What's Up November

 Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today, I'm joining Shay, and Sheaffer for their What's Up Wednesday link-up. 

Every month we answer the same list of questions based on how things are currently going in our lives. 

The questions are...

 

What am I eating?

Tonight some friends and I are getting together for a pre-Thanksgiving get-together, having all sorts of yummy appetizer/finger food type foods. Then, tomorrow I'll join my fellow AGWM-ers for our Thanksgiving get-together. So I have all of that deliciousness to look forward to.

What am I reminiscing about?

I've been thinking a lot about the sweet lady who gave me this travel mug. I'll tell anyone, that I feel like I learned more about teaching Special Education from working with this lady than I did in all of college and my previous years of teaching combined. She was an amazing teacher. When I started my class, she was such a valuable resource. Since she taught a class very similar to mine, she gave me so many ideas and tips and strategies. She gave encouragement. And she prayed for me too. She'd even write and check in on me before she got so sick, and even for a bit after that, being such an incredible encouragement. She passed away a few years ago, but any time I use this cup, I think of her.

 What am I loving?

I'm loving how well my students get along with one another. I love that it's like a big family in our room. My job is difficult. I go home utterly exhausted every single day. And I know I have no choice but to spend time after hours/on the weekend lesson planning. It's a lot. And it's hard. BUT still, I do love my job. And one of the things I absolutely, positively, 100% love the most about my job is seeing how my people are so great together. I love that they have each other, they have this friendship... I love that they look out for one another. I love that they want to help one another. I love that they sometimes argue like brothers and sisters, but in the end, they 100% have each other's backs. They are such an incredible group of kids. And I love it!

What have I been up to?

This past weekend, I spent some time with my fellow AGWM-ers here in Senegal, while we all worked on goal setting for the upcoming year (and beyond) in ministry. In preparation for setting/writing up my new goals, I reviewed the ones I've set the last few years. The "eye-opening" one was from 5 years ago, when I was writing goals in regards to starting my class. This adventure God called me on has been such a great one. And I have been consistently amazed at how He's worked  in the lives of my students (and me). I've been so grateful for the opportunities He's already blessed me with. And I'm looking forward to seeing what else He has in store for the future...

What am I dreading? 

We had a few nice/cool days. Then, bam! The high heat/humidity came back with a vengeance. So yes... I do kind of dread going outside at the moment. It's just so very hot, humid, and uncomfortable. And let's be honest here... I'm honestly, just so grateful to have a job where I work inside. 

What am I working on?

Lesson planning for 487 classes a week. ...or maybe just 16 :)

 What am I excited about?

I know Thanksgiving hasn't arrived yet. But still... At this point, I'm most excited about Christmas. I love being a teacher at Christmas time. I love finding ways to incorporate Christmas fun into as many of my lessons, as possible. Even if it's lame Christmas-themed math problems... And it's even more fun when working at a Christian school, where we're able to talk about the real/true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. Plus, if we're talking about Christmas, I can't not mention my excitement at the thought of Christmas Break coming up, which not only finally gives me a break from work, but along with that comes lots of days with no alarm clocks and also time with my family in Alabama. So yes... I'm definitely, super excited about Christmas!

What am I watching?

I'm considering starting to watch Grey's Anatomy. I've seen clips here or there online. So I know the general premise of the show. But I've never watched a full episode. Anyone a fan? Is it worth it to start from the beginning?

What am I reading?

I've been diving into the world of the "Elephant & Piggie" books by Mo Willems, thanks to one of my people loving them so much. We end up reading at least one a day together. They're super cute little books. And I must admit... Hearing that sweet little voice reading/laughing through the books always bring a smile to my face. I love seeing kids enjoying reading! So fun!

What am I listening to?

I've started listening to Christmas music. It's just such a fun, smile-producing addition to my day when I'm lesson planning or studying or working around the house. I love it!

What am I wearing?

Nothing terribly exciting. But I have started wearing my hair down a bit more. Does that count in this section? :)

 What am I doing this weekend?

My weekend starts tomorrow. We have a long weekend since it's Thanksgiving. School is dismissed at lunchtime today. Then we're out of school the next two days. Yay for a school in a non-American country that still celebrates American holidays :) Anywho... My plan, as of now, is to take it easy most of the weekend. I'll have the Thanksgiving get-togethers I mentioned  earlier. Then, a friend and I are planning to go get pedicures this weekend. And another friend and I are trying to plan out a time to catch up on a show we both like. Past that, I'll do a bit of grad school, a bit of housework, and I'll also have to do my lesson planning for the week after Thanksgiving. And yes, I'm planning to have a bit of relaxing time thrown in the mix as well. 

What am I looking forward to next month?

All things Christmas, of course.

Past that - I'm looking forward to being finished with grad school next week. After 25+ years of schooling from kindergarten to now a 2nd Master's degree, I am so so ready to be done!

What else is new?

Schedule changes and all the puzzle solving fun that entails ;)

And that's what I'm up to this month.

What about you?

What are YOU up to this month? 

Currently

Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Today I'm joining Anne from In Residence for her monthly link-up, where we share what's currently going on in our lives. And each month, Anne gives us a list of prompts to use to guide our posts. 

November's prompts are...

  * appreciating * getting * making * sharing * wearing *

I'm currently appreciating the ways God speaks to me through my students. My job is difficult (and at times, overwhelming, to be honest). And it's more so this year than it has been in the past, due to various factors. But at the same time, I still love that God has called me to do this work. And I love that I can be assured that He will continue to equip me with exactly what I need to do this work well.

I'm currently getting excited about seeing my family in December. I consider myself blessed to be able to afford this trip. What a gift it will be to see my people! Only 45 more days :)

I'm currently making nothing terribly exciting. One of my students made this fun poster as a creative take on explaining the stages of the water cycle. Instead of simply drawing a diagram of it, he drew a group of scientists (in lab coats, no less), discussing each step, in their speech/thought bubbles. I'm a big fan of allowing students to use express their learning in hands-on projects. And I love when they take the guidelines I give them and then go further than that and show their unique/creative sides during their working. So fun

I'm currently sharing randomness I'm thankful for via social media. Each November, I do a "month of thanks" where I try to think outside the box and express gratitude for the things I sometimes take for granted. Things that may seem small in the scheme of things, but really aren't...

I'm currently wearing fun stuff for school spirit week most of this week. Yesterday was Character Day so I was the black crayon from The Day the Crayons Quit. Today was Pajama Day, but I skipped it. Tomorrow is Throwback Thursday. I'm still trying to decide on that one... The question is, do I go lazy and wear something easy to put together or do I actually want to get creative? Decisions, decisions ;)

And since it's my blog and I can, here are a few more...

I'm currently working through the highlights of the book of Numbers with one of the Bible classes I teach. Have I mentioned lately how much I love teaching at a Christian school? I love being able to teach my students about God and His Word!

I'm currently celebrating the birthday of one of my students. Or, at least, we did earlier today. What a fun time to sing, eat yummy treats, and to enjoy celebrating one our own. 

I'm currently looking forward to opening this box full of goodness my mom sent me. Some of it will be things I, myself, ordered online. But she said she also threw in some surprise items for me too. Yay for fun mail!

I'm currently considering buying a nice journaling Bible as a Christmas and grad school graduation gift to myself. I found this one, pictured below, on Amazon and fell in love with it. It's a bit pricey, but it has all the features I'd like. 

And that's about it for me at the moment.

So what about you?

What are you currently up to?