As 2011 approaches, I am thinking about what I would like to accomplish during the year. I am the epitome of a goal-oriented person; goals are what keep me moving forward in life. I love crossing off goals on my list and feeling the moment of accomplishment that comes with it...you could say this is my life's drug that keeps me high at all times. :)
I looked back at my "resolutions" post from this past year and realize that I was able to achieve all of my goals. I became more patient, maintained a 4.0 and continued focusing on my relationship with Christ as well as people around me. I have never not accomplished a resolution I have set, which gives me high hopes and expectations for my resolutions of 2011. So...here goes...
Resolutions of 2011
1. Finish my master's with a 4.0
I have 9 hours left and only have to make it to May! I can do it!
2. Develop a work out routine and stick to it
In the past year, I have tried multiple routines but haven't found something that sticks. I am really busy and the one thing I am always willing to let slide is my workouts; however, I feel much better when I work out and really need to get into better shape. I received the P90X for Christmas and have put the workouts into my phone as alerts so I have no excuses...:)
3. Retain my sanity as I begin my PhD studies
This is the thing I am most excited about in 2011. I feel like I have worked so hard for so long to achieve this one goal of earning my PhD and now, it is a reality in the making. This is the number one thing on my bucket list so far and I am eager to begin...let's just hope I keep up my determination, drive and sanity as this final academic journey begins.
4. CONTINUE to build relationships that make me happy
I want to continue focusing on my family, friends, co-workers, classmates and students to develop relationships that will help shape me into the woman I want to be.
5. Let go and let God's will be done
I continuously need to let God guide my life because His plans are more than me, more than this life and absolutely correct. He never fails and I can never cease to grow in my relationship with Him. If I do this, everything in life will work out.
I know this year will be the best yet (it seems to be a trend in life) and I am nothing but excited for it. I will continue to grow as a student, teacher and woman while sharing my life with others and allowing them to help me grow. :)
Here's to another wonderful, glorious year...
-Tracey
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2011, you've got big shoes to fill
A year ago, I was optimistic about what the year 2010 would bring. The truth of what it brought is more than I could ever have imagined. So, let's take a look back at the year of "firsts" (first job, first home, first puppy)...
In January, I began teaching high school English and my master's degree simultaneously. I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible teacher and mentor while at the high school. I also gained mentors and colleagues through my master's. Late January brought a snow storm and an enjoyable day with friends in my favorite weather that Texas does not see nearly often enough.
February brought buying my first home! :)
March gave me the little blessing I call "Jack"...my first puppy! I also had my tonsils removed and have yet to get sick since...hallelujah!
April came the end of my teaching the freshman at the high school but gave me the opportunity to take over in a senior English class (by far my favorite grade to teach so far). On the 1st, I officially closed on my home and moved in. Almost a year later, I am still working to make it "my home" but it's getting there.
May saw an end to my first semester teaching but brought with it a full time job offer teaching 7th grade ELA, which I accepted.
I spent the summer taking classes, working on my house, training my puppy and spending as much time as possible with my friends and family. It was a blast and I will always remember it as a relaxing time before "the real world" took over.
August was the beginning of me turning into an "adult". I began working full time in mid-August, started teaching "for real" and turned a year older. My life changed drastically as I said goodbye to sleeping in and staying up late. My alarm began chiming at 5 every morning and I was in bed sound asleep by 11 each night. However, I loved and embraced the change with open arms.
September and October were a whirlwind of emotions and events as I struggled to get my bearings in my classroom while juggling the demands of my master's degree, puppy, friends and family. There were many, many lows and some ups that kept me on my toes. In between all of the demands of life, I tried to still have fun and maintain my sanity. I won't say I completely succeeded, but I'm still alive now. :)
November started to see changes in 2010. Work became much more manageable, school became less stressful and I actually started having more fun. I started letting myself go out and hang out more with friends. Along the way some new friendships formed and developed into more.
December has been one of the best months I've had in a long time. I've started a new relationship with a boy and it's been great so far. ;) I learned from my students that they actually learned something during the semester which is the greatest blessing I could ask for this year. In addition, I survived another semester in graduate school and am 5 months away from graduating with my master's. My relationships with my friends and family have strengthened and I feel so happy all the time.
Needless to say, I have high hopes for 2011 and hope it can be half as wonderful as 2010. :)
-Tracey
In January, I began teaching high school English and my master's degree simultaneously. I was blessed to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible teacher and mentor while at the high school. I also gained mentors and colleagues through my master's. Late January brought a snow storm and an enjoyable day with friends in my favorite weather that Texas does not see nearly often enough.
February brought buying my first home! :)
March gave me the little blessing I call "Jack"...my first puppy! I also had my tonsils removed and have yet to get sick since...hallelujah!
April came the end of my teaching the freshman at the high school but gave me the opportunity to take over in a senior English class (by far my favorite grade to teach so far). On the 1st, I officially closed on my home and moved in. Almost a year later, I am still working to make it "my home" but it's getting there.
May saw an end to my first semester teaching but brought with it a full time job offer teaching 7th grade ELA, which I accepted.
I spent the summer taking classes, working on my house, training my puppy and spending as much time as possible with my friends and family. It was a blast and I will always remember it as a relaxing time before "the real world" took over.
August was the beginning of me turning into an "adult". I began working full time in mid-August, started teaching "for real" and turned a year older. My life changed drastically as I said goodbye to sleeping in and staying up late. My alarm began chiming at 5 every morning and I was in bed sound asleep by 11 each night. However, I loved and embraced the change with open arms.
September and October were a whirlwind of emotions and events as I struggled to get my bearings in my classroom while juggling the demands of my master's degree, puppy, friends and family. There were many, many lows and some ups that kept me on my toes. In between all of the demands of life, I tried to still have fun and maintain my sanity. I won't say I completely succeeded, but I'm still alive now. :)
November started to see changes in 2010. Work became much more manageable, school became less stressful and I actually started having more fun. I started letting myself go out and hang out more with friends. Along the way some new friendships formed and developed into more.
December has been one of the best months I've had in a long time. I've started a new relationship with a boy and it's been great so far. ;) I learned from my students that they actually learned something during the semester which is the greatest blessing I could ask for this year. In addition, I survived another semester in graduate school and am 5 months away from graduating with my master's. My relationships with my friends and family have strengthened and I feel so happy all the time.
Needless to say, I have high hopes for 2011 and hope it can be half as wonderful as 2010. :)
-Tracey
Sunday, December 5, 2010
You always know exactly what I need exactly when I need it...
Last Sunday in church, the sermon was about being thankful and rejoicing in the Lord even when it seems like He is doing nothing special in your life. The preacher spoke about the "lost son" who ran away from his father and squandered his inheritance, yet when he returned to his father, the father welcomed him with open arms and let his blessings pour out. The good son who had stayed home with the father and worked diligently for him his entire life because jealous at the father's love and support of the other son. The point of the sermon was that we should strive to be like neither son, but should love the Lord completely and without expectation of anything. Moreover, our actions should be driven by our love for God, and only by that. Then, this week at Breakaway, the sermon was about being positive and rejoicing in every blessing the Lord pours out, even when this seems difficult.
I have personally been struggling greatly with the upcoming changes in my life. My very best friend and amazing roommate for the past two school years is moving back home for student teaching and to hopefully get a job and settle down there. While I could not be more proud of her or excited about the amazing opportunities she has, I have been saddened by the loss. I won't get to see my best friend everyday? Laugh with her about silly things? Quote "Bring it on" while cleaning the kitchen after dinner? Sing "Our God is Greater" at the top of our lungs? Stay up late at night watching "Say Yes to the Dress" and coloring firemen and cop hats for a project? Talk for forty straight minutes about how much I love my kids while she listens intently? It is strange to me to see these wonderful memories and blessing will leave. These thoughts have been clouding my brain for the past few weeks, keeping me from seeing that, as always, God knew what He was doing.
First, God brought me some new friends. He brought them in suddenly and didn't let me know that they would become some of the best friends I could ask for. These friends include:
-An old work friend: She is beautiful and kind and knows the demands of being young and pursuing a PhD. We have fun shopping, watching movies and chatting incessantly about life, school and what we hope to accomplish in the future. It is so nice to have her around.
-Reuniting me with three of my best friends from high school. These girls were so important to me for nearly twenty years, then life happened in college. We have been reuniting and our opportunities to get together have grown more frequent over the past few months. I had forgotten how much I loved their company and how much I rely on them for support, guidance and love. They are wonderful girls who are truly going to make a difference in the world.
-my writing group. God gave me the opportunity to join a writing group with other women who are pursuing PhDs while dealing with full-time jobs, families and the stresses of life. These women are caring, truly beautiful women who inspire me. They show me the kind of woman I would like to be when I "grow up" while being a wonderful support to help me with my degree.
-my co-workers, especially my lunch group. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work at a school that is anything but easy. However, God didn't leave me alone and gave me a group of co-workers that show me how much hard-work, patience and love can do for children. They have taught me so much, and our daily lunch conversations have become something I look forward to at work.
-my boys. God introduced me to some wonderful young men this semester. In the past few years, I have struggled with trusting men and not being so bitter about relationships and such. These guys are some of the nicest people I have ever met who have no hidden motive behind their niceness. They do it because it's right. I am thankful that God gave me some people who can alter my negative views. One of these guys has turned into a great friend who I trust and enjoy having around. The other has turned into more than just a nice friend and makes me so happy. :)
-strengthening my relationships with my roommates. While bringing all of these new relationships into my life, God did not forget the ones I already had that were strong. Instead of just saying, "Tracey's good" and letting them go, he gave me opportunities to strengthen these bonds as well. I feel I have become even closer to my roommates than before and continue to fall more in love with them every day.
-family, as always. God has also strengthened the already insanely close bond I have with my dad, mom, sister and grandmother. We already share and incredibly close bond, but it has become stronger as I have dealt with the struggles of school, work and life. It is beautiful to see how God can guide such close relationships to find a deeper bond still.
While God gave me all of these wonderful relationships, he did not forget the point of all of this. So, the second thing He did this semester was show me that all of those wonderful memories I have with my best friend will not come to an end. They will continue and I look forward to seeing what He has planned.
It took two sermons this week for me to stop, look around and realize what wonderful things God has been working on in my life all semester. I realize once again that I am selfish and eternally broken. I am nothing without His love and guidance. All I really have to do is stop and let His will be done.
-Tracey
I have personally been struggling greatly with the upcoming changes in my life. My very best friend and amazing roommate for the past two school years is moving back home for student teaching and to hopefully get a job and settle down there. While I could not be more proud of her or excited about the amazing opportunities she has, I have been saddened by the loss. I won't get to see my best friend everyday? Laugh with her about silly things? Quote "Bring it on" while cleaning the kitchen after dinner? Sing "Our God is Greater" at the top of our lungs? Stay up late at night watching "Say Yes to the Dress" and coloring firemen and cop hats for a project? Talk for forty straight minutes about how much I love my kids while she listens intently? It is strange to me to see these wonderful memories and blessing will leave. These thoughts have been clouding my brain for the past few weeks, keeping me from seeing that, as always, God knew what He was doing.
First, God brought me some new friends. He brought them in suddenly and didn't let me know that they would become some of the best friends I could ask for. These friends include:
-An old work friend: She is beautiful and kind and knows the demands of being young and pursuing a PhD. We have fun shopping, watching movies and chatting incessantly about life, school and what we hope to accomplish in the future. It is so nice to have her around.
-Reuniting me with three of my best friends from high school. These girls were so important to me for nearly twenty years, then life happened in college. We have been reuniting and our opportunities to get together have grown more frequent over the past few months. I had forgotten how much I loved their company and how much I rely on them for support, guidance and love. They are wonderful girls who are truly going to make a difference in the world.
-my writing group. God gave me the opportunity to join a writing group with other women who are pursuing PhDs while dealing with full-time jobs, families and the stresses of life. These women are caring, truly beautiful women who inspire me. They show me the kind of woman I would like to be when I "grow up" while being a wonderful support to help me with my degree.
-my co-workers, especially my lunch group. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work at a school that is anything but easy. However, God didn't leave me alone and gave me a group of co-workers that show me how much hard-work, patience and love can do for children. They have taught me so much, and our daily lunch conversations have become something I look forward to at work.
-my boys. God introduced me to some wonderful young men this semester. In the past few years, I have struggled with trusting men and not being so bitter about relationships and such. These guys are some of the nicest people I have ever met who have no hidden motive behind their niceness. They do it because it's right. I am thankful that God gave me some people who can alter my negative views. One of these guys has turned into a great friend who I trust and enjoy having around. The other has turned into more than just a nice friend and makes me so happy. :)
-strengthening my relationships with my roommates. While bringing all of these new relationships into my life, God did not forget the ones I already had that were strong. Instead of just saying, "Tracey's good" and letting them go, he gave me opportunities to strengthen these bonds as well. I feel I have become even closer to my roommates than before and continue to fall more in love with them every day.
-family, as always. God has also strengthened the already insanely close bond I have with my dad, mom, sister and grandmother. We already share and incredibly close bond, but it has become stronger as I have dealt with the struggles of school, work and life. It is beautiful to see how God can guide such close relationships to find a deeper bond still.
While God gave me all of these wonderful relationships, he did not forget the point of all of this. So, the second thing He did this semester was show me that all of those wonderful memories I have with my best friend will not come to an end. They will continue and I look forward to seeing what He has planned.
It took two sermons this week for me to stop, look around and realize what wonderful things God has been working on in my life all semester. I realize once again that I am selfish and eternally broken. I am nothing without His love and guidance. All I really have to do is stop and let His will be done.
-Tracey
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
So thankful I can't stop smiling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAMYIKfIVSQ
The above link connects to Bon Jovi's newest single "What do you got". This song emphasizes that life is about...loving others and finding love in return. In the past month, I have realized how much love is in my life. No, not romantically. To be perfectly honest, I am wonderful with that. Would it be nice? Sure. But, I'm talking about the love that comes from friends and family. I have realized how special the people in my life are and how grateful I am to have them. I am a busy, workaholic who moonlights as being judgmental and cynical much of the time, and I'm lucky enough to have a huge group of people who are ok with that. Not only are they ok with that, they love it.
In the past month, I have gotten to see new friendships grow, love blossom and my job improve greatly. On this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful and full of love, I just want to smile and share that feeling.
Happy Thanksgiving. This one goes out to all the people I love... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQK6GIrpYU
-Tracey
The above link connects to Bon Jovi's newest single "What do you got". This song emphasizes that life is about...loving others and finding love in return. In the past month, I have realized how much love is in my life. No, not romantically. To be perfectly honest, I am wonderful with that. Would it be nice? Sure. But, I'm talking about the love that comes from friends and family. I have realized how special the people in my life are and how grateful I am to have them. I am a busy, workaholic who moonlights as being judgmental and cynical much of the time, and I'm lucky enough to have a huge group of people who are ok with that. Not only are they ok with that, they love it.
In the past month, I have gotten to see new friendships grow, love blossom and my job improve greatly. On this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful and full of love, I just want to smile and share that feeling.
Happy Thanksgiving. This one goes out to all the people I love... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hQK6GIrpYU
-Tracey
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Silver Lining
Every story has a silver lining. I am a 7th-grade ELA teacher and it has proven to be the most difficult thing I have ever done. I can't say that I love it every day. Most days, I feel worked to the bone and completely defeated. I often ask myself if my students learned anything at all. Most days, I feel like the answer is "no". However, to keep my spirits high, I try to find the "silver lining" each day.
I just finished a poetry unit with my kiddos. Tonight, I received a random email from one of my students. It contained nothing but an attachment. This is my silver lining for today. I'm so emotional, that this made me cry. :)
Treats her students best
Runs hard
Awesome
Cares for us
Extremely prettyful
Young.
For those who don't know, this is an acrostic poem, in which the author chooses a keyword and spells that keyword vertically. Each line describes the keyword.
This made me feel so blessed, despite my struggles.
-Tracey
I just finished a poetry unit with my kiddos. Tonight, I received a random email from one of my students. It contained nothing but an attachment. This is my silver lining for today. I'm so emotional, that this made me cry. :)
Treats her students best
Runs hard
Awesome
Cares for us
Extremely prettyful
Young.
For those who don't know, this is an acrostic poem, in which the author chooses a keyword and spells that keyword vertically. Each line describes the keyword.
This made me feel so blessed, despite my struggles.
-Tracey
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Wishing on stars, Living on faith and hope
"Starlight, star bright,
the first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
have the wish I wish tonight."
Such a simple child's request, but more and more I find myself uttering these words with a slightly different tone and under different circumstances. As a child, I used to say these words quite often, anytime I wanted things to go my way or anytime I felt dreamy. Anyone who knows me can agree that I am, in fact, a dreamer. It may not show because I like for dreams to be reality, but I dream about what I want all the time. In my dreams, I'm working my dream job, nights and weekends are filled with loved ones and fun and I come home every night to the most incredible man imaginable. In those dreams, happiness is the only feeling expressed. However, I am not a child anymore and I know that life isn't quite that simple.
Nowadays, I pray and place my hopes and dreams on my faith in God. Yes, I know He has things under control and He will do great and wonderful things with me. Yet, sometimes, I still feel the wishful thinking of my child-like self take over and I get upset that I don't have the things I want in life at this time. Truth be told, I don't have my dream job. I often work so much at my not-dream-job that I can't spend the time I want laughing and enjoying the people I love. I never come home to a man, and the men I date are far from "incredible". Nonetheless, I am trying my best to keep faith that things will turn out the way I feel is right in the end. I try to focus on all the blessings I have in my life and make the best of every situation, even the ones I cannot change.
I'm finally caught up on grading and lesson planning (but way behind in grad school stuff!), so I decided to be unproductive on this Saturday. I've been reading for enjoyment, something I don't get to do as often as I would like. I am reading the final book in a series I've come to love, despite it's embarrassing nature. It is a guilty pleasure for me and not really a work of literary genius, but everyone needs a guilty pleasure every once in a while. This book series reminds me, in some ways, of what I hope to have in my life one day. :)
I'm hoping to have some updates soon about exciting things that will make my mood and temperament much more pleasant. Stay tuned...God has plans.
-Tracey
the first star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
have the wish I wish tonight."
Such a simple child's request, but more and more I find myself uttering these words with a slightly different tone and under different circumstances. As a child, I used to say these words quite often, anytime I wanted things to go my way or anytime I felt dreamy. Anyone who knows me can agree that I am, in fact, a dreamer. It may not show because I like for dreams to be reality, but I dream about what I want all the time. In my dreams, I'm working my dream job, nights and weekends are filled with loved ones and fun and I come home every night to the most incredible man imaginable. In those dreams, happiness is the only feeling expressed. However, I am not a child anymore and I know that life isn't quite that simple.
Nowadays, I pray and place my hopes and dreams on my faith in God. Yes, I know He has things under control and He will do great and wonderful things with me. Yet, sometimes, I still feel the wishful thinking of my child-like self take over and I get upset that I don't have the things I want in life at this time. Truth be told, I don't have my dream job. I often work so much at my not-dream-job that I can't spend the time I want laughing and enjoying the people I love. I never come home to a man, and the men I date are far from "incredible". Nonetheless, I am trying my best to keep faith that things will turn out the way I feel is right in the end. I try to focus on all the blessings I have in my life and make the best of every situation, even the ones I cannot change.
I'm finally caught up on grading and lesson planning (but way behind in grad school stuff!), so I decided to be unproductive on this Saturday. I've been reading for enjoyment, something I don't get to do as often as I would like. I am reading the final book in a series I've come to love, despite it's embarrassing nature. It is a guilty pleasure for me and not really a work of literary genius, but everyone needs a guilty pleasure every once in a while. This book series reminds me, in some ways, of what I hope to have in my life one day. :)
I'm hoping to have some updates soon about exciting things that will make my mood and temperament much more pleasant. Stay tuned...God has plans.
-Tracey
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
It's all about Him
So, lately, I have been disenchanted and unmotivated in most every aspect of my life. I was going through a "poor me" and "feel sorry for me", selfish stage for a few weeks. Yes, there were things going on that I was less than pleased about, but I wasn't taking advantage of the opportunities to grow and learn. Instead, I was whining, complaining and generally being an unpleasant person. True, I could not change many of the things that were making me unhappy, so instead, I decided (with a little help from the Big Guy upstairs) to change me.
School has been rougher for me than I anticipated. The kids are rough, but I just wasn't taking advantage of teaching them and loving them. I complained nearly every day about how I felt that I was failing them and not living up to my potential. They weren't succeeding and it was my fault. Through some kind words and encouragement from my family, friends and roommates, I was able to feel a little better, but not much. I wanted to cry everyday, but never could. I have never not been able to cry, so this dilemma was particularly confusing and hard to deal with. However, as always, I have found my answers in God.
God showed me the answers to my problems through some fantastic ministries and quiet time. It didn't happen in one setting, but it definitely showed me that I am blessed beyond what I deserve. He showed me that I need to take full advantage of the beauty of my life. I get to go to work everyday and do the work I love. I read, write and teach for 10-12 hours a day and get PAID to do it! Plus, I get to dress basically however I want to, plan with great teammates and hang out with crazy 7th graders all day. Additionally, I get to be a role model and make a difference in the lives of students who have little to look forward to in life. They are broken and hurting and I am there to help them. That is such a rewarding and blessed feeling. I can't describe it.
Additionally, I still have time to do all the things I love. I get to read great novels, play with my puppy, enjoy video games and spend time with the people I love every day. I get home and get to spend 3-5 hours enjoying my day before bed. I have the world's greatest puppy who I walk every day and get to train. He has been such a joy and is so much fun to have around.
Finally, all the people I love and care about are around me all the time and in great health. Seriously, I have no worries in life and live a beyond blessed existence. I have nothing to whine or complain about. Thanks, God, for forcing me to look at things with a new perspective and understand how good I have it.
"I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave it all. I'll stand my soul, Lord, to you surrendered. All I have is Yours."
-Tracey
School has been rougher for me than I anticipated. The kids are rough, but I just wasn't taking advantage of teaching them and loving them. I complained nearly every day about how I felt that I was failing them and not living up to my potential. They weren't succeeding and it was my fault. Through some kind words and encouragement from my family, friends and roommates, I was able to feel a little better, but not much. I wanted to cry everyday, but never could. I have never not been able to cry, so this dilemma was particularly confusing and hard to deal with. However, as always, I have found my answers in God.
God showed me the answers to my problems through some fantastic ministries and quiet time. It didn't happen in one setting, but it definitely showed me that I am blessed beyond what I deserve. He showed me that I need to take full advantage of the beauty of my life. I get to go to work everyday and do the work I love. I read, write and teach for 10-12 hours a day and get PAID to do it! Plus, I get to dress basically however I want to, plan with great teammates and hang out with crazy 7th graders all day. Additionally, I get to be a role model and make a difference in the lives of students who have little to look forward to in life. They are broken and hurting and I am there to help them. That is such a rewarding and blessed feeling. I can't describe it.
Additionally, I still have time to do all the things I love. I get to read great novels, play with my puppy, enjoy video games and spend time with the people I love every day. I get home and get to spend 3-5 hours enjoying my day before bed. I have the world's greatest puppy who I walk every day and get to train. He has been such a joy and is so much fun to have around.
Finally, all the people I love and care about are around me all the time and in great health. Seriously, I have no worries in life and live a beyond blessed existence. I have nothing to whine or complain about. Thanks, God, for forcing me to look at things with a new perspective and understand how good I have it.
"I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave it all. I'll stand my soul, Lord, to you surrendered. All I have is Yours."
-Tracey
Saturday, October 9, 2010
7 weeks in...Many, many more to go!
It has been a while since I've written. Primarily, this is due to my busy-ness with work, school, Jack and other, fun activities.
I have successfully completed my first 6-weeks as a full time teacher. It was exciting, tough, exhausting and fun. Teaching 7th graders is far more difficult and more challenging than I could have imagined. Especially, my 7th graders. My 7th graders are especially difficult to handle and "rough". I love them dearly, but I am exhausted all the time, and I often wonder if they are learning anything from me. Then, when I feel hopeless and like I can't do this, they surprise me. They are quite special and I care about them dearly. I hope they learn as much from me as I do from them in the next 32 weeks.
Graduate school is going well. I am working on 2 research projects plus an independent research project and one class. It is keeping me very busy reading and writing. I will be applying to the PhD program later this semester (once the department gets organized and releases the application). I am excited about that and know it will be challenging but rewarding. Additionally, I am in the process of deciding what courses to take in the spring. I have 9 hours left to finish and am considering whether I would like to graduate in May or August. May would be rushing it and would be difficult but I think it will be nice to have a summer with no worries or course work to complete.
Jack is great as usual. Earlier this semester, he graduated from intermediate puppy training class! I was so proud of him and what he accomplished. He really is a hard-working and neat puppy. We will beginning an Advanced training class soon. I'm excited to continue his training. It is great for him to be able to learn things and socialize with other dogs and it helps me be a better owner, too. I love that he will be so well trained as well. It will make our life together easier and more enjoyable. Above is a picture of Jack (left) and his friend (Ari) at their graduation. Ari's mama is a PhD student with me and they will be in the advanced training class as well.
In addition to all of the above, I am just trying to enjoy my first-year teaching. I try to find plenty of time to go out with friends, play Wii, read, write and exercise. Last weekend, I went to visit my family for the first time in 3 months. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. I rode the 4-wheeler, cooked at the deer lease and was pampered incesantly by my family. It was so nice. I forgot how nice it can be to just go visit family. Life at the house is good. I finally began decorating my living room and put up curtains. I still have a long way to go before my house is completely put together, but it is slowly but surely getting there. Give me another year or so and it will feel the way it should. Much to my dismay, I have not had as much time for reading lately as I would like. I am too busy and too exhausted at the end of the day to read. I lay in bed and just fall asleep quickly.
Recent Reads:
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
In the Fall by Jefferey Lent
Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Stay tuned for more adventures of a 7th-grade teacher!
-Tracey
I have successfully completed my first 6-weeks as a full time teacher. It was exciting, tough, exhausting and fun. Teaching 7th graders is far more difficult and more challenging than I could have imagined. Especially, my 7th graders. My 7th graders are especially difficult to handle and "rough". I love them dearly, but I am exhausted all the time, and I often wonder if they are learning anything from me. Then, when I feel hopeless and like I can't do this, they surprise me. They are quite special and I care about them dearly. I hope they learn as much from me as I do from them in the next 32 weeks.
Graduate school is going well. I am working on 2 research projects plus an independent research project and one class. It is keeping me very busy reading and writing. I will be applying to the PhD program later this semester (once the department gets organized and releases the application). I am excited about that and know it will be challenging but rewarding. Additionally, I am in the process of deciding what courses to take in the spring. I have 9 hours left to finish and am considering whether I would like to graduate in May or August. May would be rushing it and would be difficult but I think it will be nice to have a summer with no worries or course work to complete.
In addition to all of the above, I am just trying to enjoy my first-year teaching. I try to find plenty of time to go out with friends, play Wii, read, write and exercise. Last weekend, I went to visit my family for the first time in 3 months. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. I rode the 4-wheeler, cooked at the deer lease and was pampered incesantly by my family. It was so nice. I forgot how nice it can be to just go visit family. Life at the house is good. I finally began decorating my living room and put up curtains. I still have a long way to go before my house is completely put together, but it is slowly but surely getting there. Give me another year or so and it will feel the way it should. Much to my dismay, I have not had as much time for reading lately as I would like. I am too busy and too exhausted at the end of the day to read. I lay in bed and just fall asleep quickly.
Recent Reads:
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
In the Fall by Jefferey Lent
Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
Stay tuned for more adventures of a 7th-grade teacher!
-Tracey
Sunday, August 29, 2010
First week success!
Wow! I have successfully finished my first week as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher. :) It was a great success, and I've learned so much already. I have made some mistakes already, but I have a great team that is supportive and helping me learn what I need to do. I have already learned a great deal about my students and feel great compassion for them. I hope that I will be able to teach them skills that will lead them to better lives in the future. I'm so excited to see them every day (even though they are far from perfect angels).
This week was also my birthday. Looking back, I realize that I have experienced the best year of my life. I have very high hopes for this coming year. It will be even better as I learn to be a good teacher and finish my master's degree.
Tracey
This week was also my birthday. Looking back, I realize that I have experienced the best year of my life. I have very high hopes for this coming year. It will be even better as I learn to be a good teacher and finish my master's degree.
Tracey
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
As the last rays of summer sunshine pass me by...
I just wanted to update the blog with the last little bit of happenings and readings from my summer. I started work, officially, last week in the form of "new teacher training" and have spent this week at teacher inservice. The students come to school on Monday, which is less than 5 days away. I am getting so silly excited waiting for them. I have been hard at work fixing up my classroom, planning lessons and basically dotting every "i" and crossing every "t". It has been a ton of work, but it will all be worth it when I see those bright and shiny faces walk through my door!
Last minute summer reads:
I finished the summer off with a few more books. Ask me if you have any questions.
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
The Count of Monte Cristo
Three Cups of Tea
The Angel Experiment
I'm not near my bedside table, so I can't list the authors right now. I am currently reading Columbine by Dave Cullen which is a real-life account of what led to the Columbine Shooting in 1999. All of the books above were recommended to me, including Columbine.
I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. The book is the final one and I can't wait to see what happens to the characters. It comes out on August 24th (the day after I meet my kiddos!) and I already pre-ordered it, so it should be here shortly after my birthday. I'm hoping I can spend that weekend reading it. :)
In other news, Jack has been doing wonderfully at his intermediate puppy class. He tries and works so hard that it really makes me proud. Right now, I am trying to get him adjusted to his new schedule with me teaching every day. We have a few weeks still before my classes start at A&M, so I still come home at a decent hour. When I get home in the afternoons, we go for walks and play until bedtime. I have to get rid of all of his stored-up energy from the day. :)
Tracey
Last minute summer reads:
I finished the summer off with a few more books. Ask me if you have any questions.
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
The Count of Monte Cristo
Three Cups of Tea
The Angel Experiment
I'm not near my bedside table, so I can't list the authors right now. I am currently reading Columbine by Dave Cullen which is a real-life account of what led to the Columbine Shooting in 1999. All of the books above were recommended to me, including Columbine.
I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. The book is the final one and I can't wait to see what happens to the characters. It comes out on August 24th (the day after I meet my kiddos!) and I already pre-ordered it, so it should be here shortly after my birthday. I'm hoping I can spend that weekend reading it. :)
In other news, Jack has been doing wonderfully at his intermediate puppy class. He tries and works so hard that it really makes me proud. Right now, I am trying to get him adjusted to his new schedule with me teaching every day. We have a few weeks still before my classes start at A&M, so I still come home at a decent hour. When I get home in the afternoons, we go for walks and play until bedtime. I have to get rid of all of his stored-up energy from the day. :)
Tracey
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Is it me or the real world?
Lately, I've found that many of my interests have changed and I'm wondering, is it me or is it the real world that has been creating all of this change? I guess to fully answer that question, I have to consider the things about me that have changed.
1. I cook. Not only do I cook, I kind of like it and think about experimenting with it.
This is strange because I have never been one of those people who enjoys creating a meal. I only like eating. However, I have been trying to cook more to save money and eat healthier. I have found that I don't only like cooking, but I like thinking about cooking and figuring out new ways to cook something. I like experimenting with cooking techniques and adding seasonings. And, I must say, I'm not half bad, either.
2. I'm becoming somewhat crafty.
Just like I've never been one to cook, I've never been one to make things. I'd rather buy it already done. I don't have the patience to make pretty things nor do I enjoy the process and it NEVER looks half as good as what I can buy. Well, this changed since I've been decorating my classroom. I've become crafty making posters, banners, bulletin boards and other things to teach my kiddos with. My mom made some photo boards for me by covering bulletin boards with fabric. That gave me the idea to cover my bulletin boards in my bedroom to make them look nicer. Cheap and way cuter than what was already there. I've been thinking I might want to make some cute pillows with the left-over fabric (because I love the fabric so much) but that will require learning to sew...and I'm actually considering doing it. In addition to making cute crafty things, I want to refinish my kitchen table and chairs when I find the time. I don't like the color of the table and chairs but love the style and how sturdy they are. Again, cheaper than buying new furniture and it gets to be exactly the way I want it. I also want to look into making some new bedroom furniture for my room, including a bed and bookshelf. We'll see what happens. :)
3. I want to plant flowers and pretty things in pots for my back porch.
Once again, I've never been interested in gardening, but I find myself wanting to plant things in pots and containers on my back porch to liven it up and make it look pretty. I don't know much about gardening so right now I'm researching what will look good and grow well in containers in the heat. And, what grows well with relatively little care (because I have a feeling I'll forget to water from time-to-time). I also need things that are cheap.
4. I only buy things on sale.
I used to not care so much if something was on sale or not. If I wanted it, I bought it. Now, I look at price first and no matter how much I want it, if the price isn't right, it's a no go. I like sales, and clearances are even better. I also make lists of things I want to buy when I get paid. I doubt I'll buy most of the things on those lists.
5. Finally, as is obvious by now, I'm very aware of money.
I want things that are cheap or on sale. If I can make it for cheap, even better. I'm constantly thinking about money and live by a strict budget. I've actually turned down doing things with friends (dinner or ice cream) to save money.
I still love to read, watch movies and play Wii. I still like going out and doing things with my friends. And, I still love doing anything with Jack or my family. Teaching and being a student still consume a great amount of my time. Ok, so the question is, are all of these changes brought about by the real world or me becoming an adult? The verdict is still out.
-Tracey
1. I cook. Not only do I cook, I kind of like it and think about experimenting with it.
This is strange because I have never been one of those people who enjoys creating a meal. I only like eating. However, I have been trying to cook more to save money and eat healthier. I have found that I don't only like cooking, but I like thinking about cooking and figuring out new ways to cook something. I like experimenting with cooking techniques and adding seasonings. And, I must say, I'm not half bad, either.
2. I'm becoming somewhat crafty.
Just like I've never been one to cook, I've never been one to make things. I'd rather buy it already done. I don't have the patience to make pretty things nor do I enjoy the process and it NEVER looks half as good as what I can buy. Well, this changed since I've been decorating my classroom. I've become crafty making posters, banners, bulletin boards and other things to teach my kiddos with. My mom made some photo boards for me by covering bulletin boards with fabric. That gave me the idea to cover my bulletin boards in my bedroom to make them look nicer. Cheap and way cuter than what was already there. I've been thinking I might want to make some cute pillows with the left-over fabric (because I love the fabric so much) but that will require learning to sew...and I'm actually considering doing it. In addition to making cute crafty things, I want to refinish my kitchen table and chairs when I find the time. I don't like the color of the table and chairs but love the style and how sturdy they are. Again, cheaper than buying new furniture and it gets to be exactly the way I want it. I also want to look into making some new bedroom furniture for my room, including a bed and bookshelf. We'll see what happens. :)
3. I want to plant flowers and pretty things in pots for my back porch.
Once again, I've never been interested in gardening, but I find myself wanting to plant things in pots and containers on my back porch to liven it up and make it look pretty. I don't know much about gardening so right now I'm researching what will look good and grow well in containers in the heat. And, what grows well with relatively little care (because I have a feeling I'll forget to water from time-to-time). I also need things that are cheap.
4. I only buy things on sale.
I used to not care so much if something was on sale or not. If I wanted it, I bought it. Now, I look at price first and no matter how much I want it, if the price isn't right, it's a no go. I like sales, and clearances are even better. I also make lists of things I want to buy when I get paid. I doubt I'll buy most of the things on those lists.
5. Finally, as is obvious by now, I'm very aware of money.
I want things that are cheap or on sale. If I can make it for cheap, even better. I'm constantly thinking about money and live by a strict budget. I've actually turned down doing things with friends (dinner or ice cream) to save money.
I still love to read, watch movies and play Wii. I still like going out and doing things with my friends. And, I still love doing anything with Jack or my family. Teaching and being a student still consume a great amount of my time. Ok, so the question is, are all of these changes brought about by the real world or me becoming an adult? The verdict is still out.
-Tracey
Friday, August 6, 2010
Welcome to the "real world"
As a recent college graduate, I have always heard about what the "real world" would be like. The "real world" represented this illusive vision of what life would be like when I had a job, bills to pay, possibly a family...basically, responsibility without the luxury of blaming all of my stress on school and a lack of money, food and sleep. This "real world" always sounded like a great place to me, someplace where people took responsibility and everything fell into place according to a direct plan. Well, I'm here to say that is the farthest thing from what the "real world" is really like.
In May, I got offered a fantastic job. I was so fortunate and lucky to get a job early in the year. That meant that I would get to spend my entire summer "playing" and not worrying about getting a job before August. While I didn't know what level I would be teaching, I was still excited. In July, I found out I would be teaching 8th grade (the grade I secretly wanted the most!). I spent the next month planning to be an 8th grade teacher. Then, in early August the coveted "room assignment and master schedule" list was released. I was so thrilled to see my name with a room next to it! Yay, for not being a floater and for getting my own space. Then, I went to the 8th grade tab to see my schedule. I wasn't there! So, I looked at the 7th grade listing, and there was my name. 3 weeks before school starts, I'm now placed in a new grade, with the possibility that it might change again before August 23rd arrives. While I am still over-the-moon excited to be teaching, and know I will love 7th grade, I am learning to be flexible. The "real world" follows anything but a well-laid-out plan. The "real world" is more messy and unorganized than college could ever dream of being. However, so far, I'm really loving it out here!
-Tracey
In May, I got offered a fantastic job. I was so fortunate and lucky to get a job early in the year. That meant that I would get to spend my entire summer "playing" and not worrying about getting a job before August. While I didn't know what level I would be teaching, I was still excited. In July, I found out I would be teaching 8th grade (the grade I secretly wanted the most!). I spent the next month planning to be an 8th grade teacher. Then, in early August the coveted "room assignment and master schedule" list was released. I was so thrilled to see my name with a room next to it! Yay, for not being a floater and for getting my own space. Then, I went to the 8th grade tab to see my schedule. I wasn't there! So, I looked at the 7th grade listing, and there was my name. 3 weeks before school starts, I'm now placed in a new grade, with the possibility that it might change again before August 23rd arrives. While I am still over-the-moon excited to be teaching, and know I will love 7th grade, I am learning to be flexible. The "real world" follows anything but a well-laid-out plan. The "real world" is more messy and unorganized than college could ever dream of being. However, so far, I'm really loving it out here!
-Tracey
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August is here!
So, my favorite month of the year has finally arrived! I know this particular August will be especially memorable. 2010 has already surpassed any other year of my life in terms of how wonderful it has been, and I'm sure August will just continue to pour the blessings forward. For me, August has always meant two things: school starting and birthday. It's a really good thing that I love both of those events! However, this August is even more special than ever before because "school starting" means me being the teacher. I officially begin my duties as a teacher in 11 days (orientation and stuff), then meet my kiddos in 22 days and turn 23 in 25 days! :) Bring on the greatest August to date!
-Tracey
-Tracey
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
15 down, 5 in progress, 18 to go!
The master's degree is well underway, and realistically, is half-way complete! So far, I have taken 15 hours (3 last fall, 6 in the spring and 6 the first summer session) and I am currently taking 5 more this summer session. I will finish this summer session on August 10th and will have a few weeks before classes begin i nthe fall. As of right now, I am planning to take 9 hours in the fall (6 directed study hours with two different professors and 3 hours as an acutal class). If all goes well in the fall, and I am able to complete the hours while being a full time teacher, taking care of Jack and training for my half-marathon, I plan to take 9 hours in the spring (all 9 hours would be actual classes). This would allow me to graudate with my master's in May of 2011! The benefit of doing this, is that I would get to enjoy an entire summer with no classes before beginning my PhD. :) I like the idea, but we will see how it goes.
On the half-marathon front, I am still trying to add my 4th mile. It is tough, but I feel like it will happen soon. The Austin Half-Marathon will be on February 20th and that is now my goal. Surely, I will be able to run 13.1 miles by February, right? I'm hoping so! My plan is to be ready to run that half-marathon and potentially another one during the spring, just to show myself that I can do it. I feel like it will be inspiring to my students as well, and a great way for me to show them how I challenge myself too. They need to see that.
Jack has mastered an adorable new trick! When I say "up", he now stands up on his back legs and "claps" his front paws together. It is absolutely precious! :)
-Tracey
On the half-marathon front, I am still trying to add my 4th mile. It is tough, but I feel like it will happen soon. The Austin Half-Marathon will be on February 20th and that is now my goal. Surely, I will be able to run 13.1 miles by February, right? I'm hoping so! My plan is to be ready to run that half-marathon and potentially another one during the spring, just to show myself that I can do it. I feel like it will be inspiring to my students as well, and a great way for me to show them how I challenge myself too. They need to see that.
Jack has mastered an adorable new trick! When I say "up", he now stands up on his back legs and "claps" his front paws together. It is absolutely precious! :)
-Tracey
Monday, July 19, 2010
Fitness Breakthrough
One of my major goals for 2010 has been to become more in shape and healthier. I have never been over-weight or suffered health problems because of my health habits, but I realized that I could make significant improvements if I tried. I decided earlier in the year that it would be "fun" to train for a half-marathon. It actually turned out to be quite challenging and difficult. That is what influenced me to begin working out with a trainer, in addition to my running routine. More recently, I have started trying to eat more healthy as well. I have not made huge changes to my diet, just small things that make the meals I eat more healthy. My favorite new healthy dish is now whole-wheat spaghetti pasta, with spaghetti sauce and turkey meatballs. Delicious!
Anyway, I'm about to finish up my first 12-week challenge with my trainer and I've been wondering if I have really accomplished what I want in those 12 weeks. I can now run a 5K successfully and am working on adding the 4th mile to my run. I was considering measuring myself, weighing myself and figuring out my body mass index to see if I have lost inches, weight and fat during the past 12-weeks. Today, I got my answer without having to do any of those things.
Prior to this summer, the most stressful activity for me to engage in was jeans/pants shopping. They (the stores) just don't seem to make jeans that are in my size, and I've rarely been pleased with my purchases. My biggest nemesis has been skinny jeans. I think they are so cute and have always wanted to be able to wear them. Ha ha ha. I am a thin girl, but I have curves and skinny jeans just aren't made for girls with my shape. Well, today, I went jean shopping to buy a new pair of straight leg jeans (that look really good on me). As I went to pick up those jeans, I saw the skinny jeans staring me down. They were calling me. I thought to myself, "there is no use getting yourself stressed out, so just walk away," but something in me picked up the skinny jeans and took them to the dressing room. Now, usually the problem begins when I try to put my leg into them and can only get the jeans half-way up my thigh. Today, my entire leg easily went into the jeans and I could pull them up. I dreaded trying to button them, but low-and-behold, they buttoned and zipped! THEY FIT! Not only did they fit, but they looked great! :) Needless to say, they were purchased.
I no longer feel the need to weigh or measure myself. I have seen the results I wanted all along. The skinny jeans represent that my body has changed drastically in the past 12 weeks. Not only that, I feel and look great. Yay for fitness success!
-Tracey
Anyway, I'm about to finish up my first 12-week challenge with my trainer and I've been wondering if I have really accomplished what I want in those 12 weeks. I can now run a 5K successfully and am working on adding the 4th mile to my run. I was considering measuring myself, weighing myself and figuring out my body mass index to see if I have lost inches, weight and fat during the past 12-weeks. Today, I got my answer without having to do any of those things.
Prior to this summer, the most stressful activity for me to engage in was jeans/pants shopping. They (the stores) just don't seem to make jeans that are in my size, and I've rarely been pleased with my purchases. My biggest nemesis has been skinny jeans. I think they are so cute and have always wanted to be able to wear them. Ha ha ha. I am a thin girl, but I have curves and skinny jeans just aren't made for girls with my shape. Well, today, I went jean shopping to buy a new pair of straight leg jeans (that look really good on me). As I went to pick up those jeans, I saw the skinny jeans staring me down. They were calling me. I thought to myself, "there is no use getting yourself stressed out, so just walk away," but something in me picked up the skinny jeans and took them to the dressing room. Now, usually the problem begins when I try to put my leg into them and can only get the jeans half-way up my thigh. Today, my entire leg easily went into the jeans and I could pull them up. I dreaded trying to button them, but low-and-behold, they buttoned and zipped! THEY FIT! Not only did they fit, but they looked great! :) Needless to say, they were purchased.
I no longer feel the need to weigh or measure myself. I have seen the results I wanted all along. The skinny jeans represent that my body has changed drastically in the past 12 weeks. Not only that, I feel and look great. Yay for fitness success!
-Tracey
Thursday, July 15, 2010
July Updates (of all sorts)
It has been a few weeks since my last post, so I have updates galore that follow no rhythm or pattern. :)
Life is going spectacularly! Yesterday, I actually found myself saying, "what have I done to deserve to get everything I want?" I believe this sums up what is happening in my life lately. I have the most amazing friends and family anyone could ask for. These people are with me through thick and thin and keep me grounded, Together, we share laughs and love that keep life fun and interesting. Jack has been an amazing blessing and addition to my life. He brings so much joy and comfort to my life and I could not imagine not having him around. Graduate school has taken some great leaps. I am currently working with a classmate to write and publish an article about the benefits of using cell phones in the classroom. This will be our first published work and we are so excited to be working on it. I am also working on a research project that is studying 8th-graders readiness for high school. I will work on this project until its completion sometime at the beginning of the spring semester. Also, I am 15 hours into my master's and have maintained my 4.0 GPR! :)
In addition to everything above, I have a GREAT job! I have already had the opportunity to talk with many of my mentors for next year and feel like I am completely in the right place. This job is not necessarily the one I wanted, but like my Aunt once told me, "what is best for us is not always what we want." I truly believe God has placed me in this school, with these kiddos for a reason. I'm ready to spend the next year figuring out those reasons. I am hoping to get into my classroom soon so I can start decorating and making it look like me! :) Finally, the school board just approved a pay raise, so I will be making a little bit more money than I initially anticipated. While money is obviously not the reason I am a teacher (teacher salaries are posted on school websites), I am thankful for the extra bit of money.
Finally, I found out yesterday that I get to continue my workouts with Brad. I need to change the days I go workout at his place and the days I requested were full, so there was a possibility I wasn't going to get to continue with this. However, God had another plan, and I will be able to continue working out! I need the motivation and encouragement that Brad offers and I always feel so good after I work out. This definitely needed to continue to be part of my life. I have begun decorating the house and am loving it! A friend gave me some nice kitchen stuff and candle holders, plus I've invested in a few wall decors. I am in love with everything in my house and like that it is starting to feel like MY home! :)
Finally, since my summer school courses have calmed down a little bit, I have been able to get some quality reading time in. I began the summer with a HUGE reading list that I hoped would be accomplished by the end of the summer. However, once I began my Summer I classes, I realized this was not going to happen. It wasn't until those classes were completed that I have been able to find time to read for my own fun again. Here is a list of what I have been able to read over the summer thus far.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collines
Stoner by John Williams
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by Lensey Namioka
Shabanu by Suzanne Fisher Staples
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
the Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams
Beatrice and Virgil by Yahn Martel
My summer has been quite different from what I originally expected it to be, but nonetheless, it has been spectacular!
Tracey
Life is going spectacularly! Yesterday, I actually found myself saying, "what have I done to deserve to get everything I want?" I believe this sums up what is happening in my life lately. I have the most amazing friends and family anyone could ask for. These people are with me through thick and thin and keep me grounded, Together, we share laughs and love that keep life fun and interesting. Jack has been an amazing blessing and addition to my life. He brings so much joy and comfort to my life and I could not imagine not having him around. Graduate school has taken some great leaps. I am currently working with a classmate to write and publish an article about the benefits of using cell phones in the classroom. This will be our first published work and we are so excited to be working on it. I am also working on a research project that is studying 8th-graders readiness for high school. I will work on this project until its completion sometime at the beginning of the spring semester. Also, I am 15 hours into my master's and have maintained my 4.0 GPR! :)
In addition to everything above, I have a GREAT job! I have already had the opportunity to talk with many of my mentors for next year and feel like I am completely in the right place. This job is not necessarily the one I wanted, but like my Aunt once told me, "what is best for us is not always what we want." I truly believe God has placed me in this school, with these kiddos for a reason. I'm ready to spend the next year figuring out those reasons. I am hoping to get into my classroom soon so I can start decorating and making it look like me! :) Finally, the school board just approved a pay raise, so I will be making a little bit more money than I initially anticipated. While money is obviously not the reason I am a teacher (teacher salaries are posted on school websites), I am thankful for the extra bit of money.
Finally, I found out yesterday that I get to continue my workouts with Brad. I need to change the days I go workout at his place and the days I requested were full, so there was a possibility I wasn't going to get to continue with this. However, God had another plan, and I will be able to continue working out! I need the motivation and encouragement that Brad offers and I always feel so good after I work out. This definitely needed to continue to be part of my life. I have begun decorating the house and am loving it! A friend gave me some nice kitchen stuff and candle holders, plus I've invested in a few wall decors. I am in love with everything in my house and like that it is starting to feel like MY home! :)
Finally, since my summer school courses have calmed down a little bit, I have been able to get some quality reading time in. I began the summer with a HUGE reading list that I hoped would be accomplished by the end of the summer. However, once I began my Summer I classes, I realized this was not going to happen. It wasn't until those classes were completed that I have been able to find time to read for my own fun again. Here is a list of what I have been able to read over the summer thus far.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collines
Stoner by John Williams
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by Lensey Namioka
Shabanu by Suzanne Fisher Staples
The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
the Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams
Beatrice and Virgil by Yahn Martel
My summer has been quite different from what I originally expected it to be, but nonetheless, it has been spectacular!
Tracey
Proud Mama of a Graduate
A few weeks ago, Jack graduated from his beginner puppy class. :) I am very proud of him and what he was able to accomplish in just eight weeks. I adopted Jack on March 6th, at which time he was two pounds and was completely untrained. On June 30th, when he graduated, he was eight pounds and could do nine commands plus he is potty trained! Jack will be six months old on July 19th and we will begin intermediate puppy training next weekend. I am eager and excited to teach him some new commands.
More importantly, Jack's training has prepared him to be a very good dog. Last week, I traveled to New Mexico for my cousin's wedding, so I left Jack with my Aunt and Grandma. I was a little worried at how he would act around new people for almost a week. Even though he knew them, I didn't know if he would act properly or cause trouble. Turns out, he was a great dog while I was gone. He did not misbehave and he was very easy to handle. This makes me even more proud than his success at graduating from puppy class!
Tracey
Tracey
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
All Grown Up and Living the Dream
Well, this little girl is officially a grown up with all of the privileges and responsibilities of being a grown up. I officially: own my own house, own my own car, pay my own bills, own my own puppy (and successfully keep it happy and alive), and I have a "big girl" job. I will be teaching 8th grade English starting in the fall and could not be more excited about it. Besides, that "big girl" job, I give private writing lessons and am the landlord of my house. :)
In addition to all of this, I am a graduate student. I just finalized my master's committee and am all set to begin working on a research project this summer. In the fall, I will be helping a professor complete a manuscript for publication and I will write an article and create a presentation. Hopefully, in the near future, I will have the opportunity to speak at conferences and publish some of my own articles. I will also be working on a few research projects of my own, hopefully for publication.
Life is good and I am getting to watch all of my dreams come true before my very eyes. I get to spend all day, every day, engaging in what I love while knowing I am doing good in the world. I am truly living on cloud 9 and cannot see how things could get any better. However, I know that God is full of surprises and may very well prove me wrong again.
-Tracey
In addition to all of this, I am a graduate student. I just finalized my master's committee and am all set to begin working on a research project this summer. In the fall, I will be helping a professor complete a manuscript for publication and I will write an article and create a presentation. Hopefully, in the near future, I will have the opportunity to speak at conferences and publish some of my own articles. I will also be working on a few research projects of my own, hopefully for publication.
Life is good and I am getting to watch all of my dreams come true before my very eyes. I get to spend all day, every day, engaging in what I love while knowing I am doing good in the world. I am truly living on cloud 9 and cannot see how things could get any better. However, I know that God is full of surprises and may very well prove me wrong again.
-Tracey
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Workouts, workouts, workouts
My fitness fever is continuing and causing me to workout more than usual...but I really like it. I'm now beginning to see results, so that makes me even more happy. Here were my workouts from the past week. This is pretty representative of what I do on a weekly basis.
Monday: 45 minute pilates workout (core, legs, arms) plus 250 calorie workout on the Elliptical
Tuesday: workout with Brad; cardio: burn 180 calories on Elliptical, then a 5 minute progression set on the spinner; weights: 60 reps on tricep dips, 60 reps on bench (moderate weight), 60 repts on leg press (moderate weight), 4-minutes of lunges holding 15 pound dumb bells in each hand; core: 1 minute of crunches, 1 minute of butterfly sit ups, 1 minute plank, 1 minute boat plank, 1 minute rest, 1 minute crunches, 1 minute scissor kicks, 1 minute butterfly sit-ups, 1 minute boat plank
Wednesday: 45 minute pilates workout (core, legs, arms) plus 50 calorie workout on the Elliptical
Thursday: workout with Brad; 4-minute weight rotations (butterfly sit-ups, military press, fly raises, BOSU crunches, calf raises on leg press, hammer curls, burpees, quad raises, clean, then more military press); then I played a softball game!
Friday: 2 miles on the treadmill, 2 miles on the spinner, 250 calories on the Elliptical
Saturday: REST!
Sunday: I'm planning to run, spin and do some core strength exercises
I'm doing great and loving every minute of it!
Tracey
Monday: 45 minute pilates workout (core, legs, arms) plus 250 calorie workout on the Elliptical
Tuesday: workout with Brad; cardio: burn 180 calories on Elliptical, then a 5 minute progression set on the spinner; weights: 60 reps on tricep dips, 60 reps on bench (moderate weight), 60 repts on leg press (moderate weight), 4-minutes of lunges holding 15 pound dumb bells in each hand; core: 1 minute of crunches, 1 minute of butterfly sit ups, 1 minute plank, 1 minute boat plank, 1 minute rest, 1 minute crunches, 1 minute scissor kicks, 1 minute butterfly sit-ups, 1 minute boat plank
Wednesday: 45 minute pilates workout (core, legs, arms) plus 50 calorie workout on the Elliptical
Thursday: workout with Brad; 4-minute weight rotations (butterfly sit-ups, military press, fly raises, BOSU crunches, calf raises on leg press, hammer curls, burpees, quad raises, clean, then more military press); then I played a softball game!
Friday: 2 miles on the treadmill, 2 miles on the spinner, 250 calories on the Elliptical
Saturday: REST!
Sunday: I'm planning to run, spin and do some core strength exercises
I'm doing great and loving every minute of it!
Tracey
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tough Workouts Mirror Life
Life is tough. Life is complicated. Life is a mess. However, we are created to sustain the hardships of life and fight when things don't go our way. Moreover, God never gives us more than we can handle. He gives us the people and skills we need to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. In this way, life mirrors tough workouts perfectly. What do I mean?
Lately, my brain has been going crazy thinking about tough issues in my life. It has been a while since something has caused this much stress on my brain. I am trying to be strong, but I am only human. I can always turn to my workouts to help me fight through any frustrations I am having. Workouts are like the tough battles in life. We have to fight through them just like we have to fight through a tough workout.
Today, I experiened a very tough workout. Not only that, but I'm going back again this afternoon and tomorrow morning. That's three workouts (all tough) in 24 hours. I know, I'm insane. However, with the turmoil that is happening in my brain, it is necessary that I take advantage of all of the releases I can. I digress...back to the tough workout. I made myself a low-ball goal because I was unfamiliar with the workout. I didn't know what I was actually capable of doing. In the end, I changed my goal. My trainer suggested a goal, but even I did not think I could do that. Instead, I decided to create another goal that was lower than the trainer's goal for me but higher than my initial goal. I just kept fighting throughout the workout thinking only of that workout. I achieved the goal my trainer had set for me, the highest goal of the three. I was pleased with myself.
During the workout, I thought, this is horrible. At times, I even thought, there is no way I can continue. This is exactly what is happening to me right now. I am moving at the speed-of-life and am happier than I have ever been in my life. This new situation that has appeared has slowed me down quite a bit and is consuming much of my extra brain capacity. I am turning to the things in life that I can rely on to help me through this. Here is what I can rely on and what I need right now: my family, my friends, Jack, my workouts, my running, my academics and reading for fun. With these key elements of my life, that I absolutely love, I can overcome this challenge.
I'm letting go and letting God control this one. He never fails and never brings me to a challenge I cannot overcome.
-Tracey
Lately, my brain has been going crazy thinking about tough issues in my life. It has been a while since something has caused this much stress on my brain. I am trying to be strong, but I am only human. I can always turn to my workouts to help me fight through any frustrations I am having. Workouts are like the tough battles in life. We have to fight through them just like we have to fight through a tough workout.
Today, I experiened a very tough workout. Not only that, but I'm going back again this afternoon and tomorrow morning. That's three workouts (all tough) in 24 hours. I know, I'm insane. However, with the turmoil that is happening in my brain, it is necessary that I take advantage of all of the releases I can. I digress...back to the tough workout. I made myself a low-ball goal because I was unfamiliar with the workout. I didn't know what I was actually capable of doing. In the end, I changed my goal. My trainer suggested a goal, but even I did not think I could do that. Instead, I decided to create another goal that was lower than the trainer's goal for me but higher than my initial goal. I just kept fighting throughout the workout thinking only of that workout. I achieved the goal my trainer had set for me, the highest goal of the three. I was pleased with myself.
During the workout, I thought, this is horrible. At times, I even thought, there is no way I can continue. This is exactly what is happening to me right now. I am moving at the speed-of-life and am happier than I have ever been in my life. This new situation that has appeared has slowed me down quite a bit and is consuming much of my extra brain capacity. I am turning to the things in life that I can rely on to help me through this. Here is what I can rely on and what I need right now: my family, my friends, Jack, my workouts, my running, my academics and reading for fun. With these key elements of my life, that I absolutely love, I can overcome this challenge.
I'm letting go and letting God control this one. He never fails and never brings me to a challenge I cannot overcome.
-Tracey
Friday, June 11, 2010
Putting it into Perspective
Lately, I have been troubled by a personal matter. It is something that has been challenging me for a while and something that is hard for me to deal with. My mind has become weak in the past week and has been struggling even more with toxic thoughts that keep me from being who I want to be. In the past few years, and especially this year, I have grown and become more of the woman I want to be in the future. However, I have been struggling with something that could put everything I have worked for in jeopardy. It's like a game, and if I give in, I lose. If I forfeit and am tough, I win. While giving in will give me instant gratification, it will have long standing consequences that I will have to deal with eventually.
Today, I was shocked a little and things were put into perspective for me. Due to one of my graduate courses, I made a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Houston today. As part of a group project, I had to go to the museum and I have to create a powerpoint and paper about my experience there. I had never been to this museum before, and while I know quite a bit about the Holocaust, I had rarely seen pictures depicting this human tragedy. As I walked through the museum looking at the pictures and reading the real-life accounts of the atrocities, I thought to myself, "why am I being so selfish?" I began to think about the amazing life I have. "What do I have to be upset about?" "So what if life isn't going exactly my way?" As these thoughts flooded my head, I began to thank God for everything I have. I don't have to worry about being harmed because of my race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. I feel safe on a daily basis. Moreover, I began to pray to God to help show me how to be less selfish. Here I am, upset and worried about something very insignificant. Something that only affects me. Something that only benefits me.
God has placed so many advantages in my life and so many good things and people. My passions, that are God-given, have guided me to education. My job, here on Earth, is to help adolescents have a better life. I'm supposed to share my love of writing and literature and education so that they can have what they want. My life is not about me. God did not create me that way, yet my human tendencies are to focus on myself. God created me to help others and to glorify Him through my work. I have been letting Him down lately and it took a surprise project in a class I'm less than fond of to remind me of this. Every class I take, every paper I write, every book I read, every person I come into contact is God's doing. It is His doing so that I will become a better person so that I can serve His purpose for me.
Today, I am blessed and thankful that God has reminded me of what is really important in life. He has once again shown me where my focus needs to be. Not on me, but on Him and His purpose for me. I can only pray that He will continue to give me reminders like this one. Philipians 4:6-7
-Tracey
Today, I was shocked a little and things were put into perspective for me. Due to one of my graduate courses, I made a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Houston today. As part of a group project, I had to go to the museum and I have to create a powerpoint and paper about my experience there. I had never been to this museum before, and while I know quite a bit about the Holocaust, I had rarely seen pictures depicting this human tragedy. As I walked through the museum looking at the pictures and reading the real-life accounts of the atrocities, I thought to myself, "why am I being so selfish?" I began to think about the amazing life I have. "What do I have to be upset about?" "So what if life isn't going exactly my way?" As these thoughts flooded my head, I began to thank God for everything I have. I don't have to worry about being harmed because of my race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. I feel safe on a daily basis. Moreover, I began to pray to God to help show me how to be less selfish. Here I am, upset and worried about something very insignificant. Something that only affects me. Something that only benefits me.
God has placed so many advantages in my life and so many good things and people. My passions, that are God-given, have guided me to education. My job, here on Earth, is to help adolescents have a better life. I'm supposed to share my love of writing and literature and education so that they can have what they want. My life is not about me. God did not create me that way, yet my human tendencies are to focus on myself. God created me to help others and to glorify Him through my work. I have been letting Him down lately and it took a surprise project in a class I'm less than fond of to remind me of this. Every class I take, every paper I write, every book I read, every person I come into contact is God's doing. It is His doing so that I will become a better person so that I can serve His purpose for me.
Today, I am blessed and thankful that God has reminded me of what is really important in life. He has once again shown me where my focus needs to be. Not on me, but on Him and His purpose for me. I can only pray that He will continue to give me reminders like this one. Philipians 4:6-7
-Tracey
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Cloud 9
Woo hoo! I am doing so well accomplishing my fitness goals this summer. The summer has just begun and I can already cross one goal off of the never-ending list...I can successfully run a 5K. Yesterday, I ran the 3.1 miles without stopping in just under 30 minutes. The time is not fabulous, but I just wanted to know that I could do it, and I actually improved my pace time with each mile. The first mile I ran in just over 10 minutes, the final mile I finished right at 8:30 minutes. :)
I am so proud of myself for this accomplishment and cannot wait to add more miles. I had decided that I wanted to train and get in shape for myself. This is the one thing in my life that I am doing completely for me. It makes me feel good and keeps me happy, plus it serves as a release from the stress of teaching and grad school. Keep posted for more successes as the summer continues.
Jack is doing equally well in his puppy class! We have 3 more weeks culminating in his final exam and graduation. (How sweet is that!) Jack can successfully "watch me", "sit", "come when called", "lay down", and he can walk on his leash nicely and sit when I stop walking. We are working to perfect "stay" and he is greatly improving on "leave it" and "drop it". I am so proud of him. He has been working hard and is such a sweet little boy. I talked to the trainer yesterday and she thinks he will be more than ready to being an intermediate class in July, once he finishes his puppy training. So, yay Jack! (Intermediate training, here we come!)
-Tracey
I am so proud of myself for this accomplishment and cannot wait to add more miles. I had decided that I wanted to train and get in shape for myself. This is the one thing in my life that I am doing completely for me. It makes me feel good and keeps me happy, plus it serves as a release from the stress of teaching and grad school. Keep posted for more successes as the summer continues.
Jack is doing equally well in his puppy class! We have 3 more weeks culminating in his final exam and graduation. (How sweet is that!) Jack can successfully "watch me", "sit", "come when called", "lay down", and he can walk on his leash nicely and sit when I stop walking. We are working to perfect "stay" and he is greatly improving on "leave it" and "drop it". I am so proud of him. He has been working hard and is such a sweet little boy. I talked to the trainer yesterday and she thinks he will be more than ready to being an intermediate class in July, once he finishes his puppy training. So, yay Jack! (Intermediate training, here we come!)
-Tracey
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Fitness Fever
The "fitness fever" has finally hit me...and I think I have Brad to thank for that. Brad is my trainer. About a month ago, I decided I had had enough and I wanted to "be hot by 23". I knew that I would need some guidance and motivation. I'm not that great at working out. I'm inconsistent and either work too hard or not hard enough. So, I looked up gyms, trainers and everything in the area. Based on price, credentials and fit for me, Brad was the clear winner. I workout with him twice a week in a small group setting (there are 3-5 other women in my group). We do 30 minutes of hard cardio and 30 minutes of hard weights. He is able to individualize the exercises for each person if needed and is great at motivating me to push myself harder. Well, I started seeing results from his workouts last week. No, I have not lost any weight (which was not a goal of mine) but I am physically smaller and have gained a bunch of nice, lean muscles. Plus, I feel better. Now, I am determined to workout multiple times a week. I will be taking some free classes from the Rec to supplement what I do with Brad and will run several times a week. I definitely have the "fitness fever" and am loving it!
Here is the weekly breakdown of workouts:
Monday: Pilates at the Rec
Tuesday: Workout with Brad
Wednesday: Pilates at the Rec
Thursday: Workout with Brad
Friday: Yoga at the Rec
Saturday: Off (maybe a run)
Sunday: Total Training at the Rec (this is a full body workout combining step, Bosu ball, jump rope, etc.)
-Tracey
Here is the weekly breakdown of workouts:
Monday: Pilates at the Rec
Tuesday: Workout with Brad
Wednesday: Pilates at the Rec
Thursday: Workout with Brad
Friday: Yoga at the Rec
Saturday: Off (maybe a run)
Sunday: Total Training at the Rec (this is a full body workout combining step, Bosu ball, jump rope, etc.)
-Tracey
Friday, May 28, 2010
Summer Reading
My summer reading can be divided into three categories: books for fun, educational books and graduate school books. Here is what is on the agenda for reading this summer. :)
Books for fun!
1. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
2. In the Fall by Jeffrey Lent
3. Roses by Leila Meacham
4. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
5. Mercy by Toni Morrison
6. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
7. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
8. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
9. Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
10. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
11. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
12. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
13. True Colors by Kristin Hannah
14. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
15. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
16. Columbine by Dave Cullen
17. Stoner by John Williams
18. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
19. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Education Books:
1. Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? by Cris Tovani
2. Adolescent Literacy by (many researchers, all fantastic)
3. The English Teacher's Companion by Jim Burke (assorted chapters, not the whole thing)
4. Several books that the school I'll be working for next year wants me to read
5. Current research from the reading/literacy journals I receive :)
Graduate School Books:
1. Handbook of Orthography and Literacy edited by Joshi and Aaron
2. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki
3. Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader by Shirley R. Steinberg
4. Plus whatever books are necessary during my second 2 summer session classes
Combine all of this reading with the following summer activities:
1. Actually studying for graduate school and completing assignments/projects/presentations/tests
2. Puppy classes with Jack (and just spending time with him)
3. Working out 5 or more days a week
4. Spending time with family and friends
5. Planning lessons for next year and getting my classroom organized
I'm going to be one busy girl, but I love it!
I'll post my opinions about the books I'm reading, so if you are interested in good reads for the summer, just ask me.
-Tracey
Books for fun!
1. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
2. In the Fall by Jeffrey Lent
3. Roses by Leila Meacham
4. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
5. Mercy by Toni Morrison
6. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
7. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper
8. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
9. Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
10. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
11. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
12. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
13. True Colors by Kristin Hannah
14. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
15. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
16. Columbine by Dave Cullen
17. Stoner by John Williams
18. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
19. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Education Books:
1. Do I Really Have to Teach Reading? by Cris Tovani
2. Adolescent Literacy by (many researchers, all fantastic)
3. The English Teacher's Companion by Jim Burke (assorted chapters, not the whole thing)
4. Several books that the school I'll be working for next year wants me to read
5. Current research from the reading/literacy journals I receive :)
Graduate School Books:
1. Handbook of Orthography and Literacy edited by Joshi and Aaron
2. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki
3. Diversity and Multiculturalism: A Reader by Shirley R. Steinberg
4. Plus whatever books are necessary during my second 2 summer session classes
Combine all of this reading with the following summer activities:
1. Actually studying for graduate school and completing assignments/projects/presentations/tests
2. Puppy classes with Jack (and just spending time with him)
3. Working out 5 or more days a week
4. Spending time with family and friends
5. Planning lessons for next year and getting my classroom organized
I'm going to be one busy girl, but I love it!
I'll post my opinions about the books I'm reading, so if you are interested in good reads for the summer, just ask me.
-Tracey
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Reason is You
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who grew up loving school. She loved everything about school. Buying and organizing new school supplies, getting new books, teaching her classmates...everything. She fought a deeply-rooted desire to teach thinking there was something better out there (did I mention she was a bit naive as well). Finally, she realized she couldn't fight it any longer and the passion she felt for her students and teaching took control. She became a teacher.
Days are tough. She spends hours upon hours grading papers, grading projects, grading tests, grading, grading, grading. She spends hours planning lessons, planning assignments, planning conferences, planning, planning, planning. She repeats herself incessantly. She must be firm and tough everyday, hiding her weaknesses. She goes to sleep exhausted at night just to wake up extra early the next day to repeat the cycle again. What keeps her going?
The warm embrace from a student who just realized he made a high enough grade to pass for the semester and graduate. :) A student who comes by her room everyday just to say "hey". A student who high-fives her because she got the grade she wanted. A student who stops everytime he sees her just to chat about what is going on. Students who light up when they see her. Students who share their lives with her. Students, students, students.
:)
Days are tough. She spends hours upon hours grading papers, grading projects, grading tests, grading, grading, grading. She spends hours planning lessons, planning assignments, planning conferences, planning, planning, planning. She repeats herself incessantly. She must be firm and tough everyday, hiding her weaknesses. She goes to sleep exhausted at night just to wake up extra early the next day to repeat the cycle again. What keeps her going?
The warm embrace from a student who just realized he made a high enough grade to pass for the semester and graduate. :) A student who comes by her room everyday just to say "hey". A student who high-fives her because she got the grade she wanted. A student who stops everytime he sees her just to chat about what is going on. Students who light up when they see her. Students who share their lives with her. Students, students, students.
:)
It's not impossible, but is it a challenge? Yes.
Summer! My summer is going to be a challenge, but so worth while. I just went through my "summer reading pile" (you know, what all English teachers do over the summer). There are 19 books in that pile. Some are small, but many are big. Can I read all 19 books in 10 weeks? I'm sure going to try. Additionally, I am taking 12 hours of master's classes this summer that all require reading of their own. Oh, and I want to read some more education books to get me prepared for the fall. Yea, I can totally handle this. I'll update about my progress and see how much I actually get read between now and August 12 (my first day of work!).
Workouts with the trainer are going fantastically. He is tough and kicks my butt every week, but I am getting so much stronger. I weighed myself the other day to find that I have gained weight. However, my clothes are looser, my muscles are stronger and I look great! So, I'm perfectly ok with gaining weight. From the beginning, weight loss has never been a goal of mine. Our workouts are twice a week (30 minutes of tough weights and 30 minutes of tough cardio). I also want to start taking a yoga class and a step class this summer. Add that to my marathon training and my goal of "being hot" by 23 will be perfectly attainable. :)
Puppy classes are amazing! Jack is learning new skills very quickly and I couldn't be prouder. He has mastered "sit", "watch me" and "fetch". He can walk nicely on his leash. Now, we are working on 3 new commands and a few other things. He has been sick lately, so I'm trying to get him well. He's a champ, though. Oh, and much to my dismay, he has learned how to jump up onto the couch by himself. Now, nothing is safe from him.
-Tracey
Workouts with the trainer are going fantastically. He is tough and kicks my butt every week, but I am getting so much stronger. I weighed myself the other day to find that I have gained weight. However, my clothes are looser, my muscles are stronger and I look great! So, I'm perfectly ok with gaining weight. From the beginning, weight loss has never been a goal of mine. Our workouts are twice a week (30 minutes of tough weights and 30 minutes of tough cardio). I also want to start taking a yoga class and a step class this summer. Add that to my marathon training and my goal of "being hot" by 23 will be perfectly attainable. :)
-Tracey
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Jeremiah 29:11
Jack and I have a secure future, one that is unbelievable! Several good things happened this week. I found out I got a 4.0 this semester in my Master's classes, making my overall GPR still a 4.0 (WHOOP!) and I got offered and accepted a new job! This job came about quickly and is perfect for me.
I was feeling very stressed and disgruntled at the fact that I hadn't received a job offer yet. I was simply told to keep waiting. Hopefully, something would come up. I decided that waiting would not due for me, so I took matters into my own hands. I sent dozens of emails to principals and schools in the local area asking about jobs and letting them know that I was available. One school contacted me back saying they would love to have me come in for an interview. I accepted the interview and went in the next day. The day after the interview, they called me to offer me the position! :) Of course, I accepted. I will be teaching middle school English/Language Arts and could not be more thrilled about it.
This gives me the security I was needing. God pulled through and gave me just what I needed. I have a job (teaching!). I have a 4-month-old puppy. I own my own house. I'm a landlord. Life is good.
-Tracey
I was feeling very stressed and disgruntled at the fact that I hadn't received a job offer yet. I was simply told to keep waiting. Hopefully, something would come up. I decided that waiting would not due for me, so I took matters into my own hands. I sent dozens of emails to principals and schools in the local area asking about jobs and letting them know that I was available. One school contacted me back saying they would love to have me come in for an interview. I accepted the interview and went in the next day. The day after the interview, they called me to offer me the position! :) Of course, I accepted. I will be teaching middle school English/Language Arts and could not be more thrilled about it.
This gives me the security I was needing. God pulled through and gave me just what I needed. I have a job (teaching!). I have a 4-month-old puppy. I own my own house. I'm a landlord. Life is good.
-Tracey
Sunday, May 16, 2010
2 weeks of VACATION!
I'm officially on summer vacation for the next 2 weeks! YAY! I will be working for those two weeks, but thankfully, I am teaching seniors. Tomorrow we are reviewing for their last unit test, Tuesday we will continue reviewing and Wednesday they take the test. Then, they will be reviewing for the final while watching a movie until Tuesday. On Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week, they have finals, and then I am done. :) So, needless to say, my last two weeks at work will be relatively easy.
I won't start summer school until June 1st, so this is my summer vacation. I spent this entire weekend sending emails to school districts (19 emails total) mentioning my interest in working for their district. Let's pray someone bites and I get some more interviews and an offer. I am choosing not to stress over this anymore because it isn't worth it. I have sent emails, applied and done all I can to make myself the best candidate. :) I'm keeping my hopes high. Jeremiah 29:11
Also, to prepare for my future job, I am studying to add a few more certification areas to my name. I'm reading educational research journals and research-based education books. :) I'm trying best prepare myself for next year and love reading books on the subject.
Besides the obvious job hunt, I am enjoying working out with my trainer, training for my marathon and playing with Jack. I'm also trying to read as many books for fun as possible. The rest of my summer vacation will be spent with family and friends, watching movies, playing wii and just plain relaxing. :) I hope it's a LONG two weeks.
-Tracey
I won't start summer school until June 1st, so this is my summer vacation. I spent this entire weekend sending emails to school districts (19 emails total) mentioning my interest in working for their district. Let's pray someone bites and I get some more interviews and an offer. I am choosing not to stress over this anymore because it isn't worth it. I have sent emails, applied and done all I can to make myself the best candidate. :) I'm keeping my hopes high. Jeremiah 29:11
Also, to prepare for my future job, I am studying to add a few more certification areas to my name. I'm reading educational research journals and research-based education books. :) I'm trying best prepare myself for next year and love reading books on the subject.
Besides the obvious job hunt, I am enjoying working out with my trainer, training for my marathon and playing with Jack. I'm also trying to read as many books for fun as possible. The rest of my summer vacation will be spent with family and friends, watching movies, playing wii and just plain relaxing. :) I hope it's a LONG two weeks.
-Tracey
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Training for me, training for Jack
This past week Jack and I both starting working with trainers! :)
My trainer is a personal trainer. He holds small group (4-5 people) sessions in a gym in his backyard. He is a great person, very nice and extremely encouraging but man, is he tough! He kicked my butt on Tuesday (my first workout). I left the hour long workout (30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weights) in a complete daze. I felt queasy, weak and stumbled to my car. Then, for the rest of the week, I could barely walk and stairs were my enemy. On Thursday, the workout was much easier (or so it seemed). I was still sore for a few days afterwards, but the soreness is slowly working its way out of my body. I am acutely aware of muscles I didn't know I had. I have 11 weeks left of the program and am excited for my body to start chaning, my endurance to strenghten and my muscles to tone. My marathon training is going well (I'm up to 2 miles!) and the workouts with the trainer will only help my running get better more quickly.
Jack's trainer is a puppy trainer! We decided to enroll in a class, so we could both learn how to train him properly. He will learn a bunch of commands in the 8 week class. I'm so excited for what the trainer has in store! The first command we learned was "watch me". This just gets Jack's attention and focuses his attention on me. He learned this command within 5 minutes and was able to hold his gaze on me for 6 seconds without breaking (which was more than any other puppy there). :) I'm so proud of my little man. The goal by the end of the class is to have him "watch me" for 30 seconds without breaking. He can totally do that. :) He really is a great little puppy and learns things so quickly.
Besides Jack's training, he is still working on potty training and a few other commands. Potty training is going great. He always asks to go outside now and the only time he has an accident is when I don't pay attention to him (so it's my fault). :( I'm working on it too. Jack is fantastic at fetch! He can also go get a specific toy if I ask him too (his hippo, giraffe or ball). I love that he is so smart!
So, we are both working with trainers and it's tough! Wish us luck!
Tracey
My trainer is a personal trainer. He holds small group (4-5 people) sessions in a gym in his backyard. He is a great person, very nice and extremely encouraging but man, is he tough! He kicked my butt on Tuesday (my first workout). I left the hour long workout (30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weights) in a complete daze. I felt queasy, weak and stumbled to my car. Then, for the rest of the week, I could barely walk and stairs were my enemy. On Thursday, the workout was much easier (or so it seemed). I was still sore for a few days afterwards, but the soreness is slowly working its way out of my body. I am acutely aware of muscles I didn't know I had. I have 11 weeks left of the program and am excited for my body to start chaning, my endurance to strenghten and my muscles to tone. My marathon training is going well (I'm up to 2 miles!) and the workouts with the trainer will only help my running get better more quickly.
Jack's trainer is a puppy trainer! We decided to enroll in a class, so we could both learn how to train him properly. He will learn a bunch of commands in the 8 week class. I'm so excited for what the trainer has in store! The first command we learned was "watch me". This just gets Jack's attention and focuses his attention on me. He learned this command within 5 minutes and was able to hold his gaze on me for 6 seconds without breaking (which was more than any other puppy there). :) I'm so proud of my little man. The goal by the end of the class is to have him "watch me" for 30 seconds without breaking. He can totally do that. :) He really is a great little puppy and learns things so quickly.
Besides Jack's training, he is still working on potty training and a few other commands. Potty training is going great. He always asks to go outside now and the only time he has an accident is when I don't pay attention to him (so it's my fault). :( I'm working on it too. Jack is fantastic at fetch! He can also go get a specific toy if I ask him too (his hippo, giraffe or ball). I love that he is so smart!
So, we are both working with trainers and it's tough! Wish us luck!
Tracey
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Book Updates
So, what have I been reading lately? Many great, wonderful books and a few not-so-great books. Here is my updated list of books I've read since Spring Break.
The Glass Castle by Jeanmette Walls (very good and unapologetic)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer and Barrows (crazy title, but amazing)
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (typical Sparks, sad, intriguing)
Post-Mortem by Patricial Cornwell (hard to get into, very scientific)
Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts (I'm obsessed with this series, so I loved it!)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (one of the greatest books I've read in years)
I guess I've been in a lovey kind of mood lately because most of these books are exceptionally romantic. I'm not really sure what the reason for the trend is, but I'm enjoying my current reads. :)
-Tracey
The Glass Castle by Jeanmette Walls (very good and unapologetic)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer and Barrows (crazy title, but amazing)
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (typical Sparks, sad, intriguing)
Post-Mortem by Patricial Cornwell (hard to get into, very scientific)
Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts (I'm obsessed with this series, so I loved it!)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (one of the greatest books I've read in years)
I guess I've been in a lovey kind of mood lately because most of these books are exceptionally romantic. I'm not really sure what the reason for the trend is, but I'm enjoying my current reads. :)
-Tracey
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Little Bear's first groom
Jack and I both had an interesting experience yesterday. Jack got his first groom! Now, I have never had a dog that needed regular grooming, but toy poodles have hair that grows quickly and need grooming often. He will probably need to be groomed every 5 or 6 weeks.
Here are before (left) and after (right) pictures of the appointment. :) Enjoy.
Here are before (left) and after (right) pictures of the appointment. :) Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
God uses our passions to speak to us
I am passionate about teaching, books and people. These are pleasures in my life that I cannot get enough of. In the past week, God has used my passions to help answer my prayers. He is so good.
So, about a week ago, a book was released that I have been waiting for. Yes, I am the kind of person that gets excited about books being released the way some people get excited for movies to come out in theaters. I had waited MONTHS to read this book and it was finally here. Only problem, I couldn't find the book anywhere. I went to Barnes and Noble. Nothing. I went to Hastings. Nothing. I went to Wal-Mart. Success. Seriously, bookstores? Wal-Mart beat you out? Disappointing, but at least I got my book. Here is where the suprise answer comes from.
However, I must digress a little at this point. As many of the people closest to me know, I went through a very difficult time in my life. This difficult time has been going on for the past year and a half. However, 2010 has been the turning point where my life has begun to make sense again and I have never been happier. It has truly been a blessed year. Anyway, during this difficult time, I sought out books. Being as they have always been important to me, I thought they could help. If I could only find a book that detailed my troubles and showed me that I would be ok and could make it through the tough times. I prayed on it. Constantly, I asked God to point me to a book (other than the Bible) that could help me. He didn't answer. Not then, anyway.
As I stood in Wal-Mart grabbing that one book I had come for, I look over and see another book on the shelf. Other than the fact that a movie is about to be released on this book, I know nothing. In fact, I haven't even paid attention to the movie trailer. Yet, something in me yearns for this book. I grab it and go pay for the two books. Two days later, I finished the book I went to buy and decide to start reading this new book, Eat, Pray, Love. It is PHENOMENAL! This book very closely depicts my own struggles during the hardest time of my life. The book is eloquently written. It is unapologetic and real. At times, it seems as though I have written chapters in the book. They are so real. The emotion is captured in a way that makes you feel the characters pain.
I have rarely in life been so emotionally connected to a book. I have loved many books in my life and have developed long-standing relationships with those books, but this one is different. This one is real. It is my story, my journey, my self-discovery being played out in someone else's life.
The second way God has used my passions to help me in my journey is through music. Those who know me well also know I love to sing, although I may not be the best singer out there. I have especially grown to love Christian rock and the music played in church on Sunday morning. Well, this Sunday, my worst fear came true during worship. They played, gulp, Amazing Grace. Beautiful song? Yes. One of my favorites? Yes. However, this song was played at my Pa's funeral four years ago. Now, when I hear that song, I can't help but think of my grandfather. It makes me sad and I tear up. I bawled my eyes out in church (strangely, the only place I cry these days). For the rest of the day, I felt hurt, wounded and not like myself. However, my wonderful roommates understood the pain. As I was crying in church, my roommate laid her head on my shoulder as if to say, "it's ok".
That's exactly what these two events, hearing the hardest song for me to listen to and reading a remarkably true story about pain and loss, have done for me this week. I know that I am not alone. I am surrounded by amazing people: family, friends, roommates, mentors. These people are here to help me as I discover the woman I want to be. A woman who trusts God and follows Him. Pain and hurt are part of life, but they can be resolved with God's love and the love of the people in your life. That's what I have learned. I thank God for reminding me of these important lessons.
-Tracey
So, about a week ago, a book was released that I have been waiting for. Yes, I am the kind of person that gets excited about books being released the way some people get excited for movies to come out in theaters. I had waited MONTHS to read this book and it was finally here. Only problem, I couldn't find the book anywhere. I went to Barnes and Noble. Nothing. I went to Hastings. Nothing. I went to Wal-Mart. Success. Seriously, bookstores? Wal-Mart beat you out? Disappointing, but at least I got my book. Here is where the suprise answer comes from.
However, I must digress a little at this point. As many of the people closest to me know, I went through a very difficult time in my life. This difficult time has been going on for the past year and a half. However, 2010 has been the turning point where my life has begun to make sense again and I have never been happier. It has truly been a blessed year. Anyway, during this difficult time, I sought out books. Being as they have always been important to me, I thought they could help. If I could only find a book that detailed my troubles and showed me that I would be ok and could make it through the tough times. I prayed on it. Constantly, I asked God to point me to a book (other than the Bible) that could help me. He didn't answer. Not then, anyway.
As I stood in Wal-Mart grabbing that one book I had come for, I look over and see another book on the shelf. Other than the fact that a movie is about to be released on this book, I know nothing. In fact, I haven't even paid attention to the movie trailer. Yet, something in me yearns for this book. I grab it and go pay for the two books. Two days later, I finished the book I went to buy and decide to start reading this new book, Eat, Pray, Love. It is PHENOMENAL! This book very closely depicts my own struggles during the hardest time of my life. The book is eloquently written. It is unapologetic and real. At times, it seems as though I have written chapters in the book. They are so real. The emotion is captured in a way that makes you feel the characters pain.
I have rarely in life been so emotionally connected to a book. I have loved many books in my life and have developed long-standing relationships with those books, but this one is different. This one is real. It is my story, my journey, my self-discovery being played out in someone else's life.
The second way God has used my passions to help me in my journey is through music. Those who know me well also know I love to sing, although I may not be the best singer out there. I have especially grown to love Christian rock and the music played in church on Sunday morning. Well, this Sunday, my worst fear came true during worship. They played, gulp, Amazing Grace. Beautiful song? Yes. One of my favorites? Yes. However, this song was played at my Pa's funeral four years ago. Now, when I hear that song, I can't help but think of my grandfather. It makes me sad and I tear up. I bawled my eyes out in church (strangely, the only place I cry these days). For the rest of the day, I felt hurt, wounded and not like myself. However, my wonderful roommates understood the pain. As I was crying in church, my roommate laid her head on my shoulder as if to say, "it's ok".
That's exactly what these two events, hearing the hardest song for me to listen to and reading a remarkably true story about pain and loss, have done for me this week. I know that I am not alone. I am surrounded by amazing people: family, friends, roommates, mentors. These people are here to help me as I discover the woman I want to be. A woman who trusts God and follows Him. Pain and hurt are part of life, but they can be resolved with God's love and the love of the people in your life. That's what I have learned. I thank God for reminding me of these important lessons.
-Tracey
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Summer is right around the corner, so what am I doing? Making goals.
Being the very goal-oriented person that I am, I have decided it will be nice to make a list of goals to accomplish this summer. I have been thinking about this for a while and have decided on the best set of goals to go after. By the time August comes around, I will be an even happier and healthier person.
First of all, I will be taking 12 (twelve) hours of graduate courses this summer. That's four classes total! I will be quite busy with the work, but I am very excited. Taking these classes will ensure that I will graduate next August with my M.Ed. :) Hooray!
Secondly, I will be conducting some of my own research beginning this summer. I will be working with a few professors at the university. The details of the research are still in progress, but I am excited to learn about the process and gain some useful knowledge for the future. During the Fall, I will be able to continue working on my research project (for credit!) and will gain more insight into the process. (I know this is very nerdy, but for me, it is perfect and fun!)
Thirdly, Jack is being enrolled in a puppy training course offered by PetSmart. I have decided that it will be a good way for him to socialize while learning some basic obedience tasks. It will be a good way for me to learn how better to train him as well. We are both ready and Jack will do great. He has already begun learning commands like "sit", "fetch", "come" and "stay". He does not always respond and treats only sometimes encourage him. However, we are working on it every day and he is improving. He is also improving on his leash training. He gets a walk almost every day and every day he does a better job of following and letting me guide him on the leash. Potty training is also going very well. Now, he goes to the door and asks to go outside when he needs to go potty. Again, he is not perfect. He only asks about 90% of the time. He LOVES to be outside, so sometimes he asks to go outside just to play or chew on sticks.
I have also learned a valuable lesson thanks to my roommate. I have bought toys for Jack and he has been given toys from other family members. He plays with them just fine. However, yesterday, my roommate gave him a plastic water bottle to chew on and he LOVES it! He has been playing with it and chewing on it non-stop. The first bottle actually has been replaced and he is now on his second one. I guess I've learned that bottles are betteer (and cheaper) toys for him.
Finally, I will be getting into better shape this summer. I began training for a half-marathon about two months ago. I had to take a week off (which hindered my progress) due to the tonselectomy. I have been working hard (though I can work harder) and am now up to running two miles! That's an improvement. :) While the marathon training is going well, I want to do more to get my body feeling good. I have decided to take on a workout challenge that includes strength and cardio training. The program is small groups working with a personal trainer and the price is very reasonable. The program lasts for 12 weeks and participants workout twice a week together. I'm eager to get started and see how this program helps my marathon training as well as my body feel better.
Besides the above-mentioned goals, I want to spend a lot of time this summer with family and friends, hanging out and enjoying the time off from work. I might even like to take a few trips around the state, to the beach and to visit family. This will be a fun summer and I'm excited for the challenges it brings.
Tracey
First of all, I will be taking 12 (twelve) hours of graduate courses this summer. That's four classes total! I will be quite busy with the work, but I am very excited. Taking these classes will ensure that I will graduate next August with my M.Ed. :) Hooray!
Secondly, I will be conducting some of my own research beginning this summer. I will be working with a few professors at the university. The details of the research are still in progress, but I am excited to learn about the process and gain some useful knowledge for the future. During the Fall, I will be able to continue working on my research project (for credit!) and will gain more insight into the process. (I know this is very nerdy, but for me, it is perfect and fun!)
Thirdly, Jack is being enrolled in a puppy training course offered by PetSmart. I have decided that it will be a good way for him to socialize while learning some basic obedience tasks. It will be a good way for me to learn how better to train him as well. We are both ready and Jack will do great. He has already begun learning commands like "sit", "fetch", "come" and "stay". He does not always respond and treats only sometimes encourage him. However, we are working on it every day and he is improving. He is also improving on his leash training. He gets a walk almost every day and every day he does a better job of following and letting me guide him on the leash. Potty training is also going very well. Now, he goes to the door and asks to go outside when he needs to go potty. Again, he is not perfect. He only asks about 90% of the time. He LOVES to be outside, so sometimes he asks to go outside just to play or chew on sticks.
I have also learned a valuable lesson thanks to my roommate. I have bought toys for Jack and he has been given toys from other family members. He plays with them just fine. However, yesterday, my roommate gave him a plastic water bottle to chew on and he LOVES it! He has been playing with it and chewing on it non-stop. The first bottle actually has been replaced and he is now on his second one. I guess I've learned that bottles are betteer (and cheaper) toys for him.
Finally, I will be getting into better shape this summer. I began training for a half-marathon about two months ago. I had to take a week off (which hindered my progress) due to the tonselectomy. I have been working hard (though I can work harder) and am now up to running two miles! That's an improvement. :) While the marathon training is going well, I want to do more to get my body feeling good. I have decided to take on a workout challenge that includes strength and cardio training. The program is small groups working with a personal trainer and the price is very reasonable. The program lasts for 12 weeks and participants workout twice a week together. I'm eager to get started and see how this program helps my marathon training as well as my body feel better.
Besides the above-mentioned goals, I want to spend a lot of time this summer with family and friends, hanging out and enjoying the time off from work. I might even like to take a few trips around the state, to the beach and to visit family. This will be a fun summer and I'm excited for the challenges it brings.
Tracey
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Changes
Here are some pictures of the new furniture that now resides in my living room! It is amazing and I love it...plus, I really love not sitting on the floor anymore. As I blog, Jack is sleeping at the end of the couch and I am laying completely sprawled out in comfortable bliss. :)I have been very bored with my hair lately. This is no surprise; it happens every now and again. Usually when this happens, I go to the salon and get my color freshened up or get a trim, then I'm good again. This time, I did something drastic. Drastic for me that is. I chopped and cut and slashed my hair. My hair is shorter than it has ever been (at least since I was like 10). My hair is full of layers and my hair is darker than it has ever been (ever!). I love it! It is very cute, very fun and just the change I needed to not be bored anymore. Below are some pictures for your enjoyment! :)
Little Jack Bear and I are still loving the new house. Slowly but surely it is becoming what I envision in my mind. It will get to the point where it is perfect soon enough. Until then, we will continue to fall more in love with it each and every day. :)
Little Jack Bear sleeping on the new couch. :)Friday, April 16, 2010
God is spending a little more time on me these days
I knew my time would come. A time when I would look around and have accomplished some of my major goals. A time when I would look around and not want for anything. A time when I would be completely happy, content and satisfied with the direction my life was taking. That time has come. :)
It's interviewing season...
So, I have officially begun interviewing for jobs in the local area. I had one interview a few days ago and am waiting to hear back on my verdict (do they want to hire me or not?). I also have a BIG interview on Monday. I say "BIG" because this is the important one to me. I have faith that God will lead me to where He wants me to go, so I'm not too worried about any of my interviews. All I can do is my best and wait to see what happens.
Grad school is going by so quickly...
I have been evaluating where my master's degree is taking me. I have been talking with my graduate advisor A LOT about what the next few years will hold for me. She is absolutely brilliant and I am so lucky to have her as a mentor. She knows my intentions of getting a PhD and is going above and beyond to help me accomplish this goal. I will be taking 12 hours of master's classes this summer plus beginning a research project and tutoring a few students in reading and writing. Sounds like a good summer, right? Then, in the fall, I will continue working on my research for credit as an independent study. These are the kinds of opportunities I have been wanting and they are finally happening. These opportunities will help give me the skills I need to help students in the future as I continue my PhD (which I will be starting in Fall 2011!).
The house is amazing...
Jack and I are loving the new house! We have been having many friends over for dinners, movies and studying, and so far, everyone else loves the house as well. I have begun to hang pictures and decorations on the walls and it is really beginning to feel more like me and more like home. I was able to quickly sell the old furniture in my living room and bought some great new couches and tables (that will be here next week!). Little by little the house is coming together. It will take a little more time to make it completely the way I want it, but that's ok with me.
Jack is growing so fast...
He is up to 4 pounds now (he weighed only 2 pounds when I got him one month ago). He is about to be 3 months old and is learning so quickly. Potty training is going ok...but he still has a lot to learn, sadly. He has mastered "sit" and we are working on "here", "stay" and leash training now. He is also getting very good at fetch! He is so sweet and I've found the best reward for him is to go crazy when he does something good. I tell him how good he is being and hug him and pet him and he LOVES it! Hopefully, he will be potty trained soon. :)
Everything else in life is going great as well. I am almost done with my first official semester of grad school and feel like I've done well. A job is in my near future (I can feel it). Jack is great company and such a joy to have around. Marathon training is going well and I'm planning to run my first 5K in about a week. Wish me luck. There should be many changes in my life in the next few months...can't wait to see what God has in store for me.
-Tracey
It's interviewing season...
So, I have officially begun interviewing for jobs in the local area. I had one interview a few days ago and am waiting to hear back on my verdict (do they want to hire me or not?). I also have a BIG interview on Monday. I say "BIG" because this is the important one to me. I have faith that God will lead me to where He wants me to go, so I'm not too worried about any of my interviews. All I can do is my best and wait to see what happens.
Grad school is going by so quickly...
I have been evaluating where my master's degree is taking me. I have been talking with my graduate advisor A LOT about what the next few years will hold for me. She is absolutely brilliant and I am so lucky to have her as a mentor. She knows my intentions of getting a PhD and is going above and beyond to help me accomplish this goal. I will be taking 12 hours of master's classes this summer plus beginning a research project and tutoring a few students in reading and writing. Sounds like a good summer, right? Then, in the fall, I will continue working on my research for credit as an independent study. These are the kinds of opportunities I have been wanting and they are finally happening. These opportunities will help give me the skills I need to help students in the future as I continue my PhD (which I will be starting in Fall 2011!).
The house is amazing...
Jack and I are loving the new house! We have been having many friends over for dinners, movies and studying, and so far, everyone else loves the house as well. I have begun to hang pictures and decorations on the walls and it is really beginning to feel more like me and more like home. I was able to quickly sell the old furniture in my living room and bought some great new couches and tables (that will be here next week!). Little by little the house is coming together. It will take a little more time to make it completely the way I want it, but that's ok with me.
Jack is growing so fast...
He is up to 4 pounds now (he weighed only 2 pounds when I got him one month ago). He is about to be 3 months old and is learning so quickly. Potty training is going ok...but he still has a lot to learn, sadly. He has mastered "sit" and we are working on "here", "stay" and leash training now. He is also getting very good at fetch! He is so sweet and I've found the best reward for him is to go crazy when he does something good. I tell him how good he is being and hug him and pet him and he LOVES it! Hopefully, he will be potty trained soon. :)
Everything else in life is going great as well. I am almost done with my first official semester of grad school and feel like I've done well. A job is in my near future (I can feel it). Jack is great company and such a joy to have around. Marathon training is going well and I'm planning to run my first 5K in about a week. Wish me luck. There should be many changes in my life in the next few months...can't wait to see what God has in store for me.
-Tracey
Monday, April 5, 2010
I'm coming home...
I AM A HOME OWNER!! WHOOP!
Ok, now that I have that out of my system, I can discuss this historic event in my life. I have purchased a house! :) Wow, this is such a big step. My family was so wonderful and helped me move in to my new house over Easter weekend. Now, I'm just trying to get settled, unpack my stuff and make the house feel like "me". I'm contemplating purchasing some new furniture for the living room and can't wait to add my personality touches to the house. Pictures will be coming soon, don't worry.
Besides the excitement of the house, I have been enjoying being a puppy parent to my sweet little guy, Jack. He will officially be moving to the new house this weekend and I could not be more excited to have him here. He is such a sweet little guy and makes me so happy to have him around. Right now, he's a great snuggler. We enjoy watching movies, reading or taking naps together. :)
The next few things on my agenda are interviews for a job, saving money, finishing my graduate classes for this semester and gearing up for a summer full of work and school. I have realized that I will be finishing my master's degree next August...meaning I could theoretically start my PhD in the Fall of 2011. Wow, that's so soon and it gives me butterflies to think about.
My family, friends and mentors deserve some thanks for everything they have done to help me the past few weeks. Thanks for the support!
Overall, and as usual, there are so many great things going on in my life that I can't begin to describe them all. All I can do is thank God every day for the blessings and work he continues to do in my life. He is so good and deserves all of the glory.
-Tracey
P.S. Enjoy the picture of my sweet baby with his Easter bunny.
Ok, now that I have that out of my system, I can discuss this historic event in my life. I have purchased a house! :) Wow, this is such a big step. My family was so wonderful and helped me move in to my new house over Easter weekend. Now, I'm just trying to get settled, unpack my stuff and make the house feel like "me". I'm contemplating purchasing some new furniture for the living room and can't wait to add my personality touches to the house. Pictures will be coming soon, don't worry.
Besides the excitement of the house, I have been enjoying being a puppy parent to my sweet little guy, Jack. He will officially be moving to the new house this weekend and I could not be more excited to have him here. He is such a sweet little guy and makes me so happy to have him around. Right now, he's a great snuggler. We enjoy watching movies, reading or taking naps together. :)
The next few things on my agenda are interviews for a job, saving money, finishing my graduate classes for this semester and gearing up for a summer full of work and school. I have realized that I will be finishing my master's degree next August...meaning I could theoretically start my PhD in the Fall of 2011. Wow, that's so soon and it gives me butterflies to think about.
My family, friends and mentors deserve some thanks for everything they have done to help me the past few weeks. Thanks for the support!
Overall, and as usual, there are so many great things going on in my life that I can't begin to describe them all. All I can do is thank God every day for the blessings and work he continues to do in my life. He is so good and deserves all of the glory.
P.S. Enjoy the picture of my sweet baby with his Easter bunny.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Praying for patience, strength and wisdom
What happens when you feel a void in your life? What happens when you see your faults for what they are and you pray to the Lord to help you overcome those faults? Does he simply take them away?
Right now, I am reminded that the answer to those questions is anything but simple. I have been praying for the past few weeks for several things that I feel are lacking in my life. God has answered my prayers by giving me opportunities to become patient, strong and wise. Now, this is not necessarily what I want and it is certainly not easy. I wish I could say that I am doing well, but instead, I am struggling quite a bit. God is forcing me to pray more and turn to him more to resolve the problems I'm facing.
I am reminded that I must turn to Him for help and trust that He will not let me fail.
Jeremiah 29:11
-Tracey
Right now, I am reminded that the answer to those questions is anything but simple. I have been praying for the past few weeks for several things that I feel are lacking in my life. God has answered my prayers by giving me opportunities to become patient, strong and wise. Now, this is not necessarily what I want and it is certainly not easy. I wish I could say that I am doing well, but instead, I am struggling quite a bit. God is forcing me to pray more and turn to him more to resolve the problems I'm facing.
I am reminded that I must turn to Him for help and trust that He will not let me fail.
Jeremiah 29:11
-Tracey
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"Thy drugs are quick"...and I'm a bit out of it
Well, after having my tonsils removed, I now know three things about myself:
1) I have no tolerance for anestthesia
2) I know Romeo and Juliet well
3) I teach high school English
Ok, so I really knew these things before the surgery, but they were validated on the operating table. Why, you ask. It's simple.
I was wheeled into the operating room and placed on the operating table, still completely alert and awake. The nurses began plugging me into a series of machines while telling me what was about to happen. They were trying to nonchalantly chat with me (I suppose to take my mind off the fact that I was about to be a dissection project). Anyway, the anesthesist comes in and begins putting the "good drugs" in my IV. At the same time, the nurse puts a mask on me that is pumping "happy gas" (apparently tonsilectomies are not meant for people over the age of five). As all of these drugs are entering my body, the nurse and doctor continue chatting with me. Finally, the anesthesist asks me how I am feeling. Without skipping a beat, I reply "thy drugs are quick," and the next thing I know I'm begin awakened in the recovery room.
I have no idea what the medical professionals in the operating room said to that but I would imagine it was something like my family's reaction when I told them what had happened: laughter, mockery and a story that will never be forgotten.
-Tracey
1) I have no tolerance for anestthesia
2) I know Romeo and Juliet well
3) I teach high school English
Ok, so I really knew these things before the surgery, but they were validated on the operating table. Why, you ask. It's simple.
I was wheeled into the operating room and placed on the operating table, still completely alert and awake. The nurses began plugging me into a series of machines while telling me what was about to happen. They were trying to nonchalantly chat with me (I suppose to take my mind off the fact that I was about to be a dissection project). Anyway, the anesthesist comes in and begins putting the "good drugs" in my IV. At the same time, the nurse puts a mask on me that is pumping "happy gas" (apparently tonsilectomies are not meant for people over the age of five). As all of these drugs are entering my body, the nurse and doctor continue chatting with me. Finally, the anesthesist asks me how I am feeling. Without skipping a beat, I reply "thy drugs are quick," and the next thing I know I'm begin awakened in the recovery room.
I have no idea what the medical professionals in the operating room said to that but I would imagine it was something like my family's reaction when I told them what had happened: laughter, mockery and a story that will never be forgotten.
-Tracey
Friday, March 19, 2010
April Showers bring May flowers (metaphorically, of course)
Meaning, I am about to experience many changes in my life that will bring many blessings in my future. I'm excited, just a tiny bit anxious, and did I mention excited about these changes! So what are these wonderful changes and blessings?
Well, in two weeks, I will officially be a new homeowner! On April 1st (April Fool's Day, which better not be a bad omen), I close on the house that will make me a permanent resident of College Station. I'm very excited about this next step in life and am really excited about having a place of my VERY own for the first time in my life. I will also take on the responsibilitiies of a landlord, which will be a new and fun adventure for me and my tennants. As soon as the closing is complete, I plan to get right into the house for painting. I'm so excited to decorate the walls with my own colors and style. I will post pictures as soon as the house is somewhat orgranized to my liking.
Secondly, in about three weeks, I will complete my student teaching experience. The only thing past that is to land an actual job, which I'm hoping will happen fairly quickly. This experience has been wonderful and I'm sad for it to end, but I know it has to. I've learned more than I ever could have learned in a classroom and have made connections with some amazing people that I hope will become long-term mentors and friends. These people have influenced, motivated and inspired me beyond belief and I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn from them.
Thirdly, my graduate classes are coming to their end with the completion of multiple major grades. In one of my classes, I have a major presentation (requiring extensive research) and a term paper (requiring extensive research) due within one week of each other in the middle of April. These two assignments will keep me exceptionally busy for the next month and will consume a great deal of my time. They are both over interesting topics that have caught my interest though, so they should be entertaining to some degree. In addition to these two assignments, I have a major project due in my other graduate class. This project is the culmination of everything we have learned over the semester and will take up another bit of my time to complete. I also have a few more exams to complete, and then I will officially be finished with my first semester as a graduate student. :)
The rest of March and April will be filled with other tasks. I will be beginning my running training schedule (again, it got put on hold due to the surgery), completing district applciations for teacher positions and taking care of my puppy Jack. He has been quite an adventure and is keeping me on my toes. I'm very excited for us to move into our new house and begin all of life's new adventures. :)
Keep posted for all of the excitement.
-Tracey
Well, in two weeks, I will officially be a new homeowner! On April 1st (April Fool's Day, which better not be a bad omen), I close on the house that will make me a permanent resident of College Station. I'm very excited about this next step in life and am really excited about having a place of my VERY own for the first time in my life. I will also take on the responsibilitiies of a landlord, which will be a new and fun adventure for me and my tennants. As soon as the closing is complete, I plan to get right into the house for painting. I'm so excited to decorate the walls with my own colors and style. I will post pictures as soon as the house is somewhat orgranized to my liking.
Secondly, in about three weeks, I will complete my student teaching experience. The only thing past that is to land an actual job, which I'm hoping will happen fairly quickly. This experience has been wonderful and I'm sad for it to end, but I know it has to. I've learned more than I ever could have learned in a classroom and have made connections with some amazing people that I hope will become long-term mentors and friends. These people have influenced, motivated and inspired me beyond belief and I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn from them.
Thirdly, my graduate classes are coming to their end with the completion of multiple major grades. In one of my classes, I have a major presentation (requiring extensive research) and a term paper (requiring extensive research) due within one week of each other in the middle of April. These two assignments will keep me exceptionally busy for the next month and will consume a great deal of my time. They are both over interesting topics that have caught my interest though, so they should be entertaining to some degree. In addition to these two assignments, I have a major project due in my other graduate class. This project is the culmination of everything we have learned over the semester and will take up another bit of my time to complete. I also have a few more exams to complete, and then I will officially be finished with my first semester as a graduate student. :)
The rest of March and April will be filled with other tasks. I will be beginning my running training schedule (again, it got put on hold due to the surgery), completing district applciations for teacher positions and taking care of my puppy Jack. He has been quite an adventure and is keeping me on my toes. I'm very excited for us to move into our new house and begin all of life's new adventures. :)
-Tracey
Monday, March 15, 2010
Books, Books, Books...
So, I finally had my tonsils removed this morning. Since I am in pain and am tired from the surgery, I'm updating my blog rather than enjoying Spring Break on a beach or mountain somewhere.
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to read more books for fun, rather than just for school. I have succeeded in this endeavor so far. The following is a list of books I have read since Christmas (in no particular order because I can't remember exactly).
The Lost Symbol (amazing!)
Pirate Lattitudes (disappointing for Crichton)
Love Story (sad but brilliant)
Olive Kitteredge (under-developed and confusing characters)
Shutter Island (a great mystery, but it still has be trying to figure out the ending)
The Time Traveler's Wife (ok, but I wasn't a fan)
Dear John (typical Nicholas Sparks...so, not my type)
Life of Pi (philosophical and enjoyable)
I try to read a wide range of books from different authors and perspectives. I also read multiple books at a time. Currently I am in the middle of, The Glass Castle, The Princess Bride and The New Jim Crow. Some books are nonfiction, some fiction, some love stories and some mysteries. My interests are varied so my reading choices should be as well. I will share my thoughts on any of the above readings any time, but have decided not to detail them here...at least not right now.
I have also read numerous short stories and Romeo and Juliet for my students, plus several books for my graduate classes and finally, a few random books about education and puppy raising. :)
Any book recommendations are always welcomed and appreciated.
-Tracey
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to read more books for fun, rather than just for school. I have succeeded in this endeavor so far. The following is a list of books I have read since Christmas (in no particular order because I can't remember exactly).
The Lost Symbol (amazing!)
Pirate Lattitudes (disappointing for Crichton)
Love Story (sad but brilliant)
Olive Kitteredge (under-developed and confusing characters)
Shutter Island (a great mystery, but it still has be trying to figure out the ending)
The Time Traveler's Wife (ok, but I wasn't a fan)
Dear John (typical Nicholas Sparks...so, not my type)
Life of Pi (philosophical and enjoyable)
I try to read a wide range of books from different authors and perspectives. I also read multiple books at a time. Currently I am in the middle of, The Glass Castle, The Princess Bride and The New Jim Crow. Some books are nonfiction, some fiction, some love stories and some mysteries. My interests are varied so my reading choices should be as well. I will share my thoughts on any of the above readings any time, but have decided not to detail them here...at least not right now.
I have also read numerous short stories and Romeo and Juliet for my students, plus several books for my graduate classes and finally, a few random books about education and puppy raising. :)
Any book recommendations are always welcomed and appreciated.
-Tracey
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
One of those moments...
Today, we began teaching the freshmen Romeo and Juliet. I was really excited before today because I love Shakespeare. The reason I decided to be a teacher was to have the opportunity to teach wonderful pieces of literature like Romeo and Juliet and to be able to share the complexities of human nature with them. In my opinion, that's why we still teach Shakespearean plays in high school and college. Shakespeare was able to capture human emotion, experience and nature in a way that (in my opinion) few authors have been able to do since.
I was thrilled for today. Geared with some helpful resources and my copy of No Fear Shakespeare (which is awesome for high school kids to use because it has the play on one side and a "modern day" translation on the other), I headed to the classroom to tackle the first Act of the play. It was an incredible feeling to hear the students read the lines of Shakespeare and even better for them to enjoy it. I genuinely believe they had fun while learning about Shakespeare (which is good because it is NOT easy).
This is also the reason I chose to teach high school. These students are old enough for me to joke around with and I'm able to talk about most everything in the play with them, including the crude but funny parts. They get it. In 400 years, the minds of teenagers haven't changed a bit. It's fun for the students to see that and for us to joke around about what is going on.
Needless to say, I'm excited to continue the play and share the complexities of Shakespeare with my students. Once again, today, I am reminded of why I love teaching. :)
-Tracey
I was thrilled for today. Geared with some helpful resources and my copy of No Fear Shakespeare (which is awesome for high school kids to use because it has the play on one side and a "modern day" translation on the other), I headed to the classroom to tackle the first Act of the play. It was an incredible feeling to hear the students read the lines of Shakespeare and even better for them to enjoy it. I genuinely believe they had fun while learning about Shakespeare (which is good because it is NOT easy).
This is also the reason I chose to teach high school. These students are old enough for me to joke around with and I'm able to talk about most everything in the play with them, including the crude but funny parts. They get it. In 400 years, the minds of teenagers haven't changed a bit. It's fun for the students to see that and for us to joke around about what is going on.
Needless to say, I'm excited to continue the play and share the complexities of Shakespeare with my students. Once again, today, I am reminded of why I love teaching. :)
-Tracey
Monday, March 8, 2010
New addition to the family...
He is a 6 week old toy poodle named Jack Bear (Jack for short). Unfortunately, the house I am living in until April 1st, will not allow me to keep him, so he is staying with my parents (and being spoiled worse than a grandchild) until I move. It makes me so much more excited about my new house to bring a sweet little baby to it.
-Tracey
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