It's official!

It is official. I am done with school. Tonight was my last class, last papers and I can hardly believe it. I spent most of the day finishing up my action research project paper which I did during my student teaching on the effectiveness of cooperative learning. I am so happy to have it all done! Now it is time to concentrate on finding a job- a teaching job for next year and a job for the summer. So if any of you have any ideas, let me know!!!

The art of procrastination and a rainy day

I think I have discovered my greatest talent, and by no means do I ever squander it- procrastination. I am sitting at the kitchen table, yet again, with books, surveys and academic articles sprawled across the table attempting to write the very last research paper of my undergraduate career and I can't help but look out the window at the passing storm or watch my favorite neighbor as he walks down the street screaming words that nobody can understand as he listens to his headphone radio that is so loud I can hear it from the walkway of my apartment, as he walks to the Quicky Mart around the corner (this is an everyday occurrence and one of my favorite things about where I live)- and of course any other excuse I can find to procrastinate the inevitable. So, I have come up with a list of the to excuses to put off writing a paper (all of which I have done today!)

1. Take clothes that I don't like back to the store- which happens to be in Sandy.

2. Run errands for your roommate because he is fixing his truck- buying aquarium tubing and break fluid.

3. Help that same roommate bleed his brakes that he just fixed on his truck- I now know how to bleed breaks, you know, that skill does come in handy every now and then!

4. Update your facebook page- add pictures, change your profile info, etc.- because I haven't done that in 2 days!

5. Update your blog of course! What better way to procrastinate than to let everyone you are procrastinating?!?!



This is my favorite neighbor!

Life After Student Teaching

Hey all!

I am just sitting at the table in my apartment avoiding the inevitable, writing yet another paper that is of course, due tomorrow.

3 more papers and I am officially done with my undergraduate degree. Since finishing with student teaching almost 2 weeks ago, my days have been full of substitute teaching, filling out job applications, screening interviews, BBQ's on the porch with the gang, filling out more applications and mailing them off to far off places, and crossing my fingers that one of them will call soon for an interview because I am starting to freak out about this whole job thing. I have also been looking for a temp job that I can work for the time being- until August assuming I find a teaching job.

The other day I treated myself to a new camera lens! I know, I don't have the money for it but, how can you resist a $300 wide angle lens for $50! Seriously, that is a steal. With new lens in hand, I plan on getting a lot of use out of my camera this spring and summer. So, keep your eyes peeled for the new pics!!! Here are a few more shots with the new lens:

Me showing off my new lens!
The view of the city from my window. I love sitting at the table staring out over the city and just watching all the crazy people that walk or drive by.

These are a few of Patrick's art pieces made out of steel. I always have fun photographing them because they are so amazing.

The End Is Near!

I can't believe the day is finally here. I finished my student teaching today-- well, except for the fact that I need to go in on Monday to finish up with grades. It has been a long 10 weeks yet at the same time I have learned so much! I have gained a better understanding of what I do-- and even more importantly, what I do NOT want to be like as a teacher. Even the little devils that drove me nuts on a daily basis, I will miss. It will be a lot of fun to see them in the halls when I sub throughout the rest of the school year. I have made some great friends and I couldn't have asked for a better STE (site teacher). She was an amazing teacher to learn from-- If I can be even half the teacher she is I will have the possibility to go far in this career.

Now I am down to just a few more weeks of class, a few papers (the joy of my life... with a hint of sarcasm in my voice!), and graduation will be here. 10 years in the making but nevertheless, I will be graduating!!! WAHOO!!!! It will definately call for a celebration!

In the meantime, I am attempting to find a job- preferably in Indianapolis- but I will take the best offer that comes along... So wish me luck!

I hope you are all doing well and hope to hear from you soon! I will be sure to keep you posted on the job situation as well as the test scores I am so impatiently waiting for!

Ciao a tutti!

A quick update

Well, I guess it has been a while since I have given an update on what's going on these days. My days are still filled with lesson planning, teaching, and planning more lessons, working on a research paper, portfolio, resume, and job applications... It is hard to believe that I have only 2 weeks left of student teaching. It is getting pretty exciting! It has been a rough term but at the same time it has been such a great experience. I have learned so much and when I look back on those first days of teaching and the mental breakdowns, it is amazing that things have changed so much in just a few weeks. I am getting really excited about having my own classroom and finally getting paid to teach. It really is a great profession. I don't think there is a better one out there. Where else can you help shape young minds about global issues that will affect the rest of their lives?????

My second attempt at the PRAXIS II social studies content test is next weekend so wish me luck and I will keep you updated on what happens!

Thanks for all the support you all give me!!! I love you all and I will keep you updated and hope to hear from you all soon!
Vi Voglio Bene!!!!

The dreaded scores....

Today I got my dreaded PRAXIS test scores back. I have been impatiently waiting for the last 5 weeks and now I finally have the results of all my stress- well, ok, not all my stress but some of it anyways... So, are you wondering what the results are yet?!?!?

As a secondary social studies teacher I have to take 2 exams. The PLT which is theory and teaching practices and methodology as well as a content exam which consists of anything and everything about United States History, World History, Economics, Geography, psychology, and sociology... ya just a few subjects! A passing score for both tests is a 160.

Good new or bad news first?!?!?! Ok, we will do bad news first...

On my content test, I got a 159! How sad is that?!!? So, ya, I have to take it again. Hopefully second time is the charm.

On my PLT test, I got a 186 which is pretty damn good I guess... I scored in the top 15% (that 15% is out of everyone in the nation that has taken the test in the last year!)
I am pretty excited about that one.

I am now about half done with my student teaching. Things seem to be going well. Some days are better than others and some are amazing. I am pretty excited because there are a few students who are really improving and that makes it worth all the stress. The days are going by in a whirlwind. I seem to be constantly planning and planning some more. But all in all it has been a great experience. I am excited to see what it is like when I have my own classroom!

Well, it is Friday, and I am off to play... or at least not work for a few hours so I will catch ya'll later! Hope you are all doing well!

Sunday Dinner

In celebration of the Superbowl and not having to work for once, I thought I would cook Sunday dinner and give Patrick the night off. It turned out amazing! I made a pork roast marinated in balsamic vinegar, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans sauteed in balsamic vinegar and salad. It was my first attempt EVER at making a roast- considering I have never been one to eat roast. Patrick was raving all night about how good it was which was quite the compliment because he is quite the cook himself. So of course, I ate too much and fell asleep during the Superbowl. Sad I know, but true. It was a pretty good day. Here are some photos of my masterpiece.