I'm Getting Into It . . .

I've been working in my classroom for a while now . . . and I can honestly say that I'm actually getting ready to start this new year. I have a little bit of a different feeling about the year - and it is a good feeling! It's going to be a great year!

I do feel like I will be working harder this year to create LA/Reading lessons as this curriculum has experienced changes in Texas. There will be some challenges . . . but I've got my yearly timeline ready and we'll see how it goes!

I've scheduled my dates for the DC trip this next summer . . . and will be traveling July 2-6! Those dates seemed to work out just great this past year - so we'll see how it goes next summer! I'm hoping for another great group this year too . . . and I have several students who had siblings go in previous years.

I declined a student teacher this year after being asked if I'd take one. I was interested - but the schedule just did not seem to match with my ideas of what would work best for me . . . so I've decided to take the year off.

I'm excited about our new assistant principal . . . and I sat down with her today for a little bit to just chat. We made some good connections - and I think she will see me as someone who she can count on this year. She worked at Bransford my first two years - so it will be good!

I'm excited to be working with my team once again . . . the four of us will be going into our ninth year of working together. That is HUGE for our team - and it is so nice because it creates more consistency! Together all four of us have 92 years of experience in teaching . . . we are a strong team!

So, I'm entering my seventeenth year of teaching . . . can't believe it has already been this many years. Where has the time gone . . . and all of those students . . . wow! Some great memories! What a super career I have chosen!

Graduation Gift

This is my graduation gift for Katie D. She was a former student that I had in class in fourth grade and then again the next year in fifth grade. She has gone on to be one of the top students in her graduating class - making it into the top 20 at CHHS. I wanted to give her something unique - something different . . . so I made her this mirror. I'm giving it to her tomorrow . . . and I hope she likes it. She might think it is weird?? Not sure what she will think. I also attached a special message on the back from me. I hope she keeps this forever and it always makes her think about her years growing up in Colleyville and her short time at Bransford Elementary. She will be one of those students I will never forget!

I'm Back!

Yes, I have really let the blog go for the past two months. No excuse really, other than I just had my mind on other things. I'm hoping to get into it and make some regular postings. More to come soon!

iTunes . . . Michael Jackson

I'm checking out iTunes right now . . . and Michael Jackson's music is the most popular downloads right now. Everyone seems to be downloading his music . . . remembering him. I have four songs of his on my iPod - but I'm going in now to download some of his bigger hits - such as "Thriller," "Bad," etc. Wow, still can't believe this has happened.

Time magazine is saying "A Pop Icon's Death: The Talent and a Tragedy." I'll be keeping the next Time magazine I get dedicated to him. Still so shocking . . .

Michael Jackson . . . We've Lost an Icon

Michael Jackson

August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

The whole world is in shock about the earlier announcement of the death of Michael Jackson. He was rushed to the hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead soon after arriving. The TV is full of news on Michael Jackson . . . it is unbelieveable. He was making it big as I was finishing up junior high school and while I was in high school. I have many great musical memories of Michael.

My BIG "Thriller" memory was sitting a the auditorium at Portales High School watching the yearbook presentation and seeing slides/photos from the year listening to "Thriller" blaring! It was awesome!

Michael Jackson . . . the loss of an incredible icon. Very sad news . . . shocking. I will be glued to the news about him and his funeral for the next week. RIP . . . Michael Jackson.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett

February 2, 1947 - June 25, 2009

Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer today. It has not been looking good the past few months. It is a very sad moment for this "Charlie's Angels" star. I remember growing up and watching every episode of this show. Farrah was a beautiful woman.

HES . . . not the right fit . . .

The AP job I interviewed for on Friday - did not work out. I'm actually fine with that. I got the call today from the principal and I got some great feedback on my interview - which reaffirmed my impression of the interview. She said I was her #2 pick . . . she promoted a teacher from her own building. It is not always easy to beat a candidate that is being promoted from within. I'll get the next one!

AP Interview

I got a call earlier today from the principal at HES and she would like to interview me on Friday for the assistant principal position at her school! I am thrilled!!!! This is such an incredible opportunity . . . and this is an amazing school. This principal is one who can teach me SO much. We'll see how it goes . . . Friday . . . I still have time to think!

Missing Carol Johnson

Carol Ann Johnson

October 17, 1941 - June 9, 2009

A special friend of mine from Clovis, NM, Carol Johnson, passed away yesterday. Even though I knew that she had been suffering for several years I have always dreaded the day that I would hear the sad news. I miss Carol and have many wonderful memories of her.

Carol was the cafeteria manager at Mesa Elementary when I met her. Her daughter, Cindy, was my mentor teacher. From 1992 until my last days in Clovis, Carol took really good care of me. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met in my entire life. She was a special friend . . . . and I will miss her dearly. Goodbye, Carol . . . and thanks for being such a kind and gentle soul. You touched my life in a very special way. Missing you . . .

Summer To-Do List

Well, it is that time of year again . . . the time when I do not worry about grading papers, planning lessons, completing tasks for school . . . and I focus on me! I've begun thinking about the many things I need to do around the house and started organizing my thoughts today! I created a to-do list . . . some summer projects. I have several electrical projects planned - changing some light fixtures, fixing some others, and even adding some new ones! I also want to do some more painting - the loft, entryway into the master bedroom, and redoing the RED in the masterbath! I'm even contemplating adding a patio in the backyard. I need something in the backyard - but know it will cost a little bit . . . so not sure if that will work out or not.

Aaaaah, the summer . . . here at last! Just hoping it does not fly by this time like it usually does. I need to start my list SOON before time runs out! Wish me luck!

Mom is Coming for a Visit!

Mom is coming to DFW this week from Wednesday through Saturday!!! Can't wait for her visit. She is going with me to the Education Foundation Banquet that recognizes the top seniors from GHS and CHHS! It will be great!

I'm also going to find time for us to visit the Baja Grill - for some margaritas!!! She is going to love them! Might have to do that Wednesday night when she gets here!! Not sure . . . it will be fun to have her here for a few days!

Kris Wins!

Kris -- the guy I was voting for is the new winner of American Idol! I'm very happy about that! I can't wait to purchase his first album. I think it is great too that he is from Arkansas!

Who Will Win This Year?

The final two American Idol finalists have been named . . . Kris and Adam! This coming week will be the final show and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. I'v always been a Kris fan . . . so I'm hoping he will win it, but Adam has been a front runner for a long time. I'll be voting on Arkansas native, Kris, on Tuesday night.

My Interview

I took the day off today mainly to have time to do my interview for an assistant principal position in Keller. I was a bit nervous on the drive there - but once I got in there - my confidence soared! I feel like my interview went really well. I was worried that I might not be comfortable with all of the questions they would ask me - but I had an answer for everything! The most important thing I gained from this interview - was a little more confidence in myself! I know I can do this . . . and I'm ready! We'll see what comes of the interview from Keller. I was part of a "pool" interview - where they are trying to narrow down candidates for assistant principals. I might make the final cut - and I might not . . . we'll see! This was my first "practice" interview for this new position.

Southlake's Art in the Square

Art in the Square has returned again this year! I think I've been going to this for the past nine years or so. There are always so many great artists and artwork. It is great to just wander around and look at everything. I did buy a few pieces a few years ago. I'd really like to get something new this year . . . but not wanting to spend too much money. We'll see . . .

Still learning . . .

I rushed over to Bear Creek Elementary after school yesterday to meet with the principal and assistant principal to get some advice and to gain more knowledge about the assistant principal's job. It was another great conversation - and they gave me TONS of advice. These visit are really helping me!

The job in my school district still has not been posted for me to apply. I have applied in a neighboring district - but have not heard anything from them yet.

To be continued . . .

Learning as much as I can . . .

I spent about 45 minutes today visiting with an assistant principal in my school district and gaining information about her job. It was great that she allowed me this opportunity to learn from her. I feel like she had some great insight to the position . . . and I took some good notes! I see where I have a great deal to learn . . . but I'm ready and interested! More to come later . . .

Running . . .

I'm running as fast as I can . . .
running all the time
running to the future
searching for truth, honesty, and trust . . .

Me
I'm the one you chose
out of all the people
what does this mean . . . what do I do . . .

I don't want you to keep falling
I want to help you up so we can keep running . . .
I don't know what to do

Running running
as fast as we can
I really hope you make it
do I reach out my hand to keep from being separated . . .

Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
I don't want to give up
I'm tired of fighting the past and hurting the future
Running . . . . running

Where am I going . . . and will I get there?

**Evan & No Doubt**

I'm a slacker . . .

Wow, it really has been a while since I've made any sort of posting. I don't really have a good excuse - other than I just haven't. I have been busy with school projects and future projects and that has been time consuming. I do have a TON of things I should be doing to work on my DC trip for this summer -- maybe I'll get to that this weekend!?!?

I'm experiencing a little stress in my life . . . but everything will iron out sometime soon. Where is my life headed -- what will it be like this time next year. The answer is . . . there is NO telling. This could be one of those crazy years . . . ?

Updating my resume . . .

with a little help from Erin tonight. I'm trying to get it just right . . . so much to do. It will have a new look and a new focus! We'll see how it goes . . .