Balance

So, the other night, Matt was getting ready to pour me a glass of wine, and as he tipped the bottle I said, "Now, don't go overboard!" He began to pour and it became obvious that whomever (I'm positive it wasn't me) had the last glass clearly only left enough in the bottle so as not to feel guilty, because there were just a few drops left. I quickly added, "well don't go 'underboard' either!"

As I was trying to fall asleep that night, I began to think more about that wine. I really wanted a glass, but I also didn't want too much. This is sort of how I feel about my teaching life right now...

I began to reflect about the learning and teaching I have done over the past few weeks. I attended an amazing conference (CCIRA 2018), began to read some newly purchased 'teacher' books, signed up for a Blended Learning technology class, and joined the Innovation Team at school.  I'm excited, invigorated, energized...and exhausted all at the same time. How do I (we) find that sweet spot...balance?

I don't know the answer. I'm still searching. I'm sure most teachers are, probably most everyone is.

In the meantime, I'm going to go ahead and fill up that glass.

~Cab Lover (sipping a glass of So This Happened 2012 Red Wine Blend ~ California)

  

Either you evolve, or you die!

CCIRA 2018

"Teaching is hard, it's complex, and you don't have to do it alone!" Meenoo Rami

Hallelujah! Teaching is messy; learning is messy! Why would anyone want to venture out on this journey alone? Yet, that is what I think most of us do, at some point in our career. We get complacent, or just tired, and we shut our doors and put our heads down, and trudge on. Alone. It's unnecessary, and it's ineffective. 

Meenoo Rami-Keynote 02/09/18

I had the opportunity to attend the 51st annual CCIRA conference this week, and I'm so grateful. I was in the company of hundreds and hundreds of fellow educators and some of the most brilliant literacy minds in the country. I heard inspiring words from Ralph Fletcher and Meenoo Rami.  And I conversed and collaborated with teachers from all over the country. Ahhh, if only we could do this every week! 

I'm not sure, but I'd venture to guess that holding this amazing literacy conference in February is not by accident, but rather brilliant design. For educators, at least for me, February is a difficult month. I'm beginning to lose steam, and focus. If I'm not careful, the thought that 'it's already February, it's too late for this, or that' resides in the back of my mind. I have to fight to keep it from creeping up on me. So HALLELUJAH for some mid-year inspiration, conviction, and challenge! 

To adequately share what I took away from CCIRA 2018 would require multiple posts, and while I may dedicate future posts to this, for now, I just want to share a quick glimpse into what I took away.

One of the books I bought at the conference!

In our district, our Superintendent has charged us with coming up with a sort of 'brand' for our schools. He asked that we think like entrepreneurs, and be innovative in what our schools could look like.  This is a daunting task. But as luck would have it, one of the most innovative minds in education, Meenoo Rami, was the keynote speaker on Friday morning.

Meenoo was a teacher at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, and a teaching fellow with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Currently, she is a Manger for Minecraft Education at Microsoft (I shared this with my kids and they were ecstatic that I met someone 'from' Minecraft). 

Meenoo inspires and challenges teachers to think outside the box and imagine what could be in education. She asks us how we can bring joy and relevance to the classroom. Furthermore, she asks, "what does an empowered learner look like in your classroom?"

Of course, while sitting in the keynote, it's easy to get excited, to laugh and cheer alongside fellow educators. But what do you do on Monday morning? When you are alone again in your classroom, facing 20+ students? How do you maintain the mid-conference energy?

                                       "Either you evolve, or  you die" Meenoo Rami

Action Plan

First, I am going to make visible the gems I got while listening to Meenoo. I have captured several of Meenoo's quotes on sticky notes that I plan to put around my classroom, bathroom, car...reminders of what can be and what I can be a part of. Second, I purchased her book, THRIVE-5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your TEACHING, and I am going to ask our innovation team members to participate in a book study with me. Third, I'm going to see if we can invite Meenoo to our school. I was fortunate enough to meet with her after her keynote and I inquired about what our next steps might be as a school. She gave me some tips, as well as her card and said she would be happy to help, even offered to come do some PD with us! I was overjoyed and inundated my principal with emails! Fingers crossed that this is something we can make happen. And, finally, I'm going to keep my head in the game! It's already February, but yet, it's ONLY February. There is time to (Re)Invigorate!

"Conditions shape outcomes. It is up to us to cultivate those conditions." Meenoo Rami

For a bit more inspiration, check out this short YouTube:Rubik's Cube: A question, waiting to be answered

For those of you familiar with my blog, I'm adding a wine note (I've completed a round of the Whole30, and I'm choosing wine as the 'food group' to reintroduce to my diet~don't judge)!

~Cab Lover (sipping a glass of 2016 MATCHLOCK Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles)

Ready, (Re)set, Go!

January is a tough month. It is hard to go back to school after the holidays. My body was still in the 'it's noon and time for my nap' mode, I had several series on Netflix that I hadn't finished, and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to my yoga pants and well worn t-shirt. But, alas, here I am. It's nearing the end of January and I still feel as though I haven't regained my momentum.

The kids are 'off' too. They are antsy, unfocused, and are acting as though all of our well practiced structures and routines never existed. Over the past few days (OK, weeks) I have noticed that my patience is thin and my energy is low. I can't find my groove, and the kids can't find theirs either.

As I was driving home tonight, tired, frustrated with the kids, and really wanting a glass of wine (darn this Whole 30), it dawned on me. How can I possibly expect that the kids will come back from an almost three week vacation raring to go? They, too, were ripped from their holiday bliss; all day pj wearing, video gaming, play dating, no reading, writing, or math...bliss.

It's time for a RESET

Love these books! A great resource for establishing community.

This isn't my first rodeo...in fact it's my 18th. So how could I have forgotten how difficult it can be to get back into the groove? Old age? Stroke brain? Wishful thinking?  It is definitely time for a 'reset'. I need to spend some thoughtful time this weekend planning opportunities for the kids and I to reconnect, reestablish routines, and strengthen our classroom community and relationships. I need to allow them some space to breathe and get comfortable again. We need to find time to play and enjoy one another.

We have important work to do, I know. Testing is right around the corner. Stakes are high. There is so much the kids need to learn before they are ready for 4th grade. It's easy to stress, to panic. But, because this isn't my first rodeo, I know that sometimes what seems like the big stuff, really isn't. I'm reminded that sometimes when we feel like pushing full-steam ahead, it's better to slow down and take a nice stroll instead. So that's what we're going to do. I'm going to take next week to breathe with my kids. To play. To reconnect. To regain our momentum. Only then can we be our best selves...

Resurrection

1. 
   

Forgive me readers, as it has been 2,318 days since my last...

(post). 

Overlooking Sloans Lake (rehab center)

As you can imagine, much has transpired in that time, both in my personal life, and in my teaching life. Personally, I have experienced great loss and physical challenge beyond my wildest imagination. I lost my dear mother, my best childhood friend, and my first grandchild within months of each other. I suffered a stroke, forcing me to push myself harder than I ever thought possible.

My teaching life has changed dramatically as well. I have changed districts, schools, and many grade levels since I've been 'here' with you all. But here I am! 

My other 'babies'

My beautiful Mama and I

res·ur·rec·tion

   (rĕz′ə-rĕk′shən)

 n.

 1.a. The act of restoring a dead person, for example, to life.

    b. The condition of having been restored to life.

    Citation: https://www.thefreedictionary.com/resurrection

The condition of having been restored to life...

Omari- 14 days

I can say with certainty that these last few years have been trying, both personally and professionally. I can also say that with struggle and challenge, come strength, courage and, yes, even resurrection. 

So many good things have transpired in those 2,318 days. I have two new beautiful grand babies, a new home (an 'empty nest), a new 'glamper', a new school family, a not-so-new (but very awesome) husband, wonderful children, and to be very cliche, a new lease on life! I am back with renewed insight, understanding, and passion!

Aniyah

My hope going forward with this 'resurrected' blog is to continue to share (the good, the bad, and the ugly, 'cause we all know it can get ugly), learn, inspire, collaborate, and sometimes, commiserate.  

Matt and I in Cabo

If you have blessed me by being a reader in the past, I hope you continue to find this blog relevant. If you are new, hang out for a bit and check out past posts (a reader favorite is The Barometric Beast). I hope that you enjoy reading and find something here that speaks to you.

The 'Glamper'

Oh, and if you read the blog description, you'll have to wait a bit for the wine notes, as I am embarking on the Whole 30, and tragically (and I mean that with my entire being), wine is not Whole 30 compliant. 

The Lost Art of Conversation

  

The Bowling's Cabin

I learned a valuable lesson this weekend~I need to listen more, I mean REALLY listen.  Sometimes this means listening to a story more than once, maybe even 3 or 4 times.  It means having an open mind and heart.  It means learning about something I never thought I'd be interested in.  It means being humbled (and the better for it).  This weekend I had the pleasure (and honor) of visiting my great aunt Charlotte at her cabin in Lake City, Co, where she has spent her summers for close to 50 years.  This will be the second time in three months that I have seen her (we visited this summer for the first time in over 20 years).  And this time my dad came along!

My Dad and Charlotte

It was a magical visit.  I know, that sounds kind of corny, but it truly was. My aunt Charlotte (everyone else calls her Ann) was born (in the early 30's) and raised in Golden, Colorado.  She married my uncle Dewey (what a character he was~he passed away in 1997) and moved to Texas in the late 40's (maybe early 50's), and I only saw her a handful of times during my childhood.  I do however have vivid memories of those encounters.  She had a beautiful white house (I thought it was a mansion) in Texas.  She spoke with a mystical and transfixing southern drawl.  She had two boys who I admired (still do).  She was (and remains) kind and spunky.  She is a true gem!

My aunt is 83 years old so you can only imagine the stories she has to tell.  And boy, can she tell stories!  Charlotte can remember people, places, and events from 60 years ago.  She recalls these stories with vigor and enthusiasm.  She has a way of spinning a tale that sucks you right in and keeps you enthralled until the last word.  This is conversation.  No Internet. No cell phone.  No t.v.  Just good ol' fashion, sittin' around the table, story tellin'.  It was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time.  So why don't I do it more?

Talking over a good meal (Dad, Mikey, Matt, Charlotte

It's because I am too busy. Really, I am.  There are lesson plans to create, kids to care for, chicken coops to build, husband to love, house to clean...the list goes on.  Forever.  And that's my point.  The list will go on FOREVER.  So why not take some time, a serious chunk of time, to get lost in conversation?  True conversation. 

Possum

This weekend I did.  I listened for hours and hours to a sweet lady talk about her life.  I listened while sitting in the living room of my aunt and uncle's Lake City cabin. I listened over breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I listened while driving around Lake San Cristobal and up to Windy Point looking for the hint of fall in the trees.  I listened over several games of Scrabble (she is one mean Scrabble player) and while taking walks with Charlotte and her beloved dog, Possum.
And it was fascinating.  I learned about my family~grandparents,  great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.  I heard stories about what it as like to grow up in Golden during the 30's (I grew up there during the 70's).  I learned about the unique history of Lake City, and how it has grown and changed over the years.  I learned that Charlotte still mourns the loss of her husband and best friend, Dewey, and that she gets lonely.  I learned how much a hand-written note or telephone call can mean to someone special.

Charlotte, sharing her favorite books with us

What a beautiful gal!

Charlotte and Matt

This weekend I learned an important lesson.  I have to find time.  Time to listen.  Time to learn.  Time to give.  Because there will come a time when Charlotte's stories come to an end.  And I will miss her.

~Cab Lover (sipping a Diet Dr. Pepper...)

Will work for iPad...

Hi there!  It's been a while since I've posted!  Getting back into the swing of things has been harder this year for some reason.  Maybe it was the three week FABULOUS vacation in Nicaragua!  Days on end of lying in a hammock, basking in the warm (ok, really HOT) sun and sipping Tonia beer.  Ahhhhh...ok, back to reality!

Despite feeling a bit sluggish, the year is off to a great start.  I love beginning a new year, it's so full of promise.  While my position means that I mostly see the same kids for a few years in a row, they always come back from summer break a bit different.  They look like they have grown a few inches, their hair is longer, and they have matured... :-).   It's like  getting a new class every year.  And there are perks.  I already know these kiddos.  I know their strengths and struggles.  I know what motivates them and what sends them over the edge.  We have a relationship.  And any good teacher knows that it's all about building strong relationships!

Sometimes relationships have glitches!  Any good counselor will tell you that these glitches are necessary for a healthy relationship.  I get that.  I have been married for 23 wonderful years, and have 5 kids...I know all about glitches.  Another perk...I have iPads this year.  So, when we hit a 'glitch', I can always stoop to gadgets.  It's kinda like offering a crying two year old a piece of candy to stop fussing.  I know, it's really bad practice...but I'm human and sometimes I need that magical something to keep the peace.  Sometimes that magical something is an iPad. 

Of course I only use them for educational purposes.  The kids love the apps I have and they are engaged, happy, and most importantly, learning!  Shhh, don't tell them about the learning part. :-)

Some of my favs so far:
*Everyday Math games (we use the Everyday Math curriculum at school, so its a great way to link back to what's going on in the classroom)

*Evernote (this one is for me~love it for taking anecdotal notes)

*Doodle Buddy (students use their finger to draw or write on the whiteboard...I use it to practice letter formation)


*K12 Timed Reading (K-4 reading passages that are timed...easy for a quick and dirty fluency/rate check).

*Angry Birds (Ok, this one is for me...just wanted to see if you were really reading this)

Ok. Here is where you come in.  I really want to know what applications you use and love.  Either as teachers or parents.  Please just take a quick minute to share one or two apps!

Some of my colleagues...being technical!

Thanks, and sorry for the rambling, somewhat disjointed post.  I blame it on the wine...or lack thereof (I'm at school and typing this during our professional development...not to worry, it's about technology so I am really doing what I'm supposed to be doing).

~Cab Lover (sipping ice water, but anticipating some Kendall Jackson Cab).

Back in the Saddle Again...

So, today marks the end of the first week of school (3 days, really)!  How can I be so exhausted?  I actually made the rounds today, visiting as many classrooms as I could.  I know I said this in my last post, but I just can't get over how big some of the kids look!  It's like I haven't seen them in a year.

It is really fun being able to pop in and fade into the woodwork, watching the goings on like a fly on the wall.  Such a unique perspective!  And, I get to leave when things get 'rough'.  I bet this is what it's like to be a grandma!  Love 'em and leave 'em...(not really, of course)!
I met with one little angel today to listen to her read.  What a doll.  She had to stop, mid-sentence, to share with me whatever came to her mind.  Not a care in the world...and certainly not concerned about reading.  I love it!

 Who could ask for a better 'job'?

~Cab Lover (2009 Robert Mondavi Cabernet)