First impressions

Within the first few days of settling in to the south I have formed some first impressions, as common with any initial meetings. Of course some of my judgements may end up to be completely false much like assuming personalities based on shoe wear. We will see.

1. These people love their waffles and country fried steak. I should have kept a talley on how many Waffle Houses and Cracker Barrels we passed. I'm on board with Cracker Barrel but I will complete my time in FL without embracing Waffle House. I've been warned.

2. It was a beautiful drive but I'm glad FL was our destination.

3. One of the first purchases was a drying rack. I put it on the deck to speed up the drying process. 24 hours later the clothes were still wet. Welcome to humidity.

4. Speaking of humidity, I have not been completely dry for 4 days now and counting:). But, I haven't been freezing either, so it's a trade off.

5. In a world where everyone is a tourist or seasonal resident, I hope I can make some permanent friends.

6. The ocean is therapy. No wonder the sound is a part of every musical sleep aid.

7. A couple miles from our apt. there is a Marshall's, TJmaxx, Home Goods, and Target in one building. Enough said.

8. We have been out to eat more in the last week than 2 years. There are just so many delicious options. This could become a problem.

9. I went out on a short venture alone (my car is not here yet, so I'm usually just riding along with Will to wherever). A man got mad because I was being nice and let him in my lane. I was appalled. I think he was just confused at the niceness. I am hoping this attitude doesn't speak for the lot of FL.

10. We traded in the deer and cows for lizards and parrots.

Apart from minor and normal moving frustrations- so far, so good!

To 2013!

I brought in the new year with the love of my life, my best friend and her love, good Italian food and wine, new lip gloss in my pocket, and on the verge of an adventure. I hope this is an indication of how 2013 will go. :) Embarrassingly enough, I think the last couple years Will and I have peeked at the strike of midnight through our slumber, so spending it out with good friends was refreshing.
Today we started the trek down to our new home where exploration awaits. There were a couple kinks in packing as I tried to downsize to fit in a little one bedroom city apartment. This being done by a girl who likes her stuff was a little stressful. But aside from a few unorganized boxes because of last minute frenzy, everything got packed. It's always tough to say goodbye, but with some loved ones already planning vacations it was a little easier. Here's to 2013 and all it brings! May the Lord make me brave and ambitious when facing the unfamiliar and continue to encourage Will through all his hard work!

Christmas 2012

Floridians

Will and I have a new adventure ahead of us after Christmas as we pack our bags...I mean, boxes and boxes, and move ourselves down South to Fort Lauderdale, FL.  We have been so blessed this year as I graduated, secured my first job, grew miles and miles as a teacher, and Will's company developed.  We have been presented with an investment opportunity that was a result of my husband's hard work and despite the hardships that come with moving, I have not forgotten to be very, very proud of him.

While we initially planned that I would stay to finish the year at school, administration as been so kind to support me in joining Will on this venture.  I am thrilled that we can make the move together.  However, it is going to be a little harder than I thought to leave the kids!  This venture is best defined as bittersweet.  I'm leaving my first little classroom and a great district, but this is is something that will bring Will and I security, relief, and further opportunities.

I continue to remind myself that our families are only a plane ride away and both our parents are getting more and more tech savvy.  Between Skype, phone calls, and planes, I'm hoping we won't miss out on too much.  While our close relationships make it harder to leave, it's also comforting to know our close knit families can't be compromised by a few more miles.  Did I mention it's not a forever thing? :)

Stay tuned as we bring our "Iowa Nice" to the Floridians!

Teacher Thoughts

It is a sad, sad day when you forget about jeans day.

My lesson plans look so neat, organized, well thought out and clean on Monday morning. I have started taking a couple minutes to stare at them before the week starts and the scribbles, arrows, schedule changes, and giant x's take over.

I'm a patient person but it has certainly been tested on some days.  I have discovered what I look like most times when I lose my patience with kids and most of the time it's me walking away and forgoing the sassy apology lesson and counting to 5 in my head. It is not worth the spike in blood pressure.   I have built my management on consistency but in some instances...like after a long night of conferences...and 2 class parties... it doesn't happen.

If you give a child a compliment, 19 more will want one too.

If one child gives you a compliment you will get 19 more. They will compliment you on everything right down to your shoe laces.

Nothing is worse than being wrong after you discipline an innocent child.  Oops. Humility and apology lesson anyone?

There is a difference between being a sympathetic person to a 4 year old and a "soft" teacher.

If you act like something is the best thing in the world, 99 percent of the kids are going to think the same. This is acting lesson number 1.

I have resorted to bribery with stickers.

I. hate. bulletin. boards. I thought this would be something that I would enjoy a few months ago because of how cute and creative you can get with them. But... to make them cute you have to
A. Spend your life savings at the teacher store.
B. Be at school until 7 and forgo the rest of your to do list.
C. Cut a straight line in paper bigger than your body with one hand while holding it against a wall with your other hand, while keeping the rest of it rolled up at the bottom with your hip...only to accidentally cut it too short and start all over or stare at the little space of board that is not covered.

Conferences are long but it is so rewarding to hear the parents talk about what their kids come home saying and that they are learning so much. I never know if they are taking home things from school so the confirmation feels good.

Somebody who is in therapy for control issues should come to the art center on glitter day where 40 kids come through and for most, experience their first time with glitter. There is no hope of gaining any sense of control or organization. Glitter will be everywhere and there is simply no stopping it.

We made ornaments for the parents. I really tried to come up with something that a 4 year could do independently since it is from THEM and I certainly did not want to end up fixing and making 39 ornaments.  While it consisted of popsicle sticks and pom poms, I still had to put together 38 out of the 39.  Oops!

While putting together our "Pre-K Book of Thanks" the naughty kid said he was "tankful fo Mrs. Tousin".  I think my heart melted, dripped onto the floor, and was left there as a puddle.

There are pros and cons to teaching in a small, midwest district.  PRO: I have "Merry Christmas-ed" all over the place.  We have a Christmas tree, Christmas concert, Christmas cards, Christmas crafts, and Christmas party.  I don't have to do much "tiptoeing" around the holiday season and while I understand and appreciate differences, it has been nice to celebrate with the kids.

October Festivities

I love October. Because it is my birthday month, this is no surprise but I may stop feeling this way as I grow older. For my birthday my husband rescued me from the dark ages and fulfilled my request of an iPhone. Now, I can talk to the 3 people that call in style, waste more time on Facebook, and bury my face in another Apple device. But-it was so needed:). In fact, I am currently writing this entire blog on my phone while watching a movie on my iPad. So really, where would I be without these things?....

I also secretly like Halloween. I like the creativity of homemade costumes, bringing characters to life, and turning inanimate objects into giant outfits. I hate scary costumes, and rarely approve of store bought costumes. So perhaps I don't like Halloween at all, just the idea of an acceptable, national day of dress-up.  We have a couple friends who host an annual Halloween party.  While I was not planning on attending with Will out-of-town, sitting home alone for a few days was getting long and friends/relatives offered to adopt me as a tag along.  Rosie the Riveter requires a button down, jeans, and red scarf.  So Rosie it was.   However,  although it is fitting for an adult Halloween party it  certainly isn't' fitting for a Pre-K class party.  So I am set for the year as I had to hodge podge together 2 costumes this year with a cheetah/leopard/cat costume as my number 2.  Let's just say, by the end of attending a party, and hosting 2 for 40 kids...I am DONE with Halloween and it left a rather bad taste in my mouth.  I'll be lucky if I simply stick on some bunny ears for next year.

Rosie and Smurfette

I even held a couple parent-teacher conferences like this.   

AM Group: Pre-K Halloween Party

Rosie

Tables Turned

The other day I had a college student do an observation assignment in my classroom.  Needless to say, it was very odd to be on the other side of the stage.  Only a few months ago was I the student dreading the field experiences and sitting through long days of observation for teaching classes.  The day for her observation was also the first day of conferences so I was completely preoccupied with nerves and last minute conference details.  I felt really bad by the end of the day because I practically shoved her out the door in hopes of starting conferences on time and knew only half the answers to her questions.  Maybe I'm not ready for observations, but she definitely got a taste of the excitement and busyness of a Pre-K class.   In attempt of providing her with some sense of teaching and a memorable day, I asked some of the kids what the future teacher should know to be a good teacher.  These are the few responses I got, but they put in a good effort.

1.  "She needs to know what time it is."
2.  "She needs to do what she is supposed to do".
3.  "Help us play."
4.  "Know her numbers."
5.  "Listen to the kids."
6.  "Know how to be nice".