I lied.

It's true.

I lied.

I know my two other followers may remember what I said when I began this blog:

"In my opinion one of the most difficult parts of writing a blog isn't starting a blog, or keeping up with a blog, it is in the creation of the blog title and address."

Well...I suppose the difficult part of blogging through graduate school was, in fact, in keeping up with my blog through graduate school.

In short: I was placed in Ms. Britt's 10th grade world literature class at Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia Georgia.
I fell in love with each of my 165 students, truly.
I learned more about life and living gracefully from each of those students than I could have ever imagined any personal life experience to teach me.
I continued to develop my relationship with my super-hot boyfriend, got engaged in January, married at the close of May...and all frivolities that resulted in celebration of our union were amazing....well beyond any of my expectations.

As I finish my graduate degree this summer, I am finding that it is hard to maintain laser focus when I know that my passion is to be in front of a classroom, planning engaging lessons, and fostering meaningful relationships with each of my students. If anyone else believes in a divine calling that doesn't have to

Placement Mishaps

What do you get when you mix four eager student teachers, a misinformed principal, a county approval, and a scrambling post-secondary administration?

A disaster better known as a placement mishap.

Instead of what was supposed to be our fist day in observations, three of my colleagues and I spent the morning in a conference room with an apologetic principal and wholly confused placement coordinator. It is interesting that simple miscommunication caused so many people such a huge headache.

Later in the day, we were informed that our placement in the high school had been denied. Oh, brother...

This got me thinking about communication, or rather, the simple miscommunication which is oftentimes the culprit of absolutely dismal results.

Take, for example, some of the greatest literature dramas of all time: Romeo and Juliette, A Tale of Two Cities, and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days ;). With better communication, death and confrontation could've been prevented.

Alas, I am no Juliette, and I still have my health. So for now, mild frustration and grad school angst will have to suit me.

FREEDOM!!!

This freedom from school isn't as bad as I made it out to be at the beginning of the summer. 6 week Masters courses are a beast.

A beast that I successfully conquered. From my initial calculations, I got all A's (ok some are A-, but who is counting?). Hooray for School!!

Last Week of School

I am feeling fabulous. Why? I'm starting my last week of summer school.

I realize I have so many blanks to fill in, but here are some key lessons I've learned:

1. Stop worrying. Seriously, it is a waste of time. God said it once, and I should have listened.

2. Perfection is overrated. Stop worrying about being perfect and just get it done. While you might not get the BEST grades in the world, your graduate program is about the experience. Surviving is part of your degree.

3. Sleep. Stop feeling guilty about having a life outside of grad school.

4. Manage your time effectively. Deliverables first--readings second.

5. You won't be able to give 100% everywhere, but you'll devote 100% of yourself in different areas of your life. Learning to juggle the responsibilities and remaining sane is important.

6. Mothers are the most incredible humans on the planet. Not only my mother, but the mothers in my program. They've all shown me what results from true faith and persistence. The strength that God gifted to women is unrivaled and unbelievable.

7. Group work will tell you a lot about your future colleagues. . .

Saturday Night...

Aaaaaand I'm studying.

Does anyone think I look strangely like the girl on the cover of this book?

Anyone find irony in the fact that I'm attempting to learn about human learning?

Dramatic Chipmunk

All I really need to know, I learned from Justin Bieber...

Seriously, take a minute to think of the most successful actresses and musicians that you know: which ones come to mind?

If I had to make a list I would include these four gems:

The Olsen Twins (double dose of genius)

Miley Cyrus (proof that daddy isn't a one-hit-wonder)

Justin Beiber (The boy knows what the girls want...young and old)

Let me explain.

The Olsen Twins made their fortune as kids, riding on the coattails of their debut in Full House. They created an empire with their royalties from their movies, merchandise, and clothing line. The two became some of the wealthiest people in the world at the age of 12. And WHAT are these angels doing now? Whatever they want to. Heck, they don't even have to shower!

Miley Cyrus was produced from her initial desire to be in the spotlight, her father's smarts in the business, and the magic of Disney sitcoms. Above all, it was her father's knowledge of how to succeed and give the public what they want that has pushed Miley from rising star to super star. If any man can support a family off of the royalties of "Achy Breaky Heart," you know he's excellent with money as well. People may think she's on the highway Britney's tragic end in stardom, but I disagree. Miley is a teenage girl; she's making mistakes and the public is watching. However, with support from both of her parents (TRUE support, not overbearing manager support), the sky is the limit for this 17 year old. I can see her having an illustrious career as a pop star for AT LEAST the remainder of her 20's. With the money she'll have after an almost 20 year career, can you blame her for retiring at 30?

Finally...

Justin Bieber. Is there anything more to say? I realize that for all intents and purposes he is a re-branded N'sync or Backstreet Boys, thanks to the genius of Usher. But I'll have to admit, there is something special about this young kid. With the magic of songwriting, he's managed to be introduced to the world as a lovesick little boy with hits like "One More Time," "Somebody to Love," or my personal favorite, "One Less Lonely Girl." I'm 24 years old and I even find myself swooning over the possibilities that there is a man (boy) who cares about telling someone "one more time" that they love you, or searching for "somebody to love." It is genius. The music industry has once again created a teenaged-boy into the perfect Romeo. Where were they when I was 13? I'll tell you. They were thinking about making out. Justin Bieber is, in fact, thinking about making out--but Hollywood has created him into the perfect package of romance and deceit. After all, what's the truth when you hear that you're going to be "one less lonely girl.

So what are the take home messages for a grad student like myself...?

From the Olsen Twins, I've learned that a little bit of talent can go a long way.

From Miley Cyrus, I've learned that your support network can make or break your career. Surround yourself with the people who will be there through everything.

From Bieber, sometimes acting the part can get you farther than just wanting the part.

In other words--I've got to use what I've got, surround myself with positive people, and fake it until I make it in this foreign world of standing in front of the classroom, rather than sitting in the classroom.

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

Do you ever have a day where you just truly can't focus?

Where pensive participation is replaced by ambivalence and yawning?

Anyone? Anyone? I just need a little bit of reassurance on this one...

A day of nothing.

My life has been a whirlwind the last few weeks.

In short...

My sister had her wedding ceremony in Mexico May 22.

I had a week of work without my boss immediately after (always tough shoes to fill).

My boss' brother and good family friend of mine got married June 5.

My sister had her wedding reception June 12.

I started school June 15 (4 Classes).

My brother graduated from his residencies June 18.

My nephew got baptized June 19, and I was the godmother.

I am exhausted. Yesterday I felt like I was running on empty...

So what did I do?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I can't tell you the ecstasy that accompanies laying around watching the World Cup,US Open, and crappy movies all day. Sometimes you just have to experience that for yourself.

Graduation speech for new teachers

This is great... A speech for all new teachers.

Also, in light of my experience in the break room today between classes, I thought it would be appropriate to reiterate the things we learned in kindergarten...

1. If there is a line that has formed, wait your turn.

I had quite an interesting conversation with a PRECIOUS gem in the break

room at school today after waiting for 15 minutes for the microwave, standing behind two fellow graduate students...and I was next in line.

There was another girl behind me.

Instead of waiting her turn, a third girl decided to jump in ahead of me.

Now, there are a two things you should know about me...One, I'm part Irish. Two, I'm part Italian (and that's a lot of fire to fight when you get angry).

Instead of letting this injustice of a girl cutting me and a second girl in a fifteen minute line for a microwave, I confronted her...In Jasper lingo, "I aint skeered."

Me: "Were you in line?"

Her: "Yes, those two jumped in front of me."

Me: "Oh that's interesting because I've been here waiting in line behind them and you were sitting down instead of waiting in line."

Her: "A line? A line for a microwave?" (Sarcastically).

Me: "Why yes, dear. It happens in many communal spaces, i.e. waiting in line for a toilet stall...you wouldn't just jump me in line for a toilet would you?"

Her: *Rolls her eyes*

Me: "I'll take that as a yes."

Kindergarten people...Everything you need to know you learned in Kindergarten...

First Day of School!!

Oh HOORAY! First day of my masters program!

I'm lovin' it so far, but the books are ridiculously expensive. I almost cried... over $300 for half of my classes!?! No WONDER they gave me a $650 credit...

Sigh...

"Only God Can Judge Me."

There are many words I can say about the place where I spent my adolescence...

Making the shift from childhood as an East Cobb Snob into a Pickens Dragon in my teenage years proved to be a little more difficult than I could've ever imagined.

Like most high schoolers, I was subject to rumors and teasing. Presumably fueled by jealousy, I was a target of many lies--including immaculate conception. (I'm sure you can imagine my virginal surprise when I heard that I was knocked up!)

I always wondered why kids are so mean to one another...then I got a job in the real world and wondered why adults are so mean to one another...and eventually got to a place to make the choice to be kind to everyone I know, have been introduced to, and will ever meet.

But sometimes...I just can't help but wonder why some adults continue to act like children.

1st Corinthians 13:11

"

11	When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Stella and Dot

In support of my boyfriend's friend's wife (who is also a dear friend of mine), I visited a Stella and Dot party last night...for those of you who are not familiar with the name, Stella and Dot is the Mary Kay of Jewelry.

Because my dearest Steven understands that I don't have any money to support his friends, he graciously gave me a budget so that I could be supportive.

I know...he's the best.

If you want a better look: click here .

I told him these matched another ring I wanted. Clearly, subtlety is not my strength.

Last day of Summer Vacation

Do you remember summer break in high school?

Do you remember when the biggest responsibility you had was lifeguarding at your neighborhood pool or making sure to get to the movies by 7 with your friends?

Well, I've had the last 5 weeks for my own summer vacation (on Tuesdays and Thursdays). It wasn't quite as relaxing as I remember...mostly because I felt like I should have been doing something.

But today..

.just for today...my last day of Summer vacation until 2012, I enjoyed reading by the pool..waking up at noon...making a late lunch and reading a book for pleasure.

This is truly the life...

Using Free Time Wisely

I've had a semblance of a summer break over the last three weeks, and while having very little responsibility on Tuesdays and Thursdays...I find that I am happiest when I am busy.

My favorite days of my mini-break have been cleaning days, working days, and my absolute favorite--my trip to Alabama yesterday.

I went to clean up my resume as well as practice an education interview (and spend some quality time with great people).

Many of the questions were difficult, and I'm finding that being a teacher will be a continuous challenge; I couldn't be more excited.

Some tips that I got yesterday:

• READ as much as you can. Part of being an excellent educator is continuing to learn yourself. A few books mentioned: Discipline with Dignity, Planning Effective Lessons, and Fair is Not Always Equal.
  
  
• Complacency is the antithesis of a happy life. Continuing to grow will allow you to pursue a fulfilling life.
  
  
• Be familiar with the acronyms IEP, RTI, PBS, ELP, GEP, 504...not only what they mean, but what they will require from you in the classroom.
  
  
• Don't read too much into body language in an interview.
• To become an engaging teacher, tell more personal stories to connect the subject matter for why it will count in the future.
  
  
• Be available always to facilitate a student's learning...morning, noon and night. That is your job, be committed to the results.
  
  
• Educate students at their individual levels with differentiated instruction.
  
  
• Ask questions about mentoring programs, professional development, and technology integration at the end of an interview.
  
  
• Be aware of statewide assessments and know what they entail and how you will be responsible for the successful implementation of each.
  
  
• Know why you're set apart as a candidate, why anyone should hire you, how to provoke engagement in a lesson, have a behavioral plan that exhausts all resources and use administration as a last resort.
  
  
• Know the difference between modification and accommodation.
  
  
• Be cognizant of PST and what role you will play in that team for each student.

Yeah...it was a busy 24 hours.

It's WEDDING SEASON!

What do you get when you mix true love, beautiful gowns, excessive flowers and copious amounts of alcohol?

That's right...it's wedding season!

Who doesn't love a good wedding!?

This weekend I attended the union of a great family friend and my boss' brother. Let me just say, it was beautiful. (The handsome couple is to the left...catcalling is permissible.)

The ceremony was excellent, the reception was perfect, and I was surrounded by the people I love the most: my amazing family and my awesome boyfriend, Steven.

If you are a poor graduate student who is mostly thrilled by the free food at weddings, what the only thing you have to worry about on magical nights like these? Of course...it's the wedding gift.

According to traditional wedding etiquette, you can wait up to a year before you send a wedding gift. I'd like to convince myself that after a year, you'd appreciate a wedding gift more...right?

Blog Address

In my opinion one of the most difficult parts of writing a blog isn't starting a blog, or keeping up with a blog, it is in the creation of the blog title and address.

My blog address is a bit...unorthodox...to say the least. Before you start thinking I'm violent, continue reading.

Jack London once said, "You can't wait for

inspiration. You have to go after it with a club."

If you know Jack London's (that handsome fellow on the left is Mr. London, not me...raar) writing at all, this quote shouldn't surprise you; however, what surprises me is that I was truly inspired by these words.

After two years of waiting for my inspiration (that's embarrassing...), I've decided to go after this elusive inspiration with a club in graduate school...I will be pursuing my future as an educator in secondary education in Language Arts.

Ideally, this blog will keep you updated on my life as a grad student on my road toward my new career in dducation. Realizing that my blog may have 2 readers (my mother and myself...hi mom!), this will be a candid and honest depiction of the life and times of a poor student...in a horrible economy...trying to make it in this world (it's all very Oliver Twist, don't you think!?).

There are many reasons why I consider myself unique (ok I'm just downright odd), but none more interesting and truly exciting than my relationship with Jesus. He's still got me here for a reason, and I'm at the absolute awesome mercy of his plan. Hooray Jesus!

Here's to the start

of my program, and to chasing after my dream with a club. Cheers!

(The ladies to the left are my likely readers...So cheers to you!)