Here's the thing. Last year is a complete blur for me, for a lot of reasons. I probably over committed myself. BUT, I accomplished my goals and the dust is finally settling.
I earned my English Language Learner endorsement and it's officially on my teaching credentials. It was 24 credits from October-June on top of my full time job. I also did two 1 credit book studies, I took a 1 credit Abuse course for my certification, I retook part of my test for National Board certification, and led my usual extra responsibilities at work. Then I took 12 more credits over the summer. I have transcripts flying at me like crazy, but everything is turned in, 45 credits accomplished in one year. My daily teaching felt more like daily classroom management, which is not my favorite part of the job.
I told my mom this new school year is my Year of No. Can you help with this? No. Can you do this project? No. Can you lead this group? No.
This school year is totally different already. I feel like I'm actually teaching. I'm a better teacher (we'll say that's because of the additional 45 credits or something). I leave after school, and I'm not in a big rush to get to class or a meeting. It's amazing.
But I didn't ONLY work. So here's a few OTHER highlights from the past few months...
I went to Disneyland. It was my second time there, but Disney is always fun. I took SO MANY pictures, but here's a taste of the fun. We got the 3 day pass for Disneyland & California Adventure, including breakfast with all of Mickey's friends. The only way to do Disney is to go all in. We got the ears and the shirts and wore our walking shoes. Plus I gained the Disney 20 or something.
We took the drawing class, met the princesses, sat by the pool, rode Guardians of the Galaxy 3+ times (my favorite!), sang with Chip & Dale, ate at the Pirates of the Caribbean Blue Bayou restaurant, rode in the front with the monorail driver, ate the Mickey shaped caramel apples (and pancakes, and waffles, and cupcakes, churros, and the sausage corn dogs- oh my gosh the corn dogs!).
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| Serving up some attitude here ^^ |
Then I buried my head in work and studies until the end of the school year when I spent the time that I wasn't doing homework outside enjoying a few sunny June days (and eating fish on the water).
The last day of school came and I threw everything in cabinets and ran out as fast as I could. I was ready to be DONE. I took my endorsement test the Monday after school was out. I spent a few days being a tourist before my summer classes started up.
I did the Underground Tour in Pioneer Square again. It was still interesting and it has been a few years since I went so I enjoyed it all over again.
I went on the Theo Chocolate tour! I was very excited about this one since it has been on my list since I moved out here. It was not as much factory touring as I expected/wanted (it really never is, though, is it?), BUT I learned a little and got a new cookbook with a new chicken mole recipe, so I was a happy camper. Plus, I found a new plant store across the street so it was a winner of a day.
I trained this summer for a half marathon because I clearly didn't have enough things to do and had plenty of time for 1-2 hour long runs. I don't know what I was thinking. But after I did my first ever 6 mile training run with a couple friends, another friend picked me up as I finished my run and I hopped in the car and went out to pick some raspberries and it was the most painful squatting I have ever done. But, I got a million pounds of fresh delicious raspberries afterwards so it was worth it.
Do I look as exhausted as I feel at 10am?!?!
I did some grocery shopping at the market and then cooked dinner. Best grocery shopping ever.
Then summer tried to end quickly, but I managed to squeeze in a day outside at Seahawks training camp with a couple coworker friends before I hit the air to go meet my BRAND NEW (2 month old) NEPHEW!
He did not disappoint. He is chunky and smiley and full of wiggles (not in this particular picture, however).
While in KC, we went to Donutology to check out the latest mini donut decorating craze and I got my local coffee fix.
Cake for breakfast is always a good choice. I got to hang out with my little, very chatty, Squish. She performed as Elsa in Frozen a number of times and cheesed it up for me.
And she is only a tiny bit protective of this new little brother of hers. Why does she look so concerned here??
I love him and all of his chins and smiles.
Then I was off on a plane spending 4 hours and $8 on in-flight wifi trying to finish a course and get back to the west coast. Then I got to head BACK to school to prep for a whole new group of kiddos! The best part of this summer was that I was so busy doing other things that I really didn't feel like I thought about my classroom at all. It was a true break from school (except for the classes I was taking...).
My first day back to work was a meeting downtown for a technology training, so I got to do lunch with a view and sunshine.
I spent a few days going to trainings, classes, prepping my classroom, and wrapping up my own courses. Then I hit the road for Carlton, Oregon the weekend before school started to do my first half marathon through wine country.
We ran our 13.1 miles. My ankle started bothering me around mile 11 when we got to gravel, so I walked a mile, but then ran the last mile. So really, I did a 12.1 mile run and 1 mile walk, but it still counts.
I started school in September and have thoroughly enjoyed having weekends available for FUN. I went to the International District | Chinatown in Seattle for the Night Festival. I ate Korean Fried Chicken and this delicious Banana Nutella Puffle with a friend and enjoyed the street entertainment.
I went to the apple orchard and picked the most delicious honey crisp and gala apples in the rain (true PNW weather...).
And I'm enjoying my Year of No. Unless it's something fun- then I'm saying Yes.
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