No Longer A Student

Guess what!

I turned in my last assignment earlier this morning.

I paid my graduation fee (which was frustratingly expensive in my opinion, especially considering I wasn't at the ceremony, but whatever). 

I still won't a lot of free time, this week because of work (both teaching and mission) responsibilities.

But still...

I'll be celebrating soon.

I'm also planning to read a book or two (for fun) this week in my "free" time.

I'm also planning to go to bed before midnight each night this week.

All because...

I am done.

I have graduated.

I now have my second M. Ed. degree. 

Here's something not everyone knows about me. 

I'm kind of a nerd. I love learning. I love taking classes and reading journal articles and doing research and writing papers and all of that. I love it. At one point, I even said I'd be a professional student if I could afford it. My dad was the same way, so I know I get that from him. And I meant that. I truly did. 

But even with how much I loved (and do still love) it...

I am so very happy to be finished with this degree program. 

The teaching part of my job (ministry) is a busy/challenging one. It requires me to put in many many hours after school and on the weekends. So add in completing a (second) Master's degree online while doing all the extra hours required by my teaching prep, along with the time required of me for my AGWM duties too... 

Well...

Most weeks, this semester, I have barely had time to just stop and breathe. 

So yes... 

I am so glad to finally be done!

I'm so grateful for the knowledge I gained through this program. I know that I will be able to take that knowledge and add it to the knowledge I gained with the others and continue striving to be the best possible teacher for the students that God has placed in my care. 

And now, for a little lightness to finish out this long post...

At this point, I feel like I'm at an awards show and I'm about to thank all the key figures, who helped in this accomplishment of mine. So, here we go.

Thank you to...

Caffeine keeping me awake all those late nights :)

Yum Yum for delivering pizza. YumYum pizza fed me almost every Tuesday night for the past few years. My classes all had assignments due each Tuesday night, so I'd let that to be my really late night each week. And since I had zero desire to cook on those nights, I got to know our local pizza restaurant's delivery guys pretty well.  

iTunes supplying the music that I played in the background while I studied since studying in silence doesn't work for me :)

Friends who were also taking classes who'd commiserate with me via text almost every Tuesday night for the past couple years :)

Southeastern University for giving me the chance to earn this degree :)

My students for being the reason I chose this particular degree path - I learned so much that has helped me to be a better teacher for them.

Stable electricity and internet, for allowing me to complete this degree while living overseas. And I know how important that is since our electricity/internet was most definitely not as great while I was working on my first Master's.

Friends who put up with me not socializing much in the evenings :)

And God for giving me the strength to get it done.

Y'all... I did it.

I'm done.

Currently

Happy Wednesday, Y'all

Can you believe it's already the first Wednesday of December?!

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. 

December's prompts are...

  * decorating * feeling * sending * smelling * wrapping *

I'm currently decorating (or rather making plans to decorate) my classroom door. Well, mostly my students will be decorating it. I'm just going to provide the supplies for it. We spent some time during one of my groups' study halls the other day, looking for ideas. And the plan is to start today, decorating it during "free time" during study halls and a bit after school. I can't wait to see their finished product. The picture below is the idea we got from a quick google search. But we've got a few other ideas on how to make it more "ours." :)

I'm currently feeling excited as I countdown the days 'til I can see my family again. And in case anyone is wondering... There are only 17 more days from today :)

I'm currently sending Christmas gifts to my brother's house via Amazon. I ordered a few things online since I found good deals. That way, once I'm there in a few weeks, I won't have to spend as much time in a store. Win, win! :)

I'm currently smelling nothing terribly exciting. Well, that's not true. I had this deliciously smelling goodness for a highly non-nutritious breakfast this morning. 

I'm currently wrapping up my very last grad school class. I'll finish in about a week and a half (or earlier if I can get more done this weekend). Y'all... I will be finished at the end of next week. I am so so very excited! Y'all have no idea! :)

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

I'm currently making plans for a writing project I started a while back and had to pause... I'm planning to start it back up in January (or maybe even over Christmas Break), since I won't have grad school work to do by that point. I'll still have to work late every day, due to the nature of my teaching position. But at least I'll have my nights free again :)

I'm currently looking forward to time with my family. I love my job. I love that I can follow the call God has placed on my life. But y'all... I miss my family. So whenever I'm gifted with the opportunity to see them I 100% take the chance 

I'm currently thinking about my dad. It's been 6 1/2 years since he passed away. And I miss him so much. ...especially at the holidays. He loved Christmas so much. It was always fun to watch his joy over the holiday and for preaching about the birth of our Savior. 

I'm currently starting to read through the book of Luke. My plan is to read one chapter a night through Christmas Eve. Then I have a Bible Study plan that will go along with it, to help as I read/study each chapter. 

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

So what about you?

What are you currently up to?

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?