December Currently

Welp, here I am again for Currently. I know I say this every month, but I cannot believe it's already December! We've had just a few dustings of snow here and there so it definitely doesn't feel like the holidays are right around the corner.

And again, here I am saying that I wish I was doing a better job keeping up with this blog! We've been up to some really great stuff in first grade lately but I've been too caught up in the moment to take pictures and blog about it. My kids are loving our light and sound unit in science. It is so super hands-on that they are really getting a solid understanding of the concepts and are having fun at the same time! Hopefully I can add some pictures soon :)

Here is this month's link up with Farley:

Listening: Laundry seems to be a constant in this apartment. For those of you who have kids, I know it multiplies even more than I could ever imagine. I don't know how you all do it!

Loving: Christmas is hands down my favorite time of year. From the holiday music and the decorations and all my students getting excited about Santa - I love every second. Even if it does mean a couple of weeks of restlessness in the first grade world.

Thinking: Tomorrow is our annual ornament exchange and it is definitely one of the highlights of the year! I can't wait to enjoy a fun night with my friends and co-workers. Then, this weekend my man and I are off to St. Louis to celebrate our anniversary. We're going to hop around town, get drinks and sushi for dinner, and then see the Christmas lights at the botanical garden. He totally surprised me with this idea and I can't wait to have a fun and relaxing weekend!

Wanting: It seems that as it gets closer and closer, this pops up on my blog more frequently. After fall classes wrap up next week, I've got one more class until my Masters degree is in the books. I can almost taste the freedom.

Needing: Holiday time means buying for others and getting sucked into all of the cute wintery clothing and the fabulous online sales. I should probably get a bit more consistent when it comes to saving.

Christmas Tree: I always, always will choose real over fake! Although we do not have a real one in the apartment, we definitely will when we have the space in our own home. We always had a real tree growing up - nothing beats that pine-y smell!

Happy Holidays!

November Currently

It's officially November and that means I need to put "change classroom calendar" at the top of my to-do list for tomorrow morning.  Thanksgiving is like the shining beacon of hope at the end of this month but it seems so, so far away. Especially since we don't get a whole week off this year like we did last year. People complained about it. What's to complain about? But I digress...

Here I am ready for November, ready for a great week in first grade, and more than ready to link up with Farley for Currently. It's one of the few things keeping me on the blogging track these days. If there were only a few more hours in the day...

Listening: Should I be asleep right now? Possibly. But at least the silence is a step in the right direction, right?

Loving: I recently ordered one of those de-stressing coloring books for adults and let me tell you, I am obsessed! I also ordered a pack of crayola pip-squeak markers and some prisma-color pencils to accompany my new hobby. I could do this all day.

Thinking: Well, this week is finally my preconference, with my evaluation being Tuesday-Thursday next week. Yes, I said Tuesday-Thursday. Why? Because this crazy teacher has decided to try something all new for her evaluation and instead of having my principal watch one 45 minute lesson, I am having her observe three different 15 minute lessons. This year, I started teaching with Tara West's close reading packs and wanted to see what my principal thinks. Am I totally going to regret this? We'll see...

Wanting: My favorite holiday is right around the corner and I am brimming with excitement! I've already loaded up my Amazon cart with some goodies and have a bunch of stuff bookmarked for various family members.

Needing: When am I not needing this? Maybe I should get out of bed and work in my coloring book :)

Yummy: Oh sweet heavens. My granny's candied sweet potatoes were the greatest thing on Earth. I don't care if you don't like sweet potatoes - you would have loved these. I give my mom some serious credit for using her recipe every year but we all know that nothing beats the original.

And now I leave you with a picture of my Jingle-cat, clearly loving on Halloween.

October Currently

Thank goodness this is giving me a reason to blog today! If you're in a bit of a blogging rut like myself or you just love to chat with others, visit Farley's blog and link up for October's Currently!

Listening: I've got the windows open and am listening to nothing but the sound of the wind blowing through the trees outside. Here's to some peace and quiet!

Loving: While everyone is complaining that it's "cold" (and I'll admit I do need to start layering better), I am absolutely loving these fall temperatures. The air conditioning is finally off and the windows are open here at home and the fresh air is amazing!

Thinking: Our first grade team is wanting some new shirts. Naturally, I took it upon myself to design said shirts and the perfectionist in me is making it very difficult. I want to make sure I create things that are versatile enough and cute enough for everyone on the team to love. 

Wanting: All of these pictures of fall football festivities are making me nostalgic for college tailgates. While the Illini are nothing to brag about, I still would love to get up to Champaign to cheer on my alma mater. Oskee Wow Wow!

Needing: So. Many. Assignments. Much of which feels like busywork. Yuck.

Boo-tiful: A much deserved shout-out to my man who always makes me feel beautiful no matter what. He deserves all the credit in the world for sticking by my side through all of my crazy moods. I am so lucky to have him :) 

Okay, end of sappy moment. Happy October!

September Currently

Hi all! While I'm failing miserably at my Teacher Week posts, here's my September currently (only a day late...as usual). Click here to join the fun over at Farley's blog!

Listening: After the craziness of a first grade day, a little bit of silence (with some intermittent cat meows) is all that I need.
Loving: I work at a pretty amazing place :) Shout out to all who make it so special!
Thinking: This weekend I have to go home for a doctor's appointment. I'm so happy that it's a long weekend and that I will get to see my family and my hometown friends. Just what I need after the chaotic back-to-school rush.
Wanting: So. Hungry. We are meeting my man's parents for dinner and I am so ready to chow down. Love me some good Chinese food!
Needing: Holy moly I am exhausted. Last night we had parent orientation and then I had to go to grad class for two and a half hours. It left me really drained this morning. I even took a nap after work today and still feel like I could go to bed soon.
Goals:

1. Think positive thoughts. For every negative Debby Downer moment I find myself having, I am trying to find a positive thought to take its place. Because we all need to rant sometimes, but we also need to remember everything that we have!
2. Strengthen my writing instruction. Writing is definitely the area in which I am least confident. Many of the other first grade teachers feel the same. We're planning on doing some collaboration this year to strengthen our instruction. I'm hoping to really give it my all so that my students can really benefit!
3. Show love to those around me. I've got a lot to love and a lot to be thankful for. 

Thanks for stopping by!

August Currently

Welp, it's officially Back to School month. For most of us, at least. Am I ready? Still not so sure about that. Students report on the 18th, with a teacher inservice the day before. I'm all sorts of emotions but mostly can't wait to meet my new kids and have a fabulous year!

First second of the month time with Farley! (Silly to think that I might actually link up on time this month!)

Listening: The Bachelor is my guilty pleasure. The Bachelorette is also my guilty pleasure. Bachelor in Paradise is like a guilty pleasure on steroids. It is so completely terrible and I love it.

Loving: For once, I feel like I had a productive Sunday. I'm tired and I'm still going to ignore the pile of laundry that needs to be folded...but still, a pretty productive day!

Thinking: My cart. So full. Can't wait for tomorrow!

Wanting: I'm on a one-track mind lately. I can spend two hours working in my classroom and within minutes of leaving I am already wanting to go back and finish something I'd left undone. I've done some reorganizing and changing of colors/decor and I am so excited to see everything come together!

Needing: Summer is just so nice because a lot of the time I don't have to worry about getting my booty to bed at a decent hour. I'm going to seriously regret it come school time if I don't start to get on a regular schedule now.

B2S RAK: This summer I've been working on creating tons of new resources. While some are bound for my TPT store, some I am creating just for my first grade team that will hopefully be helpful for them throughout the upcoming school year :) 

July Currently

Love me some Currently. Seriously. Amidst all that we have going on, it's nice to read up on what others are going through, thinking about, and hoping for! Join the fun over at Farley's blog.

Listening: My morning so far has been a nice balance of sweet silence and the sounds of my two cats tearing through my bedroom in some sort of crazed frenzy. C'est la vie.

Loving: Shawnee National Forest this weekend with my man. Relaxation, good food, horseback riding, zip lining, drinks, fishing, hiking, shopping, Eli Young Band...I am hoping it will be everything we want it to be!

Thinking: Seriously. A quick glimpse into my stream-of-consciousness: New classroom management ideas. Must reorganize all the things. Gotta get going on some TPT creating. I miss my mom. I could use another trip home. Wish I could teleport home. Too much time spent in car lately. Vacation is this weekend. Put "make a packing list" on my to-do list. Hope those avocados are ripe. I could eat everything in my apartment right now. Workout yesterday was awful. Gotta get back into the gym. Have a lot of professional reading I want to do right now...

Wanting: Guys. What is my deal, here? On the one hand, I'm lamenting that it's already July, but on the other I can't wait to rekindle my serious romance with the laminator and get back into the classroom so that I can redecorate.

Needing: Can't my brain be trained to handle just one thing at a time? The struggle is real. I should've said that I was an all-star anxious person. Real talk.

All-Star: I think one of the reasons I can't shut my brain off is because it is always trying to organize and plan. A necessary evil, I tell ya. Good thing I am also an all-star napper (when things get too crazy) and an all-star coffee drinker (to get me through those crazy days!)

Breathe in, breathe out. And a happy July to all :)

June Currently

Anyone else beginning their summer this June? I was so caught up in the end-of-the-year madness that I didn't even think to link up with Farley until now! 

Listening: This morning was my first official day of summer. I spent the majority of it in bed listening to nothing but the sounds coming in from my open window. It was lovely.

Loving: Summer is finally here! And I treated myself to an hour long massage (which was absolutely amazing, by the way).

Thinking: Although school is out for the summer, I still have a pretty busy week. I had to testify in court yesterday (yikes), I'm taking the content area reading teacher test tomorrow, and I also have a bunch of errands to run before this weekend. On top of that, I'm trying really hard to stick to a somewhat consistent workout routine.

Wanting: I hate grocery shopping. Where is the technology that delivers all I need to my house on a magical cloud? Seriously.

Needing: Because of court yesterday, I missed out on my afternoon that was supposed to be dedicated to cleaning/organizing/getting my classroom summer ready for our custodians. Looks like I'll be in more this week to get things squared away.

Summer Lovin: This summer has two weddings, two mini-vacations, and hopefully a lot of time with friends and family. I'm going to try and enjoy every second of it because we all know how fast it will go!

Happy summer to all!

May Currently

Anyone else feeling the simultaneous relief/panic that May is here? On the one hand, I am itching for the end of the school year. My firsties seemed to have checked out already and work is getting more and more stressful. On the other hand, I still feel like I have so much more left to teach them before they move on to second grade! When am I going to find the time?!

Here is this month's Currently, hosted by Farley.

Listening: Recently, the boy and I have been into watching Netflix documentaries. Last night was lions and tigers. Today? Nature's Great Events. It usually consists of me squealing over all the cute animals and being irrationally upset when something is killed and/or eaten.

Loving: This is the first weekend in what seems like forever that I have had no obligations and let me tell you, it has been wonderful so far! I love being able to have some time to sit around and worry about nothing. Just what I needed!

Thinking: Is it that time in my life? I feel like it's getting to be that time in my life. My rent right now is more than I'd pay for a monthly mortgage. And it's feeling silly that the boy and I each pay rent in our own places but are with each other all the time. Decisions, decisions. I've been stalking the Zillow website like a madwoman.

Wanting: I've had a lot of inspiration for some new products but am feeling a bit stuck. I know once I push myself to get going, things will get easier. Right now, I am working on some PARCC prep for primary students, some write and wipe math practice, and some major revisions on some older products.

Needing: See above. Do we seriously only have a few weeks left?

Summer Yes: The boy and I have planned a long weekend down in the Shawnee National Forest. We thought it would be nice to have a mini-vacation to look forward to. We rented a cabin and will spend the weekend adventuring throughout the area. I also will spend some time up at home with family and friends.

Summer Hope: I'm pretty sure I said this back during the January Currently with my hopes for the new year. Has it happened? Nope. Am I beginning to get frustrated with myself? Absolutely. Plenty of teachers are in good shape and find the time/energy to get their behinds to the gym. So what is my deal? 

Summer Dream: I'll be in two classes this summer. I will finish my Masters next spring and am already starting to feel the is-this-over-yet itch. Hopefully my classes this summer don't drive me too crazy.

April Currently

Are you as shocked as I am to be entering the home stretch?  I still have so much left to do with my first graders before the end of the year creeps up on us! 

I know I have been a terrible blogger lately.  Trust me, I have some ideas for posts and things I want to share with you all, but I never seem to have a spare second!  Okay, I have spare seconds, but I typically like to use those for naps and/or online shopping...Hopefully inspiration strikes and said posts will be coming to you soon.

But of course I couldn't miss the April 2015 edition of Farley's Currently, so here we are!

Listening: I am pretty sure that teachers have the greatest appreciation for silence :)
Loving: I am ALL about three day weekends. We have Good Friday off so tomorrow is basically my "Friday".
Thinking: I got the news today that I have a new boy starting in my class tomorrow. Of course I instantly started stressing about his arrival and am ready to meet him so I can rid myself of this anxiety!
Wanting: It's supposedly supposed to storm tomorrow and I am so ready for a good spring storm. Hopefully it happens when I can be at home cuddled up in bed.
Needing: April definitely snuck up on me.  I have two research papers and a curriculum analysis to do, to which I kept telling myself "I have plenty of time!" But now procrastinator-me has realized that there are only five weeks left in the semester. Yikes!
Paiges of Learning: I tried to get a bit creative with my blog name. I'm not sure if it worked. But hey, I think I'll keep it ;)

Happy Easter weekend!

March Currently

I don't know about you, but March certainly came in like a lion here in the Midwest! Between yesterday and today, we've accumulated almost a foot of snow.  Too bad it started too early for a snow day, right? :)

March 1st means it's time to pay my rent it's time for Currently with Farley!

Listening: While I was looking forward to some quiet time this evening, apparently my kitties had different plans. They have been tearing across my bed and leaping onto everything in sight. Hopefully they calm down before lights out!

Loving: I've been so stressed lately that I am definitely in need of some mom-time! Lisa arrives on Saturday and I cannot wait.

Thinking: I always end up with a million racing thoughts on Sunday nights. I am hoping that all goes at least mostly as planned this week!

Wanting: My best selling product is in need of a serious upgrade. I've started but can't seem to find the time to make a whole lot of progress.

Needing: Life has thrown some pretty crazy stuff at me lately to the point where it is making my emotions go all over the place. It's taking a huge conscious effort to relax and accept the things that are out of my control.

Spring Break: I'll be relaxing at my mom's house for a weekend and then hoping I can use the rest of the time to catch up on sleep and get ahead on some classroom and school-related stuff.  Spring break countdown: 10 school days!

Here's to thinking spring!

February Currently

Hello, blogging world! Long time, no talk! January has been a crazy month so far. From institute days to holidays and four (yes, four) snow days, I feel like my schedule has been all jumbled up. Plus I spent some time at home celebrating my 24th birthday and graduate classes started up again. Have I had much time to breathe? Let me get back to you on that...

In hopes of jumping back into the blogging world, here I am for Currently with Farley :)

Listening: I'm not going to pretend like I am even remotely invested in the Superbowl this year, but nonetheless it is on in the background. On a whim, I chose the Seahawks to win, and so far we are lookin' pretty good!

Loving: One of the best commercials I have seen in a while. It was great because I was just discussing the whole problem of "like a girl" with someone the other day.

Thinking: I don't want to be greedy, but after being out of the classroom for three days last week to attend a conference, I could use another day to mentally prepare myself. My hometown up near Chicago is getting hit pretty hard - why don't they share the wealth down in central Illinois?

Wanting: I just received a handout from the 2015 "I Teach First" conference in Vegas and I am dying to go! Unfortunately it is pretty darn expensive and I doubt my school would pitch in for the costs because they just paid for me to attend the Reading Recovery and Comprehensive Literacy conference in Chicago. But how I would love to hang in Vegas and see some of my teaching idols favorite teacher bloggers.

Needing: I have tons of Pinterest inspiration and nothing to show for it in my apartment. I've been here for over a year and a half and really feel like I need to up my decorating game. But...how?

Pageant Title: The fact that it took me forever to come up with a pageant title is quite fitting ;)

Have a great week, everyone!

January Currently

What a better way to wrap up the blog for 2014 than with Currently with Farley! Here is what I am up to.

Listening: I love relaxing and watching Girl Code whenever I can! Such a good way to laugh and I catch myself relating to it all the time.

Loving: If you haven't heard of Norwex yet, you need to check it out! Even though I hate cleaning, I was immediately sucked into their products and love how easy they make things. I got the mop for Christmas and just tried it out - it was awesome! Or at least as awesome as cleaning my floors can be...

Thinking: I'll be heading over to a friend's house soon to participate in some new year festivities. I am excited for a fun night and for a fresh year.

Wanting: I've been putting together some book studies to go along with the Magic Treehouse series. I am really excited to finish them up and try them out with my higher reading groups.

Needing: Came back from my mom's house, threw all my crap in the middle of the room. Still there. I should maybe get going on that.

Yes: I joined a gym back in October. But do I actually go to the gym? I should probably start going to the gym.  

Maybe: It's been a while since I've gone a trip with friends. I think it would be fun to put something together for this summer that I can look forward to!

I Wish: My Masters will be finished in 2016. One more year!

Cheers to 2015!

November Currently

Okay, so I definitely almost titled this post "October Currently". Where has the time gone? While I enjoyed getting into the Halloween spirit with my first graders, I am glad that the craziness is over and that I can look forward to Thanksgiving and a week at home.

Listening: Love me some Ed Sheeran.

Loving: I don't know what it was about this week, but it was the most tiring week by far. Even though I was going to bed early each night, I still felt like a walking zombie by the end of the school day. Thank goodness for weekends!

Thinking: I'm like Buddy the Elf when it comes to Christmas. I could not be more excited. I love buying gifts for my family and need to start getting some good ideas in the works!

Wanting: Last weekend I managed to misplace my trusty Wayfarers at my college homecoming :( Currently going through separation anxiety and lusting over a new pair.

Needing: Seriously, this laundry has got to go. It's been sitting in the basket for over a week. Oh, and I should probably decide what I am going to teach come Monday morning.

Reading: Gotta love grad school research! I am planning my action research project around sight word acquisition, retention, and transfer. Coming to you Spring 2016 (try not to get too excited).

Check out Farley's blog to join in on the Currently fun!

October Currently

Things have been so crazy this week I barely had time to notice that yesterday was the first day of October! Which means it is time for Currently with Farley!

Listening: Love me a good thunderstorm. Can I just crawl back into bed now?

Loving: A three day weekend plus a personal day on Friday turns next weekend into a four day weekend for me! My mom's best friend is coming in from Texas so I am going to head home that weekend to spend time with my mom and her friend.

Thinking: One of the other first grade teachers is tying the knot this weekend! I cannot wait to celebrate with everyone.

Wanting: I am loving all these Stitch Fix posts. I want some of the clothes. I filled out a style profile and almost scheduled a fix. But then again - nervous! What if I hate everything? What if nothing fits me right and it's a waste of $20? Should I just put that money towards something I want from another site? Why am I spending so much time thinking about clothes?

Needing: The maintenance light has been on in my car for over a month. Yikes. Why is getting an oil change such a pain in the behind? Probably because there are about a thousand other things I'd rather be doing.

Treats: Please enjoy 15% on my featured products over at my TPT store! Happy fall!

Currently {September 2014}

I am so excited for my very first "currently" with Farley! In my opinion, there's no better way to start my extra day of rest and relaxation :)

Listening: I think I watch way, way too much HGTV. Can't resist a good marathon of people complaining about the fact that their master bathroom lacks two sinks or that they really prefer white cabinets to darker ones. Really - I live for hearing the phrase "open concept". 

Loving: If I've said it once, I've said it one thousand times - the weekend needs to be just one day longer. I'm fine with the week staying the same length. Just give me another day to get things done, please!

Thinking: Pretty self-explanatory. 

Wanting: Allow me to continue to throw my credit card around haphazardly. Oops.

Needing: One of my graduate classes this semester is a remedial reading practicum. I get to meet my student this Thursday and am so excited to start planning for our weekly lessons! Now if I only knew her reading level...

Trips: I've wanted to go to both Australia and Africa for as long as I can remember. That's for the adventurer in me. For the sloth that loves to lie in the sun by the water? Bring me to one of those fancy Bali places I see all over Pinterest.