This is for you, Christy. I'm going to update my blog and give you a snippet in my life of small adventures in a big city.
Tonight, we had a family dance at school. I brought Tinsley with me to school to meet my inquisitive fourth graders. There were so funny. My boys had no words to say except for the awkward wave from a nine year old but my girls were so chatting! They love to give hugs and drag me to dance with them. Is there anything better than dancing to T-Swift and doing the Cupid Shuffle with your loves? I never thought all of the little puzzle pieces of my dreams would match up so beautifully.
I love being at my school and learning more Spanish from the bilingual students than I ever learned at Baylor. I love the conversations I have with them, usually sentences begin with "Que paso?" and then they go into a long explanation. It's really neat. My usual question is "How many children/are you married.). O how I love seeing what life is like through the lens of a fourth graders. It's so entertaining.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Year Twenty Ten
Happy New Year!! I still cannot believe that it's 2010. I have found that this is my favorite year to write and practice writing it every chance I get.
A decade has passed since the big 2000 scare when everyone filled their bathtubs with water because we thought the world was coming to an end and now it's 2010. Crazy things have happened in this decade! To name off a few: graduating from high school and college, being accepted to PNB and going to Seattle to dance for an entire summer of absolute bliss, first boyfriends/first kisses, facebook/twitter/ipods/etc., learning to drive/getting my license, being a teacher/camp counselor/jcrew rockstar/escrow assistant/white house black market junkie/selling food at frisco rough riders ballpark... the list goes forever.
Like every start to a year, I compile a list of New Year's Resolutions. I confess, my lists of New Year's Resolutions are usually insanely long, but I'm an optimistic person and am a firm believer that "anything and everything is possible."
When I reflect back over the last year, I have learned how much I have grown as a person (not physically grown. Ironically, I have shed weight due to the "first year teacher" syndrome when I don't sit down long enough to eat a meal because I'm constantly planning/thinking/creating/ lessons and how to help my students learn). But by growing as a individual and learning more about myself and what I like/dislike. For example, these this last six months I never knew how much I really enjoy being organized, making sure everything has a home and being one step ahead of my schedule. Also, how much I enjoy good music that feds your soul, that lifts your spirits when you have had a crummy day and being able to have every fiber of your being dance. It's glorious.
But back to New Year's Resolutions, my list has so far...
1) Take Ballet classes again
2) Read more (I'm on my fourth book since November, not too shabby for my track record. But teachers are supposed to be readers, right?)
3) Go on a mission trip to a country where they speak Spanish and teach them to use the resources they have to teach their kids
4) Cook more often
5) Run another 5K with my dad
6) Continue refining my teaching tactics
7) Safe money in order to travel to places I have dreamed of going to
Still a long list of resolutions, there are more that I'm forgetting. O well, what's wrong with a long resolution list? haha
A decade has passed since the big 2000 scare when everyone filled their bathtubs with water because we thought the world was coming to an end and now it's 2010. Crazy things have happened in this decade! To name off a few: graduating from high school and college, being accepted to PNB and going to Seattle to dance for an entire summer of absolute bliss, first boyfriends/first kisses, facebook/twitter/ipods/etc., learning to drive/getting my license, being a teacher/camp counselor/jcrew rockstar/escrow assistant/white house black market junkie/selling food at frisco rough riders ballpark... the list goes forever.
Like every start to a year, I compile a list of New Year's Resolutions. I confess, my lists of New Year's Resolutions are usually insanely long, but I'm an optimistic person and am a firm believer that "anything and everything is possible."
When I reflect back over the last year, I have learned how much I have grown as a person (not physically grown. Ironically, I have shed weight due to the "first year teacher" syndrome when I don't sit down long enough to eat a meal because I'm constantly planning/thinking/creating/ lessons and how to help my students learn). But by growing as a individual and learning more about myself and what I like/dislike. For example, these this last six months I never knew how much I really enjoy being organized, making sure everything has a home and being one step ahead of my schedule. Also, how much I enjoy good music that feds your soul, that lifts your spirits when you have had a crummy day and being able to have every fiber of your being dance. It's glorious.
But back to New Year's Resolutions, my list has so far...
1) Take Ballet classes again
2) Read more (I'm on my fourth book since November, not too shabby for my track record. But teachers are supposed to be readers, right?)
3) Go on a mission trip to a country where they speak Spanish and teach them to use the resources they have to teach their kids
4) Cook more often
5) Run another 5K with my dad
6) Continue refining my teaching tactics
7) Safe money in order to travel to places I have dreamed of going to
Still a long list of resolutions, there are more that I'm forgetting. O well, what's wrong with a long resolution list? haha
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Tis the Season to be Jolly, Fa La La La
Today is the big day that Baylor plays Texas Tech at the Cowboys stadium. I'm praying for a miracle, that somehow the worlds shift and we are able to win. I know that we don't have a great track record this year but crazier things have happen so we shall see!
I'm enjoying my last few days from my week long hiatus from being Miss Chambers. I didn't realize how badly I needed a break from my ongoing marathon I have been running since May. After my kidney stone episode, I started at the Y then finished my last day by performing my legendary "dance off" routine for the job offer at Christie and the following Monday started learning about the ins and outs of being a fourth grade teacher. It has been quite a year, probably the craziest one thus far.
Shay and I are all moved into our swanky apartment. Last night, we decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments and lights. A Christmas party will be planned in the near future so get excited! I love our little apartment. It's cozy and comfortable, two essential ingredients needed for those long Mondays or CBA days. (CBA = Curriculum Based Assessments, 4th grade tests).
Before we know it, it's going to be December 1st. I have been reflecting from this entire year and have realized what a big year it has really been. In a way, I feel like I was shot out of a cannon up into the "real world" not knowing what to expect or what was going to happen, hoping that I would crash back down to earth with failure. This year has definitely not been easy, it's been uncomfortable, awkward and different; all three things that can leave any 22 year old wondering "what AM I doing?!?" haha. But beyond all of the awkwardness, there has been blessing laced through that has made everything else wonderful.
There has been so many milestones that have happened that I wish I had written them all down. Some of the milestones that come to mind are....
*Turning 23 (birthdays are always milestones, another year older and another year wiser!)
*Graduating (my diploma is still in the green tube. I should hang it up but haven't gotten around to it).
*4 different jobs (SLC, YMCA, J Crew, 4th Grade Teacher) My 2nd and 4th have probably been my favorite :) )
*Moving twice (from Waco to Plano, from Plano to Dallas)
*Running a 5K (true story. My dad and I ran it together this fall for the Frisco Education Foundation).
*Jobs Fairs Gallore
*Visiting schools (don't even want to remember how many I went to, too many to seem sane)
*Interviews (which are not as scary as I had imagined. If you all for the dream that you want to pursue, all you need is someone to listen to your passion!).
*Parent Teacher Conferences : feat in itself. soo many parents and sooo many questions that day. I hadn't realize that not only do I have 17 children to teach but also 17 sets of parents that worry about their precious little one and want to make sure that they are given every opportunity possible to strive for excellence.
I'm enjoying my last few days from my week long hiatus from being Miss Chambers. I didn't realize how badly I needed a break from my ongoing marathon I have been running since May. After my kidney stone episode, I started at the Y then finished my last day by performing my legendary "dance off" routine for the job offer at Christie and the following Monday started learning about the ins and outs of being a fourth grade teacher. It has been quite a year, probably the craziest one thus far.
Shay and I are all moved into our swanky apartment. Last night, we decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments and lights. A Christmas party will be planned in the near future so get excited! I love our little apartment. It's cozy and comfortable, two essential ingredients needed for those long Mondays or CBA days. (CBA = Curriculum Based Assessments, 4th grade tests).
Before we know it, it's going to be December 1st. I have been reflecting from this entire year and have realized what a big year it has really been. In a way, I feel like I was shot out of a cannon up into the "real world" not knowing what to expect or what was going to happen, hoping that I would crash back down to earth with failure. This year has definitely not been easy, it's been uncomfortable, awkward and different; all three things that can leave any 22 year old wondering "what AM I doing?!?" haha. But beyond all of the awkwardness, there has been blessing laced through that has made everything else wonderful.
There has been so many milestones that have happened that I wish I had written them all down. Some of the milestones that come to mind are....
*Turning 23 (birthdays are always milestones, another year older and another year wiser!)
*Graduating (my diploma is still in the green tube. I should hang it up but haven't gotten around to it).
*4 different jobs (SLC, YMCA, J Crew, 4th Grade Teacher) My 2nd and 4th have probably been my favorite :) )
*Moving twice (from Waco to Plano, from Plano to Dallas)
*Running a 5K (true story. My dad and I ran it together this fall for the Frisco Education Foundation).
*Jobs Fairs Gallore
*Visiting schools (don't even want to remember how many I went to, too many to seem sane)
*Interviews (which are not as scary as I had imagined. If you all for the dream that you want to pursue, all you need is someone to listen to your passion!).
*Parent Teacher Conferences : feat in itself. soo many parents and sooo many questions that day. I hadn't realize that not only do I have 17 children to teach but also 17 sets of parents that worry about their precious little one and want to make sure that they are given every opportunity possible to strive for excellence.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Love Love Love
Wow! It's September 14th. Insane. Time for some life updates.
It's been such a transition season. It started this summer and has carried into the fall. Figuring out life after graduation still has some sticky areas. The new quest is: how do you meet people your own age? By not being a student any longer (although I believe that teachers are life long students), it's more rare to meet someone that is your age. I've been going to Sunday school classes geared towards the yuppies out there. So far, it's been wonderful!! Loving Jesus is always a great thing.
Speaking of Jesus, we had a Jesus moment today in class. When we were in writing, my kids and I had a discussion about what different topics you can write about for your stories. One of my students says, "Miss Chambers, do you ever wonder if someone out there is writing your story about your life?" Then one of my sweet boys goes, "Miss Chambers, God writes our story. It's like we are in a reality TV show but for our whole life." At that moment, I couldn't say, "Yes, you're right. God does know our story" but smiled at my student, felt that tingle in my heart why I adore kids so much and continue my lesson.
I am truly blessed beyond my greatest imagination with my career. Every day, something else unfolds beautifully and I thank God for giving me this opportunity to live my dream. I love standing at my door every morning and my kiddos come in with their stories. It's the best job, hands down. Harder than anything I have ever anticipated but absolutely blissful. Is blissful even a word? Who knows, haha.
Check this out.
http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/Christie_4th/index.cfm?subpage=990059
It's in the works but it's my fourth grade website that I have been elected to work on. Haha, you can even search me under the staff directory for Frisco. Holla
It's been such a transition season. It started this summer and has carried into the fall. Figuring out life after graduation still has some sticky areas. The new quest is: how do you meet people your own age? By not being a student any longer (although I believe that teachers are life long students), it's more rare to meet someone that is your age. I've been going to Sunday school classes geared towards the yuppies out there. So far, it's been wonderful!! Loving Jesus is always a great thing.
Speaking of Jesus, we had a Jesus moment today in class. When we were in writing, my kids and I had a discussion about what different topics you can write about for your stories. One of my students says, "Miss Chambers, do you ever wonder if someone out there is writing your story about your life?" Then one of my sweet boys goes, "Miss Chambers, God writes our story. It's like we are in a reality TV show but for our whole life." At that moment, I couldn't say, "Yes, you're right. God does know our story" but smiled at my student, felt that tingle in my heart why I adore kids so much and continue my lesson.
I am truly blessed beyond my greatest imagination with my career. Every day, something else unfolds beautifully and I thank God for giving me this opportunity to live my dream. I love standing at my door every morning and my kiddos come in with their stories. It's the best job, hands down. Harder than anything I have ever anticipated but absolutely blissful. Is blissful even a word? Who knows, haha.
Check this out.
http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/Christie_4th/index.cfm?subpage=990059
It's in the works but it's my fourth grade website that I have been elected to work on. Haha, you can even search me under the staff directory for Frisco. Holla
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Dreams DO Come True
Hello, bloggers and bloggerettes.
It has been a little over two weeks since my last entry and sooo much has happened since then. I don't know where to begin.
First off, I'm officially a fourth grade teacher! Insane, huh?! I'm teaching at Christie Elementary in Frisco ISD. I absolutely love it. During the job search marathon, I have a list of hopes of want I wanted my "perfect" school to entail in the back of mind. The type of school, the team that I would be working on, the students that were going to be coming into my classroom, etc. The Lord has far exceeded my greatest desires in ways I'm still trying to wrap my mind around.
Christie is the only Tier One school in Frisco ISD, meaning that our kids have low socio-economic profiles/may have free and reduced lunches/etc. In each grade level, there is a couple of bilingual teachers that teach our bilingual learners that we bus in from neighboring cities. I love the characteristics of a Tier One school. In my heart, this is where I need furfill my teaching role, to kiddos that not only need the knowledge but also the love that they might not be getting at home.
My class is filled with 17 sweet fourth grade students. They are spunky, witty and chatty. I teach them math, science, writing and spelling and they go to another teacher for reading/social studies. I love having my own kids during the majority of the day. And I love the fact that I don't have to teach Texas History. It's a dream come true! I can't wait to get to know my kids this year. I love them already.
Being a "real" teacher is far more stressful than anything that I have been trying to anticipate. There are constant meetings, emails to be read, curriculum to learn and children to teach. I start my days waking up at 5:30am and leaving the house around 6:45am, get to school, do my teacher thing and leave around 5ish. It's a crazy life but I love it. Thank you for all of your prayers.
My 4th grade teacher was right. When you do put your mind to something, anything is possible.
It has been a little over two weeks since my last entry and sooo much has happened since then. I don't know where to begin.
First off, I'm officially a fourth grade teacher! Insane, huh?! I'm teaching at Christie Elementary in Frisco ISD. I absolutely love it. During the job search marathon, I have a list of hopes of want I wanted my "perfect" school to entail in the back of mind. The type of school, the team that I would be working on, the students that were going to be coming into my classroom, etc. The Lord has far exceeded my greatest desires in ways I'm still trying to wrap my mind around.
Christie is the only Tier One school in Frisco ISD, meaning that our kids have low socio-economic profiles/may have free and reduced lunches/etc. In each grade level, there is a couple of bilingual teachers that teach our bilingual learners that we bus in from neighboring cities. I love the characteristics of a Tier One school. In my heart, this is where I need furfill my teaching role, to kiddos that not only need the knowledge but also the love that they might not be getting at home.
My class is filled with 17 sweet fourth grade students. They are spunky, witty and chatty. I teach them math, science, writing and spelling and they go to another teacher for reading/social studies. I love having my own kids during the majority of the day. And I love the fact that I don't have to teach Texas History. It's a dream come true! I can't wait to get to know my kids this year. I love them already.
Being a "real" teacher is far more stressful than anything that I have been trying to anticipate. There are constant meetings, emails to be read, curriculum to learn and children to teach. I start my days waking up at 5:30am and leaving the house around 6:45am, get to school, do my teacher thing and leave around 5ish. It's a crazy life but I love it. Thank you for all of your prayers.
My 4th grade teacher was right. When you do put your mind to something, anything is possible.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Passion Somehow Doesn't Get Your Foot In
Sorry that I have been lacking in the "blog" world this summer. It has flown by. If you tried to watch it zoom by, you couldn't because my life seems to move by the speed of light.
It's August 10th and still no job. This is insane. Some of you out there reading know what has gone down in the last few weeks. I don't feel like typing it out into words but it's been brutal. I've been comtemplating whether or not I should be a teacher. This seems like such a radical statement to make since all I talk about are the kids that I have taught, I would spend more money on school supplies than any other lavish gift and I love plopping down in the children' book section at Barnes N Noble. But it has been such a rollercoaster. I wanna get off but I feel like it's nowhere near being over.
Pray for those aspiring teachers out there. There are quite a handful of us. It's so frustrating not having a "plan" this fall when I have had one the last 21 years of my life. I feel like God is preparing me for something bigger than I can fully comprehend but it's so hard to stay hopeful for His plan.
Okay, back to the apps.
It's August 10th and still no job. This is insane. Some of you out there reading know what has gone down in the last few weeks. I don't feel like typing it out into words but it's been brutal. I've been comtemplating whether or not I should be a teacher. This seems like such a radical statement to make since all I talk about are the kids that I have taught, I would spend more money on school supplies than any other lavish gift and I love plopping down in the children' book section at Barnes N Noble. But it has been such a rollercoaster. I wanna get off but I feel like it's nowhere near being over.
Pray for those aspiring teachers out there. There are quite a handful of us. It's so frustrating not having a "plan" this fall when I have had one the last 21 years of my life. I feel like God is preparing me for something bigger than I can fully comprehend but it's so hard to stay hopeful for His plan.
Okay, back to the apps.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
6 Little Things
Laura tagged me on this and I haven't written on my blog in over a month so I pondered a bit and came up with 6 little things that make me happy.
1. Walking Spencer. This summer, I have walked Spencer and it's so fun. He walks with such poise and grace, you would have thought I had taught him a thing or two. We like going up to the park to see other dog walkers and kids playing. Spencer of course tries to make friends with everyone that is up there.
2. Going to get icecream with Grace. Grace and I have gotten close since she came to Baylor. We finally get each other and understand where we are coming from. Plus, it's always a sight us singing at the top of our lungs to "Skanky Leg."
3. Holding kids' hands when you are walking somewhere. I know, this sounds crazy but I love when kids grab your hand to walk with them. It's usually the little ones (5-6 years old) but just that trust that they with you knowing that you will get them to wherever they are going safely is so nice.
4. Genuine conversations. I love people, especially getting to know them. I love learning what makes people tick and what their passions and dreams are. It's always so refreshing because people might have more common interest with you than you think!
5. Teaching kids how to cook. This summer, I have been teaching Culinary classes every other week at the YMCA. I absolutely love it. I love showing kids how to measure ingredients, going through the different conversions and making a mess every time. It's a blast.
6. Dancing in a studio. I love throwing on a pair of ballet shoes, going into an open studio, turn up the music and be in my own world. It makes my soul feel rejuvenated. Nothing better.
1. Walking Spencer. This summer, I have walked Spencer and it's so fun. He walks with such poise and grace, you would have thought I had taught him a thing or two. We like going up to the park to see other dog walkers and kids playing. Spencer of course tries to make friends with everyone that is up there.
2. Going to get icecream with Grace. Grace and I have gotten close since she came to Baylor. We finally get each other and understand where we are coming from. Plus, it's always a sight us singing at the top of our lungs to "Skanky Leg."
3. Holding kids' hands when you are walking somewhere. I know, this sounds crazy but I love when kids grab your hand to walk with them. It's usually the little ones (5-6 years old) but just that trust that they with you knowing that you will get them to wherever they are going safely is so nice.
4. Genuine conversations. I love people, especially getting to know them. I love learning what makes people tick and what their passions and dreams are. It's always so refreshing because people might have more common interest with you than you think!
5. Teaching kids how to cook. This summer, I have been teaching Culinary classes every other week at the YMCA. I absolutely love it. I love showing kids how to measure ingredients, going through the different conversions and making a mess every time. It's a blast.
6. Dancing in a studio. I love throwing on a pair of ballet shoes, going into an open studio, turn up the music and be in my own world. It makes my soul feel rejuvenated. Nothing better.
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