First Big Step

Today, I took my first really big pedagogical step as a teacher. I'm really proud of myself. It's funny because I was so anxious to do it. As a new teacher, I'm trying to always find the delicate balance between valuing innovation and respecting the work of my seasoned peers. I believe there is room for both if done in a professional manner. I finally gathered my strength from the hubster and his wise words. I also had these words from Steve Jobs echoing in my mind, "Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." I know everyone is quoting that Stanford commencement speech, but it's really stuck with me. It's not cliche to me. It's the truth that is so often overlooked and underestimated.

This Week's Highlights

I don't have as many random silly moments with the big kiddos as I did with the littles. The big kiddos are too sophisticated and on their A-game this year. Here are some that I popped up this week: 

• "Mrs. Trac, I'm comparing my two favorite teachers. You're one. What's your favorite coffee?"
• Me: "What's a satchel?" Kiddo: "A man purse!" 
• As we're dying our printer paper to look vintage, a kiddo says, "Mmm...this smells like ice tea."

iLike

Source

I'm now the proud owner of an iPad2 after much hesitation of wanting to join the Apple family. I'm hoping my PC and iPad can happily co-exist. Three things need to happen now. 

1. My case must come as fast as lightning because I want to start traveling with my iPad everywhere. 
2. I need to find a cute affordable satchel for work to carry my goods in. (Yes, I used satchel. It's one of our vocab words.)
3. I need a name for my iPad. My hubster thinks "Patty" is clever. I vetoed him. 


Any help with numbers 2 and 3 would be great. Thanks!

The Big Kiddos!

I usually keep my birthday pretty low-key when it comes to the kiddos. I'll pass out cookies at the end of the day, so it's mellow. Otherwise, it turns into a barrage of cards that I feel guilty tossing out. My co-teacher told the kiddos that it was my birthday. I was gone the first half of the day, so there wasn't too much birthday craziness. 

As they came in from last recess, I was giving directions I could tell that they had a surprise planned. The ear-to-ear grins are totally a tell-tell sign. After I was done giving directions, the kiddos all shouted, "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Trac!" That was totally magical then something even more magical happened. The next door class shouted, "Happy Birthday!" Then, another fourth grade class two doors down (like way down the corridor) shouted, "Happy Birthday!" All without the prompting of their teachers. Definitely one of my top ten moments of the year. 

It's nice to know they love me as much as I adore them. I totally adore them, quirks and all.

Happy Birthday to Me!

This past weekend, we celebrated my birthday. It was total college-themed birthday festivities. We had lunch with a prof, roamed around downtown, and ate pizza from our favorite 2-for-1 pizza place. Instead of a birthday cake, I had a half Cowboy Cookie sandwich (snickerdoodle and Heath Bar). Then, we stayed at a mineral springs resort then headed up to Cambria to meet some friends. We went on our 4th Hearst Castle tour. I highly recommend the evening tour. We went to Hearst's library, saw actors, and got to hang out in the kitchen. Our tour guide was hilarious and a joy to listen to. Well deserved relaxation and loads of fun. Hubster, thanks for one of the best birthdays ever!

Throwback Tuesday: Love Of My Life - Erykah Badu ft. Common