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?

What's Up October

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?

Nothing terribly exciting lately... I'm planning to do some cooking/baking this upcoming weekend though. We'll see how that goes :)

What am I reminiscing about?

A friend and I hosted a going away party, of sorts, for a friend who's leaving Senegal after many many years of service. It was so nice to sit and chat with friends, reminisce about the "good ol days" and to give her a proper send off. One of the hard parts of this line of work is the seemingly constant goodbyes, or see ya laters. And in the last year or so, it seems like there have been even more than usual. Ah, goodbyes... You sure do stink. Just saying.

 What am I loving?

I'm loving these sweet pictures that popped up in my Facebook memory feed the other day. I love thinking back on those days, when my nieces were so little. And I also love seeing the smile on my Dad's face... He loved being a Pawpaw to my nieces. He was definitely born to be a grandparent. That's for sure! Ah, memories... I love 'em :)

What have I been up to?

All the things that go into being a Special Ed. Teacher... I've been spending lot of time planning lessons, prepping activities, gathering supplies, having meetings, filling out paperwork, typing up IEPs, and actually teaching, too, of course. It's a lot. It's a good thing I like these kids God's sent my way ;)

What am I dreading? 

Nothing much :)

What am I working on?

We're in the middle of submitting our orders for school supplies, textbooks, etc. for our school's shipping container. When you live in a country without Walmart, Target, and Parent-Teacher Stores, you don't really have much choice... So we order months in advance and then wait for our supplies to arrive for the following year. So I've been researching the best supplies, Reading and Math manipulatives, books, other random classroom needs, online subscriptions, and more for us to use with the incredible students God will be sending to our program. Then, on top of that, I'm one of the class sponsors for one of our classes. So I've been researching the best prices for some of the items they need to order for things they'll be doing next year, as well. 

 What am I excited about?

I hope I'm not jinxing things. But, lately, it has actually been kind of cool in the mornings and at night. Not cold, of course... But y'all, I am most definitely excited about this latest change in temperature. It's a little earlier than normal for Dry Season (almost Cool Season) to arrive. However, I am seriously hoping that it stays for a little while.

What am I watching?

I finally watched the series finale of Seinfeld the other day. Yes, I know it's been out for a long time. But somehow I'd never seen it 'til then. Anywho - I was kind of disappointed with the finale. In a way, it was a let down and made me question a lot from the show...

It also made me realize that I just really could live my life without TV. I realize that I rarely watch anything anymore. ...unless it's just mindless, background noise, while I'm working around the house. So, if that's the case, then really... What's the point? 

What am I reading?

We just started novel studies with a couple of my students. We're reading/working through A Wrinkle in Time with one and Charlotte's Web with another. Novel studies are some of my favorite units to teach. English/Reading are my favorite subjects to teach, anyway. But any time I am able to incorporate stories my students actually find interesting with all the typical standards/content they are required to learn being met, too... Well, that's just the icing on the cake :)

What am I listening to?

Lately, I've been listening to this instrumental hymns playlist from YouTube when I'm working on my computer. I like having soft music playing in the background. This one, and others like it, are my "go-to's" at the moment. They're just so calming and perfect. 

What am I wearing?

Nothing terribly exciting... Although, I did order a fun shirt for my mom to include in the package she recently mailed to me. So once that comes, I'll be wearing that. Yay for new things! :)

 What am I doing this weekend?

We have Parent Teacher Conferences on Friday. Then we have our school's annual Harvest Fest that afternoon/evening. So I'm sure I'll be "crashing" by Friday night. Then, this weekend will consist of the usual... Lesson planning, grad school work, church, and and an AG meeting on Sunday, too. There won't be a lot of down time this weekend. But I'm hoping I'll be able to make up for that the following weekend. 

What am I looking forward to next month?

Thanksgiving - I have some fun/educational Thanksgiving and "being thankful" themed lessons and activities planned for my people. Then, there's Thanksgiving, when I usually celebrate with my fellow AGWM workers, serving in Senegal. And of course, Thanksgiving means a few days off from school too. And we all know that days off, with no need for an alarm clock or quite wonderful for me. So there's that too :)

What else is new?

My last grad school class started this week. Y'all... I am so very close to being finished. And yes, I will 100% celebrate being done when this class is over! I absolutely, positively cannot wait!

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. 

October's prompts are...

  * borrowing * buying * planning * prepping * reading *

I'm currently borrowing ideas from the internet for activities to go along with some of the various lessons I teach. Ideas like the one below, for a fun (and tasty) way to visualize the different phases of the moon... 

I'm currently buying nothing terribly exciting. I did order a few things for my mom to mail in a package to me. It helps that my mom has access to my bank account. Because of that, I can order what I need/want, send it to my mom, and then pay the postage for it to be mailed to me here. But she can just be the messenger and take it to the post office for me. At any rate... I ordered a fun shirt and book for me, a small Christmas gift for my students, and a few other random things I needed, as well. And in a month or so, I'll be like Charlie Brown in the image below. And in case anyone's wondering... Amazon won't ship the majority of items directly to Senegal and the few things they will ship include an outrageous shipping fee attached to it, so it's cheaper to do it the way I'm doing it...

I'm currently planning to enjoy this upcoming weekend. Have I mentioned lately that we get a 4-day weekend? Because, while I do love my students, I am most definitely excited about the prospect of a long weekend and actually not having to set my alarm clock :)

I'm currently prepping lesson plans for the upcoming week. Or, at least, I will be  during today's mandatory work day. My goal is to do enough today and after our day of PD tomorrow so I won't have to do any work over the long weekend. We'll see if I can do that. Not having a planning period during the day means I have no choice but to work after hours (which is fine). But I'd really, really, really like to be able to take full advantage of the upcoming break and have some down time.

I'm currently reading through the book of Romans with one of my guys as part of his Bible class. I am loving hearing his take on some of these passages. And I love how well he's doing at going more in-depth, studying The Word and seeing how he can apply it to his life today.

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

So what about you?

What are you currently up to?

What's Up September

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?

The theme of this week has been tacos. I made a big batch of taco meat and beans. So I've had tacos or taco salad for my lunches/dinners the past few days. I also mixed up a big batch of trail mix and pre-portioned it out into individual servings so I could have quick and easy snacks for the week.

What am I reminiscing about?

This photo popped up in my Facebook memory feed the other day. I remember taking it last year, noticing my Montevallo hat, and thinking back to the day I changed my major towards the beginning of my college career because I knew I wanted (and was supposed) to be a Special Education Teacher. And when I shared this photo last year, I was sitting in my classroom, marveling at all God's done in my life/career since that day all those years ago. He still has. I love my work. I love that God allows me to do what I'm doing. And I love reminiscing about all the memories made throughout my years of teaching. 

 What am I loving?

Finally having a working A/C again at home. We're currently in the middle of Hot Season, where the temperature and the humidity are both ridiculously, over the top, high, which is quite unpleasant. So yeah... Having A/C again definitely makes life more tolerable/enjoyable :)

What have I been up to?

All the lesson prep...

What am I dreading? 

I know I'll probably miss the rain when it's gone again. After all, once it finally stops here, it doesn't rain again for months and months. But y'all... I almost dread going anywhere lately, because I'm afraid I'm going to end up getting soaked by an unexpected rain shower and the accompanying massive water puddles everywhere after the rain is over.

What am I working on?

Doing a better job of looking for the beauty and goodness around me... I love the "flame trees" that bloom here in Dakar. They're so beautiful. And yesterday, when I walked out of my apartment building, I saw this one whose blooms had fallen off, given me the feel of Fall (even though it's a bazillion degrees outside right now, so nothing like Fall, for real)...

 What am I excited about?

We have a 4 day weekend coming up not this weekend, but the next. I love my students. I love my job. But oh my word is my brain tired and I am most definitely excited about and ready for this upcoming break :)

What am I watching?

I'm working my way back through Friends. Yes, I've already seen every episode. But it's still funny. And it gives my brain a bit of a break at the end of a long work day. So I'm enjoying it.

What am I reading?

I just started my 33rd book of the year. It's a total "fluff" read, meaning it's a light, no real thought needed type of book. And since so many of the books I read are either for work/grad school, I enjoy the occasional "fluff" book.

What am I listening to?

Nothing new or exciting... Anyone have a recommendation for me?

 What am I doing this weekend?

I told a friend I'd help her with something for her daughter's birthday party on Saturday morning. There's a lacrosse tournament at school Saturday night that I promised some of my kids I'd go to so I could watch them play. Then on Sunday, there's church and then afterwards, we're having an AG get-together. And at some point, I'll need to spend some time lesson planning and prepping for the upcoming week and to complete the week's grad school assignments. This weekend won't include a lot of down time or time to relax. But that's okay. The following weekend will be a 4 day weekend. So It'll even out in the end :)

What am I looking forward to next month?

Well, October will include 4-day weekend. And I am, for sure, looking forward to that. Past that, I have a few fun lessons/projects/experiments coming up with some of my classes that I'm looking forward to.

What else is new?

I applied for my grad school graduation. This will be my second master's degree. So if you add up my 13 years of traditional schooling + 5.5 years for my bachelor's + 3.5 years for my first master's +3 years for this master's ... By the time I graduate in December, I will have been a student for 25 years. It feels weird to be (almost) finished. People keep asking if me if I'm going to continue after this degree. At one point, I'd planned on getting my doctorate. And I actually would like to do that at some point. But I just don't think I can do that one online... I feel like it'd be a bit too much to handle at the same time as teaching (in a challenging teaching position, at that). So, I think my brain will be happy to no longer be a student for a change... :)

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. 

September's prompts are...

  * beginning *  ending * loving * picking * posting *

I'm currently beginning my newest grad school class, which is on human development/learning theories, from a Christian perspective. Just reading ahead a bit in my textbook has shown me that I'm going to enjoy this one. I'm also enjoying the fact that this is my next to last class before finishing this degree...

I'm currently ending each day, by looking back over the course of the day and making a list of the seemingly little things that made me smile. Things like a funny story from one of my students or a sweet note given to me from a friend or pretty flowers in this often sandy/dusty place I call home... 

I'm currently loving yesterday's lunch/dinner. There's a local Lebanese restaurant we can order lunch delivery from during the week. They make the best hummus. So I got a large enough container at lunch to give me leftovers for dinner as well. Add in the pita bread they send with it and some fresh veggies from home, and it's delicious perfection :)

I'm currently picking this as my "theme" of this school year. Because when I keep this perspective, I'm focused on the One who called me, who equipped (and is still equipping) me, who gives me grace and guidance every single day... When I keep this perspective, I'm focused on my students and the true blessing it is to be their teacher.

I'm currently posting (or rather, I posted) these pictures... I took them yesterday when I got to school. The rain might be a pain at the moment. But I'm loving how this time of year, the sky is so bright blue and the grass/trees are so nice and green. It's all so beautiful and a good reminder of how God is the Master Artist.

And that's about it for me.

So what about you?

What are you currently up to?