Reflection Time

 It is hard to believe that summer is finally here, and it has been for a bit. The end of the school year is always so crazy that I never have time to write and reflect on the year. I know I never really talk about my career on here, but I am going to today.

I have wanted to be a reading teacher since 2003. Is it weird that I remember that? I graduated with my undergraduate degree in English with a dual major in Communications Studies. What do I do with that!? Obviously becoming an English teacher made sense so that is what I did. Long story short, it was feasible to become an English teacher with one year of schooling so forward I marched. Lots of good came out of that decision--I met my amazing husband in graduate school, and I have enjoyed a wonderfully interesting career as an English teacher. In addition, I have worked with some truly wonderful people, some of whom I know will be life-long friends. I have also taught some truly special kiddos over the years. In other words, no regrets. 

And yet.

There has always been a whisper in my ear about being a reading teacher. It is what I have always wanted to do. I ignored this whisper for the better part of 15 years, but I finally decided to look into it. Even though I was pretty happy teaching English, I knew I could be happier. I have always loved small groups, skill work, and the fundamentals of our language. I wanted to make a difference in a concrete and observable (to me) way. 

They say when you are doing what you are meant to do, doors open, right? Well, that is what happened. I found a graduate program that has been a terrific fit. I brag to people in real life about how much I love my school. As it turns out, because I am already certified, adding a reading certification isn't too tough! 

I am more than halfway through a master's in literacy for Birth-Grade 6! I could write another post on what it is like to be a mom, wife, teacher, and graduate student, but I won't. It has been hard, but I know it will be worth it.

The best part of all of this is that I will be a reading teacher this fall. I accepted a position in Kindergarten and first grade. I am staying in my district, and I am so excited about the possibilities. As scary as it is to try something new, I am ready. 

Front Porch Obsession

 I have to brag for just a second about my front porch. It is fairly large, and I get so much joy from decorating it. I spend more time browsing ideas on Pinterest than I care to admit, but I just love a well-done porch! One of my favorite parts of our house is our RED door! 

I also LOVE the rocking chairs...and the flowers!

I am struggling with how to decorate the porch for spring. We always travel for Easter so I skip right over that in terms of decorating, but it is too soon for summer porch decor. I have to confess, I am not a lover of spring. It is actually my least favorite season. It is nice to have the weather warm up, but I'd be AOK with going from snow to 70 degrees. 

The porch has a ways to go--updated lighting fixtures, maybe a railing, maybe something hanging in the open space between the door and window. It is fun to plan and dream!

21-Day Movement Challenge

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I love to eat, and I do not love to exercise. That being said, turning 40 has come along with some extra pounds that I wouldn't mind shedding. I jump-started my "return to semi-fitness" with a 21-Day Movement Challenge. I found it was good to have some time set aside each day for it, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. When my kids watched their TV shows in the evening, I went upstairs and did my workout. 

Exercise Log:

Week 1:

Day 1: 20 minute HIIT video

Day 2: 30 jumping jacks, 20 alternating lunges, 25 crunches, 5 push-ups, 20-second plank

Day 3: 10 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 20 butt kicks, 20 toe touch crunches

Day 4: 25 mountain climbers, 5 push-ups, 25 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 20-second wall sit

Day 5: Rest Day

Day 6: 20 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 10 burpees, 15 squats, 20 toe touches

Day 7: 30 jumping jacks, 15 step-ups, 10 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 20 alternating lunges

Week 2:

Day 8: 30 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 8 push-ups, 20 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 9: 40 jumping jacks, 30 alternative lunges, 30 crunches, 8 push-ups, 25-second plank 

Day 10: 12 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 25 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 11: 30 mountain climbers, 8 push-ups, 30 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 30-second wall sit

Day 12: Rest Day

Day 13:  25 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 12 burpees, 20 squats, 30 toe touch crunches

Day 14: 30 jumping jacks, 20 step-ups, 15 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 25 alternating lunges

Week 3:

Perform two sets of each exercise, resting for 30 seconds between each movement.

Day 15: 40 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 10 push-ups, 30 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 16: 40 jumping jacks, 30 alternative lunges, 30 crunches, 8 push-ups, 25-second plank

Day 17: 12 burpees, 10 sit-ups, 15 tricep dips, 25 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

Day 18: 30 mountain climbers, 8 push-ups, 30 crunches, 20 walking lunges, 30-second wall sit (I also did a 20-minute cycling ride at the gym!)

Day 19: 25 butt kicks, 15 tricep dips, 12 burpees, 20 squats, 30 toe touch crunches

Day 20: 30 jumping jacks, 20 step-ups, 15 sit-ups, 20 ab bikes, 25 alternating lunges

Day 21: 40 mountain climbers, 20 squats, 10 push-ups, 30 butt kicks, 25 toe touch crunches

2021 in Books:

 

2021 in Books: 

Solo, Kwame Alexander

Love, Creekwood, Becky Albertalli

The Wives, Tarryn Fisher

The Lions of Fifth Avenue, Fiona Davis

Scrappy Little Nobody, Anna Kendrick

The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes

My Sister, The Serial Killer, Oyinkan Braithwaite

Formation: A Woman’s Memoir of Stepping Out of Line, Ryan Lee Dostie

Grace Year, Kim Leggett

Dear Evan Hansen, Steven Levenson

Children of Blood and Bone, Tomi Adeyemi

All the Missing Girls, Megan Miranda

The Cousins, Karen M. McManus

Clap When You Land, Elizabeth Acevedo

To Kill a Mocking Girl, Harper Kincaid

One of Us is Lying, Karen M. McManus

One of Us is Next, Karen M. McManus

Persepolis 2, Marjane Satrapi

Call Me Elizabeth Lark, Melissa Colasanti

Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A true (as told to me) story, Bess Kelb 

Monday’s Not Coming, Tiffany A. Jackson

Let’s Talk About Hard Things, Anna Sale

Sunshine Girl, Juliana Margulies

The Midnight Club, James Patterson

How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent, Julia Alvarez

When No One is Watching, Alyssa Cole

All Girls, Emily Layden

Salt to the Sea, Ruta Sepetys

Why We Broke Up, Danel Handler and Maira Kalman

Ambush, James Patterson

Small as an Elephant, Jennifer Jacobson

Home Sweet Murder, James Patterson

Murder Beyond the Grave, James Patterson

2021Year in Review (The Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

 

2021Year in Review (The Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

1. What did you do in 2021 that you’d never done before?

This year, things were supposed to be "back to normal." They were and they were not, depending on the thing. We all returned to school in the fall in person, wearing masks. We were all thankfully able to be vaccinated, and no one in our home has contracted Covid. The kids have had their share of quarantines, but we did enjoy some degrees of normalcy. 

Lucas is in fourth grade, and he loves school. He is playing travel and rec baseball. He just earned his red belt in tae kwon do, and he is a Webelo in Boy Scouts. Cecilia is in first grade, and she is having a good year as well. She is happiest when riding horses. She also played soccer this fall, and she began tae kwon do over the summer. 

We also have celebrated most of the holidays and birthdays with our extended family again. We have been able to travel again, with some modifications.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

My resolution for 2022 (as in all of the years past) is to live in a state of gratitude for all I have been given, most of which I do not deserve. I need to make quality time for myself more of a priority this year. 

3. What places did you visit? 

We went to North Carolina in July, Maine in June, Cape Cod in August, and Lancaster, PA in December. 

4. What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?

I miss that deep sense of security and trust in others that I experienced pre-pandemic. I would like to worry less and enjoy more. 

5. What dates from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory?

7/13: a new niece was born
8/9: Cecilia turned 6
8/22: Lucas turned 9

6. What were your biggest achievements of the year? 

After years of vacillating, I finally enrolled in a program to earn my Master's in Literacy! Being even a part-time student while balancing the rest of my life has proved to be a big challenge, and yet I am so happy to be back in school. I am learning so much, and I love the school I am attending. When work feels frustrating, I can now say that I am actually doing something to change it. 

  
7. What were your biggest failures?

Two of my failures are not blogging and not exercising/eating well! I could make excuses, but the truth is that neither is a priority right now.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No :-) My back has gone out a few times, but otherwise, it has been a healthy year.

9. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

This may sound corny, but watching Lucas pitch was really exciting! He is such a goofy kid, but when he gets on that mound...so poised and focused. 

Also, Ceci has made some huge strides. I want to be vague to protect her privacy, but she has come a long way! 

10. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?
a bit of both actually
b) thinner or fatter? 
fatter
c) richer or poorer? 

richer

11. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I have to admit that my patience has been short this year so I wish I would have shown more patience. Patience with myself, with Dave, with the kids, and pretty much everyone else! 

12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating bad food!

13.  What were your favorite TV programs?

Dynasty

Schitt's Creek

  
14.  What did you do for your birthday in 2021?

I turned 40 this year! It was a super-stressful time with school so I ended up taking a sick day. I took a walk with my sister, went to Home Goods with my neighbor, and tried to make the best of the day. It wasn't the best birthday ever, but there's always next year!

15.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021?

Life is short! The pandemic has highlighted the importance of living life now. 

16.  My goals for 2022:   

I hope to graduate in 2022 or early in 2023. I also hope to be more present and peaceful.

Happy New Year!

2020 Year in Review (The Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

 

2020 Year in Review (The Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic)

1. What did you do in 2020 that you’d never done before?
This year, we had a very typical January and February. Over break, we enjoyed a few days in Boston with the kids, touring Harvard and Fenway Park and catching the view from the top of the Prudential Center. Then, on March 13, we learned that our schools were shifting to remote instruction due the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While the closures were forecasted to be short term, we did not return to school until the fall. With Dave and I teaching remotely, along with monitoring the kids' schooling, was a challenge. In some ways, it was such a weird time that was both stressful and boring at once. We were safe in our homes, but there was and continues to be so much uncertainty. 

We also have celebrated most of the holidays and birthdays with just the four of us. The summer did offer chances to see family and friends outside, but this year has been the strangest one yet. While it has been lonely in many ways, our family of four has grown closer.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

My resolution for 2021 (as in all of the years past) is to live in a state of gratitude for all I have been given, most of which I do not deserve.  And also to not let the decisions of others make me angry.  I also want to add that I need to make quality time for myself more of a priority this year. 

3. What places did you visit? 

Boston! We had originally planned to go to North Carolina in April and July, Niagara Falls, Maine, and Cape Cod. 

4. What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?

Ummm normalcy? I would like at least some semblance of the life we had before this. I miss our family and friends. I miss travel. I miss dining out. I miss seeing people's faces.

5. What dates from 2020 will remain etched upon your memory?

3/13: School closed
8/9: Cecilia turned 5
8/22: LX turned 8

6. What were your biggest achievements of the year? 

Honestly, surviving largely unscathed. While this year has been hard, none of us have been infected. I did have a scare where I needed a test, but I was negative. I just hope we all make it out of this!

  
7. What were your biggest failures?

 Two of my failures are not blogging and not exercising/eating well! I could make excuses, but the truth is that neither are a priority right now.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No :-)

9. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

We tentatively booked our trip to Maine for 2021, assuming it is safe to go.

10. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?
a bit of both actually
b) thinner or fatter? 
fatter
c) richer or poorer? 

richer

11. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I wish I had made more of my time at home. I have two modes: super planner/doer and sloth. I was more sloth than I wanted to be. Granted, there was a lot we couldn't do, but I could have walked more, run more, and hiked more.  

12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating bad food!

13.  What were your favorite TV programs?

Gossip Girl

Dynasty

New Girl

  
14.  What did you do for your birthday in 2020?

I went to school, and we had Chinese takeout. Lucas had his tae kwon do assessment so we worked around that.

15.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020?

This was from 2015, but perhaps more poignant now: To try to be happy with what you have, where you are and who you are with.  I am someone who is always chasing the next big thing, but there is a lot to be said for accepting where I am, especially since it is pretty great.

16.  My goals for 2021:   

I hope to be able to see my loved ones and travel.

Happy New Year!

2020 in Books

 2020 in Books (30):

Step on a Crack, James Patterson

City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert

Summer of 69, Elin Hildebrand

Dreamland Burning, Jennifer Latham

Run for Your Life, James Patterson

Sadie, Courtney Summers

Allegedly, Tiffany D. Jackson

The Lost Girls of Paris, Pam Jenoff

Touching Spirit Bear, Ben Mikaelsen

Life Will Be the Death of Me, Chelsea Handler

The Beginning of Everything, Robyn, Schneider

Monster, Walter Dean Myers

Moloka’i, Alan Brennert

China Rich Girlfriend, Kevin Kwan

Watching You, Lisa Jewell

Fates and Furies, Lauren Groff

I Know This Much is True, Wally Lamb

Silver Girl, Elin Hilderbrand

All Adults Here, Emma Straub

All the Bright Places, Jennifer Niven

Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson

Third Degree, James Patterson

Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan

Educated, Tara Westover

The Inn, James Patterson

Turtles All the Way Down, John Green

Becoming, Michelle Obama

Forge, Laurie Halse Anderson

Jam Sessions, Jerry Harwood

28 Summers, Elin Hilderbrand