel more strongly than ever about this issue.
Last night, I came home and read a research article that reaffirmed what I believe and eased my frustrations, temporarily. This morning, as I was getting ready for work, blow-drying my hair, the inspiration came to me. Inspiration for a novel. A unique novel that takes a unique look at something in society that, if changed, would have lasting repercussions. I have never been so excited to embark on a new experience or project. I know this will take some time, so don't get excited just yet.
For the first time, I get to use my literary talents combined with my deep-rooted passions to create something that just might make a difference. Here's to happy writing!
:) Tracey
Saturday, August 13, 2011
And she's finally made it full circle...
I feel like my life has finally made it full circle and the ambitious, young, doe-eyed girl is finally calming down into a successful, content, satisfied woman. What do I mean?
Once upon a time, there was a young girl who dreamed of ruling the world. It may sound comical, but she was that girl who wanted to be CEO of a major company. She literally wanted to rule the world. Now, in her perfect world, she had everything she wanted. She was running a major company in a huge city (Houston, Dallas, New York City, you know), but lived on a ranch, with several acres, in her dream home. Her daily routine would consist of waking up the kids, making breakfast for them and her extremely sexy cowboy husband, then going out to feed and tend to all the animals. The family would then leave for work and school. She would take the kiddos to school and make her way to a high power job dressed to the nines (with super sweet heels, of course). At the end of the work day, she would pick up the kids and take them home. At home, the family would again tend to all the animals and do the ranch-chores, eat dinner, spend time together and enjoy quiet, country nights together. Nice, huh?
Somewhere along the way of boyfriends, expectations, and ambition, this little girl lost her way. She came to college and became somewhat confused about what she wanted. Her boyfriend at the time thought her ideas of ranch life were crazy and encouraged her to do more. She met people that inspired her to want more out of life than a quiet existence in the country, but deep down, knew it was what she wanted. While at college, she realized that running a major company was definitely in her blood but not her heart; instead, she had a deep-rooted passion for education. She became damn-near obsessed with chasing this dream. Go to college, graduate, teach, get PhD, move, live in big city. Check, check, check.
Now, this little girl did nothing short of live up to every expectation. She graduated, she got a job teaching, she bought a house, she lived her life by giving every spare bit of energy she had to accomplishing those big city dreams. However, she wasn't completely happy with the sacrifices she had made and who she had become. She still had a deep-rooted longing for more and less. Accomplishing and settling. Busy and simple.
Over the course of last year, I found myself LONGING to go to my parent's house, the place I had avoided for years (because I was a grown up and that's what grown ups do, right?). I found solace and comfort in the country. Peace and quiet filled my soul and made me feel whole again. But the desire to be near tall buildings, museums, culture, busy-ness is still part of me.
After an extremely confusing summer full of self-revelation, I have found some answers and came full circle to a better place. I cannot say that I am the same little girl who went away to college with big ambitions. Instead, I am an accomplished woman with simple desires. Yes, I want more than anything to finish my PhD. It is one of the most important things in my life. However, I DO want a simpler, quieter life than the one I have been living. I want to meet a fantastic man with a good heart who wants to live on a plot of land outside of a big city. I want him to be a hard-working family man. Someday, I want to build that dream house I have imagined my entire life. I want that dream house to be FULL of children. I want to work at a university in a big city. I want to come home to the country each night.
All in all, I want my small town, country upbringing WITH my big city dreams. It feels incredible to find clarity in what I want and to finally, for the first time in five years, know exactly what I want out of my life and where I want to go. So, all that's really left to say is, BRING IT ON!
-Tracey
Once upon a time, there was a young girl who dreamed of ruling the world. It may sound comical, but she was that girl who wanted to be CEO of a major company. She literally wanted to rule the world. Now, in her perfect world, she had everything she wanted. She was running a major company in a huge city (Houston, Dallas, New York City, you know), but lived on a ranch, with several acres, in her dream home. Her daily routine would consist of waking up the kids, making breakfast for them and her extremely sexy cowboy husband, then going out to feed and tend to all the animals. The family would then leave for work and school. She would take the kiddos to school and make her way to a high power job dressed to the nines (with super sweet heels, of course). At the end of the work day, she would pick up the kids and take them home. At home, the family would again tend to all the animals and do the ranch-chores, eat dinner, spend time together and enjoy quiet, country nights together. Nice, huh?
Somewhere along the way of boyfriends, expectations, and ambition, this little girl lost her way. She came to college and became somewhat confused about what she wanted. Her boyfriend at the time thought her ideas of ranch life were crazy and encouraged her to do more. She met people that inspired her to want more out of life than a quiet existence in the country, but deep down, knew it was what she wanted. While at college, she realized that running a major company was definitely in her blood but not her heart; instead, she had a deep-rooted passion for education. She became damn-near obsessed with chasing this dream. Go to college, graduate, teach, get PhD, move, live in big city. Check, check, check.
Now, this little girl did nothing short of live up to every expectation. She graduated, she got a job teaching, she bought a house, she lived her life by giving every spare bit of energy she had to accomplishing those big city dreams. However, she wasn't completely happy with the sacrifices she had made and who she had become. She still had a deep-rooted longing for more and less. Accomplishing and settling. Busy and simple.
Over the course of last year, I found myself LONGING to go to my parent's house, the place I had avoided for years (because I was a grown up and that's what grown ups do, right?). I found solace and comfort in the country. Peace and quiet filled my soul and made me feel whole again. But the desire to be near tall buildings, museums, culture, busy-ness is still part of me.
After an extremely confusing summer full of self-revelation, I have found some answers and came full circle to a better place. I cannot say that I am the same little girl who went away to college with big ambitions. Instead, I am an accomplished woman with simple desires. Yes, I want more than anything to finish my PhD. It is one of the most important things in my life. However, I DO want a simpler, quieter life than the one I have been living. I want to meet a fantastic man with a good heart who wants to live on a plot of land outside of a big city. I want him to be a hard-working family man. Someday, I want to build that dream house I have imagined my entire life. I want that dream house to be FULL of children. I want to work at a university in a big city. I want to come home to the country each night.
All in all, I want my small town, country upbringing WITH my big city dreams. It feels incredible to find clarity in what I want and to finally, for the first time in five years, know exactly what I want out of my life and where I want to go. So, all that's really left to say is, BRING IT ON!
-Tracey
Friday, August 12, 2011
Goodbye Summer, Welcome Fall 2011!
Summer is officially over in two short days. I'm sad. Done.
I have had an amazing and relaxing summer. This is the first summer since I was 15-years-old that I did not work or take summer classes, and boy, did it feel nice! It was exactly what I needed after 5 straight years of college. I feel refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the challenges of Fall.
This Fall will prove to be the busiest yet for me (as if that is possible). I will be teaching 8th grade and assisting with cheerleading at school. That, in and of itself, will keep me very busy. Added to that will be nine hours of graduate courses (3) including my first statistics class that is already scaring me a bit. As my mom said, I will finally have to study some, so I'm trying to plan time for that. It is going to be a new adventure, but I am ready for it.
In addition to school and work, I plan to continue working out during the semester. I have already programmed into my Google Calendar workout times and classes so I am ready. I will try to strengthen and tone my body while I continue my running training for the half-marathon in December. Other than those things, I plan to watch some fun TV shows, go see movies, cook, hang out with friends and family and enjoy being a hip (soon-to-be) 24-year-old.
All-in-all, I am excited about the challenges of the Fall and the fun it will bring. :) Wish me luck!
-Tracey
I have had an amazing and relaxing summer. This is the first summer since I was 15-years-old that I did not work or take summer classes, and boy, did it feel nice! It was exactly what I needed after 5 straight years of college. I feel refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the challenges of Fall.
This Fall will prove to be the busiest yet for me (as if that is possible). I will be teaching 8th grade and assisting with cheerleading at school. That, in and of itself, will keep me very busy. Added to that will be nine hours of graduate courses (3) including my first statistics class that is already scaring me a bit. As my mom said, I will finally have to study some, so I'm trying to plan time for that. It is going to be a new adventure, but I am ready for it.
In addition to school and work, I plan to continue working out during the semester. I have already programmed into my Google Calendar workout times and classes so I am ready. I will try to strengthen and tone my body while I continue my running training for the half-marathon in December. Other than those things, I plan to watch some fun TV shows, go see movies, cook, hang out with friends and family and enjoy being a hip (soon-to-be) 24-year-old.
All-in-all, I am excited about the challenges of the Fall and the fun it will bring. :) Wish me luck!
-Tracey
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