A Little Something Called MEA

As a teacher in Minnesota, I feel extremely exhausted during the months of September and October. By November, I'm back into the groove of the school year and life is back to normal.

Being that it is still October, though, I am completely exhausted. But oh so thankful for this wonderful statewide conference we have called MEA. In the past, I have gone to a session or two during the two day conference, but this year was a little different. MEA is on a Thursday and Friday, giving teachers the two days off from work. Being that it was directly after two twelve hour work days, I decided rest was much more important.

And rest I have, indeed! Yesterday was complete with a two hour nap! TWO HOURS!  I don't remember the last time I snuck in a two hour nap.

I have yet to nap today, and don't assume that I will. You see, this weekend is filled with joyous events. This afternoon, I am meeting up with some wonderful ladies--my dear old college roommates. I have sadly fallen out of touch with them, but have begun to make an effort again. We will have a happy hour this afternoon, and the fourth roommate's wedding tomorrow.  The husband's family is also in town this weekend, also for a wedding. Also on Saturday. I'm going to try my hand at double-duty. I'll be at the ceremony of one wedding and the reception of another. Busy, busy. But so much fun...and so much love!

I also have the daunting task of putting together our Halloween costumes. Of course, I could just buy them, but they are so much more fun to make! I haven't bought a costume since I've known my husband, and I have to say the creative juices get juicier every year!

And finally, I have some posts planned! One being the Halloween costumes, of course. The other being a painting project. I'll give you more details on that, later.

For now, I'm off to meet up with the beautiful roommates!  I hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

2012

It is hard to believe that 2012 is here. Christmas and New Year's Eve flew right on by, and here I am at the end of winter break. Work starts again tomorrow. The alarm clock is set, and will it ever be a rude awakening. The perks of being a teacher: just over a week off in the middle of winter. It sure is wonderful. Heading back to school, though, is dreadful. The kiddos are SO excited to be back, but had plenty of time to "forget" how to be at school (hey, that happens when you're five or six). They're giddy little buggers, they've gotten used to hearing Englush all day instead of Spanish. Needless to say, it is an adjustment for them.

It is also an adjustment for me, the kindergarten teacher. Those twenty kiddos will come bounding into the classroom at a time in the morning I have not seen all week. Obviously a smile will be upon my face and coffee a necessity.

But, let's get to he point. I didn't sit down with my iPad tonight to write about my transition back into the real world. My intent was to put my resolutions for the year out for everyone to read on the world wide web, in hopes that the motivation will be there to stick with them this year. Actually following through with a New Year's resolution is not something I can say I've done. At least I dint remember. Truthfully, though, I've never really had New Year's resolutions. But this year is different.

Last Tuesday, the gang of girls and I headed up to the outlet shops at Albertville. With the new year on the horizon, a friend was telling us about how resolutions are done in her family. Each person comes up with three resolutions: one that pertains to their relationships, one that pertains to their physical health and one that has to do with their spiritual health. After some thinking, we each shared our three resolutions for the year.

Here are mine:

Relationships: to be more social. I see my parents and siblings every Monday. I see my girls every Tuesday. I don't remember the last social gathering I attended on a weekend. I would like for this to change!

Physical: I am going to run a half marathon in May. Mr. Husband is joining me, along with my friend B. I'm nervous, because I'm overweight. I'm nervous because I'm not a great runner. But, it is okay to be nervous. I can run a half marathon.

Spiritual: attend church more often. Now, I'm nowhere near pregnant, but it is important to both Mr. Husband and I to bring our kids up in the church. Before we can do that, we need to be in the habit of going to church ourselves. One of the girls with me while discussing our resolutions came up with a great one: to volunteer more. I think I'm going to make that one of my resolutions as well.

So, there they are. My four resolutions for 2012. And now I have got to get to bed. 5:30am will be here WAY before I know it.