Why Wait? Do It NOW! Eat Dessert First

                           

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have spent the last year challenging myself, reflecting and more importantly living my life to the fullest. Many people have asked me, "Why now? What changed?" Unfortunately what changed was my age.  For as long as I can remember, I have been a planner. You can even ask my mom.  I have had a plan for everything.  I  use to get so excited when the new planners hit stores in August for back to school.  I would even buy new pens and stickers to decorate and plan.  I have had a plan my whole life.  My hopes, dreams, wishes have in some way always been a part of the plan.  Last June, I knew during the 2012/2013 school year, I would turn 35.  This hit me like a freight train.  I would have to check off a different box on the surveys, more fine lines would appear and I would no longer be able to say I was in my early 30's. 
Because I have spent my whole life planning, I have probably missed out on opportunities because they weren't scheduled in my agenda.  I have also not taken as many risks as I would have liked.  I like order and structure but inside I knew I was missing out.  So on June 29, 2012 Why Wait? Do It Now! began.  I booked a trip to visit my best friend in Australia and challenged myself to take as many opportunities that came my way throughout the 2012/2013 year.  That meant spending more time with family and friends, trying new things, going new places, eating at new restaurants but most of all not waiting or making sure it fits perfectly in my plan.

So here is a list of some of the highlights/firsts for me this past year.
Australia
Edmonton International Film Festival
Frank Warren of Post Secret Presentation
Animal Trek Disney World
PGA Tour Event
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party- Disney World
Teach Hard with Gerry Dee
Documentaries - Girl Model, Miss Representation, Finding Kind 
Price is Right Live
Movie/SMASH nights with Best Friend
Twitter/Instagram/Google Hangouts/Canadian Ed Chat Moderator
Concerts - Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Package Tour, Legends of Summer, Reba, Nelly Furtado, Rihanna and DLM
Amaluna
OPRAH
Western Canadian Fashion Week
La Bohemme, 100 Bar and Grill, Blue Plate Diner, Press'd, Sullivan's
One Month with No POP
Color Me Rad 5K
Tie Dye Shirts
Trip to Vancouver- Olympic Cauldron
Seattle - Pike Place Market, Pinball Museum, Space Needle, Chihuly Museum, Baseball Game
Kayaking

Eat Dessert First (My whole family was there to witness this moment)

and

TONS OF UNFORGETTABLE DINNERS, VISITS, AND CHATS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

So I encourage all of you to not wait another minute.  Do It NOW!

YOU MATTER

Everyone deserves to have someone say to them 'YOU MATTER'.
You matter to me and you matter to the universe.  Often we can forget the importance of relationships.  As teachers we can easily get caught up in curriculum, planning, and marking papers.  However, at the end of the day when all the dust has settled, the pencils are picked up and the glue lids are back on- the only thing a child is going to remember is how you made them feel.  

YOU MATTER, YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU ARE UNIQUE, YOU ARE SPECIAL, YOU HAVE TALENTS, YOUR IDEAS AND THOUGHTS ARE VALUED, YOU MATTER.

As we prepare to go back into the classroom, make sure every child knows they matter.

Why I Was Meant To Be A Teacher

I often think about why I am a teacher.  Especially when I watch tv, look through magazines or go to the mall.  Why am I a teacher?  Why am I not a celebrity, some tv personality or a singer? (oh, right, I can't sing)
Still, I often wonder why I never pursued something else or maybe if I still should.
But then moments of strong reflection occur.  Yes, I would love the lights, the cameras, and of course the money but would I really be making a difference?  Would I be making the world different or a better place to live?  Would my life mean something?  Everyday, I think not only about the students in my classroom but also every student who I have had an encounter with. Their lives and my part in it.  
Why I was Meant to Be a Teacher? 
Well let me tell you....
To be the best cheerleader a student could have.  To teach students about life and let them know how important they are. To have them believe they can achieve every dream they set their minds to.  To make a difference in education.  To be an advocate for what is best for students.    
That is why I was meant to be a Teacher.

Expiration Date

So many times we hear life is too short, do the things you enjoy and live in the moment.  Well, this post is no different.  Over the past year, I have encouraged or more like forced myself to try something new or do something at least once each month that I have never done before.  It could be as simple as trying a new restaurant/food or even travelling to Australia by myself last summer to see my best friend. Doing these challenges has allowed me to enjoy each moment as well as be more present in my life.  

We all have an expiration date but what we do before then is what matters.  I encourage you to be more present in your life.  Find ways to make different choices - go for a run, read a book, volunteer.  Take chances - call an old friend, ask for that promotion, or even maybe tell someone you care about them. Make changes in your attitude, routines and perceptions. The time will come when it is your expiration date, will you be fulfilled in knowing you did everything you could? 

Weekend App Attack! Week #4 Word Work!

I am linking up with Sugar and Spice to share two Word Work Apps that my students love to use during Word Work.

The first App is called Doodoo Lite.  This app changes the color of the pages and the color of the tools randomly, however, the students love the surprise.  This app also allows you to import images if you want to import pictures or papers to help with letter formation.  You can also use the record function to show how to form letters or also as a game.  GAME - Can you guess my word? -Students write the word and then show the recording to a friend to see if they can guess the word before the time is up.  

The second App is called Drawing Free.  This app allows you to choose from 36 different crayon colors.  It is just a simple app to be used like a whiteboard.  It allows you to save in photos as well as send e-mail so you can have a sample of student work. 

The great thing about both of these apps - They Are FREE!!!!

Can't wait to hear about your favorite Word Work Apps.  Don't forget to link up with Sugar and Spice!



I Remember

I Remember…

For the first time in my teaching career, I actually have a name plate. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I was very excited. 

All students have had hundreds of teachers in their lifetimes and very few of these teachers they remember. But there are some teachers who inspire students to work three times harder than they normally would, while others inspire students to skip class. Some teachers teach you lessons, while some teachers teach you lessons not found in textbooks. These are the ones that linger in a student’s memory. 

If you want to read a feel good book, read -
I Remember My Teacher: 365 Reminiscences of the Teachers Who Changed Our Lives by David Shribman

Here is my I remember statement. 
If you have one, please share. 

I remember……..
My grade four teacher Mr. Kastelan who took us to watch the Olympic Torch Relay in 1988. That is the day my dream started – ‘Someday I will run with the torch.’ On January 13, 2010, my dream came true. On February 11, 2010, I got to personally thank him, until that day; he never knew the impact he had on my life. He inspired me to pursue my dreams. 

Be the one they remember! 
Inspire them so they remember your name!