Wednesday, September 18, 2013

An overdue update....

Well, hello there! 

Remember me? It's only been... ummmm, almost 2 months since I last posted, but who's counting?! Ha!

I know this is hardly unexpected, but this post will be the classic bullet style. You're welcome. ;)

  • School is awesome! I love my kids. I love my team. I love my school. I love my district. I love my parents... are you gagging yet? Cause I might be. ;) Seriously though, I feel incredibly blessed and I thank my lucky stars everyday. I can see myself staying at this school for many, many years (many of the teachers that are there, have done just that. One of my colleagues has been there 25 years) and I just feel ... blessed. I cannot think of a better word.
  • On the flip side, school has kept me busier than I have EVER been in my entire life. There is hardly ANY time to get anything done. And, just when you think you have time, something comes up. Every. Single. Time. There has not been a weekend that I have not spent in my room at least some time, but I knew this going into this profession and I was mentally prepared for it. I know next year will probably be easier.
  • So, a little about my "kids" (no, I don't call them kiddos, but I do call them my kids). I have 28 students. Four special ed, 5 ELP (talented and gifted) and everything in between. I have a BUSY class. In fourth grade kids have the option of playing an instrument for the first time and there are kids coming and going A LOT due to this and all of the other services they may receive. It is A LOT to keep track of. 
  • I am trying hard to be TOUGH with them. For example, today they spent 100 seconds of their recess at their desks with their heads down (doesn't sound like much, but any recess missed is enough for them to learn some sort of lesson... lol). Some spent longer because they did not turn in homework. I feel like a mean parent, but I know this is what it takes... It doesn't make it any easier though! I just keep telling myself, it isn't MY choice, so I shouldn't feel bad. 
  • Bill and I are still doing GREAT. He has been my rock this past year and I honestly am afraid of what I would look like without him. A giant stress ball, probably. 
  • I am still running. Miraculously, I have turned into a morning runner. I get up most days around 5am and run or workout. This is my stress reliever and I know my body needs it. I am so glad I was able to nail this habit because it has done so much for me mentally. 
  • In October I am running the Des Moines Half Marathon again and next week I am running Capital Pursuit (10 miles). Sometimes the training stresses me out (especially this week), but I know deep down I would be worse off without it. 
  • This weekend I am moving back into a one bedroom apartment again. For the past three years my sister and I have lived together (and for the past 2, her boyfriend has joined us) and although I have really loved growing closer to my sister (we were not close growing up) I am really ready to live like an adult again. 
  • If you would like to follow my classroom twitter, I would love to have you! @msjohnson4j
  • Well, that's about it! Please update me on your life and hopefully I can make it to your blog soon to say hi! :) 
Miss you all! 

12 comments:

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Yea! It's great to see an update from you! I am glad that you are LOVING your job. It does sound like you are super busy, but hopefully the years get easier each year. I think I remember Kelly saying that her first year of teaching was super duper busy but normalized a little after that, so I hope that is the case for you so you have more balance!

I am so happy that things are going so well between you and Bill. :)

Becky said...

Hi hi hi! I'm glad things are going so well for you - wooooo for a fab new job, and moving and a great partner in Bill!

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

Yay for updates! And you go gurlie on the running! Can't wait to hear about the 1/2 marathon :)

Carolina John said...

Hey Amber! My third grader is going nuts with all the new stuff, so I'm curious how she's going to handle 4th. Sounds like you've really got your hands full there.

Enjoy living solo while you can!

Stephany said...

Yay for updates! I'm so happy things are going so well with you. Great job, great boyfriend, and a new move! Woohoo! Hopefully things calm downs school-wise, but it sounds like you are in a great place in your life right now. :)

Lesli said...

you're back--I check every day I think--ha! But I am one to talk-I have not updated since January. I have been feeling the urge to start blogging again. You're getting a new apartment! Where? You will have to tell me. I am coming down some time in october. Miss you tons. xoxo

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that you're doing well. I see your photos on instagram and it looks like you're having so much fun!

Amber said...

So so so so happy for you friend!

I kept thinking while reading this post about the weekend we all spent in Minneapolis only 2 years ago and you were floored about me and Lisa going to run 12 miles. And now look at you go!!!! I'm so proud of you and I hope we can spend a weekend together again one day soon :) XO

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

Glad things are going well!

Shoshanah said...

I was so happy to see this pop up in my read! I miss reading your updates.

I'm so happy that you're loving school! I remember back when you were still working in retail, and how much work you put in to change, and I imagine it must feel a little surreal to finally be where you are. So congrats!!! And wishing you an awesome year of teaching!

P said...

I'm so glad you're well, and happy!!! x

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

Welcome back! I am glad you are enjoying your "new" job and that things are going well with Bill! The less you post, the more I assume you are out having fun and enjoying life! Also, hurray that you are still running! Hip, hip, hurray! Isn't it great? It's such a great way to relieve stress! Also, I love those early morning runs where it's all quiet outside and nobody else is around... See you again in a couple of months!