Happy New Year!!

So, I got some money for Christmas. I finally paid off my credit card. I feel so, so, so, so, so free!!!

Home Improvement, Saturday School Style

So, I got these keys back in July with Cara at the flea market. They were different colors. I wanted them to be white (notice the spray paint can). The problem: it has to be above 40 degrees to spray paint, but on a significantly cold day the time above that point is during saturday school. What does a hard-working teacher do? She spray paints out the classroom window while the students are eating lunch and cleaning up. It only took about 45 seconds. The curious students got a quick lesson in DIY and spray painting. 

Family Reading Night

Alien themed.
You know the sixth grade showed up.
Decked out in red tights (even Mr. Koelsch!), head gear, and a tshirt that read, "Take me to your READER".
Bam.

Friday

Ernie will be going home either tomorrow or Sunday. Remy will most likely go into a mourning slash depression stage for a few weeks. He was really starting to grow on me. He is now house-broken and has begun snoring in his sleep. Remy is losing a brother. 

Thursday

This is how I feel when I'm just trying to get some work done but I'm constantly being interrupted by VENITA COOPER!!!!

That's her shoe that's visible. Notice my level of productivity...her's is waaayyy less. 

Wednesday

Taylor Swift Concert!!!

We sent our picture in like thousands of other 13-year-olds to be put up on the big screens during the concert. For some reason (maybe because we're creepy old), our pictures were never shown. Therefore we did not win pit tickets. Amazing concert, though. 

Tuesday

My favorite new outfit from Anthropologie. Thanks mom!! 

Monday

A few weeks back, I took two students on a camping trip to Georgia. It turned out to be an amazing experience. I was placed with 5 other young, enthusiastic teachers, each of whom work way too much. Our students bonded and learned life skills on a high and low ropes course. We were "Team Yellow" and we definitely stood out throughout the weekend. 

 Makhial and Tre'Mionika before the ropes course 

 all the girls from Team Yellow on the last night 

 All of team yellow before the campfire on the last night 

Team Yellow from KIPP Memphis

I can't count anymore...NEXT day

I got tickets from a great friend to go see Paul Simon. It. Was. Amazing. 

It was also Halloween. So, clearly only about 20 people (coincidentally, all those under the age of 45) were dressed up. 

 Guy we don't know, Scott (as Elvis), and William (as himself)

Day 100

I did a home-improvement project this weekend. Soooo proud of myself.
Like my mom texted me..."CharleswoodHouseLove" - see for yourself.

got some spraypaint $6

got a bit worried at the shininess...

looks great! 

success!!!

Ugly brass hallway sconce is now a beautiful nickel for about $6 and 30 minutes of work. 

I clearly have two callings in life. 

Day 99

Went out to Bardog tonight...we attempted to take one simple picture...it turned into quite an ordeal...

 

original picture...something's going on with the flash...the guy taking it is a blackberry user - clearly the problem...

 because when i do it myself, there's just one missing piece...

Still working on the phone...

Cooper ends up taking a quick power nap...

None of the pictures following the first were any good. 

So much for fixing the problem. 

Day 98

This is a luggage carousel at Love Field. I'm not sure what happens to the luggage when it gets to the end. I guess it just falls on the floor. Strange. 

Day 97

Our new school uniforms are quite a bit more technical than the polos we used to wear...

Day 96

I asked for a class pet rabbit this year. Not approved. But I did get a new smartboard! 

now that it's here, i'm having to rearrange the entire room. it could only go in specific places because of Ace the Air Conditioner (notice the giant metal box hanging from the ceiling). Ace likes to drip - not cool near my new technology. 

about day 95ish...

It's been a while...a looong while, but I'm baaaack! Pictures from the Cooper Young Festival weekend.

 CY 4-miler - finished in 43:00, whoa that's fast for a tortoise like myself :)

Got a spoon ring! 

Please note that the woman behind me is pushing a stroller with BEER in it - her baby was still in the womb. That's awesome. 

Remy's new masculine collar...made by Scatterbrained Collars!

Day 67

It's been a busy and tiring two weeks! I'm back on it, though! Here's what has happened over the past two weeks - 

1. Remy moves to higher ground.

2. Dad came to town and got to work! 

 3. Dad and I went to Los Delicias and parked next to this awesome bumper sticker.

 4. I opened the mail one morning, and realized I know famous people! 

 5. I took two amazing scholars to dinner and out for some Fro Yo! 

 6. I went to visit Ms. Cornwell's new classroom - she uses a "Teacher apron" - I think it's either a dork thing or an elementary thing...

 7. Dad painted the bathroom a taupeish-purpleish color!

 8. Midnight Bike Tour - beforehand. 

 9. Finney afterwards. 

 9. My bike got a flat at mile 17...not a fun feeling. 

 10. This is actually how I felt. 

 11. I created a cool timeline activity. There was maximum engagement. Days like these are the best in teaching! 

 12. Everyone in the house now has a Kong. 

 12. I made 37 cupcakes for a "Cupcakes and Conversation" Party for the kids. 

 13. Here is the party - notice the sugar high. 

 14. Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, Saturday evening.

 15. Please notice the guy in the background with his collar popped...William and Larry decided to make fun of him. Music festival on Sunday.