meet the teacher monday: Teachers to be Thankful For

It's Sunday, but this girl is NOT suffering from the usual case of the Smondays. Smonday is that moment when Sunday stop feeling like Sunday, and the anxiety of Monday kicks in. And the reason why the Smondays escaped me THIS Sunday...Yours truly is OFFICIALLY on Thanksgiving Break.

I am in much need of some down time. As break approached I participated in 4 ARD's. Special Education teachers feel my pain right about now. For non-SPED teachers, preparing for an ARD consist of conferencing with the parents ahead of time, assessing the student to obtain their present levels of performance, desegregating data, creating new goal and objectives (if applicable). Working on paperwork for each ARD can vary from a few hours to a week or two...or maybe more. Many factors determine the amount of time invested in each ARD.

The last week before break also brought with it, students bursting with holiday excitement in anticipation of a week with NO school. If only they knew, I was probably more excited than they were. And how could I forget to mention  the walk-through that happened whilst these students burst and inappropriately vied for attention. Let's just say many conversation happened with parents last week. 

So, this week's prompt: 3 Teachers to be THANKFUL For!

If this is your first time participating, just follow these simple guidelines.

MEET THE TEACHER MONDAY is a weekly linky celebration, dedicated to making and culminating friendships among our tribe of fellow teachers. Here's the skinny:

• Snag the MTTM graphic. On your blog, please respond to this week's questions or prompt provided.
• Return to my blog and link your post.
• Visit one or two bloggers ahead of you in the linky, and leave a comment in response to their Meet the Teacher Monday post.
• Visit one or two bloggers after you in the linky line-up and leave a comment as well.
• And because it's so hard to find time to blog, feel free to post any day of the week, not just Monday.

Well, let's get to it!

I am thankful for these three(in no particular order).

Kelli Alaina Wise

I discovered Kelli on the Facebook group, Teacherpreneur Tribe. Kelli recently hosted the Instagram Insiders challenge on Facebook. Thanks to Kelli, my IG account received a face-lift, I changed the way I connect with my audience, and in the process, I made some new connections. For me it's not about the number of followers, it's about growing an "authentic following."

Kristin Kalani
In my opinion, Kristin Kalani from @easyteachingtools (...you can also find her on Facebook under the same name) represents what I call the "big dawgs." Although Kristin is a big dawg or educelebrity, she remains humble and willing to lend her expertise when needed. Believe it or not, NOT everyone is willing to "mentor" a budding teacherpreneur. (Read about those type of people here. #shamelessblogpostplug) I digressed. Thanks to Kristin I am more  knowledgeable about creating products for my TPT store, and through her I connected (in real life) with two fantabulous (fantastic+fabulous = fantabulous), down-to-earth, real souls from Cali, Cheryl from @auntiessweetlife and Janice from @islandloverteacher. It's all about the connections...

Samantha Zuniga
Samantha and I work in the same school district, but unfortunately not on the same campus:-( If we worked together we would be dream team of creativity and innovation...a force to be reckoned with. Samantha keeps it real and never comes across as a self-important diva (Can't say the same about myself...I have my moments). Samantha worked as a paraprofessional for many years and recently became a Special Education teacher. If no one has told her, she needs to know she is rocking her new position and I am learning a thing or two from her.

If the mood strikes you, feel free to add more than three. Rounding out my list of "Teachers I am Thankful For," Cheryl, who I mentioned earlier. I love that Cheryl keeps it gangsta sometimes. Hahaha:-D MY favorite quote from her and my new life mantra, "Hugs to the hustlas who get sh*t done!" 

And my friend Janice (also mentioned earlier), this lady keeps me in stitches with her quick wit. Janice recently wrote a post on the Global Glitter Tribe's blog, and the following resonated with me: 

"However, I never suspected that I would meet people from online, all over the world, and pray each night that God keeps them forever safe and healthy, for fear that my heart couldn't endure such heartbreak."

Knowing that she prays for her teacher friends makes me all the more thankful for Janice...

Did you think I would leave out Shelia Jane?!  Thanks to Shelia, I changed my perception in regards to teaching and entrepreneurship. I am taking ownership of my future! 

So, who are you thankful for?

Don't forget to return to my blog and link up.

meet the teacher monday: five for fall

Yes, this episode of Meet The Teacher Monday is a rerun. Since there was very little response, I decided to recycle the FIVE FOR FALL prompt. After all FALL is in full swing! 

MEET THE TEACHER MONDAY is a weekly linky celebration, dedicated to making and culminating friendships among our tribe of fellow teachers. Here's the skinny:

• Snag the MTTM graphic. On your blog, please respond to this week's questions or prompt provided.
• Return to my blog and link your post.
• Visit one or two bloggers ahead of you in the linky, and leave a comment in response to their Meet the Teacher Monday post.
• Visit one or two bloggers after you in the linky line-up and leave a comment as well.
• And because it's so hard to find time to blog, feel free to post any day of the week, not just Monday.

Well, let's get to it!

This week, share your 5 favorite things about FALL

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Nothing announces fall like the return of my favorite Starbucks holiday drinks. And for the first time ever, I recently tried the infamous "red cups." Let's just say, by the end of the holiday season I am going to either have (in my Wilfred Brimley voice) diabeetus or a fat ass!

Another one of my fall favorites...The Charlie Brown Trilogy:

Its The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
                                        A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
                                                                          A Charlie Brown Christmas 
When my boys were younger we baked cookies, made cocoa, and watched these Charlie Brown classics. 

As far as sweater weather is concerned, those are few and far between here in Texas.  Our fall days usually start at 60 degrees and end at a balmy 80 degrees. But that doesn't stop the ladies from busting out the Han Solo boots. Calm down ladies, calm down. It is not quite Han Solo boot weather here in Houston yet. 

Thanksgiving Break cannot come soon enough. Until then, I shall countdown the days. And with Thanksgiving Break comes some of my favorite comfort food, my stretchy pants, and usually a food induced coma.

So, what are your fall favorites?

Don't forget to return to my blog to link up.

Thanks for playing along. And as always, make the ordinary...EXTRAORDINARY!

meet the teacher Monday...Birthday Edition!

In honor of my birthday on Wednesday, this week's Meet the Teacher Monday prompt centers around...All Things Birthday! I'll be turning 42! As I grow old gracefully, I tend to keep my birthdays low key. For me, birthdays tend to become a little less magical each year. But, I am grateful for another year to keep hustling. 

So here's the usual MTTM weekly spiel

MEET THE TEACHER MONDAY is a weekly linky celebration, dedicated to making and culminating friendships among our tribe of fellow teachers. 

• Snag the MTTM graphic. Respond to the this week's questions or prompt.
• Post your response on your blog. 
• Return to my blog and link your post.
• Visit one or two bloggers ahead of you in the linky, and leave a comment in response to their Meet the Teacher Monday post.
• Visit one or two bloggers after you in the linky line-up and leave a comment as well.
• And because it's so hard to find time to blog, feel free to post any day of the week, not just Monday.

On to the fun!

One of my favorite birthday memories...

My mom planned and executed the celebration flawlessly.

Do I tell the truth about my age? Aboso-frickin-lutely. Pictured below, my Grandmother's 100th birthday celebration,which took place a few weeks ago: My mom (62), Me (41), and my 100 year old grandmother. Ageless beauty. My mother loves when people ask if I am her sister. I just roll my eyes. LOL. 

Now...you!

Remember, return to my blog and link up below! Thanks for participating. And shout out to those that played along last week. 

As always, make the ordinary...Extraordinary!  

meet the teacher monday: this or that?

So, last week no one linked up. LOL. It's all good. I said it before and I will say it again...


Even if I have to link up with myself, Meet the Teacher Monday is here to stay. This week's topic features some Halloween fun. Real quick, let me lay down the law.


MEET THE TEACHER MONDAY is a weekly linky celebration, dedicated to making and culminating friendships among our tribe of fellow teachers. 

• Snag the MTTM graphic. Respond to the this week's questions or prompt.
• Post your response on your blog. 
• Return to my blog and link your post.
• Visit one or two bloggers ahead of you in the linky, and leave a comment in response to their Meet the Teacher Monday post.
• Visit one or two bloggers after you in the linky line-up and leave a comment as well.
• And because it's so hard to find time to blog, feel free to post any day of the week, not just Monday.

Well, let's get to it! This or That?

I edited the graphic in Power Point. To indicate my responses I used INSERT SHAPES to create the ovals around my choices

1. Insert Shapes
2. Choose oval and then create the shape
3. Select shape options.
4. Choose no fill & solid line
5. Customize the outline to your specifications

Now...you! 

Don't forget to link up BELOW. CLICK the small blue button with the frog.

Thanks for playing along! Happy Halloween!

Meet the Teacher Monday: PUMP UP THE JAM!

 At the beginning of the summer I made big plans in regards to creating products for my TPT store and redesigning my classroom. Just call me a slacker. So far this summer, the only plans completed involved coordinating my binge TV watching schedule with my personal and professional obligations outside the comfy confines of my bedroom (...where the binge TV watching occurs.).

Despite being a lazy, slacker, I managed to focus on one goal in particular...BRINGING SEXY BACK! A few weeks ago I started buying healthy meals from a friend. Thanks to her healthy meals, my 5'2 (vertically challenged) frame is 12 lbs lighter! 

With the return of my healthy eating habits, next goal....INCORPORATING MORE ACTIVITY! I loath all physical activity. So, this goal proved to be an obstacle. To get back in the game, so to speak, I decided to try the Ease into 5K app along with various home workouts.  

So what does this have to do with Meet the Teacher Monday? I need new jams for my workout play list! So, for this weeks MTTM share some of your favorite work out jams with me! 

Meet the Teacher Monday: 
PUMP UP THE JAM!

MTTM instructions:

• Take the time to respond to the questions/prompts on your blog.
• Return to my blog and link up below.
• Check out the blogs of at least two other MTTM participants (...that's if anyone participates. Haha.)
• Last but not least, HAVE FUN!

Please list your favorite "MOTIVATING" workout tunes! 

• Young Folks by Peter, Bjorn, and John
• Bad Girl by Danity Kane
• The America's Next Top Model Finale Song
• Control by Vitamin String Quartet
• Mr. Brightside by The Killers
• Let's Go  by Calvin Harris
• The Girls by Calvin Harris
• Thinking About You Calvin Harris
• Feels So Close Calvin Harris
• Banquet by Bloc Party
• Bulls On Parade by Rage Against the Machine
• BOB by Outcast
• Hey Ya by Outcast
• Bailia Esta Cumbia Selena
• PDA by Interpol
• Boy's Don't Cry by The Cure
• Breathe by the Prodigy
• Homecoming by The Teenagers
• 24 Hours by Terry Poison
• Single Ladies by Beyonce
• Panic Switch by Silversun Pickups
• Womanizer by Britney Spears
• Just A Girl by No Doubt
• I Got Nerve by Hannah Montana (Don't Judge)
• Junior KIckstart by The Go! Team (hilarious music video)

As you can see, my musical taste varies! YOUR TURN! My play list needs some updating. 

As always, make the ordinary...extraordinary! And a HUGE THANKS to last week's MTTM participants! I am currently experiencing some technical difficulties and I was not able to comment on some of your blogs. 

I'M BACK! Meet the Teacher Monday: Summer Edition

I needed to take a brief hiatus due to life getting in the way. Hey, it happens to the best of us. Let's get started, shall we? 

First off, is it Monday? I know I am not the only teacher who loses track of time over the summer break. I vowed to myself that I would maintain some semblance of a "normal" (what's normal, right?) schedule so my nights and days would not get mixed up. Last year, my summer "schedule" resembled that of a newborn baby. I typically went to bed around 3 AM or 4 AM, and usually faced the new day around 12 noon. Not this summer! I am making every effort to be productive. If you call productive, slacking and watching Netflix or Amazon Prime all day. Ha ha...

Without further adieu, lets get this party started! Since its been a minute, let me remind everyone of the MTTM instructions:

• Take the time to respond to the questions/prompts on your blog.
• Return to my blog and link up below.
• Check out the blogs of at least two other MTTM participants (...that's if anyone participates. Haha.)
• O, last but not least, HAVE FUN!

Meet the Teacher Monday: Summer Edition

1. What's your summer teacher persona? 

• Slacker Teacher:catching up on every episode of everything you wanted to watch during the school year 
• Mommy-On-The-Go: consumed with your children's extracurricular activities
• Summer Fun Teacher:hanging with friends and traveling the world
• Overachiever Teacher:Making TPT products, proparing your classroom, you never really took a break

My summer persona is, you guessed it...Teacher Slacker. This summer I decided to work the first session of ESYS (Special Education Summer School). Let's just say I earned my money. And for the first time in my teaching career, a student bit me. After those challenging three weeks,  I deserve some much needed Netflix vegging sessions. 

2. It's a sunny day in July. Your schedule is wide open, so you decide to?

Since I am not that keen on being outdoors, I like to spend my time reading. #teachernerd Tomorrow, or one day this week, I plan to make a solo trip to the museum district. I have a hankering to visit the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, or the Holocaust Museum. 

3.What is your favorite summer thirst quencher?

At the beginning of the summer I developed an addiction to Sonic's Slushes. At least 3 days a week between the hours of 2 PM-4 PM, my car could be found parked at a local Sonic for happy hour. And with it being happy hour, of course I ordered a Route 44! I recognized my addiction, and stopped frequenting Sonic. I realized at that rate of consumption, by the end of the summer I would have developed diabeetus and tripled in size.

4. Where will you be soaking up the summer sun? Have you planned any vacations? 

Between my boy's busy dance schedule and recently moving, planning a vacation this summer proved challenging. However, I plan to take a couple of trips this fall. Perhaps Colorado, Seattle, and/or Connecticut. All dance related trips...of course.

5. Any summer reads, professional and personal?

I recently started reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (a gift from my Mother). After reading The Four Agreements, I plan to read the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu and then (maybe) Conversations With God by Neale Walsch.

6. What does your summer TV habits consist of?

I usually spend the summer catching up on EVERYTHING thing I missed during the school year.

Currently, I am catching up on Pretty Little Liars. My interest is starting to wan with show. Other shows I am getting brought up to speed on: The Walking Dead, Downton Abbey, and Teen Wolf (Garbage. I know, but the cast is nice to look at). And of course you cannot forget Netflix's summer treats, Orange Is the New Black and Hemlock Grove. 

7. Favorite Summer song of 2014?

Summer by Calvin Harris!!!!

That concludes another thrilling installment of MTTM! Your turn!!

Meet the Teacher Monday: Dr. Seuss Edition

This week's Meet the Teacher Monday will celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America. For those of you who are new, answer this weeks questions on your blog, return to my blog to link up, and check out two or three of the blogs that have linked up. Enjoy!

Meet the Teacher Monday: Dr. Seuss Edition 

1. What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? Why?
My favorite Dr. Seuss book is Green Eggs and Ham. Aside from having the opportunity to cook green eggs, this book is my favorite because it teaches you the value of being open to trying new things.

2. Do you have a favorite quote by Dr. Seuss
There are so many to choose from. I think ONE of my all time favorites is:

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!"

3. There are many life lessons to be learned from the works of Dr. Seuss? What's your favorite life lesson to teach your students?
For me, Oh,The Places You Go! holds many life lessons: setting goals, looking towards the future, and self-motivation...just to name a few. 

4. Please share something special you plan to do with your class this week in honor of Dr. Seuss.
I found these chip clips in the Target dollar spot last December. My goal was to make a Christmas presents learning activity using the bows as a manipulative. That never happened. A helpful teacher on IG suggested that I use the bows for a Dr. Seuss activity, and so I did. 

Meet the Teacher Monday: WHAT IF??

I'm getting a leg up on this week's Meet the Teacher Monday. Hopefully posting on Sunday, rather than Monday will give folks an opportunity to participate. Remember, my #1 rule, you can post ANY DAY of the week, not just Monday. I refer to my linky celebration as Meet the Teacher Monday for alliteration purposes. Posting on Monday is not a hard-fast rule; so, post when it's most convenient for you! 

Let's get this show on the road! For those of you who have previously participated, you know what to do. If you're new to the game follow these simple requests:

1. Answer this weeks questions on your blog
2. Return to my blog to link up
3. Check out  two or three of the blogs that have linked up. It may be only two or three blogs that link up...LOL!! :-D

Meet The Teacher Monday: WHAT IF?

1. If you could stop a bad habit that you have, what habit would you stop?

Tardiness. I suffer from Chronic Lateness Syndrome (google it). The struggle is real. 

2. If you woke up suddenly because your house was on fire (God forbid), what three things would you grab?

• My kids
• My purse 
• My iPhone

3. We live is a dystopian society, and the music police is in charge of all things music. If you were forced listen to one song for the rest of your life, what song would it be? You can only pick one. 

UGH...this is a hard questions to answer. I need to think about this one. I guess, it would be something by Explosions in the Sky, probably Remember Me As A Time Of Day.

4. If you saw someone with their dress tucked into their SPANX, would you tell them? 

YES! This actually happened to me. I may have been a little tipsy at a Christmas party. I went to the restroom, and in my haste to get back to the party, somehow my dress got tucked into my SPANX.  So yes...I  was literately assed out. HAA HAA! Thank GAWD someone told me before I walked back into the party.

5. If you were given a time machine and could go back in time to give your younger self a message, what would that message be?

Geesh, where do I start? I would tell my young self the following:

"Life is about choices, both good and bad. Sometimes, things don't work out, but how you respond to struggles and obstacles will determine your destiny.  See struggles as weeds. From time to time you will find weeds among the wheat. The weeds are put there to distract you right before the harvest. You didn't sew the weeds, and you don't have to reap them; so, do not be discouraged. Don't waste your time trying to pull up the weeds, just keep moving forward.  Replace thoughts of worry with thoughts of positivity. Never let anyone steal your joy." 

6. If your were able to have one supernatural power, what power would it be?

I think I would want the ability to stop time, then I would never ever be late again!! HAA HAA!

7. If you could have 25 hours a day (while everyone else still has 24), what would you do with the extra hour?

To be honest, an extra hour would not make a difference. It would be just one more hour for me to complain about not having enough hours in the day. I need less workdays and more weekend.

8. If you could live in one time period, what time period would you choose?

As a woman of color. I choose to live in my current time period. People of color have been persecuted since the dawn of time (i.e. slavery, Rosewood Massacre, Civil Rights Movement...need I go on?). Although racism still exist today, I think I prefer to deal with today's racial climate, rather than the racial strife of the past. IF racism DIDN'T EXIST, I would probably choose to live in the 1960s, simply for the fashion.

9.  If you could live anywhere in the world (cost is not a factor), where would you live? California, yes...Cali! My shallow reason for choosing the west coast revolves around my hair. With no humidity, my hair in Cali is amazing. It's like those runway models who walk down the runway and their hair is flowing in the breeze and there's no fan blowing. 

10. If you could have a grand party, and invite any 3 people in the world (dead or live, real or fictional), who would you invite?

1. Holly Golightly (From Breakfast at Tiffany's)
2. The ladies from Sex and the City (Yes, that's more than one.)
3. Oprah. She's going to bankroll this shindig and all of her contacts will be my guests! BOOYAH!

Your turn!

Meet the Teacher Monday: Love Is In The Air...

Hope you started your week off on the right foot. Before we get started, I wanted to reiterate my #1 rule for MTTM. Even though I call this linky partay MTTM, you can post any day of the week. I know how life gets in the way, so feel free to post anytime. 

So, in honor of Valentine's Day (eye roll), I decided to dedicate this week's MTTM to love and relationships (eye roll). If you've played along before you know the rules. If you're new on the scene here's the rundown: 

• Answer the questions on your blog
• Return to my blog to link up
• Visit and leave a meaningful comment on at least two or three blogs

Meet the Teacher Monday: Love Is In The Air 

1. What is your relationship status? Are you satisfied with your current status?

Single. I went on crash diet at the beginning of the year and lost 175 lbs. in one day. Haa Haa. I call it the "Trina G. Kick 'Em To The Curb Diet." At the beginning of the year, I discarded all things that weren't working. I finally came to the realization that I wasted an insurmountable amount of time in a  monotonous relationship going nowhere. 

Am I satisfied with my current status? Not really. Like they say on Jersey Shore, "What're you gonna do, huh?" I thought online dating was a viable option. But after I received several illiterate, unintelligible messages I thought to myself, "There has got to be a better way." Since online dating failed to yield results, I am now leaning towards joining Lakewood Church's Singles program. The program is geared toward encouraging participants to embrace their "singleness." 

2. Would you date or marry someone with kids? Or, did you marry someone with kids?

No. I would not date someone with YOUNG children (ages 15 and under). You're probably thinking, "How can you say no when you have kids yourself?" I can say no because my boys are 16 and 20. It's a wrap. I'm done. I am not interested in starting over. And to be honest, I no longer have the energy to invest in helping someone raise small children. I like my autonomy; I enjoy being able to come and go as I please without having to procure a sitter. 

3.  Do you prefer older or younger men/women?

You know what, young or old...some, not all men, are full of crap. Age is only a number. 

4. If you could choose to date or marry  one character on film or TV, who would you date?

Haa Haa...JAKE RYAN!! From Sixteen Candles. I want to eat birthday cake on top of my table too!

Seriously, I think I would marry Eric Taylor from Friday Night Lights. The level of support he gives his wife is an endearing characteristic I hope my future husband possesses. 

5. How do you feel about PDA (Public Display of Affection)? Ugh...GET A ROOM! 

6. What is a your biggest turn-on?

(Note to self...get your mind out of the gutter before you answer this) Ummm...my biggest turn on is humor. I love to laugh until I can't breathe or until tears run down my leg...LOL. 

7. What is your biggest turn off?

Hairiness of Sasquatch proportions and stinky feet

8. Would you date or marry someone shorter than you?

Since I am vertically challenged, no one is shorter than me. 

9. Have you ever tried online dating? Your thoughts? 
Yes, I have begrudgingly delved into the seedy world of online dating. My thoughts...eye roll. There seems to be a discrepancy in regards to what "just a few pounds" means. I am no Sports Illustrated model, but at least I am honest on my profile. If you have a dunlap stomach, meaning if your stomach dun-lapped over your pants, then that is NOT "just a few pounds." 

10. What is your dream date night?
A car picks me up and drops me off at the airport to fly to an undisclosed destination. Upon arrival, I discover that the undisclosed destination is Milan. My date whisks me away to dinner to one of Milan's hottest spots and then we attend a runway show during fashion week. After the show we partake in a shopping spree, spending his money! What? A girl can dream. In reality, my dream date entails a day in the museum district and maybe a picnic lunch (so cliche). In addition to the museum, I love the drive in. My dream drive in date would include stuffing our faces with junk food and fogging up with windows;-)

Your turn!! Have FUN!

Meet the Teacher Monday: The Business of Blogging

It's that time again!! First let me start by stating, my NUMBER #1 rule for MTTM...YOU CAN POST AT ANYTIME: MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY...ANYTIME!
With that being said, let's get started. Real quick, here are the rules again:

• Answer this week's questions on your blog
• Link up on my blog
• Read and comment on at least two blogs that have linked up!

Meet the Teacher Monday: The Business of Blogging 

1. How long have you been a blogger? I have been blogging since 2009.

2. Do you have any blogs other than your teacher/education blog?Yes, I have another blog titled, "Ah Me So Hongry!" I started that blog as a means of free therapy to share my weight loss trials and tribulations. I still blog on that blog from time to time, but for the most part I pretty much abandoned Me So Hongry. Here are some of my favorite posts: 

• I Split My Pants
• HATER-AID #1 Drink of Haters 
• Things I Learned From A One-Legged Stripper

3. What niche is your blog in? Education, but my other blog is a weight loss blog.

4. Do you have plans to start any other blogs? Yes, I plan to start what I call my "mean girl" blog titled, "You Were Thinking It, But I Said It." I need this blog so I can vent about things that make me want to choke people irritate me.  I already have my first post planned, "8 Things You Should Never Say to Single People."

5. What do you enjoy most about blogging? I enjoy expressing my self through writing. On occasion, other bloggers have complimented by writing style. I also enjoy the opportunities that blogging has to offer: connecting with bloggers, reviewing products, and inspiring others.

6.  What do you enjoy least about blogging? Yes, I blog for myself, but followers and feedback are every blogger's dream. It takes time to build a following and time is a luxury that some of us can't afford. 

7.  How often do you blog? Sadly, I blog once or twice a week. I have my blog posts planned out. The problem is... trying to find time to compose my posts. My goal is to blog at least 3 times of week. As you can see, that is not the case. This week I vow to make a concerted effort to blog more.

8.  If you could meet anyone from the blogosphere, who would it be? That's a tough one. I am new to the teacher blog scene so I have not really had much time to explore and connect. However, Mr. Bradley from @bradleys_learning_paradise and I have discussed a possible Houston Area Teacher/Blogger Meet-Up. From the weight loss blogosphere, I would love to meet Bitch Cakes.

9. Are there any hot-button issues you will not discuss on your blog? In regards to both of my blogs, I prefer to stay away from politics and child rearing. I have learned that people can get downright ignorant and nasty. It's best to stay away from hot-button topics. On my weight loss blog, I keep my trap shut about weight loss surgery. With my new blog...anything goes!

10.  Name one thing (or more) that you would like to accomplish with your blog? I want my blog to be more than just posts about activities my students complete in class. Take for instance my previous post, The Three Most Annoying People You'll Meet At A Staff Development Meeting, I enjoy writing humorous pieces of that nature. I  wouldn't mind being published in the Huffington Post. In my opinion, my  brand of humor fits in with some of the snarky Huffington articles I have read. 

You're up! Answer the questions and then LINK UP! Can't wait to read about your blog aspirations. 

Meet the Teacher Monday: Three Things

Before I delve into Meet the Teacher Monday, I want to express how jealous I am of the teachers staying home tomorrow, to enjoy day 3 of their 3 day weekend. Think of me as I struggle to remain conscious through yet another staff development day *eye roll*.

Welcome to my second attempt at Meet the Teacher Monday. If you want to join the celebration and connect with some fabulous teachers, click HERE for the details. Last week's MTTM, took an introspective turn...and made you think. This week...not so much. I decided to keep it light and fun!

                                                  
              This week's topics is: THREE THINGS                                                            

List three words that describe you:

• HILARIOUS...so I have been told. I keep my Facebook "friends" in stitches. With everyone posting about materialistic possessions and their perfect lives, I prefer to use Facebook as a platform to try out my stand-up comedy routines and brighten every one's days. LOL.
• IMPATIENT...I can go from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye. And word to the wise, stay out of the my path. I leave a wake of destruction.
• TENACIOUS...Living the life of a single mom has transformed me into an independent, determined, "take no prisoners" creative problem solver. Everyone is still breathing, so I commend myself on a job well done as mother and father. 

What three things are on your bucket list?

• Ride a vespa in Italy...like in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley.
• Cliff jump
• Walk into an airport and spontaneously purchase a ticket to go...ANYWHERE!

What is your favorite music genre? What are three of your favorite songs (any genre)?

I enjoy indie adult alternative (Yuna), indie synth-pop (The Teenagers), chillwave (Washed Out), and pretty much anything you would hear in a coffeehouse. Asking me to pick three songs is like asking me to decide which one of my kids is my favorite. RIGHT NOW...these are my 3 favorite songs, but this list could change in the next 3 minutes...

• Fitz and the Tantrum's Out Of My League
• Massive Attack's Paradise Circus
• Yuna's Live Your Life

If you won the lottery, what three things are you going to buy first?

• A clue...when it comes to dating. I wrack my brain trying to figure out why someone as fabulous as me is still single.
• The rights to the movie 50 Shades of Grey. My first course of action...RECASTING the movie...I am serious :-)
• Some business...for those who feel the need to meddle into mine...HA!

What's your favorite movie genre? What are three of your favorite movies (any genre)? 

My favorite movie genre...foreign horror.

• Imitation of Life
• Sixteen Candles
• Devil's Backbone, Let the Right One In, Dead Snow (I know...that's more than three. O well).

List three of your character flaws:

• Lack of punctuality...My mother always says I will be late to my own funeral. She is probably right.
• Aloofness...I tend to build a wall around myself to protect against life's hash realities. As a result,  I come off a bit standoffish and inapproachable to new acquaintances. That may be one reason why I am still single...SIGH.
• Short-Tempered...On occasion, I may fly off the handle. A few road rage episodes come to mind. 

Three friendship personality DEAL BREAKERS:

• DEBBIE DOWNER...Nothing sucks the life out of the room like a person with no sense of humor. I recently  experienced a Debbie Downer situation. This person (who shall remain nameless) actually invited themselves to a little impromptu soiree a friend and I threw together at the last minute. Upon arrival, DD's negative energy literally sucked the life out of the party. Everyone just stood there looking at each other awkwardly.  The experience reminded me of a balloon with a small hole...slowly deflating.  I don't need that in my life. Life is too short to walk around with a stick up your a** <--If you were offended by the profanity, then you are one of those people with a stick problem: -) 
• SELF-ABSORBED SALLY...The world revolves around this hooker (Hooker...sometimes I use this word as a team of endearment, but not in this case.) Her life takes center stage and everyone else is merely a supporting actor in her life. 
• JUDGMENTAL JUDY...I  HAD a friend who would always undercut any compliment I received with some unsolicited judgmental criticism. 

List three things you want MORE of:

• TIME
• MONEY
• PATIENCE & more MONEY...

Meet the Teacher Monday

Hey ya'll! Welcome to my first installment of MEET THE TEACHER MONDAY, a weekly linky celebration dedicated to making and culminating friendships among our tribe of fellow teachers. Here are the rules:

• On your blog, please respond to this week's questions or prompt that I have provided.
• Link up your post.
• Visit two or three bloggers ahead of you in the linky, and leave a comment in response to their Meet the Teacher Monday post.
• Visit one or two bloggers after you in the linky line-up and leave a comment as well.
• And because it's so hard to find time to blog, feel free to post any day of the week, not just Monday.

Well, let's get to it!

 Vision Boards 2014

Very rarely do I allow my personal life to interfere with my professional world, but...as of late, I find the two colliding like a tidal wave crashing to shore. 

When I step foot on campus, I prefer to leave my issues outside the door. But, on occasion...those concerns creep into my thought distracting me from performing at my personal best.

So, after deep contemplation and two watermelon margaritas, I came to the following conclusion. In order for me to be successful at work and stay focused (focus<---my one little word), I need to get certain aspects of my life in some semblance of order; so, I decided to create a vision board. 

My vision board depicts the goals I will FOCUS(<---There's my word again.)on this year. 

Before I created my vision board I asked myself the following questions posed by author and radio host, Ken Coleman:

1. Where did I win in 2013?

I consider myself a realist. Translation, I tend to process life with a glass half empty mentality. So as a result of my negative realist mentality, I struggled with the first question. Right I away, I knew my first goal needed to focus on keeping and maintaining a positive attitude. For me, the best way to improve my attitude...seek spiritual guidance. I have found some solace from Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church. Through his sermons I realized, a better attitude will help me deal effectively with my problems. (Note: I tend to stay away from certain taboo topics, like religion.)

2. Where did I lose in 2013?

Definitely, finances. My first order of business, submitting my forgiveness loan documentation. Since I work at a Title I school in a critical shortage area (Special Education), I am hoping for the maximum forgiveness amount. College is supposed to be part of the American Dream. The American dream ain't all it's cracked up to be. Another area I failed in...healthy living. Of the 57 lbs. I lost over the last few years, 19 of those lbs. found their way back. You can read about my weight loss trials and tribulations HERE. 

3. What did I learn?

I do not play well with others. I learned this lesson while on a group vacation with my son's dance team in San Diego. The book Traveling to Tondo pretty much sums up my attitude on group anything: group vacations, group projects, group planning, etc. 

The moral of the story is...when dealing with groups, if there is too much consenting, you waste a lot of time waiting on people. I wish I would have read that book before I went to San Diego. Things got a little ugly.

4. Where do I want to be this time next year? 

By this time next year I expect that I will have made a "divine connection" with someone special. I expect that I will have overcome my financial difficulties, (specifically my student loans), and I expect those 19 lbs. I gained, will be lost once again.

Of course I know I will not get around to every goal this year, but I must start somewhere. Since my vision board serves as a visual reminder of my goals, I set my vision board as my iPhone wallpaper. 

Now its your turn.

• First answer questions 1-4.
• Create your own vision board.
• Link up your post. 
• See rules previously stated.
• Post your vision board on Instagram with the hashtag #IGteachersvisionboard2014

Thanks for participating. I can't wait to see what you create!