Day.Seventy.Two.

My Journey with the Seven Day Diet

Day: Two

Food: Vegetables (One Baked Potato)

Breakfast: A few small carrots, not really hungry.

Lunch: Baby carrots, Miracle Soup, and my baked potato with butter (Thank you Misty!).

Dinner: Cooked cauliflower and brussel sprouts (I found recipes on Pinterest to guide my way).

Water Consumption: 4 bottles (8 glasses)

Morning Weigh In: 165.4

Thoughts/Feelings: No Diet Coke again. This is amazing me! The veggies were much easier! I could cook them or eat them raw. Much more exciting and other choices. The baked potato was fabulous! Headache again tonight... off to bed early. 

Bring on Day THREE!

Day.Sixty.Seven.

Years of Service Reception/striving
Today, after school, the district held a ceremony to celebrate those employees who have been with the district for a certain number of years and those retiring. Because I do not work after school, I decided I would go. Misty, who is my 'relief' every day at KSACC was being recognized for 15 years of service with the district. Another SACC employee, Judy, was retiring. Two wonderful people.

As I sat through the ceremony, it was so wonderful to see what people had to say about those being honored or retiring. The whole time, all I could think about was, I wish I was being recognized. I want to work! I gave myself a small pity party about the current 'classroom job' situation. I love my job and am blessed to be where I am, but I REALLY want to fulfill my goal and become a contracted, classroom teacher. I will get there!

Then, once the pity party was over, I wondered to myself... what will people say about me at my retirement? It was kind of interesting to think about. Who am I as a teacher? What will people see? I hope that they will say:

Caring, Creative, Hardworking, Organized, LOVES the Children, Happy

I know that I try to be the above, but I can always improve.

So, cheers to those who are celebrating their time in the district!

Here is to many more years!

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Three.

Thursday.
I was on a high because of how well I had run yesterday. So, I decided I would do a short run to the front of our community and back. I checked the milage when I was driving home. It was a total of 1.6 miles. I think that would be a great run on the off-day. I decided that I would take Adi. Maybe she could get some muscle on her thin frame. We are gaining weight, but we would like it to be muscle.

So, I came home, changed, and we were off. I did not have a solution on where to keep my inhaler. My shorts do not have a pocket. Any suggestions? (I had to put it in my bra... not really comfortable) Anyway... We were off and Adi seemed to be having fun. We made it ALMOST to the front of the community when she just stopped. I mean stopped stopped. Not walking, not budging! I am sure that people who were driving by couldn't help but chuckle. I was pulling with all of my strength. Her neck was stretching out, but her feet were not moving! Well, I had a goal in mind, and she wasn't having it. So frustrating!! So, after about 5 minutes of trying to coax her to keep running, I decided to turn around. I did turn around and off she went, running! Who is this dog? It was nice to run outside and enjoy the fresh air. It was a beautiful day, overflowing with sunshine.

We did end up going 1.2 miles, so not too bad for Adi's first run. I was proud. I was so happy that my app that I use was helpful and tracked the process.

I give our run a 3/5. It felt good.

(true fact)

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Two.

I had a wonderful proud moment today as a teacher. My students were challenged to read 210 minutes each and earn their way to the top prize of a TShirt. Well, in addition to the prizes, if a certain percentage earned TShirt level, we would have a popcorn party, then an ice cream sundae party, and finally if 100% of the students earned that level, a pizza party!
Well, my students went above and beyond. I sent home a sheet that they could fill out when they read. I tracked their progress on a bulletin board outside of the classroom. It always had kids stopping in the hall to see how we were doing. Our book buddies loved to check on their buddies progress! (which is so sweet) All of my kids got their shirt and they knew what that meant... PIZZA! Today was our pizza party. I decorated the room like a luau, each kid got a lei, and a fun tiki! It was just great to see them strive for a goal and reach it! (The custodian even got in on the fun and brought us cupcakes for dessert!) Yummy!

After a long day at school, I decided I needed to get back into running. I haven't been making time for it for the past 3 weeks! I was nervous, but I knew I had to do it. I decided to run the program where I left off. Brave. I did it! I was so proud of myself because I ran 3 miles (first time since I started the program) in 38 minutes. I did have some walking in the mix for warm up and cool down and a small 3 minute walk. I was so shocked by what I have accomplished. Whew! Color Run, here I come! (I would like to get to a 30 minute 5k... a bit of work still to do)

Today, I took the time to try to start to catch up on my blogging. Again, I am determined to keep up! I went through the days and just jotted down what had happened. I will elaborate more and publish! 

Have a great night. 

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.One.

Well... I can not dwell on the events of yesterday.. I must move on. (easier said than done...)

Anyway...
I started the couch to 5k running program a while back (I would say beginning of February) when my sister, Wendy, approached me about running in the Komen for the Cure race. I looked into the process, and I thought to myself.. I have never been a runner, but I need to be healthy, and this is a great program to get started. (I always joke that I want to be addicted to running... and I don't know how other people are)
Pinterest is a GREAT motivation. There are so many inspirational quotes that are just helpful at times. Here is the pin that made me run for the first time: (maybe it will inspire you too...)

I knew that this was true, so off I went. I am determined to not be a quitter. I searched for the couch to 5k and found a wonderful app for my phone. It is called "Ease into 5k" It did cost money, but not more than $3. It is perfect for me. It tells me when to warm up, run, walk, cool down. It is encouraging too! ("You're halfway there" and my favorite "Last run, coming up!") It has a journal for me to jot down notes about my run, a graph of my running, and even lets me use my own music! I recommend this app!

After I had been running for a bit, I decided I would try to find a 5k that may be sooner. I looked online and found The COLOR RUN! I know that I am crazy, but I was determined to run in it. So, I went to the website (www.thecolorrun.com) and found that there weren't many near Ohio. Bummer! So, I went on the facebook page and asked them to come to Columbus, Ohio. Well...about a month later, it was set! (I had no part in doing this, but I did suggest it at one point) I am so glad that they are coming to Columbus. I have started a team. CR12. (color run 2012) If you want to join, let me know and I will give you the password to join the team. 

Here is a quick overview of The Color Run:

1. Must wear white. 

2. 5k walk or run. (my goal is run)

3. After each kilometer, they throw a specific color of powder on you. By the end, you have five different colors on you and you are tie-dyed!

4. I will frame this shirt and bib from the race. My first race EVER! (I never thought I would say that...)

Check out the website for more info. Here is the picture that made me want to sign up!

You can't deny it... it looks awesome. Join me and my team~

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.

Well, the day has arrived. I was pretty calm during the school day. This morning was a breeze and I knew that I have done as much as I could to prepare myself. I am not necessarily nervous, but more anxious. I know that this sounds corny, but I love to sit and talk about teaching with other people who love to do it as well. I think that going into the interview with a realistic view helps. I know that there are other teacher's out there. I just hope I am the one that they want to join their staff! Before I left for the interview, I had to do a quick change at school into my suit, freshen my make-up (it is amazing sometimes what I look like after a day in Kindergarten) and head off to interview. I had butterflies in my stomach because it is time! In the words of my loving husband, "Don't screw it up..." (semi-jokingly... we do need this and I think he knows that I need this for my sanity and he knows how much time and effort I put in behind the scenes)

Here comes the amazing Kinderquote:
As I am rushing down the hall to put my stuff in my classroom, grab my purse and portfolio, I walk swiftly passed one of my kindergarteners waiting on her bus. She is a sweetheart, but definitely has had her fair share of moments in kindergarten. As I am walking by, she says, "Mrs. Edmonds! Where are you going?" I never ignore a child when they speak to me. Just not my style. So I stopped and told her that I have a meeting to go to. She could obviously sense my urgency and butterflies. She simply responded, "Well, you look really nice!"
At that moment, the butterflies were gone and I knew I was ready! This little girl was able to do that by just giving me one compliment. What a moment. I will cherish it.

Off I went, to the interview. I think that it went well. There were six people in the interview. I don't get intimidated easily, but now looking back, I probably should be a bit intimidated, because they could potentially change my life.. .but that is looking back.

I should hear something within the next week or so. I can only pray that my personality and attitude toward teaching was represented and they would love to have me on their staff. God has a plan for me. I just have to trust that plan and be patient. It is easier said than done...I will admit that.

Off to bed trying not to over-analyze everything I said in the interview. (not going to happen)

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Nine.

Sunday. I was excited to go to the new church again, but we decided to stay home as we have a lot to do. I have been reading The Leader in Me by Steven Covey. I know that the school I am interviewing with tomorrow is a Leader in Me school. I needed to get it read. So, that is what I did. I read, and read, and read. It is a good view of how schools create a common language for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and the students are succeeding! I look forward to implementing some of the information and verbage from the book into my classroom. It definitely makes me want to read more about the subject matter and even visit the pilot school. (I will have to save to make that trip!)

John was busy working on his masters work again today. Sundays are a drag around here. Full of work. He is so close to being done. It will be welcomed by both when it is over. It is hard to watch him just toil away at his MBA. SO SOON... I keep trying to remind him. (I'll let you know how next week  goes... last week!)

Because we were just working around in the house, we were really bumming it. We didn't look good AT ALL! I was pretty ashamed when I looked in the mirror later that day. But I had a goal to finish that book, and I accomplished it! We got a surprise Facetime call from our cousins in Tulsa. Zooey is only 6 weeks older than her cousin Mia Grace. I think it is amazing to see how much she has even changed since their baptism on Palm Sunday! Well... we got a special treat to see... ZOOEY WALKING! It was so cute to see her waddle around the back porch. The wonderful things that technology can do. It is amazing. I would have never been able to view that live.. and now.. I can! What a blessing!

The night ended with a bit of positive self-talk, updating some things in my portfolio, and trying to calm my nerves. A full-time classroom is my goal. (as many of you know) This is my chance! As I laid down in bed, so many things ran through my mind. I do not know how I got any sleep...

ZzZzZzZzZ...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Four.

Whew... two days in with kiddos and I am exhausted! You would think it was the first day of school... I didn't even rest on spring break, I worked!

Update on the 'eggsperiment':
The egg from yesterday is covered in bubbles, the shell is getting thin almost see through, and it is rubbery! I think you should ALL try it. It is fun and weird at the same time.

After the day was over, I headed home to let the dogs out and hang out. Duty called with dishes and picking up (doesn't it always). And of course... Adi was at it again.. barking at the new neightbor, "GUS". I must say, he is adorable and so small!

Time to catch up on the TV! I just can't help it. While I was watching I was working on the KSACC Kickoff video for Schultz. (for a friend) I had it done, just had to burn it to a disc. I burn it... it won't work in my dvd player or blu-ray. WHY?! It worked on both mine and John's computer.. but no.. not the actual dvd players. Any ideas or advice? I gave it to my fellow KSACC teacher and we got to have a fun chat!

On an exciting side note, I have an interview!! It is next week, and I will be sure to keep you SUPER updated on anything else on the job hunt. Keep me lifted in your prayers and help me stay positive about the job hunt. :)

Feeling inspired tonight...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Two.

Monday! Teacher work day which means I was sort-of on double duty. I worked in the morning at SACC and then headed to my classroom to get things organized and make sure it was ready for the kiddos. There are more opportunities in the district (internal still) and I am looking forward to possibly getting an interview. The daydreams I have about a full time teaching job are happening more and more. I have to believe if I want to make this MY year!

After work, I headed home to clean up. As if I weren't "off" this week, my house was a disaster. I did the organizing, laundry, and 'picking' up. Tomorrow is floors. BORING! The wonderful schedule works when I work. One of my 'to-dos' for the day was get all of the DVRs updated. SUCCESS!

Off to bed early because I need to be well rested for the first day back!

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Four

Sorry this is a day late, but I was so busy last night, I didn't get a chance to write.

Well, after a day at school, I ran home to take care of the dogs and headed straight to Polaris Mall to meet up with Laurienne! (and I got to see Celia too!) We met to get some stuff for the upcoming shower at Party City. I will be making a lot of things from scratch with the help and guidance of Pinterest. The theme is 'Two Peas in a Pod' so we are going with the green and white color scheme... a hint of pink and blue, of course. I got to hang out with Celia! She is precious and getting so big! We bonded quickly.. could it have been my ridiculousness of making facing and trying to earn her love!? I did get a KISS goodbye. Laurienne said she doesn't just do that to anyone... so, I feel the love. Check out our photo session in the back of my car. (It was pretty sunny!)

 Oh, the binkie! 

 CHEESE! Piggie tails and all!

-Silly face, of course-

After we finished shopping, I headed to meet my fellow baseball widow for dinner. Yumm! We both got the same food, classic. Tito, our waiter, was trying to be a comedian. He wasn't that funny. Of course, on our way outside of the the HOT FRESH sign at Krispy Kreme lit the night! Jamie hadn't had them fresh off the line, so we had to go in and get one! We went in and the gave us a FREE one! Then we HAD to buy more. They didn't make it home and we definitely have a lot of running to do to get rid of those calories! We have a goal for this summer, and we are going to make it! 

Adi and Aspen thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on the temperpedic with just mommy! We spread out and and slept like babies! Look how well rested Adi was this morning! 

Off to write today's post... hehe

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Two

Day Twenty-Two! I am impressed with my ability to continue to write nightly.

Today was a good day in Kindergarten. With the temperature reaching close to 80 degrees, the classroom was HOT! We were all sweating. It was a great day to have our ice cream sundae party! We got to have ice cream sundaes today because 13 of my 18 students have earned their T-Shirt level in the reading challenge. YUMMY! (Of course, they all wanted the whole shebang... chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and of course sprinkles!)

After school, I headed to the gym. My motivation is waning. I don't love to work out... but I need to keep it up. Today, I headed to the gym and was expecting to repeat the last run from the day before. I was quickly mistaken! I checked the app on my phone, and eeeek! It was warm up, run 20 minutes, cool down. WOW! I was nervous to even start. I made it through! I did take two 30 second breaks, and one break mid-way for my inhaler, but all in all, I ran 20 MINUTES! I am proud of myself.

What will the next run bring? I am scared to check!

I am going to start the process for the girl's Easter baskets soon. I am also, of course, going to be making it a habit to clean each night! That is up next, after I type this post.

(I bought The Hunger Games at Wal-Mart today.. so I may get in some reading tonight too!)

Have a great night!

-Alexis

(I see this all the time and I think it is time to print it HUGE and hang it somewhere visible)

Day.Eighteen.A

Today, I am writing EARLY! A few great things happened today:
1. I had my interview and I think it went pretty well.
2. After two weeks off, I worked out.

I want to thank all of those out there who were praying for me today. I was able to stay calm and focused.

I have fallen off the bandwagon on the working out. I have been doing the couch to 5K program that I have a cool app for on my phone. I would have never thought to myself that I could be a runner, but a friend of mine and I always joked that we wanted to be addicted to running like the runners! So, I started the couch to 5K program. (My sister and family and friends have all decided to enter a 5K) Lucky for me, DCS is having a 5K that I may join in on just to prove to myself that I can do it! Today, after two weeks of NO running. I thought I may die... but I didn't do terrible! I am on week 6 of the program and it is a 5 minute warm-up, run 9 minutes, walk 3, run 9 minutes, then cool down for 5 minutes. I made it through the first run doing well... then the second run came around, and WHEW was I struggling. I didn't have to use my inhaler, but I didn't make it through the last run. I didn't stop, but I struggled! I know that I cannot let working out take a backseat. It is definitely a struggle to make it a priority. Life just seems to get in the way... whether it be school, family, dogs, etc. I must keep focus!

I was more nervous today about how my students would be with a sub. This is the first time I have missed and it is a big stress. I wanted to make sure that everything went smoothly and the same procedures happen so that the students are comfortable and still learning. My mind was spinning this morning! But, all in all, the day went well and learning happened.

I am going to relax for the rest of the night. I think it is a much needed and well-deserved.

-Alexis-

Day.Seventeen.

I truly appreciate the beautiful day! I even took the kiddos out for extra recess because it was too nice not too! The day went by quickly and the lovely afternoon seems to have disappeared quicker! Because I am not going to be at school tomorrow, I had to prep for my subs. I started and then realized that they did not know the little procedural things and that will definitely throw my kids off tomorrow. (or they will all argue about how to do it, because they are always right...)

After I stayed at school until 6pm prepping for the sub I headed home and got to hang out with the puppies and catch up on my shows. I need to relax big time to get prepped... but I am not doing that well. Anyone who knows me, I don't stress and shut down, I work... I work hard! It is constant. Anything to keep me busy and my mind focused on other things.

I want to say thank you in advance to all of those loved ones who have contacted me, helped me realize my strengths, and given me pieces of calm. I really appreciate all of your guidance. I know that I am just over analyzing.. as always. Keep up the prayers and I know that God will find a place for me.

I had a GREAT story to share, but... my brain has lost it. If I think of it, I will be sure to share!

So much on my mind...

Goodnight and God Bless Readers!

-Alexis-

Day.Sixteen.

Today has been beautiful, from sun up to sun down! The weather has been perfect for relaxing and making the day run smoothly. Ohio in March isn't normally seeing temperatures in the high 60's, but I will take it! It was great to get the kids outside, and when I got home... I got to open all of the windows and air out the house. It is getting a little musty and 'wintery' in the house. The dogs loved listening to EVERY other dog in the neighborhood... resulting in a fresh hole in the screen door.

Still working on prepping for the interview. It is a bit stressful but still totally worth it in the long run. I am learning new things and I can use them in the interview.

Since today has been pretty mundane, I am going to get back to my 'studies' and get focused.

Keep praying that God will find me a job that will be best suited for me and my family.

-Alexis-

Day.Fifteen.

I do not always loathe Mondays. Sometimes, they really get the week off to a great start. My students today were very mellow (could have been a reaction to the time change). I have a very important week ahead of me. I have an INTERVIEW! This interview isn't for a specific position, but it is more like an entrance interview. I will be interviewing on Thursday, so I will update on that day. I have a lot of research to do for the specific school district to make sure I am on my game!! (So, if you pray... pray for me on Thursday that this door may be the one that leads to a job and security in my life) I am stressing a bit, so I am going to move on!

I thought I would take this moment to talk about my lesson plans. There are only a few... ok 11 more weeks of school... left. Because I am not in a 'real' classroom, I am able to plan the way I want, with no curriculum guides, specific curriculum to follow, etc. I do follow the standards and I try to use the same types of literacy that they use in the regular classroom. I get the freedom to do weekly themes. I love themes because the standards can be re-visited but with a new "look". I had all of my themes planned on specific weeks before the school year started. I used the overview of my plans to really lay out my lessons for the week. I put it in the front of my clear lesson plan binder so that when it is closed, and laying on my desk, I can read the lessons at a glance!

Here is a blank version... feel free to use it. If you want me to change anything, let me know in the comments and an email address and I will try to send you one that is personalized.

Hope you enjoy! Have a great night... I am off to prepare for Thursday! :)

-Alexis-

Day.Eleven.

Let the job search ensue! I have had a lot of blessings in my life but my ability to land a full time classroom position has been... absent! I am working really hard, and updating all of my information. I hope to get a full time position for next year. I REALLY want my own classroom! (I know, I have a classroom now, but I want to be a school employee)

Resume Update: CHECK
Cover/Intent Letter Update: CHECK
Applications Updated: Work in Progress
Mini-Portfolios Created and Bound: Working on them...

I hope that my efforts in the classroom and outside of it show and my abilities speak for themselves this year. It would not only be a blessing but a dream come true!

I appreciate all of the support from my family and friends. We are all working hard and I know that we will make it one day! It is hard not to get beaten down by the process, but I always stand up and try again. That's how you persevere...right?

One song that got me through a really tough time is by Superchick: Stand in the Rain. It is about being persistent and working hard, and not letting anything get you down. ((listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCTrMP_fEiw )) I can be persistent as much as I want, but, if it is not in God's plan, it is not going to happen.

(cue random thought process) Church Camp... This reminds me...

I attended church camp from eighth grade all the way until I was a counselor and frequent visitor! Camp Presmont is beautiful and very inspirational. It not only would lead me back to the right path, but brought me together with fellow Christians who were feeling the same things I was. I will never forget Maureen. She led Senior High that week and she loves to sing! Bringing out the inner teacher, she sang a Bible verse instead of just reading it. We all can still sing that song/verse to this day! (Don't deny it... you know you can!) It is a very strong passage that truly gives me hope on the days where the classroom I yearn for seems so far away.
Check it out:

(I think I need this plaque for my house...right by the door!)

Although the long road continues, I know deep down that I will get my classroom. I am not a quitter by any means, and one day, there are plans for me... of hope and a future!

I will keep you updated on the job search!

-Alexis-

Day.Ten.

Today was very productive on the homemaker side of the picture! I got to go to the chiropractor. Who would have thought that an alignment would alleviate so much pain. I went to the store and got to get the invitations for my best friend's baby shower! She is expecting twins, and I am nominating myself as an official aunt. She is going to be blessed with a little girl and a little boy! I am looking forward to getting the decorations for the shower and helping with the nursery!

As many are thinking, it is only a matter of time...well, yes, but I would like to keep my dream alive to become a full time classroom teacher. I know that is sounds silly when I read it back, but the truth is, I have worked and worked to become a better teacher. I have continued my education, worked in different grade levels. I am ready! I want to reach my goal, get settled in, and then think about adding to our family.

I must be on my way... I have invitations to rhinestone! Every girl needs a little rhinestone in her life... or maybe that is the dancer talking!

Here is how they turned out--> *blurred for privacy*

-Alexis-

Day.Nine.

It sure was a Monday! I stayed late at school today to get all of my plans uploaded, copies made, and organized. WHEW! It feels GREAT!

My students are keeping track of the minutes they read AT HOME. We have a contest going on where they can earn prizes and I have a graph on the bulletin board outside of my room. The challenge is for everyone to read 210 minutes, the TSHIRT level! If we all get a T-Shirt, we get a pizza party! YUMM! They are very excited and today, I gave away the seventh shirt. (Once we got six, popcorn party...once we get 12, ice cream sundae party, once we get all 18, pizza party!) We get to have our popcorn party tomorrow. Check out the bulletin board I have to keep track.-->

*note: this is outdated and not reflective of the current T-Shirt standings*

As a teacher, it is hard to sometimes get parents involved at home to read with their students. This is a great way to keep them focused and see their results. It also adds in a bit of math! 

Have a great night!

-Alexis-

Day.Three.

Today was a GREAT day in KSACC! It was so refreshing to display Dr. Seuss books and when the students went to their activity centers, they chose READING center and looked and looked at the Dr. Seuss books. It was wonderful to watch them talk to each other about the books and illustrations. I read The Lorax to them today with a bit of hesitation. I didn't want them to miss the main message. As I read, the expressions of disgust and anger about the treatment of the Earth were so evident and encouraging. They are a smart group of kids. They always know how to make me smile!

After school, I headed to the dentist to get my cavities filled. BOOOOO! No one likes to have cavities and I haven't for at least ten years. Well, what is done is done (in terms of cavities) so off I went. I was a bit apprehensive because I have vivid memories of the shots and pain that I had as a child getting my teeth pulled, cavities filled, etc. My early dental life was full of office visits. My dentist was GREAT! He numbed me before I even got the shots! I didn't feel a thing. WHEW! I do have a strange feeling as if the numbed portion of my face is hanging all the way to the ground! It has worn off now, and I am back to my Diet Coke and dinner.

A few days ago, I saw The Vow in theaters. ((I recommend it)) There was a preview for a new Nicholas Sparks movie, The Lucky One. I was talking about it and my principal has the book! She lent it to me and I am on chapter 4. I figure I am going to read and then write every night. It is hard to turn off the TV, but it is worth it!  

There are many challenges day in and day out... but my goal to be a full time classroom teacher is so close! I know that if I take care of myself, my family, and my students, I will achieve that goal. 

 I wish running was included in the package! I haven't been able to make it to the gym at all this week... I need to get back into the habit. So busy and random things keep popping up. It is definitely an early night for me. These last few days have been exhausting! 

-Alexis-