Blog #1

1. What are your favorite things to do when you aren't in school or doing homework?

I love to spend time with my husband, family, and friends. Board games are my specialty. :) We have a huge closet full of them. Games from Scrabble to Settlers of Catan to Small World. We LOVE games. I love laughing. I love to cook and try new things. I especially love being creative. I am a photographer and enjoy it very much. I enjoy a good movie and some popcorn!

2. When have you been really proud of yourself? Please explain why you felt that way.

When I chose the BEST person to marry. My husband, Nick is wonderful and I couldn't have picked anyone better!

3. What are you really good at in school? How do you know?

I was never good at math or test taking, but I was ALWAYS good at the extracurricular activities like: student council, volleyball, American Sign Language, Students Against Destructive Decisions Club... basically anything that let me use my creative skills and people skills. I know I'm good at these things because I put in 110% and I enjoy it thoroughly.

4. What background, talent, skill and interest do you have in each of these:

a) music ~ I used to play the piano and violin when I was little. I didn't enjoy practicing or going to my lessons, but I did enjoy the outcome: when I would learn a new song. Sadly, I stopped playing these instruments when I got to middle school because I became busy with sports. I wish so badly I would have stuck with them.

b) visual arts ~ One of my most favorite things to do when I was a little girl was paint and draw. I loved paper and markers more than I loved dolls and girlie things.

c) dance~ I used to take ballet and tap when I was little. I liked it ok. I wish I was a dancer, but I'm not. I just can't get the courage to let loose and move my hips! haha.

d) theater~ I was involved in theater when I was in middle school. All my friends we in theater and we all had so much fun. The teacher was really cool and it was just a fun, relaxed environment. My friend, Andrea Avery, was very good at theater and she actually moved to Hollywood and got the role of one of the step sisters in the movie " A Cinderella Story" with Hillary Duff. It was fun seeing her on the big screen.

5. What is hard for you? What makes it hard?

I have such a hard time dealing with stress. I try so hard to think of ways to manage my stress, but it's very hard for me to just breathe and let it all go. It stresses me out when things don't get done or if there's a bad driver on the road. :) I'm trying to manage it!

6. What is your favorite children's book, and why is it your favorite?

I love, love, love The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I must have read that book over and over again when I was a child. I still love it. I also love "The Giving Tree" by sheil silverstien. Such a great book. I love, love children's books. My new favorite Christmas book is Wombat Divine b/c you showed it to me! Love it.

7. What is your favorite TV show, when you can spare the time to watch?

I am a huge fan of FRIENDS and the OFFICE. I love funny stuff! I also like the shows " I Survived" or " I Shouldn't be Alive." I don't know why I like those... they just make me more of a scaredy cat!

8. What movie could you watch again and again?

The Sound of Music. My all time favorite. And I LOVE Anne of Green Gables.

9. What are some things you really care about?

My family and treating others kindly.

10. What will set you apart as a teacher?

I want each of my students to know that I care deeply about each of them. I will be creative and make learning fun and interesting. I want to be "that favorite teacher" to each of them.

11. What else should I know about you as a person and a student that could help me be a better teacher? What would you like me to know about you that I haven't asked about?

I have always had a hard time with school... sometimes I feel like I have A.D.D. and It's sometimes hard for me to just sit still and really listen. I enjoyed those clips you shared in class today because they were REAL stories and I could take those feelings and thoughts I learned from them and put them into practice in my own classroom. I dont' love lectures, but I do love listening to real stories and the important things that will help me be a better teacher. I am very excited to just get out in the schools and start becoming a teacher! Even though it's been a LONG road to get to where I am in school today and even though I've really struggled with school... Im so glad I'm in the program and am learning the things I'm learning.