Friday Five Favorites: I GET to live and love life.

 

Five reasons this week was great

1.  Getting homework done (again!). I even got reprimanded for turning my homework in too early. Sorry but these one per month classes go by too fast and I get too anxious turning in work too close to the deadline.

2. Mug cakes for breakfast (and at night). Easy and filling.

3. Midday coffee run for my co-workers and getting out of work at 12:30. :)

4. Discovering "Family Tree." Chris O'Dowd, will you marry me? I know, he's not "hot," but watch him! Have you seen "Moone Boy" or "The I.T. Crowd?"

5. Meeting these 4 silly boys. Long story short, they asked if I would take them with me wherever I go. :)

Five crafts

1. DIY nail polish storage made from a shoe box and the gift wrap paper I purchased for the holidays (and beyond).

2. Gingerbread house! Check one off my "December to Remember" list!

I picked the Dancing Deer kit for $13.99. Lots of extra frosting and cookies - you build around the box.

 

My cousin helped decorate it.

 

I did the top two.

3. I could make this myself. I love ya Yancey!

4. Someone invite me to an ugly sweater party!

5. My friend says it's cold out. I suggested this:

Five recipes

1.  Pumpkin pie cheese & crackers were served at the holiday baking party.

2. Holiday stout gingerbread

3. After making pumpkin whoopie pies, I want to make some gingerbread whoopie pies with lemon cream cheese. Whoopie pies are my speciality. :)

4. Sweet potato fritters with yogurt chive dipping sauce

5. Cranberry pinot noir meatballs

BONUS: If you haven't seen this... Joy, you're killing us: Gingerbread Speculoos & Dark Chocolate Cake!

Five workouts

1. Sandbag here and here with my makeshift bag filled with clothes and some weights.

2. Resistance band workouts are all over the place including here.

3. Stability ball, which I haven't done yet but is on the schedule for tomorrow.

4. Walking every night because I don't have to plan and I did all my homework during the day!

5. Dancing - easy Latin and Bollywood.

Five links

1. When did Fullerton become one of the prettiest towns? I may have to revisit during the day...

2. 33 clever Christmas food hacks that are easy and ingenious!

3. How it would look if all humans were bodybuilders

4. 15 reasons why Costco is simply the best

5. I don't have to do anything. I get to workout. I get to go to work. This post seriously changed my life.

Five exciting events

1. Holiday baking party at work. My group make pumpkin whoopie pies and French chocolate truffles.

2. Peter's [surprise] birthday dinner tonight. It'll be a drive for some shabu - I'll explain what that is later... I should get him something though.

3. Indulge L.A. with my friend Julie. I heard there's so much sugar (and drinks) that it's impossible. We'll see about that.

4. Resolution Run, but I'm still not sure if I'm running it or volunteering. Have I told you how much I hate running and I've only ever run one 5K... and I had to train for it?

5. Holiday baking exchange with a Meetup group I joined. It's 20-somethings reading books. I'm thinking about making eggnog thumbprints, but please GIVE ME IDEAS!

Your turn:
What's your go-to cookie recipe?
What's your favorite cookie?

Tuesday Thoughts: December to Remember

Today was my first day into the harsh world of day-to-day substitute teaching. I went to a new school site and taught a completely different population... and I liked it!

I got to work in a social studies classroom (my thing) and had a period of team-teaching with a special education teacher.

It was a good experience, I was able to chat with some teachers to market myself, and I'm once again confirming that I will fit in and love any school I work at.

Partway through the day, I got this message. I miss seeing this awesome student every day.

Afterwards, I of course immediately called my best work friend to tell her all about my experience.
 
I'm back to today's school site tomorrow for Geometry! Yikes.

But then I'm back to my school for more than a week, and I'll literally be across the hall. I'm really nervous to be so close to my students and not in the class with them.

I realized that while I miss the kids, having both me nearby and their "real" teacher back would be confusing. Going somewhere else today and enjoying it made me want to "get away" for a little. Yet I took the job because I was requested and I will work wherever I first hear from. I can't afford to be picky, but I will say that my heart will hurt being there.

Onto something less sad: I made a December to Remember list of things to do.

 

Some notes:

• I tried to build some gnarly 1950s gingerbread houses once. That didn't work too well.
• I bought cards on sale last year and now have to dig them up.
• My former roommate and I will be watching "Love Actually" together over Skype. :)
• I watched a ton of holiday movies during Halloween so... it's onto the lesser known ones. Suggestions?
• It might be strange, but I'm drinking smoothies.
• I still haven't read a book because of school.
• I'll probably end up getting my former roommate something and my little cousin too.
• It's time to try again - after lots of disappointment, I'm ready to get out there again!

What are you doing this December?

Five Things Friday #2

Yesterday, I was excited for Thanksgiving break.

Today, I'm realizing that I give back my keys after 4 months.

It's hard not to be down. I was and am the one everyone would guess to have a class of my own right now.
 

Five things that make me happy

These people. :) They've grown up so much in 2 years!

 This other class makes me even happier.

Hot yoga, or at least the thought of it. My left shoulder/trap is in unbearable pain - it's much more developed than the other trapezius muscle, and hot yoga just sounds so good.

A comfy bed. Nothing fancy.

The mountains, which I miss so much!

Five articles to read

Don't feel sorry that I've gained weight because I needed to. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself too.

In this world, who isn't worrying... all the time? I am on edge constantly.

This entire blog, Go Kaleo.

I'll be a hater - 5 engagement posts that are annoying.

Fast food salads always look so sad and now we know why.

Five outdoor adventures

Calafia State Beach

Carbon Canyon

Santiago Oaks

Griffith Observatory

Torrey Pines State Reserve

BONUS: YogaGlo in Santa Monica with Dice Iida-Klein


Five Four restaurants

Clementine for delicious chocolate chip cookies Joy the Baker raves about.

 Crazee Burger serves alligator, gator, antelope, and kangaroo too.

I've walked by Urban Pie at a farmer's market and loved their menu of fresh toppings.

Donuts in L.A. I've had Bob's but loved Stan's more - yummy peanut butter and banana filled donuts?! Yes!

Five shows/movies I'll be watching

"Waitress"

"Bonkers Awesome" with Joy the Baker and she goes to one of my favorite cupcakeries, Sweet & Saucy Shop.

"Catching Fire" I have next week off and will go watch it during downtime.

Still haven't seen "Despicable Me."

Watching "Love Actually" with my former roommate over Skype. :)

What makes you happy?

Thursday thoughts: Work, school, ice cream

A workout just didn't happen today.

1) I got home, tucked myself in bed, and didn't nap. Nope, instead I was grading papers and writing up lesson plans for my last week and a half. But alas, I'm all done.

So I'm sharing, because I spend so much time on class work.

U.S. Government - State and Local Courts

• Courtroom drama + reflection
• Research local government
• Test

U.S. History - Progressive Era

• Political cartoons
• "Food, Inc."
• Study guide & test
• "Chronicles of Narnia" because a student has mentioned it for 2 years!

World History - Imperialism in the Far East

• PowerPoint + comic strip
• Study guide & test
• "Avatar" to surprise my favorite student :)

Of course we're having a party on the day before our Thanksgiving break because it's my last day. :(

2) After lesson planning, I went in search of ice cream. My dinner was a double chocolate chunk Quest bar. Don't judge.

Whole Foods' ice cream aisle was disappointing. I did spot some Califia Farms holiday nog for $3.99. I'm not sure about the taste, but I've never truly had nog.

So, I was still craving ice cream. I finally ended up at Sprouts with Halo Top Creamery lemon cake ice cream. I was wary of the taste because of the nutritional stats but wow! I ate half of the pint and it's okay!

3) I prepped breakfast while eating ice cream and working on my cover letter for a job.

Cover letters are tough. Here's how it went, if you're so inclined to read it:

I am writing to apply for the Education Specialist position in the --- Unified School District. With eight years of experience in education in various settings and programs, I feel confident in my skills as a teacher and I know I would be a good fit at one of your schools.

I fell in love with education more than once. At nineteen, I instantly found a niche in supporting groups of racially diverse students through the AVID program. For three years, I expanded my knowledge in Spanish, math, and social science, navigated students through college preparedness, and built lasting relationships with students. I fell in love again in Fall 2009 student teaching World History Honors, U.S. History, and Psychology at --- High School in rural ---, North Carolina.

After stints as a preschool teacher’s assistant and substitute teacher, I returned home to Huntington Beach in 2011. I discovered special education, working as an instructional aide at --- High School. Spending time with the students for two years convinced me to pursue an Education Specialist credential. I was fortunate to continue working with the students as a long-term substitute teacher in a Special Education Social Science classroom. I was thrust into an unknown world of legal terminology but smoothly communicated with students, administration, parents, and service providers to write IEPs using SEIS and lead successful IEP meetings.

In the classroom, the question students with disabilities often ask is, Why am I learning this? Prior to working in special education, I worked in general education classrooms and students hardly questioned the curriculum. I never questioned why I was teaching the curriculum either. The question of why led me to become practical, to scaffold and to build connections with their world by staying abreast on current events. Consequently, the students’ inquiries align with Common Core standards. Rather than base level knowledge, we delve into concepts with discussions, writing, and inquiry-based lessons that address multiple learning styles and students’ areas of unique need. Nowhere more than in Special Education have I pushed myself to continue learning and learned to become a more effective teacher.

Respectfully yours,

Julie L.

Never mind that I don't have an Education Specialist credential... yet.

4) And how time flies by. I'm going to watch a show of some sort and knock out, and hopefully wake up in the morning to work out.

Other things I have to do:

• Talk to a student about why he's failing classes.
• Observe a class and do the accompanying assignment.
• Do more homework - writing IEP goals. 
• Getting back on budgeting like I did awhile back.

Do you get time off for Thanksgiving? What are your plans? Class will be over so maybe some reading finally. I've tried to read a book for 2 months now. :(

High Five Friday: Spirit week

 

HIGH FIVE for morning and afternoon drives along PCH.

HIGH FIVE for Sidecar doughnuts - goat cheese, fig, & walnut (left) and pumpkin mousse/ginger snap/maple cream fraiche (right)

HIGH FIVE for my chocolate drawer at work on Halloween and everyday... good splurge.

Sock weather, and HIGH FIVE for leg acceptance. As I was working out (or trying to), I checked out the powerful muscles in my legs!

...and HIGH FIVE for ugly but comfortable pajama dress.

HIGH FIVE for getting invited to the new teacher lunch bunch. They're finally recognizing us (me and my favorite co-worker).

HIGH FIVE for spirit week. It was more comfortable.

HIGH FIVE for a new school jacket on sale!

I didn't go to the big game this year though.

Gold & green road to the 9 years of victory?

HIGH FIVE for simple yet satisfying meals: can of tuna with frozen veggies & buffalo wing sauce!

HIGH FIVE for another month with my kids!

What are you excited about this month? We get a week off for Thanksgiving. I'm not entirely excited since I like to get paid and I love my kids though. I am antsy to know if I'll be sticking around for December. I'm likely to stick around the school in general because of the lack of subs though.

Also excited about Christmas songs!

Tuesday [big] thoughts: the dilemma

Outfits have been determined by spirit week, even though I opted out of going to the big game this Friday.

I found out today that I'll be sticking with my students through November. The bigger issue: will I be staying through December? I need the money and more importantly, I couldn't leave my students with someone else (besides their teacher).

The dilemma: I planned out a vacation to North Carolina in December a couple of weeks ago. I didn't have a chance to buy the ticket yet.

The teacher wants to return, but this is the third time she's had to extend her sick leave. She was supposed to return at the beginning of October then moved the deadline to November and now it's through November. Who knows what will come up? She doesn't.

The other dilemma: I haven't received a paycheck for September or October - it's a dire situation. I cannot wait to replenish my bank account. It's making the vacation outlook sad.

On the other hand, I haven't seen my friends in a year. These are just your typical friends, these are best friends, some of whom I haven't seen in years. I could always go later. Christmas is the best time to go though.

So I'm stuck waiting for more definite news. If this takes too long, ticket prices will be outrageous and I'll have to postpone.

But, even if I don't get to stay in this position, the district is in desperate need for subs. And I could always go later.

I'm also waiting for news on a house we may or may not be getting. If we get the house, vacation is out. Not only will I have to save money, I'm willing to postpone to move in!

Sounds like the decision was made without my knowing. Sadly, and I'll have to prevent myself from going crazy without companionship. Sure, I've got friends here but none like those.

So... I've busied myself preparing lesson plans. Work costs money. I also had to rent "Oliver Twist" again. Why isn't it on Netflix? :(

At night I sleep with books. :/

At least I was productive yesterday: no nap, worked out, and did my own homework. :(

Today (Tuesday) included shopping for tomorrow's birthday and bon voyage parties for my kiddos. I got bagels for the morning class and turkey & spinach lasagna for my afternoon class.

I'll be working on decorating tomorrow too.

I also picked up the prequel tone of my favorite movies!

My calves, particularly my right calf, which I worked on Sunday, is so painful I can hardly walk! :( That meant a rest day today.

When did you have to make a similarly difficult decision?

Do you take your work home? How much time do you work on work?