Why do I have to be an Over Achiever?

I had it all planned out...all of my presentations and work for my two classes was due this week, at work, all of my papers have been graded, and one IEP meeting and then I was going to be free! But no, my professor, who just knew if he gave the final early I would have to do it, did just that!

Yes, I'm sure he was being nice to those who would leisurely take their time over Spring Break to complete it, but he wasn't thinking about the Type A person who would HAVE to finish it before break so they wouldn't have to spend every waking minute thinking about it. I am that person. If I know there is a task I could be doing, I will worry about it until it's done. I have no idea who I get that from, but it annoys me!

I spent every spare minute (which isn't much as an elementary teacher) trying to get a head start on it. That means during special when my kids where in Gym, lunch, and recess were spent at my computer typing away. Tonight, I will finish, or at least come awful darn close to it while the husband is at class. It doesn't help that the weather is absolutely gorgeous and I can hear people enjoying the outdoors. Ahhh....

As of 2:20 tomorrow, Spring Break officially begins, the only thing that stands in the way is 8 hours with 22 little people (who may be more excited then me), an IEP meeting and this PAPER!

Let the Countdown Begin!

I never thought it would get here, but we have arrived at the final week before Spring Break! Only four school days, two classes and an IEP meeting separate me from sleeping in (at least until 8:00) and relaxation for 10 days!

I have to say these four days are going to be busy! I purposely planned to do all class presentations and big assignments by this week so I could relax on Spring Break. That means I have presentations in both classes. I hate standing up in front of people, but I guess I should get used to since I am going to be teaching there in the fall. Truth is, it does get easier every time, and $2,000 per class can motivate anyone!

Oh My, it's been awhile!

More then a week since my last post...gives you a clue as to how busy everything has been. Last weekend the husband and I were lucky enough to spend a weekend away in OC with some other friends from his unit. The program was hilarious and we were able to spend some time together, have a nice dinner and even watch the sun rise! (Bonus points there!)

Monday, it was back to the grind and class...lots of class. Luckily, I have a lot of projects due next week (I know some of you won't think this is lucky). I actually have all of them pretty much done, and then I will be free for Spring Break and not have to worry about anything, which is quite nice!

Today, we closed on our lot! We are now proud owners of a piece of land. We are still trying to sell our house, and are thinking about dropping the price. I really don't want to take a huge hit on it, but we did get an excellent deal on the lot we bought and the house that will eventually go on it. We got a floor plan from our builder today and I LOVE it! Everything about it is perfect, and I can't wait to start building! If worse comes to worse, my husband said he would camp on the land. HA.

On a side note, 5 school days until Spring Break...and I can't wait!

Luck of the Irish

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Today has to be one of my most favorite holidays. I am Irish, I love anything Irish, and if there is a reason to drink, I'll take it! We had a pretty busy day today, between school, running errands, getting a run in in this gorgeous weather, and then classwork. Have no fear though...there will be time for drinks! If my husband is at class and I am by myself, does this qualify me for AA?

This St. Patrick's Day, I am lucky enough to have my husband home, I think that makes me the luckiest Irish girl in the world. A friend of ours recently deployed to A-stan, and left a wife and two year old son. We are friends on FB, and every time I see a post about how she misses her husband, or how excited she was to talk to him, my heart breaks. I am a very lucky to have him home and not have to worry every night....at least for now.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
- Irish Blessing

Oh State Testing...How I Loathe Thee

Every year, during this month, the dreaded state test pops up. The test is sent out to measure my students progress for the school year. How one test can measure that is beyond my knowledge, but I digress...

What frustrates me the most is that I have to scribe for some of my students. This is where my students tell me what to write on their test as they have a handwriting issue, or a problem expressing their answers unless it is verbally. They have accommodations in which I am allowed to write exactly what they tell me.

I am scribing for a student who has had some very...interesting answers, to say the least. I have no idea where he is getting some of his answers from, but I feel like I have been talking Spanish for the last 6 months, as I am pretty sure he hasn't learned anything besides how to multiply. It has been a very frustrating week. It has taken everything my power not to prompt him for better answers or guide him in the right direction. Of course I value my job, so I will follow the rules, as much as it makes me want to choke someone.

This week marks the reading portion. I am pretty relieved as he is pretty good at deciphering the text and answering the questions. I'm sure it will still be a long week. Wish me luck as I try not to bring a flask to work.

I just have to get through the state test, and two classes before we have a weekend away. It can't come fast enough!

MIA

My husband was the one who noticed I haven't posted in almost a week! I don't think I have ever gone that long. The truth is, we have been very busy and my life has gotten pretty boring!

Monday - I have class 5:30 - 10:30
Tuesday - Class again
Wednesday - Michael has class
Thursday - Michael has meetings at night every other week (while I try to get work done for class!)
Friday - FREE

Between teaching, then baseball practice for Michael, me leaving the house before he gets home, then getting home around 9:30, we are both exhausted!

Not to mention I miss my husband! I know its ridiculous considering I survived a year apart while he was in a war zone, but I have been spoiled the last few months! At least I know I get to come home to him everyday, and wake up to him every morning!

I am in desperate need of a weekend away. The workload is piling up (well, not really since I am overly organized and can get it done), but between classwork, and nights away...I need QT with the hubby.

Luckily next weekend we will get that! I plan on busting my behind all weekend and next week before we head to a Marriage Retreat at the shore for the weekend. We get to hang out with my people from the Brigade and 'Laugh our Way to a Better Marriage!" This series looks hilarious, and we have nights free to have date night and hang out. So nice! I can't wait!

Now to just get through the rest of state testing (which will be the death of me) and two more night classes!

Relaxing

That is what I have been trying to do this week before another block of classes gears up. I have to say it has been quite a long week and I will be enjoying a glass of wine later! I love my students, but it was the first full week back since all the snow, between being canceled and delays, and they were crazy! One student got written up for throwing cheese at a lunch lady. I can't make this stuff up.

I need spring break, summer and a tan! I long for the pool and warmth of the sun. These cold days are killing me. This weekend it is supposed to be in the 50's! Hey, I'll take what I can get.

Michael also has drill this weekend - the first time since he came home. I plan on laying on the couch and sleeping...a lot.

I also hope to go for a run since it is supposed to be so warm. I haven't sun since probably September, so I may pass out after the first lap. I'm hoping it won't be as bad as I think, but I am afraid it will be. If nothing else, I bought new pants from Under Armour and shirts so at least I will look cute as I lay on the sidewalk suffering from an asthma attack. I have been doing WW for almost two months, and although I have lost weight I just still don't feel great about myself. Even if I only run a mile I feel like I have accomplished something, so I am hoping getting back into a running routine will help. Only 4 months until the cruise so I need to get my butt in shape!

So, I plan on enjoying this last relaxing weekend before I have to do homework again on the weekends! Maybe I will get that glass of wine now!! Have a great weekend!

Success!

I have received an A!!! Of course, I knew this was going to happen come h*** or high water, since that is what I expect of myself. Either way, another Master's is finished and another pay raise is headed my way.

Now on to the next one which begins next week. Yes, I'm crazy, but as I mentioned before, I couldn't pass up the two free courses our district gives us. That would be like throwing $2300 down the drain, and who wants to do that?

I am actually really excited for this one: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling. If I ever left the classroom, this would be the one thing I could see myself doing.

We also had our house listed for sale today. Our house is so clean and I couldn't be happier! Seeing the sign at the end of our driveway was bittersweet. I am excited to build our dream house, but sad to be leaving the house we started our life in together. Of course, it hasn't sold yet so I may be able to enjoy it awhile longer! Wish us luck!